Good morning! well, or perhaps just 'morning! Not to mention that it is past noon.. so it isn't even morning anymore. Ah well. This morning I was woken up 45 min before my alarm was set to beep by my phone (I showered last night and had everything planned out just so I could sleep in a tad and still get to the office on time since I was so zonked yesterday). It was my boss calling and his plane had been canceled. I got up, called him, called the airline, rebooked the flight, called the car service and got him a car (he was no longer flying into the same airport) and then felt very awake but still decided stupidly to lie back down. I slept for 30 more minutes and then jumped up as I was running late. As i was walking to the office I got a text asking me how far away I was.. because the Internet and phones were down at the office. I got in and started trying to trouble shoot. Around 10:30AM or so we were back online. 

I then (since we had limited Internet for a bit) was looking at Verizon Fios packages online. I figured I should get a quote from them since Time Warner Cable is expensive (albeit at home, quite reliable--unlike at the office). The person (robot?) I chatted with said that a specialist would call me for a quote. I did receive a call and answered all kinds of questions only to then find out that  Verizon Fios offers phone and Internet services but not cable in my apartment (I presume building or street or what not too). Bummer! Actually, that said though, while multi-room dvr would be awesome and a cheaper bill would be even better, switching potentially could be a pain in the you know what. 

I will not be buying any lottery tickets today as clearly this is not my day (then again, I never really buy lottery tickets. haha).

So, then I called TWC just to nag at them a bit. I walked away with not only free Showtime for a year, but $13 taken off my plan every month, free dvr for 3 months and if I go online and sign up to go paperless another dollar off monthly as well. Sweet! 

Maybe I should purchase a lottery ticket afterall? I kid, I kid..  

Part of me wants to go see The Help after work today. It looks like it may get cold and rainy though which would curtail any plan other than the one where I go home and am dry and warm. I miss my bed. Stupid boss. 

Last night I watched the Survivor Premiere followed by the Big Brother finale. I was pleased with the outcome and wish I lived in Vegas this weekend because the wrap party and VegasBash (mostly BB, Survivor and MTV Challenge celeb attendees) this weekend seems so accessible and while i'm not one to fawn over celebs it does look kind of cool. I remember my dad once telling me when I was little that if he ever saw Bob Dylan on the street he'd probably just let him be so as to not bother him. As a kid I didn't understand how this could be.. when seeing someone great, one has to rejoice etc.. but obvioulsy now i get what he meant and I largely agree! I am also not one to know WHAT to ever say or do when after a concert/show etc. the performers are signing autographs and saying hello. "Great job, dude!" --as if they don't already know this?! Anyhow, realistically these people aren't celebs.. they are reality TV stars. For the most part I also really do not actually want to meet them.. but I was surprised at how for $65 one can go to the party, drink, eat and schmooze. Some of the attendees you'd have to pay me to schmooze with though.. like Vienna and Kasey from Bachelor Pad? Yeah, they'll be there. LOL.

Tomorrow night I am going to see a friend in a show. It is dinner and a show but yet somehow not dinner theater. The website says: "Our events mix the ingredients of fine food, drink, song, dance, text, spectacle, and most importantly: you.  As our guest, you will enter a lively and welcoming social environment and enjoy a five-course, home-cooked meal presented through exquisite performances.  In the world of Conni’s Restaurant, as in a turn of the century Parisian salon, artists rule and fascinating people come together to celebrate life, food and all that is good." We'll see what happens. I can't say i'm not nervous but it should be fun. I'm going with a friend, i'm always happy to support friends in shows, and there will be wine  

I am exhausted today and it is entirely my own fault. I stayed up way past my bed time last night and I blame Kate and her cute lil' 8. I never watched the show before. In fact, I ignored everything Gosselin as much as possible always. For some pretty unknown reason I did randomly dvr the final episode. Last night around midnight I was going to go to bed and got sucked into the Flipping Out reunion (after watching Teen Mom and Rachel Zoe.. what can I say, it was a TV kind of an evening). Then, I figured i'd watch 2 min of Kate plus 8 and pass out. I ended up watching 2 hours. It was well after 2AM when I finally closed my eyes.

