ridiculouschick

Buh Bye

2010-02-16T22:01:00.003-05:00

So I haven't been blogging lately. Have you noticed?

The last time I decided to shut this site down, I got inspired again and wrote a few posts. And then... nothing.

This started as a way to keep in touch with people while I was in grad school. For a time, it was about the bedbugs. For a great majority, it was about dating.

Life looks a little different now. The past year has been one of the most challenging and difficult times in my life. With that said, I've also been (and continue to be) enormously in love, and incredibly grounded and present in my world. And there have not been words to document the disparity in these two experiences.

There may be words later, in a different place, and from a different voice. For now, I am content to just be.

In Case You're Wondering

2009-08-06T18:08:00.001-04:00

Lately, I've been questioning why it was a good idea to become a Social Worker.

Or maybe just the smaller question of why it was a good idea to accept my current promotion.

New Links!

2009-07-01T10:40:00.001-04:00

To the right... 3 new links, courtesy of JH.

And that's all the news that's fit to print.

AKA Dog

2009-06-16T14:20:00.002-04:00

B and I are currently fostering a dog.

This came about *not* with careful planning and reasoned discussion, but with one of us (ahem) responding to an ad on Craigslist about a dog on the euth list with less than 24 hours to live.

How could we say no?

We pikced up Kilo this past Saturday, with the information that he was a 9 year old "Staffie mix" who had recently been abandoned when his owner was called for service in the army. We thought we'd be getting a nice, sedate companion dog.

Kilo is a maniac.

He hurls all 50 pounds of himself toward squirrels, birds, and insects. He circles our couch, never settling down. He doesn't seem to know his own name, or at least, does not respond to it. He's not so familiar with basic commands like "sit", "stay", or "please don't chase after squirrels". And in the past 24 hours, he's developed a wicked case of kennel cough that has him horking all over the apartment at all hours.

He's also a sweet, dopey, gentle dog who never got the right training. And though he is generally uncouth, when left alone in our home, he's very respectful.

B and I would love to adopt him, but neither of us has the time to devote to training, discipline, or structure. So, if you're looking for a dog, or know someone who is, would you consider Kilo?

After all, you could probably rename him anything you'd like.

Mr. Doomsday

2009-06-12T14:15:00.003-04:00

While I was out today during this brief non-rainy weather than we're having, I passed a street vendor.

"Ummmmbrellas", he sang.

People kept rushing by. So he changed it up.

"It's nooooot ov-er", he intoned.

I hope he's wrong.

Aw Shizz

2009-05-19T09:50:00.001-04:00

One of my clients just called me to cancel her appointment because she thinks that she has the swine flu.

Half Marathon Summary (One Word Answers Only, Please)

2009-05-12T15:38:00.000-04:00

Long.
Windy.
Raining.
Long.
Cold.
Painful.
Fun.
Raining.
Cold.
Long.
Long.
Long.
Triumphant.

I've Still Got It

2009-05-05T12:49:00.003-04:00

There's this super annoying woman at work (she doesn't work for my company, she works down the hall) who comes into our office and asks for coffee, which my officemates brew each morning.

I gave up caffeine 4 months ago, so any mention of coffee makes me super cranky.

Today, she knocked and entered before anyone else was at work:

"Can I have some coffee?" (cup in hand, anticipating a yes)

"My co-workers aren't in yet, and it's not made. And I don't drink coffee." (uneccessary commentary, not sure why I engaged)

"How do you stay energized?" (attempt to socialize to make it seem as if she actually cares, rather than the alternative, which is that she is a coffee mooch)

[Pause. I'm aggravated that she's even talking to me, and I can't for the world think about how I actually do survive without coffee. The question is too big for 9:10 am. ]

"I eat a lot of fruit." (this is a blatant lie, but she left)

I Wanna Be A Gorilla! Or A Tiger!

2009-04-28T10:02:00.004-04:00

Due to the current swine flu panic, I think I could make some serious money by importing these from Japan - only 620 yen! Who DOESN'T want to protect their health and look like a ridiculous animal at the same time?

(Am I back to blogging? Maybe.)

Hello and Goodbye

2009-04-20T11:12:00.003-04:00

I haven't written for a while, and I can't really say that I've missed it.

I have, however, been thinking about this blog. Specifically, thinking about the start of the blog in 2005 and the blog now.

I started writing as a way to communicate with people. In some cases, it was my way of expressing myself without having to talk to anyone. Now, the world feels different. I am different. And I'm trying to figure out how to connect with and rebuild relationships in a direct way. There are people that I am missing, and it feels heavy, and a blog post isn't going to be a substitute for that contact.

I'm not sure what this means for this space. I do know that I need to time to figure it out.

Next Time, No Thanks

2009-03-10T15:14:00.002-04:00

B. accompanied me to the gym at 5:00 this morning. (Ahem. I mean 6:00 this morning. But despite the clock-changing nonsense, I think we can all agree that it was really 5:00. And pretty dark. GRRR.)

The gloriousness of that decision was quickly negated by his gloomy attitude and noticeable lack of reciprocation of high-fives during our walk home.

He did come in handy when I needed a new towel after my run. 4 miles, yo!

I Rock

2009-03-05T14:02:00.005-05:00

This morning:

- I ran 2 miles in 19 minutes
- The Metro New York newspaper lady actually greeted me and complimented my sneakers
- I was able to reframe a potentially upsetting piece of communication as a marker of personal growth

Schlump Day

2009-02-26T09:55:00.002-05:00

My Wednesdays are CRAZY. CRAZY. I'm going to document it here so I can look back one day and just laugh and laugh and laugh.

