Modern Day Spinster

The expected definition of a spinster is to just be a single and never married woman. If it were only that simple. I am a daughter, sister, auntie, friend, babysitter, alumna, artist, writer, diva, comedienne, bitch, caregiver, confidante, adviser, stylist, cheerleader, singer, dancer, activist, referee, sinner, saint, lover and occassional dater. Watch as I try to balance multiple spinning plates of relationships, responsibiilities, and reactions to life.

Friday, July 28, 2006

Let's Have Another Cup Of Coffee

Since I had some time to kill before I left, I decided to give myself a manicure. That was a big mistake.Every move I made after that caused me to smear about a third of my nails. It figures.

On the upside, I arrived on time. I was pleasantly surprised by coffee man. We talked so long that we forgot to go out for lunch. He is a good guy. I had a great time.How cool is that? As for next week, we'll shall see what happens.

I was making Fred laugh so hard this afternoon he asked me why I never went into acting. Set me to stun. So I said if I were to take classes at Second City, he wouldn't object. He offered to pay for it. Wow, it's amazing what can happen when Mercury is out of retrograde.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Public Service Announcement

This is to let my Easy Readers know that I have a coffee date tomorrow at a Starbucks. If all goes well I shall give a brief recap. Hopefully, I'll get there ontime and so will he. If I don't post anything tomorrow, someone please contact the local authorities.

I'm taking the Nestea plunge and applying to graduate school.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Ticking Away From Me

Today was spent with the curtains drawn and lights off. Halt the do-me music and have total silence. It was the day of the migraine. The last thing I wanted to see was people of any kind. I was grateful for the sound of silence and the temporary disappearance of screaming shorties in the distance. This schedule I've been on cannot be good. It's now after 8pm and I'm finally at a comfortable level of functioning.

Can someone tell Mother Nature to knock it off? My attempt to go to the Southport Festival was blocked by that sudden rain burst. Then two weeks ago it was another outdoor social event. I'm trying to step out of my comfort zone here. What's the big idea?

Grad school discussions came on the table. I don't know what to do. I have no clue why I was so attached to the first college and now what was originally the first college is now number two. Hell, an educational investment should come with some guarantees. One that includes job security, happiness, and a place to live. If the city can come up with a living wage policy then add to it a comfortable lifestyle.

I'm boycotting The Chicago Tribune and that includes the Cubs. Today's cover story of in The Chicago Magazine is absolutely offensive. It's a smack in the face to every single immigrant who came here legally. Funny how the illegal high school girls had no problem being photographed for the story but don't want their last names in print. It won't take much detective work for anyone to figure out who they are. It's not enough that she got a free public education and medical care but she expects a free ride to college because she and her mother broke the law. Who are you kidding? What gave you the right to be so arrogant and cocky? I'm more disgusted than ever at the sense of entitlement. Here's a thought get a job and pay for college. People do it everyday. You never had to work an outside job during high school and expect some fairy benefactors to kiss your illegal ass. Chicago Tribune's job is supposed to report stories in an objective fashion. This feature story certainly shows where their loyalties lie. If I were a advertiser, I'd pull ads. Let's see how many papers they'll sell when they oops don't have revenue coming in.

Friday, July 21, 2006

Now Just Stand

Welcome to my anxiety attack. Have a seat. Apparently as a grown-up now when I procrastinate my body goes into guilt mode which leads to me wanting to sleep. I've been avoiding doing this and I can't figure out where the fear factor is coming from. Il destino even has people literally calling me about this and part of me just doesn't want to deal. My anxiety was so bad that I even asked Minnie to help me on this piece. Oh, how low did I go? smh.

I've tried the let's-do-everything-else-but-what-you're-supposed-to approach and that's just annoying. The sea monkey is just getting bigger and bigger. In my mind it's B-movie sci-fi proportions. I have to do it today because my evening is otherwise occupied. I've been trying to make all sorts of excuses to avoid exercising. I sabotaged myself by eating some cookies. This fear of success stuff is kinda scary. I'm sure someone somewhere thinks it's stupid but if you're reading this then have a glass of STFU 'cause it's my blog. Go get your own.

