Bocce

On Sundays, I drive Wombat to work. I take the long way past the community park and there, on the other side of the tennis courts across the street from the little league baseball fields, is a bocce ball court. Every time like clockwork, there is a group of little old men playing a game. One of them brings a boom box that plays classic Italian songs (except for last week when it was playing a weird mash up of Italian love songs and French techno). I always try to hit the red light so I can soak it all in because for that brief moment I feel like I'm back in Italy. By the time I drive back through about 15 minutes later, they are all gone.

It's my favorite moment of the week.

- - - - -

I think I've officially been away too long as blogger took a hell of a long time to log in just now.

I came across these cinemagraphs and thought they were really cool so I wanted to share them.

But then I thought why don't I just move the blog to wordpress right now or start a tumblr or something. However, per my conversation with Pomme, I am not starting anything new until I have found a distinct purpose for it. Like a food blog, or road trip blog, or something like that.

So for now, I'll just randomly pop up with stuff until I can find someway to focus my time.

#310

So I wrote you all Christmas Cards. Very beautiful and nice Christmas cards. And I was drunk while doing it so who knows if I spelled things correctly. But anyway, I then took the cards and shoved them in a purse. A week later I found them and in an attempt to force myself to finish addressing them, I put stamps on all of the envelopes. My next step was shoving them back in the purse, still unaddressed. I discovered them today. My options are now A) send them out almost 2 weeks after Christmas, B) save them for next year and be super awesome by already crossing something off of my 2011 Christmas to-do list or C) use the envelopes to send you guys some other kind of holiday card such as St. Patrick's Day or Valentine's Day or Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day because postage is probably going to go up by next Christmas. We'll see what I actually get my lazy ass to do.

This previous summer, I was trapped in a freak sudden horrible rainstorm on my way back from work. I had shoved by iPod in the outside pocket of a backpack instead of putting it in a water safe pocket because I'm really smart like that. Once making it home, I discovered it had been sitting in a puddle of water. But I was late for something and still soaking wet so I just left it on top of a bookcase and ran away because denial is always the best course for wet electronics. Since then, the battery life has shrunk and it frequently runs out of juice. When this happens, the time and date reset to December 31, 1969, every single time. So obviously this means that in the near future I get to time travel and I go back to 1969 where I get into all sorts of trouble. Thus forcing myself to figure out how to send a message to current me via my poor mentally retard iPod Touch. It totally makes sense.

#308

• Today turned into a cell phone free day as I lost the phone or left it at home or something. Whatever I did, I don't have it with me and it's nice.
• Looked in my closet for appropriate outfit for Frances' wedding. Have determined nothing is right but have no money to buy something new. I'll have to go all project runway with my sewing kit and make something fabulous myself. Or just wear a sheet.
  
• After spending almost $100 tuning up my car, I brilliantly drove with the emergency brake and ruined the rear brakes. Something I didn't quite realize until I was trying to stop before smashing into a delivery truck. Lessons learned: 1)don't drive with the e brake on, 2)pump the brakes when they stop working, it slows you down, 3)Wombat is quite handy with fixing cars when I destroy them
• Wombat said he'd buy me a convertible. I'd just have to rebuild the engine myself. That can't be too hard right?
  

#307

I think I shall make Sundays cell phone free days. I kinda like not being tied to my phone for just one day. It's a bit freeing but I bet it'll never last.

I just looked up the weather in Raleigh and it's supposed to be in the 90s when we're there. Ugh! I'm really into fall and wearing all of my fall clothes. I don't want to pull the sundresses and shorts back out of storage. I also don't want to drive through West Virginia for a majority of the trip. I'm trying to convince him to let us drive through Maryland, Washington D.C. and Virginia instead. I think it'll be better that way. I'm excited for the trip but I can't lie, I'm a little nervous about it.

I've lost count as I don't actually visit my blog anymore, FAIL

I slept walked (sleep walked?) the other night. It was totally creepy, like I could feel myself doing it and couldn't stop it. Not a huge fan of that at all.

I went back to 80's night after taking a four months off. While I don't think it'll become a weekly thing again, it was nice to get out and dance.

The house is still in boxes. It's sad. I have no energy or motivation to unpack. I should really get on that as last night I invited his coworkers over for fondue. That's right, I'm breaking out the fondue pot from it's years long hiatus. CHEEESEEEEEE

I'm excited for fall just like Pomme. I think this season has the best fashion and I totally feel my cutest in the cardigans. I really want to get a pumpkin this year. We have the perfect front porch for it.

Life is in no way perfect. Things are all jumbled and in some ways messed up. But I'm ridiculously happy. I know it's cheesy and sappy and lame and I'd been fighting it for a long time. It's really nice. Okay, that's all I'll say, promise.