5:47am: Awake to the soothing sounds of NPR and B. snoring
6:16am: Leave the house
6:30am: Arrive at gym, rock it out on the treadmill
7:15am: Back home, wake up still sleeping husband
8:30am: Subway, roll eyes at crowding and egregious violations of etiquette
9:00am: Arrive, psychoanalytic institute for advanced trauma training
1:00pm: Subway, roll eyes at crowding and egregious violations of etiquette
1:30pm: "Lunch"
1:45pm: Meeting with supervisor
3:00pm: Subway, roll eyes at crowding and egregious violations of etiquette
3:15pm: Arrive at work, two client appointments
6:15pm: Subway, roll eyes at crowding and egregious violations of etiquette
6:50pm: "Dinner"
7:00pm: Psychoanalytic institute client
8:00pm: Next psychoanalytic institute client
8:45pm: Walk to trivia
9:00pm: Arrive, Conker Hill for trivia
11:00pm: Win trivia
11:10pm: Bus ride home, roll eyes at crowding and egregious violations of etiquette
11:40pm: Pizza, garlic knots
11:45pm: Top Chef
12:30am: Sleep - sweet, sweet sleep

Being An Adult Can Be Fun!

2009-02-24T14:18:00.003-05:00

Based upon an early morning visit to the internist, B. and I are developing a new song, tentatively titled "Poop On A Paper Plate (Plastic Spoon Remix)".

Sample lyric: "No I don't wanna go back in, don't wanna go back in, don't wanna go back in that bathroom".

This will be a follow-up to our previous hit, "Downwind At Urine Park".

Trust me, it's going to sweep the nation.

Knuckle Sandwich / Knucklehead

2009-02-20T11:39:00.001-05:00

You know it's going to be an interesting day when you manage to bite your own finger, so hard that you cause a buise, while you're eating breakfast.

The Definition of 'Healthy' Is Broad

2009-02-15T10:38:00.003-05:00

Yesterday morning, towards the end of an exercise class at New York Sports Club, the instructor told us to "do something good for yourselves today - drink lots of water, take a walk, and eat something healthy!".

My interpretation of that directive was to go to a bar, watch Syracuse basketball, drink beer, and eat chicken wings.

How To Be An Awesome Newlywed, Part 2

2009-02-12T19:04:00.003-05:00

1. Register for a half marathon.
2. Realize that the only training time your schedule will allow is mornings before work.
3. Set the alarm clock for 5:47 am.
4. Unintentionally wake your husband up at that time.
5. Go running.
6. Return to your apartment.
7. Intentionally wake your husband up by loudly proclaiming your awesomeness.
8. Ask for (and give) many enthusiastic high-fives.
9. Refuse to believe that he could possibly be tired.
10. Engage in more discussions about your awesomeness.
11. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

How To Be An Awesome Newlywed

2009-01-30T09:53:00.002-05:00

1. Keep your husband awake until 1:00 am by forcing him to watch Save The Last Dance, a movie he has no interest in seeing.
2. The next morning, wake him up by poking him in the ribs. Repeatedly.
3. Continue to poke and prod him as he goes through his morning routine.
4. Sit next to him on the couch, be ridiculous, laugh hysterically at your own ridiculousness.
5. Get annoyed when he refuses to participate.

I Thought I Was In Relatively Good Shape...

2009-01-28T11:35:00.003-05:00

until this morning, when I stumbled back into my building after a run, only to be asked by the doorman (who, btw., reportedly sounds exactly like B's ex-father-in-law) if I was "feeling ok".

(Sidenote: I've had enough of winter and slush and cold and slogging around the city. Enough. M'kay?)

MHP'ing

2009-01-27T12:41:00.001-05:00

Today I was able to diagnose myself with bedbug PTSD following an incident where I spotted a reddish-colored object on my chair, and spent the next half hour freaking out, phantom itching and all.

(It was a stray grain from my 7 grain bread, but still. No such thing as being too vigilant. )

Um, What?

2009-01-22T23:21:00.002-05:00

B is writing our wedding thank you cards, and calls out.

"How do you spell 'desecrate'"?

You're It!

2009-01-22T11:28:00.002-05:00

I'm tagging 6 bloggers to receive the friendship award that I was tagged with. I read all of these blogs daily (yes, all 6 of them) and really, really appreciate the window into their worlds, along with the amazing writing. Bonus, I know most of these bloggers in real life!

chichimama writes about her kids, her husband, her knitting, and (my favorite) things overheard.
nyczoo is a dear friend who writes about life during pregnancy and as a new mom.
megan crane is a kick-ass writer and a close friend from high school.
carolyn. I can't put it any better than this: "Three kids, one husband, one parent, two dogs and freezer full of pork."
the caitlinator. Caitlin inspired me to run my first half marathon, and inspired my husband to his first public karaoke performance.
andebobandy's profile pic is of her wearing a Mexican wrestling mask. Awesome. 'Nuff said.

These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to six bloggers who must choose six more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

*The rules of The Six Random Things About Yourself:

1) Link to the person who tagged you. 2) Post the rules on your blog. 3) Write six random things about yourself. 4) Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them. 5) Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog. 6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

I'm It!

2009-01-22T10:35:00.003-05:00

So... I was recently tagged by Nubia @ The Disconnection: Encounters with Strangers Blog, which is pretty exciting because I've never been tagged before. It's a whole new Internets world for me!

I'd like to urge all 10 million of my readers to check out Nubia's blog. I think she just flat out rocks, and her posts always provide a new (and often hilarious) take on life in NYC.

6 Random Things About Me:

1. I have a serious aversion to mixing sweet and savory foods. Like, if I'm having pancakes and bacon, not only will I need seperate plates for both, but I can't eat the pancakes until I'm done with the bacon *and* I've had some sort of palate cleanser. (Sidenote: why don't they serve sorbet at brunch?)

2. I was a competitive swimmer from ages 7-18. Swimming is all I did, really, throughout my childhood. I went to the Junior Olympics at age 13 (?) but didn't qualify for advancement, and then gave up swimming my freshman year of college in favor of drinking, smoking, and eating pizza at 2am.

3. My current favorite day of the week in Thursday, because that is when Us Weekly arrives in the mail. Yes, I subscribe to Us Weekly.

4. I'm currently wearing these shoes which make me about 2 inches taller *and* are supposedly firming my buttocks. The phrase "firming my buttocks" cracks me up.

5. I keep a list of Words I Hate: trousers, moist, chunky, supple, slacks, panties, and kitty-corner. I used to have to Words I Love list, but can't recall the contents as easily as the words I hate.

