Welcome to the Cubicle

So, I work in corporate America. And while, it's not as button down as being an accountant, it's still a pretty sterile enviroment, to write creativitly about whatever the order of the day is.

To ease this juxposition, I've tried to spruce up my work space with personal items.

Let's now take a tour of Kelly's work space.

My home away from home first needs some type of wallpaper:

To that end:
1. Johnny Cash's Mug Shot
2. A print out of a Wizard of Oz coloring book with a caption that reads:
"Dorothy is very Unhappy." She is crying and Tin Man is consoling her.
3. A bumper stick that just says, "Cash".
4. Funny drawing from a birthday card.
5. Photos: One of my family in FLA, Shane and Magnus, and assorted office humor cut-outs.

Onto my lone shelf we have:

1. A postcard of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
2. A picture of a woman in bed- Caption reads: Golly, That was fun!
3. A miniuture Etch A Sketch- Ohio Art is one our clients
4. Assorted medicine: Pamprin, Ibuprofen.
5. Snacks: fresh blood orange from this morning, a stray peanut butter cup, a packet of sugar-free hot chocolate, a 100 calorie pack of Cheez-Its, a bag of peppermint tea, and a pack of Orbit Sweet Mint gum.

On my desk itself, a metal rack with assorted files where I shove things and then never look at ever again, 2 vendor coffee mugs, a phone I never use, and a brand new imac with a 24" inch screen. This is causing cubicle envy. At least once a day, somebody comments about how large my screen is.

This concludes our tour. Please visit our gift shop on your way out.

Worth A Lot More

I went to a dear friend's going away party last night. And I was filled with both sadness and joy. The festivities took place at Crave, a swanky bar in Downtown Dearborn.

2 Gin and Tonics: $14.00.
1 G&T for Nevada: $7.00.
My share of split appetizers: $24.00.

Spending the evening with Usha, in her last night in America:
Priceless.

Goodbye, good luck. You'll be missed.

Pedi and Lager

Yes, it's already been a long week. And it started yesterday.

To preserve my sanity, I'm meeting Nevada for pedicures and beer after work.

When will some person think of this, so I can also sip a beer while somebody paints my toes?

You'd have a line out the door.

Grand Tarino

My morning started when an old man in a wheel chair seemed to be trying to race along side my car.

Then I got stuck behind a hearse.

The day hasn't gotten much better.

At least it's almost over.

Oh, and I really liked Grand Traino.

See it if you get the chance.

Off A Day

My day off today was semi-productive. I slept in a bit, which is really the best part of a day off for me, hands down.

Then I took my new weight routine to the gym and tried it out. My arms are sore, so I'll take that as a good sign. Feels good to be finally getting back into a routine-even though part of my longs to never have another one. Sigh.

More shredding of papers and filing of papers. Then a quick visit to my cousin Shannon's house and then it was off to a dentist appointment, because nothing says fun day off like the dentist.

Finished the last of the bounty hunter books a few days ago, so it's time to dig up something to read off my shelves.

A little 30 Rock and then it's bed time, so I can get up and head to the gym and start the crazy cycle all over again.

Text Between the Lines

My dad is 63 and he's recently embraced text messaging. Here are a few of my favorites:*

"Was watching something from HALLMARK on TV. CRAP. It always is with them them. Their story is always weak. the background is cheesy and they don't hire any known actors. They SUCK! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
DAD


"Your Snuggie has been here since Saturday."


" I hope to see you of course but it may be too cold for salt to even work. Could be risky."


"No but as bored as I am it's worth talking about at least once. Plus, did you notice how I replaced the word HAZERDOUS With the much smaller word RISKY for the purpose of texting?"


*text spelling and formatting have been replicated as they originally appeared.

The Ice Storm-The Movie

I watched the Ice Storm this weekend. It came out in 1997 and was directed by Ang Lee who went to direct, Brokeback Mountain.

Since I'd seen Brokeback Mountain, I was able to see clearly Ang Lee's directional style. Beautiful cinematophography, dark and dramatic. Problem was, it was dysfunctional and depressing.

Not a single likeable character, and then just when you think it can't get any worse, it has a horribly depressing ending.

I'm all for a good dark drama and like a little coffee with my sugar, but this was too much for me.

You've Got Mail

I'm winding down my weekend with a little emailing and tv watching. The organization project presses on. Have scheduled a pick up of my random crap for Thursday, and have shredded what feels like a brick ton of old papers, bank statements.

And it's always made me realize that I have way too much stationary. I need to bring back writing letters to friends. I miss those days when you'd come home to find an actual handwritten letter in the mail.

Granted, I do send cards for Christmas's, birthdays, celebrations and sympathy, but I should be writing more hand written cards, instead of relying on the instant gratification that email brings. Email is still a valid way to keep tabs on my friends and family far and near and I don't see it going away either.

Just more pen to paper. My moment of Zen is approaching. Each day I make progress in another room and soon, I'll be able to head to the store and stock up on all things orgaizational.

Let's hope sleep comes tonight, as I've just dedicated an entire blog to cards and letter writing.

Insominiac Nation

Insominia strikes again. Had it last night, so one might assume that tonight sleep or the sand man may visit, but it just isn't so.

That's ok. At least it's Friday tomorrow. I've got a project due, and I didn't get very far due to doctor's appointment. But that's ok. I'll drink a lot of coffee and power through.

