I Love Robocop (And Unicorns)

This is a pretty good representation of how my mind works.

I Love Selling Jewelry

This past weekend was the Old Allegheny Victorian Christmas house tour. AntiquiTea purchased three tables this year and my mom was kind enough to allow me a whole table for my jewelry. Whereas the tearoom only did about half as well as last year, I ended up selling a LOT of my things. It was a huge confidence boost. Not to mention I really needed the money! I have two jobs now, but I'm still not even getting 40 hours a week between them both. Actually, I might this week. That's beside the point.

There are 2 obvious reasons for the tearoom's lack of sales. First, we passed out samples of loose tea last year, but not this year. I had made iron-close teabags and enclosed each with a little card telling the flavor, instructions, and our contact info. This allowed us to engage each passer-by. Those who were tea drinkers then proceeded to check out our goods and many of them purchased tea from us. I didn't do that this year. I was preoccupied with the jewelry both before and during the show. I really wish I had time to have prepared for both. We also didn't have our secret weapon this year - Evan. They don't call him "The Mayor" for nothing! He can sell anything and engage anyone's attention. He had originally planned to help again this year, but in the end he didn't feel obligated to do it...certainly not for me. Can't blame him. I don't. His back was messed up on Friday and he had a costume party to go to on Saturday at his brother's place.

I really just wanted to post some photos of things that I sold, but ended up rambling as usual. Haha. Here are pic-a-tures:

I Love My Jobs

I love my job because my job loves me. They love me so much I am getting a key. I learned (sorta) how to close tonight. Ohhhhhhhhh yeah. They are going to pay me more, too. Nice. The best reason to work at the Masquerade? All the cooooooooooooool stuff I get. My Halloween/costume box is bustin' at the seams. I just scored a pink and black pirate costume. Very sexy. Very handy in the event of a random pirate party. I mean, Bar11 has pimp and ho parties and they have hillbilly hoedowns...why not a pirate party? I'm ready when it happens!

I also work at DSW now. Shoes shoes shoes shoes shoes...mmmmmmm. I need none. I want many. It's a cool second job. I like it. It's only 2 seconds from the Masquerade. I thought I was the old lady at Masquerade working with a bunch of 20-year-olds. Now I feel RIDICULOUSLY old because most of the DSW gals are 16, 17, sometimes 18. It's...interesting. I can't remember being 16 but I'm pretty sure that I was nothing like them at that age. Not the same kind of high school kid. Oh well, they're all nice as pie and cute beyond belief. I'll live.

But, seriously, I'm glad. No, no, really. Good times.

Goodnight.

I Hate Missing Myspace

I deleted my Myspace account, which is depressing me. I loved Myspace. Yes, I am 15 years old at heart. Haha. Meh, as much as I hated to do it, I had to. I just need to start using my time on the computer for more constructive things! I'm focusing a lot of my energy on jewelry right now. I still have the Freshwater Designs Myspace. Check it out and pass it on. I would love it if you'd add me as a friend, since I lost so many with the deleting of my personal profile.

I'm gladly rekindling my relationship with The Bead Hive. This is an eBay group I have belonged to for a long time. It is comprised of the best damned jewelry and bead makers on eBay (or anywhere online, in my opinion). Sadly, my mindset over the past year has kept me from enjoying many of the things that I love and take pride in. I need to get back to what I know. The best news is that I "rejoined" just in time for them to move the group off of eBay and onto Aimoo. This means one major thing to me...I can finally talk about my frickin' frackin' Etsy site! On an eBay group, you can't even whisper the name "Etsy." *shhhhhhhhh* Not even in a private group, just between members. Nope. For those of us who no longer sell on eBay, it makes such a group far less useful.

Uhm, yeah, I made my signature 2008 holiday piece this past week. With any luck, it will sell at the Old Allegheny Marketplace in mid-December. I'd buy it. Haha.



Oker-dokers. I have to pry myself from the computer because Evan and Ivy are on the way home with feeeeeewd for me. Num-num-num.

I Hate the Past

I have not been myself for at least a year. I left reality behind in pursuit of a dream - a fairytale about star-crossed lovers - that DID NOT exist. I am now left facing a harsh reality where everything I have ever cared about must be rebuilt. Resolutions have been made to face the future and stop living in the past.

Incredibly, my husband has not abandoned me in this. Quite the contrary. He has proven (not that proof was needed) to be the best friend I have and to love me, indeed, for better or for worse. I've never been worse...and it's hard to imagine I could ever do worse.

The future is unclear. Certainly there is no going back to a better time. There is only moving on. There is only starting over. Ultimate challenge needs ultimate determination.

The past year's behavior has left me an empty shell. I have little confidence, a failing identity, a raging obsession that needs stifled, and a WHOLE LOT OF APOLOGIES TO MAKE! This is all my doing and there is no one else to blame. I'll do like I always do and deal with it.

Thanks to everyone for their love and support! You know who you are.

I Love 80's Videos With a New Twist

I Love Overloads

Hey folks. I have been busy as hell. I started that new job last week and I've ended up working pretty much full-time hours. Good thing is that it's easy as pie. Everyone is cool and it feels like I've always been there. Temptation is great because there is so damned much I want! I am always working over on the Bliss Avenue side where the fitting rooms are. It's the home of all the sexy costumes, lingere, stripper clothes, corsets (LOVE), and adult novelty stuff. Without trying to sound too much like a pig - I have a lot of things that I want from there. Everything but stripper gear, basically.

On top of going from 0-to-full-time in seconds, I have Halloween to think about. The costumes are coming along swimmingly. Just a few more embellishments and mine will be done. I've been staying up late to finish up those and a bunch of jewelry projects.