6. I've named my winter hat Egbert, and have a whole accompanying personality that goes with the hat. B and I also had an Egbert table at our wedding.

Good, Bad, A Little Ugly

2009-01-19T22:06:00.003-05:00

After an alcohol/cheese/cookie filled weekend in Boston, and a reasonable (compared to Friday night) bus trip home, B and I went to the gym.

And I ran two miles.

While I watched the Syracuse Orange suck it against Pittsburgh.

Motivating? Good. Two miles? Very Good. Syracuse? Bad and ugly.

It Starts Here

2009-01-15T13:39:00.003-05:00

Officially offical! See countdown clock to the right. Now, as always, I am recruiting a partner in crime.

B and I have been motivating each other to go to the gym. (Read: B has been dragging my ass off the couch. I haven't physically resisted.)

Last night, I ran 1.5 miles (consecutively, yo!), follow by a series of sprints *and* was able to resist the mac n' cheese at Whole Foods in favor or something healthier.

I got paid today, so I was able to buy new running shoes and sign up for the half.

Life is pretty good.

Here We Go Again

2009-01-13T12:07:00.002-05:00

So, I think it's gonna be a return to the New Jersey Marathon. May 3, 2009. 13.1 miles.

Which means that I need to start formal training February 15. Which gives me about a month from today to get my ass into gear. Which is becoming more and more difficult with my work and class and social schedule.

In 2007, it felt like all I had to do was go to the gym. The picture is a little different this time around.

Sidenote: the new gym positively BLOWS. I don't know if it's full of people like me, eagerly starting their 2009 resolutions, but there is a wait to get on equipment at almost every time of the day.

A Third Contender

2009-01-07T17:09:00.002-05:00

this

It's Go Time

2009-01-06T09:59:00.002-05:00

this

or

this?

The Neverending Story

2008-12-27T12:45:00.003-05:00

I have a cold. Again. I think I picked it up from my little twin nephews, or maybe B and I are just passing it back and forth endlessly. Or can we, perhaps, attribute it to the vast fluctuations in temperature and my packed work schedule?

In any case, B's been dispatched to pick up chicken noodle soup, hot mustard, and Riccola. And I've blown my nose so much that my abdominal muscles are sore.

Christmukah was good. A non-event, really, what with the melding of holidays and the $20 limit that we put on gifts, and some other stuff. 2008 has been such a strange ride.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Think Again, Mom

2008-12-24T10:00:00.003-05:00

Last night, I was on the phone with my mom, discussing holiday plans. It was about 8:30 at night, and I explained to her that I had just gotten home from work after a 12 hour day.

"Oh," she said, "is [B] making dinner?"

I replied that he was, and she was extremely impressed, because B really doesn't cook that much (read: left to his own devices, he eats cereal for most meals).

Little did she know we had Mac n' Cheese with a side of red wine for dinner.

Tip Of The Day

2008-12-23T14:03:00.000-05:00

Don't attempt to eat soup with a fork.

Carry on.

Snippets

2008-12-16T10:29:00.004-05:00

- We finally received our marriage license, so now I can officially change my personal name. And officially confuse myself even more.

- My office is having a client holiday party on Friday. Which means that I will at work from 9-10: setting up, transporting supplies, organizing gifts, and getting down like James Brown.

- B has suggested that, due to the above, I am Sheila E. (Bonus points for you if you get the reference.)

- I ordered MBT Kaya shoes online. They are supposed to improve circulation, posture, and muscle tone. I think I'll probably just fall down a lot more.

- I have "advanced tendonitis" in my left knee. Translation: I'm old.

Life's Not Fair

2008-12-09T10:57:00.004-05:00

Along time ago (2001), in a galaxy far, far away (Central New Jersey), I was engaged to an *sshole. Of course, at the time, I didn't recognize that he was an *sshole, but hey, hindsight is 20/20, isn't it?

I guess I was a whole lot more gullible at that point in my life, and so I lent said *sshole quite a bit of money. And now, 6 years later, I am in a protracted legal battle to get it back.

Tell me exactly how someone gets away with a blatant disregard for the law? Or how financially irresponsible you have to be to sell 3 buldings at a huge net profit, and still be on the verge of bankruptcy?

Or how it is that this *sshole owns his own home, while I'm living paycheck to paycheck, and cutting out non-essentials like, say, taking taxicabs or buying new clothing for work?

It's enough to make you completely bitter. Or give you an extended case of heartburn.

Things Can Only Get Better

2008-12-05T14:01:00.004-05:00

It must be emblamatic of the amount of sh*t that is going on right now that I can't even remember how to sign my name.

My last name changed in one life (personal) but not in the other (professional) and I haven't mastered either signature at this point - even after signing my (personal) name for the past, um, 30-something-ish years.

I think my brain/hand coordination is telling me that I don't know who I am.

I Think My Mind Might Still Be Here

2008-11-13T20:27:00.002-05:00

Too Much

2008-11-13T20:24:00.001-05:00

You'd think that going through a lot of big changes (say: marriage, new apartment, new job - for example) would lead to copious blog posting.

You would be wrong.

Mexican Honeymoon...

2008-11-04T11:19:00.002-05:00

was amazing.

We don't really want to be home right now. There's no fresh breakfast delivery at our apartment, sadly. Nor are there poolside drinks, or spa services, or clear blue ocean...

Our wedding was equally amazing; we spent much of our week away discussing just how awesome it was. I will try to recap later, but for now, I need to convince my husband (ha! I love writing that!) to turn off Fox News Channel and go vote.

Feelin' Newsy

2008-10-23T13:39:00.003-04:00

- Marriage/Wedding coming right up, in about 52 hours. Feeling really calm and happy, and about to head out the door to Bliss for a massage.

- Thank you, unidentified neighbor, for the free internets. All the last minute planning this week would have been impossible without it.

- My long-standing crush on Brian Williams might be over, due to his quasi-endorsement of McCain, which I discovered in AARP magazine while waiting for my therapy appointment today.

- Oh, and did I mention I'm going back to work on November 10th? No? I can't really even think about it until I get back.

- Honeymoon location remains a surprise (for me). Surprised that it has remained a surprise, given my predilection for snooping, and B's tendency to blurt.

