14 February, 2008
Happy Valentiniversary!
Happy Birthday Jimmy!
Saturday was Jimmy’s 23rd birthday, we had an awesome weekend. The weather was perfect after a week of over 100 degree, hazy days. It was sunny, breezy and in the low 80s. Perfect for a little walk.
Saturday morning I went for a run while the birthday boy slept in, then we did some yard work (don’t yell at me for making him do yard work on his birthday, it was his idea, turned out to be a perfect day for it though). Nothing like getting up early on a Saturday and raking your dirt. Haha I hate my yard.
Afterwards, we drove around Ghent for a bit and headed over toward Stockley Gardens. We decided to stop and walk by the river for a while.
We parked and walked through a neighborhood where all the houses look like castles and there is a ton of gorgeous, old architecture. We pretended that the Jaguars and Benzes parked on the curbs were ours and that we had just finished manicuring our perfect lawns.
It was such a gorgeous day and I loved seeing this part of the city that I’d never explored before.
Later that evening we headed to Katana Japanese Steakhouse in Ghent with a bunch of our friends to celebrate. There was good times and much slicing and dicing and throwing of shrimp.
We also saw The Bourne Ultimatum (a little disappointing) but overall it was an awesome day. Yesterday we went over to my mom’s and my family gave him a huge gift card to IKEA!
Happy birthday Jimmy! I hope 23 is one of the best years for you.
Kotobuki
Jimmy, hater of chopsticks, caught in the act of using the instruments of death. Now that’s progress! Sam, are you seeing this?
Just want to throw a hearty recommendation out there for Kotobuki Japanese Restaurant in Ghent. We went there for the first time on Friday night after we hit up the Greek Festival for about ten minutes (it was PACKED).
They have a huge and awesome vegetarian menu as well as all the stuff you would expect from a sushi restaurant. The place seemed pretty authentic, although I am not an expert on these matters. We got to watch sumo wrestling and eat some delicious food.
This is all that was left of a huge plate of vegetarian sesame “chicken”. Enough said. I hope to eat there many more times!
08 May, 2007What a Dal
Another night of delicious vegan cooking for everyone! I made dal for the first time last night, and I have to say it was so easy and terribly delicious and filling. I hesitate to say “I made dal” because really my appliances did all the work for me. The dal cooked in the slow cooker and the rice cooked in the rice cooker, all while I was at work.
The recipe is from Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker, which has a ton of really great recipes (everything from potpies to desserts to of course soups). It’s by the same woman who wrote Vegan Planet, and I was surprised to find out she lives in Virginia Beach!
Basically all you do is chop some onions, garlic and ginger and then throw them in the slow cooker with some olive oil on high while you assemble the other ingredients. You add turmeric, coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper, cardamom and salt & pepper and stir for a little bit. Throw in a can of kidney beans and 1.5 cups of uncooked lentils, and 3 cups water (I used 4 though). Cook it on low for about 8-9 hours. Throw some brown basmati rice in the rice cooker and man, you’ve got some delicious stuff.
Perhaps most surprising of all was that this here boy enjoyed this food. I used to tease that Jimmy was the pickiest eater alive, only eating two things: chicken and noodle (it was true). Since we parted ways a month or so ago, apparently a lot of changes have been going on (including the willingness to try new foods and eat my cooking, which was never there before)! I don’t want to put his business out in front of everyone, but suffice to say things are completely different between us and he has completely changed his approach to things.
I am so happy to say that we are starting over with our relationship. I don’t say “trying again” because things are truly, truly different. We are approaching this in a new way and plan to actually work on things. I think it really opened my eyes when I was whining to my mom about how “I’ve triiiiied to make it work,” and she point blank told me, “Yall have never actually worked on your relationship.” And it was true. Him not talking and me not saying anything until things got horrible and then breaking up is not working on things. It’s not trying. It’s giving up because breaking up and feeling awful was somehow easier than communicating with each other. And after I’d looked at things and really thought about it, what we have is worth trying for and we are finally both at the point where we are willing to do that.
We are both in therapy, individually and (soon) as a couple to work on communicating with one another and getting our issues straightened out as individuals. And we are seriously looking at this with the other person in mind. I feel like for the first time he is really there to support me if I need it (the other day he got me to open up about something really scary and personal, and was there for me, not judgmental but supportive and understanding), and I am going to do my best to articulate my needs and feelings, and keep an open mind toward doing things a different way from the way I think they should necessarily be done.
Where we are is so new and unfamiliar and sometimes scary and uncomfortable but it feels so good at the end of the day to be able to look at it and say, I didn’t resort to old, easy (not good for me) patterns. I stated what I needed, he saw that and recognized it, and we both felt great about the way we treated each other and ourselves.