I just finished the wedding jewelry for Brittani. That's one major accomplishment that I am glad to strike off the list. You know I don't mind doing it, it's just a great satisfaction to be done with it and to know that she likes it.

Speaking of the wedding...uhm, haha, nothing really. It's Brittani that should probably talk about that. All I need to do is get my dress once it's finished. I get to wear the terra cotta color. Rock my socks. The only color better than orange is purple and since there is no purple in the wedding, I feel lucky to rock the color known to attract crazy people.

Probably the most important thing happening this month is Ivy's birthday. The party this year will be a fraction of last years size. I don't know what I was thinking last year. It was such a big ordeal - though awesome and fun - that I didn't even dress up for Halloween. It hurts to think of such a thing. This year is very different and I am off of my 2 year holiday hiatus (the year before last I just had Ivy, so there was no hope of Halloween happening). Did I just come full-circle back to Halloween? I believe I did.

Still waiting on Evan to tell me what the hell he wants to do for his b-day (a day before Ivy's). I've gotten no response. We'll probably just go out somewhere local if I had to guess. Cool with me.

Until next time...

I Love Skull-A-Day

I shouldn't be wasting time on this right now. I should be doing something productive. *gag*

I love the Skull-A-Day blog. Thank you, Tony, for turning me on to it last year. This artist (his name escapes me right now) made or found one skull every day for a whole year. By the end of the 365 days, the blog was so popular that he chose to go for another year. This time, it is everyone else that makes the skull crap and submits it to him. I made a jewelry submission (naturally) for them.

Oh, and I start working at the Masquerade store in Robinson on Monday! Woo-hoo! Can't wait. Pffffff, who gets excited to work? Haha. There are so many things that I want from there for Halloween that I doubt I'll actually take any money away from the place.

Anyways, come visit me. That's an order!

I Love The Obey House

Yes, I realize it's a dive bar. But Mark loves what he does and I always respect that! I was perusing their calendar, hoping to plan some Bad Movie Monday adventures when I came across something astounding:

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22


RO-SHAM-BO
"THROWDOWN AT THE 'O' "
A ROCK-PAPER-SCISSORS CONTEST

16 WILL ENTER. 1 WILL WIN
WINNER RECEIVES A
PHANTOM OF THE ATTIC
$25.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE.
LOSERS CAN ONLY DREAM
OF WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN.
BEER WILL BE INVOLVED. SO SIGN UP NOW.

Can someone please go to this with me? I am more than dead serious!

I Hate The Real ID!

And I've ALWAYS hated it! And I always WILL hate it!

Real ID

It's mind-numbing.

I Love Sifl & Olly

I loved this show. It was so crescent fresh.

I Love When TP Sticks to My Shoe

Hmmmmmm...let's see. What's been going on with me?

A bunch of us went to the Steel City Big Pour at Construction Junction on Saturday. That was a crazy three hours of some insanely good beer tasting. The place was HUGE! It was a great set up. Thanks to Def Jef for tipping us off to it. We saw That Guy and his lovely wife at the event. Always a pleasure. They were there representing their place of employment and doing a fine job.

Does it make me an alcoholic that I came home, slept off that particular buzz, and awoke to drink until 3AM with Brent, Brittani and their friends from out-of-town? It does? Good, I was hoping so.

FUNNY STORY ALERT: I walked out of the restroom with TP on my shoe at one point while there. There were huge lines, so it was pointless to try and hide it. I laughed and cracked a couple of jokes to those who noticed. The best part was when this goofy chick turned around and let out this high-pitched squeal followed by, "Oh my GOD! You have toilet paper stuck to your shoe!!!" Brilliant! Thanks, bitch. I don't get embarrassed by things like that, so I had no personal desire to beat the dumb broad. For all those who would have been embarrassed by such a thing, I wanted to head-butt her and make her cry.

Sunday was Brittani's bridal shower. Things went well. It was nice to see all of the Freshwater cousins that I don't see often. Ivy was there, charming everyone's pants off. She loves a party, just like her parents. It's in the blood.

Sunday night, we "watched" the Steelers game here. Of course, we had no power for most of it. There were a lot more people here than I originally expected, too. 11 of us if I remember correctly. Those who cared about the game sat huddled around the laptop until its battery died. Then they went to tailgate in Evan's truck. I was not among them. I just like to drink beer and hang out. That's the extent of my sports interest.

GOOD NEWS ALERT: I get my wisdom teeth out on Friday. I seriously cannot wait. Insurance was a big waste of time since they're only covering 200 out of the 1400 dollar cost. Joy. I never should have waited. In all honesty, I should have inquired more thoroughly about it. I was being lazy. My bad. They're coming out. That's all that matters to me now.

Last week I applied for a job at the Masquerade costume store in Robinson. The guy was nice and seemed to imply that he foresaw no reason not to hire me once he got through all of his upcoming interviews. I hope that happens. The biggest reason is that I love Halloween more than I love most things. I've already been working on costumes for a month. On the real, though, I just need money and I can't really commit to anything long-term because EVENTUALLY I will have a tearoom to return to. They need seasonal help and I need seasonal work. Dig it, man.

Speaking of Halloween, who wants to guess who Ivy is being?!?!?!?

Here's your clue:

Does anyone recognize their blog in the background?

I Love Jon Lajoie

Yeah, this guy has about 10 videos that crack me the hell up. I posted "Sunday Afternoon" a while back. I no doubt posted it on a Sunday. I am so clever, don't you think?

Here is one I love:

I Love Flash Gordon

Uhm, everyone should see this movie. I made no mistake by watching it the other night. It's free on demand, people! What's better than a football fight? Seriously? No, seriously!

