Monday, April 30, 2007

Is This Better?

I have been getting an awful lot of "grief" lately about the pictures I post on my blog.
It seems that I tend to be sending messages with my eyes or forgetting to have clothing on - so I've decided to post this not so flattering picture.

So here I am - hair in a ponytail, glasses, long sleeved t-shirt, and a nerdy brown sweater.

Perhaps this look is more proper - I don't know.
Maybe this will be my new profile picture...lol - never!

Sunday, April 29, 2007

100 Random Things

I stole this from someone else's blog - just because I could.

1. How old will you be in five years? 32 (almost).


2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today? The Husband.

3. How tall are you? 5'5"

4. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks? Warmer days, seeing the Bahama Mama, buying a house (fingers crossed).

5. What's the last movie you saw? Hot Fuzz (I almost peed myself).

6. Who was the last person you called? Zig - for help with my income tax junk.

7. Who was the last person to call you? My mom.

8. What was the last text message you received? Dee asking me if I was drunk.

9. Who was the last person to leave you a voicemail? One of my pain-in-the-ass associate editors.

10. Do you prefer to call or text? Call.

11. What were you doing at 12am last night? Sleeping (and apparently talking in my sleep).

12. Are your parents married/divorced? Married.

13. When did you last see your mom? Yesterday.

14. What color are your eyes? Blue-grey.

15. What time did you wake up today? 11 am.

16. What are you wearing right now? A long-sleeve shirt, undies, and flip-flops.

17. What is your favorite Christmas song? Away in a Manger.

18. Where is your favorite place to be? Parents house (it's the only place I can relax).

19. Where is your least favorite place to be? Wal-mart on a Saturday morning.

20. Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Greece.

21. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years? Probably still here in Winnipeg.

22. Do you tan or burn? Burn, then go back to alabaster.

23. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? Ghosts.

24. What was the last thing that really made you laugh? The husband telling me that my feet were so dirty that I looked like a bush baby.

25. How many TVs do you have in your house? Two.

26. How big is your bed? King.

27. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? Desktop.

28. Do you sleep with or without clothes on? Without.

29. What color are your sheets? Icy blue.

30. How many pillows do you sleep with? One.

31. What is your favorite season? Don't really have one.

32. What do you like about fall? The colours, cozy clothes, and bareness.

33. What do you like about winter? Curling up on the couch and watching the snow fall.

34. What do you like about the summer? Sun-kissed skin, flip-flops, the colours...

35. What do you like about spring? New life, not too hot days, putting away all my winter clothes.

36. How many states/provinces have you lived in? Three provinces.

37. What cities/towns have you lived in? Rainy River, North Bay, Calgary, Winnipeg.

38. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet? Bare feet or flip-flops.

39. Are you a social person? For the most part.

40. What was the last thing you ate? A chicken caesar wrap and a glass of chocolate milk.

41. What is your favorite restaurant? Joey's (NOT the fish place).

42. What is your favorite ice cream? I don't eat very much ice cream - maybe bubblegum?

43. What is your favorite dessert? Sex in a pan.

44. What is your favorite kind of soup? Broccoli cheddar.

45. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich?
I don't do jelly.


46. Do you like Chinese food? Yep.

47. Do you like coffee? Hmmmm, coffee...

48. How many glasses of water, a day, do you drink on average?
Not enough - maybe 2 or 3.


49. What do you drink in the morning? Coffee.

51. Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed? The side farthest away from the door.

52. Do you know how to play poker? No.

53. Do you like to cuddle? Sometimes.

54. Have you ever been to Canada? I sure hope so - I'm Canadian.

55. Do you have an addictive personality? Yes.

56. Do you eat out or at home more often? Home.

58. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? Nope.

59. Do you want kids? More than anything.

60. Do you speak any other languages? I wish - it seems that my years of french immersion didn't stick.

61. Have you ever gotten stitches? Yes.

62. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? Nope.

63. Do you prefer an ocean or a pool? It's not even a contest - ocean.

64. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seats? Window.

65. Do you know how to drive stick? In theory.

66. What is your favorite thing to spend money on? Purses.

67. Do you wear any jewelry 24/7? My wedding ring, and two rings on my opposite ring finger.

68. What is your favorite TV show? Brothers & Sisters.

69. Can you roll your tongue? Yes.

70. Who is the funniest person you know? It's a toss-up. Either the husband or Adrienne.

71. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? Nope.

