Two by Two

E2 and I went out to dinner yesterday . . . yesterday that was the "hallmark holiday" of Sweetest Day.

"We are the only people in this town that aren't a couple. Look."

And there it was . . . just like Noah's ark. Two by two, the couples wandered by.

Caffienated Goodness

There is a tremendous amount of coffee being consumed today . . . even switched up the order at Starbucks. An extra shot of espresso is called a "triple" soy latte. Who knew?

So watch out at 3 p.m. when I crash.

Small Problem

Either my watch band has gotten bigger . . . or my wrist has gotten smaller.

Either way, annoying.

Built on Coffee

I had a lovely day, which somehow revolved around getting coffee. Hud has a shirt that fits (and I got to be right). I woke up at a decent hour. I got nothing done . . . but that often is the main component of a very good day.

And I have drawers in my kitchen. With new fancy hardware and everything. And just six more cabinet doors to re-strip. So do-able, if I get one done everyday.

And I don't know which day it is for Homecoming . . . it's either "Get up and Go" so I'll get up and put on pajamas or College Sweatshirt day. Unsure which one it is . . . so may have to bring two outfits to school. What pants do you wear for college sweatshirt day?

And I have had way too much coffee.

Blame Bop-Bop

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, but ironically my parents didn't know it. I was named after my Great Aunt Ruth, whose name was Ruth Velma Emily M________. My parents didn't know about the second middle name.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last week.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Hell yes.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? No lunch meat at all. But I worked in that meat packing plant and all. So I'd have to say . . . avocado.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Nope. Would have liked, well, like eight . . . but a little late for that now. Unless I adopt.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I don't know. Evidently, people find me intimidating the first time they meet me . . . and the second time, etc. But then again, I'm not easily intimidated and we all know how I love integrity. And punctuality. So I'm going with yes.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? All the time. Really. I mean it.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? No, but would have liked them in a jar if I had had enough stones when I was six to ask for them.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Yes, of course.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Yogurt with granola. Vanilla and no raisins. Raisins are gross.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Depends on the shoes. Converse?

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I'll kick your ass.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Cinnamon. Makes me think of dinner at Bill Knapps with my grandmother. Sigh.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Truthfully? Probably, attitude and shoes. Then, if they have good hair.

15. RED OR PINK? Red, unless it's a barrette.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I talk too much. About everything.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My maternal Grandmother (when she was well) and my paternal Grandfather (who truly knew how to show love and always made me feel loved)

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? I'm not sending it to anyone other than the one who sent it. If reading it on the blog, feel free to copy and place answers in comments (put your name on it, sillys)

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? No shoes. Cut off jeans with paint. The usual. Sorry Mom.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Glass of wine and a pretzel rod stuck in peanut butter.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? a train in the distance.

22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? f*ck. I'd have to go check my box of 64. A different one every day, if I could be. Otherwise, I'm feeling "red violet" or "violet red". Two different colors according to Crayola. Yes, I have them sitting right here.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? This box of crayons (yes, I did just go get it), lavender, pumpkin pie, fall, the ocean.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My Mom.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes. But I don't "like like" him. (smile)

26. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? Live? Lacrosse.

27. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR? Today? Black. Evidently, with blue highlights.

28. EYE COLOR? Brown.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes. Pretty much always.

30. FAVORITE Foods? Currently? Pretzel rod stuck in peanut butter. I like soup. (insert rest of Dead Kennedy's line here) Soy lattes. Gyros.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Do I have a boy? Scary Movies. Because I need a shoulder. If not, Happy Endings, for sure. I'm a wimp about scary movies.

32. LAST BIG MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Borne Supremacy, with my brother, Dad and Paul.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Green. Old MSU shirt. So old it has my name sewn in it by my mother.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? winter, ironically.

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Kissing. I feel trapped by hugs. Don't know why.

36. FAVORITE DESSERTS? Any and all.

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Don't care.

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Still don't care.

