For me, holidays at home mean one thing: drinking at the local bar. Classy, I know. But there is only so much family togetherness I can take. Of course I only go out if I can find some of my high school gals to go with. Out at the bar right after Christmas or Thanksgiving is basically like a bad high school reunion. You never see the people you want to.
In high school, I wasn't popular, and I wasn't uncool, I wasn't a nerd or a jock, I wasn't pretty or hideous, I wasn't fat, but I certainly wasn't skinny! And that is why, perhaps, I take a sick twisted delight in playing the game, "which skinny popular girl has gained the most weight?" I know, I'm awful. But I can't help it.
Sitting in the bar with my friends, I say, "You know, I'm glad I looked the way I did in High school. There was nowhere to go but up!"
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Totally Freaked Out.
Last week, Kate dated a guy who ended up to probably be a homeless alcoholic. This week, I've got a guy who has turned out to be un-happily married, wanting me to spare him an hour of my time. Un-happily married, with children. He came to see me at work tonight--twice. I don't even know what else to say, except that I'm totally freaked out.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Where's the f'ing window?
Well, the campaigns don't want me, and worse, the people in Atlanta don't want me either. I would have been freaking perfect for that job. But it's not to be. I can't even begin to understand why I didn't get it. My interview was fantastic, my resume is perfect for it. But I'm not what they're looking for. Well merry Christmas to you, too. One more door closed. Please don't tell me that going from seasonal to permanent at the store is my window. If it is, I might just jump.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
In 9 hours
In 9 hours I'll be on a plane to Atlanta for an afternoon of interviews and such. They want me there for 5 hours. Ouch. I guess it makes sense though. You are free to guess at what jobs would require such a long interview process. I THINK I'll know if I made it at the end of the day, but I could be wrong.
I'll get back late tomorrow night, but then have to be at work at 7am. I couldn't have gotten a worse schedule for this. I think it'll be worth it though. I just wish my Japanese was better. That's the only thing I'm worried about. Time for a few hours of sleep.
I'll get back late tomorrow night, but then have to be at work at 7am. I couldn't have gotten a worse schedule for this. I think it'll be worth it though. I just wish my Japanese was better. That's the only thing I'm worried about. Time for a few hours of sleep.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
On a Whim
I applied for a job last night on a whim. And then, when I made it past the preliminary screenings and such, I giggled to myself about it, with no one to giggle with. Kate is gone for a few days. And then today, they told me to call for an interview, and I made it through that and now I get to go and interview in person.
This job would be p-e-r-f-e-c-t. PERFECT. Well, perfect for me. And, even better, it would give a whole new meaning to my name, Another Spin. But I'm not going to tell you what it is just yet. I'm going to giggle to myself about it for a bit longer. But please, wish me luck.
This job would be p-e-r-f-e-c-t. PERFECT. Well, perfect for me. And, even better, it would give a whole new meaning to my name, Another Spin. But I'm not going to tell you what it is just yet. I'm going to giggle to myself about it for a bit longer. But please, wish me luck.
Deep Thoughts on Old Navy
They kept airing an Old Navy commercial during America's Next Top Model tonight. Men, Women and Children, cozied up in their winter wear. And then the girl, in the sweater boots, a long sleeved shirt, and nothing but her undies. Wha??? Is it hot or cold? I'm confused. Who wears sweater boots and forgets her pants?
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Plummeting
Pittsburgh is not my city for meeting men, just like Japan wasn't my country for meeting men. Now I've never had a problem in New York City, for example, or the U.K., my god, London....sigh. But Pittsburgh is absolutely crushing my self esteem. Kate and I go to the bars and the guys that talk to us, talk to her. And want her number. And go out on dates with her. And I stand there and try to look like I don't care.
What really gets me is I've finally begun to come to terms with how I look and to even LIKE how I look. I'm tall, and curvy, with a pretty nice rack, lets be honest. Blue eyes and a pretty, if not beautiful face. I'd give myself a conservative 7.5. But I think the men of Pittsburgh disagree.
Last night we got home, and I was depressed, and well, again, lets be honest, jealous. She finally met a guy, who she could maybe date. I've wanted that for her for a long time. But now I'll be the one staying home with the dog in a city where I know no one. While she is out on dates with him. So yes, I'm feeling a bit under appreciated in Pittsburgh right now. Just a bit.
What really gets me is I've finally begun to come to terms with how I look and to even LIKE how I look. I'm tall, and curvy, with a pretty nice rack, lets be honest. Blue eyes and a pretty, if not beautiful face. I'd give myself a conservative 7.5. But I think the men of Pittsburgh disagree.
