Ennui

To love to read is to exchange hours of ennui for hours of delight. ~Charles de Montesquieu

You know that when I'm MIA from blogging for days at a time it's usually because I'm lost in a world of books. I haven't had that much time to read this year so this weekend I spent it catching up on myself. I was lost in the Carpathian mountains, Arthurian legends and Greek gods all over again.

I floated back to earth a few hours. My TBR (to be read) pile has diminished much over the last few days. Now I have to find more books to build it up again.

*sigh*

What Kind of Artist Should You be...?

You Should Be a Poet

You have a way with words... and a talent for drawing the pure emotions out of experiences. Your poetry has the potential to make people laugh and cry at the same time. You just need to write it!

What Sort of Artist Should You Be?

To My Loves...

My True Family: Have faith in me that I will be successful. It will be a long road, but I will get there and take care of you, support you, and be there for you when you are in need, like you have me when I needed it most. I will love you forever with all my heart and never take you for granted.

My True Friends: Have faith in me that I will always be there for you. Whenever you are low, I will try to pick you up. Whenever you are happy, I will be happy with and for you. Know that it is never too late or too early for anything.

My Love: Have faith in me that I will prove to you true love lasts forever. You have shown me that not all men are the same and I thank you for that. I will be your Queen, your rock and your anchor. I will always have your back and honor our union to the fullest extent. I will keep loving you right, and loving you down.

The Haters: Have faith in me that I don't care enough about you or what you have to say behind my back. Your opinion doesn't matter to my life or my decisions.

Myself: Have faith in yourself and your future. No one ever said it would be easy, but it is promised it would be worth it. Find inspiration. Love yourself like you're the only person you have in the world. Love others like you're the only person they have in the world.

Deal

Here's the deal folks. I know I was out, and the hols passed, but ever since January came by it's like everyone is in the doldrums. I figure if I post a bajillion posts a day someone will be tempted to say something. It's awfully quiet in the blogosphere and it's not just me. Being that right now I'm currently consumed with submitting a proposal for a book anthology, blogging on the other 3 blogs and holding the fort down at 2 jobs, I still am able to post like a fiend. So what's your excuse?

I know you are getting tired of me talking about work and more work but it's either that or gush adoringly about the Boyfriend. I figure one will make you puke or the other your eyes glaze over.

Okay, today's work story involves wandering around Staples looking for presentation folders. Did I mention how exact my boss is? Anyway, she wanted a specific type and of course Staples didn't have it. Neither did Office Max. Or Office Depot. Do they even make blue velour presentation folders?

I ended up ordering a custom made presentation folder printing online. The Internet is truly a godsend.

HDTV

I love watching stuff on HDTV. It's funny how every single blemish and pimple shows up on the screen. It really is proof that everything in Hollywood is messed up. I have better pores and clearer skin than most of the actresses out there. Even better than Oprah. And Tyra. And Halle, when you think about it. Go Me!

Actually, go my mom. She's the one that gave me the wonderful genes. Thank you mother dearest.
Did you know that when you are hooking up your HDTV you have to only do it with HDMI cable? Isn't that the most ridiculous thing ever? What difference does it make...? Apparently the difference between actually seeing that pimple and not seeing a picture at all. Who knew?

Mailboxes

You know how my boss is having renovations done on her house right? Well today she had me looking up mailboxes. Who does that? I didn't even know that you could order your own mailbox...I thought you just had to deal with the janky ones the United States Post Office gave you. I didn't even know you had an option! It's really cool the different kinds they have on this website. I wanted something gilded and ornate but she picked a basic black one with a drop box. Guess the drop box was more important than having a piece of functioning art?

El Cheapo!

The Boyfriend called me at work today to get my input on a purchase he was planning to make from Kinko's. He wanted to order some snazzy business cards, gilt gold with embossed black lettering. I've seen a sample and loved it. But the price was totally outrageous. $200 for 100 cards. Those are the kind of cards you should keep reusing...like give it to a client, have them put the info in their cell phone and then snatch your card right back....lol.

Okay, enough of me being cheap. I dissuaded him on the purchase and offered to get him some equally nice ones from a business card printing service online. Now I just have to make good on that promise and find some nice...yet affordable business cards.

