On the Road Again Sunday, August 29, 2004

As of sunrise tomorrow morning, I'll be on my way to Las Vegas for work. IBM Tivoli Technical Learning Conference, here I come! Ok, so maybe that doesn't exactly roll off the tongue quite as smoothly as I'd hoped. Regardless, I'll be unable to post from Sin City...my apologies in advance. I'm going to be a bit preoccupied with work, gambling, and trying not to get sunburned.

In other news, I had a great birthday lunch with my family today-- and some of the best meatloaf I've ever had in my entire life. Yum! Thanks to my sister and brother in law for giving me one of the best gifts ever...a beautiful niece, and of course, cash. And to my parents, who continually give and give and give and give. You are the best. Thanks to SMD for my new, blue, mini iPOD. I love it! Now all I need to do is hunker down with the software and not let my lack of Apple knowledge keep me from using the darn thing. Here's hoping that you all are as blessed as I have been, with a loving family and fantastic friends. Have a great week!

Filling the Silence Friday, August 27, 2004

At what cost do we regard the discretion of the physicians of America? I went to the doctor yesterday, and realized something very strange. My doctor either knows sign language, is selectively mute, or is SO COMPLETELY DISCREET that I can't hear a damn word the man is saying. Are medical professionals trained to be so reserved, now, that they can't even laugh at a joke? Perhaps he was communicating to his nurse by using a complicated series of eye blinks, ear wiggles, and nostril flares that one learns during their first rotation of med school.

It was incredibly unnerving. Am I the only one with a doctor's office that is quieter than a tomb? I understand that doctors can't really crack jokes about your health, but if you attempt a one-liner to lessen the tension, you'd think they would at least attempt a half-hearted laugh to appease you. Is there some clause in the Hippocratic Oath that prevents these brilliant people from having personalities? I don't think the doctor's office should become the next "Night at the Improv," but you have to admit-- there's something inherently funny about being in a scratchy gown, lying on a large people-slab covered in white butcher paper. At that point, you either have to laugh, or cry. I prefer the former, I suppose.

Sweet Home Chicago Monday, August 23, 2004

As Aerosmith would say, I'm back in the saddle again. I've returned to the place where all things are possible (except outdoor swimming in February) and I couldn't be happier. I've been working hard to get some quality sleep, avoid caffeine as much as possible, and catch up with friends I haven't seen in awhile.

And a belated farewell to Kate, who has left her beloved lakefront running path, to study her brains out in Springfield. Even if you hadn't taken the toaster oven, the apartment would still feel empty without you!

new york, schmew york Monday, August 16, 2004

i know i'm going to get bashed for this, but i just don't like new york. it smells funny here. i feel as if, when walking down the street, that one of the buildings is going to lift up a concrete foot, slam it down on me, and crush me like an ant.

ooh, i miss home so much! i'm exhausted, so much in fact, that i'm not even bothering to use capital letters in this post. i'll just lie and say that i'm channelling e.e. cummings.

new york is fantastic (meaning: unbelievable, not wonderful), loud and dirty. i don't enjoy having to dodge roaches in the street, or avoid tourists that are standing, huddled in the middle of the sidewalk, eyes to the skies and mouths agape. i did, however, find salvation in little italy- angelo's on mulberry street is sooooo good. mmmm...mezzalune ravioli with tomato cream sauce, a robust pinot noir, and my boyfriend there to make me laugh. it was almost enough to make me forget that i'm here to work! :)

then again, my span of attention has been notoriously short these days. speaking of which, i really have to go. talk to you all soon!

I'm leaving....on a jet plane... Tuesday, August 10, 2004

I do, however, know when I'll be back again. :) I am signing off for a few days, and heading off to New York for work. I'd attempt to post while onsite, but I can pretty much guarantee that it would result in pointless, rambling stupidity.

You know, like all my other posts.

Hope you have a great week and a half- I'll be back in the glorious summertime Chi on the 21st. If any of you happen to be in Manhattan before then, get in touch-- I'll be in need of a friendly face.

Shake Your Backyard Monday, August 02, 2004

Anyone who has seen me dancing at a bar needs to see this video. Turn up the volume, and rock out. It's office friendly, by the way, if no one in your company would be offended by a hip-hop hippo. Have fun!

i loves me some fireworks Sunday, August 01, 2004

It's weekends like this past one that remind me why I love Chicago. Other than this afternoon's stifling humidity, the weather was absolutely beautiful. I was able to visit with my family as well, for one of my FAVORITE nights of the entire year-- Venetian Night. If you're unfamiliar with Venetian Night, I will sum it up for you: the best fireworks of the year. This year, my parents officially became hip cats, and moved into a very nice apartment on the lake. So I was able to watch the parade of boats and fireworks, complete with 2 of the best inventions in the world, air conditioning and Diet Coke.

I was also able to spend time with my niece Brianna and some family friends. I spent the rest of my weekend doing absolutely nothing. (with the exception of the impromptu Cocker Spaniel doggy-wash earlier today- thanks to Jen and Mos Jef for bringing Seamus by the apartment) It was fantastic. Hope you all had an equally relaxing and enjoyable weekend.