Nerdy Words

Maybe I should quit this blog

2008-11-02T20:47:00.000-08:00

Hello? Anybody here? Can I get an echo-echo-echo---?

I know, it's been a while. More than a month, even. Things have been pretty busy with a new boy life in general. For more fun, we're having additional layoffs at work. Hooray.

I'm still commuting by bike for most of the work week. I had taken some time off and gotten quite lazy, but snapped out of it.

Recently I got a new phone (my contract was near the end) and made a big upgrade to the BlackBerry Pearl 8130. It's pretty cool but can be frustrating. There's a lot I still have to learn about it.

The temperature's starting to drop, and it's pretty manageable on the bike. Last week, we had a cold front. I just layered up and did quite alright.

My trip to NYC has been postponed. Apparently, there's drama in my family and I didn't know about it. That's OK. I really wasn't in love with going there in the dead of winter. It will be so much more fun in the spring or summer. Plus, I can pack lighter, ever-important with the constantly increasing price of taking stuff with you when you fly.

Election Day cannot come soon enough. Politicians have been campaigning since 2006. I voted more than a week ago. Please stop it, already.

I am the champion of water-pistol racing at carnivals. :)

But I also have been known to drop a shelf on my toe. :(

Life moves along, but I don't want to go along with it. At least not at this pace. I'm tired of being tired and lazy. The things I try don't work. Bah.

I'll be Georgia-bound for Thanksgiving and will catch up with my mom, dad and two of my brothers. That'll be really nice.

Under my feet, baby, the grass is growing

2008-09-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

I'm getting restless, antsy, bored, unmotivated. The new mantra is "I'm proactive," to keep myself from hearing "I'm not lazy, really, just tired." But it's time to clean out the myriad old files, virtual and real, time to empty the dust-covered bins.

There's so much crap everywhere. I get tired of looking at it. I'm tired of feeling like I live in a dump.

Maybe I should just get away. Sarasota's nice, and I haven't been there in quite a while. First, though, I'll start with the Rocket Graveyard. The BFF and her adorable babies are coming to visit this weekend. It'll be a birthday bonanza.

A few minutes ago, I thought I had something to say. Bah. At least it's Friday.

I hate when I wake up to life and realize how much time has passed. It makes me sad for all the days I waste. How do I change?

It's going to be a long two months or so. I suppose this is my time to shine, or put forth my best, or whatever. But I'm not intersted in doing that here. Hm.

Life isn't bad; it's quite good. But when I look around, I feel overwhelmed. It's silly, with so many things going so well.

Maybe this is what happens when you don't blog as much anymore.

Da da da

2008-09-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, yes. It's been a while since I last updated. Funny, I have a life now. Mr. Wonderful is all that and more. One of these days, I'll post the sweet story of our meeting and subsequent attachment.

For now, though, it's another day in paradise. 29 is a good age, but I won't keep it forever.

Upcoming excitement: Free admission to the KSC Visitor Complex, Jacksonville's Night Ride and lots of friend birthdays.

One favorite mentions another

2008-09-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

Stuff White People Like on The Onion.

My favorite article and favorite column:
FBI Realizes It's Been Using Black Highlighters All These Years
Someday, I Will Copyedit the Great American Novel

Maybe one day I'll be a headline writer there...

Oh is it any wonder that I'm in the mood for love?

2008-08-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

Wordnerdy is taken.

Maybe for good.

She now understands how these things happen.

Trying to reason with hurricane season

2008-08-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

We've been inundated by rain and wind this week in Space Land. The conservation easement area has water spilling out over its sides. Now, though, TS Fay is dropping water and rain on the Big Bend, with remnants keeping Mr. Sunshine away from our windows.

This little gem is from the NOAA 5 p.m. update (which we read at 4:47...):
...FAY IS NOT IN A HURRY...SLOWLY MOVING WESTWARD...

Fay has taken its sweet time to cross the state, spending hours stalled over Space Land. We need the rain. We so desperately need the rain. But we get tired of rain after a while.

And it looks like Fay will make the Gannett tour anyway. The storm will pass well south of Tallahassee, but that city won't be able to escape the effects. We wonder, if damage is sustained to any newspaper buildings, whether Gannett will lay off more employees to make facility repairs.

Even though Mr. Sunshine isn't visible in the sky, he's visible in the hearts of a couple of redheads, which is no small feat.

All that I have are these to remember you by

2008-08-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I bought an external hard drive, moved over most of my music and photos, and now my computer is flying. Woo-hoo! It's nice that $100 now will give me more time before I *must* buy a laptop. I still want one, but now there isn't so much rush.

I also picked up a digital voice recorder. After quite a bit of research online, I decided on the Olympus DS-30. It comes with transcription and editing software. Sure, I could have bought a recorder for a lot less and bought software separate ... but why not get it all at once and know everything works together?

I'm feeling pretty good about things these days, except for the incessant evening headaches. Likely it's because I've had so much to drink lately. Ugh. What I know is that it causes me pain, and I don't like pain in my head. This week, I also bought a new side chair from a co-worker. Her husband recovered it, and it looks great. It's comfy and well-made. Sweet.

Originally I was thinking of going to Jacksonville this weekend, but I don't want to make the drive. The trip would be good for me, as it always is, but there's the financial part, too. And the fact that I haven't cleaned my bedroom or bathroom or kitchen or solarium in a while. They're overdue.

Funny how inspiration can escape when you have a lot on your mind. These days, I have less on my mind, thanks to getting rid of a car (and a payment, and maintenance, and gas prices, and all that jazz) and getting my finances in more order than I've had in recent years. For the first time since college, I've imagined writing short stories. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't have any story ideas, but picturing myself doing something creative with writing has been on vacation for some time. Additionally, I have some journalism-type stories in mind for a few magazines. It feels good to have these thoughts.

Of course, there are plenty of abandoned craft projects in the hutch behind me. I feel bad about those and the money they required. But I don't think hope is lost on those or any other dreams. Hope is never lost.

It's like I'm always looking for something to fill up my time, nevermind that I have plenty of activities to occupy me at home. Things I still haven't done: Write up a report for work about all that I learned at ACES Denver and St. Pete, Finish putting away the last few files in the drawer, call The Onion about the shirt I returned, return the clear glasses, make the outlines for the glass jars ... I get so busy researching how to do things, then buy the equipment, but I don't take that step and actually Do the work.

Good morning, Viera

2008-08-11T11:27:00.001-07:00

We're blogging live from the Spring Training home of the Washington Nationals. That's right, Wordnerdy has re-entered the world of home Internet access. Look for more updates on such fascinating topics as personal finance, bicycle commuting and Wordnerdy's unending quest for a guy who'll call back.

But for now, Wordnerdy has to take a shower and get ready for work.

1st lede writethru

2008-08-09T15:41:00.000-07:00

Starting Monday (but possibly Tuesday), look for more frequent updates and more interesting topics, as I'll be blogging (and e-mailing, and matching, and maybe even downloading music and uploading photos) from the Viera bureau. Turns out Internet access isn't as much as I first thought. And if roommie decides to use it, too, my cost will be cut in half. Sweet.

In financial news, I'm one year, two months and one day past my last bounced check and accompanying insufficient fund fee. Woo-hoo! To celebrate, I'm getting something valued at $35, the price of my last fee. I'm thinking of a few DVDs in the theme of the "American Dream," such as "Raisin in the Sun" (with Sidney Poitier, of course), "Of Mice and Men" and "The Great Gatsby."

Additionally, I've finally got my checkbook back to balanced. To celebrate, I'm getting something valued at $13, the amount I was off balance. This item will probably be super girly and cute and totally unnecessary, like the wares at Francesca's Closet in the Avenue Viera.

I've always believed in the power of positive reinforcement. No, this is not an excuse for me to go shopping. I've wanted these things, especially the movies, for a while but wouldn't get them because of, well, finances. And now when I watch the movies or use the yet-to-be-determined gee-gaw, I'll remember why I got them, and remember how far I've come financially.

At least one area of my life is doing well. Why can't I say the same about boys???

Mmmmmm, chocolate ...