Addictions

One of my friends, let's call her Lia, is addicted to energy supplement. I know that it's easy to get into them, like when you need to pull an all nighter for a final or a work project due the next day, but when it becomes a daily regular routine--- honey, you have a problem. This is why I don't drink coffee or cola. It's so easy to get hooked on the buzz that you get from caffeine that you like it and eventually don't even notice when you get hooked to it. There are so many things I already have a potential to be hooked to, painkillers, sex, food, more sex...okay you get my drift...as you can see, I have a one track mind tonight.

Mythology

During one of my many incarnations, I was really on the Celtic bend. I loved anything and everything from Ireland and Scotland to the point of an obsession. I devoured Celtic lore and books, immersing myself in tales of the Tuatha De Danaan (sp), Celtic gods/goddesses as well as mythology. I even went as far as writing a romance novel set in 1415 Scotland. A couple of my friends got into the bend too, I even got a slew of Scottish and Irish gifts including my all time favorite Walker Shortbread cookies. Mmmm!

Eventually I did move on out of that phase. finding myself caught up in the Greek pantheon instead. Blame it all on Sherrilyn.

Religion and Bling

I was watching Vh1 last night and noticed the prevalance of alot of Christian jewellry in almost every video. The crosses and crucifixes are all blinged out in gold, platinum, diamonds and more. It's ridiculous how much money Jacob the Jeweller makes on tricking out regular religious memorabilia like rosaries and turning them into expensive, gaudy, extravagent pieces. I think it would be more remarkable to spend the money the artist is wasting hanging around his neck on finding the cure for AIDS or ending world hunger. People can be so self-centered at times....even when they are religious.

Greeting Cards

I was browsing through the pharmacy yesterday for a nice thank-you card when I was confronted with racks and racks of those pink/red Valentine day cards. Is it that time of the year already? I'm one of those people that doesn't get really giddy with cards. I don't really send them, except birthday cards when I do remember but generally not even Xmas cards, unless I'm incredibly bored or owe someone a huge thank you. My mom is a card sender. She sends dozens and dozens of cards to people all year round. It would be nice if she could just get printable greeting cards. That way instead of Hallmark pocketing the profit, she would.

Painting

My boss is having a house painting party this upcoming weekend and today I had to pick up buckets and buckets of paint from Sherwin Williams. Man, those paint buckets are heavy...I almost threw my back out! She's having her extended family (namely her uncle & cousins) over to paint it. It's a good thing she didn't ask me, cos painting is sooooo not down my alley. Apparently painting is an exact science that requires skill, precision, dexterity and finesse. All nothing I can sustain for longer than five minutes...lol

Maid of Honor

I was the first bridesmaid! Pearls, diamonds, silks, satins and laces! ~ Julia Ward Howe

I remember reading Anne of Green Gables and keeping in mind the fact that she refused to be a bridesmaid for the third time because it meant she would be a spinster forever and not marry Gilbert. For some reason, my 10-year old mind computed the fact that I could only be a maid of honor twice before my own...as if fate decreed it so.

You all know my sister is getting married in August right? Oh yeah...she is. That would be one of my bridesmaid allocations automatically.

Meanwhile, in the US, one of my closet friends from college is getting married as well. We are bosom buddies, met on the first day of nursing school and have been fast friends ever since. We used to parade around campus thinking about our 'perfect weddings' and perfect futures and now we are actually living it. I'm going to be a maid of honor y'all. In June. My first ever official bridesmaid post. As well as probably the most nerve-wracking.

Vix: Who is your maid of honor?
S: You!
Vix: I am? I AM? EEEEeeeeek!

As you can see, I totally wasn't expecting it. I've spent the whole weekend with her going over wedding plans and looking at tons of samples for stuff, and even did research on the official Maid of Honor duties so I don't screw it up. Her wedding is going to be small...50 people only at sunset in this lovely garden up north in Paradise. It's the perfect setup for her, something she's talked about for years and years.

Congratulations to you sweetie! Now I have to just convince you not to make me wear anything remotely resembling a fruit color.

Cars

If I could build my perfect car, it would be fast enough to rule the road, stealthy enough to not get ticketed by the cops, and have an unlimited transfer tank so I only have to stop once in a while for gas. Of course it would also be sexy enough to be a chick car, yet stylish enough that guys would say..."Damn!" While you are pimping it out, go ahead and fully load it up with all kinds of cool accessories like a navigation system so I never, ever get lost again, and a tricked out sound system that I can plug my iPod into yet control from the steering wheel. And lovely plush seats, fully automatic, 4WD and....

