FireCracker Realized
Saturday, April 30, 2005
I got me some digits
I did...I really did. Cubbie Girl and I had a good time last night and met some fun people. When we arrived at Belly's it was still early and we had 30 minutes left of the free drinks. Ratio of guys to girls was probably 5:1 and the selection was pretty good. CG and I picked a table near the front so that we could see everyone coming in and it was also near a large table of good looking guys. It was going to be a good night. We had something to eat, a few drinks and before you know it the place was filling up - with women. You didn't even have to look around, you could hear the change in all the high pitched voices surrounding us. I'm sure the guys were in heaven with such a crowd. Somehow, CG and I became more interested in watching the Cubs game...Maddux vs Clemens...rather than fighting the crowds to find a guy to talk to. It just didn't seem worth the effort, especially with the waitresses telling us there was no one worth being there for. Sad, I know. We did have Dave come by and chat with us. He was a nice guy but oh so young. He tried to say he was 36, but we knew he couldn't be a day over 25 - my guess was 23. He tried so hard to impress but he just didn't have a chance. Obviously, I'm still not ready to date anyone, but I just don't have the patience for young guys any more, especially when they get all touchy-feely. CG and I ended up leaving the party around 10 and were heading over to Sopo to see if that place was any better. Along the way Shelly caught up to us. She had been working the door at the party and was dying to go home. We had chatted for a bit previously, but as we were talking it felt like we had known each other for a while. We convinced her to join us for a drink instead of heading home and she did. Sopo wasn't much better than Belly's but that's where we were told that we were beautiful! Always nice to hear even if it's from a really drunk 300lb black man who needed some help to stand. After our martini's, we decided to try one more place...Messner's. They had live music and food, so we were happy. Their pizzas are shaped like footballs, but really good. It ended up being a girls night but it was good. It felt great to be out socializing again after working so much.
And the digits...they belonged to Shelly. She may join us shopping today and we'll be going out in the future. A girl can never have too many girlfriends!
I'm off to the salon...have a great Saturday!!
Posted by Maple :: 9:21 AM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Friday, April 29, 2005
therapy
I need some therapy...retail therapy that is. I tried to get some last night but nothing was working for me. It was so nice to leave work by 5pm and see the sun again but my therapy session didn't help at all. It's always the way though...when you are looking for something you can't find it and when you have no money you hit the shopping jackpot. It sucks! I tried on at least 20 pieces of clothing and only liked 1 thing, which I bought but will probably return. I have all this money from working late every night burning a hole in my pocket and can't spend it on anything - how sad. Although, I'm now on a mission to change that. I've booked my hair appointment for tomorrow morning and can't wait! I tried to see if my stylist had an opening last night but no such luck, so I wait until tomorrow. I need the pampering, and I'm thinking of getting a pedicure as well. I've been over-worked and I deserve it, besides my feet are looking pretty sad right now.
Tonight Cubbie Girl and I will be heading out to a "Date My Friend" event in the city. We've been to a couple of these events in the past and they are usually pretty interesting. They rotate locations each month and the crowd seems to change too. I desperately need the social atmosphere right now so it should be a good night. Amazingly enough, that will be 2 nights in a row not being at work - how crazy is that!
Posted by Maple :: 10:27 AM :: 1 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
not much to say
I don't have much of a life right now so there's really not much to say. I'm working way too much and it will probably continue for a while. I'm hoping to see some friends again this weekend instead of just my co-workers, and maybe then I'll have some good stories. The only interesting thing that happened to me today is getting moved into a half cubicle. They finally took my office away from me, even though there's no one around to move into it. It totally sucks since all the other cubicles on the floor are full sized except for our little corner...and they're all empty too. My supervisor is not so bright - or she hates us. Actually, it may be a combination of both. I think the thing I'll miss most is the door. I can't shut everyone out anymore and they won't stop driving me crazy with stupid questions. I swear these guys lied during their interviews. They're supposed to have more experience than I do with our programming tool, yet they come to me with the simple things. I can't imagine how they're going to handle the big stuff! This is not going to be a fun project.
