tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76725858990676588392024-03-19T02:38:16.678-05:00Daily RandonimityThe little moments you probably never noticed before, all sprawled out for you to see.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-16882334415346364772010-11-19T14:11:00.000-06:002010-11-19T14:11:13.374-06:00GO here:This is where I'm writing now:<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2039677027"><br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://byebyetwenties.blogspot.com/">byebyetwenties.blogspot.com</a><br />
<br />
See ya there!Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-5253618905138080882009-05-21T15:12:00.004-05:002009-05-21T15:22:23.764-05:00the show must go on...Alas, dear readers...or reader...<br /><br />(I mean let's face it, most people find this blog by googling the word "farts")<br /><br />I'm writing you to say that I am going to turn the lights down on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">randonimity</span> and set the stage for a new blog. A blog that talks more about what I'm doing now...a blog that will BLOW YOUR MIND.<br /><br />(Okay, that's overstating it a bit...but still, go with me here.)<br /><br />So, please, bookmark the following link...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tiffimprov.blogspot.com/">http://www.tiffimprov.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />The new blog is called "Behaving <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Improv</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">perly</span>" (See what I did there? A little play on words and shit? A lame attempt at humor...whatever...I was pressed for time. I went with my first thought. It's a lesson. A lesson, folks.)<br /><br />So, feel free to reread the old posts here if you like, but really, you should check out the new stuff. Because that's where I'll be.<br /><br />Thanks for letting me borrow your eyes this past year or so. You are [all?] fantastic.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-74692422736781421852009-05-18T12:07:00.003-05:002009-05-18T12:11:27.206-05:002 months later...I am a slacker.<br /><br />I get it.<br /><br />Don't sass me.<br /><br />There has been too much going on to keep up. Lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">improv</span>. Lots of harmless debauchery. Lots of fat, melting off my body (17 pounds...I know, right?!)<br /><br />It's been about a year since I started this blog. Actually, I think it's been over a year. I think that perhaps I might just end this one, and begin anew. Something that tracks my summer. Because, you know what? 2009 is THE year.<br /><br />For what?<br /><br />Well, I haven't quite figured that out yet, but it's deserving of a fresh start. And with summer in sight, I feel like there will be much more to hammer out on this here keyboard.<br /><br />Until that's set up, you know, check back and whatnot. Who knows, I might keep on updating the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ol</span>' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Randonimity</span>.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-65615658882446634242009-03-23T15:03:00.003-05:002009-03-23T15:21:57.770-05:00just a little updateNot much to say really. I'm really excited about Spring starting to arrive in Chicago. I guess I look forward to the adventures I'm imagining for Spring/Summer. <br /><br />Taking Max to the zoo or the museums, Cubs games, wandering aimlessly and exploring new things, lots and lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">improv</span>.<br /><br />It's weird. I have no regrets in life. I mean, you just can't. Whatever it is that's happened, it's helped to shape me into who I am now, and who I will eventually come to be, so I can't look back and wish that I hadn't done something.<br /><br />But there is this part of me that feels revitalized. I don't think that I was ever "missing out" recently. But I think I arrived at a point where I knew that it was time to move forward and discover things about myself that I need to know. I guess I just started to think that I was stagnating, which was no one's fault. It was just life. <br /><br />I feel like I'm finally starting to come into my own...at least on a deeper level than before. The last time I found myself in this position, I was young, stupid, and rebellious. But now? Now I feel wiser, a little less stupid, and not rebellious, but curious...in a healthy way.<br /><br />I've found new hobbies, and have discovered a balance between going out and enjoying my own company...and my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">jammies</span>. I've started watching more movies, and challenging myself to try new things. I've put more energy into my work, and have set bigger goals for myself in that respect.<br /><br />I've decided to dive head-first into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">improv</span>, learning and doing all that I can because it's one of those dreams I let fall by the wayside because I thought my circumstances wouldn't allow me to do it. I don't care if I'm good at it or not. I enjoy doing it. It makes me happy. And <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">doggone it</span>, I am having a ton of fun. I'm also starting to trust myself and stay in the moment more because of it. <br /><br />But I'm rambling. Point is, it's springtime, I'm looking forward to it. Also, I like cheese.