Wednesday, January 31, 2007

A short post for Adam Solomon

Because Adam is so busy and important and my long-winded posts are causing him to get behind on his all-important Ivy League homework, here is a short post for him.
This made me laugh---




But I think it's a good thing that we've got several candidates out already. A year ago I was really worried that we weren't going to have anybody.


Speaking of worried, I was putting some lotion on last week and I noticed that I have a big freakin gap between my nasal bone and my septum.



I mean, I knew the surgery involved taking some bone out, but I didn't know I'd be able to feel it! So that kind of gave me the heebie-jeebies. So does putting a picture of myself on my blog, but hey, I drew an arrow on my face so that makes it OK.

And I know you were really concerned that I'd have a hard time shoe-shopping, but I think I found the silver shoes I'll be buying for my friend's wedding. Not too tall of a heel, and the sparkles will look good with the little buckle thing on the dress.


The end.

Monday, January 29, 2007

And I'm telling you...

Where did the weekend go?

It was so fantastically beautiful (albeit cold) this weekend—and the sunshine is still upon us today! Not only that—it’s supposed to stick around for several days!






My favorite kind of day: sunny & cold.

::::::

OK, so I saw Dreamgirls this weekend. Originally, my friends and I were going to go see Stranger Than Fiction, but we changed our minds at the last minute.

Several things about Dreamgirls: 1. Beyonce didn’t bug me as much as she usually does on an everyday basis. 2. Eddie Murphy can actually (gasp!) act. 3. Jamie Foxx is so damn cute and I just hate that he’s a punk in the movie. And 4. Jennifer Hudson was absolutely-freaking-phenomenal. Phenomenal, people. All that hype? It’s completely warranted. She’s fantastic.




Of the two friends I went with, one gave it a B- grade and the other one said it was the worst movie she had ever seen. But we all agreed that Hudson was incredible.

::::::

I ordered my bridesmaid dress for my friend’s wedding this July. The dress isn’t too bad, and trying it on was great because unlike last July’s disaster wedding, the dress is well made and actually lined! I had to plunk down 90 bucks, but my friend is worth it.


And instead of wearing awful white flip flops, we get to choose silver shoes of our liking. That way my friend who prefers stilettos can be happy and tall, and I can get a sensible 3-incher and we’ll both be happy! So I’m on the hunt for silver strappy sandals, I think.

Oh darn, I have to buy another pair of shoes.

::::::

I also must add that this day is now totally mishmashed because I just realized I forgot to put earrings on this morning, so now I feel naked and incomplete. Time to go back to bed.
::::::
Tristan posted this website on his blog—

Find meaning behind your birthday!

So mine, October 19, 1981 gives the following info:

You were born on a Monday
under the astrological sign Libra.
Your Life path number is 3.
Life Path Compatibility:
You are most compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 3, 6 & 9.
You should get along well with those with the Life Path numbers 1, 2, 5 & 11.
You are least compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 4, 7, 8 & 22.

As of 1/29/2007 4:47:26 PM EST
You are 25 years old.
You are 303 months old.
You are 1,319 weeks old.
You are 9,233 days old.
You are 221,608 hours old.
You are 13,296,527 minutes old.
You are 797,791,646 seconds old.

Celebrities who share your birthday:
Chris Kattan (1970)
Ty Pennington (1965)
Evander Holyfield (1962)
John Lithgow (1945)

There are 263 days till your next birthdayon which your cake will have 26 candles.

The moon's phase on the day you wereborn was waning gibbous.

There was also this site that tells you about your name!

Mine: Jennifer

What your first name means:
Welsh: Female Fair one. Variant of Guinevere. In Arthurian Mythology Guinevere was Arthur's queen.
English: Female Fair one. Variant of Guinevere. In Arthurian Mythology Guinevere was Arthur's queen.
Cornish: Female Fair and yielding. Variant of Guinevere.
Celtic: Female White wave.
Arthurian Legend: Female Variant of Guinevere: Fair one. Guinevere was King Arthur's mythological queen.

