Winter Storm Warning

I'm sitting here on hold with the Court so I thought I would update my blog. The weather is blowing wet, heavy snow. It isn't horribly cold, but it sure would have been nice to stay home today. What's interesting about this snow is that it reminds me of a spring storm. Ususally when it snows in October, it is dry and not so heavy. There are downed tree branches because the leaves hadn't fallen off and people in BMWs are driving like assholes since they can.

Ok, enough about the weather, time for a serious update. I have applied to a few more jobs with 7 more on the way. I am getting a bit burned out with it, but at the same time realize that this is all part of the process. I absolutely love my job now and I think that is because I am actively seeking career change. I am able to appreciate what I have.

Today, I am going to get my hair cut and colored as well as (yikes!) a bikini wax. I will be seeing God so I'll put in my best for all of you! I don't know what has possessed me, but I see it as a right of passage.

And it's October already!

Wow, how time flies! I am sitting in my favorite coffee shop, about to embark on generating a cover letter for work in the non-profit sector. I have a fabulous cover letter for policy/research positions, but not for non-profits. This week, my resume and cover letter has been submitted to a grand total of 7 positions! Hooray!! I am really doing this! Once the non-profit cover letter is composed, and edited to perfection, there will be at least 2 additional positions applied for by the time the day is done. That is 9 positions applied for in less than a week people!! Hopefully I get a call from someone. I will repeat the same process next weekend. A huge help has been my friend in DC forwarding me job postings she thinks I am qualified for and would be interested in taking. I realized that I am way too harsh a critic/evaluator of my skill set so having her do that has given me a better idea of what types of positions I should be looking at so I don't aim too low.

More good news! There is a significant possiblity that my beloved Nonasan will be needing to spend a year in DC doing research for her dissertation which means we can be roomies again. Oh joy! Just the thought of that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. We lived together in college and it was great - we just function well together, don't argue or fight...we'll be broke and fabulous with a crazy kitty and a Japanese yellow lab. Nothing is set and a lot can change in the next few months, but it is cool just to think of that possiblity.

Well, I must get back to working on the cover letter and going to various job sites. If I haven't heard from you in a while, write me!

Restless

Things are at a bit of a lull right now. I am super restless - I have plenty to do but it is items that are not necessarily inspiring. I think, "oh I would like to go home" but then I think "what would I do once I got there?" Dishes, laundry, cleaning up...but that desperately needs to get done. I am supposed to meet one of my friends I have not met in a while for drinks. We always have a fabulous time, but I am exhausted right now.

I think this time of year is really hard for people. My co-worker is exhausted too and it isn't like the stress is unbelievable around here. I am handling my sister's move amazingly well. I found $88 round-trip tickets to go see her in October. Very exciting! My friends have rallied around me as has my family. I think it is good that she left because it makes me appreciate how much love and support I have here.

No updates on the new job front. One of my friends is forwarding my resume and cover letter to a lobbyist group that would be fun to work for. I am glad I have some time to prepare for my big move! Maybe they will want to interview me...

L'amore non dorme mai

"Love never sleeps". Thank you, oh buff gondolier. I don't know what to comment on this statement. Hmmmmm, maybe inspiration will hit me later.

So I asked my boss for a raise today and told him if I got the raise, I would not look for a new job in this State. I was very frank with him and told him my resume is floating around the DC area and it would continue to float around out there. I am only asking for a 14% raise!

I need to buy my cheap tickets to see my sis, but I keep hoping I'll have a job interview. Maybe if I buy the tickets, it will guarantee an interview. Way to be supersticious. And a poor speller.

I have been super down about my sis leaving, but am ready for it to just happen. I am sincerely hoping the waiting is indeed the hardest part. Tonight is the last night as a family all together. I fear there will be many tears, which means swollen eyes tomorrow and my boss saying, "are you tired or something?". I already took tomorrow morning off because I don't know how I will be considering she literally drives away tomorrow. Maybe I will be punctual and the work will be a good distraction...we can hope. I don't know what to expect from myself or our friendship. The bond will not be broken; most likely, it will be strengthened. Maybe I am too dependent on her and her boyfriend. Maybe a great weight will be lifted. Or maybe I will just cry.

