Before I start the rant I just want to say I had the pleasure of meeting (e:Jenks) for lunch yesterday. The company was great and I had the most fantastic carrot and ginger soup! If the rest of their soups are equally delish, I highly recommend Solid Grounds.

Envision that puppet on Sesame Street that always played Yankee Doodle on the piano, would make a mistake, then start slamming his head on the keys. That's how I feel today. I had started my post with, 'I'm a little cranky this morning'. I was almost done writing when this bitch of a computer decided it needed to restart and I lost the whole thing. Now I'm pissed. I don't feel like re-writing it so here is the Cliff's Notes version:

• I only got 3 days of vacation; my cohort friends got an entire month
  
• I work 24 / 7; they work 20 hours a week
  
• I had 12 residents back early living in the residence hall
  
• I had to move them into spare apartment bedrooms because...
  
• They are shutting the heat off to the residence hall
  
• Everyone had to vacate, myself included
  
• I was missing all the keys I needed to do this
  
• This screws up the entire move-in process for next weekend
  
• It will be chaos in a 3 ring circus
  
• I should hire clowns and sheep to run around campus
  
• I requested space heaters so I could continue working / living there
  
• They are using gas powered heaters that will fill the place with lethal levels of carbon monoxide and no one can enter the building all week
  
• I had a great deal of work to complete next week inside the building
  
• My office is inside the building
  
• They are giving me no accommodation or financial assistance toward food
  
• They don't seem to grasp the concept that this place is my 'home'
  
• This really chaps my ass!
  
• My boss expects me to fend for myself and show up every day next week full-time
  
• Technically I'm part-time but I already work 24 / 7 as it is
  
• I have no money
  
• I didn't realize my car registration and 6 months of insurance are due today
  
• My credit card payment is due today (no luxury option of not paying)
  
• Even with today's joke of a paycheck I don't have enough
  
• I also need gas in my car
  
• I will need more gas in my car now that I have to commute for a week
  
• I won't get paid for another 2 weeks
  
• No really, I don't have ANY money
  
• This blows big fat goats
  
• It's not a cry for sympathy
  
• I think the line 'it could be worse' is condescending

I have an absurd amount of photos from my trip. I tried to condense it to my favorites, starting with the fireworks! It was so much fun to be back in a state where fireworks are legal. We shot off big ones with lots of sparkles and report. So, feast on these sparkling works of art.


the first few were beauties and went off without a hitch


then one of them tipped over, sending brilliant blasts of orange and blue right at us


and a mayhem of explosions that set the yard on fire


but painting with sparklers is much more intoxicating to the eyes


'7 days' ....(prize to the first peep that gets that)


this one reminds me of a chinese new year dragon

It was nice to see my whole family together again. I guess we were together at my brother's wedding in August, but it was nothing but chaos. This was a much more relaxed visit surrounding the sweet aura of a newborn baby: William Maximilian!!!


does this diaper make my butt look big? love it


asleep with his auntie mika on Christmas morning


too sweet

Other things I miss about the south, besides fireworks, is Sonic. I have never been much of a fast food enthusiast but man I love their cheese tots and slushies! Moreover, how fun is it to order from your parking space and have someone bring it out to you on a tray? They don't wear roller skates anymore, but I love that nostalgic 50's feel.


my older sister ordering


my cherry-lime slushy and cheese tots...yum!


who knew the middle of nowhere mississippi was home to this fantastic find?


but you knew you could find an entertaining statement like this


my brother-in-law and me


his dog cali, that i fondly called 'fur pig bear', because i think she looks like a little black bear, and she grunted like a pig...or maybe an ape, i'm not sure


my little sis and max


the obscene paparazzi that typically accompany a newborn


my dad saying 'heeeeey'


max answering him with 'heeeeey' - this one cracks me up!


my brother and sister-in-law


my mom on diaper detail


my older sister and me


oscar the miniature wiener dog...i think he looks sort of like an anteater


but his shadow reminds me of Crow T. Robot from MSC 3000


the glorious warm sunshine made me smile - and i love putting flowers in my hair


me and max on Christmas day...yes, those are little antlers on his head


his proud parents


Then it came time to return to Buffalo. My little sister's plane was four hours ahead of mine, so I had to kill time in Memphis.


so we did a Graceland drive-by


bordered by the graffiti wall


near another of my southern favorites, piggly wiggly - it's just a grocer, but i still giggle each time i say it


then i stumbled upon mecca....oh how i wish i had a whole day......


i was listening to 'recycled air' by the postal service when i took this


Lastly, I had the ultimate joy of babysitting my nephew one night. Who should happen to be playing on FSC but my boys in red, Liverpool. Max and I watched our first soccer match together! My heart was overflowing.