2008-08-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

How could I forget to mention the bicycle is a good invention

2008-07-15T21:45:00.000-07:00

This blog post should be required reading for all road users, whether they're on two wheels or four.

At some point, I'll update with photos and info on my snazzy bike, which I purchased June 28. Most of my time lately has gone to looking for and buying cool accessories like baskets. The search continues for panniers that a) I like and b) are available for sale.

Also, there are bunches of
blogs about bikes out there.

Go slow.

Thinking and wishing and hoping and dreaming

2008-06-24T23:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's really hard to read PostSecret. Someone else knows how I feel. That makes me want to cry.

It's been rough lately. I don't want to go to Georgia, mostly because I don't want to pay for it. The trip would do me a lot of good, though. Everything's just upside-down. I'm tired of that.

Ladies with an attitude, fellows that were in the mood

2008-06-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

It seems courtesy and manners are no longer in vogue in the dating scene. How unfortunate.

Really, what is so difficult about a quick "no, thanks"? Any medium is better than nothing.

All signs continue to point to me getting away from all this. But wait, I haven't even used one month's worth of my Match subscription! Bah.

I don't know when I'll be back again

2008-06-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

I can fly to my brother's house in North Carolina for under $50. But I can't get from his house to my father's house (or even within 100 miles of my father's house) for less than $500. Nor can I get from my brother's house to my mother's temporary house for less than $500. And I can't get from either parents' house back to my house for less than $115.

The alternative is renting a car for more than a week, plus gas. I hate driving. Especially that far. And especially if there are no passengers.

Forgot about the best bike link

2008-06-14T22:05:00.000-07:00

From The New York Times, March 28, 1898

Fat bottomed girls they'll be riding today

2008-06-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

Today, I made a down payment on a new bike.

After lots of contemplation and comparison and checking and review reading, I settled on Trek's 7200 WSD when I gave it a test ride today at Revolutions Cyclery in Melbourne. Originally, I wanted a mountain bike, but then I discovered the joys of sitting upright while riding, instead of causing pain to my neck, shoulders, elbows and wrists to ride a bike that's about an inch too tall, and too long in other places. By the way, my bike is black with blue flowers. Makes it slightly less girly, I think.

I did not switch to two wheels simply because of gas prices. On Mother's Day, my car was attacked by a tree. It was a total loss.

When I moved to Melbourne last year, I chose my apartment complex because of its proximity to work, just under 3 miles one way. I said then that I wanted to be close enough to ride my bike to work, in case the mood ever struck. It struck once, and I nearly passed out when I got to work because I pushed myself so much on the ride. The mood struck two or three more times before the first year was up, but only for trips to the library when my car was in the shop. The car was in the shop a half-dozen times in the one year that I owned it.

I was pretty happy when the tree fell, as I hated the car. And it forced me to live up to the reasoning I gave for my overpriced apartment.

It took a while to find the 7200 WSD. I looked at Specialized, the maker of my current bike, Giant, other Trek bikes, and Electra. I was especially fond of the Townie Commuter, but the components were inferior to the 7200, and the bike cost more.

My plan was to spend $400 to $500 on the bike, as I knew I'd have to add some things: fenders, a basket, a rack. Plus, I've had a great excuse to get some new clothing (shorter pants and moisture-wicking shirts, so I don't stink at work). Tonight I found valve caps shaped like rockets, perfect for the Space Coast.

It's been interesting looking at all the bikes, test riding them, and reading about bicycle culture. I've found some pretty cool blogs. In Copenhagen, the women ride in skirts and heels. Sweet. My friend Matt runs this blog that makes me miss Jacksonville more than anything.

But I've also read up on Florida's bicycle safety rules. Cyclists can, but aren't required to, ride on sidewalks. Motorists are required to give cyclists three feet of clearance. Cyclists can ride in a travel lane if there is no sufficient bike lane available. Most motorists don't know these things. Most motorists drive like there are no cyclists in the world.

My only regret in getting the bike is that I couldn't buy it from Matt. He's a great salesman and super-nice person. But he's 16 miles away. And the 16 miles include a few bridges.

Lance Armstrong rides a Trek. Of course, he's a roadie -- I'm a hybrid. Lance also wears the same brand of helmet as me, according to his Web site.

Barack Obama has been seen on a Trek, too. Unfortunately, the idiot cowboy king rides Trek, as well. But his cost at least six times more than mine, and I can guarantee that taxpayers didn't contribute to my bike purchase.

There's some talk about how Obama would fare against Bush on the bike. I'm pulling for Obama.

So let's sink another drink

2008-06-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

Update: I'm getting the new laptop first. Dell will stop selling computers with Windows XP on June 30, which means they must be ordered by June 18. I'm not getting Vista. So come Friday, I'll order the laptop.

It gives me more time to decide between the Townie and the 7200, as well.

Why oh why did I get cable? I can't stop watching tv! Roommie and I watched vh1's Return to the 80s 3-D for years 1987-1989. Ah! Too much big hair! Then we watched Star Kid Parents Gone Bad! Eeek!

My mother should be so glad I'm not a famous copy editor like Bill Walsh. I might have emancipated myself from her at 14!

Our house is a very, very, very fine house

2008-06-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

Hello, avid reader(s?)!

This is a first. Today, I'm blogging from home, using the roommate's computer and wireless card. (Thanks, work!) I haven't blogged from home since I left Jacksonville, which was more than a year ago. Wow. It's been a year.

In fact, I'm in the new apartment. That's kinda funny that I never once got online at the old apartment. It seems so weird. But, that's the way the budget crumbles sometimes.

Today, I put together the cheapest, crappiest bookcase I've bought yet. The thing is a real piece of shit. It came with plastic "screws"! Plastic?! How will it hold anything? In fact, the top shelves have a weight limit of 30 pounds each, which I'm sure I've surpassed. (Wordnerds love books, you know.) The one with real screws can hold up to 40 pounds per adjustable shelf, 50 pounds on the stationary shelf and 150 pounds on the bottom shelf. It's not like I bought the thing at Wally World; it was from Target! Ah well. At least I've emptied another six boxes.

The living room is just about complete. All I really have to do now is go through the newspapers ... ugh. And my bedroom is pretty well finished, too. Once I get a few more organizers for the office, the remaining boxes there can be emptied. And roommie has tomorrow off, so it's off to Tar-zhey.

A tree fell on my car on Mother's Day. The tree beat up my car, but nearly as bad as what the vandal in Jacksonville did to Emmie, the Saturn. That poor car was raped. Anyway, I've been biking to work for the better part of a month. I'd like to use the bike for small grocery trips and such, but alas, I have no baskets. Also, the bike's a tad big for me. So I'm getting a new one.

I can't decide between two: the Electra Townie 21 or Trek 7200 WSD. Both have the gearing and braking of a mountain bike, but step-through frames and wheels like a cruiser. They'll both end up around $500 when I add everything on. But the Townie salesman was super nice and that brand has more accessories available, while the Trek has better components. I prefer quality, so I'd like to go with the Trek. Yet I have that "human connection" with the Townie guy, and those accessories are so darn cute. Maybe I'll make a hybrid of a hybrid commuter bike: Get the Trek but add Townie accessories (rack, basket, bell).

The other problem: Only the Trek is within biking distance. Every other shop is at the beach. Over big bridges. And many miles north or south, as well as east.

Two nights ago, I finally paid for a Match.com subscription. Or, membership. Whatever. I've contacted a few guys whom I saw when I first signed up. At least one is interested in talking. Woo-hoo! They're both quite cute, both 33, both love their jobs. One lives nearby, the other is in Winter Park. Eek. One is a Scorpio and the other is a Virgo, both of which are signs that I get along with famously. (Especially Virgos.) So that's exciting. We'll see how it goes. As long as they meet close enough for me to bike.

Greysa's doing fine. She's as starving and as deprived as always, the way she tells it. But now she has someone else to give her love and attention, as long as she's in the mood. Greysa seems to "tolerate" the roommate, not much more.

