Thursday, June 30, 2005
Blame Canada (and Spain)!
Hurrah to these two countries for legalizing gay marriage. Gay rights are something I feel quite strongly about, and this news warms the cockles.
Hurrah to these two countries for legalizing gay marriage. Gay rights are something I feel quite strongly about, and this news warms the cockles.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Denied!
America, how could you?
Confidential to Joey: You had my vote. And I still sleep with the teddy bear I named after you way back in 7th grade.
America, how could you?
Confidential to Joey: You had my vote. And I still sleep with the teddy bear I named after you way back in 7th grade.
Welcome, search engine users!
OK, this is getting a little ridiculous. Of the top fifty search queries that lead you to my site, why are six of them some combination of "tooth1ess," "hil1billy," and "pictures?" First of all, there are no pictures of tooth1ess hil1billies here, so sorry. Second of all, just because I'm from Arkansas doesn't mean... oh never mind. Pointless!
However, I am a little happy that three people found this site by searching for "crossdressing parties."
edited to add: Since I'm getting really sick of being on google's first page for that search, I've modified the words "tooth1ess" and "hil1billy" so that maybe the insanity will stop.
OK, this is getting a little ridiculous. Of the top fifty search queries that lead you to my site, why are six of them some combination of "tooth1ess," "hil1billy," and "pictures?" First of all, there are no pictures of tooth1ess hil1billies here, so sorry. Second of all, just because I'm from Arkansas doesn't mean... oh never mind. Pointless!
However, I am a little happy that three people found this site by searching for "crossdressing parties."
edited to add: Since I'm getting really sick of being on google's first page for that search, I've modified the words "tooth1ess" and "hil1billy" so that maybe the insanity will stop.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Wedding junk update
Victor and I have finally gotten into the swing of things with this wedding stuff. We set up two registries this weekend (Target and Crate & Barrel), and we think we'll probably set one up at Bed Bath and Beyond too. We designed the invitations last night, and Victor got a formal Spanish translation from his mom. The guest list is pretty close to being finalized. I'm working with a photographer on prices (and stressing out over $1500 for wedding photos!). And, best of all, I have an appointment to get fitted for my dress on Thursday. I was originally going to get it at the shop where I tried it on ($499), but I called a shop in Lewisville where I had tried on other dresses, and they could get it for me for $359. They are much nicer there and will store and press my dress for free! I'll still have to get it up to Arkansas after it's pressed, but maybe it won't wrinkle too much in the car, and we can just gently steam any little wrinkles out.
Victor and I have finally gotten into the swing of things with this wedding stuff. We set up two registries this weekend (Target and Crate & Barrel), and we think we'll probably set one up at Bed Bath and Beyond too. We designed the invitations last night, and Victor got a formal Spanish translation from his mom. The guest list is pretty close to being finalized. I'm working with a photographer on prices (and stressing out over $1500 for wedding photos!). And, best of all, I have an appointment to get fitted for my dress on Thursday. I was originally going to get it at the shop where I tried it on ($499), but I called a shop in Lewisville where I had tried on other dresses, and they could get it for me for $359. They are much nicer there and will store and press my dress for free! I'll still have to get it up to Arkansas after it's pressed, but maybe it won't wrinkle too much in the car, and we can just gently steam any little wrinkles out.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Lifestyles of the rich and ...
What in the hell is wrong with today's celebrities?
Oh, you can also watch Dr. Tom on video.
What in the hell is wrong with today's celebrities?
Oh, you can also watch Dr. Tom on video.
We are trains ourselves
I've decided I'm going to stick with this mass transit thing. I'll drive sometimes, like if I need to run errands or just feel like driving, but I think the pros totally outweigh the cons for taking the DART. Here, I've made a list:
Pros:
Cons:
I've decided I'm going to stick with this mass transit thing. I'll drive sometimes, like if I need to run errands or just feel like driving, but I think the pros totally outweigh the cons for taking the DART. Here, I've made a list:
Pros:
- I can read more. I'm currently halfway through Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. I loved his first book, Everything is Illuminated, and I'm enjoying this one as well.
- More use of the iPod shuffle. Which reminds me, I need to put some different songs on it.