72. What is the main ring tone on your phone? Danka-shoen (I love Wayne Newton).

73. Do you still have clothes from when you were little? Um, somewhere...

74. What red object is closest to you right now? My mouse pad.

75. Do you turn off the water while you brush your teeth? Nope - I'm a waster.

76. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? CLOSED! This is where my touch of obsessive-compulsiveness comes in.

77. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees? Bees, absolutely.

78. Do you flirt a lot? Um...(eyes down, kicking her foot)...yeah...

79. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? Honey dill.

80. What is your favorite food? Biscuits or Greek food.

81. Can you change the oil on a car? I'm sure if I had to I could.

82. Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket? Yes.

83. Have you ever run out of gas? Nope.

84. What is your usual bedtime? Around midnight.

85. What was the last book you read? I can't remember...I guess that means it's time to start reading again.

86. Do you read the newspaper? Occassionally.

87. Do you have any magazine subscriptions? Nope.

89. Do you watch soap operas? I watch Days of our Lives once every 5 months or so.

90. Do you dance in the car? Always.

91. What radio station did you last listen to? Power 97.

92. Who is in the picture frame closest to you? Me and the Bahama Mama in the Dominican Republic.

93. What was the last note you scribbled on a piece of paper? The date and time of my girlfriend's bridal shower - it's going to be a real pain in my ass (damn I hate being a bridesmaid).

94. What is your favorite candle scent? Vanilla.

95. What is your favorite board game? Cranium - best.game.ever.

*When I stole this list there was no number 96 - so I've decided to make it up myself.

96. Have you ever screamed at someone (not words - just a scream) in a public place, just for the sake of it? And if so - was is someone you knew or just a random stranger? I scream in public places everyday - most often at co-workers, and then we laugh like crazy people.

97. When was the last time you attended church? Um, Easter I think.

98.Who was your favorite teacher in high school? Mr. Elliott - then he ended up sleeping with one of my friends...so, he quickly plummeted to the least favourite position.

99. What is the longest you have ever camped out in a tent? Four days maybe?

100. Who was the last person to do something extra special for you? The husband does special things for me all the time - but this time I'm going to have to say all three of the designers at work. I was having a terrible day on Friday (complete with tearful meltdown) and each of them went out of their way to make me feel better. Krista checked on me every 2 minutes, Zig used his Zigisms to make me stop crying, and James drew a picture of an alligator on the whiteboard on my office door that said "We love you Ali-gator." Pretty damn special if you ask me.

*I'm tagging any of you that feel like filling this out. I love to read these lists about people, so the more the merrier.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Ali - huh? The Devil - what?

I'm alive - just braindead.

Can't think of a blog topic to save my life - so I figure they will all hit me in the dead of night and I'll get up and write like a fiend for a couple hours - then have to wait patiently to post them all.

But I'm not kidding about my brain. I'm sure it's mush. In fact, hang on...uh, yep...if I move my head too quick I can hear it sloshing around in there.

Causes of this (hopefully) temporary brain mush?

The soap opera at work, my income taxes still not being done (totally my own fault), lots of frustrated swearing, my inability to sleep through a whole night, and some of the most wicked mood swings I've ever had the "pleasure" to experience. Although Tuesday, Wednesday, and today were all quite happy days.

FYI - I may be smiling sweetly on the outside, but I'm writing memos in the Devil's handwriting in my mind.


Let's just say this - one of the designers - 6' 4", big guy, makes me look like a pipsqueak - actually said to me today "I'm scared. What's with the murder eyes?"

Yep - it's time for the weekend. Stat.


*Oh yeah - the title of this post...it's from Harold and Kumar go to White Castle - I haven't completely lost my mind...yet.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Misery Loves Company

This morning started out as a pretty happy day. The sun was shining, I liked my hair, I found the earrings I wanted, I got out of the house on time, etc.
I was crazy busy all morning, but it was that kind of busy where you're getting a lot done, so you don't mind the craziness.

At about 8:15 though, things took a turn for the worse...
I was supposed to go to lunch with the gang - but told them just after 8 that I had to bail because of an appointment at the bank to sign some papers. I was not let off the hook for this. In fact, there was a lot of pouting and noses in the air from both Krista and Zig...where they learned that from I have no idea.
So, in the middle of all the chaos I was getting snubbed and threatened, and trying to figure out how I was going to get my list of crap done this afternoon. I soon realized that it just wasn't going to happen, and that no matter how much I explained myself, my excuses for ditching on lunch were just not going to suffice.