At first (since i'm a n00b) I did not know who was who. I figured out that Ashley was the babysitter pretty quickly, but Steve? Well, I googled him to find out he's her bodyguard. I also assumed the other woman Jamie was her sister--but eventually got the bff part. The funny thing? I thought that Kate was ridiculous most of the time on the show. I mean watching her not only have a miserable time white water rafting but also just spoiling it for some of the others, throwing hissy fits over left over pizza and focusing on idiots on a cliff at the grand canyon instead of on the view..  for shame, Kate. That said, I thought during her interview she actually had more brain cells than I gave her credit for. Sure, just like Vienna on the Bachelor Pad finale, she was trying to make bad things sound pretty once in a while, but frankly.. i sure as heck know I would not be able to raise 8 children (6 of which are the same age) and she seems to have the organization part down pretty well (and reminded the viewers of that many a time). I was impressed that she was respectful about Jon too. Anyhow, enough about her and her crazies. I wonder what show she'll do next. Clearly her life in the spotlight isn't over. The way she physically changed over the past 6 years was funny to see as well. Oh the effects of glamour..

Speaking of new shows, has anyone watched Anderson Cooper's new show? I saw an episode yesterday and liked it. I guess he'll be the new Oprah of sorts.. 

Last night I also dvr'd the new show Ringer. Did anyone watch it? Is Joss Whedon involved? Meh, I'll find out tonight or this weekend or something when I watch it. TV is starting up again big time (Survivor tonight.. along with the BB13 finale) and while i'm looking forward to some shows starting back up, I also will need to be selective in what I choose to watch and what I decide to skip. I can't watch everything (nor do I want to). I want to be a bit more selective... i'll figure it out. I mean, crikey its TV.. not like any of it really matters anyways.  Ooh, and I still want to start Season 2 of the Wire too.

Oh, one more thing.. I don't generally like posting spoilers but by now this aired a couple of days ago.. can I just say that I was sad to see Jennifer go on Hells Kitchen?! 

Alright, enough about teevee. I kind of want to post about Obama, his approval ratings and the republican primary, however i'm too sleepy today to have discussions so I suppose i'll leave that update for another day.

In other news, I had a great weekend. On Saturday I went to the Mets game and watched them lose against the Cubs. Then I went to my friends Engagement/Birthday party which was a lot of fun. The picture below is of a group of us on our way home from the party waiting for the train (I'm the one on the left). On Sunday met a friend for brunch and then read (and finished) the book The Help. What a page turner! I enjoyed it.. 

Ooh, and I purchased a flight to Richmond, VA yesterday.. but more on that later as well. Happy Hump Day, folks!

Good morning and HAPPY FRIDAY. I don't have much to report today... I ended up buying The Wire (all seasons) yesterday on ebay for $46. Not too shabby. I'm excited for it to arrive (some time next week) so I can start on Season 2.  I also bought a $2 Elton John tribute CD just so I could own Sinead's cover of Sacrifice. I really like it.. odd but true.

Isn't this cute? haha:

When on ebay yesterday I was reminded of Etsy and so I started poking around there. I really shouldn't buy more jewelry and I have home tasks that need to be completed (like getting mats for the frames for my mom's paintings, cleaning out my closet, replacing the couch, getting a new bed..) before I buy anything new for the apt.. but isn't this kinda cool? I realize its likely mostly for a wedding centerpiece or something.. but me likey. I found it here (it is overpriced imo). This seller makes some fun lamps and so once in a while i go and take a look--even though i think it is overpriced and the thought of hanging something from my ceiling in the dining room (where I most need more light) is daunting (since I can't reach and worry it won't hold). Cute though, right?

The other day someone posted this on facebook. I think it is probably only funny for those in academia.. i got a good giggle out of it though for sure:

I am so glad I'll get to sleep in a little bit tomorrow before going to the Mets game and then my friends' engagement/birthday party. It is Hawaii themed so I'm going to have to do some digging around to find something to wear. I'm actually fairly certain i do not own anything Hawaiian. Hrmm. Any ideas? LOL. I already told my friend that I may need to dive into her closet upon arrival at the party to be in the theme

I think I'll be able to catch up on some sleep on Sunday too. This excites me greatly! Then again, lately when i can sleep in a bit I seem to wake up early and feel wide awake. Unfair, right?! Other than some dishes to wash, I got my laundry in this morning, the bills are paid, and this weekend is looking to be both fun and relaxing. I can't wait. Happy weekend, y'all!

Happy Fall everyone. It has been raining, grey and cold(er). It seems awfully fitting for after labor day. That said, being at the beer garden on Labor Day in 80 degree weather makes this a little hard to believe. 

