Hey girlies!!!

Happy happy new year...in 40 minutes or so! We have all been a little lacky in the blog-o-sphere lately and we should definitely try and get back on the wagon, horse, insert metaphor here. So I'm getting tired of this whole Celiac disease already, and I've only been diagnosed for about 3 weeks now.

No gluten. Ever. Again. Do you realize how painful it is to go through Christmas without a single Christmas cookie? Especially when the neighbors bring over 2 trays worth on Christmas Eve? Oh and when you try to make a gluten-free mocha cheesecake and the crust is chewy and nothing like a graham cracker? UGH! And then yesterday I tried to make stir fry with like a million yummy vegetables, but almost ALL soy sauce is made with wheat. And teriyaki sauce is made with soy sauce, so oy.

Alright well...at least no extra holiday weight. So what are you ladies resolving this year? I'm planning to getting super tight, i.e. hitting the gym hard core (especially if Jen is going to be making me wear some sort of bridemaid dress soon...are you????), knitting socks, sweaters, lace, etc. finding a new job that doesn't cause me headaches and arguments with my boyfriend, and maybe even trying to take a vacation that doesn't involve my parents, some place tropical or mountainous...with my honey...oh and figuring out if Ralph and I are moving toward a permanent goal...

And you?

Love you both more than you know! XOXOXXO
Manda

PS One resolution for all of us... Get to see each other far more than we have this year!

Happy Day Before New Year's Eve!

I know I have been totally craptastic when it came to writing on our blog....so, i am sorry. I miss you both! I hope everyone got what they wanted for christmas. I love you!

Jen

When I have kids....

This too will be their fate....



A baby dressed as Yoda...

Awesome.

Just for Manda...

From the Onion...... Ed Hochuli first down signal decapitates player...

Prepare to be jealous....

So... how's it going guys? Going good here, everything's nice.... So, guess where I'm going tonight? I'm going to see STEVEN COLBERT!!!!! Wooo!!! I'm so freakin excited. He's coming to Cornell, and Eric got us tickets. Really good, second row tickets. And I have a new dress with super sexy boots to go with it. Unfortunatly, I can't bring a camera, so I won't be able to get any pictures, but I'll tell you all about it.

:::Happy dance happy dance::::

~Katie

Happy freakin' birthday Jen!

Happy Birthday!!!! I hope its going well for you. I have a present-related message for you when you get a chance. It involves the lady I bought it from breaking it and thus giving you double the stuff, so... yeah. Not too bad. But I'm sure you're galavanting off with your sweetie, so have fun. :)

~Katie

Happy freakin

That's right I said it...

I hate my job. No seriously. Hate it. I can't stand working there. I hate that I am their monkey bitch and that I have next to no good options for another job. I want to start looking into working at a hospital, but then I have the problem of not seeing Ralph as much because if he's working RGIS hours and I'm working real people hours...then...ugh. Plus the hours are good, and by that I mean the hours are terrible but the fact that I get overtime frequently is good. The thing is that if I get one more promotion I'll be making serious money, and so I'm at a loss. If I quit then I have to start over some place new and probably take a serious pay cut. That bites. But then maybe I'd get regular sleep and not have to deal with children like Nitin, but then... isn't there always a problem person at work? So why not deal with the problem you know as appose to a problem you don't?

Does this make any sense? No? Ok. Well alright then.

Screw you hippies...I'm going home.

Kicky La'Roue

God of War 2

Ralph lately has been playing the God of War games on the PS3. Here is one of our conversations....

Ralph: "So Zeus' father is Cronos the Titan?"
Me: "Yeah, I guess."
Ralph: "And that lady is his mother?"
Me: "Yeah I guess."
:: A giant titan the size of an island appears on the screen ::

Me: "What I want to know is how a woman like that had sex with a man that big"
Ralph: "Obviously she just swam around in his sperm."
:: Rolling on the floor laughing ::
Ralph: "What? What's so funny? I mean how else would she do it? It's like whale sperm..."

My boyfriend is a funny man.

XOXOXOX
Kicky La'Roue

My Fantasy Football Mascot

This is my fantasy football mascot. Notice the pizza cutter....Kevin added it.

Where has everyone gone?

I know I haven't been the best at posting, but I've been somewhat consumed by fantasy football. I never thought I would find it so exciting and fun. But, I'm only saying that because I beat the "dummy" team. I guess we'll see how it turns out this weekend, when I play Katie. If I lose, I'll probably think differently.

Anyway, I've also been crazy busy with school, work, and a thesis. I actually wanted to do some thesis research this past weekend, but we all know how that went....hours and hours spent in front of the tv watching football. This whole fantasy football thing is distracting...but, I love it. Thanks for inviting me into the league, Amanda.

Well, as for other exciting things happening in my life...I'm going to Vegas in November cause Kevin's sister is getting married (she had gone through the whole thing before, so this was the perfect chance to elope and do the vegas thing). We're staying at the Paris hotel. It is nothing like the real thing, I know, but it may bring back some memories...and, maybe I'll get lucky!

Well, I look forward to seeing you, Amanda, in October. I really wish you could come, Katie. I miss you both!!!!

Jen

So the madness begins...

Good luck my lovelies!

I have to admit...

I have to admit that your mascot is too damn cute, but you're still going down (that goes for Kicky La Roue as well). Anyway, I was thinking of making team shirts, although Kevin doesn't really want hookerfantasticos written all over mine (lol). What do you think?

Oh Hellz No

I think my friend Stampy here would have something to say about that.

You biatches are going down!

That's all I have to say.

Don't worry I still have love for you all (except when our teams play each other).

Love ya lots,
Jen

(I couldn't help but to start the smack talk.)

Here We Go!!!!!!

DA NA NA NA NA...

GO GATORS!

DA NA NA NA NA...

GO GATORS!

DA NA NA NA NA...

GO GATORS, COME ON GATORS, GET UP AND GO!!!!!!

MUCH LOVE TO MY LADIES WEARING ORANGE AND BLUE!

PS There is bulky 100% cashmere for 9.99 at yarn.com...look under sale. seriously...9.99. There is a God.

Hey all

Katie, I'm so sorry to hear that your grandfather's not taking chemo so well...but, give it time...he'll make it through. He'll kick cancer's ass. Once he's done with all this, he will then be able to join the "I Totally Kicked Cancer's Ass Club." Sorry, but that was my sad attempt at humor. I hope it helped. Also, your family is coming together...isn't that a good thing?

I was waiting for Amanda to post something about college football. Kevin and I are actually planning to go to the local alumni hangout to watch the UF v. Western Kentucky game. I know that we will totally dominate, but it should still be fun. I want to start the season off right with discounted pitchers and a good game.

So, what is everybody's plan for this long weekend? Me...I'm planning to start working on my thesis. Not looking forward to it, but I rather get it done early than wait till the last minute (am I actually saying this?). Anyway, I figured if I wrote my goal down, I would be more likely to get it done (highly doubt it), but who cares.

What's on the needles you ask? A bias halter top. I haven't lined the dress I finished when I was home, but as soon as I get the chance, I will and take pics of it. Also, I am planning to start a sweater dress soon (maybe, we'll see how much I get accomplished this weekend).

As for getting the attention from boys...its always nice and especially flattering...no matter where it comes from.

Love ya mucho,

Jen

Jeez

Alright bummer babes...time for a perk up. I stop posting for like 2 days and everyone takes a turn for the bleh...
So here we go. I have two words for you ladies...

COLLEGE FOOTBALL!
That's right! Tonight is the night. LSU vs. Miss. St. Do I care anything about this game? You betcha. SEC on Thurs. night. PLUS! There is a Bucs pre-season game on ABC. Hello! Football nirvana! Luckily I have two tvs in the living room! I am totally excited about today.

So I unraveled my sweater...ugh. BUT on the plus side, I've started it over. And, it looks better this time than the last time. I don't think I'm going to run out of yarn and the increases are making a cool design on the yoke. Its good. Its GOOOD.

Also, I'm totally feeling good about myself. For some reason, I'm getting a lot of male attention lately. Gary, Nitin, and Randy have all been vying for my attention. Nitin has been sending me an insane amount of texts each day...which is ok, I guess, weird mostly. Gary has been calling me and talking to me at break everyday, oh and occasionally buying me breakfast. And Randy has been following me around stores asking me questions and for help, when he doesn't really need it. And...all of this makes Ralph more responsive. I know its kind of silly but having one cute boy, and two less than cute boys doting on me makes me feel like one sexy lady. Is that dumb? Gary even told me yesterday that he prefers older women. I am not interested in any of them, except Ralph of course, but for some reason having a little attention from someone other than my boyfriend makes me all giggly. Am I acting silly here?

Whatever... knitting, football, and a good cold beer. That's all that I'm thinking about.

Love you ladies!

