What makes you think I'm not watching?

Today was fun. Had breakfast with Nola before she left for work, was able to watch the rest of season 4 of 24 while I worked out for an hour this morning, and finally took a shower after a weekend of laziness. I went over to Jake's around 2 and hung around for a long while, helping them move heavy objects and other such things. The perfect Memorial Day. We ended up going to Desert Moon, a mexican retaurant on East Henrietta road near 'King and I'. Food was really good! I was surprised, since the cook was an older white guy with not a hint of mexican in him. Did grocery shopping and ran some errands. Watched 'Robin Hood' and 'Star Wars' and am currently doing a ton of laundry that I've been putting off. Tomorrow I took the morning off so I'm not in a rush to get to work. This week should be quick and painless, except for the two finals I have Thursday and Friday! Eeek, 40% of my grade! The picture above is of me with cousins Grace and Sophie at the birthday party this weekend.

So sunny, but still so cold...

Nola and I stopped for breakfast at Brueggers. I haven't been there in awhile. They've remodeled and installed a little room that serves no purpose other than to be enclosed for possible conferences. Who would have a conference at Brueggers? The guy asked me if I was interested.

We went and stopped by MCC and watched Jake race for a couple hours. It was enjoyable for sure. Nola kept looking for NASCAR-type car crashes.. but I told her that didn't happen here. Jake's first run went really well, but his 2nd run he kind peeled out and ran over 6 cones. His third run wasn't very good either, but he said his new sway bar helped a bit.

I watched 'Taking Lives' in the afternoon. It was a really great movie. Entirely enjoyable and engrossing. Angelina Jolie definately makes it happen. And at least I got to see familiar Montreal again. :) Without snow, too!

Went studying at Simon later last night for 3 hours. Met up with a couple guys from class and we went over the old exam. It was great to meet a couple new people from class. They're nervous about the GMATs and stuff too and have been doing about the same as me in the class. It's nice to know we're all in the same boat. Except they all have children and are at least 10 years older than me... but still.. same boat!

Today begins my rekindled regime. 1200 calories and working out an hour a day. Gotta stick to it. Gotta.

Fun with the family...

Deb's Pond

So lunch on Friday turned out well. Five of us went out to a diner and had fun. The rest of the afternoon went as expected. I finished up some specifications, I wrote several emails, I compiled some programs and I left at 5. Long and uneventful. I did borrow a couple DVDs from the library. Hopefully this summer will let me borrow some of the better ones (if they have any).

I also got hooked on a new game someone I know created online called 'Broken Mirror'. His site is down at the moment, but you might recall me mentioning his previous game 'Flashtrek" a half year ago. This new game of his is extremely fun and addicting. I didn't want to start playing it because I knew I would play it until I beat it.. and I spent a good 7 hours on it Friday and 4 on Saturday. Hopefully I will be able to contain myself for the rest of the weekend, because I don't want it all going to this game.

Saturday I went off to my aunt and uncle's house for his birthday picnic. In the middle it started to rain, so we moved everything inside. It was a good 3 hours later when the party finally split. I went over to Deb's place and hung out with her until 8. I think I drank 6 diet cokes while I was there. That's the one great thing about my family.. endless supplies of diet coke. ;) She gave me her old camera bag for my digital camera. Finally something to put it in.

I got back to Rochester and Nola arrived right afterward. I dropped off a copy of Desperate Housewives for Rachael (every good deed goes noticed?) and came back and watched Will and Grace and Law and Order before bed. Exciting, I know. Nola might be here all weekend, but she'll prolly be in Greece visiting Alex. Either way, her visit gave me enough motivation to clean up after my messy self. Oh, by the way, 'Trout' died this weekend during the night. Very sad. I just don't have good luck with small pets I name. I just need to leave them alone and perhaps they'll survive.

This morning Jake is racing at MCC, so I'm going to try and stop by and take a couple pictures of his runs. Maybe catch breakfast too. I'm gonna try to enjoy the extended weekend while I can, in preparation for my upcoming vacations. ;) I have to meet Joe tonight for some finals studying. He wants to meet at 6 I think and studying for 4 hours. Yikes. That boy is stoked.

Oh, Friday, how you tease me so.

Yesterday was a fun-filled day of eating unhealthy food and trying to be productive in the afternoon. For lunch, a couple of us went to Schaller's Drive-in in Brighton. It seemed like a cleaned up version of Tahoes, but more expensive. Food was good, but I would have preferred a larger portion. For $6, you'd expect to get more food than the size of your fist.

When I returned from lunch, the staff was having a goodbye party for someone in the office. Everyone went outside and took this staff photo on the steps. We were missing at least 4 people, but it was a nice group shot. The lighting was all off and several of us didn't look too good with how the shadows fell. The afternoon was filled will finishing up paperwork and then cleaning out my office in preparation for spring cleaning. I was able to get rid of documentation that was over a decade old and also reduce the amount of junk sitting around. Step 1 in a multipart process.

New website to check out. It's triple-a's version of a gas price comparison (if the link doesn't work, go to www.aaa.com and on the bottom right click on the gas comparison image). You just plug in your zip code and it finds gas stations in your area with lower gas prices. It takes the data from actual credit card transactions and whatnot.

After work last night I grabbed a pizza and went over and hung out with Jake until late. We worked on his car for hours, all to simply put on a new sway bar. We actually didn't finish, even with my help. He still has another hour or two of work. He's going to do it on Saturday, with my help of course.

All the while I was playing with his dog Tipper. I would throw this stick and he'd get it and bring it back. Repeat 600 times. I joked that it would be awful if one of these times we threw the stick and it jabbed into the ground and stabbed Tipper in the neck or something (it was a very sharp stick). Well, that happened when Jake threw the stick around 10 and poor Tipper was on the ground in horrible pain. He was crying and yelping. Poor dog. The stick had blood all over it. We couldn't find the wound, but it's prolly in his mouth or throat somewhere. Poor thing, he wasn't up for playing anymore that night. Jake is going to take him to the vet today if he's not any better.

Today I have a couple meetings with a lunch with Katie and JB in between. The day (and week) are almost over.

Burried up to my eyeballs...

Have you ever had so much to do but little no to motivation to do it. I don't know what my problem is. I have tons to do outside of work but I keep putting it off. I have this to do list and I just need to get through it.

Have you seen the new google customized page? You can set it up similar to what Yahoo has to offer, except without all the annoying images and ads popping up everywhere. I love it, I have everything I need on my home page now. It's great to have movie times, news and weather all listed every time I launch a browser (which is often...).

So I arrived late to my class last night (stupid 1/2 class starting at 7:10) and turned in my homework only to realize I didn't do 2 of the 12 problems on it. Arg. They were on the back of the sheet, damnit! Now I'll ruin my perfect scores.. ;) At least the class is over.

After class I went and visited Jake until 10:30. He's working on his car and was tracing and cutting out magnets for stripes and whatnot for his car for racing. It took him over an hour for a small piece. Amazing amount of dedication and work for such a small payoff. Plus its going to add a pound of weight to the car, slowing him down. But I think he enjoyed me coming over and spending time with him. He's always complaining that I never go and see him. Well, I'm making an effort now. Plus, I'm going over to see him tonight after work. Maybe catch dinner.

I'm worried my new digital camera might have a flaw in it. If it is a flaw, at least its covered under warranty, but I hate the idea. When it takes pictures, the colors seem to be really off kilter sometimes, especially if there is too much light. For example, on a sunny day there will be a weird color outline around objects.. sort of a bright boundry. It's really annoying and shows up on photos. Arg.

