Gift Cards are not Gifts

This is another article by Liz Pulliam Weston.

While I agree that unlike gifts, the cards do not require much thought and I wouldn't give them to my best friends, I do think they are gifts. I have gift cards from a few stores on my Christmas List. Maybe I don't have a problem with gift cards because I don't have a problem with giving cash (to certain people, for certain situations).

This a quote from her article:

While researching party themes for my daughter's upcoming celebration, I stumbled across a posting by a woman who proudly included the horrifying words "monetary gifts would be much appreciated" on her 3-year-old child's invitations. She went on to explain that "I wanted money as gifts for my daughter's savings and for us to buy bigger toys, like a big kitchen and a Barbie Jeep that she wanted, instead of guests giving her small toys."
It's official. Shame is dead.

I don't think there is anything wrong with that request. Her daughter would like the bigger gifts and she may not be able to afford them on her own. It is unfair for the little girl to suffer. Plus, the little toys can clutter up the house, and she's likely to get multiple of the same. While it may have been fun to have 50 Barbies, I'm glad that I had a kitchen set, a rocking/spring horse and other large items instead. I'm not really sure how asking for money is any different than asking for specific items especially items on a registry (then the receiver still knows exactly how much is spent).

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a large family/group of friends to all put in money and buy one large and more special/wanted/needed/useful gift. My friends and I often purchase expensive items for each other that we either wouldn't or couldn't get for ourselves.

So basically, my opinion is: for people very close to you, you should be able to find a gift; but for acquaintances cash and gift cards is acceptable.

10 Things You Should Never Buy Used

This article was also written by Liz Pulliam Weston. I agree more with this one then what shouldn't be bought new.

1) Laptops - If it's cheap enough (a couple hundred), I'd risk getting a used one. Although, I think I'm going to splurge and get myself a nice new RED one.

2) Car Seats - Never really thought about how they could have been in an accident.

3) Plasma TVs - I didn't even know you could get these used. I bet they're still crazy expensive, so getting a new one with a warranty would be a good idea.,

4) DVD Players - How cheap are you? You can find a new one for under 50 bucks. I think I spent $20 or $30 or mine five years ago and it still works.

5) Vacuum Cleaners - I didn't even know people sold them. But seriously, if some one is selling it, it probably sucks (actually it probably doesn't suck enough).

6) Camcorders - Don't really use these, but I wouldn't buy a used digital camera. Besides, can't you get a relatively cheap camcorder?

7) Shoes - Ewww

8) Mattresses - Ewww

9) Wet Suits - Ewww

10) Helmets - Ewww

I Don't Know, Leave a Message!

I've been the receptionist at work since Friday (the actual reception is on vacation). Yesterday, a woman from some magazine or publication called asking for information about the CIO and who works for him. I do not know the hierarchy of the entire organization. I also don't even know his direct reports especially because it has changed recently. I helped her as best as I could then transferred her to the CIO. He doesn't have an assistant, so we send all calls to his voicemail. Instead of leaving a message, she called back and asked about an assistant. I told her he didn't have one and offered to transfer her to the IT Manager. When his phone went to voicemail, she called me back and started asking the same questions that I already told her I didn't know. I assured her that Sean was in the office and if she left a message he would get back to her, but she wanted to know right now. I transferred her to HR since she was asking about employees. Once again she got a voicemail, and once again, she wouldn't just leave a message even though I assured her the person was in the office.

Then she said, "Well the president might know," so I tried transferring her to the CEO's assistant, who also thought it was an HR question. Finally, the woman asked for some one in customer service, which I really didn't think would be able to help her, but she stopped calling back.

Today she called back -from a blocked number. She asked similar questions and I tried transferring her to three people, which all went to voicemail (two of those people were here, but one was on vacation). The last voicemail mentioned our hotholine and the extension number. She asked about this number. When I explained to her that was the number to call for computer problems, she thanked me and (hopefully) finally gave up.

10 Things You Shouldn't Buy New

I read this article by Liz Pulliam Weston. I disagreed with 9 of the 10 items. Not because I thought those items necessarily shouldn't be bought used, but I really saw no reason not to/good reasons to buy them new. Basically, I don't think there is ever a good reason to NEVER buy something new if that's what you want. I a bigger fan of sales.

Here is the list (if you want to see her reasons and exceptions, read the article):
1) Books
2) DVDs and CDs
3) Little Kids' Toys
4) Jewelry
5) Sports Equipment
6) Timeshares
7) Cars
8) Software and Console games
9) Office Furniture
10) Hand Tools

Here are my comments:
1) Books - This is the only one I agree with. Books are ridiculously expensive, and I very rarely read a book more than once. I just go to the library, because I get to read my book for free and then it's not cluttering up my house later. This exception I can think of (which she did not mention) is children books. I will still read Dr. Seuss books (in English as well as other languages), and I'm sure you'd get your money's worth if the kid is reading them a lot (maybe that's why they're so god-awful expensive).

2) DVDs and CDs - I have no problem with buying these used. Actually, I hardly ever buy CDs and most of the DVDs are from Blockbuster when you can the 4 for $20 on "previously viewed" DVDs. However, you do run the risk of them being scratched. Good reasons to buy them new: You want them when as soon as they come out and/or you know you'll watch/listen multiple times and want to wear them out yourself.

3) Little Kids' Toys - This is one I actually think should be bought new. Kids are germ factories and do pretty gross things to their toys. I once used the toilet as a pool for my dolls. I would not to give my kids a toy that had been in some one's toilet.

4) Jewelry - Umm...why the hell would I want someone else's used jewelry? Weston suggests going to a porn shop. No, Jewelry is freakin' supposed to be shiny and new. The only used jewelry I want (and have) is passed down from relatives.

5) Sports Equipment - My initial reaction when I read this was "EWWWW!" But Weston did say that the exception would be shoes, gloves, stuff that molds to the body. But still, if you're going out to buy this equipment, why wouldn't you want new stuff?

6) Timeshares - I know nothing about theses, so I really don't have an opinion.

7) Cars - I have a used car, I haven't had too many problems with it, but my dad bought his car new. We (because my mom and I had to throw in our two cents) were able to get everything we wanted (dual heating controls, cd player, spoiler, etc). If you like to get a new/different car every couple years, then I would say leasing or buying a used would be the way to go. But if you're like my fam (my parents keep their cars for at least a decade, and I've had mine for almost 6 years), I see no reason not to buy a new car.