Hopefully I'll have better stories at the end of the week!
Posted by Maple :: 9:14 PM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Monday, April 25, 2005
do I owe you $$?
I got an email from Cubbie Girl this morning asking that question. It seems we're both a little hazy from our Friday night adventures and can't remember if she paid me for her portion of the bar bill. I think she gave me cab fare so we're calling it even but I'm really not sure. I remember getting the bill at HOB but you can tell from my writing that I was not even close to sober when signing it. There's also the fact that I don't remember the actual cab ride, only getting into it initially. I remember being at home, grabbing some pretzels and watching some late night TV. And the next thing I know it's 6:30am and I'm still on the couch, with a monster headache. We've already agreed that the next time we go out after work, we MUST eat more than cheese. Real food is required or else no booze allowed. I'm too old for that kind of pain.
Posted by Maple :: 2:35 PM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Saturday, April 23, 2005
getting creative
I've spent the last few hours downloading all my CD's to my Ipod. It's been quite a task and I'm not even close to being done yet. But I've had lots of time to contemplate life and reflect on things. Nothing too deep but it's been good. I've realized that whether I believe it or not, I am a creative person. I'm a Pisces, so it's required, but I never think of myself that way. I'm too critical of myself and my creations. Nothing is ever good enough, perfection is required. I have to learn to allow for imperfections, in who I am and in what I do. Being perfect is much too difficult...and for those who know me, you know I rarely succeed. So today I tried something new. I tried to write a song, although it's more of a poem. It's short and not very good, but it was inspired by an instrumental song that I downloaded today. I was moved by it and wanted to express myself and this is what I came up with (first draft only)...
Close your eyes
Open your heart
Feel the love
Deep inside
Your lips
Your eyes
Your smile
Open your soul
To the waves of love
Dreams so beautiful
Thoughts so pure
Your warmth and kindness
Carry me forward
To that special place
And time
Where passion blooms
And love endures
Okay, so maybe it's not so bad.
Posted by Maple :: 9:22 PM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Thursday, April 21, 2005
another one bites the dust
And down he goes! Nomar is down for the count and won't be back for a long time...at least 2-3 months, but probably more. At least we don't have to worry about his slump anymore.
Zambrano was amazing again last night but why does Dusty have to pull him with one out remaining??? Does he want everyone to die from a heart attack? Don't get me wrong, I like Hawkins, but do I trust him to save a 2 run lead over the Cardinals? Not on your life! Somehow he pulled through, but I would've preferred to see Z finish the game.
If only we could get Wood to start pitching like Z...then it would be a fun season!
Posted by Maple :: 9:14 AM :: 1 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
last one for now...
Here's one for THE Single Guy...Nomar at Spring Training. Any suggestions on how to get him out of his slump??? Thankfully D-Lee is hot and making up for everyone else otherwise we'd be in real trouble.
Posted by Maple :: 10:46 PM :: 1 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Open for business
Opening Day at Wrigley Field in Chicago! It was such a great day for baseball and even though the Cubs lost, it was still something spectacular! Cubbie girl goes every year to Opening day, but this was my first time. Thankfully there was no snow and no rain like in past years and it was chilly in the shade but there was really nothing to complain about.
Our seats were along the fence way, way, way down the third base line. The only place to go from here was down. Everyone in this picture was late for opening day. They must have been coming from Yak-Zies big bash that started at 5:30AM. I stopped by at 10am to visit Kansas, saw Billy Corgan instead, but couldn't get in without standing in line for hours.
Maybe next year!
Posted by Maple :: 10:15 PM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
almost there!
I haven't been very good at documenting my exploits with pictures but here is proof that I was actually rock climbing. It was a lot of fun and I will definitely try it again sometime in the future, but I won't make it a regular event like I have with tennis. It's challenging but not very convenient since we had to drive almost an hour to do it. Besides, who wants to wear a harness that makes it feel like you're wearing a diaper?? And yes, my back still hurts from all I did, but the pain killers make it much more tolerable.
I'll try to add more pictures of other completed items from my list whenever possible.