I think that’s enough about that. Kyla kisses for everyone!
P.S. I totally forgot to mention, we are going to run a 5K together in July! We’re doing the Couch to 5K program together and did the first workout yesterday. One good thing about running with Jimmy, at this point I may be able to run farther than him but I’m definitely going to improve my speed! I feel like a turtle! But not for long…
20 April, 2007Worst.
Jimmy and I broke up a few days ago.
I’m so very, very sad and hurt, and I know he is too. I hate admitting that this huge part of my life which I thought would stretch far into the future just can’t work out, but it just can’t. Admitting that to myself and then acting on it is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do up to this point in my life.
Thank you for the years.
20 February, 2007Please, tuck in long hair!
Well, it couldn’t be put off any longer, and on Sunday, I had the privilege of finding out what rednecks do for fun around here. Or at least dudes who have Nascar fantasies. They were all there too. “Indoor Karting” in Portsmouth. It’s like go karts, but inside. And they go fast. Like 40mph fast.
First they hook you up with a very stylin’ head sock. Yeah, my hair was not loving this thing. It makes everyone look like Goofy.
Oh, and please, tuck in your long hair! This means you too, dudes.
Here’s the track. They give you a little briefing on what the different flags mean (blue means you’re slow, get over to the right, black means you’re in trouble, go to the pit, etc.) and then they put you in the cars and you’re off! I went the first time and came in last place, bummer. One of the guys that was with us wrecked into me and knocked the tire off my car! I blame him, otherwise I clearly would have won.
It was really fun and my shoulder is still sore, which has just occurred to me was caused by the racing! You have to put a lot of muscle into steering the car, especially the faster you go.
The second time everyone went again but me and Jack’s girlfriend, and Jimmy got black flagged haha. Apparently he was bumping the really fast guy who has his own supercool helmet and was trying to set a speed record or something. Not cool to upset the go kart geek!
Good times! Expensive, but really fun. And of course my dad heard about it and being the huge Nascar redneck, wants to go like immediately. Jimmy’s setting up a date for our whole family to go. Haha, can’t wait.
14 February, 2007Happy V-day!
Jimmy is the best. It’s our four year anniversary together and he got me the greatest present ever. I am the proud new owner of an Infinity TSS-1100 home theater system!!! Surround sound baby! There is a receiver too but I can’t remember the brand or anything about it right now. We hooked everything up last night and my house sounds like a movie theater, complete with the floor shaking when dinosaurs walk by on the screen and stuff. It’s crazy.
Now between the high-definition TV and the home theater I’m basically the best place in town to watch LOST tonight. I’ll start taking bids on seats, starting… NOW.
I thought I was being the best girlfriend ever when I got him a rare Coalesce record (one out of only two made, Last Call for the Living, gray hexagon-shaped vinyl), but when I saw this I was blown away and can imagine the conversation he’s having with his friends and coworkers. “So what did you get your girl?” “A huge home theater system and a Dolby 7.1 receiver.” “What did she get you?” “A record.” LAME!
Thank you Jimmy, you’re the only one who can make me use multiple exclamation points!!! SMOOCH!
Bowlarama
Last night Jimmy suggested that we go over to Bowlarama and go bowling. We’d never been over there, and it’s really close to my house, so I figured why not?
Bowling alleys in general aren’t the most high class joints, but Bowlarama really took the cake. It’s super SUPER retro (like half-the-lanes-don’t-have-computers retro) and they have something called Duckpin Bowling, which I had never heard of, and will continue to call by its’ incorrect and more fun name, Duck Ball.
Basically duck ball is just like regular bowling except the pins are teeny tiny, like the plastic bowling set I had as a kid, in fact they are the size of baby ducks (let’s hope the original form of this game didn’t involve actual ducks, but I suspect it might have). The ball is about four pounds, and the size of a softball. There are no holes in it, you just kind of have to swing and let go. Also the balls get your hands completely filthy. You get three tries instead of two, and I have no idea how the scoring works because instead of a computer keeping track for you, the dude hands you a pencil and a scorecard, and we had no idea how to do it. We eventually just stopped writing down numbers.
The duck ball lanes were outfitted with these little gadgets which appeared to be some sort of overhead projector, but from what we could tell, didn’t work. Bummer. The shoes they gave us were pretty spiffy. Jimmy’s a good foot model, don’t you think?
There was a guy next to us who was extremely serious about the duck ball game, and brought his own balls and shoes (of COURSE) and a towel that said Pro Duck Bowlers of America or something. He kept doing the pro stance, but never knocked down all the pins, and after each throw, would make a “YES!” sign or a “DARN!” sign by swinging his arm in a certain direction. Observe.
