Some people grow up and some only pretend

My attempt to sleep in this morning didn't go so well. I blame it on the sun... once the sun is up, my chance for more sleep is gone. I saw a piece in a fairly recent "Time" magazine the other day about the best inventions of the year, and one of them is a pillow that, over a period of about 40 minutes, lights up in a simulation of sunrise. As opposed to a jarring alarm clock, this is supposed to wake you up "naturally" in a way that doesn't disturb your circadian rhythm... or whatever. I bet you anything that if I tried that pillow, I'd wake up as soon as it started glowing, and wouldn't fall asleep again. What's natural about that?

Among other lengthy errands yesterday, I finished Christmas shopping for half of the people on my list! (Of course, the unfinished half are the people I have trouble finding stuff for; d'oh.) And believe it or not (you probably won't) I didn't buy one thing for myself, unless you count lunch. Hey, a girl needs sustenance while on a shopping spree, and it was fairly healthy: a turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce and some organic Kettle chips. I also bought this bottle of peppermint water that sounded good, but... it was like drinking mouthwash. Blech. That'll show me to try something trendy.

Today my only "out of the house" errand is to go pay my Mervyn's bill. It's not that big a bill, but I'd like to start 2008 without owing anyone money. Thank goodness I don't have any real credit cards yet, or I'd probably be completely screwed in that area. Anyway, besides that, the only items on my to-do list for today are a couple loads of laundry, make out Christmas cards, work on an awesome top-secret project that you will hear about soon... and get caught up on TV, specifically "Dexter." My mom bet me that I won't be able to watch the episodes I've missed (seven or eight) before she gets caught up on "Kid Nation" (about the same number of episodes). Clearly, she has forgotten that I am the queen of the telebinge.

"Jesus does not make you flame retardant."

Why is "Weeds" so good? I just watched the last few episodes of the third season (I thought it was the fourth, but whatev, still hilarious). Maybe now I can get caught up on everything else... but probably not. I haven't even started season two of "Brotherhood."

It is definitely time for me to go to bed, but I wanted to brag (in a modest way, of course) about how I made quiche at work today. I make quiche at home all the time, but never with a homemade (workmade?) crust. Turned out pretty yummy, too; lots of havarti cheese, and sauteed onions. I can't wait to send some out and hear customer reaction. Unless it's a bad reaction, then I could wait pretty much forever.

I know you've heard it all before, so I don't say it anymore

Ugh. Full. I have been, in fact, full on a continual basis since yesterday afternoon. I had one Thanksgiving dinner around 3:30, another around 6:00, and all of my meals since then have been leftovers. Can I help it if everything is delicious?

I was going to get up early this morning and go to Target, but I changed my mind last night when I (practically) passed out at 9:30. I never get enough sleep, and since I go in late on Fridays now, I decided to give it a shot. Worked out pretty well, too! Though, I had one seriously scary dream that I can't remember now.

I'm totally digging on the Law & Order SVU/CI marathon that's been on USA since yesterday. I haven't watched a lot of it, but it's nice to have on as background noise. Chris Meloni isn't exactly hard on the eyes, either, whenever I feel like actually paying attention.

Instead of working on any one of several projects that need attention this morning, I spent a good chunk of time downloading music from Amazon. I miss this old website (Scour?) I used to use to download stuff, but it has been gone since, like, years ago... and while there are probably some not-quite-legal programs/sites I could use, I just like being able to find almost everything I want on Amazon for fairly cheap (89 or 99 cents per song). Among my downloads today:

The Vapors "Turning Japanese"
The Bravery "Time Won't Let Me Go"
Concrete Blonde "Joey"
Divinyls "Boys in Town"
A Perfect Circle "Judith"
Bad Religion "Honest Goodbye"
Cold War Kids "Hang Me Up to Dry"

A pretty good mix of old and new, I think... though my long list of all the songs I want is mostly old stuff. I'm just bummed that they don't have "Total Eclipse of the Heart"!

There's an article about "my" restaurant in the local paper today, and apparently we're going to be serving haggis one day in January. Um, ew? That's one menu item I'm definitely not going to taste. The only things we've made that I've never tasted a bit of are, I think, the shrimp salad and the egg salad.

Awhile back, I "paused" (or whatever) my Netflix account because I was never using it, but it's supposed to start automatically again in just about a week. In the meantime, I'm tempted to go to Hollywood Video and rent "Live Free or Die Hard" or something equally as stupid-but-fun. "Con Air" was playing on TV last week and I missed it, argh!

I don't hardly know her, but I think I could love her

I've been tired lately... which I know because I've been sleeping all the way through the night. I generally wake up once or twice to just roll over, but the last two nights, I'm asleep as soon as I hit the bed, and next thing I know it's time to get up again. Argh.

One thing: I haven't been dreaming much. There was some dream a few nights ago that involved meeting Peter Krause (he was so adorable!) but other than that, I have no clue what's going on in the old subconcious (but hey, do I ever?)

