Ah, what a year... here's the highlight reel:
Jan - G has surgery
Feb - G breaks right shoulder, learns to do everything with one hand
Mar - Apr - G regains shoulder usage
May - Jun - G works like crazy lunatic
July - Sept - G renovates home
July - Sept - Series of unfortunate events destroys the majority of renovations; G repairs
Oct - G goes on vacation with crazy family; befriends Gothic community
Nov - Dec - G spends her time enjoying many holiday parties and friends...
A busy and challenging year to say the least... probably my hardest yet, but the one I feel most proud of so far...
Despite the eye injury and traffic, the past two weeks have been awesome; I've got to reconnect with a bunch of friends I haven't seen in a long time. And I'm putting that digital camera to good use, so I'll be posting pictures soon.
Still have no plan for kissing this year goodbye, but I'm sure I'll have plenty to report.
Now - what you've been waiting for... the 2008 Challenge.
I've been challenged, starting Jan. 3, to go without drinking for 45 consecutive days. This really didn't seem like a big deal to me, until I told my mother, who burst out in laughter and laid $50 on the table that I can't do it. Normally, I'd think it was just her being crazy, but when I told several other people, all reacted the same.
So - being that we all know I like a good challenge and I love my "I told you so" dance... so, consider it game on, people. 45 Days - Clean and Sober.
This should be interesting...
Happy New Year! Here's to February 15!
Smooches,
G
Monday, December 31, 2007
happy new year's eve!
Yahoo... the fun begins. :-)
Long sappy post and the 08 challenge to come tomorrow.
Smooch -
G
Long sappy post and the 08 challenge to come tomorrow.
Smooch -
G
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Ah, Another Griswold Family Christmas
Merry Christmas to All... Here's another tale for the record books.
As previously noted, the fam descended on the District on Dec. 23. Mom and my sister were too worried about getting their hair wet, so we weren't able to actually go and see the White House Christmas display. My dad decided we had to go to Union Station - which is the equivalent of me touring a NYC subway, since I have to go there everyday for work. Then, I attempted to take them to a nice dinner - which was going well, despite them being a bit too loud. That was until my sister spilled her iced tea into her lap, and all over the table, my father shrieking, and then my sister wringing out her clothing on the table and all the linens.
Still - not too bad. Christmas Eve was rather uneventful, besides me learning the joys of parenting and running around with my niece for the entire day.
Even today was going off on a rather low-key note. Santa was alright to me... I now have a digital camera, so look out... fun pictures, bound to appear on Bloggy. Did I ask for a camera? Nope. Did I get what I asked for? Not really, but hey, the camera is definitely better than slippers that quack, so I was counting my blessings.
That was until after dinner.
Like the ever helpful sister I am, I was cleaning up after dinner at my brother's house. My dad, the man I learned my nice gal habits from, joined me in the kitchen as everyone else did the occasional dish drop off and my sis-in-law put the baby to bed. We were doing pretty good as a tag team duo, until I needed another garbage bag.
As he was furiously dish washing, I asked my dad to scoot to the right so I could get a bag under the sink. He obliged, but the bags were to left. So, I told him to hold still, yet didn't see the can of Pledge rolling onto his foot.
He jumped, smacking the cabinet door, which in turned socked me in the eye. Being the quiet gal I am, I shout "G**Damn, that was my eye", waking the baby, and trying to catch my balance.
Was I being dramatic? Not really - I write this with a big ol' swollen eye, which I'm sure in the morning will be several lovely shades of purple.
I'm sure a lot of people get black eyes for Christmas. Ow. But, hey, with every ounce of pleasure...
Hope you all had lovely holidays!
Smooch -
G
As previously noted, the fam descended on the District on Dec. 23. Mom and my sister were too worried about getting their hair wet, so we weren't able to actually go and see the White House Christmas display. My dad decided we had to go to Union Station - which is the equivalent of me touring a NYC subway, since I have to go there everyday for work. Then, I attempted to take them to a nice dinner - which was going well, despite them being a bit too loud. That was until my sister spilled her iced tea into her lap, and all over the table, my father shrieking, and then my sister wringing out her clothing on the table and all the linens.
Still - not too bad. Christmas Eve was rather uneventful, besides me learning the joys of parenting and running around with my niece for the entire day.