#305

It started on vacation and has continued once I returned to real life. I'm only getting 5 hours of sleep a night. I feel like crap. I look like crap. Everyone tells me I look tired. I am tired. I go to bed exhausted. I wake up exhausted. I miss sleeping.
Also, I think I've run out of internet. I can't think of anything else I want to look up or explore. So basically I just refresh facebook all day long. Ohhhh this is sad.

#304

I am successfully moved into the Full House. It was an adventure with lots of rushing around and improvising but it's done. Yay! It feels so good to be out of Squirrel Hill. I really started to loathe that neighborhood near the end. But who knows, maybe I'll be back?

I am awake after only 5 hours of sleep. I feel like I was hit by a truck and I couldn't figure out why. Then I remember we went to the bar to celebrate after moving. I had two whole beers which normally wouldn't make me feel this way but I guess after not eating a whole lot yesterday it was enough.

We were sitting outside the bar last night, drinking in the night air, when a guy I've only met a few times who never ever remembers me asked if I was hungry. Ummm, yeah I was starving. He disappeared and returned a few minutes later with a hot dog and a box of chicken wings. They were the most delicious things ever.

I also ate at a Chick-fil-A. I'm sad that my dislike of chicken has led me to never try this place. I found it actually pretty delicious and they have waffle fries. I'm a sucker for anyplace that has waffle fries. The only weird thing about this place is it is closed on Sundays. A bit like Hobby Lobby.

Ohhhhhhhh, I got a road bike yesterday. It is a Bianchi. I've always wanted a Bianchi. It'll probably be my only Italian made method of transportation ever. It feel off of a bike rack and somersaulted down the highway so somethings need to be fixed but then it'll be fully functional. I am surprised to admit it but this biking thing is kind of addictive.

#303

I saw practically all of you updated last night and I felt the urge to join in. I do better with bullet points so I'll go with that.

• The apartment search still continues. It is getting to be super frustrating. I'm so sick of moving every year for the past 7 years so I was hoping we could find a place where we wouldn't mind staying put for at least 2. Maybe I'm just being super picky? I don't know. However, since we haven't found a place yet and my lease is up in 3 days, I get to move in with the boyfriend at his house with his two roommates. And the one roommate's fiance is also moving in due to the same circumstances. It's like a really twisted version of Full House. I just keep reminding myself that it is only for a month and I'll be gone for a week of it. Who knows, maybe we'll find a place whose lease starts mid-August.
• This being part of a couple thing has its ups and downs. Definitely more ups than downs but it's not always smooth sailing. Trying to figure out how to deal with stress and moving and a significant other can be hard. I'll admit I lost it a bit on Tuesday. I was just really sick of everything. Of being patient with others and them never ever returning the patience. Of them never thinking of how their actions are affecting anyone else but them. It's not him but I was maybe taking a bit of it out on him. It's really frustrating and I don't want to deal with it anymore. But a morning spent with Sniper helped me get back on track. And then I lost my phone which just kinda sent me into one of those crazy laughing fits where I just didn't care anymore.
• I got the phone back with limited craziness. It is a bit beat up and the lens on the camera is cracked. But it is functional and I really don't care much past that.
• I had a bit of a 'whoa! this is totally weird and foreign to me' moment when I was shopping for a birthday card for his sister and I realized we'd sign the card together. It seemed so official couply. I don't know why I had a problem with it and I got over it. I guess it just seems like something my parents do and they are grown ups and I am but a wee child still. Or something like that. But she liked my card and loved my gift and that felt pretty awesome.
• Lately, I've felt a lot closer to my dad than my mom. It's nice and I'm enjoying the conversations with my dad. But I feel really lonely without my mom. Our conversations seem strained at times and then at others, she can be kinda snarky at me. I get that she's going through a lot right now and I'm going through a lot right now. Perhaps we're just handling it all the same which makes it difficult for us to help the other one. I don't know but I'm hoping it corrects itself on vacation. I miss her.
  

#300

Whoops, I disappeared for a month. It wasn't my intention but it just sorta happened.

I've discovered I will be spending the 4th of July here with my dad's side of the family. It is going to be a lot of people in one house. I've done that before with my mom's side but I think this may be trickier. I'm going to arm myself with my laptop and some sort of alcoholic beverage at all times. I've been told that there will be kegs and numerous bottles of wine. I'm trying to psych myself up for this by hoping that there will be ranch dispensers in all of the rooms.

In August, I'll be going on a family vacation with my parents to Charleston. I actually excited for this one. It should be a week of relaxation and beach and my dog. I really can't think of anything wrong with that. There are a lot of logistics before I can make it to the vacation such as find a new apartment, move to new apartment, find new job, not explode from all of the stress. I think it is doable. But sometimes, I'm just not so sure.