"Are your men on the right pills?"



Respectfully submitted,

Nicole Freshwater

I Love Old Music Videos

Sorry that it wasn't really Chevy singing, Tabby! Hehehe

I Love The Randomizer

I can't remember exactly what "The Randomizer" does, but I'll be damned if I don't want to play some Toejam & Earl right now to find out. I dare the Nerd Herd to try and run me over tonight!

I CONQUERED my food safety class test today. Who studies? Bite me, ACHD.

The Monterey Pub is a nice place to meet Phillipino guys named Michael who can be both hyper-intelligent and a fellow fan of the movie, "Mean Girls."

I love the peaceful feeling I get on the Mexican War Streets. That is, I will until I get shot there.

I am growing closer to becoming farther from my wisdom teeth. Joy.

I totally forgot about the deaf chick, Linda, from Sesame Street.

Heart is still one of my favorite bands. While I prefer 70's Heart to 80's Heart, I really can't argue with "Never" or "Alone."

I miss the old Phishin days. Friends, drugs, makeshift tents, naked people making grilled cheese outside of their school bus, feeling like the whole concert was a giant spaceship destined to return me to my home planet - all gold, my loves, all gold!

The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack is the finest new kids cartoon. I love adventure! And candy!

I now feel the need to join my husband, brother-and-law, and my BFF on the back porch to hear what battle of male wits is taking place out there.

I grok that beer is goodness.

Goodnight.

I Love This Email

A girlfriend of mine sent this email to me and several other gals, including her mother. That pushed it over the edge into poetry for me. Kudos to the author, who is now my hero of the day.

"OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"so one of you sluts is a HUGE benedict arnold!!! i had a dream last night that one of you whores (not sure which one cause i couldn't see the beotchs face) left your significant other to be with someone else??? and you wanted to introduce the new hottie (and i mean the hottest guy ever) at your next pool party (the pool situation is making me lean towards one individual already) anyway so everyone arrives at the bbq/pool party and i'm the last to get there of course, and the secret lover is none other then my true love JAMES GARNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HUGE BETRAYAL HUGE!!!!!!!! i mean that is just way below the belt ladies, if it was [her man's name] that one of you prostitutes would have taken then there might just have been words over it, BUT I'LL STAB A BITCH FOR JAMES!!!!!!!!!!!! FESS UP HUSSIES!!!! and i find it peculiar that one of you is pregs and the affair was a secret for months before the pool party???"

My friend was a big fan of The Rockford Files, as you can see.

Now off for some Dairy Queen to numb my face.

I Hate I Hate I Hate ( I Love Ranting)

It's been an interesting (and annoying) couple of days. I donned my "hat of neighborhood pride" to attend a West View planning meeting last night. Today, I spent 8 hours in a food safety class, bored out of my skull. Both have only added more fuel to the Libertarian fire that is Nicole.

I have a business in West View. It's a lovely little town with a lot of heart and history. They're in need of certain appearance "upgrades." This is what the meeting was about. The hired architects made their presentation to the few of us business owners (very few) and residents (even fewer) who bothered to show up. It was nothing but good ideas. Not a surprise there, since this was a private business trying to please a client in the ultimate attempt to get paid. That's always a good dynamic that I stand behind.

I made some observations:

These improvements to the town will be pricey. The only hope of securing funds is to apply for government grants. This is sickening to me, as this money should have remained in the town to begin with. Taxes are paid to the Federal government and so these things become a government concern. But why should they care about the little town of West View? No reason, which is why they don't. But we will jump through these hoops and beg them for our money anyway, because the money is no longer in the hands of those that know how to use it. If I am not allowed to take my neighbor's money and make him beg me to have it back, then why is the government allowed to do it? Someone please explain it to me. I'm dying for an answer that I know doesn't exist.

The architect kept making references to "ordinances and codes." To make the town look better, maybe we need to "tighten up" on these things. This was his suggestion. He repeated the sentiment several times throughout his presentation. My curiosity is simple. If the current ordinances and codes aren't cutting it, then what in the world would make anyone think that "tightening them up" will make a difference? They aren't respected now, and they won't be respected even after tons of taxpayer money is dumped into this suggested "tightening." My suggestion? If we are so annoyed with these run down properties, why don't we go and offer to help fix them up or raise money to buy them? It's worth a try, right? It's called personal responsibility. Not much left, anymore.

When people are paying taxes, they expect action for the things that THEY care about. While this is understandable, it is rarely a reality. Uncle Sam is a poor businessman who cares little for customer service. One fellow at the meeting was irritated that one of his neighbors was letting some property go to shit. He voiced this to one official who proceeded to squirm while working up a satisfactory response. The government man explained all of the procedures and all of the paperwork to the resident. The resident became agitated and suggested that MORE needed to be done. Why doesn't this resident offer to help his neighbor? Because he is required by law to pay his government to take care of it. And it doesn't get taken care of. What is going on here? It's simple, but I don't think too many people get it. If you're not following me by now, you are hopeless.

Next subject:

The Allegheny County Health Department requires businesses like my AntiquiTea to certify members of their staff in food safety. Why? Well, I learned the pathetic and laughable reasons today in my 8 hours of hell! Only 8 hours more to go next Friday.

I learned a statistic today. 5000 people in the US die from food borne illness each year. This statistic was presented to me in such a way that it should strike fear into my heart. My reaction was a simple, "So what?" That's called nature, people! Many of those unfortunates were probably elderly or had weakened immune systems to begin with (they were on their way out). Sorry, I lack compassion. Whatever. People die. There are worse ways to go than from food poisoning.