Even today was going off on a rather low-key note. Santa was alright to me... I now have a digital camera, so look out... fun pictures, bound to appear on Bloggy. Did I ask for a camera? Nope. Did I get what I asked for? Not really, but hey, the camera is definitely better than slippers that quack, so I was counting my blessings.
That was until after dinner.
Like the ever helpful sister I am, I was cleaning up after dinner at my brother's house. My dad, the man I learned my nice gal habits from, joined me in the kitchen as everyone else did the occasional dish drop off and my sis-in-law put the baby to bed. We were doing pretty good as a tag team duo, until I needed another garbage bag.
As he was furiously dish washing, I asked my dad to scoot to the right so I could get a bag under the sink. He obliged, but the bags were to left. So, I told him to hold still, yet didn't see the can of Pledge rolling onto his foot.
He jumped, smacking the cabinet door, which in turned socked me in the eye. Being the quiet gal I am, I shout "G**Damn, that was my eye", waking the baby, and trying to catch my balance.
Was I being dramatic? Not really - I write this with a big ol' swollen eye, which I'm sure in the morning will be several lovely shades of purple.
I'm sure a lot of people get black eyes for Christmas. Ow. But, hey, with every ounce of pleasure...
Hope you all had lovely holidays!
Smooch -
G
Sunday, December 23, 2007
The Griswolds Descend Upon the District...
My apologies to all residents of our Nation's capital as the Griswolds are on their way here. We'll be going to visit the big White House down the street for me to see if Bush-y can top my Christmas tree, Thor.
Smooches all!
-G
Smooches all!
-G
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Resolve Me.
I received an interesting New Year's Resolution challenge last night, but before I accept it, I'm opening G - Version 2008 to my favorite audience.
So get creative and tell me what you'd like me to resolve this year. You have 9 days, so think wisely!
Smooch!
-G
So get creative and tell me what you'd like me to resolve this year. You have 9 days, so think wisely!
Smooch!
-G
Thursday, December 20, 2007
What to Get the Girl Who Has Everything...
It's been a loooooong week. Let's start with the weekend. After a very painful hangover (sorry Magni for G's disruptive behavior), G spent Sunday praising the porcelain goddess. I looked so bad, my parents were actually trying to help me. This worked really well until they kept discussing how I shouldn't look at all the colors of the fruitcake they were eating.
At any rate - as one of the cultural ambassadors of my office, I helped plan our holiday party. And, judging by the fact that my parties have wound up in both my review and my recent award, apparently, I give good party. This one was no exception. We organized a scavenger hunt at the International Spy Museum - which basically meant 3 teams of my co-workers racing thru the museum to answer questions with a decoder. My team was all about diverting attention and hiding clues. We lost, but hey, I also organized a game night and thanks to my knowledge of Jimmy Kimmel and Snoop Dogg, kicked serious butt in a sudden death round of Trivial Pursuit with my boss.
As if that weren't enough, Tuesday, we signed up for the Winter Holiday Extravaganza Beer Tasting at a famous brew pub down here, The Brickskellar. I'm no fan of beer, but have to say it was an awesome time. I loved the first Winter Solistice beer, and the 10 others that followed. We were all rather banged up, but managed to sneak in a final shot at midnight before we went home.
Does this stop me? Well - Almost. Wednesday was a rough day to be at work. You know it was a good night when the only conversation that kept taking place was "Do you remember..." followed by hour long pauses and finally an "OH yeaaaa".
So around 5:30 or so, G decides it's time to take a half-day and retreat home.
I'm all settled in to take my long winter's nap, when what to my wondering ears appears but the sound of "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer". Now, self admittedly, I'd usually just hit ignore and head on to sleep, but, it was Senor Ray (aka Telecomedian) - someone who I never get a chance to talk to, let alone see.
In the midst of us playing catch up, Ray decides that I'm not going to sleep, but instead I'm going to Baltimore. So, how do you get a super tired G to agree to go to Baltimore instead of catch up on deseperately needed sleep?
You offer her a perfect trifecta - Christmas, doggies and fun. Makes me incapable of saying no.
Ray picks me up in his Vibe, Raider, who is in the Christmas spirit with exterior illumination in the form of cute multi-colored Christmas lights. Greeted by his two doggy accomplices, I hop in Raider and we're off to B'more to see the Miracle on 34th Street.
What's that, you ask? The coolest Christmas thing I've ever seen and for those of you who don't believe me, click here and find out.
