Good Fortune?

"Delight in your good fortune. You're holding a great beer and you have wonderful friends."

This sums up my hiatus in Breckenridge. I almost didn't go thanks to stress, but I am so glad that I did. For some reason, I always feel great when I visit Lindsay, even despite the different circumstances this year. I got a solid day of skiing in and my boots even felt good enough that my leg strength was what held me back. We hung out, drank great beer, chatted, made new wonderful friends. I also decided to stick around for Breck beer fest, which was awesome. Sitting there, holding a beer, listening to music with the mountains around us, I felt like myself. For the first time in a long time.

I am glad I decided to escape, because good beer and wonderful friends is about all of the good fortune I've had lately. Starting with the weekend after the birthday, the following has occurred:

1) losing drivers license
2) fraud on debit card
3) messed up with boy
4) fight with friend
5) fight with car dealership
6) stolen cell phone and camera
8) fender bender with neighbor
9) sick cat

Not to mention my nose squeak and missing all my doctors appointments (thanks to fender bender.) 
So if things come in 3s, or multiples of, can I be done now? Thanks.

Catch Up

So life has been crazy. Busy good, busy stressful.

26 was spent on a plane to London to visit Marni. Good times.
The following weekend was spent celebrating with friends and purchasing the car from hell.
Love the car, hate the dealership. Too much stress.
Then off to Vegas for work. Where I proceed to meet my soulmate, but don't get his number. Fail.
Find soulmate, but no response - sadness
One of best friends decides to be retarded - even more sadness.
Feel loved by others - wonderful.
Work - stressful.

All of this sums up to blah.

Funk

I've been having a good time, but somehow I'm still in a funk. We go out, and I have a good time, then I get home and feel horrible. I feel like I can't compete, like I don't have "it" anymore. Did I ever have it, anyway? It feels like I did. Where did it go I wonder...

I've been taking my medicine so I don't know what the deal is.

I'm not sure how to pull myself out, especially with all the stress. Work is rough, I'm stressed out about money, trying to cut back so I'm bummed about missing the ski season.

So I just sit at home in my pjs... knowing I'm missing the beautiful weather, knowing I'm missing the fun. But I still can't make myself move.

The Golden Parachute Lands Close To Home

Last week at weekly dinner Matt and I were talking (arguing) about executive compensation. I said they should do it like Delta does: if we don't make a profit (or, like this year, swing to a 1.6 billion dollar loss), we don't get a profit sharing check.

Whoops, I spoke too soon.

I'm all for getting everybody back to the pre-bankruptcy days, but shouldn't that include everybody? Like, the employees, maybe? And now is a good time to act like you're shafting the employees... except not so much, since the NWA union is handing out propaganda every day.

And sure, you can put their pay "at risk" by giving them stock options - that way they're invested in the success of the company, right?

Oh wait. Except they keep "donating" what they can't sell (tax break!) and the second they can sell, they do - like the day the stock hit 12 dollars and certain execs sold millions of dollars worth of stock.

Awesome.

So, Richard, where's my check/bonus/retention incentive? And is 2.5 million (based on today's stock price) about 3% of your salary? Cause that's the raise the rest of the employees get to look forward to.

He's Just Not That Into Me

Tonight I went to see He's Just Not Into You with a few of my favorite ladies. It's the topic at hand, I suppose. I have been craving some boy attention, even enough to try to generate it from sources that are clearly not interested. Hopefully that doesn't make me as pathetic as Gigi.

I remember seeing the preview to that movie. I was at a movie with Danny. I joked about him not being into me, about buying the book. If only I had...

...speaking of which, I've read another book by one of the authors, but not this one. I thought maybe I'd feel a little better about me, about not seeming to be able to compete for boys when I go out, but nope... all I could identify with was Gigi, and all that movie did was leave me feeling sappy and sad.

And, honestly, most of the time I'm liking the single life. I don't usually put myself first, and I think this time is good for me. But that's only most of the time, and not at this moment...

