Flowers, Tattoos and Flipping the Bird

So...  This nice man, Jason, asked me out for Tuesday night.  I had a lovely time.  He impressed me by ordering ceviche that wasn't even on the menu, quoting Eddie Izzard, and knowing his Joss Whedon.  During the date, I managed to fall into a bar.  Most people fall out of bars, but not I!  I fall into them fully sober.  On the upside, I received this yesterday:

With a note reading: "Hope your wrist is feeling better. I can't wait to see you on Sunday. - Jason"  Yes, that is a cocktail made out of flowers.  :0)  I've never gotten flowers after a date before.  He's quite the gentleman.  We're going out again on Sunday for a movie and maybe some live music.

On a pissed off note: I was stood up on Wednesday by Andy.  Please feel free to haze him, seeing as how I never ever heard back from him, and I actually felt bad for him for a minute because I was afraid that maybe he was in an accident or something.  But, no.  He just blew me off.  Kinda like the last boyfriend did...  But, I got my revenge on that one.  I never thought I'd be the bitter sort, but this past year has gotten to me a little.  So, I helped get Tom's car towed***.  I felt a lot better about things after that.  >0)

*** Clarification:  A repoman came by my place and left his card looking for Tom's car and threatening to send a warrant officer out next.  I was not okay with repo guys and warrant officers coming by my apartment.  So, I called the guy and told him where he could find Tom, and, consequently, his car.

In other news, I got my very first tattoo last month.  Now that it's all healed up and what not, I thought I'd post a pic.  I apologize for my pastiness.  I can't do much about the extreme whiteness of my legs.  But, major props to Christie at Primitive Soul Tattoo for making my first experience so awesome!  I love it.

So, today is Subtly Flick People Off day!  Thus far, I'd been doing the stealthy ones where you're holding something or gesturing.  It's kinda amusing and devilish.

Tonight, Nancy and I are going on a girl date to see a movie at the local second run theater and grab some foodage.  Then, tomorrow, I have my first Saturday class.  Woo-hoo!  :0P  Then, on with moving.  More later.

~ Laura

Compliments and Lesbians

So, yesterday (Day 14) I was supposed to compliment people all day.  I did pay some compliments, and they went over well.  Everyone loves a little flattery.  It's usually easier, though, when you genuinely believe them.

Actually, I walked into the office with Charles and he was asking me about my job and how I liked it.  I told him that believe it or not I really liked it here and that I was very happy to be working with this company and it's people.  Thank the gods that my honest answer was a positive one, because my CFO overheard me and hollered: "I don't believe you!"  Jokingly from around the corner.

Today, though is Gay for a Day!  So, my goal has been to check out women.  To that effect, I am about to search OKCupid for possible Lesbian matches (in case I ever feel the need to abandon the man-ship).  Typically, I do notice when women are attractive, but I tend to think of that as a survival of the fittest sort of thing - Again with the snap judgements and evaluations on clothing, smile, hair, attractiveness, etc.

So, the first gal that pulled up looked like what our child would grow into if Renee and I had a baby.  VERY funny.  The next few looked too young.  Apparently, if I choose to switch teams, I'll be aiming for a cougar?!  Or at least someone a little older.  Also, a woman with more masculine features.  I think I'd still like to be "the girl" in the relationship.  I can be a tomboy, but I am not butch.  I'd like to still be feminine.  I don't even know what I'm talking about anymore.  Anyways, I will continue to check out some lovely ladies throughout the day.

~ Laura

Murder by Death!

Is a great movie, btw...  Day 13 asked me to write a letter to a mass murderer.  I chose Ted Kaczynski since he is imprisioned here in Colorado.  I asked him what his favorite fiction novel is, what he misses most about "the outside", and what he does to kill time (pun intended) other than writing his manifestos.  I included a self-addressed stamped envelope, on the off chance he could feel liking responding.  This was a weird one.

~ Laura

What's My Type?