Changes

I am sitting at work, trying to install an update on the server for one of our software programs and it isn't working. I am a bit annoyed, but whatever. It looks like the server will need to be re-booted. Joy. And I just got busted typing this entry.

My sister is moving to Chi-town in a week and I am beginning to get nervous. I simply don't know what I am going to do without her here. I know I will survive, but that doesn't make the emininent loss any easier to deal with right now. Her move has really put a fire under me to go to DC.

Lots of things feel like they are shifting right now. I am having a hard time committing to anyone or anything. My boss says all he needs is a pinky swear that I will be here 6 months and I will have a raise. I don't know if I can pinky swear that (I am trying to be impeccible with my word).

I think I am scared that I will become needy once my sis departs. Neediness is not hot nor is it cool. I keep telling myself that being scared of it means it won't happen, but alas, I guess we won't know for a week or so. Maybe I will become a recluse. Maybe I cry a lot next Wednesday and be done with it. Maybe it won't be as big a deal as I fear. Invest in kleenex stock just in case...

Choices and The Barista

I am feeling a bit introspective today and am listening to the song that was popular in Spring of 1999. It was the one where the guy is talking to a graduating class and it starts off with him saying the only advice that he knows for certain is to wear sunscreen and then goes on with little tips on how to live your life. It is a great song and there is one part I will paraphrase that really applies to where I am now. Basically, don't praise yourself or berate yourself too much because your choices are half chance, just like everyone else's. My wise friend, Calabaza, told me once there is no wrong choice because there is no right choice. In a way, that is liberating, but in a way, that offers me no guidance. If there were a "correct" choice, I could firgure out a way to discern that and then, obviously, take that route. But it could never be so simple. Black or white. The older I get, the more I realize there is no such thing for many of life's qustions. This isn't a new revelation to me, but every once in a while, it hits me harder than others.

The barista at the coffee shop I am at is cute. I keep stealing glances at him and so far, he has not caught me. I look really hot today, thank goodness. Damn, he knows he's cute. Confidence is attractive; cockyness is not. Maybe he missed that memo. Maybe I have judged him too quickly. Hopefully.

Sono ai tuoi comandi and "if you build it..."

"I am yours to command". These are words I never hope to hear from any man of mine, unless we are roll playing and even then, I am so not into controling people. My buff Gondalier is named Roberto M and has very large pectorals. It appears he may be a bit of a but-his-face due to the fact that he is turned away from the viewer and his hair looks a bit frizzy under his gondalier hat. I guess one can't have it all.

I have a wee update. I applied for a job in DC working for a Senator and I don't think my chances are good, but dang it, I applied!! I was so scared sending off the cover letter and resume combo. Why am I scared- this could be it, folks! Landing the dream job. Or they could ignore me. Either way, it is a bit emotional. Capitol Hill is where I want to be. I want to move to DC and it would be great to have a job. A stellar job. Working for a US Senator. I definitely don't want to count my chickens before they hatch so just keep your fingers crossed that I get an interview. I will apply for another job locally as well and just keep plugging away until one day I have something new.

My sister said that it sounds a bit like, "if you build it", they will come. Please let that be true. Please.

Laundry at Smiley's

Howdy folks. I am presently at a laud-o-mat that goes by the name of Smiley's. Nobody is smiling here. There is a gentleman doing his laundry in his underwear. Thankfully they take the form of boxers. When he walks by again,I'll tell you what the they say on the ass. It is something riviting. Don't get excited ladies, this is no Chippendale. He just put a shirt on so I guess we will never know what those lovely shorts say.

This is by far the most interesting laudrymat I have ever been to. They advertise with free Wi-Fi (that is why I am here) and there is potentially ONE other patron who might have a laptop to take advantage of such a luxury. I am definitely not fitting in here with my red silk sweater and computer. I know it is in an area that can be sketchy, but I thought with Wi-Fi, the gentrification would be well along. No no, I am potentially leading the charge. What a way to spend a Thursday. Instead of happy hour, I am laudering. Not that I have money for happy hour, but still. Laundry. Thursday. Looking hot in my sweater. Whatever.