- Less road rage/stress. I don't have to worry about getting into an accident, and stupid drivers don't make me angry.
- It's cheaper! This isn't scientific or anything, but I'm pretty sure I can't drive my car to and from work (round trip 34 miles) for $2.50, which is what the DART costs.
Cons:
- Crime and violence. I haven't witnessed any of this myself, but I hear on the news that the DART can be pretty dangerous. Sometimes I get a little nervous when rambunctious kids get on.
- No NPR. Easily fixed - I just need to remember to take my little portable radio with me.
- It takes a bit longer in the mornings than driving. Unless there is traffic, in which case my drive is longer.
- Sometimes I just like to drive. Which I did today.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
I still love you though, New York!
I did make it back from the Big Apple. Here's the lowdown on the events there:
We got to NYC Wednesday night. We went to our hotel, the Helmsley Park Lane, around 8pm. I was planning on getting my own room, but at the last minute another girl joined our trip, and they put her with me. The rooms were ornately decorated, and mine had a great Central Park view and flat TV. My planned night of relaxation turned into cocktails, a Central Park carriage ride (at 11pm!), Times Square, and room service ordered at midnight. Our air conditioner was really noisy, so I didn't get much sleep at all. I got up early to make sure I had plenty of time to fix my hair and makeup before meeting with our client.
The client's building was one block away, and they were on the 44th floor overlooking the park. The office was stark and white, and it was filled with modern furniture and art... not to mention super skinny, chic girls. Everyone there was actually really nice. They showed us a presentation and then took us to visit some counters and boutiques. At their flagship boutique, there was a trunk show in progress, so we saw some of that too. We had a fabulous lunch at Tao. We went to another meeting and then headed to La Guardia to catch our flight for Columbus.
We never did make it to Ohio, though. Storms caused our flight to be cancelled, and we were unable to get on the other flights going to Columbus that night. After six hours in the airport, we decided to just go back to the hotel and leave for Dallas from NYC the next morning. Which is what we ended up doing. I guess the Columbus trip is being rescheduled.
My weekend was spent with Diana, who came down to help me shop for wedding dresses. The dress I had picked out originally looked absolutely terrible, so I had to try on several. I think I found one on Sunday. I'm doing a little investigating to see if I can get it cheaper elsewhere, but otherwise I will buy it where I found it.
In other news, I rode the DART train to work this morning. My dying car probably appreciated the break, and I didn't get shot or stabbed or anything! I may try the DART more often, especially since it gets me to work so quickly. When I got this job, I configured a schedule online, and it said it would take an hour and a half to get to work. Maybe I did it wrong, because that same schedule now says 36 minutes. Hurrah! See you later, outrageous gas prices!
I did make it back from the Big Apple. Here's the lowdown on the events there:
We got to NYC Wednesday night. We went to our hotel, the Helmsley Park Lane, around 8pm. I was planning on getting my own room, but at the last minute another girl joined our trip, and they put her with me. The rooms were ornately decorated, and mine had a great Central Park view and flat TV. My planned night of relaxation turned into cocktails, a Central Park carriage ride (at 11pm!), Times Square, and room service ordered at midnight. Our air conditioner was really noisy, so I didn't get much sleep at all. I got up early to make sure I had plenty of time to fix my hair and makeup before meeting with our client.
The client's building was one block away, and they were on the 44th floor overlooking the park. The office was stark and white, and it was filled with modern furniture and art... not to mention super skinny, chic girls. Everyone there was actually really nice. They showed us a presentation and then took us to visit some counters and boutiques. At their flagship boutique, there was a trunk show in progress, so we saw some of that too. We had a fabulous lunch at Tao. We went to another meeting and then headed to La Guardia to catch our flight for Columbus.
We never did make it to Ohio, though. Storms caused our flight to be cancelled, and we were unable to get on the other flights going to Columbus that night. After six hours in the airport, we decided to just go back to the hotel and leave for Dallas from NYC the next morning. Which is what we ended up doing. I guess the Columbus trip is being rescheduled.
