Back in the swing of things

Well I'm all moved back in with my parents. Who knows how long I'll be staying for but the commute to work will sure be a nice break.

Not much really to update on. I'm getting a lot better; still a little congested but nothing that won't be 100% cured by Friday when I head down to Macomb for the weekend.

Speaking of Macomb, it seems it's going to be a big reunion weekend (for me anyway). Karlene heard I was coming and decided that she's going to come too. AND, I was able to almost convince Joe (Miller) to meet us down there as well. I haven't seen him in over 2 years and it's time for him, Katie, Kevin & I to do some serious damage.

That's really all I've got for now. I slept for almost 12 hours last night and think I'll be all caught up on my sleep by the time I have to go back to work on Tuesday. Hooray for 4 days weeks :)

Lisa, vampires are make-believe; like elves, gremlins & eskimos

I swear I have some sort of sickness ... aside from the massive cold I inherited from my co-worker, anyway.

With the apartment packed up, with the exception of the essentials I need to survive the rest of the week, I have come to realize I have a lot of time on my hands. I packed away all DVDs and don't really feel like staring at the TV for hours on end that I turned to one of my favorite past times; reading.

I've already mentioned that I've read "Twilight," the 1st of 4 books in the series by Stephanie Meyer. On Sunday I managed to read the 2nd book, "New Moon." All of it. All 580+ pages of it. I literally sat on the couch for a good portion of 9 hours reading. It's amazing I don't have a massive headache from it. The only thing that sucks is that I wanted to read while lounging out by the pool since it was a GORGEOUS day outside. However, due to the nice sign outside the office that said the pool was closed due to no lifeguard, I was stuck inside because I didn't have the energy to drive anywhere (not that there was anywhere else to go).

So I finished the 2nd book. My mom only gave me the first 2 because she hadn't read the 2nd two yet (and probably didn't think I would manage to read 1,100 pages in 4 days). I thought I could go until I moved back home to wait to continue the journey, but I was mistaken. I stopped at Borders on my way home from work today and bought "Eclipse." I also picked up "Marked," another Vampire series that was sitting on the 'recommended' table because I love reading about the supernatural, especially Vampires.

I got home and decided since I bought the 3rd book, I might as well complete the set. I bought the other 3 - because I love books and will eventually read them again ... and again ... and again. I also bought the other 2 books of the other Vampire series along with the 1st 2 or 3 (I can't remember) of another series I've been meaning to read by the same author of 2 series (with 12 books each plus a 3 book conclusion .. and then a new series on a different character that is in process now...eee!) that I've read countless times. My mom yells at me every couple of months when she catches me re-reading them. It's rediculous.

I VERY rarely read books that aren't apart of a series. I love the continuation of stories. I love character development. I don't think one book is enough for my mind. I feel like I grow with the characters and they are my friends too.

Okay, I've rambled on enough about my love for reading ... time to get back to "Eclipse!"

and then there were 2 ...

Tonight my mom called me and left a message that my Grandma Hannah died this morning. She seemed somber yet I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, as I'm sure my dad did as well .... that is after he finished doing cartwheels around the living room.

Yeah, I know. We're going to hell. But let me explain. She is my dad's stepmother and straight off the boat from Germany. Sure she taught me how to play canasta and took me to Silver Dollar City, and allowed me (ok my dad allowed it) to use her money to pay off my Visa so I wouldn't have to pay finance charges; but all in all she was a bitchy old hag. Ok, maybe that's a little too harsh but she wasn't a very pleasant person to be around.

The person I feel for the most is my dad. He became her official guardian a few months (maybe a year) ago and has been dealing with legal stuff and calls from the police when she as accused him of stealing her scooter keys. Now there's the matter of sorting everything out. It'll be a long process but at least there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Is it wrong that I didn't cry when my dad's dad and stepmom died? I'm typically a very emotional person and have cried during commercials. Something must be said about that.

Okay, 2 blogs are enough for one day. Back to packing.

something about vampires

If you know me at all, you know I'm a huge bookworm who loves nothing better than lounging around in a cozy little nest indulging myself in a great story.

My mom recently told me about "Twilight" the lastest book series craze to hit the nation since, well, since I don't even know. Most people I know (girls) have already read it and I can't believe I haven't heard about it prior.

She lent me the first 2 books Monday and they are not small; I'm talking 400+ words and decently small print. I started reading "Twilight" on Wednesday and finished it up today. I am addicted. It is damn near impossible to put down and as soon as I'm done writing this I'm going to curl up on the couch and start the 2nd one.