My sister flew back home on Tuesday and my summer o' house guests has come to an end. I have to admit, I miss her terribly. I thought that somewhere i'd enjoy being home alone again but mostly I just wish she was still around. It was really fun having her as my roommate for nearly 3 weeks.

We didn't do a whole heck of a lot really while she was here. After the Boston trip and her friends coming and going, we tossed around the idea of going to New Hope, PA or Atlantic City or even the Jersey Shore but between the car issues we had and the rain..(not to mention the earthquake and hurricane the first week) it didn't happen. Instead during her last week here we had a couple of fun days in Manhattan. Shopping and hanging out..  We also watched A LOT of movies and Season 1 of The Wire. Can you believe I'd never watched it? There are some shows I've just never started or seen (Dexter, Breaking Bad, Sopranos.. and i'm terribly behind on Mad Men too). Anyhow, I'm currently in the market for Season 2 of The Wire, although I just saw that on e-Bay the disc set of the whole series is only around $50 for the buy it now options and the auctions have it for around $30. I am keeping my eyes on the auctions today while at work (it is a slow day here) and so we'll see. While at first I figured i'd just download or stream Season 2--I now am thinking that for $30 or 40 bucks it will be easier and nicer to just own the whole series. Fingers crossed that my e-bay skills are still in tact. I haven't been on there in a while! 

The movies we saw were mostly crappy although I did enjoy them. We watched them all for free (which makes me feel better about what they are). We saw Bridesmaids (which I already saw in the theater and really liked), Bad Teacher (which is a Bad Movie), Water for Elephants (which is corny but I really liked despite that--and i even got over Edward being in the movie--I think Reese and Christoph Waltz made the movie) as well as Friends with Benefits (which was cute). I'm still hoping to find and watch Crazy Stupid Love and The Help. I also have Horrible Bosses and Get Him To The Greek to watch. Fun times!

In other news, TV has been lame lately although I did watch an episode of Storage Wars yesterday (for the first time) and enjoyed it. What a weird show. Basically people go and bid on storage lockers that are being auctioned off. Sometimes they hit the jackpot (like cash or jewelry or some rare fancy old item or antiques) and sometimes they find nothing of value. I bet i'd really enjoy their job though.. the bidding and selling, not the auctioneering itself. As for TV, Big Brother is wrapping up, the Challenge: Rivals is over and while there are some fun shows returning for the fall season at the end of the month, right now it is all a bit blah (except for RHOBH, Weeds and Teen Mom I suppose).

I should have watched the debates last night but didn't. They would have angered me as Perry, Romney and Bachmann all do. Don't get me started on Ron Paul . I keep hearing about more and more flooding.. i hope everyone in Xanga land is doing alright and has waterwings just in case.

This weekend should be fun. On Saturday i'm going to the Mets game and then jetting up to CT after for a friends' engagement/Birthday bash. I'm looking forward to it! 

Oh, before I forget.. so yesterday I had a CSA Veggie Pickup and I was given boatloads of Squash (zucchini) and tomatoes. Anyone have any good recipe suggestions for something quick and easy for dinner?

Well, only 9 more min till I will try to own The Wire for under $40. I'm sniping, yo. haha. Wish me luck

So last week was a week of disaster, and i'm not talking about either the earthquake OR Hurricane iRain. I'm also not talking about the VMAs which I actually enjoyed watching. Let me go back to Friday August 19th..

My sister was supposed to land at LGA at 5PM and so I left work early to go get her from the airport. She called as I was on my way, to tell me that she was still on the runway in Philadelphia. After sitting on the tarmac for 2+ hours the plane was taken back to the gate and eventually she flirted her luggage off the plane and hopped Amtrak to NYC. Apparently others were told to get their luggage on Sunday at La Guardia so she was lucky the guy went and got her bag for her. She got into NYC around 9PM, it was pouring and so we decided not to drive up to Massachusetts till the next morning. We hung out a bit and then set the alarm and headed up to Mass early. We had a good time with our grandmother, aunt, uncle and cousin. On Sunday three of us (my cousin came with) got back in the car and drove back down to NYC. Along the way we stopped off in Stamford to water the car-owner (who was on vacation)'s plants and Brooklyn to drop off some stuff for my other cousin. We finally made it back to my 'hood around 11PM and it was still raining. I couldn't find parking on the proper side of the street so the girls said that they'd move the car for me the next morning.

