The end of the internet

You know when people always say they have reached the end of the internet, I know they are lying but I understand the underlying meaning. Today I reached the end of the internet. Yes by 10:03 am just 2 hours into my work day I have reached the end of the internet. Why/ How you might ask? The answer is simple, I ran out of videos on funny or die, tina (the youtube sensation) set her videos to private, oh and I watched the latest Clark and Michael video.

Everyday people go to work, and in most cases are severely under stimulated by their work. In my case, my normally fairly interesting job has recently hit a snag. I ran out of work to do, I am in fact too productive. So like many of my fellow workers of the world I turn to the internet for some entertainment. I always hit bestweekever.tv first. For those of you who have not discovered this blog you need to. I go there because the editors speak my language. They have the right balance of quick wit and gross humor. I then normally follow their links on a continued search for entertainment.

I blame funny or die's "The Landlord" for elevating my internet entertainment to such a snotty and hard to please place. For those of you who have not seen it, just go now and watch it. For those of you who have and are offended, this is not the blog for you. Pearl is both cute and hilarious, and its just plain fun. Kind of like Michael Cera, he is someone you look at and think man where has this guy been hiding, apparently in plain site on the internet, or in a small big screen hit Superbad. Thanks to my procrastination mixed with a lack of work to do, I have discovered a whole new world of internet stars.

With the writers strike f'ing with my tv schedule I turn to the trashy world of tmz.com and mtv reality shows for entertainment. Clearly I am underwhelmed. So then I retreat to the internet, normally reserved for work hour desperation only. I understand the point of the writers strike, don't get me wrong, but man I didn't realize how much my brain depended on that 1/2 hour sitcom or full hour drama to get me through the week. Now every night will be tuesday night, and everyone knows there is nothing worth watching on a tuesday night. Boredom may even drive me to work out, which is both frightening and shocking.

Thank God for the internet, because so far it has gotten me through the week moments where I almost become... dare I say... un-american, in the fact that I am no longer glued to a tv, dependent on trashy news, or hooked to some hilarious youtube video. It might actually force me to become social again. Imagine that, talking to people face to face, no cell phone or google chat between us. Frightening I know.

In the end I don't know whether to thank the writers for striking, yell at best week ever to step up on the post for my entertainment only, or to perhaps take some initiative and maybe go above and beyond the call of duty at work. What I do know is this, I have way to much time on my hands and someone better help me find a damn hobby, anyone know how to whittle?

How could I forget the Ultimate Fighters

And for your viewing pleasure, the lost night at Carol's with the Ultimate Fighters:

Beth having a deep convo with the fighters

One of them flicking off the camera, while I tried to capture the one cool guy

Flexing their brains... I mean muscles...Midsize truck take one
Midsize truck take two

traveling.... and more traveling

Long time no talk. Hmm... whats happened since my last installment. Well I fell out of a lawn chair, got promoted, and watched my big brother get hitched (In other words the boring life of an early 20 something). Oh and of course Halloween. This year I dressed up as Debbie Harry not quite as good as last years brit brit but pretty good. I was debating between Tammy Fae, Suri Cruise and Debbie Harry. I think Tammy Fae would have been a hit. Oh well, there is always next year, or next costume party.
KC, Beth and I were thinking about doing a costume party for our birthday (6 months away, but can never plan too soon). I am thinking we should do our favorite childhood cartoon character (It would be a toss up between Shera and Smurfette for me). The idea of throwing an office party where you dress up like a coworker was also brought up. I think that could have some potential as well. (Elaine... oh that would be the sweet comeuppance I have been waiting for.)

Hilarity has been toned down quite a bit as I have been working my butt off and traveling like a crazy person. Frequent flyer miles wahoo. Although most of them are Southwest so I would be stuck in the United States. I kind of hate the fact I love my job, I know that sounds strange, but it really holds me here. I always thought at this time in my life I would be traveling the world and in between jaunts living off my parents like every other early 20 something does in this country. There is a feeling of pride that I am not doing that, I am a very well employed 24 year old, who lives in a great city, in her own place, with great friends. But at the same time I think we all have thoughts of abandoning responsibility, throwing caution into the wind, and traveling this crazy world looking to find ourselves.
The idea of finding myself has been bugging me for the past month or so, I spend a lot of alone reflection time, which I try to distract myself from through horrible "reality" tv such as the Hills. Instead I find myself at that classic crossroad of twenty-dom, I find myself living a life that I really feel like I have no power over. Its almost as if falling out of a lawn chair, pissed to high heavens, is my act of rebellion as I am lead down this life track. Who knows, maybe I should just accept my good fortune and make the best of the hand dealt to me. A lot of people are way worse off in this world, I just need to suck it up and realize that I am doing good things, even if it wasn't what I thought I would be doing. Ok enough of that, here are a montage if you will of pictures of the past few weeks to give you a insight to the insanity:The Bride and Groom

Me and the brohan

Cory and had a little too much fun at the wedding.Abigail as Bjork... Priceless...

More fun photos to come. My internet is being a bitch.

P.S. I may or may not have made out with a guy dressed up like batman on the dance floor at smart bar... I may or may not have found out his name is don and he is an accountant and then told him I had to leave immediately. This is all hypothetical of course.

Its 95* in October and you are asking me why I am irritated

Need air conditioning now... This is one of the many downsides of being an urbanite- the ac window unit. Perhaps I am cheap, but I can only afford one and lets face it I couldn't pay for two to be running and my turn of the century apartments wiring would probably explode. Therefore, I lack sleep because my fan sounds like a train coming through my room and I am not hot to function.

Phew, glad I got that off my chest, now onto a few highlights of the past three weeks: Went to three states, moved into my very own place, spent a chunk of change and oh yeah faked an Irish accent to get free drinks on Friday night.

I went to Seattle, I am in love, would move there in a heartbeat. Everyone says the same thing, what about the rain? I lived in Ireland for 6 months, rain does not bother me, extreme heat with no ac is another thing. So much more to talk about so little time.

My job is awesome, I will be the first to admit that. I travel to different states and throw parties, then I come back to my office and plan how to spend the next portion of my budget. I work hard, sometimes long hours, but who else gets to jet set across this beautiful country accumulating frequent flyer miles that will be used to travel outside this country for a job. If I didn't have to move (with no car) and get ready for my Brother's upcoming marriage (a week from Saturday) I would be so stressed out. Also the damn heat... its killing me smalls.