I found the music video for the band Merit, which is Jake's friend Wil's (husband of former room-mate Kristen) band. He's a great guy and he is planning Jake's bachelor party (doing a much better job than I ever could). If you get a moment, check it out. (it might be best if you right click and save to your desktop.) It's really great. Both Wil and Kristen star in it toward the end.

This weekend should be relieving. Jake is moving from Buffalo, but neglected to ask me to help him, so I'm free from that. But my family is getting together on Saturday for a picnic type thing and since they all ache to see me again, I'm obliged to burn a half tank of gas to go see them. I talked to Deb the other day and she gives me the impression that the family thinks I'm brushing them off. Why do I get the guilt trip? Just because I didn't move out of state?

So much going on right now. Am I digging myself into a hole by doing too much? Between work, job#2 and job#3.. plus going to school... exercising constantly... it seems I'm constantly needing to do stuff and with no motivation to do any of it. Maybe after my vacations in June I'll feel better. It just seems I lack reward in my life for all of this.. what am I doing all this for in the long run? I'm no good as seeing the long-run picture. Tis why I'm an impulse buyer, I suppose.

I only have one thing to say to you...

Tipper, Jake's dog.

Today has proved to be a lovely day so far. It's quite warm out. I went over to the hospital with Donna for lunch. There's a sandwhich guy selling burgers and dogs on a cart and the food is really good. I paid in dollar coins and he swore to himself. I guess I ruined his day. ;) The burger was very good tho.

Last night was a wash out. I fell asleep around 6:30 and woke up at 10. But the good news is, I'm no longer tired. I feel good today. About damn time. I was also able to get in an hour of exercise.. finally. Now to keep it up is the plan. It's funny how easy it is to stay in a routine.. but hard to restart it. I guess I'll work my way back to my old style. Just in time for all the stuff in June.

Tonight I have a half class at Simon. Due to Memorial Day on Monday, we have 1/2 class tonight and 1/2 class next week. Fortunately, my one computer class canceled his 1/2 classes. Unfortunately, my other ECO class did not, so I have to go to school tonight at 7:30 - 8:30. Odd, eh? Such a waste of time. But at least tonight is the last homework for this class. Then begins the studying.

My sister is writing a paper on gay marriage. It's funny reading her viewpoint; that of a 17 year old that doesn't follow politics. She asked for my help, so I sent her 2 pages of opinions on the subject. Hopefully she'll not just cut and paste. ;) But I did learn through this process that my mother supports it. That's surprising coming from someone that likes Bush so much. It's funny how people turn to me for opinions on whats going on in the world. Jake thinks of me as his news source, Nola does, and even my mother has asked me what different things mean when news happens.

So Jake's best man (?) emailed me about the upcoming bachelor's party for Jake. Apparently we're going to go to some rec center and climb on walls for 2 hours and then head into Canada for a strip joint. Wil asked if I was even interested. Seemed sort of odd to ask... why wouldn't I participate? I'll prolly end up driving too. The least I could do for all Jake's done for me (?). ;)

I awoke this morning to one of my vases tipped over with the water emptied onto my computer surge protector. My cat has it in for me. Lots to do today at work. I have a list of 9 things I'm trying to get through. Boss is on edge all of a sudden. It's almost Friday.

Am I that disconnected?

So the bread turned into a dozen peanut butter cookies too. And I ate too many of them last night. God, what is wrong with me?

I had meetings practically all day today. I finally got back to my desk long enough to breathe at 2:30. I hate Mondays.. I don't even get to relax or check my email until the afternoon. Unfortunately, the rest of the week is headed toward being slow. As my boss said to me today.. 'Looks to be another one of those weeks..' Indeed.

I had planned to get my car inspected last week and new tires and the like (as I lied in my blog for last Sunday, I think?) I have yet to have it done. My official appointment is on Tuesday morning, and I've been looking for better deals on tires and installation fees and the like. Jake has been a big help in that regard. He measured my tire tread and said I would pass as long as I bring the documentation from the NYS website that says I would.

Cindy called me to confirm she's flying up in 3 weeks. So utterly excited. I miss her and her funny accent. I miss her and her hot body. ;) Well, not really.. but at least I have someone to be jealous of.

I got distracted most of class tonight (last CIS401 of the quarter!) for reasons I won't go in to, but I'm happy this class is over. Final exam is June 3rd, so I have all of next week to study. Seeing how I aced the last exam one 6 hours of studying, I don't see this one as much of a challenge.

I got home and got a voicemail from Deb.

"I used to know a guy, his name is Luke. I haven't seen him very far, or wide, or narrow, or in a long time... haven't heard from him. I just wondered if he was still around. I didn't know if this was still his phone number or not. This is Deb. Someone he used to know. If you see him, tell him I said hi.. bye."

Am I that disconnected that she's leaving 2 minute long voicemails on my phone? :) I'm about to call her and give her a hard time. I miss her too.

Cindy has restarted her blog. Looks like she's really happy right now. Her and I talked for an hour tonight. Let me rehash.. I am so happy she's coming up again! She demands we go to Golden Port. I tried to convince her that I hate that place (haha).

Also, check out PeerFlix (link on the right). It's a new DVD exchange club. I joined. Looks like a good way to trade DVDs.

Make it your best shot...

I'd like to be able to say that I got a million things done today, but it would be a lie. I didn't even get to take the mandatory nap. Molly and Marc left early this morning, I was able to finish up my recorded television from all of last week, I broke down my old entertainment center (now promptly replaced with a standup dresser like I desired) and have downsized the amount of useless junk in my apartment.

My brother called me to say hello. He was in traffic. He said it's 100 degrees where he is. Then a car accident, then he had to go. I got a new small goldfish for Frye to play with. So far it just swims around him in circles looking for food. It's really cute. It ate and then spit up the same piece of food 6 times before moving on.

I went to the Lilac Festival this evening and watched Diana DeGarmo perform on stage. She's got a lot of energy, but I didn't think she warranted 100 screaming teen girls in front. I can still hear her performing inside my place.

Mmm.. the bread I'm baking is almost done.

It's beginning to be a great weekend...

Friday went fast. I got all my homework done before work with Joe, there were 8 people out on Friday with only 4 of us there. It was quite fun. When they need me to sit at the front desk, ya know we have very limited manpower. Molly and I had lunch at Aja Noodle and for the afternoon I hung out upstairs and listened to the complaints of fellow worker Andrea.

I started a rumor that we were going to be leaving at 4pm.. It went like this:

Carl: Hi Luke
Luke: Hi Carl. Did you hear the rumor?
Carl: No, what?
Luke: I heard Carl is going to let us out at 4pm today.

Well, it worked and I ended up being let out at 4. ;) Molly picked me up and said she had a surprise for me. When we got back to my place, she had been cleaning and rearranging the entire afternoon and had changed around my living room design. It looks good, I'm going to keep it. She did a good job. She said she wanted me to have more room in my dining room so she moved stuff around so we could actually sit around the table. Good. Not that I entertain that often.

Nola arrived around 6, we had pizza from Little Venice at 8:30 and Alex came over shortly after. We watched Shrek 2, Molly and Marc fought like a married couple and it ended up being a great fun evening.

Everyone went their separate ways this morning. Molly and Nola went off to my mom's for two weddings today. Marc went off to work. I took a nap. I have a couple items on my plate today, none of which are important. Gonna buy some small fish for my tank (company for Frye) and planning to get my car inspected. Jake said my tires should pass inspection, though I need to get them changed in a month or two. Yeah, I will, but not right now.

Lots of people moving into my complex lately. Lots of commotion out my window. Plan to get an adironack chair for my patio. Squirrels are getting into my plant boxes. Never ending stream of tidbits from Lukedom.