Day 12 in the book wisely advises the reader to decide exactly what their "type" is.  Everyone has certain things that catch their eye in the opposite sex (and for some people the same sex).  The idea is to try and remember these traits in the face of beer goggles.

So...  I can't say that I have one specific type.  I was trying to think of what I find attractive in a man, and instead I went off on a crazy search for old flames in the hopes of discovering the answer for myself.  Physically, I'm still trying to find common ground.  Tall and dark, short and light - who cares?  I can comment that I am a fan of broad shoulders, a prominent schnoz (don't ask me, because I don't know why, I just like them) and a nice butt.  But, more importantly, you have to be charming and witty, charismatic and caring.  Have a smile that could melt butter and a hug that can fend off the world's sorrows.  Be smart and a bit nerdy.  You have to be able to talk and drink - that way I can take you to family functions - and preferably love board games.

I'd be impressed if someone could actually name them all...

I think Renee, Bryan and Mom are the only ones that could.

I've always believed firmly in the idea that people come in and out of your life for a reason.  And I feel that is true of friendships and relationships.  These men filled different roles in my life, as people are doing now, and will do so in the future.

It stands to reason that you could discern a pattern from your past, but if that's the case, and it's still your past, does that mean you should try and break the pattern in order to obtain a future?  I'm not sure, but that sounded deep.  ;0)  I hope I didn't embarrass anyone by posting this.

~ Laura

Adventures & Addictions

First...  Some photographic memories....

Random night out to Comedy Works...

Where we met Brian Posehn after the show.  :0)

More from Beer Fest!

Steve (Nancy's dad) & Nancy

Nancy in line for beer tasting.  "Next line!  Next line!"

Laura's showing off some of her beer swag.

After many beers, Nancy felt the need to commune with the telephone poll.

Sunday

Well, supposedly, Nancy and I had agreed to swap Day 11 for Day 8 and put off the Addiction Free Day until a weekend.  But, I for one did not adhear.  I was doing okay on no caffine until I walked out my front door and found this:

That's right.  My entire appartment complex was vandelized with paint, glitter and feathers.  It looks like Mardi Gras threw up on my front porch.  That's when I decided "screw it" and bought myself a coffee.  I also then stressed my desire to move to my mom and Nancy.  This was just the icing on the cake.  DO NOT MOVE INTO One Dartmouth Place Apartments!

The rest of the day was spent with Nancy and I random driving all over the mountains.  We went to Genesee Park, Idaho Springs, Winter Park, Granby, Grand Lake, Estes Park, Boulder, and everything in between - All because we didn't want to hit traffic headed East on I-70.  We took a 5-hour longcut over the continental divide.  We're awesome like that.  Check out what the drive accross Trail Ridge Road (aka Hwy 34) was like!  Apparently, it is the highest continuously paved highway in the US; the summit was at 12,183 feet above sea level!

Packing

So, I spent most of Saturday packing.  I took down and packed up all my decorations and then filled in all the holes (with white toothpaste, no less, upon my mother's suggestion).  I'm surprised at how well it worked!  No need for spackle and sanding.  Yeah.  My appartment it now sad and depressing and I can't wait to move in with Ms. Nancy.  My mom is coming out to visit over Labor Day weekend and my goal is to be moved before then.  Day 10 was to pretty much check out ThisWebSiteWillChangeYourLife.com, which I'd already done and took the time to create a profile for Nancy and I on there.

More later.

~ Laura

Enterprising

So, I think I'm going to try crafting my brains out to make enough inventory to get a booth at a craft bazaar or fair, or even the Mile High Flea Market...?!  I'm feeling inspired and happy with what I produced last night.  I'm currently wearing one of my headbands and I already received two compliments, so that's promising.  We'll see.  I'm going ot try and hold onto this wave of creativity.  It typically comes and goes with me, so I'm going to try my darnedest to keep going.  As for Day 9, I spent the time thid morning doing my hair so that I could show off my hair piece.  A self-serving activity, but I think it was time well spent.  :0)

~ Laura

Deflowered

I seriously need a life.  Tonight, I made 9 hair clips, 4 hair bands, 12 pens, and 1 piece of framed art.  Oh, and I made dinner.