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Winkie . . . some story about a stuffed bear that gets arrested as a terrorist. Haven't read it for a while though. Pretty surreal.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? A friend's address. How much to add to my principal when paying my mortgage to make an even number. What my username is to pay my credit card online. (No, not the password, Mom.)

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T. V. LAST NIGHT? Last night? Howard Stern. I was over at Princess's house and she and her sister love him.

42. FAVORITE SOUND? Crickets.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Rolling Stones.

44. WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Paris, France.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can draw realistic portraits if given the time. I can knit. I can pick good colors for things. I can make people do things . . . in a nice way. I can say "no", without ever really saying the word "no". I can speak in front of 500 people, without even really knowing what I'm speaking about.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Ohio

47. What frustrates you most? People without integrity.

48. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Again. Don't expect answers from anyone. But this was kinda a cool thing to do. Don't send me any more though.

Quotes from Last Evening

(sigh) "So it looks like a wig?"
"Um. No. But it doesn't look like you. At all."
"So it looks like a wig?"
"Well. It looks like a wig on you . . . but it's all one color. You never have hair that's all one color."
(sigh) "So it looks like a wig?"
"I just don't think I've seen you with such normal hair . . . "

AND . . .

Drunk blonde teenager at 7-Eleven, 2:34 a.m.:
"Whoa. Your hair is BLUE."

Watch Out

As I shirk my responsibilities at work (because it is Saturday, damnit. I want one day off.) . . . I have quite the adventurous morning.

First, the allergist. I got the nurse who hates life. Hates her job. Hates fat people. Hates me. Which was hilarious, now that I know that she is just like that. She likes her blood pressure cuffs to be very large, which leads to sighing on her part. (I don't know about you . . . but I think I have pretty regular sized arms . . . my butt is another story . . . ) She's a peach. Then the physician's assistant came in and admonished me not to "pick up rocks" in Arizona. Everything will be fine there, in terms of allergies, as long as I don't pick up any rocks. I had to ask for clarification. Are there allergens in the rocks? Is it like Hawaii and the goddess of fire will hunt you down and make your life miserable? What's with the tempting rocks?

"All the spiders stay under the rocks . . . well, spiders and bad things . . . like scorpions . . . all under the rocks. So if you pick them up, you might be in trouble."

Well . . . okay, then. No, touching the rocks.

The explanation came with a personal story, leading me to believe that the rock warning isn't all that creditable. Just because someone's mother stopped by the side of the road and picked up what she thought was a pretty rock and there happened to be a large spider on it . . . doesn't mean all rocks are dangerous. At least I don't think that logic works.

After the rock conversation, I decided to go get some french toast. Had the Saturday ad section of the paper, so coffee and some toast seemed the way to go. Found a small booth, even though it was Saturday morning. Cool. Except that I was next to two couples. I was unable to determine their age . . . couldn't tell if it was an "early bloom, early rot" situation, if if they were in their thirties . . . well, anyhow one of them had a "Holly wrestling" skull cap on and talked about wrestling. So maybe they were in high school? The wrestling guy proclaimed that he was still drunk. The two women hated everyone . . . "Why was he dancing with that skag? What happened to Eric, he was so cute. Now he's fat. See here on my phone? He was cute then. God, I hate that girl in the green sweater . . . " The other boy just talked about his food. He didn't understand what was taking so long (at this point, I didn't either . . . because I had no french toast) and he didn't even know what sunny-side up was, but he had ordered over easy. And what was the deal with his toast? He questioned his toast (as he was eating it) about six times.

They were gems. All four of them. And they have a better chance of reproducing than I have . . . leading me to the conclusion that the world may be doomed. Between that and the rocks.

Like a Sea Lion

Scene: Parent Teacher Conferences -- stuffy high school gym with a 100 people milling around using air

M2: I so need some ice cream.

It is the end of conferences . . . fifteen minutes left.

Em: Mmmm. Ice Cream. I haven't had ice cream in sixth months. (she then thinks about how ice cream would destroy her digestive system for about 24 hours . . . as she has not consumed lactose in about as long)

M2: Yeah, I've had ice cream . . . about every time I feel like this.

