tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117198522024-03-07T13:15:37.051-05:00Sista sLedge.rA woman doesn't want to be asked, she wants to be told! ~Summer Stock (1950)Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.comBlogger444125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-73589692446307437982008-09-13T12:27:00.002-04:002008-09-13T12:36:11.338-04:00Baloo's Gone....<span style="font-family: georgia;">To Ann Arbor! I don't know if the exclaimation point was warranted. Actually I'm sitting in his apartment right now while he's out playing frisbee golf in the rain. Baloo's parents came down last week and we helped move Baloo into his new apartment in Ann Arbor. He's a lot closer to work now. I was pretty sad about it at first, but I knew this was the best for him. In his 28 years of living this is the first time he's lived completely on his own. I think the best way to learn to live with other people (meaning me in the future) is to understand how to run a household on your own. So I'm glad he's doing this.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">The first week wasn't that bad. Thank God I have school and work and working out to keep me occupied during the week. I didn't really miss Baloo because if I wasn't at school, I was either studying or at the gym. You can't believe how fit I am!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I did however hae to learn to hold my tongue. When I came to his house last night I walked in to find a huge flat screen LCD TV. I'm not sure how much those things cost, but I know they're expensive. My first thought was jealousy that I didn't get anything big and shiny. Oh, don't judge me. You all should know how vain I really am! My second thought was to how he plans to afford this TV. He's already said that he needed to figure out if he'd be saving money with the new increased rent. I let him know that I was disappointed but I was good in not making the subject World War III. I need to understand that he has the ability to spend his money however he pleases, and it's not my place to intervene. If down the line he's balancing paying off the TV and paying the heating bill, that's a choice that he has to make on his own. Besides, people need to go through these experiences in order to learn how to handle them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">So overall I've very proud of Baloo. I'm proud of him for finally branching out on his own. And I think the distance will be good for our relationship. Sure, it was so nice to have him as a next door neighbor boyfriend for almost two years, but it's nice missing him and being so excited to see him on the weekends. I think this distance will indeed make our hearts grow fonder. Eww. That was a gay way to end (Kipper, back me up). Who am I kidding? The sex is better when you haven't seen each other for a week. There, that's an ending that is much better fittted for Kiki!</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-47148328419271243972008-09-04T19:58:00.001-04:002008-09-04T20:00:01.230-04:00How I Spent My Staycation<span style="font-family:georgia;">First off, Baloo has threatened to break up with me if I use the phrase Staycation in his presence. I totally understand where he's coming from (it is an awful word), but naturally, I have to say it as much as possible in his presence.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I guess I should start off by telling you a little about my Japan trip. It was AMAZING! There was so much that happened and so many adventures, I feel like I'm cheating you by not telling you all the details. Those of you who know me in real life can check out the pictures on Facebook. For those of you who don't know me, I'm sorry. It's just way to much to tell in a blog!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">So instead, I will tell you about my Labor Day staycation.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Baloo and I and four other people went backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula. The original plan was to go to Pictured Rocks, but somehow those plans got changed sometime on Thursday night. Baloo and I drove up to his parents' friend's cabin and spent the night, then met up with the group and caravanned up to the spot. It was a little teed cause we started late, but held my tongue since they're Baloo's friends and I wanted to have a good time. And it was fun. A little more than I expected, but I pushed through. I wouldn't say it was the most fun in my life, but I'm the type of person who has to complete the task before me. So when Baloo informed me that we would cover 14 miles in three days with all I needed on my back, I thought that this was a challenge I could take on. Besides, Baloo's friend brought his new girl, <a href="http://sistasledger.blogspot.com/2008/07/scandalous.html">Scandalous</a>, and I had to show her up.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">And I did. I made the entire trip. I only had one meltdown the last day when gnats were flying in my eyes. But for the most part I did well. I had to tell Baloo afterwards that that's not the best way to convince me to like camping. I told him in the future we should start out slow by taking day hikes or camping for one day only. Not taking a 14 mile treck up in the UP during a vacation where I'd much rather be laying out in my hammock. But we were able to bond and do something that he likes. Which made me happy. And then he took me out for ice cream on the way home. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">So that was my staycation. Nothing too exciting. But it was nice to spend some time in the woods with my tree loving man.</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-69598713036386625772008-07-30T22:37:00.000-04:002008-07-30T22:38:24.381-04:00Interesting things I hear while I walk<span style="font-family: georgia;">Yesterday I was walking about when I was stopped by someone I knew. He told me of an upcoming lecture he was going to and lamented the he didn't like it when 'fat people' sat in front of him and blocked his view. I'm not sure what kind of reaction he was trying to garner from me, but I wanted to tell him, "Honey, you're not thin yourself, so you're not going to elicit any sympathy from me." Instead I just gave him an awkward look.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I walked further and I passed the bus stop. Two men were standing waiting for the bus. As I walked by I heard one of them say, "Well, it's real fortunate because they reduced it to a misdemeanor." What is it about people who ride the bus who have convictions?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Today I went to the library. As I was checking out I saw a man who appeared to be gay. When he got up to the counter he was explaining why he had overdue books. "Someone broke into my house when I was in jail and stole my library books." First of all, I don't imagine that gay people go to jail. The only ones I've encountered have been well behaved and bring up property values when they move in. Second, that was a pretty elaborate excuse for losing a library book.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">And as I was leaving the library, a very pudgy little boy was complaining that he and his mom had to walk to wherever they were going. "You need to walk, kid, you're overweight as it is." His mom said. Now, I have no problem with giving your children low self esteem and telling them that they're fat. My problem was that the mom had no business calling ANYONE fat. At all.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">So that's what I encounter on my daily walk. People with convictions and folks who complain about those who are overweight. And we wonder why people aren't flocking to Michigan!</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-58406868501816031942008-07-26T13:52:00.004-04:002008-07-26T14:05:27.177-04:00Too Mad for Words<span style="font-family: georgia;">I've written about Laura before </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://sistasledger.blogspot.com/2007/01/happy-new-year.html">here</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">. If you really care about the details of why I don't like her, that explains it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Last week Baloo asked if I wanted to go to a party at his friend's house in Detroit on Friday night. I agreed, and since we would be spending the night it would be perfect because I was getting my hair done the next morning in Detroit.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Baloo drove from Ann Arbor and met me half way at a carpool lot where I picked him up and drove the rest of the way to Detroit. The goal was to save gas and money. About 10 minutes after we left the carpool lot, Baloo says, "In the spirit of full disclosure, I wanted to tell you that Laura is going to be at the party."