Kicky La'Roue
(PS I've decided to keep the name...it rocks.)

Suckiness

Well, I'm going down to FL Sept 14-16 to see my grandpa, cause he's not doing so good. The chemo is really hard on him, and even with it he isn't expect to live longer than a year. But the good thing that has come out of all of this is that my mom and aunt have been helping take care of him, shuttling him to the doctor and such, and he's really appreciating my mom. Yesterday when she got to the house he was like, "Oh, its you - thank God". My mom thinks its funny that they had so many fights the last couple years (including those fun vacations where she swore at him) but now she's the one he wants to see. I'm hoping that this will help my mom out, cause a lot of her problems come from her relationship with him.

And I've given up on the knitted shirt for now. I'm pretty sure I'm just going to have to rip it out, so I need to wait a while before I can do that. Instead I started some orange and blue knee high socks. I figure I'll be able to work on them at least every gator game.

All my posts lately have been bummers. I'll post something perkier next time.

~Katie

I'm Tired and Bored

Ok...today started off at 8:00 or so... I got ready, had some breakfast, etc. Then I went to work at 9:30. I worked from 9:30-3:00, no big deal. Class started at 4:00...and I am still here. I am in my second class for the day. My day will not end until my third and final class, which should be over at 9:50. I'm already exhausted and my day isn't over yet. I actually wanted to exercise this morning, but I am sort of glad I didn't. Man, I don't know if I can do this for the entire semester. I mean, I know I will do it, but I felt like using this post to bitch a little...I'm sorry. Tomorrow, I work at my other job beginning at 8:30. Ahh...the life of a law student.

As for Katie's post, I'm sorry to hear about your project being too big due to the guage and so forth...you could always wear 4 sweaters underneath....lol.

Well, I should start paying attention to class...I will talk to you both later. It is only the second week of school, and I am already not paying attention.

Not dead (yet),
Jen

D'oh!

So, I've been knitting this shirt for like, a month or so. I finished the back today, and realized... its way too big. After a while, I figured out that I originally set out to knit a size above my bust size (a 42 instead of a 38) since its made to be worn over something. But when I checked my gauge it was 5.5 stitches instead of 5.75, so it would come out a little bigger, so no prob, I'd just make the size 38. Except that, by the time I actual got to make the shirt, I had forgotten the gauge thing and made the 42 inch size. So its really going to be about 45 inches. Too big. So now I've got to figure out what to do about it.

Maybe Amanda and I can average our projects.....

Ladies, ladies, ladies

I am sitting here watching the Red Sox v. White Sox game, impatiently waiting for the Bucs preseason game to start. Wow. Cool commercial. Tiger Woods vs. a little girl in his video game...the little girl drives farther than him. Bitchin'. Chicks rule.

So I started my socks over again, with a larger gauge. Its closer to a worsted weight and I switched to an easy pattern. I bought this book on knitting socks...basically "Knitting Socks for Idiots". I also unraveled my 4 inches of aran vest, I decided that the waviness of the yarn was ruining the effect of the cables, so I bought some alpaca and plan on starting it over. My sweater and I aren't speaking right now. I just look at it an sigh. What a mess. I don't have the heart to unravel 20 something inches of body work right now. So I've set it aside. I was trying to find some sort of pattern for socks for sailors. I read some where at some time that you could knit them and send them overseas, but the location of that information eludes me and I can't seem to find it with Google.

So that's what I've been up to today, other than grocery shopping, and beating Ralph in Monopoly, although he always plays only at like 3/4 strength against me (irritating...). Jen, about Halloween Horror Nights, I would love to come. I need to check on some stuff with work and school, but send me the details and I will let you know. I would really love to see you. Is Kevin coming? Ralph may be able to come, maybe not. I don't know just yet. Of course, I don't expect your folks to pay my way in. Are they spending the night with us in the park or is it just you, Kevin, and your sis? Are you getting a hotel room? If so let me know the details for that too, because I'd rather not drive 1.5 hours back home. Uh...oh yeah, and can I bring your birthday present down when I see you? That way I'll know if you like it or not...You'd better like it. Actually its weird but I already have it picked out. Found it online and couldn't resist.

Katie, how's Eric? Enjoying the final year of law school? (that goes for you too Jen?) Is it nice for him to be home? How are the new neighbors? Enjoying the company? What are you knitting? You too, Jen? What's on everyone's needles, oh and any finished projects need pictures, silly rabbits.

Ok love to you both!

Kicky La'Roue!

To make up for my lack of posts....

Amanda, I'm so glad to hear that you and Ralph are working it out. I hate seeing you so upset. Maybe the fact that you both worked through your problems, means that this is a lasting relationship (otherwise, you both would've given up). Sorry for the exagerrated optimism, but I thought I should put in my two cents.

So, now that we each have "interesting" fictional names, maybe we should come up with a fictional name characterizing our three girl group. Just a thought.

Oh, just to let you all know (specifically Amanda, since she will be in Florida, sorry Katie), I will be coming down for the weekend of October 5-8. As an early celebration of my birthday, my parents are treating me to Halloween Horror Nights and the Universal Resort Parks. If you have no plans, knowing you Amanda, you already do, you are more than welcome to meet me in Orlando on Friday night (the 5th). Sorry, my parents are only footing the bill for my sister and me (however, they may treat you to dinner - all depending of course). Also, Kevin is coming. It will be nice to see you (both). I'm going to see if any other friends who are still in Gainesville, like Lauren, would like to come. It should be fun. As you both may know, Halloween is my all time favorite holiday (besides my b-day, jk). So, whether or not you both think it is dorky that I am so excited about Halloween Horror Nights, I don't care.

Speaking of Halloween, is anyone going to see the new Halloween movie. I am! I like the old school Halloweens much better than the newer ones, but maybe this one will surprise me. Who knows?

Remember our Halloween parties? They were some of the best parties of my college life. I can still remember seeing MattMike make out with Lauren and later comandeering my bed, drinking warm beer the day after (including skittle flavored beer), beeing attacked by the "spider webs" and the giant garbage spider, and hearing how many orgasms Amanda had. Those were the days. I miss you guys.

Before I start tearing up, I should end this post. Besides, you both are probably bored by now.

I miss you both!!! Hope to see at least one or both of you soon!!

Love ya,
Jen

Oh what's in a name?

Alright alright, so a name eh. When I was a kid Pippi Longstocking was a rad character for me. I loved the red hair and freckles. I also was a big fan of Jessica Rabbit, like Jen. Something about redheads...shit even that character Red from Fraggle Rock. But I always loved the name Aurora, because that was Sleeping Beauty's name. She was always singing. I always wanted to be a great singer. At most, the best I've ever been is a semi-decent character voice. So maybe Aurora. I also really liked the name Samantha as a girl because that was the name of my American Girl doll...the one with glasses. Even though I didn't wear glasses until after high school.

But I think that I really like the idea of a badass name. Like Kicky La'Roue. Yeah, Kicky La'Roue. That's a rockin' name.

So Ralph and I are back together. We are working together better than we have in months and things have been wonderful. That coupled with starting school again and finally being able to see the end of working a dead-end job where I'm completely unappreciated. This is the end of a period in my life that began with Elliot and is starting over with me. I mean Ralph is there too, but its still just me. I'm making the decisions and Ralph is just happy to come along for the ride. I am finally starting to feel like an actual adult. Not just a teenagers pretending or playing dress up.

Anyway, I know that sounds a little sad, but actually its a happy thing...But for now, this is all.

So long from Kicky La'Roue!

Geez louise

Ok, ok, I'll post already (jk). Sorry for not posting much lately, but I've been trying to get back into the swing of things. On Monday, I just got back from being in Florida, on Tuesday, I started my new job, got books, and cleaned my apt., and yesterday, I managed to work at my other job and go to class. So, as you can see, my time has been consumed with absolute nonsense (lol). As far as my fictional name goes, I remember always pretending to be a Jessica when I was little. I'm not sure why. I guess I always wanted to be like Jessica Rabbit...I don't know. So there, now you know my fictional name...I just couldn't keep it secret any longer.

Well, I miss you girls.

Jen

Where the heck are you guys?

Hey, if you don't respond to my post soon, your fictional names are gonna be Lazy O'NoPost and Quiet McDisapearsalot. You can have an Irish/Scottish feud. It'll be great.

On a completely different note, Eric comes back today. Now I'll only have time to check the blog 5 times a day instead of 10. I went to Victoria Secret today and got a little something that says, "Welcome home honey". Its a good day to be me.

Random question

So, if there were a fiction version of you, what would your name be? I always used Gabrielle when I was younger, but I dunno now.