I also learned something else. Outbreaks are on the increase. There have been several recent bacterial outbreaks caused by foods that were once considered harmless. What does this say to me? It says I don't need to be sitting there all day wasting my time! It says that all of their attempts at educating us for prevention have amounted to nothing! Bad things are going to happen, whether we try to avoid them or not. Accept it and move on.

I sat and listened to a couple of freaky, germophobic health inspectors tell me anecdotes about how they are screwing up their children in their war against bacteria. One told a story about how she overheard her son ask if he could lick the batter bowl from some cookies and, remembering that they used several raw eggs (*gasp*) in the recipe, she ran full speed, dropping a half-changed baby on her husband, to prevent her son from eating the batter. She was proud to realize that her son now has an aversion to eating cookies of any type. Stupid government puppet.

I prayed for deadly food poisoning while I ate my lunch.

The moral of this story is that I don't need the government to tell me any of the following things:
~Washing my hands is a good idea.
~Cleaning food before using it in my resturaunt is a good idea.
~Storing food at safe temps is a good idea.
~Wearing seatbelts is a good idea.
~Not wearing helmets is stupid.
~Driving drunk or recklessly is a bad idea.
~Smoking is a stupid thing to do to your lungs and it annoys others.
~Drugs are bad, mmm'kay?

Jesus Christ in a water bottle, I fucking hate people!

I Love Squirrels

And I haven't seen nearly enough of them this year.

I Hate Living Statues

I'm in Columbus, oh joy. My Mom and I are here on a mini buying trip for the shop. I am amazed at how smoothly everything went. Here in under 3 hours, a focused 4 hours at the marketplace, checked into the hotel by 6, fed by 7, and ready for bed! Yeah, it's 8. Whatever, I'm tired. Too bad I'll still probably be up until midnight. I hope I remembered my book.

Tomorrow, we just need to go back to the stores we want to order from and be on our way back to the 'Burgh. I'll be back in plenty of time for Adam's birthday carnival. I accidentally stumbled upon 2 super presents at a rest stop earlier. I won't say what they are in case he's snooping around in here.

I saw the creepiest thing ever today. There was a living statue in one of the shop doorways. I have to admit I was completely fooled. When he moved, I all but ran away. I mean, we were heading somewhere else anyways, but I definitely picked up the pace. Haha. We stopped within his sight to do someting and he kept waving at me! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Freaked me the hell out. A worker told me that he's infamous and extremely well-payed. It's definitely an incredible art, but not one to which I will ever get close enough for full appreciation.

I Love Yet Another Fun Weekend

I had a blast this weekend...as usual!

Friday was a small party for Robb's b-day. Thanks to Jen for hosting. I encountered a disappointment that led me to the realization that I have it pretty good. I have this lamp that I got at Target. Several times, Robb has mentioned that he likes it. That was my super gift idea for his b-day because he's not the easiest friend to buy for. I went to Target only to discover that the bastard is DISCONTINUED. Freaking thing is still displayed up on the shelf. Grrrrrr. I was heartbroken. So, I settled for the Metalocalypse DVD, which he loved anyway. But, yeah, if that is a major let down in my book, then I should never complain. Hold me to it! Just cut me some slack if I'm hormonal, because then shit is totally whacked in my dome.

Saturday was a fundraiser party at the Concordia Club in Carnegie. My friend's little sis has cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. I can't afford our meager medical bills, so I can imagine how expensive this all must be for them. They had a golf outing which raised over 6 thousand dollars! That's incredible. A bunch of us made it down to the club for an after-party. There were remnants of a chinese auction and also a donation box, so I hope they raised lots more by the end of the night. It was a really great time and kinda like highschool reunion - take two. I saw a lot of folks I haven't seen in years, including an old neighbor of mine that I haven't seen since we were 7. He was hammered and hilarious. I swear to God he must have given me a thousand high fives for being so "cool and fun." I wasn't paying much attention to him, honestly, and kept sneaking away when I could. Poor kid seems to have no concept of "personal space." Haha. Whatever, good times.

Sunday was the Poison concert. After the late night on Saturday, I was astonished at how flawlessly we pulled together a tailgate. Guess that's what happens when a bunch of people have been partying together for so many years. The fun-sectors of our brains have psychically fused into a party machine. Evan even used the carpet remnant - until now a permanent fixture on our front porch - to line his truck. It was truly maximum comfort. The show itself would have been a lot more enjoyable, but it was cold and rainy...and some of us were chemically enhanced...shhhhh, don't tell. The government would have you believe we aren't capable of making such decisions for ourselves. I actually enjoyed Dokken's show more than Poison. Bret had "laryngitis." Evan swears that was the story last time he saw them. Speaking of Evan, he rocked his little heart out through all the cold and the rain. I didn't realize how big of a Poison fan he had been in youth. Pretty cute, actually.

I Love Makin' Necklaces

Here are the other things I made last week. Honestly, nothing I am in love with. Making things just makes me happy. Can't all be masterpieces.

For Summer, before it's gone...


For the kids...


To keep cool in the heat...


Mmmm...jewelry.

I Hate My Boring Mailbox

I pretty much love all of these and would proudly sport them in my yard. Especially the blue mannequin, though she would be better if she were purple. And the R2D2 may not be a personal mailbox, but I feel that it had to be posted.

I Love Looking Like a Kid

I met my new favorite person today. His name is Dan. The older I get, the nicer it is to hear that I look like a youngster. Earlier today, I was working with this fellow delivery driver that I had not yet met. Unlike the two fellas that I work with on a regular basis, this one is a regular chatty-Kathy. Somehow, age came up. I said I was 29 and he freaked out. If I had perceived the slightest bit of bullshit, I wouldn't have taken it as a compliment. It seemed to be a sincere shock. Haha. Cute kid...I think I'll keep him.