So I must update y'all on the Renaissance. I have met with the lobbyist, applied for a job on Capitol Hill doing policy research and will hopefully begin volunteering for a congressional candidate this weekend. I want to bust my hump, network and have a blast. I don't know if this seat is highly contentious or not, but it was held by a Republican and I know the Dems are going to fight for it. We'll see; I have never been on the losing end of a campaign and I know there is a first time for everything, but I hope this is not the time.

As far as the clothing area is concerned, I am going shopping with my Gramma on Saturday to pick up some shirts and maybe a suit. I am so bored with my clothes, but I know I have more than I realize. It will be nice to freshen the wardrobe a bit.

I will keep you all posted on my laundry adventures. I hope it doesn't get much more exciting than this.

Sei la mia luce and the Renaissance

Well, I must say things are a bit more up than my last post. Firstly, I have a muscular gondolier back of Mauro to look at. He is telling me that I am his light. His favorite food is spaghetti with sea food, favorite color sea green. I wonder if they show his back because his face leaves more to be desired...

On the the Renaissance. I am trying to have a bit of a re-birth in my life. No, I am not preggers so stop thinking that. I have decided that a career change is quite necessary and what's more, my boss is more than supportive of me pursuing my dreams of politics. I have met with a lobbyist, have a phone call into a fundraiser, an email to the Minority Leader and am going to *hopefully* meet with a senior attorney that works at the Capitol. This is all at the State level, by the way. I took loads of clothes to the dry cleaners, am getting others altered, will paint my nails weekly and am polishing my look. Tonight or tomorrow, I will get Stalin-esque on my ass and come up with a 5 year plan. I must determine what advanced degree I would like, where I would like to get it and what to do in the meantime. My life needs a change, a shot in the arm. I hope this works. No longer will I let my fear rule my decisions (fear of failure) or determine the projection of my life.

I have also been recently informed that I am, in fact, boy-crazy, by 3 people no less. I didn't realize I was so boy-oriented but apparently I am. I am not denying the observation, more like enlightened. As one of my friends said, I need to "stop running". How do you do this if you don't realize that you are running in the first place?? I'll figure it out, I know I will. It's part of the Renaissance I suppose.

The End of the Hellacious Week

I have had a really craptacular week. I get in a psuedo argument with my best friend, the guy I have been sorta seeing blows me off (again), my friend from Ireland who was supposed to arrive yesterday arrives tomorrow (thank you British Airways for shaving off 2 days to her vacation) and I did not do as well as hoped on the LSAT. Oh and I got asked out by a former divorce client, which isn't so bad, but I don't want to deal with 3 kids. What is any girl to do? Drink. Whiskey. And resist sending the "WTF" text to the idiot who obviously thinks I am hooked. I have visions of what I will say if he does call. In the meanwhile, I have a career to figure out, an apartment to clean and amends to make. Pass the Makers.

Celebration

Howdy howdy howdy. I took the LSAT again today and am so glad to be done, I can't stand to be in my own skin. I am going to meet my friends for drinks in a while and realized that of the confirmed people that are coming, I am the sole girl. Crap! You ladies might think this sounds good, but let me tell you, it is a bit awkward, especially since the boys do not all know each other...
I discovered my new favorite element on the periodic table today. That would be element 67, Ho. You read it hear first. Ho is not to be confused with the combination of Hydrogen and Oxygen, no no, this is it's own, called Holmium. It is metallic, and silvery white in color. Here is a link for those of you who wish to expand your knowledge of Chemistry.
http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/Ho/key.html
I leave you with this thought that I wish was originally thought of by me, but alas, is not: Beware of the deadly donkey, falling slowly from the sky. You can choose the way you live, my friend, but not the way you die.