Posted by Maple :: 9:37 PM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Monday, April 18, 2005
life is good
I took full advantage of having this weekend off. Saturday I spent 4 hours playing tennis, including an actual game. I lost the game because of my serve, but otherwise I did well. We had a different instructor in class and for some reason I responded really well to his techniques. Depending who I was partnered with we would create a rally that could go for a really long time. I was even starting to figure out when to go on the offensive and move to the net instead of staying at the baseline. Sometimes it would work and sometimes it wouldn't, but now I understand the reason behind it. And it made me want to join a league. I haven't yet, but maybe next week I will. It felt really good to play and I'm starting to get more consistent. Even my classmates were cheering me on with each stroke which was really cool. Now if I could just improve my serve!
Sunday Violet and I crossed another item off our lists...rock climbing! We drove about 45 minutes south to Climb On, for the chance to do 2 climbs. I was still sore from tennis, but I wasn't going to put it off again...we've been trying to go since last year. We were the only ones in the place but the guy helping us was really nice. He started us on the easy part of the wall and we did well. I don't know why, but I scurried right to the top without realizing how fast I was going. It's like I was on a mission to get up there as fast as possible. I was a little winded by the time I was done, but it was worth it. My second climb was on a more difficult part of the wall. The wall was slightly slanted towards us and the things to hold onto were not as easy to grab. By this time, my arms were tired and shaking and my hands were all sweaty. Not a good combination for what was ahead of me. I started up the wall and noticed a difference right away. I had to think more about where to put my feet and which stones I could actually keep ahold of without slipping. And my arms started to shake about halfway up. Thankfully, we were allowed to rest for a bit so that we could make it to the top. They say you're supposed to use your legs more, but I think I was using my arms most of the time and do I ever feel it today!
After climbing, we went to Target where Violet bought herself a grill. Of course, it had to be assembled before we could use it and that was quite entertaining. It's too bad we didn't think to take pictures because I'm sure we looked crazed at times...or maybe that was just me. All I know is that my back kept getting more painful the longer I was out there. It really hurts today. It took about 15 minutes this morning to actually get out of bed and be able to walk standing upright. It hurts like hell but it was worth every moment! Those steaks were so good!!
Posted by Maple :: 2:15 PM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Friday night
I managed to survive the stress of last week by leaving work at 5pm on Friday...yay! I decided my sanity was more important that finishing everything before the weekend, so I left promptly at 5...okay it was really 5:15 but that's close enough for me. Violet was so kind and agreed to meet me at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba for tapas and sangria. It was the perfect way to start the weekend! It was so good to be outside and see the sun again. We laughed and ate such great food. It was exactly what I needed. From there we walked to Grand Central to have a couple of drinks. We couldn't remember exactly where it was, but we thought it was close. Turns out it was a bit of a hike, but the weather was nice so we didn't mind. We sat at the bar and listened to the piano man and his tunes - he was very good - and then we were attacked by a crazy Irishman. His name was Tim and his mother would always ask him "Did you drive?" "Tim, did you drive?" He didn't really explain why he wanted to tell us that, but we figured it was he was beginning to realize he was drunk and should give his friends the keys to his car. And then out of the blue he would rub his ass against my leg. Oh, and don't forget throwing his shirt over my head...while he was still wearing it. Quite hilarious! I will say that he gave me a good ab workout that night...from all the laughter. Did I tell you he has two sexual friends - a metrosexual and a homosexual. Why he chose to use that line I'll never understand, but he thought it was histerical! After all the entertainment, we called it a night. It was nice and early and I was exhausted. I was home asleep by 11pm and it was wonderful!
Posted by Maple :: 12:48 PM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Thursday, April 14, 2005
I'm still here....sort of
Wow...this is the first chance I've had to post since Sunday night and it's almost Friday already! Things have been absolutely crazy this past week, and unfortunately only because of work.
Booooo!
I have been working way too hard the last few days with no relief in sight until hopefully May. I'm hoping that I can actually make it home before 10pm tonight, but that will depend on how fast I can type this. I have an hourlong commute ahead of me but I had to post something this week. I've been going through withdrawl and I don't can't take it anymore!!!!