This weekend's agenda: Possible gym trip with Shane for a new weight routine and possible movie outing with those boys for Gran Torino.

And I must finish organizing my upper flat. Something I started when I was on Christmas break. Made the appointment for my junk to be picked up next Thursday. I find deadlines motivate me.

Surf and Sleep

You know what's relaxing and cost effective if you've got insomnia?

Online shopping but not buying anything. I really think it's best to wait till morning to decide. If one can't even find the credit card, it's better to just go back to sleep.

Or if that doesn't work, I can always keep looking at pajamas.

Goodnight.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

I defy anyone to watch, It's A Wonderful Life and A. Not Cry and B. Have a newfound appreciation for all your friends and family. And C: Not want to marry Jimmy Stewart.

Sitting in my new Christmas jammies, with my lap top. My family has already opened our gifts and ate our turkey. It was delicious. Shane did a good job with it.

Tomorrow we've got the whole day open to sleep, lounge and hang out. Then we'll meet up to go to the movies, and perhaps visit each other some more.

Merry Christmas to all my friends and family. I love you all. A special shout out to Colleen who is in Alambama. I hope you're doing something festive.

Love you.

Catching UP

In honor of the fact that I haven't blogged in almost a month, and I met my old writing friends for a carb loaded fabulous lunch today, and I'm filled with optimism and hope, well, I decided to blog.

Had a great weekend. Dinner with Usha on Friday night, despite terrible snowy conditions. Saturday, was last minute shopping and then chores. After that it was off to Connie's for our annual Christmas gathering. We hung out, had drinks, had a great dinner that Connie cooked for us, and then I spent the night.

When somebody is your friend for that long, it's just nice hanging out together and enjoying Christmas. And Connie knows me well, and always gets me the perfect gift. This year, was a gift card for Ann Taylor Loft, the movie the Holiday and some assorted treats for my movie night.

Today was the fore mentioned lunch with my wonderful writing group and our annual holiday book exchange.

One and half days of work this week and then it's onto Christmas break.

And the older I get, the more absurd romantic comedies become. With a few exceptions. One being, Love Actually.

Because it's about all kinds of love, and it truly makes me feel happy when I watch it. I defy anyone to scorn at the child who plays LIam Neeson's son, as he runs through the airport to confess his true love for a classmate.

Or the unrequinted love for Laura Linney that would be finally realized, but she won't allow her own personal happiness to interfere with the well being of her brother, who is mentally ill.

It's Gonna Be A Good Day

You know how it's gonna be a good day?

Plenty of sleep, lots of coffee while watching a Paul Newman movie, and the sun is shining.

And oh yeah, meeting up friends later to see the new James Bond movie.

On my way to get the last Stephanie Plum book out of the library, and then maybe a pedicure. Just because it's been a long week. And I can.

All this before 11 a.m.

Oh Boy.

Don't Say You Know If you Don't

Over this past weekend, I ventured to Brooklyn in NYC to visit some friends. Specifically, my old art director partner and his family.

Had an awesome time. They really made me feel welcome in their home, and I felt very at ease. New York, I have visited a few times, but it seems I was always just in the Manhatten area. It was nice seeing some different things.

Went to a dive bar called the Patriot, where you can get a $9.00 pitcher of beer and a decently stacked jukebox full of old country.

Visited another bar called, Chocolate Bar where all they serve is chocolate, desserts and wine to accompany both.

Did some shopping. And a little napping. Ate some authentic Brooklyn pizza by the slice.

Went out for the night and came home and 5am.

Spent a day at Coney Island which was crazy wonderful. We had drinks in this closed up bar with a bartender who asked me my sign, told me stories about Mitch Ryder, Jackie Wilson, and Al Capone. All the while, I sipped free beer.

All in all, a wonderful escape. A great trip. I can't wait to go back.

Unfinished

Kook almost died,
Born to early.
Too small-that’s what everyone said.
It’s better to let go.

But Brian and Susie prayed on.
And put Joe in Charge
Of God-fathering.
Full of light and jokes,
Joe kept Kook laughing.

As the years passed, Kook got healthy
But Joe got sick.

There was still laughter and light
That was Joe’s way.
Kook couldn’t help him.
She could only hug him.

It’s better to let go.
Tell him good-bye-

And pray that isn’t the last time,
Kook and Joe
will see eye to eye.

New Day

I'm proud and hopeful this morning, for a new dawn in America.

John Mccain, I felt gave a very classy concession speech.

And Obama proved that one man can move a nation.

And I lost weight after a month of see sawing back and forth on the scale.

Good things lie ahead.

November 4th

Voted. Vaccinated.

Check and check.

No matter who wins, a change is coming.

And for that, I'm thankful.

To Do

Sad wave is still crashing.

Alas, Monday is almost over. And tomorrow is already turning into a busy day: Voting, flu shot, lunch with a friend from out of town.

Man.

Hope I'll be able to get my work done sometime in between there. :)

Fear not.

Fat Tastic

I feel like I've been swallowed whole by my inner fat girl today.

Haven't wanted to leave the couch all day, and I didn't except for a quick stop to the grocery store.

What's wrong with me? Having a sad day, I guess.

Maybe thinking about eating cookies. But I didn't.

Perhaps the gym in the morning will shake me up?

What Do You Think?

Red Riding Hood or Unabomber?