Being Alone is Lonely

There are a few times when it would be nicer not to live alone:

- Grocery day

- The day after Christmas when you need to move things inside

- When you get your car stuck

- When the power goes out (slumber party!)

- When there's a bug that needs squashing

- When your dog needs to be taken to the vet due to an emergency.

On that last note, let's go ahead and point out how much it really sucks.  See, when Ash and I got home from our little Christmas trip home, he took the time to get into the garbage.  And then he ate himself some red velvet cake ball mixture.  And then we napped.

Upon waking, he puked red crap all over the side of the bed.  Then in the living room. Then in the living room again.  So, I took him to the emergency clinic.  He got some anti vomit and stomache achey stuff and we were sent home.  Then at 3am...more puke.  Blaaaah.

Decided to take him into the emergency clinic again.  Got the car stuck.  (Bonus: I unstuck it myself!) Took some x-rays. Massive blob in his stum.  So we induced vomitting.

Bingo bango - never making cake balls again.

Poor little guy!

Happy Christmas

Well, it's Christmas Day.  I meant to post these earlier but my dad's house lacked the necessary wi-fi capabilities to post accordingly.  So, here we are.  Updating during a Freaks and Geeks marathon.

So, last week Danielle, Jessica and I went downtown to check out the tree.  Man, it was tourist city. But we got some neat photos in.  The Christkindl Markt was in town too so we got to smell some tasty treats and see some really neat crafts.

I mean seriously, that snack tent smelled AMAZING.  Word.









Merry Christmas!

Luck Be a Lady

Unfortunately, I'm being a crappy person and avoiding all responsibilities right now.  Meaning I should have unpacked from Official Cookie Weekend 2010 and started cake balls for charity but I'm so SICK of cake balls.
Instead I'm going to write down a list that we went over this weekend at my mum's.  Now, if we're being honest (which we are) no one really measures up to the list so just consider going halvsies.

So, withour further ado.  Here's Amanda's list of what makes a lady:

1.) As previously mentioned, a lady never farts.  Ladies toot.  Unless it's for vengeance, there's nothing ladylike about vengeance and therefore you can vengefully fart and still be a lady.

2.) Ladies have at least 4 accents perfected.  Come on. Commit to being a lady and practice here.

3.) Ladies are bad at doing dishes.  So bad in fact that people recommend they never do them. Ever.

4.) A lady always tells.  A lady will take all jokes one step too far and guess what.  It's NBD. Why? Because she's a lady, that's why.

5.) Ladies can have tattoos.  As many as I have or plan on having.

6.) A real lady watches extremely dorky TV shows and quotes completely obscure parts of them at random points with people who do not understand.  She then may or may not choose to laugh at how silly they are for not getting it. (Case in point: "I see it.")

7.) A lady can draw anthopomorphic food with clever sayings. Done.

8.) Ladies are good at buying gifts for people because they only buy gifts for people who like what they would buy themselves. Wait, what?

9.) Ladies love hot dogs.

10.) A lady is like a vase with titties....wait no. That's something else entirely.

I'm exhausted after all that listing.  Man. It's a good thing I'm such a lady.  I can school you suckers for days on this.  I've used that word too much now.  That word being "lady". Goddammit.

The Long Drive Home

I'm sad to say that my apartment still isn't decorated for Christmas.  I was super inspired by John's apartment this weekend and vowed to come home and instantly decorate my place.  But here I sit. In a messy apartment.
It's just sooooo cold!  My feet are frozen and my hands are too.  So I'll start just as soon as I can warm up.  In the meantime, let's see if we can't update this here blog.

Lots has been happening lately.  And by lots, I mean I'm driving too darn much.  I went home to Michigan for a week for Thanksgiving, stopping in Grand Rapids, White Lake, Highland, Goodrich, and Flint.  Man.  It was fun but tiring! Luckily it was worth it to see my fantastic friends and family.

I even learned to crochet!  So now we're going to see a huge increase in my craftiness.  It'll be pretty fun.  I'm even hosting a crafternoon at my apartment next Saturday in case anyone in Chicago is interested in some crafty goodness.

Plus I'm organizing a bake sale at work! Awesome!  I'm excited for cookie time.  One of the many benefits of it being the holiday season is a sudden influx of baking.

Let's see some photographic evidence of my recent fun times/craftiness.

Pumpkin Pie Bites! Cute!

Thanksgiving Dinner


Christmas Party Monopoly Times.

First Crochet Project = success!