On Wednesday I went to see the Titanic artifact exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center Sports Works. It's incredible, go see it. I command you. My Mom has been talking about it since she first sniffed on the air that it was coming to the 'Burgh. Now, I knew that she had a Titanic obsession with all things Titanic, but I had no clue the extent of her knowledge. I must admit; I was impressed! She was spitting knowledge at me left and right. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but I learned more from her than from the exhibit itself. My Mom is amazing.

The best thing about this week is that I actually got back into my jewelry cave of wonders. I made a few new things, but mostly just fixed things for people. I'm good like that. It might take me 2 years to do it, but I will fix your broken jewels. My favorite new piece is called "Pulse." I love purple. I even snuck a skull in there.

I Love Sunday

I Love The X-Files

Evan and I went to see the X-Files movie today. I didn't plan it. Just suggested it and it happened. Ivy was at a party with Brent & Brittani, so we took advantage of the freedom.

I'm not going to try and say it was that great of a movie, but I hearts me some X-Files! It made me happy. I looked at Evan before it started and said, "I feel like I am about to be reunited with my first true love." Seriously, people, I have a cat named Mulder. It was kinda sad to see my beloved David Duchovny looking so much older. *Sigh* Whatev' - still delicious.

My complaint is pretty simple. It was like watching a 2-hour long X-Files and wishing that it was a better episode. I can think of several episodes that had better stories than this movie had. Acting and directing and all that was fine, don't get me wrong. I guess I was just hoping for some more conspiracy-oriented stuff. Side note - I dug that it was set in harsh West Virginian winter but came out in the dead of summer. Instant air-conditioning, like singing Christmas carols to cool off.


Now I need to hunt down my fellow X-Files lovers because I have some questions about how the show ended. I stopped watching right before the last season. Things never work out when a main character wants to leave a show. When DD wanted to leave, they should have ended it right. Instead, it went out without a bang...kinda dwindled away. It was a sad ending to one of the most legendary Sci-Fi shows ever made.

I Love My Actual Birthday

I'm officially older now. This was a legendary year of birthday fun for me. I actually took it easy on Monday. I chilled with Ivy all day, watched cartoons, colored like a goddess, and played the part of the tickle monster. It was a good performance.

Tuesday was wings at the Hop House. Eh, that's always good lovin' fun with the crew. Everyone left pretty early, so I got to lay low and save up my energy for "TRUE BIRTHDAY 2008."

TB2008 began with a meetup of Me, Evan & Tony at Nunny's. Evan had this delusion that he might do some work and not come out. When I saw the scotch in his hand, I knew he would be easy to crack. Tony brought me some flowers and a book for Ivy. Haha. I have this vision of him standing in this big room full of books - looking around and deciding which one to bring. I swear that he has a new book for me, Evan or Ivy every time we see him. He's a masterful, gift-giving guru. The three of us (Evan = no willpower) headed down to the Sharp Edge to meet up with Missy & Co. Mikey J came, too.

Missy & Co. didn't arrive until after 10. When they did, they rolled in with cupcakes (delicious), a card (hilarious), a huge birthday bee balloon (adorable), and a framed picture of the last time we all hung out. Nice surprises all around! I have incredible friends. We hung there until they literally kicked us out (they close @ midnight). Since they had gotten there so late, we decided to head to the Hop House for a few more beers. By that time we were pretty lit from the hearties at the Edge. I really just remember laughing my ass off for 2 hours with Missy, her boyfriend Mike, and her brother Alex.

Perfect end to "BIRTHDAY WEEK 2008." Thanks again, everyone!

I Love Amazing Weekends with my Amazing Friends!

Saturday was my birthday party. I had more fun than I have had in years! A lot of us met up at Amanda and Adam's place before we went out. Amanda is preggers, so she didn't come out with us. Understandable. She was kind enough to host the cake and present party (which we still do for everyone's birthdays because we rock). Tabby wasn't able to come out with us, but she made it to Amanda's so I got to see her (awesome). I got some super presents. Pee-Wee's Playhouse DVDs, Kindergarten Cop, Deathklok shirt, skull shirt, gift cards, a visor cd holder (long story), and an awesome cutting board thing that is made from an Absolut Vodka bottle (I collect the ads). After a rousing game of "beat the giant beach ball around the yard for an hour until it gets stuck in a tree," we went to get our drink on.

We all went down to Bar11. I am enamored with that place and would go there a lot if I could. They give you toys and candy - two of my favorite things. Thanks to Evan, Jen, Rachel, Jeff, Adam, Brent, Brittani, Robb and Toni for rolling down there with me to celebrate my monumental birth. Thanks to Bruno for being there, waiting for us. He gave me one of his 3-D underwater scenes! He's so sweet. Hart, Mindy, Gina (Greg), Rachael, Adam, Mike, Tony, Alex, Jason, and Marissa all showed up for the fun, too. It was such an epic blast! I want to go back - SOON!

Saturday night, there were murmurs of a possible demolition party happening @ Nunny's house on Sunday afternoon. After luring Jen into hangover breakfast, I made her go up there to see if it was really happening. We walked in to find Jeff, Toni, Robb and Evan tearing shit up. Apparently, we were fashionably late. Brent, Brittani, Mike, Tony and Alex all eventually joined us. Lots of things got done and lots of beer got consumed. I had a retardedly good time with everyone. Sitting on the deck with Alex, Jeff and Jen was like highschool all over again. It's great to hook back up with old friends like Alex and realize there is still so much fun to be had.