8) Software and Console games - Like the DVDs, you run the risk of the disks being messed up. More so with games because they are played so much. Also, last time I was looking at video games, the price for a new copy was $60 and the used was $55. Five bucks does not seem worth the risk. Also, Weston says that waiting a few months will reduce the cost the games and also will give other people time to find the problems. Well, if you wait and then purchase the games, this does not mean they're used. If they're still in their cellophane wrappers, they're new.

9) Office Furniture - This is something you're going to use ever day, why not get it new?

10) Hand Tools - Huh? Are these things really that expensive you can't just buy them new?

Excitement in the Parking Lot

The other day, around 9:45 am, one of my co-workers walked by my desk and said, "psst excitement in the parking lot." I wasn't really expecting much, because these people that I work with have stared at snow and contemplated if we would get out early. I grew out of that behavior in middle school.

Anyway, when I got to the window that overlooks the parking lot, there really was some excitement. There was an SUV on fire! While we were gawking, the flames and smoke kept growing and eventually both tires blew. We saw an "Auto Glass Repair" truck hanging around for awhile, but eventually I think the driver realized that this car was going to need a little more than glass to fix it.

Then we saw a woman (from the building next door) come out with a set a keys and walk toward the car. We thought it was her car that was in flames, but her car was actually parked right it front of the flaming car. A cop took her keys and moved her car to a safer area.

Even though there is a firehouse about a block away, it took the firemen awhile to arrive because they are volunteers, so they don't stay at the firehouse. It took them a couple tries and a few minutes to put the fire out. If the fire was out, the excitement was over, so we all went back to work.

Who would pay one-hunded fifty dollars for a mouse??

I get emails from Dell, and the other day I got one advertising a mouse for $149. Here is the description taken from www.Dell.com:

Overview
Explore your new media universe with a state-of-the-art mouse that’s effortless to use—on your desk or in the air. On your desk, advanced laser technology gives you precise tracking and instant response. In the air, innovative Freespace™ motion sensing transforms hand motions into natural, responsive cursor controls. Sit back and listen to music, browse photos, or surf the Web—from your desk or across the room. The MX Air™ mouse is the perfect complement to your PC-based entertainment experience.

Highlights

• Laser performance: On your desk, enjoy laser-precise tracking and instant response
• Freespace motion sensing: In the air, use MX Air™ to browse and play your favorite media. The sensor transforms hand motions into natural, responsive cursor controls. Adjust volume by waving to the right or left; skip tracks with a flip of the wrist
• Scroll panel: Experience hyper-fast scrolling at the touch of a finger—on your desk or in the air
• Gesture controls: Control playback and volume with hand motions. Adjust volume by waving to the right or left; skip tracks with a flip of the wrist
• Li-ion battery: Recharges faster, lasts longer
  2.4 GHz wireless: An operating range of 30 feet lets you navigate media from anywhere in the room

It sounds kinda cool, but certainly not for $150 (although it is on sale for $126.65 right now). Plus I would never use all those features. Actually, when I'm using a laptop (which is all I use at home), I just stick with the touch pad that's on the machine.

About this "laser-precise tracking and instant response ," I think an optical mouse is pretty damn precise. Actually I've never had a a problem with the accuracy or response time of ball mice. The only problem I have with them is that you have to clean the ball all the time. There is one "special" feature that when I use a mouse, i really like to have. That is the wheel because it makes scrolling so much easier. I'd be perfectly (and am) satisfied with a two-button optical mouse with wheel that costs about $15.00.

As I was looking for the information on the $149 mouse to write this blog, I came across a few others that are close to $100, and they weren't even wireless. Apparently, they're great for gamers.

Bad Timing

You probably don't know this, but I technically work for a promotion agency. I say "technically" because I haven't actually done any work for them in over a year; infact, it might be two. The reasons for this are because I have a real job, the work has been over an hour away, and at the ass-crack of dawn. Translation: it wasn't worth it.


This week, I got three opportunities by email. All three were within 30 minutes from my house, $14-15/hr and only 10-3. This is what I'd consider worth it. Unfortunately, I could not accept any of the jobs. The first two were during the week, and third one (which was on a Saturday) was only for dog-lovers. Not that I have a problem with dogs, but I don't like them enough to try and feed ones I don't know for five hours. GRRRR!

Vacation

–noun
1. a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday: Schoolchildren are on vacation now.
2. a part of the year, regularly set aside, when normal activities of law courts, legislatures, etc., are suspended.
3. freedom or release from duty, business, or activity.

I remember when the 3rd definition was reality. Now, it seems that there is no such thing as "freedom from work." When I went to Wildwood last month, 4 of the 7 people there brought laptops. This wasn't so we could watch DVDs or anything like that. It was to do some sort of work. Luckily, I did not have to deal with that. Ahh, the beauty of only being a temporary employee.

The reason I'm writing about this now is because one of my co-workers went on vacation this week and told me if I had any questions, I could just email him because he'd be checking emails.

Oh, I remember the days before wireless Internet and cell phones (or at least before nationwide coverage), when people could really escape from their everyday lives for a short period of time.

Speaking of the days before technology...I just saw a K-Mart commercial for "notebooks." My first thought was "Oh, K-Mart has laptops?" Apparently, people (I'm guessing school kids) still use paper bond together by a twisted wire.

[We] Had three TV channels you got up to change

No video games and no satellite

All we had were friends and they were outside, playin’ outside

It was a different life

When we were boys and girls

Not just a different time

It was a different world

~Bucky Covington

I Miss Back When. ~Tim McGraw

Don't get me wrong, I'm addicted to technology too. I can't live my "normal" life without my computer, cell phone, etc, but a little vacation every now and then is nice.

Don't See 1408

1408 is supposed to be a horror movie. If you ask me, it was just a piece of crap. I didn't find it all that horrifying, and the plot was stupid. I just kept waiting for it to be over so I could find out what happened. Well, the ending left me with even more questions.

Basically, you couldn't tell what was a hallucination and what actually happened.

I hadn't seen the previews for the movie, but a friend told me it was horror film that took place in room 1408 of a hotel. I thought it was going to be like Vacancy, which I didn't see, but it looked good. That was about a couple who turned on the TV in their hotel room and realized that the horror film had taken place in that room and they were about to be the next victims.

For Drew

Apparently, someone (other than me) has noticed that it's been awhile since I've had a post. Ordinarily, if someone threatened to "de-link" me, I would be pissed. So why is Drew different? Because he's the only person that has room to make that threat. Meaning: He actually posts in his blog. He keeps me entertained, so I figure I should return the favor.

