Fightin' the Good Fight

long time gone

2009-07-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

It's been far too long since I've posted, and I think I almost wanna delete this journal.

It screams of "Ethan and Tori" and I'm over that all.

Guess we'll see if this exists in a few weeks or not.

-T

long time gone

2009-04-19T15:14:00.001-07:00

It's been far too long since I've updated on here.

Ethan and I are officially over. He's got some new girlfriend (good for him) and I'm over his shit.

Classes are over, this week is finals, I'm staying on campus this summer.

I did a brief internship at 104.5 WSNX which has been fun. I answer the phones most of the time, which actually doesn't suck.

I've been working alot, not as much fun as one would think, haha.

Anyhow. I'll try to update a lot more on here when I remember.

Later all
Tori

it's been a while

2008-10-04T11:18:00.001-07:00

Okay. So ALOT has happened since the last post.

Rundown:
Ethan and I broke up, but decided to be friends.
I decided it was easier to not talk to him.

He came over last night, and we talked, and actually enjoyed each other's time again. I think we might actually try to be friends now, and see how that works out.

Guess we'll see.

Classes are going well, I'm really enjoying most of them, and the professors and students, too.
Work is work. I'm working alot of hours, which is gnarly.

Guess that's it for now.

Later all
Tori

Reading:"Duma Key" Stephen King
Listening to: "Where the Light Is" John Mayer

the night is always darkest...

2008-08-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a pretty good day.

Ethan slept in, I pampered myself and took a nice long shower because no one else was home.

We went to Joann's, where I spent way too much money on fleece for a blanket, then went to Chili's for lunch. Then, we went to see "The Dark Knight."

I really enjoyed the movie (it was a bit long, though). Seeing Heath Ledger on screen was very surreal. It was as if he only existed to do this movie, then disappeared. Very unreal, and great at the same time. It was a good movie all around.

Guess that's it.

Tori

ugh

2008-07-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

I know that lately my posts on here have been kind of pissy and depressing, but I don't care. I'm not happy all the time.

The latest thing that's been bothering me: friends.

We hang out with Ethan's friends often, and a vast majority of them have girlfriends/fiances. Not bad. Here's what gets me: I'm the new comer/outcast. I don't know them. They don't talk to me, and when they do, it's for brief moments before they turn to someone else, as if to not have to talk to me anymore. It bothers me for a couple reasons: first-if they took some time to actually talk to me, they'd realize that I'm alot like them, except that I'm not skinny, tan, stylish, or heavily made up. I'm alot of fun, I'm intelligent, and dammit-I'm fucking funny. It pisses me off.

The only one of the girls that actually talks to me voluntarily, and for extended lengths of time is Stacey, and she's the one that no one (especially the girls, it seems) likes. So, yeah, not cool.

Other friends. I miss mine, I hate that I don't get to see my girls more often. It makes me very homesick, and sad.

I think that's it for now. I'm feeling kind of dark and rage-y tonight. I think I'll read for a while, and snuggle with one of the buns.

later all
tori

"...cat like thief she stole air from my lungs..."

vacations galore

2008-07-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

it's been a busy past couple weeks here in my world.

last week, we went up to Elk Lake/Torch Lake to go camping for the weekend. It was fun, there were alot of us, and we camped, grilled, went out on the lakes, relaxed, took some trips to the ER....you know, typical camping stuff. (Don't worry, all the people who went to the ER are alright-one had pink eye, one had stitches, the other had to get some antibiotics and pain killers. We're all good.)

We got home Sunday, I worked Monday, then Tuesday morning, I went to Chicago to see my sis and the kids. I got back this afternoon, and I've got to work tomorrow and Saturday. Ethan's working Saturday night, then he's going fishing with one of his buddies on Sunday.

Anyhow. I need to wash my water bottle out, and relax for a while before going to bed.

Reading: "Gimp" by Mark Zupan, and some other book I can't think of at the moment.

later all
tori

carnival of chaos

2008-06-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend is Carnival of Chaos, so the Boy has been gone. He left Thursday afternoon, and will be back sometime this afternoon. He has to work tonight, too, so I won't get to see him for very long: he'll be home long enough to eat, shower, and sleep for a bit before work.

I watched August last night while Jen and Ron went out for a bit. Sam stayed the night over at the neighbors, so it was a nice night. This afternoon/evening I'm going to watch the girls again, but I wouldn't be surprised if Sam stays at the neighbors again tonight. That'd be kind of nice, it's easier to watch August when it's just her.

Anyhow. I should probably go grab the vacuum so I can clean up down here before Ethan gets home. Or maybe, I'll just watch some TV. I dunno yet.

Reading: "Anyone You Want Me To Be"John F. Douglas
Listening to: "Thrash Unreal" Against Me!

later all
tori

we're better together

2008-06-19T09:38:00.001-07:00

Ahhhhh...Nothing like not having to work but once this week, huh?

Actually, that really sucked. My check next week is going to be smaller than hell.

Anyhow.

I've been very productive today. I've moved some of my stuff around, did laundry, cleaned up a bit, loaded and started the dishwasher. Later, I will empty the dishwasher, and get something to eat. I'd like to make the biscuits that are in the fridge, but that would mean I'd have to cook stuff, and I'm really not in the mood for that. We'll figure it out.

Tomorrow, Ethan's grandma and great aunt will be coming to stay for the weekend, for his niece's dance recital on Saturday. That'll be fun, I'm sure.

Saturday, Ethan and I are driving over to my parents house to visit. We're going to stay at a hotel, which should be nice. I'm excited about that.

Okay. Guess that's really it. Hope everyone has a lurvely day.

Tori

long weekends, stuff like that

2008-06-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

You know what I enjoy?

The first day or so of a long weekend.

After that, my days get mixed up, and I lose track of time. I also realize I don't have very much stuff to do the whole weekend, so I get bored. There's really only so much TV you can watch, and somedays, I feel like I've reached 'the end of the Internet' so to speak.

But, I'll enjoy the first day or so, and by Saturday, I'll be completely and insanely bored. Ethan doesn't have to work this weekend, or at all again until next week, which is okay. Guess we'll play some Rock Band and spend quality time together. Fun stuff.

Uhm. Guess that's really about it. It's about time to get Ethan up so we can go to the bank, and all that stuff.

Later all
Tori

there's a special place in hell for people like me

2008-05-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

I have a sick sense of humor. I think it runs in the family. my mother's family was not only English, but alot of them were funeral directors. Dry British humor and dark humor are a funny combination, let me tell you.

Why is there a special place in hell for me, you might be asking.

Because I have a sick fondness for Helen Keller jokes. Like, one afternoon in a class where we were doing presentations, which I had no interest in, the presenter mentioned Helen Keller in passing. It sparked my imagination and I proceeded to tell my buddies around me Helen Keller jokes (quietly, so as not to disturb my fellow presenters/sensitive classmates) my professor was sitting in front of us, and turned around to chuckle at one of my jokes.

Soooo this evening, I'm messing around on good ol' Facebook and find an amazing bumper sticker, which I will post as my image for the time being. It made me literally laugh out loud. I love it. I'm a sick bastard, and I own it.

Anyhow. Off to bed soon I think. Actually, I'll read for a bit.

Currents:
Reading "Zodiac" by Robert Graysmith, and "When Will Jesus Bring the Porkchops" by George Carlin
Listening to: Taylor Swift, Kisses for Kings, Eminem

Later all
Tori

sunday sunday sunday!

2008-05-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

It's Mother's Day.

I haven't sent out my mom's gift or card yet. I'll get that out this week, she'll like the mug I got her from the Corvette Museum.

I read the PostSecret posts this morning, and I cried a little bit. The one that got me was the one about the mom with cancer. My mother had cancer, years ago. I don't remember much of it, just going to see her at the hospital once or twice. A while back, I found some homework from grade school that I had kept, for various reasons. One was a spelling quiz from 3rd grade (I think) and the word was visit. The sentence I wrote? "Last night, Pop, Chrissi, Dave and I went to visit Mom in the hospital." Kind of makes me sad that I used visit in such a sad manner.

Mother's Day cards bother me. All of them are all mushy about how "You're my best friend, I respect and love you...yadayadayada." Not to say I don't love or respect my mother. My mom is a tough, hard core woman, who deserves all the respect in the world, and I love her dearly. But, I don't need Hallmark to tell her that for me.

I felt bad dragging Ethan out to get stuff for my mom for Mother's Day. He kind of just looked sad and irritated the entire time, and I can sort of understand why. He hasn't gotten a Mother's Day card for anyone in almost 13 years. How sad is that? Father's Day must kill him, too. Just another reason I hate holidays in such a shitty way.

Now that I've thoroughly depressed everyone, let's move onto some light things, yes?

Actually, now that I think about it, I can't think of anything lighter. It's Mother's Day. Enjoy your mother today, and actually-everyday. That's another reason I hate holidays, but we'll save that for another time.

Later
Tori

long day

2008-05-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

so, it's been one of the longest work days I've had in a looooong time.

I went to work at 7am. I took a 20 minute break from 12:30-12:50, then worked again until 4pm.
Then, I took a half hour so I could change/eat/relax a bit before clocking back in to work until 8:30 again. I'm beat, my feet are killing me and I'm tired, but not enough to go to bed yet. I think I might try and stay up until Ethan gets home so we can have some din din together (I brought back yummies from work, get there soon.) Maybe I'll grab the book I've been reading since...oh, last summer, and read a bit more.

So, tonight we did a dinner for the Navy at work. Great thing about it? (Besides meeting some very funny and very nice Navy Fellows?) THE FOOD! We had carved roast beef, rosemary pork loin, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, a bread basket with various butters (my personal fave: ancho butter....yummmmmm!) and fruit salad. Needless to say, Ethan and I will be eating good this evening.

Sunday is Mother's Day, and I need to mail out my mother's package. I got her a mug from the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green. My mother collects mugs. She has about a billion of them (okay, over estimate. But it's alot!) She had told me to pick her up a mug when we went down South, so when we stopped, we got her one. I think she'll enjoy it. This past year for Christmas, my parents both got "Grand Valley Mom/Dad" mugs, which they use quite often, I must add.

Grey's Anatomy rocked my face off this week. I DVR'd it and loved it.

okay, off topic, but I need to make this evident.
I hate that certain nouns have now become verbs. Such as: "Friending" on myspace/facebook. "Facebooking/Stalkerbooking" someone on Facebook. "DVR'd" something. Yes, I did it. But it doesn't make it less annoying. Those words are not verbs. If they were verbs, they wouldn't have started out as nouns, yes?

So, one of Ethan's friends, John, and I were "talking" about the upcoming election while we were visiting. He was very adamant that I needed to vote for Ron Paul, because "he's a constitutionalist. that's what america needs!" He refused to listen to me when I said a)I'm a Democrat. I'm voting for Obama. and b) that no matter how many people vote for him, he's not a candidate anymore, he won't be getting the nomination, no matter how many damn people write him in at conventions. It's mathematically IMPOSSIBLE.

