#123

I messed up on the numbers but its only my second time. I think its okay. Life has been crazy lately but I don't feel like writing about it right now so here are some pictures!

"A very Moi Christmas" by Moi
Photo Essay

These are some of my cousins except that one boy closest to the camera. His name is either Tim or Bob and he is dating my cousin. He is only 15 and cannot drive when they go on dates. Really? I think if you cannot drive its too soon to be bringing a significant other to large family functions. Unless as Toi and BART pointed out, he may not have a family to celebrate and in that case, I think its ok that he is allowed to come but if he could just lay off the rubbing of her leg. dear god.

This is the giant group I was forced to stand in front of and talk about my life. I did not like it. If this happens next year, I am done with family christmas. I will celebrate Christmas Eve with Chinese food and repeat viewings of Love Actually.

This is my father after it was announced that we had to stand up and pretend we were at a really bad AA meeting. He was super happy that he did not have to participate. 

Cogene and Monkey! Monkey was rather crabby the entire night but it was fabulous meeting him. I like this picture. I think she's really happy being a mom.

Here are Thing 1 and Thing 2. I don't quite remember what was happening here. Things are a bit blurry for me at this point. But while we waited for dinner and for Cogene to show up, we had an impromptu photo shoot. I'm not sure whose pose scares me more Thing 1 or Thing 2? But I do know I blame Miley Cyrus. Its always her fault.

Thing 1

Thing 2

#125

I don't even know where to begin. My first Christmas was ok except for the part where they made all the grandchildren stand up and say their name, grade, school and what not. So I ended up standing up in front of 40 people and telling them that I wasn't going back to grad school and blah, blah, blah. It was horrifying and scary and I had to answer a million questions about my future plans. I hated it. And my 16! year old cousin brought her boyfriend back to Christmas to celebrate with us. I've never once brought anyone and she's brought her boyfriend twice to a family gathering. This is weird to me.

And then we moved on to the other side's Christmas. I had a feeling that this might be a bit tense but I honestly had no idea it was going to be like this. Cogene and her family showed up a bit late and brought with them 4 extra courses to my grandma's carefully planned dinner. They insist that my grandma knew this; My grandma insists that she knew no such thing. Pasta spoons were tossed, words were exchanged and I ended up eating angel hair pasta in an upstairs bedroom to avoid the tension. I wasn't even sad that I missed out on all the family traditions.

So far this Christmas has really made me realize that I'm grown up, that my little cousins are at least 13 and time will not stand still anymore. I thought it would make me sad but it doesn't. I'm ready for the future and even I dare say a bit excited for it.

OH, and I met Monkey for the first time. Honestly, I didn't think he was that cute but holding him tonight as he had the hick-ups, he was sooooooo adorable and I was introduced as Aunt Moi and it made me tear up. Sure I had been drinking since 1 and I was a bit tipsy, pleasantly buzzed, a little too far gone, but it thrilled me and made me want to have a baby because OMG that baby smell is just sooo wonderful. Also, this Christmas Mass was the shortest I have ever been to or it just seemed that way. I remember very little besides the Priest's homily which I'm pretty sure was about how cute babies are and Toi finding me through the crowd and me CRACKING up because LOOK! its Toi!!!!

Hi Toi!

#124

I had completely forgotten what winters are like in Michigan. On one hand, the snow is so pretty and there is this sense of peace that comes with it. On the other, its cold and miserable to drive and the wind. If I could somehow figure out to get the snow with out the bitter cold, I'd be happy.

With the all the upcoming storms, my mom has started to prep us for the fact that we might not make it out to the farm for Christmas Eve. It would be only the second time that we wont spend the 24th out there since I can remember. I'm perfectly okay with bumming around the house all day before we have to spend the evening with my dad's side. So that being said, the storms wont come and we'll all have to venture out to the farm where we are trapped with our family for hours without cell phone reception. Although, I have heard that our phones worked the last time they all went out. I know I bought an outfit to wear and I should be excited to see people I haven't seen since June or meet the new family members but I'm not. It just seems like so much work and drama and just not fitting in with the people out there.

Woie cleaned out his closet this weekend and I acquired piles of sweatshirts and sweatpants. They are huge on me but they are so so so COMFY. I am so warm and cozy and I think I may never wear real clothes again. Don't judge me.

#122

Hi.

I am at Christmas at Toi's apartment. It involves liquor, alcohol and chicken, Mr Fitzgibbons. I was a bit worried that Mr. Fitzgibbons was killed on command when we requested a chicken but apparently he was killed months ago and was frozen. Now we are sharing parts of Pomme's gift and it is delightful. Toi took my phone. She wont give it back to me. I am sad because of this. I would like my phone back. We are currently calling MMM. I predict she will not pick up the phone. SHE NEVER PICKS UP THE PHONE EVER. She probably misses all of us way way too much.

HI BART. Good job on your 8 bottles of Champagne and your tattoo. Its uber cool. SO awesome.

#121

I made it back to MI. The drive surprised me a lot. First, Ohio was not that bad. I only stopped once and the traffic was really good. Two, Michigan was horrible. There was a ton of traffic and the drivers were a tad annoying. And then once I actually made it into my house, my family reminded me why it is so good to live two states away.

So now that I am actually home, I am BORED. I ran out of things to do at about 10 pm. I watched Tv on the Tivo but forgot I could fastforward through the commercials. Then I played guitar hero and just when I thought I was good enough to progress to Medium, I failed a song. I played with the dog but that got boring. He fell asleep. I watched it snow but that too got boring.

But good news, there is a CSI marathon on today and I get to go to Hot N Now for lunch. Today is starting to look up.

#120

My mother called at 8:45 today to ask me when I was leaving. And then she criticized my proposed plan of 11. These next few weeks are going to be so much fun. I can hardly contain myself.

I'll update later with more.

#119

Long time no post. I haven't felt like blogging much in the past week. I must say though life has been extremely fun lately. I really like it.

We had a holiday party on Saturday. It was awesome. We had a decorate your own cookie station, sweet! And then today I made a pot roast and we exchanged roommate gifts. It was weird doing it before Christmas, kinda threw me off. I got a awesome Peruvian knit cap with hearts on it, some really cute notecards (BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THEM), and a t-shirt that says "I <3 PGH" (soo true) in black and gold.

I just want to note that I won Trivial Pursuit tonight. It was the 1990's edition which I've never played before and I thought it would be impossible like the 20th century edition. But no! it was a lot of fun.

I drive back to MI on Tuesday. I really don't want to. I'd rather fly. The thought of 6 hours in a car by myself just seems so boring and tedious especially the parts through Ohio. So if anyone would like to accompany me on my drive, let me know. I'm excited to see all my friends and hang and chill and watch Love Actually so we can do the dance. We haven't done the dance in a very long time.

I finally started my Christmas shopping and I think its going to be alright. I ordered my brother this t-shirt. I rather like it.

Ok, thats all for now. See you all very soon

#118

I'm a bit annoyed.

You know when you wake up and you have a clear plan for your day. Everything is laid out in front of you and you know exactly what you are going to do.

