Thanks for Flying the Friendly Skies

Thanks for Flying the Friendly Skies- Southwest Flight 561

I want to apologize to readers in advance as I can safely say this blog will not reflect my best writing. I am currently en route from Denver to BWI, on a full yet somewhat comfortable SW Airlines Flight. My writing skills will not be as in tune as I would like, as I have my iPod turned up loud enough to deafen even my surrounding passengers, due to the 2 year old in the next row over who has not stopped screaming since we took off. An hour and 45 minutes ago. Yes, that’s correct. All I have heard for 105 minutes is a screaming baby. Not that there’s anything wrong with that….but for fucks sake, give it a break. Your parent(s) have resigned themselves to Rum and Cokes at 10am, however, this is not an option for all of us. As much as I would like to drop $50 on three airline cocktails, it’s not in my cards right now. Anyhow, I digress.

I haven’t blogged in a few days, as I have been spending quality time with my three nephews and sister in law. A lot has transpired in the past few days. To start off, let me be one of the first to congratulate La Gringa on the birth of her son, Patrick Sheridan. I wish LG, hubby, and baby Patrick love and happiness in the upcoming year!

Second, I find myself growing ever restless in my current living situation. It is not ideal, as you know, however I don’t want to come to regret any time that is not spent with Grandmother in her last days. It is common knowledge to both friends and family that I want to get the hell out of Dodge, but as the time comes closer, the question has arisen as to where. (As for a bit of irony, Motley Crue’s Home Sweet Home currently plays on the iPod). My first thought: Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. I miss the beach terribly, and do have a friend or two in the area that could show me the ropes. Upon further thought, what a crap idea. I am not loaded, trendy, fake, or plastic. Furthermore, the amount of temptation facing me in Miami is insurmountable. Plus, as my good friend so eloquently put it: “Dude, have you ever been to Miami? Like, in Summer?” Point well taken.

After a bit of research on job opportunity, atmosphere, and cost of living, Austin has become a leading contender in my “find a place to live” search. I have heard nothing but amazing things about Austin, and the job market actually looks quite promising right now. The atmosphere/culture seems awesome too- great food, great music, great nightlife. Now mind you, I have never been to Austin, however, this doesn’t intimidate me. I hadn’t been to San Diego in 10 years yet still picked up and headed out there. (I must interrupt real quick to say they really must make airplane trays larger….fucking A….good luck trying to fit my laptop, cup, soda can, and iPod all on here without totally pissing off the lady next to me). Ok so anyways, as I was saying, I do have friends in Austin too, including the aforementioned La Gringa. I’m sure she would love a free babysitter (and by baby I mean Patrick and Baci) around also!! Although I have only met her in person once, I truly consider her a great person and an amazing friend! So, your thoughts on Austin are appreciated.

Now, until this trip, the third option, Denver, has been previously discussed but not too seriously. I am not a terribly “outdoorsy” person (unless you count sitting on my ass drinking at the beach for 8 hours outdoorsy), and I am not a huge fan of the dryness of Denver. In addition, I don’t like the idea of being totally landlocked. It actually makes me a bit anxious and somewhat panicy. However, there is one key element to Denver: my family. My brother is my best friend, sis-in-law is an awesome person, and I love my little nephews more than I could ever possibly fathom. At this point in my life, I think that family is something that is so critical to me, and I can’t imagine not having any family around as I have gotten used to it. We see where it landed me in San Diego. In addition to Todd and Kim, Kim’s sister and her husband also live in the area, whom I adore as well. In fact, I spent a night out with Kristy during the trip, and we had a great time. Did some great shopping, followed by dinner/music in Olde Town Arvada.

Another huge positive of Denver? Snowboarding. Southern California does not really offer you all you could possibly want in boarding. A huge negative of Denver? No Surf/Ocean. Will the family be enough for me, or will I continue to go stir crazy? I think probably a little bit of both. Job opportunity is not as great in Denver as it is in Austin, however, COL is much more affordable. In addition, having family around, I could probably swing a free meal here and there  (Do you think people on planes like it when you whistle along to your iPod? Yeah, me neither). So, your thoughts on Denver are much appreciated.