Why this bothers me? It has nothing to do with Ron Paul. I looked at his web page. He's admirable. Perhaps if Obama doesn't happen to get the nomination, perhaps I'll write in Ron Paul's name. It bothers me, however, because John was *so* pushy about his views it almost offended me.
Sure, I have views of my own, and I make them known, if need be. However, I do not, and will not push them down your throat if I think your views are different/wrong. It's rude, and makes no sense. The great thing about this country is that everyone can have their own views, and make them known. I just wish that we could do that without everyone getting their panties in a bunch because someone's view is different from theirs.

In other unrelated news, I went and saw Iron Man on Saturday. It was AMAZING!!! I'm not a comic book fan, but I really liked it. Robert Downey Jr is an amazing actor when he's not coked out. Funny how that works, huh?

Also, I'm really looking forward to seeing the upcoming Batman/dark knight movie that will be released in June. I must admit though, that seeing Heath Ledger on screen will be a little sad. it's such a shame he's gone....

Enough being depressed. It's definately time for bed now. My eyes hurt.

later all
tori

dirty south

2008-05-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

Greetings from somewhere outside Florence Alabama!!!

We're down here visiting friends and family for a week (we'll actually be leaving for home on Wednesday morning, we came down very early Thursday morning, so it's been a nice stretch of visit.

I'm enjoying it down here: gas is cheaper, so is soda. That makes me happy.

Sunday night, we went to Ethan's grandma's house for dinner, and to see his cousin Kerri and her husband Joey. We all had dinner, and played cards while we were there as well.

We were getting dinner served up and Ethan's grandma pointed out that the platter she was using was his mother's china set. It's a beautiful set with poppies, violets and tulips (I think that's what was on it. There were alot of flowers, that's for sure) with a thin silver edge. Turns out, during dinner, I look in front of me, and Ethan's mother's china set, is sitting in the china cabinet with Grandma's set. It's complete too: salt and pepper shakers, gravy boats, platters, bowls, all of it. It's a gorgeous set, and to be honest with you: I'd really like to get it, if Ethan and I were to get married. Of course, I'd like to register for my own set, but I'd love to have her's in a nice cabinet. I wonder what will be done with it, considering that neither of Ethan's sisters have it. (Obviously)

Anyhow. We went to see "Iron Man" on Saturday. AMAZING!! I'm not even a comic book fan, and I really enjoyed it. I think most of the enjoyment came from Robert Downey Jr, who was amazing in it. I recommend it to all of you out there in Internet Land.

In other news, I passed all my classes. I was a little disappointed in one of my classes, for my grade, but all's fair I suppose.

Okay. Guess that's it for now, I'm going to play some Solitaire then go to bed (finally)

Later all
Tori

sunday night's alright, too

2008-04-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

It's been a week, lemme tell ya!!

Finals actually kicked my ass this time. I spent about 2 hours each day this week in the library, which usually doesn't happen for finals week. I was so wiped out that Friday morning I actually slept in a bit, which also doesn't happen that often. But, I'm damn impressed with myself on two of my finals, but on the other one, I'm rather disappointed in myself. I could have done much better, but I just blanked on a ton of them that I should have known. Oh well. I'm passing all my classes, so I'm cool.

I officially changed my major this past week, as well. I'm now a Broadcasting major, rather than a Communications major, emphasizing on Broadcasting Studies. I'm happy with that now. Although, I did enjoy Broadcast Studies. There were alot of great classes. Oh well.

I moved into Ethan's on Friday afternoon. I'm both happy and not too happy about moving back in. I'm happy because it means that we'll spend more time together. Well, actually, now that I think about it, we'll spend less time together this summer, but I'm okay with that. I'll be working about 40 hours a week, down at the Cafe, he'll *hopefully* be getting a job at an auto shop, so he'll be working full time during the day as well, but the time we do get to spend together will be much better quality wise this time around. I have a feeling me being out of the house to work, and him not working 2nd and 3rd shifts is going to help out a lot with us fighting alot less. (Funny how spending less time together makes you fight less...Hmmm...) I'm sad that I'm moving because I miss my apartment already. *sad face*

Buuuuuttttt...It appears we may actually move in together this fall, if everything works out okay. I'd love that. Because we'd get a place that can get pets. That means I get a cat. He wants a dog, but I told him regardless of where we move, we better be able to get a cat. I want a damn cat. I miss having one around.

Anyhow. We watched "There Will Be Blood" today. I must say I wasn't all that impressed with it. I know it won a ton of awards, and it was based on a book by an amazing author (Upton Sinclair) but it just was lack luster. It was very odd, and I just couldn't get myself into it too terribly much. Even Ethan was disappointed a bit. Oh well. It's generally the movies that aren't award winners that are better anyhow. Like "Lars and the Real Girl". Now THAT was a great one. It was sad, happy, weird and funny all at once, in the best way possible. I'd definitely suggest that to anyone.

On a different topic, this Wednesday Ethan and I leave to go down to Alabama for a week. I'm excited and kind of dreading it all at once. I'm dreading it because it's a week. In 80 + degree humid weather. In an area of the country that may as well be a completely different world for all I'm concerned. But, it'll be nice to see his friends, and his grandma and cousin while we're down there. I like them. I'm also making Ethan take me to the Huntsville Art Museum, mostly as punishment for making me go camping the weekend we're down there. (Side note: I'm not an "outdoor activity" kind of gal. My idea of a good of a good out door activity is beer and BBQ. Not sleeping outdoors, in a tent, on the ground, with no bathrooms, going fishing, or shooting guns. Not my cup of tea.) So, yes, we're going to see some Art. Whether he likes it or not. He'll just have to deal with it. *nod*

Alrighty then. I need to get to bed soon, I have to get up early to go to work tomorrow morning.

watching lately: "Juno", "Lars and the Real Girl", "Murderball"
reading: "maximum ride" james patterson

musings on a spring day

2008-04-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

Today is my parents wedding anniversary. They've been married 29 years. That's a long time to be with one person. In that 29 years, they've raised 3 children, gotten 5 grandkids, a son in law, multiple cats, and have one child in college. (that's the biggest accomplishment I can contribute to them: no marriage, no kids, but I'm in school.)

On the topic of anniversaries, Ethan and I celebrated 2 years together at the beginning of the month. Now, in comparison to my parents, 2 years is a drop in the bucket. The problem? Everyone keeps saying "Ohhhhh it's time to get married now!!"
My brother asked when I was going to get married, I asked when he would stop having kids. His answer: laughter. There you go. I threaten to spite them all and not get married, or have children. (Won't happen.)

A friend of mine from high school, who has been with her boyfriend just as long as Ethan and I have been together (actually, almost exactly as long, oddly enough) Just had a baby. That boggles my mind, because in the time that they were together, and growing a child, Ethan and I were just "together". No thoughts on babies, marriage, anything.

My close friend just got engaged. The guy she's marrying is a lovely Navy-man. However, they only knew each other a year before the started dating, and only dated a good 4 months or so before the got engaged.

I'll be completely honest here: Not.Fair. I've been with Ethan, through thick and thin, ups and downs, for 2 years. She's with a guy for less than a full weather season, and she's getting married. How does that work???

That previous paragraph may have made me sound bitter, or jealous. I'm not either. (Okay, her diamond IS really nice...) I'm more getting weird thoughts about the fact that my friends are all getting to the point of "let's get married and have babies" stage, "oooh I'm a graduate from college" stage, and here I am. In the end of my 4th year in college, I've still got a good year and a half to go, I'm in a healthy, loving relationship, but yet I feel like the odd one out because I don't have an engagement ring, child, or diploma. M'eh. It's good to be me though---I'm spending less money this way, right??

Alright. That was kind of a deep post.

Book I'm reading: "Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs" by Chuck Klosterman
Music: "Infinity on High" Fall Out Boy

Later all
Tori

hi-oh!

2008-04-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since I last posted, no?

Let's see....
Classes are going well. We're in the home stretch now, yay!
Work is work. Nothing to terribly exciting going on, so, m'eh.

Ethan and I had our 2nd anniversary last week. We went out to dinner, and came home and relaxed. It was quite nice.

The weather is AMAZING right now, I'm loving it. I can't wait to get home so I can open my window up, and get a nice breeze in my place.

Okay. Off to wake up the boy, I think. I'm getting hungry, and we have some TV to watch before I go home tonight.

Later all
Tori

babbling

2008-03-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

I'm kind of bored so I figured I'd update and whatnot.

We've BBQ'd the past two days, which has been amazing. I love the smell/taste of BBQ food, it makes me think of summer, for sure. I've been waiting for the weather to warm up just so we can BBQ. Growing up, we BBQ'd alot, which is nice.

I watched "Martian Child" Friday night. Super good. Very sweet. I enjoyed it. But then again, I enjoy just about anything with John Cusack in it. This afternoon, we're going to watch "No Country for Old Men" before we go grocery shopping.

I have to pick up stuff to make Ethan's cupcakes for his birthday this week. I'm making Chocolate Guinness cupcakes. Should be good. I've also gotta get his birthday present this week. I'm pretty sure I know what I'm going to get him, but I'm not sure yet. Guess we'll see when I get there, huh?

I get to register for classes on Wednesday. I'm looking forward to it, considering that I've switched my main area of study (from broadcast studies to Broadcasting as my major). Thankfully, it won't be too much extra work. If it all goes as planned, I'll get all the classes (31 credits worth) done in two semesters, plus the spring/summer semester (one class is only offered in the spring/summer....grumble grumble.)

Looks like I'll be working all summer at the Cafe which will be nice. And, I think I'll be living with Ethan, too, which should be good. I'll be getting my drivers liscense (finally) and he'll take me to work or I guess I'll drive myself. We'll see. I'll be making good money, which is awesome. I'll be able to pay some bills, and save some.

Alright, the Native (a/k/a The Boy) is stirring, so it's time to wrap this up.

Later all
Tori

spring ahead

2008-03-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

So, Spring shall be here soon, which means the weather will (hopefully) get better.
March is a busy month for me. On the 18th is Ethan's birthday, so I need to find him a good present. Then, on the 21st, my youngest niece turns 1, so I'll be taking a trip down to Chicago for her party, which also happens to fall on Easter weekend. Good times. Ethan will be going with me, which will be fun. Also, on the 1st of April (okay, so it's not March, but close enough) is Ethan and my 2 year anniversary.

It's kind of hard to believe it's been almost 2 years that we've been together. Alot of stuff has gone on, babies were born, classes were taken, I've moved a few times, and some things have happened between Ethan and I, but we're still here. 2 years is a long time. Wow.

Anyhow. I think for our anniversary, I'm going to make us a big fleece blanket for down in the basement, for the couch. It gets kind of chilly down here, and the blanket we have down here isn't big enough to be spread across both our laps, we found out last night.