The next day the girls moved the car and then met me for lunch. They went shopping and walking around the city and then back to Queens for some pedicures. After work B'lyn cousin and I headed to my place and the four of us watched some TV and had dinner and hung out. Then it was time for cuz to head home and I offered to drive him since that is much faster (he lives like a 15 min drive from my place but by subway it takes about an hour i think). The car had to be moved either way. Anyhow, we walk out and the girls lead us to where they parked the car... and then it turned into "well, maybe it was further down the block?" and then "hmm" and then we realize that the car isn't there. Thankfully I found out pretty quickly that the car had been towed (they parked blocking a drive way). So, the next morning my sister and cousin (who felt terrible about having had my friends car towed) go to the tow place, pay $163 for the car and drive away. They walk around the car, detect no damage, then get in the car and say how happy they are that the car is back.. and then not even after 2 blocks it doesn't accelerate anymore. So, they coast it over to the side of the road and my sister runs back to the tow guy. He comes and takes a look and tows the car (for free) to a mechanic. 

The mechanic tells me by phone (since i'm at work) that he'll let me know what is wrong when he diagnoses it. It takes alllll day and then there's an earthquake first. So i'm at work, sitting at my desk on the phone with one of our clients in Pittsburgh. She tells me "the weirdest thing just happened, we're on the 22nd floor and the building just shook" and as she's saying that, my whole cube, chair and the floor is swaying. It took me a second to realize whether I was feeling what she said or whether i was passing out or whether it was an earthquake. Pretty quickly people here were like "whoa, did you feel that?!?!?" and so i figured it out. Our intern (who was on his 2nd day here) looked sort of pale too. haha. Side note: a lot of people evacuated the building.. however they ALL did so by elevator. Seemed odd to me. I did not leave the building.

So, end of the day the mechanic calls me and tells me that the car has a broken fuel pump. He says that he doesn't have the part so he'd have to order it and it costs $550. I decide that since the car is a lease from Honda it should go to the Honda dealer. The Tow guy (a queens grease ball named Spike) offers to tow me for free in the AM. I still am not 100% sure whether he in fact did simply feel bad for the girls and thus offered to help, or whether he thought it was possible that the car wasn't starting because of something that happened when he towed it the first time. I suppose we'll never know. The mechanic also suggested to me that what could have happened is that the disgruntled driveway owner threw rocks or water in the gas tank (since it opens from outside). Who knows. Anyhow, i was highly suspect of some kind of shady deal going on between the mechanic and Spike, but once I talked to him on the phone and he wanted to tow me to Honda to help out I decided not to be a conspiracy theorist. The timing however was bad because now it was Tuesday late afternoon and my friend, the owner of the car, was landing at the airport the next morning. So Tuesday day I gave work a heads up about the issue. Then Tuesday night I emailed work that I needed to take the morning off because I have to deal with the Honda dealer and mechanic and then go to the airport to tell my friend what's up and drive her home. That evening I borrow my b'lyn cuz' car so I had a way to accomplish what needed to be done the next morning.

My sister and cousin tried to be helpful and they did everything right but based on how things were going from bad to worse it was my responsibility to take charge. So, Wedneday morning my cousin leaves, and I wake up early and my sister and I go first to the mechanic to pay that bill and get the tow truck to tow the car to the Honda dealer. Then we went to Honda to announce that the car would be coming and try to get a time frame, then we went to Newark airport to pick up the car owners from their trip to Hawaii and drive them home and apologize about the car. I felt so bad about the whole ordeal. Still do frankly.

All day Wednesday I was getting emails from work implying that I was lying about my whereabouts or the story I had given about the car (which was true but sounded sort of implausible). I was getting angrier and angrier at my boss. I don't have emergencies often and while I could have just said "have an emergency. Out today" I instead thought I was doing well by giving detail. Anyhow, once at my friends' house we all realize that to add insult to injury, the parking ticket we got (and my cousin paid) wasn't for the right car..  (sure enough, Spike confirmed that the girls accidentally had been given a ticket for another orange car).

Anyhow, Thursday at work the two partners and I had it out and discussed how I was telling the truth. I told them that I will not work somewhere where i am not trusted and i explained how angry i was and how they had added to my stress so much. They actually both apologized and i think things are good there now. On Friday I was given a 5k bonus raise (as had been promised-the raise part, not the amount). It starts September 1st and the best part is that this has nothing to do with any raise/bonus at the end of Feb (when we do our year end stuff).