And Jesus tap-dancing Christ, I just caught a spider and chucked it outside. The 4th spider in 2 days. Even I'm becoming a little arachniphobic. Especially since one of them was hiding in my clean shirt and I didn't discover it until I was turning the shirt right-side out and it started crawling on my arm. Girlie, girlie screams until I knocked it off and figured out what it was. I'll be lucky if Eric doesn't come home and instantly have a heart attack.

Oy.

~ Katie

I'm not dead and I have not won the lottery

I'm so sorry for not posting. I've been home in Florida for the past week, and our wireless doesn't work. I've been too lazy to use my parents' computer because I'm so used to being able to just type away in front of the tv or something. So, there, now you know I'm just lazy and not a millionaire. Also, I don't really care for my parents' keyboard, it just feels wierd.

As for my happenings, not much has happened. However, I should win the crown for being the clumsiest person ever. Being that I do not belong to a gym down here in the sunshine state, I thought roller-blading would be a good way of keeping off those unwanted pounds while I am here. So, after not having rollerbladed for several months, I decided to do so anyway. I had no problems after rollerblading two miles, so I was feeling damn good. But, as I was walking through the grass to get to the sidewalk, I somehow tripped over myself and landed on the concrete. No broken bones, but rather gashes that hurt like hell. I am still rollerblading to this day, so I have yet to learn my lesson. How else am I going to make up for not going to the gym? My gashes look disgusting, and I haven't been able to shave around my knees because it hurts too much. Nice mental image, huh?

Last week we went outlet shopping. I found these beautiful Michael Kors shoes for only $20! I was so excited. They make my feet hurt, but beauty is pain, right?

I have also finished the dress I was knitting. I still need to line it. So, I will post pics when I get back to Arlington.

My family is doing well. I helped my sister make decorative pillows. My mom only has 10 days of radiation left. She has not felt any adverse side effects....thank God. After radiation, she will have three cycles of chemo, and hopefully will be done by December. By the way, Katie, how is your grandfather?

So now, you all know where I have been. Sorry for not posting that much, but I will try harder.

Love you both,
Jen

Sorry I'm not in right now I'm knitting with the spider webs

Ok, so this new yarn we got, Filatura di Crosa's Suprema is 70% cashmere 30% silk. Oh. My. God. Its similiar to one of the mohair/silk blends, like Rowan's Kid Silk Haze or Cascade's Kid Seta, but way softer. Which says something, cause those are already soft yarns. Its so lightweight, that it feels seriously as light as a spiderweb. I love it. Its $25 for 330 yards, so I'm not gonna be making a lot with it though. One skein will make a lacy scarf, so I'll proabably do that.

Where the heck is Jen? Manda and I post here and on our own blogs (mine is here http://geminidragon5.blogspot.com/ btw). Sure I might not post on mine very often, but I post here. Who knows what Jen is up to now? She could have won the lottery and decided that we're all losers and split for the Caribbean. In fact, until I hear otherwise, my mental image of Jen is her in a swimsuit, lying in a hammock on the beach with a umbrella drink flipping me off. You better post something unless you want me to start getting bitter...

Eric gets back next week. Halieluia. Halleighluia? How the heck do you spell that? Meh. Either way it spells Katie-can-finally-get-some-again. Woo. Oh, Manda, Vegetarian Times has veggie high-holiday foods. Sure you're not doing the Jewish thing anymore, but some of the recipies look pretty damn good and it made me think of you. Anyway, my dinner just beeped, so I gotta go.

~Katie

Jen?

Uh...donde esta mi amiga Jen? I understand you are crazy busy girlie, but Katie needs entertainment from this blog. She is sans-husband. No sex...that leads to unhealthy levels of the hormone crazitine...

Its side effects include:
Excessive knitting
Trying to cook an insane amount of new recipes
Reading an unhealthy amount of comic books
And looking at the hot downstairs neighbor too much (so much that he wonders if there is something on his pants, at all times)

Please don't let Katie fall victim to this terrible debilitating condition.

As for me, I have WAY too much testosterone following around me...without you I just start wondering whether or not dating women would be such a bad idea. I have what's known as Anti-testosteronitisis.

Symptoms include:
Excessive knitting
Lack of sleep
And wondering if Ellen DeGeneres isn't the perfect man.

Sincerely hoping you remember your female duties soon!
Amanda

Golf

Ok...I consider myself pretty sports-literate. I mean I watch ESPN, a lot (probably too much). I pretty much watch all sports on TV. Including, baseball, soccer, golf, hockey, basketball, and FOOTBALL!!! So it is very rare when something makes me set aside my knitting and go..."What the fuck?"

I'm watching the PGA championship on CBS and trying to finish my Dad's hat. Tiger Woods is putting a doozy for a birdie. I was not paying 100% attention, due to my need to find a way to buy 12 balls of Noro Silk Garden, without paying $100. But the commentator made me almost do a spit take with nothing in my mouth...

Tiger lines up the shot.
The crowd is quiet.
He putts.
Rolling...
SINKS!!!

And the commentator says "Man, that guy sure knows how to roll a potato"...
What?
Wait...what?
Call my Dad...

"Did he just say roll a potato?"
"Yes, he did"

What?

Golf commentators need to lay off the crack. Because in that one moment they managed to confuse all of the golf watching Americans. Ever. Shit, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer just scratched their heads and did a shrug.

Seriously.
Weird.

Amanda

I;m drunk.
gin and tonixs
good
yum yum in my tum tum
I love u guys

more gin lesss tonix

MANDA

Never in a million years

Ladies, you know I love you. I would take a bullet for you. I'd give you an organ. I would kill for you (please ask me to kill for you). However, today on TLC, I exactly where I draw the line.

I will not wear matching outfits. I don't mean, we all wear the same gator shirt, or, obviously, bridesmaids dresses, or something like that. I mean, matching clothes, down to the underwear, on some random day of the week (or everyday, like these two). ESPECIALLY if this outfit involves capris. :::shudder:::

Just thought you should know.

~Katie

Well ladies that's all she wrote

I posted in mostly detail about Ralph and I on the other blog. I need to put one conversation topic on one site and different ones on the other. But well fuck it. I don't care. So as Ralph is leaving he calls me to ask if I'm coming home. He says that he wants to make sure to say goodbye. He even takes time to hug me and kiss me on the cheek. I can't tell if this is his way of saying goodbye for good or not. Mostly I don't say anything and just pack up my laundry.

I thought that I would be angry or hurt or sad. But in all actuality I just feel numb. I saw this coming so the rage is not there, I'm not sad for some unknown reason, and I don't feel hurt. Mainly I just feel some weird sort of acceptance. I'm not going to dwell on it. All I know is that I have the apartment to myself for almost 2 weeks and that's more than enough time to come to terms with the fact that I may in fact be single again.

Unfortunately Jen, when Ralph and I tried to spend quality time together he mainly sat there not talking to me. I don't think quality time works when the other person is unable to talk to you. Or let you know when he's leaving for 2 weeks. I'm pretty sure he's stopped caring about this relationship and I'm pretty sure I'm done begging him to work it out with me. I'm tried of trying to change every little thing to make me seem more likeable to him. He has no trust in me. How can you be with someone who doesn't trust you? Especially when you haven't done anything to make the trust go away.

Alright if I have to talk about this anymore I'm going to pass out. I need to get my laundry done and clean the bathroom, because even when all else fails I'm still me. And I clean when I'm upset.

Amanda

I just learned something shocking about myself....

I still have a sense of decency.

I know. I'll give you a minute to let that sink in. I thought years of college and being roommates with Amanda had all but squashed any possibility of me being embarrassed. I told a women's studies class that I like porn, for crying out loud. But today at Borders, I found a book that literally made me blush.

http://www.amazon.com/Ceremony-Seduction-Cassie-Ryan/dp/0758220650

The cover has two naked people getting it on, so naturally it caught my attention. I like dirty books, so I read the back. Sounds interesting: I flip to the second page to read,

He ran his hands over her behind. "Mmm, someday, my cock will stretch this tight ass of yours."

That's on page two. After reading about two more sentences, I realized my cheeks were feeling a bit warm and I had to put the book down. I think I'm gonna have to order it, cause I don't know if I could walk up to the cashier with it. So I mean, I guess I don't have MUCH of a sense of decency, cause I still totally want to read it.

Just thought after all the serious posting you guys might find this amusing.

~ Katie

Hurray for Not Breaking Something!

Dude. Seriously. I am the most accident prone person in the world. The whole damn thing. I running my CVS today and it was going ok. I mean it took too long and Larry thought it would be keen to give my 4 new hires (in a crew of 12), but whatever. My shoes were not the ones I usually wear because when I run my stores I get to wear business casual as appose to uniform. So yeah, they ended up getting huge blisters on my feet which promptly burst and then left me with a great little limp for the rest of the day. But wait...there's more...so as I'm finally leaving and heading over to Lowe's for more work shit, an SUV comes tearing ass into the parking lot and runs over my blistered foot. No shit. And all they could think to say was..."Oops! Sorry about that!"