The only problem with the new apartment, the one that I moved across property for, rather than down the hall, is that is has a real bug problem. I'm sick of these things. I kill more than one each night. The pest guy has sprayed twice, and will do it again this week. I've set out roach motels. I've bought spray.

They're crawling out from under the bar. I've even seen some in the dishwasher -- ewwww! I really want maintenance to come by and rip up the bar, drop a bug bomb or spray the hell out of them, patch whatever hole they're coming from, and seal down the bar. (The bar isn't sitting flat right now.) It's so disgusting. And I'm beyond over it.

I guess that catches me up on quite a bit. Once we get Internet at home (and I get my next new toy, a laptop), I'll post photos from the past year, like John Denver the snowman, cakes I've baked, the new apartment view, etc. Oh, and photos of Greysa. Of course.

Vroom vroom!

2008-06-08T20:52:00.001-07:00

I'm a Lotus Elise!

You believe in maximum performance and minimum baggage. You like to travel light and fast, hit the corners hard, and dance like there's no tomorrow.

"Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

I understand

2008-06-07T20:09:00.001-07:00

I first heard about PostSecret sometime in 2004, I think. Or maybe 2005. I only remember who told me about it, so it must have been in 2004.

I haven't been faithful at reading the posts on a weekly basis, but I get back to them every once in a while.

The secrets so many people have shared are amazing. I've long thought about sending one in, but I don't know what my secret is.

PostSecret is traveling the country in an exhibit. The roommate and I are going to see it tomorrow before I come to work. Before we decided that, though, I had to make sure the museum would be open. I made my way back to the PS page and found the community, where I learned about the beginning of the project.

Then I read the above postcard. Suddenly, I began to understand. Not just the secrets, but myself. The questions I always have. The questions that are all wrong.

It's been an enlightening day, and not just because of PostSecret. I want to find the thoughtful questions.

Sometimes it's nice to know about advertising

2008-05-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

MEMORIAL DAY AUTO SECTION

Memorial Day Auto Section will publish Monday, May 26. This 36-page section will showcase 23 of the local auto dealers and their new and used auto inventory. All dealers are offering big sales, free food and prizes, as well as fantastic pricing! Definitely a great weekend to buy a new car!

From the internal Weekly News Summary, sent out by HR. They must know something. Now to work out the financing on this. I haven't driven it yet, but it looks cute and I want to give it a go. Also this and of course
this and this, my favorite car.

Just overheard on the scanner

2008-05-23T00:03:00.000-07:00

A tow truck picked up a vehicle from somewhere (accident site? repossession? don't know) and the vehicle fell off the back of the tow truck. The driver put it back on the truck without filing a report with police, according to the officer calling in the incident.

Wow.

On a side note, why in the hell am I still here at 3 a.m.? I need to go to my new apartment and empty the rental car (a PT Cruiser, which I would never buy) and go to bed so I can get up "early" tomorrow and do all my errands while I still have a car.

No title for now

2008-05-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

Life is funny. Crazy shit happens to me and, sometimes, I can handle it with a laugh. Like the car thing. It's busted, again. I'm so over this car. But getting the phone call and seeing it made me laugh. It could have been a lot worse, so that made things easier.

But my mom was worried when I told her. I reminded her that I don't have her luck. My luck is more like "what the fuck just happened, oh well, I'll survive," not "the world is coming to an end." Maybe that's a sign of the benefit of 10 years of therapy. I certainly prefer this attitude to its opposite, which I have occasionally experienced.

The answer is blowin' in the wind

2008-05-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

Today I got a phone call from the apartment complex office. I'm getting ready to move to the other side of the property (and take on a roommate), so it was an expected call. Until the lady started speaking.

Apartment Lady: Have you looked outside today?
Wordnerdy: Noooo...
AL: You know, there's been a lot of wind today.
WN: Oh yeah, I saw that. I thought it looked kind of pretty.
AL: We're trying to figure out who the owner of a car is.
WN: Oh. Why?
AL: A tree fell on a car.
WN: Is it a gold Malibu?
AL: Yes, it is. I'm sorry about your car. We've sent maintenance out to put cones around the damage. You need to go outside and call your insurance company.

It's now how I wanted to start the day. But I am so glad I finally called Progressive last night.

Mostly, I just laughed about the whole thing. It's funny in an ironic way. And it wasn't as bad as it could have been, by far. (There's no Your car will never run again-type obvious damage.)

Here's a photo, thanks to Kinappie.

Seriously?

2008-05-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

On Monday, the president disclosed that Jenna will say "I do" near a lake at the ranch — in front of a giant cross made of Texas limestone that will serve as an altar. The cross will be a landmark at the ranch for years to come. The president said that was his contribution to the wedding that the Bushes are trying to keep a low-key affair.

Go here for more wedding excitement.

But wait, there's more ...

When he first talked about it, the president didn't seem all that nostalgic about seeing one of his daughters marry. When Hager said "I want to marry your daughter,' Bush said he replied, "Done deal."

We can beat them, just for one day; We can be Heroes, just for one day

2008-04-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

No. 1 gets Testy.

I'm so glad we finally met. Maybe I can get his comments made into a poster. And autographed.

You know, I'm way tired of sensitive newspaper reporters whose badly written copy we make publishable. I've been hearing their whining for decades and it's only getting worse.

Rarely does a copy editor screw around significantly with the work of a good writer. Often, attempts to fix unpublishable copy fail, but that's hardly the copy desk's fault.

It's always the crappy writers who complain, and their insecure editors who back them. We shouldn't be trying to justify our work. We should just be doing it, and counting on our desk chiefs to cover our backs. We don't want or need thanks and praise. We just need to be left alone to do our work.

Good Christ, this isn't literature we're committing here. Even most Pulitizer-winning stories, products of great reporting, aren't particularly well-written. Readers are not impressed with failed flourishes. They are killing us.

Feel the city breakin' and ev'rybody shakin' and we're stayin' alive, stayin' alive

2008-04-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

I was going to post some photos from Denver, but someone took home my photo disc, even after I specifically requested that it be returned to my desk after work.

Close enough to perfect for me

2008-04-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks, William.

He always makes me lapse into a comma

2008-04-21T20:08:00.001-07:00

Spotted as a comment by a friend on a blog by another copy editor (and I'll soon be a regular reader of the blog):

One of the most disconcerting things about attending ACES conferences is having stunningly attractive young women run up to me … and beg me to take pictures of them with Bill Walsh.

Oh, Jim. You're so good at taking those photos.

Here's a link to the original post.

And since we've no place to go

2008-04-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

Go here to learn about the best part of the trip to Denver.

More here, too.

Why wait any longer for the world to begin, you can have your cake and eat it, too

2008-04-16T17:46:00.000-07:00

Bill Walsh, copy editing celebrity, spilled wine on me at last year's Word Nerd Fest. This year, we hung out a bit. He complimented my karaoke choice of Bob Dylan's ungrammatical masterpiece, "Lay Lady Lay."

Last night, I discovered that he has driven through my hometown. And now we're e-mailing about it.

Wow.

***

Photos and updates of Word Nerd Fest 2008 to come. If ever Wordnerdy empties her suitcase and downloads her photos.

Follow-up yet again

2008-04-03T19:04:00.001-07:00

Some white people place room in their hearts for typography-inspired April Fool's jokes.

That's the sound of screeching tires

2008-04-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

which means a sudden halt.

SWPL (see previous post) has been purchased by Target. It's gonna be one big ad. Fuck.

Not cool.

Sellout.

This almost *ALMOST* makes me want to link to the site, just so the writers can see how angry I am about this. Of course, linking means learning how to link. Or at least taking the time to use Bloggers linking tool.

Stuff and Things People Like. Or Not.

2008-03-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

Dear god, I'm here late. It's one of those "worm holes" you fall into online.

First, it was What White People Like.

Then I found Ten Rap Songs White People Love. And 10 Rock Songs Black People Love.

A few days ago, it was What Queer People Like.

Tonight, it was What Educated Black People Like, Stuff Black People Hate ... and maybe another? I don't even remember now. But they're all hilarious. And full of satire. And I don't know how any of the random "you're a racist" posters don't get it.