My weekend was spent with Diana, who came down to help me shop for wedding dresses. The dress I had picked out originally looked absolutely terrible, so I had to try on several. I think I found one on Sunday. I'm doing a little investigating to see if I can get it cheaper elsewhere, but otherwise I will buy it where I found it.
In other news, I rode the DART train to work this morning. My dying car probably appreciated the break, and I didn't get shot or stabbed or anything! I may try the DART more often, especially since it gets me to work so quickly. When I got this job, I configured a schedule online, and it said it would take an hour and a half to get to work. Maybe I did it wrong, because that same schedule now says 36 minutes. Hurrah! See you later, outrageous gas prices!
Monday, June 13, 2005
World Traveler Pretend
It's time to pack my bags again. I'm flying out Wednesday to New York City for a work trip. One of our new clients is a super famous French design house, and several of us are visiting their NYC headquarters. I have a feeling that they think we Texans are a bunch of unfashionable hicks, even though we have the original Neiman Marcus here in our hometown (and their headquarters literally across the street from me), as well as one of their boutiques right here at home too. Not to mention that their makeup counters are everywhere, including the Dillard's in my old home Fayetteville, AR... how's that for exclusive, hmm? But that's OK, we'll let them take us to Bergdorf Goodman to see their makeup counter. I'm planning on wearing my best (and cutest) suit and walkable Prada kitten heels, so at least I'll look the part. After our one day in NYC, we're flying to Ohio to their other call center to see the set-up there. Then back home to Texas. So... not exactly a sightseeing trip, but at least I've been to NYC several times already.
Victor and I are trying to plan our 4th of July weekend. Instead of going to Europe or somewhere cold (as we always do), we're thinking hot. Beach. Relaxing. Maybe Puerto Rico or Puerto Vallarta. I need some sun... I'm beginning to be so pale that I'm see-through.
It's time to pack my bags again. I'm flying out Wednesday to New York City for a work trip. One of our new clients is a super famous French design house, and several of us are visiting their NYC headquarters. I have a feeling that they think we Texans are a bunch of unfashionable hicks, even though we have the original Neiman Marcus here in our hometown (and their headquarters literally across the street from me), as well as one of their boutiques right here at home too. Not to mention that their makeup counters are everywhere, including the Dillard's in my old home Fayetteville, AR... how's that for exclusive, hmm? But that's OK, we'll let them take us to Bergdorf Goodman to see their makeup counter. I'm planning on wearing my best (and cutest) suit and walkable Prada kitten heels, so at least I'll look the part. After our one day in NYC, we're flying to Ohio to their other call center to see the set-up there. Then back home to Texas. So... not exactly a sightseeing trip, but at least I've been to NYC several times already.
Victor and I are trying to plan our 4th of July weekend. Instead of going to Europe or somewhere cold (as we always do), we're thinking hot. Beach. Relaxing. Maybe Puerto Rico or Puerto Vallarta. I need some sun... I'm beginning to be so pale that I'm see-through.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Your hometown news channel.
Today's post will be a recap of recent happenings of the past week or so, plus somethin' extra at the end.
Movies I've seen: Last weekend Mark came up to Dallas for his birthday weekend. Part of the celebration included going to see The Longest Yard. We all laughed but thought it was a pretty bad/stupid movie. I really want to see the original, which I hear is more badass and not as stupid. And yesterday, my team at work had an offsite team meeting in which we saw Mr. and Mrs. Smith. I was actually quite surprised; it was a great film! Perfect afternoon blow-things-up movie watching.
Restaurants I've visited: During Mark's birthday weekend, we went to perennial favorite Cuba Libre. Their chorizo queso and plantain chips are to die for. That queso makes waiting at the bar for a table fun instead of just annoying. We also took Mark to Royal China, which apparently is considered one of Dallas's best Chinese restaurant. They've never disappointed us. And if you're ever in need of good breakfast or lunch, hit the All Good Cafe on Main Street in Deep Ellum. We always go there when people are in town, and Mark wanted to eat there both mornings he was here! Finally, last night Victor and I finally tried Tucker,
a restaurant fairly close to us (about halfway between our apartment and our new place). It was beautiful inside, and the food was delightful. The lamb chops I had were the most tender that I've ever eaten. Victor really enjoyed his quail. We will definitely go there again.
