tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142740422011-04-27T18:35:55.333-04:00Sometimes we all need a little useless banter...marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.comBlogger1061100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-80815346452081247292009-02-27T19:11:00.002-05:002009-02-27T19:13:35.085-05:00

Thanks so much to Blogger and Google for an unexpectedly successful run of 3+ years on here. These posts and all new ones from now on will be available on a new site.Please follow me to http://www.jenreally.com/.Thanks!

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-33711702661345035892009-02-16T22:18:00.005-05:002009-02-16T23:09:24.612-05:00

I know, I know. I'm hopeless at blogging. Ironically I have been doing some posting, just not that much here. But don't be sad- you're always be my first.Christmas was good aside from a miserable cold that hit Christmas Eve and would not let go. Wonderful to see the family and just hang out and relax. My brother and his wife have big plans to be pregnant again by next December (and keep telling

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-13409482112081074442008-12-20T14:27:00.003-05:002008-12-20T15:08:41.472-05:00

Every year I participate in a cookie exchange with some ladies from work. My mom does so much cooking that I like to try to help out by bringing home 6 or 7 dozen cookies to keep the troops occupied satiated with sugar.In case you're not familiar with the concept of a cookie exchange, I have to make 6 dozen cookies and I trade them with a dozen cookies 6 other people have made. Of course I also

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-51329923756812460062008-12-14T20:16:00.003-05:002008-12-14T20:39:07.960-05:00

I love the holidays. There's a purpose behind them: once a year we have to slow down and look around. Whether or not you like what you see it's a chance for reflection and, hopefully, gratitude.I visited with my cousin and her daughter (cute baby at left) to exchange presents this afternoon. I won't see them for at least three weeks and it's bumming me out. But no present in the world can beat

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-30703288634306903022008-12-06T15:55:00.003-05:002008-12-06T16:15:15.105-05:00

My crazy cousin has a great blog where she spends lots of time talking about her sweet little baby (http://jellybeanmama.blogspot.com/). Her post yesterday ("It Could Always Be Worse") resonated because I, and I suspect many of you, have been feeling the chill of recession and tension of questionable job security lately.So here is my contribution to positive thinking. The 5 things I am grateful

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-30663376992384962592008-12-04T22:46:00.004-05:002008-12-04T23:08:21.240-05:00

I'm sorry, I completely glossed over this fact in my last post: I got my iPhone. Woohoo!Before I geek-out completely I'd like to state publicly, for friends and family that have had to deal with me over the last week and forever after this-- I'm sorry if I'm ignoring you. My name is Jen and I'm addicted to my iPhone. (Hi Jen.)It's just so damn cool! I've had the phone for 9 days and I've

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-16356390416507108632008-12-03T21:58:00.003-05:002008-12-03T22:23:15.728-05:00

Yes, all right, it's been a month since I've posted. I am going to add a "Post to blog" task on my "Remember the Milk" list and monitor it via my iPhone. I know, it's hard to believe I don't have time to post since I obviously don't have a life.So I am one of those people that, when asked by friends and neighbors "how was your Thanksgiving?", feel compelled to really answer. A simple "fine" is

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-91231625147483880142008-11-05T18:49:00.005-05:002008-11-05T19:25:37.475-05:00

I was sitting on my couch enjoying my favorite at-home activity: browsing the web while watching TV, when I was distracted by the sound of my first Christmas commercial. Actually it's my first Christmas anything, of the year (FYI it was the "Carol of the Bells" ad with the cash register lights but that's not important). Anyway before I could even work up exasperation I found I was smiling. I

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-60894605129964262432008-10-15T21:36:00.004-04:002008-10-15T22:12:28.649-04:00

Well, I still feel bad about having dropped my class but there's no doubt in my mind that was the solution for me. Things have been much easier without a class to worry about, although I do still owe my professor a project from the Spring. But I am good at procrastinating and having flexibility does wonders for my mood-- so much less stress! Really makes me not want to go back to grad school, too

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-77842651871278296322008-09-25T20:24:00.003-04:002008-09-25T20:36:27.693-04:00

I missed it at the time but "Poli-ticked Off" was post number 100. I can't believe I've been doing this for so long- or that I've managed to stay on this one blog the whole time. It's very amusing, and somewhat depressing, to read my old posts. I'm not really sure how far I've come, but it is kind of nice to have a record of the path. So happy 101. Thanks for reading!In other news I dropped my

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-79956190123801204052008-09-16T19:58:00.004-04:002008-09-16T20:43:47.045-04:00

It's politics season. Once every four years my favorite time of year (yeah, fall!) is marred by the Battle for the White House. Ok, "marred" might be too strong a term. I think it's wonderful that we have a chance to select our leaders, locally and nationally. Even though the people I vote for almost always lose I recognize that this is an important process and take my vote very seriously. I

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-87680791004944068512008-09-03T18:07:00.002-04:002008-09-03T18:24:05.143-04:00

I stumbled across a pretty interesting article today about how Facebook mines your personal preferences and profile information. Then it uses that data to select the ads that appear on your pages so that they're tailored to you. For example, if you're single, as I am, you're likely to see a bunch of singles ads. And I do.What other ads am I blessed with?"The SuperModel Diet" and "The Oprah Diet"I