Twice I have experienced that this week. And twice Buddy has screwed it all up. On Wednesday, she ate the remainder of my Thanksgiving leftovers. I only eat the cheesy broccoli casserole and stuffing as leftovers, the only two things. We had green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, turkey, rolls, gravy, whiskey carrots all left over but she had to eat the ones I wanted.

Then, this morning I was going to do laundry and clean my room in preparation for Pomme's visit tomorrow. But no not even waking up at 9 in the morning on a Saturday was early enough. She has the washer and dryer occupied and loads of laundry all over the basement.

Its just frustrating. And I know she probably didn't do any of this intentionally. But it just annoys me. She only goes to work and school. She doesn't go out at night or out to eat with friends. All her time is spent on the futon in the living room. Seriously, I'm not joking. Ask BART.

Oh and she threw out the coffee I had in the pot. Didn't ask me just threw it out and when I asked her about it she told me I was more than welcome to make more. More of my own coffee that I purchased with my own money in the coffee pot I own with the filters I bought. Gosh, isn't she generous?

#117

Does anyone else remember gurl.com? I remember it was one of 3 websites I frequented back when we first got the internet at home, that slow dial up AOL internet that took forever to connect at 3 in the afternoon because thats when everyone was getting home from school and just had to get on to vote for their favorite video on TRL (RIP! TRL, you were fun for about 3 years). Anyway, I wondered over to gurl this morning and its changed a bit but ultimately still the same. Except now they have this thing called Design a Gown which is awesome because I fancy myself a clothing designer (just ask BART I almost wore one of my own creations to bowling this week but she stopped me) but I can't draw to save my life. So here are some of my beautiful designs. I was inspired by Lauren Conrad and hundreds before her to give them names.

TOI

This was inspired by the new Victoria Angel Holiday commercial that premiered lat night during their fashion show. Toi and I fell in love with the skirts and vowed to get our own to wear to Christmas Eve mass. Also, our conversation last night was monumental and we've decided to make a book comprised of our many ramblings. Look for it in stores September '09!

POMME

I remember Pomme trying on a dress sorta similar to this and not ever wanting to take it off. She was extremely happy in it and that made me really happy. I think she might have worn it for graduation if our robes would have fit over it. And that would have been awesome.

BART

On our way to work, BART and I walk right pass this dress store and they always have 3 dresses on display. We play this game in which we pick which dress we would pick. Its awesome just one of the many reasons I love my neighborhood. Anyway, this is my interpretation of the MOST BEAUTIFUL DRESS IN THE ENTIRE WORLD that was in the window a few weeks ago. Only it was red and had more of a mermaid bottom and the top was different but gurl failed me horribly with their choices and I already had a red dress.

FRANCES

Frances inspired this dress. She can wear short dresses like no one else I know. She's got those kind of legs I dream of: skinny, long, goes on for days. And then she wears those high heels and she's even taller like she should try out for ANTM, like we should fill out an application and send it in for her and then secretly drive her to the try out. Tyra would love it! 

MMM

One of the very first entries I read on MMM's blog was about her salsa dancing in France. I thought three things: 1) DAMN she can salsa dance?!?! AWESOME 2) How can I get her to be my friend? 3) I FLOVE her blog. So this is a dress you could wear salsa dancing in the South of France.

AUSSIE

This dress reminds me of a ballerina and it reminds me of you. I can't exactly pinpoint why. I think this dress would be extremely fun to wear, to swish around in. Maybe it reminds me of sugarplum fairies. Ballerinas are regal and classic and those words make me think Aussie.

#116

I need some help. I was just informed by my mothers that my brothers have bought me a total of 4 presents for Christmas and have plans for more. And these presents are substantial, nice presents not like those gummy worms in a Grinch cup I gave Bubba one year. As of today I have 0 presents for the two. Sure I bookmarked a t-shirt for Bubba like 2 months ago but I haven't bought it yet because I'm waiting for it to go on clearance, yeah I'm that cheap. (UPDATE: The shirt is now $9.99. It is also sold out.)

Anyway, I need some ideas for them. They love video games. It doesn't matter how many they have they love getting them. The only problem is I hate giving them as gifts. I feel like its a cop out and I put absolutely no thought into it. So while they can always be my backup I want to get my brothers something else this year. I want to get them something cool like a pint of specially designed ice cream. Or a mini doughnut maker. So do you guys have ideas? What was your best Christmas present ever? Or you could just comment with something you want this Christmas because well I haven't Christmas shopped for anyone yet.

#115

Things I did today avoiding my homework:

1. Went to work on my day off to get my paycheck and an everything bagel with lox cream cheese. Its my new favorite thing to eat only I just get the cream cheese with the lox pieces mixed it. I haven't worked up the courage to try the big slices yet. I totally blame this latest obsession with Prez. Harry who forced me to eat smoked salmon at my very first Insignis Symposium dinner. 
2. I read this website. I blame Buddy for introducing me. Its kinda awesome and now I want my very own cowboy with gorgeous forearms. Seriously, I drooled all day, just staring at the pictures. 'Cowboy take me away' playing on a loop inside my head. Also, her recipes are quite delicious. We may have made Whiskey glaze twice this weekend just to try it on various different foods like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, carrots, turkey, and vanilla ice cream.
3. I missing French (or France, I can't decide which) right now very much. I mean I'm sitting around in a beret wearing all black and a scarf so obviously something is very wrong with me. Anywho, listening to Eric Ripert talk about cooking at his very cool site is killing me. I especially love his toaster oven recipes. Those would have been so helpful at AQ.
4. I watched White Christmas and laid down the law to Buddy: 'Yes, we are getting a Christmas Tree. No, we don't expect you to financially contribute to it or take care of it or even look at it as we will put it in this corner. But we are getting one so deal with it.' I'm super excited now! I mean don't these ornaments go perfectly with our walls even if Buddy did inform me that I couldn't get pink ones? I really REALLY don't get her. (oh yeah, she blogged about MY lovelife which just really gets me especially since I don't even have one) But seriously pretty ornaments!
   
5. I watched Twilight and now I (a) want to read the books, (b) was surprised that Robert P. was coherent throughout the entire movie which is a vast difference from all those interviews I've seen, and (c) want my own vampire who will cook me Italian food and glitter in the sun at my command. 

I am so ready for school to be done. You have no idea.

#114

I'm using this entry to avoid cleaning my room and writing a paper. I changed up the playlist over there. It is now featuring music from a concert I went to last night: Eric Hutchinson, Meaghan Smith, and Matt Hires. It also has some Punchline on it. They are a band from Pittsburgh and BART was gracious enough to share practically their entire catalogue with me, good stuff.

Lets see, since I last posted an entry my family has swept into my life, disrupted my sleep schedule, and returned back to their snowy state. I was really glad they could make it from Thanksgiving. I had a really good time with them. We ate a lot of food, bowled (I got a 97! and 2 strikes in a row!), and shopped a lot!!! My mother made me try on these:

I thought my toes were going to fall off. I don't know how strippers do it. Oh, these beauties were from the Jessica Simpson collection, so you know, klassy. And these:

but in purple with some sort of design on them. They scared me. I did not buy them.