Em: But you are a size 10, so it's okay. Do you realize that I've been going to the gym religiously for three months . . . and I've gained weight?

M2: One of the mysteries of the universe.

Em: No, I chalk it up to the Swedish. In Sweden, my relatives had to have blubber to survive. We're like sea lions.

M2: Sea lions?

Em: Yup.

M2: You should use that on matchdotcom. "I'm like a sea lion."

There's this Show

I don't watch television much anymore. Something of a time crunch in my current existence.

But today, I felt icky . . . and I'm coughing up some vile things . . . so I decided to pass on working out. Nothing more embarrassing than hacking up a lung while lifting weights. So I sat on the couch and started with a movie.

The movie was suggested by a person, that I know, who said that I would really like it. And I did like it, until I figured out the plot twist . . . with an hour yet to go in the movie. So then I slept through the rest. Really, once you see the bottle put in the suitcase, it's all over.

Once I woke up, I watched some t.v.. I watched my favorite show, NCIS, because Mark Harmon is hot and I like to know that someone Dark Princessey like me has a job (Abbi). I watched Law and Order . . . and remembered why I don't watch Law and Order. Again, with the obvious plot twist noticable in the first fifteen minutes. Then I flipped between CSI and this show that I only watch with my parents. Boston Legal . . . I think it's called. Has the character, Denny Crane, in it . . . with the "mad cow" disease that he uses as an excuse for everything. He reminds me of Mr. Crabbypants. So much so, that when he is being crabby, I now chalk it up to mad cow.

I only watch this show with my parents, who have several seasons on DVD. My father and I will do marathon sessions, with wine . . . I think we could have cigars, if my mother would let us. Anyhow, watching it alone made me miss them. And the show isn't as funny without them somehow. Which is why I don't watch it.

So where should I go for my birthday?

Not too Hard . . . Not too Soft

Today was one of those sneaky Michigan days. You stand outside and think to yourself . . . "yeah, maybe the weather isn't so bad." You almost convince yourself that it is nice to live here, that there are perks . . . the perks of spring . . . that certain smelliness, the feel of the air.

But having lived in Michigan for 34 years (I did a 2 year stint in Cleveland, but I don't remember it, so it's okay) I know it's all a sham. We still have at least a month of winter. Today, in it's seventy degree goodness, is just a test of our resolve. A trick. By Friday, it will be all snowy. Or worse, just cold and gray.

I walked to the YMCA tonight. In a light jacket. With sunglasses on. And it was extremely pleasant . . . I wasn't too hot . . . I wasn't too cold . . .

Today, was the Goldilocks of Michigan weather.

Trails of Myspace

So I was looking for inspiration today for my photography project and came upon a Cranbrook student that I had talked to, months ago, on myspace. "Huh," I thought to myself, "his podcast is really cool. I should email him and tell him that. Because I like it when I get emails telling me that I am really cool. (and I assume that everyone thinks like I do)"

So off into the myspace world I go . . . and notice that one of his "friends" had emailed me randomly two weeks ago. It was a woman who also lives in Hamtramck, who wrote to me about liking monkeys. "Hmm, small world" I thought.

Then later this evening, during an email conversation, myspace was brought up again. Go to the person's profile and recognize another "friend" on the friend list . . . who is on photography guy's list. So everyone in Hamtramck, knows each other . . . and have added each other. Granted, this boy has 581 friends, so he knows everyone. But still, it's all coming back to Cranbrook photography guy tonight.

Creepy.

And I only have 12 friends . . . and now feel so lame.

Keeps me off the Streets?

It's just Tuesday and already Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are booked . . . solid. And don't get me wrong, I like to be busy. I am at my best when I am slightly overscheduled. Otherwise, I think too much . . . and get caught up in the thinking.

College: worked two jobs and took 21 credits a term (ah, the dual major) . . . and somehow partied like a rock star . . . and made grades. No cracks about being an art major.

Early career: worked at the restaurant because my "real" job wasn't paying the bills. Worked 8 to 4 at real job, Wednesday night, Friday and Saturday at restaurant.