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-84383295932641930232009-03-08T17:00:00.003-05:002009-03-08T17:05:49.238-05:00i've come to realize...That I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">soooooo</span> cannot hang like I used to. But, actually, I'm fine with this. Don't get me wrong, this weekend I had a BLAST; however, 4 days of staying out til the cows come home was a little much.<br /><br />But fun.<br /><br />But still, a little much.<br /><br />I guess it was just something I needed to get out of my system. Push the limits. Break my routine.<br /><br />Shake things up, etc. etc.<br /><br />I think from now on, however, that if I go out til really late one night, it's probably the only night I won't be in bed by midnight. Because I'm too old *<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lol</span>*<br /><br />I will also be seeing a lot more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">improv</span>. Chicago's full of it, and I've realized that watching other people do it only makes me want to be successful at it in some capacity, that much more. Plus, it's a shit-ton of fun, and I think it's in my blood. I guess it sort of makes me feel a little more alive. Or, in other words, I'm quite passionate about it. <br /><br />Now I'm rambling. In short: one late night a week is about all I can handle these days. And I'm cool with that.<br /><br />Now to tend to the chores. Woo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hoo</span>.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-36412686478486174682009-03-04T18:18:00.002-06:002009-03-04T18:23:47.901-06:00blast from the pastTiff at age 22:<br /><a href="http://www.geocities.com/nodoubter1023"><br />My old website from 2002.</a><br /><br />Don't laugh too hard.<br /><br />Also, my web design skills are not *quite* this shitty anymore.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-37659359973817219112009-03-04T12:36:00.001-06:002009-03-04T12:36:14.428-06:00WIDGET!!!<script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/499dfa6c478a1408/49aeca1d52e47304/49aec91eae0fe6f3/bca645e8/widget.js"></script>Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-20129060027275209712009-03-04T12:35:00.001-06:002009-03-04T12:35:48.747-06:00WIDGET!!!<script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/499dfa6c478a1408/49aeca0373782685/49aec91eae0fe6f3/e9f8a31e/widget.js"></script>Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-40121490964751836192009-02-28T13:20:00.003-06:002009-02-28T13:26:30.690-06:00underconfident.So, since I've started my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">improv</span> classes, I've felt a lot more confident about myself. However, for some reason, over these past two weeks or so, I've felt like the most awkward, unfunny, overweight, aging pile of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">doo</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">doo</span> on the planet.<br /><br />Odd thing is, I don't really know why. Part of me wants to blame the weather. I mean, seriously, could spring just get here already? For real.<br /><br />But part of me thinks that I'm being too critical of myself. To self-aware for my own good. I know that when I don't give a toot about what other people think, I end up having a much better time, whether I'm out doing some karaoke, or grocery shopping. <br /><br />It's when I pull apart everything I do or say in terms of how I imagine others are interpreting those things, that I start to feel unfunny or unlikable.<br /><br />I just wish there could be a 70 degree day, sun shining, people out walking, where I could feel a little taste of spring to get me out of this funk. <br /><br />I also need to buckle down and eat right like I've promised myself. Perhaps if I stop making the goal to "be skinny" and make the goal to "be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">healthy</span>" I'll have more success.<br /><br />Who knows.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-71612649851615472572009-02-22T13:37:00.003-06:002009-02-22T13:46:18.925-06:00sunday, sunday, sundaySo, I'm in one of those moods where I just don't know what to do with myself. All weekend it's been like this. I cleaned a little, took a bubble bath, created a new station on Pandora that I adore. Watched a movie. But I feel restless. I think it's because I desperately want spring to get here.<br /><br />Not just because of the warm weather, but I'll also be quitting smoking. Most people don't look forward to this, but I kind of am. My hair and clothes will smell prettier, I won't wake up feeling like I slept face down in a chimney all night. And, unless I've already done too much damage, I'll be able to sing without getting scratchy or losing lung capacity.<br /><br />To ensure that I don't break my rule and smoke within the first 3 weeks of my quit date, I'm scheduling a wisdom tooth extraction. (Not for this purpose alone, of course. It needs to be pulled. Fucking extra teeth that nobody needs...) Can't smoke for 2 weeks after an extraction, so I figured it was perfect timing.<br /><br />That and I more scared about getting the tooth pulled than completely altering a lifestyle I've known since I was 17 (on and off). <br /><br />So, in the weeks after March 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>, you may notice that I'm cranky...and that I have gauze in my mouth...<br /><br />...juts try to ignore it. It'll all be worth it later on. :)<br /><br />Was going to rant about how old I'm feeling lately...but after typing it out, I realized that I'm an idiot.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-91021802930756332892009-02-18T16:49:00.002-06:002009-02-18T16:52:46.664-06:00Let's see...Ah yes...I'm trying to lose 30 pounds.<br /><br />Ha!