Luce dei miei occhi

"Light of my eyes". This is what very cute Renato tells me every day I am at work. He's a nice piece, to be honest. I love my calendar.
What's new...Well, I take the LSAT again next week and am doubting I will do better than last time. I wish I could say I cared. I really don't.
I went to a brown-bag lunch with the judges today and of course, who sits behind me, but the clerk of the court and so I am right where they constantly look. Lemme tell you who did not eat her lunch, which consisted of cantelope pieces. My boss did not go with me so it's me and a bunch of attorneys who all know each other. I would say it was awkward, if I cared, but I think I almost liked that they were all looking at me, trying to figure out who I was, who's "side" I'm on, etc. You could say I was intriguing...I forgot I was going to the lunch today so I wore my gold Chinese tunic and black pants so I totally stood out. Thank God my hair is fabulous today.

Il tuo amore e prezioso

Yup, my Buff Gondolier is telling me my love is precious. Did I mention his favorite song is "Always" by ole Jon Bon Jovi? Wow, a keeper. He has a huge arm tatoo and I am just really not into that.
I am sitting at work, waiting for my boss to finish something up so we can walk to our cars together. He is very good to me, telling me that our CPA down the hall's wife works at the Capitol and even went so far as to inquire if she would meet me. Apparently, she'd be happy to and they hire paralegals all the time. This is it folks, my opportunity. I said that I was confused as to why he is doing this for me and he says that I need to follow my dream and he knows he doesn't get to keep me forever. How endearing!
So I have fabulous news. My beloved and much missed friend is coming to visit from the Emerald Isle. We will be chillin over the most American of holidays, the 4th of July. Now, I just have to figure out where to go to see the fireworks. I am so incredibly stoked!!
Well, ho's a-hungary and ready to be done with the day.

I Love My Neighborhood, Part II

I am sorry I haven't updated my blog in a while. I will start off with the recent incident in my neighborhood. I know y'all were worried that my neighborhood might be calming down but no!!!!! There was an arrest at the place across the street my sister and I affectionately call the Crack House. Forgive me if I repeat myself, but I want you to understand the Crack House in all of it's glory for this place is the reason my sister and I's rent is so low. There are weekly rentals available in the 3 story apartment building. According to my neighbor, it is disgustingly dirty in there (hmmmmm, why was she in the Crack House?) and my sister and I are pretty sure there is some drug dealing going on, although we haven't actually seen it go down (in the legal world, this is what is called heresay). If you were to see and observe this place as we have you would come to the same conclusion. So this lady is so f*cked up she can't even stand up, then she is sitting outside, no doubt trying to convince the cops she is not as f*cked up as she seems. Meanwhile there is a man on the 2nd story porch in a wife beater watching this all go down and I know once the cops take their suspect away, he is going to go inside and get a 40 to drink on the porch. Ahhh, nothing like a Sunday morning arrest!
I am sure you are wanting a job update as well. So it is just me, my boss and another paralegal working what 8 or 9 people used to do. The stress level is high and I definitely dreamt about work last night. Isn't that sad?? But it is good too because if we can keep this ship afloat, yours truly has a real chance at having a leadership position for a while. This past week, I almost lost it though, with the stress of work, my Gramma having surgery, and the recent death of the Congressman who appointed me Page to the US Congress, my nerves were shot. It isn't just the workload; it is the stress level of everyone, including clients, in the office. But this can't maintain itself forever. I hope.

I Love My Neighborhood

Apparently, I signed off too soon. I just heard a lovely screaming match about some girl shooting up heroin and the guy yelling at her is, of course, shirtless. He kept yelling about her track marks and she's hanging out with some guy who can't even be a man. Unfortunately I couldn't see them very well, but maybe next time. Don't you want to come visit me?

And then there were two...

My boss let go the other person in my office yesterday. Now, my co-workers include my boss and that is it. The other paralegal is coming back on Wednesday and I leave for Florida on Thursday. I am glad my boss has such faith in my work and my product and am grateful for the opportunity. I hope I can move into a leadership position, assuming we can pull through this time. In the meanwhile, my life will be work, lots of late hours and weekends (I went in today for about 4 hours). I am zapped, must sign off for now.

Ti Amo

The title of this blog entry is the Italian phrase on my April calendar page from the Buff Gondoliers. This month's man is named Giampaolo and his favorite color is emerald green. There is a big gold wedding ring on him as well, ruining whatever fantasy there could be. I must say I am a bit disappointed in "ti amo" as the phrase this month. I knew that before my calendar. I think I can get over it. Unfortunately (or fortunately), this month's picture definitely makes my calendar look like a beefcake calendar and not a calendar of Venice or something.