Okay...We watched a couple movies yesterday. "Into the Wild" was amazing. I read the book last summer, my mom had given me her copy, and I loved it. So, we rented the movie. I liked it, I can't say Ethan loved it, haha.
Then we watched "30 Days of Night". I was kind of impressed that for once, the "hero" of a horror movie doesn't live (sorry if I gave something away.) It was alright. Very weird, though, even for a horror movie.

Well, I think I'm going to go reheat the burger we had left over from dinner last night, and watch some TV.

Later all
Tori

ready set, don't go.

2008-03-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

Alright. Update time. (I'm serious this time, haha)

Classes: Going well, I suppose. They're classes. Not enjoying all of them as much as I'd like, but whatever. I'm half done with the semester already, right?

Work: Chaos. That's the only thing I think to say about it.

Other stuff: Ethan just bought a dune buggy (shakes head....he doesn't *need* one, lol) We went to a party last night that kind of sucked. It was like I was the odd girlfriend out (all of his buddies have girlfriends/fiances, and they're all close friends with each other. Except me.) It was like a shitty high school party at the house of someone you don't know, so no one talks to you. As if to make it worse, the keg was PBR. Gross.

My sis and the kids are coming up Wednesday and staying until Friday, which should be fun. I'm on Spring Break so it's nice that I have NOTHING to do all week. YAY!

Okay. I need to finish my blanket for my nephew (it's huge, and gets fuzzy stuff all over because of one of the fleece panels.) and watch some TV.

Later all,
Tori

Listening to: "As Daylight Dies" Killswitch Engage, "Big Ones" Aerosmith
Reading: "The Vagina Monologues" Eve Ensler

quick

2008-02-28T19:35:00.000-08:00

quick update for you all:
things are well here. classes are going well, work is....work. spring break is upon us, and oh yeah-i'm already homeless and jobless for the summer!! yeah!!

okay. off to watch TV with the Boy for a bit

-tori

relaxin'

2008-02-17T09:21:00.000-08:00

What a fuckin' week it's been.

The weekend has been good, though, and Ethan and I went out Wednesday to the bar, then Thursday we rented a movie (Mr. Woodcock: funny shit) and got chinese (YUM!). Then, Friday night, we rented a couple more movies (1408, Layer Cake, and the new Bourne movie). He had to work last night, but picked me up afterwards. We got breakfast and went to bed. We're lame....haha.

Anyhow. Monday my oldest nephew turns 4. I feel a little old by that....he's such a character, that boy.

Okay. Off to find something to watch on TV.

Later all
Tori

it's a long slow slide...

2008-02-05T15:58:00.000-08:00

What a week it's been. Work has been shit, people keep screwing things up, and as if that weren't enough, our professor cancelled class again Monday, so I had NOTHING to do all afternoon (I worked out instead...)

There's another storm hitting tonight, and tomorrow, so if it dumps as much snow as it's supposed to tonight, chances are high we won't have class again tomorrow night (for the 3rd week in a row!!!grrr....)

In other news...Ethan's working out at Wicked Ways, a local tattoo and piercing shop. It's cool, because now he has something to do again at night, and he's back piercing...Good stuff.

Alright. Guess there really isn't much to report, and I don't think I'm changing my picture for this post, because I'm lazy.

Later all
Tori

Reading: NOTHING!!!!
Listening to: Rob Zombie, Greatest Hits (can't think of the title)

what what??

2008-01-22T16:34:00.001-08:00

so, I'm here in class again, listening to the professor drone on, about a slideshow that is on blackboard...yep.

in other news, Ethan and I are "dating" again, which is nice. It was nice to spend the weekend with him again, and watch movies and such.

the weather really sucks, I hate snow with a terrible passion. Work was rough this morning: the steamer broke, I kept knocking stuff over, and to top it off-I got home to find my zipper on my work pants had broke. So, I had to go get new work pants, as well as jeans and shirts. Boo!! Anyhow.

Okay. off to class again.

oh yeah- RIP Heath Ledger. Crazy crazy.

listening to: John Mayer "heavier things"
reading: textbooks.

insert funny title here

2008-01-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

Alrighty. The week has been interesting, to say the least. Ethan came over and apologized to me, for being a jerk and all that. We're talking again, which makes me happy. I missed him, and to have him apologize is very important to me. (I didn't apologize for being a jerk to him-he deserved it, and he knows it.)
He's coming over for dinner tonight, which should be fun, I hope. I miss doing stuff with him, and he told me the same thing.

I got to talk to Brian last night. I haven't talked to him in a couple months, so it was nice to hear from him again, and to know he's staying clean and out of trouble. Good stuff.

Classes are interesting. I'm really geeked about my broadcasting class I have Thursday nights. Not only have I had the professor before and like him, but the class itself sounds like fun. I'm looking forward to it. We got to tour the radio and TV stations on campus last night. That made me all geeked inside, haha.

Guess that's it for now, I haven't really been doing much in the way of extracurricular activities, I've been working alot (making pizzas is kind of tiring after a while. I'm currently trying to come up with a good way to make a Buffalo Chicken Pizza...the logistics of the sauces are getting me confused.)

Anyhow. We'll wrap this up the classic way, what I'm reading and listening to, then a farewell.

Reading: "Papers Across the Curriculum" Judith Ferster
Listening to: "As Daylight Dies" Killswitch Engage, "BoxCar Racer" Boxcar Racer

Later all
Tori

Brave New World

2008-01-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Internets!!!

I'm alive, it's just been a while since I've posted, and I'm in the middle of nowhere right now (aka Harbor Beach MI) so communication with the outside world is at a minimum.

I just had a fun thought-imagine if I made all my posts like a journal entry from being out in the wild....That'd be fun.

Moving on. Having some fun. Back to campus this weekend! (YAY!) Will update more then.

Reading: Dean Koontz "Brother Odd"
Listening: "Infinity on High" Fall Out Boy

-Tori

kiss my ass turkey

2007-11-25T16:33:00.000-08:00

So, it's been a crappy holiday, but, whatever. Boys suck, I'm single again, my brother is the worst child ever, buuuuuut! pumpkin cheesecake is amazing, and there's nothing better than going to a scary movie with your person. So there.

In other news, nothing too terribly exciting going on, except that I'm having issues typing this evening, and this weather is making my skin dry. Also-I forgot how much I hate wearing nail polish, because it all chips off too easily.

Okay. Guess that's it for now. I'll try to update soon, if I remember.

Later all
Tori

what a weekend!

2007-11-18T07:22:00.000-08:00

I had to watch Ethan's nieces last night, which was not nearly as difficult as expected. Sam, the oldest, stayed at a friends house for the night, so it was just August and I. Ethan left for work, and at quarter after 7, August fell asleep on the couch (bedtime was 8, anyhow.)

So, I got plenty of laundry done, and surfed the interweb for longer than I probably should, but then I did some actual reading.

Jen and Ron got home early, so I got to go downstairs and clean up a bit (the basement needed it!)

In other news, not only do I have a large, painful bruise on the top of my knee, I also now have a nice mark on my forehead, because early this morning, rather than walking around the side of the bed to lay down, I decided it was a good idea to just flop down from the foot of the bed, and basically worm my way to my pillows. Well, my jackass underestimated how close I was to the edge, and the lovely bedside table....Now I have a nice mark from my lack of attention. *shakes head*

Okay. Time to go.

What I'm reading: "On Writing" Stephen King
What I'm listening to: "As Daylight Dies" Killswitch Engage

stupid people

2007-11-16T22:58:00.000-08:00

You know what I absolutely hate?

People who don't stay on one side of the sidewalk, or the other.

Like, if I'm coming towards you, and I'm walking on one side, MOVE TO THE OTHER. And not at the last damn minute. Say, when you see me!

Because of some idiot like this, I now have a large, swollen, soon-to-be-bruise on my right knee, from running into the trailer hitch of a stupid van.

My knee hurts, my back hurts, and I'm almost ready for bed.

Stupid people.

*grumble grumble*

been a while

2007-11-14T18:55:00.001-08:00

I'm still alive. I'll probably make a real update tomorrow sometime, while I'm bumming around Ethan's.

Later all
Tori

Dumbledore

2007-10-23T05:34:00.000-07:00

Recently, J.K. Rowling announced that Dumbledore was gay. This came as a shock to some readers, to others-not so much.

To me, it seemed uneccessary. I mean come on-who cares if he was gay? Did he try to molest Harry? Was he having a relationship with Snape? NO. Big deal-he's gay. Does it add anything to the story plot, or to a new book? Nope. The series is done, and I somehow doubt that the producers amd directors of the next HP movie are going to add a love scene between Dumbledore and Hagrid, so why tell everyone this?

I have an issue with the parents that are all up in arms now about this. "OH NO! Now I have to tell my kids all about homosexuality." Okay, first-you were going to have to tell them anyhow-you can only shield them from the world and other lifestyles for so long. Second-I highly doubt that some 12 year old kid reading Harry Potter books is going to suddenly go "Ohhhhhh, he's GAY!!!" I'm 21, and would have had no clue he was gay until it was pointed out. It's not a big deal that some one is gay, it doesn't change them as a person, so why does it need to be made a big deal?

Maybe I'm just getting all excitable over something silly that some one said to get a rise out of some people, but it just seems rediculous.

Anyhow. Off to print some stuff off for class, then head to class.

Later all
Tori

hmmm

2007-10-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've updated, it's been insane here.

I finally have a new nephew-David Robert. He came on Friday, which is great. Now, I just have to find time to go see him!! Hopefully in November some time, Ethan and I will go home to visit, and see everyone while we're there. We haven't been home in such a long time (July).

In other news, classes are going well. Quite unfortunately, I'm having issues with my math class. The way the professor teaches is a big issue. She didn't give us a course schedule, at all. We don't always go in a certain order, when it comes to the sections in the chapters. Adding to that is the fact that I can't take notes ahead of time, so I get some idea of what we're talking about in class, which I hate. I like being able to go over what we're going to learn, that way if I'm having issues on a certain point, I can ask the professor to go over it when I get to class. The way she has it set up, we rush through the section (or two sections sometimes) then get an assignment, then she asks if we have questions. I like being able to digest the info before deciding if I have questions.
It's insane. I'm not enjoying it. I think I might have to drop the course, then either try to test out of the class next semester, re-take it next semester, or find another course in the required set to take. I don't like not knowing what's going on. It drives me nuts, and doesn't make learning easier.

Enough ranting. Time to get lunch, then do some reviewing done for my next class this afternoon.

Later all,
Tori

Oh yeah-
What I'm listening to: "Daughtry" by Daughtry, and a couple mixed cds
What I'm reading: "The Poet" by Michael Connolley

random thoughts

2007-10-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

Okay. So, I'll get to a real update in a moment, I just have some thoughts to get rid of.

So, I'm reading some Perez Hilton, and there is a cover for a magazine, in which Britney Spears is pictured as being some fat, nasty slob. Her weight?? A whole whopping 160 pounds. Now, for a woman who has had 2 children, being 160 pounds is pretty damn impressive, considering the kids were born almost one after the other.
Why does this bother me? Because claiming a woman is fat because she weighs *gasp* over 100 pounds is absurd, and disgusting. It's as if people don't realize that celebs DO gain weight, and just because you can't see all of their bones, it means they're fat. It's fucking rediculous.