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-52408594627065888752008-08-25T21:20:00.004-04:002008-08-25T22:04:30.486-04:00

Since I was feelin' like there wasn't much going on [LIE] I thought I'd come up with something else to do: how about a year-long course on how to be a leader? What can I say, work doesn't pay for training much [EVER] so I thought I should take advantage.Now as part of my sharing and leading and learning and growing I have a new blog, for which the co-workers who kindly agreed to judge me during

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-61359640679487614562008-08-04T23:02:00.003-04:002008-08-04T23:23:52.931-04:00

I have lost the ability to communicate recently. It may have been going for sometime now but it's reached epically bad proportions recently.Have you ever been thinking one thing but your mouth says something else? Today, while walking to get coffee with the new web guy (who will hopefully make my work life much easier) we were talking about my new TV and the possibility of TiVo etc. I was

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-65777219092726957662008-08-02T12:58:00.004-04:002008-12-10T23:19:32.396-05:00

Not all of you starved-for-entertainment readers know me that well, but I'm a little high-strung. I stay busy anyway and if you've been reading you know the last 10-11 months or so have been extra crazy. So the vacation was a blissful break and I honestly didn't realize how stressed I'd been until I got back.The last week or two post-vacation has also been somewhat dreamy. Sure, it's been busy

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-64502948018177509552008-07-20T21:04:00.003-04:002008-07-20T21:24:25.670-04:00

Wisconsin is huge.Contrary to popular belief, one can go two whole weeks without a phone, email, web browsing, TV, etc. It's true.Cheezees (aka: Cheesy Poofs, Cheetos, etc.) are the perfect vacation food (unless you're 4 and get queasy while riding up a twisty mountain road...)I do not sleep well in the car.The water in Canada is cold, but it really does feel good when you get in. Honest!Chicago

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-84056653485235133472008-06-29T14:18:00.009-04:002008-12-10T23:19:33.566-05:00

Ok, quick reminder: I was asked, and agreed, to be the "coach" for my cousin when she had her baby. Her circumstances are her own but the long and short of it is she decided to have a baby by herself, so I was to be the person at her bedside, helping her through labor and delivery.The actual call was fairly simple, far less traumatic than some of the "test" calls which involved me panicking and

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-37493656808218738142008-06-11T18:47:00.002-04:002008-06-11T19:10:20.588-04:00

I think 4 or 5 people have told me that I accidentally entitled my last post "Bag Blogger", which was exciting since I had no idea that many people were reading! Hi people! I am a really bad blogger.In my defense, things have been very busy and I have been thinking about blogging. I actually have 3 or 4 things in mind to write about, starting with the story of baby. But I want to give that story

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-62085460773894825932008-05-10T14:35:00.003-04:002008-05-10T14:50:13.768-04:00

Yes, I am a bad blogger. School's out- for summer this time. Was going to take a summer class but since I haven't officially completed all assignments for my spring class (taking an incomplete) and work is not slowing down that seems a bad idea.Cuzin Yorii is due in less than a week and is completely ready to pop. I have to review my "to do" list and maybe reread a few chapters of the baby book

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-83071828136083042322008-04-04T21:50:00.003-04:002008-04-04T22:02:53.782-04:00

My never-ending workload recently caused my boss to nominate me for an award at work and, I'm pretty happy to say, I won! The reward was some time off, which I don't have time to take, and $250. I decided to use that money to reward myself and so (after a lot of hunting; these things are hard to find!) I bought myself a Wii.Let me stop you quickly-- I am not a video game person. Aside from the

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-56824582078254177792008-03-29T23:38:00.003-04:002008-03-29T23:47:40.627-04:00

My boss made a joke the other day - a "joke" - that I can't have a boyfriend because I don't have time. Well, it's 11:30pm on a Saturday night, date night, and I am at work. I really hope this is as low as it's going to get but I just don't know.Last two weeks in 30 seconds or less:Saw shop-happy aunt and uncle for a day which was great but depressingly short; won an award for working so much;

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-10695596682149527662008-03-16T20:13:00.002-04:002008-03-16T20:34:01.657-04:00

I've mentioned in passing that my cousin, Yorii (not her real name-- I know, a shock) is pregnant. She reached a certain age and, still single, decided she would take matters into her own hands. One donor and some hilarious and heart-breaking antics later, she's seven months along.In her exceptional wisdom she has decided that it is I that she wants as a coach, supporter and cheerleader in this

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-63703767240455921532008-03-11T23:43:00.004-04:002008-03-12T00:04:24.136-04:00

It's 11:45pm. Not that late really but since I've been trying to fall asleep for almost an hour the time has gone by agonizingly slowly. I've read, had the TV on, TV off, played mind-numbing games on my cell phone, and lain in the dark thinking of soft sandy beaches. I've tried thinking of nothing. It's all been spectacularly unsuccessful.I'm thinking about work, and all the stuff I haven't done.

