Thirteen Random Observations

I'm still recovering from this nasty cold, so while I sit here trying hard not to fall into another fit of the coughs...here are some random observations I made this week:

1. When you have a cold, and therefore a cough, which makes it practically impossible to speak, EVERYONE wants to have all kinds of conversations with you. Why is that?

2. Tuesday, October 2, I was wearing capris, a short sleeve shirt and sandals...in New England. Tomorrow, it is supposed to reach 85 degrees...In October, in New England...I'm not even sure what to wear at this point, and I'm just confused in general about the weather. The leaves are changing, bu they haven't quite changed yet...it's all just very strange.

3. As I write this, I'm watching Kid Nation...is it just me or is it unsettling that a bunch of 14 year olds are faking taking shots and chugging beer (using rootbeer) and making it look completely believable...as if, perhaps...they've done this before?

4. I have to do it...I'm sorry, but here it comes..Britney Spears lost custody of her kids this week. Do you think this will be her rock bottom? Is it bad that I hope it is? It's just that I'm afraid if his isn't it...she may not survive her rock bottom...and then those kids will not only have a very public record of how messed up their mother was...they may not have a mother at all. I worry for everyone involved in this situation...obviously she has some serious issues and needs some serious help.

5. Conversely, I don't really understand why everyone is coming down so hard on Kevin Federline. I mean, don't get me wrong, I've cracked Fed-Ex jokes just like everyone else, and I don't particularly have any great fondness for the guy, but he hasn't yet shown anything to warrant the negative press he's getting in terms of his father abilities. At least he's stepping up to the plate. Give the guy a chance to screw up before you knock his parenting abilities.

6. Do you have any idea how many muscles your body utilizes in the process of coughing? Let me tell you...A LOT! I have aches in muscles I didn't even know existed after this cold. And we won't even discuss how raw my insides feel...OUCH.

7. Back to Kid Nation for a minute. I watch quite a bit of reality tv. I enjoy watching these people make fools of themselves on televison, purely for my entertainment. And as always, when you watch most reality tv shows, there is going to be at least one person who is going to annoy you to no end. Usually, it is okay to have strong feelings of dislike for this moron, because well, they're grown and should know better. But an interesting dynamic happens when you are watching Kid Nation. Certain "kids" will rub you the wrong way and you find yourself thinking "she's such a little bitch" and then you catch thinking "oh, she's just a kid, I can't say that about her"...hmmm

8. The Neiman Marcus catalogue just came out and it includes a $110,000 portrait for two made out of chocolate syrup. WHAT? For more ridiculous (or as they call them fantasy) gifts, go here.

9. I try not to engage in political discussions very often, at least not on this blog, mostly because this blog is a place I enjoy and politics can only screw that up...but...Bush vetoes the child health care bill...and I have a problem with that...that's it, that's as far as I'm going with that.

10. The Red Sox won Game 1 of the Playoffs against the Angels. Just thought you might want to know. No, I wasn't watching the game. No, I'm not even that much of a baseball fan. But I am a Bostonian and this is, after all, Red Sox Nation...Go Sox!

11. Ever know someone who just has a knack for being absolutely rude and offensive when they think they're being funny. Or without even realizing how absolutely innapropriate they are being? Cuz "the Nazi" at the firm, is working really hard on ruining that last nerve of mine. I'm hacking up a lung today in my office...seriously, having one of those moments when tears are streaming down my face and I'm not sure I'm going to make it. And out of her office comes "Will you be quiet in there?" All in a singsongy joky voice, like "haha I'm so funny". Yeah, thanks for your concern. BITCH...

12. Last Saturday I spent the entire afternoon waiting for the Comcast to show up to install my new digital phone service. He never did. After quite the elaborate and unpleasant telephone conversation with the sales department, during which I was informed he had listed me as "not at home" without ever even having driven up my driveway (trust me, I would have seen him) and my informing them that although I wasn't going to call anyone a liar, he wasn't telling them the truth (yeah, I know)...how did I end up screwing myself even more by requesting I be the FIRST appointment of the day this coming Saturday? Good job Karina, now you have to be up and dressed by 8 AM on a Saturday morning. NICE!

13. Taye Diggs is HOT. That's it, that's all I have to say about that.

I told you it would be random. Happy Thursday y'all!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!<

200 Things - Part 3

Wordless Wednesday is below this post.

And now, for the next 50 Things about Me. You can find Part 1 and Part 2 at these links.