<br /><br />No really. <br /><br />Totally blows...but, I refuse to buy bigger pants. Absolutely refuse. I also refuse to buy bigger shirts because it's not my boobs that are the problem, but my tummy. Oh for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">petesake</span>, what the hell.<br /><br />Been doing 10 or 20 minute workouts in the mornings. I think I need to order a hoop for work that I can keep at the office...of course, not sure where I could hoop for 10 minutes. When it's warm I'll happily go outside. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hmmm</span>....I should look into this.<br /><br />Because really, I have fun hooping.<br /><br />And, that's all for now. I know, how incredibly sodding exciting!Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-84611977035163188452009-02-11T08:54:00.003-06:002009-02-11T09:10:04.315-06:00Betty freaking McCrockerI know it's Betty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Crocker</span>...but I'll never forget the time at Indiana State when a bunch of us tried to make those cut and bake <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pillsbury</span> cookies and burned them to shit.<br /><br />One of my good friends from that year was a bit baked herself, and when we laughed at her for burning the cookies, she replied with a slightly slurred, "What? I'm not Betty freaking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">McCrocker</span>."<br /><br />What followed was a perfectly placed bit of silence that turned into a fit of laughter.<br /><br />Anyhow, that's all beside the point. Tonight, I bake. In the Betty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">McCrocker</span> way...not the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cheech</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Chong</span> way.<br /><br />Unless <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cheech</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Chong</span> make Valentine's Day cookies.<br /><br />And when I say bake...I mean bake. From-scratch sugar cookies with from-scratch icing.<br /><br />It's gonna be nuts.<br /><br />I may just capture this fiasco on video.<br /><br />You know, thinking about my first attempt at college just brought up another memory about baked goods.<br /><br />You know those Little Debbie brownies? The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">fudgy</span> ones with the nuts in them? Well, I had bought some for my dorm room one time and it happened to be just before our RA called our floor to a meeting on our bathroom <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">etiquette</span>.<br /><br />Apparently some of the girls had a hard time cleaning up after themselves...leaving things in the toilet...or dropping shredded pieces of t.p. all over the ground. Pretty disgusting.<br /><br />What irritated me and my friends was the fact that we were getting scolded for other people's nastiness.<br /><br />After the meeting we met up to discuss, and in turn hatched a plan.<br /><br />We took a few of those brownies, warmed them up in our hands, and molded them like clay into, well, into a giant turd. It was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.<br /><br />We snuck to the bathroom, where we appropriately placed the brownie-turd on a toilet seat, and a little in the bowl.<br /><br />Then we waited.<br /><br />And waited.<br /><br />And waited.<br /><br />My friend's dorm was right outside the bathroom, so between snickers and laughter, we would just listen.<br /><br />And then...the payoff.<br /><br />The loudest, most disgusted shriek flew from the bathroom. There were even a few gags. Then a rush of people down the hall.<br /><br />And finally, above all the commotion was the voice of our RA, "You guys! Come on. We JUST talked about this!"<br /><br />She. Was. Pissed.<br /><br />We were still in the room laughing our sneaky little asses off. They actually thought someone had shit on the toilet seat.<br /><br />Amazing.<br /><br />So...yes, tomorrow morning, if you work with me, expect cookies.<br /><br />And I promise, no mushed up, turd-shaped brownies on any of the toilet seats.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-55563498539190222212009-02-07T12:01:00.001-06:002009-02-07T12:03:26.422-06:00Hey-Yo!Fear not, I'm still around.<br /><br />After talking to Ryan yesterday...I realized that I should probably...at the very least...update the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Randonimity</span> on a weekly basis.<br /><br />I mean, people are kind enough to subscribe (usually after my throwing a tantrum and stomping my feet on the ground. Usually...but not always.)<br /><br />So, it's been some time. A lot has changed, and it's still early in 2009.<br /><br />Second City has been a God-send. No, really. I don't know if any of you have noticed, but I'm far more likely to make a complete ass out of myself...without feeling bad about it. It's really a good thing, actually. Instead of being afraid to let myself out, I just do it...if it works, great. If not? Well, that's okay too.<br /><br />Still loving my job and the company in general. It's a great experience and I'm learning quite a bit. Still as excited to walk through those doors now as I was on the day of my very first interview.<br /><br />Also, I like Palmer's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fudgy</span> hearts.<br /><br />Speaking of which: Valentine's Day. *<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pfft</span>* I've never really liked it, but being single again, I realize how much it's EVERYWHERE. I think my disdain stems from that year in elementary school when no one gave me a Valentine in my Valentine shoe box. (Which, by the way, I spent the WHOLE NIGHT BEFORE decorating with enormous amounts of iridescent glitter and doilies.)