Now, I hate to look at these two options in the light of climate over family, as this is not really the case; I would LOVE to live near family…just wish it wasn’t in Denver. I know I have the option to move if I am not happy, but that gets to be a pain in my ass. So, I came on this trip hoping to do a bit of soul searching, and I think I have done so…but would still welcome any comments you might have for me. It is my decision, however, outside contributions are strongly welcomed.

Now, my next piece of news is not really news, more just like me thinking out loud. I have found myself in a new online type of relationship…no, nothing like match.com, but a fellow “persona” I have come to know over the years through brief email exchange, etc. My fellow moniker and I have come to chatting daily, and have become quite close I would say in a few short days. I look forward to our daily conversation, and find myself thinking of him often…even though we have never met in person. Why is it that I seem to find seemingly compatible mates at the least opportune time? I leave San Diego, and then I really get to know this person? And yes, you know who you are. I know you are reading this. I think you and I could get along quite well. How does a bi-coastal relationship sound to you?  Hey, just putting it out there…we are pretty honest about everything else! Plus, I know I am not the only person who thinks this would be a great match….Your thoughts and comments are welcomed. Want to visit Austin with me in a few weeks?

Let’s see, what else…LOST!!!! LOST has returned folks, like my best friend from a long vacation. However, I don’t know if I am allowed to talk about it yet as there are still a few who have not yet seen it. I told them I wouldn’t ruin it for them. However, please feel free to discuss amongst yourselves. And Artist, please let me know if you have seen it so we can talk about it!!! Geez!!!!

Good Day, Mr. President!

Let me start off by saying that I voted for Obama, and not because of the stupid Conservative Asshat assumptions...because he is black, because it was either him or Hilary, etc. etc. I voted for him because I thoroughly believe he can pull our country out of the state it is in, and that he is not afraid to do so. I wonder, does he wear a bulletproof vest to work every day because of all the crazy fuckin' rednecks out there? Because of the "Conservative Christian" Radicals who would rather die that see a black man in office? I mean, come on folks, this is 2009. Aren't we over that by now?

Anyhow, Obama is here and he means business. I just wanted to share a few snippets from an article in The Post today, that have made me SMILE today-because 1)I honestly feel that we have, though be it a long one, a road to recovery ahead of us, and 2) I no longer have to read about what that Assclown "W" has fucked up for the day/week/year/term/etc.


OBAMA ON CLOSING GITMO
The actions are dramatic evidence that Obama is ready to use his authority and political capital to turn back some of the most controversial practices of George W. Bush's administration. They also suggest that he believes he needs to push quickly for broad changes.

OBAMA ON NEW LOBBYING CHANGES
"What a moment we're in. What an opportunity we have to change this country," Obama said as he announced the new lobbying and disclosure rules during a meeting with his senior staff yesterday.

The lobbying rules announced yesterday aim to end what has become a way of life in Washington, where those serving in an administration collect chits that are quickly cashed in once they depart government. Under the new rules, presidential appointees who leave office will not be allowed to lobby any federal agency as long as Obama remains in office.

"It's not about advantaging yourself. It's not about advancing your friends or your corporate clients. It's not about advancing an ideological agenda or the special interests of any organization," Obama told Cabinet members and senior staff at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. "Public service is, simply and absolutely, about advancing the interests of Americans."

OBAMA ON ETHICS
In a frenetic first full day in office, Obama was everywhere: alone in the Oval Office; in the front pew at an inaugural prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral; swearing in his staff at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building; and, for the first time, meeting with his generals in the White House Situation Room.

Out of an abundance of caution, Obama also welcomed Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. to the White House to re-administer the oath of office after the two men fumbled some of the wording during Tuesday's inaugural proceedings.


OBAMA ON THE PROTECTION OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE/DISCLOSURE
The disclosure rules turn existing law on its head, requiring the government to err on the side of releasing information, not on the side of keeping documents and records secret.

"The old rules said that if there was a defensible argument for not disclosing something to the American people, then it should not be disclosed. That era is over now," Obama declared.



Thank you, WP, and and to our President, and for making at least one American believe today that we can once again become the country we once were. That we dont have to be scared every day of what more is to come.