I cooked the turkey on Thanksgiving. Everyone I talked to said it was so hard and you had to cook it just right. However, I had fun with it and named the turkey Gertrude "Gertie". She was a good bird. Here she is in the oven:

 I used this recipe from Giada and it turned out delish!  We had so much food that we all literally needed two plates. Glorious! 

After dinner, we drank some wine and ate some cupcakes.

(Peppermint, Chocolate Peppermint, Carrot Cake, Pumpkin Maple, Caramel Apple, Lemon Gingerbread)

And oh yeah dressed up Harpo. I don't think he liked it too much.

#113

BART and I just got done with an impromptu dance marathon to "All I Want For Christmas Is You." Sure, its not Thanksgiving yet but its snowing and cold and the holiday season is almost here. Anyway, we invited Buddy in to dance with us. Instead of joining the fun, she screamed that it wasn't Christmas yet and slammed BART's door and then slammed her door. 

I don't get her. 

We were just trying to be nice and friendly. It was only one song, a dance party.

ETA: This cracks me up!

Create free ringtones at Phonezoo

#112

BART shared this with me:

"The holidays are a time when everyone gathers together to accept what made them all decide to leave home in the first place, only this time with more emotional baggage than they left with. And you know what? That’s how it is supposed to be. This great nation exists because some people got sick of taking some other people’s crap. From the Pilgrims to Columbus to those Vikings that may or may not have sailed here first, every non-Native American is on this soil because someone yelled out “No, screw YOU, PAL!” and got on a boat. So why hide it?"

It made me giggle. Then I thought about all the family drama I am missing out on by skipping Thanksgiving in MI this year and I am more than okay with it.

Oh, and spending all day watching music videos ON Demand is pretty awesome.

#111

Ehhh....I'm not so sure its a good thing Buddy knows my feelings for her co-worker. She used them against me tonight, threatened to tell him things. I'm a bit scared. She did promise not to say anything but I guess nothing is really stopping her. Damn, damn, damn! I hate the way she makes me feel. How only desperate people could possibly like me. Thanks for that Buddy, thanks.

Remember trying to pack for breaks in Europe. How you'd have to fit everything into a teeny tiny bag? because carting around a suitcase for two weeks was just way way too much? And sleeping in the London airport? And the crack addicts in Prague? The Cold War era train from Budapest to the Czech Republic? The very handsome guard that scared the crap out of me but also held the baby as he evicted the family from the train? Orrrr the drunken English guys from Amsterdam? passed out in the hallway? talking with them through the shower door as I washed my hair? Pomme, Frances, and I all sharing one bed many times over? That horrible overnight train to Paris? The night in Florence I spent making friends with the toilet just because I wanted to prove that the bottle of wine was perfectly ok? Searching for a damn phone booth in London that worked because I just had to call Toi and I could never live with myself if I didn't call her right away? Seeing Blood Brothers with tears of laughter rolling down our checks? 

Ahhhh, good good times. I wish we could do it all again.

I miss you all.

ETA: Tonight, I learned from someone who kinda knows them that the members of Flickerstick are kinda assholes and that makes me so so sad. 

#110

Hi.

So yeah, last night. Not my greatest night but oh well moving on. That Hemingway's is a tricky tricky place.

There is this bar over in the South Side called The Library. It seems really cool as in the menus are library books and the items on the menu are all named after books. So who wants to visit it with me?

I am currently watch Empire Records for the very first time. Clearly, I've been missing out and so far, the soundtrack is awesome. 

#109

HI TOI AND AUSSI AND MMM.

NIGHT.

I SHOULDN'T HAVE TOLD BUDDY ABOUT HIM. I SHOULDN'T HAVE DRANK THAT MUCH. I SHOULDN'T HAVE LIED TO THAT PERSON. I JUST SHOULDN'T HAVE. THE WHOLE NIGHT IS JUST ONE BIG BLUR AND OH MAN WHAT THE HELL HAVE I DONE?

#108

I like this website.

#107

I wish it were Christmas.

#106

Guys, 

The amount of support I have received from you all has been overwhelming. I could never take this big of a step if I didn't have your love and encouragement. It all means the world to me. I love that I have this awesome support system. I don't even know how to explain it all but trust the next time any of you are in Pittsburgh, the cupcake is on me. I was a bit scared to tell people but so far the response has been positive, only one person responded negatively ("think of all the people you will be letting down"<--BLAH) but I think that involves deeper, way deeper issues. Anyway, merci beaucoup to you all!

Love, 

Moi

#105

Cogene had her baby this morning. 

Its a boy! 

I don't know the name or the weight or the height yet. But I do know he's healthy, she's healthy and omg! a baby. I'm fiercely proud of her, so excited for a new family member and happy that he wont have to wear the bows.

ETA: A picture.

ETA,A:

He has a name but I'd really rather not put it on the internet so if you want to know it comment and I'll tell you. The little guy shall be called Monkey on the blog after the nickname his uncle gave him before he was born. He was Sea Monkey but he's not in the sea anymore so its just Monkey now.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD, MONKEY!

#104

Hi readers.

I've got some news. I'm withdrawing from graduate school. I haven't figured out the whole logistics yet with everything about this semester but I know for sure I wont be returning next semester. I'm staying in Pittsburgh because I love the life I'm building here. Sure I wish all my friends were here but I really like living here, the city, the people for the most part. It feels right. 

Grad school hasn't felt right for a really long time. I should have said something earlier, I know that. But I kept waiting for it get better. I thought it would and I thought if I would have spoken up sooner my parents would have said try it for just a little longer. I didn't tell anyone how I was feeling. I don't know why I felt the way I did but I felt like I should like school and people would just think I was being silly. But that was all totally me. I knew my friends wouldn't judge like that. But still I felt a bit weird about discussing my feelings. I shouldn't have. I should have let it out before it all boiled over, like tonight.

The isn't a decision I've taken lightly. I haven't made a rash decision here. I've thought about it for about 2 months now. I'm not sure what I am going to do next but I think thats the best part. For the first time in my life, I don't know what's coming next and I'm excited. I keep reminding myself that I do have a college degree and if further down the road, I want to go back to grad school I can. It just wasn't the right thing for me right now. But hey, at least I tried, thats the most important part to me.

So here's to the future and the unknown. 

Cheers!

#103

Umm...Can I just say how in love I am with my new laundry detergent? Its 2X Ultra Tide Pure Essentials with Baking Soda: White Lilac Scent. Its awesome. I've already washed my sheets twice in it and we just bought it last Wednesday. (I totally forgot how much cigarette smoke smells.) I love the scent. I just bury my head in the fresh laundry and sniff. I think I might be developing an addiction. Anyway, I just discovered there is another scent. I will probably have to check it out because its just so awesome. 

#102

Wow.

It so surreal. I am excited to see what the future holds for our country. I saw history made tonight, our first African American president elected! Honestly, its something I thought I would never see and I am so glad to be wrong. I think he was the best candidate and has the ability to bring some good to our country. I thought both senators' speeches tonight were good (O/T: Have you seen the woman Obama mentioned in his speech? She looks AMAZING for being 106). I think they both love our country. But I must say this is way better than last election. 

