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March 18th, 2009

03:41 pm - Confession I really like Britney Spears' "Circus" album. Really. It's a pretty solid album.

(1 little indian | and then there were none)

March 9th, 2009

01:34 pm - Breast Cancer 5k I am going to do the Susan G Komen 5k in Philly on Mother's Day. I am pondering starting a team. I thought it would be motivating. Anyone interested? if you run the 5k you just have to complete it in under 60 minutes (which isn't really running) but you can also walk the 5k, it just starts a few minutes later. Takers?

(and then there were none)

December 27th, 2008

06:59 pm My wedding is in a week. Aren't I supposed to be freaking out? When does that start?

(1 little indian | and then there were none)

December 1st, 2008

10:16 am - Favorite Thanksgiving Story Because of my dad's eyes and consequential inability to drive, every year I ask him if he needs me to buy some christmas gifts for my mom. This year was no different; I let him know that I was planning to shop on Black Friday and let me know if he needs anything. On Thanksgiving, he pulls me aside, hands me cash, and asks me to buy some sexy lingerie for my mother. Which I did. As gross and hilarious as it is, as least my parents are still getting their swerve on. In the pretty blue silk number I bought at Macy's. hahahahahahaha Livin' the dream.

(2 little indians | and then there were none)

November 7th, 2008

02:41 pm Dear Kim, On Tuesday night, our community felt the emotions of electing a pro-equality President and expanding our numbers in Congress and state houses across the country, but the next morning our hearts were broken as the dust settled and it was clear we lost the marriage ballot measures in California, Florida and Arizona. I will certainly provide you with further insight in the coming days to how we effectively organized and motivated LGBT voters in elections throughout the country, but today, as we find ourselves in this agonizing intersection of victory and defeat, I felt it was important to try and give some perspective about our losses. I've drafted the following op-ed that I wanted to share with you. I know that mere words aren't enough to provide the salve for our wounds that we desperately need but perhaps they will begin to shape a path for how we move forward. And for those of you who gave your time and resources, your sacrifices were not in vain. You've helped lay the foundation for the victory that will one day be ours. And I thank you. You can't take this away from me: Proposition 8 broke our hearts, but it did not end our fight. Like many in our movement, I found myself in Southern California last weekend. There, I had the opportunity to speak with a man who said that Proposition 8 completely changed the way he saw his own neighborhood. Every "Yes on 8" sign was a slap. For this man, for me, for the 18,000 couples who married in California, to LGBT people and the people who love us, its passage was worse than a slap in the face. It was nothing short of heartbreaking. But it is not the end. Fifty-two percent of the voters of California voted to deny us our equality on Tuesday, but they did not vote our families or the power of our love out of existence; they did not vote us away. As free and equal human beings, we were born with the right to equal families. The courts did not give us this right—they simply recognized it. And although California has ceased to grant us marriage licenses, our rights are not subject to anyone's approval. We will keep fighting for them. They are as real and as enduring as the love that moves us to form families in the first place. There are many roads to marriage equality, and no single roadblock will prevent us from ultimately getting there. And yet there is no denying, as we pick ourselves up after losing this most recent, hard-fought battle, that we've been injured, many of us by neighbors who claim to respect us. By the same token, we know that we are moving in the right direction. In 2000, California voters passed Proposition 22 by a margin of 61.4% to 38.6%. On Tuesday, fully 48% of Californians rejected Proposition 8. It wasn't enough, but it was a massive shift. Nationally, although two other anti-marriage ballot measures won, Connecticut defeated an effort to hold a constitutional convention ending marriage, New York's state legislature gained the seats necessary to consider a marriage law, and FMA architect Marilyn Musgrave lost her seat in Congress. We also elected a president who supports protecting the entire community from discrimination and who opposes discriminatory amendments. Yet on Proposition 8 we lost at the ballot box, and I think that says something about this middle place where we find ourselves at this moment. In 2003, twelve states still had sodomy laws on the books, and only one state had civil unions. Four years ago, marriage was used to rile up a right-wing base, and we were branded as a bigger threat than terrorism. In 2008, most people know that we are not a threat. Proposition 8 did not result from a popular groundswell of opposition to our rights, but was the work of a small core of people who fought to get it on the ballot. The anti-LGBT message didn't rally people to the polls, but unfortunately when people got to the polls, too many of them had no problem with hurting us. Faced with an economy in turmoil and two wars, most Californians didn't choose the culture war. But faced with the question—brought to them by a small cadre of anti-LGBT hardliners – of whether our families should be treated differently from theirs, too many said yes. But even before we do the hard work of deconstructing this campaign and readying for the future, it's clear to me that our continuing mandate is to show our neighbors who we are. Justice Lewis Powell was the swing vote in Bowers, the case that upheld Georgia's sodomy law and that was reversed by Lawrence v. Texas five years ago. When Bowers was pending, Powell told one of his clerks "I don't believe I've ever met a homosexual." Ironically, that clerk was gay, and had never come out to the Justice. A decade later, Powell admitted his vote to uphold Georgia's sodomy law was a mistake. Everything we've learned points to one simple fact: people who know us are more likely to support our equality. In recent years, I've been delivering this positive message: tell your story. Share who you are. And in fact, as our families become more familiar, support for us increases. But make no mistake: I do not think we have to audition for equality. Rather, I believe that each and every one of us who has been hurt by this hateful ballot measure, and each and every one of us who is still fighting to be equal, has to confront the neighbors who hurt us. We have to say to the man with the Yes on 8 sign—you disrespected my humanity, and I am not giving you a pass. I am not giving you a pass for explaining that you tolerate me, while at the same time denying that my family has a right to exist. I do not give you permission to say you have me as a "gay friend" when you cast a vote against my family, and my rights. Wherever you are, tell a neighbor what the California Supreme Court so wisely affirmed: that you are equal, you are human, and that being denied equality harms you materially. Although I, like our whole community, am shaken by Prop 8's passage, I am not yet ready to believe that anyone who knows us as human beings and understands what is at stake would consciously vote to harm us. This is not over. In California, our legal rights have been lost, but our human rights endure, and we will continue to fight for them. Warmly, Joe Solmonese President, Human Rights Campaign