Last night we got home, and I was depressed, and well, again, lets be honest, jealous. She finally met a guy, who she could maybe date. I've wanted that for her for a long time. But now I'll be the one staying home with the dog in a city where I know no one. While she is out on dates with him. So yes, I'm feeling a bit under appreciated in Pittsburgh right now. Just a bit.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Self-Esteem
The last time I saw my cousin Kelly, she wasn't dating anyone. She'd been working really hard with school and career, and honestly, she hadn't been taking care of herself. And she said to me, "You know, I don't think I'd WANT to find someone right now, who'd love me like THIS. THIS isn't what I really am, or what I want to be." And I guess, I found that a little strange. I thought that I'd want a guy who had seen me at my worst AND at my best, and loved both.
Now that I work at the store, it really is the lowest point for me career-wise, ever. And yeah, I'm only 25, I guess it could get even worse someday. But seriously, it embarrasses me to have to tell people what I do. And I guess that's my own personal issue. But when you go from, "Oh, I live in Japan and teach English," to "Oh, I work at the store," you are bound to feel a little disappointed by the current state of affairs. Or you are, if you are me.
It's funny though. Kate has the opposite problem. She's embarrassed by being too accomplished. She does everything she can so that people don't immediately know what she does for a job. I mean, it's got to be a crushing blow to the male ego if he can't understand what his potential girlfriend does for a living. I get that, but then again, I'd rather she strove to find a guy that understood what she does and loves her the more for being so intelligent. Too bad I can't want the same, albeit in reverse, for myself.
Now that I work at the store, it really is the lowest point for me career-wise, ever. And yeah, I'm only 25, I guess it could get even worse someday. But seriously, it embarrasses me to have to tell people what I do. And I guess that's my own personal issue. But when you go from, "Oh, I live in Japan and teach English," to "Oh, I work at the store," you are bound to feel a little disappointed by the current state of affairs. Or you are, if you are me.
It's funny though. Kate has the opposite problem. She's embarrassed by being too accomplished. She does everything she can so that people don't immediately know what she does for a job. I mean, it's got to be a crushing blow to the male ego if he can't understand what his potential girlfriend does for a living. I get that, but then again, I'd rather she strove to find a guy that understood what she does and loves her the more for being so intelligent. Too bad I can't want the same, albeit in reverse, for myself.
On Internet Dating
I answered an ad from Craigslist. I was looking at the job listings, and then I looked at the events and such in the area, and then I checked out the personals. And there was a guy who sounded too good to be true. He probably is.
Anyway, I sent a response and a photo. A recent photo where I'm actually wearing make-up and looking pretty good. And he replied. Now what?
So he is moving here soon and wants a girl to go out with, drink some wine, have some food, you know. And for some reason, to me, meeting a guy from the internet for a drink is a way different thing than going out with a random guy you've met at the bar. It's way scarier and it really shouldn't be. I mean there are creeps at the bar and on the internet, and well, everywhere else for that matter. And there are good people too. My brother met his wife on the internet. I've always found that funny, now look at me.
I assume he got some other responses, and maybe in the end he won't even want to meet me. I know what thing, I'll be completely honest the whole way through. What's the use in lying to someone who doesn't know me and I may never meet. I've got nothing to lose.
Anyway, I sent a response and a photo. A recent photo where I'm actually wearing make-up and looking pretty good. And he replied. Now what?
So he is moving here soon and wants a girl to go out with, drink some wine, have some food, you know. And for some reason, to me, meeting a guy from the internet for a drink is a way different thing than going out with a random guy you've met at the bar. It's way scarier and it really shouldn't be. I mean there are creeps at the bar and on the internet, and well, everywhere else for that matter. And there are good people too. My brother met his wife on the internet. I've always found that funny, now look at me.
I assume he got some other responses, and maybe in the end he won't even want to meet me. I know what thing, I'll be completely honest the whole way through. What's the use in lying to someone who doesn't know me and I may never meet. I've got nothing to lose.
Monday, November 19, 2007
How TO pick up a 25 year old woman
Alone at the table, with Kate off somewhere, the bartender (45-ish, grey hair, but not terrible) stops at my side.
"I just wanted to say that you and your friend are really beautiful women. I'm the bartender, I'm not trying to hit on you."
And then I said thank you and he walked away. And I sat there smiling to myself.