Dedicated to two very important people...

I'm gonna try my best not to get mushy here...


Laura C

How we met? We both signed up for a special interest floor in college and were assigned to adjacent rooms. I remember first meeting her and learning she enjoyed musicals, had an interest in band and had a great sense of sarcasm/humor. While her and I didn't exactly become friends right away, I did know from the get go that this was someone I could definitely get used to talking to.
Favorite memory? Laura and I did so much over the last 4 years that it's hard to nail down any one instance. We went to Darien Lake perhaps 5 times last year. We've watched Muppet Christmas Carol religiously the last 5 years (kinda), carved out pumpkins like clockwork, had two years of Tuesday Night Dinners, watched countless TV, attended multiple parties and clubs, made hard snail cookies... we've done the Lilac fest, the lake, we've wine toured the finger lakes, apple picked and ran TLC/ICLC together for two years. Booya.
Location now: Alexandria, VA.. near Washington, DC She moved away from Rochester last year. :(
Years known: 6 And it's only felt like 40.
Most enduring quality: She has a way of making people feel comfortable around her, even if they don't know her. She makes any occasion feel like a party and makes anyone feel like they're her friend.
Little known fact: She visits my blog at least 6 times a day. ;) She also just adopted a kitten named Zoidberg that has a striking resemblance to my own cat.
To be thankful for: Through all my quirks, all my faults and all my jokes, she's still managed to make me part of her life, and I am ever appreciative to have someone like her as my friend.
Thing I'd Miss Most: I miss having her around at any given time to hang out. I miss her being able to just drop by and come in. I miss Tuesday night dinners with her. I miss watching Thursday night TV and Seventh Heaven. I miss her laugh, her insights, her pokes and jabs. I miss her and I making fun of Jake and I certainly miss enjoying garbage plates together. :)


Jake M

How we met? We were thrust together Sophomore year after my roommate from freshmen year decided to transfer (thank god). He came to the ICLC floor end of September and we hit it off right away. He struck me as a pretentious jock and I'm sure I struck him as a lazy, fat unfunny lard. ;)
Favorite memory? Jake and I have shared a lot of great times together. Whether it be entire weekends full of video game playing or watching him race his car, or midnight car washes or pool until 3am, or hanging out in his room for days on end with Laura, making dinner with him, celebrating his birthday/engagement/graduation with him.. it's all been one happy time.
Location now: Rochester, NY.. right around the corner. He's lived in Buffalo the last year and before that I lived with him in Brockport.
Years known: 5
Most enduring quality: Somehow he's found a way to be 1) mean to people 2) rude to everyone 3) ignore them and 4) make them feel unwanted However, they all like him. That's an enduring quality if I've ever known one. He's got a rough exterior, but I think he truly cherishes his close friends and if you're one of them, you know it.
Biggest regret: I've upset him a couple times on purpose, and I do regret that. Though he's forgotten those instances.. so that's another enduring quality. ;)
Little known fact: He used to swim for his high school and the UR swim team back in the day. He claims to have been one buff stud.. but I've yet to see any evidence.
Favorite quote: "Marlon Brando eats fluff?" Jake has a horrible sense of hearing and usually compounds it by making up what he thinks you say. Arg.
To be thankful for: While he complains an awful lot about a lot of things (one of them being so generous with his money) he is extremely generous and thoughtful when it comes to spontaneous things. But don't expect a birthday present, christmas present, easter candy, halloween stuff, him to wish you good day or to attend your funeral. Those require planning.. and he doesn't do that.
Thing I'd Miss Most: Spontaneity. Jake is the king of it. As I said, don't expect any planned something. But he will drop by if he's nearby, or give you a phone call if he accidentally dials you, or will run to your house if he took the wrong street. He's funny and kind, and it's what I best like about him.

Oh no, no more friends! Well, none I'd like to mention at this point. Apply to be a friend today, give me a call. ;)

Back off the wagon...

Ha. Look how long it took me to fall back off the routine bandwagon. Molly and Marc are here now, and it took me all of 10 minutes to ignore my self promise of my previous post to relent and take Molly out to lunch and have a terrific sub from Pelligrinos.

I'm working extra hard on my last friends post. I think you'll like to collage I've made for both Jake and Laura. So check back during the day tomorrow for the final post.

This weekend should be great. Molly is here until Monday. Nola is coming tomorrow at 5. I've got a household full of fun people and no cares at the moment now that my summer is Simon-free, my plans to fly to DC in June are finalized ($88 round trip baby!) and Cindy A is coming up here from Wed - Sun in mid-June.

Bah. I need to get to work by 8 tomorrow, so I'm off to bed a little early.

PS... who is stalking me from NYC? Do I know you? :) Post a comment.

Back to the grind...

Finally back to the grind. It's funny how vacation (even if it was only a weekend with friends) can get you out of whack. Back to my routine and strict adherence to my rules.

Happy birthday to my brother. He's 28.

So I decided that I'm going to take the summer off from Simon courses. I spoke with an admissions advisor yesterday and she gave me all the info I needed about applying and getting in. Unfortunately, the standards are really high and I'm going to need at least a couple weeks to study hard for the exam.. and I simply can't do that in June between quarters. Plus, Jake is getting married in there and I'm going to DC the weekend of the 25th.

Cindy A called me yesterday and we spoke about our LA plans for August. She's going to request the time off and once approved, we're both going to buy our tickets to sync up again. My sister is also going to sync up our return flights so she'll be flying back with me in August. My mom is going to fly out there in between it all, which is funny. My whole family is going to be flying to LA in August, but not at the same time.

Cindy A is also planning to take a trip to Rochester.. to see me! She wants to come up in June (she has some coupon for the flight.. leave it to my friends to get my coupon bad habits!). I told her to come up over the weekend Jake is getting married so she can be my date... I told Jake the idea and he's fine with it. We had this back and forth about which Cindy actually doesn't like him... and I finally convinced him that Cindy A doesn't NOT like him. ;)

You'll be happy to know that I did NOT go and see the Star Wars premier last night at midnight. I kind of wanted to, but I've been exhausted this week because of late nights and not exercising enough (believe it or not, exercise gives you energy). But my coworker Mike did go.. and I saw him in zombie-mode this morning. Heh.

Molly and Marc are coming to my place today and staying for the weekend. Gonna be another weekend of hanging out and eating out. Plus Molly's never really done much in Rochester, so perhaps I can show her around. These cold summer days are wonderful. :)

Tomorrow's post will be my last friends posting. We're almost done, promise!


Rachael H

How we met? Rach is Jake's fiance. I met her when I lived with Jake Sophomore year. She would stay over often and I would tick Jake off by not giving them alone time enough. But over the years, I've grown to love her company.
Favorite memory? Hmm, none stand out. Everything seems to be on equal ground, but she loves the chinese restaurant Kim's Asia, so eating there and quibbling over vege fried rolls and who makes the best sesame tofu is one of them.
Location now: Rochester :)
Years known: 5
Most enduring quality: Putting up with all of Jake's ruffian friends. Her friends seem to be mainly art people that sip coffee drinks over candles in coffee shops talking through art debates. Not saying they're high class, but Jake's friends seem to be a stark contrast. :)
Biggest regret: Oh, all the times we make fun of Jake and end up indirectly making fun of her.
Little known fact: Gonna work as an adjunct in Buffalo and Brockport this year. Lots of driving.
Favorite quote: "Jake, stop. Jake... stop."
To be thankful for: Her deciding she wants to live in Rochester this year (cause you know Jake had nothing to do with that decision)


David P

How we met? He moved to my high school in 8th grade and we remained friends well after we both graduated. I've lost touch with him over the past 2 years, but I still talk with his sister who was also one of my close friends.
Favorite memory? Heather's graduation party, which I helped them prepare for. A year after David and I graduated, Heather's grad party (shortly after she gave birth to her son) represented the best of why I loved this family. They were so quirky and eccentric. I'll spare you the details, but the fact that we prepared the salad on a freezer where they changed the baby (eww..!) exemplified it all. Oi.
Location now: No clue. But I assume back home somewhere living off his Taco Bell salary.
Years known: 10
Most enduring quality: He was one of the few male airheads I have ever met, and I say that with affection, because he was able to laugh at any old thing anyone ever said. And was always smiling.
Little known fact: He has the smallest feet of any guy I have ever met. Seriously, size 8.
Lesson to learn: Don't screw your friends... nor the younger sister of your friend. *shudder*

I'm entirely too happy that Jake is 3.3 miles away...