Jimmy on the other hand, uses his equipment to his advantage. He describes his technique in detail here.
I had a lot of fun and even though I don’t think the place has a ladies bathroom (there was a “ladies lounge” containing benches and lockers, and a men’s bathroom, but no women’s bathroom to be found), and I washed my hands many, many times after leaving, I’d definitely go back haha. I think it was $7 for two pairs of shoes and a duck ball game. Good times!
15 January, 2007Frisbee Golf?
My sister Grace’s boyfriend Andrew is one of those dudes that looks like an Abercrombie model and plays every sport, including ones we haven’t heard of. Like frisbee golf. Or, Disc Golf, as it’s supposed to be called. So we all went out to Munden Point park yesterday to play.
I’ll sum up: you throw the frisbee. Then you walk to it. Then you throw the frisbee. Then you walk to it. Then you throw… you get the idea. Eventually you make it to a pole with a basket on it and you toss the frisbee in. Congratulations, you’re done with that “hole.” Yes, we did this for 18 holes, and approximately three hours.
Luckily Jimmy was able to show us the correct stance to prepare to throw the discus, otherwise I probably would have fallen asleep during this game.
Sorry to any frisbee golfers out there, but this game was totally lame. It was a gorgeous day though, and I had so much fun on the drive out there with Jimmy. And at least we got a lot of exercise in walking all over the whole park.
And then we went to Cogans and ate fourteen pizzas, eliminating any benefits from said exercise. Fun weekend.
08 January, 2007The Insider, Attack At Dawn, Death Before Dishonor
Saturday there was a fest with something like 46 bands in Virginia Beach. Jimmy’s band The Insider played and so I went later in the afternoon to check them out and see a couple others.
Look at this sweaty, irresistible gorilla. I know you other ladies are jealous, but hands off.
They played a good set, got a crazy reaction from the crowd, and I’m really stoked about their new guitarist. I got a video too. Here’s Get It Right.
Attack At Dawn went on next. Good times!
I am still cracking up about this photo.
Here is Attack At Dawn’s last song:
Sometime later Death Before Dishonor played.
I had a good time although the moshy hardcore stuff grates on my nerves after a few minutes, so by the end of the night I was done haha. I talked to John and he and Adam have bought a space that is going to turn into a hub for local activists, a ministry space and a place for shows. It sounds very cool and I can’t wait to get in there and help out. Also can’t wait to just book a show that is only regular ol’ hardcore bands, and not charge people $15 plus reentry fees and all that. Ridiculous. I’m getting really stoked on this place though. Watch for good things soon.
04 December, 2006Stuff and things
Jam packed weekend! Friday night I went to an art opening and the first show/sale by the newly-formed Seven Cities Craft Mafia. I saw some familiar faces. They seem a little disorganized right now, but I’m really glad something like this has started up.
Later that night Jimmy and I went to the Naro to see American Hardcore. If you are at all interested in punk or hardcore, I definitely recommend you see that movie. I have a few criticisms of it (they almost completely ignored anything after 85, including the New York scene, there wasn’t nearly enough said about straight edge, which like it or not was and is a huge part of hardcore, the poster sucked, nearly complete lack of women in the film—who do you think was behind those videocameras/folding record covers/making zines? etc.) but overall I really enjoyed the movie. It was really inspiring and made me want to book shows again, even though I know it isn’t like that.
The one thing that really stuck out to me was that the bands are SO into what they’re doing. You can tell they are just so excited and really feel invested in their music. They believe in themselves. Today the only time I see a band act like that is at a huge show like Posi Numbers, or when I see older bands like Gorilla Biscuits or Cro-Mags (FVK, whatever) play. No wonder no one wants to look for a venue or book a show these days. Bands get up there and look bored as crap, no one dances, no one is excited anymore. I hate to say it but it’s true. Regardless, I’m starting to seriously look for a place to book shows again. We’ll see what happens.
Saturday was my mom’s birthday. Happy birthday Mom! I took her to the MAC counter for some serious makeup shopping. The MA and I both expressed our jealousy over her naturally perfect eyebrows.
I bought her xmas/birthday/etc gift at the same time and she got a MAC haul that anyone would be jealous of. I couldn’t stop touching it haha.
We decorated the Christmas tree at her house and ate a ton of food. I didn’t feel so well afterward.
Yesterday was just a kind of lazy day and last night we went to Williamsburg for the grand illumination. We wanted to take Kyla with us but she wasn’t feeling the cold or the rain. Or the scarf, obviously.
I’m really glad I bundled up because it was freezing and raining. The paper said the fireworks and illumination started at 6:15, but as we were parking and walking that way, it was OVER by 6:15. You should have seen the crowds leaving, it was crazy.