I only get my two usual days off this week, but at least I'm scheduled to go in later on Fridays now. I believe I may be one of those obnoxious people who get up at ungodly hours to go shopping the day after Thanksgiving. Target is opening at 6 a.m., and they had some kickass sales last year that I missed out on because I was hella broke. While definitely not rolling in it this year, I think I'll be able to take advantage of some good sales prices.

Seriously, I practically live at Target. I bought a new watch there last week: Brown with pink flowers... and then today, I got both blue cheese and lamb on it. I should probably remember to not wear it to work, but it's so cute! The pink one I've had for awhile was starting to act weird; I was at work one day and impatiently waiting for it to be 5:30 so I could leave. I was checking my watch over and over, and thought, "Wait, how is it still 5:20?" It had either stopped and started again, or was running slow, but I ended up working 20 minutes longer than I should have. Wah.

I'm thinking of going to see "The Mist" on Thursday evening. I'm totally bummed that I missed my chance at seeing "P2." Speaking of scariness, I've been seeing previews for some movie called "Awake" where Hayden Christiansen is some guy who is undergoing surgery and wakes up but is unable to move/speak... um, why are all of my biggest phobias being made into movies this year?? I don't know if I could stand seeing that; watching that episode of "Nip/Tuck" was hard enough.

Some movies I am super-sick of hearing about: "Bee Movie" (Jerry Seinfeld* is ugh), "Enchanted" (wah) and "Beowulf." I don't even get it.

*Actually, I did see a few minutes of a "Seinfeld" episode a week or two ago that made me laugh. He was talking to some woman whose name he couldn't remember, but did know that it rhymed with a female body part. She got mad and left when he guessed her name as Mulva (ha!), then Gipple (don't men also have "gipples"?). He eventually remembered and yelled out the window at her, "Dolores!" Sadly, it took me like a full minute to figure out what that kinda rhymes with.

Miscellaneous: I donated to St. Jude's once, and since then they will not leave me alone. They started off my sending stickers and address labels; now they've moved up to a fifteen-month pocket calendar that is actually quite good looking! Of course, the picture for each month is of some ailing child saying a sappy quote. It's very good at inducing guilt, but I figure I'm going to keep holding out until they start sending really great free stuff; encyclopedias, commemorative plates, and so forth.

I think I'm going to just relax this evening, and not pressure myself to work on any writing or website stuff (besides this blog post, obv'y). I'm feeling rather cozy thanks to my outfit (PJ's, two pairs of socks - it's cold! - and a sweater), my dinner (chicken and dumplings, mmm) and the beer I had at work this afternoon (hey, my boss gave it to me, and believe me, my nerves needed it).

You're addicted to the sound and so you hang around

Right now, I'm trying to drink three things at once: Water (I'm thirsty), a pomegranate raspberry wine cooler (need booze, ha ha) and an Odwalla Vitamin C monster (everyone around me is sick, and I'm determined not to join them).

As the month draws to an end, I am ever more dubious that I will reach my NaNoWriMo goal of 50,000 words on November 30(current count: 11,782). But however long it takes, and however much it sucks (a lot?) I am determined to finish it... someday.

Only three more days of work and then I get two full days away, whoo! I have an appointment Wednesday morning to get the second dose of my Gardasil vaccination, and I'll do some shopping (groceries, MAYBE clothes if I feel like getting depressed about how I gained a few pounds back) but that is it!

That's all I'm gonna write because I have to do some laundry, and write, before "Cops" comes on. Then I'll write some more, and eventually pass out until I must drag myself out of bed to go in early tomorrow. Wah.

They want you to come out to play, you'd better say goodbye

I feel like I could use about a week's vacation. Or a month. At the very least, two days; this week I'm only getting one, tomorrow. And we have realtors coming to the house early so I can't even "sleep in" (aka, wake up early but spend hours lounging around in my pajamas). And, I was rear-ended tonight by some kid (of course) who just barely got his license! (I'm fine, I'm fine, and I'll stop complaining... now.)

I've done maybe a bit too much shopping over the last couple days, but on the plus side, some of it has been... Christmas shopping! And I bought Christmas cards* at Target, they're really cute. And pink. Not unlike myself earlier this evening; I dressed up a bit (as much as I ever do) for our grand opening/ribbon-cutting ceremony tonight. I also had a glass of champagne that has my stomach feeling kind of "eh" (either that, or the bacon cheddar ciabatta from Jack in the Box; I know, I know, but I was hungry and there was nothing at home I wanted).

*Question: Why are items made from recycled products often more expensive than products not made with recycled stuff? You'd think the recycled stuff would be cheaper, since they don't have to chop down new trees (or whatever). There were some cute "recycled" cards I thought about buying, but it was $4.99 for only 10 cards, when the ones I ended up choosing were $4.99 for 18 cards. I'm trying to maintain somewhat of a budget!