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I flipped. I mean I was pretty pissed. Without going into everything I said, it boiled down to this. First, I found it very convenient for Baloo to remember that Laura was going to be at the party when we were in the car when I asked him specifically before who was coming and for what occassion were his friends throwing a party. Turns out, the friends were throwing a small get together for Laura before she returns back to Denver next week. I guess that slipped Baloo's mind. Second, there have been several occassions when Laura comes back to town. Baloo has invited me to join him and his friends and I have always politely declines. Baloo knows very well how I feel about her as I've expressed it to him several times. When she's in town, Baloo goes to hang out and I do other things. Third, Baloo put me in an awkward and difficult position. We were 1/2 way to our destination and I was going to be forced to interact with a person I'd rather have no dealings with. Instead of providing me with the details before we left the house (I talked to him on the phone earlier that day and he still didn't mention that Laura would be there) he broadsided me with the information on the way to the destination.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">To say the least I'm pissed. On the good advice of Tiffy, I remained cordial at the party. Fortunately there were people there who I had a nice time with. I made sure to tell Baloo before we left the car that I was going to have fun. I was going to laugh and have a good time. However, that did not mean in any uncertain terms that I was fucking pissed with him and we would continue this conversation when we got home.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I do have to say that I slipped up by the end of the night. I was really tired and the only people hanging out were me, Baloo, Laura, and our hosts. I was drunk and tired and couldn't stop giving Laura the stink eye. I never said a mean word to her, but I couldn't control myself from just giving her an awful look. She's one of those people who makes me physically want to react when I'm in the same surroundings are her. She's not an honorable person. She doesn't have honorable values, and I react negatively to that.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">This morning I got up and got my hair done. I left Baloo at our host's house. He decided that he wanted to play frisbee golf with his friends (and Laura) rather than go home with me. So he can get a ride back to his car 20 miles from Detroit from his precious Laura or whatever other friend who's willing to waste the gas on him. As for me, I plan on watching a calming movie this afternoon and wait for him to come home. So I can ask him why he feels the need to not honor my feelings and take Laura's side. It should be an intersting conversation.</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-46033992280442469662008-07-24T21:14:00.002-04:002008-07-24T21:18:40.827-04:00Black Hair<span style="font-family:georgia;">Something tells me that I've written about this before, but I'm too lazy to look. I'm super excited about CNN's series on being black in America. Although I don't have cable, I plan on going to Baloo's house tonight and watching the second part. One thing that I've already seen is a video on black hair seen here: <a href="http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2008/07/21/bia.black.hair.cnn">black hair</a>.<br /><br />Here's an article if you'd rather read than watch: <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/23/black.hair/index.html">black hair article</a> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">It's true that black women have a love hate relationship with our hair. But I think any woman does. I think that relationship is unique for black women because our hair has been used in some ways to tell a story about who we are. Baloo HATES that I get my hair straightened. I'm going this Saturday to get my hair did :-) and he constantly tells me not to. He says he wants to see my hair as it's intended to be. I talked to my hair dresser about this and she rolled her eyes. She told me how much more work it was to have you hair in its natural state than to get it chemically straightened every month. Now, she may not be an impartial judge seeing that getting a press and curl costs significantly less than a straightening. I've thought about letting my hair go natural. Sometimes I experiment by not blow drying my hair after I wash it. It turns into a HUGE mess of tangles and craziness. I look like a wild woman. In truth I really don't like the way my hair looks right after I go to the hair dresser. I usually like the look when the style is about three days old any my natural fullness comes back.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">But the stigma related to hair is also self inflicted. Directly after slavery, hair (and light skin) could be your ticket for an ability to pass for white and have more opportunities afforded to you. I remember when I was growing up women looking at young babies to determine whether or not they had 'good' (or more straight) hair. I was definitely not one of those babies. And then I look at some people who have 'natural hair.' A lot of those women have the ability to wear their hair that way because they are mixed with other nationalities that make their curls more long and spirally. My hair does not spiral. It's nappy. And, believe it or not, there are some women with 'natural' hair that get hair added and extensions to make their spiral curls look that way. So, in all reality, in the black community, hair was an indication of your rank. Now, that's not positive at all and I think it's something that was looked at as being important to older generations. But I hope as those old thoughts of whites die out who thought blacks were inferior, I also hope the old thoughts of blacks die out too who saw hair as an indication of your worth.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I guess you can say white people look at hair in a similar manner. Be truthful. How many times have you looked at some kid with a mohawk and made an assumption about their character? How about the girl who dyes her hair pink? You don't know anything about them, but based upon the way they wear their hair you've probably made a snap judgment about them one way or another. Now, the difference is that hair was not designed to be pink, therefore pink hair is not acceptable in the workplace. But in the alternative, black hair was not meant to be straightened. Therefore, is straight hair too not appropriate in the workplace? Would you argue that an afro on a black woman should be more accepted than a chemical process that makes it straight?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">And can I tell you a secret? I'm a little frightened about what people may think of me because of my hair. I'd go back to wearing braids in a heartbeat because I really liked the look. However, it does provided added stress to the hair. But i often wonder what would happen if I went to a complete natural afro look. Would I not be as valued in the workplace? Would people label me as combative and aggressive (and not in the go-getter way but in the angry black female way)? Would people see my objections to ideas as not going along with the status quo? I'd like to think that I have a gentle enough demeanor that people would judge me by my actions, but I'm a pretty girl. I know that people are judged by their looks as well. I'd never admit it to Baloo, but I'm secretly scared that if I go to a natural look, I'd be viewed negatively. Plus, I like the ease that comes with my straightened hair. I don't see myself as trying to 'look white' but instead as being too lazy to wear my hair any other way.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">What do others think? I know there are some white women who read here. I'm sure you've had similar experiences with a love/hate relationship with your hair. Do you have opinions on what you think about black hair? Discuss!</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-44243392198691244782008-07-18T22:03:00.000-04:002008-07-18T22:04:33.077-04:00ScandalousSo Baloo has this friend. Let's call him Marshall. Marshall has a new girlfriend. Let's call her Scandalous (cause that's what we call her). I first met Scandalous when she was with her boyfriend Charles. When Scandalous started hanging out with Baloo's group of friends, she took a liking to Marshall even when she was still dating Charles. She went as far as going on a camping trip with the group and sharing a tent with Marshall...even though she was still dating Charles. I have no idea what kind of lie she spun to go on a weekend camping trip.<br /><br />Anyway, now that Scandalous has dumped Charles, she's dating Marshall. No one is very happy about this. And apparently Baloo had a talk with Marshall and told him it's not cool. But now that they're dating, I'm going to see much more of Scandalous. I'll probably do my best to exclude her and make her feel bad because that's in my nature. Baloo wants me to be nice to her since she's dating a member of the group. Whatever. She's not a very honorable person, and I don't know who thinks she won't cheat on Marshall just like she cheated on Charles.