We walked around for a bit and admired the window displays. We both got some candy in the candy shop.
We went and had pizza. Don’t remember the name of the place, but it was good.
There were some adorable hand-painted matryoshka dolls in the Christmas shop. I so wanted the little aqua and pink lady with the cats. She is so cute!
I had a great time walking around with Jimmy even though the weather was so awful. He got Sirius radio in his car too so we were entertained on the drive out and back.
My Christmas tree should be here soon and I’ll be posting pictures of holiday-ish stuff around my house.
Almost done!
Well Saturday I went and got tattooed again. 3 more hours under my belt. I’m 2/3 of the way done now. All the shading is done, and most of the color. Next time we just have some background, the keys, the banner and the roses. Should be about 2 more hours. I know ya’ll want to see pictures, but I decided not to post any til it’s finished and healed. So you have to wait.
Everyone who said getting shaded/colored was easier than getting outlined, you’re right but then again you’re liars. The pain is a little less, but it’s much more surface area so it was pretty miserable. I cried like three times. I’m a big baby. I hate getting tattooed, ugh.
After I was done, Jimmy and I drove up to Roanoke to visit his family. The fall colors are just beautiful up there. This is right outside his parents’ front door.
His family had a big dinner when we got there and we got to visit with everyone. His little cousin is a trip and a half.
Yesterday we went to the Peaks of Otter with Jimmy’s dad & his girlfriend. I thought we were gonna hike up but we ended up just shivering by the lake and went to eat at the Lodge.
Oh yeah, and Jimmy walked on water.
On the way back to drop off his dad, we stopped at an apple orchard store and Jimmy bought me a bunch of apples (soooo good!), apple butter, pinto beans, yellow eyed peas and fresh tomatoes. He also bought an apple pie, which is sitting in my fridge calling my name. I’m gonna try to not eat the entire thing tonight while he’s at work haha.
I miss my dog! I am picking her up this afternoon from mom’s.
29 August, 2006Dealing
Hey internet, did I mention that I’m alone and it sucks? Crying at work is so professional, even if no one sees it. I’m totally not myself this week.
For instance, last night I couldn’t sleep and got the weird idea to make brownies because there was a box of brownie mix in the cabinet, and why not? Did I eat the whole pan like any self-respecting, broken-up-with fat kid would have?
No. I didn’t eat any. Hot brownies sat there and no one ate them. And this morning I brought them to work so they wouldn’t go to waste. I ate one after much insisting. It tasted like cardboard.
I feel like all the flavor has been sucked out of my existence. Did I mention how much I hate this?
28 August, 2006Lake Dog
Oh man. Weekend.
Saturday Jimmy and I hung out most of the day. It was amazing. We walked Kyla at the park, went to the beach and fell asleep in the sand, ate snow cones and just had a fun time. I also cried about 20 times. I guess I didn’t really feel it until Saturday. I’m like Ms. Spontaneous Waterworks with the crying with no warning thing. It’s hard. I miss him. Kyla went INSANE when he came over to the house. Ugh, here I go with the tears welling up again.
Yesterday I went over to my moms and we went to church, Applebees and then headed over to Mount Trashmore where Kyla almost spontaneously combusted at the amount of geese and ducks in the vicinity. She’s usually really good about not pulling on her leash, but with duck smell and goose poop everywhere, she was ripping my arm out of the socket the entire time we were there. It was hot, too. At least she got to cool off in the lake a little bit.
See what I mean with the pulling? Driving me crazy. Back at mom’s house, dad grilled out steaks, I talked with mom for a while and then Kyla and I headed home. I thought the nights would be the hardest, and while they indeed suck, waking up in the morning is when I feel the worst. Even though we saw a lot of each other this weekend and it felt better than ever, it really hurt that we were better as separate entities than we were a few days ago when we were together. I don’t know what I’m supposed to make of that. I miss you.
Quick look at a cute dog before you start crying at work.
The start of something new.
I’m not really sure how to start this entry. Well, okay technically I am.
Jimmy and I broke up last night.
I guess it’s been a long time coming, and although there was no big glaring issue, neither of us have been really happy for a while now. We didn’t hate each others guts, we weren’t fighting, I just could tell he wasn’t happy, I KNEW I wasn’t happy and I finally decided to say something about it.
It was a huge relief to hear him finally talk about our relationship. I guess once the pressure of being in a relationship was off, he could get it all out or something, I don’t know. It felt like we hadn’t talked about anything REAL in such a long time that it really touched me to hear him speak about it.
