Let the Moving Commence!

This will probably be my last post for about a week since we have begun moving our worldy items from dark corners of our house into dark corners of a moving van. Said items will be then placed in larger dark corners of our new house over the next few days.

My parents are scheduled to show up in Jimmy-town sometime this afternoon when I hope to go buy paint and other sundries at Home Depot (pssstt... Behr paint is on sale this weekend!). Tomorrow is the day we can actually move stuff into the house. We have some hopes to get a few boxes in there tonight, but it all depends on when we can get the keys from the current owners.

On the happy end, if everything goes as planned we will have a small army of friends helping us move stuff in tomorrow. We will repay them with an outrageous home-cooked meal made by my Babcia (barbequed hamburgers, salad, dessert, soda, and a lot of other stuff I'm forgetting). We're also handing out free t-shirts for people to wear in honor of the move. Okay, so they're just leftover JDRF walk and City-County softball shirts from a few years ago.

I should note that the weather is behaving appropriately for our move. Ever since I started college, it has rained everytime I've had to move. It's currently raining outside and the radar shows more to come.

Matt and I have both taken off this next week to make a mess of our new house by unpacking. Buddy is a little freaked out by everything, so he'll like the fact that we'll be around 24-7 to comfort him, pat his belly, and give him doggie treats.

The whole online thing is up in the air. I wasn't able to nail down a phone line/DSL transfer thing because the other owners hadn't set a date for their phone to be shut off. So we might not have access until god knows when. Matt is already suffering withdrawal from SWG. But don't fret if you're one of readers who personally knows us. You can still reach us via my cell phone for the next few days.

I'll see you all again once we're settled!

What We Do For Fun... Or Charity...

A few weekends ago, Matt asked if I wanted to go to the fundraiser for the women's ice hockey league in Jamestown. Little did I know that while the fundraiser would involve our new ice arena, it also would involve barnyard animals.

Folks... I give you.... Donkey Basketball!

Donkey Basketball

The mayor of the city, the county sheriff, and several other community members faced off against members of the local media in a five-on-five-on-donkey competition. I commented that it had to be most redneck thing we had ever done since I moved to Jamestown in 1999, but the kids seemed to enjoy it. That's all that matters in the end. Note - I had a hard time getting decent pictures because the lighting was so low in the arena otherwise I would have posted a picture of our Mayor riding on a donkey with a bicycle helmet, knee and elbow pads.

Moving Day Set

We move in on Sunday, May 29th.


The Sold Sign Is Up

Thursdays In The Square

I love the Thursdays In The Square series that the city of Buffalo puts on every summer. This year's schedule was just released (thanks to Buffalo Pundit for the heads-up) in the Buffalo News. There's plenty of good offerings here, but I'll most likely try to get to the TMBG show in the harbar at the end of July. That and whatever else moves me since I'll be that much closer to Buffalo from where I work in Dunkirk. As a public service, since links expire or require you to cough up dough, here's the complete list as of today:

Thursdays In the Square

May 26: Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes

June 2: Theory of a Deadman and Submersed

June 9: Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, the Dears and Marjorie Fair

June 16: Stars and Howie Day

June 23: Eric Burdon and the Animals

June 30: Little Feat

July 7: Sarah Harmer

July 14: Dr. John

July 21: G-Love and Special Sauce

July 28: The Lowest of the Low

Aug. 4: Ian Hunter

Aug. 11: An evening with Great Big Sea

Aug. 18: Soulive and the Campbell Brothers

Aug. 25: Sam Roberts and Matt Mays

Sept. 1: Spin Doctors

Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor, Erie Basin Marina

July 22: moe. and They Might Be Giants

July 23: Hootie and the Blowfish

It Just Begs The Question...

I am: 29% Republican.

"You're probably one of those people who still thinks that getting a blowjob is not an impeachable offense."

Are You A Republican?

And you ask what kind of democrat I am..

I've always maintained that I'm a REALISTIC Democrat:

Your Political Profile

Overall: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

Social Issues: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Ethics: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal

How Liberal / Conservative Are You?

Attention 56th State Senate District Residents!!!

If you live in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, or Allegany Counties; and are registered to vote, there is a very special election today.

Nancy Bargar is running against State Assemblywoman Cathy Young for the 56th State Senate seat left vacant by the recently deceased, Pat McGee.

Instead of having the election take place on Primary Day in September, Gov. Pataki saw a way to muscle Young into this seat by holding a special election that will cost some municipalities more than what they have budgeted for elections. The candidates had 22 days to campaign. Ms. Young spent it avoiding debates, making squirrly moves by announcing grant funding to municipalities outside her Assembly district, being propped up by Gov. Pataki all over the district, and putting out deceptive radio ads and mailings.

Nancy Bargar is the best choice if you want real change in Albany. Cathy Young is merely a mouthpiece for Gov. Pataki and the GOP. She seems to be incapable of original thought when it comes to statements she makes and the issues she supports. Do you want more of the same in Albany? If so, then vote for Cathy, otherwise, be bold and demand reform and change for the better. Vote for Nancy Bargar today.