I think I'm back to that with the two classes plus the yearbook advising.

For those of you are interested, in my oh, so exciting life:
Thursday: Class -- get to hang with the Nikon twins again! And sit next to tattoo guy.
Friday: Magic Bag. Friend of a friend's band.
Saturday: Work meeting, that I am running and then DIA (quick like bunnies), auto show and Layfette Coney Island (which I SWEAR I have NEVER been to . . . not even with Grandpa Don . . . you people, you never brought me along on those trips)

I'm very excited about crossing the threshold of the famed Layfette Coney Island. Maybe I was there when I was three, but I don't think so. I'll see if anything looks remotely familiar.

And I have exams to write. And books to buy for classes. And maybe I should make an agenda for the meeting on Saturday.

Anyhow, the point was: I really just want to fall asleep on the couch.

Oooh, Pretty Colors

The pictures are up on Dave's car thingy (see link to the right) . . . and it is surprising how you're always still the big sister, because I would have taken some poor girl's head off if I had been there. She's lucky I was at my day job.

Anyhow, if you go to the "gallery" tab . . . I think my pictures are last. I looked through pages 1-11 of 65 and didn't see any of mine. Sorry, I don't have control of the site. And don't have the patience to look for them. So instead I will give you pictures of the paint displays. This is the paint display for the Smart car. You can get the teeny car in all those colors.

Eventually, I will have collages of "chairs of the auto show" and "floors of the auto show" but have to go back and get more shots. I think I can get in all next week. Or maybe it's all this week. Oh well, I'll figure it out.

Oh, and I stepped on the clip of my camera case and broke it. So any suggestions about how to fix that . . . and yes, I know I'm stupid sometimes. I might just try to return the bag, as I've had it less than a week, but I'm having some problems with the integrity of that action. But really, they should make stuff strong enough for you to step on it at least once.

he he, sounds like you're going to the vet

"Gotta go get my shots."

I'm down to allergy shots every two weeks. So will only amuse E2 half as much by making it sound like I'm taking myself to the vet. And they hurt today.

Am on a Ben Fold kick this afternoon. Currently loving "Learn to Live with what you are".

About to go worship the god of consumerism. For the xmas. Just bought a present for someone, something they requested, wanted . . . that totally insults my sensibilities. I may have to go get her a nicer one to go with the one she wants, just to balance the universe out. And my brother just told me not to spend that much money on him . . . does he understand that I'm a s.i.n.k.? So I think I can swing the vacuum . . .

And I don't need anything.

Crate and Barrel. MAC. Urban Outfitters. Coney Island. Sounds like a lovely afternoon, no?

Being Self-Sufficient

. . . sucks when you need someone to hold the damn flashlight.

I think I'm charging the truck's battery. Maybe. We'll see in a couple of hours. And now, I have the coolest battery charger in the world.

And should I take Advanced Jewelry making in Orchard Lake, Advanced Figure Drawing in Royal Oak, or Beginning Digital Photography? Orchard Lake is going to be a hike. And I am leery of taking advanced classes . . . though I am qualified. As I remember, schools like to groom people to the advanced classes. But I do know how to melt things and shoot them into a mold, so I guess I am advanced. Maybe.

Overscheduled

I had three things to do this morning . . . and none of them are done. I did just manage to get some socks on, so forward progress.

Had accidental plans last night. Have plans for early afternoon (Harps with a friend . . . so more not touching the bras), early evening (Noel Night) and evening. Then I have to wake up at an reasonable hour tomorrow so we can change the brakes on my car. (unlike this morning, where I woke up at a reasonable hour but didn't get out of bed) (cold day, blankets and duvet . . . good.) And I can not be crabby for the brake changing, because my brother is doing it and not charging me a dime . . . and brakes, they're important. You want them to work when you are operating a motor vehicle. So sunshine and friendliness tomorrow. Smiling and ready to hand over the correct wrench thingy.