Blah. My TV downloading website got shutdown last week and I'm missing all the shows I normally watch. Arg, might have to subscribe to cable again.

Jake showed up at my place again after his run around 7:30. We measured.. it's exactly 3.3 miles to my place from his. About a 45 minute run (for me anyway). A couple years ago, I did an 10 minute mile, but no way could I run like that anymore. I used to run every day in the park before work, but I lost interest in that when it wasn't resulting in any added benefits.

We watched the last 4 episodes of Survivor. (shock) Tom won. ;) Though Jake kept rewinding over and over the scenes where Jen's skirt inched up, so it took extra long to get through them.

I need to buy tires for my car, but I think I'm going to wait for the summer to be over. I'm not going on any long trips where tires are essential, so I think I'll be fine for a bit. Unless of course my inspection tomorrow fails and they say I need new tires.. ;)

I have to apply to Simon officially soon. I have an appointment at 1 today to speak to an advisor about it. I'm most likely going to take the GMAT in June. Lots of work left to do. Lots of studying. Carrie from class is taking them this weekend, so I'll see how she did and if I can borrow her study materials.

We're getting to the finals... only a couple more after the following people:


Rebecca B

How we met? She moved in next door to me my Senior year on the ICLC floor. She replaced Kate, another girl on the hall I was friends with.
Favorite memory? Right before she went to Ghana, her and I went out to dinner and hung out at her friend's place. Food was great, she was great. Had a good time.
Location now: She lives in Rochester, has a studio in her attic and continues to go to the UR.
Years known: 3
Most enduring quality: Good conversation. She has a knack of having something to talk about to everyone she meets.
To be thankful for: Her talented cooking ability. She learned a lot in her travels to the Gulf of Mexico and to Ghana, and she was able to bring back that ability and share it with the rest of us. I never knew plantains tasted so great!
Lesson to learn: Being kind and generous is not a challenge. It comes naturally.


Steve L

How we met? He lived with me on my hall my Sophomore and Junior years. While he was busy working his way to med school, he made time to socialize with the rest of us.
Favorite memory? Midnight showing of Lord of the Rings. He and I went to a showing in Rochester, even though neither of us really knew where the theatre was or where we should park. We ended up in a Wegmans parking lot and had to walk a mile to the theatre.
Location now: Outside Albany, attending school.
Years known: 5
Biggest regret: His Senior year (last year) he lived off campus and we didn't really get to do much together. Tried, but our schedules mismatched.
Little known fact: Is an obsessed fan of the show 24. ;) Dirty secret, shhhh. He's also an addict of Pepsi-1.
Lesson to learn: If you need to park at the RIT campus to get around UR parking rates... you do it. ;)

Uno, Dos, Tres..

So I requested two days off in June to go to DC and spend time with Laura and Luke. Decision is pending, but it is most likely a go.

Today I honor the dynamic duo, UNO and DOS.


Cynthia A

How we met? She lived on the same dorm hall as me Junior year. She was a transfer student coming from some podunk GA school. She lived with Samantha, one of my friends at the time, and became good friends with the other Cindy. To differentiate, they coined the term UNO and DOS to reference themselves, Uno being Cindy A and Dos Cindy V.
Favorite memory? Cindy's birthday party my Senior year in GLC. It was the absolute best party I've ever been to. So much music, so much alcohol (including some homemade jungle juice), so much dancing.. it was a great time. Nobody left disappointed.
Location now: Athens, GA. She lives in the boonies, outside Atlanta, in a great apartment in the midst of nothingness. She works near Atlanta.
Years known: 4
Most enduring quality: Determination. She is determined to let nothing stand in her way when it comes to what she can accomplish. She's overcome a lot in her life, and when life throws her crappy outcomes, she chugs right along.
Biggest regret: Not being able to go and see her the beginning of May as I wanted to! Hopefully I can go see her again in the Fall in her hometown again. It was fun when I went in 2003.
Little known fact: Is godmother of 2 darling children, has survived a car crash and is in the best shape of her life. ;)
Favorite quote: "That's just the wrongest thing..!"
To be thankful for: Her kindness and comfort in times of sorrow and difficulty. She showed me what a real friend can be, rather than what hurtful and mean other people can be.
Lesson to learn: If you want to do something, just do it. We're not here forever.


Cindy V

How we met? Same as Cindy A, except I met her several months before in the midst of the ICLC/TLC transition my Sophomore year. I don't remember her much, but she remembers how large I used to be and she insists she was just as large. ;)
Favorite memory? Oh, let me count them. Her and I spent so much time together the Summer of 2002, 2003 and 2004 that she's like a sister to me. We lost over 60 pounds together (combined, not individually) in one summer, repeated that process the next summer and continued our unhealthy and dangerous habits throughout 2003. It was a lot of fun. Her and I went to the gym together, watched countless movies, ate out, watched TV, cleaned rooms, lunchhours, classhours, countless other hours of chill time... all together complaining about life and watching the clock hands move. Believe it or not, I loved every moment of it.
Location now: Los Angeles, CA. In fact, I visited her in December. I plan to spend a week with her again in August. She is working and going to school part time.
Years known: 4.5
Most enduring quality: Unselfishness. She's absolutely the most unselfish person I've ever met.. to the point of her own downfall. She would give you the shirt off her back (and has) if she felt it would give you even one iota of worth. She is one to give you money if you simply ask (no questions asked in return) and gave out 90% of her stuff to friends when she left Rochester in a hurry last Summer.
Biggest regret: I have none with her. She wouldn't allow it.
Little known fact: Is planning to go to vet school within a year or two. She will make it, I know it.
Favorite quote: Everything out of her mouth was funny, no need to quote her.
To be thankful for: Every moment I spent with her. She's is a unique, spirited and awesome human being. I miss her a lot.
Lesson to learn: Knock the status quo down on your way. Don't stay in Rochester. Find friends that complement yourself, not compliment your ego, and never ever be satisfied with what you have. Keep moving up.


Makes me so sad. :(

Survivor Madness & Will and Grace

Today went quick. Boss was out sick, people on vacation, graduates wondering where their degrees were...

The end of my workday was topped off by my homework partner, calling from an Amtrak train, telling me he wouldn't get to class on time and that I had to type up his portion of the homework assignment that was due in 15 minutes. So he narrated a 2 page essay to me over the phone right before class. Yeah, I think he owes me now.

I almost fell asleep in class. As Joe says 'I know when you turn your brain off.. when you start checking your email on my computer.' I checked my email about 25 minutes into class. It's not difficult material, but I was exhausted today. I was out late last night visiting Cathy and Kerri one last time at the Elmwood.