Since I know he's a Phillies phan...

10,000 Loses/10,000 Marbles:
Last week, to commemorate the Phil's upcoming 10,000th loss, Preston and Steve of WMMR dropped 10,000 marbles down the Art Museum Steps.

Curse of Billy Penn:
For those of you that don't know, the theory goes like this: There was a gentleman's agreement that no building would stand taller than the tip of William Penn's hat (on top of City Hall). This agreement was honored until 1984 (the year after the last championship), when One Liberty Place was built. None of the four major Philly sports teams has won a championship since. They have however, lost 7 championship games, which happens to be the same number of buildings that are taller than the statue.

Comcast is trying to break this curse. Their new building will be the tallest in the city (975 feet) and on top of it, they are affixing a 25 foot statue of Billy Penn.

X-Files in Music

I also wrote this on 05-09-2007.


Last week, while watching The X-Files, Dan mentioned the song that has the lyrics, “watching X-Files with no lights on.” That made me think of the Bloodhound Gang song Bad Touch, which has the lyrics, “and do it doggy-style, so we can both watch X-Files.”

Then this week I watched the episode entitled “Eve,” where the girls named Eve 1, 2, 3, etc. I immediately thought the episode was about Eve 6, but then I figured that was because of the bad Eve6.

When I got home I decided to do some “research.” I discovered that the band was, in fact, named after that episode. I also found this website that lists a bunch of references to the show in lyrics.

Purchasing alcohol in PA

I wrote this on 05-09-2007, but never posted it:


Growing up in PA, the only time I ever saw alcohol was in my house or on an occasional trip to the state store with my parents. Going to southern states it’s odd, but convenient to be able to buy beer in Wawa and supermarkets, but also convenient. From what I understand, in VA, you can purchase beer from a Wawa (which by the way has stacks of cases) until midnight.

Within the past year or so, a giant liquor store opened up on Baltimore Pike. Not only does it have a large selection, it’s open until 10pm and also on Sundays. This is great if you want liquor, but if you want beer, then you have to find some place else to go. This is especially annoying if you want both.

Saturday (after spending all day and it being Cinco de Mayo), I needed to drink, and wanted beer. I had figured that I could just drink the beer that my friends and I bought last week and left in their dorm, so I didn’t bother buying any earlier in the day. I didn’t find out until later when I was at dinner that we wouldn’t be able to party there because of quiet hours due to finals.

I headed home and stopped at a beer distributor near the mall, but that (like all the others I knew of) closed at 9 (at this point it was after 9:30). I figured my best shot at finding somewhere (other than a bar ‘cause I didn’t feel like getting raped in the ass) was to drive down Baltimore Pike town Clifton. As soon as I crossed from Springfield into Clifton Heights, I saw the bright orange BEER lights and pulled into the parking lot. Just as I was pulling in I noticed the lights turn off and checked my clock. It said, 10:02 (forgetting that it’s 3 minutes fast, I rushed into the store anyway). Not only did they let me, the Miller Lite I wanted was right in front (and a little cheaper than I had paid last week). Even more impressive was the fact that they sell limes. The only other time I’ve ever seen limes sold at the same place as alcohol was somewhere in the south.

So, if you’re looking for something alcoholic to drink before 10, there is a beer store and a liquor store within in 2 minutes of each other along Baltimore Pike.

Now that I’m over 21 and have a job where I can afford to buy alcohol, it’s getting annoying to have to go to two different stores to buy beer and liquor. We need to change this stupid PA law.

Craptacular Morning

This is about yesterday (Thurs).

Here’s how my morning was supposed to go: wake up to Preston & Steve, re-straighten my hair, get dressed, pick up a friend from a dealership and drop him off at his house, come to work on time or just a few minutes late.

Here’s what actually happened.

Last night I showered and blow-dried my hair. I was then going to straighten my hair, but the fucking straighner wouldn’t turn on. This had happened once before and I thought I had to buy a new one, but then it started working again. Apparently it, is, in fact, time to buy a new one. I now must decide if I want to keep buying an inexpensive one ($30), that works really well, but needs to be replaced about once a year or risk getting an expensive one that still might die after a year.

I didn’t feel like going to CVS at 1:30 AM and I didn’t think I’d have time in the morning either. Luckily, Whit is still in school and would be awake around the time I’d need to straighten my hair so I her a message on AIM. I hadn’t heard from her around 7:10, and started to wonder if she was not going to check her computer before school. Well, I decided to try mine again and this time it turned on. I figured it might go off again, so I just started with the top layer of hair (instead of the bottom like usual). Well, as I was doing this Whit told me to come get hers. Good thing I did because mine died again. Hers worked great and my morning was back on track.

I got to the dealership around 7:30 and my friend was in line waiting for the place to open. As I was waiting, I had a chance to put on my make-up. He came out just as I was finishing. The traffic was not too bad because it was still pretty early. As I’m pulling into his driveway, he starts feeling around his pockets and says, “Oh Shit.” Yep, no house keys. He left them in his glove compartment. I had to drive all the way back to the dealership and then all the way back to his house, this time with more traffic and school zones.

As I’m driving to work, some moron starts to pull out perpendicular to me. I had to swerve into the other lane to keep from slamming into her.

Then I finally got to my exit and it was completely backed up. At the exit I use, you can either go right or left. I go left because it’s quicker. There is technically only one lane, but most people usually just ride the shoulder because it’s so large. I could not do this today because of the 15 trucks (ok, it was more like three, but still a pain in the ass) that were to left side of the lane).

So I finally got to work and had to deal with that drama. The worst part about this whole fucking thing is that it’s not even Friday yet. This has been the longest fucking week ever.

Beer

I discovered two things last night both involving beer:

1) Bonging beer is awesome.

2) Impairment really does begin with the first drink.

Explanations:

1) I was always afraid to try bonging a beer before because I didn't think I could do, and I'd end up wasting a beer by spilling it all over me. Well, last night since I was just with two good friends, I decided to try it. I could do it and it was awesome. I've never been able to chug beer and the only way I'd get drunk fast was flip cup. The best part was how fast it hit me. Which brings me to my next point...

2) So yes, I've always believed that impairment begins with the first drink and I won't drive after drinking, but I've never actually experienced it...until playing Guitar Hero. Not surprising, I wasn't very good at the game at first, but after bonging a beer, I was terrible. Now, after playing it for hours, I think I'm addicted.