For those of you too lazy to click, I'll elaborate on coolest Christmas thing ever. B'more's Miracle on 34th Street, is a street-wide neighborhood event that the neighbors try to see who can display the most Christmas decor and lights possible. Every house is a Griswold house.
So - to recap - I'm with two dogs, on a street entirely designed to make it look like Christmas threw up on it, and with one of my most funny and favorite people. Basically, G heaven.
Poor Ray must think I'm part retarded, because all I could do was point, stare in amazement and smile for a good 10 minutes. Really. And, once again, thanks to another digital camera owner, I have proof below. Enjoy! My personal favorite is the one where you can tell I'm completely miserable with Jolly Ol' Saint Nick.
At any rate - as one of the cultural ambassadors of my office, I helped plan our holiday party. And, judging by the fact that my parties have wound up in both my review and my recent award, apparently, I give good party. This one was no exception. We organized a scavenger hunt at the International Spy Museum - which basically meant 3 teams of my co-workers racing thru the museum to answer questions with a decoder. My team was all about diverting attention and hiding clues. We lost, but hey, I also organized a game night and thanks to my knowledge of Jimmy Kimmel and Snoop Dogg, kicked serious butt in a sudden death round of Trivial Pursuit with my boss.
As if that weren't enough, Tuesday, we signed up for the Winter Holiday Extravaganza Beer Tasting at a famous brew pub down here, The Brickskellar. I'm no fan of beer, but have to say it was an awesome time. I loved the first Winter Solistice beer, and the 10 others that followed. We were all rather banged up, but managed to sneak in a final shot at midnight before we went home.
Does this stop me? Well - Almost. Wednesday was a rough day to be at work. You know it was a good night when the only conversation that kept taking place was "Do you remember..." followed by hour long pauses and finally an "OH yeaaaa".
So around 5:30 or so, G decides it's time to take a half-day and retreat home.
I'm all settled in to take my long winter's nap, when what to my wondering ears appears but the sound of "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer". Now, self admittedly, I'd usually just hit ignore and head on to sleep, but, it was Senor Ray (aka Telecomedian) - someone who I never get a chance to talk to, let alone see.
In the midst of us playing catch up, Ray decides that I'm not going to sleep, but instead I'm going to Baltimore. So, how do you get a super tired G to agree to go to Baltimore instead of catch up on deseperately needed sleep?
You offer her a perfect trifecta - Christmas, doggies and fun. Makes me incapable of saying no.
Ray picks me up in his Vibe, Raider, who is in the Christmas spirit with exterior illumination in the form of cute multi-colored Christmas lights. Greeted by his two doggy accomplices, I hop in Raider and we're off to B'more to see the Miracle on 34th Street.
What's that, you ask? The coolest Christmas thing I've ever seen and for those of you who don't believe me, click here and find out.
For those of you too lazy to click, I'll elaborate on coolest Christmas thing ever. B'more's Miracle on 34th Street, is a street-wide neighborhood event that the neighbors try to see who can display the most Christmas decor and lights possible. Every house is a Griswold house.
So - to recap - I'm with two dogs, on a street entirely designed to make it look like Christmas threw up on it, and with one of my most funny and favorite people. Basically, G heaven.
Poor Ray must think I'm part retarded, because all I could do was point, stare in amazement and smile for a good 10 minutes. Really. And, once again, thanks to another digital camera owner, I have proof below. Enjoy! My personal favorite is the one where you can tell I'm completely miserable with Jolly Ol' Saint Nick.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Donde Esta G?
Pictures to come! (and story... it's late). And no, despite the title of this entry, I wasn't in Mexico.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
She can't talk...
But, the picture speaks for itself. The only other person I've seen this happy with a stuffed doggy, is myself when I met Baxter T. Puppydog. Of course, being the professional toy tester I am, this gift was from me. Hope you enjoy these pics!
Smooch,
G
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Number Five is NOT Alive...
Ok, so, Dee said it would be easier if I started numbering my dates. Tonight was Number Five. Here's a tip... although you may be thinking it, saying to the girl "let's get you all liquored up" - NOT a smart way to go.
Hence the power date, that allows me to write to all of you...
So update on the five bachelors:
Number One - it's fun to get emails from Baghdad! I've gotten two since he left on Friday. Bottomline: He's still in the running.
Number Two - cyclical dater. He shows up once a month, like clockwork. Bottomline: This clock stopped ticking and I have no desire to wind my watch right now.