Just before 12 the husband picked me up and we made our way to the bank, signed our stuff, and grabbed a bite, then he dropped me off about an hour later - just before everyone else came back from lunch. But as soon as those elevator doors closed and I was on my way up, I became grumpy. Why that was, I don't really know, but boy was I grumpy.

This has become somewhat of a bad habit over the past couple of weeks. At lunch I'm happy and crazy as usual, then as soon as we make our way back to the office I get miserable. I wish I could put my finger on exactly what it is that is making me this way, but I just don't know. The bad part about it is that usually I'm a pretty happy person. I definitely have my moments where I'm a spoiled, pouty brat - but generally, I'm happy. It's just that I've begun to notice just how much my bad moods affect everyone else.
Krista and I share an office, and she becomes much more quiet when I'm miserable. And today I snapped at Zig and kicked him out of our office, which in turn put him into a bad mood. Not a very nice Ali, that's for sure.
So, just what is causing the misery on my part? I really don't know.
I wish I could chalk it up to hormones, unfortunately, I really don't think that's what it is.

But regardless of why this is happening, I've decided that I need to smarten up. I'm being very childish and I don't like myself this way, which is why I declared tomorrow "Happy Tuesday."
Tomorrow I will be sunny, and impish and ridiculously smiley - and maybe that will bring me back from this rut I call misery. At least, I hope so...or I fear that soon no one will love me anymore...

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Totally Tickled

Saturday night I decided to check my blog email account - and was delighted to see an email from Reggie. I was tickled when I realized that if was something they had come up with specifically for me...I may have even blushed.
After reading the first line I was intrigued, for this is what it said: I'm sorry...you have been tagged by Reggie. Please answer these five questions on your blog, designed especially for you.
And so, I did.


*********************************************************************************

If you could be as happy as you are now, job, husband, life in general, would you consider moving to a warmer climate? Where would it be, excluding the Bahamas?
I would consider moving to a warmer climate - the husband and I are always up for something new. But we both have jobs we love here and have made some amazing friendships.
That being said, if the right opportunity came up, I think we might move. We have toyed with the idea of Hawaii more than once.

I asked you once, "What was the meaning of life". You told me, "Love". I thought that was insightful. What then is the meaning of death?
I have to confess that my answer of "love" was actually semi-stolen from Zig. We were actually talking about the meaning of life one day (in the midst of complete chaos) and I was saying that I have never been able to narrow down what I think it is. Because I always thought it was a combination of love, learning, and growth. But then Zig said that it is love, and I realized that he was right.
Love
is the meaning of life.
But the meaning of death? Hmmm, I think the meaning of death is to live. Sounds bizarre, but though I may not be entirely religious - I do believe that when we die, we go to "heaven" and get to live our lives there, with all the people that have passed before us. So in death, we live, and in living, we love. Make sense at all?

If you could instantly play the guitar would you? Or, do you want to go through the learning process?
When I'm listening to AC/DC or some other song with guitar that sounds so hot I wish that I already knew how to play. It would be awesome to be able to pick up Ramona and blow everyone away.
But I have to say that I am enjoying learning. Because now, with each little thing I learn I get a sense of accomplishment - and I get excited about that sort of stuff.

What foreign land do you most want to visit on a vacation and why?
Hmmm, this is so tough. I really, really want to visit Greece. Everything about mythology and the God's and Goddesses intrigues me. Plus, it's so beautiful.
But then, there are other places - like Ireland. That just seems like it would be a good time, plus, I'm Irish through and through.

If there was one thing you could go back in time and change, what would it be? If it is too personal just say yes.
Wow, that's a great question. I don't think there is one specific thing I would change...of course I have made some big mistakes in my life, that at the time seemed like the end of the world - but I don't think I would change them now.
However, there is one thing (that I can't divulge) that I sometimes wonder "what if" about. I don't know if I would really change this thing, but I would have loved to know what my life would have been like had it happened.

Hugs from us to you guys,

Reggie and Gigi

So there you have it, my answers to some great questions. But I hope you realize, Reggie and Gigi, that I will be sending you some questions of my own...so be prepared. ;)

Friday, April 20, 2007

I Know the Things I SHOULD Be Doing, But Who Wants To Do That?

Tonight the husband is working nights. He has been working nights all month. He was home last night, works tonight and Saturday night, has Sunday night off, works Monday night, has Tuesday night off, works Wednesday and Thursday night, then has a couple days before he starts...you guessed it - nights.
Now usually I don't mind when he works nights once in a while, but holy crap, I feel like I haven't seen him in ages. And since he's been on straight nights, we are on opposite schedules. I work all day, see him for an hour or so when I get home, he leaves for a shift, I sleep alone, am gone before he gets home, he sleeps all day, and the cycle continues. Poor husband.