This race will be decided by a minority of registered voters. Get out and make a difference. Polls are open until 9pm in Chautauqua County.

Buffalo News Story

Truth

Truth

I have no life this month.

Truth

We are not as far along with packing as I would like to be despite what my husband says.

Truth

I think stress at work and at home caused me to lose a couple pounds last week. Either that or it's the natural rise of and fall of weight a woman goes through every month.

Truth

I'm worried that the mortgage process is going to fuck up our closing date, thus rendering all plans to move into our new house Memorial Day weekend obsolete.

Truth

My to-do list at work and the time allowed to complete it makes me worried that I will fail. I fear failure. And getting yelled at.

Truth

I dreamt I got a job managing a professional hockey team. Several nights before that I dreamt I was visiting Prince Edward Island with my family in the Fall.

The Bells Are Ringing

Help our friends, Clair & Kevin, win the wedding of their dreams!

The lovely duo has entered a local radio contest for a spectacular June wedding. Recently, the two realized that their dream to be married in August just wasn't financially feasible, so the only way they could get married and have a super-nice day was if they won this contest.

Clair and Kevin are a super couple. Matt and I have known them both for many years, and they truly deserve this. They both have jobs they love, but don't necessarily pay the best. We're asking that you vote early and often:

Record Your Vote for Kevin and Clair on this page.

The Month of May

Life has decided that May will be my crazy month for the first part of the year. A list:

1. Three press events at work, one event that will require two press releases
2. One of those press events will require overtime at work and is happening a day before we start to move into the new house
   
3. Various family events including Mother's Day and my mother-in-law's birthday
   
4. Packing the whole house in two weekends
5. Moving into our new house and moving Matt's parents into our rented house in the same weekend

I'm not really complaining. I'm glad that I'll get to see all of my family this weekend. And it's better to have a job to stress over than not. The only thing that sucks is that the realization of all the stuff I have to do this month came at the same time as the maple blossoms opened. Allergies and stress do not make for a pretty picture, but I try to console myself with the fact that I will get that week at the end of May/beginning of June off to move and unpack a little.

10 Years of Driving Bliss

My beloved 1995 Toyota Tercel is on its last legs. On Sunday, my exhaust system came in two, but held together enough so I could get it to our mechanic yesterday so he could weld it back together. He commented to Matt, "The war between her car and rust is starting to tip in the favor of the rust," and then added, "She's not planning to have that car much longer, is she?"

I freaked out upon hearing the news, naturally, but we figure my car will last until the Fall at least. It's quite doubtful it could make it through another Western New York winter.

Homage to My Car
165,600 miles and counting
35 miles per gallon, consistently
Countless trips between Jamestown, Buffalo, Rochester, & Cleveland
A trip to Toronto, CA
A trip to Washington, D.C.
Countless hours of awesome music
Cohort in crime as I made spontaneous trips to various locations, even if it was just to Tim Hortons
Minimal repair excluding the water pump replacement, brakes, tires, thermostat, and some exhaust system issues over the past year
Endless memories of happy driving

Shuffle To Work

The last set of songs on my iPod on my way to work this morning starting with what I heard when I pushed play in the driveway:

1. Joseph Arthur - Evidence
2. Dead Milkmen - I Dream Of Jesus
3. Tom Tom Club - Genius of Love
4. Cracker - Kerosene Hat
5. Peter Gabriel - When You're Falling
6. James - Laid
7. The Cars - Moving In Stereo
8. XTC - Chalkhills & Children (skipped this one)
9. Dick Dale and the Del-Tones - Grudge Run
10. Red Hot Chili Pepers - Sir Psycho Sexy

Sunday Morning Rain Is Falling... Scratch That.. Where's My Depeche Mode?

Your Seduction Style: Ideal Lover

You seduce people by tapping into their dreams and desires. And because of this sensitivity, you can be the ideal lover for anyone you seek. You are a shapeshifter - bringing romance, adventure, spirituality to relationships. It all depends on who your with, and what their vision of a perfect relationship is.

What Is Your Seduction Style?

Your Taste in Music:

90's Alternative: Highest Influence

80's Alternative: High Influence

Adult Alternative: High Influence

80's Pop: Medium Influence

90's Pop: Medium Influence

90's Rock: Medium Influence

Alternative Rock: Medium Influence

Ska: Medium Influence

Classic Rock: Low Influence

Old School Hip Hop: Low Influence

Punk: Low Influence

How's Your Taste in Music?

Your Birthdate: October 22

While sometimes employing unorthodox approaches, you are capable of handling large scale undertakings. You assume great responsibility and work long and hard toward completion. Often, especially in the early part of life, there is rigidity or stubbornness, and a tendency to repress feelings. Idealistic, you work for the greater good with a good deal of inner strength and charisma. An extremely capable organizer, but likely to paint with broad strokes rather than detail. You are very aware and intuitive. You are subject to a good deal of nervous tension.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

A Friday Thing

You are 'Gregg shorthand'. Originally designed to
enable people to write faster, it is also very
useful for writing things which one does not
want other people to read, inasmuch as almost
no one knows shorthand any more.