I'd love to say that I have some cool stories to tell and that my life has been too exciting to break away from to blog, but sadly that's not my life. I've been working my ass off! All day, every day. The first time I saw the sun was yesterday at 5pm on my commute from my client to my office. A full hour of sunshine...it was wonderful! I did manage to meet up with Kay today after she got off work to have a coffee break and it was so good to see her! It's been forever because her job has been holding her hostage for the last few weeks as well. But it was like old times and she had some good stories to tell. And then I had a surprise call from Doc, who I haven't talked to in months and months. She's coming to town for Memorial Day weekend -- and Bam Bam will be here then too!! Good thing I won't be working that weekend....it could be dangerous with the two of them back in town.
I remember when I had a social life. Where I had the time to see friends and make lunch plans -- and I could actually go to lunch too! Or go out for dinner at a decent hour instead of nibbling on crackers at 11pm to get me through the night. Ah...the good old days. I miss them.
Posted by Maple :: 9:10 PM :: 1 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Sunday, April 10, 2005
weekend update
I had a great weekend! It started Friday morning with Bloody Mary's at Bernie's waiting for the Cubs home opener to start! It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and it was warm...at least for April in Chicago! I will try to post some pictures later...it's too late to install the software to do it now. I was in my element and once we were inside Wrigley, we went straight to visit our favourite usher Emilie. She's a spunky 80+ year old woman who works directly behind home plate and knows everyone. This woman has stopped many a drunk fan from getting to those prime seats when they don't have tickets to be there -- it's quite amazing to see her in action. From there we ran into Jim Hendry, where Cubbie Girl managed to give him a big hug and thank him for the Sosa trade. She was a big flirt, but he enjoyed it! The game itself was long and frustrating. It was good to see Kerry on the mound again but in the end we couldn't keep the one run lead intact. I'm not blaming Hawkins, I think he did a great job and only threw one pitch that really messed things up. I may be the only Cubs fan that feels this way but I'll give him a chance to prove himself this year. But please, no more 12 inning games! I've been to 2 this weekend alone!! At least today's game had a better outcome, but it feels like every win comes at a price, and that price was Todd Walker's knee. Carlos Lee took out his knee sliding into 2nd and I have a feeling he'll be gone for a while. Good thing we have a solid bench.
More stories later...it's time to sleep now.
Posted by Maple :: 11:45 PM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Saturday, April 09, 2005
you can go in now
It seems that some of you felt the need to respond to my last post and I took that option away from you. I guess that was unfair of me, to have such a heartwrenching post that struck a chord with you and then not allow you to express yourselves. I apologize for that. It was hard for me to write and open myself up to you and I suppose I was afraid of what you might say. I never thought that some of you would understand my pain and would want to share your experiences too. So, now that I understand, and if you're still willing, I will open the post up to comments.
Posted by Maple :: 10:29 AM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Thursday, April 07, 2005
laughter and heartache
Thanks to THE Single Guy, I've been thinking a lot about my Dad lately. I really miss him and wonder what my life would be like today if he was still around. How different would things be for me? Would I still be living in Chicago or would I have stayed in Toronto, closer to my family?
When I was 12, he started to have seizures in the middle of the night. At the time, Mom was a nurse and was working the night shift so the only reason we knew anything was wrong was because he bit his tongue. It was disgusting and there was blood everywhere, but he had no idea what had happened, except that part of his tongue was hanging off. And being the joker he was, he made a point of showing it off and wiggling it around trying to freak us out. He was good at that! Luckily, the next time this happened Mom was home and she called 911 and got him to the hospital. I still remember hearing the paramedics in the hallway outside my bedroom door. I had no idea what was going on but I could hear them trying to talk to him. And I was so scared. I didn't want to know so I pretended that nothing was going on and covered my ears to block the sounds. I guess I figured if I didn't leave my room then nothing bad could be happening. How I wish that were true. Denial has always been my defense mechanism of choice but eventually the truth has to surface and you need to face it. I think that's why I'm telling this story. I've never talked about this before but I think it's time to let it all out, so please bear with me. I don't remember what happened the next few days, but I'm sure tests were done and that's how we found out about the cancer. It was a brain tumor that caused the seizures and they needed to do surgery.