Trick or Treat

You know that you're sick when you need a nap after running to the mailbox.  Oi.

On a side note, this past weekend was Halloween! Woo hoo!  Only, I received more of a trick than a treat.  See,  I spent the better part of my week last week preparing sweet goody bags and cake balls for my coworkers.  Obviously, I missed my true calling as a kindergarden teacher.

Well, I guess that my body disapproved of all of the extra effort and late nights because Friday night it shut down on me.  I got a crazy feever and swollen tonsils.  Woo!

I spent the majority of Saturday being nursed back to health by my loving mister and well, sleeping and talking nonsense.  But that's not fair! I love Halloween!  So I got dressed in my costume and headed out to a party.  Little did I realize that the effort it would take me to get to said party woulder render me no fun.  We had to call it an early night and get me hopped up on cold meds.

Maybe next year I'll be awake past midnight.  How was your holiday?

PS. I allowed for a few photos in my sick state because I really liked my costume.  I went as Ramona Flowers from the Scott Pilgrim comic book series.

Ramona Flowers. Bad ass.

Spooky Times

While I was in Michigan for the weekend, John had to kick me out of the apartment for a while.  I guess his landlord has something against adorable animals that aren't Wednesday the cat.

Needless to say, this left me destinationless with a dog so we went for a nice long walk.  The weather was really nice and the trees were lovely so we obviously had to get creepy.

It's not my fault that I get so wrapped up in holidays and feel the need to take a stroll past the cemetary. Man, that came out wrong.  Well, either way we walked by a cemetary and I've always been super intrigued by them and the stories of the people in them but dogs aren't allowed so we were perimeter bound.  Here's what we saw!

If you fall in the Fall, you'll see

Well, Chicago...As much as I enjoy living inside you, sometimes it's really wonderful to get away.  Back to my roots if you will.

And this weekend allowed for just that.  I took a trip to Grand Rapids for a traditional rite of the season among friends: Pumpkin Carving Weekend.  Even just on the drive in I was getting into it.  The fall colors are amazing in Michigan.  I've yet to see them paralleled here.

I took oh so many pictures so I'll only share a few here but trust me, good times were definitely had.  It was one of those rare long weekends with perfect weather, ample treats, and some beautiful long walks.  I might just split this into a few posts but here is our trip to our favorite cider mill and nearby pumpkin yard.  And what I carved in mine. Hope your weekends were just as splendid!

*crunch crunch*

Oh Fall.  Please hurry up!

I miss these days so much on hot Indian summer days like today.

City Love

I don't know if you can tell from this picture, but I love Chicago a lot sometimes.

Like when I've got visitors in town and can show them a good time.  Granted, my good times usually involve TV show marathons and drinking games at home.  But what can I say, I'm pretty easygoing.

I'm so beyond excited that the weather is cooling down a bit.  I sincerely love Fall more than any other season.  Especially now that I live here and have no air conditioning which makes summer unbearable.  I can't wait to bust out some tights and boots.  I bought the most perfect pair of leather riding boots and got the chance to wear them Friday but it's still not tights weather quite yet.  Soon. Soon.

And oh! I'm super excited about pumpkin carving. And hard cider. And knitting. And coffee. And football? Yeah, we'll go with it.
Don't you just love fall?

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Guess what boys and girls.  My pinky is asleep right now.  And it's travelling inward to my other fingers and feels really weird to type.

Boom. Mind explosion.

I've been keeping busy as of late by taking up being crafty.  Or at least attempting to be more hands on.  I feel better about watching so much TV if I also knit while doing so.  And I made a paper flower the other day.  I honestly thought it would look like complete crap but I kinda loved it and will be making more soon.

I'll try my best to start taking more photos of my crafty endeavors and I would love for more people to join me in trying to be a little bit craftier.  It makes the dreary months seem more productive when the darkness comes so quickly and we spend less time outside.  Not that it's dreary.  Unless you'd say sweltering temperatures and a lack of an air conditioner is dreary... Which I would...

Speaking of hobbies.  I've been taking pictures a lot more lately too.  I still need to get a tripod but I think I'm faring well so far.  Take a look at my beautiful city (and move here if you're not here already).

Bean, bean the magical fruit...

Nighttiming, baby

Lisa, it's your birthday

I don't know if you're aware of this, but my birthday was recently. Now, as the designated Queen of Theme, it should come as no surprise whatsoever that I love my birthday more than the next person.

