Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Song of the Day: Tuesday

I have been lazing with a purpose today. I slept in a bit and got up to get some work done. The movers come tomorrow morning; he said 8 and I hope he's running early. I spent a little time tidying up so that my stuff can be put in the appropriate place. Oh a furnished apartment and my own bed!

I also start work tomorrow. So, I spent some time organizing conference and moving receipts for reimbursements. My credit card companies will think I have had a windfall when I start paying them off.

And, still the Olympics. Swimming, diving and women's gymnastics. I've also been watching sports that you'd normally have to bribe me to watch. But, it's a good way to waste time. Ergo, this song.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Song of the Day: Monday

Today has been another lazy day. I only left the house to go to the leasing office to drop off my inspection report. I still have two windows that won't open, a back bedroom that smells like smoke and a broken hinge on the master toilet seat. But my most sustained complaint? Even thought the air cond is turned off, according to the thermostat, it still comes on a few times a day making it seem a bit to open a window, which is what I prefer. There is something about the position of my building and apartment that keeps it from feeling hot. So, I can do without the conditioned air.

On the plus side, I just found out that my stuff will be delivered this week--on my first morning of work. So, in order to get my things, I need to be late to my first day of work. Yea! But, I am happy to have my stuff, I will willingly go to work lat on Wednesday.

Not sure why, but this song comes to mind. I know it from "The Truth About Cats and Dogs" soundtrack.

Song of the Day: Sunday

I guess I have Olympic fever. My posts are spotty and behind.

On Sunday I returned my rental and borrowed a bike from a colleague. My bicycle is on a truck between NYC and South Bend. This was me yesterday riding the three miles home. Thankfully I'm not sore today.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Song of the Day: Saturday


Today was another one of those days where lazed around bed reading. And eating as necessary. And making arrangements to borrow a bicycle until I get my stuff. And reading. I read so much that my vision got blurry. And then I made a trek to WalMart--again. If Walmart were a man, we'd be dating as often as I have been to visit (once or twice daily)!

Anyway, as I was driving this song came on and really struck me. What a wonderful song. And wonderfully sad.

Song of the Day: Friday

Friday was a lazy day for me. I am technically unemployed. I left my old job. I start my new job next week. I stayed in bed reading and eating when hunger struck me. I then went out to shop for essentials at BBandB and WalMart--again. I can't remember when I have been so relaxed. Being jobless helps. As does driving.


This song reminds me of my Friday.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Song of the Day: Thursday

I am home now. I have the keys and am in my new apartment. I was a little disappointed. There was dirt and cobwebs that the cleaners missed. One of my toilets didn't work at all. I have a window that won't open. So, I had to make a trip back to the leasing office to inform them of the problem. It has been rectified. Except for a window that won't open. Still. And there is this random smoke smell.

Because the movers have not come yet, I have singlehandedly driven up Walmart sales in one day. Three separate purchases, including an air mattress. I had to go back to WallyWorld to get something that I left on the cart from my first purchase. (Yeah, that kind of day.) I now have cable (I got a cheapo tv at Goodwill today until my real tv arrives), Internet (I always travel with my laptop) and phone (that's still on the truck!) But I am home!

I have discovered that I really miss driving. I got a rental when I arrived yesterday. It's been so nice to drive here and there whenever I want. I miss that freedom. What I really miss is listening to random radio. It's been forever since I've heard this song. Reminds me so much of this song, that I get queavish.  I think it's just JT that grosses me out, though. But the song is great for driving.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Song of the Day: Wednesday

I am exhausted. Bone. Weary. Tired. And sick. Not in the way of the cold. More in the way of not wanting to put another bite in my mouth that isn't homemade. Or a salad. Or Fresh Fruit. Ugh! But, I am in South Bend spending the night at my friend Sulli's house. Tomorrow I move into my apartment. I cannot wait to close the door on the outside world and be home. I won't have my stuff until August, except for what I already brought or sent ahead. But, the place will be mine. The cable guy will arrive at 1. I'll make random runs to Walmart and the grocery store and the farmer's market to stock up. And then I will shut the door on the world and snuggle down for an eternity. In my new home. My new future. My destiny.

This song comes to mind when I think of home. It's been a while since this song has been in my head. I remember watching The Wiz when I was a kid. We were so fascinated with people singing and dancing on network tv who looked just like us. It didn't hurt that it had Diana Ross and MJ.

Song of the Day: Tuesday

I am back in New York. It's a madhouse here! There are people pushing and shoving and wandering aimlessly. I had a few errands to run and kept running into people who walked like molasses or who just stopped in the street. I felt the rage boiling up in me. Get out of my way!!! Now I remember why I don't hit the tourist attractions.