Lyrics

This is what I was originally go to write about before having to create a Google account...

As the title implies, this post it going to be about song lyrics. Most of which 'cause me say, "what the fuck?" Though there are some that I enjoy.

I really love Carrie Underwood's song "Before He Cheats," especially the chorus:

I dug my key into the side

Of his pretty little souped up four wheel drive

Carved my name into his leather seats

Took a Louisville slugger to both headlights

Slashed a hole in all four tires

Maybe next time he’ll think before he cheats

Although I do love the lyrics, I think her revenge is a bit overboard for just be cheated on. Now if was screwing around w/o a condom, which could have potentially given her an STD (or especially if he did give her one), it's a freakin' great idea. Actually, I think carving her name is a pretty dumb idea if she'd prefer not to get arrested.

Ok, so on to lyrics that piss me off...

"Cupid's Chokehold" by Gym Class Heroes, which is played all the f-ing time on a bunch of stations:

In one verse:

I mean she even cooks me pancakes
And Alka Seltzer when my tummy aches
If that ain't love then I don't know what love is

Ok, that's kinda sweet, but in the next verse:

I love it when she calls my phone
She even got her very own ringtone
If that ain't love then I don't know what love is

Since when does their own ringtone equal love?!?!

"Irreplaceable" by Beyoncé:

You must not know 'bout me

I could have another you in a minute

Matter fact, he'll be here in a minute (baby)

You must not know 'bout me

You must not know 'bout me

I can have another you by tomorrow

So don't you ever for a second get to thinkin'

You're irreplaceable

I like the idea of the song, it's the just the words she chooses that pisses me off. Saying "minute" twice is redundant, but then in the next verse she says "tomorrow." Which is it? In a minute or by tomorrow? It seems like she changes her mind isn't really sure how long it will take to find someone better.

Finally, "Wasn't Me" by Shaggy:

Honey came in and she caught me red-handed

Creeping with the girl next door

Picture this, we were both butt naked

Bangin' on the bathroom floor

Ok, I actually like the lyrics, but what I heard on the radio was:

Honey came in and she caught me red-handed
Creeping with the girl next door
Picture this, we were both butt naked
Mak' love on the bathroom floor

Ummm...what?! Let's for a second pretend I'm not completely opposed to the phrase "making love" (we'll pretend I use it the way I use "to have sex"). First of all, it's the not the right number of syllables to fit the song, so he doesn't even say "makin'" , you just hear "make" or maybe not even the whole word. Second, this song is not the right context of the phrase. What he's doing with the neighbor does not sound like "love making," it definitely sounds a lot closer to fucking." Therefore, the phrase "doing it" fits the context better. But this too is too many syllables--my solution to the problem: take out the word "butt" in the line before. So a more bearable verse would be:

Honey came in and she caught me red-handed

Creeping with the girl next door

Picture this, we were both naked

Doing it on the bathroom floor

If you haven't already figured it out, the absolute best solution is to "NOT CENSOR THE DAMN THING IN THE FIRST PLACE!" I think I'd prefer just the silencing of the word.

F*ck Blogger and Google

So the last time(s), I logged on to Blogger, they said, "hey, would you like to sign up for the new Google crap?" And I just said, "no thanks." Tonight, they were like, "Bitch if you want to create a post (and we know you do, since it's been freaking forever since your last one), you have to sign up for a Google account."

I've never been a fan of Google. Not that I have anything against it, I just prefer Yahoo! (Actually, now I earn money for Phi Sigma Pi by using goodsearch.com --HINT, HINT, HINT--which is through yahoo.)

Well, on a positive note, I do like the categories and the spell check on this version better.

55 Questions

This was ganked from Duff

01. When's the last time you ran? Run? Does up or down the stairs count? If so, about an hour ago.

While playing a sport? Not sure, but it was probably for a PSP event

On an elliptical trainer? Last month

Outdoors? Probably last summer on the beach while sucking at playing catch with a football

02. Do your jeans have rips, tears, and holes in them? Only one pair, but that's from actual wear, not 'cause I think it's cool to wear jeans that look 10 years old.

03. What are you dreading right now? Work tomorrow-I have to be the receptionist all day while attempting to get my normal job done.

04. Do you celebrate 4/20? No, but I do celebrate 4/26 (Aprils b-day)

05. Only child? Yep, though I do consider April, Beck and her siblings mine.

06. Favorite ice cream? Mint Chocolate Chip/Half baked

07. When was your last doctors visit? I guess three weeks ago for my eyes

08. Do you get the full 8 hours of sleep a night? HAHAHAHAHA, well, maybe on some weekends.

09. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? 10-45 minutes: depends on what I have to do.

10. "First Loves Are Never Over;" is this true for you? Oh, I'm definitely over him

11. Think of all your ex's. Would you take any of them back? Been there done that, didn't work out

12. If anyone came to your house on your "lazy days" what would they find you wearing? Aero sweat pants and a tank top.

13. When's the last time you had food? A couple hours ago

14. Do you eat raw cookie dough? YUMMM!

15. Have you ever kicked a vending machine? I think when it took my money, but didn't give me my food.

16. Do you watch Trading Spaces? I used to when I had cable

17. Are you cocky? Sometimes

18. Do you read your Bible daily? HaHaHaHaHaHa

19. How many kids will you have one day?2 or 3

20. Could you live without a computer? Well, I'm sure my hear wouldn't start and my lungs would continue oxygenating my blood, but I would not be happy.

21. Do you wear your shoes in the house? Not usually

22. What do you do when you're sad? Eat icecream with my girls

23. Who would you call first if you won the lottery? The airlines to book a first-class flight to Europe

24. Who/what sleeps with you every night? My stuffed puppy that I've had since I was really little

25. Have you ever been in love? Yea

26. Pancakes or french toast? Depends on my mood

27. How do you like your eggs? Sunny-side up or scrambled with cheese

28. How do you like your steak? Medium well

29. What jewelry are you wearing? My PSP ring, my grandmother's ring, 2 earrings, a necklace, a watch and autism bracelet

30. Do you watch Grey's Anatomy? About to do that now actually.

31. How do most people spell your name? Jackie, though most people screw up the number of c's an r's in my last name.

32. What do you do for a living? I work for a chemical company

33. What was the first movie that gave you nightmares? Movies don't give me nightmares

34. Have you ever traveled outside of the US? Philly is my wife, Rome is my mistress

35. When is the last time you left your house? A couple hours ago for dinner

36. Do you buy your own school supplies? I used to

37. Do you enjoy school? Until I graduated from elementary school

38. Do you return your cart? Not to the store, but to the areas in the parking lot set up for carts

39. How do you get to school? Done with school (at least for now), but I drive to work

40. What was the last thing you ate? Chinese

41. When was the last time you said I love you and meant it? I say it to family and friends all the time.

42. When was the last time someone said I love you to you and meant it? How the hell should I know if someone really meant it or not?