101. Even though I have no children, about six years ago I started hearing the slight ticking of my biological clock.

102. I was waiting in line at a Dunkin' Donuts at the train station on my way to work one morning and walked by a sign for the Big Brother, Big Sister Organization.

103. I knew instantly that this was what I needed to do next with my life. I called that very afternoon.

104. Within weeks, after an extensive interview process and thorough background check, I was introduced to Lil' K, my little sister.

105. I fell instantly in love.

106. Lil' K was 8 years old, absolutely gorgeous and with dimples to die for. She was also extremely shy and a bit apprehensive.

107. After introductions were made, I took her to the mall for our first outing. It was her first time going to the mall.

108. By the end of that afternoon, we had formed a bond that goes beyond explanation.

109. In the last 6 years I've seen Lil' K turn from a little girl into a young woman. She is now 14 and has started highschool.

110. I am ridiculously proud of her, and love her as if she was my own child.

111. Although I'm glad I've been able to provide her with experiences she'd never have had, trips she'd never have taken, culture she'd never have been exposed to, and so many other things, I'm even more grateful for all that she's given me.

112. It is because of Lil' K that I have no doubt I will be a good mom one day, and look forward to that opportunity.

113. It is also because of Lil' K that I'm glad I'm not a mom to a teenage girl yet. Boy is that a tough age to discipline!

114. We're getting serious again, let's go back to more fun topics. Let's talk about my "vices".

115. I'm a self-proclaimed shopaholic.

116. I don't have a problem with that.

117. I have a serious love of fashion, and own more clothing than any one woman really needs.

118. And yet, I probably wear 95% of all the clothing I own.

119. The other 5% is probably my work-out gear.

120. As evidenced by my constant talking about it, I have a very serious addiction to shoes.

121. Again, I don't have a problem with that.

122. I quite honestly own at least 75 pairs of shoes. I started the summer at 69, but have bought quite a few throughout the summer, and have given away a couple more pairs, so once again, I have lost count.

123. Although I own so many shoes, I don't spend a lot of money on my shoes. My most expensive pair cost me around $60, and I still regret spending that much.

124. More than being a shopaholic, I am the epidimy of a bargain hunter.

125. If it's not on sale, it is most likely not being purchased. I will step away from it, and only come back for something full price if I absolutely cannot get it out of my mind for a week or two.

126. Barely a weekend goes by when I don't go shopping, even if I buy nothing. For me shopping is a sport, and I take true pleasure in browsing.

127. As much as I shop, I am incredibly good with managing my money, and never buy anything I cannot afford.

128. I've always been proud of the decisions I've made for myself financially.

129. Shortly after college, I began looking into renting an apartment with a friend. I decided that I didn't want to waste my money on rent, and chose to stay home with my parents instead, and save.

130. I lived at home until the month before I turned 28 years old.

131. I don't have a problem with that.

132. I saved enough for a down payment, and bought my own condo, all by myself, at the age of 28.

133. I've had some tight times financially since buying the condo, but I've always managed to handle it on my own, and of that, I'm extremely proud.

134. I absolutely love living on my own, and wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

135. I love the home I've created for myself, and still get a great sense of pride and comfort every time I turn the lock and walk in.

136. I've spent a lot of time alone in the last 4 years, but I've rarely felt lonely.

137. I've learned to appreciate my own company, and the ability I have to entertain myself with my many interests.

138. Living alone, has however, given way to a serious addiction to television.

139. I've always been a fan of tv and all things pop culture, but I now seriously am a tv addict.

140. I'm grateful to Tivo for giving me the freedom to be an addict, but to be able to record things, so that I can indulge my vice in my down time.

141. I'm also seriously addicted to trying new foods and cuisines and learning all there is to know about exotic and original flavors.

142. I don't cook very often, because I don't find it that much fun to cook for one, but I do love to cook.

143. I think I'm a pretty good cook, having inherited my mother's ability to just throw things together and have them come out tasting great.

144. I'm not a heavy drinker by any means, but have developed an interest in expirimenting with martini flavors and have a lot of fun creating new drinks.

145. I took a bartending course a few years ago, but have never attempted to actually get a job as a bartender.

146. I think I would have a lot of fun as a bartender, if I ever needed a second job.

147. As much as I enjoy my solitude and alone time, I am absolutely a people person and love to be surrounded by people.

148. I am the biggest flirt you will meet, and I will flirt with anyone from babies to old ladies. To me flirting is simply about talking to people, and showing an interest in them.

149. Lately, I'm not so good with the flirting with members of the opposite sex thing, but I'm working on feeling more comfortable doing that again.