<br /><br />Shit like that can scar a kid for life. There I was...like what? 8? 9? With an empty shoe box, while the rest of the class...even the kid who picked his nose and ate it...had at least one.<br /><br />I think that if I got a shoe box full of Valentines some year, I might think differently of the holiday. *Might* being the operative word.<br /><br />Of course, I'm long past the days of decorated shoe boxes and paper Valentines. So I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon. Ha!<br /><br />Anyhow, until next week!<br /><br />P.S. Check the link list. New blog/podcast added (second link down). It's the project of a friend of mine and it's good. So check it out or I will eat your face. Thanks.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-19318386459191085752009-01-25T11:30:00.002-06:002009-01-25T11:34:13.386-06:00a little breakSo, I haven't exactly been using 2009 to keep up with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">randonimity</span>. <br /><br />Funny thing is, there is a lot of stuff going on...however, for once, it's stuff that I don't feel like publishing on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">InterWebz</span> for all to see.<br /><br />Because life is such a whirlwind at the moment, I might not blog as often here as I used to. But check back from time to time...I might surprise you.<br /><br />And eventually, when things calm down, I'll be back to writing at least SOMETHING once a day.<br /><br />Thanks for understanding!Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-68182394149715659932009-01-08T12:48:00.002-06:002009-01-08T12:50:54.647-06:00success! *poot*So, I was checking my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sitemeter</span> account only to discover that someone all the way from Argentina found Daily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Randonimity</span>.<br /><br />How?<br /><br />They did a Google search...<br /><br />...for "farts, nice farts"<br /><br />and were directed to my blog.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I'd call that a win.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-75377035712977552662009-01-06T12:52:00.001-06:002009-01-06T12:53:30.061-06:00nothing new to report......except that I love my new iPhone. <br /><br />And that 2009 hasn't been half bad so far.<br /><br />Also, made my first new post for <a href="http://cinematicresolution2009.blogspot.com">Cinematic Resolution. </a><br /><br />Go check it.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-37630080752234994122008-12-31T07:50:00.000-06:002008-12-31T07:50:00.446-06:00schmerica, i hope you don't mind......but I just had to.<br /><br />To everyone out there...here's just one reason why my friend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Schmerica</span> (Erica) is one of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bestest</span> friends ever.<br /><br />This is the Nativity Scene she and her boyfriend created this year:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLtNuOcOuuAC0Ne7r81uXNEAAJ5g8plmyhvCjGVFIUy6Eb0oYs9G8OH7d3u3HdD1s74ewGy3RAUfEsZF63LFU5xsHFuQf7Ak53oixh4LCWgvoECuK-EgnVQTEbuRWInAlQ_vkZhKy0euE/s1600-h/ericasnativity.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLtNuOcOuuAC0Ne7r81uXNEAAJ5g8plmyhvCjGVFIUy6Eb0oYs9G8OH7d3u3HdD1s74ewGy3RAUfEsZF63LFU5xsHFuQf7Ak53oixh4LCWgvoECuK-EgnVQTEbuRWInAlQ_vkZhKy0euE/s400/ericasnativity.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285812527089657698" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Best. Thing. Ever.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-40797330545939482462008-12-30T11:13:00.008-06:002008-12-30T11:45:24.237-06:00slothy...but you love it.Yes, yes. I know. No updates in for-EVER. Look, with the holidays and whatnot, I've been busy. Forgive me?<br /><br />Great, let's just move forward and put this all behind us.<br /><br />Don't give me any of that lip. I know, I know. I've failed you. I've let you down. Now sit down, shut up, and open wide for a heaping helping of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">randonimity</span>.<br /><br />1.) My cell phone is suffering from a hefty case of dementia. How so, you ask? Well, first of all, it tells me it's charging...all the time. And it actually believes it's charging itself...without the use of a charger. No shit. It even goes so far as to show me that it's fully charged, before being sucked back into reality and proceeding to show me that in the real world it only has one battery bar left.<br /><br />Hell, the damn thing doesn't even shut off anymore. Nope. It likes to pretend it's charging when the power is off. And, when the charger is plugged into the phone? Well, it doesn't charge.<br /><br />It also doesn't like me to tell it what volume it should be set at, and has lost all use of it's motor skills, as it no longer vibrates. It's kind of like a volume lottery; I turn the phone on, and it randomly chooses how loud or soft it chooses to ring. Fun.<br /><br />So, this prompted me to speed up the process of buying a new cell phone. And I have now officially entered the 21st century: I bought an iPhone.<br /><br />I feel sort of bad. The first day my phone started showing symptoms of its circuit board deterioration, I said to it (literally), "You know, Phone, I always defended your simplicity. For 4 long years I stuck by you, regardless of how out-of-date you are. And now this? Could you please snap out of it?"