Jake.. racing yesterday

I got home at 8:30 and Jake was here. I saw my kitchen light on when I came down the road and thought perhaps the live-ins this weekend had left it on, but nope! Jake was eatin' my cookies, drinking my cola and browsing my internet. He had went out for a run... from his house and ended up here. We ended up watching 2 episodes of Survivor (seeing how Tom won last night, but don't tell Jake yet, we still have 3 episodes to catch up on).

I told Jake my theory of comparison between Will & Grace and 3 of my core friends. I told him I could very easily compare the main characters of the show with us. He immediately thought I would cast him poorly, but he was elated to find out he's Will, Laura is Grace, I am Jack and Cindy V is Karen.

It's startlingly accurate. Jake is the high powered, well paid, well balanced, sexually deprived professional. Laura is the talented, well manicured and well dressed Grace. And Cindy V is the high society, belittling drunk Karen. It fits, don't deny it!

A weekend of...

There were so many things to be happy about this weekend, it's hard to sum it all up into events. Between spending time with my two best friends, eating at Golden Port, going to the Lilac Festival, eating a Zwegal hotdog, seeing another beautiful graduation ceremony, spending a quiet Sunday afternoon worried about the stolen vehicle out front... erm, wait.

So after Laura and Luke went to play minigolf on Sunday, I puttered around the apartment, ran a couple errands (like get cheap gas, get groceries, clean up, plant flowers) I watched a guy backup into my complex's driveway and rev the van he was in and just sit there. I felt like going up to him and telling him he can't park there (so many Lilac folks parked in our lot) but I ended up not.

Well, 2 hours later the van was still there, it was still running and the guy was nowhere in sight. My neighbors came over and said that the van was stolen and they saw the guy get out, go to a car in front of their house and steal that one. The police eventually came and the car got towed. A lot of excitement on little ol' Langslow. Between this and the recently attempted dog napping at my neighbors, this place is starting to be crime central. ;)


Laura & I

The festival was great this year. I plan to go again next weekend with my sister when she comes up, but all the flowers were great and its always nice to get out, watch a parade and spend some time with the neighbors. I also learned my neighbor's first name (after a year) and he also told me a bunch of stuff he's learned while he's been here for 19 years. He kinda freaks me out.


Cute Couple

So Laura and Luke are on their way back to Virginia. We said our goodbyes, they kicked the cat, done everything they came here to do, and alas, are now out the door. Maybe I can go down there in June. Laura is making space for me. I'll look into it. :)


Bird Prints

Today should be slow. It's gonna be a nice reprieve from the last 2 hectic weeks. Not looking forward to class tonight, but 'tis what I need to do to get my degree. :)

Adios. Miss you already, Laura.

Graduation Day.... or as it seems.. "Let's hype up Robert Wegman!"

Here I am, sitting at work on Sunday, listening to graduation. Congratulations all Seniors I've dealt with over the past 2 years. :)

Also, happy birthday to my blog. I started it 1 year ago today.

Continuing to honor my middle school friends...


Phia T

How we met? Phia and I met in middle school, 7th gradish, during a science fair of some sort at school. I don't remember what I invited, nor what she invented, but we had a good time and began our friendship then.
Favorite memory? Phia moved away in my 9th grade, so I've had many years to forget all the early memories, but Phia has kept in touch with me since we first met, even though she's in Texas now. She also helped me get a date for prom my senior year, even though she was 1,000 miles away!
Location now: Austin, Texas
Years known: 12
Most enduring quality: Her kindness is her shining light. She is a very caring person and cared for those that would not ever expect it.
Little known fact: Double majored in college and is engaged to be married, as well. (See the theme with all my friends being engaged...)
To be thankful for: Being a friend when I had very few. :)


Audrey T

How we met? I went to middle school and highschool with her. We met via band. She played clarinet and we hung out together in our crowd of misfits.
Favorite memory? A couple years ago I went down to Florida to visit her in Daytona Beach. I had a blast (even if the bus ride was 26 hours long both ways) and will forever cherish those memories.
Location now: Daytona Beach, though she stills comes up once a year to visit family.
Years known: 12
Most enduring quality: Her love of children is one of her best qualities. She is going to school to become a teacher and is currently a childcare 'teacher' at a local daycare/preschool center.
Biggest regret: I regret that she kinda turned mean on me when we broke up. :) I also hope to see her again in the next year or two back in Florida.
Little known fact: Her and I were 'involved' for 2 years, my freshmen and sophomore year of college. I went and saw her dozens of times during. But alas, it did not work out.

Tis all for now. I'm here for a couple more hours. Blah.

Lilac Part Deux, Beach, Jake's... whew!

Today was packed full of fun. Not only did the storm wake me up in the middle of the night, but we seemed to fill most of the day with on-the-go stuff.

We watched the Lilac parade for about 45 minutes this morning, walked through the festival again and checked out all the arts and crafts and managed to win some stuff at the GEICO tent. I won a beanie (even though it said I won something else ;) )

Laura/Luke lent me their BJs membership and I bought some stuff from the club. Rockin.

We went up to the lake and walked around, ate a free Zwegel hotdog, checked out the Breeze (while it lasts) and headed to Jake's house to see him, Rach, Kristen, Wil and Tipper. We also had dinner at Golden Port, as always a fantastic meal, and went back to Jake's to just bum around his new house. Had a great time. Tomorrow morning I work from 9-12. Wish me luck.

Highland Park Part 2 and the Lilac Festival

My favorite parts of today include the following interactions with students...

One called me and wanted his degree even though he wasn't going to finish his requirements until December. "Can't I just have it now and I'll finish later?"

Another stopped in and demanded I explain why his audit said he still needed 16 credits when he was never notified he was short. I explained that the audit he brought was over a year old. "Oh."

Finally, I love when parents call for their child and try to explain their way out of a situation. Or perhaps demanding we do something for them since they wouldn't want to bother their own child to do it for them. Gotta love them.

Laura and Luke arrived today and visited me at work. We left there and went to the Lilac festival and walked around for a couple hours until we had garbage plates at the food tent. Such great evening. We took a ton of pictures. This weekend should include more of the same. So happy they're here. :)

No Laura, this post isn't about you yet... :)


Sorah S

How we met? When I moved next door to her, we instantly became friends. I think we met through his cousin (one of my good friends at the time) and we became close through 7th and 8th grade. Her and I did most everything together and became even closer or the next 3-4 years.
Favorite memory? We used to role play and make up stories and play a lot of in character games together. We were kids! It was fun. She had a very active imagination and still has a great sense of humor. I see her several times a year, especially when she brings me to Comix Cafe when she wins tickets.
Location now: Canandaigua/Rochester area.
Years known: 14 or so.. though we don't see each other much anymore.
Most enduring quality: Passion for her acting career. She's very dedicated and I wish her the best with it.
Biggest regret: When she moved away in the 10th grade, I wish I made more of an effort to keep her in my life. Even though she moved back a year later, I think we had moved apart long enough to lose the bond we had.
Little known fact: Is getting married this Summer to a nice guy named Miah. Though I haven't been invited to the wedding... hmmmm....
Favorite quote: 'Naaarrrff' (We used to love Pinky and the Brain)
To be thankful for: Her continued efforts to be nice to me when she wins Comix Cafe tickets all the time! Even though we've gone to some of the worst comics in Rochester.. ;)


Kristen M

How we met? Through Jake. I met her after I started living with her! I didn't really know her beforehand, but Jake, her and I lived together in Brockport for a year after I graduated from college. We lived in a great apartment.
Favorite memory? Attack of the flies! In Brockport, we had this one night where there were hundreds of flies in our apartment.. and we had this whole killing spree. It was a lot of fun chasing each other with fly swatters.
Location now: Syracuse, NY after she got married last year to Wil.
Years known: 2
Most enduring quality: She's one of the few people I know that doesn't gossip, even if it's juicy. ;)
Biggest regret: Not telling her how much I enjoyed living with her. Even though we never bonded, I still think of her as someone I could always depend on.
Little known fact: Recently got a full time job doing what she loves... teaching.
To be thankful for: The year I lived with her. She's a confident, strong and upbeat woman that knows what she wants and works toward it. She was a great influence (nicely balanced the sloth I attained from Jake ;) )
Lesson to learn: Keep working toward your goals, even if the world seems to be working against you. Rock on, Kristen.