<br /><br />I'm throwing a bbq on Sunday (cause Baloo's friends are gonna help me move my new, free piano) and I think she's coming. I need some evil but sneaky things to do to her. All comments are welcome!Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-69568773290435802052008-07-12T14:37:00.003-04:002008-07-12T15:00:42.082-04:00The 80s<span style="font-family:georgia;">Let me preface this by letting you know that I'm drunk. Yes, I realize that it's 3P on a Saturday afternoon, but damnit I work hard during the week and deserve to be drunk in the middle of the day when I should instead be cleaning the bathroom and doing laundry.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I'm an avid fan of </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.hulu.com/">Hulu </a><span style="font-family:georgia;">and I was watching an episode of Benson, a show that I LOVED as a child. I will now post some themes from some of my favorite shows of the 80s. You know, when everyone was skinny, hair was feathered, Reagan was king, we weren't in a recession, and families loved each other. On television. With big hair and vibrant clothing. Ok. I'll shut up now. Let me know which of these shows you loved as much as I did!</span><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iliLnQmaEOA&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iliLnQmaEOA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Family Ties</span><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LHXeo57xj3k&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LHXeo57xj3k&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My Two Dads<br /><br /></span><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ukSvjqwJixw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ukSvjqwJixw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Small Wonder<br /><br /></span></span><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1obAHj4Iwr0&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1obAHj4Iwr0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Punky Brewster (I always thought she was pulling the puppy up by his neck!)<br /><br /></span></span></span><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HTg8bNIEOnw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HTg8bNIEOnw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>Benson<br /><br /></span><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7J7QURtyTxU&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7J7QURtyTxU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Head of the Class<br /><br /></span></span><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8vbnLYROCj8&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8vbnLYROCj8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Standing TAAALLL....On the Wings of my Dreams!<br /></span></span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2WRCggZ3GQU&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2WRCggZ3GQU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Ok, this theme was just cool!<br /><br /></span></span><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/b30CLSFaEz0&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/b30CLSFaEz0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />227...Did anyone else watch this?<br /><br /></span></span><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qsUAVAi8r-U&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qsUAVAi8r-U&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Black people made the best caretakers in the 80s!<br /></span></span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-56607512202966220362008-07-07T21:32:00.001-04:002008-07-07T21:32:59.529-04:00Hitting The Bubble<span style="font-family: georgia;"> Hitting the Bubble</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Well, the economic woes of Michigan have finally hit home. I could be talking about the value of my house, but I'm not. Well, I am, kinda. I got my tax bill today. My house is worth a considerable amount less than what I bought it. I have to say that I was pretty teed about that. I don't plan on putting my house on the market anytime soon anyway. Even after I finish my degree and decide to move. It's just not the right time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">But no, I'm not talking about the plummeting house values. I went in to the neighborhood pharmacy today to buy some stamps. The lady is really nice and she knows me by name. She seemed relieved that I was just in to buy stamps, but her face still fell when I tried to make small talk. She told me that I would need to transfer my prescriptions. They'd be closing the pharmacy section by the end of the month. I was devastated. For all the time I've been in this area, that pharmacy has been providing me with my birth control and other various prescriptions. The pharmacist knew me by name. They were even patient when my doctor's office faxed over the wrong prescription. They're also the only pharmacy downtown! Every downtown I've ever worked in has a local pharmacy. How could this be happening? The Michigan economy is how this is happening. With so many people forced by insurance companies to buy their prescriptions through mail order, the mom and pop shop is closing its doors. I asked the cashier what she was going to do. She said she'd try to keep the other sections of the pharmacy open. Selling soda, band-aids, over the counter prescriptions. But she didn't know how long she'd be able to do that, and whether or not she'd be able to make any kind of profit. I felt bad for her. She is always so friendly and happy whenever I see her. She and the equally friendly pharmacist don't deserve this.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I honestly don't know how much more of this people can take. I ran into my real estate agent when he was showing a house across the street. One of my neighbors defaulted on their mortgage and abandoned the house. I knew the neighbor quite well. Because I'm nosy, I asked my agent how much the bank was asking for the house. $41,900. No, I did not leave off a zero or put the numbers in the wrong order. $41K for a two story house that really wasn't in bad shape. I've stopped driving my car to work. Not because I'm hard up on cash or I have a long commute, but because I'm protesting the high gas costs, and it's better for the environment. Sure, most of the people on the bus seem like they have prior convictions, but I've been doing it for a few weeks now and I can already feel the change in my pocketbook. But how long will this last? I'm not sure what it feels like in other communities (maybe you commenters want to weigh in) but it feels like the Depression here in Michigan. And although I'm grateful to God that I'm not in any dire situation, I know just how easy it could be to slip and be among the masses. So when my friends ask me to come see them in this place or that, I'll probably have to say no (except for that trip to Japan. I saved for that!). And when you respond, "But Kiki, you have that great new job as Master of the Universe...surely you can afford to see me!" Just remember that I'm amassing my savings for a rainy day and hoping it doesn't get any worse in Michigan.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">So now I have to find a new pharmacy. I'd really like to go with another mom and pop shop, but in all reality, there isn't one that is as convenient as the one I currently patronize. So that means I'll probably be going to Rite-Aid. And honestly, that doesn't make me very happy.</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-86025607691896219932008-07-05T13:49:00.003-04:002008-07-05T14:00:03.138-04:00Vulnerable<span style="font-family: georgia;">Someone made a purchase with my card! I've never felt so naked and vulnerable.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Because I keep careful track of all my money, I reconciled my online account with the account I keep on Quicken. Something didn't match. A $70 purchase from </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.classiccloseouts.com/home.asp">ClassicCloseouts.com</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">. I recognized the company. I made a purchase from them back in college. A pair of booty shorts that I'm too embarrassed and too fat to fit into now. I never bought anything from them again because the clothes are basically grossly out of style. There's a reason why they're on closeout.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Anyway, it happened to be 12:45 when I checked my account, and of course, for drama's sake, my bank closed at 1! I put on a bra and off I went. I was able to close my card and learn a little more about this purchase. It was apparently made at 2P on a Tuesday. Hmm....I don't think my employer would find it very productive of me to shop for cheap clothing during the middle of the day at work. I wanted to think that I had somehow forgotten about making this purchase, but now knowing the the purchase was made online/over the phone in the middle of the day, I knew it was not a purchase I had made.