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-47279559213725440842008-02-27T22:10:00.003-05:002008-02-27T22:28:14.433-05:00

I think it's been fairly well documented that I'm busy. It may also have come up that I can't say "no" to things - I get overbooked. Part of the 'year of Jen' was to work on this problem, but I'm not doing very well.Work is - busy. People keep leaving and we can't hire replacements fast enough (plus hiring takes time we don't have, which is an irritating catch-22). It's a busy time of year anyway

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-64205443151549606472008-02-19T18:38:00.004-05:002008-02-19T19:03:52.434-05:00

Progress EnergyApparently I wasn't the only one with power problems in my area. Progress Energy came out and tore up the cables for everyone in my row of townhouses and then kindly put down grass seed in the area where I'd just finished killing the grass. On the plus side, my power hasn't flickered in the slightest since then so (knock on wood) I think things might be fixed!Bedroom SetIt's

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-53291942475422373052008-02-14T18:28:00.003-05:002008-02-14T18:48:02.054-05:00

Oh good it's that Hallmark-hyped holiday again. Sweet Valentine's Day, how do I hate thee? Let me count the ways...Months of candy and hearts to remind us the day is comingThe mass of crappy romantic movies on every channel for the entire weekThe kind inquiries by friends who suddenly remember you're singleThe rude inquiries by creepy people who suddenly remember you're singleThe wondering if

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-59555338504374149152008-02-11T18:50:00.000-05:002008-12-10T23:19:34.047-05:00

I have been mocked pretty mercilessly for the whole "year of Jen" thing (can you believe my co-workers actually read this thing? Joke's on you!) but I'm stickin' to it. I realized today after a completely meaningless interaction with a waitress that I have gotten better and stating my point-of-view, even when I don't want the confrontation. I'd like to think I've also gotten better at knowing

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-65519358239394748352008-01-28T20:56:00.000-05:002008-01-28T21:57:33.718-05:00

Quick review of some of this years Oscar contenders:Atonement - a chick flick and kinda too long, but a story that haunts youNo Country for Old Men - I was disappointed by the end, but there were some great performances and the infamous weapon is like another characterCharlie Wilson's War - a humorous (apparently true) story of a congressman who fights Russians in Afghanistan. The meaning of our

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-16567651103643176892008-01-23T21:07:00.000-05:002008-01-23T21:28:44.874-05:00

I've had several blog-related discussions in the past week. A couple of people informed me that they're reading my blog or have asked for the URL so they can (Hey HyperWife! Safe trip home, Mr. Darcy!). I don't know if blogs are back "in" or what, but I think that brings my readership to five!I also had a discussion with a friend, let's call him Viddy, about how lame and silly and self-absorbed

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-74140501127451182102008-01-21T18:24:00.000-05:002008-12-10T23:19:34.314-05:00

Once upon a time I bought a book in my favorite little bookstore in Manhattan (The Strand, a few blocks away from Union Square). The book was about the history of the earliest settling of Manhattan, by the Dutch. I agreed to let my brother read it first and therefore have only just finished it, nine and a half months later...The early part of the book was a little slow. It detailed the very early

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-32282018720739231292008-01-08T22:28:00.000-05:002008-01-08T22:44:19.758-05:00

I'm not kidding myself that any of you really care how I feel about politics but I think I might enjoy re-reading this on, say, the first Tuesday in November. Or next January after the re-count.McCain - a morally righteous man with whom, I'm sorry to say, I disagree on a number of important issues.Obama - too soon to tell. I'm worried about his experience but everything I hear is good. Need to

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-79881771590467349602008-01-03T19:41:00.000-05:002008-01-03T20:08:52.129-05:00

So what came to me when I was writing my last blog entry - the idea of 'the year of me' - I think it's a great idea and I'm really embracing it.I went out and got my nails done and went shopping on New Years day. I left work early (only 30 minutes but it's the principal of the thing) and went to a movie on the 2nd. Didn't do anything super special today, but I can neither afford the cost nor the

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-43334035660275770692007-12-31T19:03:00.001-05:002008-01-23T21:34:40.482-05:00

I have to say that for the most part, 2007 was a great year for me.I won $5000 and used that to buy my first house. I bought a "new" car. I've had the pleasure of getting to know my nephew (who is P-R-E-C-I-O-U-S). I finished up three more classes towards my masters and while my job got more stressful, I also got a better position and more money. As years go, I can't complain.But of course I'm

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-41946127112449182842007-12-18T22:55:00.000-05:002008-01-24T19:32:55.648-05:00

I had a wonderful day!I woke up still feeling sick but got progressively better as the day went on. I had a nice, leisurely lunch with a good friend. I got lots done at work, far more than I expected. I went to a hockey which we won in OT after an incredible come-from-behind two goals in the final two minutes. And I got to play with my adorable one-year-old nephew (his birthday was Saturday!) and

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-89445924508457494992007-12-16T21:46:00.000-05:002008-12-10T23:19:34.529-05:00

Here I am, on a Sunday night, once again waiting for Progress Energy.Before you say you're sick of reading posts about this let me assure you I am heartily sick of writing them.I've been fighting a cold for a few days and beat it down through my Christmas party (last night, decent success thanks) but it hit me hard today. I came home from a cookie exchange and fell asleep on my couch with hopes

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-57356240935043841312007-12-05T17:28:00.001-05:002007-12-05T17:37:57.993-05:00

Ah... I can breathe again.I finally finished my paper for class, completed my presentation at the conference (hungover, no less) and have made it past a number of other work and personal humps. While no means free of stress (I'm hosting a Christmas party in 10 days) I at least feel like I've made it past the worst of it.My conference was... interesting. I'm assured that I managed to avoid

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-35806078114462752722007-11-28T20:15:00.000-05:002008-01-24T19:34:09.530-05:00

God, I haven't written in SO long. Bad blogger!Quick update:work is stressful and busymy class is stressful and keeping me busybarely made it to Thanksgiving but did get some much needed R&R over that weekendComing events:UNC CAUSE conference for workChristmas parties - including my ownChristmas shopping and cards (WAY behind on that stuff)Roommate is making me nuts. There are reindeer ALL OVER.