Okay, I'll stop daydreaming now.

Dieting

For those of you who made the decision to lose weight in 2007 as a New Year resolution...how is that going for you so far? I'm still on my ridiculously fabulous organic health food diet....after all, it's only been 3 weeks.

Has anyone tried the Fat Burner diet pills? One of my friends asked me about it and I have no clue. She seems to think they work. I don't have enough weight on me to actually try to use them. Apparently not only does Lab88 stock just those, they stock and ship most to your doorstep. Have you ever taken diet pills? Do they work?

Let me know.

Crib Swap

I might be taking an extended trip later on in the year. My location for right now is secret but I plan to actually live and work there for several months. I'm really excited and looking forward to it I must say. And no, sorry folks, it's not Australia, although that still is on my list. And no, it's not Nigeria...even though I will be hitting it up later in August.

Outer Banks has a spot for people wanting to travel and trade out their homes and apartments. This might actually be a viable solution for me so I don't have to worry about leaving my crib gathering dust for months on an end. It would be cool if I could find a perfect apartment swap with a nice chick who I can trust not to trash my place. Kinda like in The Holiday.

Real Estate

One of my part-time jobs is working with a real estate agent. There is so much involved with buying a house it's ridiculous. It's way beyond the decision to buy a house, it's a bunch of forms and documents, lots of financial info needed and more forms to fill out and sign. It's way too involved for a spur of the moment decision. I wonder how most people manage to do this smoothly and in a timely manner. If you are in North Carolina and are thinking of buying a house, check out Cary NC Real Estate. Their website is more developed than alot of others out there and there is a really good response time on getting a consultant to follow up with you.

Consider this my good deed of the day.

To the Mothers to Be...

You know I'm not the 'getting in the family way' kind of girl. I use ultra triple protection at all times for fear of getting preggers before I'm remotely ready. However, for some reason it seems that alot of my friends both far and near...and even in the blogosphere are heading down the street to motherhood.

Congratulations to the lot of you.

If I had more money, I guess I would be the person who sent an Emily Crib to each and every one of you four ladies. It's a super duper 3 in one convertible crib that fits all your baby's needs even into toddler hood. At least that's what the website says... However, I'm flat broke as of the moment so all I can send are my well wishes.

Congratulations to you and I hope that you enjoy motherhood as much as you've enjoyed singlehood and couplehood. Here's to a brand new phase in your life. Cheers!

The Eve

Change alone is eternal, perpetual, immortal. ~Arthur Schopenhauer

This is the eve of change.
Everything is changing.
You know how much I hate change right? But this is actually a good change, the kind of change that makes me smile in peace.
The kind of change that will send me in cartwheels (if I still remember how).
This is the eve of change---and my belly is tied up in knots.

Wish me luck.

Silence

Choose silence of all virtues, for by it you hear other men's imperfections, and conceal your own. ~George Bernard Shaw

I wrote you a letter.
But I won't send it.
Because sometimes, saying what needs to be said doesn't solve an issue---it only makes it worse.

I wrote you a letter
But I won't send it.
Because it's not all about you; it's my life, it's about me.

I wrote you a letter
But I won't send it.
Because pointing out the blatant truth will break the mirror.

I wrote you a letter
But I won't send it.
Because no matter what I say, things won't change.

I wrote you a letter
But I won't send it.
Because silence is golden and love so strong.

Cold

Love keeps the cold out better than a cloak. ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

It's freezing out here! For some reason, January brought in the worst of the 'winter' weather. Considering the Bay Area is in Cali, you would think that we are dealing with sun and fun, but alas, that isn't the case. Far from it.

I'm currently wearing a plush fleece jacket, typing with gloves and have my thick winter socks on. In the house! Like I'm in friggin' Baltimore! Not only is it an appalling 20 degrees outside (yes, I know, it's not that bad!), but it's going to dip further tonight and all weekend.

For all the disadvantages of the cold weather, there is one advantage that I absolutely adore---snuggling up under the comforter with the Boyfriend in close proximity (he has a fully stocked and functioning inner furnace) manages to warm me up when nothing else can. We are invariably going to end up spending a huge chunk of the weekend in the bedroom. Just because it's warmer in there.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

New Year Resolutions...

Here's my top five new Year's resolutions based on my horoscope for the year. For some reason, it makes total sense.

Check yours out here.