Well, since moving to Chicago I won't lie, I've felt somewhat detached from the motivation to plan parties and whatnot considering I only have a select few friends remotely nearby. So I wasn't sure how my birthday would pan out since I like involving everyone but everyone lives far apart from one another.

So, being the gracious hostess that I am, I decided to celebrate all birthday events in the great state of Michigan. Thus spoiling everyone in my family and circle of friends. But it was a grand time! I got to have a family bbq at my dad's and a themed super party at my (former) favorite bar in GR!

In case you're curious, the theme was the 90s and it was totally rad. I got to dress as my favorite Primtime 90s bitch, Brenda Walsh. Love it. And I got some pretty neat presents ranging from the best comic book ever about corgis to a homemade tweed skirt to an epic new phone ending with an awesome new bike!!!

I am beyond excited for this new bike. It's a beautiful blue Peugeot mixte (as yet unnamed). It just needs a basket and I'll be able to commute on it once I'm more comfortable with the weather.

Look look!


Now, I know this post has been quite a bit scatterbrained but I'm going to resolve to try getting back into this here blog. I miss it.  Love you guys!

Honking at Pretty Ladies: The Great Debate

How many of you have been casually walking down the street, lost in thought, only to be brought back by the sound of a car horn?  It usually takes me a few seconds to understand that the driver wasn't honking at another driver, but rather thought it would be best to show their appreciation for me by honking their horn.

Come on, guys.  No girl really wants that.

And really, what was your intended result?  Do you expect a girl to hear you honking, turn around to see your old jalopy and fall madly in love?  Do you think maybe she's going to get completely hot and want to jump you because you honked at her?  Does anyone really believe anything is going to come of it?

If anything, it makes girls laugh. Perhaps feel flattered.  Or maybe, like me, they might end up uncomfortable and slightly afraid.

I'm a relatively weak girl.  I'm alone in the big city.  When I walk alone in the morning, I don't need to worry about whether or not you know when to say when.  The last thing I should have to think about is the fact that I don't know you and I don't know what your intentions are.

By the way, girls, you should NOT feel flattered by this.  How is it flattering that someone thinks you're hot enough to honk at but not pretty enough to actually try to have a conversation with.  And more than likely, he doesn't think you look like a beautiful woman that he respects.  He thinks that you're there for his amusement. That you're a sexual object.

Maybe I'm wrong about all of this.  Maybe there are levels of how to react.  But when I'm followed and harassed by a stranger my inclination is to flee, not blush and giggle and hop in the car for the rest of eternity.

I'm Gonna Write You a Letter

Dear Blog,

I've been busy lately! And I've been less than inclined to write to you, which I'm sorry for.  I realize that you may feel neglected, and I want to remedy this.  This here letter is my first attempt to cheer you up!

See, Blog, a lot has happened lately.  My wonderful boyfriend had to move out of our lovely apartment here and back to Grand Rapids for a job.  Man, it's been sad and tough.  But you understand, don't you? Needless to say I've felt less than inspired to write you a letter about sad things.  I only want to share my best stories with you!

And with that.... Look how fun my weekend has been, Blog! Mister came out for a long weekend visit and we had a blast.  We biked over to our good friends new fabulous apartment.  Wow, it really inspired me to bump up my craftiness.  And we wentout for some semi-okay sushi!  And a bird pooped on my head!  Okay, so I hear that's good luck.... But I'm still waiting on the luck from it.  And we went to Target where I bought a picnic basket for my rear rack.  I'm so excited to carry stuff in it! (We even transported 2 pies, 2 beers, plates, glasses, and a blanket on my bike yesterday).

Wowee.  Then, yesterday, we had a fun dinner party in the park that we biked to.  And we baked pies! Mmm!  I was a little apprehensive about the pies since I'm not amazing at them but guess what! That all changed yesterday!  I made a super tasty rhubarb pie and Johnboy made a yummy mixed berry pie.  I can make pie now! See!

Rhubarb Pie with a Crumble Top

Super Cute Mixed Berry Pie

Now my mister just left for the week with Ashdog.  Man, I'm going to be lonely.  But I get to go to Toronto for work so it won't be a complete depression pit.   But I'm going to get going for now, Blog.  I'll write to you again soon!

Love,

Amanda

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head

On rainy days like we've been having lately, I like to look at photos of better times.

Like so:


Not to mention the fact that this face is so ridiculously cute here.  Whereas today, he smells like his insides are made of poop.