This is Chicago, shouldn't there be snow on the ground. I am going to start believing Al Gore, so mother nature prove him wrong now or forever hold your peace. (Is it piece or peace.... hmmm never thought about it). While I waited, I passed my time in an air-conditioned bar on Friday night faking an Irish accent so dumb prepsters would buy me drinks. It worked. I felt bad, but only a little. Will post a photo blog soon, with the ultimate fighters from my last post, Seattle pics and of course wedding shots.



Until then watch "Business Time" from Flight of the Concords to make you feel better... (Thanks BM)

Ladies, that was a top night...

So you thought I would forget.... Oh hell no, I am here for my monthly post. This one is a good one, for those two people who read this blog.

So Saturday Funday as I like to call it was especially that this past Saturday in fact the weekend was an over-all success:

Friday night BM and I had quite the lil' lezbo date, dinner and Dream Girls, tame yes, but it was in preparation for the almighty of Saturdays.

Saturday started bright and early, when I awoke at 9 am as instructed for a day that would top all days. Unfortunately I forgot in my friends language 9 am actually means 10:30 am so don't hold your breath. Once we all assembled, kc, bm, abi, erin, & I (a full carload) headed out estate sale-ing (yes that is a word, I made it up). Off to the burbs we went in kc's corolla ready to wheel and deal. And that we did, we bought coffee tables, end tables, a sweet 60s dining room set, all of which we had to come back to pick up. Then it was off to IKEA (aka broke 20 somethings guide to decorating) where we picked up the essentials (which for me totaled $125.00 youch). Satisfied we headed back into the city for a full night ahead of us.

Saturday night started with bm and myself watching a little Reality Bites, while getting gussied up for the one and only Rilo Kiley. We of course were running 30 minutes behind as we headed north armed with lots of vodka to Abi's dog sitting house which we would call home for the next 14-16 hours. 2 drinks in we were headed (mind you a bit late) to shake our money makers (bm will love that one) to Rilo. Upon entering BM (who we will call BM gangsta from now on) was asked to surrender her MASE to a security guard so she wouldn't pepper spray a bitch up. The nice security guard said he'd hold onto it for us till we got out. Rilo Kiley was amazing I heard my two favorite songs which was awesome! We drank a few beers at the Riv (the Rivera Theater) and toasted to a top night ahead of us.

That it was, on arrival at Carol's Country Music Bar on Chicago's Northside (yes country yeehaw) I felt like I was home back at Finn's Old Waldo and in my element. After some booty shaking on the dance floor we took a drink break where we met a host of characters. There was Radiohead Boy who told us his favorite band was Radiohead (while wearing a Radiohead teeshirt) I can guarantee he didn't even know one song. Our nice Native American Friends saved us from Radiohead boy when we started talking to them. Their 68 year old grandpa (who I insisted didn't look a day of 35 (told you I was in my element) were all around good people.

On my way to the bathroom a table of oh so cute boys caught my eye. After sending BM to scope it out (which she did so eloquently by saying: "my friend told me to scope out the table of hot boys which I guess is you") I took my seat next the bachelor (it was his party apparently). BM would later claim I held court at this table, the men all listening to me (blame it on the name Elizabeth is common among the monarchy). The boys and I laughed, danced, maybe shed a tear or two. We shared our favorite writers and more. They were from Cincinnati and boy were they a good time (except the ones that BM found out later were training to be ultimate fighters)! After being beckoned home by the evil BM I left the table with hugs and kisses like we were old friends.

After a restful night it was off to u-haul to pick our mid-size truck (hence why my mom called it the lesbian weekend) which actually turned out to be an f150 which we totally dominated (or so we thought). The u-haul is always an interesting place, but this one had crack heads and a guy wearing a sombrero and drinking a beer shirtless with a belly (which I later found out it was Mexican Independence Day so he had reason to celebrate) needless to say we got the truck and headed to retrieve our new furniture from the estate sale the previous day. We drove past the cars on a stick from Wayne's World and ate some taco bell, it was glorious. Angel the guy at the u-haul scared the crap out of bm and I when we returned the truck only to have him literally throw the truck in reverse and fly into traffic nearly killing a crack head guiding him out, all so we could fill it up with gas. At least we were done.

Lastly it was off to dinner with Mike, while I waited outside the bar (for another habitually late person in my life) a strange little leprechaun of any Irishman snuck up right behind my ear to tell me I was "gorgeous" before fake fighting the bouncer and making these weird sounds... I do not make this shit up people.


All in all it was a top weekend. Pics to come.

What's a month, when you get to hear from me now...

Interns are the best thing to ever happen to the entry level job holder. There is someone lower then you on the totem poll for once. When you tell them to do something you can put on the act about how you feel bad for asking them to file and staple things, but really you don't. You are cool to them, because you are official yet you can still relate. You my friend become the entry level superstar when the intern comes rolling around.

Now that I am one step up on from the entry level superstar, the intern becomes the reminder that you should be doing more work. My intern for example can complete a task list that I wouldn't even attempt in one day. Then he sits, eyes wide, all innocently pleading for more work. Basically I want to tell the kid, "Hey there is this thing called the internet, why don't you peruse it for awhile." I should have known better when I came in hungover a week ago and was trying to give that old, "Rough night last night huh" and he responded with "Yeah I know, my sister and I went and saw the new Nancy Drew Movie".

Seriously buddy, The Nancy Drew movie, why don't you just make it more apparent that I am satan and a horrible influence on your poor soul. He didn't even know the Chicago sports teams, even though he grew up here, or who Matthew Broderick was.... Ferris Bueller people.... I was about to swoop in and save this poor lost 2o something from complete social idiocy, when I remembered I was the boss. I can't take this kid out for a beer and baseball, I can't even tell him I am hungover.

Just when I was feeling bad for this kid who was spiraling into the depths social suicide, I stumbled upon his facebook page (cleverly hidden under another name). He knows who Ferris Bueller is, its listed as one of his favorite movies. Nancy Drew my ass, he was out boozing it up at the very college bar I am a legend (in my own mind) at. I had been duped. It was all an act. His pseudonym "Aaron" loves to go clubbing and chill with his girl Leah, he belongs to the Bordo's free happy hour group, and claims to be the flippy cup champ.