Your number is: 9 [Which is totally weird because my favorite number is nine!!]
The characteristics of #9 are: Humanitarian, giving nature, selflessness, obligations, creative expression.
The expression or destiny for #9:The expression that you exhibit is represented by the number 9. Your talents center in humanistic interests and approaches. You like to help others as you were intended to be the 'big brother or big sister' type. You operate best when you follow your feelings and sense of compassion, and allow yourself to be sensitive to the needs of others. You work well with people, and have the potential to inspire. This suggests that you could successfully teach or counsel. Creative ability, imagination and artistic talent (often latent) of the highest order are present in this expression. It's possible that you're not using or developing all of these capabilities at this time. Some of your talents may have been used at an earlier time in your life, and some may still be latent. Be aware of your capabilities, so that you can make use of them at appropriate times.
If you are able to achieve the potential of your natural expression in this life, you are capable of much human understanding and have a lot to give to others. Your personal ambitions are likely to be maintained in a very positive perspective, never losing sight of an interest in people, and a sympathetic, tolerant, broad-minded and compassionate point of view. You are quite idealistic, and disappointed at the lack of perfection in the world. You have a strong awareness of your own feeling as well as those of others. Friendships, affection, and love are extremely important.
Undeveloped or ignored, the negative side of the 9 expression can be very selfish and self-centered. If you do not actively involve yourself with work that benefits others, you may tend to express just the opposite characteristics. It is your role to be very involved with other people and their needs, but it may be difficult for you achieve this role. Aloofness, lack of involvement, and a lack of sensitivity mark the low road of this expression.
Now I know that these things are written to be very general to fit anyone, but that’s pretty damn close! :)
What can I say...I'm easily amused.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

A Beautiful Pea-Green Boat

I would like to thank the Academy…

I was just looking over the Oscar nominations, and I’m very pleased to see that Little Miss Sunshine (the best movie of 2006) got a Best Picture nod, as did Abigail Breslin, AKA “Superfreak.”



I don’t think it will win, but it might be a dark horse. I think Scorsese will finally take home Best Director (it’s about time, too). My money is on “Babel,” even though I haven’t seen it. “The Queen” might have a close shave yet, though.

I love that I act like I know what I’m talking about.

Did anyone see Salma Hayek and that other guy announcing the nominees? It was pretty run-of-the-mill boring, but when the Best Actress nominations were announced, Salma Hayek was adorable when Penelope Cruz was announced as a nominee:



(You only have to watch the first teeny bit of the video to see her reaction)

Some people are saying that she was dumb and unprofessional, but I thought it was sweet! They are well-known friends and are both Latina powerhouses, so why wouldn’t she be excited for her?? And no, gentlemen, I’m very sorry to tell you they are not a lesbian couple.

::::::

In other news, I got my allergy test results back to see why on earth my sinuses got so out of control.

Yeah. I tested negative for everything.

This annoys me greatly. I want to know why it got so bad that I had to have damn surgery. It’s not enough for me to know that it will get better now. I want to know why it was messed up in the first place!!

Grr. I’m going to demand that we do more tests—after all, the first one wasn’t exhaustive. It just tests for the most common allergies, and I am clearly a freak so I should have a freak allergy.

::::::

But when life gets you down, especially on January 24th, you can always visit YouTube and find yourself a funny cat video.

Enjoy.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

State of My Union

George Walker is giving his cowboy speech State of the Union Address at the moment. I watched the first part of it, but now I can only listen from afar. I find that my blood pressure rises considerably when I watch him speak. Bastard.

But there was that beautiful moment when, for the first time in U.S. history, the melodious words were spoken at a national address:

"Madam Speaker..."




I will admit publicly that I teared up a little. Hey, I'm probably PMS-ing.


Anyway--


Look at this beautiful bundle of joy:





Yes, it's my bed. Yes, I realize it's weird that I just posted a picture of my bed, but it's NEW!


