[sidecar]

Amilita, I think you can just buy tickets. We saw Macbeth in Chicago in previews, and just bought them off the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's website. I don't know if Broadway is the same!

Kitten, we have a gift certificate for Broadway in Chicago that we need to use. I would probably not go if it weren't for that!

It is cold here and I'm tired of it.

[amilita]

Mmm, Kittenb, I love beef and barley soup. I may have to check out that recipe. Yay for new nano! I love all my podcasts, too.

DM, that is odd about you appointment. I think they screwed up.

~~~vibes for Sheff's game~~~ Let us know how the reviews and sales go.

Yuefie, I think your wedding sounds lovely and I agree that you should do whatever you want!

And Star, I agree that you should not feel bad about a destination wedding. Either the couple should pay or they should not have expectations about people going or not. That's just a lot to ask.

Sassy, good luck with the counseling.

Sidecar, I loooove Xanadu. I especially love how the clothes are this weird mix of the lingering 70s and cutting edge 80s fashion to come. And I love rollerskating movies. Roller Boogie with Linda Blair is a great one.

~$~$~job vibes for anyone who needs 'em~$~$~

~~~all-purpose vibes for everyone else~~~

I am back to work tonight...it's been 4 weeks between being off to go help the Mr. with his dad's house and off for Mardi Gras, because it's so hard to get to the hospital when there are parades. I really didn't do a lot for Mardi Gras...we just walked around, didn't costume, ate fried chicken. It was a nice day, but we didn't even drink at all!

I am starting to plan my trip to NYC for my 40th birthday in April! I have always wanted to go and see a bunch of plays, so that's what I'm choosing to do. Yay! I'm having fun reading all the reviews and stuff to plan what I want to see...and Sidecar, it looks as if Desire Under the Elms will be in previews during the week I'm there. I don't know how that works - do you get to buy tickets just like any other time?

ETA: I finally found a non-underwire bra that is comfortable and pretty supportive...it's Fruit OTL and of course, is now discontinued. But I'm determined to find some more non-underwire ones. Any suggestions? I'm 40D, so it's no easy feat to find good ones.

[roseviolet]

DM, that's so strange re: your dentist appointment. Especially since they called you & everything.

Kitten, that sounds like a great weekend. Thanks for helping the economy with your spending spree!

Sassy, I hope the counseling helps. That sounds tough. (((((((((Sassy)))))))))


Anti-kvetch: We got snow! About 3 inches fell here overnight. It was a very pretty surprise. The roads stayed fairly clear, so we're really enjoying the benefits with very few inconveniences.

Kvetch: Still cramping, but it'll all be over soon.

The game that Sheff has been working on for the last 2 years finally hits store shelves tomorrow! I've already been searching for reviews. I really really hope it does well. I want the corporation that just bought the studio to see that they create great, original, profitable products (and therefore are worth keeping!).

[designermedusa]

kittenb, yay for a nice weekend. Twin DM just got an Nano to replace her Zune, and she loves it.

((sassy)) Good luck on the couples therapy session. I had the Jillian Michaels Wii game, and I agree that it sucked. We sold it to a used music/movie/game store.

((rose)) Feel better.

yuefie, I think the way you are R are getting married at your favorite spot is a great idea. Enjoy Franpa’s visit.

((star)) Don’t feel bad about having to cancel on the destination wedding. I agree with Rose that if a couple is having that type of wedding then they need to pay for it. To me a destination wedding makes more sense if it’s just going to be the couple and immediate family anyways.

$$$$!!!!!Money and job vibes!!!!!!!$$$$$$

Slight annoyance today as I went to my dentist appointment, and they said my appointment wasn’t until the end of the month. I checked and had the appointment card with today’s date and they called and reminded me of the appointment. The office was apologetic, but I just wanted to get it over with as I hate going to the dentist. I was able to reschedule for tomorrow, so at least I don’t have to wait and think about it more.

[kittenb]

Stargazer - I don't think you are being a bad person. The bride had to have realized that your funds were low, being a student and not having a job. I think that people who do destination weddings need to recognize that that means not everyone will be able to make it.

sassygirl - I hope your therapy session goes well.

sidecar - I think that Xanadu is a very fun movie to kill time with but I cannot understand how people are paying $70+ for tix to see it "Live On Stage!"