My Dad was a very stubborn man. Everything had to be done his way. I don't know when the surgery took place exactly, but it was right before Christmas and he was determined to be out of the hospital for the holidays. And he did it. He came home Christmas Eve and even managed to go back to work part-time in January. Nothing was going to stop this man! I'll never forget when he came home though. He looked weak and nothing like he used to. They had to shave his head and when he took off his hat I could see the bandages. The first time I saw him without the bandages I nearly fainted because they stapled his head shut and I wasn't prepared for that sight. The man you think is invincible and admire and want to be exactly like has become weak and fragile and powerless. Or at least he was for a short time. It didn't last. He became strong again and proved that he could overcome the disease. He was not going to let it ruin his life. He went through the treatments and loved to show off the mold they made of his head. He tried to make a joke out of it to make it seem less scary for me but when he put the clear plastic mask up to his face it just made me more scared. I didn't want to know anything about what he was going through. I couldn't handle it. Thankfully, he managed to recover and went into remission for a few years. It was like nothing had happened to him. And it was great. His hair kind of grew back and things seemed like they were back to normal.
But then it came back. He had another tumor, that grew so fast and so out of control that there was nothing they could do. I was now 15 and his tumor was the size of a grapefruit. Another surgery, if he survived, had a 50-50 chance of making him a vegetable. He decided against that and just wanted to live for as long as it would let him. I remember how he started to loose control of the left side of his body. One day before church he wanted to shave but needed help to change the razor blade, so I went to help him. He was sitting down and we were talking. I didn't like seeing him in this state so I was really uncomfortable and I didn't realize how much control he had lost. Before I realized, he was on the floor because he had no idea he was slipping down. His body couldn't support him anymore. I think I just stood there motionless, afraid of what was happening to him. He was able to get himself up, but after that things were never the same, and not much longer he was in the hospital.
During this whole experience, I really had no concept of time so I couldn't say if it was weeks or months or days. But visiting him in the hospital was hard. And the hospital was right beside my high school, so there was no way of avoiding going, to remain in denial about all that was happening to him. I think the best moment when he was at the hospital was that last Saturday. He was happy and joking around and looked better. I should have known that something was up. It turns out that was the turning point in his life. That it was his last hurrah before the end. I'm glad I was able to experience it, but I had no idea what was in store for us.
At the time, my brother was in university a couple hours away and my sister had chosen that weekend to go visit. They didn't get to see him that weekend. The Sunday morning was when everything changed. I woke up and walked downstairs to find a friend of the family in my living room. She asked if I had talked to my Mom yet, which I hadn't. She told me to go back upstairs to talk to her. I didn't get it. It made no sense but I hadn't put the pieces of the puzzle together. I walked into her room and she was in bed crying. I sat on the end of the bed and asked her what was wrong. And that's how I found out he had died. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I wasn't expecting it at all, especially after his having such a great day just the day before. I don't remember much after that moment. I was pretty much in shock for a couple of weeks. I don't know if I cried, although I'm sure I did. I'm sure I spent most of my time curled up in bed with the covers over my head trying to make sense of everything.
It took a full year before I would talk about it. My high school had a counselling group for those who lost a parent. I would't go when my sister was still there, so I waited another year until she had graduated. I am grateful to them for helping me through that time. For understanding all the emotions and hurt that I was feeling. It was a very difficult time for me. It's amazing how it can seem like yesterday, but it's been over 16 years. Thank you for letting me pour my heart out to you. I needed to share this with someone and this was the only way to do it. I still can't talk about it, but I hope by writing this I will be able to release some of my sorrow, while at the same time remember the greatest man I know.
