I don't know why my twitter widget is no longer updating my LJ, that's rather irritating. BOOOOOOOO on you.

Lots of insanity going on. Got laid off from Forma, but got my old job back at the gym the same night. So once again I am grossly underemployed! Hooray! :-P Trying to stay positive, I'm going to meet with my recruiter sometime this week  to see how I'm doing and hopefully accelerate my entrance in the Air Force.  Yep. Six months on and I still want to go so, there's that. Russ is camping for Memorial Day and playing paintball, but I work, so I'm at home taking care of two dogs who now BOTH have diarreah for some reason.  My life is all boredom and shit right now, but it's ok. I have the intenets to keep me company, and good friends to make me laugh.  

Mind-set: resolute What are Tags?: air force, bad news, camping, dogs, my life, russ, work

So, I'm a staffer/GOTV Organizer/Intern, WHATEVER for the Barack Obama campaign.  That might explain why I've been off of the grid for WEEKS.  Plus I'm going to the gym 5 days a week and suck, and still working at the gym on weekend nights.


Right now I'm just fucking stoked to see my bestfriend Dwayne, who's been gone for months.  He's coming home in some 40 days, and I think I might have a small heart attack before then.  People have been asking me what we're doing for his coming home party, rather than ask him, which irked him a lot, because it's not like I'm his fucking filter, they're just as capable as I am of sending him an email... But of course none of them did- so I'm now planning a big party at a part or restaurant for friends, family, buddies, and co-workers for the weekend before Christmas of all times. LoL Oh well, it's nice to be so important and loved, so shouldn't complain.


Um... got a new job which starts the day after the election, so I'm quitting the gym, and purchasing an actual membership, and should finally rejoin the ranks of the living and social! GO me!    I'm so excited, and it is nearly the same pay as I was making before.  Boreal is also opening soon, and I've been rehired, so I'm so stoked on that.  I'll have a regular 8-5 job, my evenings back, and then weekends I'll be tearing up the slopes (in between picking up fat tourists!)  I could not be more excited, considering the virtual raping I received by 2008 so far this year... I'm still a little gun-shy over it all.

Russ is going out of town on Sunday-Friday, so I have to be home to do all the shit he's been taking care of during my time with the campaign- taking the dogs out, taking the trash out, cleaning the cat boxes, etc.  Things I normally have no problem taking over, but with how everything is ramping up for the final week, it feels a little overwhelming.  Plus, I'm going to have a staffer from Chicago living in my house the 31-5, PLUS my house/living room will be a staging area for the finals days of the campaign, so I have to clean house MAJORLY and get the room ready, etc.  Oh yeah, I'm working at 4:30am on Monday at the gym to cover a shift too. I kick ass.  Because I will get it all done.  I always do.  That's why people come to me, because I make shit happen. 

Yeah- probably not all and not adequate after MONTHS of not updating, but seriously, I can't even wrap my brains around the internet right now.  Oh yeah...

my article came out in the October issue of the Reno Passport www.renopassport.com, and I'll have another feature in the November issue.  Consider myself PIMPED!

Mind-set: exhausted What are Tags?: activism, awesomeness, barack obama, boreal, dorkiness, dwayne, dwayne/iraq, friends, good news, irony, my life, only in nevada, politics, russ, skiing, weightloss, work, writing

Let me tell you about my garden- we have six varieties of tomato plants, two varieties of bell pepper, two varieties of hot pepper, carrots, radishes, zucchini, cucumbers, and watermelon.  I also have three more tomato plants in pots on the deck, and BASIL! yummy...  I put in the garden for the first time this year (since we only moved in last summer) and did the rows, and weeding, and careful fertilization, and watering, etc.  I have been spending lot of time in my garden, and I think it's evident-