Last night I had the pleasure of meeting (e:Salvatore) for coffee at Spot. I have four pages of interesting drawings to prove it. I don't think I could explain, maybe you just have to meet him yourself. It was a spontaneous call, which I adore. So thanks for that Sal.

Now...I have so many photos to post I didn't know where to begin. I decided to go with my strange little New Year celebration. (e:Theecarey) already posted some photos [inlink]theecarey,76[/inlink] so I will try not to make repeats. Ciao.

P.S. The 'Nocturnal State' show on VH1 plays amazing music sets. Death Cab for Cutie, White Stripes, James Blunt, U2, Fall Out Boy, Linkin Park, Eminem.....


it all started when i found korbel on sale at premier


which we complimented with delicious dried green apples


but one bottle wasn't enough, so carey opened another


and we started to get silly


so we headed to the movies


and i got my beloved chapstick stuck in my glove

after filling our sprites with 99 proof orange liquor....


carey somehow broke the seat in front of her


and i passed out yet managed to take a picture in my sleep


so we rang in the new year in the ladies lavatory


i like dark hallways and exit signs

we went to denny's for a little sustenance...then headed home


where we celebrated by puffing on some spicy cloves, mmmm


puff puff


puffety puff

I spent the better part of my day trying to work on my photos. I'll have to split them up into several posts. I'm tired of looking at the computer right now so I won't start tonight. Well, maybe I'll give one adorable teaser of Max! What I really wanted to say, was check out this sloganator machine. I think it's hysterical. Ciao!

Tonight, Let it be Timika.

Smart. Beautiful. Timika.

Behold the power of Timika.

Out of the strong came forth Timika.

Super Timika is almost here!

For a hard-earned thirst, Timika.

Ladycroft saves your soul.

Get the door - it's Ladycroft.

Drinka, pinta Ladycroft a day.

Try Ladycroft, you'll like it!

For the Ladycroft you don't yet know.

What's yours?


me and max

I just opened a gift from one of my uncles. I was away in Mississippi so I missed the annual Christmas Eve extravaganza at my Polish grandma's house. I've pretty much missed most of them for the last 10 years since I've been out of state every time...but that's beside the point. My brother was there, so he brought it home for me. I just got it tonight and opened it up just now. It is SO random. He got me a Craftsman large mouth tool bag. It's not like I'm known for carrying around an assortment of tools, or have an occupation that requires me too. Actually I do have to deal with a bunch of tools in my line of work, just not the wrench and hammer type. Hardy-har-har. Anyhow, it really tickled me pink to think I would get something out of the blue like that. Truth is, I really dig it and I'm going to put all my car tool crap in it. Right now it all sits in a milk crate in my trunk, but I like the idea of putting the smaller items together in this little bag so I don't have to dig around for them. You see, you just never ever know what's coming around that next corner in life, however small or big. I'm outie. Adorable photos tomorrow.
Ciao, timika

A bag of fudge oreos, two laptops, a fire and a sweet little pooch sitting in my lap. Who could ask for anything more? Ahhhh, what a way to spend this bleary ass day.

Oh - and I'm allowed to reveal my news now. I just became Auntie Mika for the first time, but I shall have another niece or nephew in July!!! Yes, I found out my little sister is pregnant. It was a shock because none of us even knew that she had a boyfriend. Which she really didn't, but I guess they've decided to become an item now. It's weird enough seeing my older sister with a baby, but now my little sister?

Random thought- song titles that make me laugh:

Lesbian eskimo midget left-handed ninja albino

Taking retards to the zoo

If you love someone set them on fire

Let's go smoke some pot

The puking song

Detachable penis

Photos of my trip to Mississippi to follow soon! Ciao.