Oh, and while we're on the topic of celebs and babies: What's with the "baby bump watch??" Seriously-everyone is so focused on women having a baby bump, it makes me wonder: why is it that it's ALWAYS a baby bump? Do they not consider that, geez, I don't know-maybe they just gained a few pounds, the outfit is just unflattering, or something other than pregnancy?? It's just damn absurd.

Moving on. Week went well. Had a midterm, and some quizzes. Not too shabby. Going to Chicago tomorrow morning, with Ethan's sis. Good times.

Okay. Off to clean my apartment, and get stuff together for this weekend.

Later all
Tori

looooong time, no see...

2007-10-02T04:58:00.001-07:00

It's been a while, I know. I've been busy with classes and work (and homework, as well.)

Saturday was my 21st birthday. It was alright. I really wasn't expecting much, I mean-it's just a birthday. Nothing too terribly big about that (yeah, I can buy beer now. W00000!)

I hung out with my friend Toni Saturday evening, we went to the car show, then hung out at her place for a bit. Went home, relaxed, all that jazz. Sunday, Ethan and I hung out (FINALLY-we don't get to see each other more than once a week or so. It sucks.) We went to Sears, I got my Crockpot (yes, I wanted a CP for my birthday. Deal.) then we saw "Good Luck Chuck" (hysterical--go see it.) then went to dinner (sucked. horribly.) Then, we went back to his place, watched some RobotChicken, and relaxed.

This week will be busy. Midterm in one class, and a surprising lack of readings for many of my classes (at least half of them. ha.) I have to go see a play on Friday night, then go home, pack, and get some sleep. I'm going to Chicago on Saturday, coming home on Sunday. I'm almost finished with the fleece baby blanket I'm making for the baby shower this weekend. I now just have to go get some more candles, and wrap those up in tulle (dumbest word ever. "tooool")

Anyhow. I gotta go pack my crap up for the day, then stop by work real quick like and drop off my work clothes for this evening.

OOOOOH! New House tonight!! YAY!!!

Later all
Tori

Listening to: "Daughtry", and some John Mayer
Reading: "A Cook's Tour" Anthony Bourdain

"one more outburst sir..."

2007-09-17T16:36:00.000-07:00

I'm about done with work. (Okay. Not really. But sometimes it makes me feel better to say that.)

Anyhow. My feet are killing me, I'm pissed at Ethan, and I'm hungry. Oh yeah, I still have homework to do. Nice. And my shoulders hurt. (Yes, I'm very whiney tonight. Deal.)

In other news, I'm not looking forward to work tomorrow night, simply because I'm just fucking tired of working. Honestly. I worked 2 shifts today (I made some serious cash money today, though.) And...yeah. I'm tired. I just need to sleep.

Anyhow. I'm out of here. I need to get off the Interweb here, and go do some work. I need to work on factoring equations and shiz for math class. (I hate math. Have I mentioned that before? Because I really do. I hate it like I hate peas.)

Okay. I left for a minute (or 5) because I got sidetracked. Anyhow.

Later all
Tori

mmmhmmm

2007-09-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

Wowza. What a long week it's been, huh?

Today was lovely-I was up at 7:30 (nice) and was at Meijer by 9:30 (I'm smoove.) I got a few things, stuff I like, new stuff to try. I was a good girl and tried to stick to my list of stuff I needed/wanted. I got some amazing body wash. It's the Johnson and Johnson Melt Away Stress stuff. I have the lotion, and love it, so I figured the body wash was a good addition. It's soooooo nice. Now, I just wish I had a giant bathtub to soak in....*sigh* Someday.

I need a new book to read, but I'm lazy and didn't go to the library today, and most stores in the near vicinity are closed (campus bookstore, and there used to be a cool bookstore downtown, but it closed. BOOO!)

I took a nap today. It was kind of nice. I miss taking naps. *yawn*

Random thought-I really enjoy Walgreens. I just kind of like wandering around. They always have a ton of cool stuff there. It's like a dollar store, just cooler. (I like dollar stores, too)

I'm kind of hungry, but my tummy feels a little funny, too. Not cool.

Mmmmm Jimmy John's sounds good right about now. Hmmm...maybe I'll go get some soon. I dunno.

Okay. Enough talk. Later all
Tori

same bat time, same bat channel..

2007-09-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh....Back into the swing of things, sort of.

I feel a little more normal, because I'm back at Ethan's. I miss his bed soooo much (it's a huge California King). His bed is so much nicer than my dinky little extra long twin....I'm looking forward to snoozing in it tonight. I just need an extra pillow, I forgot mine. (I keep an extra set of most things here at Ethan's: a spare set of clothes, a body pillow, a regular pillow, all that good stuff. Makes it alot easier to go back and forth between the dorms and his place.)

I've missed the Weasel. I'm looking forward to playing around with him tomorrow morning/afternoonish before we have to leave.

This week hasn't been too terribly bad. Classes are going well, work is going alright (I'm FINALLY getting to do some catering. Took long enough, haha). Things are looking good. Let's hope the rest of the semester goes this smoothly, eh?

Alright, time for some 'jams, I daresay. I'm a very tired little bear tonight.

later all
Tori

sigh

2007-09-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

So, it's been about a week since the last update, and I'd bet it'll be another week before the next one, too.

Things have been insanely hectic, and I'm still trying to get my balance of work/sleep/classes going. I'm hoping that by next week, my schedule will be all "normal".

Guess that's it. Just saying I'm alive, and still kicking.

Later all
Tori

deep thoughts, and what have you...

2007-09-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

First, we're gonna cover some deep thoughts written on my friend Ray Charles' stalkerbook thing.
One:
"I read once that the ancient Egyptians had fifty words for sand & the Eskimos had a hundred words for snow. I wish I had a thousand words for love, but all that comes to mind is the way you move against me while you sleep & there are no words for that."
I have no idea where that came from, who said it, anything like that. But yeah. That's a good deep thought, about love, and stuff.

Two:
"When I first met him, I knew in a moment I would have to spend the next few days re-arranging my mind so there'd be room for him to stay."
Again, no source, anything. But think about that one. It kind of makes me think of Ethan, and when we first met (yeah, I'm getting a little sentimental here, bear with me.) Those first few days when we only exchanged emails/IM's were so full of information. I remember that I checked out his profile on Myspace, to find his name (it was there, kind of stuck in there) and when he IM'd me, he was surprised I knew his name. Hehe, I'm a good little fact finder.
But, I digress.
A few deep quotes to think about, then we'll get to the deeper stuff....

Deeper stuff:
Whatever happened to us being "adults", and not having to keep stuff hidden from people? Being that we're "adults" shouldn't we also hold ourselves accountable to our actions? Not pass them off on the other person, make them clean up after us? And, while we're on topic about being "adults", why is it that we can't use "adult" words? Like, "business" words (no, I don't mean like "small business" terms, I mean like "this is serious business" words) and actual words, not code terms, and hiding the words from ourselves. It's like if we use our actual voices, we'll ruin it, and everything will blow up in our faces, and it'll all go to Hell in a handbasket. What's that all about?
This whole scenario made me think alot, about all sorts of things (no, I won't talk about what it is, it's personal, and private, but I needed to air my brain out.)

Okay. I think that's enough deep thoughts for this post. My brain feels better, and I think I'll finish up on here on a lighter note, or two.

Today is my oldest niece's first birthday. Wowza. Hard to believe my nephews/nieces now are ages 3 1/2, almost 3, 1, and 5 months. Plus, the one that's coming this fall. Nuts.

Yesterday, I tell Ethan I want French Toast for breakfast/brunch/lunch, whatever the hell you call it. So, we miss going out, because of him having to work. This afternoon, we got up, and went to lunch. I got to have my french toast (and bacon. and hashbrowns. lol) Ethan had steak and eggs, and a beer. Haha. I like going out to eat with him. It's nice to actually sit down, and enjoy a meal that neither of us have to cook, or clean up after.

I got a new comforter. It's pale pink, and it was on sale. As much as I love my old comforter, it's getting too old (it's beyond "threadbare" haha) I think it's quite nice.

Okay. That's it for now.

Later all
Tori

September Morn....

2007-09-01T06:48:00.001-07:00

Ahhhh, one of my favorite months as arrived. I love September, but I do really enjoy October. The air smells fantastic! All dried leaves, and clean air. Love it.

In other news, classes have started, as has work. Work is going well, the first few days were a little rough, trying to get everyone in sync. We have quite a few new employees, and things have hanged a fair amount, so it's a bit hectic. But, it's not too bad.

As for classes, they're pretty good. I think I'm really going to enjoy them. I've got some really cool professors, and the class topics are pretty sweet as well.

I'm over at Ethan's right now, for the long weekend. He came over last Sunday, and I made dinner (spaghetti and meatballs. I make mean meatballs, lemme tell ya.) We got to hang out (mostly just watched TV, like usual, haha). He picked me up last night, he had to get his hair cut, so we went to Jude's over by Rivertown. Now, I think the place is awesome. They do a damn fine job, it's really nice, but you can tell it's geared towards men: the chairs are NOT made for anyone with hips, or even some curve to their thighs. I was more than slightly uncomfortable. Not to mention that we had to wait 45 freakin' minutes, and the hair cut/shampoo/etc took another half hour!!!!! Thankfully, I had brought reading material, and they had the TV on. (Of course, it was on ESPN. One of the channels I block out on my TV at home, because I don't watch it.)

Anyhow. After that ordeal, we went to our favorite Chinese place, Chu's. Although, now it's called "Good Taste" something or other. It's amazing. Yeah, I think I might have to go get the rest of my chicken and rice from last night, I'm getting a little hungry.

Ugh. I've got tons of laundry to do. (Mostly Ethan's) I've got easily 3 more loads to do. *shakes head* That boy goes through more clothes than I do....Nuts.

Okay. Off to call my mother, I haven't talked to her about a week, she's probably convinced I've fallen off the face of the Earth, haha.

Later all
Tori

movin' on up!

2007-08-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

So, tomorrow is the day I finally move.

I'm thoroughly excited about it, but also sad about it at the same time.

We'll get the sad part out first:
I'll miss Ethan. I love his company: if he's gone at work all day, I miss him. If I'm working all day, and he's just sleeping downstairs, I miss him.
I'll miss him waking me up at night playing video games, even. (Much as I hate it now, I'll miss that constant hum of the Xbox going all night, hehe)
But, we'll get to see each other on the weekends, and the occasional week night. I kind of like that, because it's like we only have a couple days together, but we somehow manage to do more stuff, like go out to dinner, or rent some movies. Good stuff.