Mmmmmm, banana bread.

{{{rose}}} Feeling better?

I had a really nice weekend. Did a big Target excursion w/The Geek and my best friend. TG got his bonus this week so he treated himself w/Rock Band! Saturday night became a Rock Band and homemade soup night w/another friend (the best friend does not see the point in the game, or any games really.) The soup was great, a beef & barley from Cooking Light. I bought myself an iPod Nano w/my tax refund. It is purple and lovely. I am sure it will be crammed with my NPR podcasts soon. Oh, I also got a very nice chaise from my besties boyfriend. Good quality and much better and newer than the furniture it is replacing. On Sunday, we watched DVDs and the snow fall. I am looking forward to the date where our weekends no longer have an end date, you know? Ah well, May will be here soon. I am trying to force spring into existance by wearing a white skirt (with tights and my winter boots under it.) I think the outfit looks quirky.

[sassygrrl]

Sidecar, glad the party was fun!

((star)) Destination wedding. I don't know. A friend of mine got married in Costa Rica a few years back. I just couldn't afford it. My sister did the same thing when she got married in Hilton Head. I may go Yuefie's route. I'd much rather spend the money on a great party or something really needed. I'm sorry.

((rose)) Cramps...ugh.

Franpa yay!

((Christine))

DM, WiiFit is great! I love the balance games. I just wish they made more games. The Jillian Michaels one is crappy by the way. I'm considering selling my game.

Kittenb, internship vibes.

Kvetch: Job depression still... just keep swimming I guess right?? I thought I was hearing back from a freelance grant writer position, but nothing. I just miss having a little money. I hate having being supported by others, but I know I'm not the only one here that feels that way.

Kvetch: Couples therapy tomorrow. I think we need it, but I'm nervous.

Anti-kvetch: It's snowing here!! This rarely ever happens in Georgia, maybe once a year. Yes, Miles is out playing in it, having a cat adventure. Zoe not so much. I'm just happy about the weather, and I've had a decent weekend. Lucinda Williams was really good in concert, and heading to UGA to look at graduate schools was a fun trip. I still don't know what I would want to major in, so I just looked at the English and mass communication depts. Mcgeek loved the math department of course.

(($$$ vibes and happiness and love))

[sidecar]

(((((star)))))) i hope she understands eventually. it is a lot to ask.
((((yuefie)))) if it's what you and r want, it'll be lovely. if i were getting married again, i would probably do something similar. i loved my wedding, it was fun and awesome, but I would rather spend the money/effort on something else.
~~~~anticramping vibes to rose~~~~

i'm feeling better today. i went to a party last night attended by a number of coworkers and had a good time. plus we watched xanadu.

[roseviolet]

Destination weddings. Bah. I feel for you, Star. That can get really super expensive really really fast. I always felt that if a bride & groom insist on having a destination wedding, they should cover the travel & accommodation expenses of the wedding party. It's just too much to demand of people. That's even more true at a time like this.
(((((((((Stargazer)))))))))))
Sorry the job didn't work out. Onwards & upwards.

((((((((((Sidecar))))))))))))))))
Happy March! Hope it treats you better than February.

Yuefie, your wedding plans sound lovely. Have you set a date yet?

Last night I dreamed that Sheff & I were re-staging our wedding for our family members who could not make it to the original ceremony. It was really really strange.

Kvetch: Bleeding & cramping. And more cramping. And I need to go to the store (need tampons & groceries) but I'm hurting too much. Plus it's cold & raining. You know that persistent rain that goes on for days & seeps under your skin & chills your bones? That kind of rain. I don't want to drag my achy, cramping body out in that. Maybe if I ask sweetly, Sheff will go shopping for me when he wakes up.

Anti-kvetch: "Sita Sings the Blues" is available to watch for free on-line! I've been wanting to watch this film for about a year, so this makes me very very very happy. I'm going to curl up under a blanket with a nice cup of chai (and some ibuprofen), put on my good earphones, & soak it all in.

[yuefie]

(((((star)))))) you did what you had to do. if she feels like it's all because of the bridezilla behavior, then that is something she will have to deal with. I feel like if a person can't understand how their friends may be unable to shell out money for their special day as shitty as this economy is, well they need to get their priorities straight. Everyone's hurting and nervous right now, most people are not sure if they are going to have a paycheck they can rely on.

But you know, I am all about keeping things simple. R and I are choosing not to have a wedding simply because we don't want the inevitable stress that comes along with planning it. That's not to say you can't have one and it turn out great, it's just that we've both already done it was tremendously stressful for us both and left a bad taste. We are going to have a friend of his (who is obviously ordained) marry us at our favorite spot up in the local mountains, with his wife as our witness. Then we can celebrate with family and friends at a reception. I know this kidlet was disappointed, but we just had to make it clear to everyone else that is our special day and as much as we'd love for everyone to share and celebrate with us, that portion of it is for us.

(((((sidecar))))) extra hugs after the positively craptacular month you had. I sure hope you are relaxing today.