Update

As Marni pointed out, I haven't written in a while. I've wanted to, but I've been busy. There has been some partying, some meeting new people, some skiing. And then of course there's the being happy every time the radio turns on and I hear our President speaking...

Eight Years Waiting

Finally. I think today would've been huge even it we hadn't inaugurated America's first African American president. Things are so sucky, people are so tired of this crap, we really are ready for change.

And boy were we excited. Not only that someone well-spoken, tolerant, educated, and knowledgeable is coming into office. It's that despite the intolerance and all other crap that's taken place this decade, we could still get it together enough to change the course of America.

Just hearing him speak outlines the differences that we're about to see. I could listen to Mr. Obama speak for hours. As opposed to the other... 

I'm even more excited, because I helped elect this president. Sure, my votes in Georgia don't count. But I was there, I raised money, I handed out stickers. I no longer say "this is not my president."

There are a few days in my lifetime where I know I'm watching major history unfold. Those times where I know exactly where I was and what I was doing and how it felt. September 11. The Columbia. The beginning of the Iraq war. And now, the inauguration of America's first black president...

...and here's hoping that he can tackle this mess we're in.

Luck.

As luck would have it, I have a sinus and ear infection. Wasn't I just sick???

2009 was supposed to be better. Seriously.

The Disappointing D

Tahoe was awesome. Coming back from Tahoe is another story. Yes, it was the Sunday after a big holiday weekend. Yes, we were dumb for trying it.

And Yes, the D was stupid for making capacity cuts the day before. Stranding not only me, Danielle, and John, but hundreds and hundreds of other people. In every city.

It was ridiculous. Instead of making bank on one of the busiest travel days, the big D had to give out vouchers to everyone and their brother. So, not bank... in fact, the very opposite.

Not to mention the huge baggage mess that awaited everyone when they finally made it to Hotlanta. Piles and piles everywhere. And if you didn't happen to see your bag on top of one of the luggage mountains? Well, then the D "couldn't help you." So, instead of using some sort of organization, the D would rather pay even more money to ship the bags to wherever they needed to go.

So thrilled that we bust our butts to make sure that planes work when they're supposed to and leave on time just to have someone mess up the forecast, leave half the people in the wrong city, then proceed to hold their bags hostage.

Awesome. I'm so thrilled with the D... and I haven't even started contemplating the changes on the horizon.

2008: Year in Review

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Traveled to Italy, got a promotion at work

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Nope... my house is messy and I'm heavier

3. Did someone close to you give birth?
Nope!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No

5. What countries did you visit?
Italy, Brazil, Mexico

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
more self esteem, less debt

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
election day, breakup day

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
skiing a black diamond?

9. What was your biggest failure?
slipping into depression again

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
no serious injuries, but another bought with the sadness and bronchitis that kept me and danielle from cruising the bahamas

11. What was the best thing you bought?
new macbook

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Danielle

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Danny... wow how things have changed yet again

14. Where did most of your money go?
traveling, paying off debt

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
traveling, skiing

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Joss Stone Headturner

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or hardened? hardened
ii. thinner or fatter? fatter
iii. richer or poorer? richer!

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
put myself first, workout

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
stress out, work

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
family and friends

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
no... or if yes, all by myself

24. What was your favorite TV program?
Brothers & Sisters, Grey's Anatomy

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't know if hate is the right word, maybe extremely upset about and disappointed in

26. What was the best book you read?
The Other Boleyn Girl

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
hmm...

28. What did you want and get?
new computer, ipod, wii and wii fit

29. What did you want and not get?
wii fit accessory pack thing

30. Favorite film of this year?
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 25 on March 13, had dinner in downtown Denver with Danny and drove out to Lindsay's in Breckenridge

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
not being dumped and called fat by the guy i thought i was going to be with forever... after flying out to visit him.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
my clothes are becoming too small...