<br /><br />The phone was quiet for a few seconds, after which it replied, "Beep! Charging. Beep Beep! Not Charging. Beep! Charging. Beep Beep not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">charg</span>-Beep! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Charg</span>-Beep beep! Not-Beep! Charging!"<br /><br />I gave it a few days, after which I discovered I could no longer control its volume.<br /><br />I became very introspective over the holiday. I realized that this would be my cell phone's last Christmas with me. I could not trust it alone, and I could no longer take care of it the way it needed to be taken care of.<br /><br />So Sunday afternoon, I switched to AT&T and ordered my iPhone.<br /><br />I still haven't broken the news to my old cell phone. I'm hoping that by the time my new phone arrives, Old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Celly</span> will have gone into full-blown amnesia and won't realize that when people dial my number, it's not her/him that rings, but the iPhone.<br /><br />I plan to let him/her live out what's left of his/or her battery life until one day, well, one day I'll wake up and his/her screen will be forever dark.<br /><br />It's sad, but it's for the best. You were a good friend to me you old hunk o' junk. You and your llama screen saver and your poorly made homemade <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ringtones</span>. I'll miss the midi version of the Perfect Strangers theme song that you played as my alarm. I remember we won that one together...during a rousing game of Name That Tune- TV and Movie Edition back in December 2005. Ah...the memories.<br /><br />Any how, the first app I plan to get for my iPhone is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">iFart</span>. I think Old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Celly</span> would have enjoyed it.<br /><br />2.) Christmas was pretty good, aside from the fact that I was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">PMSing</span> like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">nobody's</span> business. I swear, you could have seen this storm of irritation and destruction on a radar map. I was crabby as hell, and for no good reason.<br /><br />Luckily, however, it quickly passed and left little damage. Which is good, because although celebrating Christmas with a hellfire attitude is pretty awful, starting the New Year with one is much, much worse.<br /><br />3.) I've had a lot of time off of work due to the holidays (and this nasty chest and sinus cold). It makes me realize how much I love what I do and how great the company and the people I work for are. And how blessed and lucky I am to have what I have.<br /><br />4.) Quitting smoking in March. Will keep you posted. Which reminds me, I need to track my cigarettes.<br /><br />5.) Going to try and lose 30 pounds...again. To prepare, I've been stuffing my face with all things fattening...and drinking massive amounts of RC cola. Gotta get it while I can.<br /><br />6.) Second City classes start in 2 weeks. Holy crap. I. Am. Stoked.<br /><br />7.) Gonna learn to play guitar. That said, I'd like you to meet Otis:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdHcGNYq3gyuGLps21mROgywcj2fZnGtZXFxTLV0eKQYPyI6uQuBsqrHzVm9xJpg71y3EBMZOnt3-ob0emkyQ9JzFGsf9y7gBssrbVLfuaipM2ahzUSz1kGaev3M1v1EqPxJ6um3yD7hD/s1600-h/otis.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdHcGNYq3gyuGLps21mROgywcj2fZnGtZXFxTLV0eKQYPyI6uQuBsqrHzVm9xJpg71y3EBMZOnt3-ob0emkyQ9JzFGsf9y7gBssrbVLfuaipM2ahzUSz1kGaev3M1v1EqPxJ6um3yD7hD/s400/otis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285638144951886066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I haven't yet purchased this glittery blue gem of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">girly</span> guitar (with a boy's name...after the great Otis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Redding</span>...one of my musical heroes...), but I'm saving up. Then it's lessons at the Old Town School of Folk Music for me. Can't wait.<br /><br />8.) I think that's it for now. And I will try really hard to update more often.<br /><br />9.) Oh yes! There is other news. Part of my many New Year's Resolutions stems from the fact that I haven't seen enough movies. So, I will be resolving to watch at least one movie per week, and write what I learned from it. This also means there will be a new blog from me for you to be able to follow my progress and see what I discover: <a href="http://cinematicresolution2009.blogspot.com/">Cinematic Resolution</a><br /><br />Feel free to take a sneak peek and bookmark it now. I plan to start promptly on January 1, 2009.<br /><br />10.) Happy New Year to you all!Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-51421266029573006172008-12-18T12:14:00.003-06:002008-12-18T12:26:09.037-06:00one year ago todaySo, I was trying to think why December 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> seemed to feel like it had some sort of meaning. And then it hit me: December 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> marks the one year anniversary of my college graduation.<br /><br />It still seems weird to me, I mean, I spent so much time at Purdue. I worked super hard and I loved every minute of learning about all sorts of things...<br /><br />...well, except for math...I avoided math by taking logic instead. And logic is just like math, but you're not solving number problems...you're solving all sorts of other cool problems. For example, our final group project was to use what we learned to come to a logical answer to the Kennedy assassination Magic Bullet Theory. Very interesting stuff.