~~~~~health, job & $$$$$$ vibes for all kvetchies who need 'em~~~~~

(((((mandi)))))) ~~~~continued vibes~~~~

((((err'body))))

I am up baking banana bread, counting down the minutes to Franpa's arrival. YAY! Grandpa said they were leaving early this morning and it's about a six hour drive, give or take depending on traffic and if they stop for very long or not. They were supposed to get in yesterday but Fran got either food poisoning or the 24 hour stomach bug, poor thing. We are all so excited. My sister and cousin and their families are coming over later as I am hosting dinner today. Oh, my place smells heavenly already.

[stargazer]

*~*~*soothing vibes for sidecar*~*~*

(((sidecar))) being overworked and having a shitty month, I'm sure makes you want to change things in your life.

kvetch: with me. dude, i feel like a major asshole, but i had to do it. i'm sure the timing of things does not bode well. but, i had to do it. i backed out of the destination wedding and maid of honor duties. i just feel too cookoo right now with things in my life being up in the air. i really need to make sure the $$ i'm spending is going towards getting me an internship. plus, i'm feelin' hella guilty for my folks willing to foot that bill especially in this economy. at the same time, my friend's behavior really made it an easy decision for me. i couldn't stand the selfishness. i need to take care of myself right now. but, i KNOW she thinks it is mainly because of how she reacted to me last week. blah. i feel like the worst person right now. but, i know i will get over it. i usually do.

*~*~*job vibes for DM*~*~*

(((kvetchies)))

[sidecar]

(((((star)))))))

I am really overworked these days, and it's tough. I feel like I'm ready for a change, but with the economy the way it is ... I feel lucky just to have a job and don't want to tempt fate until the economy rights itself.

((((((kittenb))))))))) such a hard situation with your family.

[stargazer]

Thanks for the vibes.

Damn. The interview was over in 5 minutes. I did not get the position because they need someone who speaks Spanish since 98% of the client population there speaks Spanish speaking only. Oh well. The search continues...

[Christine Nectar...]

(((designermedusa)))