Have to back to Somerset and return things that are the wrong size. Last time I listen to the saleswoman at Soma. "Oh no, you definitely want a size ____" which wasn't the size I already have. But Somerset has three Starbucks, which would not be all that bad a thing to ingest right now.

And I shouldn't be this overscheduled on a weekend. It's making my stomach kinda tight . . . or that might be the not eating yet. (And no, those who read this. I do want to go to all the fun this weekend, just didn't expect the sleeping in . . . and now have to catch up.)

My Sister is Weird

Okay, there's a lot of "Gonads and Strife" in the Squirrel "Wheeeeeee!" song.

Lookin' for the Squirrel Song -- "Whee"

And found this instead . . . funny as heck . . . but maybe because we might be lit.
"Squirrely Wrath" has now entered my vernacular.

Squirrely Wrath song

Made It In

I am officially an Oakland Community College student as of next Tuesday. I've been accepted. I feel so loved.

The application focused heavily on my high school career, so I was a little nervous . . . high school being so long ago and me only having a 3.3 grade point average, as I didn't really apply myself. But as it turns out they don't even look at your application. They look at your driver's license. And I have one of those, with three different endorsements. The picture kinda looks like me.

Stopped by the "counseling window" that has a big sign that reads "this window is for questions that can be answered in 10 MINUTES ONLY". My question only took a minute to say . . . about 40 seconds to answer. They will be needing my transcripts. I can take them to three different places in the building (I had asked another question, as I had more than 8 minutes left). Got a look from the other new student behind me because my question started with "Yeah, I have a master's degree and I want to . . . " Must have sounded like a snob. Heck, am sounding like a snob right now.

Weird being the oldest person in a building. Well, some of the construction workers were my age. I suppose it will be worse once I get into a class.

Anyhow, OCC seems much more easy-going when it comes to admissions than, say, law school or the organizational theory doctoral program that I'm interested in. Plus I don't have to quit my job, move, or write a thesis.

Just have to live with finishing a yearbook and taking 6 credits. Advanced Photoshop and Advanced Life Drawing . . . it will be fun. Maybe ceramics . . . but then you have to give all of it away. It's becomes like zucchini. And I already have too much shit. Paper I can at least store flat, with all of the other drawings in the attic.

Too Perfect

It's like not even dressing up! (link here)

Full Name: Jane Lane
Current Age: 18
Current Vocation: Freshman at Boston Fine Arts College
Season One Age: 16
Season One Vocation: Sophomore at Lawndale High
Parents: Vincent and Amanda Lane
Siblings: Trent, Penny, Summer, and Wind
First Appearance: Esteemsters

Jane is Daria's best friend. They met during a self-esteem class at Lawndale High, which Jane had already taken six times (she could have easily passed the class, but having low self-esteem "made her feel special"). Like Daria, Jane is cynical, intelligent, and talented (she is a budding artist), but she is also a little more open to the world around her. She enjoys running, and once joined the Lawndale High track team... briefly.Like any good artist, Jane constantly explores the passionate and emotional side of the world, which usually translates into exploring -- sometimes impulsively -- various romantic possiblities with boys ("Bobby Big-head" in "The Invitation" (#102), Evan in "See Jane Run" (#211), Tom Sloane in "Jane's Addition" (#313), and Nathan in "Life in the Past Lane" (#509)). Her emotional nature tends to get the better of her, unfortunately, and is part of the reason why her only long-term relationship (with Tom) ended -- disastrously -- in "Dye! Dye! My Darling" (#413). Her strained relationship with Daria (who began dating Tom) finally was resolved in "Is It Fall Yet?", and she now appears to be (mostly) comfortable with her best friend dating her ex-boyfriend... though, of course, she doesn't miss an opportunity to tease both of them about it.

Status at end of series: Graduated from Lawndale High. Accepted into the midterm freshman class at Boston Fine Arts College, where she'll undoubtedly continue to drag Daria (who was accepted into the fresman class at nearby Raft College) into more adventures.

Daria on Jane: Artiste extraordinaire and pizza fiend. Believes paint-by-number kits are inherently evil.