In other news, I leave for sunny Florida in a little over a week and am quite ready for my trip. It still does not feel like a reality to me and I do envision late night packing on the 12th. My flight is at the b*tt crack of dawn, which is actually good because I get almost half a day then with Cruz.

IT'S GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR! Figures the one year I don't fill out my brackets is the one year Florida, the team I always pick to go all the way, goes all the way. Not that I know anything about college basketball.

Welcome April!

I am so glad March has passed. It had been quite a difficult month for me and for those of you who are wondering, I did get paid on time so I am not desparately seeking a new job. I had the most wonderful evening last night with my friends and I realized that all the people I was with are going to move away. So I really need to figure out what and where I want to be. I love living in my apartment, by myself with loads of space, with my crazy cat and even more interesting neighbors. There is a whole world out there though and I need to just go and explore. 4 years in one place is almost a record for me. One part of me says that I need to know what my options are, but there is this little voice that says I already do know what my options are - anywhere and everywhere! I think I want to move to the Eastern time zone and have narrowed down the possibilities. Thankfully, I have the beautiful hot summer to figure things out with lots of memories to make and many events to look forward to. My friend yesterday suggested I visit places and think about where I would really be able to meet people and be all around happiest. Good plan. I am going to Florida in 11 mere days to see Cruz and explore that possibility with her. Who knows where I will travel to next.

The Mile High City

Stupid question: Since I live in the Mile High City, does that make me a member of the mile high club or is that specific to airplanes in flight? Things are going along swimmingly and I am trying to figure out a way to ride my bike to work that would not seriously endanger my life along the way. It is approximately 12.5 miles each way from my apartment to my place of er employment (I hopefully will get paid tomorrow, but the verdict is still out). All the roads that I take to work are extremely busy with no bike lanes. I think I'll google it. Ok, back to the ole daily grind.

99 Problems and other ramblings

So things are uber stressful right now in my world, but thankfully it is Saturday and Jay-Z has shed some light and offered me some perspective on everything. The following is the hook from his song, "99 Problems". Here goes: "If you got girl problems, I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but a b*tch ain't one." Amen, Sean Carter, amen (I think that is Jay Z's birth name).

I watch the haze burn off the city and am enjoying a lazy morning which includes, but is not limited to, sipping coffee, reading a magazine or two, updating my blog all while having my cat purring, sitting on my lap. I have the whole day to do whatever I would like. Maybe I'll go walk around for a bit in the sunshine or take my car to get an oil change or lay on my couch reading or study for a bit. Saturday is very much a recovery day for me. I recover first and foremost from the prior evening's activities, which at times means drinks and late nights, and then, more importantly, from the prior week at work, which recently has been quite effective at totally zapping all my energy. Tonight, there is a party that I have not decided on whether or not to attend. Last year, I went to this party and it's theme was tight pants. My sister and the host quickly realized that it could have been called the camel toe party. Ha ha. So I don't know if this year's party has a theme and if it does, and I go, I'll just have to hope whatever I wear fits in. By the way, last year,I wore tight pants, the original theme, and did not suffer from the aforementioned observation by my sister and the host. Last year, we stayed way too long and I think that it left a bad taste in my mouth for this year. You know when there are only a few cd's in the player and you've heard "ABC" by the Jackson 5 for the third time, it is time to go. I, unfortunately, was the only one in my group with this sentiment. So I was stuck, too tipsy to drive myself home, but coming down from my drunkeness, ready for a nice place to lay my head, listening to "disco inferno" AGAIN, really loud. So this year, we'll see if I attend and if this party ends better than last year's...

My music is on random on iTunes and my iTunes player really likes Outkast and Operation Ivy. Interesting. Hmmm, here's an Op Ivy lyric "What was once rebellion now clearly is just a social sect. Are you just upset 'cause your own social clique has left?" Ok, I'll stop quoting punk music and rap now. Ciao.