(and then there were none)

02:14 pm As previously mentioned, I am listening to christmas music on B101's website. There is a "holiday" version of Jewel's song "Hands." WHY? What is so holiday-esque about it? Why was it necessary? Why are they playing it on the radio? and I hate Kenny G.

(1 little indian | and then there were none)

10:21 am I'm listening to christmas music on B101.1's website right now. it's helping my mood. Apparently Gene Autry is an upper.

(and then there were none)

November 4th, 2008

10:20 am - Decision '08 Presidential Results

(2 little indians | and then there were none)

09:29 am I have no idea what the point of that widget thing is. I wanted an easy way to track the voting. Help?

(and then there were none)

October 31st, 2008

11:44 am - Accountability Friday Yesterday I ate twice my daily points allotment. Why? Because I had a client dinner at Barclay Prime, the home of the $100 kobe cheesesteak. I did get the leanest cut of steak, but even that cut of steak was massively fattening. The best part? Though it was an incredibly expensive restaurant, because it was a client dinner, I paid for ZILCH. I had a free amazingly expensive dinner. the likes of which I will probably never have again, because I would never pay that much for my own meal. When I saw how much the steaks were and that you have to order and pay for your sides separately, my wallet started crying. I hoped against hope that the check would be picked up by the higher-upper. And indeed it was. And there was much rejoicing. So I forfeited my weight watchers points for a dining experience that was probably a once in a lifetime thing, as Jason is not a fan of steak and this place was crazy expensive. AND I DON'T REGRET IT.

(and then there were none)

October 30th, 2008

10:36 am - Accountability Thursday Yesterday I ate my weight in food (thanks, PMS... obviously PMS did not pick up the food and put it in my mouth, but otherwise I would not have been ravenous the entire day), had a glass of wine with my massive amount of food, and did spin class for the first time. The foot attachment thing on the pedal came off mid-spin, causing me to semi-fall off the bike, so I have got some hot bruises on my thighs. Today I've only had oatmeal and coffee so far, went to the trainer this morning. The trainer was not very happy about me doing all these classes at the gym, since both of them involved strength-training. I am conflicted. These classes were very challenging and I think they were good for me, but I can see how doing these classes in addition to multiple training sessions per week can be a bad thing. The best would be if they offered classes like these on the weekends, but they don't. Weekend classes are mostly pilates and things like that. So I don't want to NOT do the classes, but I don't want to injure myself or mess up the work-out plan that the trainer has designed for me.

(and then there were none)

October 29th, 2008

09:21 am I've been slacking with the weight watchers and somewhat with the working out lately. I have 2 months until wedding. it's not even the wedding- it's the honeymoon. it's the being on the beach for 2 weeks and being self-conscious about the way I look in the bathing suit, which is the way I've always been. Thankfully, I absolutely love my wedding gown and am not overly concerned with looking like ass in it. So I actually have to get some motivation and stick to the plan unless I don't want to go to the beach at all for those 2 weeks. Monday: went to some crazy bootcamp class at the gym. Had sushi when I got home. Tuesday: went to the trainer. Had sushi when I got home. and 2 glasses of wine (oops). Wednesday: went to spin class before work. I don't even know what dinner will be since I have a dress fitting and then going shopping for Kelly's shower gift. Thursday: trainer in the morning before work. I have a client dinner so I'm sure I won't be eating well. Friday: can I force myself to go to spin class? I guess that depends on my body. Right now it hurts quite a bit. that bootcamp class really made my muscles sore, then yesterday and today's workouts only made it hurt worse. I need to find a yoga class for Saturday or something so I can stretch all of this out. So I'm trying, but not trying hard enough. I can't get my act together. and this week so far is not representative of my typical week. Typical week: Monday: maybe run 2 miles if I can get someone to go with me. Tuesday: trainer Wednesday: repeat Monday, maybe go to the gym and run on treadmill Thursday: trainer Friday: treadmill So when I run on the road or the treadmill, it's only a 20-30 minute work-out.