I wish he’d been honest with me and just told me his heart wasn’t in it anymore, but he said he thought it was something he could just work out by himself. He said he never stopped loving me and kept telling himself the way he was feeling was crazy. I guess in a way he pushed me away because he’d been distant but I don’t blame him for the way I was feeling. We both have grown and changed a lot, especially in the past year, and we are just going in different directions. Not that one or the other is the right or wrong way, they’re just not on the same page on the map.
We were together almost four years. We influenced each other in so many ways, and he taught me things that I couldn’t have learned from anyone but Jimmy. He has a unique mind, a great sense of humor and a strong work ethic, and I know he’s gonna go places in life. If ever there was a “good” breakup, I guess this was it. I have no regrets and will be there for him if he needs me at a minute’s notice. I’m happy that we’re on good terms and I am optimistic that we will be good friends for a long time.
And also not hating each other means I can still get his Circuit City discount, so that’s something to look forward to right there. :)
11 August, 200622 spankings is a lot.
Happy Birthday baeba! I love you and I will miss you this weekend.
If you know this kid, give him a spanking today. He’s 22 and hotter than ever.
Smooch!
The Insider
Jimmy will probably kill me for posting these but too bad. The Insider played their first show Friday night at Club Relevant in Virginia Beach. It was a really good first show, they got a good response, especially for being the first band on. They covered Firestorm and people beat each other with pool noodles. It was pretty hilarious.
(He’s really not as scary as he looks haha.) This was the first time I’d really heard the band and I liked it. Some of their songs had a heavy Snapcase vibe, and that is A-OK with me.
The rest of the show was pretty lame. Suffocate Faster wasn’t awful but I was ready to go by the time they went on. Three Earth Crisis covers in one night, now THAT is outta control. Another band covered Firestorm as well even though they knew Jimmy’s band already played it, and another band covered Gomorrah’s Season Ends (I don’t know if that’s right, it’s the “I am straight edge” song hah).
Also I found out where all the straight edge kids went, they all went metalcore apparently. Anyway go check out The Insider’s myspace page, Jimmy should be posting a video soon. I hope they play out again soon, I am looking forward to seeing this band develop.
28 February, 2006Hot child in the city
Jimmy went to NYC over the weekend and took a bunch of pictures while he walked around the city with his friends. I figured I’d share a few here. I can’t wait to go back to New York. I want to spend more time in Brooklyn though. Anyway here they are.
Who else does this?
You did read correctly. It does say “makeXout mix.” I won’t explain the dorky joke.
I started giving these to Jimmy when we first started going out. I think there are 9 or 10 of em by now. Behold the 3rd anniversary edition. If you want to read the tracklisting better, here’s a bigger one on Flickr.
Anyone else still making mixtapes (CDs) or am I the only one?
10 February, 2006Whoa!
Jimmy gave me my present early. It’s our third anniversary, kids. Isn’t it gorgeous? It’s my first piece of real jewelry.
I think it totally suits me, although I’m an awful photographer and couldn’t get one of me wearing it. This picture does it no justice. It has 19 diamonds in it, and it’s white gold. I love it.
The man can pick out handbags and jewelry. I’m keeping him. I love you baeba! Thank you!
17 January, 2006Two for your pleasure.
Kyla the weirdo dog and Jimmy’s new wheels!
21 November, 2005Weekend Update 1681354683
Whew what a weekend.
Friday night we went to see Walk The Line. Good movie. Joaquin Phoenix is smokin hot and I would totally run away with him except that I’d probably have to become vegan since he’s super vegan, and I’m never giving up chicken and shrimp. Sorry, Joaquin. I know you’ll be disappointed.
Saturday Jimmy and I worked in the yard for about 3 1/2 hours. Okay I know I have discussed my leaf problem here before, but I had NO idea how serious it was. We blew leaves and raked leaves and bagged leaves all afternoon and got about halfway done. There were probably 12 full, huge lawn bags full of leaves sitting by my road. We got ready and went to David’s birthday dinner, then to Gracie’s play. It sucked she wasn’t in it, but it was a very good play and I’m sure that’s because she was the stage manager.
Sunday morning I got up and cleaned the house again. Jimmy came over after his meeting and was the hero of the day because he worked in the yard while I did some work on the computer. A couple hours later I came outside to see how things were going and Tom Sawyer Jimmy had two of his friends raking and bagging leaves and cleaning out my gutters. Hahaha I’m so very impressed at his power of persuasion. One of these dudes doesn’t even know me. Haha. I helped out for a while, and then went to Care-a-lot and got some treats n things for the doggie, who is coming tonight. When I came back Jimmy was cooking and the boys were finishing up the yard. It looked really really good. There are like 25 huge bags of leaves on the curb. I wanted to snap a photo this morning, because it’s seriously impressive how many leaves were in the yard, but now it is RAINING and the yard is a huge mudpie. Great.