"I just wanted to say that you and your friend are really beautiful women. I'm the bartender, I'm not trying to hit on you."
And then I said thank you and he walked away. And I sat there smiling to myself.
How NOT to pick up a 25 year old.
Dear drunk middle-aged men:
When you are at a bar, drunk, and you want to talk to a young, attractive woman, do not tell her to "Come here." And when she says, quite rightly, "No." Do not tell her she is mean. She is not mean. If you want to talk to young women you should get up off your bar stool, if you can still stand, and walk over to said woman like gentlemen. And if, after a few minutes, she is being polite but short, maybe you should keep on walking.
Sincerely,
the attractive woman's friend
When you are at a bar, drunk, and you want to talk to a young, attractive woman, do not tell her to "Come here." And when she says, quite rightly, "No." Do not tell her she is mean. She is not mean. If you want to talk to young women you should get up off your bar stool, if you can still stand, and walk over to said woman like gentlemen. And if, after a few minutes, she is being polite but short, maybe you should keep on walking.
Sincerely,
the attractive woman's friend
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Big Dreams
We go out most Thursdays for Martinis. Tonight was no exception. And most nights, after one or two, we start to ponder what we should do with our lives. And not only that, but how we'll make our mark on the world. I'm still trying to get through October's Vanity Fair, and in it, they have a listing of the New Establishment, the world's movers and shakers. We are searching for our great idea. The thing that will put Kate and I on the New, New, New Establishment list.
And all we need is the idea. We've got the brains, the determination, the ability. We can get the money. But we need the idea, and without it, we've got very little indeed.
And all we need is the idea. We've got the brains, the determination, the ability. We can get the money. But we need the idea, and without it, we've got very little indeed.
The Friend
I'm feeling a bit under appreciated by the guys in Pittsburgh. Every time Kate and I go out, the only guys that talk to us are old. But then, also, they don't talk to us, they talk to her, and because I happen to be standing there too, me, the friend. Even the 40 year old (or in tonight's case, 60 year old) men don't want to talk to me. What gives?
I can't figure it out, I mean, I'm tall, maybe too tall? Maybe my hair is too dark?
And I know, really, as I told Kate tonight, we need to suck it up and start making a move. We stood in a bar tonight while a nearly 50 man, and a 60+ man chatted us up, meanwhile two guys in their twenties sat at the bar, turning around occasionally to watch the scene. Any guys, if you ever read this, if you ever see something like that happen, go in and break it up, I promise, the girls will thank you for it.
So my self esteem is taking a hit right now. Between the job, my credit card debt, my lack of a social life, and the boy situation, I'm not feeling especially successful. Maybe it shows, and that's why the guys leave me alone. Could be.
I can't figure it out, I mean, I'm tall, maybe too tall? Maybe my hair is too dark?
And I know, really, as I told Kate tonight, we need to suck it up and start making a move. We stood in a bar tonight while a nearly 50 man, and a 60+ man chatted us up, meanwhile two guys in their twenties sat at the bar, turning around occasionally to watch the scene. Any guys, if you ever read this, if you ever see something like that happen, go in and break it up, I promise, the girls will thank you for it.
So my self esteem is taking a hit right now. Between the job, my credit card debt, my lack of a social life, and the boy situation, I'm not feeling especially successful. Maybe it shows, and that's why the guys leave me alone. Could be.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Tinsel Town
If it's shady, we can just get a drink and leave.
We were hungry, but as we walked into the Christmas light covered bar, we wondered what would be waiting on the other side of the door. We found out soon enough--more Christmas lights. And, for that matter, Christmas ornaments and wrapping paper and popcorn strings. It was like we were inside the Christmas tree, looking out.
At our table, we sipped our drinks and ate our food and checked out the crowd. While we may have given up on our former downtown bar, we're still single 25 girls, we can't help but look over our options. There weren't any.
In fact, the bar was filled mostly with women. Single women. In their forties. We wondered at the group. We could safely assume that most of the men and women had at one time or another been married. And now, presumably, they were single. And out at the bar on Friday night looking for what exactly? And as we sat there, a thought occurred to Kate: I don't want to be doing this when I'm forty.
It's really the type of thing I did in college, and enjoyed. Go out with the girls, dance, drink, maybe make-out with some guy. Good times. And while Kate never really liked doing those things even when we were young enough to get away with it, I'm going to have to agree with her on one thing: I don't want to be sitting at the bar looking at every man's left hand every Friday night when I'm forty either.