(4 little indians | and then there were none)

October 28th, 2008

09:49 am it's after 9:30 in the morning and Brian hasn't posted yet. Sigh.

(3 little indians | and then there were none)

September 19th, 2008

10:29 am My finger hurts. I had an altercation with the window last night; I was trying to put the screen in. It hurts to type. Why am I typing? Because my need to complain is greater than my finger pain. I really want to go to Linvilla to get some more jelly and produce. I mix my jelly in with plain nonfat yogurt. I like it better than flavored yogurt and it usually has less sugar and takes less room in my fridge (if you buy one large thing of plain yogurt as opposed to many small containers). That's my health tip for the day.

(2 little indians | and then there were none)

September 11th, 2008

04:58 pm - blah blah blah I've re-started Weight Watchers. I'm officially paying for it now, as opposed to using all of my friends' materials and calculating my own points allotment. My rationale is that if I pay for it, I will adhere. Or cancel it. I don't half-ass things that cost me money... it's not the way my daddy raised me. I had my dress fitting last weekend. it went fabulously except my problem area just kept looking at me. I was like oh my, waist, don't you look small! and problem area was like look at meeeeee!!! But enough about body issues. Life is too short to cry a river about problem areas. Right? At least my internal organs are all healthy from my efforts. Except that pesky thyroid. Supernatural starts back up next week. I am mucho excited. The title of the episode is "Lazarus Rising".. I'm taking that to mean that my TV boyfriend is coming back from the dead. Thank goodness... I'm not ready to lose another TV boyfriend. I don't know why I need events to get me through my life. If I don't have something to look forward to, I feel listless and adrift. Lately I think ooh! Supernatural starts back up next week! Last year I thought ohh! I go to Germany! The year before- ooh! I go to Brazil! This year, not so much. No vacation this year (boo hoo for me, right???) so my favorite TV show is what gets me there. You might think that the wedding would be my bright spot, but that's just a big ball of stress. I can't think about the wedding without thinking of 50 things that haven't been done yet. I can't think about my wedding without thinking of a wedding next weekend that I'm singing for and the organist hasn't called me back yet. There is a halo of stress around the word "wedding." A class effect, if you will. I feel like my life is just going by, no purpose, no aim, no milestones... just different days, different seasons, different pounds on my frame. I feel like I am always the same (every day) and that everything around me changes. And one day I'm going to take a break and I'll be 80 and will think "this is not my beautiful house! This is not my beautiful wife!" Maybe I don't pay attention to every day because I am looking to my vacations and TV shows, but without those things, I am so bored. What does that say about me? I apparently don't appreciate anything and can't take pleasure in the little things. Bah.

(4 little indians | and then there were none)

September 9th, 2008

10:00 am I sure haven't posted in a long time. 4 projects going on at the same time. Please go to www.gfkushc.com and view the amazing ad video on the right hand side. Please. I saw it for the first time this morning. I think it shows up on the page as an image saying something like "GfK takes over the research world" or something. Wedding planning is on hiatus... I have almost everything done, I just don't have time to plan anything else. Work is so insane. I'm tired. I'm hungry. I signed up for weight watchers online. it's pretty sweet. That's all I got.

(and then there were none)