However, among all the cheering tonight at the Cage, I must admit I was wondering about Proposal 8 in CA and the other various states that were voting on marriage amendments. It looks now that Proposal 8 will be defeated but only narrowly. Its not looking too good in the other states. While I am super happy for our new president-elect, I am really disappointed that people out there are so threatened by other people wanting to be with the one they love. I don't find it to be that difficult of a situation, its rather simple. All you need is love.

Oh, man. I still can't believe. Obama WON! The Democrats control the House and the Senate. It just all seems so unreal, so amazing. Here's to a productive, successful next FOUR YEARS!

ETA: I went to bed really excited to know that the election results wouldn't change. But I shouldn't have. Prop 8 is going to pass. AZ and FL passed theirs. wtf, America, wtf.

#101

I found out tonight that yet another cousin is going to have a baby. My cousin's girlfriend is pregnant and due in June. That makes it 4 babies within a year and a half. I guess my cousins are really fertile, like extremely. Or they just really suck at birth control. Not very many people know about this pregnancy yet. I think they are finding out at Christmas but who knows? Good thing I am not going home for Thanksgiving or I'd be tempted to blab whenever a family member asked me what was new.

I talked to Cogene this weekend and still no baby. Her doctor doesn't think she'll make it another week. So we have started a little bet here at Quarterlife. I have picked the 4th and the 8th. BART picked the 9th? I think and Buddy picked the 5th, maybe? I don't quite remember but I do remember Toi picked the 1st. Anyone else want in?

#100

I have never made it to 100 posts in a blog. I feel like this is a momentous occasion. So momentous that I wanted to do something cool and then all my ideas didn't seem cool enough. I thought give away $1,000,000 to the person that comments the most or a trip to Cardiff or a lifetime supply of cupcakes from Dozen. But no, not right. Besides none of you guys would want any of those things. And then I thought its not that big of a deal, ignore it, post about the S'more and Worms & Dirt cupcakes you had the other day and move on. Alas, I fell asleep before I could make that post, which led me to today and some changes to mark the occasion.

A new playlist to your right ---->
Its made up of Rilo Kiley. I've put my Matt Nathanson obsession to the side for now and would do anything to see Rilo Kiley in concert AT THIS VERY MOMENT.

And as you can probably see, the template has changed. Its not exactly what I wanted but after the day I've had and the many, many times I have tried to add the 3rd column back, I didn't even want to attempt the label cloud. So some day soon I will add those back. Ya know, when I don't want to punch something or scream or steal a car to drive back to MI so I can hide out in Toi's apartment for oh say the next 7 months.

I started writing this post about 12 hours ago and my mood has drastically changed and I don't quite remember what I was going to write but I think it something to do with a goals list. You know, one of those kick the bucket lists. I have always wanted one so I'm starting it here. But its not full of things I HAVE to do its more just like a guide and I wont make it morbid or anything. So here goes!

Stuff to do before I am reincarnated (probably into royalty):

1. Live in a city with a real subway (the kind that goes to all parts of the city and isn't just a glorified trolley)
2. Beat Baby!Bro at Where In The World Is Baby!Bro?
3. Perhaps write a book or maybe just a short story or lets be real a fanfic
4. Go to all 7 continents or at the very least hit up all 50 states
5. Make it to Giverny, Normandy, Cherbourg (aka the trip Frances and I planned)
6. Be able to successfully program a website to do exactly what I want it to do
7. Go to a rave

I'll add some more stuff later and keep you guys updated on my progress.

#99

I am sitting in class bored out of my mind. This class is harder and harder to come to every week. Its all theory about managing collections. I guess I don’t see the point in having to learn all this theory. I’d rather just do hands on activities. Those are way more fun.

I am a bit perturbed that I cannot connect to the internet in this building. I mean its the Information Science building. The very first one that had wireless on Pitt’s campus but they are doing some maintenance and joining two systems together which leaves me wirelessless. Even though the lady taping our class sitting in front of me on her laptop is getting the internet and checking her e-mail and searching google for those chemistry sets you give little kids which they use to blow up the garage on so many sit-coms. Its not fair! I want my internet. Hasn’t that become a basic human right yet?

Today they are filming the graduation scene for the remake of the Sorority Row movie on campus. Its supposed to be on Forbes which is the street I take to get to school. I am not looking forward to any delays this might cause. But I am looking forward to possibly seeing Rumer Willis or Audrina Patridge. It would be a dream come true, kinda. Or really just an opportunity to snark on them.

Not much has happened in the last few days. I have watched an enormous amount of CSI. I bought a new t-shirt. I had some hard cider. I went to the Carnegie Natural History Museum and the Carnegie Art Museum. There were cool and I got in free. I talked to Cogene and it could be any day now. She got a new iPod and that makes me insanely jealous. I mean a baby and a new mp3 player. What more could a girl want?

The cook at work is taking his citizenship test today? or next Monday? I don’t quite remember. But I know he got the letter with the date. I think its so cool. Once he passes, he’s going to bring his wife over from Morocco. I wonder what his girlfriends will think about it.

Guys, I am having major issues with the cold in that I am overreacting to any temperature under 60. I layer and grab mittens and fret over the fact that I have NO snow boots in Pennsylvania. I have no idea where this is coming from. I mean I’ve dealt with winter my entire life but for some reason I feel utterly unprepared for it.

#98

I've had the shopping bug lately. But absolutely no money to spend. That hasn't stopped me from getting some new stuff though. I used a giftcard that I got from Pomme (THANKS!) for my birthday to get a can opener! I know, isn't very grown up? But it leaves no sharp edges and its red! and I'll always need a can opener.

Then, I used a gift certificate to get a bra from Victoria's Secret. It wasn't the one I originally was going to get but with this tagline: Young. Sexy. Italian. How could I resist?
Finally, I got this dress from Gap:
for only $4.97!!! Score! I love bargains. I think my shopping bug has gone away for the time being. But I did just get some coupons for Pottery Barn and they had some really cute napkins I think I NEED for Thanksgiving so we'll see.

#97

Bowling tonight was CrAzY! There was a ton of drama between Rev and BFF for E. Miscommunications that led to me and BART laughing so so so HARD. I couldn't breathe. But the best part? He called me Lulu and I about died. Oh, man. 

Life is so weird sometimes.

#96

I love names.

I like looking at the origins of names, putting together different combinations, playing with themes. I do it all the time when I'm bored in class. I used to want like 10 kids just so I could name them all wonderful amazing perfect names.

I read this blog pretty regularly. The author (who has an amazing name) posted an entry about what would your name be if you had be born a boy (or a girl, if you are a boy). Do you see yourself as the boy name your parents had picked out, if they had one? Or would you pick another name?

I would have had Woie's name but that name is so clearly him that I think it'd be weird to have it myself. So I think if I had to name myself as a boy I'd pick Jonah. Its not a name I'd give a kid of mine but I like it. 