But not everyday in Chicago can be perfect weather with walks to shops and fun trips to the park.  No, we have to have some pooey days to make us appreciate the good days more.  So here are some ways to take full advantage of the gloomy days:

• Play board games.  Granted, we rarely play board games just the two of us.
• Watch movies. Netflix is a godsend.
• Snuggle with stink mouth mcgoo and take an afternoon nap.
• Update your blog that has been missing you dearly.
• Read comic books.  Or even regular books if you're so inclined.
• Catch up on TV shows you've been missing.
• BAKE!  I need to get some cookies out of my creative system and onto the baking sheet.

That's really all that I can even imagine doing right now.  Those things listed above.  I've already had quite the productive morning meeting some lovely ladies of Chicago for a nice bike brunch.  It was fantastic to meet new people and even ride in the rain, though in the future I would not recommend a silk skirt and leather jacket. No no.  But now I can relax completely knowing that I've already had a busier Sunday than usual.

What do you do when the weather forces you indoors on the weekend?

Elijah Wood is Not in Free Willy

While riding the bus home today I saw a cute little gray squirrel.  And, being me, I immediately thought about how cool it would be if that squirrel was really a wizard teaching a younger wizard about magic.

Yep.

Nothing says "Be my friend - I'm normal" like admitting that you think about life in terms of cartoons.

That's something that I'm really bad at by the way.  The whole, keeping my weird (awesome) personality in check around new people.  And it makes it sort of hard to find friends when you put all of your less socially accepted traits on the table.

Like "Oh hey, I talk about poop."  I've become known as someone who takes the joke one step past everyone else and into the uncomfortable zone.  I think part of it is because I'm nervous about people liking me so I tend to blather on about what I find funny.
News flash - what I find funny is only funny if you're anything like me.  And there are very few people like that.

So here's some go to topics not to mention when trying to fit in and get invited out to lunch with your new acquaintances:

-Poop

-Comic books

-Apparently how awesome it is to build forts

-your social insecurities

-The conversation you had with your 12 year old sister about 'sexting'

-How much money you spent on video games and pizza vs. how much other people spend on trainers

One day, I'll find people in Chicago who are completely AWESOME.  Like myself.  (other than the few I do already know).  I guess I could add extreme modesty to a list of traits I don't possess.  Hmm.

Happy Valentine's Day!

After being summoned to the dining room to the wonderous tunes of Hall and Oates and seeing before me a smorgasbord of breakfast foods and tulips my faith in the adorableness of Valentine's day has been restored.  I hope you all know how loved you are. <3

Knit - purl - knit - purl

Today...Today has been surprisingly wonderful.  First of all, how cool is it that we had an earthquake here in Chicago? Well, I suppose it wouldn't be cool if anything bad actually came of it but it's still exciting to me.

We're not exactly "snowed in" like the east coast of the US but we got a bit of snow last night.  Our cars are both supremely stuck in their parking spaces for the time being and we're lacking the motivation to take the L downtown.

So we've been settling into our new digs.  Snuggling on the sofa watching whatever our antennae will let us on the TV.  Which usually results in movie night.  Movies are great for knitting scarves.  In case you were curious about the best time to knit - it's during a movie you've already seen.



I figure this scarf should be done by the time I start work next week.  And it's quite soft and cozy so the sooner the better.  So, today was going well.  I was knitting up a storm and the cable/internet guy was scheduled to come out later to set everything up.  But then, while I was taking a photo of my progress, the guy called and said he could come sooner! YES! Internet! Score!

And then...John checked the mail.  I was already in my happy mode what with the cable/internet being bumped up. But then my lover bursts through the door (well, that's not excactly accurate) and announces that our Amazon orders are here - a full day early! Wow.




So, that picture is the amazingness of my day in a nutshell. Plus the internet, which I'm using to write this post.  Oh boy.

Scruff McGruff is in Hiding

We're all settled into life here in Chicago.  Well,  as settled as we can be for being here for a week.  Which, if you know me at all, means we're unpacked and have all the decor set just right.

I'm ready for visitors.  I wish I could have a housewarming party.  I've always kind of had an urge to have one but never really ended up putting plans into motion.  Now that we're so doggone far away from everyone it's even more difficult.  For now you'll just have to stare at this photo of our dining room and pretend that you're here sipping on a drink that's way too strong and having a grand old time.



By the way, I haven't had a strong drink since we've been here.  Just drinking beers if you believe that or not.  Drinking beers and hanging out.  That's what I'm doing until I start my glamorous new Chicago job next week.  That and eating a ton.