Thursday my sister woke up feeling sick and so she stayed in all day sleeping a lot. While she is better now, it was unfortunate that she was sick while her two friends were in town. By the end of the week her trip consisted of car trouble and sickdom. 

So, then on Friday (or was it Thursday?) the dealer told me that the car needs a new fuel pump and spark plugs and that while it is unclear what caused the problem, that it (thank goodness!) is under warranty. The part was ordered and should have come Monday morning. While unsure whether that was all that was wrong, that is the place to start.

Insert hurricane iRain here and the part only arrived about a half hour ago (on Tuesday). Fingers crossed the car will be ready to be picked up tonight and I can return it to CT tonight after work. I am so lucky to have a great friend who understands the situation and doesn't hold it against me. I'm also very much hoping she'll have her car back this evening. PLEASE! This past week has been daily car drama and i am SO over it.

The hurricane wasn't that big of a deal. The four of us (me, my sister and the 2 family friends) played board games, watched TV (I finally started watching the first season of The Wire) and we had plenty of food and drinks. We didn't lose power and the worst of it was that there was a tree that blew over at the end of my street. No biggie. I was back at work yesterday (slowest day EVER). I did sort of manage to fix the parking ticket issue, in that I was able to track down the correct ticket and pay that. The wrong ticket that was also paid still needs to be refunded to my cousin (pain in the butt) but we'll get there I suppose.

This morning the boys took off and the best (and besides the raise the only) good news of the week is that I managed to get my sister's flight extended by a week free of charge. She will now be here till a week from today and I'm very much looking forward to some non-car-or-sick-related fun with her. Woohoo!

UPDATE: the car will not be fixed by tonight but hopefully it will be ready for pickup early tomorrow. ARGH GRR @$%!@#!

Saturday was my 8 year Xangaversary.  Knowing this sort of makes me feel old since I remember signing up for X right before being a senior in college...8 years ago. The other day I realized I've lived in my current apartment for 6 years. That is 1.5 times the duration of college. Craziness. Then I was reminded yesterday of my first (not current) apartment in NYC and how insane that place was. Fun times. I lived in a room that I couldn't stand up straight in. I called it my hobbit hole. It was like the 7 and 1/2th floor in Being John Malkovich kinda. A lofted area off the living room with a quarter bath (it was a half-bath, but sooo small that I called it my 1/4 bath) up there. No windows. No doors. Crazy arguing roommates who at first were engaged, then they weren't anymore. Some struggling actors and all this next door to Rocco's illegitimate child (lived in the apt next door). Now however the arguing roommies are married with two kids and the actors moved our of the city.. true story.

My sister had a bit of a hard time getting to NYC on Friday. She had a layover in Philly but after sitting on the tarmac for 2+ hours the plane was taken back to the gate and eventually the flight was canceled. My sister ended up flirting her luggage off the plane (people were told they could get their luggage at La Guardia in NYC on Sunday however she found a guy who said he'd go get her bag for her.. and did) and then taking the train from PHL to NYC. By the time she arrived in New York is was still pouring rain (with crazy lightning as well) and it was late, so we just went back to my place and drove up to Boston on Saturday morning instead.

On Saturday we had lunch with g'ma and then dinner with our aunt, uncle, g'ma and cousin at a Mexican place. Fun times! Sunday morning my aunt made a delicious brunch. In case you think we just ate the whole time.. um.. we kinda did. haha. Nah, we also saw my grandmother's new apartment, helped buy her some stools for her kitchen breakfast bar as well as moved some plants from my aunt's place to her new apt. I got a few plants in the process as well. I hope they don't die (my current apartment has northern exposure--not great for plants). I met up with a friend from high school for coffee before heading back NYC on Sunday as well. The drive back was fairly uneventful. My sister, cousin and I drove back..mostly through the rain, doing various errands along the way. It took a while but we made it safe and sound.

I just had lunch with my sister and cousin and now they're off to go walk around the city and do some shopping while i'm stuck at work with grumpy stressed people who are today especially getting on my nerves. Happy Monday everyone! On the bright side, i'll meet up with the girls after work and the fun will ensue.

Today my sister lands in NYC. WOOHOO! Ok, now that I got that out..