Cogene has finally picked out some boys names and ummm...she totally picked my #1 boy name with a middle name that is on my list. (Yes, I have a list of possible children's names. I've always had a list. Its changed over the years, which thank god or else I'd be naming a daughter named Carly.) A family name I decided back in high school to use. Its one of my great uncle's name who I am totally close to and he doesn't have any grandchildren so I've always felt like he's my third grandpa. And I know I have no real claim on the name. I'm certainly not going to have a kid before she does. So she has every right to use this name but is it wrong that I am HOPING AND WISHING that she has a girl? Her girl name is totally cute and something I would never ever want to use.

#95

Guys! 

The coolest thing happened today at work. I always make a point to tell anyone wearing an Obama shirt that I like it. Today, a lady came in with her toddler wearing an Obama '08 shirt. When I told her I liked it, she took it off* and gave it to me, which is really cool because I've been wanting one. I just didn't want to contribute to a campaign to get one. She said she had a bunch at home and that she had told her daughter this morning if anyone told her they liked it, she would give it to them.

Somedays people are so freaking rude but other days they are perfectly awesome.

*: Yes, she was wearing another shirt underneath.

#94

3 Things:

1. Last night when I returned home before I went to bowling, I happened upon a photo shoot right outside my front door. There was a girl dressed in flesh colored bikini with a belt made of bells besides a roaring fire in the fire pit. There was a photographer and his assistant taking pictures and adjusting lights. It was beyond bizarre.
2. I ate at Boston Market for the first time tonight. It was GOOD! I had sweet potatoes with marshmallows and brown sugar and vegetable stuffing, and 3 cheese mac n cheese, yummmm. Eating at Boston Market has always been a lifelong goal so its one more thing off of the list.
3. Do you guys have any advice at how to get people to NOT touch you? I find that I get touched a lot at work. Its not as bad as back stage at play but I'd really rather not let it get to that point.  

ETA:

In honor of the debate tonight, I voted. I wont say who I voted for but I think he is a WINNER!

P.S. Some day I really hope to say SHE is a WINNER! some day, soon.

#93

Today was just weird.

I woke up and felt horribly ill so I slept it off because Toi wouldn't come here to nurse me back to health. Instead I just watched the same 3 episodes of The West Wing over and over again. I miss those peeps.

I was informed by two people that this guy at work had a crush on me. But then one of them said something under her breath and wouldn't tell me what it was. So now I feel like work is just going to be weird. And tomorrow I think I have to work with the guy and the one that wont tell me what she said. Why WONT SHE TELL ME???

And then this other guy at class is totally invested in whether or not I come to class. Its just another weird thing.

#92

I just got off the phone with Cogene. Its her 22nd birthday and she's hoping as a birthday present her aunt will induce her. I can't imagine put an induction down on my birthday list. (Toi, would you possibly want an induction? think about it and get back to me) She also told me her stomach now touches her legs when she sits down and it freaks her out because she doesn't remember she is pregnant and thinks that she is just really fat. Oh man. I really want her to have the kid so I can meet it and play with it and hold it and give it back to her. Plus, I really like her girl name. Its adorable. Her boy name is awesome so awesome I thought of it like years ago to use myself. So I'm really hoping for a girl. But this wouldn't be the first time a cousin has used a name I loved and besides, its not like I am having a child anytime in the immediate future. 

Last night was another roommate date night. Only this time we went to Station Square and at Buca di Beppo. I ate so much I lapsed into a food coma. The best part of the evening was watching this couple on a date. While the girl was in the bathroom, the guy applied a ton of chapstick and picked up the dessert and took a giant bite out of it and put it back like nothing had happened. It was great. I laughed so hard.

The bus is proving to be crazier than Perpignan's. The crazies were out in full force last night. Why do they have to be so mean? Why can't crazy people also be nice to others? Is it really that hard to respect people? I didn't think so.

#91

Last night, BART and I went shopping. I was looking a present for a certain someone but I'm still searching for something perfect. But I did wander in to Urban Outfitters for the very first time ever. I never knew what I was missing and I think I wanted everything in that store.

Somehow the night morphed into roommate date night. We met up with Buddy to see Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. uh, It was AWESOME. The movie was just so cute and funny. But now I want the soundtrack. However, I can't seem to find it anywhere online. I guess I could always buy it.

I think I might be going to another concert this friday. Bon Journey is in town and I think they sound amazing. Really how could this turn out to be bad thing? 

#90

Today is Yom Kippur. I kind of wish I was Jewish so I could celebrate it. I saw families dressed up heading to temple today all around the neighborhood. They fasted all day before having a HUGE meal at sundown. I wanted to crash one of the dinners to feast on kugel, lox, israeli couscous with mushrooms and onions, brisket, latkes, knishes, blintzs, and lots of challah. Yummmm. But I think the major reason I was crushing on Yom Kippur was the family togetherness I saw. Whole families were together in the streets. Some lady was having 40! of her family members over for dinner. I realized I missed mine and it made me very excited for Thanksgiving and then Christmas!

But alas there is one thing that made me hate on Yom Kippur. Dozen has changed to their fall menu. Umm its hard to believe that its even better than their summer one but it looks that way. I mean caramel apple, orange chocolate, worms & dirt, cherry coke, peppermint, s'mores, pumpkin maple, yummmmmmmmmmm. I saw that today's offerings included caramel apple and orange chocolate. So after some encouragement from Toi, Buddy and I headed for some cupcakes only to find out that Dozen had closed early. I'm guessing for the holiday or they had just sold out early because of the holiday but it totally bummed me out. Oh well, I guess their is always tomorrow and the chance to get a peppermint one.

#89

Here are some more pictures I found on my computer:

A Ministry of Magic Proclamation at Universal. I am a bit excited for Harry Potter World to open.

Here are Bubba, me and Woey in line for the Shrek Ride at Universal Studios.

This may be my favorite picture of all time. Its me and Betty White just hanging at Disney. 

Bubba and I with Wall*E. 

This picture was taken in 1960. It is of my mom, two of her sisters and one of brothers. I love it mostly because I think they all still look the same today if that makes any sense. Plus the white knee socks get me every time. 

#88

Some photos of this weekend:

Harpo and I spent a lot of time in the car.

It made us sleepy.

Bubba modeling his nifty Chemistry goggles. I knew there was a reason I wasn't a science major.

The obligatory road trip photo of Toi as we made our way to AQ.

Aussie teaching a class on MMM's blog in one of the new classrooms in AB.

Discovering that my bedroom is really no longer only my bedroom.

#87

I have returned to the keystone state. Its just as chilly here as back home and we haven't quite figured out the heat so its very cold. I think the boiler's pilot light needs to be lit. I just don't have the confidence to light it by myself and there is that whole thing about me being unable to actually light a match. So I'll wait til BART or Buddy gets back and we'll conquer it together.

I had a really great time this weekend. I was uber bummed that I didn't get to spend more time with MMM and I didn't get to see Frances at all. But I was really happy and excited to be back at AQ. I can't wait until next year's homecoming. It'll be awesome.

I stole my mom's digital camera and have discovered a ton of photos so expect the next few entries to have LOTS of photos. I wish I could put them under a cut but I still haven't figured that out over here at blogger. Remember how wordpress had that handy dandy button? Why can't we have that here?

Also, can I just say how much I enjoy Rachel Zoe's show on Bravo? I know I know Rachel Zoe. But the clothes are to DIE for. I LOVE IT. I NEED IT. CLOTHES CLOTHES CLOTHES!