Other than escaping to a land of romance with a vampire, the thing that excites me most is the fact that a movie is already finished and will be released on December 12, 2008. Looking into the movie's cast, I can't believe how many actors/actresses are from some of my favorite TV shows & movies. For instance:

Cam Gigandet is playing James. He played Volchek on 'The OC' and definitely has that stereotypical bad boy image about him.
Elizabeth Reaser is playing Esme Cullen. She was Jane Doe/Rebecca on 'Grey's Anatomy.'
Billy Burke is playing Charlie. He was/is Jack, Bobby's older brother on 'My Boys.'
Nikki Reed is playing Rosalie. She was also on 'The OC' playing Sadie.

but the best one?

Robert Pattinson is playing Edward. Who is he, you ask? Well, he only played one of the greatest Quidditch players ever! Cedric Diggory :)

I can't wait :) Aaaaannndddd ... rumor has it the release date got moved up to November 21st after they pushed back Harry Potter and the HBP 9 months.

eeee!!

What I did on my summer vacation ...

I'll be the first person to admit that I tear up very easily when it comes to movies or series finales of my favorite tv shows. But not very often do I tear up over a news story. Today was a definite first. It is probably one of the most touching stories I have read in a LONG time.

When Heath Ledger died earlier this year he was working on another movie; "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus." Since his death filming has continued with Johnny Depp, Collin Ferrel and Jude Law all stepping in for Ledger's role. It has just been released that all 3 actors have donated their earnings from the new movie to Ledger's 2 year old daughter, Matilda. The reason? Because Ledger never updated his will to include her and they wanted to make sure she had a secure future.

Is that not the sweetest thing ever?

Nothing else really to update other than I move out in a week and a half and need to start packing and cleaning. Greg went back to school today so I need to get used to not having him around all the time.

Today I worked the night shift, and tomorrow I'm back to my normal hours. Not a fun turnaround.

Before I go to bed, there's one question that's been on my mind today.

Everybody is going back to school. Most high schools started this week and it leads me to wonder about Shawn Johnson. She's obviously still in high school, yet during an interview yesterday she said she was staying in Bejing for the rest of the week. I can't imagine her going back to school and trying to go back to her normal life. She's a celebrity now. That would make some "What I did on my summer vacation" essay.

You say it's your birthday

Last night was probably one of the best outings I've had in years.

Marianne, Bethany, Charlie and I decided to try out something new and went to Boogie Nights, a discoteque in West Chicago. They strickly play music from the 70's, 80's and 90's. We walked in to Love Shake and left to Last Dance with so many other great songs inbetween. 

The highlights: I was brought back to my middle school days when I got to shake it to the Venga Boys & Cotton Eyed Joe. One of Charlie's friends was in shock when I knew all the words to Mamma Mia and Marianne and I even danced with an old man who looked very much like Hugh Heffner. 

There were a lot of previous generations there and no college whores. It was a great place and I'm sad I won't get to go there very often after the move. 

However, we will be going there one more time. Wednesday the 27th is Ladies Night and it's only from 8-10 so that's doable since I have to work bright and early in the morning. It is strictly for ladies only and there's a $20 cover which includes open bar and lots and lots of giveaways. I think that's totally worth it.

When we got home last night the apartment complex decided they wanted to shut our water off for some reason. Now I feel very gross and can't take a shower unit at least later this afternoon.

Happy birthday to me.

Is there anyone out there 'cuz it's getting harder and harder to breathe

Today started out to be the crappiest day ever. Work sucked. I got a new desk though (thank god) and no longer have to sit next to a chatty kathy who thinks she's god's gift to the parts department. However, when they were moving my computer something happened and now it won't work. So hopefully I'll be getting a new one tomorrow.

Anyway, the good news.

On my way home from work my favorite radio station (102.3 XLC) was giving away concert tickets to caller 10. I decided, what the hell, i would call. I was caller 5. boo. So i called back. AND I WON!!!! WOO!!!! I (and hopefully Dana if she ever calls me back) am going to see Maroon 5 (woo!), Counting Crows (woo!) and Sarah Barelis (eh) August 23rd in Milwaukee!

Hooray!!

Happy early birthday to me!

And then my mom called saying they couldn't make it to dinner on my birthday this sunday. ummm....WTF? I'm your daughter. It's my birthday.

Whatever, I'll go to Greg's and spend my birthday with his family. It's just another day anyway. Whoopie de fricken do. I'm 23.

Congratuations. to me.

SILENCE! I'll keel you

Yesterday Greg & I (along with a couple people from work) went to see Jeff Dunham in South Bend, IN. It was my birthday present and I couldn't have asked for a better one :)

It was, to say the absolute least, hilarious. All of his material was new and from his upcoming Christmas special. I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard. It's a toss up for what the best part was. There were 3 front runners that just bear repeating.
1) Jeff reciting "The Night Before Christmas" with Peanut. I can't really explain it, you just have to believe me and then watch the special on comedy central this November.
2) The encore. Jeff came out and said he had so many requests to bring out Bubba J. He did and even admitted that he hasn't used him in so long that he needed to use a cheat sheet for all the jokes. Quickly into the act he noticed that the audience was reciting it along with him and mentioned (by way of puppet) that it's sad when the audience can recite the skit better than he can. It seemed to be a first for him because he was definitely taken aback and found it hilarious. I, however, don't do it justice in writing; It was definitely one of those 'had to be there moments.'
3) Jeff told a story (sans puppets) about a women he met who had never hear of him or any of his acts. She said that she was a 1st grade substitute teacher and after going to see him she had a class and tried to get them to settle down. After a few failed attempts she finally yelled "silence!" and I guess some kid said back "I keel you." I would have absolutely died of laughter. A 6 year old! Hilarious.