As those who have been reading for a while all know, while I am no fashionista, I am judgmental of others and their lack of fashion like whoa. My latest fascination? Tory Burch flip flops. I keep seeing them all over. WHO PAYS $45 for a pair of foam/plastic FLIP FLOPS that are super similar to the $3 Old Navy ones? WHO?!?! Well, many women in NYC apparently. For shame.

I like wearing ballerina flats however I tend to buy cheap ones so that when I inevitably get caught in the rain with them or the glue starts getting melty and thus stinky or when they start dying I'm not upset about the fiscal loss. I don't have smelly feet but all cheap shoes or shoes worn without socks eventually get icky. I tend to have 2-3 pairs (none more than $30) for the summer months and they get tossed when the weather starts getting cooler. I keep seeing people wearing the Tory Burch flats and I just do not get it. They cost $225 or something crazy like that. Even at the outlets. What people will do for a brand I suppose..

Walking home the other day I was walking behind this girl. I really liked her black dress. Then I realized she was wearing TBurch flip flops and immediately she became less cool. Ha! The dress is pretty though (and likely costs a million dollars).

Did I talk about my co-worker and her purse yet? So my coworker was looking for a new

 purse and once in a while showed me one online. She has great taste and so I pretty much liked all of the ones she showed me. She asked for suggestions on where else to look and I pointed her toward Fossil. I love their stuff and while it is often overpriced it also often is awesome. One day she came in with a new bag, but then said she was returning it because she wasn't happy with it--she got it at Urban Outfitters for $50. Then a couple of days later she came in and told me she saw a bag at Bloomingdale's that she loves. She mentioned that it was $398 and my mouth dropped. She said she had a friend who could get her a discount but she wasn't sure she wanted to wait. Sure enough, the next day she came in with the new bag...foregoing the potential $120 discount she could have had. I can. not. believe she spent $400 on a purse. Sure it is a Marc Jacobs bag... but three hundred and ninety eight dollars.

That said, I have to admit that it is an awesome bag. The leather is gorgeous and it is really nice looking. So while i'm all kinds of judgy, I may also just be a tad jealous. Even if I in theory could technically afford this bag.. I would be scared to put it down and it would be worth more than all things in the bag. The strange thing? Coworker girl makes 25k less than I do a year. She did mention that she paid for this from her overtime $ (which I do not get). Anyhow, the bag is a beaut and I don't buy $400 purses. Just like I don't buy $50 flip flops or $225 flats. I bet the bag could actually last longer than the average purse, but i'm not convinced re: the shoes.

I'll leave you with three pictures that made me laugh: 

I love toothpaste for dinner! It is true too.. since I have many episodes of Hoarders on my DVR. Also, I cracked up at this Rednek wine glass. I wouldn't want to own it since I doubt drinking out of it would be easy, but I kind of like it. haha.

I love the New Yorker.

As y'all know, my sister arrives today. I am muchos excited. I'm missing a fun party in Richmond, VA this weekend but my sis and I will be in the Boston suburbs for some family time. Have a great weekend everybody! 

It's not about the money, money, money,
We don't need your money, money, money.
We just wanna make the world dance,
Forget about the price tag.
Ain't about the (ha!) cha-ching cha-ching.
Ain't about the (yeah!) ba-bling ba-bling,
Wanna make the world dance,
Forget about the price tag.

Why!?!  Why must that song be stuck in my head? The saddest part is that I think the voice in my head that is singing it sounds more like Xenia from The Voice than Jessie J. ft. B.o.B.

Last night was a lot of fun. I drove up to Stamford CT and got the plant watering and mail checking out of the way for my friend who is on her engagementmoon. Then I had a great 1 1/4 lb stuffed lobster at SBC. It was my first and only lobster of the summer and it was delicious! I got back to my neighborhood around 11PM and the parking fairy was watching over me since I found a spot on my block and the car now does not need to be moved till Friday (when my sister gets here! woohoo!..sorry, i realize i'm being repetitive about that, but i'm just very excited and glad she's visiting). 

Side note: is the font on my site too small? I just went to someone else's page and was annoyed that I had to zoom the page to read it. Then I realized that my page is likley the same size. LOL. Should I up it in the font department?