RAGE!!!!! FUCK YOU! You just fucking rolled over my foot! Oops doesn't cover it. So now I'm sitting here with ice on it and its starting to swell. But I don't think its broken. Just bruised real bad and achy. (My toes can still sort of move and its not turning black or anything weird)

As for Ralph and I...well I don't know. He's acting like everything is normal or normalish and I'm letting a lot of shit go. I did talk to him about what was eating me, but I think he just needs some time before we get into some more. I'm not bitchin' out or anything, but death complicates matters. Although he still isn't discussing who died, or what the deal is. I wonder if that's Ralph's idea of a coping mechanism. I still an a little uncertain about us, but the other day we spent all day playing around with each other and that was good. Plus yesterday he spent like 20 minutes tickling me and stuff like that. So I don't know. This is complicated. Oh and he ran out to get me an ace bandage without any assistance. Let me tell you pushing in a clutch with a aching left foot is killer.

Love to my ladies,
Amanda

PS

HAPPY FUCKING BIRTHDAY KEVIN!!! (I know its 3 days late...sorry)

Advice for Manda

First, who died? I was worried it was something like that.

Second... I think your mom is a little too worried (but that's a mom's job, right?). I think that this is an important point in your relationship, and that it will either rise like a phoenix, or die out, but either way you can see it coming. I think part of what made your breakup with Elliot so hard was that it came out of nowhere. There we were, on our way to Wal-Mart, and BAM! Break-up time. I'm not saying that it wouldn't be hard, I'm just saying you're more emotionally ready.

And if you need someplace to be... come up here. Seriously. We have a second bedroom. Sure, Snoopy might be miffed that we kick her out of it, but I'm sure she'd get over it quickly when she realized that her auntie would be back to spoil her. And God knows I need someone to yell at me to keep the place clean. And you could even have a job lined up; I know there's a RGIS up here, cause they left their tags on the bookshelves at Borders. (One shelf in the comic section contains like $3800 worth of books: I know where to go when I'm in a stealin' mood). Or wait until we move out to Minneapolis. Its a great city (when its bridges aren't falling down). I could exploit you for free child care, um, I mean, get your help raising my kids. You could get your nursing degree and work for the Mayo clinic; then you could come home and lie in your bathtub of money (which I'm assuming you'd get from working there).

I am, however, serious that you could come up and stay with me. I also believe that no matter how things turn out, it will work out for the best for you, because you're a great person and the universe owes you in karma.

Call me anytime; if I'm at work I'll get back to you ASAP.

~Katie

P.S. Jen, you could move out to Minneapolis too. Then the three of us could work out a child-care exchange and live in fear of the bridges together. Plus, its hard to say no to a city with 10 yarn stores.

Rage-ahol...

I just don't know. So Ralph got home last night at like 3am. I was asleep finally even though it took like 4 hours to get to bed. I didn't get to talk to him though because I was due to be up at 5am and needed that 2 hours to try and sleep a little more. So I went to work and got home really early. At work, I had to tell Larry that Ralph wasn't coming in today because he got home really late, etc. He then proceeded to tell me that he hopes Ralph is dealing with the death stuff ok. So hmm...what death. What death indeed. I went home and crawled into bed with Ralph and tried to hold him for the next 3 hours or so. Don't get me wrong I'm still pissed. I don't think people should treat others like garbage, regardless of the situation. We ended up talking a bit later that afternoon. I confronted him about not trusting me and not having faith in me. I mean, jesus, he told Larry before he told me anything. But, death is tricky. I don't know how I feel to be honest. I'm mad that he has no faith in me that I could be of any help with this situation. I'm mad that I feel mad. I just wish I knew where I stood with him. And when I asked him that very question he didn't really have an answer for me. Just that he understands the type of person I am and what I can handle and what I can't. That drives me crazy. Why do people make so many judgments. I mean they are human nature, but I hate being labeled so generically especially by Ralph.

So after this, I chilled for a while and worked out again. Gods bless endorphins. Then I asked him if he wanted to see a movie and we decided to go see I Know Who Killed Me (it sucked, hooker Lindsay Lohan is not enough to make a movie). We ended up both disliking it and talking about it on the ride home. Which was nice. I don't know how to fix this situation. Or even if I can. Maybe we're on a collision course and I can only brace myself for the inevitable crash. Here's hoping I have a big fucking airbag...

Meanwhile my Mom is flipping out. She thinks that the same shit will happen like before, only without Katie nearby. So she's worried about me going on anti-depressants again, and shit like that, but really I don't think the situations are the same. I'm certainly not as naive as I was with Elliot, and I'm much more protective of myself. That doesn't mean I don't need lovely lady support though.

Alright...enough for now.
Love you both!
Manda

Newly Single?

Ok. So. Hmm. Today bites. So read the other blog to catch up because I'm not going to re-write it all. Too lazy. The things I left out...
On the way home, I asked Ralph if he wanted to see a movie, go to the Devil's Milhopper, or the Gator Farm...all to which he replied "No." and finally he stated that he didn't want to go out. And here's the quote...
"But I can give you money and you can go out. I know you have friends of your own." Yeah. Now I'm a hooker, with a bedside table attached to my hip, and apparently I'm sleeping with Nitin, Gary, Larry, shit random people on the side of the road. This rocky relationship is driving me crazy, but I have learned remarkable control. (I mean I didn't stab him for that comment) Then after he goes to take a nap, and I go lay down eventually, he wakes me to tell me he's leaving for his aunt's house (in Tampa). He won't tell me why, just that "its none of my business, and not to worry about it". Will he be back tonight? Tomorrow? Never? Who the fuck knows.

RAGE!!!!!!!

So yeah. I talked to my mom about it and she seems to think that maybe he has communication problems...uh...duh. But I am 24 years old. He's soon to be 26. I'm done with this type of shit. High School is over. If I wanted to sleep with someone else, guess what? I WOULD!

So I went to the gym and worked out until I almost vomited. Which made me feel a little better, not much though. Then I took a burning shower and now I'm just at a loss. I don't know what I'm going to do. I love him. I love us. Why do I always have to work to keep this relationship afloat? Not to mention all the shit that has happened to me during this relationship...uh...TWICE! Not once, TWICE! (Jen call me and I'll fill you in, I've been too embarrassed to share, and I won't put it on the web for anyone's viewing pleasure). So that's me, and today, in a nutshell.

I'm not even sure that this post is coherent. Fuck it.

Men suck.
Amanda

Moral is at an all-time low

First, Jen, the sweater is really cute. I totally forgot to take a picture of mine before I gave it away, but I'll see if they'll send me one.

Ok... I think I may hate quilting. I've almost finished sewing the quilt for my grandpa, and it looks shitty. The corners of the blocks don't line up, and I'm trying to do the binding, and that's just frustrating the hell out of me. You have to be super precise when you cut, super precise when you sew, and I'm just not that anal. You know who'd love this hobby? Jen. Jen has the patience to totally work it all out, and rip it out if its off. I don't. I like that you can get a big product in a relatively short amount of time, but I don't like the amount of stress that goes along with it. Ugh.

Gods bless knitting.

Thanks for the accolade

Thanks for being so great about my sweater. I'm glad other people like it. At first, I didn't think it was good enough (you know me)...but, then it grew on me. Anyway, to stop wasting your time, I found a really good website for charities. This website rates charities based on how well they utilize charitable contributions. It might be good to check the website out, so that we can make absolutely sure our support goes to the right people. Here's the link www.charitynavigator.org.

Also, I have a new internship that I will be starting in the fall. I will be working at an immigration law firm. I am quite excited. I will actually be using my legal skills for good!

Love ya both,
Jen

Gushing....

Jen...two words...Simply Adorable. That is the cutest (completed) baby sweater I've ever seen (I haven't forgotten yours Katie, but no pics, no praise). I love the little buttons! Too cute! Although should Kevin really be wearing it like that? Don't you think he might stretch it out? And duh...of course she loved it. A. Its hand-made which means it took a lot more thought and care than something store bought B. Its from you, which means it was probably wrapped all cutesy and tied with a bow. C. It literally was probably the most perfectest crocheted sweater ever...not a single boo-boo.

I really want to think of something we could do like each month for a organization. Maybe we could pick a new cause every month and that way we could do cancer stuff, aids stuff, kids stuff, women stuff, etc. I was thinking that we could turn it into something that other people could join too, if they wanted, like we could have a chosen charity of the month and people could join up with us if they liked that particular charity, but if the next month didn't suit them, well no big deal. What do you guys think? I was also thinking we could have like a name to cover it all like Moms Rock! or Save the Planet! or Wake up and Smell the Charity! I don't know those are on the spot and I haven't really slept in 2 days...so you ladies will probably think up some better idea. I know that one month I would really like to do this charity where for only like $15 you can give vaccines to a family in Haiti. Haitian kids are dying of the stupidest diseases like diarrhea, rubella, and measles (basically stuff that there are cures for). Plus Ralph is Haitian so I like the idea of doing something along those lines. We could even make this part of the blog and if people on the internet what to join up that'd be awesome right?