#299

Life:

• I finally got around to ordering my messenger bag; I went with the yellow and white one. The bike shop ended up gifting it to me. I was really touched and surprised. They also threw in a blinky light to clip to it for riding at night. I think I am now officially a cyclist, hahaha!
• I went on an inaugural ride with the bike and a friend. Somehow going at dusk through traffic to a bike where we rode the trails deep down into the valley to drink some beer seemed like the best idea. It was terrifying and a lot of fun! I think I shall do it again.
• I also think the bike ride may be why my left leg currently looks like this:
• They really mean it when they say NO PARKING. I got my car towed. I got my car back. It was fun but nothing I would like to repeat any time soon.
• Yesterday, Sniper and I took off to run around the city in celebration of her 25th birthday. We painted pottery and visited the Phipps. We saw the Agave plant that only blooms once in a 100 years then dies. It looked just like a plant.
  
• For the first time in 10 years when given the opportunity to plan the family vacation, I passed. I gave my mom the names of some websites and turned it over to her. I had absolutely no desire to plan the relaxing dream week for everyone else. I think we're going to Charleston, SC and we may be getting a condo or house. But I'm not really sure. I'll just show up with a bathing suit and it'll be just fine.
• Ohhh and I'm kinda seeing someone. It's new and fun! and we'll just see where it goes.
  

#296

I wavered back and forth about posting this and then I thought screw it. If I can't be grumpy on my own blog than where can I be?

I want all of my best friends living in the same city. I want a job I like. I want to do things on my own time frame. I don't want critiques from others. I want people to back off. I want others to step up. I want an apartment with long, flowy curtains. I want my car back. I want to cook again. I want people to stop wondering. I don't run through guys like that, I just don't. I want to stop second guessing my own feelings. I want to jump in rain puddles and blow bubbles. I don't want to be frustrated anymore. I want to be by myself and surrounded by others all in the same instant. I just want out for a little bit.

I love the word just.

#294

So I'm officially 24. I was sorta kinda freaking out about it in the days leading up to my birthday but then I was told that I have 6 more years until I'm old. I'm going to take that and run with it.

My day was pretty fabulous and full of fun. My parents took me to Pamela's for breakfast and then we stopped by the Top Chef tour where we saw Eli and Richard Blais. They are very short. I took my parents on a tour of the city and showed them the new neighborhoods I'm considering moving to in August. My mom promptly freaked out and said no. We fought a bit over it, I drank some wine, we've agreed to keep discussing it. Dinner was at Church Brew Works. I had steak, it was yummy.

My night then took me to a bar to watch the Pens game and I'm ashamed to admit I cheered them on. But I should state that I never cheered for Crosby. Next we went to Lawrenceville: Art All Night which was really, really cool. It was a huge warehouse filled with people and art and musicians and oddly enough pirates. I wished we could have spent more time there but we ended up moving to Belvedere's where they were having roller skating. And that is how I ended up roller skating in a bar on my 24th birthday. It was an adventure for sure but loads and loads of fun!

#290

What do you do when you find out your new favorite donut place is owned by someone who's views are drastically different than yours? I don't mind that he has different views than me. The world would be so boring if we all felt the same way about everything. But I find that I'm having a big problem giving money to this business that is supposed to be about peace and love yet thinks "gays and lesbians as an immoral minority." It seems to be a big, huge contradiction. One that really, really bugs me. So event though the donuts were tasty, I don't think I could go back anytime soon.

I'm sitting in a cafe right now. It is their birthday and they are offering cappuccinos for only $.61. I haven't had a real one in a really long time. I forgot how could they can be with their frothiness. I may have to get another and then one to take with me when I leave. Also people watching is the single greatest free pastime ever. People are sooo funny.

I need to get some new headphones. I can hear that mine are about to die. They've lasted a year with is uber long for a pair of my headphones. I used to kill them within weeks. And while I will probably just buy another pair of earbuds from Target, I kind of really want to get a pair like these. They are so impractical and I would probably only use them a few times.

I discovered my mom may send me to Panama for Easter next year. Panama City, Florida not Panama City, Panama. I first assumed the country and was bewildered, certain I would die from a tropical disease but at least I would get to see the canal. I don't know how I feel about this. It probably wont happen. But just so you know, plane tickets from Pittsburgh to Panama City, Panama start at $377. That seems really cheap. It also appears to take all day to get there.

The 4th dress I picked out for my birthday is sold out. I give up and am just going to wear something in my closet. It seems like the most responsible decision and isn't that what growing up is all about.

I'm a bit late to the game but I watched the first episode of the new Doctor Who last night. I don't know what to think. I liked parts. I was bored during others. I spent most of my time screaming at the computer because I knew what he had to do and he was taking too long. I wished he would have kept young Amelia. I liked her a lot better.