((sassygirl)) side effects suck. Hope your headache’s gone.

~~~job vibes for stargazer~~~ hope your Spanish is sufficient!

((amilita))

Gradgal, hope you and your honey have a good trip.

((roseviolet)) back atcha!

I can relate to so many of the posts lately. My whole situation with work and not getting that other job has been stressful, and on top of that, A has hardly had any work the past 2 months. He works freelance, and during the summer and fall, he could book himself steady, now we’re lucky if he gets 1 or 2 jobs a week, maybe 4-10 hours total. Winter is typically slow since most of his gigs are in the entertainment industry, but this is way worse than last year. He’s really been struggling with his depression as a result, and we’re both getting burnt out. I’m really grateful to have a pay cheque right now, so I try to remind myself of that.

Kvetch: someone in the office is eating fried chicken, and the smell is sickly
Kvetch: my anxiety about phone calls
Anti-kvetch: i'm not a "spring" person, but it's good to know that daffodils are growing somewhere!

Thanks for hugs and vibes lately everyone.
I think we all need a mental vacation.

Undies: lazy day knickers (worn out green cotton w/ stretched out blue elastic) and pink bra that I can’t wait to take off when I get home!

[designermedusa]

rose, yay for daffodils blooming. It seems so many Busties really like BSG, maybe I’ll check it out sometime.

((kittenb)) Good luck on your internship interviews.

((gradgal)) Enjoy your honeymoon. I find the last day at work before time off is useless, I maybe get an hour of work done.

((amilita)) Hope the tax appointment went well.

((star)) Good luck on your phone interview for the internship. I don’t think it matters if they are asking for a Spanish speaker, most listings I see say it is a want for a second language, but I don’t think they can make it a mandatory requirement.

((sassy)) Good luck on the job search, and hope the new meds get better.

$$$$$$$$!!!!!!money, job and happiness vibes for all the wonderful Busties!!!!!$$$$$$$$

I have worked out using the Wii Fit two days in a row, and I feel great. I have also been working on some self-help affirmations that put my mind in a good place. The good news for today is Mr. DM received his new Canadian passport in the mail. We aren’t planning any immediate trips out of the country, but it’s a relief to have it. Not sure what I am going to do this weekend, may go to a film festival.

Undie report: black sports bra and green panties.

[stargazer]

(((kittenb))) well, that is encouraging to know that you've gotten to jobs initially wanting a spanish speaker. good luck with your interviews! chicago is really big for children and family psychology which students at our school our largely interested in. so, i wouldn't focus on the sites those people are landing. i'm sorry to hear things are so unpredictable with your stepsister. that has to be upsetting. your package sounds very thoughtful.

(((rose))) thanks for your encouragement. oh, and daffodils! i had to remind myself that the rain we are getting is nature's way of working the transition from winter to spring. i'm ready for flowers and sunshine!

(((gradgal))) thanks for your support! where is your honeymoon? when did you get married? congrats either way!

antikvetch: i've been really able to channel my energy and focus in my yoga classes which i seem to be improving and strengthening alot of my poses. may i be able to do a headstand soon! well, maybe not..

kvetch: trying to stay calm for interview today. thanks AGAIN for reminding me that anything could happen. so, i just need to express the skills in spanish i do have and my willingness to learn before the internship. you know, i have been wanting to learn spanish on my own. maybe life is trying to tell me to get a move on it. either way, i do have other options if this site does not work out. just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

undie report: none.

(((kvetchies)))

[roseviolet]

Hi, Amilita! I was wondering where you've been hiding. I thought of you a lot while watching the last two episodes of Top Chef. How was Mardi Gras?

*!*!*!*!*!* fabulous interview vibes for Stargazer *!*!*!*!*!*
Kitten makes a really good point. The fact that you know even a bit of Spanish will certainly help. Their ideal candidate may be fluent in Spanish, but I bet their candidates will not be & they'll have to make compromises. It happens all the time.

~$$$~$$$$~ continued money & job vibes for Raisin & Bunny & Sassy & Star & DM & Christine & everyone who needs 'em ~$$$~$$$~
I've been thinking about that year when Sheff couldn't work & we had to live on the crappy salary I made at the bank. It was a really stressful time for both of us. I can only imagine it's even harder of you all because of the bad economic news. I know it's hard to stay positive right now.

Sassy, good luck on the new meds. I know starting new stuff can be hard.

Christine, use whatever term works. If you work in CrazyTown, so be it.

Kitten, you are such a caring person. You make me wish I had a sister. The step-sis is really lucky to have you.
~?~?~?~ mystery vibes for Kitten ~?~?~?~?

Gradgal, I sympathize. It's as if my brain leaves for vacation one day before my body does.
~!*!~ motivation for Gradgal ~!*!~
Have fun on your honeymoon! Give us all the details (well maybe not ALL the details) when you get home!