- And in case I forget to tell you later, I had an awesome time at our wedding.

It's All Small Details

2008-10-16T09:40:00.004-04:00

- We're in the new apartment and we have free internet coming from somewhere.

- The apartment is HUGE. We love it, despite the mess of boxes and clothing and whatnot.

- We can't figure out how to turn the shower on. I am going to call the super. He will have to show me. This will be embarrassing.

- Stewbert is adjusting well, although he has certainly amped up his frantic eating/barking/ball playing activities as B leaves the apartment.

- Oh yeah, we're getting married in 9 days.

- Met with the DJ on Tuesday night who said that our first dance song was the best that he's seen in a long time. Score! He is going to invite people to dance with us after one minute, thus taking a lot of the performance pressure away.

- I'm changing my name personally, not professionally. It's strange to see my new name. I'm sad to leave behind my old name.

- I was also sad to leave the old apartment. Even though I really wanted to move, that place had a lot of memories.

- And we knew how to work the shower.

Almost There

2008-10-10T10:16:00.002-04:00

We're just over 2 weeks to our wedding, and one week away from moving.

This morning, we started with a reminder to be calm to each other amid all of the stress. And then wishing each other a happy fifteen-month anniversary.

Later today, my favorite people start arriving for shower/bachelorette madness.

It's all really happening. Excuse me while I pinch myself repeatedly.

Just Checking...

2008-10-09T15:01:00.002-04:00

I know that fasting is part of Yom Kippur. Is bitching about how hungry you are *also* expected?

Because if so, I've got both covered.

And...can I call it "The Yom"? It's catchy, no?

Broke But Happy

2008-10-06T18:54:00.002-04:00

B and I signed our lease today! We're going to move October 17th, and for those of you following along at home, that would be 8 days before our wedding. Yup. 8 days.

The *good* thing is that we love our new apartment (more space! less expensive! great neighborhood!) and plans are already being made to paint and decorate and nest.

The bad thing(s) is(are), moving is expensive and weddings are expensive. Nesting is expensive. And I'm still waiting on details (important ones, like salary and benefits and, oh, start date) regarding my new job.

Stressful, yes - but we're getting married soon. I think I'll just go ahead and celebrate that small fact, and worry about the rest in November.

Happiness Is...

2008-10-02T09:30:00.002-04:00

struggling to zip up your wedding gown during your second fitting and hearing your mother say (cheerily), "salads only for the next month!"

(No worries, the dress was crooked, and fits perfectly when aligned properly. Bring on the donuts.)

GET PSYCHED!

2008-09-29T11:42:00.000-04:00

Made some good progress this weekend on both wedding *and* moving stuff, so I'm feeling a bit calmer.

In the meantime, looking forward to this:

B has never seen "psychotic Syracuse football fan" ridiculouschick, so this should bring a whole new level of interesting to our relationship.

Channeling It

2008-09-26T10:09:00.005-04:00

My stress levels are not to be believed right now. Everything is really exciting, but just...a lot. And I need somewhere to put it. And B would probably prefer that it's not all on him.

Possible targets:

- Anyone, really, on the NYC transit system. Especially that lady who shoved past me as I stepped off the 1 train (to let passengers on, as directed) and grabbed my seat. MY SEAT.

- Our current building management company, who will not bend regarding our lease, which ends while we're away on our honeymoon, forcing us to move BEFORE our wedding, thus forfeiting part of our rent. The lease office is next door. Do you think they can feel my hatred while I glare at them through the wall?

- Real estate brokers. I've had just about enough of the high pressure sales tactics, non-negotiable fees, lies regarding square footage, etc., etc., etc.

- The construction right outside our window, especially what with the pounding and sawing at 7 am.

- The various wedding beauty vendors who believe that, because I am paying them, they are able to freely offer their opinions on my appearance. I've received feedback regarding my "thin" hair, "round" face, "misshaped" eyebrows, "lack of" cheekbones, "too wide" forehead, "large" hips, and "short" legs. Thank you!

- The New York State board who is dithering about the requirements needed for the next stage of my social work license.

- My former union, who hasn't gotten the word that I was LAID OFF (even though they promptly ended my benefits in July) and leaves voicemail messages, exhorting member "brothers and sisters" to rise up on any number of issues. Union now, my ass.

- Presidential campaign. 'Nuff said.

New Wedding Theme

2008-09-24T00:04:00.004-04:00

And it is called: F*ck the special details*.

Because seriously, the regular details are just about killing me right now.

*borrowed from the girls over at Indiebride

Bitz and Pieces

2008-09-22T09:33:00.004-04:00

1. Had my first bridal shower this weekend with my relatives in Pennsylvania. Even though it was small (12 people) I was still flustered at being the center of attention. Also, I was very emotional, especially when receiving gifts that my grandmothers had made (they are both deceased).

Conclusion: I am going to be a soggy mess on my wedding day.

2. B and I are moving on October 15. Among our friends, this statement is met with "Cool! Where are you moving to?" and the answer is - we have no fucking idea. Apartments that are available on October 15 don't come up until October 1. So it's a big ole mystery to us. Which is kinda fun. Not.

Conclusion: This is not the excitement that we need 10 days before our wedding.

3. Instead of walking around in a perpetual rage re: Republicans, I can actually do something productive. Which might involve traveling to swing states to canvass undecided voters. How I'm going to fit that in with all the other stuff, I also have no fucking idea. But I think it might be more important than, say, obsessing over cocktail napkins.

Conclusion: I gotta do something.

4. September health month is going well, in that I haven't had any alcohol.

Conclusion: I picked a bad month to stop sniffing glue.

5. The Today Show is neither "news" or a "program".

Conclusion: Discuss amongst yourselves.

More Of The Same

2008-09-17T23:14:00.004-04:00

(Btw., just as this was not to become a wedding blog, it's also not to become a political blog, as there are others who can do it so much better.)

That said, has anyone seen those McCain/Palin "new mavericks" commercials? They make me throw up in my mouth ~~a little~~ a lot.

Newsflash: Maverick = Cowboy.