Albums We've BoughtJust in the last week, we got the new White Stripes, the new Coldplay, the debut album from Maximo Park, and... um... the new Kelly Osbourne. I really liked her new single, and the album isn't that bad either. Totally a different feel from that awful "Shut Up" song.
Shows We've SeenThursday night we went with some of the other area KEXP fans to see Bloc Party at the Gypsy Tea Room. First of all, on our way to meet the rest of the people, we were walking down Elm Street. I saw this guy coming toward us who was rocking the I'm-trying-too-hard-to-look-like-a-rock-star look. Hair, clothes, cool walk, everything. I whispered to Victor "Look at this douchebag!" After he passed us, Victor said "Umm.. that was one of the guys from Bloc Party." Yep, the drummer. Oops! He's totally excused for looking like a rock star, since he is one! We saw some other band members wandering around too. The show itself was great. Super hot and sweaty inside the ballroom, but the band were fantastic. Note to self: never go to a show in the same shoes you stood in all day at work... no matter how comfortable you think they are. I wanted to cut off my feet by the end of the show.
And finally, Kris has meme-tagged me for a little music quiz... my six favorite songs of the moment. So here they are (no particular order):
"Fix You" - Coldplay
"My Doorbell" - The White Stripes
"Legionnaire's Lament" - Decemberists
"One Word" - Kelly Osbourne
"Transatlanticism" - Death Cab for Cutie
"Chop Suey" - System of a Down
That Decemberists song always gets stuck in my head when I drink/see Shiraz, which I had last night at Tucker. And the SOAD song is left over from last weekend, when we blasted it while driving around town with Mark.
I'm supposed to tag six people for this meme, so here goes:
Kat
Neil
Cynthia
Dan
Scarlet and Lou Lou
Thank you very much. Now I must go to my company's annual picnic. Gods preserve me.
Today's post will be a recap of recent happenings of the past week or so, plus somethin' extra at the end.
Movies I've seen: Last weekend Mark came up to Dallas for his birthday weekend. Part of the celebration included going to see The Longest Yard. We all laughed but thought it was a pretty bad/stupid movie. I really want to see the original, which I hear is more badass and not as stupid. And yesterday, my team at work had an offsite team meeting in which we saw Mr. and Mrs. Smith. I was actually quite surprised; it was a great film! Perfect afternoon blow-things-up movie watching.
Restaurants I've visited: During Mark's birthday weekend, we went to perennial favorite Cuba Libre. Their chorizo queso and plantain chips are to die for. That queso makes waiting at the bar for a table fun instead of just annoying. We also took Mark to Royal China, which apparently is considered one of Dallas's best Chinese restaurant. They've never disappointed us. And if you're ever in need of good breakfast or lunch, hit the All Good Cafe on Main Street in Deep Ellum. We always go there when people are in town, and Mark wanted to eat there both mornings he was here! Finally, last night Victor and I finally tried Tucker,
a restaurant fairly close to us (about halfway between our apartment and our new place). It was beautiful inside, and the food was delightful. The lamb chops I had were the most tender that I've ever eaten. Victor really enjoyed his quail. We will definitely go there again.
Albums We've BoughtJust in the last week, we got the new White Stripes, the new Coldplay, the debut album from Maximo Park, and... um... the new Kelly Osbourne. I really liked her new single, and the album isn't that bad either. Totally a different feel from that awful "Shut Up" song.
Shows We've SeenThursday night we went with some of the other area KEXP fans to see Bloc Party at the Gypsy Tea Room. First of all, on our way to meet the rest of the people, we were walking down Elm Street. I saw this guy coming toward us who was rocking the I'm-trying-too-hard-to-look-like-a-rock-star look. Hair, clothes, cool walk, everything. I whispered to Victor "Look at this douchebag!" After he passed us, Victor said "Umm.. that was one of the guys from Bloc Party." Yep, the drummer. Oops! He's totally excused for looking like a rock star, since he is one! We saw some other band members wandering around too. The show itself was great. Super hot and sweaty inside the ballroom, but the band were fantastic. Note to self: never go to a show in the same shoes you stood in all day at work... no matter how comfortable you think they are. I wanted to cut off my feet by the end of the show.
