This weekend..Friday:
•Cubs game
•Taco Bell

Saturday:
•Resanded the coffee table
•Jaime K. called me
•Emailed Paul
•Went to Neo
•Ran into Mischa, Anne Marie, and Bill

Sunday:
•Got boots
•Five CD's: Assemblage 23, Juno Reactor, SoM: Floodland, Cruxshadows, Delerium
•Ann Sathers
•Watched Sabrina (the movie, not the witch)

Zoinks! What a hectic day! I am taking a half day today to go to a Cub's game. Wahoo! Yip pid dee doo. So this morning absolutely FLEW by, so many loose ends: two meetings, open key hours, and following up on like 10 other things. Not enough Laura to go around.

Last night I played pool with Erika, Tim, Eric and Kate, and Todd (who just got a new job, congrats). It was nice and mellow. I took the bus home and read all the way. I decided to day to buy the third book of the series because I am almost done with the second... it kind of sucks because it's in hardcover and I normally don't do hardcover. But I don't have anything else to read, and well....it is done, and out there. I kind of want to read it. I also finished my letter to Gale (penpal in Canada) and wrote a quick letter to my Dad. Sent out today. All this mail I send out seems to go just go in pits, because I never know if anyone receives it, and I never get mail back.

Okay. That's not fair...Never .... Always. ;P

Last night I did laundry, watched TV and read. I did turn on my computer expecting to do some kind of productive thing, but didn't. Going to a CUB's game tomorrow and taking a half day.

After work on Monday, Tim and I took the purple line express to Chicago. We got off, and grabbed a bus south until we came to the art gallery we were invited to. The event? The Guinness Believer promotional event. Men were invited, and women (their guests) had to fill out a questionnaire. After being ushered into a room with a television screen showing commercials of the goodness of Guinness, we helped ourselves, and wondered how we were invited. There were several theories spread throughout the night, but the most plausible is that Jewel sold our names to a list. Not that we minded too much, it was free beer and food after all.

After about an hour we were led upstairs to a dining room with tables laid out with food and dish ware, and in the middle of each table a mini tub of beer. We sat down at a table near the front, and people soon filled it up around us. There were five other guys and one other girl that seemed vaguely familiar. I didn't dwell on it too much, someone the name Ali stuck in my head. After another half hour, and some more beer than I should have been drinking, I look again at the girl with red hair, pulled back into a pony tail, and familiar brown eyes. Suddenly, I ask her "Did you go to Menomonie?" and she starts shrieking.

She went to Menomonie for one semester, my senior year of high school. The last part of high school actually. This was the girl who I convinced to skip class, go back to my home and pick up Zima to bring to work, and stop by Burger King to by a Kid's meal for our Spanish teacher. The same girl that I was convinced that the Violent Femmes sang "Shake hands, I know your the one."

Here she was sitting next to me. Of all the people Guinness could have picked in Chicago, and the chances of us sitting next to each other, and remembering. She remembered my voice. I remembered her eyes, but also I recalled what we did together. She couldn't bring that up. That's okay, because I have an excellent memory for those kinds of thing. How crazy is that? How random.

We home tipsy, and stopped for an extra lighter beer at the Lighthouse on the way home and kept Don company. We learned that they drafted men into the war outside of wartime needs. Apparently the stopped after Vietnam, but does anyone have details? When did the random draft stop? After visiting, we went home and to sleep.

The next morning was hell. It's not like I *knew* that drinking more than 1 Guinness would make us sick as hell. We has such terrible hangovers that I knew there was no way I could go to work. Amidst strange dreams, I woke long enough to call myself in, and Tim followed suit soon after. We spend a wonderful day in the apartment on the nippiest day this fall. Reading, watching movie and TV, talking, sleeping and eating leftovers. It was more than just a recovery day for my physical self. 8)

Oh, and Buffy the Guidance Counselor? I am just kind of saddened to see them go all the way back to the beginning. I hope Angel won't be as disappointing, but that isn't for two more weeks.