We've had a fucking joker in the White House for the past 8 years who thinks he needs to prove something like he's in the Wild West. McCain and Palin have already demonstrated their philosophy - check out their negative, snide, and nasty speeches during the RNC.

Just so we're clear - I don't want to be able to have a beer with my president, and I don't want this country run by some out of control radical who proves his unsound logic in his choice of running mate. (And who also resembles, more and more with each passing day, Old Man Withers from the Scooby Doo movie.)

The Word Today On Sarah Palin

2008-09-16T12:29:00.000-04:00

She's a maniac.

And not in that fun Michael Sembello/Flashdance kinda way.

For Realsies?

2008-09-16T10:21:00.002-04:00

I'm watching Cash Cab, and besides the obvious thoughts that this would be a damn good way to make a little extra money (to help pay moving expenses, hello!) I'm watching this tourist family that is headed to McSorley's. Is this strange at all? Taking children to a bar? I know it's all historical and shit, but seriously?

Falling In Love

2008-09-16T10:00:00.003-04:00

Don't tell anyone, but I am cheating on B.

It's true, I've fallen in love. With an apartment. A classic pre-war beauty on the Upper West Side. High ceilings, hardwood floors, crown moldings, 5 closets, marble lobby, 1 block away from the park, 4 blocks away from the subway - what's not to love?

There are many, many things keeping us apart - most importantly, the 6.5' by 9.5' bedroom which B insists is going to drive us crazy. And the October 1 move-in date, which means we'd need to be able to terminate our current lease one month early (not likely). Oh, and then there's the whole packing and moving and painting and changing addresses within 2 weeks madness.

Sigh.

Trifecta!

2008-09-12T15:05:00.003-04:00

So it looks like we'll be moving soon. The sublease on our current apartment is ending, and in the midst of negotiating a new lease, our building management decided to raise the rent. It's not a huge amount, but enough to ~~cut off our noses to spite our faces~~ push us to consider other options.

The search is going well - the only thing I fear is that we are entering a perfect storm: wedding/marriage, moving/new home, and starting a new job (for me).

Yay! Stress!

7 Years Later

2008-09-11T08:57:00.001-04:00

The heart still breaks.

Lipstick On A Pig

2008-09-10T09:38:00.003-04:00

Sorry to tell you all that I am full of rage this morning.

(On second thought, I'm not really sorry.)

Is the McCain campaign fucking kidding with this bullshit???????

I wish I could be more articulate. I'm just so, so angry. It is insulting to me that gender politics are being used by these conservative assholes to further their own agenda. How about keeping your policies out of my goddamned uterus? Let's start there.

Ahem.

Off to contribute, again, to Obama/Biden. And in the meantime, this is worth checking out.

SARAH PALIN DOES NOT SPEAK FOR ME JUST BECAUSE SHE HAPPENS TO BE FEMALE.

Paranoia, Self-Destroy-a

2008-09-09T11:40:00.002-04:00

B has recently had two stories published in books! Let's skip ahead to the inevitable...

[in bed, as we're going to sleep]

B: So, two stories. Pretty cool, righ'?
rc: Yeah! Except they're both about your ex-girlfriend.
B: Um.
rc: Why are you writing about her?
B: I dunno, they just happened to have her in them. They're not about her.
rc: So why don't you have any stories about me?
B: (on the border of exasperated) Do you want me to get up and write you one right now?

Bloggity Blog Blog

2008-09-05T13:32:00.003-04:00

So, it's my birthday this weekend, but I don't have a birthday kinda feeling because 1) I'm turning a not-too-exciting number and can't really be bothered to care and 2) I'm having a couple of big parties within the next 6 weeks and then the BIGGEST PARTY EVER (which, yes, I realize I need to share with B) so celebrating is covered.

Anyway, on Saturday, I'll take a little break from my self-imposed September "health month" and have some sangria and some simple carbs with friends and then Sunday, another little break from the good-nutrition madness since B and I are going out to dinner.

(Oh, and the health month thing? A friend mentioned challah the other day and I nearly leapt through the phone to cram it in my mouth. Cravings aren't pretty, people.)

Unrelated: we're looking for a random z-list celebrity to invite to the wedding. When my brother and SIL got married 7 years ago, they invited Nipsey Russell (awesomest choice ever), but since he's long since departed this earth (I miss you Nipsey, wherever you are) we need other options. My vote is for that guy from the Police Academy movies who can make all the cool noises with his mouth.

Can We Get An Old Car?

2008-09-01T21:07:00.004-04:00

While watching a musical montage in Remember the Titans, The Librarian and I had the following exchange:

TL: "Next time we have to get really psyched up for something, we should wreck a car".
RC: "Um, sure. Like what?
TL: "Your bachelorette party".

Works Of Art, People!

2008-08-29T17:24:00.004-04:00

The invites are in the mail. THE INVITES ARE IN THE MAIL! And now, I'm off to get d-runk.

(Note: to blog readers who are getting invites - you're gonna frame yours, right?? There is absolutely NO WAY that you would throw it out, right? RIGHT????)

Over Re-Actor

2008-08-29T08:12:00.002-04:00

Anyone get as annoyed at this commercial as I do? How would this woman respond if her kid fell and had to get stitches?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

2008-08-29T08:07:00.002-04:00

I wish I was kidding about this, but I'm off to Paper Presentation shortly, to begin Day 4 of creating the wedding invites. They're not even that complicated!!!

8.25.08

2008-08-25T13:06:00.003-04:00

We're two months out from the BIG DAAAAAAAAAAAY.

Along with assembling the invitations, I've been doing a lot of thinking about job stuff. I know I need to go back to work, while also knowing that I cannot allow myself to be in a situation that makes me as physically and mentally sick as my last job. Does that mean a career outside of social work? I dunno.

(Oh, and about the invites? I don't know why I care so deeply about what they look like, or the wording, or any of the other things I'm reviewing over and over again. If I really wanted a reason, I guess I could just pick any one of the Freudian defense mechanisms and apply blindly.)