Despite looking into a mirror of "what might come to be," the bar, to be known as Tinsel Town, was an absolute blast, with karaoke and cheap food and drinks. With some friends, it would be absolutely amazing. No pretensions, just twinkle lights and Jonny Cash. If anyone comes to visit, that's where we are going.
We were hungry, but as we walked into the Christmas light covered bar, we wondered what would be waiting on the other side of the door. We found out soon enough--more Christmas lights. And, for that matter, Christmas ornaments and wrapping paper and popcorn strings. It was like we were inside the Christmas tree, looking out.
At our table, we sipped our drinks and ate our food and checked out the crowd. While we may have given up on our former downtown bar, we're still single 25 girls, we can't help but look over our options. There weren't any.
In fact, the bar was filled mostly with women. Single women. In their forties. We wondered at the group. We could safely assume that most of the men and women had at one time or another been married. And now, presumably, they were single. And out at the bar on Friday night looking for what exactly? And as we sat there, a thought occurred to Kate: I don't want to be doing this when I'm forty.
It's really the type of thing I did in college, and enjoyed. Go out with the girls, dance, drink, maybe make-out with some guy. Good times. And while Kate never really liked doing those things even when we were young enough to get away with it, I'm going to have to agree with her on one thing: I don't want to be sitting at the bar looking at every man's left hand every Friday night when I'm forty either.
Despite looking into a mirror of "what might come to be," the bar, to be known as Tinsel Town, was an absolute blast, with karaoke and cheap food and drinks. With some friends, it would be absolutely amazing. No pretensions, just twinkle lights and Jonny Cash. If anyone comes to visit, that's where we are going.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Search and Destroy
I'm 25. Sometime in the last few years, grey hair started growing into my lovely dark brown hair. Well, lovely is debatable, but I love being a brunette and always have. I'm pale with blue eyes, but I just know I'd look funny as a blond. But if this grey hair thing continues, I may have to look into going lighter, way lighter. That, or I'm going to need a wig after I pull out all of my hair. What I really need is to be making enough money that I can afford routine hair maintenance.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Ms. Enforcer
Today is my first day off since Saturday. I think I've made the most of it. At 8am I woke to the sound of construction on the apartment below. Of course they chose my day off. Then around 10, I went out in an attempt to find the nearest Steve and Barry's. I didn't have to turn around at all! It was in this kind of ghetto strip mall, but was fine inside. I even ran into one of my co-workers, small world. Or maybe just small city. Anyway, I bought tons of clothes and an impromptu Halloween costume to wear as I sit in the apartment tonight. It's a t-shirt that looks like a sheriff shirt, and the name tag on it says Ms. Enforcer. Classy, I know.
So my big Halloween plans include watching Wednesday night TV and answering the door for Trick or Treaters. I don't think I've ever stayed home on Halloween. We definitely need more friends here. Will put socializing on my t0-do list. So yeah, Happy Halloween.
So my big Halloween plans include watching Wednesday night TV and answering the door for Trick or Treaters. I don't think I've ever stayed home on Halloween. We definitely need more friends here. Will put socializing on my t0-do list. So yeah, Happy Halloween.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Your Move
We've developed a routine. Thursdays: Martinis. Fridays: Bar downtown. Saturdays: Club on the Strip, if we have the energy. Last Friday at the bar, we had our pick of the over 40 crowd. Woooee! How DID we get so lucky? But as the bar cleared out and my crush for the evening stayed far, far away, it wasn't so bad to have some guys to laugh with, and the free drink was especially nice. I mean, honestly. If you are a forty-something trying to get into the good graces of a twenty-something woman who, quite honestly is at least a 7.8 (as both Kate and I are), don't you think you ought to at least by them a drink or two??
But that was last week. Yesterday, we were basically ignored all night. With two exceptions. First, the guy who came over to talk to us, all by himself. Ok, great, I commend your courage. But what can TWO girls do with ONE guy? Where, oh where is your wingman?? Second, the two not bad looking guys who decided to stand nearly directly behind us and stay there. Now, perhaps they were waiting for the "go ahead" from us to make their move, but seriously! Shit or get off the pot, fellas.
I can't say we left the bar in high spirits. And tonight, we couldn't bring ourselves to go to the club. In all fairness, I worked today and will work tomorrow. But then again, I think it may be time to change our weekend routine. I'm entertaining suggestions.