Okay. I took a little test this morning. The Belief-0-Matic and my results were as I thought: 100% Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestant. Huh. How about that.

Yesterday I made rhubarb pie. Then promptly dropped it on the floor while I was taking it out of the oven while talking on the phone with Mark (Tim's brother). It was too heavy, and a little overstuffed with high flutes...luckily, when it hit the floor the flutes fell off and a little rhubarb slipped out, by the pie survived. Yah! I have never dropped a pie in my life. Never. A hour and half later, I realized that it felt like Christmas or Thanksgiving. We had meat loaf and squash for dinner, followed by fresh rhubarb pie and vanilla ice cream. Full and satisfied I wrote a few cards and worked on a letter.

Ahh. Finished my book. Have to go buy the second one today during lunch. I am a little excited because it has reached my favorite parts of fantasy books (the few that have them). Which is descriptions and explorations of an ancient world that doesn't not have magic, but rather a more incomprehensible form of magic called technology. Much more powerful. The images of the buildings and the musings of what the people must have been like. BUT, the book following that is still in hardcover...so are there any recommendations on what I could be reading next?

Firefly was okay. A space western. I don't know if it's something I will follow. I will give it another chance for sure...but beyond that. Spirited Away was good. I really enjoyed it.

I woke up last night at 2.00 with a terrible headache and aching jaw. This morning Tim told me I was grinding my teeth last night. I knew I was, when I woke up...but there is nothing I can do to stop it. I wonder if that is one of the reasons for my constant headaches lately. I guess it a good thing I am going to the dentist next month, I can get one of those teeth bracers or something. Why do I do it though?

Be still.

Sometimes I wish I could just go to my own journal and see what is going on with my life. Be amazed at how well balanced everything is, or be a little envious that it looks like I have so much fun. Or just have something juicy and interesting to read. Instead.... there is nothing. BUT links to other people's lives who lead exciting and dangerous lives.

Tonight we are going to watch Firefly in the comfort of our own home, and then head out to meet a bunch of people to see Spirited Away at the Evanston Theatre. It's a night of 21st century, cinematic pleasure.

I don't feel very good today. I want everything to happen s l o w.

Last night we played pool at a different place, called Nick's Uptown. Those in attendance this time: Callie, Kristi, Eric and Kate, Erika and myself. It was fun.

Um...the perfect memorial...and yet seems like a page out of a fantasy book.... LifeGem

Aho!

What is today? Wednesday? Yeah. It is. That is pretty much sums up me. Not enough time to do much, too much stuff to do in the time alloted. Watched Buffy last night (we bought the first season DVD collection). Went to bed early. Feeling a little. ...dare I say it? Sick. Eh.

Gotta make an appointment with the dentist.

Friday, went home, and hung out with Tim. Finished Riptide, watched TV and then tried to go to sleep. Got up 10 min later when a obnoxious neighbor started blaring the same two songs over and over. Finally, my other neighbor and I went over to ask him to be quiet, or turn it down, and he was MEAN! Yes, he was totally drunk, and ...the gist of his message was: "It is Friday night, I went to a four year college, and you need to get a job where you don't work on Saturday, and call the police, I don't care." Seem confusing? It was. I did call the police, thank you. It was very easy, and now I know next time to just call them right away. I am sure the police won't be impressed with him going to a four year college and thereby giving him the right to play music really fucking loud. And Tim? He slept through it all.

Saturday, Tim got up at like 7 and then kept waking me up every half hour or so until I got up. Then I took a shower, and we went to the bank and best buy to get some things for his server (s), Came home, and I cleaned out the second closet in the bedroom and converted it to a craft closet (on one side, because I discovered there was a light bulb ...and now I could see!!), sorted the rest of my beads and went through a big bottle of mixed bugles, separating them....put all the leather together, cleaned and vacuumed the living and dining room, framed a picture, watched some movies and then went out to Neo with a bunch of people. The DJ wasn't that great, and we left at 1.30 got home at 2.30, because Tim was falling asleep.