Mind-set: pleased What are Tags?: awesomeness, garden, my life, pics, russ

(You know how they say a job begun is half done?  Well that's not exactly true, and certainly doesn't apply to updating your live journal!)
I went snowboarding today with Matt, Gary, and Steven and it was a total blast, if you don't include the whole taking Steven to the hospital because he fractured his back part.  Oy.  That was a bit of a scary ordeal.  Russ was also in San Diego all day, and we made a VERY late dinner of waffles and bacon. It was awesome.  Dwayne called me today from where he's temporarily stationed to train and acclimate.  It was a brief call- 5 minutes- but worth my weight in gold as far as I'm concerned.  It was a little embarrassing when my boss at Boreal, Nate, walked up as I stood there and cried a little (very little, go me!) and got hugs from the boys.  Oh well, what's a girl to do, eh?

Mind-set: sleepy What are Tags?: boreal, cooking, daily log, dwayne, friends, my life, russ, woe

So I got an absolutely GLOWING review at the end of September regarding my work and performance and such.  Cut forward to January where my boss, out of nowhere, says "we're going to put you on this chart because we worry about things falling through the cracks and how you're prioritizing your work load."  So I go along with the chart, and the nausea of having to check in and validate my time every morning and evening (yay micromanagement) and just general stress because I genuinely care about this job.  I spend the better part of two months busting my ass to try and prove that I"m not a slouch, despite not changing my work habits since September to begin with.  Tuesday morning, after working my ASS off last week to get a meeting shipped out for this week, I was looking at my chart and feeling pretty damn good about the volume of work I'd done and so forth, and I actually liked that fucking chart saying "man, it was nice to see what was coming." 

Alas it was not to be- my boss was like "I don't know what else we can do for you, you don't seem to be invested in your work, you don't seem to be even paying attention the the chart like I asked; do you have any ideas?"  and basically, laid it in to me (very very professionally and politely, although I still disagree- I cannot complete print jobs on files that are still being f-ing edited plzkthnx).  I got the come to Jesus talk- no beating around the bush or anything, I'm looking at another 'chance' or I face demotion/termination.  So I'm looking for a new job.  I'm done, I won't fight for this job anymore.  I've always pretty much felt that the general attitude was hostile- not in the violent sense- like they didn't want me the hell around in my work group- and now I've found that other shit like this has happened to other people, so maybe the reason I can't understand what happened or fix it is because it's not FUCKING ME.  Who knows.  I'm applying for new jobs.  As soon as I can find one I'm done.  If I could afford to simply resign now I would.  I practically feel like I have a target on my back-I've been feeling like I've been set up to fail for weeks now.  At least that's not anything new at the Council.  From this year's staff retreat and just talking with other people, it's one of the most clique'-y places you can find and these sorts of things always happen.  Oh well.  I'm applying for jobs with both cities, and going to look at county, University, ETC jobs to see where I can fit in. 

Russ hopefully comes home tomorrow, but probably not till Friday.  He's leaving for Washington (state) on Monday.  I wish I could find a job like his- one where I got to use my skills and learn and try new things and was treated with respect and value.  Oh well.  It'll probably always be my job to stand in the shadows.

Mind-set: lonely What are Tags?: russ, woe, work

Repeat-
Tonight my friends Matt, Arlene, and Tim invited myself and Russ along to join them and Matt's gf as well as Tim's sister and friends for dinner.

Yet another get together with people I care about ruined by my husband.  This time he was anti-social and generally curt from the get go, only to get worse as our waitress proved disappointing.  I begged him to calm down as he was being very angry and swearing, but he blew me off, as always.  Then he was belligerent with the manager, and made everyone so uncomfortable and tired that Matt even told the Manager to just not worry about it and slapped down the $5 Russ was frustrated over in front of him. 

How many times must I have my friendships and my opinions/desires devalued by the man who promised to love me forever?  Why is everything important to me unworthy of his consideration?  I am just so tired.