And so it begins, I am heading down the slippery slope of adulthood, no longer cool enough to be on the inside track. Student workers look at me as the boss man, they don't tell me whats really up, just the candy coated version. And damn are they good at it. I truly believed this kid had no social life (due in my mind to being raised and still living in the far burbs of chicago). Next thing you know he will be getting the promotions and this will all be an episode of the Office.

The Intern

So I am in an episode of The Office I am pretty sure. I hired an Intern last week and realized quickly that my power of delegation is making me the Captain Marvel of this office. (Wow who wrote that, they must be a huge nerd) Anywho... through my wit matched only by my laziness I have manage to turn my intern and myself into an unstoppable Alumni Relation machine. We get so much done in a day its ridiculous. Yes, don't worry I still manage to read tmz, blog, read cnn, blog, read the times, oh and blog.

Now to that episode of the office scenario. Every time I tell this kid (and by kid I mean the person sitting across from me who is no more than a year younger than me) to do anything, I feel like a complete jack ass. When I tell him to file, I feel bad, when I tell him to send out an email, I have him send it to me first. Oh and I spill coffee on myself at least twice a day, mostly when I trip over his computer cord sending his lap top flying towards me. (Yes we share an office and it is humiliating, as my Bear Window (see the office window blog) is glaring at me from behind his head.

Yesterday I had to introduce him to everyone on the floor, I know maybe three people on my floor. So here we are walking around the floor and here I am reading verbatim off so and so's name plate. This is Bob Smith, Bob is our VP of Advancement (Bob has no clue who I am and thinks I am the intern, rough). Then we get to a door where there is no name plate and the jig is up. I wait for no-name to introduce herself and tell him her job title, then as to not look like I didn't know it, I say: Linda works for the President, if you need things signed you go to her. (In other words reiterating what she just said)

Did I mention he is a health freak, he eats well, drinks water, probably works out. Meanwhile, ol' boss lady drinks her coffee and diet coke and is so hungover she needed a Starbucks breakfast sandwich this morning. Thats the other thing, he is perky and ready to work when he gets in, leaving me to look like a slacker as I enjoy my coffee and breakfast sandwich while catching up on todays most important story "Is She or Isn't She: Nicole Richie's Pregnancy". Hard hitting news I tell ya.

And to make matters worse, all I can think about is that damn new Harry Potter Movie and the book. I know I am going to be that person at the water cooler who doesn't make it to the movie this weekend and therefore gets everything ruined for them. Damn you water cooler harry potter loving gossip girls and boys, damn you! So I will just die of dehydration instead because i am too cheap to purchase bottled water.

Ok this blog is getting a bit lengthy and out of hand, so I sign off this morning a little less productive, slightly dirty (damn coffee), and most of all back to my blogging glory!

emote my foot!

Once again, I have to thank Helen E. for her way of always inspiring these blogs. Todays subject, what is it with 50 something (aka my parents, aunts, uncles, bosses etc.) and emoticons.

Exhibit A: Email from Aunt Joane
I know with the holiday approaching …Cory and Ryan are beginning to salivate knowing what’s ahead! Fortunately for Kate – she sampled and approved the Strawberry Salad – so we gave her the final approval to enter the family. Congratulations to both Kate and Joe for their faithful journey. Kate will “officially” enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on Saturday night.

Neeners and Big Al (and gang – Kristen, Jimmy, Caroline, Meg, Shannon, Nick, Jake and ?) will all be coming in town this year!

I’m trying to accommodate the majority for “meal time” - I’m thinking early afternoon

(1:00 or 2:00) but would like to hear from everyone as to departure times, nap times (that includes Grandpa) and favorite time!

We filled the living room with a beautiful new pool table and Bryan is putting the finishing touches on the back patio. (lighting and waterfall) Pray for nice weather.

I’m so excited to have everyone here – especially the new arrival – Emmy! I haven’t seen her yet – but the Grandma’s are sure bragging!

Food assignments will be sent out once I hear everyone and firm up “brunch” or “lunch”

Study Hard and we look forward to having you home! Of course – we will miss Jimbo

Although from the looks of his picture file – he’s seeing plenty of Europe. (Jimmy – put yourself in a picture or two – we want to be sure there’s no beer belly!)

Looking forward to having my girls home soon too!

Love – Aunt Joane or Mom or Joane – depending who is reading this!

Can we say obnoxious! I mean honestly, the font size (which I scaled down from wait for it 35pt. to fit on my blog), the unecessary knowledge of emoticons, the fact that Jimmy was in London not Spain so what's with the hola guy, I mean really! Next thing I know my mom has caught on. A conversation with a friend earlier today explains it best:

friend: there's a really funny article in today's nytimes about facebook

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/07/fashion/07Cyber.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&th&emc=th

11:25 AM me: such a peg leg (my mother) move

she is all into emoticons right now its annoying

friend: hahahahaha

emoticons

11:26 AM i'm telling my mom that exact sentence

11:27 AM me: seriously jimmy thought she was drunk when she im'd him in london one night because she was using all emoticons to communicate

friend: hahahahahaha

me: and now she is on google chat, outrageous

friend: i'm going to lose my job for laughing too loud

The article she directed me to was about a mom joining Facebook. Unnecessary Moms and Dads of the world, try talking to your kid and being involved with their life so you don't have to spy on them! My mom topped this off by joining google's gchat for gmail users. She now sends me the annoying emoticons on a hourly basis just to erk me.

Exhibit B: Conversation with mom this morning:

me: hi mom, quick question about cleveland this weekend
mom: whats up :)
me: is it casual?
mom: yup :) :)
me: unnecessary use of the smilies mom cut it out.

I then get an email that looks like this moments later:

Dear Beth:
:) :( :? :/ :] :o

Love <3>

Mom xoxoxox


Enough said. Lay off the emoticons people!

Since I don't Have a Window

Window One

Window Two

Window Three

Its time to vote folks:

Since I don't have a window in my new office (I like to call the cave), I would like you all to vote for the creation you would like to see on my wall as my new fake window. You can only vote once I am afraid.


Enjoy!

so long summer....

Wahoo... I am back, I know how you all missed me so. Good news, more blogs, bad news more blogs. I have a new job, with a new office, with a new door, which means............... I can close people out! So if you like it or not, doesn't matter because I will be writing more!

On to the good stuff:

This weekend was the cross town series in Chicago. For those of you not from Chicago and can't seem to infer the meaning from above, the cross town series means the Cubs vs. the Socks. The Cubs won :). This year it was held in our hood at Wrigley Field. Making my neighborhood a prime location for people watching.