And finally, Kris has meme-tagged me for a little music quiz... my six favorite songs of the moment. So here they are (no particular order):
"Fix You" - Coldplay
"My Doorbell" - The White Stripes
"Legionnaire's Lament" - Decemberists
"One Word" - Kelly Osbourne
"Transatlanticism" - Death Cab for Cutie
"Chop Suey" - System of a Down
That Decemberists song always gets stuck in my head when I drink/see Shiraz, which I had last night at Tucker. And the SOAD song is left over from last weekend, when we blasted it while driving around town with Mark.
I'm supposed to tag six people for this meme, so here goes:
Kat
Neil
Cynthia
Dan
Scarlet and Lou Lou
Thank you very much. Now I must go to my company's annual picnic. Gods preserve me.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Back in a mizzle
I have new stuff to post, I swear. But for the meantime, check this out, yo!
And this!!
I have new stuff to post, I swear. But for the meantime, check this out, yo!
And this!!
Thursday, June 02, 2005
BA report, new place to live, and summer TV season
We made it back from Buenos Aires on Monday. We really didn't do anything except relax, eat, and shop. A perfect Mandy and Victor weekend. We did meet up for a drink with two of Victor's sister's friends. They were also vacationing in BA.
On the way home, Victor was a victim of racial profiling. They stopped him at passport control and took him into the little secret room. After about ten minutes, they gave him back his passport and sent him on his way. No questions, no body cavity search, nothing. Of course, he was also stopped at customs, where he was subjected to ridiculous questioning and a bag search. He says this is the second time he's been stopped while entering the US. I guess when I take his last name I can look forward to this kind of thing too.
In housing-related news, we have a new apartment! Well, we don't actually move in until July, but we were approved for a two-bedroom apartment in a historic four-plex in the Lakewood neighborhood of Dallas. It's pretty close to Lower Greenville, and it will be substantially cheaper in rent. The apartment has hardwood floors, central heat and air, and even has a separate dining room. I'm pretty excited about getting the extra bedroom, which we will probably turn into an office/library, since we don't have an extra bed.
Finally, who's been watching the summer TV season? Last night, Victor and I watched "Beauty and the Geek" and "Dancing with the Stars." Both were pretty bad, but they also managed to be compelling. The girls on "Beauty..." are pretty stupid, whereas the generally aren't that geeky (with a couple of exceptions). The main reason I'm watching "Dancing..." is because I used to have a huge crush on Joey McIntyre. Back in the day. In junior high. Shut up. I totally voted for him last night online, too.
We made it back from Buenos Aires on Monday. We really didn't do anything except relax, eat, and shop. A perfect Mandy and Victor weekend. We did meet up for a drink with two of Victor's sister's friends. They were also vacationing in BA.
On the way home, Victor was a victim of racial profiling. They stopped him at passport control and took him into the little secret room. After about ten minutes, they gave him back his passport and sent him on his way. No questions, no body cavity search, nothing. Of course, he was also stopped at customs, where he was subjected to ridiculous questioning and a bag search. He says this is the second time he's been stopped while entering the US. I guess when I take his last name I can look forward to this kind of thing too.
In housing-related news, we have a new apartment! Well, we don't actually move in until July, but we were approved for a two-bedroom apartment in a historic four-plex in the Lakewood neighborhood of Dallas. It's pretty close to Lower Greenville, and it will be substantially cheaper in rent. The apartment has hardwood floors, central heat and air, and even has a separate dining room. I'm pretty excited about getting the extra bedroom, which we will probably turn into an office/library, since we don't have an extra bed.
Finally, who's been watching the summer TV season? Last night, Victor and I watched "Beauty and the Geek" and "Dancing with the Stars." Both were pretty bad, but they also managed to be compelling. The girls on "Beauty..." are pretty stupid, whereas the generally aren't that geeky (with a couple of exceptions). The main reason I'm watching "Dancing..." is because I used to have a huge crush on Joey McIntyre. Back in the day. In junior high. Shut up. I totally voted for him last night online, too.