Number Three - Sarcastic and made of plastic. Well, not really, but, after Melissa's careful analysis of emails and IMs. (oh yea, I totally I have a screener) Bottomline: Let it go.
Number Four - Too nice guy. How many times do I need to say, I need nice with edge. Bottomline: Eh, over it.
Number Five - Other than the liquored up comment, I've been told I'm supposed to go out with someone at least twice to determine if they're worth it. Bottomline: I'm not actively seeking this second date, but we'll see what happens.
So, in under a week, from five to 2 and 1/2 men (ha ha ha)...
Fine by me - I'm having way too hard of a time keeping track!
Smooch!
-G
Hence the power date, that allows me to write to all of you...
So update on the five bachelors:
Number One - it's fun to get emails from Baghdad! I've gotten two since he left on Friday. Bottomline: He's still in the running.
Number Two - cyclical dater. He shows up once a month, like clockwork. Bottomline: This clock stopped ticking and I have no desire to wind my watch right now.
Number Three - Sarcastic and made of plastic. Well, not really, but, after Melissa's careful analysis of emails and IMs. (oh yea, I totally I have a screener) Bottomline: Let it go.
Number Four - Too nice guy. How many times do I need to say, I need nice with edge. Bottomline: Eh, over it.
Number Five - Other than the liquored up comment, I've been told I'm supposed to go out with someone at least twice to determine if they're worth it. Bottomline: I'm not actively seeking this second date, but we'll see what happens.
So, in under a week, from five to 2 and 1/2 men (ha ha ha)...
Fine by me - I'm having way too hard of a time keeping track!
Smooch!
-G
Sunday, December 09, 2007
I joke that we're the Griswolds but...
I've often equated my family to the non-fiction equivalent of the Griswolds. We've had that gi-normous tree that was so big that people came to visit just to stare in sheer amazement. We're slightly off-balance and we have a tendency to injure ourselves in ridiculously comical, yet true ways.
This weekend though... it went way over the top.
I made the mistake of letting my sister drive the NJ Turnpike with me in the car. The totally awesome gal that I am, I bought her tickets to see Andrea Bocelli at the Meadowlands... not exactly how I'd spend a Saturday night, but eh, whatever works.
At any rate, for those of you who don't know, the Northern part of the Turnpike (around Exit 14) gets a bit tricky, with several lanes that merge off and on. Trying to be helpful, I keep instructing my sister which lane to be in. When we get to the "W"s merge (15/16W) - I clearly say "stay in the middle lane, as the right lane is a high speed merge". Does she listen? Of course not.
I try to maintain my patience, until I look out my window and see a giant tire. Not close to me mind you, ON TOP of where the passenger side door and windshield are...
I, quietly scream, "WE're partly UNDER a TRUCK!"... and she says "Yea, I see that... but there is a car next to me".
I say: "Explicative deleted, explicative deleted, explicative deleted, STUPID, explicative deleted, MOTHER, explicative deleted, MOVE TO THE NEXT LANE!"
The car on her left passes and she jets off to the left lane, literally as part of the truck hits the car.
G: "The truck just hit us."
Sis: "Oh, I thought that was your head hitting the window."
G: "NO, you, explicative deleted, piece of explicative deleted, we were just under a explicative deleted truck! How did you NOT think we would be hit?!"
Sis: Well, let me speed up to him so we can get his license plate then.
G: PULL into the right lane and SLOW down, NOW.
Now - some people, they have the luck o' the Irish. My family clearly has some other force that allows us to have numerous issues, but always a silver lining.
As we pull into the Meadowlands, and G drops to the ground, I realize that whatever part of the car that the truck hit, didn't leave damage.
Yea, that's right... G walks dog, falls and breaks shoulder. G goes part way under a tractor trailer on one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in NJ, nada.
(oh, and in case you were wondering, yes, I drove home).
Alive to tell the tale...
Smooch -
G
This weekend though... it went way over the top.
I made the mistake of letting my sister drive the NJ Turnpike with me in the car. The totally awesome gal that I am, I bought her tickets to see Andrea Bocelli at the Meadowlands... not exactly how I'd spend a Saturday night, but eh, whatever works.
At any rate, for those of you who don't know, the Northern part of the Turnpike (around Exit 14) gets a bit tricky, with several lanes that merge off and on. Trying to be helpful, I keep instructing my sister which lane to be in. When we get to the "W"s merge (15/16W) - I clearly say "stay in the middle lane, as the right lane is a high speed merge". Does she listen? Of course not.