<br /><br />But I digress, it's been an entire year since I ran through the halls of the Star Plaza theater...late to my own graduation, fearing that after all that time I wouldn't be able to walk or that I would have to be disruptive and try to sneak in and find my seat out of 500 graduates in the middle of the opening speeches.<br /><br />I remembering running so fast that my little white collar thingy that the women had to wear, was falling off, blowing behind me, the sticky tabs holding it on getting stuck in my hair. <br /><br />Luckily I found my place in line just in time. And as I sat there, waiting to finally get my degree, I remember thinking about Max, sitting there...likely bored out of his gourd, but the fact that he could experience this with me was incredible.<br /><br />And afterwards, he handed me 2 dozen roses and his eyes just glittered with pride and excitement for me. <br /><br />Then we went to one of those Japanese restaurants where they cook on your table and I got to try and flip and tap the spatulas on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cook top</span>...which was hilarious. <br /><br />I really can't believe that was a year ago. <br /><br />Also, I guess this would be a good blog to let you all know that because I'm such a lover of learning things, I'm officially enrolled at the Second City training center Chicago! Woo!<br /><br />My Level A classes begin Thursday, January 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span>. So freaking excited.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-6900441753832432162008-12-16T11:57:00.005-06:002008-12-16T13:25:49.030-06:00i'm going to be blunt here...I was driving today when "Magic Man" by Heart came on the radio. Now, the song itself---especially the lyrics--- is overtly sexual...there's no doubting that.<br /><br />But there was something else I noticed while listening to the guitar solo...the guitar solo itself even sounds like sex. No really.<br /><br />I was simply going to post that one song up here so you all could agree or disagree or come to your own conclusions about the guitar solo in "Magic Man," but as I looked for the song, I decided instead of creating a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">playlist</span> with only one track, I should compile a list of sexy songs...at least sexy songs in my opinion.<br /><br />So, if you're bored...take a listen to "Music is Sexy." They're songs I think are pretty darn hot-to-trot.<br /><br />And at the very least, take a listen to "Magic Man" and just try to deny what I've said about the guitar in that song...<br /><br />...I dare you.<br /><br />Also, my bog layout hides the scroll bar on the player...so if you need to scroll back up, just refresh my blog...sorry about that!<br /><br /> <div style="text-align: center; margin-left: auto; visibility: visible; margin-right: auto; width: 450px;"><embed style="width: 435px; visibility: visible; height: 270px;" allowscriptaccess="never" src="http://www.myplaylist.org/mc/mp3player-othersite.swf?config=http://www.myplaylist.org/mc/config/config_purple_noautostart.xml&mywidth=435&myheight=270&playlist_url=http://www.myplaylist.org/loadplaylist.php?playlist=55310652" menu="false" quality="high" name="mp3player" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" border="0" width="435" height="270"></embed><br /><a href="http://www.myplaylist.org/"><img src="http://www.myplaylist.org/mc/images/create_purple.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.myplaylist.org/standalone/55310652" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.myplaylist.org/mc/images/launch_purple.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.myplaylist.org/download/55310652"><img src="http://www.myplaylist.org/mc/images/get_purple.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-15052563921370167262008-12-08T11:13:00.002-06:002008-12-08T11:16:53.423-06:00zig a zig---what?Real quick, as I drove into work today I got stuck in a little construction traffic. <br /><br />No matter, really, as I had the radio to keep me company. Of course, when the radio started playing the Spice Girls, I found myself at a crossroads.<br /><br />Do I leave it on or switch the station? And for some odd reason, I was just pulled into the song...seriously. I could not turn it off to save my life.<br /><br />What the hell does that mean?Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-61832492470499012032008-12-01T09:04:00.005-06:002008-12-01T09:08:04.524-06:00bye, bye pescatarianism...So, yesterday morning I battled a four-hour long gall bladder attack. Combine that with the fact that my Thanksgiving meal consisted of only plain mashed potatoes, bread, plain noodles, and green bean casserole, and I have come to the conclusion that I no longer wish to remain meatless.<br /><br />However, I lasted nearly half a year AND I learned a little self-control when it comes to meal choices.<br /><br />So I will commence eating meat again...in moderation.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-60403505255028118522008-11-22T13:00:00.007-06:002008-11-22T13:22:39.947-06:00halloween...very belatedMy apologies for not posting these pics sooner, but I've been busy/lazy/absent-minded since the average temperature has dropped WELL below 50 degrees (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Yay</span>, Winter! ...feh...).<br /><br />Anyhow, here are pictures from Halloween Weekend 2008...and yes, I had two costumes. Why? Well, I worked my ass off on the first one:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Hunter Becomes The Prey</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(Moose takes Sarah <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Palin</span>. Win!!!!!1111)</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBS_ANP8zzptWL_iK_WLwBBAlcho82o4nW94_yIqeTp6s8_1uzShBHUH-lXy3agPj5ntAngc-jcH2PM7vR5dmJGGQcKKHiL3OFai0J0lQZNRcKzv1YYA7yi9ZkTFTU0_9noUZS51j-lf-/s1600-h/n13757472_43890337_2036.