I'm taking it easy today. My birthday celebration isn't over until Wednesday, I have decided. Tomorrow I plan to go to wings with everyone @ the Hop House. That's always too much fun. Haha. On Wednesday, I am going to try and get together with my girl, Missy. She works weekends, so she didn't make it out on Saturday. Maybe the Sharp Edge will be in order.

Thanks to everyone for making this weekend so much fun! I love you guys.

I Love Weird Al

He'll always be the funniest guy in the world to me!

I Love/Hate The Vegematic

What is the Vegematic? Read this to find out before proceeding to the next paragraph.

Crazy, confusing story alert! Evan had to go to Philly to help his brother's girlfriend move here. They had rented a Penske truck that Brent wasn't comfortable driving, so Evan was elected to do it. Whichever vehicle that Evan took to Philly would have to be driven back by Brent. Brent can't drive a stick, so that left out Evan's truck. So, he took my car. I can't drive a freaking stick, either. Not wanting to be stuck here with no car, I asked if I could borrow my Dad's car, the "Veg," in exchange for Evan's truck. No problemo.

Problemo! On the way back from Philly, my car blew a brake line (that was yesterday). I had to deliver pies this morning, so I just used the ole' Veggie-Mobile. It was ridiculous. I have never driven a more sluggish car! Holy Jesus. It was hilarious when I went the wrong way on a long, mountainous road...had to turn around and put-put-put all the way back to the other end. People were so pissed. Hehehe, I hate people so it all worked out. Plus, nothing beats a free gas day.

:D

I Love My Birthday

I feel like now that the weekend has ended, I can unleash my birthday excitement. We're going to Bar11 on Saturday. I have, surprisingly, never been there. All friends who a - share my silly, childish ideas of fun or b - know me at all tell me I would love it.

Since it is usually kind of difficult to get the crew outside of the general area on a regular basis, I am playing the birthday card. Not that I'm talking shit! It makes sense for us all to stay local since we all live in the same vicinity. Plus, most of us are "accounted for" so we aren't exactly in need of much diversity. And who needs the headache of coordinating anything when you KNOW that the important folks will always go to the Hop House? You say be there - and they are there. Easy peasy.

But since it's my birthday, I want to break free of the routine.

That Guy, consider this your invitation. :D

I Hate Waiting

I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored.

I am sick of sitting here! I know like 5 people (at least) are coming over, but I am sick of waiting. Somebody call me a waaaaaaaahmbulance.

Been sitting here all day - doing laundry, dishes, cleaning, entertaining Ivy, watching Sesame Street, rescuing a giant groundhog from my mad dogs. You know, the usual. Now I need some beer and some company - in that order. Is that too much to ask? Hehe.

I Love Remodeling Parties

Being married to a self-employed construction worker has its ups and downs. Biggest down = no steady cash flow (though this can be good when you get a lot of $$$ at once). Biggest up = his uber skillz in remodeling homes.

His work has commenced at Nunny's. I arrived on Sunday to find Evan and Adam tearing the shit out of the attic. That's going to have to be our room because there are only 2 bedrooms on the first floor. One for Ivy and one for me to work in. Said attic was originally divided into 2 small bedrooms and a center hallway alcove thingamawhatzit. They tore it all apart and made it one big room. It's pretty badass. Plenty of room for a bathroom with some freestanding tub action.

Every night spent "working" there has turned into a social event. If it's a Freshwater establishment, you know there's going to be beer in the fridge, right? People just seem to stop by when they see our cars. It's been nothing but good times.

Gooooood times.

I Hate Flaky Videos

That last post's video is messing up, so here's another...

I Love Tesla Coils

While enjoying wings tonight, Dr. Robb tipped me off to this bit of geeky goodness. I am enamored with Tesla Coils and this just kicked my ass!

I Love Camels

Did you know that?

I Hate Not Knowing What I Would Do

I wasted 4 years and an assload of money studying Psychology, only to learn that people are idiots. I stumbled upon an article that reminded me of this classic experiment.

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The Asch Conformity Experiment (1953)
The Setup: Solomon Asch wanted to run a series of studies that would document the power of conformity, for the purpose of depressing everyone who would ever read the results.
Subjects were told that they would be taking part in a vision test, along with a handful of people. The participants were then shown pictures, and individually asked to answer very simple and obvious questions. The catch was that everybody else in the room other than the subject was in on it, and they were were told to give obviously wrong answers. So would the subject go against the crowd, even when the crowd was clearly and retardedly wrong?

The Result: Questions the subjects were asked were like the puzzle shown here:




All they had to do was say which line on the right matched the one on the left. As you can see, Asch wasn't exactly asking these people to design the next space station. Really, the only way you could get the line questions honestly wrong is if you took two doses of LSD that morning and rubbed them directly on your eyeballs (which would have made for an even more awesome experiment, but we're getting off the point).
Yet, sadly, 32 percent of subjects would answer incorrectly if they saw that three others in the classroom gave the same wrong answer. Even when the line was plainly off by a few inches, it didn't matter. One in three would follow the group right off the proverbial cliff.


What This Says About You: Imagine how much that 32 percent figure inflates when the answers are less black and white. We all tend to laugh with the group even when we didn't get the joke, or doubt our opinion we realize ours is unpopular among our group. So much for those lectures you got in elementary school about peer pressure and "being brave enough to be yourself."
"Well, it's a good thing I'm a rebellious non-conformist," many of you are saying. Of course, for virtually all of you, the next step is to find out what the other non-conformists are doing ...
... and make sure you conform to it perfectly.