~ Laura

Spork It All!

Found this and thought it was hilarious.

In other news, I chatted with a nice lady I've seen in the building but never spoken to.  We were in the elevator and talking about how much we hate it when people either don't hold the elevator at all, or when they try to hold an already quite full elevator for you...  It's like a no win.  Technically, chatting with a stranger was Day 11, but Nancy and I agreed to swap Day 8 and 11 around.  I need coffee on week days.

Dinner went okay last night.  Dessert was a bit of a dud, but the artichoke came out amazing!  So, here's my recipe:

What ingredients and supplies you will need:
1 artichoke
1 lemon
1 garlic bulb
3 bay leaves
thyme
yellow mustard
mayonnaise
ranch dressing
salt
pepper
1 large pot
2 bowls
tongs
garlic press
spoon
fork
plate
kitchen sheers

Artichoke:
In a large pot, add enough water to mostly cover the artichoke, 4 whole garlic cloves, 3 bay leaves, and half a lemon - Set to a boil.
Rinse your artichoke and take a knife to cut off the top inch of the head and the bottom half inch of the stem.
Next, use sheers to cut all the points off the exterior leaves.
Now add your prepared artichoke to your pot and let it boil for about 45 minutes turning it over occasionally with tongs, or until you can easy stick a fork in the tougher leaves.

Dip:
Mix all of the following together in a small bowl and chill.
1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Vegannaise)
1/2 tablespoon ranch dressing
1/2 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon olive oil
juice from 1/2 a lemon
4 fresh crushed garlic cloves
1 solid pinch of thyme (dried is just fine)
salt & pepper to taste

When the artichoke is done, place on a plate with the sauce on the side and remember an empty bowl for the discarded leaves.  Trust me, this is both simple and awesomely tasty!


~ Laura

Menu and a "Moment"

I'm having Andy over for dinner tonight...  I'm really looking forward to trying my menu out on him:
First we'll start with a steamed artichoke with dipping sauce, then move onto baked chicken with zucchini and yellow squash, and finish with lemon cream served with port-soaked dried fruits.  No starches, and the dessert is Vegan!  Take that diet!  ;0)  Wish me luck...  I have a bit of a shopping list, my apt is a disaster area, and I'm still not wearing make-up!

As for Day 7...  I had to fudge the timing, but I'm hoping to get my self-pleasuring "moment" in before Andy comes over.  If not, maybe before I go to bed...  Something to lull me to sleep?  This book certainly has its moments!

~ Laura

Traffic

Seriously? Whoever heard of traffic at quarter til 10pm?! Yeah 470!

That's the view on the drive home from Nancy's.  Lame.

~ Laura

@ Nancy's

Painted my toes and fingers last night. Currently very full from Nancy's yummy cooking. We're watching The Lovely Bones.

~ Laura

Fish and Chips

Jesse opened the door and walked into the poorly lit pub. Moving to his usual corner of the bar, he made eye contact with the bartender and held up two fingers sideways. Before the whiskey hit the glass, Jesse changed his mind. “Make it three, Chip.”

The owner of The Chipped Mug, manning the bar on a slow afternoon, obliged with a nod. “Bad day?” Chip pulled a menu from behind the bar and slid it to Jesse who was currently savoring the freshly poured Jameson’s.

“Please tell me today’s special ain’t fish. I’ve had too much to do with fish lately,” Jesse made a face as he took a drink. “And I know it’s a sacrilege, but could I get an ice cube? It’s bloody damned hot outside… Fucking fish.” Grumbling, he passed the glass back to Chip.

“Special’s cold corned beef on rye with coleslaw - Sound good?” Chip received a nod in response. He tossed an ice cube in his friend’s glass, put the menu back in the stack, and headed back towards the small kitchen. He leaned his head out the pass through as he started on the sandwich. “So, it’s hot out and you hate fish? Anything else new?”