My yard is grass-challenged (as in none is growing there), so when it rains, it turns into a huge mud pit. And the Boston Terrier rescue lady is coming to inspect my house tonight. Great.
Jimmy had to go to work for a couple hours and so they left (and left dirt that amounted to an anthill-sized pile when swept up). I cleaned the house AGAIN and then took a bath. Dude I needed one after all that. I was so tired.
I started feeling gross, headachy and dizzy so I didn’t go to Nicole’s birthday party. My throat hurts this morning. I hope I’m not getting sick. It would be so great to be sick on my long weekend off from work. NOT.
My daughter, I mean DOGter, is coming tonight! I can’t wait to see her. You will surely get to see pictures tomorrow.
15 November, 2005Hi-fi
Taken with one of the built in cameras on the new iMacs. At the Apple store in Richmond.
14 November, 2005Weekend update #3213847643
Sweet weekend. Friday night I worked til like 11:45. So that sucked. But after that, sweeeeet.
Saturday Jimmy and I took off with no particular destination in mind. We ended up in Suffolk, and he remembered there was a Boston Terrier breeder there. We decided to try to go by and see the dogs. So we called the number, and the lady was really rude and generally a bitch on the phone. Look, I don’t do spur of the moment WINDOW SHOPPING ok? I mean if you want to give me a cash deposit and check out the parents, MAYBE we can talk, but you know what? It’s Saturday and I HAVE PLANS. etc, etc. Guess I know where I WON’T be looking at puppies. Sheesh, lady.
We took 460 through Petersburg and ended up in Richmond. We decided to check out the Science Museum downtown since we’ve never been there. It was pretty fun. If you have little kids, they’d really like it. We got to see a rat play basketball. I fell asleep in the rat basketball game demo and Jimmy said the rat trainer lady kept checking him out. Haha. I wonder if she could train HIM to jump through hoops. Har har har.
There was an exhibit about light, and they had these glowing orb things on the wall. I thought this picture turned out cool.
There was an exhibit about dogs, and I tried on the termite-listening ears. Notice my vintage Apple shirt, which was a huge hit later in the day haha.
Also, there was this cool room where Jimmy suddenly appeared VERY tall.
In one of the exhibits, they had this steel stuff on the wall for displaying some photos. Anyone have a clue what this stuff is or where I can find it? I think this would be a neat way to display the MAC postcards I collect.
Anyway after the museum, we went to Short Pump mall, which was AWESOME. When you drive up, it looks like any other mall, but once you go in one of the entrances, the whole inside is open air. The part where you walk around is a big courtyard with paths and grass and stuff. It’s just like a normal mall except instead of being in a building, you’re outside… until you go into the stores. Way cool. They had a huge Christmas tree, and there was a train taking kids around. Really cool.
Anyway we went there to hit up the Apple store. DROOL. The new video iPods look GREAT. I can’t believe how tiny the Nanos are… you really have to see them in person to understand. They had amazing 30” displays that I would pretty much sell a limb to obtain. Oh, and like seven of the dudes working there were all WHOA YOU HAVE AN AWESOME SHIRT. Or got all nerdy like, “That one’s a classic. I have the XYZ blah blah shirt that came right after that one, it’s in mint condition.” I was like oh, yeah he found this for me at a thrift store. And then they knew I was a poser so they moved on.
I bought a new keyboard since one of the feet broke off mine and I can’t type without it banging up and down now. And I bought the new “mighty mouse” mouse. I haven’t had a chance to use it yet.
Yesterday I hung out with mom, etc. We went to this furniture store to check out the new living room stuff she’s getting. Really comfortable, and a cool Scandinavian-designed coffee table that lifts up. I like it. They also had this lamp. It’s a knockoff of the ARCO lamp and looks EXACTLY like the original. Marble base and everything. Ronn is gonna be pissed, but I’m probably gonna buy it. It is about 1/12th of the price of a new one.
Mom also gave me a 40% off coupon to Lane Bryant so I got some much needed winter clothes. And Grace and I got fitted for our bridesmaids dress alterations. I actually kind of look hot in the dress. Scary.
Then I hit up a show last night for the first time in a zillion years. War Head didn’t play for some reason, which sucked. But Dead Ahead played what ended up being their last show. It’s always weird to see a band end that you’ve been there with from the beginning. One of the songs they played, I was at their practice when they wrote it. And then I saw it played for the last time. Beginning. Ending. Strange.
They were fun. Two Cro-Mags covers can’t be wrong! Funny moment of the night: Jimmy getting trampled while everyone’s singing DON’T TREAD ON ME. Haha.