43. What does your license plate say? Are you trying to stalk me?

44. When is the last time you ate peanut butter? About 16 years ago...A very bad experience

45. How many hours a week do you work (school doesn't count)? 38.75

46. What's the last thing you purchased? Lunch

47. Where is your cell phone? Next to me

48. What brand are your pants right now? Aero

49. Did you have breakfast this morning? Yep--Cheerios

50. What brand is your digital camera? Nikon

51. Do you watch movies with your parents? Yea

52. Do you wear shorts? Nope, I can't stand them, but I do wear skirts

53. Do your parents know you curse? Not only do they I know I say "fuck," they know I actually fuck

54. Do you get your hair cut every month? My hair doesn't grow that fast

55. Do you go online everyday? Yea

First Day of Spring

I've been waiting for spring since the middle of fall (since winter didn't really start until February) and even though the weather wasn't that great, it turned out to be a pretty good day.

I actually managed to get up early enough to stop at Dunkin' Donuts for their free iced coffee (and I also bought a bagel with strawberry cream cheese) -- good stuff, and I usually don't like iced coffee. Speaking of Dunkin' Donuts, I realized yesterday (as I heard one) how they always have good commercials. The current one (I'm not sure if it's on TV or just the radio) is a spoof of a mob movie that has been "edited for TV." So instead of the mobster saying, "We took him down to the river and whacked him," there is a voice over saying "...and gave him a stern talking to." The point being that nobody likes when things are watered down, including iced coffee. Their coffee never tastes watered down even when the ice melts. I'd have to say, this is true. The other good commercials were: "Time to make the donuts" and the one where it was buy one, get free for a dozen donuts and the same guy kept coming back with corny disguises.

Anyway, back to the day:

• Work was pretty good: I had stuff to do, but not a crazy amount
• I added my bio to the PSP wiki, so certain people can get off my ass about it ;)
• Traffic on the expressway was shockingly non-existant most of the way.
• I had time to get some free Rita's (although I managed to get in the line of the idiot that took forever. It was pretty funny to hear people bitch about how cold it was outside as they stand in line for WATER ICE, but it's only free once a year, so it's worth it).
• Dinner with Brothers was fun.
• The meeting was quick, and hanging out with people after was entertaining.
• The drive home was surprisingly fun (driving like an asshole on Walnut--haven't done that in awhile).
• When I got home, I found a parking spot right in front of my house (sometimes I have difficulty finding a spot anywhere on the street if it's after 9 pm.
• I finished the night watching TV and crocheting.

I just hope that the rest of spring is this good. I'll be at E-town this weekend and Penn State next weekend, so that's got be fun.

Lasik

For those of you that don't know, I had lasik on Friday. Here's the outline of what happened:

Initial Consultation

• Had to leave my contacts out for 3 days prior (apparently even the soft lenses can change the shape of the eye).
• They determined that I was a good candidate
• Because I occasionally sleep in my contacts, I had to keep my contacts out for 2 weeks (instead of the usual one week).
• I set up an appointment for exactly two weeks after I stopped wearing the contacts.

Two weeks of hell

• I really hate glasses. I can normally see better with contacts than glasses, but lately my eyes have gotten slightly worse, so it's even more annoying.

Procedure day

• My dad I took a half-day from work and went to the office (it's only about 15 minutes away from where we work).
• Had most of the preliminary tests run again to make sure nothing had changed.
• Met the surgeon (other doctors had done the preliminary tests)--He was really nice.
• Was led into the "OR."
• Laid on the table and asked the doctor to do the left eye first in case anything went wrong. He said that wouldn't be a problem.
• They taped my right eye.
• Dropped numbing drops into my left eye
• Held the left eye open with a speculum
• Cut a flap of my cornea (no, I couldn't feel anything--just had to stare at the blinking red light. My vision did go dark for a few seconds--perfectly normal they warn ya before hand)
• Could see him peel the flap back
• Used the laser to remove part of the cornea--weird smell/taste
• Put the cornea flap back and smooth it out
• remove the speculum and the tape
• repeat with the right eye
• As soon as it was over I could tell that my vision had improved, but it was just blurry (like a dirty contact or having ointment in your eyes).
• When home, put on my "night shield" (plastic that I tape over the eyes that prevents me from rubbing or touching them in my sleep) and went to bed
• Pain and tearing for a few hours, which got better once I was finally able to sleep.
• Dinner, some TV, back to bed

Saturday

• When for my follow-up: flap looks good and I have 20/20 vision
• I'm able to shop around the KoP mall, hang out with friends, and even drive
  

Birthday Season

Yes, that's right in my life, there are two birthdays seasons: Feb/March and Oct/Nov.

Here's a list of all the Pisces:

February:

20- Heather
23- Courney
- Julie
24- Ashlee

- Drew
25- Andrea and Audrey

March:

03- Brad

05- Mommy S.

06- Whit
08- Krista
- Melissa A.
09- ME
15- Steve
16- Heather H.
18- Luke

Not, pisces, but in March: 27-Andrea and Michelle

Panini

Yes, this is an Italian word, but no, it doesn't mean "sandwich,' it means "sandwichES." This seems like a minor complaint, but why didn't they just call it a "panino." It would bother me less if people went around saying paninos (which in case you're a little slow, is not the correct way to say to "sandwiches"). Saying paninis is just redundant.

If you're interested, in Italian, you don't add an "s" to make a word plural; you add an "e" or "i" depending if it's masculine or feminine.
1 panino, 2 panini
1 cane, 2 cani (dog/s)
1 nonna, 2 nonne (grandmother/s)
1 nonno, 2 nonni (grandfather/s)

So Easy a Caveman Could Do It

At first I found these commercials amusing, but the more i saw, the more i realized how stupid they are. CAVEmen, as the name implies, live(d) in CAVES, not fancy apartments, they didn't go out to nice restaurants or take airplanes, and they certainly didn't go to shrinks. Is it still ok to use word "shrink," or should I be more P.C. and say "therapist?"