Oh yeah, and What White People Like will be available in book form.

If you don't know, you're just not white. Or something.

Don't know what to call this

2008-03-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, then. It's been a while.

My eye is healing up nicely as far as I can tell. No permanent damage after a co-worker friend short-term roommate hit me with the nylon strap attached to a furniture dolly eight days ago. Today is the first day that I haven't worn sunglasses at work to cut the bright glow from fluorescent lights and a computer screen.

But I'm having some pain in the abdominal area from two skin biopsies. The stitches will be removed Thursday. This is interesting thing, the stitches. I've had other biopsies but never wire stitches, always the butterly suture things that allow the skin to heal closed without sewing. We'll see how it goes.

Last night I downloaded all the photos in my camera, dating to the Jacksonville trip in December. Maybe one day I'll post the cooking photos in a blog here.

There's a new job at work. I'm now the business designer. It's been interesting, as I do little copy editing. And little designing, too.

The search continues for a potential future long-term boyfriend. Why can't I just settle? Damn. I know I wouldn't be happy then, but god this is getting annoying. I blame the one who reset the thermometer.

Another sweet horoscope

2008-02-26T16:48:00.000-08:00

You are always smart enough to be careful in business deals, but how careful have you been in romantic negotiations? Past pain could have been caused by careless generosity, so if you want to prevent yourself from getting hurt again in the future, go slower. A new person is an exciting thing, but what's your hurry? They are interested -- and they are not going anywhere unless you tell them to. Don't give them only green lights when yellow would be much more appropriate (for now).

Best. Onion. Story. Ever.

2008-02-18T21:32:00.001-08:00

CIA Realizes It's Been Using Black Highlighters All These Years

Everybody wants my money

2008-02-15T23:15:00.000-08:00

Let's see, a few people have told me that Yahoo personals is free. Nope, sorry, try again. I can send free "ice breakers" but if I want to send an e-mail, I have to subscribe. Just like Match. WTF? I already have e-mail with Yahoo! Why must I pay? Yahoo, I've been so loyal, for almost 10 years! I haven't left you for Gmail! Give a girl a break!

On an unrelated note, I'm thinking of going back to LiveJournal. I really liked all of LJ's features and only switched because all the cool kids were doing it. I hear Wordpress has cool additional features, though I don't know what those are. Anyway, I'll need to investigate the current state of LJ, since SixApart was sold a few months ago, or split, or something.

The sound of silence

2008-02-15T00:57:00.000-08:00

Apparently, I don't want to go home.

Why?

Beats me.

IT's 3:57 a.m. I should be asleep.

On Tuesday, I didn't fall asleep until 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Maybe I should keep Saturday off.

Can I get some answers, please? Not only from the question above, but life answers. Like those I've asked in previous blogs, and those many, many questions rolling about in my head.

Damn.

Fuck.

I'm an American typewriter. You?

2008-02-14T21:59:00.000-08:00

Tell me your type.

Folo on Cupid

2008-02-14T21:26:00.000-08:00

No, that's not a typo. In journalism, it's cq for follow-up.

Anyway...

Well, I was going to post a link to the FLAT story about an "incident" from late Friday (technically Saturday). This could be what kept the boy in Downtown, but doesn't explain why he Still. Hasn't. Called. And. Today is. Thursday.

In brief, a man was beaten in the parking lot near the place where the boy said he was. He said his car was in the parking lot. This man was beaten up some time after his third drink at the bar, and possibly because he's gay.

I know. It doesn't explain anything. In fact, it raises questions, and maybe red flags.

Reading the story was tough. It made me so angry; this man did not deserve this. No person does. The cop said the man was bleeding so heavily, it seemed that he had been shot. All, possibly, because of the man's sexual orientation.

Another thing that angers me: I asked the reporter on Saturday what happened. "We don't have a record of anything. If we did, I'd follow it up, trust me." This reporter is a friend. And this story, in tomorrow's paper, is the first we've covered on this story that I've known about since late Friday night. Looking at it that way, I'm greatly bothered that we dropped the ball. My boss said Metro has been told the cops reporters do a crappy job, and Metro doesn't change. Metro doesn't care.

How can we be taken seriously when we can't do what are considered basic stories? The cops beat is typically the first rung on the reporting ladder. Maybe it shouldn't be, with all the liability from libel, but it is. And we don't care about it.

I should not have worked on V-day.

Cupid misses yet again

2008-02-11T21:19:00.000-08:00

My new friend is out. I have no idea what happened. He was supposed to visit after work Saturday. I still haven't heard from him. Apparently, there was a crime scene (that wasn't in the paper) and his car was stuck. What. Ever. (Yes, of course I've already checked the jail log. And checked with the weekend reporters about "incidents.")

I don't care for V-day anyway. I've been burned on that day in the past, and also later had redeeming holidays filled with love and sweetness. And then those relationships ended, too, so the day goes back to bittersweet memories of this guy's dinner or that guy's flowers. I'm over it. No sense in spending so much on candy and flowers that will be half-price on the 15th.

Besides, it's my dad's birthday.

So no cards, hearts, ribbons, lace, chocolates. Although I've thought about bringing goodies for the desk to enjoy ... Not before the 15th, for sure.

All this and I still dream of flowers on my desk from a secret admirer. Damn romantic heart.

I want to know if love is wild, girl, I want to know if love is real

2008-02-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

Today, I was a Giants fan. It went against one of my rules: cheer for the Jags' conference team (AFC = Patriots). But the Giants were the underdogs and Coughlin is the Jags' former coach. And my new friend loves the Giants. And I think all my NY cousins do, too, since my mom was a Giants fan today. Offense didn't wake up until the last five minutes, but they got it done. Hell yeah.

Lots going on lately. Boy oh. I met five boys in three days. What? It took five months to meet two boys when I first moved. There's some serious possibility in there, too. Crazy feelings I didn't think were possible. Maybe my luck did turn with bowling.

Here's a sweet song I just discovered. Sweet as in awesome. By Third Eye Blind:

MOTORCYCLE DRIVE BY

Summer time and the wind is blowing outside in lower Chelsea.
And I don't know what I'm doing in this city,
The sun is always in my eyes,
It crashes through the windows, And I'm sleeping on the couch,
When I came to visit you,
That's when I knew, That I could never have you,
I knew that before you did,
Still I'm the one who's stupid,
And there's this burning, Like there's always been,
I've never been so alone, And I've never been so alive.
Visions of you on a motorcycle drive by,
The cigarette ash flies in your eyes, And you don't mind,
you smile,
And say the world doesn't fit with you.
I don't believe you, You're so serene.
Careening through the universe, Your axis on a tilt, You're guiltless and free,
I hope you take a piece of me with you,
And there's things I would like to do that you don't believe in,
I would like to build something, Buy you'll never going see it happen,
And there's this burning, Like there's always been,
I've never been so alone, And I've,
I've never been so alive,

And there's this burning, There is this burning ay ay ay.
Where's the soul. I want to know, New York City is evil.
The surface is everything, but I could never do that,
Someone would see through that.
And this is the last time, We'll be friends again.
I'll get over you, you'll wonder, who I am.
And there's this burning, Just like there's always been,
I've never been so alone, alone, alive, alive, I've never been so alive, so alive

I go home to the coast. It starts to rain, I paddle out on the water alone,
Taste the salt and taste the pain. I'm not thinking of you again,
Summer dies and swells rise,
The sun goes down in my eyes,
See this rolling wave,
Darkly coming to take me home,

And I never been so alone, And I've never been so alive.

Test, test, 1-2-3, is this thing on?

2008-01-19T21:22:00.001-08:00

New music arrived. TMF albums are fabulous, of course. Next up is FBH. I *heart* Stephin Merritt.

Please, make it stop

2008-01-14T15:42:00.000-08:00

Youth pregnancy is not just a modern problem: It affected dinosaurs too

Not quite what I was looking for

2008-01-13T22:59:00.000-08:00

but it's awesome anyway. And no, Greysa, this does not mean I'll favor the vacuum over you. The vacuum sucks, and not in the way it's suppposed to do.

http://dndorks.com/article/6/Page1.aspx

Houston, we have liftoff

2008-01-13T22:07:00.000-08:00

Woohoo! I'm publishing again. We upgraded to IE7 at work. I like the Mac look and the tabs, but I'm quite happy about the return to blogger.