Sunday. Tim was up bright early again, waking me up every two hours. I was so tired myself, and just wanted to sleep, sleep, sleep....and that I did until 1.00 pm. I had remembered a time earlier, that Tim said he made coffee..so I went and got some. Made some oatmeal with raisons and walnuts and settled down to sort beads some more and watch TV. OH, I forgot to mention I finally attacked a blanket that had been drenched in cat pee. A combinations of enzymes, and oxyclean, with an overnight soak does wonders.

I went home last night and washed all the dishes, and cleaned the kitchen and bathroom. Then I went out to catch a bus to the Loyola stop, and the bus driver barely stopped. My brilliant idea of walking as little as possible was squelched when the driver ignored my three or four tugs of the line, only to stop four blocks away when I asked him "Does this bus not stop?". He apologized and said he was had his mind someplace else, and then gave me a free transfer. Which meant nothing, because I already had a free transfer going for me on my card. In any case, I walk back to Loyola and take the train to Sheridan and find Erika and Rachal easily, with help from excellent directions.

Their apartment is very nice, and Ikea like..utilizing space in a simple, yet elegant way. We then went to Nick's Uptown to have a drink and play darts. Erika won both times, if you will believe. We made plans to meet Saturday night at Neo, where a few others are going to be there. I got home by 10.38, (I had to take a cab from Howard because I was reading and missed the Loyola stop). Ahh well. Ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and watched....horrified...at the Anna Nicole show. Then went to bed...because TODAY.....ladies and gentlemen....Tim comes home. 8) Yah!

Sometimes, when you have been in argument with someone, you don't want them to know anything about you. You don't want your friends talking about you to them, you don't want to them to see you, and you don't want them reading your online journal. 8) Thus, I didn't write yesterday because I was struggling with pettiness and childish thoughts of revenge. But last night I was able to move beyond it, and hopefully keep moving past it. Too much time is wasted in those empty thoughts, and now ...I feel better. Not that I have been feeling bad in general, but even one negative thought is too much, especially when it is self pity.

Last night I did nothing yet again---but read. It was so nice. I finished my books, caught up on my postal mail for this week, and went to bed at 11.30. Tim even called, but didn't have much time to talk because he was tired and it was very late. He comes home tomorrow...I look forward to it. Tonight I am going to visit Erika. I ran into her at Mischa's party last Saturday and decided to take her up on her offer to visit.

These last two weeks have been pretty good (despite the streak of bad luck Tim and I are mired in). I have heard from many old friends: Kino, Zoey, Carrie, Jesmia, etc, I have had time to read and relax, watch movies, pet the cats and just...exist.

Oh, an I am collecting birthday dates, and anniversaries...please email me with these dates and your address, when you have a chance.

Hm.
I went to Ann Sathers last night with Kate and Eric. Their first time, and then they went off to Reckless Records afterward, and I took a phone call from Tim. He told me that Jim emailed him! Unbelievable, but I am very glad to hear it. I am also proud to say I am the recipient of another interesting email, that being from Kino! I responded to him, and look forward to hearing from him again. Then I was thinking about the whole situation with my friend, and and decided to to extend a olive branch, only to be fiercely rejected this morning. That's what I get for trying, I suppose..as Tim says "No good deed goes unpunished." Then I went to bed, and read late into the night until I feel asleep. Got a ride with Kellie and Andy to work this morning, and now here I am. Ready to do some work, and looking forward to Tim's call this morning.

MSN had this article about "What Were You Born to Do: Find Your True Calling." I thought the questions looked like fun to answer, and so:

1. What subjects do you most enjoy reading about?: Culture: scifi, tribal, ethnic, pop, primitive (any culture): psychology: sociology…basically the ‘how and why” people do things.