Where did the summer go? I just feel blah kinda stuck. My feet are in cement and my hands are flailing around. Wasted energy is not a good thing. This morning was a prime example. Fred had a temper tantrum over the case of the missing corn. He was accusing everyone under the sun of taking it. I mini-napped through most of the verbal assault against me. I still hadn't had my cup of courage yet. When he started raging on Ethel who had looked through the frig with not a ear found I decided to investigate. The corn was in the frig on the first shelf behind a large container of leftover pasta. Mystery solved. Fred couldn't let it go. He went on and on about the injustice. Oh the humanity. It's days like today when it's going to be extra special. I had to hang out while Ethel showered just in case she has a fall or something. Fred comes in after he had puttered outside and starts screaming at me about what a lazy ass I am. I know I'm supposed to be the bigger person and be all patient but doncha know my give-a-damn was missing at that moment. His manic phases are really going on for longer stretches than usual. It's really sad that it happens. But it further frustrates me because he and his doctor refuse to do anything about it.

I totally want to go off on B.J. when he tells me to stay out of their bickering. I want to say, "Hey idiot, I know the difference between when they're having a disagreement and when Fred is having a manic episode. Can you say the same thing jackass?" I don't think so.

The current debate for me is to whether apply now for grad school or wait a year. I'd be more than happy to start now but I need a paying gig to do it. Frankly one with tuition remission. I know I'm being redundant but still I keep praying.

Good grief it's lunchtime and really should get something done. Can we add an extra 12 hours to the day please? Thank you.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Hyperactive in my brain

Jeez I should not have had those extra doses of caffeine. I'm so wired for sound right now. I hadn't planned on posting but I felt I'd be too jittery to put pen to paper. This weather is doing nothing for my waistline. I'm constantly having to rehydrate myself. If I feel like living dangerously, I drink tap water. I wish I could have some iced tea. Yes I know that would mean more caffeine but the sweetness would be a nice change from this blechy feeling.

I went to check out a future place of higher learning to spend money. The problem is I need a job first to pay for it. I loved the program until I did the math per credit hour. Jeez I just keep waffling with whether it's worth it to enter one of the world's second or third oldest professions.

It really ticks me off that B.J. expects me to settle for less than the best. Excuse me, I have parents and don't need your half assed advice on this. I know you're smarter than me on alot of things but when it comes to my life just back off dude! Take the glass out of your house before you enter my domicile.

In other news from my comfort zone, I wrote a piece for a worthwhile cause. Tonight I did the math. It's been over 16 years since I've published anything. I don't count papers for college because that's a totally different breed of bullshit. I actually toyed with the idea of going into public relations but in a way I've always done it over the years. I don't want to pollute the nation's ears with yet another way to build a better mousetrap. It's a real shame that papers have sold out to corporations. There are some days where I find inaccuracies and flaws in their stories. I don't know if it's professional envy that somehow the people with bylines were able to succeed in a field that has been previously closed to me.

You, Me, and DuPree is a great movie. It's a wonderful combination of thinking and funny. Matt Dillon has certainly made a few movies lately. Owen Wilson does a fantastic job of delivering a inspiring speech on Career Day. The only thing I would have changed is the ending. I won't say how it turns out but it could have sent a better message about self-esteem than it did. My change in the screenplay would have been for a better message to have been stated about education. One thing B.J. and I agree upon is that Uncle OG certainly has alot similarities to Michael Douglas's character.

Before I go to sleep this is for the East Coast Easy Reader. I can't believe you spent your lunch hour reading my blog. Was it a slow news day for you? I'm curious.

Monday, July 10, 2006

Day After Day I'm More Confused

Oh yeah, yours truly has been busy. If it's not a trip to a doctor,it was for B.J. or something else. For example, B.J. and I help put Johnny Depp's daughter through college by going to see Pirates of the Caribbean on opening day. If you want a movie to succeed, it's crucial that you see it the first weekend that it's out or else it can move to DVDland very quickly. Word on the street is that Robert Redford is eyeing some West Side property for a moviehouse to show films that were at Sundance. Here's a thought. Why not help and preserve The MusicBox, a Chicago institution known for showing non-mainstream films.

DP added to the lowering of the sense of entitlement generation IQ recently. During a conversation the recent passing of Kenneth Lay was brought up, she drew a total blank. No clue whatsoever. "Like who's that?" OMFG! You brag about how you work in Corporate America and have all of its' trappings. In reality they were brought to you by your parents and Minnie helps you do your homework. Do yourself a favor and don't tell anyone you work in business. I have no clue how B.J and Minnie were able to keep a straight face throughout the conversation.