Working in a harbor town in the dead of July brought many complaints of heat, fish, and the smells associated with the combination of the first two topics of complaint. Chip in particular worked as a Harbor Patrolman. Not your average Police gig, but it was his only option after almost having a DUI on his record. His Captain was an old friend, and didn’t want to see him leave the force. So, instead Ltd. Jesse Chambers’ squad car was traded out for a bicycle and a schooner.

~ Laura

Testing Mobile Blogging!

Chicken alfredo pasta prima vera a la Laura.  Dinner from last night!   :0)

Next up, the opening to my debut novel...

~ Laura

Oh, finally caught up, PHEW!

Well, now that I'm caught up because my book finally arrived I'm able to keep up!

So, we were supposed to put an "out of order" sign on something today. Well, I went through the drive thru at Wendy's by work today and ordered a Frosty and put the sign up. It was so funny to see the line behind me after I put up the sign. A few people just stared and you could tell they weren't paying attention to the person saying "welcome to wendy's would you like to try..." and they would pull ahead. It's great to get the last laugh sometimes. I watched for about 15 mins today until someone finally came out and pulled the sign down. I just laughed and pretended to now know a dang thing.

This was fun, I would like to do it again just because I can. I think I will do this again, maybe on something else. I'm thinking the pony ride at the grocery store...it would be great to see all the little kids have a fit because the pony machine states "out of order", oh I can be so cruel sometimes.

~ Nancy ~

Tomorrow is write the opening sentance for your debut novel....which actually works for me, because I have thought about writing a book before!

Coloring the World

So, today we were supposed to color in the world. I'm actually still working on this one as I did not have 1) my book yet, and 2) I'm a day behind of not having the book so I couldn't do it at work and 3) my colored pencils and very limited HAHA. Although, I actually do like this because there are so many places I would love to visit so it's like my little guideline or goal to reach. Maybe in a few years I'll get there, to those places.

Short post!

~ Nancy ~

It sucks having to give up things you like

This day should have come for me about 2 weeks ago. I went through a major cleaning phase trying to get my house back in order and I ended up throwing away several items that I really liked. Too bad, so sad, oh well. I ended up throwing out a set of bracelets that I liked. They were really pretty, but I think it's for the best. I have so many other pieces that I don't wear so maybe it's a good thing.

I thought about throwing out some candle holders, but then I remembered they were a gift from my mom. I thought I shouldn't throw those out, she would have been pissed. I mean I could donate them and not tell her....they are just taking up space and I don't really use them....Hmm, oh well. Maybe another day!


~ Nancy

A little behind....day 2

So Day 2 started off good, I ended up staring well more like drooling over some guy on the highway that I got stuck next to during morning rush hour traffic. He was cute, and you could deffinately tell he was the outdoors kind of man...he had bikes on his car and was totally rocking the 5 o'clock shadow. He was dreamy =). I did end wondering about several other men around my office that day as well, some though I ended up picturing the whole "what if" and for some I have to say scared the shit out of me. It was like looking down the road 10 years from now thinking "wow, how the heck did I end up with a loser like you". Haha. Even though this was a good exercise for me and especailly having to go through giving up the guy I really liked, I still ended up thinking about him...we all know his as "Fuck Face" and he truly is a jerk. I really did think about him and wonder if he were the one, and if I had been differnt in the beginning would it be different now? Would it have gone a lot further?

Through out today, I also thought about some of the past ex's and what if they or more specifically if one should have been "the one". By the end of the day I realized I was actually kind of happy to be single, cute, and flirty!

It's great to day dream about others, lets your mind open and it made think about what I really want in a man!