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-641855470036276772007-11-08T17:11:00.000-05:002008-12-10T23:19:34.757-05:00

I know I'm not supposed to spend too much time waxing poetic anymore, but I'm in such a weird place it's applicable.It seems like everything in my life is in this weird dynamic of good and bad, happy and sad. Work is stressful and management sucks, but I've been successful at new tasks and I enjoy most of what I'm doing. The house is in flux and things aren't repaired yet. But with all the

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1238216440511847602007-10-30T17:57:00.000-04:002007-10-30T18:27:39.272-04:00

I have a funeral to go to tomorrow.A coworker of mine was diagnosed with cancer of the kidney about three months ago. Initially it looked like it would require surgery and chemo, but the prognosis was good. Sadly, a few weeks later the doctors discovered cancer in his liver, then lungs and eventually the brain. They gave him a year, but after several strokes and seizures he went downhill far

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-12931565074288266602007-10-28T18:51:00.000-04:002007-10-28T19:25:43.303-04:00

All right- to finish this off, let me start by providing you with a list of known items that were damaged or destroyed. To date. Because I'm still finding things.TVDVR/ cable boxstereomicrowavecomputerVCRrefrigerator (still runs but can't stay cold anymore)The Progress Energy Claims guy who has been assigned to me has told me that they will pay only for what the items would have been worth when

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-75651300540009308412007-10-26T20:17:00.000-04:002007-10-26T20:45:16.748-04:00

Ok, yeah I didn't post last night. Sheesh. Apparently all you have to do to get people interested is end with a cliffhanger...When last we saw our heroine she was making her way through her now-darkened, smoked-filled family room. Obviously I needed to call an electrician (this should not actually be considered "obvious"; more on that later) but my first thought was "How can I find an electrician

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-39020559675747437952007-10-24T22:40:00.000-04:002007-10-24T23:07:51.864-04:00

You know, when it rains, it pours. I've had so much fun over the past few days and have oh, so many stories to share with you! I'll have to split everything into multiple posts but I know both of you will be on the edge of your seats.Monday afternoon I came home from work early to do some cleaning (Mom was coming into town that night). I turned on the washer and tried to start the dryer but it

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-19150335564585545122007-10-19T19:48:00.000-04:002007-10-19T20:02:49.158-04:00

So my roommate has a theory that if you're going to turn 30, and with that of course freak out and be miserable, you might as well have something to look forward to. Her suggestion was a trip so we compiled top ten lists of places we want to go and looked for overlaps. We haven't ultimately decided yet where we'll go but we've narrowed it down to somewhere in Europe potentially any two or more of

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-41048850245396872862007-10-16T20:03:00.001-04:002007-10-16T20:16:52.840-04:00

So I'm really pretty positive no one is reading this or will ever read this. But the point has been to keep people I don't talk to that often well informed. So here are the latest news stories in Life o' Marit:Brother shaved head, not actually a cancer victimIntense work frustration leads to job searchHeat wave ruins joys of fallWork stress, apathy leads to academic declineCholesterol Test

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-19317349997016745062007-10-09T18:16:00.000-04:002007-10-09T18:49:48.079-04:00

Once upon a time, in fact on the very night before our heroine was to move to a new house, she lost her keys. Now this was significant problem since it had both her keys to her current place and to her new place. Her keys to her current mailbox and the new one. It also had her parent's house keys, her brother storage facility key and her key drive with lots of important files. Oddly enough the

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-62058750837779892472007-09-30T18:39:00.000-04:002008-12-10T23:19:34.984-05:00

As you know if you read my blog regularly (and let's face it, you probably don't) I traded in my 1992 Honda Accord for a shiny new 2001 Honda Accord about a month ago. Now my old Honda has been cleaned up and put up for sale (see link in title). I'm really glad they didn't just send it to the junk heap. It was a good car and I hope it will be a good car for someone else. :)And since I usually use

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-52077346073127449752007-09-28T20:54:00.000-04:002008-01-24T19:36:09.004-05:00

I'm a little behind so here's the week recap.Weekend: 'rents had the annual Oktoberfest. Tasty beer, tasty food. Neighbors brought over a 1961 bottle of Crown Royale which, other than making my dad a bit sad to stop drinking beer, made my parents very drunk and happy.Conference in the ATL: here's my consumer report-- Sheraton Buckhead was not good. Power went out at the hotel (only the hotel,

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-19278889476497036832007-09-18T20:45:00.000-04:002007-09-18T20:50:39.972-04:00

After watching, and posting about, part of the MSNBC re-airing of the news on the morning of 9/11 (see the 'As It Happened' post) I found Stephen Colbert's take on it particularly amusing.