The exciting part:
MY OWN PLACE AGAIN! I am soooo looking forward to having stuff in the places I want it to be. And to take showers whenever I want. And not have to lock the door when I use the bathroom, or keep everything dangerous out of a child's reach. I'm looking forward to cooking, and cleaning, and shopping for groceries. I'll be able to cook what I want, and have friends over for dinner. My fridge will be organized, as will my cupboards. My bed bathroom and shower will be organized in such a manner that benefits me, and my mirror will be spotless. I won't have to worry about keeping my toothbrush in the medicine cabinet, so little hands don't get it, or medium sized children's hands don't "accidentally" use it. (Sooo gross).
I will be able to watch what I want, when I want to. No one will take the remote and flip it to G4, or to Cartoon Network.

Ahhh, the glories of having my own place again.

Alright. Till next time!

Tori

youtube shizz

2007-08-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I thought it'd be a neat idea to occasionally post my playlist on my YouTube account. I change it periodically, depending on what I've been feeling like listening to.

This is the current Faves (the list is called "Lately"):
*Kelly Clarkson "Sober" One of the few good songs off her latest album. In my opinion she should have just stuck with what was working for her, and not gone so far towards country this time around.
*New Found Glory "It's Not Your Fault" I'd qualify this as almost a love song. Mostly because it's all about how "it's not your fault, so please stop your crying" and they say in one part "the sound hearts, pumping at the same beat." Kind of romantic in that angsty/punk/ska way, yes?
*Armor For Sleep "The Truth About Heaven" The first time I had heard of these guys was on MTV2 on one of the "new artist alert" things. They're pretty good, and this is definitely a love song, just written from beyond the grave "I'd trade in forever just to hear you say the sound of my name...I came down here to tell you I'm miserable up here with out you...." Very emo, but damn goood.
*John Mayer "Slow Dancing In A Burning Room (live)" I love John Mayer to begin with, but this song is amazingly sad, in a good way. "We're going down, you can see it too, we're going down and you know that we're doomed, my dear we're slow dancing in a burning room." Nothing like love ending to make a good bluesy song.
*Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah" I didn't like this song at first, but when I listened to it one day, I realized it's very sweet, and almost a sort of amateur love song a budding musician writes for his girl back home, about making it and being famous. Very good. Again, emo, but good.
*Tracy Chapman "Fast Car" This song is a classic, and if you don't enjoy it at least a little-you need to have a fistface meeting. (A fistface meeting is when My Fist meets your Face. haha. I'm kidding. I'm not that mean. Sometimes.)
*Blue October "Into the Ocean" There is something about Blue October that I just love. The singer's voice is absolutely amazing, and you can't NOT like it.
*30 Seconds to Mars "From Yesterday" Yes, I enjoy "30 Seconds to Crying" as Ethan likes to refer to them. There is something about the line "On his face is a map of the world" that gets me. It's like, this man is so worn and weary that he carries the world on his face. Impressive. Emo, again, I know, haha.

Okay. That's a pretty good post there!
later-
Tori

boys=dumb

2007-08-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

Last night was our dinner with Brett and Miranda (and Devin, too. hehe)

Dinner was alot of fun. Then, we all went home, and then met back up at their place for a few drinks. Well, the original plan was-we're going home by 1am at the LATEST. I had to be up this morning at 6:30. I figured 5 hours would be okay. That's my minimum sleep amount before I get bitchy/cranky. Ethan had planned on only having a couple drinks, stopping well before we needed to leave, and being able to drive us back home.

Long story short, Brett had to drop us off at 2:30 this morning because Ethan puked, and was in NO SHAPE to even consider driving, or getting in his truck at all. And, we couldn't stay over there, because I had to be up so damn early.

I swear, if he bitches today about having to get up at 12:30 (he's gotta work at 1:30, but he has to go get his truck at Brett's.) I'm gonna beat him. He'll have gotten a good 9 hours of sleep, where as I got a mere 3, and have had his niece screaming at me all morning. Tis not been a good morning.

But, last night was fun *until the puking* Good conversations, listened to alot of great music (Brett and Miranda are in a band together. A Metal band. Oh yeah.)

Anyhow. I need to go check on August. She's in her crib, I'm hoping she'll go back to sleep (she's not feeling good today) but it's too quiet up there...

Later all
Tori

+/-

2007-08-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

My day in plus/minus notes:

- Both the girls were up at 6 am when I got up (August was actually up at 4am, apparently.)
+Ethan stayed up most of the day with me. He also bought lunch. w00t!
-August fussed for about an hour before she finally napped this morning.
+Ethan stayed up with the girls while I went downstairs and napped this morning.
+Two more days until I'm done watching the girls!
+My loan finally came through. YAY!! *whew*
-Samantha is being a demon. Again.
+Ethan and I have a dinner date with another couple tonight. YAY! I'm actually going to put some makeup on, and all that jazz.
-I'm incredibly cranky. It's not cool.

Okay. Think that's it.

later all

what are you? I'm BEER! WINE!

2007-08-14T07:18:00.001-07:00

It's been almost a week since my last post, which seems like a long time. Alot of stuff has gone on since then, let's see if I remember even half of it!

Ethan and I got to spend a fair amount of time together in the past week, as he's had quite a few days off. That rocks.

I got most of the groceries and whatnot for my apartment. I have enough to pretty much get started the first few weeks until I get working. I'm pretty geeked about that. I remember the first year I lived in one of the apartments and had to buy groceries. I kind of still sucked at what I needed to get, and often ate only Ramen, or just pasta in general. I'm getting better at it, and now I've learned that buying foods to make meals is a good idea.

Ethan brewed some beer this past weekend, chocolate caramel. It'll be a darker beer, so I won't drink it, but I'll definitely try some. His last batch was damn good, so hopefully this will be, too.

I've been digging the HBO show "Flight of the Conchords" alot lately. My friend Joey got me hooked. It's hysterical. I highly recommend it.

Ethan and I have been hanging out with his friend/co-worker Bret and his girlfriend Miranda lately. It's pretty nice to have another couple to do stuff with. Wednesday (tomorrow) we're going out to dinner with them. It'll be nice, I think.

This is my last week watching the girls, and I have to admit-I'm fucking excited. August has been a holy terror this past week, and has recently discovered screaming. Yeah. Not cool.

Anyhow. I'm gonna finish this up, and maybe paint my toes again. They need it badly.

Listening to: Trivium (only because of the Boy), Armor for Sleep
Reading: "Bloodline" Sidney Sheldon

Later all!
Tori

downtime

2007-08-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

I just realized today, this summer, I've had entirely too much downtime.

Honestly. Watching August and Sam this summer has been ridiculously easy. In fact, it's the easiest summer job I've had in a while.

Last summer, I worked 2 jobs: summer camp all day, then about 3 days a week, I'd get home from camp, and go work at Meijer. That left little downtime.

This summer, I watch the girls all day, which is pretty easy. Sam plays outside with her friends most days, and August and I play inside/outside (depending on the weather) then when I'm done, I have nothing to do in the evenings. And, during the day, alot of the time, August occupies herself.

In retrospect, I could have taken crocheting back up, and probably could have made a blanket or two already this summer. I've read quite a bit, and watched quite a few movies.

Anyhow. I'm not sure how I'll deal again this fall when I lose downtime. It'll be odd.

Oh yeah, so I got my schedule for this fall, and because I'm insanely unhappy about, and am kind of tired of the way things are going there, I'm looking for another job. I'm going to pick up my application tomorrow afternoon, and hopefully be able to return it in a day or so.

Alright, I think that's it for now, I have some things to do in the kitchen, and August is being very cranky, so it's time to finish up.

Later all
Tori

waking the fallen

2007-08-07T13:23:00.000-07:00

oooh baby!!!

The new Avenged Sevenfold cd comes out in October!!! *does a happy dance* Which means...they'll be in the states shortly thereafter! *does an even happier dance* I'm going to be sure to get ticket to one of the shows. If I went to one on this tour, that will make 3 times I've seen them (once with Coheed and Cambria last May, then at Ozzfest last summer)....Gosh, I'm excited.

In other news, today is my mother's birthday. And, being the jackass that I am, I couldn't remember if today was her birthday, or my brothers. So, to be safe, I called her today, and very casually, at the end of the conversation said "Okay. Well, I'll call you on your birthday, if not sooner."

"And what day would that be?" My mother asked.

"Fuck....Today. *sigh* I couldn't remember..."

Yeah, I'm smooth, what can I say.

Okay. Guess that's all for now.

Tori

hot as hades

2007-08-01T07:36:00.001-07:00

In high school, I had a math teacher, Mr. Linn, who used to say (when it was hot out) that it was "hotter than Hades" in the room. He was a pretty cool guy. He let me take Algebra I (like, basic algebra) senior year, even though the year before I had taken a semester of Trigonometry. So, my friend Emily and I took Algebra I, with all the new freshman. I mostly sat in the back of the room, read whatever book I had, and harassed the freshman. Good times.

In other news, it's hot as balls out, and I'm not liking it. I'm not a hot weather type of person, nor am I a cold weather person. My ideal temperature range is around 70-75 degrees out, with little to no humidity. That'd be perfect.

I'm insanely tired lately, which isn't doing my any good. I'm starting to make myself sick from it. I'm not used to getting under 8 hours of sleep a night, and I've only been getting about 6 (if I'm luck) for the past month and a half. Thankfully, I'll have a week of getting back into a good sleep schedule before I start work and school in a few weeks. I'm looking forward to moving back into my apartment. I miss it. (I have the same exact one as last year. I rock.)

Uhm. I have to pick up birthday cards tonight for both my mother and brother. In my family, we like to keep things in close patterns: my parent's anniversary and my father's birthday are a week apart (April 20th, and the 27th, respectively), my mother and brother's birthdays are 3 days apart (Mom is August 7th, Brosef the 10th) and then my sister and I have birthdays a whopping 6 years, and 364 days apart (she's September 30th of '79, I'm the 29th of '86) Because of the way my sister and my birthday's fall, there is one day a year (my birthday) that I'm only 6 years younger than she is, as opposed to the usual 7. The day I turned 13 was the only day ever that my mother had 3 teenagers: the day after, my sister turned 20, and ended it. As a result of the days being so close, my father often gets dates mixed up. To make up for this, he just sends birthday cards out a week or so before they need to be, ha ha.

Once my sister got married and started having kids, and my brother had kids as well, it threw off the closeness pattern: my sis and bro in law have their anniversary in July, my bro in law's birthday is in November, my nephew was born in February, my niece in March. Then, my brother's children are all in the fall: Ethan in October, Sophia in September, and the DA will be October/November-ish. It's all a mess, ha ha.

*yawn*I'm ultra tired. Ethan has today off, and will have to be up a bit early, to do some piercings for the neighbor girl and her friend. (Ethan used to be a piercer, before he moved up here.) Maybe once Ethan gets up, I'll convince him to watch the girls for a bit while I go nap...that'd be nice.

Okay. Gonna wrap this up, and find something to do (perhaps I'll go grab my book and read for a bit....yeah.)