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I don't know if this has happened to anyone else, but it's very frustrating, knowing someone out there has some of your personal information. Especially since I'm the type of person to keep things fairly secure. The card was still in my possession, which makes it even more creepy. How did someone get my card number plus the magical number on the back that is supposed to be your security code. And, because the purchase was made from a retailer I've visited in the past, part of me thinks the retailer might have made the charge. I have no way to prove that, but I think it's such a coincidence that a site I haven't visited in more than 5 years all of a sudden has a charge from me. And, when I tried to call the company to let them know about the dispute, there was no telephone number for me to contact them to be found. Suspicious.....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">In the meantime I'm going to take a shower. I feel like someone foreign has been all over me...and not in the good way!</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-34318571732945662582008-06-23T19:05:00.000-04:002008-06-23T19:06:25.232-04:00Grease Monkey<span style="font-family: georgia;"> This weekend I helped Baloo out with his car. He got considerably more dirty than I did, but I did hold the flashlight, handed him various tools, and brought him water and a sandwich when I thought he needed it. Otherwise I was either reading a book out in the yard with him or watching the hick neighbors across the street.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> One thing that sucks about the Michigan economy is that it's tanking. That means that my property value has gone way down and many of my neighbors have defaulted on their home loans, abandoning their property. It was a really nice neighborhood when I moved in with kids playing in yards and young families. Now, only three of the original neighbors remain.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Our new neighbors are hicks. I won't call them what I want to call them, because that's just mean. But to be nice, I'll say that they're hicks. On two occassions I've seen the woman (who I believe owns the home) having a shouting match with her baby daddy - also her currrent boyfriend - in the front yard. On one occasssion one the nice neighbors stayed in his yard watching just to make sure the baby daddy didn't hit her. Baloo and I call them the domestic dispute couple.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Anyway, domestic dispute couple decided to do some yard work while Baloo and I were working on the car. Their plan? Cut down a tree that's been in their yard for probably over fifty years. That's one of the great things about my neighborhood. Even though my house is newly built, all the other houses are old. And I live on a nice tree lined street. I can only imagine how long some of those trees have been around. Well, apparently the tree in domestic dispute couple's yard was creating too much carbon dioxide, so it had to go. So, naturally domestic dispute boyfriend calls over his hick dad and friend to take the tree down. Since Baloo is a tree hugger, he knows the proper way to prune and remove branches. He even has all the equipment to do so. The first thing the boyfriend did wrong was he had no support or harness when he climbed the offending tree. Just a chainsaw and a wobbly ladder. Fantastic, I thought! This would be my afternoon entertainment. Watching one of them seriously hurt themselves and perhaps take out the power to the entire neighborhood! Next, they decided to take down the tree the true hick way. Instead of starting at the very top and taking down branches until you get to a managable size, they decided to take down as huge of a chunk they could handle. Which, of course, resulted in them also taking down their phone and cable line. Genius! At one point they tied a rope to a branch to guide it's fall after the boyfriend made the cut. Unfortunately, they all have 4th grade educations, so the limb began falling into the house. So, they decided to tie the rope off to the back of their truck for additional strength/leverage. Baloo looked up from under the hood of his truck and whispered to me, "that rope is going to snap." And exactly two seconds later, the rope did indeed snap.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> What's very fortunate is that no one got hurt and they did very minimal damage. But, they did get lucky each and every time they let some huge chunk fall to the ground. They used no skill whatsoever. And when they had cut down the beautiful tree with no damage, they grilled out and had some beers and talked about their awesome accomplishment. Good Lord I can't wait till I finish my degree so I can move out of this state!</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-58054699131839647782008-06-20T18:36:00.002-04:002008-06-20T18:44:49.224-04:00One of the People<span style="font-family: georgia;">I took the bus to work today. I meant to take the bus to work and ride my bike back home, but my bike sprang a leak. So I took the bus both ways.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I felt so urbane. So one of the people. I sat up front and chatted with the bus driver. He was a nice fellow who told me where exactly to ring the bell to get off at my building! Such a nice character. And all the riders were nice and quiet.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">And then I caught the bus home. It was like I was in a whole different world! The first bus I caught had all these clear plastic bags filled with clothing. Some of the African riders got off the bus and took the some of the bags off. Some bags remained. Then I got to the transfer station. That was a mess. There were tons of people standing around. Some loitering, not very many on busses. And there were a lot of security guards strolling around making sure everyone stayed in order. There were a lot of hoodlum looking no job having youths. Many with babies and baby strollers. I quickly found my transfer bus, put on my sunglass, and listened to my music.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">On the ride home, there was a girl who didn't look older than 16 with her baby and what I guess was her baby daddy riding the bus. The baby daddy was talking to this lanky rough looking guy who was talking about almost being charged with a felony. When we approached my stop, I went to the front and asked the bus driver what was the best stop to get off at (I plan to ride the bus all summer) and a nice lady said that she lived on my street and she would show me. How helpful! We got off the bus together and crossed the street to get into our neighborhood. As we stood in the median, I saw the brown squished package and smelled something terribly foul. "I wish the city would come and pick up this dead animal. It's been here for two weeks," my new bus companion said.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">And that was my adventure on the bus today. Damn you George Bush and these ridiculous gas prices! The end.</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-31636885769534461702008-06-12T22:43:00.002-04:002008-06-12T22:53:01.976-04:00Reality<span style="font-family: georgia;">For the first time in a while, I was really horny. I think it's the fact that Baloo is gone so many days at a time. The anticipation of seeing him throws me into a frenzy. I was surprised that I actually finished my workout tonight. Because all I could think about while on the treadmill was how I was going to tear him apart.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">After the gym I went to Barnes & Noble and picked up the </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.amazon.com/When-You-Are-Engulfed-Flames/dp/0316143472/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_k2a_1_img?pf_rd_p=304485601&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-2&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0316143464&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1SXAQHPXK4N64CKQWK7G">new David Sedaris book</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">. That's Baloo's favorite author. I rushed home and took a shower, put on scented lotion and a flirty and fun Victoria's Secret nightshirt. I wrapped his book and called Baloo over. "Which one do you want to open first? Me, or what's in the box?" Sensing that the box wouldn't take long to unwrap, he chose that first. He was very surprised and wanted me to read it to him when he spends the night. He likes when I read to him cause I do all the voices of the characters. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">But then, he didn't want to unwrap me. He was tired. He'd worked a long day out in the heat and he was exhausted. I told him that I understood and told him to go back home and rest some more. I was going to hang out at my house and we'd get together later on tonight. So he came over about 4 hours later. And now he's in my bed and I'm sitting here writing at my computer. I can't blame him. I'm tired too. But I only get in this mood when the earth is tilted just right on its axis and the stars are aligned and I stand on one foot and squint. Translation: It doesn't happen often. And he's tired.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm not mad at him or upset. I think this is just one of those moments when I realize that reality has set in. And, the world doesn't revolve around me. Just like there are many nights that I'm tired (or feeling obese) there are nights when he feels tired too. I guess that's what it means to be in a grown up relationship. This is harder than I thought!</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-33688395914430988392008-06-07T21:51:00.002-04:002008-06-07T21:58:31.183-04:00Meah<span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm sure people won't like that I'm saying this, but I really didn't like the Sex and the City movie. I went to the movie because a girl I met a while ago invited me to hang out with her and her friends. I'm rather a loner and don't like to meet new people, but because he'll be moving soon, Baloo wants me to start making friends. So, he encouraged me to go and meet new people.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I like the girl I was hanging out with. But we also hung out with some friends of friends as well. Anyway, we all went out to the movie. I felt the whole thing predictable...and a little pathetic. Maybe I have a different viewpoint becuase I'm in a relationship now, and when I liked the show I was a single bed hopper like Samantha. But I think that it's sad that these women are 40 and 50 and are still searching for love and the happily ever after. I've been in a relationship with Baloo for over a year now and I know we're no fairy tale. We're happy together. He doesn't buy me roses, but he holds me when I'm sad and cares tremendously. Instead of girls thinking of the happily ever after, they should look at this movie and see what happens to women when the wedding becomes more important than the relationship. But that's just my two cents. I also knew it was time to make my exit when one of the girls in our group said, "That was the best 2 hours and 55 minutes EVER" and, "I was bawling the whole movie." Sigh. I fear these women may have missed the point.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Or maybe I'm happily attached and coming from a different vantage point. What did you think?</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-80002568185733588512008-06-02T21:37:00.005-04:002008-06-02T21:55:36.862-04:00Has It Really Been 5 Years?<span style="font-family:georgia;">Baloo was sweet enough to come back to Notre Dame with me for my five year reunion. I can't believe I'm that old! It was a good time. Naturally the highlight of the trip was seeing Kipper. He's been hanging out in Indiana getting back to his roots or something. I'm not sure. I really try not to care. Other than that I got to see some friends I haven't connected with in ages, and friends who I mostly stalk on Facebook. I like how all my gay friends (yes there are gay people at Notre Dame) knew exactly who Baloo was just because they had successfully stalked me on Facebook. Good Lord I love stalking.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">On Friday night, Baloo and I headed to the beer tent. Oh yeah, at Notre Dame, they have a beer tent that serves free beer from 9pm-1am. Then we went to the bar across the street, the Linebacker. We started out with our free drink - long island iced tea. Then I bought a round. Then Baloo bought a round. Needless to say, we were fairly drunk by the time they called for last call. Somehow we stumbled back to the dorm where I thought it would be an excellent idea to reconnect with some of the girls I lived in the dorms with back in college. So I went upstairs and grabbed one before she went to bed. I think I was so loud that I woke Vin up so she came out to investigate instead. Then Baloo and I went back to our room where we bumped uglies. Now, I know no one really wants to know about me and my steady bumping uglies. I mean, talking about sex isn't interesting unless it's anonymous and you steal something at the end of the night. But the reason I speak about bumping uglies now is because Baloo apparently blacked out. He 'finished' if you will, but he didn't remember anything happened the next morning. Fantastic! Kiki is back! If I would have known he blacked out, I would have stolen something from his wallet. Apparently he didn't remember visiting my friends upstairs when we came back from the bar either. I guess that's what Notre Dame drinking does to you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">On Saturday we took it easy and recovered from our hangovers enough to play some golf. I was really excited as I haven't played golf since last summer. I had the worst golf experience ever. Let's just say the Spirit of Notre Dame does NOT live at the <a href="http://www.warrengolfcourse.com/">Warren Golf Course</a> unless you're an obsessive compulsive golfer. Now, in Notre Dame's defense, Baloo didn't make things easier by wearing flip flops to golf. But still, it was Reunion weekend and we were there to have fun.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I wasn't having an easy time on the course so we let a total of three groups play through since I was so slow. Every group we let play though was very appreciative and very nice. The golf ranger wasn't so nice. He came by while I was teeing off and spoke to Baloo. Apparently he very condescendingly told Baloo that we were being very slow and we should let people play through. Apparently the Warren golf carts have GPS so they computer on board tells you how many minutes behind play you are. If it hits the yellow, speed up. If it hits the red, skip a hole. We were consistently three minutes behind the group in front of us and never hit the yellow warning. I was so angry and naturally I played even worse. However, Baloo was wonderful and cheered me up, letting me know that we were just out there for fun, and we wouldn't let some cranky old man ruin our time. And we didn't.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">So yeah, that was Reunion. It was fun. I got to see a lot of people and Baloo and I got to hang out. A good time was had by all.</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-12572373488403191262008-05-26T20:44:00.004-04:002008-05-26T21:39:47.191-04:00Return to Nature<span style="font-family: georgia;">Baloo and I had a wonderful time in the woods this weekend. We drove 3 hours west to </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Lake_Michigan_At_Manistee_Mi/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=73550&topTabIndex=CampingSpot">Lake Michigan at Manistee</a><span style="font-family: georgia;"> where we met up with about 20 of Baloo's friends and went camping. I've been camping before. It was actually a graduation requirement at my high school. However, I didn't enjoy those trips as much as I enjoyed this one. I think the addition of alcohol was key! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">It was a really good time. I'm beginning to like Baloo's friends a little more. We didn't do much besides drink and tend to the camp fire. I accompanied the boys on a frisbee golf tour where I fell in love with the moss on the forest ground and had to pick at every little bit that I found. On the tour I also got to frolick a bit on the beach by myself. It was rather cold and windy, but it was nice to sit and listen to the waves.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">The next day the entire group went out to the beach because it was much warmer and we threw around frisbees and footballs and just hung out. Later that night Baloo and I took a sunset walk on the beach. How cliche! But it was nice nonetheless.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm sorry but camping is such a white folks thing. Not that I didn't enjoy myself. I had a wonderful time. But i have never had any of my black friends get together to rent a campsite and spend a long holiday weekend not showering and peeing in the woods. But like I said, it was fun. And in all reality, anything that involves drinking is just fine with me.!</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-59084060453115887022008-05-22T21:12:00.002-04:002008-05-22T21:20:38.984-04:00Ok, We Better Update<span style="font-family: georgia;">I feel like I need to give a better update. I have been gone for a while.