You know how important it is to do things
efficiently and on time. You also value your
privacy, and (unlike some people) you do not
pretend to be friends with just everyone; that
would be ridiculous. When you do make friends,
you take them seriously, and faithfully keep
what they confide in you to yourself.
Unfortunately, the work which you do (which is
very important, of course) sometimes keeps you
away from social activities, and you are often
lonely. Your problem is that Gregg shorthand
has been obsolete for a long time.


What obsolete skill are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Call It A Study of How Government Works..

Despite the nightmares Wendolene has gone through with EZ Pass, (read her acccounts here and here), I've decided to gamble and enroll in the program. However it works out, I figure it'll be a good study on how government works, or doesn't, in this state. I'm afraid I already know the answer, but I'm always optimistic.

Hump Day Blog Cheat

Stolen from Courtney and Heidi.

1. What is your name? Julia
2. What color underwear are you wearing now? Black.
3. What are you listening to right now? Whatever is on my co-worker's radio.
4. What are the last 2 digits of your phone number? 29
5. What was the last thing you ate? 1 cup of tea, bowl of Cheerios (Wegman's brand), glass of orange juice.
6. If you were a crayon what color would you be? Indigo Blue.
7. How is the weather right now? Windy and cloudy.
8. Who was the last person talked to on the phone? Some co-worker.
9. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Hair.
10. Favorite Food? Mediterranean
11. Favorite Drink? Strong, black tea with milk
12. Favorite Alcoholic drink? Ice Wine
13. Favorite place to shop? Barnes & Nobles
14. Hair Color? Light brown, although I have blond & red highlights w/ dark brown low lights right now
15. Eye Color? Brown
16. Do you wear contacts? No. 20/20 Vision
17. Top or bottom? Bottom *winks*
18. Favorite Month? September
19. Favorite Fast Food? McDonald's. Their fries call to me when I have PMS
20. Last Movie you Watched? Cold Comfort Farm
21. Favorite Day of the Year? Day before Labor Day. The weather tends to be nice, it's a last hurrah before you can settle into sweaters, and it's like a bonus day off.
22. Are you too shy to ask someone out? No, although I'm married so I don't have to worry about that anymore.
23. Summer or Winter? Summer.
24. Hugs or Kisses? Hugs, because you can give almost anyone a hug and sometimes they're just what you need.
25. Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla.
26. What books are you reading? This book
27. What's on your mouse pad? Chautauqua & Erie Communications logo
28. Favorite Board Game? Trivial Pursuit.
29. What did you do last night? Cooked dinner, watched the news, watched a movie, checked my email, took Buddy outside several times, went to bed.
30. Who inspires you? The weather outisde.
31. Butter, Plain, or salted popcorn? Salted with extra butter.
38. Favorite Flower? Cala Lilly
39. What do you say when you wake up in the A.M? *groan**grumble**mumble*
40. Do you still talk to your best friend from middle school? Indeed I do.
41. What's on your desk? Several operations manuals, phone, tissue box, a picture of Matt, a picture of me and my parents, a coffee mug, hand cream, rolodex, papers... I could go on.
42. Rock Concert or Symphony? Rock concert, but I do enjoy the symphony.
43. Play or Opera? Play.
44. Have you ever fired a gun? No.
45. Do you like to travel by plane? Yes.
46. Right-handed or Left-handed? Right.
47. Smooth or Chunky Peanut Butter? Creamy.
48. How many pillows do you sleep with? 1
49. City and State you were born in? 43° 7' N 77° 40' W
50. Ever hitchhiked? Never.

For Whom the Bells Toll

The tolls on the New York State thruway are going up for the first time in 17 years. This is no rah rah post. I would say "sod off" to the thruway if it didn't take an additional half hour to get to Rochester via the toll-free I-86/Route 390 highways. So I will do what any penny pinching New Yorker should do and risk having the state know when I've gone through certain tolls by signing up for the NYS E-Z Pass.

I think you end up paying only a 15% increase rather than a 25% increase if you have E-Z pass.

Now I can join my parents in sighing and saying, "Back in the day it only cost a $1.30 to get from Buffalo to Rochester. Heck, I used to collect empty pop cans laying around the WBNY lounge when I was in college to extend my pocket change."

Blogging & Why We Do It

Matt B. sent an email earlier today letting me know about a study on blogs being done by a fellow University of Chicago student.

Curiosity won out, so I contacted the woman doing the study and spent a fast hour on instant messenger answering her questions. I highly recommend that you all drop over to the study page and contact Tina. I know how much you all love to talk about yourselves, so you may as well help out a fellow scholar in need. She's hoping to get copies of her presentation to the study participants, so at least you would be able to read about why all your friends really are blogging.

Thank God I'm Not A Practicing Catholic

So the Catholics have new pope.

Cardinal Ratzinger has quite the sordid past even if it was not by his freewill.