Anyway, today was a rather odd day.

On my way to work I was listening to 102.3 as usual. One of the DJ's had a trivia question and wanted to know if anyone new the answer. The question was, what popular children's game is known in France as Roshambo. Well, I knew the answer (for some strange reason) and called up. I got right through and was on the radio!! I didn't win anything though, which I thought was mega lame.

But anyway, the odd part. I get to work a few minutes later and see my uncle walking through the door. I mention to him that I was on the radio and he asked me which station. I told him and he said that Jennifer (the DJ who asked the question) went to college with my Aunt Katie and was on the loop 100.3 (when it was still around) a few years ago. I had dog sat for her dogs (duh) my junior year of high school! I found that very strange that I didn't even know that.

People's voices are very different on the radio.

By the way, the answer was rock, paper, scissors. :)

How do you like your eggs in the morning?

I'm not one to be serious, especially in my writing, but today is a rare exception.

I read an article in the newspaper last week that really struck my attention. Many people donate blood, plasma, and even sperm (for guys, of course) for financial compensation. However, this article was about the rise in young women (ages 21-35) donating their eggs to those who are less fortunate to have children on their own. Not only is that a heroic deed and an unbelievable gift to give some family, the compensation starts at $7,000. That's a lot of dough; enough, in fact, to relieve me of 90% of my self-inflicted debt.

For the past week I have been highly considering putting through an application. I've spent hours researching the process and read reviews from other women who have donated (some donating multiple times) and have read nothing negative on the subject. While reading through the 'fine print' on the application, they state that 'for medical reasons,' only those under 160 lbs will be considered.

This not only upset me but pissed me off to the extreme. Seriously, what makes a (barely and shouldn't be by most standards) overweight person like me not be capable of donating eggs? It's it because our society has put such a strong image in our heads of a 5'9", 110 lbs blonde woman as the ideal body type that some one like me who is 5'4", 175 not worthy of giving an unfortunate couple the gift of life? What kind of crap is that?

It pisses me off so much that I can't even elaborate on it anymore.

I am still going to put through an application, but not until I reach their 'ideal' standards of the 'perfect' candidate.

Such bullshit.

It really was no miracle; what happened was just this ...

"The wind began to switch; the house to pitch. And suddenly the hinges started to unhitch ...
Just then, a witch; to satisfy and itch, went flying on her broomstick, thumbing for a hitch"

There's really too much to say right now that I must resort to bullet point form ....

• The wedding this weekend was definitely not what was expected. I expected a fun time drinking with a lot of my friends. Instead, it was a rather intimate gathering where we got lectured about our alcohol consumption because of the stupid 'future homemakers of Illinois' club or whatever bullshit they were apart of, and, needless to say, were forced to leave before the dancing started. I, however, will not go into why.
• Spent Sunday at Greg's parent's house. Went out to eat with his entire family + grandmother ... probably one of the last times everyone will be together for a while since his oldest sister & brother-in-law are moving to North Carolina September 1st.
• Finally watched "Back to the Future." Not going to lie, pretty awesome movie. Yes Greg, you were right.
• I am getting an apartment with Dana. I'm not sure if I mentioned this already but once she moves back to the area August 18th we're going to start looking at a few places. The commute will be less than 20 minutes and may even be as close as 1 mile. I will be getting exercise in daily if we get that one because I will either ride my bike or walk every day pending the weather.

And now the exciting portion

• Joey (a guy I work with) came back from vacation yesterday. My boss was not informed of this and I was supposed to work the 12-9 shift again this week M-F, going back to my 5:30-2 hours on Saturday. He came back and now I'm going back to my morning shift tomorrow. So, I left work early (6pm) so I wouldn't be over worked for tomorrow. I get home and discover we're under a tornado warning. After 30 minutes of hard core lightning right outside our window, the power goes out and Marianne and I are left in the dark with no flashlights. After spending an hour in the dark and sick of watching the pilot episode of "Dawson's Creek" on Marianne's computer, the power came back on.

I'm just glad I wasn't by myself. I would have freaked out and more than likely jumped in the car, not thinking about the weather, and drove to Greg's house. I don't like being alone during storms.

Well, that's all I've got. Time for bed. Night!