********************************
Check out the whole article! It's hilarious.

I Love Sterilizing My Body

Bring on those sweet, sweet antibiotics! I have another huge infection in my gums. As a result, I have taken far too much ibuprofen lately and caused myself some gastritis, or a wearing on my stomach lining. That's what caused my "food poisoning." Shut up! I'm not a doctor, ok? At least I know enough anatomy to realize that the problems were in my stomach. At this point, I can't even take a tylenol without major discomfort. So, it's no pain relief for me while my face is on fire. I will be very cheerful tomorrow as I hand over my most recent Keflex prescription. Eating is pretty much one of my favorite things in the world and these wisdom teeth have sucked all the joy out of it. Wah!

How many days are left until September 4th? I can't count that high.

I Love Making the Top 10

The most recent (August 2008) issue of Victorian Homes Magazine includes an article titled, "Victorian Homes' Top 10 Tea Rooms: Discover the best places to find the perfect brew-and more." It encompasses the entire nation, and we made the list! It's an incredible honor. Here is what they had to say:

Patricia Knouse and her daughter, Nicole Freshwater, joined forces to open AntiquiTea two years ago. It's a partnership that has proven successful, with jewelry designer Nicole running the dining room and gift shop, and Patricia in the kitchen. "We just love making our guests happy here," Knouse says. "I always invited friends for tea and love anything to do with it - the fine china, serving styles. I just love the daintiness, the elegance of the tea service." AntiquiTea is situated in an early-1900s house. "The lady who grew up here is one of our customers," Knouse says. But the shop has proven so successful that they will soon be moving to an old farmhouse in the town of West View, just a mile away.

It's wonderful that this article came out during our down-time. Hopefully, it will serve as a reminder that we will be back! And we can't wait!

I Love Huge Messes

I spent all day Monday rooting through more junk at Nunny's. I'm trying to get the attic totally cleaned out because that is where Evan wants to start remodeling. It's not too bad. There wasn't much up there. The tough thing is going to be packing up all of my Dad's old Lionel trains. He has a huge built-in table up there with a whole crazy setup. Those things are worth a fortune! *cha-ching* There's my new bathroom. (Sike?)

Yesterday, I delivered pizzas! Good times. My friend, Rachel, actually bought the Vocelli's Pizza on route 60 that we both worked at in high school. It was Pizza Outlet then. Yep, she's been there for 11 years. While I'm not getting paid by the tearoom all Summer, we both thought it would work out for me to cover a couple of lunches each week.

What I want to know about Vocelli's is who the hell Vocelli is? I know for a fact that the company is still owned and operated by the Turkish family who started it - the Ablaks. There isn't a thing Italian about the company and there never was. I find the new name hilarious.

In recent news, I am filthy. I'm covered in soot from the tearoom. My Dad just keeps gutting shit! I headed out today to sort through some things and organize the randomness. Most things are covered in a fine layer of black dust thanks to his recent round of demolition. I'm a dirty mess. First I intend to savor this beer I'm drinking for as long as I can before showering. I earned it.

Over lunch, I offered my services (however limited) to what he is doing. Surprisingly, he started rattling off horrible, time consuming jobs that I could do to save him the hassle. I'm glad to help any way I can so it looks like I will be training for the shop-vac Olympic team next week.

Oh, and I made something this week. Geekery is collectible, you see, and so is jewelry...

The Answer

I Love This Story

Here's a little story that I will be adding to every eBay CD auction soon to be posted under my account...

***************************************************
The True Story Behind the CDs:

My brother, Mikey, is Autistic with severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He has a massive collection of CDs, which he handles with extreme care.

One day, he was sorting and stacking many of them on our parents’ kitchen table. Our Dad wanted to have a quick bite to eat at the table, and debate arose over whether or not he could move any of the CDs to make a little room. Mikey was, of course, concerned that something might “get onto or damage” his CDs. This is not a joke. That is how obsessively he cares for his things. When my brother left the CDs unattended for a while, my Dad proceeded to eat at the table, taking great care not to disrupt the carefully arranged piles of music. Dad was simply thinking that Mikey would never know, and that what he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him – or his CDs.

Unfortunately, Dad got busted! Mikey wouldn’t use them after that. There were over 100 CDs on the table that day. Some weren’t even opened and most had barely been used. It seems a shame to let them go to waste, so I am selling them for him. Hopefully, I can raise enough money for him to replace some.

What’s the point of this little story? Simply to explain how I can guarantee that any CDs I sell here on eBay are in near perfect condition.

***************************************************

That's a true story! Cross my heart and hope to die. I doubt anyone on eBay will believe it, though. At any rate, I can't think of a better reason for someone to trust the condidtion of an item than it having been owned by someone with hardcore OCD.

I'm selling them to help out. I hate posting auctions for other people, but for I'll make an exception for my bro.

:D

I Hate Annoying Pains

I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with me. Yesterday, my stomach started to cramp. Constant, annoying, nagging, pissing-me-the-hell-off pain. Except after I eat anything. Then I feel glorious. This has happened to me before. It was a while ago, but not long enough ago. That time, I almost took myself to the hospital. After about 3 days, it passed. Is it food poisoning of some kind? The world may never know, because unless I'm dying, you can bet I am not going to wait hours at the ER. Maybe, just maybe, I will go to the doctor tomorrow. Maybe not. I don't even know who the hell to go to. It's been so long.