Dear People Who Stayed In Our Apartment Last Week

2008-08-24T22:30:00.003-04:00

I hope you enjoyed your stay in New York City as much as you enjoyed eating all of the expensive Greek yogurt and gourmet cheese that we left in the refrigerator.

I'm just wondering why, exactly, it was necessary to move all of my shoes underneath the bed? Or to leave the teapot in the bathroom? Or to use our couch cushions at the dining room table?

Don't get me wrong, I'm completely appreciating the rotting grapes and dead flowers that you left behind, along with the mysterious gooey substance found in the garbage can. And I'm SO GLAD you liked my Gingerman body scrub - apparently, enough to take it with you! It's always fun to discover new products, isn't it?

For our part, we'll cherish the tea stains in our mugs, and the slightly squicked out feeling of not knowing *exactly* what took place last week in our home for years to come.

Cheers!
ridiculouschick and b

The New Definition of Insanity

2008-08-22T16:09:00.002-04:00

...is writing and designing your own wedding invites.

Trust me.

Suburbi-Ya!

2008-08-19T12:21:00.003-04:00

This week finds B and I living in my parents' house while they are on vacation and our apartment is occupied by strangers. This is how it went down:
1. A woman who lives in our building is getting married and needs a place for her guests to stay.
2. We need to pay for our rehearsal dinner.
3. Only one of us is working.
4. Enter temporary sublet.

Also, we thought this would be a nice thing to do for someone. Good wedding karma, if you will. Plus, we are testing out this kind of life should we ever decide to leave the city.

So far - eh. We have plans in New York every night this week, which involves negotiating train schedules and car parking. It's almost too quiet to sleep here, and certainly way too dark. Plus, there's something a little...ooky...about staying in the house you grew up in. Lots of ghosts.

On the plus side, the dog is adapting wonderfully. He has a yard! To play ball! For hours! Without stopping!

Much, Much Better

2008-08-12T16:17:00.003-04:00

It might not be readily apparent to my readers, but I've been in a major funk lately.

Even I didn't realize the full impact of my crappy mood until I:
1. had lunch with The Lawyer and she commented on it (and she's seen me through some doozies in the past. Ha. I just used the word "doozies". I don't even know if that's a real word.) and
2. had a talk with B about just how little fun it's been to cohabitate with my cranky ass (and the rest of me, presumably).

If pressed to apply some self-analysis, I could theorize that the daily self-esteem pounding from the past year at my previous job is rearing its ugly head, now that I have time to think about it. *Or* the net effects of being laid-off, the manner in which I left, and the ensuing quest to blame myself.

I could go on and on with that, but, really, what's the point?

The point is, it's time for it to stop. To that end, I actually got up this morning and went to yoga for the first time in, well, a long time. And then I got a pedicure, and looked for recipes for dinner, and shopped for dinner. And tonight we'll be taking a walk to watch the sun set.

Little stuff, but it's gotta be better than the pity party I've been throwing for the past month.

Running, Kinda

2008-08-11T12:09:00.003-04:00

I've signed up for a race. It's not a long distance, so not too much training to be done. After not running for a while, I was able to do 1.75 miles on Saturday. Yay! And then The Librarian and I walked the route yesterday, and managed not to be killed by any bicycles, so that was good.

Needing motivation and socialization, I've also created a race team. So far, we have 15 members, and we've raised...$130.00. Not so good.

I'm Not Ready

2008-08-08T08:55:00.005-04:00

Just in time for the end of summer, I have the drink of the summer.

Yes, developing a mild addiction to something containing both alcohol and sugar is a supremely good idea right about now. Because my wedding dress arrived in the store yesterday, 6 weeks early, and I don't want to even try to cram myself into it until September.

The other thing I'm not ready for? To be living in some sort of alternate 1950's universe where the majority of my day is comprised of grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, and other household-related errands.

Shoes!

2008-08-04T13:17:00.005-04:00

Last Tuesday, while wasting time in DSW, I came upon the perfect shoes for the wedding. However, I didn't actually buy them because they were the first pair that I had tried on, and I have a lot of time until I need to get the shoes, and my finances are sketchy, and etc.

Of course, as the week went along, I became obsessed with the shoes, and was then convinced that by the time I went back to get them, they'd be out of my size, and everything would be ruined. Seriously. Whole wedding. Ruined.

Well, while I was livin' it up in Georgia this weekend, B surprised me by buying the shoes. (He's da bomb diggity.)

How much do we love these? Too much, perhaps.

Home, Then Away Again

2008-08-04T08:40:00.003-04:00

Last night, I returned from a long weekend in Georgia (family wedding + outside + August + 98 degrees = good times) and I am headed out this afternoon to see my peeps in Boston.

In the meantime (read: this morning), I am attending a WorkforceCenter career workshop. I was courteously invited by the NYS Department of Labor. And when I say "courteously", I mean "mandatory session, failure to attend may result in a loss of your unemployment benefits".

Shut It, Brimley!

2008-07-29T09:38:00.002-04:00

Perhaps this is a sign that I'm watching a tad too much daytime television, but (at the early hour of 9:38 am) I am spectacularly annoyed at Wilford Brimley's pronunciation of "diabetes".

This kind of thing just might ruin my day.

I Back

2008-07-28T11:04:00.003-04:00

I've returned to NYC, triumphant (?) and relaxed. Vacation was mostly wonderful, with a few bumps (there are only so many hours of the day in which I can discuss the minutiae of the wedding with my family before I am ready to stick my finger into an electrical socket).

The house we stayed in was amazing. 2 blocks from the bay beach on one side, 2 blocks from the ocean beach on the other side. A roof deck with views of both. Enough space to not feel like I was on vacation with my family.

My favorite moment of the week might have been B attempting to explain his choice of beach reading material to The Peanut (my 4 yo, niece). He was working his way through The Stranger. I believe The Peanut now has a thorough understanding of French existentialist philosophy.

For my part, I fell just a little bit more in love with my nephews, if that's possible. They're at that stage where they've started rolling over and making their first tries at crawling. And oh, the smiling. The smiling and laughing is the best thing in the world.

Our kid-centric week may have freaked B out a tad...and given me a jump on my future mother-in-law's questions regarding when we're going to start a family. I think we'll wait until after the wedding. Maybe.