~ Nancy

Monday and Gloomy

So, I wonder if anyone will believe that the downstairs papertowel dispencer is out of order.  I'd like to see the look on someone's face when they can't figure out how else to dry their hands...  It's not like you can dry them on your pants when you're in office attire.  ;0)

I'm a litle bummed...  I want to see the man, but I haven't heard from him in a day.  I was hoping for a lunch date.  I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt on the "men suck" front, though, because so far he's been a sweetheart.  Other than that, I'm sooo sunburned.  And, it's really gloomy weather.  I think Fall is trying to set in early.  But, check out how happy my plant is; it's finally blooming!  He's such a happy little Oxalis!

Okay, I'm going to attempt to work.  Woo-Hoo!

Late night revision...

There really wasn't all that much work to be done, but I goofed around on the computer as much as I could to kill time.  Oh, but I did take the time to fill in the front few pages of my book, such as a self-portrait, my fingerprints, and a mini-last will and testement.  That helped, and it was fun too.

I finally heard from Andy.  Turns out he ran out of pre-paid texts and that was why both our messages were being sucked into the void for the past day and change.  I'm going to cook us dinner on Wednesday.  :0)  *happy*

I spent the rest of my evening cooking dinner for myself and Ms. Heather and then painting my nails.  I also nursed my sunburn...  It makes me feel like I have a cold.  Bleh.  Maybe I'll actually tan this time?!


~ Laura

Beer Fest & Blogging

Craft Lager Festival Round 1!

Well, Saturday Nancy and I drove down to Manitou Springs for the beer festival.  We had a blast!  Hung out with her dad, saw Heather and TJ, tried a lot of beer, gave away our pretzel necklaces, and bought funny magnets.  Later, we went into town for a bit and ended up doing shots with dinner because we wanted to keep the souvenir glasses.

Round 2!

As for our lazy Sunday, we spent all day on Nancy's parent's couch watching Season 3 of True Blood.  We're almost fully caught up!

And, as for Day's 3 & 4 of our adventure...  Yesterday, I was supposed to throw away something I liked.  Being away from home made it difficult, but as soon as I got back today, I chose to throw away my CU Cammelback thermos.  I love it, but it's a little dinged up, and I've had it on my counter for a month now trying to figure out how to salvage it.  Instead, I donated it to the trash gods.

Today's assignment was to color a world map based on places you've been, will go to within a year, intend to visit before you die, and places you hope to gods you never end up.  I ended up having to create my own category, though, of places that I don't have a huge urge to go to, and don't care either way if I end up there or not.  That ended up being most of Africa.  Some places I just don't know enough about to just decide if I want to go there or not.

Tomorrow I'm supposed to place an Out of Order sign on something at random...  Suggestions on something amazing?  I was thinking, like a mailbox or something.  Wish me luck!

~ Laura

The love of my life?

8:30am
Well, today I'm to decide if everyone I see is the possible One that I am meant to share my life with forever and ever in lovey dovey bliss.  Thus far, I've discovered that it is very difficult to gaze into the eyes of commuters.  Pesky stop lights.  Also, I've pretty much established my heterosexuality (thanks, Juliez)- But the day is young!  And, although I love my job, I am not in love with either my CFO or my President.  Which is probably a good thing, seeing as how they are married and my bosses.

I stayed up too late last night reading Riding Lessons (by Sara Gruen, author of the fantabulous novel Water for Elephants).  Which I think explains the weird ass dreams I was having about work: The infamous Molly was hired on to replace Myrna, and one of the Chris' was falsely accused of huffing coke because he had powdered creamer on his sleeve.  I need more sleep, but I won't be getting any...  I'm going to a Trace Adkins and Toby Keith concert tonight!  So, I guess I'll be gazing longingly at cowboys all night - I don't think I'll have a problem with that, though.