Check out Kinappie's blog: www.offlede.com

I just bought three CDs courtesy of Gannett's health awareness quiz:
The Magnetic Fields' Distortion (available Tuesday!) and Holiday, and Future Bible Heroes' Memories of Love. I heart Stephin Merritt. As I've said before on other blogs, if he wanted to make babies with a woman, I'd be first in line.

A few nights ago when I couldn't sleep, I came up with the great idea to drive to Kansas City in April, instead of flying. Mostly because I want to make two stops in Mississippi. Then I remembered that I hate the drive to Jacksonville, and then I remembered that Lou and I will drive from KC to Denver. I haven't completely given up the idea, but at least today I'm realizing that it's not the best plan. Because I'd still have to drive 1,400 miles back to Florida.

If I really want to drive somewhere, why not all the fabulous places around sunny Florida that I've never visited? Like Cassadaga, Cypress Gardens, Apalachicola, the Everglades, the Okeefenokee, Plant City, Mount Dora, and, of course, Key West. But not the damn mouse.

Hmmmm, sounds like a good book ... "New Roadside America: The Modern Traveler's Guide to the Wild and Wonderful World of America's Tourist" or maybe "America Bizarro: A Guide to Freaky Festivals, Groovy Gatherings, Kooky Contests, and Other Strange Happenings Across the USA" or still "Weird Florida" and "Visiting Small Town Florida."

Soooo, what else is new? It's up and down for me. NASA doesn't know when it will launch another shuttle. My mom's returning from the frozen, snowy north in two weeks. (She hasn't been counting down or anything.) I should have a couch in about 10 days, as well as a tea cart, craft cabinet, side chair, bench, and a few other nice pieces that will give guests a damn place to sit. I might just throw a party.

It seems there are no songs about barbecue. How sad.

2007-12-29T10:43:00.000-08:00

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- North Florida begins to look like fall in late December. The sycamore and oak leaves begin to turn red, while the various vines turn a lovely golden color. It isn't like Maine, but we take what we can get in the land of pines of palms. Also, it's quite warm up here. I wore a short-sleeved shirt yesterday until sundown, then put on a fleece sweater.

Been in the Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Statistical Area since Thursday, and I've seen my brother, father, stepmother and her family. Last night, we went to Bono's Barbecue for dinner. Bono's is a Jacksonville-based restaurant that makes ribs, chicken and pork just how I like it: dripping in sweet sauce and falling off the bone.

Before leaving Melbourne, I had dinner at Dustin's Barbecue, a place with most locations in Volusia County. Dustin's is like Sonny's, only not as good. The portions are smaller, the price is higher, the beans are too soupy; the sweet tea and sliced pork were excellent, though. There just wasn't enough for the price tag. Melbourne just can't do barbecue. Maybe it's the red tide. Or the lagoon. Or the flame trench. Or the proliferation of space and defense contractors. Anyway, the meat's usually too dry.

Sonny's, of course, is my personal favorite of chains with many locations. It was the second-nicest restaurant in Bradford County and was started in Gainesville, so it holds a special place in my heart.

While here in Actionville, though, I'd like to visit Jenkins Quality Barbecue. It's my favorite Jax place. There's something kind of thrilling about knowing I could be shot while waiting for my half-chicken dinner with mixed sauce. (OK, there really is not.) Plus, I always get a second chicken for James, my homeless friend over by the Karpeles Museum. I'm overdue for checking on him.

OK, I need to get ready and go meet my dad. Don't know what we're doing today.

*If you know of any songs about barbecue, send them my way. Long-term readers will know my titles are usually song lyrics relating to the theme of the post.

Fiiiiiiive gooooooold riiiings, BA DUM DUM DUM

2007-12-21T00:37:00.000-08:00

Recently, I've been thinking about an old Christmas album featuring The Muppets and John Denver. I'm not sure what brought it on, but I've really got an itch now to pick up the disc or the LP. Well, I'd love to have the LP but I wouldn't be able to listen to it.

Earlier, I found it on Amazon for less than $10. I have the chance to get a $25 online gift card and had been considering Amazon; now it's set. What was the hook that pulled me offstage like The Great Gonzo? The samples of each song. Unfortunately, it doesn't include the best part of "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

It took me back to hear just those snippets, though. I could see my childhood living room, trees from years past, could see my brother and parents decorating and all of us singing together. I miss those days more than I miss a big city. It's very likely that I'll cry the first time I listen to the album.

I hate Murdoch and Fox News, but man, I love the cartoons on Fox

2007-12-20T00:58:00.000-08:00

Hey there, hi there ho there Blogger neighbors. In Jacksonville (PVB, actually) and look, I can update this here bloggy. Amazing. Looks like something in the new work computer doesn't like Blogger. Grrrr.

So what's happened since the last update? Oy, hard to say now. My mom's in CT being a nurse, snowed in, and doesn't want to see snow for the rest of her life. Which, according to something she told my brother, may only be 10 more years. Excuse me? WTF? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, we're not 10-4.

Tonight I did most of the laundry and burned all the photo CDs. I could mail them tomorrow if I didn't still have so many cards to write. That's the thing about weekends: I have so much I want to accomplish, yet I want nothing more than to relax. Well, this time next week, I'll be on vacation. Yee-haw!

Speaking of vacay, I still don't have anything planned. I'm going to a concert in ORL on the 30th, but nothing else is really set. My dad said he might be in Jax, but that's not certain. I want to have some kind of post-Christmas swap your bad gift/ swap secret gifts/ white elephant ornament party. I haven't yet picked the theme (or the date), but it should be after I bring down the furniture.

For so long, I couldn't sleep at night. Now, I'm barely making it past 4 a.m. This is a good thing. This means I should go to bed NOW.

I got a lumbar rest for work and used it while driving to Jax. I think I'll get one for the car. It was quite nice.

My brother and I watched "The Simpsons Movie." It was awesome.

My brother's new monitor is gargantuan. I told him I should have such a thing at work. I think the width is equal to my television at home (25"). Crazy.

On this weekend's agenda: Get new glasses at brother's work, have photos taken with brother downtown, go shooting with Matt in the evening of pretty Jax "night lights," maybe deliver old photos to friends and family of exes -- photos that friends and family would want, meaning none of me and lots of them, write cards to be mailed with CDs and put in mail, write the rest of the cards, check mail at old mailbox, drive to Melly on Friday. Can I do it all? Probably not. Most of it would be fabulous. I should go to bed so I can get started. Heh.

I'll try to update some more while I can. Miss me when I can't update!

And another one come and another one gone, another one bites the dust

2007-11-12T20:57:00.000-08:00

So the boy and I are off. It's OK, we really are different. And we were never more than dating, so it's not heartbreak city.

But his method was effed. It can only be topped by Masshole's '05 ender. Harry Caray said, "I knew a few days ago I just wanted to be friends, but I waited until today because I knew I'd see you at this party." In the meantime, of course, I was wracking my brain about why he wasn't calling.

Lately I've been reading a lot. And I'm trying to limit my selections so that I'm actually reading and not just accumulating library fines. On the shelf now:

The Manual

Three Black Skirts

I saw this next one in the bookstore today. The chapter titles sold me:
Do I want to date right now? I don't know ... Maybe
Insecurity kills more relationships than infidelity
You are what you hate
The right to change your mind should be revoked

Why You're Still Single

Of course, that's not the book I went in for. Neither is the astrology guide (plus CD-ROM!) but that's OK. How often can you find books on cognitive-behavioral therapy in Books A Million? I may just have to get those two from Amazon. Which means saving money.

Ah, money, how I hate thee.

I wish I could get my head on straight. I'm so much better off than I've been in the past, but it doesn't dampen the craziness I feel right now. It's to the point that any regular daily habit is being pushed to every other day. All I do at home is sleep and read a little bit. My poor cat really is being neglected. OK, not really, but she acts especially desperate.

