Anyone need a babysitter?

 

Owen loves to come over to my apartment, because I've got all of the cool toys!

Deserved Mockery

With the cold weather comes cold weather clothes, most of which I like.  However, the mock turtleneck should never have come to pass.  From dictionary.com the word mock means:

1.	to attack or treat with ridicule, contempt, or derision.

2.	to ridicule by mimicry of action or speech; mimic derisively.

3.	to mimic, imitate, or counterfeit.

4.	to challenge; defy: His actions mock convention.

5.	to deceive, delude, or disappoint.

 

I would contend that mock turtlenecks fall into the definition of ridicule, contempt and derision.  What were the designers thinking?!  I feel like the only other thing I have to say is dickies?

 

[polldaddy poll=1123368]

 

Toilet Paper Sin

I loathe buying toilet paper these days.  When did it get so freakishly expensive?!  I feel like it's such a waste of money considering it's purpose.  Plus, it seems like it's even more expensive in St. Louis.  Because I hate buying TP so much, it usually takes me a long time to choose what brand I will select.  It's gotten so bad, that I compare the price to the overall square feet I could take home.  I know what I want, Cottonelle. In my opinion, it's the best, but it's also the priciest.  And, it's got a puppy on it.  Last Wednesday I settled on Quilted Northern.  The commercials are dumb, and who cares if your TP is quilted.  I went for the package of 12 double rolls (450 SQ FT, 300 2-ply sheets per roll.)  It cost me about $8.  Toilet paper, it now costs me time and money.  

Sadly, due to its cost, I find myself wanting so somehow ration it, and make 3 square rules for its use. When you live with multiple women in one dwelling, there is usually one person who uses more TP that everyone else.  I'm not sure how you can prove it, but I resent her just a little bit.  Look what this world is coming to.  My sin over toilet paper: greed, coveting, hate, temptation to steal, lack of trust.

licking

Last night I learned that 2 of my roommates enjoy licking people when they are unaware they are being licked.  It was a surprisingly long conversation for such a topic.  Strategy was discussed.  Licking people in swimming pools is advantageous, not only because they are wet and are less likely to notice, but because chlorine kills germs.  Having one or more friends join in the licking of an unlikely victim can be fun, so I've heard.  Licking elbows, also a good time.

I do not plan on ever joining in on this sort of "fun".

I figured I should update you

Well,  I'm still here in St. Louis awaiting the start of classes next Thursday.  Tonight is the President's Reception (semi-formal) and tomorrow is orientation.  Then on Tuesday I will sign up for classes.  

 

 

In the last two weeks I have managed to watch Seasons 3-6 of Gilmore Girls.  I feel like I live in Stars Hollow and that Lorelai Gilmore is my friend.  Here's what I've learned from spending so much time with my new fictional friends (television and movies can reveal a lot about one's self, especially since exaggeration of one's perceptions of the world make things so clear):

1. I wish I were more freely expressive and aware of how I'm feeling.  I wish when I was angry I could express that anger in the moment, but not in hurtful way to others.

2. Words are powerful.  It's so easy to hurt others with uncareful speech.

3. Small towns may not be so bad.

4. I'm glad I didn't grow up in New England in a really really wealthy family.  The unhealthy obligations of the rich are so insincere.

5. I hate when pride keeps people from resolving relational conflicts.  The show actually induced tears during several episodes when you could see two people in pain over stupid fights, and they missed out on so much because of it (I know it was scripted and fictional).

6. Jeep Wranglers are cool.

7. If Lorelai Gilmore were my mom she would be turning 48 this year instead of 60.  I wonder what our relationship would be like if she were a teenager when I was born and brought me up as a single-mom.  I'm thankful it's not the case, but TV and make many things look appealing.

8. Manipulation isn't worth it.

9. I wouldn't want to try to attend an Ivy League University, I don't like school that much.

10. I love it when people say what is true, even when it's hard to hear, because that's one way you know that they really see, know, and love you.

Sorry, Gilmore Girls

I'm too obsessed to blog.