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-31796689281015592742007-09-17T20:39:00.000-04:002007-09-17T20:54:11.518-04:00

My professor referenced an obscure Bare NakedLadies song in order to make a point today in class. I seriously doubt that anyone in that room other than me had even heard of the song. This class has some terrible readings (think 120 pages of stereo instructions) but this prof does a good job of explaining things and he's Canadian so occasionally I get these hilarious and strange references.My

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-85407752624132779172007-09-12T21:22:00.000-04:002008-01-24T19:37:26.482-05:00

I broke my rule a little bit. The 9/11 post was long so here's a quick update my day-to-day shit:This weekend looks perfect. Football (State) on Saturday and hockey (Canes) on Sunday! Next weekend is the Oktoberfest (yes, I know it's not October- not my decision!). All I have to do is get through the week overflowing with work and class readings.Speaking of work, I'm getting to do more stuff I

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-47377232105119932022007-09-12T20:50:00.000-04:002007-09-12T21:22:18.742-04:00

So yesterday was the 6 year anniversary of 9/11 and I came across this show, "9/11, As It Happened" on MSNBC. I'm trying not to watch anymore 9/11 stuff. It's not good. Like watching a car accident only it's the biggest one EVER.However, I broke my rule and turned it on because my 9/11 experience was actually spent far away from a TV. I walked into the office and heard about the first plane.

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-77385535121461741522007-09-03T20:49:00.000-04:002007-09-03T21:15:51.901-04:00

Camping review: excellent. No puking or flooded tents. The mountains were awe-inspiring and thought-provoking. Lots of fun with friends. Hope to have the chance to go again soon.Weather was supposed to be upper 70's but I swear it was hotter than that. I ended up sunburned and sweaty. Add to that a short hike through the woods, crawling under a barb-wire fence and diving to hit the birdie (

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-28386538043596538052007-08-28T19:43:00.000-04:002008-12-10T23:19:35.383-05:00

As I briefly mentioned in a past post, my office is going through a reorganization. If you've never had the pleasure you should try to keep it that way.Since the office is ripe with doubt, frustration and misery I'm quite anxious to be distracted. The new car has distracted me beautifully (oh my god, I got into work early this morning because I couldn't wait to get up so I could drive my car. I

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-18857888160919332222007-08-28T19:25:00.000-04:002007-08-28T19:43:22.195-04:00

While I'm pretty sure that no one cares what I ate for lunch today, I have begun to think that the best blogs detail the day-to-day lives of ordinary people in an interesting and entertaining way. No one reads this blog as far as I can tell so it's hard to tell if I'm entertaining, but I know that up to this point many of my posts have been about thoughts, theories and moping: some brought on by

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-8158304122464569142007-08-25T20:54:00.000-04:002008-12-10T23:19:35.902-05:00

I bought my 1992 Honda Accord in September of 2001, (not a difficult time to remember). When I bought it it had 180,000 miles on it and my expectation was that it would get me through my college years. If I recall correctly I paid $3250 or thereabouts; the lean, college years and all that.Two weeks from now would have marked my six year anniversary with that car (it lasted me two years past a

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-22646089447605638342007-08-21T19:19:00.000-04:002007-08-25T21:24:24.590-04:00

There's been a great deal of upheaval, or more accurately, potential upheaval in my life lately:The office is being reorganized (one of the mostly stressful things you can go through in your job according to some survey-- or possibly it's a made-up statistic).I'm trying to buy a new (used) car but have been unable to find just the right one (leading my friends to comment on how this pickiness may

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-41034547899954817002007-07-17T14:49:00.000-04:002008-12-10T23:19:36.170-05:00

There are three days until the release of the final Harry Potter book- "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows". I wanted to take a moment to applaud Ms. Rowling--She's written six very entertaining and engaging books. She's created another world, as true and legitimate as Narnia or Middle Earth and with as much or more detail. She's engaged readers of every age, race, gender and background. And

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-56442224570310269972007-07-12T12:42:00.000-04:002007-08-25T21:25:43.677-04:00

I'm not a very political person. I follow the news and investigate my options before I vote (and I do vote, in nearly every election) but I don't go out and campaign for anyone, or read a candidates blog or even donate to either party. I am a registered Democrat, because I'm more socially liberal, however I'm in favor of the death penalty and a government that doesn't regulate my personal life,

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-34726624322140864522007-06-13T16:47:00.000-04:002007-08-25T21:26:37.147-04:00

Why don't guys make the first move anymore? It may just be me, but it seems like an awful lot of hints- or more than hints- have to be dropped before anything happens. There used to be a mandate on these things. If it wasn't a "Sadie Hawkins" thing (and who the hell was she to rock the boat anyway?) then the guy always did the asking.Maybe I'm traditional, or maybe I just have a vibe that says "

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-61009465752019613442007-05-17T20:37:00.000-04:002007-08-25T21:27:11.361-04:00

Yes. You really should not drink and blog. But you can edit your posts. Which makes it almost ok.