Reading: "Family Happiness" Leo Tolstoy
Listening to: "The Story" Brandi Carlile, "Sober" Kelly Clarkson

ugh

2007-07-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

So, I'm back home finally. I went to Saginaw for a baby shower (don't even get me started...)
It was nice to see a bunch of family friends that I haven't seen in a while, and I got to spend the weekend with my sister and newest niece. My niece is getting so big, I can hardly believe it.

In other news, Ethan apparently may have my birthday present early (as of yesterday. it was 2 months until I turn 21). He tells me that he'll find out today if he "can get it". I then proceed to ask a million questions about it, because I'm curious. It is not bigger than a breadbox, it's not edible, it's "not alive, per se" (that one stumped me.) He says it's not wearable, but then said he may be lying about it. I asked if it was small or big, he said 'well, it depends on how you look at it." He's definitely making me wonder what I'm getting. He also said he didn't buy it, order it, or make it. If he gets it early, he'll give it to me early.

Uhm. Okay. Guess that's it, for now. I'm ridiculously hot, and should probably get dressed. Ethan's Aunt is coming over sometime today to meet me, and spend some time with him, and the girls. I'm slightly nervous, but not really, for some reason.

Anyhow.
Later all
Tori

oh-Listening to: "Hey There Delilah" Plain White T's, "Sober" Kelly Clarkson
reading "Kreutzer Sonata" Leo Tolstoy

train wrecks

2007-07-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, many people may know this already, but for those who don't-Lindsay Lohan was arrested this morning. Again. For a DUI. Again. (It's a felony this time, because it's been her second offense in like, 3 months. Jail time for sure.) They found coke on her. (I can't say again, because the first time it was just in her car.) She's checked into rehab. Again.

Now, this both amazes me, and makes me sad. This girl is 21 (barely older than me.) She's gone into rehab, twice. She's been arrested at least 3 times (two DUI's, and that little car accident she had a while back.) Where is her support system, that should be helping her? Her family? She's being surrounded by "Yes People." She needs someone to say NO! and to help reign her in.

In honor of Linds, I'm posting her latest mug shot as the pic of the post. I don't want to make fun of an addict, but seriously-does she have some crazy makeup issue around her mouth? Or is it a mustache? Stubble burn? Inquiring minds want to know!!

Anyhow. Here goes the listening to/reading section:
Listening: "Hey There Delilah" Plain White T's, "Sober" Kelly Clarkson, "Into the Ocean" Blue October
Reading: "The Kreutzer Sonata" Leo Tolstoy

Later all!

school=expensive

2007-07-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

So, today, the campus bookstore unleashed book prices for classes this fall...yikes!

If I get them all new (I'm going to try to get as many used as possible) it'll cost me 125 for one class, 115 for another, but another 80 for another one. Not to mention the cost of a course packet for another class!! So, easily 250 dollars, if not more, for books this semester....*head/desk*

In other news, it's hot out. I'm tired. Also, I forgot how much I enjoy Ramen noodles.

Oh yeah, I made Engagement Chicken Friday night. The chicken itself was AMAZING. Moist, tasty, got a nice brown crisp skin. The veggies I roasted along side it, refused to cook: over 2 hours in the oven and they were still crunchy. Also, the lemon juice was too much. Next time, I'm going to just stick some lemon slices inside the chicken, and use chicken stock on the rest. Ethan made soup out of the rest of the chicken Saturday, which was nice.

Uhm...started another book. So, I'm reading again.

Random thought-I'd love a good fresh salad right about now. But, I don't have any lettuce. I have some salad fixings, but no lettuce. Damn.

Okay. I'll wrap this up:
Reading: "Kreutzer Sonata" Leo Tolstoy
Listening to: "Ocean Avenue" by Yellowcard

Bad Children

2007-07-19T04:46:00.000-07:00

I know that I've posted before about how horrible my boyfriends oldest niece is, but I have to just restate it-she's horrible.

Last night, I went with his sis, bro in law, and the girls to Meijer, and dinner. Dinner wasn't too horrible, except that she chews everything with her mouth open. This bothers me because growing up, my siblings and I were taught manners-we don't chew with our mouths open. Had we done that, we would have been smacked.

We also were taught to respect our elders, and not to hit other people, ESPECIALLY adults. Apparently, parents don't teach their children this anymore, because Ethan's niece CONSTANTLY yells at adults, and hits at people. Last night, she got snotty with me (a common occurrence) and tried to hit me. I grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to me, while I quietly told her to knock it off. Only AFTER I had stopped her, was she disciplined. I know you may be thinking "Well, that makes sense" but---she's 7. She is past the stage of hitting people. She should have stopped doing that years ago, and been disciplined for it then.
As for her constant attitude problem, I've told her that if she gets mouthy with me, she's going to bite a bar of soap. She's the brattiest child EVER.

She's also incredibly lazy. See, she has a tendency to wet her bed. Okay. She's 7, that happens sometimes. But, it turns out-the only reason she does it is because she's "too tired to get up in the middle of the night to go" and if she does that she'll "be cranky and mean in the morning." Fuck. That. That's being lazy. Lately, it seemed to have stopped, Jen thought it was because she told her that if she keeps it up, she's going to have to start wearing diapers to bed. (I think that's good punishment for a lazy bed wetter.)
No. She hasn't stopped-she's just wetting the bed, and putting down another blanket on top of the bed. She has gone through all her blankets. So, today, as punishment, she has to wash her blankets.

How do you get *that* lazy?? Had I done that when I was younger, I would have had my ass beaten so badly, I wouldn't have been able to sit for a week. But, I certainly wouldn't have done it again, that's for sure. Ethan's niece honest to god just needs a good ass beating. Not abuse-no. Just a good few whacks on the ass, and one across the mouth for being a mouthy brat. My parents used to spank us on the ass if we misbehaved, and let me tell you-we learned quick to not do certain things, such as mouth off to adults, hit people, lie, etc.

Moral of this story: DISCIPLINE YOUR CHILDREN. Or they will turn into demons, like my boyfriend's niece. *nod*

75-25

2007-07-18T05:10:00.000-07:00

Wowza. It's Wednesday!!!

And, because I have Friday off, that means I'm 75% done with my week already! (well, after I'm done today, I will be. Minor detail.)

It rained most of yesterday, which kind of sucked, but not really.

I forgot to post my "what I'm reading and listening to" the other day, so I'll have to remember to do so after this one.

Last night, Ethan and I made tacos. Well, rather, he made it, and I ate chips while he did so. *grin* I love when he cooks. Teehee.

We got the new LTD catalog yesterday. There were soooo many things I want to get! I found a Christmas present for Ethan, I just have to order it. It's a Guiness pool stick. He loves Guiness, and I know he loves to play pool, so it's a good present. I'm also going to order him a new set of shot glasses. They're pretty cool looking.

Uhm. Guess that's it for now. I'm sure I'll post again later, if not today, then this week. This weekend is Engagement Chicken weekend, so it should be interesting.

Okay. Here we go:
What I'm Reading: "Between Sisters" Kristen Hannah
What I'm Listening to: "Greatest Hits 1966-1992: Neil Diamond"

Oh yeah-I have a list of "good things" on the bottom of my page, go check it out. I have alot of links to the sites, so go browse about, listen to the music, read some articles, all that jazz.

Later
Tori

emm eff

2007-07-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

okay. so. the Brosef and his woman are engaged, right?

I find this out Sunday. I don't get any details.

my sister finds out today, not only have they set a date (august 9th of next summer), but both Ethan and I are in the wedding party.

nice.

i'm not thrilled. 'twas not a good day for me. I've got the rage.

later all
Tori

back from "vacation"

2007-07-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

Ethan and I got back around 11 last night. The ride over and back wasn't too bad-at least we didn't get a ticket this time around!!!

The wedding was nice, we had fun. We left the reception a little after dinner, and went back to the hotel. We had both forgotten to pack anything to swim in so we stopped at WalMart and got something for both of us. Yay for new bathing suits. I have been meaning to get a new one, and always forget, so now was as good a time as any.
We got to the hotel, relaxed in the hot tub for a while, and swam a bit. We got back to the room, showered, then hit the pub/bar attached to the hotel. It was pretty good. We had just missed the dinner rush, so it was nice and quiet, which was nice. A couple of my friends came to the hotel to hang out for a bit, and wanted us to go out, but we were both super tired, so we stayed in. It was nice to just relax, and enjoy some quiet time together.

Sunday we went back to my parents place for a BBQ. I found out that apparently my brother and his woman are getting married. They had planned on getting married a year or so ago, then broke up, and then got back together, and now my nephew is due in a couple months. So, yeah. That was a pleasant surprise (insert sarcasm here). It's not that I don't like my brothers woman, but seriously. She kicks him out about once a week or so. Yeah. Lovely.

Anyhow. The weekend was nice. Not very relaxing, but oh well. This coming weekend, Ethan and I have the house to ourselves, which will be great. We can cook, relax, all that. *sigh* I'm looking forward to that.

Okay. Off I go. Perhaps I'll read. I got a few books from my mom this weekend...Yay!
Later all
Tori

w00tage-your fist!

2007-07-11T07:18:00.001-07:00

Last night, Ethan's sis Jen and I ordered 200 dollars worth of stuff online. *grin* BUT!
It's all stuff that I need, and will use: a set of pots and pans, an over the sink shelf (I love those things) and a 16 piece bath towel set. The towel set was 17 bucks-and I get 2 bath sheets, 2 towels, 4 hand towels, and 8 wash cloths. Not bad, huh? I also ordered a Bears Monopoly set for my bro in law. My sis had me order it, for his birthday. I'm pretty impressed with myself.

I have The Rage today. The Rage, for those who don't know, is a feeling that one gets, when tired, stressed, ill, or just having a rough day. I'm feeling all of the above, so The Rage is visiting. Thankfully, a little caffeine is helping me greatly. I'd like to do some word searches, so maybe I'll print some off. I love word searches. They make me happy.

In other news...
I finished another book, which makes 7 books I've read since the beginning of June. Not too shabby, that's about one a week, but some I've cheated on, and read two at once. I've got another to start on, perhaps tonight.

I need to burn some cds before we leave for my parents house, because I'll be damned if I have to listen to Tool all the time we're in the truck. I'll make Ethan listen to what I like, too.
Although, the last time I did that, I ended up getting pissed off, and so did he. He started speeding, and got a ticket, and found out he had lost his ID. Nice, huh?

The weather here is AMAZING!!! It's not too hot out, and it's breezy. Gorgeous weather. I think I'll make Sam go outside for a while, and later on, August and I will go out, too.

Okay. I'm gonna leave. I think Montel is on. Sylvia Browne is on today, which makes me happy.

Later all
Tori

Mustard

2007-07-09T06:34:00.000-07:00

So, it's been an exciting past few days.

Okay. It really hasn't. I lied.

It's been hot as balls here, and I haven't been feeling myself lately. I've been kind of cranky (heat and humidity do that to me) and the girls have been cranky too, which really sucks.