Our personal BSG marathon progresses (it's been less soap-opera-y in the last few episodes, thank gawd). We didn't watch much last night because we had friends over. Our pal, S, just finished her midterms & wanted to celebrate with a bit of Rock Band. I also had lunch yesterday with, J, another gal pal, so it turned out to be a great day with some great women. Now I'm just trying to figure out what to do with our weekend. I'm in the mood to get out, but I'm not sure where I want to go.


Anti-kvetch: The daffodils in our yard bloomed! There are buds on the trees & a warm breeze blowing outside. Winter is finally ending!

Undies: white cotton thong with multi-colored polka dots all over, plus purple workout cami with built-in bra (I just finished exercising).

[kittenb]

gradgal - I never get anything done the day before a vacation. I always think I will but it never happens.

{{{stargazer}}} The internship interview from last week was looking for a Spanish speaker too. That is a big thing with living in a city. I go back and forth on whether it bothers me or not. When it bothers me I feel like I am being a xenophobe. The job I currently have was supposed to go to a Spanish speaker. Actually, the HMO job I had before that was also supposed to go to a Spanish speaker. I do have another interview next week for a different place. It sounds like a tough assignment, working w/young mothers w/mental health issues but it sounds like a great challange. I just wish our school would stop with the pressure. Yesterday my advisor told me that most people have accepted offers already. That just cannot be true considering that most places I am applying for are not even interviewing until March.

My mind is on overload at the moment. I have some great stuff coming up in the next few months. I cannot post it here but it will be good. But getting there is just a day by day march of frustration. My mom told me that she and her partner will not be able to visit me this year because they are too afraid to leave my step-sis alone in the house. It has gotten that bad. And mom will not travel with her. Can't blame her. I just feel like there is something I could be doing but I don't know what. I have a little care package I am sending home to my sis, a book, a mix CD with songs I think she will like, and a letter than tells her I love her and want her to be nicer to herself. Other than moving back to Ohio, I don't know what I could do. Sigh.

Friday undies report: none. Just wearing a bathrobe.

[gradgal]

(((Bunny, Raisin, and Sassy))) Job hunting and money vibes! Actually money vibes for everyone really. I'm sure that something will come up soon. I know that it can be frustrating and disheartening but you are all v. smart women. Remember to take care of yourselves as it will also help to keep your spirits up.

(((Christine))) Sorry to hear about all of the job craziness! Every time you turn around something seems to be changing at your organization. Sounds like you have a reason to be tired. I hope that things get better soon or that something comes up with another jon opportunity.

(((Star))) Internship vibes coming your way. I agree with your friend. Just be upfront about your Spanish skills and go from there - you can sell your other skills and I'm sure you and your supervisors can troubleshoot the rest. Let us know how it goes!

DM - that is great news about the position in Chicago. I moved to Chicago for a job and lived there for a few years right out of university. I can honestly say that it was the best place I have ever lived and if all of the stars aligned for me and my husband to move back I would go in an instant. I loved the city so much and learned so much about it, I became a little mini-tour guide even for my friends who had grown up there . Unfortunately, neither or my parents are American and not having dual-citizenship makes it harder to move back there from the great white north

Kittenb - glad to hear that your mom made it home and can now relax and get better in the comfort of her own home. I'm assuming that you are feeling somewhat relieved.



Kvetch - it is my last day of work before my honeymoon and I should be so productive that it is not even funny. I mean papers flying off my desk and my keyboard keys on fire. Unfortunately, the only thing that has set my keyboard on fire so far is bust. Which is not bad but you all know what I mean.

Anti-kvetch - one word, honeymoon!

[amilita]

~~~~job and internship vibes~~~~

~~~~general vibes to the few of you who don't need the other ones~~~~

I just watched the Top Chef finale and am bummed that Carla didn't win. I hated to see how the others seemed to discount her so easily as a competitor. I was totally won over by her midseason.

Must get to bed as we have our tax appointment tomorrow bright and early. Hope I have all the information he needs, so I can be DONE.

[stargazer]

hey, it's been kinda quiet in here today.

kvetch: i have a phone interview tomorrow. BUT, i didn't realize speaking spanish was a requirement. argh. so, one of my friends was encouraged me to still have the interview and be clear about my limited spanish. may that internship site be desperate for an intern that they take a mexican with limited spanish. frack. i can't believe i overlooked that requirement. anywho, i am requesting internship vibes tomorrow at 2pm cst. although, i'm kinda sure it is a lost cause, but vibe away if you feel the need.

(((kvetchies)))