Rochester Barbie

Found this in my inbox... wanted to share before I deleted it.. :)

Mattel Toy Company has announced the release of models of limited editions Barbie Dolls made exclusively for the Rochester Market.

Pittsford Barbie: This spoiled Princess Barbie is sold exclusively at Eastview Mall. She comes with 45 credit cards, an assortment of Kate Spade handbags, a white BMW, a fluffy white lapdog, and a perfect cookie cutter house. Options include tummy tuck, face lift and a workaholic Ken to support her high maintenance habits.

Mendon Barbie: This trendy homemaker Barbie is free with any new Locust Hill Country Club Membership. Barbie comes equipped with a silver Lexus SUV. She gets lost easily outside of $750,000 neighborhoods and has No full time occupation besides gazing at the lawn & pool maintenance guys. Traffic jamming video cell phone sold separately.

Park Avenue Barbie: This annoying clueless NYC wannabe yuppie Barbie can be purchased at Parkleigh or through City Newspaper. Barbie comes with a souped up yellow Hummer 2, Starbucks Cup, library card and a homosexual Ken.

Greece Barbie: This brassy, gum-chewing, jet black dyed puffy hair Barbie can be purchased on Latta.....no, can't get there, make that Long Pond....no, can't get there, make that English Road....no, can't get there, make that Fetzner....no, can't get there, ...Just look up and down Route 104 for the darn toy.....Barbie comes with a "2 sizes too small" leather miniskirt, unpedicured feet, sandals with 5 inch heels, 12 pieces of fake gold jewelry and a Chrysler 300 with a rosary looped around the rear view mirror.

Avenue D Barbie: Available at Aldi's between 9:00 to Noon the first Day of the month only. This recently paroled Barbie comes with 8 children, a slightly used 9 mm handgun, house arrest ankle bracelet, Ray Lewis knife, pager number of her caseworker and Cadillac with tinted windows & working methadone lab. Options include specialized gang colors and the 8 fathers of the 8 children.

Three One Five Barbie: Ain't got no stores in Wayne County to buy it.....But, keep trying.... This Barbie's Father is also is her Uncle and her Uncle is also her Cousin and her Cousin is also her Brother and her Brother has a different father.....She comes in Wrangler blue jeans, and a NASCAR T-Shirt. She can chug a six pack of Coors Light and spit tobacco. She drives a pick up truck with a Confederate Flag in the cap window.

Chili Barbie: This culturally diverse Barbie can be purchased in Chili, Gates Chili, Wheatland Chili, North Chili, or Churchville Chili. Pull Barbie's string and she says, "It's CH-EYE-LYE, not CHILL-EE". Barbie comes dressed in camouflage riding an ATV on railroad tracks. Pet pit bull included.

Webster Barbie: This Barbie is only sold door to door as an athletic fund raiser. Barbie comes with 3 different Sport Booster Club gear. Barbie can easily be turned into Soccer Mom, Football Mom or Hockey Mom. Webster Barbie shops at Wegman's daily and knows what everyone else in Webster is doing, how they do it, when they did it, where they did it, with whom they did it with and how much everything cost!

And on the 4th day... they came streaming in from hell...

Not much going on today except a birthday party, free food, millions of students crying foul about graduation requirements and phone calls from angry parents. Behold, the life of a registrar clerk ;)

Tonight I have plans to clean clean clean (you know, that cleaning you put off because your friends don't mind how disgusting you really are) and also to cook some stuff, clean out my car, and try to catch up on the 50 hours of TV I have recorded. Yikes!

Laura isn't coming until tomorrow after all, Jake is gonna spend time with all of us on Saturday, Lilac festival tomorrow evening, Dim Sum on Saturday... sounds like an exciting weekend...

Plus.. I got my homework done for Monday!

Behold, two people that make me smile...


Misty H

How we met? Through 4-H, in middle school. We were both probably in 8th or 9th grade. I joined the teen council, which traveled around the country visiting different councils and whatever. It was a lot of fun. She and I were able to graduate with top honors and give speeches to our fellow graduates. She gave me the scoop on her school, I on mine.. though I wasn't that gossipy about my classmates. Her and I still keep in tough and she plans to live in Rochester after finishing her PhD in Physics.
Favorite memory? We did this all nighter once with a bunch of friends in an abandoned firehouse back near my home. It was a lot of fun and solidified our friendship.
Location now: Buffalo, NY, finishing her degree.
Years known: 12
Most enduring quality: One of the friendliest people I have ever met in my entire life.
Little known fact: Is getting married this year to Lou, a nice guy that lives in Chili.
To be thankful for: For staying my friend even though her and Remi did not end well at all, and there was a bit of hostility for a long while. I'm thankful for her keeping in touch with me, even if I haven't been the best in that regard.


Linda W

How we met? Freshmen year of college we were both in a computer programming class. Both of us, while not novices, pretty much had no idea what we were doing. We did a project together, but lost touch until my Senior year where we hooked up again and had a blast!
Favorite memory? I was teaching her to drive with my (new) car. She is a very nervous person when she knows people are watching.. and we took a turn going 30! Such a funny (and really scary, you have no idea) moment, I'll cherish forever.
Location now: Washington, DC working for the US government! I'm so happy for her (and jealous!)
Years known: 6ish, 3 really well
Most enduring quality: Extremely generous. Like, for example, you can con her into thinking she owes you money (muhaha) No, just kidding. She is generous and very thoughtful. She even calls me often to say hi!
Biggest regret: Not coming to see her in DC sooner! Also not keeping in touch with her the first couple years I knew her. She's a fantastic person.
Little known fact: Originally from NY, NY and her father is an excellent cook. Though I don't think its genetic (just kidding)...
Favorite quote: Too many to list. She's always saying nonsensical funny stuff. ;)
To be thankful for: The recent 4 day weekend I spent with her last week! Such a blast. Thank you so much Linda for coming up, hope to see you in the Fall during Meliora weekend and also when I go to DC for Laura's wedding. :)

A couple quick items...

So I had time over lunch to browse the net. Lots of stuff going on. Just thought I'd share. :)

Bush Fish Is it real, is it parody?

Free Frosty Weekend Get a fress frosty from Wendy's this weekend. :) I plan to.

Google Content Blocker Well, every success will have its critics.. and this one is pretty funny.

And 14 hours later....

Today.... was.... ugh.

So I didn't even get a chance to read CNN today, that's how busy I was! Heh. I didn't even get to take a lunch, but I did run over real quick to the Senior picnic. Seems my whole office went, but nobody flagged me down. I had work to do anyway.

Seniors need to graduate so we can stop sending them emails/phonecalls/letters/smokesignals. These kids have gotten dozens of messages from us over the past 2 years... and I still have 16 out of 130 people not graduating! Erk!

Class was hellish. Wait, scratch that. Class was a mix of boring/informative and downright a waste of time. He teaches right out the book and requires we read that chapter before class. Such a waste of our time and his. Plus he taught SLOOOOOW tonight for some reason.

Making cookies for the guests this weekend, hope they likey. They come tomorrow night.


I adore the following people:


Remi S.