150. Contrary to popular belief, the fact that I've chosen to not date for such a long time does not mean I don't like men...I absolutely find them the most fascinating creatures and have always loved being around them.

The last 50 of the 200 things will be posted sometime tomorrow...stay tuned!

Wordless Wednesday - Gone Fishin'

See other Wordless Wednesdays here.

200 things about me- Part 2

I'm finally feeling better. Thank you to everyone for your well wishes yesterday...I wound up going home early from work and sleeping most of the afternoon and night away...with interruptions only for bouts of coughing. Anyway, I still have a cough today, but overall am feeling much better...so let's get on with the 200 Things About Me posts I've promised. Here are The next 50: (You can read the first 50 here).


51. I have had the good, the bad, and the ugly of jobs in my life. I'm glad at I'm at a "good" one right now.


52. My first job ever was the same as most teenage girls, I babysat. I babysat a little girl who's name I can't remember, but I remember her parents were named Robert and Roberta...


53. I also babysat Damian himself. A next door neighbor who was so wild that it's a wonder he didn't kill himself or anyone else during his childhood. Seriously, he was out of control.


54. I have since found out that Damian had entered the Army and is now an upstanding member of society, doing fairly well for himself. I'm glad to hear that, I always thought he'd end up in jail for arson.


55. Damian's father hired me one summer to help "clean" his house. I spent the better part of three months trying to find the floor in his office, which was buried under about 4 feet of paperwork. I never did reach ground level.


56. He was a college professor, a freakin' genius, but eccentric is putting it mildly. Still, I liked the guy.


57. My first real job, where taxes were actually taken out, was at McDonald's.


58. My boss at McDonald's was a little rat guy who everyone hated, but since he worked days and us "high school" kids worked nights, we didn't have to deal with him that much. We had a lot of fun working there.


59. After McDonald's I got a job working for a record store called Coconuts Music and Movies. I was a shift manager, and really enjoyed the perks of that job.


60. My cd collection is upwards of 500 cd's, but most of those are from all those years ago when I worked at the music store. Record label reps gave me a lot of free music while I worked there.


61. I quit that job when I found out my manager (another rat like little bastard) was keeping from his employees the truth that the store would be closing in a few weeks, and they'd all be out of a job. He had a bunch of college kids trying to pay tuition working for him, and I felt this was inconsiderate, so I told him to take my job and shove it.


62. That was the only time in my life that I quit a job without another job lined up.


63. The very next day I walked around the mall asking for applications and was hired on the spot at a book store.


64. I loved my job as shift supervisor at the bookstore, and boy, those perks were even better for a book lover like me.


65. My manager at the bookstore, is, to this day, one of my favorite bosses ever.


66. I kept that job through college, while working work-study jobs, and temp jobs during the summers.


67. One of my temp jobs was for a company that "scored" standardized tests for elementary and high schools throughout the country. Our job was to sit and read the responses to the "essay" portions of these tests and give them a "grade" based on a scale.


68. Besides being boring as hell, this was one of the most depressing jobs I ever held, because it was trully sad to see how undereducated some parts of our country are. When you can't distinguish a 9th grader's essay from a first grader's essay, you know something isn't quite right.


69. When the bookstore I worked for went out of business, I got a part time job at a lawfirm in Boston,where I was promissed a full time position upon graduation.


70. I worked at that firm for about 2 years after graduation, doing a semi-paralegal, but mostly "office manager" type job.


71. There was a whole lot of controversy with that firm when half the lawyers and paralegals up and left in the middle of the night one night, taking their case files with them, and opening up a new firm.


72. I was not in that department, and was therefore, left behind. However, the day I came in to discover everyone had flown the coop, was also the day I was coming in to give my notice, because I had gotten a new job.


73. My boss at that firm was the coolest guy ever, and I've used him as a reference for every job I've had since. He keeps asking me to come back and work for him.


74. My next job was as a paralegal in a firm that represented mostly landlords and property management companies, and we handled all their eviction work.


75. Horrible as it sounds, I loved that job. Evicting people isn't so bad when you realize that their share of subsidized rent is about $8 a month, and they'd rather spend that on getting their nails done or buying designer jeans.


76. I had great relationships with our clients, and enjoyed how much responsibility this job offered me. But my boss was crazy with a capital C...she once threw a stapler across the room, missing me by mere inches because there were no staples in it.


77. I lasted at that job for about 3 years before I realized that if I stayed any longer I was going to go crazy myself, so I quit.