2. What television or radio programs do you most enjoy?: Science fiction, fantasy based, discovery, the learning channel, A&E (particularly investigative reports), documentaries, mysteries, drama.

3. What are your favorite types of movies? : Scifi/fantasy, drama, comedy, mystery

4. What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes?: Crafts, collecting, reading, writing, visiting, watching TV

5. What type of volunteer activities do you prefer?: Helping people not feel lonely or abandoned, feel better about themselves. Solving problems.

6. What subjects do you enjoy discussing with friends?: Day to day activities (considering most of my friends do not live by me), the how and why of other people problems.

7. What subjects come to mind when you daydream?: Rural, travel, meeting odd little people in out of the way places VS working on my house, staying at home (this is the ultimate dream….not working) and writing, doing crafts, reading, cooking, etc.

8. What have been your favorite jobs?: Tough one. I would have to say helping people, and learning about them, and figuring out ways they can make their life better…together..with them.

9. What were your favorite school subjects?: Social Sciences, English and art.

10. What are your pet peeves?: The word ‘Rant”. Passiveness and grudges.

11. If you doodle, what do you often draw?: I don’t doodle, because I can’t draw. But when I do, I draw random dots…and then see how many ways they can all be connected. How many lines can be made connecting two points together.

12. If you ran the world, what changes would you make? : I would work on eliminating hunger.

13. If you won a million bucks, what would you do with it?: Buy my family a house, Tim’s family a house, pay off the debt owed by my father so he can really own his place, pay off our debts and by myself a house.

14. What are your favorite kinds of people?: Quirky people with passions/interests, honest, not afraid to tell me what they think and yet expect the same, with no judgment.

15. How would you like to be remembered after your death?: I would like to be remembered as a lady.

16. What are your favorite toys?: Writing accruements, crafts, the TV.

17. How would you describe your political beliefs?: Mostly liberal with some heavy conservatism on some things (but only for myself…I won’t tell you what to think).

18. Who do you most admire in life and why?: My grandmother. Because she had tuberculosis twice, a bad husband that she kicked out, took care of three kids on her own, was very independent, and lived quite alone for most of her later life, much to her disappointment. But yet she was *always* hopeful and thanksful for what God provided.

19. What tasks have brought you the most success? :Responsibility driven, in which no one else wants to do anything, leadership tasks.

20. What tasks do you think you could do well that you haven't yet done?: I think I would do well in the military or police..

Stupid Live365. My favorite station sold out today to the Preferred Member Status. 8( Oh well. There are still hundreds of other options out there to listen to and I still refuse to pay to hear the radio, be it on the internet or not. This weekend:

Helped Eric pack up the rest of his apartment and moved
Hung out at Kate and Eric's, watching TV and eating the dinner they made. 8)
Went to a party by Mischa and his new company buddies. (Saw Aric, Erika and Rachel)
Sunday stayed in bed all day, reading, beading, putting jewerly, making books, writing, all the while watching movies. Got up only to check my email, eat, feed the cats..etc.
Monday, here at work. Working, I guess..

Oh. I wanted to say that the book--Outlander, I am reading now (that Kate gave me) smacks of Sarah. It's totally a romance where our heroine goes back in time to the 17's of Scotland. I can't put it down yet....because I am a sucker for romances once in a while, and it ....has been awhile. 8)

I miss Tim.

Yesterday I scored a whole bunch of glass test tubes from one of the labs. At least fifty of them with screw tops. I spent last night transferring my beads into the tubes, and watched some TV. More or less background noise...but I was fortunate enough to learn that the steve tyler didn't know he had liv until she was nine years old. Did laundry...or rather...gathered laundry and Tim did it, but I did put it away. 8P Later I wandered around on the net. I see that Catalyst is up and running again, and at the same locale that I saw GhoulTown at....it's this Saturday. Problem is.... Tim is going to London, so if I wanted to go, I would have to go alone.