But that was last week. Yesterday, we were basically ignored all night. With two exceptions. First, the guy who came over to talk to us, all by himself. Ok, great, I commend your courage. But what can TWO girls do with ONE guy? Where, oh where is your wingman?? Second, the two not bad looking guys who decided to stand nearly directly behind us and stay there. Now, perhaps they were waiting for the "go ahead" from us to make their move, but seriously! Shit or get off the pot, fellas.
I can't say we left the bar in high spirits. And tonight, we couldn't bring ourselves to go to the club. In all fairness, I worked today and will work tomorrow. But then again, I think it may be time to change our weekend routine. I'm entertaining suggestions.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Jewelry and Mattresses
This morning I was unemployed. After basically three months to the day, I've found a job. At a store. In a mall. Selling, get this: Jewelry AND Mattresses. So I can be more versatile and have more hours.
Now, on the surface, Mattresses and Jewelry may not seem like they go together, but OH! do they! I mean think about it. Guy gives girl a beautiful gold necklace, girl then, possibly, tries out guy's mattress. Hey, it happens.
So I got home and emailed the people in NYC to see about the job I actually wanted. I didn't get it. Go figure. It's fine though. It wouldn't pay enough to really get the benefits of living in the city. And Kate would be terribly sad to see me go so soon.
Anyway, so I went in for an interview and walked out with a job two hours later.
Now, on the surface, Mattresses and Jewelry may not seem like they go together, but OH! do they! I mean think about it. Guy gives girl a beautiful gold necklace, girl then, possibly, tries out guy's mattress. Hey, it happens.
So I got home and emailed the people in NYC to see about the job I actually wanted. I didn't get it. Go figure. It's fine though. It wouldn't pay enough to really get the benefits of living in the city. And Kate would be terribly sad to see me go so soon.
Anyway, so I went in for an interview and walked out with a job two hours later.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Martini Thursday
Back in Iowa, we had Martini Monday, it had a much nicer ring to it, and it was cheaper. But here I am in Pittsburgh, and up the road is a local restaurant with Martini Thursday. And honestly, knowing it's coming is what gets me through the long boring week to the weekend. Pathetic, I know, but there it is.
So, tonight, for the third week in a row, Kate and I will sit in the bar and drink martinis. Only this week, we'll attempt to make friends with the bartender. There aren't enough B-people in our lives right now, but we'll try to take care of that.
So, tonight, for the third week in a row, Kate and I will sit in the bar and drink martinis. Only this week, we'll attempt to make friends with the bartender. There aren't enough B-people in our lives right now, but we'll try to take care of that.
I Give The Globe Another Spin
I had time to kill
One day in Alaska
I walked around until
I found the arts and crafts shop
I bought you a card
I don't know where to send it
I wrote it from the heart
I'm not sure how to end it
I'm wondering where you've been
And if I'll see you again
I give the globe another spin
All this time I'm wonderin'
Give the globe another spin
Are you in....Berlin?
(Another Spin - Barenaked Ladies)
Whenever my friends talk to me on myspace or facebook, the first thing they often ask is, "Where are you?"
Well, right now, I'm in Pittsburgh. Before this, I was in New York City, and upstate New York, and Wisconsin, and Iowa, and before that, Japan. And next week, I might be in New York City again, for all I know.
Leaving Japan was the first time in my life when I didn't know what came next. I still don't. So I'm here, at a friend's apartment, we'll call her Kate, for all future reference. She's letting me stay with her because I help with the dog while she's gone and I'm pretty fun to be around too. In all honesty, I'm pretty sure she's the only person in the world that thinks I'm funny.
Anyway, hello out there world.
One day in Alaska
I walked around until
I found the arts and crafts shop
I bought you a card
I don't know where to send it
I wrote it from the heart
I'm not sure how to end it
I'm wondering where you've been
And if I'll see you again
I give the globe another spin
All this time I'm wonderin'
Give the globe another spin
Are you in....Berlin?
(Another Spin - Barenaked Ladies)
Whenever my friends talk to me on myspace or facebook, the first thing they often ask is, "Where are you?"
Well, right now, I'm in Pittsburgh. Before this, I was in New York City, and upstate New York, and Wisconsin, and Iowa, and before that, Japan. And next week, I might be in New York City again, for all I know.
Leaving Japan was the first time in my life when I didn't know what came next. I still don't. So I'm here, at a friend's apartment, we'll call her Kate, for all future reference. She's letting me stay with her because I help with the dog while she's gone and I'm pretty fun to be around too. In all honesty, I'm pretty sure she's the only person in the world that thinks I'm funny.
Anyway, hello out there world.
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