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Baloo and I are doing very well. He started his new job about a month ago and he's doing very well. I'm very very proud of him. He comes home just about every day telling me some story of how he excelled at work. That makes me so so happy. He still hasn't moved to Ann Arbor so he's commuting just about every day. I haven't pushed the issue that he should move because it is nice to see him several times a week. But, I know that he'll eventually move. And I'm ok with that too. Because Ann Arbor is a great city and it'll be nice to have a bed to crash in when we do fun things down there.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I think that's really all the update that I have. I have a lot of travel plans this summer that I'm getitng hyped about. Not only is there Tokyo, but there's ND next weekend for Reunion, San Antonio and Dallas for 4ht of July, and possibly Toronto. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I hope to have more to write when more happens. But as it stand, it's nice to have some peace and normalcy in my life for a while.</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-26032090835012308932008-05-22T21:05:00.002-04:002008-05-22T21:08:59.675-04:00Success<span style="font-family: georgia;">Today I went to Express. I fit into a size 2 jeans! This is the first time this has happened since freshman year of college! Of course, the jeans had enough spandex to fill a 1980s aerobics class. And, I probably can't wear a size 2 in anything else in Express, but I had this victory. And for this, I am grateful!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Other than that, Baloo and I are going camping for the Memorial Day Weekend. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">And, I've booked my flight to Japan to visit Tiffy in August! Here's to an amazing summer!</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-9610225972369358502008-05-10T19:08:00.002-04:002008-05-10T19:16:57.624-04:00Update<span style="font-family: georgia;">Hi Kids. Let's see, what do I have to report?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm so happy I'm done with school for this year (except my summer independent study). I feel like I have a weight lifted!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I picked out my bridesmaid dress for Roomie's wedding. It's </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_detail.jsp?stid=2971&prodgroup=110">here</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">. I don't think I'll get in trouble for revealing it. Now if I revealed her dress, that's another matter! I'm really getting into this whole Maid of Honor thing. Right now I'm trying to find a caterer for her bridal shower. Let me tell you, it's a bit difficult trying to do that in another state. But it's fun nonetheless. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Oh, did I tell you I'm going to Japan this summer? I just decided this week. I'm usually pretty good with money, so when I got my tax return back I decided it was best to let it sit in the bank and eventually pay off my student loans. But then I started thinking about the fact that I've never traveled overseas, and Tiffy has been in Tokyo asking me to come and visit her. So I decided to not save my money but instead blow it on a trip to Tokyo. And I couldn't be happier. OF course, now Baloo wants to go with me. Problem is I want to buy my ticket this weekend and Baloo doesn't exactly have the $1500 to cough up for the trip. On the one hand I want to go with him and I would feel bad if he were going on a trip and didn't take me. But on the other hand, I feel like I deserve this because I'm prudent with my money. And as much as I want to travel to Tokyo with him, I can't do much about that if he doesn't have the money to cough up. However, we have some trips planned stateside this summer so we'll have plenty adventures nonetheless.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I think that's about all of interest that's going on around the homefront. If I can think of anything else, I'll be sure to share!</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-20087038508127995002008-05-05T19:31:00.000-04:002008-05-05T19:32:18.238-04:00And She's Back<p style="font-family: georgia;">I haven't been around in a while.<span> </span>For that I apologize.<span> </span>A lot happened this weekend, so let me recap.<br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;">First, I'm done with school for the semester!<span> </span>I have about a week off before I start summer session.<span> </span>And what a glorious week it will be.<span> </span>I've already decided to be active every day this week.<span> </span>This includes trips to the gym and climbing outside with Baloo.<span> </span>This semester was especially tough.<span> </span>I had a jerk of a professor, I started a new job, and Baloo will be moving away shortly.<br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;">Speaking of Baloo, I had a wonderful time with his family this weekend.<span> </span>We went up north for his mother's retirement party.<span> </span>It was fantastic.<span> </span>We met up with Baloo's brother and sister-in-law.<span> </span>We'll call them Randy and Mandy.<span> </span>On Friday night we went out to dinner with friends.<span> </span>Saturday we woke up and had breakfast.<span> </span>Mandy had a certifiable eating disorder in the past, so I was determined to eat less than her all weekend.<span> </span>It didn't work out so well.<span> </span>But at least I beat her at breakfast when Mama Baloo insisted she have another piece of French toast.<span> </span>I laughed a little inside.<br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;">Saturday was spent grilling and hanging with friends who came to congratulate Mama Baloo.<span> </span>Then they young'uns (Baloo, myself, Randy & Mandy) played a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit '90s Edition.<span> </span>I have to say I had a few beers on Saturday and then Baloo made margaritas.<span> </span>I was a bit tipsy but very appropriate.<span> </span>I think that's the first time I've ever been appropriate while slightly drunk.<br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;">On Sunday we went to church where there was a special presentation for Baloo's mom.<span> </span>She invited me to sit in their reserved pew at the church.<span> </span>Then later on there was a dinner in her honor at the school she's retiring from.<span> </span>It was so sweet that she mentioned me in her retirement speech.<span> </span><br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;">Overall I really liked Baloo's parents friends.<span> </span>Everyone was very accepting of me and everyone was really friendly and nice.<span> </span>I couldn't have asked for a better relaxing weekend.<span> </span>It was also important that I spent more time with Randy and Mandy as I didn't hit it off quite so well with her at our first meeting.<span> </span>But we got along grandly and Baloo and I are planning a trip to San Antonio this summer to visit them and their new house that they just bought.<span> </span>All in all, I think I'm a shoe in to be a member of the Baloo clan (bears run in clan, right?).<span> </span>His mom loves me, other family members love me, it's really a win win.<br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;">However, I can't say the same for Daddy Kiki.<span> </span>We haven't been doing so well lately.<span> </span>I don't think I wrote about his emergency surgery.<span> </span>Well about 2-3 weeks ago he calls me at work to let me know he's going into surgery in 2 hours.<span> </span>It wasn't life threatening, but he was uncomfortable and it was something that needed to be taken care of quickly.<span> </span>I wanted to go home, but he kept insisting that I didn't come.<span> </span>A few days after his surgery I was still debating whether or not to go home.<span> </span>He finally convinced me that it wasn't necessary.<span> </span>In parting, I happened to mention that if I didn't come down then, at least Baloo and I would be coming down later that summer.<span> </span>Apparently that didn't fly with Daddy Kiki.<span> </span>His response was, "I don't think it's very respectful for you two to come down for an overnight visit.<span> </span>If y'all were married, that would be different."<span> </span>Now mind you, I didn't insist that we had to sleep in the same bed (like a certain roommate of mineā¦.).<span> </span>In fact, I pointed out that there is an extra bedroom with a futon that Baloo would be happy to stay in.<span> </span>DK wasn't budging for some reason.<span> </span>Baloo and I have been dating now for 1.5 years and he's never met my dad.<span> </span>Yet, I've been invited up north on three separate occasions, have had multiple lunches with his parents in Lansing, and was invited up to the UP to spend time up on the lake.<br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;">DK's entire attitude is very tiring to me.<span> </span>I'm not sure what his problem is.<span> </span>Most fathers would be insistent of meeting their daughter's long-term boyfriend before he becomes their son-in-law.<span> </span>I talked to Mama Baloo about it this past weekend.