I suppose that isn't a problem...but it is a big city, and I am a girl. Luckily I think I convinced Coldwar that he should go with me. 8) Although if he doesn't end up going, I still will probably go. I think. Sometimes I wish I had friends who liked going out to clubs once in awhile still---that maybe kind of lived in Chicago and not Minneapolis, Madison or Milwaukee.

Tired. Yesterday was a hell day. I even lost my temper once...kind of. Took at nap at lunch, and then when I got home. Woke up at 7.00 when the gamers arrived, and microwaved a hotdog, grabbed a beer and headed towards the living room to continue on my strange mission, investigating what went wrong at the arctic post. So far, I have froze to death, been shot by a member of my own company, electrocuted, burned (several times), failed my mission twice (crew member died) and eaten only once.

Last night...went to Petsmart for fish food and cat litter. Followed by a trip to Best Buy to get a hub and a video game for me (The Thing...anyone play it? It's creepy managing everyone's fear, and gaining trust...it's all so psychological....). Since I think pool night is cancelled tonight, I am going to just have to stay home and play my game. 8)

And then food shopping. I hate food shopping sometimes, it seems like we get all the same stuff, and when we get home there is nothing good to eat anyway. The only good things were the beer, margarita mix, and tequila (because summer ain't over yet). I started my game and was killed by one of my crew right away because I accidentally shot him, and had a beer. Started over and got a headache after and hour and had to go to bed. I needed to repay some of my sleep debt anyway.

Paul is back today! Yah! I miss his adventures and drama.

Uff. I just had to pull authority with the secretary. My supervisor asked me tell her to bring an envelope over to safety management (a 10 min. walk round trip). I told this at 12.00 and she tell me now..."Laura, I don't think I am going to have time to do this today. Can it wait until tomorrow." I looked at the clock and said, "No, it has to be done today. Holly asked for it to be done."
"Holly didn't ask me to have it done" she defends.
"No, I asked you to do it. Are you saying my requests aren't as important as Holly's? And I asked you to do it at 12.00"
"No, I will do it. " She tried to take the envelope.
"If you do not have the time to do it, I will do it." I said.
"No, I will do it. It won't take more than two minutes. I am just really busy today." She said over her shoulder as she walked out.

My god. Do what I tell you. I don't make up shit for the fun of it.
I am also a little frustrated because the new girl is having some major computer usage problems. I don't think she has worked on PC's very much, and so I am constantly being summoned to help her eject a disk, find a document, open a document, etc. etc.

Aside from that. Labor Day weekend was a very good. Went to my Dad's on Saturday, got there around 7.00. We made a fire, talked and made a hochunk language tape. Sunday, Tim used a brusher for the first time in his life and got a little cut crazy and cleared quite a bit of area (slowly he will become a man....first he got to chop wood, now he got to brush, next up...the chainsaw...I think he is excited). My loot this weekend: a leather hoodie, 1/2 elk hide, shitload of beads (lots of size 10's so that I can work on beadweaving), some more pictures, xmas ornaments, photo albums, a pendleton throw, frames that I am going to rework...etc etc.

The most notable event happened when I was named "The Family Record Keeper." (It's weird. I admit. )

I also went the powwow, where for the first time in years, it didn't rain. There were TONS of dancers for the grand entry. I had a good time watching that and thought about making a fancy shawl outfit for my niece, and then watching my father buy leather. I even got a slushie, family bonding, and had corn soup and frybread for dinner. Coming back Monday was a battle with all the traffic.

This week looks busy yet again. Shopping tonight, laundry, projects, Tim's going to London again this weekend for a week.

I need a day off to recover from the long weekend. Kind of tired--really need to go grocery shopping, do laundry and vacuum the floor. More in a bit. Catching up with people, reading journals, news...etc is taking an extra hour or so this morning.