the theme song for my year

I will admit that I am now getting antsy. It's been a year (OMG!!) since my husband packed up and left me behind in South Carolina to go play war in the Iraqi desert.

At that point, I thought that things couldn't get any worse. I should have checked my thoughts at the door because it seems that the general way of the world since then has indeed been nothing BUT worse.

Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a great old Mountain Goats' song "This Year" about six months ago. It became my theme song and carried me through the late fall and winter.

But things have gotten old and the lyrics started to lose their impact. Really, it's time that this is over and I get to have a normal life, even in the midst of record unemployment and general financial doom.

Leave it to Jen Berkman and 20x200 to offer me a last thread to hang onto. And of course thank you, Mike Monteiro. As soon as I can afford it, this print will grace my walls as a reminder that we can handle anything life throws us. At least for a year.

the weather is here. wish you were beautiful.

Or so I said to Sooner as we entered Norfolk this afternoon after 6 and half hours in the car.

Shortly thereafter, I found myself loving the small city, and though I never thought I'd say it, I can't wait to live here.

It may be the coastal, laid back vibe. It may be the adorable bungalows and cottages just screaming for evenings on the porch. And it may be that the weather was perfect this afternoon. However, it most likely is the fact that MY HUSBAND will live with me here.

And that thought makes me smile so hard that my stomach hurts.

i swear i am competent.

Rant for the day: why is it when I most need to sound and seem competent, collected, articulate and professional, I seem to make the most mistakes and end up coming off as none of the above?

frustrating.

In other news, who's gearing up for the big game tomorrow? I know of at least one labrador who despite his namesake, would like to see nothing more than a Clemson vs OU match up with a tiger victory.

Go Clemson!

filing might not be overrated. clemson may be.

Had a whirlwind trip to ATL to see the Tigers perform miserably in just one game in the ACC tournament. I will say nothing else other than I feel sorry for them and I have lost most hope for any showing in the NCAA's.

I am amazed at how much the city has changed since grad school.

Did get to visit the new (not really) H&M as well as the center of my old stomping grounds: Sam Flax. Discovered a new brand of office supplies: semikolon. I would have bought everything in coordinated hues, but honestly, I don't think I'm built to know how to use that stuff. Maybe when David returns I can convince him to leave behind ordinary file cabinets and banker boxes for this. In the meantime, I just got a few pieces.. in orange, of course.

hope

Tonight, despite all the chaos in life, in the midst of cold and the snow and the imminent loss of power, I feel spring is near, my husband will return soon and the next 2 years will be full of joy.

This print from blissful images, one of my favorite etsy photographers, should be appropriate to commemorate the day.

and the award for best mix tape goes to

Took a few minutes to download the new "Dark was the Night" compilation cd yesterday.

Not only was it the love child of 2 members from one of my favorite bands ever (The National), but even better it confirms that I completely share in their musical tastes. Every one of the 32 songs on there could be a part of a playlist to represent soundtrack for the last year of my life.

Oh, and all the proceeds to go funding to prevent and cure HIV and AIDS.

Get thee to itunes.

it's the little things in life

I normally don't eat "heat ups" as David calls them. But with recent circumstances, I've introduced a few new (read cheap) items into the rotation.

Today I had my first WeightWatchers Chicken Quesadilla. It was fine.

But the instructions on how to prepare? Maybe one of the funniest things I've read in the past few weeks.

They begin:
1. Remove 1 (in BOLD!) Quesadilla (1 serving) -- Once again, BOLD! Return second Quesadilla to freezer. (yes, in italic)

Directions continue:
4. Microwave on high for 1:45 - 2:15 minutes (watch closely as overheating may cause loss of filling)

Let's get this straight: is some woman out there using the directions to prepare her 220 calorie meal to provide her last bit of will power to avoid eating something that actually tastes good, like a real quesadilla? If so, God forbid she lose the least amount of filling that she deserves for being so good and listening and returning the second quesadilla to the freezer. I can only imagine her reaction. Well, screw you WeightWatchers, you lost my filling, so I am going DEFY you and ignore that first instruction to return the second quesadilla to the freezer. Woman's gotta eat.

Really, this is hilarious to me. I keep thinking about it at random times of day and laughing at loud. At this point even Sooner recognizes the absurdity.

It's the little things.