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBS_ANP8zzptWL_iK_WLwBBAlcho82o4nW94_yIqeTp6s8_1uzShBHUH-lXy3agPj5ntAngc-jcH2PM7vR5dmJGGQcKKHiL3OFai0J0lQZNRcKzv1YYA7yi9ZkTFTU0_9noUZS51j-lf-/s400/n13757472_43890337_2036.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271561518770763602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_wnPpQfOAroq9oxmo-5Y-RWlzvhcgmF06PKFsTLRFiYJFAL2oa4sFzHigthZz56tfM8DERqB1-3XnwrOOHYg-b0A5FKjnJOP2MXLin4ARLKFxGaZmXHm8FT5rE9SG9YOd2sQMk45RKLo/s1600-h/n13757472_43890336_1703.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_wnPpQfOAroq9oxmo-5Y-RWlzvhcgmF06PKFsTLRFiYJFAL2oa4sFzHigthZz56tfM8DERqB1-3XnwrOOHYg-b0A5FKjnJOP2MXLin4ARLKFxGaZmXHm8FT5rE9SG9YOd2sQMk45RKLo/s400/n13757472_43890336_1703.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271561518804792994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Now, keep in mind that the costume was well over 8ft. tall, and the antlers were about 3 ft. wide, so my decision to change the costume for the next night weighed partly on this fact.<br /><br />The other part was that not a lot of people got it at FIRST glance...upon second look they realized what I was, though, and laughter ensued..<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">yadda</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">yadda</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">yadda</span>.<br /><br />But I took the costume rigging, and the next day went shopping with Jeff to create the second costume:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Off with Her Head!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTqtxNoCCXVDWhqBnTogdCNB9M4z8t4y8gfkyZVvIGC15GdQHT9_PzRzqU78_9XyJrdSOirf_O0tcWZ00LubPXQPS4ccMShNLDAY0iaVm-5XzRZKponHgJCp2A74p5odx_Pooul3drRDD/s1600-h/_DSC1712.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTqtxNoCCXVDWhqBnTogdCNB9M4z8t4y8gfkyZVvIGC15GdQHT9_PzRzqU78_9XyJrdSOirf_O0tcWZ00LubPXQPS4ccMShNLDAY0iaVm-5XzRZKponHgJCp2A74p5odx_Pooul3drRDD/s400/_DSC1712.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271564261601125346" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5KtxLJ1gaUvfkN-wCtdgC67w_4yq8oh8yD7Q8dF2KEh4LlsSY-gTcrcTNhcjvZSlmnk8KLlMKzp8kr1kyCCXM0AEJVsPJeK2ChscYUybA-X7Jojt7xVVDjb-nKc7jFCGQcbNNSJrx7-P/s1600-h/n13757472_43890361_8264.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5KtxLJ1gaUvfkN-wCtdgC67w_4yq8oh8yD7Q8dF2KEh4LlsSY-gTcrcTNhcjvZSlmnk8KLlMKzp8kr1kyCCXM0AEJVsPJeK2ChscYUybA-X7Jojt7xVVDjb-nKc7jFCGQcbNNSJrx7-P/s400/n13757472_43890361_8264.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271561526907604658" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUe5QeWlVF_-GZPe1wyUSPueb3MK3mb6BMH4t4WC_6UjcIXR0rWwNui3EgJO89jTfezTHv1Eb6gClTOFQ4gjOflyRGXKYFRRykIWiHhos2DHb1EYj-HhvtvnwM6w9KmkXZtG3IiUEI6lnS/s1600-h/n13757472_43890366_80.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUe5QeWlVF_-GZPe1wyUSPueb3MK3mb6BMH4t4WC_6UjcIXR0rWwNui3EgJO89jTfezTHv1Eb6gClTOFQ4gjOflyRGXKYFRRykIWiHhos2DHb1EYj-HhvtvnwM6w9KmkXZtG3IiUEI6lnS/s400/n13757472_43890366_80.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271561531100043042" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HXfa5Yu5UCNzZU_btpHmlFu9AUAAsEs9IN9PXfJE8CYJhGBI6examLV3rKm66bo2TZ-FXb5CXDcxmFslv7gryrOODxKn1FGXzPjtGEUw4j5dVy0xNkUgx5lwMGrcWVtZVvG0HKS3_vAP/s1600-h/n13757472_43890340_3055.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HXfa5Yu5UCNzZU_btpHmlFu9AUAAsEs9IN9PXfJE8CYJhGBI6examLV3rKm66bo2TZ-FXb5CXDcxmFslv7gryrOODxKn1FGXzPjtGEUw4j5dVy0xNkUgx5lwMGrcWVtZVvG0HKS3_vAP/s400/n13757472_43890340_3055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271561524740425762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It took about an hour because the hardest part (the rigging) was already done, and I think it came out well. It was also a lot easier to get around in...and, yes, I did tilt my head to the side ALL NIGHT.<br /><br />Jeff went as a <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ShamWow</span></span>, which was incredibly brilliant.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiceVVIluhlkk_jDFyDgmLr-hnT1hInEow1te9yO0pZSY_-kjkIZVyrGxw-NTZ13XQIVL09jcTt53FPKMOT6bQl9G7epHpGYB5X61yBs2kFLNZ0_H2ZGs6VleGs8-AKKwuZual-uJUkjh3/s1600-h/n13757472_43890344_4407.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiceVVIluhlkk_jDFyDgmLr-hnT1hInEow1te9yO0pZSY_-kjkIZVyrGxw-NTZ13XQIVL09jcTt53FPKMOT6bQl9G7epHpGYB5X61yBs2kFLNZ0_H2ZGs6VleGs8-AKKwuZual-uJUkjh3/s400/n13757472_43890344_4407.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271562475539516098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbmoLdFutfkXlpa0zxWFEsveMz0jrgSUvJ_VaPqyW0g6_Goes3DeBuAv6-TMZT_K9nIY6uz6xzxaOu_66PPBnUznyUv4cB1DJixu4cooSoj7BqrE9ZsB7X5aUwSvXcHE4MF2vS0eaBy9Z/s1600-h/n13757472_43890346_5081.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbmoLdFutfkXlpa0zxWFEsveMz0jrgSUvJ_VaPqyW0g6_Goes3DeBuAv6-TMZT_K9nIY6uz6xzxaOu_66PPBnUznyUv4cB1DJixu4cooSoj7BqrE9ZsB7X5aUwSvXcHE4MF2vS0eaBy9Z/s400/n13757472_43890346_5081.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271562472366451026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Again, it was hard for him to get around, but he did an awesome job and he got a lot of great response. And he was just plain hilarious!<br /><br />And finally, there was Max's costume.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Max the Mummy</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWUTS3Swn0LCtysaO0sevz0iZAnjaTLSbGoroX_u67c7tz2l-1NpRcqe49WkUJdZBwv9XA-JurYbWl4obW45hw8DBZf9L6Dv8DtXZmOdoNU0_HzLYmqZg6k33uhr0ExYcSiusEbTE3YTI/s1600-h/n13757472_43890323_7961.