I Hate Mary Jo

I guess I shouldn't say that I hate her. I don't even know her. I will never meet her. I will just continue to be reminded of her existence until I get a new phone number some day.

I've had my phone number for at least 3 years. I just know I've had the same one for Ivy's whole life and then some. It's probably more like 4+ years. Anyway, when I first had it (the first year or so) I received many phone calls for a woman named Mary Jo. It was mainly pharmacies and what sounded like really old ladies. My assumption? That Mary Jo was dead and that I had gotten what used to be her phone number.

A long time passed where I never received a call for her. Until about 6 months ago. I started getting calls from the Social Security Administration, banks, and Doctor's offices. Everyone I have spoken with informs me that this is the number that she is giving out. I'm pretty sure some people thought I was lying to them. Haha. Whatever. The point is that Mary Jo is alive and either thinks that my phone number is really hers or she is from the simpler, 7-digit days of Pittsburgh and doesn't include the area code. This could lead people to automatically call 412 instead of 724????? Make any sense?

One of these days I will try calling the number with 724. But it scares me. Sike, just kidding. I just feel bad calling some old woman and saying, "Get out of my life, you old biddy."

Finally, the weird thing about the situation. I love crazy coincidences like this. Guess what Mary Jo's last name is.

KNOUSE (jeepers, jinkies, and zoinks)

I Love Alex

I have been so busy. Busy having fun, that is. I got to see NIN a couple of Wednesdays ago. Why is Trent Reznor so hot?!?!?!?!? He looks better than he ever did when I was in high school (when I really had the hardcore love for him). Guess some people just get better with age. And kicking drugs will help anyone's appearance.

Speaking of that, is Perry Farrell no longer on heroin? He looks like he maybe gained 20 pounds. I'm not a fan, but still nice to see him looking almost human. Evan is more of a Jane's Addiction fan, so we stayed for their whole show.

Concerts, concerts, concerts...Phish was last week. Ohmyfuckinggod, I love them. I always reach that point at their shows when I am so absorbed in their playing that I kinda feel like I'm no longer on Earth. NO, I was not on any hallucinogens. I didn't even eat one bite of Mike's delicious Betty Crockers this time. Drugs never hurt a show, but I just decided to avoid the inevitable "nerves" I get when they wear off.

The show was spectacular, as always. I realize what it is about a Phish show that you never see at any other concert...unity. There is a unity between fans. I've talked to numerous people who work or have worked at the Ampitheater and even they can sense the difference. I love the hundreds of beach balls and balloons bouncing all over the crowd. I even love the anticipation of being hit in the head by flying glowsticks. When you go to the bathroom, people are still dancing all over the place out on the sides. The sidewalks are jammed with people having a blast. There were 21,000 people at the show, and I'm just so thankful to have been one of them. They stopped playing at midnight because they had to, but you get the distinct impression that they would have stayed longer...

Oh well, whatever. I could go on and on but I'll segway into Paul and Mary's visit. They were here from Philly for the show. It's always so great to see them. This time, I finally got to meet their little girl, Denali. She's adorable and, of course, Ivy loved her. Jen planned her housewarming party to include them. That was Friday. It was a blast. Paul and Mary came back after taking Denali home to bed and we lucked out when Brent and Brittani decided to steal Ivy for the night. I spent a long while talking drunken politics and religion with Paul. He's the best. Haha. I know, I know, sounds like a riot! But you just can't put a price on friends you really connect with like that.

We also got a visit from Terry last week. Sadly, he missed Jen's party but we all hung out on Wednesday so it's cool. It's always great to see him. I can't believe he's been in LA for like 4 years now!

Time to move on to the best news of all...in my mind. Late at the party when all the little kiddies had run off to bed and it was (as often happens) me hanging with Alex...he made my life. He really wants a dog and needs a very small one. After seeing my little MinPins, he decided he would like to adopt Irene on a trial basis! Irene is our third canine addition to the family. She's a good little dog but has always had so much trouble going with the flow here in this crowded house. We have waffled for a long time about taking her back to her previous owner, but just never had the balls to throw in the towel. So I told Alex to talk to me when we were sober. But he insisted that he was serious and that he wanted me to go with him to pick out a crate for her and stuff the next day! Sleep deprivation and my goofy work schedule stopped us from getting together on Saturday, but we made a plan for today. In fact he literally just texted me for the 5th time today. Haha, I think the man is excited. I hope it works out. I won't be the slightest bit upset if he decides he can't handle her at the end of a month, but I will be SUPER EXCITED if Irene finds her true home. The little pup just needs more attention than we have to give.

Thank you, Alex!

I Love Men's Purple Whatever This Thing Is...

OK, I'm sorry but this may be one of the funniest things I have ever seen! I came across it on Ebay while searching for pieces to make my Halloween costume. Um, what I am looking for is nothing like this...

I Love My Life

Why?