<span> </span>I've decided that when Baloo and I fly down to San Antonio this summer to visit Randy & Mandy, we're going to drive up to Dallas and spend a total of one day (albeit a sleepover) with DK to force him to meet Baloo.<span> </span>I'm not sure what his problem is in being so resistant to meeting Baloo, but it's unwarranted and it's childish in my opinion, especially if he isn't willing to give me any concrete reason for his objection.<br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;">So yeah, things on that front are very volatile at this time and uncomfortable.<span> </span>But what can I do?<br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;">Thanks to all who wondered about my disappearance.<span> </span>I blame school!<span> </span>I hope that I'll have more time to devote to y'all now that the summer break is upon me!</p>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-32738752621359603442008-04-06T20:50:00.002-04:002008-04-06T20:56:57.976-04:00Dealing<span style="font-family:georgia;">This weekend was pretty uneventful until Saturday night. I returned a phone call from Daddy Kiki. We talked for a while and I told him about my plans for the night. Then he revealed to me that he took himself to the emergency room the previous day because he was in pain. Now it's nothing life threatening, but there's a possibility that he might have to have surgery. I felt numb. I think this is one of the very few times where I've actually had to take care of my dad. And it scares the shit out of me. I told you how weird it was to see my dad in the recovery room after his colonoscopy. Well this is going to be even weirder. Because they're actually going to be cutting him open.<br /><br />I just feel like I'm under a lot of stress. I'm trying not to be too dramatic, but it's just not fun taking care of a parent. And it makes me think of how much time we actually have with our parents. Again, DK is not going in for any major surgery and his condition is not life threatening, but he is getting up there in age. And I'm trying to wrap my brain around how much of my life do I need to live independently, and how much of my life I need to devote to my dad. I already feel a little guilty for leaving Texas and moving to Michigan. But that's something that I needed to do for my own sanity. Now I'm considering leaving the country after grad school. Should I go? Will I be too far away from my dad? How much do I need to sacrifice to be there for him. These are the things I'm thinking about.<br /><br />On a brighter note I think I'm going to start taking Hoodia. I know absolutely nothing about it, but I hear it doesn't give you the jitters like regular diet pills, and I feel that it's diet season for me. I'll let you know how it goes on the Hoodia.<br /></span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-78943881584862335872008-03-31T22:35:00.002-04:002008-03-31T22:40:46.172-04:00Addendum<span style="font-family: georgia;">I feel as if I need to post an addendum to my last entry. I kinda felt like a huge bitch. I think the problem is I'm really scared our relationship will change with Baloo leaving. He says that he has no intention to start dating anyone else, but something just feels weird. I'm really excited for his new opportunity. He's figured that he'll probably be leaving in about three weeks. So I have three weeks of next door neighbor booty calls. I'm trying to stay positive, but deep down I'm a selfish person and I keep thinking of how this will affect me. (Hey, at least I'm honest!) I've told him several times that I'm very proud of him. And I mean it. I'm just hoping that it doesn't mean that we'll end up broken up or something. Plus, I'm all hormonal right now so that's not helping anything at all.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Baloo also mentioned that he's thinking of subletting or taking out a short term lease initially just in case he decides that he wants to go back to school. I guess that's smart. And it makes me think that he's open to different things. I've already told him that I plan to go overseas after I get my degree and that he's always welcome to join me. We'll see where this goes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">There. I don't feel like quite the bitch anymore.</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-58054320761888028912008-03-30T15:20:00.002-04:002008-03-30T15:38:07.756-04:00Yippie?<span style="font-family: georgia;">Baloo finally got a job. Well, he got a job offer. I'm elated, sad, and a bit frustrated. Let's get to elated first.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Baloo will be moving to Ann Arbor to work as a tree hugger. I'm excited because I'll have an excuse (and a place to pass out) to go to Ann Arbor periodically. For those who don't know, AA is a very progressive, liberal town. The University of Michigan is located there (a state school that has the credentials of a private school) and there's a lot of things to do. It's only an hour away, so I figure I could visit a least twice a month.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm sad because Baloo will be moving away. I've grown accustomed to him being next door to me. For over a year he's been my boyfriend who lives next door. This makes him accessible to shovel my driveway when we get a heavy snow during the day, and preheat the oven when I'm on my way home and I need to cook. This has also proven helpful when I've forgotten my wallet at home and need him to run it to me at work. So really, he's my errand boy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm frustrated because even though he will now be employed full time, he still won't be making much money. He'll be making the same amount I was making when I first entered the full time working world 5 years ago. And in all reality, I guess he can make it work. I did. I lived alone and paid my bills. However, I did live in low income housing...but that's another story for another day!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I like the fact that I can confess things on the blog. For example this morning. I remarked that I saw a food processor at Target this weekend for $40. Granted, it's not a </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.chefscatalog.com/product/91639-cuisinart-14-cup-food-processor.aspx">Cuisinart</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">, but I can't afford a Cuisinart right now. So Baloo suggested that his mother upgrade to a new Cuisinart and we can take the old one. I didn't like what he was implying. Instead of continually getting the hand me downs of parents, why not, I don't know, make enough money to buy something you want. Or make do with a lesser model until you can afford the good stuff. I hate how much a leach he is on his parents.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">And that brings us to India. (You can tell I'm on a roll, right?) Baloo's Indian friend invited him to India this summer to attend his friend's sister's wedding. OMG! I was so stoked! A free place to stay in a land I've never visited? Sign me up! I checked online for some quick and dirty research this morning and saw that a single ticket would be upwards of $2K. Ok. I thought. I'll get my tax return back soon. Instead of buying that </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.ethanallen.com/ea/com.ethanallen.ecom.FrameDirectorServlet?top=1&body=1">Ethan Allen furniture</a><span style="font-family: georgia;"> that I want, I could save my pennies and my tax return and hold out on the furniture. It's not like the furniture I have can't last me another year. Baloo on the other hand basically looked at the price and wasn't too encouraged. I feel really selfish. I really want to go to India and I'd have no problem leaving him behind. Just because I'm better at saving money shouldn't mean I can't partake in this fantastic opportunity. Not only the chance to visit India, but a chance to partake in an Indian wedding. How awesome! In fact, none of me feels sad that he possibly won't be able to go. Hell, I asked him to come to reunion with me (~$100) and he still hasn't committed. I asked him this way back in December to give him enough time to come up with the funds. I have a feeling that he probably won't be showing up.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">So there it is. I said it. I'm a huge bitch. I'm glad that Baloo got a job and I'm a little glad that he's moving away. I want him to know how much sacrifice it is to get up and work every single day and to make the money you earn go far enough to support you. I don't know where this will take our relationship. I guess only time will tell.</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-81227889777157288442008-03-22T22:23:00.003-04:002008-03-23T11:45:31.631-04:00Hello, Goodbye<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt2utf5UkYAZeck7BaODCyRCgPsMPVG6vS_YMYSDPOzEW-L-ewSS8To1V6FukckTQlN7t5q_Z-ZGeGpATn5PA967K05TyOqZlMMmxAF2mcgGRYJDDzxtusi5xf-suFvSKUK008g/s1600-h/n5607739_34613683_2554.