I bought it this weekend and had my first glorious night in it last night and it was heaven. It was a very adult purchase, I must admit. I decided to forgo a new digital camera or the lambskin rug in favor of this much more luxurious item.


It's fantastic. No buyer's remorse whatsoever.


Jane was pretty ticked when I had to shut her in the bathroom when the guys came to set it up. As I was shutting the door the bed-man looked past me and said "Holy shit! Is all that yours??"


I turned to see what on earth he was talking about--


Oh. It was my outrageous jewelry collection:









"Kyle! You gotta check out this girl's jewelry!"


[No, I'm not kidding]


So Kyle comes in, and the two of them gawk at my stuff while I look in amazement that this is actually happening. They actually start discussing my taste in earrings.

"So...did you want me to leave you two alone?" I asked with only a hint of bitchy--

"Oh, yeah, sorry."

I'm the first to admit that yeah...maybe I have a little too much jewelry. But that's just how I am. A woman has a right to her jewelry.


Ahem.


OK, I'm done now.


I leave you this---my Jane, looking quite tuckered out after the ordeal of having to change beds. Oh! It's so hard to be a cat!


Work work work





Students are back so work is finally picking up! Of course, that means less blog time. But I will quit being a workaholic long enough to say I will be posting something of substance tonight.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Achoo!


I cannot stop sneezing and it’s driving me crazy.

Crazy, I tell you!

I can’t tell if this is just healing or if I have actually been stupid enough to catch a cold. I just can’t tell! And sneezing doesn’t exactly feel good on sinuses that have just been roughed up.


::::::

So I’m taking another weekend class where I have class one weekend a month for three months—it’s terrible sitting in class for so long, but it’s a good way to get a class in without a weekly commitment.

Anyway, it’s something about advocacy training in the public sector, and it centers around speaking in public. Now, I’ve never had trouble speaking in public, so this class should be a breeze. BUT—I looked through the textbooks for the class and I swear they’re like self-help books for people who can’t do public speaking.

Now, I know it’s very difficult for some people to speak in front of others. But if you’re working on your MPA, a fear of public speaking is not a great attribute. And having to take a class about “finding your center” and all that is not appealing to me.

Oh well. Should be an easy A.

Speaking of speeches, the annual Tom McCall Forum has been canceled, much to my dismay. It’s a debate put on annually by my alma mater where they invite two political figures—one conservative and one liberal—and they debate over a set issue. It’s always a blast. I went last year with Tom Daschle and Pat Buchanan (I would link to my post but it was pre-hijacker). This year was supposed to be Jack Kemp and John Edwards! Since Edwards has put in his bid for the 2008 presidency, he had to cancel and previously scheduled paid appearances. Bummer.

::::::

I was glad that the little boy lost in Missouri was found—and even gladder that the other kid that was missing for four years was found. But the behavior of the families seems a little weird to me. I mean, if my son that was lost for four years was just found less than a week ago, the last thing I would do is a damn media tour. But this Shawn kid’s parents are dragging him from network to network and they’ve even already had an exclusive Oprah interview.





GO HOME AND BE WITH YOUR SON. Oprah and Company can wait.

::::::

I think I’m going to get this rug:

It’s pure lambswool heaven. It’s expensive ($150!), but the same rug sells elsewhere for over $500—no joke. My step-mom has the same one and she paid over $500. And it’s oh so soft and cozy. Now I just need a fireplace and we’ll have the perfect seduction location.

::::::

And now this is too cool---I found this at Tristan's Brilliant Blog.

Turn yourself into an M&M!



Here is my self-rendition, M&M style--



Wednesday, January 17, 2007

What's this fluffy white powder?

Portland is snowed in, people.


Now before you northerners scoff at me and say “Hmph! THAT’s not snow. I’ll show you snow,” you must first and foremost remember that I live in Portland, Oregon. We don’t get snow. Occasionally we get freezing rain and when we do get snow it doesn’t stick, and regardless it’s always cleared out in less than a day.