I'll Take Fear of Failure for $200, Alex

As I sit here alone, after having gotten more or less stood up by Guy#1 from my previous post, I need to give a big shout out to Lindsay Lohan and her character in Mean Girls. How random that I have found some clarity from some teeny bopper movie that pits the dorks against The Plastics. Actually, it was the "mathletes" that really did it for me. Let me explain.

I have always loved watching Jeopardy, and for some untold reason, I seem to be overflowing with useless facts and knowledge. I have always dreamed of trying out for Jeopardy, but was afraid of what people might think (what a nerd), that I might make a fool of myself...that I might be that sorry person at the end who is ineligible for Final Jeopardy because they are in the negative dollars.

So, while LiLo's character becomes Plastic turned Mathletes champ, and here I still sit alone and kicking myself becuase I KNEW he would do this once again, I have decided to go for it. I have just registered for the online Jeopardy test. You know, why continue to "fail" in my efforts that I have no control over, i.e., said "date/friend" that stood me up (why I thought this time would be different I have no idea), when I could potentially succeed in something that I truly want to do? Why not control my own fate and make my own decisions, rather than relying on others to give me some mistaken sense of success? If I bomb the test, if I make it onto Jeopardy and make a complete ass out of myself, at least I tried. At least I was true to myself. And maybe I will refer to this blog during my "introduction" on Jeopardy....you know those cheesy stories that people tell about themselves? Hell, it cant more cheesy than giving a shout out to Lindsay Lohan.

Let's Go Steelers!

He's Just Not that into You (Me?)

As I grow older and wiser, I can usually spot these flaky guys a mile away. However, I've recently become acquainted with two of these guys that I STILL can't figure them out! Well no, let me take that back. One of them has been a "friend" for years; the other is a new friend, who, coincidentally, reminds me of the first guy! They look alike, talk alike, laugh alike, act alike...you name it. Anyhow, I digress.

So, both of these guys and I have hung out, talked, become friends, etc. and I have kissed each of these guys. It hasnt gone further than that. Now is where things turn to dust.

Ok so, let me ask you, if you hang out with, and talk with a girl on a regular basis it means you like her, right? You like her so you kiss her. Right? You kiss her cuz you want to get closer to her, right? Um, wrong, apparently. As it turns out, I always seem to be the "go to" girl when things aren't going great in your relationship. You really like me, but you arent quite ready to break up with your girl yet. I mean, I guess I should be flattered, but ya know? Being second best isnt all its cracked up to be. I have learned a valuable lesson from these guys that I do deserve the best. That I do deserve your full love and attention. It has also become a lesson in how to deal with ego...sure, it is kind of an ego crusher to be put on the diss list, but then, with a little time to process, I do come to realize that they probably arent good enough for me in the first place if they have so much disregard for me and my feelings. Conceited? I dont think so. I think I'll go with smart and mature.

So, if Mr. Right IS actually out there, and you arent currently in a relationship, drop me a line. Until then, I'll keep having fun with Mr. Wrong(s) until you show up.

My So Called Life

Remember that short lived TV Show from the '90s, the one that introduced Claire Danes and Jared Leto to the world, the one that exposed and explored teenage angst at its worst? The one that depicted arguments with friends, trust issues, and broken hearts? Well, as I teenager/young adult, I was fully capable of identifying with all the issues depicted in the show. But I thought that as I got older, those issues and that angst would disappear. Not so much. I seem to find myself in a perpetual cycle of funk. A couple of great months, and then all the shit hits the fan at once.

I have recently found myself growing further and further apart from a long time friend, and I wonder when is enough enough. Are we bound to each for life since we have been friends for 15+ years (high school through the present), or is it ok to cut the cord? Should I have to continually apologize for my opinion and my decisions, and basically bow down to her for whatever she wants, just to keep our friendship alive? I dont think so. Thats not what friends do. I shouldnt have to do that. I think friendship is a relationship of give and take, yet I seem to be the only one that feels that way. I shouldn't be made to feel insignificant or inferior to someone who is supposed to be my best friend. But at the same time, am I ready to make a clean break and leave her behind forever?

The answer is, I just dont know. What I know is that we have both changed, both evolved. Married couples often get divorced, but what do friends do? I guess the only answer is to keep evolving to find the right answers. Isn't that what life is about? Time will tell.