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWUTS3Swn0LCtysaO0sevz0iZAnjaTLSbGoroX_u67c7tz2l-1NpRcqe49WkUJdZBwv9XA-JurYbWl4obW45hw8DBZf9L6Dv8DtXZmOdoNU0_HzLYmqZg6k33uhr0ExYcSiusEbTE3YTI/s400/n13757472_43890323_7961.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271562467963324914" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUTG3sidlWiwvfOg4dOm4oklBmzh61_TxxqS1Jpt0VOC0s91Ip6TrX5ZipFFHOeQClxxs-jfU5JT53ekvjVGsEEIux_sBgXawf6bV-uswM0UjGxuyZWbNxYrNV-Fs7DE3lsE_Dr3vo_jE/s1600-h/n13757472_43890334_1071.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUTG3sidlWiwvfOg4dOm4oklBmzh61_TxxqS1Jpt0VOC0s91Ip6TrX5ZipFFHOeQClxxs-jfU5JT53ekvjVGsEEIux_sBgXawf6bV-uswM0UjGxuyZWbNxYrNV-Fs7DE3lsE_Dr3vo_jE/s400/n13757472_43890334_1071.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271562474140635026" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I think he's pretty lucky to have two really creative parents. Last year I made his Nutcracker costume by hand, and this year his Dad did the honors creating an awesome (and creepy) mummy costume.<br /><br />He got so many compliments---even some extra candy! The funny thing? It consisted of a $3 second-hand sheet, some fake blood, black grease paint, and dirt. I'm telling you, it's amazing what a little thriftiness and ingenuity can create!Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-53782418317400341352008-11-20T12:25:00.003-06:002008-11-20T12:39:22.482-06:00will powerSo, I'm pretty proud of myself at this very moment.<br /><br />You see, I have always wanted to take <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">improv</span> classes. It's not that I think I'll ever be famous or make a career out of it (although the latter would definitely be awesome...).<br /><br />I guess it's that I honestly believe it will help me come out of my safety zone so to speak. And, hopefully, keep my wit sharp and quick...which is important for a writer. Actually, I think it's important for anyone.<br /><br />But I'm digressing. See, I decided that I wanted to take classes starting in January (which is the next session), but to do it, I needed to really tighten the purse strings and follow a strict budget. And no lie, the budget I've set is pretty tight.<br /><br />Basically, for the next two or three months, I'm not allowing myself any more than $25 per week "fun money." This means any going out, lunches, make-up, clothing, etc. that I want, must cost less than $25 per week in total. It's crazy. (And, as a smoker, I have also set aside a cigarette budget...which may prove to hasten the quitting process as the stipend is only $30 every TWO weeks...meaning that I either need to smoke less or smoke cheap...both of which are good things because they will eventually start to ween me off completely. So <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">yay</span> for that.)<br /><br />This is the first week of the new budget, and so far, I still have $12 left until Monday for fun money. Not a whole lot, but I decided to take the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Skyway</span> twice, and Max lost a tooth, so there went about 10 bucks at the beginning of the week.<br /><br />So why will power? Well, first of all, I haven't gone out to lunch all week, and today my budget-strength was truly tested. A large group of my coworkers were heading out to lunch.<br /><br />Last week, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pre</span>-budget, I would have said, "Screw it...what's $20.00?"<br /><br />But today? Today I looked at the menu online...to check to see if there were any low-priced appetizers, soups, or salads. And when there weren't? I politely declined the offer.<br /><br />I think about how much I want three very important things that this new budget will provide:<br />1.) The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">improv</span> classes.<br />2.) A good Christmas for Max and everyone else that I care about.<br />and<br />3.) Financial freedom and responsibility for the first time in my life. If I can learn to not have to live paycheck to paycheck, it will only help me. Especially in this economy. The more I save, and the more I learn to live off of less, the better I will be in the future. The better my family will be as well.<br /><br />So, there will be no going out to lunch for me today. And that's okay. I brought some clam chowder to work anyways.Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7672585899067658839.post-13563705307905900442008-11-11T09:29:00.003-06:002008-11-11T09:32:00.039-06:00as natural a delivery as possible...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZxoZEjBPtDjYdl4SiucSIGIaUl20O3lR0eN3t_sG9EJ5yQfIgnt-ti_dCtc9hRUKiRUv4KC3qVoCZBNsZCaRwDDlZEzRwU7_-MYDOky0OuCm0-abXSjwBd-o6sXFqyxzfGBR97GnHy2x/s1600-h/gas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZxoZEjBPtDjYdl4SiucSIGIaUl20O3lR0eN3t_sG9EJ5yQfIgnt-ti_dCtc9hRUKiRUv4KC3qVoCZBNsZCaRwDDlZEzRwU7_-MYDOky0OuCm0-abXSjwBd-o6sXFqyxzfGBR97GnHy2x/s400/gas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267422576120382306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Saw an ad for this on a Chicago bus the other day...<br /><br />I guess gas delivery doesn't really get anymore natural, now does it?<br /><br />Well, unless you count the times I consume those football size burritos from the Hidden Cove...those within a 4 mile radius can arrest to the unnaturalness of my gas delivery...Tiffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822243760340149144noreply@blogger.com0