78. My next job was as a paralegal and yet another Boston firm, but nothing very exciting ever happened at that job. I was mostly a glorified file clerk. A very overpaid, glorified file clerk.


79. I left that job both because I was bored silly, and because I didn't want to work in Boston anymore. That's when I came to "The Firm".


80. At one point, about 2 years ago, The Firm almost went under, and more than half our work-force was laid off. If you haven't noticed, I've closed down 3 business already, and was afraid my curse had followed me here. (The music store, the book store, and the firm where half flew the coop). But thankfully, we're still here.


81. I also had a direct sales job for about 3 years, working for The Body Shop at Home. I really loved that job, but quit a few years back, because I just don't have the networking capabilities needed for something like that anymore.


82. Now that I've completely bored you with my employment history, let's talk about something more fun. How about boys?


83. I was a late bloomer, not having my first boyfriend or kiss until I was in high school.


84. High school was tough for me, in a lot of ways, including "boys", but now that I look back on it I realize I actually had more fun than I realized I was having at the time.


85. I think I bloomed fully when I arrived in college, and was pretty popular with the guys all through that time.


86. I would honestly say I've been in love with three men in my life, although I think only one of them REALLY loved me back. Well, maybe two...maybe not.


87. I have now been single for at least four years. And by single I mean I could probably count the number of dates I've been on in that time on the fingers of one hand.


88. I don't have a problem with that.


89. After my last break-up, I needed some time to focus on myself, and on becoming a better version of me, so I took what I called at the time a "self-imposed dating hiatus".


90. I didn't expect the hiatus to turn into a cancellation.


91. Life in the last few years has been wonderful to me, and I've rarely missed the drama that comes with dating and relationships.


92. But sometimes, I do.


93. The only regret I have about not being married yet, is that I really wanted to be a mother by the age of 30.


94. I wasn't ready to be a mother at 30.


95. I do hope to get married one day, and am ready to allow that whole dating drama to enter my life again...maybe.


96. I now say I want to be a mother by the age of 35.


97. I don't think I'll be ready to be a mother at 35 either.


98. But if I am, and I'm still single, I have every intention of seriously looking into adoption options. I've always wanted to adopt a child.


99. Even if I'm married and have kids of my own, I will adopt a child. It's something I've always known I would do one day.


100. In the meantime, I love playing with other people's kids. And the best part is, you can give them back when diapers need changing, or scoldings need giving.

Stay tuned for Part 3, sometime tomorrow...

Fun Monday - Did somebody say shoes????

Well...I've been feeling sick all weekend, and due to that, didn't have enough energy to blog...I know I still owe a "Follow-Up Friday" post (please check in this Friday where I will combine two weeks' worth), and the next 150 things in my 200 things about me post...but I was just way too sick to focus on anything this weekend.

So, here I was ready to come in and tell you that there would be no Fun Monday post from me this week. I was going to bow out in the name of my aching throat and stuffy head. And then I go to Robin's blog, because I couldn't remember whether I had signed up, and I see this:

"Shoes tell a lot about a person and we wanna delve deeply into your soul sole. Photograph your favorite pair--or pairs--of shoes and tell us a little about why they're near and dear to your toes heart (I can't wait to see how Swampy ties this in to Breast Cancer Awareness!). Follow in Jenny's footsteps and make a foot-family portrait...show us your baby bronzed booties...let us see the shoes YOU HAD TO HAVE (but have never worn)...or all those grotesquely dyed-to-match formerly white satin bridemaid's shoes that were worn ONCE...the reinforced steel-toe boots that saved your big toe from being hacked off in that industrial "accident"...or, just take pictures of your nekkid feet--gnarly bunions, twin toes, or perfectly OPI-pedicured tootsies."

Shoes? Did somebody say shoes? Well then...I can't exactly pass up an opportunity to share some of my shoes, can I? After all, when you own over 75 pairs, you owe it to the masses to share them all.

This is why I'm really sad about how sick I felt last night, because I just didn't have the energy to go take pictures. But, lucky for you, I've blogged about my shoes a few times before, so I had some pictures available.

As far as my feet are concerned...well, my tootsies are the ones on the banner to this blog.

I'm really sad to not be able to participate more enthusiastically in a Fun Monday about one of my favorite topics...you know I must be feeling pretty sick if I'm passing up a chance to elaborate on shoes...but I'll make up for it; one of these days I'll post pictures of more shoes just for the hell of it!

Be sure to visit Robin for more Fun Mondayers...and check back later, I promise another 50 things about me.