Anyway, this song seems appropriate. "We're just ordinary people/We don't know which way to go". Definitely reminds me of tourist, in a romantic sort of way.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Song of the Day: Monday

It's the last night of the conference. I am tired. I feel a bit beat up, like I have had too much to drink and eat and haven't slept nearly enough. I now regret scheduling my bus for 6:30pm. I want to go to NYC as soon as possible so I can get some sleep. And repack to go to SB. Luckily I only have one session to attend and maybe a lunch date. I hope to go to the bus station and hop on an earlier bus tomorrow. We'll see.

Anyway, this song has been in my head. Not sure why except that it's quite mellow. Nice.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Song of the Day: Sunday

Today was a busy day! In addition to sessions I was scheduled to attend, I was social chair for a caucus and nominated to be its vice-chair.  A lot to be responsible for. The social went great. I ordered too much food, but everyone was happy. We gave away 100 drink tickets. I saw one laying on a table when I left.  I also had one person come to me and ask how she could be social chair next year. I invited her to be on my committee so that there were people ready to do the work when I left the position. I have the business cards of 4 people who will be on my committee for Seattle.

Fastcase was really happy as well. Our main contact hugged me twice or thrice for doing such a good job with the social! They all were happy, but free booze doesn't hurt. And, I don't know about the elections yet. Taryn and I are the ones who showed up. We'll see what happens.

Anyway, this is the song that comes to mind after tonight.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Song of the Day: Saturday

I have arrived in Boston, but it is after great toil. This morning I had to schlep all of the worldly goods that I still have in my possession to a friends house for another friend to pick up. It was back breaking labor when one considers the number of ruts and potholes in the ground near "ramps for sidewalks. A nine block walk took about 20 minutes. But, I made it!

I've been seeing people that I haven't seen in forever and making new friends. Definitely a good start to the conference.

Anyway, my mind flits back to the interminable walking that I did this morning in New York and now today in MA. It brings to mind this song.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Song of the Day: Friday

The removers showed up at 8 am, when I had been awake for more than 24 hours. I still had so much to do. I ended up throwing away a bit of stuff that I didn't have a chance to look at. I will just have to trust that no one will try to hack my accounts based on what they find.

I met a former student and her bf for dinner at MY local. My favorite bartender was working. So, after dinner we had drinks. We had 2 margaritas, a round of coronas (he gave me a second that I gave to one of my party) and a shot of patron, all for under $20. It never hurts to know the bartender.

The song that I would use for him has already been used. So, instead, I'll use this one for my last Friday in New York.

Song of the Day: Thursday

I am a lot late in posting Thursday's blog. I usually post right before bed. However, for Thursday, I have an excuse: I didn't go to bed. As I type I am tweaking on approximately 2 hours of sleep. I stayed up all night making sure things were ready for the movers who showed up at 8am!!! Everything is now packed and away. I even mailed a 64lb container and donated to Goodwill before I headed out to my friends' house to spend the night.

Anyway, the past few days as I've been packing, this song has been on my mind. It's the chorus and just Jack Johnson's lazy, kickback attitude. It's the chorus.

But, this song has also been on my mind. I love Hall&Oates lazy soul and blues. And this song reminds me of the end of the line for me. Thursday was my last day on campus!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Song of the Day: Wednesday

I am almost done! I spent the day packing up my office and tossing files. There is only one day left at work. And one more night to finish tidying and packing my apartment before the movers come. So excited and trying my best not to freak out!

This song by Europe, kept playing in my head today. Seems apropos.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Song of the Day: Tuesday

For such a sparsely furnished apartment, I have so much junk. After finally apportioning my clothes to their respective bags, I spent most of the night sorting through piles of papers that I have lying around the apartment. I have a bad habit of laying stuff down rather than addressing its importance once I get it.  And, since I somehow lost my shredding scissors on Saturday, I spent most of my time stamping out my personal information. I placed a really heavy garbage bag of recyclables in the compactor room. And I have more. I know I'll get all of this stuff down to a manageable, shippable amount to ship--I have no choice!--but it is still a bit of a chore.

Anyway, I have been singing this song in my head for the past few days. Maybe there is a reason that I don't yet know.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Song of the Day: Monday

I am in the last stretch of New York. Things are moving so quickly. It seems like I had more time yesterday, weeks not days. But here I am, three days from finishing work; 4 days from the movers coming to take away all of my personal possessions. And I still have so much to sort and pack. After saying goodbye to my Italian friends, I came home and packed all of my drinking glasses. Hopefully tomorrow I will pack up the rest of my kitchen and clothes before working my way through the papers that I drag from place to place in every move. It's all doable, but it seems so daunting.

Addign to the tension of packing to move my life to the midwest is the upcoming annual conference where I am de facto social chair and nominated vice-chair for a certain caucus. Not quite sure how to balance that with my upcoming role as a member of the CONELL committee.