Libra:
(September 23 - October 22)
1) Stop - immediately, now - trying to be all things to all people. It's impossible, and it's stressing you out.
2) Cut loose the neediest of the needy, between January and March. You'll be doing them a favor.
3) Revive (or initiate) the intimacy between you and your sweetie.
4) In August and September, continue to convince everyone (but your partner) to live without you, and focus on your career.
5) Allow yourself to gloat - just a tad. And buy yourself a reward. Yes, really.

Going Organic

The more things you do to help your health, the more you'll be able to do. That is why a lot of people are sick and tired. ~ Jack LaLanne

One of my New Year resolutions was to get really healthy this year. Long time readers will know that 2006 was a rocky year health wise for me. I'm hoping to change all that in the new year.

The Boyfriend got me this really great book for Christmas that I devoured the last 5 days. It inspired me to do a total overhaul of my diet and lifestyle choices. The most pivotal line in the book was when Ujamaa stated that West Africans, although they do have sickle cell do not have as many bad exacerbations as their American counterparts, mainly because of their healthy and natural diet.

Looking back at when I lived in Nigeria, I did fall sick, but not as sick as I've been this last year. In fact, the worse I think was getting about 3 attacks a year, and last year was one right after another. I know that emotions and your lifestyle also plays a part...but gimme a break already!

So I'm taking a proactive approach and incorporating everything into my diet that I scoffed at before. Like wheat grass. Five or more servings of fruits/veggies per day. And natural herbs to detoxify and cleanse your system. And sticking to a totally vegetarian diet. And organic food from Trader Joe's. And totally scrapping out fast food (oh curly fries how I will miss you...!)

I announced this to my mom over the phone last night and she scoffed at the fact that something she had been telling me for 5 years didn't take until the Boyfriend gave me a book about it. Yes Mommy dearest, you have been telling me about that Green Magma stuff...I know, I know!

Let's hope this lasts longer than my last health kick did.

Alphabet Meme

Stole this from DH. Feel free to use and share along. Let me know if you Meme this so I can check yours out...

[A is for age]: 26

[B is for beer of choice]: Yuck. No please...

[C is for career]: Nursing

[D is for favorite Drink]: Lemonade

[E is for Essential item you use everyday]: Computer

[F is for Favorite song at the moment]: "Save Me From Myself"...Christina Aguilera

[G is for favorite Game]: Currently, Backgammon

[I is for Instruments you play]: Recorder very well, piano, violin...used to

[J is for favorite Juice]: Grape

[K is for Kids]: Nada

[L is for last kiss]: 3 minutes ago...

[M is for marriage]: Not yet

[N is for full Name]: You wish.

[O is for Overnight hosp stays]: Too many. Too recent. Don't remind me!!

[P is for phobias]: Fear of fear. I'm phobiaphobic.

[Q is for quote]: "Above this all, to thine own self be true"....Shakespeare's Hamlet.

[R is for biggest Regret]: 2001. Too many regrets in that year.

[S is for sports]: Ugh!

[T is for Time you wake up]: 900-ish.

[U is for color underwear]: Red silk boxers. Filched them from the Boyfriend's drawer...verra stylish, non?

[V is for Vegetable you love]: I know tomatoes are a fruit but I LOVE them. Broccoli, potatoes...peas, carrots, MUSHROOMS, JALEPENOS.

[W is for Worst Habit]: Procrastinating...no doubt about it.

[X is for X-rays you've had]: Chest xrays every time I get hospitalized.

[Y is for Yummy food you make]: Jollof rice. Fried plantain. Black eyed peas. And cornbread.

[Z is for zodiac sign]: Libra

First Official Post

First thought upon walking outside the house this morning: Haven't been outside yet...in 2 days. I don't think I'm going outside today.

First thing I forgot: To look for my prescriptions. Damn...I need to fill them soon, almost running out...

First bill of the year: Rent. Ugh.

First work-related thought upon reaching the office: Haven't been back to work yet...guess I'll let u know Monday.

First work-related thought upon booting up the computer and starting up the internet: 346 Messages. And I bet most of it is spam. That's what I get for not checking my mail in over 2 weeks. Grrrrr!

First pleasant thought of the first workday of the year: Ummm, that I still have a job?

First parting thought of the first post of the year: I’m sleepy.

Happy New Year!

Remember when I thought I was well, turns out that was just round one. I spent both christmas and new years in the hospital. I'm hoping yours was a hundred times better then mine! Happy New Year Everyone!