Because it is epic. I know I am a wretched bitch who does nothing but complain during certain hormonal peaks and valleys, but you need to realize I am actually quite content. I just have my moments of spazzation. What broad doesn't?

There is absolutely no reason for anyone close to me in my life to still roll with me after the things I have done. But somehow, some way, I managed to at least exercise good judgment when it came to choosing my closest friends along the way. *whew* I never cease to be amazed at the love in my life. Starting at the inner circle with Evan (who is and always has been and always will be the best and most priceless friend that a woman could ask for) and trickling all the way down to the ladies and [few] gents who I work with and only see from time to time - I feel massive amounts of love. I don't know what I have done to deserve it and I am painfully aware of the things I have done to disqualify me from it. It's actually a pleasant mystery I ponder often. All I can tell you is that I am thankful for it.

In addition to the super folks in my life, I am quite fond of what I do with myself. Even while my tea business is on hiatus, I am able to do work that makes me proud and that I honestly enjoy. Rarely is there a day that I don't want to go to work. And when I don't feel like it - which is very rare - it's DSW that I shun. Never the Masquerade.

8 months ago I walked into a Halloween store and walked out with the best imaginable part-time job for me. My work at the Masquerade has resulted in so many awesome things. I have made one of the best friends that I have in my life right now. I heart The Chuck. I have met some fun and creative guys and girls that I feel enriched for knowing. And I have gotten paid to do something that I love more than anything - play dress up! They just paid me to spend 3 days at the Steel City Con dressed like a pirate and (on the 3rd day) Wonder Woman. It was truly a notable experience that led me to discover a couple of amazing people who are doing wonderful things for the world. Check out the Lake Erie Pirates (they have pics of me on there) and the 501st Legion. Good stuff.

But I won't let DSW go without a mention here. I do enjoy it there. I've met lots of nice people. And I have to say they are a company that rewards hard work and responsibility. They actually asked me if I'd be interested in a full-time management position while they were looking to fill it. I was flattered but obviously couldn't let them invest time in training me when I knew I wouldn't be there for much longer. Just yesterday, one manager made me feel awesome when he wouldn't let me just quit altogether at the end of the month like I intended to. Haha. I was surprised and again flattered to know that I had "proven myself worthy" of a little perk where I can work one little shift a week (of my chosing), thereby keeping my discount! Woohoo! Plus I don't yet have to say goodbye to them.

Things are also looking up for my jewelry. I did the Oddmall last week and it was a great marketing and networking experience. I didn't make enough to justify travelling so far for a show, but I gained valuable experience, info, and - I think - fans. I have sold a number of pricy items in the last couple of months. Helps to make the ends meet, ya know? Also helps to support my crafting addiction. I'm looking forward to having the tearoom back so that I will have a permanent showplace for my work.

OK, it's time for bed. It's like 1AM and there are at least 5 hours before Evan returns from Vegas. Can't wait.

And my daughter is the best kid ever. I just felt I needed to add that to this because it is such a happy post. She brings the happy like it's her job. Haha.

I Love This and That

I finally opened my precious little Simple. It is a lovely new toy. I wound my very first bobbin on it. Go me! And that tablecloth is not going to be as simple as I thought. It has a border. Eek! Haha. I started cutting fabric for it while Ivy watched all 20 episodes of Caillou On Demand. It won't be difficult, but at least I feel like it's more of a learning experience.

Other new and exciting tidbits:

1.) I am working at the Steel City Con with The Masquerade in April. That is going to be so retardedly fun. I hope I'm there for the 3rd day's costume contest! Homemade costumes only will be eligible. Magnificent! I won't be able to participate because I have to dress up in Masquerade merchandise. I don't have to dress up at all, but I was told I could. We all know that I never pass up the opportunity to dress like a fool. I found a super little pirate costume at the store and I believe it will be my uniform for the weekend. I don't like pirates very much, but it works. The only female Star Wars costume we have right now is Padme Amidala. It is gianormous and pretty fugly, to be honest. My boss made it clear in his own way that I should either dress Star Wars or dress pirate. Pirate wins. There IS a Rainbow Brite costume that I'm sure he would OK (it's a toy show, too) but then I would have to wear a wig...still debating, but leaning towards no.

2.) I made cupcakes today. They are in Spongebob papers with dinosaur shaped sprinkles. Why did I do this? I really have no idea. I just saw Funfetti mix in the baking aisle and had to have it. They're delicious. My co-workers stand to benefit greatly from this.

3.) I am already working on mine and Evan's Halloween costumes. I figure there will be no excuse for a half-assed job if I start now. Then I can start using my sewing skills for something important. Hehe. It's too bad this Con isn't falling later in the year so that we could enter their contest. Our outfits would fit right in.

4.) This is the best news of all. Jon LaJoie is coming to Pittsburgh and we are going. Jen is buying the tickets tonight. She burned me a copy of his CD that she bought. That guy was born with one seriously dominant funny gene. If you haven't heard "Pop Song" then you must listen to it...immediately!

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 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?