34. What kept you sane?
drugs, friends

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Obama

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Election!

37. Who do you miss?
no comment.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
fun work co-ops

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:
I have to put myself first. If I run myself into the ground, everything will fall apart around me. I need to work harder on getting back to my strong, independent, fun, energetic self. She's gotta be in there somewhere.

Gallivanting

So for the past few years I've done a year in review, but I haven't gotten around to it yet for 2008. And I'm not sure if I want to.

The holiday season was a busy one, what with catching the SARS/tuberculosis/bronchitis thing, then heading to Rome, then skiing, then being stuck, and now being incredibly behind at work.

Speaking of work, I'm kinda up in the air about what's going to happen when the DAL and NWA finally consummate the marriage... it seems like I'll be taking a step back in responsibility... awesome.

The gallivanting was great. Rome was ok, but I was really happy to be skiing... even though I still had boot issues. I did probably use up all my luck for 2009 though... what with getting into the sundial for free, getting my boots stretched for $20 and getting my skis waxed for free.

I was extremely disappointed with the employer on the holiday weekend, but that's for another post too.

Over.

I'm so over the whole 2008 thing.

Bring on the 2009.

Fading.

It doesn't matter how many new haircuts you get, or gyms you join, or how many glasses of chardonnay you drink with your girlfriends... you still go to bed every night going over every detail and wonder what you did wrong or how you could have misunderstood. and how in the hell for that brief moment you could think that you were that happy. And sometimes you can even convince yourself that he'll see the light and show up at your door. 

And after all that, however long all that may be, you'll go somewhere new. and you'll meet people who make you feel worthwhile again. And little peices of your soul will finally come back. And all that fuzzy stuff, those years of your life that you wasted, that will eventually begin to fade.

Roman Holiday

I joined my friend Krista in Rome for a few days. Not the smoothest of non-rev trips. My mom and grandma decided to tag along, only they didn't make the flight on Christmas Day. They next day didn't look good either, so they decided to go into Milan and take the train to Rome... only then the Rome flight opened up. But it was too late to switch.

Our attempts to visit the Vatican for free on Sunday were foiled by the gazillion other people who had the same idea. Did see the Forum, Il Vittoriano, Picasso exhibit, St Peter's, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Didn't get a chance to get to the Colosseum close up, though.

I think the catholic church could've done so much more good for the world if they weren't so obsessed with spending a shitload of money on fancy stuff. Did get to see the resting place of my man JP... is it weird that there were people crying over him, nearly 4 years later?

Will miss horribly the pasta and sauce, cappuccino, and chocolate croissants. Wasn't thoroughly impressed by the Italians, though - a little pushy and not great with the manners. And Euros are expensive. And apparently it's perfectly acceptable for teenagers to spend their days riding the bus and making out. While chewing gum.

Flights back during the day suck. Although, it didn't suck that much in business class... I watched 4 movies.

good night

The Plague

Exactly one week ago I came down with some sort of the plague or sars or tuberculosis or something along those lines... I missed work for most of the week. I tried to go Monday, but they sent me home. I went to the clinic on Wednesday, and they forbid me from going back before Friday.

Danielle and I had to cancel her bday cruise, which I feel terrible about. Not to mention that this is a huge set back in terms of lung health for ski season, which is fast approaching with the first trip to Tahoe booked already.

Ugh.

Cranky Pants

Yesterday was one of those days. I woke up early, did some yoga, made my bed, had breakfast, made myself pretty, and was even ready for work on time! Then all hell broke loose.

All the daylight hours later I returned home from work. Only to become even crankier, because today I will take a short but way too long trip to Minneapolis for some meetings. Um, it's cold up there. Oh, and here. I just want to hibernate.

Not to mention that this trip will make me miss the only holiday party to take place this year. And thanks to the weather here we'll probably get delayed and/or stuck. Awesome. 

Oh... and when does that leave me time to catch up at work???