Posted by Maple :: 10:29 AM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
I'm okay
I love my Mom. She just called to check up on me and it was really nice. We're not that close, at least not as close as she is with my sister, but we have our own way of doing things. It used to be that we'd talk maybe once a month to find out what's going on, but lately it's been a lot more often. I think it's been 3 times in the last month. We've both had some health issues lately that have kept us wondering about the other person so phone calls have been more important to us. I think it would be very different if I lived nearby, where I could drive home on the weekends, or even for an evening. Being so far away makes it very hard to feel connected, and to me a phone call doesn't do us justice. I'm a quiet person and don't like to talk about myself and my Mom is pretty much the same way. We like to hear other people’s stories, we don't tell our own. Writing this blog is a big deal for me, and my Mom would probably love to read it, but it's not something I'm willing to share with my family, at least not yet. Maybe one day I'll let them into my inner most thoughts and feelings, but I need time before that happens. What I really need right now is some one-on-one time with Mom. She was supposed to come down to visit a few weeks ago but she had to cancel and I don't know when we'll get the chance again. Usually I go home for a long weekend a few times a year, but then my sister feels the need to be home at the same time. She tends to overpower everyone around her and it really takes away from my time with Mom, so I'm trying to get her to visit on her own that way I won't have to share her with anyone. Selfish, but necessary. I want to get to know her again, have talks about her life and choices to see if she would do anything differently. I want to be a part of her life again, but not as the brat I used to be. I want her to know me as an adult and see what a great job she did. And hopefully she's still proud of me.
Posted by Maple :: 10:06 PM :: 1 Comments: ---------------------------------------
wanting more
I'm not sure I should share this or not, but I will anyway. I may be completely wrong about this but I don't think I am. I think C.B. was trying to hit on me last night. He didn't ask me out or anything, it was just some subtle things he did that make me suspicious of his intentions. He's a nice guy and I've only been out with him 4 times, always with other friends, twice in the last few days. I think he would make a great friend, someone to go to hockey games with, play tennis with or just hit the trails. But I don't want to get involved with him. This is part of the reason I don't have any male friends. They always want more. My instincts point to 3 particular incidents:
1) The first time we met he made a comment that he's into redheads. At the time he claims he didn't realize I had red hair - we were in a dark bar so it's possible.
2) He made a point of moving into the chair directly beside mine last night after Cubbie Girl left for the evening. He was directly across the table the whole night but had to move to be right beside me - it was a little odd.
3) When sitting beside me, we were talking, and at some point he put his hand on top of mine. I don't know why he did it, but I thought it was odd when it happened. I don't even remember what we were talking about at the time but I don't think touching would have been necessary to make a point.
So what do you think? Am I reading too much into things? Is it even possible for guys and girls to be friends without one of them wanting more at some point in time?
Posted by Maple :: 3:06 PM :: 4 Comments: ---------------------------------------
weekend recap
I was out with some friends last night to watch the Illini game and I was reminded of Saturday. It started with 3 hours of tennis - mainly serving. Remember how my pro said I was level 3...not so much. I was horrible. I couldn't do anything right. I was frustrated and annoyed with myself. It was not a pretty sight. I'll be sticking with level 2 for a while longer.
I had to run home from tennis to shower and change and cab it over to the bar to meet up with friends at Sluggers. They were there early so we could have a table with a decent view of the TV's. Things started out great, we had a Cubs game to keep us entertained until tip off. We had a great table, good food and cheap beer. We were in a sea of orange. The game starts and the excitement builds. Some girls start to chant I-L-L...I-N-I and they were loud! At the half is where things get a little strange. We start to notice things around us. A weird video on a couple of big screens. The music stops and there's a guy on the mic saying something I didn't quite get at first. Then I notice it. There are midgets on the bar. They're trying to promote their DVD, which seems to be a cross between WWF wrestling, Jackass and Girls Gone Wild. It's kind of disturbing, yet it's one of those things that you just can't turn away from. All I can think is "Did somebody slip me something? Am I dreaming or is this really happening?" I've only been to Sluggers a couple of times but I never expected anything like this. It was quite interesting for a half-time show. And then the game was back on and that was the end of the midgets. We stayed for both games and when we finally left the bar, it was 7 hours later! Some would call that insanity. I call it practice for the Cubs season. And I was still home before midnight. Oh, and the Illini won for their first trip to the finals!