July 28th, 2008

11:27 am - yes, I can hear you now. My cell phone is the only phone that I possess. I also use it as a camera quite often. When camera phones first came out, I thought "who on earth would use that? who is suddenly motivated to take photos and would need a camera on a phone?" But that person is me. If the dog looks cute while napping, I take a photo with my phone. If I see a funny sign, I take a photo with my phone. If I see a woman with acid wash jeans, I take a photo with my phone. Saturday morning, I was out walking the dog and bent over to pick up some poo (like you do). The phone fell out of my purse when I bent over and smacked the sidewalk. The digital screen broke. it's in one piece physically, but there is no image on there, just a spiderweb crack in pretty colors in the top corner; everything else is black. Aw, crap. Ok, I can deal with this, I just won't have caller ID. I still have the inside screen. Mmmm... not so much. Later that day, the inside screen went black as well. Apparently I damaged a chip inside. I can't look up contacts, can't do any text messaging (and as I hate talking on the phone, I communicate predominantly through text messages), can't use my phone as a clock, or for the alarm clock, calculator, etc. All I can do is call phone numbers from memory or use those programmed in speed dial. I went to the Verizon store to suck it up and buy a new phone. I knew that I would have to pay retail and not get any of those fabulous deals that new customers are offered. FINE, I'll pay your damn money. First question they ask me: "do you have insurance?" I didn't think it mattered, as the phone clearly broke of my own fault and didn't just stop working. oh no no, apparently that's covered as well and it's like car insurance where you can get a little bit of coverage or a lot of coverage. They checked my account and I DO have insurance. Who knew. So instead of paying hundreds of dollars for a new phone, I pay a $50 deductible and receive the exact same phone on the next business day. And filing the claim was absurdly easy. It took a hot 5 minutes and I could be completely honest about how the phone broke. An hour after the call, I had an email with tracking information from DHL. I now have my new phone. It just sucks because I need to transfer the phone numbers on it at verizon after work, all my pictures are gone and I don't know if they can transfer those. Maybe I can buy a memory card for my old phone, stick it in there, then transfer onto new phone. the joys of having the same phone. And I was wearing a company T shirt and the guy asked if we get a discount through work... "uh, I dunno." So he looks it up, and sure enough, we do. He took a photo of my shirt as proof of employment. I think I made out pretty good. I don't think there could have been a better turn-out, given that I broke my phone. and I left with a discount. and already have my new phone.

(and then there were none)

July 16th, 2008

02:01 pm - I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I like. Most people know that I am not a bike rider. I recently learned the mechanics of it, so I can remain upright on a bike without my feet touching the ground, but I can't turn corners or do anything but ride in a straight uninterrupted line. Jason, on the other hand, loves to ride bikes. he wants to ride bikes with me all the time. I always say no, because it's too hot, we live on a steep 4th floor walk-up and I can't carry the bike up and down, and he always want to ride to go to a destination (like Best Buy) and again, I can't even turn corners. I can't turn corners and you want me to ride on Columbus Blvd? Are you crazy? I also am afraid to ride a bike with cars around. Almost a year ago, my friend's boyfriend was hit by a bus while riding in the bike lane on Columbus Blvd. Yesterday, I was waiting at a red light and a bicyclist was hit by a car right in front of me (I was the first car waiting at the light). I have far too many reminders that it's not safe to ride a bike in traffic in the city. Jason just needs to go with me to get a bike rack since I have no idea what I'm doing, and then we can do a flat trail near the art museum through the park where there are no cars. I have bicyclophobia. I made that word up. and I guess it's not accurate because I'm not afraid of bikes, I'm afraid of people who drive recklessly and how easy it is to get killed on a bike.

(1 little indian | and then there were none)

July 11th, 2008

04:57 pm I am bored. bored bored bored bored bored bored bored bored :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: SAMSAMSAMSAMSAMSAMSAMSAMSAMSAMSAMSAMSAMSAMSAMSAMSAMSAMSAM ditto DITTO!! (a penny floats through the air...) let's make some pottery! not necessarily in that order. FIN

(1 little indian | and then there were none)

July 2nd, 2008

03:54 pm - Wedding blog? I should start a wedding blog. apparently some people pay others to do such a thing. I'm afraid to get too into that because then what if I have nothing to talk about post-wedding? plus I doubt anyone would read it. here's what it would say for today: Today I looked up favors online. the only things that were of interest for a winter wedding were little individual hot cocoa things and little bottles of sparkling cider with personalized labels. If I weren't going with any type of winter theme, I would probably give lip balm because it is perhaps my favorite thing in this world, or some type of local Philadelphia thing, like a mini soft pretzel. Little gingerbread brides and grooms would be adorable, but I have no idea where to get those. This morning I saw the Doubletree Hotel in Philadelphia. I liked it. the woman was nice. she seemed easy to work with. the ballroom is phenomenally gorgeous. I took pictures of it but forgot to bring the cord to transfer pictures from camera to computer. everything is included except the centerpieces (just like Nova), and I have some ideas for that. We're between that and the Villanova Conference Center. Someone from Bonner's production of The Wiz and also known for his habit of chewing tobacco and wearing white baseball hats is the contact point for Nova, and I can't help but feel that he's jerking me around, though all of that is another story. I made a list of pros and cons for each place, but I can't say that helped me too much. they are too different to compare with a list like that. and they are the same price... the accompanying hotel rooms are the same price, and the price per head at the reception is the same price. sigh. I'm so used to money being my decision-maker. So we are deciding in the next 2 days where we are going for the reception. Another thing- Villanova is a buffet and the Doubletree is a sit-down. Does anyone actually care about that? I would absolutely love to know if that makes a difference. I think that's about it for today... maybe I'll just post wedding stuff on here and people can choose to read it if they wish, or ignore it otherwise.

(4 little indians | and then there were none)