Mind-set: crushed What are Tags?: friends, russ, woe

Been a week nearly since we last spoke, eh journal?  I'm assuming anyone who know's me has an understanding of how insanely stressed and busy I've been lately.  Thankfully this week looks as though it will be much more relaxed. 

Mind-set: confused What are Tags?: life, russ

Hope everyone's holiday has been as joyful and unique as mine.  Love you all and Merry Christmas.

Bearings: home, but not for long Mind-set: cheerful What are Tags?: awesomeness, christmas, family, friends, geekdom, russ

Today is the First Anniversary of my wedding to Russ.  YAY! I am still in shock that it's been whole year since our wedding and since we've seen my lovely family.  I couldn't be happier or more amused with the path down which life has led me.  Since the wedding we've honeymooned in Ireland, worked crazy full-time jobs, gone to Disneyland, bought a house, and got a doggy.  Amongst other things of course. Whilst we're not taking any special time off this week to celebrate, we have purchased gifts for each other and will be having a lovely dinner at FinFish by Charlie Palmer (I have no idea, it was recommended to us).  Then, in November we're going on vacation for 10 days to New York and possibly Montreal.

Thank you so very much all the wonderful friends and family who've supported us through our long (7 years together now) relationship and the wedding and the year since.  Thank you for all the wonderful well-wishes and thoughts.  I love you all!


PS- I'm a pretty pretty pony!

Mind-set: cheerful What are Tags?: anniversary, awesomeness, russ, wedding

I have a BITE MARK on my damned neck!    He's in so much trouble right now... How embarassing that I just now noticed it... jesus. LOL

Mind-set: naughty Tunes: Foo Fighters What are Tags?: russ

I just got flowers from my husband for the first time... Mind you it's the first time he has, as my husband, sent me flowers.  But he's also never sent me flowers for Valentine's Day.  I've only ever gotten flowers from him when he was apologizing... now I wonder if he's going to be in trouble when I get home.  Russ is so sweet sometimes.


Also- the new Fallout Boy CD is not what I expected... not bad, just different.

Bearings: work Mind-set: loved Tunes: Fallout Boy What are Tags?: awesomeness, russ, valentine's day

For I am now a widow.  My dearest Husband Russ has fallen... into Warcraft.  Yes- the game with the elves and wizards and maiges and guys who live in their parents basement.  For futher understanding of my personal pain please see the South Park episode, "Make Love, not Warcraft." and the many youtube videos on the subject.  

Honestly I think that Football widows have it EASY compared to Warcraft widows...  I mean, football is a seasonal thing, and the games are on regular schedules.  Warcraft knows no schedule or season, it's only so it's all day every day all the time.  Plus, often football guys go AWAY and leave their wives in peace to do what they want, which can inlcude drinking lots of wine with the other football widows.  Warcraft guys sit in your living room, at the computer, with headphones on.  If you talk to them, even after making a point to get their attention and the headphones off, they really don't hear you.  They just sit there talking to unseen nobodys over a microphone like piece of noisy (smelly), gaudy furniture.  PLUS-  football is a manly, 'respectful' hobby.  Warcraft.. come on, it's WARCRAFT... it's like he's playing dungeons and dragons or some other lame crap.  The only difference is that he doesn't personally don the cape and chain mail while rolling the dice... but he sure gets excited about what he has to clothe his online representation.  Oy...

I think I might have to take a lover.  (I'm just kidding)  

I'll be ok, I'll just read more and play ps2.  =)

Bearings: home Mind-set: cheerful What are Tags?: russ

Still on the damned island, today I ate some crisps.

Yes that's right... while under normal circumstances we'd be arriving in Reno in about 9 hours, we are actually back where we started... Yes, BEAUTIFUL Shannon airport. Long story, made short, I'm an idiot and we missed our flight by 5 minutes. Thus we had to change our tickets ($200/each), fly to Shannon ($169), and stay in a hotel overnight ($116). On top of the extra money for two 'tyres' and the underaged driver fees... Oy! Let's just say I won't be going to Vegas with my family this year. But, we're still ending out Honeymoon on a good note. We're going to the pub! At this time tomorrow (give or take with time changes) I'll be updating ELJAY from Philly, with a sandwhich and a beer.