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-90609570162218101272007-05-15T10:14:00.000-04:002007-08-25T21:39:20.039-04:00

Some life events have questions that naturally follow those events. Though it's really quite rude, people always seem to ask the newly married couple when they'll be getting married. Even worse (and probably much less welcome) people who have kids always seem to be asked when they're going to have their next one. These are very personal questions but they seem to be tolerated in our nosy society,

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-31117124409220543232007-04-20T18:52:00.000-04:002007-08-25T21:28:17.990-04:00

I really hope that some day I look back through my posts, read this, and laugh. Actually, I doubt I'd ever laugh, but maybe at least breathe a sigh of relief.I close on my townhouse in three days and I am terrified.I am not excited. I am not relieved. I am stressed and tired and I think I have at least the beginnings of an ulcer.I know I'm prone to worry, and I'm sure that's part of this. Plus

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-88552779776393204432007-03-26T12:54:00.000-04:002007-08-25T21:29:00.920-04:00

Now here's an opportunity to show what I know! I do now finally have a place under contract but it was a case of third times a charm. I made offers on two other places before I got this one. So I've been through the offer process a few times.A lot of what's important may be in the negotiation, which is our next section. However, to begin you must make a first offer so:1.) make sure you want this

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-46900915432717864482007-03-22T14:26:00.000-04:002007-08-25T21:29:29.865-04:00

I'm starting to fall behind and I'm literally in the middle of a session at a conference on how to blog right now so... call me inspired.Searching for a home is typically everyone's favorite part of this process. This is where you wander around and look for "your" home. You'll learn a lot about what you can afford during this phase. All the photos of places you may have looked at up to this point

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-40618224737279653242007-03-13T13:00:00.000-04:002007-03-13T13:24:03.033-04:00

I've neglected you, blog. I apologize.Fortunately, since I still have 8 steps to get through, my home search is taking quite a bit longer than anticipated. It's not that I'm not looking. If you ask my poor, frustrated agent we've been out ten times and seen dozens of places. This is an exaggeration, but we have seen a lot. I am picky, but unfortunately I'm also unlucky. I've made two offers and

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-9560579524402269802007-02-13T14:05:00.000-05:002008-12-10T23:19:36.631-05:00

In honor of Valentine’s Day I thought I’d ignore the twelve steps and take a moment to discuss love in movies. Movies are largely responsible for our idea of what love should be, despite the fact that they’re rarely accurate to real life. The best example I’ve thus far seen is what I call the “end of movie coupledom moment”.Have you ever noticed that at the end of these romantic movies the

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-49752334863568780502007-02-09T12:12:00.000-05:002007-08-25T21:38:23.020-04:00

Pre-Qualification: Answer some questions online or over the phone about what you make, what you spend, what your credit is like, what you think you can afford/want to spend. You answer as you decide. However you decide.The amount you are "pre-qualified" for depends on what you tell the lender. This will not get you a mortgage, just get you an idea, again, based on what you tell the lender, of

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-68860103395089685352007-02-07T13:36:00.000-05:002007-02-07T13:42:41.167-05:00

The big challenge on this one is to define the NEEDS vs the WANTS. I don't need hardwoods or built-in bookcases or a third bedroom. My problem is that I want all these things.Since I've jumped ahead a few steps I can tell you that making a list of "wants" rather than "needs" actually isn't a problem. It's really very fun! Until you start the house hunt and the realization hit you that not only

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-23182615651681375712007-01-29T13:09:00.000-05:002008-12-10T23:19:37.015-05:00

Ha. I know what you're thinking... I'm missing two steps. Nope. This is the 10 Step Program to Home Ownership, which might drive me to drink and subsequently into the 12 steps but for now I'm just looking at the 10.I've decided to document these steps here, and probably some of the in-between steps that they don't tell you about. I've already discovered a great deal of confusion and stress

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-25640450059345811642007-01-23T13:27:00.000-05:002007-08-25T21:37:02.100-04:00

An excerpt from a book by Jen Schefft 'Better Single that Sorry' explains perfectly how I feel about being single. Absolutely perfectly.Readers of this blog hear me complain, a lot, about being single, but this is where I come to do that complaining. I truly enjoy the lack of accountability, freedom and simplicity of being single. Almost all the time.

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1164773193679553682006-11-28T22:36:00.000-05:002007-08-25T21:35:04.305-04:00

Watched a fascinating special on PBS about marriages and how they survive. For example, the importance of talking, touching and appreciating each other daily, which seems basic but is easily forgotten. It also looked at the ways in which individuals were raised, how that caused them to deal with stress in everyday life and within a relationship. Most interestingly to me, it looked at the ways

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1163195851613779152006-11-10T16:45:00.000-05:002007-08-25T21:36:02.490-04:00

I have come across several excellent articles over the past few weeks (some posted below, some not) about faith in America, the place of atheists in society and the true value and effect of religious justification and personal prayer. I'm preaching to myself here so it's a little silly but for no other reason than to save these link, here are a few that I found especially intriguing:Losing Our

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1162305489063922422006-10-31T09:14:00.000-05:002007-08-25T21:30:00.371-04:00

Do yourself a favor and turn on 'The Daily Show' or 'The Colbert Report' this week or next. These are two show that were designed, built and now run on the most plentiful energy source in entertainment: political satire. And coming up to a week before an election these show are running like the hysterical, overly-lubricated, inappropriate engines of comedy they are.