As for the rest of the weekend, I'm headed to Manitou Springs tomorrow for the Craft Lager Festival with Nancy, Heather, TJ, Chaz, Steve and maybe Larry.  It should be fun and entertaining!  We will drink lots of beer and probably get a bit of a sunburn - But it'll be so worth it.  Then, Sunday, my new beau should be back in town from his brush with Texas, so hopefully I'll get to see him that evening.  :0D

2:45pm
So, I had to go to Bulk Mail today.  And, although Andy insists that I must have a mailman uniform fetish, it is not so.  I gazed and oggled, but found the general populice out of my perfered age realm.  But, then, am I supposed to ignore age in this quest?  Throw all social norms to the wind?  I find, that instead of precisely gazing, I'm instead making critical and biased snap-judgements of people.  It also does not help that I work in an area that is mostly well-off middle-aged white men.  Although, the thought did cross my mind that if perhaps I looked like Barbie, maybe I'd change what I'm looking for in a man.  Or, at least looks-wise.  And, so this entire activity flop comes down to the fact that I have trouble gazing with loving eyes when I'm having a fat psm-day.  Meh.

2 Days Later
I didn't meet the love of my life, but I sure saw some cute cowboys at the Toby Keith concert!  Yehaw!  (Me, Jennifer & Lisa)

~ Laura

It's all about me (oh, and that one chick)

So, yes it is true Laura and I are going to attempt to change our lives by following our so called "bible" for 365 days. For someone like me, who has difficulties with change, this shall be interesting to see how far I come. I am looking forward to this so called challenge and actually am excited to see what knew things come of it.

About me, well, I'm a sassy red-head who is about to co-exist with two cats.  That'll be a challenge in and of itself.  I'm 25 and love to try new things (hence this blog/project/thingy), outdoor activities like fishing and hiking, and love to cook...  Unfortunately, Laura and I have discovered that having two good cooks in one household is not good for our asses.  Oh, and we both like wine and beer...  Also not good.  (On the up side, we're attending the Manitou Springs Craft Lager Festival this Saturday and are going to have a blast!!!)  Lately I've been spending a lot of time remodeling my house.  But, normally, I can be found working at Liberty Mutual or hanging with Laura and her cats while playing Super Mario Bros and blogging.

I guess my goal in all this is to maybe find out who I am and hopefully along the way meet new people and broaden my horizons.  As Laura said, we were reviewing the Day 1 activities...  And, I scolded a worm this afternoon (it was raining, and how DARE he be on the sidewalk!?) and I am known as Fire-Crotch.  That being said, on with the show.

~ Nancy

Introducing Laura!

Hello All!

I'm a southern Orange County, CA transplant (SJC represent!) to beautiful Colorado.  I moved to Denver in September 2008 and will be moving in with Nancy this September 2010.  The past two years have been very interesting adjusting to life in a new state.  I am working for Colliers International in the Denver Tech Center as the front desk Administrative Assistant.  I started back up on my college career and am attending UC Denver as an English Writing major.  I have two beautiful kitties, Denny and Dora.  My mom, bother, and bestie all live back in California and the rest of my family lives out on the East Coast.  So, I spend a lot of my vacation time and money flying to either coastline.  I'm a cool nerd and a non-snobbish foodie - I love to cook and play cards while discussing the latest happenings on True Blood.  I don't know what else to really write about myself, but I figure you'll learn more about me as the blogs progress.

Speaking of blogs...  I have my ex-boyfriends Mike and Charlie to thank for introducing me to This Book Will Change Your Life.  After mentioning it to Nancy one day it was decided that we should attempt to work our way through it and blog about our experiences.  As a warm up, while we wait for Nancy's copy to arrive in the mail, we began reading over Day 1's tasks, as they are designed to ease you into the process of the book.  I've established my my right index toe is my prettiest and that my vagina should henceforth be known as Mrs. Pacman.

I figure there are some things that we will not quite be able to accomplish, such as a week in France (I've been there and just really don't want to go back), but we will think of appropriate and creative loopholes in those instances - perhaps going to French restaurants and wearing berets.  Also, as both Nancy and I work for a living by answering calls all day, there will be a few days that we'll need to shuffle around to weekends - We still need to pay our bills, after all.

So, here is a start to it all.  Wish us luck!!!

~ Laura