Ok those are my ideas for the day...I've exhausted myself. You guys toss around some name ideas and we can figure all this out.

Gaia Girls! (just an idea)
Love,
MANDA!

Hello all!

Hey girls. Sorry for the sporadic posts, but I've been crazy busy. Not only do I have to finish up stuff for work (cause it is my last day on Friday), but I had a whole bunch of errands to run (as I am skipping town on Sunday). Furthermore, Kevin's b-day is on Friday, so I've been busy planning for that. Also, I had to put the final touches on the baby sweater I was making (you know me, I am a perfectionist). Below are some pics of the sweater. My friend absolutely loved it. She said she can't wait for her soon to be son to use it. She had actually opened my present first, and she could not stop talking about it even when she was opening other presents.









Amanda, your parents are so cute (if they are your parents). Anyway, I really do like the idea of donating to an organization. I enjoy helping others. All the orgs. sound good, and I will keep my eye out for anymore. Then we should have a vote. Every little bit helps, right? Girl power!!! (lol)

Well, I have some laundry and packing to do.

I miss you two!!!

Jen

Give a little bit....

I've thought about organizing a charity knitting event at the store, but ya'll are just too far away to particpate. :)

So far as just giving money is concerned, there's always Heifer International. http://www.heifer.org/ I'd recommend honey bees (since they're only $30 and are so desperately needed) or seedlings (only $10, good for the whole planet). Don't do the bunnies though, they get eated!!!! :(

Mother bear is also great http://www.motherbearproject.org/.

I also like the idea of knitting hats for preemies, or blankets for the SPCA, but I can't find the sites for that. I'll check Knitting for Peace tomorrow at work for the links.

BTW, Reynolds makes an amazing washable wool. http://yarn.com/webs/0/0/0/0-1001-1294-1323/0/0/4154/ I didn't even realize it was wool when I picked it up.

Kudos to Amanda

That was one of the most fantastic posts we have had yet...incredibly uplifting. I just thought you should know, Manda. I'll post more later when I get the chance.

Love ya lots,
Jen

Something Good

This is a picture of my parents. Yes, they do in fact exist. (Katie still has doubts even after meeting them on 2 separate occasions). My mom is celebrating her 56th birthday today. She is a Leo and proud of it. Trust me. She's a Leo. And with you ladies I am glad that I am no longer dating a Leo, although dating a Libra (no offense Jen) is sometimes frustrating when you just want the other person to make a damn decision. Anyway, don't know where that little astrological rant came from, but moving on... I've decided that women today need to shut the hell up. If I read one more thing about wrinkles, botox, lipo, or plastic tits I'm going to scream. My mom looks great. She takes care of herself, even if she has to because she's constantly injuring herself, and she enjoys life. She doesn't smoke, do drugs, gamble, or drink heavily (shit two beers and she's done). She still likes to sail with my dad and enjoys quilting and painting the interior of our house like 7 different colors between my visits, but who cares right? I'm just tired of women reaching a certain age and deciding that they look like garbage. Women are strong. Especially, American women, but we can't seem to stop focusing on the exterior. My newest challenge for us wonderful kick ass bitches of 121 is to realize how great we are and then turn that positive energy outward. I think we should start doing what we can for the rest of the world's women. The ones who could a shit about plastic surgery, and are more concerned about feeding their families. So I'm recommending a cause or a charity for us to focus on. Nothing crazy...I realize that none of us are pulling in six figures but something small can go a long way. So ladies I'm open to suggestions, let me know what you think and let's do it for our moms. Shit, Jen you're mom so tough she's going to kick cancer's ass like no body's busy, and Katie your mom (although a little wacky) is going to eventually tell her family the truth (I'll leave it at that for now...). These ladies are powerful and so are we damn it.

Ok, that is my feminist rant for the day. No more reading about plastic surgery gone wrong, and then seeing a show about female genital mutilations for me. But seriously girls I have a few ideas but I need to research them. Just tell me what you think. It could be like a monthly thing or something as small as the Mother Bear Foundation (we all have excessive amounts of extra yarn hanging around...).

Love you girls!

Amanda

Sexual harassment panda

Alright, so I just got back from Minneapolis. It was a nice visit, except for the sexual harrasment, and note that I'm not making a funny reference to Eric. Here's the whole, sordid tale.

So I got there Sunday morning. Eric and I went to brunch, hung out until we could check into the hotel (cause Eric's place was too small for 2), took a nap, went to dinner, went to bed early. Monday I got up and rode downtown with Eric and went shopping. There was a Saks 5th Avenue outlet, which was fantastic: I got a cashmere cardigan and scarf set, originally $650, for $60. I met Eric for lunch, then he got me a cab and I went back to the hotel. My plan was to finish knitting the baby sweater I was making for Eric's friends, who we were meeting for dinner that night.

The hotel phone rang. When I picked it up, a guy asked for Amber. I told him he had a wrong number and hung up. The phone rang again, and this time when I picked it up the caller whispered something dirty. I hung up, unphased; not like I've never gotten an obscene phone call before. Then however, it occurs to me; when I used called my Grandparents when they were staying in Gainesville, I had to know their last name to be put through to their room. There was a strong possibility that the call had been made from one of the other rooms in the hotel. I finished knitting the last part of the sweater, then went to the lobby, because I needed to borrow scissors. They wouldn't let me bring them back to the room, but that was no problem. I also asked if they could tell where the phone call had come from, but they couldn't.

I went back to the room to get the sweater. A tall asian guy walked behind me from the bar area to his room, so I didn't think anything of it. I took the sweater to the lobby and used the scissors to cut off some loose ends. I went back to the room, and the same guy walked behind me. This caught my attention. I sat in the room sewing up the seams, then went back to the lobby one last time. The guy started to walk behind me again. It had occured to me last time that if he were behind me when I opened my room, he could shove me in and that would be bad. Very, very bad. So I waited for him to pass me in the hall. As he did, his hand bumped my ass. Now I was really, really freaked out, and a minute later the phone rang again. I didn't answer it; I barracated the door and waited for Eric to come back.

When he got there I told him what happened, and we went to the front desk. I asked for a room change, and when the guy behind the counter (who was so great about this whole thing) asked what happened, I got a little teary-eyed and choked up. I hadn't realized that I was that freaked out. The guy moved us to a totally different part of the hotel, on a different floor. He told us to call if we saw the guy. As we moved my stuff I saw him and Eric called the front desk. The hotel person came and dragged him to the front, had me ID him, and then asked if it was his voice on the phone. I couldn't be sure, since most of what he said had been whispered, but I thought it was. The hotel guy couldn't kick creepy asian man out without me being 100% sure it was him on the phone. I decided that since we were in a totally different part of the hotel and the guy was checking out tomorrow that he didn't need to be kicked out. The hotel person told him he would be watching the security cameras, and if the guy came anywhere near me or there were anymore complaints he would call the police.

So, then Eric and I met his friends for dinner. The wife was going to take me out the next day, but I spent the first half of Tuesday throwing up for no particular reason, so that got canceled. I felt better later in the day and Eric and I went to the partner dinner that was the whole reason for the timing of my trip. Wednesday I went shopping with his friend's wife and then had dinner with Eric.

So really, uneventful except for being stalked and throwing up half a day.

~ Katie

Stuff...and Junk

Hey ladies. So hmm. I've decided to do a quickie tonight even though I was up at 2am and haven't had a nap today...yawn. This is a busy week. I worked Sunday morning, Publix on Mon. Big ass Albertson's in Lady Lake today, and a Sears duo Wed and Thurs. I'm hoping I at least get some descent overtime because my paycheck is really going to suck, post-vacation paycheck syndrome, or PVPS.

Today I did an Albertson's and worked my little fingers to the bones. I counted almost all the HBA (health and beauty). Well like 5 aisles worth. Then I did the backroom, no biggie there, and counted 1/2 the liquor store. I am tired. I don't mind early stores, like Publix, which starts at 5am, but when the store has an early start like that I hate it when it's out of town. Lady Lake is so far away so I have to get up even earlier just to make it to the meet site to catch the van. (Gas is way too expensive for me to driving myself) I actually thought today was going to be like 11 hours of work to be honest. It was a good day though and it only took 8 hours to complete the store. Of course, then I had a hour and a half drive home, which is a bummer. I was hoping to take a nap when I got home but things didn't work out that way.