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1161799663918177272006-10-25T13:57:00.000-04:002007-08-25T21:30:37.385-04:00

I really hate to post about sad, pointless things but I do think it helps me to write about them. Therefore, heads up: sad and pointless stuff coming. Skip to the next entry.I think I've said on here before that I don't mind being single, and that is absolutely true. About 98% of the time. The other 2 % occurs every now and then. Sometimes just when I see a happy couple. Sometimes when I hear

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1161034706388705252006-10-16T17:33:00.000-04:002007-08-25T21:31:24.361-04:00

I am about to commit the sin I've been harassing my friend Y0rii about... not blogging on my blog. So here I am, very inspired after a weekend of travel:STAY RIGHT, PASS LEFTJust do it people! Shhesh! The wagons on the way west did this, why can't you??! If there is no one ahead in the left lane for you to pass, move over so that all the angry, frustrated people behind you can pass you before we

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1156340328897131482006-08-23T09:24:00.000-04:002007-08-25T21:32:38.477-04:00

We sit at the precipice of my favorite time of year.I can't tell you for sure the day it starts, but one day it's just here. We have in front of us a good six months of great sports, activities, weather and more and I love the anticipation of all that's to come...Sports: football, hockey, the best of the baseball (what little there is) and then basketballActivities: fall parties, weddings,

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1155579170138917632006-08-14T13:22:00.000-04:002007-08-25T21:33:49.849-04:00

Girls: tell me if you know this senario: You're walking down the sidewalk and a guy is coming towards you or maybe across the street and as he comes closer he starts either muttering to you, words you can't hear but you know aren't good, or calling out to you. "Hey baby!", "How you doin'?" ", "You've got quite a pair there" and other, less subtle commentary. I don't know if I know a single girl

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1154971445641645992006-08-07T13:21:00.000-04:002007-08-25T21:34:17.033-04:00

Two links about MySpace:Creepy...andUseless...And now I will stop doing posts that relate back to work. I am SO lame.

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1154116562855605162006-07-28T12:44:00.000-04:002006-07-28T16:44:24.723-04:00

If you have any interest in computers you know that Microsoft is planning on releasing it's new version of Windows- Windows Vista (which, by the way, lame-ass marketing attempt with that name). The real story behind it however, is that it won't be ready until January 2007 - at the earliest. This is a product more than 5 years in development and long awaited.I am a Windows girl and I am proud to

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1153332721164578272006-07-19T14:11:00.000-04:002006-07-19T14:12:01.183-04:00

I am very happy for several of my friends and relatives as I have a rash of weddings coming up in the next three months (the use of the term "rash" being in no way negative). One older friend- in his late 50's in fact, that is just delightful; he is marrying his high school sweetheart! One is a wedding between two of my closest friends, both of them in their 40's and on second marriages. And the

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1150915039021340162006-06-21T14:30:00.000-04:002006-06-21T14:37:19.336-04:00

If you look back to September 2005, I told you to support your local hockey team following the "new" NHL rules. Fast-paced, action-packed, high-scoring- and apparently the Canes are good at it!What a wonderful year. Cole, Staal, Brindy, Petie- I could list them all. They all worked so hard and it was, is and will continue to be through all the celebrations, one of the most fun and memorable

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1148566367743253782006-05-25T09:41:00.000-04:002006-05-25T10:13:55.420-04:00

I've been accepted to a graduate Masters program. I'm very excited about it and strangely can't wait to get started though I must be nuts. I only finished my undergraduate degree a year ago and I do work full time...Thinking about this achievement I found myself pondering what things will be like when I'm done with the degree- you know- in 5 or 6 years. Will I have a boyfriend, or be married, or

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1147383046443871232006-05-11T16:21:00.000-04:002006-05-11T17:38:45.586-04:00

My car got broken into last night. I was none too thrilled to come down to my car to go to work and gradually (I wasn't that awake) discover things missing, broken glass and my 50 CD collection significantly absent.Since it occurred right in front of my apartment, I really felt so violated and absolutely furious. My apartment complex management, apparently couldn't have cared any less about my

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1146173509700913252006-04-27T16:38:00.000-04:002007-09-12T20:53:20.946-04:00

Went to New York this past week. I have been several times now but of course the city is still fascinating (an amusement park for adults). The only difference is that now, as I begin to figure out my way around, and things are familiar, the city becomes more comfortable- which is a strange sort of feeling for NYC.Interestingly, however, I have recently had cause to ponder the (unfortunately)

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1144274199438807592006-04-05T17:52:00.000-04:002006-04-05T17:57:50.233-04:00

My friends Y0rii and Al host an internet radio show and I was fortunate to be their very first ever guest! I'm honored and deeply touched. Really very touched- they molested me.Check it out here!

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1143658677048830792006-03-29T13:43:00.000-05:002006-03-29T13:59:24.220-05:00

Truly, you have to be a souless monster to not love a puppy. A friend showed me a new site: http://puppywar.com/ and it's adorable. There is also a kittenwar.com site but, even as a cat person, I think the puppies are cuter.Now as it happens, my parents have a German Sheppard that has just had puppies. I have posted a picture of one of them to the puppywars site because they're unbelievably cute.