Anyway, this song has been on my mind for the past day. I grew up singing some Paul Simon but this album is the Paul Simon that is mine.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Song of the Day: Saturday

Today was a lazy, lazy day. I was up until midnight Friday rolling and packing my clothes. Still amazed at how much I own! But, because of how late I was awake and how long it took me to pack my stuff, I stayed in bed as much as possible, reading, listening to the radio and napping.

I had a dinner date for Korean Fried Chicken with Miss N. Really good food! We both had the designer Soju cocktails. Ad then we went for frozen yogurt. I definitely had a bit of a food hangover. I was done with eating before we even left the East Village.

And today's song is "Suppertime" from You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

Song of the Day: Sunday

I woke up rather early Sunday morning because I went to bed early Saturday night. Around 10pm I couldn't keep my eyes open. Next thing I knew it was 4:15am and I was wide awake. It was nearly 7 when I was able to get back to sleep, only to get up to go to Coney Island.

Coney Island was a lot of fun. I was worried because the weather reports predicted rain and there was a bit of a downpour at 8. But I kept the faith and went anyway. The rain cleared and the day was nice. There were moments of hotness, but overall a good day for eating "fair food" and going on rides. It would have been more fun if my friend would have been more adventuresome. It's not fun riding by oneself while one's friend takes pictures along the outside.

Anyway, I woke up with this song in my head. I originally got this as a free download and I played it over and over and over. I still like it a lot.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Song of the Day: Friday

I had today off from work. I had an appointment with the oral surgeon this morning, followed by a last minute visit to the dentist to fit my dental appliance to my implant. After a couple of hours of lazing around, I began sorting, weeding, folding and rolling my clothes. All of my closets are empty of clothes. I have one duffel that is stuffed to the gills. And, I have a suitcase and another duffel that are waiting to receive the rest of my clothes. It's crazy how much it seems that I have nothing to wear, but I have too many clothes when it's time to pack.

Most of the time I don't want to pack; I'd rather be doing something--anything--else.  But then I have to remind myself why I am working so hard. Besides, the movers will be here on Friday!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Song of the Day: Thursday

Tonight my friends had a going away party for me. Really sweet. Italian pizza and appetizers. Beer and wine. There was a game that I lost but I got the prize anyway! A youngun there flirted wildly with me and I flirted right back. Flattering if I hadn't been a teenager when he was born.

Anyway, he began singing this song tonight. He knows it from this artist. But I only know the KT Tunstall cover.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Song of the Day: Wednesday

This week has flown by so fast! I am working 4 day weeks until the movers come. I have been packing slowly but surely. I took my bike in to get a tuneup and they are already finished!!! I also bought two REI duffels to pack my clothes.

I've done a lot but there is still more to do. It made me think of this song. I remembered the song but not that it was Vanessa Williams. Apparently the Isley Brothers first performed the song, but I don't remember them. I almost forgot that Vanessa Williams had a music career....

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Song of the Day: Tuesday

Today one of my coworkers began planning a going away lunch for me. She said it was to celebrate my last day. This song popped in my head. I emailed it to everyone who was invited to the lunch. Kinda funny really. My coworker asked me, "Who is the wicked witch?" I meant myself but it is possible that it could also be my job. Doesn't matter!

Monday, July 9, 2012

Song of the Day: Monday

I am not good with people--especially when I am tired. The best people skill that I ever learned was to keep my mouth shut. But there are times when a closed mouth will not do. And, tonight was one of those.

I had the late shift tonight so I didn't get to see my friends until almost 10. They are all excited for my new job and my move. I'd prefer not to talk about it. Imagine getting asked the same questions again and again by very extroverted Italians within a 20 minute period of time. And imagine every conversation involving the question "Are you happy?" along with an encouragement to find this or that friend or group in SB. With every. single. conversation. from the time you began the application process four months ago. It wasn't until last month that I figured out that the "Are you happy?" was not an existential question, but a question of whether I am pleased with the opportunity and my choice.

It was too much pressure for me. I have been by myself for so long, answering to no one and having no one actually interested in what I did unless it was for their benefit. It never occurs to me to call anyone to let them know I arrived safely because I didn't grow up having to report my whereabouts when I left the house.

I am not equipped for how to respond when so many people show an interest in me. I have gotten better at accepting praise, but accepting so much attention and the barrage of interested questions about me? Too much!

Tonight I lost it a little before I had to remind myself that I am tired and it's not their fault. With each successive question, I had to inhale first and then answer, when all I wanted to do was go home and go to bed. On my way home tonight, I realized that I need to learn to function, if not thrive, in this kind of situation. Otherwise I will end up alone. So, today's song.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Song of the Day: Sunday

I'm back in New York with dedicated internet and cell phone coverage. Yea me!! Reminds me of this song from the"Dick Tracy" soundtrack.