Angry with myself

I learned something about myself this weekend as a pulled an open trailer full of my well-stewarded belongings to my parents' house for storage.  About 25 miles outside of Norfolk I was bombarded and pummeled with rain.  I had to pull over twice.  It only lasted 10 minutes, 10 minutes that felt like 20 as I berated myself for not putting a tarp over my stuff, defending my decision with past negative experiences with tarps.  The bottom line is that I made a decision that I thought was the best decision given the information I had.  I usually make good decisions.  I hate being wrong!  My wisdom was faulty!  Arrrg!  I stayed mad at myself all the way into Norfolk and for a good hour after I arrived.  I'm never one to hold a grudge or to stay angry, but I guess it's all different when I'm the one at fault with myself.  Perhaps I need to have lower expectations for myself.

Bloggety, Blog, Blog

I read several blogs today containing apologies for not blogging.  Where is the pressure coming from that one feels like they have to excuse themselves for their lack of blogging.  Enough of the guilt and shame from not blogging.  I'll blog when I have something to say, and even then it may not be very interesting.  You in blog world will probably still read it.  You may not comment either, leaving me little motivation to blog again.  We are more than our blogs!  So blog off!

The Humility Virus

Since last Friday afternoon, I have been home sick with a virus.  It has sapped me of all energy and most of my humor.  I have had mock-able hair for those of you who enjoy picking on creative bedhead style.  I have had to muster the energy to get out of bed for a drink of water, of which I would have only taken sips.  I rejected offers of food, and subsisted on apple juice, chicken noodle soup, and fruit smoothies.  I have not at all felt like myself.  My dog has become over protective, rarely leaving my side, and barking at absolutely anyone who would arrive at our door.  She has been given back very limited bed rights, too.  If I'm in bed, she can be on the bed (I needed the companionship and body heat).  My roommates have been ever willing to help, fetching me food and drink, shoveling, letting the dog in and out, feeding the dog, being empathetic--good stuff.I went to the doctor Monday afternoon to find out I had a virus that just needed to run its course.  It's not virus she had seen as of late.  I have decided that it is the Humility Virus.  I feel absolutely helpless, and I hate asking for help.  I have had to rely on others for an entire week.  My bosses at work have been way to kind, letting me take all this time off and telling me to call if I need anything.  Allowing me to go home Wednesday after a 2 1/2 hour attempt at working that left me in bed the rest of the day recovering.   A male friend who had been over doing some handy-work commented to another guy that I actually looked like death (my self-esteem soared).  We had a weekend guest who has no idea what I really look like and her ex-boyfriend has now seen me at my worst.  I realize that looks mean little, but they are something of who we are, who we want to portray ourselves to be.In an effort not to neglect my blog any longer, this is what you get.  I dedicate this one to Renae 22 who had been bored lately with the lack of updates, and though she has been the primary force-feeder in my house during the Humility Virus, she still thought I needed to buck up and blog to keep her entertained.I hope to see many of you in real life soon, and predict there may be some Brook sightings in the very near future.  Until then, wash your hands regularly.

So very sorry, but two things I love in one video.

V.I.P. That's right.

As of Monday I became a VIP at the Nabi plasma donation center.  Basically, this means my plasma has lots of Hepatitis B antigens, I get paid more, and I get to put VIP after my name when I sign in, moving my name and file to the very top of the list.  I'm not sure why, but the whole thing makes me feel like a rap star, and I am considering getting some bling with my initial on it.

Breast Cancer awareness what???

Before I procede with this entry, a disclaimer: I am not against creative ways of raising money for breast cancer awareness. Furthermore, I have compassion and empathy for those who have fought against this disease.
However, you have to find the humor in just a bit of it. There are just some things that should not be pink.

Such a thing of beauty should never be pink

Really, a corkscrew?

Dangerous pink knives

And finally that which never loses its suction. . .


Other things I am hoping never to see in pink:
Kenmore washer/dryer
a snowblower
a weed wacker
basically any large appliance

The most satisfying Bachelor ever!

For several seasons now, my friends and I have been watching The Bachelor. This season the best woman won the heart of the Officer and the Gentleman. Although we are fully aware of the disfunction of this show, it has provided hours of Monday entertainment and dramatic superlatives. Our pick from the first night (Tessa) walked away with the final rose and a sparkling precious.