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1143054831359247382006-03-22T14:03:00.000-05:002006-03-22T14:13:51.373-05:00

Stop running out into the street! All of you. Just stop it!!You may have the right of way but that will be small cosulation at your funeral. The car is bigger than you. It will win everytime. I know it's a long way to that cross-walk, and we're all in a hurry. But it'll take a lot longer if you have to detour to the hospital.So remember what your Mama used to say: look both ways before you cross

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1142982707020454002006-03-21T17:43:00.000-05:002006-03-21T18:11:47.063-05:00

This is not a particularity nice topic, but it is a valid one. I am taking an English class at my chosen higher education institution. I'm very fond of my professor who both makes me think and makes me laugh (apparently that's all I need in a guy- how hard can that be to find??).Today's topic was that of rape and journalism. You may or may not have noticed but anytime a lady - we'll assume she's

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1141768765181830342006-03-07T15:30:00.000-05:002008-01-28T21:59:37.547-05:00

I know I haven't written in awhile and it is a sad statement on my life that something as petty as the Academy Awards has driven me from my slumber, but there it is.First of all, I thought Jon Stewart did a great job as a host. He did appear to be nervous at the beginning, and who wouldn't be, (have you seen the size of the Kodak theatre?) but he certainly got better as the night went on and I

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1135137155772942472005-12-20T22:35:00.000-05:002007-08-28T20:08:18.285-04:00

Good article (with a lame-ass title) out of USA Today: Budding Friendships Fill Out the Family Tree.I love my family very, very much, as previous posts will attest. But this is a good time to raise a glass to the 'friend'. A friend is someone you have met, sought out to spend further time with, and learned much about. It's quite possible you know more about your friends than most family members.

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1134501660526243402005-12-13T14:05:00.000-05:002007-08-28T20:09:53.730-04:00

I know that I have just been out of it for awhile, but blogs are everywhere now. It seems like all of a sudden but don't kid yourself... it's been building. When almost every major news media webpage has a section of links devoted to "notable" blogs (and do you really want to know what pompous ass hole decides what is "notable"?) you know some kind of virus is eating through the pop culture main

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1133586684689589042005-12-02T23:36:00.000-05:002005-12-03T00:11:24.810-05:00

So I am thinking that anyone who reads this will think me incredibly crazy. I am not, I don't think- let's call me open-minded. I'm sure I might one day read this and wonder that I sound like such a spaz. But what else is blog for but writing down thoughts at in-opportune times for you to laugh at later?When you fall in love, I think it's just an illusion. I know this isn't breaking news but

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1133460368578701852005-12-01T13:00:00.000-05:002007-08-28T20:06:51.237-04:00

Read "There is no God" by Penn of Penn and Teller.And before you comment, I know that a comedian isn't the authority on the existence of a higher being. And he isn't claiming to be. He just happens to have some interesting comments, some of which I agree with.

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1133190292937255572005-11-28T09:50:00.000-05:002005-11-28T10:04:52.956-05:00

I really hate to be on medication- any medication. I take birth control pills because I am a woman and that's what women do, but I have worked very hard to get a low-estrogen dose pill. I don't need to be any crazier than I already am.I'll never understand why people are so keen to be on a pill. I'm not talking about cholesterol or heart pills, but the more optional ones: erection pills, sleep

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1132679618922215212005-11-22T12:05:00.000-05:002005-11-22T12:13:38.923-05:00

So much to be thankful for and the perfect time to do it...Rain drops on roses, cute kittens (don't care much for the wiskers) and playful dogs; thunderstorms, sunshine, cold crisp fall days and nights; leaves turning colors; warm sweaters, comfy shoes, pretty dresses; beautiful art and architecture; great ideas, new ideas, funny ideas; laughter; trees, flowers, clouds on a hot day; lakes &

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1127313019921153432005-09-21T10:13:00.000-04:002007-08-28T20:11:09.875-04:00

I have a cousin who recently used the phrase "Family isn't a word- it's a sentence". I'm pretty sure she meant it negatively (for one since she is generally pretty negative and also because I know her father) but I've been thinking lately much more positively about family.Someone asked me to imagine being an only child. I was surprised at just how depressing that thought was. I have three

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1126883197959519682005-09-16T11:01:00.000-04:002007-08-28T20:11:39.754-04:00

See if you can find it in your heart to save hockey. It's going to be faster, tougher and better. Support your local team!

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1126294249707968482005-09-09T15:12:00.000-04:002007-08-28T20:12:17.222-04:00

Currently averaging a post a month. Must step this up a bit.As I consider starting to think about maybe one day dating I am reminded of the rules of dating. You know them. There are spoken rules, the ones that generally revolve around morals, decency and appropriate dinner conversation. You might think these rules would be obvious, but since men don't always get it, they must occasionally be

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1124461263396763872005-08-19T09:31:00.000-04:002005-08-19T10:21:03.453-04:00

So I've decided what good is a blog without some purpose? What are you, dear reader, getting out of wasting your time on my particular blog? So I've decided to start occasionally evaluate products and services. And in my desire for a good visual cue, I've created a little design logo for these business reviews.For the good ones:For the not good ones:So to begin, I'd like to give "mad props" to

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14274042.post-1124222574070212102005-08-16T15:57:00.000-04:002005-08-16T16:02:54.516-04:00

It's been awhile I know. I expect my excuse- a 2 week long vacation isn't going to draw any sympathy, but I also suspect no one is reading this anyway!I have, since my last post, vacationed and then moved into my new apartment. I can't boast much more, including unpacking since work and friends have side-tracked me. Apparently if there isn't anyone there to nag you about unpacking, you won't do

marithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00563440752845041058noreply@blogger.com0