So, now I am sitting here trying to decide what to do tonight. I am in a total dancing mood, but any friends I have are either in another part of the country, at home with their kids, or with their significant other. Plus, I quit going to the bars years ago - it's funny how when you're a teenager you think the bars are THE place to be. The girls all get into their bar get-ups (aka slutty shirts, hooker heels, and the tightest pants you can imagine without cutting off their circulation) and shake their ass all over the place, while most of the time the guys just stand around the dance floor appreciating all the flesh. Sooooo not what I'm into anymore. But sometimes, you just really want to dance - sigh, oh well, no clubs for this girl tonight.


There are 10 million other things I could be doing though...

For one, the summer sandal explosion at my front door has already started to take shape. Within a week or two there will be so many pairs of flip flops and heels at this door that I won't be able to get in or out of the house without almost breaking my neck. And no, I won't just put them away - how easily accessible would each pair be to try on each morning with that day's outfit?

I had my second guitar lesson earlier this week and have a new practice list from my teacher. And yikes! It is a big list. Apparently he thinks that I am some sort of wonder pupil...or else he just expects me to practice.

Hmmmmm...I'm just kidding - I
will practice, I promise!


Remember how a while ago I confessed my inability to put clothes away? Yeah, well this is the current stack on my dryer. And there is another full load inside the dryer...and about 6 more in various states of "awayishness" all over my bedroom.
Oh yeah, and one more on the spare bedroom bed - ugh.




When I got home I saw that the husband has been flipping through the "Homes" section of one of our local papers. We've recently decided that it's time for us to buy a house and have begun tentatively looking while we wait for our bank to get all our stuff in order.
It seems that paying nearly $800 a month for rent plus utilities is a little extravagant - who would have thought.

And, finally, here is my kitchen garbage. And - here is the reason why I've posted a picture of it.
After work today I was out and about for a few hours. On the way home I decided to stop at Tim Horton's and get a 12 grain bagel for supper. However, when I got to the window to pay they told me there were no 12 grain bagels left.
I said fine and to give me a plain bagel instead - because suddenly I had a craving for bagels and peanut butter. I drove home thinking about how good it would taste.
However, it had managed to slip my mind that the last time anyone had used peanut butter in my house was probably over a year ago. Needless to say, it was stale and tasted like ass. And I had spread that ass over my entire bagel before I had a bite. Yuck.
So the bagel and peanut butter went into the garbage. I had pickles for supper instead.

And now that I have enthralled you with a blog that doesn't make a lot of sense, doesn't really go with the title, and really isn't all that interesting - I must bid you adieu and go sit in the middle of my kitchen table to practice with my beloved Ramona.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

I Got Nothin'

Oh lovies - I have absolutely nothing to blog about today.

In truth there is probably tons of stuff I could try to entertain you with, but everything I want to write about just wouldn't be acceptable today.

This is what's on my mind - work and sex. Yep.

And as I've mentioned before, work is a taboo topic right now; and sex is pretty much taboo all the time.

So...I am at a loss.

Hopefully my mind will be able to focus on something else tomorrow...we'll see.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

The Princess Causes a Riot

Today was an interesting day at work, and I would love to share all the drama that is going on - but as Zig has pointed out on his blog, career wise it may not be such a wise decision. Let's just say that it is major drama - like whoa!

Anyways, besides being interesting, today was also entertaining. I laughed a lot (as per usual) and we went on a lunch hour roadtrip, which is one of the fabulous things about summer. Everyone piling into someones car and going somewhere off the beaten path just because we can. So much fun.

Blah, I'm babbling, back to the point of this post.

I came home tonight, walked in the door, gave the husband a knee buckling kiss, then we sat down to chat about our day's. Actually, he sat, and I draped myself across his lap on the couch. It seems ages since we've seen each other, and he's about to embark on solid night-shifts for the rest of the month - so our time together will be minimal to say the least.

Yikes, my mind is all over the place, sorry!

Okay, so we're chatting about our day's...and, uh...where was I going with this? Holy, I actually can't remember...damn geese...uh, oh yeah! I remember!

So we chatted and stuff, then he made supper and I decided to check blogs. I went down my list of links, checking for anyone that had updated since earlier in the day, and when I got to Princess of the Universe I was delighted to see that she had posted!