I Out

2008-07-19T00:38:00.002-04:00

I'm headed to the beach for a week.

Which will be waaaaaay different than my regular non-working activities.

Because it's the beach.

B.Y.O.F.

2008-07-18T14:07:00.003-04:00

One week ago, B and I went to a tasting for a potential caterer for the wedding. And it was AWESOME.

The only issue was that said caterer was about $4000 more than any other caterer that had sent a proposal to us.

So we wrote the next day and explained that we would love for them to cater the wedding *if* they could work within our budget. Which should be pretty simple, given that we provided specific ways in which to reduce the costs (example: eliminate one of the cocktail hour stations, explain why the rental pricing was much higher than other vendors, don't offer sushi, etc.)

When they didn't respond, I called them on Tuesday morning. I spoke with the catering manager, who was very nice, and promised a call back before the end of the day. Which turned out to be a big fat lie.

B called the next day and spoke with the owner, who assured him that we would have a response by the time we left town on Saturday.

Well, the clock is ticking, and needless to say, I'm getting nervous. I believe our guests would like to eat at our wedding. I also believe that if the caterer can't work with us, that it is pretty simple to communicate same.

B, on the other hand, is writing a "humorous" story (for publication, perhaps) about a quasi-bridezilla.

I Went To Graduate School For This

2008-07-17T10:55:00.003-04:00

I've spent a supremely fulfilling morning sorting laundry, organizing closets, and writing wedding to-do lists.

Now I'm waiting for the exterminator to come check out the mystery bugs in our kitchen cabinets. (As long as the bugs aren't near the bed, it's ok with me. I mean, I don't welcome the kitchen bugs. But they're not as bad as, say, some other pests.)

The alternative to the housework is to venture outside in the heat *or* to venture outside and then back inside, just not in the apartment. Unfortunately, most of those plans involve spending money, which is scarce. Also, I'd have to interact with The Public, and I'm just not that into The Public right now.

I stick close to the home base, turning small errands into large ones, and finding new and interesting ways to obsess over things that really shouldn't be obsessed over.

And then pouncing on B and forcing him to entertain me as soon as he walks in the door.

Deeeeep Thought of the Day

2008-07-15T14:38:00.001-04:00

If our dog was the Secretary of Defense, his name would be Caspar Whineberger.

Oh Dear

2008-07-13T11:54:00.002-04:00

After a very productive hunt for invitation paper (and stops for pretzel-croissants at City Bakery and cupcake sampling at Cupcake Cafe) I believe I've changed the entire color scheme for the wedding.

Pending B's approval, of course.

(Props to MS for his unwavering enthusiasm during the quest.)

Very Sensible

2008-07-10T10:05:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, after a disappointing (but not surprising) meeting with a possible employer, I took myself shopping.

Shopping? Isn't that just a little irresponsible, given your current state of unemployment?

No - and I can counter with these arguments:

1) I needed a present for B for our one year anniversary, and
2) Who am I to deprive myself of a little something while I'm shopping for him? also
3) If it put it on my Banana card, it's not like real money is being spent anyway, plus
4) I bought a new business suit for any interviews that might come up in the near future, which
5) Is actually very sound financial planning, besides
6) I am still seeing my institute clients at $6.00/hour, so I *do * have some income, as well as,
7) I've qualified for the top level of unemployment benefits

So Far, So Good

2008-07-01T11:39:00.004-04:00

On my first day of not working, I have:

- applied for unemployment
- drank a whole lot of coffee
- gone to the gym for an hour
- watched 2 episodes of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" (is that still on?)
- tried, and failed, to get tickets for the free Bon Jovi concert in Central Park (Livin' on a Prayer, yo!)
- tried, and failed, to guilt B into calling in sick to keep me company

Tomorrow, I am going to attempt to conquer the momentous task of going outside. Stay tuned.

Aim High - Dare To Dream

2008-06-25T15:54:00.003-04:00

While I'm ending my current job, I've devised a goal that really keeps my feet on the ground while I'm reaching for the stars* - and it's pretty simple.

I am trying to violate the dress code each and every one of the remaining days that I am here. This can be achieved simply by keeping my flip flops on for the entire day.

Today, I had to make an unexpected visit to the (evil) executive suite, and thus had to put on my real shoes.

You win this round, hospital.

Poking The Stick In The Bear Cage

2008-06-23T13:35:00.005-04:00

As previously noted (too lazy to link to it, but it's posted somewhere in the blog) B's mom has a limited filter between her thoughts and her words. One part of me admires her directness. Another part just sits back and...wow. No filter.

It is to my discredit that I sometimes deliberately try to get her riled up, and encourage the no-filtering. As I did on Saturday.

B's mom: Are you looking for a new job?
me: Nope. I think I'm just gonna take some time off. Let B support me. Relax a little bit.
B's mom: But he can't support the two of you. Not with the way you live.
me: Well, if we need more money, he can just get a second job.
B's mom: But how will he do comedy?
me: He can just give that up. I mean, what's more important, his comedy career, or keeping me happy?

------------

B's mom: Are you going to change your name once you're married?
me: [with the most disgusted face I can make] Oh God no. Why would I want a name like that?

------------

B's mom: If the two of you have kids, what religion will the children be?
me: What we're going to do is ask you and my parents each to come up with a 10 minute presentation about their religion. You can use Powerpoint, pictures, video, etc. We'll choose a winner based on the persuasiveness of the argument.

Reiki

2008-06-20T11:21:00.002-04:00

Last night, I attended a very, very introductory reiki training. One of the most interesting things that I learned prompted this exchange:

[ridiculouschick]: apparently you can do it on animals. stewbert - watch out!
[THE LAWYER]: STEWBERT WILL BE CALM AND SEDATED AFTER YOU BEGIN HIS SESSIONS. A WHOLE NEW DOG.
[ridiculouschick]: the thing is with reiki that you need to get permission from the receiver. how do you do that with a dog?
[THE LAWYER]: PERHAPS EVERY TIME HE RELIEVES HIMSELF IN THE HOUSE IT’S HIS WAY OF CONSENTING TO A REIKI SESSION.