I try to maintain my patience, until I look out my window and see a giant tire. Not close to me mind you, ON TOP of where the passenger side door and windshield are...
I, quietly scream, "WE're partly UNDER a TRUCK!"... and she says "Yea, I see that... but there is a car next to me".
I say: "Explicative deleted, explicative deleted, explicative deleted, STUPID, explicative deleted, MOTHER, explicative deleted, MOVE TO THE NEXT LANE!"
The car on her left passes and she jets off to the left lane, literally as part of the truck hits the car.
G: "The truck just hit us."
Sis: "Oh, I thought that was your head hitting the window."
G: "NO, you, explicative deleted, piece of explicative deleted, we were just under a explicative deleted truck! How did you NOT think we would be hit?!"
Sis: Well, let me speed up to him so we can get his license plate then.
G: PULL into the right lane and SLOW down, NOW.
Now - some people, they have the luck o' the Irish. My family clearly has some other force that allows us to have numerous issues, but always a silver lining.
As we pull into the Meadowlands, and G drops to the ground, I realize that whatever part of the car that the truck hit, didn't leave damage.
Yea, that's right... G walks dog, falls and breaks shoulder. G goes part way under a tractor trailer on one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in NJ, nada.
(oh, and in case you were wondering, yes, I drove home).
Alive to tell the tale...
Smooch -
G
Friday, December 07, 2007
Ah, Heat...
Finally.. thanks to the team of emergency workers, and the eggnog mixed with new pal, Makers Mark, G is warm.
Oh - so, boy update. I met a great guy...
Ready for the punchline?
He's on his way to Baghdad as I write this.
Nope, he's not in the armed forces... he's a federal agent. Apparently, my pheromones are no longer attracting beer men, but have moved up to the following:
-IT boys (3)
-IT boys that are formerly SWAT (1)
-Former SWAT that are now federal agents and do things that I'm not allowed to know about (1)
Yep, that's right... 5 boys... well, 4 on this continent at the moment. Yea - I know what you're thinking, and I'm not too sure how I got myself into this mess either.
I can tell you, that I'm doing my best to try to weed some out... and my guess is that within the next two months, I'll be choosing E) none of the above.
But, we shall see.
Smooch -
G
Oh - so, boy update. I met a great guy...
Ready for the punchline?
He's on his way to Baghdad as I write this.
Nope, he's not in the armed forces... he's a federal agent. Apparently, my pheromones are no longer attracting beer men, but have moved up to the following:
-IT boys (3)
-IT boys that are formerly SWAT (1)
-Former SWAT that are now federal agents and do things that I'm not allowed to know about (1)
Yep, that's right... 5 boys... well, 4 on this continent at the moment. Yea - I know what you're thinking, and I'm not too sure how I got myself into this mess either.
I can tell you, that I'm doing my best to try to weed some out... and my guess is that within the next two months, I'll be choosing E) none of the above.
But, we shall see.
Smooch -
G
I miss heat...
No, I'm not complaining about the cold weather. I'm complaining about the fact that, once again, I have no f'in heater. Farkin' cold in here as I write to you in my hat, ski jacket (ok, Schmeffster's ski jacket) and scarf.
There's a team of people here now... the "emergency" crew.
Oy -
G
There's a team of people here now... the "emergency" crew.
Oy -
G
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Holiday Cheer and Pink Feathers
I woke up this morning and was pulling a pink feather from my mouth. Then I looked down and realized that I was on my couch. I looked to my right, while letting out a moan, to see a lump on the other couch. When I pulled the kitten ears off my head, I realized that I had a visit from the Tequila Fairy last night.
G decided to have herself an impromptu tree trimming this weekend, and while it was a smallish affair, the recipe for fun was:
1/2 (large) bottle of vodka
3/4 bottle of bourbon
1/4 bottle of SoCo
Add 1 full bottle of Cuervo 1800 Tequila for only shots. Add friends and mix thoroughly.
So where did the pink feathers come from? That would be the pink boa that I decided to bring out, when the dance floor (so I'm told) started up. Apparently, someone else wore the ears and a few of my hats also were part of the fashion show.
But somehow, Thor, my LARGE Christmas tree is looking absolutely gorgeous.
And, judging by this cute photo of my friend taking a pic of the tree, and instead getting a reflection of a man with a big red bow on his butt, seems to explain the rest.
Smooch!
-G
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