How we met? We met when his family moved into town in the 8th grade from the Adirondaks. Remi was my best friend from 9th grade to the end of Senior year. If I wasn't at my house, I was at his. I got him to join 4-H and him and I traveled the country for several years. His house burned down my Junior year of HS and his family ended up moving back up North. I went to college and we've seen each other twice since. I miss him.
Favorite memory? I actually have this great photo of him in a cowboy outfit that our Texan friends dressed him in while we were in Austin, Texas in 1997. He had the big belt buckle, the boots, hat and tight jeans. Such a funny and carefree human being.
Location now: He lives outside of Albany now, he was working at a paper factory (maybe damn good money too) and living with his girlfriend. That was 2 years ago :(
Years known: Over 12
Most enduring quality: Wasn't afraid to cry when he needed too. I think it got him laid too. One of my other friends Misty went out with him and the crying won her over ;)
Little known fact: His mother and my mother became best friends, he has never met his real father, he has lived in Germany and has a great sense of style. :)


Kerri & Cathy

How we met? I met them the end of my Sophomore year, separately, in interviews for the residence hall I was VP of at the time. They wanted to live on our hall and did not know each other.
Favorite memory? Nnnnneeeeeeeeiiiiihhhhhbbooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrr! (pronounced neighbor but said really sqeeky and really delayed) Since both of them lived across the hall from each other, they coined the term naber to describe each other. Also a favorite memory... walking into Jake's room and both sleeping in bed with Jake. Haha.. Jake.
Location now: On campus, getting ready to graduate. Congrats! I hope to see you/congratulate you/hug you goodbye on Sunday.
Years known: 4
Most enduring quality: Both had to put up with the collapse of ICLC their Junior year and the destruction of the legacy that was URLuke/Laura. :) They did it like troopers and escaped the country to deal with it! Haha.
Little known fact: I went on Spring Break with Kerri/Laura to Montreal my Senior year and Kerri wrote the Dim Sum article that I was in! Oh, and Cathy reads my blog. ::waves::

Pizza & a Dental Appointment

Well, you know how much I love food, but I have a good excuse not to eat the free pizza available today during lunch... I have a dental appointment to get braces tightened and stretched and moved and pain-filled. When they hurt, it makes me happy, strange as it sounds. I did, after all, ask for them. I've got a ton of stuff to do after work today (the least of which is homework that is due tomorrow!). I can't wait for this weekend!

Today's post honors two exceptional ladies in my life...


Sheila V

How we met? Sophomore year, while spending countless hours in Cindy A's room in college, one night Laura, Sheila, Cindy A, Cindy V and I were eating (big surprise) some kind of ethnic treat while watching a weird movie or two. I wondered who this fascinating girl was with such a perky smile and interesting personality. I've stalked her ever since.
Favorite memory? Clubbing with her Senior year. Quite the dancer, if I do say so myself.
Location now: Bing, NY The area is beautiful and I plan to visit her this summer.
Years known: 4.5
Most enduring quality: Exceptional ability to tolerate the obssesiveness and quirkiness of the people around her (not naming names!).
Little known fact: Has a knack for raising hamsters. Shaggy dune will be missed. Also, Sheila is going to be the best damn social worker in the world. She's currently outside the country on a trip and hopes to one day possibly maybe (please) live in Rochester.


Alison Z

How we met? Through Sheila. While Alison and I are not technically close friends, I do enjoy her company and we do eat out ever so often. She was with me in the Dim Sum article! You can see her thigh.
Location now: Rochester, NY
Years known: 3 Met her senior year of college.
Most enduring quality: Strong wit and quick comebacks (usually hits to the ego, but I disgress). If you need enlightenment and a sense of purpose, steer clear. She's also an exceptional singer.
Little known fact: Recently got a job in Rochester, so she's staying around for at least a year more... great news. I'm looking forward to seeing her new apartment.
Lesson to learn: Internet dating never ever works. ;) Right Alison?

Busy, Annoying and Smarmy Monday

Last night I spent a good 3 hours trying to get one of the broken computers to work. I got all the parts together and sealed it up (even though only 1 ram stick will work) but now I have a computer to install Linux. However, I had trouble getting it to install, so that's tonight's project.

Today was the last day of finals for students, and the phones were ringing off the hook. I never realized we got so many phone calls. I got at least 1 every minute or so for a good portion of the day. I don't mind though, I enjoy talking to people and listening to their gripes.

I've decided to share a part of my life I haven't shared yet. While you get the hum drum everyday excitement, many of my readers (and I love each and every one of you) do not know who my friends are. Over the next 5-10 posts, I will be posting a little blurb with picture about each of the 20 or so people I have considered friends.


Luke O

How we met? Freshmen year of college, I met him as he visited Laura C. He is now engaged to Laura and plans to marry her this October in Virginia.
Favorite memory? If I had to pick one, it would have to be one of the many trips to Darien Lake we all took. One in particular was when him, Laura and I went on the ferris wheel and him and I teased Laura as she panicked due to the height.
Location now: Washington, DC area
Years known: 5.5
Most enduring quality: While he may seem a bit cold at times, he is a very caring and generous person when it comes to helping out where he can.
Biggest regret: Not spending more time with him while he lived in Rochester last year.
Little known fact: Is an Eagle Scout and has a twin sister named Laura (not the one he's marrying)


Wil

How we met? We were both assigned to help run a team of misfits at a conference I attended many moons ago.
Location now: He lives in Florida and I've lost contact with him over the past six months. Him and I still try to talk at least once a year. I've always wanted to visit him in Miami.
Years known: 7
Most enduring quality: Leadership. One of the things that most impressed me about him is that he commands respect just by being a strong leader.
Biggest regret: One of the fights we had back in 2000 or so left things a bit shakey between us for a long while. I hate to fight and moreso with someone I care about.
Little known fact: As you can see by the picture, he raises dogs and has an incredibly talented imagination for writing.
Favorite quote: "Do I have to remind you about the conversation we had about inappropriate touching?" (don't ask)
To be thankful for: He sent me a birthday present in August of 2000 that meant a lot to me... showed me what true friends are all about.
Lesson to learn: He lost his girlfriend to cancer a couple years ago, and his strength and stability through it all had a huge impact on me when I lost my friend in 1999.

That's it for now. I need to pay attention to class now. :)

Home with the mother...

Happy Mother's Day, one and to all. Erm, ok. :)

Nola came to my place bright and early last night (1am) and woke me up coming in. In the morning, her, Lynn, Linda and I went to breakfast. We had intended to go to IHOP, but so did every family in Rochester, so we went to Denny's instead. After pissing the waitress off by changing her order, Linda made up for it by leaving a great tip. Way to go Linda! Our breakfast outing causes Nola to be late to work and me to speed home to be on time for the Mother's Day lunch at my mom's house with my extended family.

Food was good, event was quick. Everyone was out the door by 1:30. I helped mom out for awhile around the house, fixed her computer (my old computer) and helped her move stuff out of my grandmother's house and barn (she's moving). I also stopped by my aunt's house to help her with her computer (Dell Customer Service, anyone??) and was promptly paid with Diet Pepsi and free use of 2 inflatible beds for this coming weekend.

I got on the road by 6 and just arrived. I brought with me a car full of potting stuff, 2 broken computers I'm going to try to mend up and a nice vacuum to give my new carpet a once over. Yes, this is the exciting dreamy life of one Lucky Fasher.

Saturday in the Park

Highland Park: Flowers in full bloom


Highland Park: Here come the Lilacs!


Ashley wants to come out too...


Linda and I in front of the reservoir in Highland Park

What to do on a nice, warm Saturday?