Case in point (for general malaise, not cat): It took me a week to finally do my laundry. The night I did it, I put away the pants. A few days later, I put away the undies and sheets. The shirts are still sitting on my bed, stacked and getting covered in cat hair.

I can see all obstacles in my way

2007-11-05T23:17:00.000-08:00

I'm having more trouble seeing lately. Been staring at the screen more since picking up pagination duties. Troubling, actually. Causing sentences to fragment.

At least today I got a giant good catch, albeit too late to do much. (It's never too late? Well, maybe.) I noticed a few conflicts between a story and a cutline I was working on after 11 p.m. This happens regularly, as any copy editor knows. My boss decided to look into one of them, and wouldn't you know, the information couldn't be verified through the property appraiser's Web site. And gosh, the reporter didn't even include the address in the story. (It's in a fact box ... but still.)

After I'd finished the story, I went to the clerk of courts Web site. Interesting. The people in the story -- they're raising money to refurbish a building and make it a community center or some such -- went to court earlier this year with two different banks about foreclosure. More research: They were in court a few years ago with another church.

I printed out the info and left copies for the Metro desk. We'll see where it goes.

Checked both your sign and mine in the back of the New York Post

2007-10-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

The stars were spot-on over the weekend.

Saturday, October 27:

You need to open your mind or heart just a wee bit more to that new person or idea. Somehow, it's right for you, even if it might not be exactly what you had in mind. Things can change for the better.

Friday, October 26:

You are more in touch with your home than you have been in quite some time and you may want to try spending more time there, if possible. If there're any chores you've put off, now is the time to tackle them.

And so I cry somethimes when I'm lying in bed just to get it all out what's in my head

2007-10-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

The best financial story I've read in a while

Of course; it's from the Times. It's not so much that it's about rich people and their money. It reminds me of a quote I heard a year or so ago that has stuck with me: "If rich people spent money the way poor people think they do, they wouldn't be rich." At first, I didn't know how that worked, but I understood the meaning. This article helps me get a peek. It's so good I printed it and will use it as a guide.

Plus, it reminds of what good journalism looks like.

(By the way, thanks to all for the comments and encouragement in my last money-related post. I started to feel better just reading those! And yes, I am stronger. I just needed a reminder.)

***

The weekend was lovely. Miss Holly Golightly was escorted about town by the debonair Mister Harry Caray. Few people recognized either of us, unfortunately, but we had a dashing time nonetheless. Photographs to come when madame downloads and uploads and burns and carries and all. Don't look for them for a while, in fact.

***

We're running a big series this week about a poor, blighted neighborhood. Surely it will win awards it doesn't deserve, thanks to the intense editing of the copy desk. And we'll never get any recognition. That's OK, except that those on the metro side will believe it's because of them that it's so great. Oh well. Another day in paradise.

"One of the great things about being a copy editor is freedom from the vulgar desire for public recognition."

***

The fellow behind Mr. Caray is quite nice and darling. Smart, funny, likes to cook, sing and dance. Brought soup and chocolate cake when I wasn't feeling well today. How delightful!

Today's songs include: 4 Non Blondes' "What's Going On," The Pixies' "Where is my Mind," Elvis Presley's "All Shook Up." It's been a strange day. I've had vertigo of faculties other than balance: I read things wrong, don't see stuff that's there, can't speak clearly. Weird.

The more you suffer the more it shows you really care

2007-10-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you have no control over your life? Like no matter what you try, how much you plan, it will always come undone?

I don't simply mean the crazy, unexpected things in life, like a car axle breaking or a bridge collapsing. I'm talking about in the simple, macroscopic, worm's view minutiae of life.

Like when you get paid and you think, hm, I wonder if I'll have enough to pay all the bills. Because you a) don't have a budget or b) use it halfway or c) "know that some crazy shit will come up because it always does."

Or You walk into a store and think, I wonder if I'll walk out with empty hands.

Maybe lack of control isn't the right way to express it. Or maybe that's perfect: Maybe it's a lack of self control.

How do you deal with this? (Please, no "just talk yourself out of it," because that hasn't worked yet.)

Thanks.

I'm on your side and so alive it isn't real

2007-10-21T21:03:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it's good to review yesterday's horoscope when it turned out to be a good day. What do you know?

Your heart is going to leap at some point today, but you should make sure that you keep your wits about you as you respond to the stimulus. You can make things work to your advantage, but only by using your head.

Hm. So far, so good. Accurate. How nice.

Going to Jacksonville last week seems to have duplicative benefits. It's better than spa treatment.

Oh, Ryan. I can't get your words out of my head. Maybe -- maybe, if I don't let myself get carried away -- it will actually be worth it this time.

Maybe that was your first mistake

2007-10-19T21:17:00.001-07:00

In a story ...

The participants could choose food or the chance to read a newspaper as a reward.

Istanbul was Constantinople, now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople

2007-10-18T22:42:00.000-07:00

PONTE VEDRA BEACH -- Hello from (slightly outside of) Jacksonville! It's my second night here and I'd have checked many more things off my to do list had I not been sick this morning. Ah well. A great night at The Pearl is better than anything.

My baby bro and I went to our favorite bar and killed the place. I was so happy to be there; I was smiling the whole night and admiring all the new stuff on the walls. The DJ played everything I requested and gave me a whole list of music to find.

The craziest thing was that one of the bartenders -- who's been serving me beer since late 2002 -- told my brother, a friend of his, that I'm hot. Really? All of a sudden? After nearly five years? Maybe it was the smile. Maybe it was the black pants, black tank and grey heels. Whatever. He kept saying things like, "Josh, mind if I'm your brother-in-law" and asking me if I'd like to move to Oregon. It was ... interesting. The part that still blows me away is that I've "known" this guy longer than my brother has. Hell, I introduced Josh to the bar!

The only downside was that when we left, someone had broken into Josh's car. He called the insurance company and I called the cops. And I went back inside for water, whereupon the DJ told me it's a bad neighborhood. I replied, "it's coming back, it's not as bad as it used to be, oh, and I used to live around here. Don't start with me about the dangers of the neighborhood."

I crashed at my brother's house, so very happy with sore feet from dancing like crazy to beautiful indie music.

Today, instead of driving around Jax to do my 10,000 errands, I slept, puked, slept, and finally awoke to pack up dishes, crystal, and random other things to take back to Melly. Mom's going to be a travel nurse, if she can ever get the contract together. And maybe by Turkey Day I'll have the money to get all my future furniture!

Maybe, too, at Thanksgiving I'll hit the Pearl three nights instead of one. Oh, wait, maybe I have to adjust the beer intake. Or the meds. Or whatever. Must get my indie fix!!!

And with the last breath we ever take we're gonna get back to the simple life again

2007-10-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

Well that just took some of the thrill out of it. But it's totally awesome nonetheless!

Audrey Costumes Here!

Cigarette holder for $7, and I don't have to search all over town? Get out!

You say the world has come between us

2007-10-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

I tried on my black dresses last night. I won't wear the one I referred to in the previous post, but probably will wear the other one. It's not flattering, for some reason, but I have some ideas on how to fix that. At least it's long enough without being too long.

I'm so excited about Halloween! Mr. Social Secretary knows I have the night off and knows to keep me informed on what the plan is. While in Jax this week, I want to hit up some of the consignment and antiques stores for lovely pearls. Also, I've been viewing photos of Ms. Hepburn as Miss Golightly online for inspiration, and will print some to carry with me while shopping.

Dear Jim Thomsen, if you ever get caught up with my blog, I know you will be SHOCKED and AMAZED that I will dress for Halloween as a character portrayed by Audrey Hepburn.

Still cannot remember all those divine little posts. I need to write them down next time they come to mind.

In other news, Jr and I met for lunch today. It's the first time in -- weeks? months? -- a while that I've gotten up at 12:30. Hell, gotten up before 2:30. Old Navy is having a big sale. Must be careful not to go overboard! Only one pair of jeans! One pair of khakis!

I'm also looking forward to picking up my film, slides and diopter later this week. Hooray for my spiffy news series!