This week looks super busy. Tonight I have to show Ronn how to use the photo software, then Stitch n Bitch. Tomorrow my long lost friend Heidi and I are doing crafty crafts. I think I have to transcribe some more interviews for mom. And I want to maybe start learning how to use my sewing machine. Anyway I’m busy.
Now for work.
11 November, 2005Changing.
I’m still pretty busybusy, but I figured a short update was in order. I might be doing a Daily Click later, if work slows down.
I think the thing with Jimmy is coming back together. We’ve seen each other a couple times since Saturday and I think it might equal out to “taking a break.” It’s moving slowly, whatever it is. And I’m trying to learn and grow from it. Who knows what will happen.
Being unsure about things is tragically hard for me, but it’s also one of the things I’m trying to work on about myself. Not always having a plan, not always needing to be in control of every detail of my life and the lives of those around me. Trying to be compassionate and other-minded.
I think if nothing else, the whole experience has taught me to stop and look at the way I’m treating others. Think about the things you say before they fly out of your mouth, and consider: “Would I be hurt if someone said that same thing to me?” If the answer is yes, seriously, Shut Up.
I have no idea what my plans are for this weekend, and I’m cool with that. My mom said something about going to Colonial Williamsburg. I’ve still never been and I live like an hour from it. So that might be fun. I still have a lot of work to do tonight, transcribing another interview and HOURS of work for the FUTURES site.
I think I’m gonna try to make some blackened chicken tonight. If any of you have suggestions for the blackened seasoning, send em over. I’m thinking Old Bay, garlic powder and a little basil/oregano. Any other ideas? LJ friends, comment at the site, not on LJ, cause I don’t get those comments. That goes for all of you!
07 November, 2005The end of an era.
To my readers that have started to come here for actual posts on design and whatnot, I apologize, but this is my personal blog too, so I need to talk to my friends for a minute.
It was a long and hard weekend.
On Saturday, Jimmy broke up with me. I didn’t see it coming at all, and was pretty freaked out and most certainly very sad and confused. I felt really rejected and pretty much worthless when I woke up Sunday morning.
I spent all day at my mom’s and kept busy helping her finish unpacking and hanging pictures and cleaning the house. I talked to him online for a while and he was able to give me more to go on about why this was happening. I sort of started to see it but was still super pissed and hurt.
Later I got to spend some much needed time with friends I hadn’t seen in a minute. Apparently since I’ve been gone they’ve decided to all start wearing a uniform. Black hair, white shirt, jeans and tattoos. It’s mandatory, I think. Also, I found out that two out of the three pictured here are very skilled MAGICIANS. Haha I’m not even kidding.
Last night after I got home Jimmy came over, and we talked for a while. I’m not mad anymore. I see what’s going on, and where we both went wrong. I guess right now he just wants his space, and that’s fine.
At least I can see now that he really does care, where Saturday night I thought he was just throwing me away. I don’t feel as rejected now, which takes a lot of the pain away. I am really glad we’re on speaking terms, and have the chance to actually be friends.
It still hurts bad to see a 3-year relationship end, though. I still am questioning myself in a lot of ways, and I DON’T believe that “everything happens for a reason,” but I’m not to the point of thinking nothing good came out of this.
I miss him already. Comments are disabled on this post. If you have anything to say directly to me, just email me: amber at myaimistrue dot com.
Oh and I have a little bit of free time now, so friends to chill with would be outstanding.
Bye for now, guys.
Random Photo Fun
Jimmy takes on the Dark Lord Vader. That’s quite a lightsaber you have there, sir. In the end, Vader won, and he’s currently guarding my home office. How much do you think dorks would pay for this on ebay (it’s a video display)?
Also, the reason I was 8 minutes late to work:
This guy is up on top of the dividing wall for the interstate ramp. He better have fallen asleep behind the wheel, otherwise what in the HECK is his excuse? His aim, clearly, is not true.
03 October, 2005Life-ruiner.
Nice weekend.
Saturday morning Jimmy woke me up with an awesome home cooked breakfast. I hereby name him executive chef of my house. How I didn’t wake up with a man banging around the kitchen and cooking a full breakfast at 11 a.m., I will never know. I guess all of you can come break into my house and quite noisily steal things and I will sleep peacefully through it all.
We went and checked out Scanworld, the Scandinavian furniture place I have been wanting to visit. Boring. Really, the best piece in there was a wall unit that can be replicated exactly with kitchen cabinets and bookshelves from Ikea for 1/4 of the price. Their lighting was cool, but other than that, no.