So I began to read her blog and instantly started to laugh. The way she writes is often how I would think about things, and today's post was particularly entertaining to me. So entertaining in fact, that I was laughing so much that the husband asked me what the hell was so funny. I told him to wait a sec, I wanted to post a comment and then I would read it to him.
So I clicked on the comments link and began to think about what I should write. I started picturing what I would do in her situation and for some reason it struck me as an incredibly hilarious scenario. I was trying to type, but kept laughing so hard that my eyes were squeezed shut. My laughter soon escalated to the point of screaming, and soon I was shaking uncontrollably and unable to catch my breath.
Since my laughter was deafening, thus blocking out the sound of Sportcentre, the husband began to snicker at the sheer volume of my laughs, and at the fact that I couldn't control myself. Finally, I choked down a couple of deep breaths and managed to regain my composure - or so I thought. About 3 seconds after I started typing again I was screaming my fool head off, laughing uncontrollably and now, suddenly, crying.
The husband is used to these sudden outbursts, and so just laughed at me while I spent the next 5 minutes crying and laughing. He kept asking me to just tell him what was so funny, but I seemed to be unable to string together any coherent words - and that just made him laugh more.

I've been back to read that post 3 times now (the spider one, by the way), and each time ends in me dissolving into a fit of giggles. I don't know if it's the mood I'm in or what - but if it's half as funny as I think it is, you need to check it out.

*Please ignore the spelling mistake in my comment - it's a good thing you guys had no idea that my profession is as an editor!

Monday, April 16, 2007

Hands Speak Loudly

One of the most beautiful and telling parts of the human body are someones hands.

Hands can be almost as telling about a person as their eyes. They convey much more than we realize, just be being out there to the elements and such an important part of our everyday lives. They can speak volumes as to what kind of a person someone is, or how hard their life has been.

Someone could have chewed and painful looking fingernails, revealing a nervous personality or a stressful situation. A man with clean hands, though creased with black - could be a mechanic and unable to clean his hands properly, no matter how many times they are washed.

A farmer might have large hands, seemingly made to work the land, and may be leathery and worn from hours outside, tending to their livelihood.
Hands can tell us if someone leads a privileged life, soft and manicured with expensive rings and impeccable nails. They can tell of an artist, paint speckled or stained with charcoal from drawing.
They can speak of physical pain. Gnarled and lined from years of hard work, or crippled from arthritis. They can show self confidence in a firm handshake, or nerves in a sweaty grasp.

But besides the way they look, perhaps more important is the way they can convey emotion and feelings. Just think of when you might be full of rage, your hands balled into fists, perhaps itching to hit the closest thing to you out of frustration. A quick temper might be revealed in an open palmed slap, fast and stinging. When you are angry, a quick flip of one finger can reveal to the world how you are feeling.
Your hands can help tell a story, by exaggerating movements and scenarios. Some of the best storytellers in the world speak as much with their hands as with their words.
When you're feeling shy or embarrassed, you can hide behind them, shutting out the world to the emotions written across your face. They can also be forceful, mean and hurtful.

But the best part about someones hands is when they can convey love and affection, or someones true feelings. Just think of when you are sad or upset, and someones hands have enveloped you, or pushed your hair back to wipe tears from your cheeks and let you know that everything will be alright. Someones hands can help you up when you've fallen, or warm you when you are cold.

Just think of the shiver down your spine, and the tingle on your skin when someone dances their fingers across your flesh. When someone uses their hands to tilt your face to theirs for a long, slow kiss, or pulls you towards them in a stolen moment.

Think of when you are sitting beside someone in the car, and the way your hands fit with theirs - or how well they play together, with soft slow caresses or intertwined fingers. With the smallest of movements you can tell someone you love them.

Hands, a wonderful part of life and love.

Friday, April 13, 2007

I Love Ramona

Today was another long day. Long, but wonderful.
I'm that kind of exhausted where you feel happy and contented with the world.
The only shit part of today was that I didn't get to see the husband at all. I crawled out of bed bright and early and by the time I got home tonight he had already left for the night shift - so I miss you husband, but I'll see you on Sunday.

So yeah, went in to work a little early, worked like a fiend for a while and took care of some crap I have been unable to force myself to do for one lame reason or another, went for a great lunch, spent a relaxing (though busy) afternoon at the office, then went for my very first guitar lesson.

I don't know if I mentioned it, but Zig is actually teaching me guitar - in exchange for me bringing him a coffee at every lesson. Now I don't know about anyone else - but I'm thinking I got the better end of the deal here - lol!
For the first 15 minutes of the lesson I was so excited, I was nodding along - happy as a clam, then, slowly, my brain turned to mush. Everything he said started sounding like the teacher from Charlie Brown - "wha, wha, wha, wha, whaaaaaaaaaaaa."