And I said, "Well, that's the one thing we've got"

2007-10-13T23:45:00.000-07:00

So what do you plan to be for Halloween?

I'm thinking of Holly Golightly. One thing holding me back, though, is whether I want to wear my black dress. It's nice, a little big, though. It has a small train on the back. Perfectly Holly.

But do I want to wear that to a Halloween Street Party, with lots of drunk people and spilled alcohol and dirt?

Well, I bought it in 1998. And I know I've worn it once. Maybe twice.

Maybe I shouldn't be so stuck on it getting dirty. It's not getting much wear.

Now I just need to find long black gloves, fabulous pearl and diamond costume jewelry, and, most importantly, a cigarette holder.

Or I could go with Holly from the opening sequence, with a croissaint and coffee. Or I could get this from Fred Flare and do an all-movie thing.

I truly do want to get a sleep mask, though. The sunlight coming in at 8:30 a.m. is why I have interrupted sleep, I bet.

I know I won't be leaving here with you

2007-10-13T22:38:00.000-07:00

Another blog composed in my head and forgotten at work. So here's some other stuff.

Jr. and I hung out for a while last night. (Jr. is my handle for the new kid on the desk.) We tried to get to a downtown bar I've wanted to visit, but the bouncer wouldn't let us in at 1:29 a.m. So we walked around downtown and talked.

There were some boys at the Pita Pit and we made some brief conversation while watching the NLCS, then Jr. and I left. The boys left soon after and I really thought they'd stop and talk. One was quite cute. It's funny, the more we're together, the less I am physically attracted to him. I guess I'm successfully convincing myself that I don't date co-workers. Or I see him as my Jr/brother type. Or something. Anyway, we split at 4:15 a.m.

As for the FsansWB, well ... We shared a late pizza a few nights ago. We got to talking some and it was nice and friend-like. But he said something while we were on the phone that has pretty well sealed the deal in terms of me ever being interested again.

There's this softball team. At first, I had no desire to play, as I'm not very good at catching, throwing or hitting. Then, after watching the team for a few weeks, I thought I might like to join. It seemed like a fun way to get active. This is a co-ed team, and at least three females must be on the team, otherwise you get an out each time the third female would have bat. Well, I was informed that this particular team will never have more than three "girls" play at once, because the team is *that* competitive. In a co-ed league.

Anyone who knows me -- and granted, few of the readers do -- can imagine the look on my face when I heard this. So I think I'll stop attending games altogether. I'm well on my way, since I didn't go this week because of a bad phone call that got me all worked up, and next week, I'll be in Jacksonville. Now, it's also possible only FsWB and his roommate know about this plan. But I think the female who started the team would be upset to know this, and the female who owns the store that sponsors the team might also be surprised.

One more thing. When I missed the softball game this week, two people were concerned and asked why I wasn't there. Neither of them was the guy I got hung up on.

I've really not had much desire to call him or see him or anything. That's a good feeling. I think I'm coming to my senses.

Now if I could just cut out the screaming woman who wants to be held ....

*Edited one time for possible bad move*

Monday you could fall apart, Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart

2007-10-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

When I'm at home, I think of lots of things to blog about. When I'm at work (and have Internet access), I forget everything.

In the last few weeks, I've taken on more responsibility at work. I'm now designing inside wire pages. This week, I'm working on state pages four of five days.

Tonight was rough. Maybe because I had the curmudgeonly fellow on my back. It's so hard to work with him. I think it's a generational difference in work style and criticism style. But in any event, I always reach a point in the night when I want to kill him. It came earlier than normal tonight.

The thing I hate about taking on new work is the slowness everything gets. I suddenly feel like I don't know what I'm doing. I change things throughout the night. I can't get things to work right. I get started later and later, and rush to finish and can't get it done without lots of help. And I don't get to edit and write headlines.

In other news, though, later this week I'll be going out on the town with a reporter friend. We both need to move on from our obsessions and find new, mature, males who are worthy of our attention. And wouldn't you know, today I saw somebody in the newsroom who is incredibly handsome. We have totally opposite schedules. I don't even know who he's under in the newsroom, whether it's opinion or watchlist or what. But he's hot. And I don't date co-workers. Hm.

And I also need not get into obsessions. Why do it? Effin A. I don't think I want a boyfriend, until I think about how nice it would be to talk to someone regularly who cares about my work day (at least enough to let me vent), cares about my dreams, holds me tight when I feel bad, loves my cat, my cat loves him, who'll make me dinner and let me spoil him, who wants to spend time with me and doesn't care how many medications I take. Who just supports me and loves me. Yeah, I want a boyfriend.

Al Green said it best: I'm so tired of being alone. And that's just it. I feel alone. Maybe if I didn't feel alone and isolated, I wouldn't feel this need for a boyfriend. But the other side is: Why fight the urge? I know I want to have a long-term relationship someday, I know I want to have kids someday; if today's the first day (of my life, thanks Bright Eyes), why not let it be (thanks Beatles). Hm, how long can I keep up the music lines?

I'm tired. I'll stop now. Any advice from my two readers?

Thank you, Dr. Angelou

2007-09-30T20:39:00.000-07:00

I am woman,
phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I read the poem at least three times today. It's hard to feel bad about yourself when hearing words of empowerment and strength and beauty and grace.

With your feet in the air and your head on the ground

2007-09-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

Damn damn damn damn.

I'm getting ahead of myself. Not supposed to like this much.

Damn.

As a cool side benefit, though, I'm pretty well hooked up with Krispy Kreme now.

Honey, it's how ya makin money boys call ya hell on high heels

2007-09-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

It's almost time to go. So it's almost time to make a call for advice. Hoorah.

I went to a chiropractor today and got an adjustment, among other things. I don't quite feel fully better, but that's to come soon enough. I have a massage scheduled on Wednesday.

I also have dinner scheduled. It will be exciting -- my first dinner guest in Melbourne. I'm thrilled, but I have a lot of cleaning to do.

Still, though, I'm avoiding things. Well, not entirely, that's what the phone call is for. But I just don't know what to do. Can't I just put everybody in a blender, or remake a boy with clay or something?

When is the right time to call? Not in the Tomcats, three days sense, but how long is too long? I'm walking a tight rope with two right now. It's consuming me. I need to get out of my damn head.

At least I'm wearing cute shoes. Picture those in a light grey.

You can ring my bell

2007-09-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

I just made a big mistake. I answered the phone after midnight.

I was nice as long as I could be. I hung up on the crazy man, but not without lots of "sir, I cannot answer your question. Sir, I'm hanging up the phone now. Sir, I cannot help you and you need to call back Monday morning. Sir, I will hang up the phone."

This is why I have ignored the phone for three months. The boss gave me permission to hang up on people. I can't quite do that -- I consider it rude -- so I'll just make sure I never pick up calls after midnight. Or maybe after the lottery call at 11:20 p.m.

And the sign says long-haired freaky people need not apply

2007-09-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Red,
Here is your horoscope for Saturday, September 15:

You need to slow down a bit and use your best judgment when confronted with new arrangements of any kind. Your instincts are strong right now, but they may be crowded out by too much information.

So very true for what's happened this weekend.

Gimme gimme

2007-09-09T18:07:00.000-07:00

So the newsdesk just took a break to watch Britney make a fool of herself once again. I haven't laughed so hard in a while. She was obviously lip synching. She was more concerned with her hair than her dance moves, which would have suited her well in an indie dance club, but not on the VMA show. She has become a pathetic shadow of her former self.

I especially loved the audience shots of the other stars watching and so blatantly thinking "WTF is she doing?"

Boy oh, that was good for a laugh.

There's nothing like living in a bottle

2007-09-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't felt like this in a while. Dizzy, barely able to stand up feeling as though I no longer have intestines, let alone anything in them -- yep, I was a bit of a party girl last night. It was fun. But I again stayed too long. I crawled into work and luckily it's a slow Sunday.

Other good news: I went to see a therapist in town, who told me I don't need therapy. (THat was part of the reason I went, the not knowing if I should.) It was pretty cool - she said congratulations, you've graduated out of therapy. You have a good grasp of yourself.