Ethan only has to work 2 days this week!! YAY!! Friday afternoon, we're leaving for my parents place, across the state (w00t The Thumb!) We've got a wedding to go to Saturday, then my dad is BBQ'ing for us on Sunday. I'm really looking forward to going home. I miss being home, as much as I hate the town I'm from.

I get to see my bro, his stepson, my niece, and his Woman,who is having my nephew in the fall. I'm pretty geeked about that, I haven't seen them in a while.

At the wedding, I'll get to see a bunch of people I was friends with in High School, that I haven't seen (literally) since we graduated. I also get to spend time with Becky and Sara, two of my close friends from home.

My ear feels funny.

Ethan's going to pierce my ears for me next week (the benefits of having a boyfriend who used to be a piercer!). I'm gonna go to 14 guage, then when they heal, put in some flesh tunnels, which should be cool. I miss having a piercing (or two...) At one point last winter, I had 6 piercings which I enjoyed, except that 2 of them I ended up taking out because they were getting annoying. Then, my Industrial had to be taken out, because I was getting keloids built up around the holes, which really sucked. I got that done last January, and the scar tissue finally went away a few months ago. Not to mention that my ear is all funny looking now, because of where the bar was, and the holes. Oh well. That piercing hurt like a bitch. Nothing like getting a toothpick sized metal bar shoved through not one, but two holes in succession. OUCH! When I got it done, I cussed so loud that from the back where I was, you could hear me in the front lobby of the shop. The piercer, Aric, told me it was okay to cuss, because they cuss like sailors in the shop. Neat.

Last night we watched "An Evening with Kevin Smith" which was super good. I don't think I stopped laughing the entire time we watched it (it was two discs, too!) He told some really funny stories about Prince, and John Waters, which made me laugh my ass off. I suggest you rent it, if you like Kevin Smith, and his work. The Boy is a big fan of him, and so am I, so we really liked it.

Okay. I guess I'll finish up on here, and post what I'm reading, blah blah blah.
Later guys!

What I'm reading: "Lisey's Story" Stephen King
What I'm listening to: John Mayer "Continuum"

engagement chicken

2007-07-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

So, I posted sometime a while ago about the old Engagement Chicken recipe, and that I was thinking about making it for Ethan, mostly to see what will happen.

Well, after the other night, when Ethan decided he wanted to pick out my birthday present himself (I requested a ring.) I got a little concerned, and both my mother and sister are convinced it's going to be "more than a birthday present"

Well, after this, I decided to make the chicken for Ethan, and soon. In a couple weeks, Ethan's sis and bro in law are going out of town for the weekend with the girls, so we'll have the weekend to ourselves. Since I hate having to cook for everyone, I think I'll make that chicken for him then. I might as well. That'll give me about 3 months (a little less, actually) between the Chicken and my birthday.

So if the whole chicken thing works, then I should have an engagement ring by late September.

We'll see, huh?

Later
Tori

blog rating

2007-07-03T10:09:00.001-07:00

Mingle² - Online Dating

insert clever title here

2007-07-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

WHOOOO HOOOO! It's July, baby!

Okay. So I'm not *that* excited, I'm just faking it.

July is to be a very busy month:
The second weekend of this month, Ethan and I are going over to the other side of the state, for one of my friend's weddings, and to see family and all that.

The weekend after, I doubt we'll do much, but we have the house to ourselves, which will rock.

The last weekend in July, not only is it my sis and bro in law's 6th anniversary, but I'll also be going over to Saginaw that weekend for a baby shower, that in all honesty, I don't want to go to, but I feel obligated to. M'eh. I'll get to see my sis, my niece, and some of our friends. That'll be fun.

Then, after that, I'll only have about 3 weeks before I get to move back into my apartment on campus. I have some things to get yet for the kitchen, and also I need to get a new alarm clock, but that's neither here, nor there. I need to have Ethan's sis place my order with LTD for my pots/pans. That's the main thing I need to get, besides groceries, of course.

In other news, apparently my nephew Gabriel is very sad that I'm not living with them this summer. (Every summer, since he's been born, I've lived with my sister in Illinois. I work down there, and just have fun. But, this summer, not only was there not enough room, but I decided to watch Ethan's nieces for the summer, so I stayed up here in GR.) Since my nephew misses me so much, I decided that in August sometime, I'm going to go down on the Train for a day or two (probably leave Saturday morning, and come back Sunday night) so I can spend some time with him.

I'll make Ethan stay up here, because my nephew is very possessive of me, and has a tendency to literally push Ethan away from me, because as he says 'You MY Buzzy!' (He calls me Buzzy, too cute!)

Okay. I think I'll put up a pic of my nephew, so you can all see how damn cute he is!!

later all
Tori

faves, again

2007-06-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

So, I posted the other day about some songs I really enjoy, and why I like them, and I just thought "Hey, I should do a series of posts like that, movies, songs, TV shows, books, etc.) So here's another list of things I like, we'll go with Movies this time...

*"Almost Famous"- First off, this has to be one of my absolute favorite movies of all time. The soundtrack is AMAZING, the script is amazing, and they picked the perfect people to act in it. I love it because it kind of sums up how I feel about music-I live for it. There are some great lines it, my favorite being at the end, when Writer is interviewing Musician, and Writer says "What do you love about the music?" and the Musician responds: "To begin with--everything." Best lines ever.

*"Anchorman"-I love Will Ferrel. I think he's just one of the best comedic actors ever. This is one of those movies that I could watch over and over again, I love it that much. The stuff that goes on in that film is absolutely hysterical. Classic comedy movie right there.

*"American Psycho"- Christian Bale does such a good job being an absolute nut job in it, I can't help but love it. The scene with the rain coat and axe is classic.

*"The Notebook"- Okay, so it's a totally girly movie, and it's almost required for me to like it, but it's so damn good I can't help myself. I cry every single freaking time I watch it, no matter what. The book was even better.

*"Garden State" I'm not sure what it is about this movie, but I adore it. The cinematography in it was incredible, and the acting was as well. I love it.

*"Murderball" Now, I know that it's a documentary, but I love it. Mark Zupan is one of the few people I actually consider a "hero". I actually got to hear him speak at GVSU a few semesters ago, and it was amazing. I could watch this documentary over and over again, and still not get tired of it.

*"Bowling for Columbine" I love Michael Moore. He's such an extreme liberal, I can't help but love him. He makes such good points in his documentaries, you can't help but be amazed. I also loved "Fahrenheit 9/11" almost as much as BfC, and I can't wait to see SiCKO.

*"Jackass" and "Jackass Number 2" I love this shit. I think Johnny Knoxville is not only incredibly insane, but also incredibly good looking. And anything that makes me cringe, gag, or laugh my ass off is a good movie in my book.

*"Dazed and Confused" and "Half Baked" Yes, stoner movies are on my list of faves. I love Dave Chappelle, and I loved the entire cast of Dazed and Confused. The shit that goes on in both those movies is hysterical. Also-Ben Affleck and Matthew McCaughenhy (I misspelled that, I know) were in Dazed and Confused. You can't beat that.

Okay. I think that's it for now. This might have to be a "part I" and "part II" of my fave movies, we'll see.

later all
Tori

batting 1000....

2007-06-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

What a damn day.

It's been rough...here's a rundown of how my Wednesday is going so far:

*I managed to flash Ethan's sister this morning. Yeah. Lovely.

*I got pinched on the ass by a pincher bug that was stuck in my shorts. Those hurts.

*I went upstairs to wake up August to find her playing with a marker, colored from knee to feet in Magenta marker, while her sister sat and watched her do so. I grounded Samantha.

*I have a migraine. And heartburn.

It's not even noon and it's been a day from hell. I'm seriously hoping that it gets better soon, because I think my head might explode if it doesn't.

Alright back to watching "Monster in Law" and trying to relax.

Later all
Tori

weekends

2007-06-24T16:43:00.001-07:00

Tis been a good weekend.

Yesterday morning, Ethan and I went out for a bit, to take care of some errands. I had to mail out a package to a friend of mine, who is getting married in a couple weeks. I'm so excited, and just *slightly* jealous, in a weird sort of way.
I'm so geeked about going home for the wedding! I get to see a bunch of my friends I haven't seen in ages, one of whom has yet to meet Ethan. My dad has already promised to BBQ for us, he just told us to tell him what we want, and he'll make it. Yum!

I bought a couple onesie's for my bro's little one. I also bought some "wild child" socks. They say "I wanna rock and roll all night" and then "and potty everyday" Too cute! Ethan actually picked them out, which is really cool. I'm glad he's taking an interest in my family, haha.

Yesterday, we powerwashed the deck so we can paint it. We painted today, but we need to get more paint, as it didn't cover the whole deck, and we need to do at least 2 coats. It'll look good, I think. Went swimming. Ethan and I went and got bagels this morning at the Bagel Beanery. I got a chocolate chip bagel, and the Works bagel, along with a breakfast sammich. (No I didn't eat them all at once. I ate the breakfast thing, and have the other bagels for later.) It was nice to go out to breakfast, even if we just got it to go.

Ethan's at work now, and everyone's gone, so the house is nice and quiet. Spaz and I played for a while, and he got his claws clipped. He needs a bath now, and his bedding needs to be changed, but that's Ethan's job. His weasel, he cleans up. Fair enough, right? Right.

You know what I love? Faygo. I love love love them. Who else has flavors like "Red Pop" or peach, and orange pineapple? Seriously, what exact flavor IS red pop? The world may never know, but it's damn good. Yum! (The only reason I bring it up is because I've got some Faygo Orange I'm drinking.) Also-another reason I love Faygo-you pay 99 cents (I'm including deposit) for 24 ounce of soda. Other brands charge like, 1.59 for 20 ounces. Faygo's the way to go.

Okay. I think I'm gonna play a little Guitar Hero II for a bit, I'm trying to make an effort at playing it, because Ethan says he feels like I don't enjoy stuff he likes. I do, it's just we only have 1 guitar for it, so it's kind of hard for both of us to play at once. Oh well. We plan on getting another guitar soon, anyhow.

Later all
tori

reading: Lisey's Story (Stephen King)
Listening: "22:20" Puscifer

not in my town

2007-06-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

The sort of thing that happened in Crothersville Indiana is inexcusable. And yet, in Indiana, and on the national level, there is no law against Hate Crimes by themselves. It's disgusting, and disturbing.

I hope you read this entire entry I'm linking to, and that you pass it on to your journal, with the hopes that someday, with enough people to back it, Hate Crimes Legislation will be a reality, not just something we hope for.

http://bookshop.livejournal.com/834653.html

Much Love,
Tori

good music

2007-06-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

okay. so I'm on youtube, looking for songs that I really like that I haven't heard in a long time, or just really enjoy.

here's some good ones:

*"Better Man (Live)" Pearl Jam-when the crowd sings the first verse and chorus, it gives me chills. Good song.