Sunday was great. It was relaxing and peaceful, although I couldn't sleep past 7am which was just wrong. I blame that on the sunshine. It was bright! Violet and I had plans to go rock climbing, but due to an unfortunate series of events it was postponed. So instead I was planning to look for tennis shoes. Unfortunately, I turned on the TV instead of leaving right away and what was on? Tennis. I couldn't turn away. It was a good match and I wanted to get some pointers, so I watched and studied their moves. But then I realized how much I still had to get done, so I forced myself to turn it off and I headed out the door.
I was told to go to a specialty tennis shop to look for shoes, and when I got there it was closed! They were only open from 10-2. It was 2:10 and they were long gone. Who is only open for 4 hours? That's crazy! I was not happy. So instead I picked up Violet and we headed to Home Depot for paint samples. It was fun but nerve wracking. She wouldn't help me. She went off on her own to price out bathroom stuff. I was forced to make a decision. It felt good. I found some colours that I liked. I narrowed it down when I was in the store and had about 7 shades to choose from. We had some more shopping to do at Target and then we headed to Violet's to try and fix her boiler - with no luck. Since her place was cold, we then took a drive over to Chicago's Pizza to get one to go and met back at my place. Violet always manages to bring me her half opened bottles of wine, so we had pizza and wine, with some jalepeno poppers on the side...yummy! Throw in a little Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy and we're a couple of happy girls. And now I'm down to 3 colours to choose from. I can feel a decision on the horizon!
Monday I was swamped at work which was good, and no yelling from my boss which was better. I felt productive and happy, such a nice change! I finally went to get my eyes checked and I'm not as blind as I thought I would be. I don't even need a new prescription, I just need to start wearing my glasses a little more often if I want to see things clearly more than 5 feet away. From there I headed to Messners to meet up with friends for the final Illini game. Canadian Bacon (C.B.) left work early to get a spot and he did a great job! We had prime seating and I could watch the game from 3 different TV's. Again we had the Cubs game to keep us occupied until tip off and it was amazing to watch. We won 16-6, and it was mostly small ball...Sammy who? It was a great way to start the season! We're #1! The Illlini, unfortunately, did not fare so well. C.B. thought the Cubs should have saved some of the scoring for other teams to take advantage of. I thought he was full of shit, but it turns out he was right. The boys from Champaign needed some help. They relied on their 3's to get them through, but they should have been in the paint. They couldn't get the 3's off, and when they did, they wouldn't go down. It was sad to watch. They had the potential to be the greatest, instead they are just great. As a Cubs fan I'm used to seeing it.
And there's always next year.
Posted by Maple :: 9:02 AM :: 3 Comments: ---------------------------------------
Friday, April 01, 2005
it's about time!
Finally a politician is doing the right thing and is supporting the rights of women! Thanks G-Rod for realizing that a woman should not be denied birth control pills just because the pharmacist doesn't agree with their use. For the full article read this.
If a doctor sees the need to write a prescription, that prescription should be filled. The only question that a pharmacist should ask is "Will there be anything else today?" There should be no assumptions of why she would need the pills. It may be because she doesn't want to get pregnant, but what if there was a more serious reason than that? What if it was because of other health reasons? Just because a woman is on the pill doesn't mean she's having sex or even contemplating having sex any time soon. No matter her reasons, she should be allowed to fill her prescription without having to be judged and discriminated against because of another persons beliefs, that may or may not agree with her own. You know this would never happen to men -- viagra will always be dispensed and insurance will always cover it. The double standards will never end, at least not in my lifetime.
Posted by Maple :: 9:20 PM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------
he did what?
Just reading Okay Seriously and I want all my girls to go read this...it's scary shit! There are too many psychos in this world and I hope this never happens to any of you!
Violet...this may cause more nightmares, so you may not want to read it. But you can call me any time to kick some ass.
Posted by Maple :: 10:59 AM :: 0 Comments: ---------------------------------------