So this ridiculous five inches we got yesterday has completely caught us off guard. The roads are very treacherous, and Oregonians generally can’t drive in conditions like this—we’re just not used to it. And the department of transportation can only do so much—because they’re not used to it, either. And it’s just not going anywhere! It’s so cold out that it’s just…staying. It’s bizarre.

I couldn’t get my car out, so I had to take the bus to work yesterday and today, which is an adventure in itself because they’re all running behind and very slow so it has taken me an hour each time to either get to work or home. And I live two miles away. It’s been quite irritating. And I would just give up and walk home, but the sidewalks aren’t plowed so I’ve almost fallen on my ass multiple times. Not to mention I just had sinus surgery and the cold air hurts like a mo fo.


And can someone please explain to me why we are the ONLY SCHOOL open in the Portland metro area? You’d think our administrators would take that as a hint and think, “Hmm. There must be some reason why everyone is closed…what could it be?” Perhaps that it’s dangerous for your employees to drive into work? It’s so bad that chains were required on the freeways and even the damn mayor told people to stay home? That only half of your employees were even able to make it in?

No, of course not. Instead, they think “Hell no, we won’t go!” and remain open for Round 2 today.

Punks.

::::::

I watched part of the Golden Globes the other night, and was pleased to say that my favorite actor on the only TV show I watch religiously won his second little gold globe. And his acceptance speech was hilarious. Here I will attempt to put it in my post:








I love the line about “newly mown grass.”

He’s so sexy.
And what us up with Beyonce?


Clearly she does not yet understand the difference between music award shows and movie award shows. A music award show calls for slutty showgirl dresses and poses such as this, but movies tend to have a little more class. Next time, less slut, Beyonce.


And Mary-Kate...



For the love of all that is holy. She looks like a ghost. And a strong wind would take her up, up, and away. She used to be such a cute little thing. How the mighty have fallen. I mean, look at her chest! It's awful!!
Yikes.

Monday, January 15, 2007

MLK Day

Ugh, back to life as we know it. The students are back to classes today, so you’d think I’d be busy, but I still have nothing to do! But that gives me primo time to post an update.

Sinus recovery is still going well. I had my post-op appointment on Thursday and doc said the healing is going well and that I’m obviously doing my sinus rinse like a good girl. Then I had some blood drawn to check for allergies—he’s pretty convinced that since it was a chronic infection without polyps or tumors or some reason for the fiasco that it must be an allergy issue that has developed in the last couple of years.

Bet you 50 bucks that the lab results will say I’m allergic to mold and/or dust. Now more than ever I’m convinced that it’s the building where I work. But we shall see. I don’t want to jump to conclusions before I know for sure.

But let me tell you about the sinus rinse. I bought it a few months ago (back when I was still optimistic) to hopefully prevent sinus surgery (which obviously didn’t work), but it’s also used post-surgery to clear out the after effects.

It. Is. Disgusting.

Disgusting.

Chunks, people. Big ol clods of mucous and blood. It’s like gross red egg yolks coming out of my nose.







I’ll bet you appreciated that visual, didn’t you?

But every time it comes out, it feels oh so good.

And I bought myself a get-well present.

::::::

This weekend I headed to the coast to put some new feet on my car. She wasn’t in total dire straits for tires, but the time was coming soon and I wanted to do it now while I could afford it.

My dad is a mechanic who owns his own business, so it’s pretty handy. I get a good deal on service for my car, and I know it will be done right. Not to mention, whenever my car makes a funny sound, I just call dad and say “What does this mean?”

So I got new tires and an oil change, and then dad went hog wild and put a new drive axle on her as well as new wiper blades and a new headlight. He’s funny like that. Then the punk wouldn’t let me pay for it!





I am independent to a fault. I know this about myself—I need to learn to rely on people sometimes, but it’s hard for me. I paid my way through school (hell, I still am), and I pay all my own bills and all of that since I was 18. My parents would have helped if they could, but just weren’t financially able to. In the end, that helped me because now I’m self-reliant unlike all (and I do mean all) of my friends whose parents help them pay car payments, car insurance, student loans, rent, and even groceries. It’s a good feeling to know I am taking care of myself and I don’t need my parents to bail me out at the age of 25.