P.S. Does anyone want an invite to the Gilt Groupe?

#86

I am at the airport right now. The Pittsburgh International Airport has free wifi. I feel like other airports should have this. It is so nice. 

Also, it is so early. I went to the Matt Nathanson concert last night. It was AWESOME! like I want to drop out of school and follow him around the country even though I know he is married. I had a really good time. But by the time we got our bus, got home, I packed and printed everything I needed I didn't get to bed til 1. Then I woke up at 3:30 to get to the airport on time. I have a feeling it is going to be a long day, a very long day. I have lunch plans with my dad, workout plans with Cogene, and dinner plans with both sets of grandparents. At some point, I'd really like a shower and a nap but we'll see. 

Last night, Buddy called me one of 'those people' when I mentioned I was going to my high school homecoming. Umm...isn't that why its named homecoming? The alumni come home to see their old school, friends, and teachers. Have I been misinformed? Other nuggets of info Buddy shared with me last night: the Pitt airport is BIG, the plane from Chicago to Detroit will be small, and the Intersection in GR is a great place to see a concert. All good things to know. 

Anyway, I think I'll be seeing most of you this weekend besides Pomme (I got your message and I will hold onto it until we see each other again) and BART (I'm so sorry I left you and THANKS for driving me this morning). I'm excited!

#85

Below is an actual conversation I had today:

Moi: Jesse McCartney is guest starring on Greek!

BART: OMG!

M: Buddy did you hear that? Are you excited?

Buddy: I have jet lag.

BART & M: How many time zones did you cross today?

Buddy: 1 and I only got 3! hours of sleep last night.

M: Oh

You think you have someone figured out and then he gives you chocolate and you have nothing figured out.

#84

I know you guys just left and I had so much fun this weekend. But now I'm kinda sad and in a funk. Its very weird. Its not homesickness. Its like not being with my friends-sickness. 

blah, blah, blah

ETA: Here are some pictures of our new walls!!! Aren't they pretty?

#83

Hi MMM!!!!!!!!

This is for you. We just rode the bus back from Hemingway's Bar and it was awesome. BART and I were scared to go before but we went and it was AWESOME!! Pomme and Toi just fell off the bed. It was hilarious. Toi fell on the Office Season 4 DVD. Winds of Thor were horribly awesome but the shots we had tonight were awesome. We had two dirty girl scouts, oatmeal cookies, and hot apple pie shots. It was a ton of fun but I wish MMM and Aussie were here. You guys must come visit. My living room is now teal and my dining room is now green but my bedroom needs painted sooo maybe I could get some help?!?! hmmm...  

#82

Recently, I had dinner with one of my new friends from school. We were discussing our lives and the topic settled on our big families and all the drama that comes with them. I was explaining the competitive relationship I've had with Cogene (formerly CopyCat) and her situation. My friend responded with 'So you've totally won for life.' 

This struck me as odd because 

1. I hadn't even thought about it in terms of winning or beating her. I don't even think it can be reduced to that. 
   
2. My first thoughts were excitement for her and then when I learned more about the situation I felt bad for her. I think we've moved way past the competitiveness. 

I've written on this before and then deleted it because I wasn't sure I should be talking about it. But I am sick of her family treating this as a bad thing. 

My cousin is pregnant and is going to have a baby sometime in late October, early November. She doesn't know what she's having and she has some really cute names picked out. I for one am really excited for a new baby. Sure it isn't what she planned and things haven't worked out but when in life do things really go as planned?

And I think Cogene is going to be an awesome mom. She's fiercely loyal and will stand up for what she believes is right. I've seen her help raise her younger siblings and there is no doubt in my mind that she'll raise an equally amazing person. 

So I think no one should feel embarrassed to attend the church that they have attended for their entire life. No one should be hiding out and avoiding public situations. A quiet baptism is ridiculous because isn't a baptism about welcoming a new member to the entire church?? Shouldn't true Christians not judge or point fingers? I'm pretty sure thats a lesson Jesus taught when those people wanted to martyr that woman. 

Anyway, she's having a baby and I am EXCITED AND HAPPY and in no way embarrassed, disgraced or upset. I just wish more people felt that way.

#81

Can I just say how much I freaking LOVE Chuck Bass on Gossip Girl? Every week the love, it grows and grows.

I went bowling again last night with some of my co-workers. Due to two of them being horribly judgmental people, I did not have one sip of alcohol around them. But I did say I had homework (which I did) and left early but instead of heading home, we went to a bar. I feel all weird about it. I've never had to sneak alcohol ever and now that I'm 22 I'm becoming a secret drinker.

Cupcake Update! I had a red velvet one and it was so so so good. But they put so much frosting on them and I just don't appreciate it that much.

Pomme and Toi are coming for a visit this weekend and I am so so PUMPED! EXCITED! YAY! FRIENDS!!!!! That reminds me I need to find some time to clean, kill giant spiders, get some food.

I feel like my hair is getting extremely long. I decided when I moved I wouldn't cut it until I graduated grad school and then I'd donate it. Its something I've always wanted to do and I thought it would help reduce expenses not having to pay for haircuts. But its driving me crazy!!

#80

I tried this today. It was really good. I liked it.

#79

I don't know why but I am irrationally angry right now. But its a funny anger because I'm laughing at everything and being a pessimistic. And its so weird. Gah! Gah! Gah! 

Anyway I was feeling all angry and reading my blogs avoiding homework when I checked in with cjanerun. I've been reading her blog daily for about the last 3 weeks. Her sister and brother-in-law were in a plane crash and are now recovering in an Arizona hospital. So she now has taken in 3 of their 4 children along with her own like 4 month old baby until the parents can come home and take care of their children. So ya...they have way more to be mad about than me, right? And then I read today's blog and it made me happy. It made me so happy. It reminded me why I believe in God. I've tried for like the last 10 minutes to summarize the entry but I can't so I'm just copying and pasting:

"For five years I wanted a baby. I wanted a baby so bad that sometimes I would steal you when your mom wasn't watching! You were like my own baby. But then you moved to New Jersey and I couldn't see you as much. That is when I really, really wanted a baby of my own."

The Chief squawked and punched his arms. Claire held him tighter.

"I never knew why Heavenly Father didn't send us a baby until a year ago, when I found out that I was pregnant. I just knew that there was a reason we didn't have The Chief when we wanted. But now I think I know why."

"Why?" Claire's interest was obvious in her eyes.

"Because He was saving The Chief for you. He wanted The Chief to be here when you were here with me. You make The Chief smile and he needs to smile. Smiling makes him grow."

Claire liked this idea, and grinned at the thought.

And someday I will tell The Chief the same thing.

"He was saving you for Claire. He wanted you to be here when Claire came along. You make Claire smile and she needs to smile. Smiling helped her make it through. You helped her make it through."

At least to me, that all makes perfect sense and I feel a lot less mad and frustrated and I wanted to share. So yeah...

Also, I got another cupcake today. It was the Copacabana. It was good but not as good as the Cherry Pop!