Cavemen (especially in the sense Geico is referring to them) no longer exist--they are earlier forms of people who have evolved into the homo sapiens we are today.

Delayed Posts

I know it's been almost a month since I've posted an entry, but that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking of things, or even writing entries.

At work, either at lunch, or when I have nothing better to do, I type up entries in Word. Generally, I'm just too lazy to put them on the blog.

The following two entries were written on February 9. Enjoy :)

My Life

Has TV really become so good, or has my life just become that boring? (Seriously, I'd like to know other's thoughts). Years ago, I had so many fun stories to tell and so much drama.

Preston and Steve were talking about hitting on, flirting with, and exchanging numbers with other drivers on the road. The more I thought about, the more incidents of this I remember. In fact, in high school, my friends and I would go out cruising looking for guys. Most of the time, it would just be flirting and staying the same speed as a guy. However, there are some interesting stories.

This one time, friends and I were driving home from visiting a college, when he saw a bus load of guys. We happened to have a notebook in the car, so we spent about an hour writing notes back and forth. At some point in there, we gave them my cell number. I actually ended up talking to one for a few months.

Another time, when we weren't even looking, we saw this kid take some pictures of us, so we followed them for a little bit. Eventually we got bored, and headed back to the main road. A little later, we saw the same car. We decided to pull over and talk to them.

Then there was this other time that we...nevermind. It's not something I'm willing to share.

There was only person that was with me for all of these events. Did these things happen because of her, or me, or the combination of the two of us. My theory is that is the combo of us.

I also used to have all kinds of drama (with guys, girls, parents). Not that I particularly liked the drama, but at least I didn't sit around at home doing nothing...Well, at least I still have friends in college...Partying at E-Town tomorrow, then with Drexel Bros on Sat (assuming mother nature isn't a complete bitch).

TV

TV has become really good lately. If you're a fan of any of the shows I mention and haven't seen the latest episode, don't read that paragraph because I talk about all the gory details. Of course if you've never seen them, you might what to skip it too.

On Tuesday, Gilmore Girls was awesome. Lorilei's letter was poinent and compelling without going over the top. It had the best effect too: Luke got shared custody and it pissed off Chris to the point of leaving. Of course this is a total dick move on his part--walking away from her when there's the slightest difficulty for the second time in 22 years. It would be great if he dropped off the face of the earth, except for one thing--Rory. I can't believe he'd leave her again. Speaking of Rory, I think that's the reason he got so upset by the letter. Luke was there for his daughter for 10 years and he wasn't.

A piece of advice to men: If your wife asks to get a vasectomy, don't tell her you got one if you didn't. Even if she tells you she's on the pill.

Ok, on to Grey's Anatomy, which could be the the best show on at the moment. The ads for last week's episodes said, "don't miss the last five minutes." What they didn't say was that the first of the five minutes would be awesome, but the last four would end in a cliff-hanger. Derek told Meredith that he would always show up, Burke proposed to Christina, then George proposed to Callie. The guys asked multiple times, but there was no answer. 7 days of suspense (ok, less because I watched it online Saturday). I figured if one of the girls said yes it would be Callie, but to go to Vegas and get married?! They also didn't mention the damn outbreak. That show is amazing, really.

Final show I'm gonna go on about is The O.C. which ironically airs at the same time as Grey's (good think somebody invented the VCR), which is why I just finished watching it. First there was the pregnancy scare and slutty aliens, almost-marriage, ex-husbands, fathers coming out of woodwork, high class prostitution...and that brings us to the past two episodes...Kirsten turns 40 and finds out she's pregnant, Julie Cooper is in love with Frank Atwood, Chet is in love with Seth, and the biggest new of the series: the reason Jimmy Cooper and Kirsten broke up--He knocked her up and she had an abortion and didn't tell him(apparently this guy has some fertile sperm and/or he really needed to learn about birth control).

So, TV is good.

Goldilocks Weekend

No, I didn't run into any bears. Friday, I hung out with people younger than me; Saturday, I hung out with people older than me; and Sunday, I hung out with people my own age.

Friday, April and I went down to Widener to hang out with some friends. We decided to go to a frat party. I really didn't think I'd have fun since the last time I was actually at a frat party was three years ago, but it's not like I had anything more fun to do. Apparently, all frat parties at Widener are BYOB, so we pregamed for awhile and headed out. Even though it was after 11, no one was there yet, so we just ended up hanging out in one of the rooms talking. It really reminded me of a Friday or Saturday night of Sophomore year, when there really wasn't anything going on. But eventually, the party did start. I guess it's the whole BYOB that causes the parties to start so much later there. Anyway, I had a lot of fun with friends and we even managed to do some table dancing.

Saturday, after getting off all the smoke (aka showering), April and I hung out and then went to a dance at her church (which was also BYOB). Even though there were a bunch of old people, it was fun. There was even someone there to teach us line-dancing. A pretty good time, and we were tired by 11.

This morning I got to sleep in. Then April and I watched Must Love Dogs (such a good movie), and headed across the street. We spent some time being idiots with Bob and Whit, then hung out with Josh and Dan. The night ended at my house watching the movie Go (it's so stupid it's funny), and April and Dan having to drive home in the snow (they both made it safely).

Nursery Rhymes/Songs

Ever notice how stupid/messed up/creepy stuff we teach children is?

First, there's "Ring Around the Rosie," which is about the black plague.

Second, there's "Rock a Bye Baby," just look at these lyrics:

Rock a bye baby in the treetop

When the wind blows the cradle will rock

When the bough breaks the cradle will fall

And down will come baby cradle and all

Down will come baby cradle and all?! As in the infant is gonna fall out of a friggin' tree? I'm pretty sure the next stop for that kid is in the ground. Why the hell are we singing this to put kids to sleep?

"Humpty Dumpty " is pretty bad too.

On a lighter note, there's "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" :

Twinkle, twinkle little star,

How I wonder what you are.

Up above the world so high

Like a diamond in the sky...

Why are we wondering what it is when we're saying it's a star? We know what a star is--it's a glowing clump of gases that if is close enough to the entire planet (like the sun).

And in case you didn't realize, the following songs all have the same melody:

Twinkle Twinkle

The alphabet song

Baa-Baa Black Sheep

By the way, I babysat this weekend and was singing some of these songs to him (the cutest baby in the world).

2006 in review

I stole this from Drew last year

1. What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
I went to Europe, graduated college, had a 9-5 that I had to drive myself to.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions and will you make more for next year?
Nope. yea, i made a couple

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Teddy...I mean Amber is the one actually gave birth

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Fortunately, I don't think so.