On Saturday night we went to the infamous Cubby Bear, a favorite post game hangout. My favorite cover band of all time Wedding Banned was playing there and I wasn't about to let a couple of hoodlums and yuppies scare me away. And despite what both teams fans say, socks fans are straight up hoodlums and cubs fans are straight up yuppies, neither wins in my mind. As we looked around the room waiting for the band to appear. We watched as two socks fans decked out in their sideways hates with all the tags still on (don't get it) did a little head bob to Eminem. All the yuppies around them looked in disgust. Soon after some Kelly Clarkson tune came on and sure enough the yuppie girls were screaming and jumping while one of the sox's buddies imitated shooting himself in the head with his fingers. The night was going to get interesting.

And it did, Wedding Banned appeared on stage, (check to see if they are coming to your town because they are amazing), and rocked a great set. By the end of it, the sox boys and the cubby's girls were making out, now how is that for a cross town peace treaty.


Ok off to work, I leave for LA in less the 24 hours so I better get cooking.

Bad News Bears

So once again its been awhile. With good excuse this time. I got a new job! No more Evil wench who like voldemort shall go unnamed. Wow I will try to keep the dork references to a minimum from now on.

First off Kickball:
yes kickball folks, I am the proud captain of Jorts optional. An homage to Jean Shorts and all things denim. Jean Shoes, hats, fanny packs, you got jean we got jean, now if only we had Jeanie on the team. Wow what kind of Dr. Seuss crap was that. Anywho, Jorts for short is by far the first team in the league, mostly my fault. We are hung over, unorganized, lacking a uniform, our pitcher and most of the outfield chain smokes, and we don't believe in running. We are also philosophically opposed (as teammate Scott would say) to acting or communicating like a team. On the up side, we have a damn good time losing! Just call us the Bad News Bears.

Up Next:
my new job: lots of travel + lots of airport people watching= hilarity will ensue

Last but not least:
http://www.eagleforum.org/misc/descript.html (huh?) yeah that's what I said too, if anyone cares to possibly understand this mixed up platform please explain. Scott I know you will be all over it.


P.S.: Never give your real phone number and fake name to the same person, it doesn't work out well. damn you alter-ego Jen, damn you.... More to come soon.

Setting Sail to the high seas on one hell of a motely cruise!

http://www.bestweekever.tv/2007/04/11/sailing-failure/

Um. check please, I am off to sail the mighty seas with non-other the boys of motely crue.... Ok maybe if I had the money or was willing to sell my first child, I would . I guess I lack the dedication of a true eighties metal fan, but I mean come on most girls my age in the height of the 80s wanted to marry prince charming, I wanted to marry the guy who was re-paving our drive way because of his slight resemblance to Jon Bon Jovi.

Possibly the most witty blog observation ever made was by the best week ever staff to include the last paragraph in which RATT became RAT after losing a member and the new bassist was a native of Kansas City (who lives there really.... crickets crickets.... me looking guilty, and slow hand up) and a gym teach no less.

Some days I love my job, this one, why because I read this story. No I didn't cure cancer, or get someones' tax return done on time, or even save a little kitten from a tree, but hey we all can't be productive, creativity would suffer greatly.

As I read this article I imagined myself taking to the high seas with my girls Tiffany and crystal (standard). We would be wearing our day-glow bikinis, our mesh midriffs, our short shorts, are amazingly styled crimped and curly big hair blown in the wind. I would be with the Jon look alike of course (now a bit older and sporting a balding mullet and a fringe coated to tight leather jacket). My friends would be with their husbands that used to look like the twins from Nelson (gotta love that reference) but now kind of look like fat hulk hogans rocking the nascar jackets. We would sip on wine coolers and work on our tans, all while showing off our his and her superman tats (an homage to Jon) while Tiffany shows of her rose with thorns wrapped in a chain, representing her love for poison. We would eagerly await the chance to launch our bikini tops at the stage wishing Skid Row could have made it. Not to mention the champagne of beers (name it and I will give you a penny) cascading down a waterfall so all you have to do is tilt you head back and enjoy.
At some point Larry (the bon jovi look-a-like) would stand on a table and ask everyone if they wanted to see the tiger grrrroooowl, much to my horror the tiger was a belly tattoo, the table would buckle, break and we'd be off to our room. When back at our room we would upon arrival trash the place, like true rockers do. Who cares where this cruise is heading, in my dream it must be heaven.

Happy Friday All. Sweet Dreams of Tiger Tattoos and Rocking Balding Mullets.

Celebrity Face Recognition

So upon working hard, or in my case hardly working I stumbled upon this lovely new distraction courtesy of www.myheritage.com. Above is mine which might I add is of course dead on, I mean I get Grace Kelly references all the time (ok maybe not, but the machine says so). With such scientific tools at my disposal I thought I'd try a couple more and this is what I found:

My brother came up with the below matches: I've always thought he looked like Naomi Watts:




I then moved on to my dear friend and loyal reader Helen E. to see just who she looks like and below you can see her matches: And man am I jealous, Angelina Jolie damn you!



Finally for shits and giggles I did my other brother: I have always thought he looks like fred savage lets see the results: ding ding ding we have a winner, he is indeed a fred savage look alike:

blahhh elliot smith blaahhh

"When you first arrive in a new city, nothing makes sense. Everything's unknown, virgin...After you've lived here, walked these streets, you'll know them inside out. You'll know these people. Once you've lived here, crossed this street 10, 20, 1000 times... it'll belong to you because you've lived there. That was about to happen to me, but I didn't know it yet"

I don't know where the above quote comes from, I saw it on a profile once. Its true. I am soon to be a resident of chicago for 6 years. Six years, I remember when being ten to sixteen was such a monumental change, and now being 18 to 24 seems pretty well boring. I need a change in my life, being sober has taught me that.

Since I haven't been drinking, I have been forced to find humor in everyday life sans the booze that allows me to laugh things off more readily. I blame Elliot Smith, I've cleary been listening to him too much. I look around and all there is war, violence, conceit, materialism, call me a pessimist but seriously kids aren't even now a hope for the future. Cell phones, coach bags, bebe, not for a twenty something girl, for an eight year girl, its ludicrious.

My junior year of college I hung out with this great group of artist and writers. We always joked about starting a counter-culture commune like back in the 60s and 70s. I kind of wish we had followed through. Instead we are all working low income jobs, to pay for our low income housing, to further our income driven lives.