Dec 2 Sadness

It was 2 years ago today that we went down to the ACC championship. Good times, that entire holiday season. Today is another hard day. I never thought I wouldn't be celebrating today. That I wouldn't get happy thanksgiving, merry christmas or happy new year.

I'm stuck.

I can't get out of bed today or get you off my mind
I just can't seem to find a way to leave the love behind
I ain't trippin', I'm just missin' you
You know what I'm sayin', you know what I mean
You kept me hanging on a string, why'd you make me cry?
I tried to give you everything, but you just gave me lies.
Every now and then when I'm all alone
I'll be wishin' you would call me on the telephone
Say you want me back, but you never do
I feel like such a fool, there's nothing I can do
I'm such a fool for you

And I can't take it what am I waiting for?
My heart's still breaking, I miss you even more
And I can't fake it the way I could before,
I hate you, but I love you, I can't stop thinking of you
It's true I'm stuck on you.
Now love's a broken record that's been skippin' in my head
I keep singing Yesterday why we have to play these games we play?
And I can't take it what am I waiting for?
My heart's still breaking, I miss you even more
And I can't fake it the way I could before
I hate you, but I love you, I can't stop thinking of you
Don't know what to do, I'm stuck on you.

Fade Away

Well you stole my heart
And I'll get it back
But look me in the eye babe
Tell me why ya gonna love me like that
Why ya gonna love me like that

Well I've walked this world
Five times or more
And after all this walking babe
You still got me crawling on the floor
crawling on the floor

And I know this world keeps on turning
Keeps me yearning

How can you turn and walk away
Pretending everything's okay?
How can you turn your back?
Tell me why ya gonna love me like that
why ya gonna love me like that?

Well I thought you'd listen
But I'm shattered like broken glass
Well I thought that we'd be different babe
Yeah, I thought that we would last
I thought that we would last
And I know this world keeps on spinning
Every minute that you're in it

Love me or leave me baby
but don't lead me on
With loving like yours
believe me i'm better off
I'm better off alone

I was your gypsy
Throwing diamonds at your feet
Drifting round you like a satellite
I gave you everything you need
Everything you need
And I know this world keeps on turning
Keeps me yearning and yearning

How can you just break away
Why can't you find the words to say
Love is something you work at
Tell me why ya gonna love me like that
Why ya gonna love me like that
How can you throw us away
Look at what you lost today
Now everything is shades of gray
And now you're pushing me away
Say all the things you want to say
Thought we were going all the way
Play all the games you wanna play
Slowly we just fade away

To Cat or Not to Cat, that is the question...

I'm thinking about getting 2 kitties. I've always been a cat person, despite the crazy allergies that I've developed over the years.

It was my first therapist's idea to get a cat, at which point Piper came to live with me for a while. It worked out pretty well, she cheered me up. But then I started traveling, which meant so did she, and she didn't like it as much as I did. So one time she didn't come back.

Now I'm thinking it might help me again, but a few issues:
1. what about my allergies?
2. what about my traveling?
3. will they be able to measure up to piper?

the allergies I can control... and if they're together, they can stay by themselves so long as they have food and a clean place to poo... and they are very cute...

... so what am I waiting for?

Witch Doctor

I go to this weird chiropractor every once in a while. He doesn't crack your bones so much as he works some sort of weird voodoo magic while barely touching you and fixes not only your physical pain but somehow aligns your chi or cleanses your aura or something along those lines.

For $50 it's not a bad deal.

I went today. I was long overdue. My back was hurting after Brazil. Then earlier this week my shoulder was out of place. He came up with 2 main things today... love and happiness. And he tells me to think about the equation and I don't know what happens but everything lets go. But I am always left wondering, how the heck does he know???

Anyway, now supposedly I'm aligned, at least physically if not emotionally, but it bummed me out a little, anyway.

I used to have it so together. What happened to me?

Or maybe I never had it together in the first place...