This went on for several minutes - me trying to focus on his excited teaching, but unable to comprehend what was coming out of his mouth. And then slowly a lightbulb went off (except it wasn't like a regular lightbulb that just goes "bing" and it's on...it was more like one of those energy efficient bulbs that you turn on and then have to wait a few seconds for.

Now I've been told that patience isn't one of my strong suits and so I tried to be calm and not run screaming from the basement shrieking "What the hell is a fret? And why is this so difficult!?" and then the lightbulb finally went "bing" and I said "oh hang on, so these chords are all as if someone who's right handed is playing them?" And Zig said "yes." And I said "oh, that makes sense then, I thought I was going crazy."

And now, ladies and gentlemen, I am hooked.
Hooked on Ramona like white on rice.

But during the course of the lesson it became glaringly clear (glaring like someone came up and said "Hey, you need to get rid of those nails) that I need to say buh-bye to my fingernails.
I can tell already that this is going to be more of a sacrifice than I had envisioned - but it will be worth it.

As soon as I left my lesson I drove myself to a store and bought a brand new notebook to write notes in - as well as the "tests" I will be given at each new lesson.
When I got home I took Ramona out, then sat in the middle of the kitchen table and practised my "assignment."

I can't wait till the day that I can rock out so hard that I'm dripping with sweat, singing at the top of my lungs, and feeling like one of the coolest people ever. That will be a fantastic moment - when I finally "finish" something I started.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

So Why Does Ali Blog?

Okay, Zig tagged me yesterday for a meme about what motivated me to start my blog...and isn't that a nice little coincidence? The reason I started this blog is because of the very person who tagged me to explain why I did, hmmmmm, I think he may have had ulterior motives...

Alright, back on topic here Ali - about this time last year I was working two dead-end jobs, 65 hours a week and desperate to find new employment before I went on a killing spree out of pure frustration.
Exactly 2 weeks from tomorrow, one year ago (whoa, was that confusing for anyone else? at least I know Reggie will get it) I started much needed new job and met this designer named Zig.
Now, from what I can recall, I was nice right off the start, but was terrified of him even though he is terribly nice - however, I have been informed recently that I gave off a different kind of vibe. Apparently he thought I hated him. How that was even possible, I have no idea. I guess looks of terror and nervous laughter can be misconstrued as hatred sometimes...
Anyways, several months go by, and I begin to feel more at ease in my new surroundings, and I realize that Zig is not as terrifying as I had first thought. Turns out, he's so nice that it makes me wonder if he's faking it sometimes. (Guess what? He's not - he really is that nice.)
So time goes by and he begins telling me that he started a blog. He says it's lots of fun and that I should start one too.
Now I don't know about anyone else out there, but before then I had always thought the idea of blogging was ridiculous. I mean, who wants to read about my boring-ass life, and petty problems - much less me reading about anyone else's. But, Zig can be pretty persuasive (harassing might be a better word for it - he,he) and so I finally gave in and told him that FINE, I would start a blog, IF he would help me set the whole thing up and would answer all my stupid questions. I bet he didn't know what he was getting himself into, because for weeks I tormented him with ridiculous questions about how to use Blogger - I'm surprised he still talks to me.
Oddly enough though, I found that writing in my blog began to become a very exciting daily ritual for me. I would get excited about what I would post about, then have fun writing about whatever dumb thought crossed my mind.

(imagine this next paragraph dripping with sarcasm)
I know that most of you won't believe me, but I'm not as shy and reserved as I might come across on my blog. I'm actually loud, and mouthy, and very, very long-winded. I bet most of you never would have guessed that. So blogging actually turned out to be a wonderful outlet for me, and I'm sure the husband appreciates the fact that I quit talking for an hour or so each night while I type and read everyone else's fabulous blogs.
And now I am completely addicted to it. I still get excited to write posts, I've made some wonderful friends, I've laughed till I cried about things I've read on other people's blogs, I've gotten amazing support for the tragic events in my life, and I get so excited when any of you leave a comment. I still remember the day that Reggie first stopped by, I squealed for 15 minutes straight because I was so excited! And each day since, I am surprised that people actually stop by to read about my silly life.

I have to agree with Teresa on this - one of the main reasons I do this is because of all of you!

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Happy Birthday Husband!