#78

I got a Cherry Pop! cupcake today. It was delicious. I liked it better than any of the other ones I've tried. Also, Dozen has put up a sign for part-time counter help. I am so tempted. Hmm.....

I've been feeling skinnier lately. In fact, I tried on my Christmas dress today and I really liked it! I was a bit worried about wearing an all fringe dress to Christmas Eve mass. But in light of recent events, I realize its no big deal and no way will anyone be looking at me at church. 

Today was very blah, blah, blah, blah. It just felt way off. I can't quite put my finger on it. 

#77

The names I am called in Pittsburgh:

• babe
• sugar
• honey
• sweetie
• darling
• shortie
• little
• Irene
• Jenny
• Carol
• Megan
• Lara (This is the worst because I now think of myself as Lara. But its a totally different name than my own. I now understand what France was like for Frances.)

Also, Pomme and Frances do you remember one of our trips to Collioure when we visited the fort there. We discussed whose super heroes baby we'd want to have? I randomly thought of that today and it made me giggle hysterically. I CRACKED up. But I still think I'd have Batman's kid.

Another thing that reminds me of France: the buses are about to go on strike. Which would be a major bummer. I like taking the bus. I mean I could walk to school and it'd probably take like 30 minutes. But I don't want to walk. I'd rather take the bus for free. But I do understand why they might go on strike.

I really wanted a cupcake today. The choices were vanilla, vanilla; chocolate, orange pomegranate, or Reese's Peanut Butter. But the shop was closed by the time I got back, boo! 

ETA: At 11:20, I announced I wanted cornbread. At 11:35, Buddy made me cornbread muffins from scratch with honey poured on them. Um....YUM!!!!

#76

I like lists. Here is another one:

1. 3 random Coppolino's (all boys Kevin, Vito, and Joseph) friended me on facebook. All from different areas like San Fran, Chicago, and Italy. Its a bit weird.
2. My great-aunt who miraculously recovered from her coma, died. Its a bummer. I have no memories of meeting her but she wrote me a really nice note when I graduated high school. That was really cool especially because she got all her info about me from my grandma who at that point had accused me of being a drug addict and labeled me a rebel. Oh how wrong she was.
3. The family secrecy is killing me. They wont be able to keep secrets for forever. Its just hurting people who feel like they couldn't be trusted with truth. I get that people are uncertain about everything but I think people will be a lot more supportive than they think.
4. Oh yeah. I keep forgetting. I can't text. I can't receive or send them. My mom keeps getting on my case about it. But I'm working on it.

#75

I hate those stickers, songs, slogans that say 'We'll never forget.' I feel its so redundant.

I'll never worry about forgetting where I was or who I was with or what I felt.

I remember thinking it wasn't that big of an attack. When I went to bed that night, I thought everything would be back to normal the next day. I was so wrong. I remember all the channels were running the same feed except Disney. They had cartoons. 

I remember waking up exactly one year later and just crying, sobbing. I hadn't cried about it yet and I think it was then that it really hit me. We were never going back, only forward.

I can't even begin to imagine what its like for those who deal with terrorist attacks on a daily basis. Its just mind boggling. 

#74

I love these photos.

Source

#73

I just bought my plane ticket home!!! Its official: October 2-October 5 = me in MI! I'm totally excited to see you all and my dog. Okay, mostly the dog because no matter how hard I worked with him this summer he still can't write or talk and Skype totally creeps him out. 

My mom called the other day to tell me that my great aunt and uncle out here in PA were not doing well i.e. coma and dementia. But today when I talked with home, they had woken up from the coma, recovered enough to be moved to a nursing home and talk on the phone. 

I just realized my next birthday I will be 23 which is 2 years away from 25. Umm...where the hell has the time gone? 

We (well me and BART) have picked colors to paint the downstairs of Quarterlife. The dining room shall be a yellow like goldenrod. The living room shall be a cranberryesque color. After picking these colors, I realized that I inadvertently used the candle I received for directing Its A Wonderful Life: The Musical! as inspiration. Scary but I feel the person who gave me the candle would approve.

#72

Things I have learned since moving to Pittsburgh:

1. We (besides Pomme) have been taught the incorrect pronunciation for Carnegie. Its Car-NAG-ie, not Car-NEG-ie. Even the electronic voice on the bus pronounces it correctly.  (To the right of the steps, there is now a dinosaur and even farther to right is my bus stop. I get to sit on those steps for the bus to come.)
2. Famous Kappa Deltas include the lady who designed Suzy's Zoo.
3. There is a Greek restaurant in town whose chef used to cook for Jackie Kennedy Onassis. I plan on finding it.
4. I am extremely short.
5. Though I miss you guys a TON, like so MUCH, like everything here would be ten times more exciting because you would be here, I don't miss AQ that much. I didn't really feel like I should be moving back or be taking classes there. When I do miss AQ, its when I've been drinking and feel very lonely because no one else will try to climb around the living room on the furniture without touching the floor. I realized I barely ever was on the Moose this summer and things have happened that I know nothing about. It just, it feels right to have completed those four years and move on.

#71

I am watching the VMAs right now and they are horrible. Though the highlights include: Britney's opening, Britney winning her very first moonman and thanking me her fan, Christina's performing and oh Jordin Sparks' outburst about promise rings. During the commercials, they are running random facts and Kid Rock performed with Run-DMC 9! years ago. I clearly remember that performance and OMG! it has been almost a decade.

Oh and also Buddy is KILLING ME! I swear she thinks me and BART are idiots. Without her guidance, we probably couldn't get dressed in the morning or feed ourselves. She reminds us about the stupidest things like 'Don't stab yourself in the eye with the pointy end of a screwdriver.' GEEzus, why does she even bother? OR she patronizes us about our music tastes because they aren't nearly as cool as her sad, fiddle, yoddling artists that you've never heard of and never will but that only makes it that MUCH BETTER THAN YOU! Oh, she constantly needs to be near me. I sit on the couch she sits right next to me OR leans on the couch behind me so that I can feel her breath! Tonight, I purposely sat in the chair to avoid this AND she came over at sat at my feet. I cannot get away from her. Its so creepy

#70

I got this from 2 Political Junkies who got it from youngwilhem. I love Zoolander and this cracks me up. Its supposed to be what happened when Gov. Palin was announced as the VP candidate. But I prefer to think this happens all the time and these Dems just cruise the neighborhood looking for a walk off.

#69

Aww..guys I love the love. I can't wait to see you all. I totally wrote that post after 2 gin martinis and I guess some beer (its all a bit cloudy). But I spelled everything correctly!

Pomme came to visit! It was awesome and entirely too short. I can't wait for her to come back so we can properly explore SouthSide Works and finally make it to Dozen.

Its looking like for sure I'll be home Oct 2nd-5th. I'm thinking the fly in late the 2nd possibly to Lansing or Flint. If Lansing, I'll crash at Toi's. And then its to Saginaw on the 3rd for NCC homecoming. The 4th will be spent in GR for AQ's homecoming, Insignis alumni breakfast, and to aww and ohh over Frances being in a wedding. The 5th back in Saginaw until I fly home so if anyone wants to get together that weekend, let me know!

#68

COME VISIT!

I MISS YOU!