PS I have the best husband in the whole world. Just so everyone knows.

What are Tags?: honeymoon, russ

Say "hey!" LoL   
Take two bored 20-Somethings
add 1 new car
two breweries
shake with ice
poor and garnish with 350 miles

Russ and I were like "what do you want to do?" 'I don't know, what do you want to do...?'  and thus we decided to drive to CHICO California to go to the Sierra Nevada Brewery for dinner.  And- since I did all the driving and didn't want to drive home after filling myself with beer and tasty meatloaf, we just decided "why the hell not" and crashed at a motel for the night, walked 3+ miles around the town and just had and good time.  Then, we also decided to go to ANOTHER brewery.  I'm thinking we'll head back in a week or two- bring our friend Jacquie at Butte Creek Brewery a growler or something of our local fair.  Plus- you can volunteer to bottle and work on the bottling line and they'll compensate you in either money- or beer.  Word, go down, play in the brewery, and get paid in beer?  SIGN ME UP YO! LoL  Plus, my freakin' car got 30 mpg both directions YAY! LoL  We got home around 4:30pm promptly took a nap.  YAY NAP! still have one day off... good lord.

Bearings: My couch, Sparks Nevada Mind-set: chipper Tunes: "KY Sensual Mist" commercial O'RLY What are Tags?: awesomeness, russ

So- Today I work from 3pm-11pm, closing the store and such on my own.  Talked to the boss man and we're getting lunch (not pizza) since we're a small crew.  I'm supposed to get the Mustang back today, but apparently they're having problems with the interior, and the car show is tomorrow morning.  Yes folks- car or no car, I have to be at the car show at 6am, and then work again from 2pm-10pm.  Oh- and apparently my car needs a new idler arm (jigga-what?) and new front tires, but I knew that was coming.  Oh- and Russ has plans to paintball all day tomorrow in the woods- so without the mustang I'm car-less.  woe.....   or driving the Nova... woe^2...

Bearings: the couch Mind-set: disappointed Tunes: ER theme song. What are Tags?: bad news, kinko's, mustang, russ

Today I dropped the Mustang off at RDW Automotive to have my spankin' new interior installed.  Once the seats and carpet are done, all that is left for me:
1. Driver's Door Panel (I have this)
2. Dashboard paint (I have this)
3. Dashpad
4. Instrument Bezel (I have this)
5. Upohlster the center console
6. Upohlster random panels, etc.
7. Replace Headliner

So- Not too much work.  =)  And, I'm supposedly getting a spiffy new engine for her this summer.  That and a Vinyl top will make my baby complete.  YAY!!!!!! Nobody probably understands- but looking back on my purchase 5 years ago, and the car accident that almost totalled her 3 years years ago, I really couldn't ever imagine this happening.  SO FREAKING EXCITED to see my baby- supposed to have her back before Saturday- maybe as soon as Wednesday.  =) YAY!

The rest of my day was uneventful.  Russ was awesome and left me the rodeo for after I dropped my baby off and today was my little sister's 20th Birthday.  I got her a pool  =) and my parents got her a computer cabinet and chair.  My poor dad had to deal with Office Max because the one that he bought was supposed to be "complete" and "undamaged", but was actually missing all of the hardware, and one of the sides was BROKEN IN HALF.  So he had to go down there and take care of things.  Thus- I am the furniture assembling QUEEN.  And I'm dirty.  But it looks nice, and my sister was happy.

W00T
Yes, I rock, lest ye all forgot.

Bearings: Village at Wildcreek, Sparks, NV Mind-set: chipper Tunes: NIN What are Tags?: birthday!, geekdom, mustang, russ, victory!