I haven't painted again for a long time. What is with me. I used to go nuts if I didn't paint, photograph, doodle once a day. Now I hardly even look at my art supplies. I don't even keep my room clean enough to paint. I live in a household where I still ask permission to do things like a child. I live every moment pay check to pay check. what the hell am I doing. I have become so numb I am boring.

So the question becomes what do I do to break the cycle. To make this once new city full of potential into that city once again. Where I can be proud of my life and myself. Where I am going and to do what I want to do no matter who tells me not to. To get my life, starting with my bedroom in order so that I can move freely. To get rid of all the material crap I don't need and focus on what really matters. To stop being jealous of others and start striving to be content with the cards I have been dealt.

Lets hope I have the strength to follow through and more importantly not to procrastinate the start. I say kick ball will change the world.

Meg Swan: We met at Starbucks. Not at the same Starbucks but we saw each other at different Starbucks across the street from each other.

Where to begin, where to begin.... Let's start with the picture above. If you haven't seen Best in Show, go out right now and rent it. shame on you! If you have you will understand this first of two short blogs rolled into one medium size blog for you enjoyment. A two for one of sorts. Ok so back to the lovely couple above the Swans. I spent Sunday afternoon with the real life Swans. I worked for Fox Atomic this weekend a friend of mine is a rep for them at the "flea-less market" oh yes they are so clever with the pun, as it was held at Stay (a dog hotel nicer than some places I stayed in Europe). Its a flea market for... wait for it wait for it.... dogs. Yes dogs, and it brought in the best of the crazy dog lovers with it. I was promoting a family film "Fire House Dog" in a shirt made for a kindergartner (not kidding it was a youth shirt) along side my dear friend Katie. We actually were having a decent time, chit chatting giving little kids stickers and posters. Then around 2:00 it was like they let the loons out of the bin. First up weird guy with smelly dog (we will call him Frank). Frank was way to interested in the kids film, and kind of the kids themselves, creepy. He dog also smelled like death. Next up the Dog psychic from across the way, I was calling her the dog whisperer. She charged 20 bucks for 15 minutes of bullshit, I admire her business model, I am going to pretend like I hear cats, and charge 35 bucks. She asked us how we thought the dog felt during the filming, did he seem upset and insecure, she is getting the vibe from the preview.... It continued when miss 49th ward shows up and starts a lil' protest in front of our booth saying we harm animals, and then trying to sell us some Mosaic of a terrier. Was it worth the $50.00 hanging with the crazies, honestly I would have done it for free it was that entertaining.

The other thing on my mind this weekend was Grad School. I am scared of the GRE, mostly because I still feel like a second grader in a 9th grade math class. I know I need to grow up and just take it but that's the beauty of the true procrastinator that I am. I actually am procrastinating my procrastination plan. That's a mind f**k huh! Maybe I should go see the dog whisperer about it. Anywho my good friend sent me the above picture. I loved it. I bought a GRE book. I haven't opened it. But hey baby steps people baby steps.

The Wonder Years

-The Wonder Years-
"Things never turn out exactly the way you planned. I know they didn't with me. Still, like my father used to say, 'Traffic's traffic, you go where life takes you' and growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day you're in diapers, the next you're gone, but the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul. I remember a time a place, a particular fourth of July, the things that happened in that decade of war and change. I remember a house like a lot of houses, a yard like a lot of yards, on a street like a lot of other streets. I remember how hard it was growing up among people and places I loved. Most of all, I remember how hard it was to leave. And the thing is, after all these years I still look back in wonder."

God I loved that show, still do. I feel like it would be amazing to have the ability to look over your life and narrate how you felt in the moment, how you feel now and contemplate on that amazing time in your life. I have been on a kick (literally) of thinking about my childhood mostly because I am starting a Kickball team. Yes, a kickball team, the great elementary school past-time. In Chicago these days kickball and dodge ball (previous to the movie) have made a comeback in an adult form. We for example are a bunch of 23 + year olds getting pumped in our cubicles for the big game against team schwetty balls.

After my 33rd email yesterday concerning the formation of our kickball team, I started to reflect on my childhood. I started having my own Kevin Arnold monologue playing over my childhood memories. I really makes me want to take some of our old home movies and do something with them. New project for the summer perhaps.

I have so many exceptional memories: Gretel the lunch lady from Germany with the big boobs and love of squishing you in them to sing you happy birthday in front of the whole school. Growing up on 71st terr. the best kid street ever. Where big wheels and wagons rules the street and where it was safe to run around the neighborhood all day with out a fear of being kidnapped. My first kiss behind the press box at Rockhurst College in the 5th grade. Or even the countless times I "ran away", one of which we have running commentary on thanks to Mr. Aldrich and the huge video camera we captured our lives on. A little taste of the video:

Mr. Aldrich: What are you doing beth?
Me (Age 4): Running away to sea world, can't you see the map (closes in on a map of the sea world park in Cleveland, oh)
Mr. Aldrich: That's a long way away beth
Me: I have a backpack
Mr. Aldrich: do you have a flash light, it gets dark on your way there
Me: (visibly hesitant) well maybe I will just run away tomorrow.

Moments like these that when I was 14 I hated my parents for capturing, but now I wish I could have my own version of Wonder Years. I guess I will have to settle on kickball for now, and don't worry we will dominate the league.

I've been a wild rover for many a year...

The rest of that Irish tune goes: And I spent all my money on whisky and beer. That is in fact how one could describe the weekend. However I did not drink all that much for a change (I did buy lots of beer and whisky just not for myself).


First up Vanessa's 21st Birthday. Vanessa turned 21 finally! She is the baby of our group of friends and I was so excited to celebrate her birthday with her. Jeanie made her the traditional shot book and we were on our way. Little did I know that she would be so successful to fill her shot book that she would be home at 11:30 (not long after a 20 minute discussion on how she could not stand up and therefore not go into the bar.) On the upswing during the debate I must have impressed the bouncer (oh so cute Brandon) who I have a date with next weekend.

Next up and after we put Vanessa in a cab for the second time. She got out of the first one a block away and came back to the bar. (I have to give her points for being resilient). I was able to see my good friend Chava and his band Mellowtronic preform at Gojangles in Chicago. You should check out their profile on myspace music. They have a great sound and a truly fantastic stage presence.