To make matters worse, one of my blasted wisdom teeth is making a valiant effort to go where it is not wanted. Hehe, actually I want them to get to where they should be, but the other teeth are saying, "Sorry fellas, no more room. It's crowded enough in here already." I'm stuck with them kinda half in and trying to muscle themselves all the way into the party. I had an infection about a month or so ago. I half expect that this is another one. Perhaps I will be lucky and it will die down like it usually does. Everytime this happens, it hurts like HELL. I can't shut my mouth all the way, or open it up very far. So annoying. I have to make it until September 4th before my insurance will cover the extractions. Stupid 4 month waiting period that I didn't know about. Yeah, I'm an idiot and didn't add dental insurance to our plan until it got to the unbearable point. When the waiting is over, I will be waiting outside of the surgeon's office wearing a party hat and blowing on noisemakers. I'm thinking of wearing this T-shirt to the surgery:

I Love Gina

I have a life-long friend named Gina. Our Moms have been best friends since they were 16. So there was no hope of us not at least knowing each other. Knowing doesn't always mean loving, but I love me some Gina. Today brought me one more reason. As I have just become aware, she likes The Freshwater Files. Who wouldn't, right? Then again, she has always had good taste.

As I was saying, Gina read my post about finding the Sci-Fi Stories mag from 1957. While visiting her sister in LA, she came across some postcards that are old sci-fi book covers and bought me 2. Then, instead of just waiting to see me, she surprised me by mailing them in a card! The card had handwriting in it! I almost forgot how to read handwriting-even nice handwriting like hers! What I read was a helluva nice note and I really 'effing appreciate it. I don't think there are too many things I enjoy more than sci-fi and presents. When the two forces are joined, it's bliss.

Thanks for making my day, girl!

I Love Exercise

Several months ago, out of the blue, I started to work out regularly. My Knouse metabolism is incredible beyond reason or justice. People hate me for it. So, I wasn't interested in losing weight, just getting into better shape and managing my moods. I'm a hormonal bitch a lot of the time. Working out has definitely taken the edge off of my wicked attitude problem. My reason for writing about this? Just that I just had an unplanned free half-hour while Ivy napped. I did the right thing and did some hardcore aerobics workout with some chicks that have more energy than people have a right to. I'm proud of myself and I feel like bragging.

Oooooh! My Mom just stopped by with presents for me and Ivy. She gave me a ceramic skull cup thing. I don't really understand what it is, but I like it. Maybe a picture will make its way on here if I have a second. It looks good next to the skull shot glass on the TV. Ivy got some puzzles. Rock!

I Love Moving

I got another notch in the ole' moving belt today. This was a legitimate move, too. I'm used to moving people from Crafton to Crafton, or from Crafton to Crafton Heights. Today we moved Robb and Toni from Morningside to Greentree. One may wonder why they lived in Morningside at all. Blame their being in grad school at Pitt and not being from Pittsburgh at all. I forgive them and so should you.

The move was easy peasy. It would especially seem so to two seasoned veterans like myself and Jen. Jen moved like 10 times in 2 years I think! Haha, no not really, but it seemed like it. And her most recent move was up a mountain of steps. She literally called all of her male friends for permission to move there. Classic.

Punk-ass Evan got to skip the move because he has a hernia. Waaaaaah! He spent his day grilling food at a birthday party for one of his deck hockey buds. What a jerk. I want a hernia. Eh, but I can't really complain about a move where we started drinking well before noon and were completely done with everything by 3. I was drunk, hungover, and sleeping it off all before the evening and now I'm feeling fine.

Evan, Ivy, and Jen should be here any time for round 2! Yeah, Ivy can really put them away. I'm just being silly and bored right now. I suppose I should go glue some earrings together that I have been working on. Yes, yes, that sounds productive.

OVER

I Hate Housework

I did the dishes! There! Now can I go out and play?

I hate doing dishes, doing laundry, food-shopping, cooking, cleaning, and every other thankless, fruitless, wifely/motherly duty that I feel a responsibility to perform! I want to go to the pool with my books. I want to go see some movies. I want to make jewelry. I want to drink beer-and often do while muddling through the aforementioned shit jobs.

I always feel like other women do these things happily and with pride. It's bullshit, but they are faking it so well! How do they do it? How do they make me feel like I should WANT to clean and take care of people? I'm always wishing to find some joy in it, but I never do.

Truth is, I have far too many colorful interests and I am never satisfied with my accomplishments in any of them. I'm always looking to the next project and how I can improve upon the current. Whether it be something for the tearoom, a jewelry idea, or just decorating a room in my house, I constantly strive to outdo myself. It's borderline OCD. I admit it.

This about sums it up...

I Love Father's Day

In honor of Father's Day, here are some favorite pictures I found of my Dad and his Dad.

My Grandfather, Lou Knouse.

ON THE BACK: "Deadwood, S. Dakota, Burglar Alarm, More cans under the porch. Picture taken 6:30 AM, July 1957."

That's an impressively sized beer, Lou!

My Dad; ON THE BACK: "Tony, 1948, Louis, we call him Tony."

My favorite picture of my Dad (and My Aunt Eileen), because he looks just like my Ivy. Everyone always says she looks the most like him. :)

My Dad on the go-cart with his buddies. This is the back of the house we will someday be living in. Very cool.

Dad and Penny (I think?)

1957, Carson City, Nevada.

July 4th, 1969, Atlantic Beach, NY. I really love this one!

There are still plenty more photos up there to go through. I can't wait to see what else I find.

Happy Father's Day!

I Love When Ideas Become Reality

I hit the bench yesterday. I had been dying to execute these ideas. It's great to see them in the real world, rather than only in my mind.

The first one is called TWISTED. It's a braided rope of silk ribbon, Rhodonite (with quartz inclusions), Swarovski Crystal, and glass.

The second is a themed piece about Eve. It's a reminder to be whatever kind of woman you WANT to be, and damn the consequences! If that means destroying mankind's perfect existence, so be it.

The snake is badass...

The clasp was made from a button I liked.

The apple core is a handmade polymer clay bead that I found on Etsy.


I'm very pleased with how both turned out. They're for sale on Etsy:

Freshwater Designs