One of Ralph's best friends is currently in Iraq. He has been there since Oct. or so. Before he shipped out him and his fiance had a courthouse wedding so that she could talk to him as much as possible...the army doesn't see girlfriends as the same status as wives. So ever since Ralph has been looking after his new bride while he's away. Namely spending lots of time talking on the phone with her and visiting her whenever he goes home to Miami. This is definitely one of the things I love about Ralph. So when I got home he informed me that Kim (the wife) was stopping by soon. I was so tired so I decided to sit this one out in order to get a nap, but Kim brought her adorable 3 legged cat with her, which unfortunately wouldn't stop crying in the bathroom while they grabbed lunch. So, that coupled with about 7 phone calls in an hour meant no sleep for me. And there's a Sears tomorrow...joy. Ok time for rest, or else I'll actually start to feel my age.

PS For those that love infomercials, I bought the leg magic. And I LOVE IT! Its the most amazing piece of pain inducing equipment I own. I have trouble making it through the 13 minute workout, its that intensive. Alright well that's all for now....

Love to you ladies and your man-meats...
Amanda

What's new?

What's new with everyone? I hope all is well in the worlds of Katie and Amanda. So, I finally finished the sweater that I was crocheting for my friend's babyshower. It is quite cute. All, I have left is to make a pom pom. I promise to post pics when I am absolutely done. Also, I think I will be making matching booties and mittens to go along with the sweater. But, we will see. The babyshower is on Saturday, and I've been really busy with work and so forth (but I have been quite ambitious in terms of my knitting and crocheting projects).

Other than my crocheting episodes, not much has happened (or at least, nothing new has happened). I will be going home from August 5-20. It will be a well-deserved break before school starts.

Well, I don't have much else to say. I look forward to hearing from you all!

Jen

Alright Alright...I get it

Ok it is totally not fair to blame me for not posting when our Internet has been down for the past 4 days...4 DAYS!!! Its like being in the stone age. I couldn't even check email and that is problematic when my job is intimately connected to my email. So...after Ralph connected some new wires and played around with me going, "No, its not connected yet." "Still nothing" "Seriously nothing, yes, I'm looking". But its working so...here we go.

Jen, Jen, Jen. What are we going to do with you? Katie and I keep sneaking away to go to yarn stores and sailing and having uber amounts of fun, and you are in Fl when I leave the state. What is that about? Its been a long ass time since I've seen you. So here's the deal...what's going on for Thanksgiving? Are you going home? Do you and Kevin have plans, because I propose an idea...Katie and Eric may (they better :: insert fist shaking :: ) come to Conn. for Turkey Day. Why don't you and Kevin join us in the frosty north? There is plenty of room for the two of you to sleep there and then we can spend some quality time checking out all the splendors of upstate Conn. and let me tell you...there are like 3 or 4 things to check out.

Ithaca was amazing. I really liked everything we did. It was wonderful to spend so much time with a girl, who isn't one of my employees. Seriously now that I live with Ralph I find myself wishing and dreaming about my girlfriends. I have no one to go shopping with or to complain about my boyfriend with or see all those crazy movies that Ralph would never want to see.

Regarding Wizzer...I know that I already told Katie this, but I'm sorry. He's certainly was a cute bunny, although his pension for eating my ass was less than great. But I'm so sorry that Eric lost his first pet. That is never something easy to go through.

On different note...I saw the new die hard movie too. What wrong with that? Ok so I'm probably not going to post tomorrow...I'm staying in bed and reading the new Harry Potter.

Love ya ladies,

Amanda

It just doesn't make sense

Katie, it doesn't make sense to pay for extra hours when you didn't even think there would be any to begin with. I guess they are trying to extract money from you the best way they can...it's extortion! (lol)

So, where has Amanda been? Long time, no hear. I hope everything is alright.

For those of you who didn't think my boyfriend was nerdy enough, well, he got even nerdier (but, that's why I love him...nerdiness is sexy). Anyway, Kevin is starting to build his command center (a die hard reference...yes, I saw the new die hard movie). He created a server using his old computer and has his own domain name. Go figure. He wants to create a webpage and so forth. I will never be able to tear Kevin away from his computer (j/k Kevin, in case you are reading this).

Oh Katie, the other day I went to the library and found this adorable book called "cute crochet for tiny tots." I've decided to make my friend's baby a blue and white striped sweater with a hood. I even got the most adorable teddy bear buttons (thanks to Kevin). I've already got the back part of the sweater done, so it won't be too long before I have it completely finished. I promise to post pics of the sweater when it is finally completed.

On an entirely different note, I am going to watch a Nats game tonight. Baseball is ok, but after a while, it sort of gets boring.

I guess that is all I have to say for now. I look forward to hearing from you both (that includes you, Amanda).

Love ya bunches,
Jen

Quilting

Ok, so taking a class called "Learn to Quilt in a Day" is way more tiring than it sounds. I was at the quilting store from 9:30 until 5:30, which is half an hour longer than I work most days. Unfortunatly, none of us finished our quilts, so we're going back tomorrow. I don't mind the extra couple of hours; what I do mind is the "Ok, we'll meet back tomorrow at 6:30.... by the way, it'll be six dollars an hour." They misjudged the time it would take us, so why are we paying for it? Oh well. Tomorrow I'll have my first finished quilt. I'll post some pictures.

~Katie

Wizzer pics

He was nothing if not cute.

A memorial for wizzer

Well, Katie, I always knew you and Eric were great parents. I had no doubt about that. I just wish Wizzer didn't have to pass, but at least you know that it wasn't your doing. If you would like, we could have a post as a memorial to wizzer, with cute bunny pics and all. I miss you! If you need anything, don't hesitate to call.

Update

The vet did the necropsy on Wizzer. He said that there was a buildup of bacteria in Wizzer's small intestine that lead to his death. The bacteria can build up when there's an imbalance in the digestive system; the imbalance is caused by stress. Its just something that sometimes happens to rabbits.

So anyway, I feel better that its not our fault. Snoopy seems to be fine, and I'm taking extra precautions (like dumping all the food to make sure its not from some sort of mold) and checking on her alot. She actually let me cuddle her at the vet, which was nice. By the way, she ways 3.9 pounds, which I think is adorable for some reason.

Eric is still upset, but some of his friends made him dinner so he's doing better. I told him we can get another bunny when he's ready. Also, we're donating some money to the House Rabbit Society; if you guys wanna get in on that you can go here. http://www.rabbit.org/

I'm so sorry to hear...

I am so sorry to hear that Wizzer died. I know how much he became part of your (our) family. I'll miss him (even though he could be a pain in the butt...jk...i just wanted to make you laugh). I just want you to know that I am here for you. My heart goes out to your loss. At least you still have fluffy bunnykins... gotta look at the bright side, right?

Sad news

Hey guys, Wizzer died this morning/last night. I woke up to go to work and showered, then came out to the living room to look up the number for the pet boarding place because I'm visiting Eric next week. I looked over at him and he didn't seem to be breathing, so I shook the cage and nothing. I took him and Snoopy to the vet, and Snoopy seems to be fine. They're doing a necropsy on Wizzer to determine cause of death and to make sure its not contagious. I'm not going to Petsmart this morning because I'm too upset, but I promised Julie I'd work at the yarn store today so she could leave early, so I'm still going to do that because if I don't she'll have to close the store.

Eric is incredibly upset. This was his first pet and you know how much he loved Wizzer. I'll update later when I know what happened.

~Katie

Latest knitting project

Tada!!!

He's from Debbie Bliss Knitted Toys. I was gonna give him to Eric's friend's baby, but he's just too cute, so I think I'm gonna keep him.

Update

Hey girlies! Long time, no hear. Anyway, I know that not having access to the internet for a couple of days is not an excuse...but...well, I am sorry. So, how were both of your holidays? I hope you both enjoyed them just as much as I did.

So, I went home for the 4th to celebrate my sister's b-day. We went to Disney World. I had a great time. Stephie and I were able to visit all of the parks including Animal Kingdom, which isn't half bad. On our last day in Orlando, we went to Epcot, which would not have been much fun had we not scoped out the shop at Japan. On top of everything that we did, we went to a place recommended by Rachel Ray...the Colorado Fondue Company (my mom is a huge fan of Rachel Ray). As for my critique of the restaurant - Melting Pot is much, much better. So, that is my week home in a nutshell.

As for my mom, she is handling chemo really well, except for the fact that her stomach hurts. She is still incredibly skinny (i.e.- 80 pounds), but she's been able to eat a lot more. She's definitely hanging in there. On a similar note, I have faith that your (Katie's) grandfather will pull through the surgery.

As for everything else going on in my life, not much has changed. I will be going home again, for two weeks, on August 5th. I am excited to take a break from work and dc...its about damn time (believe me, one week home is not enough).