And lastly as you all know there was this little holiday Saturday that I had been getting pumped about for months. Like a kid who didn't get what they wanted for Christmas, this years St. Paddy's was not one to write home about. However I did have a blast with my favorite girls Vanessa (who had rebounded like a champ from the previous night) and Katie G. Shoe couldn't make it due to a sprained knee and too much vodka at her pre-party festivities. It was nice to see all my Kelly's Pub friends and to have some beers and relax.

I am back on the sober train and going sticking to my promise. Only 18 more days of lent, I think I can do it. I have a new addiction March Madness, I am kicking ass and taking names #1 in all my pools, it helps to be sober when making your picks apparently.

21 days and a singing cab driver.

So I am on my 21st day of no drinking, and I must say this has been the longest I have gone since I was about 17 years old with out drinking. This is also the first time I have really stuck to anything this regimented. That all gets thrown out the door on Saturday when St. Paddy's day hits and I get my much needed vacation from my Lenten promise.

But while we wait I want to tell you a little story about Karma. As many of my friends know I have been working very hard at changing some of my negative behaviors in order to improve my karma that has been a bitch lately. Such things include random acts of kindness, limiting my bad mouthing, trying to be a more positive person, and helping out people in need. Well finally I have a sign that things are-a-changing.

After five (almost six) years in the beautiful city of Chicago, I got to experience the Famous Singing Cab Driver. He is an urban legend of sorts and his name is Ray St. Ray. I had just departed early from a night at a local spot called the Hop Leaf (aka purgatory for the beer drinker not drinking), ticked off that I missed a cab on my way out the door a waited, and waited and finally was picked up. And as luck would have it, lucky me, I got the infamous Ray St. Ray as my driver. And he lives up to the legend. A friendly face and great banter greeted me as I sulked in the cab over passing on the great beer selection at the Hop Leaf. Ray explained his background to me and asked me if I would care to hear a tune. Who would say no to this I ask? Anyways he gave me a list of categories (basic ones for the most part) I of course decided on Christmas. Who doesn't want to hear a nice Christmas carol in March. He came through with a stirring tune that said something about baby Jesus and a rocket ship. It made the less than 15 minute drive a most pleasant experience. And to top it off when we got to my destination he told me a story about how he became the singing cab driver and handed me a card, and in parting said "Consider this a sign of karma changing".

Who was this guy, did he read minds, was it that obvious that I was fed up with this Eastern take on the golden rule. I don't know but it was a sign if you ask me and since then things have only been going up. I started my new position at work, its been in the 50s and 60s in Chicago full of sunshine, and hey I think I've even lost a pound or two. Thanks Ray St. Ray for making a believer out of me. As for all of you, I hope one day you will get to experience this phenomenon that is the singing cab driver.

Does my Ass look Big in This...

And it's official the NY Times' Fashion Section has their head way up their you know whats:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/08/fashion/08CODES.html?ex=1174021200&en=98009466e4d00fad&ei=5070&emc=eta1

The above above link will take you to the New York Times' Fashion section. My favorite blogger friend Miss. Helen E sent me this story because she knows I'd roll around in my cubicle in a fit of laughter.

Men these days are concerned about tight fitting clothes accentuating the flaws of their bodies: The following image pops in to my head:

This folks is my brother Jimbo, I cannot for the life of me imagine Jimbo at 6ft 3inches and about 200+ lbs saying "look at these thunder thighs and this ass is huge, i need to get to my Pilate's class." My dear blogger bud added, I could also never see Jimbo buying an insanely tight fitting YSL suit.

Point taken. In the age of the emo straight leg jean, and the YSL slim fitted suite, are men becoming shall I say body conscious? And if they are could it be possible that perhaps they could be one step closer to understanding why people like myself 5ft 2 and lets just say more to love, don't wear the same things that those skeleton actresses like nicole richie and kate bosworth wear. This women of the world could be a step in the right direction.

Or for arguments sake is this just another example of our generations incessant need for approval and compliment. Parents no longer yell at their kids because it damages their fragile sense of self-worth. At twelve I knew what clothes were not flattering because my mother told me. Don't get me wrong I understand positive self image is a good thing to pass onto your kids but when your 12 year old at 110lbs says they are two fat to wear things, what exactly have you done to promote that. Patting them on the back instead of correcting them when they are wrong is not making them any more self sufficient and confident.

As for these men in tights, get over it suckers, it's called a fad, it will go as quick as it came. I never gave into the skinny jeans fad. Why? Because I have an ass and thighs and it doesn't look as good as my low rise boot-cuts. Not all body types are born for fashion, and who are these designers to dictate what someone should or should not look like. If I had listened the Calvin Klein in my formative years (the 90s) I would be a coke addicted skeleton, like his former poster child. Although I did like his black on gray color pallet.

The bottom line of this blog ladies and in particular gents: Not all of us are meant for high fashion, it doesn't make you worthless or less cool, it makes you confident enough to stand on your own and create a fashion that makes you feel good. If all else fails, just buy shoes, they always fit, they always look good, and even if they are wildly in style, they come in your size.

And I've Got It

I told you I would be back with hilarity as soon as I found it, and boy have I found it.

You know when you are a kid and your mom has the willys about one of your friends. Even at the age of 5 there was a friend of mine that my mom just knew would grow up to be trouble. Like my brother's friend who grew up to own a rent by the hour motel, or that friend of my other brother who ended up in jail after a huge fight in college. Mom's just have that radar. They spot a wild child and try to nip it in the butt before you get involved.

My mother always called me a magnet for these people. She blames names (all matthews are disruptive in classrooms, all girls named after gem stones end up in trouble with the law) these observations come from years as a behavior specialist in grade schools. I can remember one of my first non-catholic school friends Crystal (my mom told me there was always a crystal or jade getting me in trouble). Crystal's grandma lived next to us and she was bad news, she used to smoke cigarettes (i don't think she inhaled) behind the garage at seriously age 6 or 7. She is now the mother of 5 (at 23) none of which are in her custody.


But I digress, this all came to mind when I was catching up with a grade school friend over the weekend. We talked about where people were and what they were up to. Then Haley came up, one of our grade school pals who's house we'd go to when we wanted to watch MTV or stay up late. Haley had the cool mom that never wanted to look uncool in front of us. Haley is now a stripper in Vegas, all those tap lessons came in handy.

Then there was Katy, her dad had playboys and her mom gave us free reign. We watched inappropriate movies, stayed up way to late and i don't think ever ate a meal there (it was always cupcakes or candy). I think she follows Phish these days, since the break up I have not heard anymore about her.