We have a new copy editor starting tomorrow. He's moving from D.C. -- inside the District -- and is young and single and works on my schedule. No, this is not an insinuation of us getting together; I don't date coworkers. This is totally awesome because there is someone on the desk who might like to hang out with other young singles and who doesn't get off work until 12:30 a.m. I just have to be careful not to decide he's my BFF and overwhelm the kid. I can see the potential because I'm so damn excited about him working here.

Question: Which is the greatest news publication ever: The Onion or Weekly World News? Why?

Like a band of gypsies, we run down the highway

2007-08-31T20:30:00.000-07:00

The drive from Melbourne to Jacksonville was supposed to take 2.5 hours. It took almost 5.5. Why are there constantly wrecks on I-95 that require diverting traffic? And why don't patrolmen divert travelers earlier? It took me one hour to get to Cocoa, which should only take 20 minutes.

I took U.S. 1 the whole way to Ponte Vedra. I just cut out the Jacksonville leg completely. It was ridiculous. And the one time I tried to get back on 95, I was hit with more bad traffic.

You know, sometimes it's nice to return to your roots. I drove through Mims, Aurantia, Scottsmoor, Oak Hill, Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach (home of the Pretentious Heights wedding), Port Orange, Holly Hill, Korona, Bunnell, and on and such.

Let's not even get into the number of times my car was almost hit.

And people here in the southland think public transportation is a bad idea.

But at least Byron Leftwich is no longer with the Jags. It's a good day after all!

These little town blues are melting away

2007-08-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

You Are New York

Cosmopolitan and sophisticated, you enjoy the newest in food, art, and culture.

You also appreciate a good amount of grit - and very little shocks you.

You're competitive, driven, and very likely to succeed.

Famous people from New York: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Tupac Shakur, Woody Allen

What American City Are You?

Ms. Nerdy becomes Ms. Popular

2007-08-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

So the newspaper team did not make the finals of the spelling bee. It was a crushing loss for yours truly, though I was delighted to make the team. Afterward, I hung out with some reporter types and met the new photog.

I got invited to a party! It's tonight!

Yeah, I'm pretty excited. And a few nights ago, I was really hungry late at night and went to Denny's. I started talking to this guy who was a bit toasty but nothing too bad. Eh. Making friends is long overdue, no matter the state of the making. Last night, the sports folks invited me to their start-of-preps drinking getaway after work. Space Land has a bar across the street, unlike the Nation's Oldest City. Further proof it's a "real paper."

Things are finally looking up. I get insurance next Saturday, just in time because I'm about out of everything and can't stand to overpay again for medicine. Amazing how $90 a month will save me $290, at least. And I think I'll get a new pair of work glasses. And I've got to see a chiropractor and dentist. Relief!

The sun'll come out ...

2007-08-21T20:46:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow begins my first Melbourne-based weekend in a while. OK, so technically I was here two weeks ago, but I was carless. And broke.

I think this will be the fourth weekend I've stayed at the new home since moving 12 weeks ago. That's the bad part about being in-state; Jax is only a few hours away. The ride deflates my butt but being there renews my spirit. Yep, I'm homesick.

In addition to Actionville, I've gone to Camp Blanding/Orange Park (a real happening place), St. Petersburg and The District of Columbia. It's been nice, sure, but I'm ready to decompress. The last month has been especially tough with a four-time weekend visitor. (I'm glad for the visit, don't get me wrong; I just miss my own quiet space.)

At the same time, though, all that noise went away, mostly, on Sunday, and now my inner voice is screaming. It's been on mute for a long time. In a way, I'm glad it's screaming, because I can actually hear and understand it.

Like remembering that I really want to work at The Oxford American literary magazine and study at Ole Miss's College of Southern Studies and Culture. And live in Buenos Aires and travel throughout Europe. And rehabilitate a Craftsman- or Prairie-style house. And that literature is my first love.

And that I love museums and galleries and the like; I spent most of my alone time in St. Pete in the downtown galleries. By the way, I'm in love with that city and its Kenwood neighborhood. I'd love to live there and work at the Times, and some time live in The District and work at The Post or USA Today or whichever paper. Or maybe a book publisher.

I've taken some photos recently and they've been OK; I want to get reacquainted with my camera and do better. (Yes, I'm still shooting with film.)

And what about my heart? I don't know. I want something to last, as long as it's right for me. I'm beginning to think I'll never find that. I want a close friend to hold and comfort and be comforted by. How do I find that when I don't get out much outside of work? When I'm working as others are going out? I don't mind my work schedule, though sometimes I wish I could get a Friday or Saturday off on short notice.

I'm the alternate for a community-wide spelling bee tomorrow. Yes, I'm extremely disappointed that I'm merely the alternate. My best efforts at convincing the woman in charge to put me on the team did not work. But -- maybe I'll meet some people there. Perhaps I'll get a phone number, and not just for a potential date, but for plain old friends.

I'm so lonesome I could cry. Why can't Greysa be a person?

OK, enough of this wallowing. This was supposed to be an interesting post, not one mired in self-pity.

***

In other news, I bought my first copy of the Weekly World News today. Of course, it's the final print publication. But I thought I'd make one of my journalism professors proud. She always uses examples from WWN in her AP style quizzes.

Teacher educator prepares readies plans arranges situates

2007-08-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

School starts in one week. Teachers returned to work today.

We ran one main story and two sidebars, with a few photos.

I had to write three main heds, two jumps, two sub heds and a few photo lead-ins, and never repeat the single point of all of those words: Teachers prepare for school.

Oh how I love small papers.

Congress shall make no law ...

2007-08-12T21:10:00.001-07:00

Early deadline, so I'm cruising the Web.

www.newseum.org

I've just been checking out the virtual tour of the new Newseum. Oh, I'm drooling all over the keyboard. If I make it to a D.C. paper in the next few years, or whenever, I think I'll be a Newseum volunteer.

It was cool enough to walk by the building in July and see the entire text of the First Amendment carved into granite, facing Pennsylvania Avenue. I can't wait to get on the first floor and see Pulitzer Prize photos, or the second-floor Ethics Center. Just reading about the fourth-floor 9/11 gallery gave me chills. And then there's the two-level shopping area, with all sorts of newsy stuff.

I can read an analysis of newspaper front pages, and find this little gem: "Florida Today, of Melbourne, echoes financial hysterics with 'Credit worries sink Dow' and is one paper guaranteed to mention that the 'Shuttle arrives at space station today.' " (The founder of Florida Today and USA Today is also the founder of the Freedom Forum, which is part of Newseum. But I'm not that guy.)

I can see front pages from all aroudn the world. I know how to get to Newseum from every airport and which Metro lines to take. But I can't find when the @#$%*^& place opens!

That's why it's good to have a friend in The District who is as eager to visit Newseum as I. He can read the City Paper and let me know.

What's your vision of the future?

2007-08-12T14:24:00.001-07:00

OK, so it's slow time at work. Maybe I'll update the blog with more than just "I'm not dead" fodder.

So how do I want this blog to be? I don't know. Tough to say. I don't want to go so far as to end each with an open-ended question, but I don't want it to be so narrow that no one reads. Hm. I'll figure that out as I go, I suppose.

Funny how I now don't have much to say.

I"m really worried about my eyesight. This should be blatant now, as I've shared this concern with my mother and the boy. I used to have perfect vision. Now, everything is in soft focus.

At the DMV last month, the guy behind the counter said I barely passed the visual exam and that I should have my eyes checked. I told him I have glasses but didn't think I could wear them.

Around Sept. 1, when new insurance starts, I'll be able to have a new exam done and get new lenses for one pair of glasses. I don't really want new frames, as I really love both pairs. Although new work glasses wouldn't be a bad thing if I got them tinted.

Anyway, the point is that I don't understand why my visin has become less clear so quickly. For more than 20 years, it was great. In the last five or so, it's drastically changed. That's scary.

Eureka!

2007-08-11T20:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, I found my login info. I may start posting more. Yippee.

Hola

2007-03-23T01:15:00.000-07:00

Hello, and welcome to my new blog.