Today I am going swimming again at Mrs. Kennedy's house. It should be fun. Well, I will post later with more interesting things to talk about, but I thought I should give you both a brief update on my happenings.

P.S. Today will be my 3rd time restarting my dress....what can I say...I'm a perfectionist.

A Present...

Here's a pretty flowers for some pretty ladies...

Quick Note

Ladies forgot to actually publish the link to my new blog...
I know. I know.
Dumbass.

http://mandapants-sigh.blogspot.com/

Also, we got a comment the other day on one of Jen's posts. Who is that guy? Do we have a fan? An admirer? Cause that would be awesome.

Damn I am hungry "like bear" (read A Dirty Job, its great) and the woman sitting next to me at the airport is eating a BAG FULL of Krispy Kreme donuts...Bitch.

More later.
See you soon Katie!!!

Vacation in 3,2,1....

BLASTOFF!!!!

Yes, that's right va-cay. No more joking around. I literally couldn't be happier. I'm almost ready to go, but its still a bit frantic in my room. I'm also trying to finish a book I'm reading so that I don't have to lug another one on the plane.

I'm so excited! Also I decided to make a separate blog site just for me. That way this one can just be about us girlies and any other random crap that I feel like typing out will be up on the other site. I want to keep this one pure and lately I feel like I've been dumping all my useless thoughts on the Girls blog. Its not just about me. I was being a selfish flake and I apologize to my fellow blog-sisters.

You know what I was thinking about today? Siblings. Jen, you have your darling little sis' who if she gets any cuter will have to be taken out for the betterment of us all. Katie, you have an awesome little bro' with your wicked sense of humor. I unfortunately am the last of my namesake. That's right there will never be another "insert last name here" (lets keep some things confidential, right?). My father had 3 brothers. His older brother is only his half brother, and doesn't share his last name. His younger brother is a hermit, who lives with his wife all tucked away where no one can find him. He would be a difficult father, especially since it seems like he is always growing some sort of illegal plant material...cough cough...The baby of the family was gay. So well you do the math. I am the end of the line. My Grandfather's name dies with me, or rather my marriage, if that ever happens. I know this is silly but I was thinking about my kids. If and when, I ever become a happy mom (cue imagery of mini-vans (a hybrid mini-van) and soccer balls) with Ralph my kids will be without aunts and uncles. He is also an only child. I mean I have a large family and Ralph's family is enormous (Catholic...oy!) so its not like there won't be family, but no actual aunts and uncles.

So I've decided. I'm adopting some. Namely you ladies. Keep in mind that I already realize you will have "actual" nieces and nephews, but I've decided and you know how that goes. So you bitches better deal with it. We're family. Our little apt. together was a home. A place where your heart is. And no matter what blood lines we make through marriage or are born into, you ladies are family. No if, ands, or buts.

Alright well I'll give you time to mull this over. And deal with the acceptance.

Amanda

PS How cool is it that Ralph's best friend is a girl? And she's getting married and he's going to be her "Best Person"? Also he's decided to throw her a party (I still can't get him to call it a bachelorette party, but I'm working on it)? My boyfriend is too cute.

A Response

After having read Manda's blog, my hatred toward Elliot has turned into "slightly less" hatred (more like an ill will if I had to name it). I am starting to realize that he was a big part of your life...and probably contributed a bit to who you are...So, I no longer hate him (but, don't ever expect me to be friends with him...as I have said before, you are much bigger than I).

I have never said this before, but do you think things would have been different had we found an apartment together? Or, is this all fate? Maybe it was good that you and Elliot had not worked things out (don't get me wrong), otherwise you would have never found your third love. Ralph is much better.

I don't think you are a slut for having three loves...it adds to experience. You learn from previous relationships and realize how to make your current one better. Maybe having loved before allows you to realize what real love is. Who knows? I think it is great that you have loved twice before, because unlike others, you are able to reflect positively on each. It definitely shows how you've matured and grown. It makes you...you. Besides, the third time is the charm (sorry, i didn't mean to jinx you).

As for Katie, relationships are a two way street. I know that Eric needs to be more thoughtful and actually do something romantic, but you might have to make the first move. I mean...Eric is oblivious (no offense). Give him a push in the right direction...and I am sure he will know how to take it from there. Also, Eric is probably incredibly stressed and can't think of much else at the moment. I know this isn't much of an excuse, but from personal experience, I know that school work has gotten in the way of Jen and Kebby time (one too many times). I know, I know...the nickname is mushy, but that's how Kevin's niece and nephew say his name. I think if you start doing things that are incredibly thoughtful/romantic (not that you haven't), he will get the hint. I mean he does go to Cornell (he's gotta be smart, right?).

As I've said before, we are all lucky to be in love...and with every love, we need to do our part.

On an entirely different note...I got totally buzzed off of 1/4 of a long island. Sad isn't it? I miss those days when Manda and I drank straight from a tequila bottle.

Much love,

Jen

Gettin' in on this Love thing

First of all, hold on hold on Miss Mandapants, when did I ever hate you? When you broke up with Elliot the first time you assumed that we would all be angry with you, but really I just thought it was one of those things. I mean yeah, I felt bad for Elliot, but I didn't really think you two had been dating long enough for it to be a bridge-burning sort of thing.

Alright... love.

I... hmm...

So....

Yeah... I don't know how to start. I mean, I love Eric and all, but we've been together for 8 years. The sparks are gone, and I miss them. When I started dating Eric I decided that I wouldn't break up with him for stupid reasons like boredom, that I would only break up with him if I stopped loving him. I don't have any major complaints, I just wish he would be more thoughtful, and occasionally romantic. Oh, and possibly pay attention to me. That'd be sweet.

Enough whining. I'm doing five things at once right now, so I'll go for now. More later.

~Katie

Love part 2

Ok so I reread the first post and worry that it came off a little melodramatic. That actually wasn't my intention its just that lately love is on my brain. Maybe its the liberal medias fault or something of that nature.

Alright, so part 2. Here we go. I read the response Jen made about only being in love once and it occurs to me that of the lovely ladies on this website I'm the only one of the three of us to be in love more than once. I mean really. Katie even had the nerve to marry her high school sweetheart, you guys make me feel like the super slut in this threesome of ours. (Mostly joking...mostly.)

So now we are up to Elliot. Elliot was a weird one. The first time Elliot asked me out or we dated or whatever was so strange that looking back on it I almost don't feel like I can even remember 100% what happened. I mean I knew that Elliot had a thing for me. And had, had one, for a long time. So I almost think that the first time we tried dating it was mostly about a warped sense of pity. I mean when someone is your best friend you want to make him happy, right? Well, I tried. That didn't even come close to working. Shit, we didn't even kiss. I was way too weirded out. Then we went through a really awkward period where half my friend hated my ass (cough..cough...KATIE...cough...cough). Which was completely understandable. Eventually we started to patch things up and then, poof, it was easier to like Elliot. I mean there weren't anymore expectations or pity. It was just us. And it made sense. We made sense. We laughed at the same jokes, appreciated the same movies, had the same goals, the same dreams, the same long term expectations. That's the making of a perfect relationship, right? Well, sort of. Most of our 2.5 year relationship we agreed. When we had a fight we knew who was wrong, almost before the fight started. We were almost too in sync. I mean where is the fun when you already know what the other person is going to say. Where's the excitement? The adventure? The challenge?

Dating someone you know for forever has its plus side too of course. Elliot was reliable, almost to a fault. He was there most of the time when I needed him. He knew me. I mean really knew me, my past, my relationships, my everything. He knew my parents. Hell, my mom had been waiting for us to start dating for years. That's a lot of pressure on a couple. His mother was extremely involved from the start. I mean intimately involved. Sandy, started offering sex advice from the minute we started thinking about dating. She offered relationship advice, before we started dating. It was almost like dating the entire family. Our love life was never private. Never special. There was no need not to share anything with my girlfriends because you already knew it all. EVERYONE DID! That is probably one of the biggest problems with our relationship. But with all that said, I did love him. And it was different, because I was older, smarter, and he and I were heading in the same direction. I had jumped leaps and bounds since Jeff. I trusted Elliot more than ever trusted any other boyfriend. He had always been there for me as a friend, and now as a boyfriend. But when the time came down for me to move cross country and give up everything I'd ever known (except you Jen, mainly cause you'd be local). He couldn't give me what I needed. He couldn't promise me anything, not a commitment, not a time line, nothing.

In the end he let me down. Let me know that my faith had always been strong enough for the both of us, except at one point. I carry no ill will toward him and what's scary is that I still consider him a friend. I probably always will. If he really needed me, I'd be there. I don't love him anymore. That ended the day he couldn't manage to dump me, so I did it for him. I don't know if I told you all that. That I dumped myself for him. He couldn't get the words out. So I did it. And that was the end. Even with that, he's still just Elliot. The Simpson's movie is coming out and I'm almost having trouble with the idea of seeing it without him. It almost feels like some sort of betrayal.