Anyway, enough of that rant. My dad paid for my $600 bill (which is much less for him, really since he got everything at cost) because he said he was never able to help me before. It was really sweet, and I only argued with him a little. He forgot to wash and wax her, though. ;)

::::::

In other news, I started classes last week, and it looks to be an interesting term. In one of my classes I have to do…wait for it…a book report.

Saywhat?

Yes, a bona fide book report that we all did in like the seventh grade. But it gets better. Not only do I have to do a book report, I have to present it in front of the class on an overhead projector. As in one of those old school transparencies also from the seventh grade. This is mandatory—I cannot do PowerPoint.




It’s so retro.

::::::

A/B. I finally saw V for Vendetta and its complete brilliance inspired me to go out and buy a copy of it for myself the very next day.

Brilliant.

Friday, January 12, 2007

Back to the daily grind

I'm still here, still great! Blogging should be back to normal next week!


MUAH!

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Welcome to a new year

I finally got the call late Thursday night that I was to report to the hospital at 7am. I was very happy about this because they originally estimated my time to be 10am and I would have been starving by then since I couldn’t eat or drink after midnight on Thursday.

So mom and I head to the hospital, and I check in just before 7. I was only in the waiting room for about 5 minutes before they called my name, so mom and I headed to the back. They put us in the prep room, where I changed into a gown and relaxed on the gurney. I don’t know why, but I wasn’t nervous at all. They took my vitals and then made an attempt to put my IV in. Unfortunately, since you can’t drink after midnight the night before, I was dehydrated. She pricked my hand several times before giving up and moving to my wrist. They don’t usually like to put IV’s in your wrist, but it seems to work fine for me.

They start with a lovely cocktail of fluids and a sedative to “relax you.” Within five minutes, I was HIGH AS A KITE, people. Couldn’t stop laughing, which of course made the nurses laugh. This is the glory of never taking drugs in your life. When you have surgery, it makes it that much more fun!

They rolled my high as a kite self back into the OR and I said bye to my mom, who looked far more nervous than I did!

We rolled into the OR and they asked me to scoot off my gurney onto the operating table (which is really a bed—why do they call it a table?). This was quite humorous considering I was totally high and my gown kept getting caught under myself. Then the nurses put the sticky heart monitors on my chest, adjusted me, and put the Oxygen mask on me. She asked me to take a couple of breaths.

Next thing I know, they’re waking me up and my mom tells me all went well.

Totally. Bizarre.

The only other time I’ve ever been under anesthesia was when I was like, four, so I didn’t really know how weird it was for a few hours of your life to totally disappear. It was a really weird feeling coming out from under anesthesia. I kept trying to make myself wake up, but my body just wouldn’t let me. Within 15 minutes or so I was pretty alert and they gave me some apple juice and crackers which almost immediately made me nauseous.

They gave me some anti-nausea stuff in my IV and then I felt fine. I had a headache (big surprise there) so they gave me some pain killers, too. My doctor came over to say hi and said I was looking “quite bright-eyed.”

The nurses in the recovery room came by once in a while to see how I was doing, and once I was a little less high, I got changed back into my clothes, which was interesting because I couldn’t really use my right hand very well because of the IV in my wrist—it would poke me when I bent it, so my mom had to help me, which gave us both the giggles.

Once I was dressed, they checked on me one more time and then put me in a wheel chair, and then took out my IV. Other than a big mustache-looking bandage on my nose, I was looking fairly human.

The ride home was fine, and my mom made me some soup for lunch, which made me a little nauseous, but it wasn’t too bad. Then we popped in a movie and I promptly fell asleep. I got up to go to the bathroom, which made my nose start bleeding, so my mom made me get back on the couch (after I did my business, anyway). She was being pretty funny. Every time I moved to reach for some Kleenex or get a drink she was like, “What do you need?!? Don’t get up!!” Her paranoia wasn’t totally unnecessary because every time I got up I would spring a leak. It’s totally normal for it to bleed, of course, but she didn’t like that too much.