5. What countries did you visit?
Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, England, Vatican City, Spain

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
A real job, benefits, and a bf

7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
January 9 and April 24--the days I left for and returned from Roma.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Finally going to Rome and getting a 3.5 gpa.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Moving back in with my parents and becoming not fun.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I still have asthma. Other than that, I don't think so.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Do you really think I can remember the best thing of everything I bought in an entire year. Ok, I'll pick my pointy shoes from Rome.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Jeff Garcia

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The jackasses who decided to bring liquid explosives on a plane, making security even fucking worse at airports.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Traveling

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Rome, Florence, the Olympics, Venice, Prague, Palermo, Siena, Meeting my italian cousins, becky coming home, Puerto Rico, GC, the baby, spain.

16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
"My Humps," "Don't Cha" (wish your gf was hot like me)--these two songs were always played back to back in Rome.

17. Compared to this time last year,are you:
a) happier or sadder? Sadder
b) thinner or fatter? I have no clue, probably about the same
c) richer or poorer? Poorer

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Travel

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Waiting around at airports

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
My grandfather came over for our tradition of lasagna.

21. Did you fall in love in 2006?
No, not even in like

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Gilmore Girls, Grey's Anatomy

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't think so.

24. What was the best book you read?
One of the Kathy Reichs books.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
MP3 player

26. What did you want and get?
Italain shoes

27. What did you want and not get?
A real job, my own apartment, a bf

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Prime, Rumor Has It

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I got celebrate my b-day a couple times. On the 9th, I flew to London for the night, had dinner with Jay, and then we flew to Palermo for the weekend. When I got back, I hung out with Celie and myj friends had a little party for me with a cake. I turned 22.

30.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Becky coming back soon and NOT leaving again.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Causal--jeans and t-shirt/hoodie and business casual for work

32. What kept you sane?
Sane?

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I don't think I liked real people. I do still have a huge crush on Ryan Atwood and Sandy Cohen (from the O.C.)

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I don't care about politics.

35. Who did you miss?
Everyone while I was in Italy.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Rome girlies.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.
Enjoy college while you have the chance, because you can't go back.

Sex and the Beach

Interesting idea...

Since it sounds like a cross between The O.C. and Sex and the City, who better to star in it than: Kim Cattrall, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristen Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Chris Noth, John Corbett (Samantha, Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, Big, and Aidan from SATC), Peter Gallagher, Kelly Rowan, Melinda Clarke, and Tate Donovan (Sandy, Kirsten, Julie, and Jimmy from The O.C.). Actually, Marcia Cross and Eva Longoria (Bree and Gabby) from Desperate Housewives would be good too. I may as well as Kyle MacLachlan to the list since he played an asshole on both SATC and DH (Trey and Orson).

Convention

Between the time I walked into the hotel, checking into Convention, checking into the hotel, and heading up to the room, I bumped into about 5 Brothers, who I had to stop and talk to. It's such a great feeling knowing people from so many different chapters and who graduated different years.

When I got to the room, I discovered that 7 of us were in two connecting rooms which was both fun and convenient. Turns out I had gotten there just in time to go out with Temple and Drexel Brothers to one of Gabe's friends' houses. Even there I knew a couple people, which just made me realize how much I love National, ICR events, and just hanging out with Brothers.

Saturday, instead of going to the workshops, I went to brunch with some Alumni, played pitch, helped my "crippled" friend, and got ready for the banquet. The dinner wasn't so good, but the dessert was amazing and the keynote speaker was awesome. After the banquet, there was drinking (not quite as much as last year, which made Sunday better), the after party, and another $60 McDonald's run. We were told that we were not allowed to eat in the lobby, so we headed up to our rooms. For some reason, we decided just to stop outside of one of the elevators and eat there. Everything was fine until we got caught by the "butcher" (an employee that looked like he was wearing a butcher jacket), who sent up three security guards that all but escorted us to our rooms.

Sunday after closing remarks, I got some breakfast and chatted with a few brothers, including one I pretty much hadn't seen since last Convention (he apparently thought sex and the beach would be more exciting than amendments and Kansas City--I disagree).

Travel Week from Hell

If you're interested, I've uploaded pictures from Spain.

Wednesday morning, we got up really early (after going to bed pretty late) to head to the airport. Since it was rush hour, there was a lot of traffic, so I was worried about getting to the airport on time. We got there with plenty of time to spare, which was good since it took forever to check our luggage.

Because it was so early in the morning, I didn't really check the boarding pass from Paris. I remember it saying boarding time was something :25. Since we landed at 12:30, I figured it was 2:25. We stopped at the bathroom and then continued to our gate. On the way I checked the boarding pass and realized it said 12:25, so we started running. As we got to security, the screen still said our plane was boarding. April and I were told to go in two different security lines to scan our carry-on. I got through fine (no one even noticed the Epi-Pen this time, which still out of my bag in a ziploc), but April was waiting. She said the guards were too busy talking to check her luggage. When she started telling them that the flight was boarding, I guess they didn't understand why she was so upset, so they decided to pat her down. After they obviously didn't find anything, we started running to our gate.

There is construction going on at CDG, so instead of boarding the plane from the gate, you have to take a bus from the terminal to the plane. Well, we got to the gate just as they were closing the door and putting up the rope. The bus was still there, so I just started going under the rope. Well, they started flipping out at me. We tried to explain that we had just gotten off a flight from Spain and needed to get on that plane. Well, they told us to go see this guy that walking toward us. We figured that he'd look at our boarding passes and let us on. NO. He just told us to go see customer service.

While we were there trying to get on another flight, two other people (from two different flights) had missed the flight to Philly because the connection times were too short. When April asked the customer services agent if this happened a lot, he said, "all the time." If I ran a business, I would try to space out the flights just a little bit so that people made their flights for two reasons: a) So that I don't have to worry about finding them another flight that day or paying for a hotel for the night; and b) So that the customers are happy and use my airline next time they had to fly. Air France apparently does not feel that way.

We were given the following options: Take a flight from Paris to Philly the same time the next day, or fly to JFK in a couple and then wait another couple hours to fly to Philly, arriving around 10:30 PM. We went with option B (I had to go to work, since I'd be off all week and then was taking half a day Friday). Since it was such a short layover, I decided it wouldn't be worth it to beg my dad to come pick us up in New York (I really wish I was more selfish and had). They did give us a small (emphasis on small) drink for our inconvenience.