As most of you know - today is the husband's birthday. He is 29 years old today. I am a mean wife and keep telling him that he is now very old because he's almost 30.
I know, I know - that is not old. Believe me, I really do know that - I don't plan on being old until I'm dead.
But being a couple years younger means that I have the luxury of doing a little teasing. Plus now I keep telling him that since he's 3 years older than me now instead of 2 (until I turn 27 in June) that I should trade him in for a younger model.

Ah well, he knows I'm teasing and would never trade him in (but if he would trade me in sometimes is a whole other story).

Happy Birthday Husband! I love you.

My Perfect Life

Okay everyone, I've recently been tagged for a couple things from a couple different people. So I've decided to do one today and the other tomorrow - since I know you'll all be waiting with bated breath - lol!

I got tagged by Peaches and Purls for a meme about "My Perfect Life." About what your perfect life would have been like, based on your childhood dreams.


If my childhood dreams had come to fruition, they would have been as follows: Actually, this is kind of hard, because I had many childhood dreams...hmmm, I think I'll go with the one I had the longest...

I have the most amazing career as a marine biologist, and spend most of my time in the water and as little as possible in the lab. I am known around the world for my un-canny ability to connect with marine life, and win awards for my breakthrough research on such topics as the mating rituals of sting rays and the actual existence of a 50 foot seahorse - of which there is a picture of me riding on the cover of National Geographic magazine.
I am married to a smart, funny, thoughtful, ruggedly handsome, emotional (though not weepy) man - who is the head of pediatrics at the first and foremost hospital in the country. He has also won awards for his breakthrough work in children's medicine, and his patients respect and adore him. He has been featured on the cover of Time magazine as "the Doctor Who Cares."
We have 3 beautiful children - an older son and twin girls. All are smart, thoughtful and funny, and never do they give me attitude or cause me any worry.
In my spare time I do voice-overs for animated movies. Most recently I have been the star character in the latest Disney movie, and regularly rub elbows with celebrities who lend their voices to characters.
I have the same friends as I do now, though I get to spend a lot more time with the Bahama Mama - sometimes she even comes with me on expeditions (though she is scared of sharks, so rarely actually gets in the water.)
My husband always does the things that most women feel their husband should do or know, yet always fail miserably at actually doing. When I'm having a shitty day - he knows to get me a caramilk bar and a pepsi, put on CSI and make himself scarce so I can finish out my miserable day alone, with no interruptions. He brings me flowers at least once a month, and I never have to hint about them. He knows that I love to have my hair played with, and will spend hours twirling my hair around his fingers and caressing my neck and ears while we lay in bed and talk. He tells me every day that I am beautiful and how lucky he is to have me, and I do the same to him.
He will show up when I'm in the lab and tell me that we're leaving on a spur of the moment vacation because he just found out that there is going to be a huge jazz concert in New Orleans the next night that he knows I would love - then takes me to Greece for a romantic weekend because he knows that jazz really puts me "in the mood."

Whew...oh man, that life would have been great.
It's a good thing that I really am married to an amazing man, have a wonderful career, and genuinely love my life - although, if this life falls through, my imaginary one wouldn't be too hard to fall back on.

Monday, April 09, 2007

So Tired

Hi everyone.
This is going to be a very quick post.

Long story short...my husband snored the entire night last night like he was trying to wake the dead, and there was a prize for who could wake them up the fastest.
Plus, my mind was in hyper-drive and try as I might (aka: thrash, whine, cry, beg, swear, pray, plead and threaten) I could not make my mind stop thinking.

Essentially I am cranky, tired, and headachy and I plan on being in bed within the next half hour. I am banishing the husband to the spare bedroom and loading myself up with Gra.vol as I type, so at least I know I'll sleep tonight.

I love you all, sweet dreams.

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Let There Be Music

Guess what got delivered to me today. Go on, guess!

Did any of you guess my guitar? Because that's what it was baby!

It came in this enormous box sometime this afternoon (the husband was home to sign for it) and I got to rip it open when I got home around 5 tonight.

And the result, ladies and gentlemen...is that I am in love...with a sweet little piece of musical ass.

This guitar is by no means "top of the line" but it's not bottom of the line either. Since I know John will be wondering - it's a Schecter Omen 6 left handed guitar. Yep, I'm a lefty. And so after looking around the city and finding that there really isn't much of a selection for left handed guitars - I decided to use the net to find something I really liked, then order it in left.

It's heavier than I expected and a beautiful gloss black.


I love the feel of it in my hands, and the weight of it on my lap, and the musical power I feel when I look at it.