Did y'all watch the Masterchef finale last night? I was happy that Jennifer won (although I think I was rooting for Adrien). Mostly I was glad Christian did not win. I also watched Teen Mom last night and I had the following thoughts: ♣ Ryan doesn't want Bentley, his mom just wants to fight Maci. Stupidity! ♦ Amber is nuts because of her mom. When you see Amber actually looking like the mature one? You know that means trouble ♥ For the first time (likely ever) I felt for Farrah. Her scene at the cemetery was very touching. Also her mom was sweet. ♣  Oh, and Jackie and Ames? They didn't last. AND, apparently Ben is considering being the next Bachelor but filming is during the harvest. haha. 

I will be 30 at the end of this year and I feel like a part of my generation (at least a part of the US) is A&F clothing. At my US high school I never wore A&F (and didn't have friends that did either). Back then no one in the Netherlands knew anything about A&F. At my US HS I wasn't a part of the jock crowd (nor did I want to be). Anyhow, since then I have had Dutch friends visit and go to A&F and buy up the whole place. It cracks me up because I still think that A&F clothes are 'meh' to be kind. I did like the cologne they had called Woods.. but i don't think they even carry it anymore. Anyhoo... THIS article about how Abercrombie & Fitch doesn't want the Jersey Shore cast members wearing their brand cracks me up. Then again, THIS article about how A&F will pay the cast NOT to wear their clothing? Hilarious!

Everybody look to their left (yeah)
Everybody look to their right (ha)

UGH. Make it stop! haha

I booked my flight to Amsterdam. I'll be home for Thanksgiving. I think the last time I was in Amsterdam right around Sinterklaas (and Thanksgiving) was probably when I was 15 years old. I'm already looking forward greatly to going! 9 days with my sister, dad and friends.. good times! A couple of my American friends have already asked me whether i'll be there this year and whether they can go when i'm there. I am sure however it ends up working out--it will be a lot of fun.

Before that happens though my sister will be here on Friday. I'm muchos excited for that! We will drive up to Boston on Friday and then be back in the city late Sunday. Then next week she has two of her friends visiting her as well (they will stay at Hotel Naomi). I'm looking forward to the chaos.

In other news, I had a long and hard battle and finally seem to have come out VICTORIOUS! woohoo! I've been trying to activate the New Yorker app on my iPad for weeks now and finally today I seem to have gotten it working. Hello New Yorker. I look forward to reading you on the subway.

I just saw that Russell Armstrong (Taylor from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' husband) died last night. According to the Internet it was suicide. Poor their daughter Kennedy! 

I just read an update that @Wearywalden posted: According to this study, watching an hour TV shortens ones life like smoking 2 cigarettes does. Now what if I do both at the same time? Crapola! haha.

Tonight there will be the Masterchef finale. I'm excited. Not quite sure who I am rooting for..  I am also digging Hells Kitchen this season. I think I like Will and Paul the best. Jennifer knows what she is doing as well it seems. Verdict is still out on Natalie. I watched both Weeds and Bachelor Pad last night (my life was shortened GREATLY, clearly). I never really loved Ames all that much, but i loved Ames and Jackie together. I also don't understand why they aren't just sending Kasey and Vienna home already... but hey, i'm not them (thank god!). Kasey's voice annoys me.. bleh. Oh and Gia leaving the way she did was sort of weird too.

Well, I better get some more work done. I need to get out of here on time (or even a tad early) so i can run to the ATM and then go grab cleaning supplies for the cleaning lady before meeting up with my friend D and driving up to Stamford, CT, having dinner there, watering my friends' plants and then heading back home and tidying up for the cleaner who is coming in the AM. The cleaning lady just emailed me that she needs a couple of things.. I wish she had told me sooner, but I suppose i'll make it work

UPDATE: that amazing bed that I want? Well, it is on back order. So if I order it today it will be in my area around September 22nd. That is 6 weeks from now! Also, that isn't a delivery guarantee.. but the lady on the phone told me it would be around then. Apparently the bed needs a box spring as well. I've never had a bed that wasn't just a mattress on slats. If it needs a box spring, why have the frame, right?  I don't know how I feel about that. Last but not least, between the shipping surcharge and taxes and what not, the bed costs 41 cents over $1000. $699 sounded a lot better than $1000.41. Even $850 (what I thought it would be) sounded way better. Man, just when I thought i'd decided to go for it.. now i'm not so sure anymore. What do you think? It IS pretty, right?