There was a show Saturday evening at the oceanfront. No one remembered that it was also the Neptune Festival this weekend which means 7 zillion tourists everywhere and nowhere to park for under $20. I am not even kidding. I parked illegally about a quarter mile from the beach, but ended up walking back to get the car when the club let us park in a nearby hotel garage. Nice.
The show was alright. I enjoyed Victim and War Head anyway. Jimmy ripped his phone in half, because he’s all Hulk Hogan like that. After the show Cogans pizza was on point.
I am proud to report that Jimmy is now addicted to Law & Order: SVU. We watch it like every night but are running out of episodes in season 1. I have been told to order more through Netflix. More Detective Stabler for me! HA!
Last night we did Heidi’s birthday and gave her presents. Also Curb Your Enthusiasm is funnier than ever this season. People seriously need to get on top of it.
Mondays totally suck and weekends are far too short. Oh, and I am not going to the ODU gallery thing tonight. Sorry, kids.
03 September, 2005Good thing I have wireless.
reachingxout: jimmy, when you came out of my house did you shut/lock the door?
reachingxout: cause the door was wide open when i got back
[long pause]
reachingxout: this is the burglar typing. amber is locked in the kitchen closet. too bad you didnt lock the door, ha!
reachingxout: ps she is really hot
reachingxout: but shes mine now
reachingxout: finders keepers
The food vandal strikes.
The gas got turned on yesterday so I decided to cook some dinner last night. As I looked in my pantry for some soy sauce, I realized I had been attacked by the food vandal.
The racist beans get called out.
The food vandal insists that tuna fish tastes and feels like a paintbrush. And warns others as well.
Pita pockets exposed for what they really are: yuppie bread.
Mmmm english muffins. Made with whole brains. Mmmmm. BRAINS.
The chicken gets called out as well. Meat is murder, guys.
The food vandal is extremely cute but needs to keep his sharpie out of my kitchen or I will not cook chicken alfredo for him and I will remove all the Capri Suns and ramen noodles from the vicinity.
15 August, 2005All is right with the world.
gouge away
you can gouge away
stay all day
if you want to
The Longest Weekend Ever
So my weekend started off like this:
I left work and it appeared all hell had broken loose, weather-wise, which made me VERY unhappy, considering I had a cookout going on for Jimmy’s birthday. I went by the store and out to the park, where luckily it was not raining. Whew.
Jimmy got his present. I didn’t even know it was a photo iPod. He should be careful because I’m tempted to switch it for mine. I covet the nice color screen.
Kenny bought him a cake. Note: he is not really 30.
I tell funny jokes and everyone laughs. See what fun I am to be around? Hahah. Here’s Patrick, Adam and Casey. And Dennis hiding behind everyone.
Jimmy getting wasted. On water. And Timmy and Jill.
Kenny performing surgery on a hot dog, just before they transplanted a firecracker into the hot dog. Yes, we are all in our twenties. Aren’t we mature?
Adam and Dan doing the dirty work. Just after this everyone got hot dog shrapnel all up in their ass.
Straight up chillin.
The protagonist and his feast and minions.
The party was good, except a few people not showing up who totally should have. I think everyone had a good time though.
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Saturday I went to DC to go shopping with Kyle and Chris. Here is Chris looking more stylish than everyone viewing this site combined.
Ikea ended up wearing us out and it was the only place we went. The place is humongous. I ended up buying a dining room table and chairs, a coffee table, a storage drawer thing that will replace my dresser and yarn shelves, some accent mirrors, a vase, some mixing bowls. All for about $250. I’m so thrifty.
Kyle playing in the kids section. The toys here were totally weird. Those wacky Scandinavians.
This picture was to prove that they have a WOMB DOLL in the kids section. I mean totally. This thing has ovaries. And eyes. So creepy.
===
Yesterday I went shopping with Mom and David at the Navy Exchange and picked up some stuff for the house. Iron and ironing board, towels, pillows, junk like that.
Oh, and the Acredale Saddlery horse got vandalized for the 3254321354th time. That’s what you get for having a huge horse penis on display on top of your business 24/7. You are totally ASKING FOR IT.
===
My personal life is quite stormy lately, and it’s not something I’m willing to talk about more than vaguely on here yet. Tonight is a trial of sorts. I am wishing for the best and hoping to be back to my normal, cheery self before long. Who knows.
21!
Everyone wish this kid a happy birthday if you see him. I love you, Jimmy. I hope you have a great day, you deserve it. Smooch.
11 June, 2005Cook out!
I love my new camera! It’s literally smaller than my cell phone, and it’s awesome.
The cookout last night was pretty fun. People came and went and seemed to enjoy themselves. Props to Jimmy. You throw a good party. You’re also an excellent melon carver haha.