I spent the first half hour with it sitting on my lap, just lightly strumming the strings and running my hands over it.

For those of you that don't know - I have no idea how to play guitar.
It's been something that has been on my "must learn to do before I die" list for years. And since I started this year with the intention of actually following through on some of the things on my list - I refuse to let myself give up.


And now that I have my own guitar, and have felt it close to me, and fallen in love with this piece of equipment - I know that I will follow through.

Besides, I've already named it, and in my world - that means game over - Ramona is mine for life.

Monday, April 02, 2007

The Art of the Pout

As any true girl knows - sometimes a good pout can go a long way.

Now I'm not encouraging you to pout whenever you don't get your way, but as someone that knows how to throw a good pout around when she needs it - I find it highly effective.
I have yet to meet a man that can resist a really good pout. The husband, my dad, my little brother, co-workers...all susceptible to the cute poutiness of a girl. Whether she is 6 months or 90 years old, females have been blessed with this amazing gift - why not use it?

Now ladies, there are a few ground rules when it comes to pouting - in fact, it's somewhat of an art form. You can't just half-assed throw on a pout and expect to get your way - there is a sort of finesse to the whole thing.

Myself, I have found several tried and true methods that seem to always attain the desired result. For instance: your significant other decides that you need to hit Home Dep.ot before you go out for your anniversary dinner, or a co-worker suggests that you go to McDonald's (yuck) for lunch for the fourth time this week. The idea is to spring into action when the man is not looking directly at you. While he's distracted with getting his coat, inch your bottom lip out ever so slightly, while lowering your eyes in a sulky, childlike fashion. The next time they glance your way it is almost guaranteed that they will stop mid-sentence, and their mouth will open slightly, then they'll say "Oh no, don't start with that pout..." at which point ladies, you make your move.
Slowly raise your eyes up just a little, and furrow your brow just enough to make you look like you could either be throwing in the towel and surrendering in defeated silence or on the verge of tears. And that is when the man will say "Oh fine, geez, we can do it your way then..."
Sometimes the pout is not quite as effective as one would hope, and so requires some extra fanagling to get the desired effect. I have been known to throw in a low, soft "Awwwwwwww" - other times require a slightly more forceful "Hrmph!" - but occasionally I have been faced with having to do the "Well I never..." followed by a dramatic arm crossing.

As I said before - I have yet to find the man that can resist any or all of these tried and tested techniques - unless maybe he was a gay man...which is fine too, although, this entire lesson is useless in that respect.

It’s Time For Another Edition of …Random Ramblings!

Yesterday I dreamed up this hot outfit to wear to work. Hot, as in workplace appropriate, but not too hard on the eyes. Then I went to bed early because I wanted to look bright and impossibly fresh for a Monday morning.
What actually happened? I rolled around all night and slept a grand total of 2 hours – got up and showered and slipped into planned “hot outfit.” Turns out said outfit is not as hot as I had envisioned – pants are now too big on me (which is a good thing), and heels that I was going to wear are nowhere to be found.
Ah well, jeans and a cute shirt it is then.


The weather here today is impossible. It’s supposed to be spring, but it has been snowing on and off all day. It has also been blustery and chilly and very grey – but now the sun is shining on my back, and when I look out the window in front of me, it is still grey.
Come on spring! My flip flops and skirts are begging to be worn!


Guess what I did today? Well, not me really – but Zig…and I helped.
We ordered my guitar! Yay!
Hopefully later this week I will be able to post pictures of my sweet new guitar, which, as it turns out, will be gloss black and not hot pink as I had originally thought. I’m so excited that I’ve been clapping and randomly yelling “Yay!” all day.


It is becoming glaringly clear that I need to wear my glasses all the time when I’m driving. My eyes have been slowly getting worse over the last couple years and I got a new pair of glasses a year or so ago that I love – but still I hardly ever wear them. I honestly forget to put them on half the time. But surprise, surprise, when I do remember, I am always shocked at how much better I can see. Go figure Ali.

I’m discovering new music in a big way lately. All of a sudden the floodgates have been opened and I can’t get enough of all kinds of different types, artists and sounds. Man I love music!

I went and had my “talk” with my manager on Friday. We discussed what I want to get out of my review and what he thinks of my work so far. It turned into a 45 minute closed-door meeting about having my review, but overall I think it went well. Except I have this feeling whatever raise they’re going to offer me is going to pale in comparison to what I think I deserve. I guess I’ll just have to see what they come up with, and decide if it calls for my “ass-kicking” boots or not.