Elliot was my second love. He was someone special taught me the importance of boundaries, and the importance of being an individual in a relationship. I mean where did Elliot stop and I begin. That's not healthy. And in some way I see him as my high school sweetheart, even though we didn't start dating until college.

That just leaves love #3. More on that later...
Amanda

Untitled

Katie, I am so sorry to hear that your grandfather has cancer....it's a struggle, but I am sure he will get through it. I understand how you feel when the Drs. say one thing and then another...it happened to my mom. When I found out my mom had pancreatic cancer, I felt miserable...I wouldn't wish cancer on anyone. I'm sorry you couldn't hear better news. At least they finally figured out what was wrong with him...it could be worse, right? It is always good to stay as positive as possible for you and your grandfather. I am sure the surgery will go smoothly and the cancer will be eradicated. I have faith.

-----

As for Manda's query about love...I have only been in love once and that is with Kevin. I couldn't imagine being in love with anyone else. I knew I was in love with Kevin even before he said "I love you" to me. Love is a wonderful thing. We are all so lucky to have been and still be in love. On that note --- I love you girls!!

----

Adding on to a post that I made a few days ago...I went to Mrs. Kennedy's house and it was enormous. It had two stories and sat on a huge piece of property. The pool house was incredible...probably even bigger than my own apartment. There was a side for the men to change and another for the women. The pool house was decorated with pics of celebrities and of RFK. It was amazing. Never thought I would be swimming at a Kennedy's house. All in all...I had so much fun. It also makes me want to adopt...more on that later. (I thought I would leave you hanging - make this post a little more suspenseful - lol.)

Love,
Jen

Love

What is the deal with love? This is actually kind of a serious concern. I was thinking about this on the ride home from the first hitchcock's. I truly believe that I have been in love 3 times in my life. (And no, I am not taking into account familial love, or the love between super wonderful amazing sexy lady friends...you know who you are...) The very first time I ever fell in love was in high school to a boy named Jeff. I was 17 and he had just turned 23. It was wonderful. I was so close to finishing high school so I had an insane amount of freedom, and the desire to fly the coupe at every opportunity. (Which I did.) This love was first love, and there's nothing like it. Everything the other person does is remarkable mainly because a lot of the time you've never seen anyone do things that way or think that way. Its like trying on a new you in the process to. Because inevitably you try to start thinking and acting that way too. I know with Jeff, I thought that being independent to extreme levels made him glamorous. That was something I wanted. He also drank much more than I did, so I tried that on for size too. He was less concerned with physical attributes so I tried to be also. Everything was great because he was in my life. He found me special. There will never be another first love in my life.

To that end, most first loves don't make it. You spend far too much time focusing outside of yourself that you forget about you. Often times you take on too much of the other person and then you have a moment where you wonder where you leave off and he begins. Also there is a purity about being young and in love, that life tends to sneak in and mess up. Like I said, I was almost done with high school and Jeff was 23, with no car, no apt., and no steady job. I was attending UF in the fall and he was just turning another year older. We were heading in different directions and unfortunately everyone around me could see that, but me.

First love is something special. I know that the 2 people I've loved since Jeff have been much different than that love. Every now and I sometimes wonder if each love is different. That love doesn't even remotely resemble the love I have now or the love I had for Elliot. Each one teaches me how to be a better person and lover. (not just physically)

I really don't know why I started thinking about all this, its not like Valentine's Day is around the corner or anything contrite like that. But, sometimes getting down your thoughts helps you evaluate your present situation. I think tomorrow I will post again about Elliot and get some of the more personal thoughts down. Let you guys in on how everything in our relationship went down. I mean its been a year and a half, the feeling that were there are long gone. So discussing that relationship shouldn't hurt either party involved anymore.

More on love tomorrow...
Amanda

Sarcastic?!?!?! ME?!?

Alright, so, I haven't posted in a while because... I lost the sign-in info. D'oh. But, thanks to the lovely Manda, I've got it again and can post till my heart's content (:::in totally sexy male latino voice:::: and your heart, my dear Jennifer, I would not wish you to long for me so.)

So, bad news out of the way first... my grandpa has had an incredibly low iron count for over a year. He lost a lot of weight and didn't have any energy. He had all these gastro-intestinal tests done (including the swallow the camera one) and they couldn't find any bleeding, so they were giving him iron injections and pills. He went to see a cancer specialist in Febuary who told him that he didn't have bone marrow cancer, which was what we were really worried about, but they still couldn't figure out what was wrong. They did a cat scan this week and finally firgured it out; he has colon cancer. And the cancer doctor says, "Oh, well it says that your regular doctor did see some minor bleeding in this area during one of the tests."
....... Ok, well then why did he say there was no bleeding? Anyway, the cancer is up where the large and small intestine meet, so he's going to have surgery to remove it and they're going to zap the part that's moved onto the liver since they were too incompetant to catch it in time. It'll be the 12th; they could do it next week but that would interfere with my grandparent's gambling trip. So anyway, hopefully that will turn out ok.

Petsmart has turned out to be an interesting experience. I worked Friday for the first time in 9 days, so I had forgotten a lot of the things I was supposed to remember on cash register. And of course, they left me alone, so it was a bit stressful. Today I managed to get the hang of it, and feel a cautious optimism about my ability to work in the future. However, that's slightly dampened by the fact that I am working EVERY DAY next week. Oh yeah. There's the two days I work at Homespun, then a nice robust 29 hours 45 min at petsmart divided unequally over teh rest of the week. A total of 44.45 hours. Now I know this is not Amanda level working hours here, but when you go from working 15 hours to that, its a little shocking. Debbie, the manager, told me that in the future she'll give me either Wednesdays or Thursdays off, and that she'd see if someone would work for me this Friday, since she knows I have 2 jobs. All this working isn't helped by the fact that sometime in the next week and a half I have to get my appartment clean since I'm having visitors.

So this semi-coherent rambling is completed. I'm gonna go drink some Bailey's and then pass out in an attempt to get some damn sleep before work tomorrow.

Love,

Katie

Hitchcock's Weekend

Hi ladies!

Long time. I know. This weekend is the quarterly hitchcock's weekend. Where our little district manages to count 9 grocery stores in 3 shifts. So I'll be working 3 grocery stores in the next 12 hours or so. It is insane. No one sleeps and by the third store which is in keystone heights we are all exhausted and a little punch drunk. Sometimes some of us are actually drunk due to pit stops at a bar before the 3rd store. It is insane. Our District Manager even comes out and counts because if he doesn't we never seem to finish in a timely manner and then people start trying to kill each other (especially when Gary, Ralph, Nitin and I are all in the same store, which is literally every Hitchcock's weekend) (See the only thing those 3 boys have in common is me. Gary and I are friends, Nitin is an anomaly, and Ralph is my boyfriend...wackiness ensues). The first store is normally no big deal, everyone remembers how nice it is to count a grocery store without lasers, and we are all happy to be keying away on our little audits. Its a nice break from using lasers all the damn time which totally slow down the people who can actually key. Alright enough about work.

I got a new computer. Its awesome. I love it. My little laptop makes me feel invincible. I can now compute anywhere I want. Currently I am sitting in my bedroom computing away. Normally I can only compute from the dining room. That's right ladies, I am Mobile. By the way, who is aching for that iPhone. I am. And if I hadn't just renewed my contract with att like 3 months ago, then I would go blow like 500 and not think twice about the money. Ok, I'm lying. 500 dollars is a lot for a cell phone. But seriously have you seen it? Its awesomeo! I like that whole side scrolling thing, very paper mario version wii. But Ralph makes a good point when he says that the price will go down, eventually...when the 20gb version comes out. Then there will be the one with the dual processor in it and then you'll literally have a mini-computer everywhere you go and it will be like Star Trek with those vocoder things, they'll be able to tell the atmosphere of distant planets and what the percentage of chlorine is in our drinking water. I'm even beginning to think that you'll be able heal severe trauma by just waving it over the injured part of the body.

Maybe this new computer is a dangerous thing it allows me to compute anywhere. And that gives me freedom, which makes me more loose with my fantasies regarding technology...

::Backing away from the laptop slowly::

Amanda

Where has Katie been?

I am starting to miss Katie's sarcastic humor and wit...tear. Where have you been Katie? Has Xenu taken you to a volcanoe to blow you up (sorry for the scientology joke - I know it was a bad one). Anyway, I just wanted to say that I miss you, Katie (and also you Amanda). Could you just post so that we both know you are alive?

On a totally different subject, I am going to Mrs. Kennedy's house today. She is inviting a group of children over to go swimming and I am going to be one of the "adults" supervising. I heard that her house has 14 rooms. I'll post later with the details.

I love you both!!!

Jen