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt2utf5UkYAZeck7BaODCyRCgPsMPVG6vS_YMYSDPOzEW-L-ewSS8To1V6FukckTQlN7t5q_Z-ZGeGpATn5PA967K05TyOqZlMMmxAF2mcgGRYJDDzxtusi5xf-suFvSKUK008g/s320/n5607739_34613683_2554.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180760181147064274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Hey kids. Sorry I've been AWOL. Baloo and I got a dog! And now she's gone. Here's the story:</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;">Two weeks ago I went to David's Bridal to try on bridesmaid dresses for my Roomie's wedding. The size I normally wear was a tad to tight, so naturally, I flipped the fuck out! I was so disappointed. So, being the wonderful boyfriend Baloo is, he offered to take me to the petstore to look at kitties so they would make me happy. While there we met Layla who was up for adoption. I've never been one for adopting a dog. At least not now in my life. Since Baloo and I aren't living together, I knew the dog would be living with me full time. I also knew that I would be paying for the bulk of her since I make more money than Baloo. I wasn't too excited about the details, but I was willing to try it. <br /><br />Layla was super sweet and nice and well behaved in the store, and everyone remarked on how cute she was. And really, all I want in life is that have my dog be the envy of all other dogs. So, I volunteered to foster Layla for two weeks. If we liked her, we could keep her, and if it didn't work, we could return her, no strings attached. To make the situation better, her former owners had surrendered her because they ran out of time to spend with her, and they brought us her crate and toys and food so she could have familiar things at my house. It really was a perfect situation.</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">So we returned Layla to Petsmart today. It was harder than we thought. Baloo and I decided that we're not ready for a dog. We had a fight about a week ago where I pointed out that I'm not his sugar mama nor his crutch. Just because I have the house and the yard and the money doesn't mean that 'we' should get a job. I really felt as if he was having all the fun and I had all the responsibility. But on the plus side, Baloo did start actively looking for a full time job. I think he realized that he couldn't have me take on all the responsibility, so he took it upon himself to find proper employment. He's still looking, but I was glad that he manned up.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />So that's the story of Layla. It was a bit easier to give her up since she did puke a few times within the past week. And last night she decided to pee on the carpet. Something she hadn't done in all the time that we had her! But I did feel a little sad when I walked away from her at Petsmart. So, to make ourselves feel better, we did some preliminary shopping for new living room furniture and then ate some Mexican Food!</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;">Hopefully I'll have more time to blog now that I no longer have a dog in my life.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />Oh, and if you're considering adopting a dog (I'm so against folks who buy dogs) offer to foster them first. I know the shelter was happy to have us foster because it takes the dog off their hands for a while and you have an opportunity to spend time with the dog in your daily situations to know whether it's the right time or the right dog for you.</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-39083468308904348742008-03-05T18:20:00.001-05:002008-03-05T18:23:47.863-05:00Michael Jackson Dance Party<span style="font-family: georgia;">I had a pretty rotten day today. Not so rotten that it brought me to tears, but it was challenging. I called every one of my speed dials (Even Daddy Kiki!) and no one answered the phone. So I turn to you, dear blogsphere, to complain. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Obviously I can't tell you details as it's about work. But I will say that I'm learning that I'm going ot have to be the bad guy at work. I'm going to have to tell people 'no.' And I certainly learned that today. I have to tell people who are very much so older than I am 'no.' I have to expect that no one checks their work and treat everyone with kid gloves. I have to MAKE people listen to me. But more importantly, I need to realize that I DO know what I'm talking about, and not let others make me doubt that.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, since I had a bad day and no one will take my calls, I've decided to crack open a beer and have a Michael Jackson dance party in my living room. All are invited!</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11719852.post-91671527201328516182008-02-28T21:35:00.002-05:002008-02-28T21:58:43.452-05:00Less Than Perfect<span style="font-family: georgia;">I was having a pretty good day today until I went to class tonight. I got my midterm back and I got a 3.0. Now, you may say that a 3.0 is not a bad grade. Kiki, you may say, you work a demanding job and you're going to school full time. Be proud of yourself. However, I've become one of those obnoxious overachievers. Now that I have so many excuses (I have a ton of responsibilites and a demanding job) I've now told myself that I must overcome the odds and graduate from grad school with honors. Yeah, I know that it's a touch act, but I'm determined. So, I was pretty bummed as I came home tonight. But Daddy Kiki reminded me of a couple things. First, I do have something called the power of persuasion. I was the one in college who</span> would go to a professor's office hours and argue why my grade should be raised. And it worked. He suggested that I do the same. Second, he reminded me that I'm pretty. And pretty girls don't make 3.0s. Which is right. And that's all the motivation I needed to argue my way up to a 4.0.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">In other news, I feel that Brooks Brothers knows I have a new job, and they think I have more money. Back in the day I only got mail catalogues for J. Crew. And this made me happy, for I heart J. Crew so much. Although I have never paid full price for anything there. Now, I never get catalogues from J. Crew anymore, but since my change in jobs, I've gotten 5 Brooks Brothers catalogues. And I love the things in them! Too bad I still can't justify the prices. But let's look at some of the things I like, shall we!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://zoomcc.richfx.com.edgesuite.net/zoomcc_brooksbrothers/image/media/141X_Black_enlarged.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://zoomcc.richfx.com.edgesuite.net/zoomcc_brooksbrothers/image/media/141X_Black_enlarged.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">Cotton Dobby Dress - $298 A little pricey, but so cute for spring!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">For some reason, the picture for </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=473&Parent_Id=236&Product_Id=1315825#">this</a><span style="font-family: georgia;"> won't come up, but I need it in my life. I don't need it for $3,500 though.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://zoomcc.richfx.com.edgesuite.net/zoomcc_brooksbrothers/image/media/S205_Brown_enlarged.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://zoomcc.richfx.com.edgesuite.net/zoomcc_brooksbrothers/image/media/S205_Brown_enlarged.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">I just love this outfit. I could see myself wearing this. Prince of Wales line - a ton-o-money!</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://zoomcc.richfx.com.edgesuite.net/zoomcc_brooksbrothers/image/media/S261_Blue_enlarged.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://zoomcc.richfx.com.edgesuite.net/zoomcc_brooksbrothers/image/media/S261_Blue_enlarged.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">I also must have seersucker in my life. The prep in me requires it. Plus, it would be an addition to my ever growing seersucker collection!</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://zoomcc.richfx.com.edgesuite.net/zoomcc_brooksbrothers/image/media/S237_Blue_enlarged.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://zoomcc.richfx.com.edgesuite.net/zoomcc_brooksbrothers/image/media/S237_Blue_enlarged.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">And don't think any of this could be possible without seersucker shorts! I'm a sucker for seersucker! But seriously, $88 for shorts? I don't think so!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">And last, but not least, I don't think I can live through summer without </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=475&Parent_Id=248&Product_Id=1277715#">this hat</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">. I would wear it everywhere. But alas, I do not have $300 to spend on a hat. If only......</span>Kikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04031500634182650481noreply@blogger.com3