Speaking of which, when in a new city Yelp can be your best friend.  I've yet to find a Ritz Koney alternative but we're doing okay on the exploring front.  I'm loving this cheap hot dog joint down the street from us.



We're just looking forward to spring time when life gets a lot more happening around these parts.  And visitors begin to ooze in the front door.  I'm not sure why you're oozing in, but you are.  And now I have a terrible mental image. Ew.

On that note....I'm going to go live my glamorous new life wherein I help John play video games.

Grand Rapids, I Love You

Dear Grand Rapids,

You've been a really dear friend to me these past 17 months.  In fact you really made time fly since I didn't even realize that it had been 17 months in this relationship.  But the truth is that we've really grown apart and it might be time for us to say our goodbyes.

You gave me so many good memories and I've met some wonderful people through you.  I mean, come on, you gave me the Ritz Koney.  Not many cities could give me something so wonderful.

I'll miss late night walks down your streets with my friends.  And Thursday TV nights full of laughs.  Not to mention your delicious sushi on Monroe Center.  I'll always remember the ball drop on NYE downtown.  Thank you for our kitty.  She's really been a blessing.  Who else would get my boyfriend trashed on his 22nd birthday but you?  Oh, good times. Good times.

But let's face it.  You just don't have the job market to keep me here anymore.  And as much as it kills me to have to leave you, I have to do what's best for me.  It's not your fault that Chicago just has a job to give me and an apartment comparable in size to this one.  And I'll always appreciate you as my first real relationship with a city.  Thank you for everythings.

Love,

Amanda

PS - for those of you reading this who don't know already: I GOT THE JOB IN CHICAGO AND I'M MOVING TOMORROW!!!!

From one of my first walks inside you.

We Need More Boxes

Guess what I find super stressful. Moving.

I hate packing.  I hate organizing what should go in what boxes with what.  I hate not knowing what I might need in the next week and therefore should leave unboxed.

But I've found out something way worse than just your typical move.  And that is the Mystery Move.  That's right folks, I have NO IDEA where I'm moving at the end of this week.

Hopefully, I'll be getting this fantastic job that I have a final interview for on Wednesday.  It sounds like this company and I would get along and want to be faithful forever and ever.  And I felt really comfortable there.  I hope having a final interview and a job shadow is a good sign.

Good enough to make me feel okay about setting up apartment viewings in Chicago on Wednesday morning.  Did I mention this perfect job is in Chicago? Mannnn.  Talk about a dream situation.

But the most important point is this: OUR LEASE IS UP ON SUNDAY.

That's right. Sunday.  Just a mere four days after an interview that I'm planning on acing.

Oh, and Thursday is John's birthday.  Yeah.  So much to do.

So, cross your fingers and your toes and whatever else you can cross that I get this job.  Otherwise we're both moving back home to separate homes and sad times.  Womp womp.

Here's the plan.  Sell all furniture (pretty much done). Pack all shit into boxes.  Minimize crying.  Eat Ho-hos.  Drink all liquor in freezer.  No, seriously, don't cry.  Purge stuff that you no longer need.  Plan a good day for John.  Kick ass in final interview.  Get job.  Move to Chicago.  STOP CRYING.  Eat another Ho-ho.

Yep.

Life Update

What's happened since I last posted? Let's get straight to the facts.



Fact #1: New Year's Eve happened.  There was a party. And a broken table. And fun times.



Fact #2: I make delicious chocolate chip cookies.  No seriously.  The added deliciousness of the genuine Mexican vanilla gave them a special kick....in the pants.

Fact #3: Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an awesome show.  If Xander Harris were a Disney character, he'd be Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid.  Think about it looks wise. Yep.

Fact #4: I have 3 job interviews this week.  2 of which are in Chicago.  I want to move to Chicago something desperate.  I really want a job so keep those finger crossed, ya hear me?

Fact #5: I'm in a karaoke contest finale on Friday.  Though I'm not certain I deserve to be.  I'd love to have some support with me there.  Hint hint.  This is also the LAST chance any of you will get to visit Grand Rapids while I'm here.  More hints.  I have a good song picked out.

Fact #6: Johnpants and I are moving in less than 2 weeks.  Hopefully to Chicago.  More than likely back home for an undetermined amount of time.  I hate packing.  Like, I really hate it.  And saying goodbye? No way. I'm terrible at that too.  Darn.  Now I'm sad again.

I'm over giving you facts for today.  I need to get productive and print some stuff fr our drive to the Windy City tomorrow.  Man, that's still insane to me.