One last note so I can try to get some decent sleep tonight: "Prison Break" is on hiatus until January, argh! Mondays now suck again! My thoughts on the so-called 'fall finale':

- Why is Mahone (William Fichtner) SO cute?

- Good GOD, is Whistler (Chris Vance) buff!

- After months of that wearing that terrible long-sleeved shirt in hot, sweaty weather, Michael (Wentworth Miller) FINALLY takes his shirt off. Swoon!

- Why AM I capitalizing one word per sentence?

- I'm pretty much okay with any TV show or movie where shit blows up.

- Despite all evidence to the contrary, my interest in this show actually goes deeper than "Oh, hot guy!" or "Oh, explosions!"

- I can't wait to find out what happens next. Is it 2008 yet?

I've been stretching my mouth to let those big words come right out

Apology stuff

I know, I haven't been blogging enough. Sorry and/or my bad.

Other misc. blog stuff

The last few times I've posted, it's been all wonky as far as uploading and blah blah blah. It's quite annoying. Also, Blogger is telling me there was a comment on the last entry but won't show me what it is! Grr.

Work stuff

I'm still sick of making chicken! But today I got one of my bosses to dice a bunch of it up, which was awesome because now all I have to do is make it into stuff.

Our schedules have been adjusted a bit, so I'm going to be losing a few hours a week; however, I'll happily accept this because I am exhausted! No kidding. Tomorrow and Monday, I'll even be able to leave before it gets dark outside. On weekdays I have to park in this lot down the street, and it's kind of really creepy after the sun goes down.

Social stuff

I finally did some non-work stuff last night... kinda. First I went and had sushi with one of my bosses (I have decided I like rolls with eel in them... still hate salmon) and then went to this cowgirl-themed social event at a co-worker's church. Some of the ladies were wearing bonnets, it was so cute!

And this coming Friday, DM is having a "girl's day" get-together that I am so looking forward to and desperately need. I feel like I haven't seen anyone in hella days, which is actually true - my birthday party was the last time I've hung out with anyone except for seeing LT the other day. We went to this Chinese buffet place and (almost) everything was so yum! I would like to be trapped inside a giant sesame ball and have to eat my way out.

Shopping stuff

I did a wee bit of retail therapy the other day. Besides necessities (honest!) at Target and groceries, I went to Bath and Body Works a few days ago. I restrained myself and only got some more refills for my Wallflowers air freshener (something Nutmeg, which I have in now and smells so yummy-sweet, and Velvet Tuberose), the CUTEST little lambie ornament, and this DIY-French Manicure kit. My nails need some drastic rejuvenation before I even think about using it, though; my nails and hands have been suffering because I wash my hands approximately 10,000 times a day at work.

Writing stuff

Thursday was one of the best writing days I've had ever - in quantity if not in quality. I managed 3,000 new words on my NaNoWriMo novel. I know it's not great, but I'm having a complete blast writing it. The prologue is also turning out way longer than I thought it'd be; about 8,275 words and counting. I am very optimistic and somewhat confident that I can pull off the 50,000 by the end of the month.

Weird: The latest short story that I am sharing with my morning writer's group is turning out to be, actually, short. Most of my stories are good for a few months; I've only done two so far, and I think the next installment is probably the last.

TV stuff

I remain behind on absolutely everything except for "Prison Break", which I have decided is the best show ever. I had my doubts about this new season, but the two brilliant hours we got this last Monday have renewed my faith.

"Cops" is starting right now. Bye!

I'm home to die on my own as my radio plays my favorite song

Never mind the extra hour we got from Daylight Savings ending (or starting? I'm never sure), we need to squeeze in an extra day (or more) so I can get caught up with life. All I've done lately is work and write. And eat, of course; in fact I've been doing too much of that, but it is my fault that everything tastes good?

NaNoWriMo started on Thursday, and I actually did quite well the first three days. Then, due to mostly busy-ness and partially laziness, I only managed a pathetic 160-ish words last night. Eep. Tonight I'll probably have even less; my room is way too messy, I have laundry and dishes galore, and then... there's two hours of "Prison Break." Squeal!

I had the worst headache today for hours - I mean, I was having a hard time standing up it hurt so bad. Then I took some Excedrin with my "lunch" (Twinkies, and a Dr. Pepper... I told you I've been eating badly) and eventually felt better.

To continue on a food theme:

- Thing at work I'm sick of making: Chicken salad. I swear to Christ I've made chicken salad no less than five times in the last three days. I know it's good, but come on people, order something else!

- Thing at work I'm not sick of making, or eating: Cream cheese and mango chutney on crackers. This combo could definitely replace my current jalapeno-artichoke dip fixation.

- Now I know what people mean with the term "food porn." My boss lent me "The Essential Finger Food Cookbook" to look over tonight, and I literally squealed out loud when I saw the cover. It's full of all these colorful pictures of the most adorable foods... I am getting fatter just thumbing through it.

That's it, peoples. I'm really glad tomorrow is my "Friday." I plan to spend my days off doing nothing but writing... and eating crackers topped with various yummies.