The bottom line is all those kids my mom warned me about she was right. These aren't bad people, and they weren't bad kids, they just were never up to any good. As I look back now I can see why mom didn't want me to go to Shannon's house because her mom was having an affair with so and so's dad and let us drink in 7th grade.

The lesson in this be careful what you name your kids. Jayden James will be one wild boy when he grows up!

Coming from a perpetual under achiever.

There is a quote by Bill Cosby that says: "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."

I think that is indeed my failure in life as I approach my quarter century mark, and this coming from a perpetual under achiever. Most of my life I have faced failures, and not because I wasn't given the opportunity to succeed and the tools to be successful. I have spent so much of my life worried about how I was being perceived and how my achievements effected the way I was perceived.

My mom was in town this weekend and it got me thinking. She is honest almost to a fault, she raised me with a thick skin. Her words, even if they aren't meant to, bite the hardest. Don't get me wrong we have a great relationship that has weathered many a storm, but she is the one person in my life that I find it nearly impossible to please.

Example one: My outer appearance: "I guess that's in style now", "you look terrible have you been sleeping", "oh you quit drinking for lent, maybe you should have given up sweets as well". Never meant to be harsh or judgemental but hit the hardest, like when you hit your funny bone.

It isn't just my mom either, I mean I try to please my friends as well and at times it is exhausting. They all have schedules and important events and I try my damnedest to be there for everything but its never enough. Even when it comes to advice they want me to be honest and tell them what I think and then are offended by my opinion, but if I say whatever makes you happy they are unsatisfied as well. Its honestly exhausting.

Now I know why people are scared of rehab, they use their vice as an escape from all of this thinking. Trust me I can sympathize with that. But I can also honestly say the last few weeks have made me truly examine myself and what I need to do to please myself and therefore be capable of pleasing others.

Maybe good ol' Bill was right about more than just Jello, pleasing everybody will always be a failure, but it doesn't have to be a complete failure. My sense of humor and joviality have gotten me far but I think I have more to offer than a joke and a party, I have experience and a mind for thoughtful consideration. My hope is to be able to use both in the future to better my chances at success, but let's face it, it's not all that bad to be a under achiever. In fact a enjoy it!

And let's not think that I lost my sense of humor when I kicked the beer cans to the curb. I promise some hilarity will soon ensue, I am just waiting for the perfect post to debut it.

While you were out at a bar...

My title may slightly reflect my current frustration, as this week proves to be a true test to my Lenten promise, but all in all this is the best thing I have ever done for myself. This change in lifestyle, a little less partying, a lot more relaxation time, and gravitating myself towards more positive people and things in my life is proving to be tough but worth it.

Last night all I really wanted to do was relax and watch what is now one of my favorite TV Shows the Black Donnellys. Although I did watch it, I spent most of the time on the phone deflecting the ever present drama that seems to dog my new lifestyle. Its hard to be the honest friend, who was sober at events, who remembers things. Anyways a friend of mine (we will call him johnny drama) loves drama, and makes a spectacle of every situation. He screwed over my good friend, so I told her, and johnny drama decided to make what could have been a quick problem a huge one.

Needless to say I was pissed off, I just wanted to watch the freakin TV show (might I add Tommy Donnelly is my ideal, seriously could not have created a more perfect picture of the type I go for). Except for the whole killing thing... but that's besides the point I digress..

I ended the conversation throwing my hands up in defeat and wanted to crack open a cold one (which I did not). What we have established here is we have a boy who loves drama, a one who is too honest for his own sake, and one who is a complete wiener and scurries around kissing drama's butt. They make my girls and I look down right butch! The fact of the matter is I couldn't agree more with the writers of the Black Donnellys on the following quote:

“The Irish have always been victims of negative stereotypes.... People think we’re all drunks and brawlers. And sometimes that gets you so mad all you want to do is get drunk and punch somebody.” -Joey "Ice Cream"

Sometimes all you want to do is get drunk and punch somebody, which is exactly what I wanted to do. Instead I will focus on the continued debacle which is this image reform in hopes that hilarity will ensue at some point soon!

Win one for the Gipper...

Yeah I don't know what that title is about, just thought it was funny. Anyways day one of the alcohol fast has begun, but not without a nice old fashioned going away party. And by going away party I of course mean 5 beers and 3 hurricanes, it was fat Tuesday lay off of me. Well it is time to purify. I lived it up, danced it up, got by butt slapped by an Irishman and I am ready to retire the drinking cap. Let the hilarity (non-alcoholic, yet equally entertaining) ensue. Until then I going to go get stamped on the head to prove I went to mass and call it a night. And don't worry folks I am no trashy-spears, I won't check out after one day!

Calm yourself, quiet yourself, Master your senses. Look right into the source of mind, Always keep it shining bright, Clear and pure. Do not give rise to an indifferent mind. - Hongren (602-675)

The price is wrong bitch...

Ok maybe that title is a little harsh, but hey I think it brings up the healthy topic of competition really well. Today's topic Game Nights:

This past Saturday my roommates and I decided we would try and save some cash and host a game night at our house instead of venturing out to the bars. So as our friends assembled we drank 40s and played some wholesome family fun games. But then again we are in our mid to late 20s so the wholesome part slowly deteriorated.

As some of you know I am a huge fan of themes, and really would prefer a daily theme to better accessorize my day. So when the theme of game night came up I promptly but on my Notre Dame Jersey, my running tights and of course my soccer cleats, which I topped off with a soccer scarf from my travels to Italy. I was always a big believer in the whole if at first you don't succeed look good doing it philosophy.

No one else adapted their outfit to the theme, which could explain why I dominated in "Scene It". Why didn't I do this type of a night more in college what a money saving and yet incredibly entertaining night in! All in all it was a great and for the most part wholesome night that allowed the opportunity to get to know friends better, enjoy some great food (Abi's Pigs in a Blanket anyone) and relax with a 40 ouncer.

On that last note today as you who follow my blog know, is the last day of drinking for this lil' Irish Girl until St. Patrick's Day, and then onward until the Easter Bunny brings me a basket of bud light. So now my blogs with be full of description as I will actually remember what happened the night before. Happy Fat Tuesday to all and to all a wonderful Mardi Gras Night.

Ode to a snow day... or lack there of...