Do I book a flight to Amsterdam for 60k miles + $95 for Thanksgiving? Do I buy a new queen sized bed? What kind of mattress do I get? Do I pay $100 a monthly parking spot? How do I contact iTunes about the music I bought but did not receive? Sooo many decisions. Ok, i'm enlisting your help.

First off, I have been considering buying this bed. What do you think?
 
My current full size bed jiggles. I can't tell if the frame is uneven or the floor in my room. I am hoping that this is heavy enough that it won't wobble around. My only worry is that since this bed looks big and heavy and i'd get it in a queen size (I really want a queen, that is the main reason for upgrading) I don't want it to take over the whole room too much. The is space in the room.. but well.. I dunno. Also, i'm not sure whether the bed would match my wooden but stained night stands. The picture below is far from good.. but it gives an idea of the night stands i suppose. Maybe i'll take a better one to give a better idea of the room. Can you believe i've never had a bed with a head board before?

Man, I have looked at SO. MANY. BEDS. online this weekend. See, if i buy one in the next couple days, I can give my cousin my current bed frame which will save him some bucks.

If I buy a new bed, I'll need to get a new mattress (since mine is a full). I want something firm (no pillow top or mush like that). Overweight people do not need mushy beds. Plus, I just don't like super soft beds. I want something to support and have some bounce back. Whether I want foam or tempurpedic or serta or sealy i am not sure. I do not want anything that will make me warmer than I already am... i feel like if I mold into the bed it will be warm, right? Who knows. Any suggestions/advice anyone?

In the same vein, I am not sure whether I should try to get a parking space in my 'hood for around $100 a month (this is what they cost). Where I live alternate side street parking is enforced. One side disallows parking Mon/Weds from 11:30AM-1PM and the other doesn't allow it Tues/Friday from 11:30AM-1PM. This means that I would have to move the car 4 times a week from side to side. On Thursdays it is hard to find parking sometimes. I don't really want to end up moving the car that often. BUT, having a car in the area would be great. Basically, my cousin also doesn't want to deal with moving the car back and forth in his area and his considering just sticking the car in his parents garage up in MA. However, I offered to park it for him and then have access to it when I want. Having a car would be pretty sweet. I don't think my usage currently averages out to $100 a month, but between the bus and train tickets I take to Boston and DC and the occasional rental.. it isn't that far off. Plus, if i had the car, I know i'd use it more than I do now. Sigh. Decisions, decisions. It is an extra bill (essentially feels like a utility) a month but i'm getting a raise so perhaps it is worth it?

I bought some music from iTunes this weekend and got a receipt but didn't get the actual mp3's. Annoying! I'm sure it is solvable with an email.. but bleh. just bleh. I've been listening to The Civil Wars, The Head and the Heart .. and .. don't giggle too much: Joshua Radin's "The Fear You Won't Fall". Why do I like that song so much? HAHA.

Alright, all decisions aside. I know for a fact that I had a phenomenal weekend! Friday I went and picked up a car from my friend who I am car sitting for while she is on vacation (side note: she called after her first day there to tell me they got engaged. i am so stoked for her!). Anyhow, Friday was pretty low key. Saturday was mega busy. I woke up early and drove to Brooklyn to meet my cuz, his gf and my aunt and uncle for brunch. After yummy eggs we went to Ikea where they picked out furniture for their new place. I had to leave kind of early since I had to be back in my neighborhood for a play date with a 2 and 3 year old. I have two friends in the area with kids. It was time for these two kiddies to meet..and so we did. At the playground. I had a lot of fun running around with them. After Ikea and the kiddie running around I was pretty wiped (and extremely hungry) however instead of heading home and vegging out, I picked up my friend (by car) and then took the subway into Manhattan to Gotham Comedy Club to see Garfunkel and Oates perform. The show was very funny and I had a great time. After the show I was going to have one or two drinks and then head home on the earlyish side, but instead i had who knows how many drinks, we closed a bar (after bar hopping a bunch) and I got home around 5am. Sunday was a total waste of a day as a result. I chatted on the phone with my dad whihc was nice, and I hung out wit ha friend for a bit (he came over and we played tetris and Dr. Mario on the wii)--but for the most part? Yesterday was a lazy day.

Somehow getting up this morning was kind of rough still.. I think i'm getting to an age where spending a Saturday night out all night requires more recovery than a 2 day weekend offers. Hopefully i'll get some sleep this week since on Friday MY SISTER ARRIVES! WOOHOO!