Sucka!

2008-06-16T16:47:00.001-04:00

I got the dress. I cried.

(I guess I am a pretty princess. Sorta.)

Nighty-Night!

2008-06-12T11:40:00.005-04:00

Just as we're drifting off to sleep last night...

B: "When are you going to get your wedding dress? Don't you have to order that soon"?

Cue my latest wedding-mare: wedding-related nightmare - anyone with a contender for a better contraction is welcome to leave it in comments.

(Oh, and while we're at it, anyone wanna place a bet on whether I can remain unspoiled today with the results of the Top Chef finale?)

Treading Water

2008-06-09T12:18:00.002-04:00

"Dear [ridiculouschick]...I regret to inform you...economic considerations...position eliminated...laid-off effective June 30."

As you can imagine, I've had a lot going on recently. Like a job search. And the larger question of what I really want to do when I grow up.

Losing this job brings a huge mix of emotions - and whilst I shuffle through them, and find a way to (once again) get comfortable in the not-knowing, I leave you with my temporary theme song.

My New Goal In Life...

2008-05-30T10:57:00.003-04:00

(should I be lucky enough to have children)

...is never to let my household situation become so terrible that we require a visit from the Supernanny.

Deep, Deep Thoughts

2008-05-28T23:50:00.001-04:00

It is ridiculous to come home in a funk because you "suffered" your first lost at trivia night to the bowl cut douchebag who has been waiting to beat you for 5 weeks in a row, and finally did...

*and*

to get in a discussion with your significant other about the merits of an "upper decker".

Attendants

2008-05-27T13:40:00.003-04:00

On Sunday, I asked The Peanut to be the flower girl for this little event happening in the Fall. She immediately ran to tell her mother (..."and I said YES, Mommy!") and then returned to discuss her dress and flower options. Which she continued to ruminate on for the rest of the day.

B's nephew, on the other hand, had to be bribed with candy in order to accept his ring bearing duties .

New Levels of Ridiculous

2008-05-23T12:29:00.002-04:00

A few nights ago, B and I found ourselves on the couch, each of us playing Tetris on our cell phones, competing to see who can achieve the highest score.

Of course, he's got an edge because he can play/practice while he's at work, apparently for hours at a time.

I, on the other hand, almost missed my subway stop the other night because I didn't want to end my game. I was at 28,938!!!!

Support, Friendship, and All That Gooey Stuff

2008-05-22T15:43:00.003-04:00

The Lawyer: "You have so much going on and being pulled in all directions. Do your best to remain calm. Which makes me think of that scene from airplane when Leslie Neilsen says everyone remain calm and pandemonium breaks out on the plane."

Drat

2008-05-20T13:45:00.004-04:00

According to all the bridal magazines, I am waaaaaaaay behind schedule in my wedding planning.

Not only will I need at least 16 months to prepare the ceremony/reception/whatnot, but I should have been dreaming of this special day since...roughly...age 5. And thinking of myself as a pretty princess probably wouldn't hurt either.

Say it with me: I'm a pretty princess! I'm a pretty princess! I'm a pretty princess!

Pending

2008-05-19T16:21:00.002-04:00

To all future guests of our upcoming wedding celebration: Save A Date.

Not Save The Date...because, you know, we'd have to have a date and place for you to do that, and that would mean that various locales/vendors would be returning my calls and emails.

But no.

Save a date. Because the wedding is happening, it's just not clear when. Or where. (City Hall/Justice of the Peace, anyone?)

How about you just do me a favor and reserve, oh, say, Autumn 2008, m'kay?

Thanks.

Mama Needs A Reception Site

2008-05-15T16:43:00.003-04:00

The good news is that there are plenty of spaces available this fall in NYC in which to get married, and celebrate same.

The bad news is that we don't have a spare $50,000.

Just A Short While Later...

2008-05-12T20:48:00.003-04:00

...my life is suddenly about my sparkly ring, bridal magazines, and, apparently, pink nail polish.

Afianced

2008-05-12T12:19:00.002-04:00

On Friday evening, just one day shy of our 10 month anniversary, B asked me to marry him. We were at the site of our first date.

Of course, I said yes!

I promise not to turn the blog into a wedding journal. Too much.

Poor? No.

2008-05-08T12:54:00.002-04:00

Note to self: it is a bad idea to review your debit card expenses to see just how you got to $4.24.

Were the Pinkberry, pedicure, and hair products necessary expenditures? Probably not.

$4.24

2008-05-08T10:29:00.001-04:00

This is the balance in my checking account until I get paid tomorrow.

Unless, of course, the 'economic stimulus' payment from the government is deposited early. I have to be honest, though - at this point it's looking less like an incentive to help the economy, and more like me being able to buy lunch.

(I guess it teaches me not to be the tough guy that decides to pay for everyone's drinks at trivia night.)

I Forgot My Mantra

2008-05-06T13:10:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, I had the day off and B was able to leave work at noon. It was gorgeous outside, so we went to our favorite spring/summer restaurant.

As we sat by the water, drinking in the sunshine (literally drinking in the sunshine - corona for me, pina colada for him), it became a moment, a feeling of being truly happy. Even Stewie seemed to pick up on the contentedness, and stoppped tugging on his leash, trying to ~~play with~~ kill pigeons. B and I smiled at one another. "We are so lucky to be living in New York", I said.

This morning, as we squished onto the downtown 3 and two of our fellow passengers engaged in an argument over personal space, and all the noise and energy and challenge of the city swirled around us, I tried to access that blissful mood.

B noted the sour look on my face and started humming "I Love New York".

What I'm Reading

2008-04-30T16:18:00.002-04:00

...and thus, so should you.

Fragile

2008-04-30T08:13:00.000-04:00

I decided, somewhat rashly, to wear flip-flops to work today.

It's too cold, and I need a pedicure.

Mistake.

Crowded Hizzouse

2008-04-29T09:41:00.004-04:00

B and I went to see Crowded House at The Fillmore last night. They closed with this, which was quite lovely:

Only bad part of the night? B couldn't use his "UNcrowded House" joke, since it was a sold out show.