This morning I awoke to a lovely blizzardy day in Chicago. Then I remembered despite schools being off, offices being closed, I was a real adult and snow days were no longer a benefit I enjoyed. After layering and suiting up I arrived at the bus stop. As we all stood huddled in the small shelter the snow plow came barrelling down the street, leaving in its wake about 15 people soaked in dirty slush from head to toe. I laughed hysterically, its what I do in those situations, and a woman turned around and in a snotty tone said "oh you think this is hilarious do you" and I replied with a simple "yes as a matter of fact I do". I then thought to myself "can't it be spring already, damn ground hog always lying to me!"

Oh the places you will go.

My brother and I at his Engagement Party





Waaawah... Sorry about the latest delay... Blame it on the large volume of incredibly hilarious things that have been happening in my life lately.

Where to begin ahhh: Boobies, Snoopy on a Plane, and other greatest hits.

Every Thursday as of late we have continued our love of open mics by hitting one up at Murphy's Bleachers right across from Wrigley Field. This people, is live entertainment. I do not know this songstress's name but what I do know is she has some serious tricks up her sleeves starting with her choice of instruments. She starts out her set with this dinky guitar, it kind of looks like those old cowboy guitars for young children. She steps up to the plate and in all seriousness begins her intro: "Hi y'all I am going to sing you a little song about a recent trip I had, I was on a plane on my way back from Iowa and had an empty seat next to me. I sat my snoopy doll down next to me (this woman is easily 35) and thought to myself I am going to write a song about this adventure. bad choice lady. Its like live American Idol people, that bad kind. She then with a dead straight face (that creepy I am psycho face) says my next song is written about something I truly love. (A boyfriend, a dog, hey that snoopy dog you say...) boobies." With that I almost fell out of my seat. After her lovely second original piece and when I thought it could not get any better.... oh wait... whats that she is pulling out.... oh yes a Clarinet.... the crazy is playing a Clarinet at a freaking open mic. I had to excuse myself, saying as I don't like to be mean outside of this blog.

After that I knew I was in for an eventful time: Next up the shit show known to some as the Super Bowl. Eh hmm.. the Super Bowl a night of endless athleticism and spirit, where the best compete against the best....... oh and people get shitfaced. Especially Chicago Bears fans, which sometimes I pretend to be. This year we decided to ditch the boys and have our own Super Bowl adventure. I with my super-fan shirt inscribed with a picture of a super fan and daaaa bears. My roommate with her cut up (to make it more cute) division championship shirt.. oh and a lot of things that end up with the word bomb. O-bombs, Cherry Bombs, oh and the beloved and curse Jaeger Bombs. Needless to say I don't really know the final score, or for that matter when the game ended and how we got to the next bar, what I do remember is dancing to hip hop (oh yes the Irish catholic white girl breakin it down) and my roommate cracking her eye on a cab door. Oh the Super Bowl.

Lastly, but not by any means the least my brother's engagement party. I don't know how many times I stated my age, occupation, and relationship status that night but what I do know is I remained entirely too sober for the event. Not to say I didn't make up for it once the party ended. Highlights: Seeing one of my best friend Karen so shit canned she fell off a bar (she never drinks), My brother wanting to have a heart to heart over shots of whiskey, lots of drunk hugging, oh and the highlight when the groom accidentally tackled the bride off a bar stool in an attempt to hug her (crazy kids). Needless to say the next day when my mother (the saint that she is) picked me up in the same clothes I was wearing the night before (I was at my brothers house people... I am not that bad...) and my mom yells out the window with the neighbor standing right there "this must be embarrassing having to call your mother to pick you up because you didn't sleep in your bed last night". Thus, once again affirming why at this point in my life I cannot move home.

This Picture was taken shortly before Joe tackled Kate: Look at his face...

With all of this said I have an important announcement to make: I am giving up drinking for lent (with the exception of St. Patrick's Day Week) yes week people. What, how, why you might ask. I don't know but you can all start placing your bets to how long I will last. Call me lohan, but a lot of people don't believe in my sobriety. On a truly sober note: http://redeye.chicagotribune.com/red-020807-binge-main,0,2360045.story?coll=red-slideshow Maybe all the 21-25 year olds in Chicago should join me in this quest for sobriety.

My favorite Picture: My mother and Joe#2 slow dancing at the engagement party. Classic Peg move.

I never claimed to be consistent...

Ok Ok, Alright even better "lay off of me I'm starving"... in other words, all apologies for my lag in recent blog posts. As of late this crappy thing called work has been interfering with my procrastination hobbies. But much to fill you in on. where to begin...

Ahh of course.... A New Year and new bathroom story to tell..

Let me be more specific here. Since last July when I moved into my current apartment with my oh so lovely roommates, our bathroom has been the scene of many crimes (against us, humanity, animals etc..) Starting with the pigeon (as most of you know I have a rocky relationship with those a-holes) who broke into our bathroom and used it as his own luxury suite before being forced out the window by my brave roommate. Requiring us to invest in all new Bathroom necessities.

Next up was the lovely Bat-gate of Halloween 2006: Brave Beth M. had to negotiate the bat into a plastic bag that was then handed over the boy neighbors to dispose of. And by negotiate I mean throwing the entire screen into a plastic bag, and by dispose of I mean scream like little girls and let it out off their porch. (wuss stuff I tell you). I do have to disclose that during both these events I was securely hiding under a blanket. I don't do flying things.

Which brings us to New Years '07 and my roommates ex-boyfriend's decision to use our shower curtain poll to attempt to exit out our 4th floor window. Lucky for him the ceiling gave in and he was not successful in his near fatal four story drop. (See above picture).

Which brings us about up to date on the bathroom situations of late. However it must be noted that previous to the ceiling collapse I was enjoying the incredible success of the "Stay Classy Chicago" theme.

Post New Years, of course we swore to be better behaved, and then Dirty Dave's birthday came along. For those of you who are readers of my blog, Dirty Dave is a famous character featured in my Tbox Blogs. Dirty turned Thirty and we celebrated as only Dirty would approve, lots of drinks and a cover band called "Wedding Banned". They were fantastic, we danced, we drank, we wandered home and swore off Dirty Dave for at least three weeks.

That brings us about up to date with life as I know it. This weekends events include my brother's engagement party, a classy event to some, for my family an excuse to bring up embarrassing childhood stories to his future in laws over shots of Jameson. Pictures and stories to follow.

Oh and one parting gift: Ed in his winning Classy costume: His alter-ego the Dragon.