B.J. and I have had some deep conversations as of late. He's been trying to convince to get a job in the coven state. According to him any job is a paycheck.I thought about it and then I got my sign. I was in My Sister's Closet and found art supplies at a great price. They almost rarely carry them. Thank you Lord I needed that. It confirmed that there's no way I'm turning away from my goals. I made that mistake once before and won't be fooled again.

It was great we drove around the city to see the sites. He said,"You could tell who doesn't have to work tomorrow". I appreciated the drive though. I was surprised that certain businesses didn't make it but I was thrilled at others that are still around. B.J. didn't want to head into The Green Mill because he thought the neighborhood was too seedy. Puhhhlease. Yeah like the Mag Mile doesn't have it's share of whackjobs in the form of tourists. I don't care what he says, I still love me some Green Mill.

I did hit kind of a slump of sorts. I find out tonight that some guy I graduated from high school with is now a national sales manager. Yet I'm still here. Oh sure this guy was a total weasel back then. This makes total fucking sense. Swell some idiot still hasn't used up his fireworks. Good grief.

I've tried to decompress from what's been going on around me but to no avail. This week will be just as full of commitments. Such is life I guess. Wow this Dr. Pepper has really given me the oomph I needed. I so have to crank on some stuff this week. Is it really only Monday?

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

God Bless America

Happy 4th of July my Easy Readers!!!

I'm working on a cross-stitch sampler with a Americana theme. I had hoped to have it finished by today but it didn't happen. I will post the finished product as soon as it's finished.

Chicago is one of the rare places in the country where we celebrate with fireworks on July 3rd and July 4th. It cracked me up when local news would list the dates and times for suburban fireworks if you weren't brave enough to battle the crowds downtown to cop a squat in Grant Park. What time is dusk anyway? Just list a time. Dusk can mean different time times to different people. Last night I had a great time. I went to a suburban party and we were close enough to take advantage of the local fireworks display nearby. This is totally the way to do it. I met some new people. I picked up on what other towns were doing today.

Apparently, the town of Wheeling has quite a supply of cash set aside for their 4th's festivities. This year's special guest is Davey Jones of the Monkees. B.J. and I love The Monkees music. I still say they should be included in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame as an exhibit. I base this on the fact that if Ricky Nelson can be included they should be recognized as well. Don Kirschner was the musical producer. Neil Diamond wrote some of their songs. Their following was a American TV execs response to The Beatles.

It sucks that the mall is open today. Anyone who goes to the mall today should be ashamed of themselves. These people have families and other places they'd rather be instead of selling you something that you don't need or want. Our forefathers didn't not fight on battlefields so mega corporations could be open today. It's a total disrespect about what this holiday is all about. While I'm on the subject of disrespect.

Gov. B. and your media planner,

Your local tv commercials are doing nothing to help your cause for reelection. They're annoying and working my last nerve. We've all caught the big clue that you don't like Judy Baar Topinka. That's not a big secret. You think that if you point out obvious mistakes of her that will help you. Dude it's totally backfiring. Here's why. The person who did the voice overs sounds whiny and stupid. If you're plan is to tick off your constituents so they'll vote for her, continue with these ads. Do us all a favor and hire someone else. Focus on the issues. Quit doing things for the easy photo-op and do the job you were elected to do. While you're at it, keep your promises. That will go far more than the waste of airspace.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Oh Baby So Tired

Blah. It's a noun, verb, and a adjective for today. I'm off my regular routine. I'm cranky because the things I wanted to do I can't. My moxie has decided to go underground. With alot of places being closed on Monday for the big holiday, it seems pointless to bust my ass today. Most people are out of town or on their way to somewhere else to escape the oppressive humidity. It was just awful yesterday. I spent most it mobile in the car.

To the big assholes who decided to shoot off fireworks last night. I hope you have to look after children someday when someone else decides to recreate the Taste of Chicago Fireworks extravanganza in your neighborhood. Do you have any idea how many amateurs idiots and small children will end up in America's emergency rooms? Leave it to people who earn a paycheck to do this type of work. It's always funny until someone gets hurt. At least I'm smart enough to stay away from the grocery stores.

This is so cool. I finally figured out how to fix some things. It's always good when I can learn something new. I'm biting the bullet and looking for gigs in the retail sector. It's not what I'd like to be doing but lack of health insurance scares me. When I'm afraid to try a new yoga pose all I keep thinking is how much a trip to the emergency room would cost me. I know feel the fear but do it anyway. There are several poses I'm modifying until my body decides to shrinkydink.