Song of the Day: Saturday

I am back in New York. Travel was easy but Auntie Anne's failed me. This was the first time I bought a pretzel dog that was not quite done or soggy; not sure which. Ick! Got a refund.

Flew USAir and got my bags lost again. This time I brought it as a carryon and it wouldn't fit in the overhead. They checked it for free, but it never made it to New York. They were to deliver last night, but my cell phone was dead. However, I had called earlier to give my home number as a back up.

I was assured that my file had been updated and that the delivery driver had my updated number. Not true. So, still I sit in my apartment waiting for a deliver. I was told that it  be delivered between noon and four. I got a call before one asking if I would be available between 4:30 and 5 to receive my baggage. When I mentioned that I'd earlier been told I'd have it by four, the story changed to 3:30-4:00. It is quarter to four and no bag. I would like to attend mass tonight. hopefully it will arrive before then.

Anyway, when I returned to my apartment I discovered that one of my relatives had called to "be sure I made it back okay." This relative also made some pale statement in form of apology regarding yesterday's behavior after I confronted on what had been said. Reminded me of this song. A cheesy 80's song as usual.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Song of the Day: Friday

Today has been one of those days. I had a nasty disagreement with a relative over nothing. She's still sore about it. And I am pissed about being treated like a child until she needs something from me that only a grownup can give. And, even then, I still need paternalistic guidance.

I found out that one of my mentors is not what I thought. My mom is dead [big sigh!]. My emotionally estranged dad is hospitalized from the effects of his life choices and refuses to change. Siblings!-- [Insert angsty retort!].

With all of my familial strife, my first, second and last instinct is to run away. But somewhere inside of me is this drive to use this  stress to make me better. I'm not yet sure how.

As I reflect on my family situation, this Regina Spektor song plays in my head. "Always one foot on the ground..." That's how I feel about my family. It's sticky and I can't  quite detach myself. But I am hopeful.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Song of the Day: Thursday

It's my birthday! It's my birthday!

This is one of those milestone years when people get maudlin and try to drown their sorrows. When I was younger, I was obsessed; I used to think I was gonna pull a Jimi or a Marilyn. So I am quite happy to have made it to this birthday.

Thinking of this birthday reminded me of this song. Not quite a birthday song, but not one you hear U2 singing so often either. Happy Birthday to me!

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Song of the Day: Wednesday

Happy Fourth of July!

Song of the Day: Tuesday

For the longest time I have felt as if I was on the verge of something great. It's that feeling of anticipation as if,  just around the corner, there is some tremendous prize waiting just for you. I've felt like that for a few years and I didn't know what it was.

Now, as I prepare to move for a new job, I wonder is this what it was? Maybe. But is there more? If so, obviously I accept.

Anyway, I think of this song whenever I contemplate my future. Or when I am trying to cheer myself up. It came out when I was in high school and at my science and math school we loved it. It's a little dated now but I still love it.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Song of the Day: Monday

Monday did not turn out the way I'd thought. I visited my grandmother and she usually presses me into service. I am normally enlisted to drive her around to run errands. She told me that she prefers me to one of my uncles because she likes to have someone walk with her and grab things off the shelf if she needs help; my uncle usually waits for her in the car or on the bench until she is done.

However, when I arrived, she didn't want to run errands. She talked to me. She fed me. She sent me to nap in her bed. We talked some more. And she suggested that Friday would be a good day to go shopping. Nice!

Another positive for Monday? I finally got my lease by email!!! I now have a place to live! I won't be living in a paper bag. Granted I knew this from the beginning, but it's always nice to have confirmation!

Speaking of paper bags, this song came to mind. It's that same one I chose when I was about to move to Gotham, but it's still a good one.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Song of the Day: Sunday

It's always a good thing when I can be around my best friend. We've known each other since 7th grade. She knows stuff about me that will never be tortured from her lips. Because of this, I definitely am relaxed when I am around her--unless I am in the midst of a crisis. She knows me well enough that I don't have to explain myself unless the parameters of my life have changed. And I trust her enough to be myself around her.

I relayed to her an incident from last week and asked her advice on how to be a "nice girl". Her answer was a balm to my soul: I don't need to work on being a nice girl because I didn't do anything wrong. She agreed with me that the other party in the encounter had been rude. My manners were fine (since we were brought up the same way) and that it might be a matter of different manners in the north. Or the midwest, as the case may be. No need to change myself to be someone that I am not. People really need to get to know ME rather try to make me like them. Whew!

Anyway, her words of encouragement reminded me of "Hotel Song" by Regina Spektor. I like this cover by Irma. Come into my world....