Around six, my best friend came over to babysit me so my mom could head home to the coast. We watched some Sex and the City while I faded in and out of sleep. I only took Vicodin a couple of times last night, and haven’t taken any since, which is pretty amazing considering the surgery I had. Only a little swelling, and only slight bruising under my eyes. The worst really is the big-ass bruises where they tried to get my IV in!

All in all, it’s been a total breeze. Now I basically just feel like I have a bad cold. I’m stuffed up, which is normal after the surgery, and my throat hurts from the breathing tube, but nothing a little Chloreseptic spray can’t help. Honestly, I’ve been waiting for the ball to drop because I just can’t imagine this going so well! But maybe it’s because it’s finally my year!

I’m happy to be able to report such a boring story! All hail 2007!!

Rock N Roll

Hallelujah!

I survived, and I am recovering well! No spinal fluid leaks, no blindness!

I will update with details later today or tomorrow, I promise! I'm pretty tired, but doing great. I haven't had to take any pain meds since yesterday, and haven't had any bleeding since yesterday, either (knock on wood).

Right now I just have a sore throat from the breathing tube, and I'm stuffed up like I have a bad cold. All in all, I'd say that's not bad!!

OK, I'm off to take a nap. Love you all, and thanks for the well wishes, they definitely helped!!!

MUAH!

Thursday, January 04, 2007

It's all downhill from here---

Alright, tomorrow's the day. I will try to update this weekend with all the gory details!

But tomorrow, think of me, having this shoved up my nose:






But to end on a happy note, let's pop the champagne and congratulate Cristina on her engagement!


Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Kim Family Auction

I think most of the nation was riveted by the Kim family's ordeal this winter.

We were all disappointed and moved to hear that James Kim died while trying to save his family, never knowing that his wife and children were saved.



An auction is being held through January 7th on EBay for the Kim family. You can see the auction's items as well as links to Ebay at the following website:

Kim Family Auction

They are mostly arts and crafts made by artists nation-wide (many of them from the Pacific Northwest). Some of the items are pretty spendy, but I thought I'd pass it along in case you or someone you know would like to bid.

Pass it on!

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Still here

I’m having surgery on Friday. This recent realization has me slightly freaked out.

But it is the new year! And although the ridiculous things that happened to me over the year (blog hijacking, root canal, sinus fiasco, stolen stereo, random parking ticket, rat in my toilet, crazy bridezilla) offer good blogging material, I’d like to have a less eventful 2007. Sound good to you?

I ended up ringing in the new year in Seattle. My friends and I decided to get out of town so we stayed in Bellevue and drove downtown to the party at the Space Needle. It was fun and all, but not the “crazy fun party” the Seattle-ites insisted it would be. The fireworks shot from the needle were fantastic, though.



Then we tried to get out of Seattle, and inexplicably found ourselves on Queen Anne Hill. We kept going and went up and over the hill, only to come full circle back at the goddamn Space Needle. We found our way to I-5 soon, however, and headed back to the hotel.

So in honor of this new, beautiful year, I offer this New Year Survey, and suggest you fill it out for yourself! It’s a thinker.