Since we hadn't really eaten, we decided to buy something at the airport. It wasn't great, but it was better than Spanish food. Yes, French Airport food is better than Spanish restaurant food.

When we got on the plane, we were in the center section that had 4 seats across (we were supposed to be by the window where it would just be us two) in the front row of the section. The only good thing was that we weren't the two middle seats. These were the crappiest seats on the damn plane. First of all, since there is not a seat in front of us, all the carry-on luggage as to go in the over-head. That wasn't that big of a deal, but do you know what these seats are used for? BABIES. Yes, the tiny little people that no one wants to be on a plane with. We were stuck next to them. Do you know what's worse than being on a plane sitting next to a crying baby?

Go ahead guess...

Really, try....

Being a turbulent flight with at least two crying babies, one of whom's mother kept getting sick, so you have to hold/watch the crying kid. I'm not exaggerating.

When we got on the plane, the lady asked April to hold the baby while she got situated, which was fine, especially when she told us that the kid hadn't cried on the flight over. At some point during the flight, the mother developed a migraine and had to keep running to the bathroom to be sick. On a normal flight, this wouldn't be too much of a problem, because their is a bassinet that the baby can stay in. However, when there is turbulence, the baby is supposed to be strapped in to the mother's seat belt. So, mom's puking, the plane is rocking, the baby's crying, and the flight attendants are freaking out that the baby is not strapped in. So, April takes the kid and the seat belt and straps her to her own seat belt. Then the mom comes back and takes her kid, the flight comes down, so she puts the baby in the bassinet. Then she gets sick again, the turbulence kicks in, the kid starts crying, the flight attendants freak out, etc. You get the idea. And this happened quite a few times during the 7hr flight.

The only good part of the whole flight was that I got to watch "The Break Up," which was hilarious.

So, we finally get to America and go to baggage claim (the luggage was switched in Paris, so we didn't have to get it). Two of the suitcases were right next to each other, so we weren't too hopeful about the third piece, but we waited for awhile to check. After it was clear that there was no new suitcases being loaded onto the conveyor belt, we spoke with an employee that had a piece of paper saying that April's suitcase never got on the plane. Our theory was of course that they had never taken it off the flight from Paris to Philly (which is completely illegal b/c luggage is not supposed to be on the plane if the passenger is not). She told us that we would have to talk to Delta (that's what were taking from JFK to Philly), when we got to Philly.

Air France took the remaining luggage and were going to put on the Delta flight (I figured we loose another piece by the time we got home), and then we had to go to the Delta terminal to get our boarding passes. While the lady was printing them, I explained our situation and asked if there was anyway Delta could provide a bus or a car (since there were 4 passengers trying to get to Philly), she said that since it was Air France that caused the problem, we'd have to talk to them. Not wanting to miss another flight especially since I figured they wouldn't help us, we just decided to head to the terminal and I'd call from there. Before we headed toward the gate, we wanted to make sure we didn't have to run to catch it, we told the flight was on time, but we wouldn't have a problem making it (we had about 2 hours).

At security, we got patted down again, and I had forgotten to take the water bottle (the free one from Paris) out of my bag, but luckily, they just threw it out without giving me the third degree.

By the time we got to our gate (which was 5-10 minutes after getting our boarding passes), our flight had been delayed from 7:30 to 9pm due to fog. Still not worth calling my dad and begging for a ride, since it would take him 2 hours to get there.

I tried calling Air France to see if they'd pay for a bus ticket/cab ride anything. The woman told me there was nothing she could do, so I asked to speak with a manager. She said he'd tell me the same thing, but I still wanted to speak to one. After insisting a few times, she finally agreed to transfer me. But instead she hung up on me. I was beyond pissed (which reminds me, I need to write that airline a nasty letter).

Since we were starving (the plane food sucked) we got some expensive, but good food. I was going to get a beer, but then I remembered that I was back in America and couldn't leave the bar with it.

After eating, we went back to the gate to see that the flight time had been bumped to 11. Freakin' great. Then a little while later, it got bumped to 2:30. It was then that I went and asked that if the flight was canceled, would we be bussed to Philly. The person I asked did not know. My dad had also been calling Air France and Delta and inquiring about a bus.

Finally, around 11:30PM (keep in mind I had been awake since 6:30 European time, which was about 12:30 the night before EST), a Delta employee says she's trying to get a bus, because if we wait for the plane, the crew might time out and we'd have to spend the night. Somehow, having to spend the night NYC seemed worse than Paris, since it's so close to home. Some people must be really bad at geography because they were upset about this prospect. After telling them the bus ride would only be about 2 hours (the flight would be 1.5 hours), they agreed.

By 2:30 AM we had gotten to Philly Int'l. By 3, I was home and still starving. After having some food and chatting with my dad, I finally got to sleep around 4:30 (more than 12 hours after I was originally supposed to get home), only to be woken up by my alarm 2 hours later. I knew it was going to be a long day work.

In the morning, my manager called me into his office. I was really expecting him to offer me a job. Instead, he told me that the women I was filling in for had returned. He had spoke with people higher up in the company and gotten permission for me to stay longer, and he'd keep me updated.

So that was my lovely Wed-Thurs. It would have been great if I could have relaxed all weekend, but I had to go to Convention. I was particularly grateful that it was within driving distance after my flying adventure.

Thursday, during the evening rush hour, there were all kinds of train issues in DC/Baltimore, not to mention that on the way down to convention, one of my friends was in a car accident.

I was worried about DC traffic since I knew I would be leaving until 4 or 5. I didn't think I had to worry about Upper Darby/Philly traffic. Heather H. was supposed to go with us and class until 4 ish. I had tried to get a hold of her for a couple days, but she did not reply to my im, email, or call. I finally found out from Jason around 5 that she was not coming.
I left my house shortly after 5 and headed to Philly through UD to Chestnut St. since I didn't want to take 95 during rush hour. Well, about 2 blocks before getting to Chestnut, the road was blocked, I finally got to Market, but traffic there was moving at the speed of a Special Olympic Hurdler, so I only managed to go a half a block in half an hour. I turned around and went down some random side street. I wasn't really sure where I was going, but I was on Lancaster Ave, and the street numbers where getting smaller, so I figured I was headed in the right direction. Luckily, I was. So, 2 1/2 hours later, I finally got to Philly to pick up Brothers. Luckily, 'cause I think I may have really gone insane otherwise, the traffic to DC was not bad at all. By the time we checked into the hotel, it was around 10:30...