Oh and with Toi's encouragement, I cut up a pair of jeans and made some shorts. So far I feel like it was the right decision and I am loving them.

#289

Why hello there! How are you today? I'm doing alright.

I spent Easter working and then I went to Easter dinner at some friends. I drank mimosas out of a purple cup shaped like a bunny's head. It had a bendy straw. It was delightful. Another highlight was a home cooked meal prepared by someone who was not me. It was delicious and while I did enjoy the vegan mashed potatoes, real ones are still king. I also realized how much I miss playing Spoons.

I've learned how to say no. Well, kinda. This guy who was at Easter dinner showed up at work today and asked me out. I almost said yes because it seemed easier. He suggested fishing and then I got really intrigued. But I held my ground and told him I was sorta seeing someone (LIE, all LIE, I'm as single as they come). So while I'm not going out on a date with him, I still couldn't bring myself to tell him flat out no. I'm working on being more assertive. I promise.

Alright, that is all I can think of which is weird because I swear I had something else to write about it but nope.

Love,

Moi

P.S. (ETA) I remembered!!! I have a cold. I would really like to breath out of both of my nostrils. Though I do really like being able to swallow without sharp pains attacking. Also, the heat wave has me sleeping with my windows open. DEAR GOD THE DAMN BIRDS ARE SOOOO LOUD. I HATE THEM. DIE BIRDS DIE!!!!

#288

Today was a day of breakthroughs.

First, I wore shorts. I don't normally wear shorts. In fact, at the end of last summer, I bought my first pair of shorts in years. I may have blinded people with my white, white skin today but it felt good.

Second, I watched Up! Now, I got the DVD for Christmas but I haven't been able to watch it until today. I saw the movie in theaters with Toi and absolutely loved it. However, the movie, especially the first 15 minutes, makes me feel all saddddddddd and a tiny, teeny bit alone.

Third, this didn't really happen today. Nor is it really a breakthrough but it made me really, really happy. I was able to order an Oberon! And it was tasty!

#286

It's been a while, whoops. I kept composing entries in my head but no one else can read those so this entry is dedicated to Toi!

It has now been 4 days since I started this post so I think I'm just going to write whatever comes to my mind.

• Pomme came to visit! It was awesome! I made her take the bus with me all over. We explored bridges and found a cemetery in the middle of the skyscrapers. We ate here and here and here. Yummmmmm!!! We also visited the Andy Warhol Museum. My favorite room was the 'Silver Clouds.'
• I met a member of Huey Lewis and the News. We had a drink together.
• Everyone lately has been asking me about my plans for the future and what I want to do with my life. And guess what? I have no clue. I don't know. I'm working on it.
• I went on two dates last week with two different guys. It was interesting. They were fun and I had a good time. But I just didn't feel that spark, you know? I, again, don't know. I want to feel that spark. And then I just feel bad. In fact, I saw one of the guys at the grocery store and I fled to the back of the store until he left. I'm a coward.
• Passover started last night so for the last week, work has been insane. I hate it. LOATHE IT. I'm trying to be nice about it but I can't. Not being able to eat carbs really makes people go insanely bitchy.
• My printer and I are currently engaged in a battle. I keep losing but I'm refusing to give up. I think I could win if I just keep trying.
• I went home for my cousin's wedding. I learned that my family thinks I'm an alcoholic or at the very least, a lush. Sweeeeeeeet. I really don't think it's my fault that the only time I appear in the wedding photos, I'm at the bar. It's totally the photographer's fault.

#285

Sometimes you have to do things that you don't want to do. You might really, really, really wish things would work out differently. That you could get everything you wanted. But life isn't like that.

So you end up having to do what's best for now and that is just the way it works out.

Right?

#284

I totally meant to update earlier. I've just been feeling really run down and tired. I think the winter blahs are totally in full force. I had to give up one of my days off this week. Next week looks just as crazy.

I dealt with Valentine's Day by going on a mini online shopping spree. I got some new shirts but I'm most excited about my new pair of Doc Martens. They arrived this week and are sooooo comfy. I feel like I should get some flannel, holey jeans or baby doll dress and rock out my inner early 90's chick.

I tried some homemade amaretto the other weekend. I think my uncle called it stump something. I can't quite remember. Whatever it was called, it was delicious.

I want a jeep.

#273

Today I

• did not work
• did not wear a bra
• cleaned my bathroom
• did some laundry
• rediscovered toast with butter
• devoured my stash of Christmas chocolate
• wondered when deodorant got to be so expensive
• made some pizza
• installed some digital cable converter boxes

All in all, not a bad day. Just not very exciting, but I guess that is better than a horrible day, right?