1. What did you do in 2006 that you’d never done before?
Took graduate school classes.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I normally don’t make resolutions—they’re kind of silly. I mean, if you want to change something in your life, why wait until January 1st? Do it now!
I do, however, hope to up my exercise soon. I haven’t had a good work-out in months. I blame it on the ridiculous congestion that prevents me from breathing and makes me feel like I’m going to pass out because I’m not getting enough oxygen. But theoretically, 2 weeks after the surgery, I should be able to get it going again.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope, not in ’06.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Well, it might seem strange that I never mentioned this before, but my aunt died several weeks ago. I started to blog about it, but didn’t finish because I couldn’t really decide what to say. I hadn’t seen her in about a decade—she was a drug addict and estranged herself from the family. My mom went to visit her finally, and brought back pictures. At 45, she looked like my grandmother right before she died. My aunt was addicted to meth and heroin (as far as we know), and by the time she got clean, it was too late. She had Hep C & permanent brain damage and was living on disability. She got pneumonia and died.
5. What countries did you visit?
I didn’t go anywhere this year, really. I went to Washington, and that’s sort of close to Canada, right?
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
Better health, please.
7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
None in particular, really. September 25th was good because I started school.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being accepted into and starting graduate school. And kicking ass while working full time and being full of snot.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I wasn’t able to convince my best friend that her impending marriage was a mistake. I hope I’m wrong and that they’ll live happily ever after, but I doubt it.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Hahahahhaaa. That’s funny.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Hmmmm…I didn’t buy anything really big…so I’ll have to say my new computer. And the following shoes:






Upon which I now feel the need to have these shoes:





12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I’d have to say the American voter. Looks like they are starting to figure some things out!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
There’s the usual—the president and his blind followers who still fail to see the huge mistake that is Iraq. 3,000 of our own soldiers dead. How many more will we have to see?
14. Where did most of your money go?
Well, now that I’m an “adult,” the correct answer is rent, bills, car insurance, groceries and the like. But some went to school, a new computer, and you guessed it—shoes!
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The election. I was jumping up and down. I don’t think I got anything done that day at work.
16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” – Rolling Stones
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? About the same, really. Maybe a little happier, regardless of 2006’s fiascos. b) thinner or fatter? I’m pleading the fifth on that one. c) richer or poorer? About the same. My raise in June didn’t do jack.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I wish I had seen more movies. But they’re so damn expensive that I probably won’t change that this year.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Getting frustrated and worked up over things I cannot control. I never thought I was a control-freak, but I think I may have to admit that I am. I don’t like things that I cannot change.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas was great. Just fantastic.
21. Did you fall in love in 2006?
Nope.
22. How many one-night stands?
Oh for crying out loud. This survey was doing so well. The correct answer is zero.
23. What was your favorite TV program?
House. I miss it. I have to wait until next week to see it again.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Uh, no.
25. What was the best book you read?
Ooh, tough call… I’m going to have to go with The Kite Runner. If you haven’t read it, go do it. Run, don’t walk. I also recommend The Time Traveller’s Wife and The Memory Keeper’s Daughter. I do not recommend Running with Scissors. I was horrified.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Hmmm…Snow Patrol, KT Tunstall, Hinder, Damien Rice.
27. What did you want and get?
Accepted into grad school.
28. What did you want and not get?
World peace.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Little Miss Sunshine, hands down.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
A few things—good friends, good food, good times. I hit the big 2-5.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I would have loved it if my sinuses had cleared up after the first round of antibiotics. Ah, what a lovely thought.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
The usual. I like fashion, but I’m too broke sensible to buy extravagant things. I do have a shoe-shopping problem, though.
33. What kept you sane?
My friends. My family. This blog.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Fancy? Is this a British survey? Well, I fancy several famous people: Orlando Bloom, Johnny Depp, Ty Pennington, Hugh Laurie, Barack Obama, and Taylor Hicks to name a few.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Yeah. Like I could narrow it down to one. But for the sake of this survey, I will say a pointless, violent, tragic war that is unnecessary and severely detrimental to the entirety of the world. Troy will fall again. Mark my words.
36. Who did you miss?
My friends that live far away (yes, even Bridezilla).
37. Who was the best new person you met?
I met a lot of people in 06—but the new people I like most are the friends I made in school.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.
Keep your toilet lid closed at all times.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
nothing unusual
nothing strange
close to nothing at all
the same old scenario
the same old rain
and there's no explosions here

“Amie” – Damien Rice


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If I don’t get a chance to update in the next couple of days, I promise I will keep you posted on my surgery this weekend.