On the eve of each new year we often look back to see what we did or did not accomplish, the friends we made, the friends we lost, yada yada yada. I came across this little survey and thought it would suffice. I have nowhere to go tonight and (again) no one to kiss as the bells ring the stroke of midnight. Blah. So e-strippers, I wish you joy that never ends and happiness with all your family and friends tonight!

Where were you when 2005 began?
In my parent's TV room.

Who were you with?
My father, brother and dogs.

Where will you be when 2005 ends?
I have no idea. I have not been invited to any parties.

Whom will you be with when 2005 ends?
I have no idea; there is still some time for a miracle.

Was 2005 a good year for you?
There were many changes for me this year and overall I would say they were good. I lost some stress weight, went to many events I had never been too before, made a small army of new friends and went back to school.

What was your favorite moment of the year?
I think sleeping with my nephew in my arms on Christmas morning was a precious moment that will always be dear to my heart.

What was your least favorite moment of the year?
When my Uncle Jackie and my miniature yorkie Twigi died.

Did you fulfill your New Year goals for 2005?
Yes, I went back to school and lost some weigh.

Did you fall in love in 2005?
No.

Did you make any new friends in 2005?
Tons!

What was your favorite month of 2005?
September: 30th birthday, new job, started school.

Did you travel outside of the US in 2005?
Only Canada. Sad, I know. I expect more of myself in this department. 2006 will be much different.

How many different states did you travel to in 2005?
Not many this year: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Tennessee.

Did you lose anybody close to you in 2005?
Yes. My Uncle Jackie and my miniature yorkie Twigi.

What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2005?
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

What was your favorite song from 2005?
Mr. Brightside by the Killers

What was your favorite album from 2005?
Moby: Hotel

Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
Nothing comes to mind.

What was your proudest moment of 2005?
I think venturing to the 10k party by myself to meet new people. In general, I have fearlessness for adventure, but this did take some courage on my part.

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2005?
I cannot think of anything.

If you could go back in time to any moment of 2005 and change something, what would it be?
Mmm, maybe I would decline to go on a particular date. Maybe I learned something from the aftermath, or strengthened some aspect of myself, but I feel I could have done well enough without the drama.

What are your plans for 2006?
Keep plugging away at school
Continue to seek out professional development opportunities
Go to the World Cup (soccer) in Germany
Visit my friends and family across Europe
Explore D.C. for the first time
Go snowboarding
Lose weight
Compete in at least one triathlon
Visit my friends in Brazil, Argentina and Chile
Visit my little sister when she has her baby
Get my ass out to Cedar Point and ride those fantastic roller coasters
Explore Montreal
Help others in whatever fashion I can

Here's a lovely shot of Max and his green Christmas. Ciao.

Nothing says Happy Christmas morning like a sparkling mimosa! I spent the wee hours of the morning sleeping with my nephew in my arms. He smells so good. It was a precious moment I'll never forget. Have a good on estrip. Spread the love. Ciao.

So this was the smoothest air travel I've ever experienced! (e:Uncutsaniflush) and (e:Leetee) dropped me off at the airport (thanks again), I walked right up to the counter and self-checked in, walked right through security, got on my plane. WOW.

I have to say, I've been to many airports, but Detroit has made some awesome changes. I was completely mesmerized by the connection corridor between concourse A and C. It must be 1/4 mile long. It was a tunnel, and the ceiling and walls were lighted panels of changing colours. The colours shifted and warbled along with this totally ambient music. It was like a cross between being underwater and riding Space Mountain. It was so spectacular I just wanted to sit down for a while and enjoy it. If I hadn't been in such a trance I would have taken a picture. I will try to remember on my return trip because my description is not doing it justice.

When I arrived we had to take my dad shopping. He's been here 2 days and they still couldn't find his luggage. Yeah, I love shopping the tall guys sections of Penny's for my dad's whitey tighties. Yay. He needed some sneakers too since all he had were his snow boots. As it turns out, they had these super cute pink stripe ADIDAS sneaks on sale for me, so I splurged.

We finally made it back to the house and I met my darling nephew. Oh Max is too friggin cute! I will post photos no doubt. Meanwhile, ya'll have a Happy Christmas or whatever you do or don't celebrate. Off to bake more cookies while everyone is passed out sleeping. I have some other surprising news but I have been forbidden to share it just yet. Hold onto your butts, it's a shocker! Ciao!