Yesterday work was long and tedious. Joe and I worked on homework for a little but during lunch, and we got all done. Now I just have to do the write up. We've been doing well as a team with our grades, and I think he's happy that I have knowledge of what I'm doing to help guide him.

Last night Linda and I went to Golden Port for dinner. Food was fantastic as always... we got the usual (you can check my picture from the Insider a couple posts ago). She's into Shrimp, so she got some shrimp items. Wayne came over and said hello. The fish tank looks great. Hopefully mine will look great when I get it all set up too.

We then went and saw 'Kingdom of Heaven' at the Regal after I googled showtimes on my phone. We got there around 6:45 and got out around 9:30. The movie went fast! It was fun. A lot of gory bloody fun exciting and dangerous fighting. I loved the scene where the Muslims were attacking Jereuselum and Orlando Bloom's plan to take down the towers to prevent being overtaken. It was a great watch. Linda thought it was a bit short with the plot, but she did get giddy when Orlando took off his shirt.

Today I have several items on my plate: gotta get a haircut, gotta go shopping, go find linda to have lunch, some more picture taking, gotta clean the car, stop by fedex, and back here to do some cleaning.

The shopping is going to take the longest... I need to stock up for my upcoming guests this weekend. :)

Good thing I don't rely on cash...

Class went well on Wednesday. I got my exam back and I did well. Not as well as I had hoped, but above the average and on track for a good grade. The final is worth about 50% of the grade, so that's the kicker.

Thursday I worked on homework with Joe during lunch. We got a lot accomplished. He's gonna stop by in a couple minutes and we're gonna finish. I think we're done, but he wants to just make sure one last time.

Last night Jake came over immediately after work (he was there when I arrived) and we hung out and played a couple video games until we went over to his place for some errands. It was the first time I had seen his new house.. and it's great. I know Laura will love it too. It's really close to 390 off Chili Ave (around the area I was looking at in March). It's in a nice neighborhood and it's got 4 floors. The attic is awesome and is going to eventually be Jake's gaming/party room. I loved it.

I picked Linda up at the airport around 8:30, we all went to King and I for dinner at 9, then went to Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy at 10. I fell asleep a couple times in the movie, but all in all a good time. I now understand a lot of the references that Jake has used over the past month. I don't think I'll be using them now, but it was still a fun watch. I dropped everyone off and finally made in home by 12:30.

When I got to work this morning, I checked my bank account to find out that my credit card had withdrawn double the amount of money that I authorized out of my account. Sigh. When I called them up, they apologized profusely and assured me it was their fault and they would return the money.. but not until next week sometime. I talked to Chase and they refused to help put back even $500 of it.

Fortunately, I don't rely on cash to live or I'd be in big trouble.

Dreams of Vacation

I definately need a vacation. The motivation for being productive and helpful is about tapped out.

This was supposed to the weekend (Wednesday - Sunday) that I was going to be in Georgia spending time with Cindy A. She took the week off for her birthday and had invited me down there for four days of fun. I had planned to do it. I went to buy the tickets. If I could fly down Wednesday night and leave on Saturday night, I would save over $100 on my flight. If I went down Thursday to Sunday, I would not.

When I proposed this change to Cindy, she was open to the idea, but her best friend Kim had vetoed it, as they had planned to go see Kelly Clarkson on Wednesday night and they didn't want me spoiling the evening. [Note: the Kelly Clarkson idea was scrapped and they ended up being available Wednesday. I found this out a month later.] So the answer was no. So I decided not to go. Instead, I've made plans to go to LA in August. I've requested two weeks off at the beginning of August, as I mentioned previously. It's only 3 months away. Finals for Simon start the 16th, so it will give me time to relax and unwind before winding up once again.

I mailed Cindy's gift today. I think it's a good gift. It's hard to tell what the woman wants. She gets whatever she wants by herself. So I opted for the simple and the homemade. I hope she likes it. It will get there around Monday. Apparently Monroe, GA is 'in the boonies' because I had a $5 surcharge added to the bill for out of the way delivery.. haha.

I think if I hear one more time that I'm unhealthy, I'm gonna stop talking to that person. I don't think of myself as unhealthy, and I exercise, eat well.. but literally every day I get that comment. I know she means well, but it's still frustrating. Plus, I was able to pawn off cookies and brownies onto my coworkers this morning. Get 'em out of my place. Outta mind, I say.

Meticulous and Stalwart

Today's post is dedicated to Pecker, my first baby bird promptly (and shamelessly) named by Jake. Even though I've had a dozen baby birds since her, Jake only ever asks about this one... even though he knows I sold her into slavery 2 years ago.

Two new events to add onto the calendar. My good friend Linda from Washington, DC is coming Thursday night for the weekend! I had no idea she was coming up so suddenly, but I'm gonna pick her up and catch a late dinner with her. She desires Dim Sum. I offered her my place for the weekend, but she hates cats and Ashley loves her, so it won't work out. She may come with me to the party this weekend, though.

My sister Molly and her beau Mark are coming to Rochester for the Lilac Festival next weekend. They asked to stay with me for four days, but I already have guests for those 4 days. So they're gonna commute every day. I don't know anyone else that has a spare bedroom in the area. If I had a 2 bedroom apartment like I wanted, I could sqeeze in 2 more people somewhere, but alas, I do not.

My exam last night didn't go as well as I had hoped. While the material was insignificant and my answers appropriate, I think I misunderstood a couple questions. The worse part of exams at Simon is they have the midterm the 1st half of class and then teach the 2nd, so you have to listen to people talk about what they did and what was correct. Arg, I said Amazon's book business was a bigger cost expense ratio than Homegrocer's delivery business! The shame!

I think I picked up a new TV show. I know I shouldn't, but its something else to watch. Crossing Jordan, a show about a mortician who solves crimes. Doesn't make much sense, but ever since I've seen all 130 episodes of Will & Grace, I'm running out of TV to exercise to everyday.

I'm really looking forward to this weekend. This week has already been among the most dreary in recent memory. My life summed up this past month: work, homework, work, class, work, study, work, exercise Throw in a vacation or 3 a year and poof, you've got a good time!

Gonna be a long week...

This is going to be a long week. For the first time in a long while, I wish the weekend had been longer. Without a major exciting project to work on, time goes more slowly.

Upcoming Events:

1. Midterm in my class tonight at 5:30. While I don't expect it to be difficult, I just want it to be over.
2. Cindy A.'s birthday is tomorrow. I'm gonna call her and try to mail her present to her tomorrow. I'm a little belated getting the gift to her, but I've been really busy.
3. Laura and Luke are coming to Rochester in 10 days to stay for 4 days. This is a highlight..!
4. Graduation day for the undergrads is that Sunday, I have to work that morning 9-12 (extra $$)
5. This weekend my sister is having a party at my mom's house to make an announcement to the family. Looking forward to seeing everyone.. it's been over a month and half
6. Lilac festival is next week.. can't wait for the smell... and the events.. and the music...
7. Star Wars has its premier in 2 weeks.. Jake and I are gonna see it opening night (hopefully)
8. Painting painting painting! Jake is painting his new house inside before they move in, so he'll be in Rochester for the next couple weeks every night. Hope to help him a couple times.
9. I made way too much food this weekend for someone trying not to eat.. help me finish it off?

Mystery on Langslow

I'm not naming names, but a certain pet of mine has been taking my stuffed snakes from their cozy resting places and leaving them in odd positions are my place... such as in the tub in my bathroom, on the window sill in the living room, on my bike in my bedroom... they are constantly in motion, which makes me think that they're threatening her in some toy snake kind of way. Once I find out more, I'll be sure to report back.