LOVE,

MOI!

#67

My weekend in Pittsburgh has turned out to be pretty fun. 

BART's sorta-kinda boyfriend came into town to hang and he's pretty cool. On Friday, we headed out to a big mall to find one of three H&Ms in Pitt. After we returned, we tried out a bar, Silky's, that is just a few blocks away. It was pretty cool, very low key. I think we might return especially since I didn't get carded and there was no cover charge. I got slightly drunk and may have drunk facebooked people. I know I wrote on Toi's wall for sure but if anyone else got one, sorry! I realize I did not drink very much this summer and therefore my tolerance is down a bit. Oh well.

Last night, we went to a Pirates game. It was cool. The cheap tickets were only $9 and the seats weren't that bad. I think the best part was one of the Pirates got a home run and there were FIREWORKS!! The stadium was pretty neat because it is missing a wall which allows you to see the river. I loved being able to take the bus right from our apartment all the way downtown to the stadium. 

Today has been very low key and not much has happened. I think I might make or get some pizza because I've been craving it lately. Our washer and dryer were delivered today but neither one is hooked up. I never realized how much I love having clean clothes and I'd really like to have them again. 

#66

So McCain picked Palin. At first, I was like no WTF? omg! what is happening???? She is definitely not Pawlenty and CNN told me that was who he was going to pick and LIES! 

And then I was like ohhhh a woman, YAAYYYY!!!!! a female. I am woman, hear me roar!!!!!!!

And then I thought about everything I knew about Palin: Republican, governor of Alaska, first term, just had her 5th baby earlier this year, children have interesting names-Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, Trig, fishes. So I looked for some more information and it seems like she has less experience than Obama which is interesting because hasn't McCain been making Barack's inexperience part of his reasons why he should not be elected?? The more I researched the more it seemed that Palin was only picked because she was a girl. 

I guess I feel like the Republican party is just trying to appeal to the Clinton supporters who haven't embraced Obama. I feel its insulting because Clinton is drastically different than Palin. I'm not saying one is better than another or anything. But shouldn't they put more thought into who is going to be our next VP? The whole thing just feels like a ploy. McCain, if he wins, will be 72 and the oldest person to be sworn in as President. Apparently, he's had some scares with skin cancer so it is a possibility that he could die in office, which would leave us with someone who has little experience. In the end, I feel like Palin is being set up to fail or be mocked or slammed in the possibility that the Democrats win the race. And I don't like that. 

#65

I realize I never truly introduced the roommates to you all so that is the mission for this post.

Roomie #1 or as I shall now call her 'Buddy'. I've known Buddy the longest out of the two. We grew up together and are both attending Pitt for our MLIS. She's doing the general program so we only have 1 class together. We've never be really close but more like friends because we had so much in common and it was just easier to be friends. I'm not going to lie. Its causing a bit of a problem since moving. She worries a lot more than I do and this gets on my nerves. I have one mom, I don't really need nor want another. But I'm hoping to come out of this whole experience with a umm not closer or deeper but maybe a more meaningful friendship? I don't really know how to explain it.

Roomie #2 or 'BART' is a sorority sister of Buddy. I met her during our first trip out her to look for housing. We clicked that very first day and its been fun getting to know her ever since. She has introduced me to Gossip Girl (Omg, we have missed out on the best guiltiest pleasure, ever!) and I showed her the wonder that is OnNoTheyDidnt. I think she is going to be a fun person to explore Pittsburgh with and an awesome support system.

#64

I went to my computer class today. I think I'm going to like it a lot. First, the prof encouraged us to bring our laptops with us to class. Second, he asked us to create blogger accounts for the blog we will be having to write for participation points during the semester. Third, our first assignment was to download lavasoft ad-ware onto our computers but only if you have a PC. We are going to learn about networking and LAN/WAN and some other stuff I have always wanted to do. I'm pretty excited for it. There are two sections of the class and I heard that I got into the better section, YAY!

But the best thing that happened today was CUPCAKE FEST 2008! This made my day. I think I love living in this city. Too bad I was informed that to get a job I'll have to leave which is a bummer because I was kind of hoping to stay. Oh well, I can always move to DC and live with Pomme, right?!?!

#63

My class tonight on the subject of preservation was ummm interesting? We're going to learn about paper and how to protect it, I think. Something about disaster plans was thrown out there too. But most of all, the class reminded me of taking an Insignis class where everyone knows everything and talks all the time. It gave me a headache and my first bout of homesickness.

#62

I went today too check out my books for school. The Pitt book center website was severely lacking and I couldn't look them up online so a point for AQ. Guys, can I honestly tell how geeked I am for my classes?!?!? Looking at the books I need to get sent me over the edge! Titles including the Social Life of Info., a book by Nelson Mandela!, and Archives, lots of Archives! I realize I never told you my class schedule so here it is:

LIS 2000 Understanding Information    Thurs 12-2:50

LIS 2214 Library & Archival Preservation    Mon 6-8:50

LIS 2220 Archives & Record Management   Mon 9-11:55 (sooo early but I'm really excited for this one. Its co-taught by the chair & my advisor)

LIS 2600 Intro Information Technologies   Tues 3-5:50 (I'm pretty sure this is a glorified computer class)

But should I be worried that a majority of the books needed for LIS 2220 have 666 in their ISBN numbers? I'm just being a bit paranoid, right?

#61

When we got to the apartment/townhouse on Saturday, we discovered it was filthy! like so disgusting that the previous people probably never cleaned. We spent most of our time moving furniture from the van across 3 lanes of traffic and scrubbing walls. It was an interesting weekend. I was able to get the bedroom I wanted despite one roommate expressing disbelief that my furniture would fit in it. But it did and in fact I've got some space left over, maybe for a comfy chair or something, as my room has become the hang out spot upstairs. We really don't spend much time downstairs yet but I am thinking that might change as the year progresses. Its starting to feel more like home but I haven't put anything up on the walls yet because I want to paint. So all the white is driving me slightly crazy. 

I went and got my Panther Card on Monday. Its my student ID, bus pass, debit card all rolled into one. I'm so not at AQ anymore. It was very surreal to take the bus downtown and get off among skyscrapers to get to my college. It was HUGE! I kinda loved it.

Yesterday, I went with a new roomie to the doctors where we discovered she has mono. It made me giggle. It made the 3rd roommate freak out and move her toothbrush. I think that sums up our attitudes towards everything. 

#60

I might have accidentally shoplifted tonight. I swear it was not on purpose. 

I'm still super tired and my room is still not unpacked yet. On the other hand I now own a fire extinguisher. 

I promise a more in depth update later this week.

#59

I am so tired. 

In the last 24 hours, I have flown home from Orlando, loaded a moving van, driven to Pittsburgh, unloaded moving van and am officially in my very first apartment.

Its weird and strange. I am freaked out. I think everything is going to work out though but I still want to go home.

#58

I just got an email inviting me to a Duck Tour. 

I think I am going to do it.

Orlando is fun. I think we are going to the beach today. But we are returning to Universal tonight so my brother can see a wrestling taping. So my mom and I are going to see a movie either Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants or Pineapple Express. I'm leaning towards the pot movie.