*"I'll Be There For You" Bon Jovi. Come on-classic love song. You can't not like some ol' Bon Jovi. Seriously-"I'd live and I'd die for you...words can't say what love can do..." Jon Bon Jovi could sing the panties off of any woman, no matter how old he gets

*"Shilo" Neil Diamond- Now, Neil Diamond is near and dear to my heart, simply because my dad always listens to him, and that's what I grew up listening to. I know all the Neil songs. This song is funny because my parents got a cat when I moved out of the house to go to school, and named it...Shiloh. Yeah. After the song. Classy.

*"Piano Man" Billy Joel: How can you not like this song? That'd be unnatural. The piano melody, the words, it's a feel good song. Or, one that you can sing along to while drinking heavily after a long day. "It's sad and it's sweet, but I knew it complete..." Good stuff.

*"Fade to Black" Metallica. This was in the early 90's, post Dave Mustaine, post Cliff Burton, pre-Newsted Leaves and everyone gets whiney. Metallica was hardcore back in the day. They have yet to put out another single, let alone album that can compare to the Black Album, or Master of Puppets. They got soft on the world. Such a shame.

*"Walk" Pantera. Yeah, I like Pantera. I love this song, and it's such a shame that Dimebag was killed. But, Avenged Sevenfold did a cover of this song, and amazingly, did an awesome job. They didn't slaughter it, or try to make it their own, they just did it. I've seen this song live, twice. It rocks my face. Completely.

Okay. Guess that's my list for now. I'll have more later, I'm sure.

Later all

monday monday

2007-06-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was nice. Sunday was nice, too.

Sunday evening, Ethan got up around 6, and we went and got stuff for dinner. We got stuff to BBQ-corn on the cob, some potatoes, a steak for me, and some pork ribs for him. He's a great griller, which is good, because I can't grill.
We ate dinner by ourselves, since everyone else had already gone to bed. I miss having dinner in a a quiet house. In my apartment, it was nice when Ethan came over for dinner, because it was just us. No kids screaming, or being bratty, and no asshole brother in law making rude comments every chance he gets.
Anyhow. Ethan and I had dinner, then he went to work.

He had yesterday, and today, off, so after his sis and bro in law got home, and I was done watching his nieces, we got out of the house. I had to pick up some fleece so I can make a blanket for my bro's son that'll be born this fall. They found out they're having a boy, and they're naming him David August (My bro and my dad are David, and my great grandfather on my mom's side is August.) My sister and I have decided to call him the D.A.

I called my brother to ask if he and his woman had picked a theme or anything for the baby, and my brother told my sister and I to pick out a theme and tell them. My sister wanted to do stars and celestial stuff, and blues/grays for the colors.
Well, I dragged Ethan to Joann Fabric last night, and couldn't find any fleece I liked that would go with the theme. Instead, Ethan found some fleece that's big black and white checks, with different skulls in the boxes.

Now, I know you're thinking "OMG You're making a baby blanket with skulls on it?!" Yes, only because my brother is the type of guy who would do his son's nursery in skulls. He's kind of an odd ball. I know my brother is going to love the blanket, and I'm sure his son will too. (Not to mention I only spend 10 bucks for 3 yards of the fleece, when it should have been around 30. Thankfully it was on sale!)

In other news, Ethan has been bouncing quite a bit up at the Orbit Room, which is cool. He got to bounce for the Deftones show last week, then TexMex night Saturday night. Staind is playing there in July, and he's going to see if I can come with, because I would LOVE to see Staind play. Never mind the fact that I haven't been to a concert in almost a year! I'm jonesing for a good show!)

Oh! I know someone will find this story amusing.
So, Ethan gives me a hard time because I like to do "grandma" things-like spend time reading, making fleece blankets, and I used to crochet a little, too.
Last night, we had just finished dinner, and I was getting ready to start working on my nephew's blanket. I've got the material spread over my legs/lap (3 yards goes a long way) and he keeps looking at me, and giggling. I finally said to him "Just make a couple jokes and be done with. I'm trying to relax, and you're not helping."

So, he starts to laugh, and goes "So, are we gonna have to get plastic couch covers out now, Grandma?"
"Haha. Funny. Are you done?"
"Do you want me to turn on Matlock, or Murder, She Wrote?"

My boyfriend, the comedian.

Anyhow. Today I have bank stuff to do. I get to finally close my account with Chase (I hate hate hate Chase Bank. With a passion. You have no idea.) Then, go to the credit union, and open my account there. I'm rather excited. Yay! *does the "I'm finally done with Chase Bank" dance*

Moving on.
I haven't been posting what I've been reading, which is a shame. I've read a fair amount lately.
Here we go:
"The Lake House" James Patterson, "Good in Bed" Jennifer Weiner, "Void Moon" Michael Connelly, and I just started "Desperation" by Stephen King.

I've been listening to a whole bunch of my old cd's, like "Indestructible" by Rancid (takes me back to high school) and "The Young and Hopeless" by Good Charlotte.
I've also been digging Fergie's music, which I hate myself for. But, hey-can't help it when you find a good song, yes?

Okay then. Guess that's my update for now.

Later all
Tori

chicken magic?

2007-06-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

Alright, first off, if you're skeptical, that's cool. I'm not askin' to believe, I'm just sayin'!

I've heard of this "Engagement Chicken" thing from Glamour. It's been said that if you cook your man this "special" chicken, within 2 months, you'll be wearin' a rock on the ring finger.
Being a curious little bear, I Google this shit. I expected a hardcore, serious business recipe, with fancy ingredients.
Nope.
All it takes is a whole chicken, lemons, lemon juice and salt/pepper. That's it. Of course, side dishes go with it, but it's the chicken that does the magic, it has been said.
Again, being curious by nature, I am tempted to try this. I wouldn't mind being engaged. I'd love it. And, I mean, what's the worst that can happen-The Boy doesn't like the chicken, and I don't get engaged (right then *wink*)
I daresay I might try it.

The reason men say that it works is because, as one man put it "it seemed like something a wife would make for her husband." Logical, yes. Fact-We'll see.

So there you have it folks. Engagement Chicken Test. We'll see if it works. I'll let you all know when I make the chicken, and we can place bets and what have you.

Night all
Tori

Beer Goggles

2007-06-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

Alright. The last few posts have been a little more on the serious side, so I decided to lighten up a bit.

Today, I'm gonna write about Beer Goggles. For those who don't know what those are, it's when you've had a few drinks, and that previously not so good looking person across the room starts looking like a model. I'm also going to touch on the Reverse Beer Google effect, when you've had a few drinks and that model across the room starts looking like an Ogre.

First. Beer Goggles. I'll admit, I've suffered from those a time or two. In fact, today, I realized that a guy I saw for a while there (it was a few dates, mostly after a drink or 3) really wasn't as good looking as I thought. Now, I'm not super shallow, but good looks mean something to me. If you have 3 teeth, dirty smelly clothes, and your body odor smells like a barn, I'm not gonna think you're that attractive, even if you ARE a model.
I thought this guy was super attractive. Then, I see pictures of him in daylight, and I was a bit shocked. I had only seen him in darkness (odd, I know) so seeing him in natural light was different.
But, now that I think about it, I've seen him in natural light. We hadn't seen each other for about 3 months or so, and we happened to be riding the train together. So, we sat next to each other, and even then he was quite attractive. Perhaps he just doesn't look good in pictures.
Either way, I was surprised.

Moving on to Reverse Beer Goggle Effect.
I have a friend, who we call Satan. Yes, Satan, as in Lucifer, the Prince of Darkness. He's a highly attractive man. Takes good care of himself, dresses well, works out, all that. But, my friends and I have found, that after about 3 drinks, Satan starts getting very ugly. Which is odd.
But, I suppose there has to be an opposite to everything, yes? So, there is Reverse Beer Goggle Effect.

Okay. Guess that's all for now.
Later all
Tori

good lyrics

2007-06-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

okay. random late night thought time.

just listened to one of my favorite songs by Pink, "Dear Mr. President." It's basically an open letter to G. Dubya, about his lack of ability, erm, wonderful job guiding our country. One of the best lines in the song "I can only imagine what the first lady has to say: You've come a long way from whiskey and cocaine..." Good stuff

Anyhow. In other news-not much going on. Ethan's grandma, great aunt, and cousin were up this weekend. That was nice. His grandma is super cool. She told me stories about his dad, and him, which is cool. (Side note-Ethan's parents are both deceased. His mom passed away when he was 10, and his dad when he was 18. Very sad.)

Moving on.

I'm very tired. We spent a fair amount of time in the pool this afternoon, with the floating bar in there with us. (Yeah, a floating bar. It even came with floating bar chairs, too!) And, because my silly ass didn't put any sunblock on (my brain wasn't working, I guess) I ended up getting my back and shoulders burned (you can tell how I was sitting/laying.) Oh well. It'll heal.

Okay. Off to bed, I'm very tired, and I have to watch TWO kids now starting tomorrow.

Later
Tori

twice as much ain't twice as good

2007-06-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

Well. What a busy past few days it's been!!

Let's see...Saturday, after Ethan got home from work (he works third shift, 10-6am) we went out and had breakfast (Yummy Sundance Grille!) then went and stopped at some garage sales.
Ethan and I got a really cool grill, that sits in a custom built rolling rack/container sort of thing. It needs to be re-stained, and needs a good cleaning, but it's awesome. The best part-it was only 8 bucks!!
I got a nice little side table for downstairs. We need some sort of table to put things on over by our "living room" and we've been looking for a table, and we finally found one! It needs to be refinished, and I think instead of re-staining it, I'm going to put some mosaic tiles on it. I'm thinking red, black, and those really cool mirror ones. We'll see.

Yesterday morning, we put in the new flooring in the kitchen down. It's really nice, and was much easier than I thought. The past 3 weekends, we've done projects around the house: first it was the new sliding doors to the patio, then the new window in the living room, and now the floor. It's been pretty neat, now I can redo some things around a house!!

My sister, bro in law and the kids stopped in last night on the way back home. It was nice. Ethan's sis got to meet my sister for the first time. It was cool. Ethan BBQ'd for us, too. He's such a good cook!!

This week will be busy too. Samantha is done with school Wednesday afternoon, so August and I will go pick her up. Thursday afternoon/evening, Ethan's Grandma, Aunt, and cousin will be up from Alabama. Then, Friday is Samantha's rehearsal for her recital. Saturday is the recital itself. I've never been to a dance recital before, so it should be exciting.

Okay. Back to my cooking show!

Later all
Tori

a bit of a sad note..

2007-06-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

So, I blog on Livejournal too, in fact, that's where most of my blogging is done.
Anyhow, so I'm surfing around and I find a community called "Purgatorium" which is for a bunch of women with eating disorders.
I found this post that just made me fucking sick (pardon the pun). Here's the link:
down with the sickness

The jist of the post is that this woman's child realizes her bulimia, and yet she has the nerve to harp on her husband, because he didn't let her into the bathroom after she ate.

I'm sorry-am I misunderstanding this?
You're pissed because your husband KNOWS that you have a problem, and that your son knows what you do?

The fact that her son is old enough to know what's going on is bad enough, but that fact that he's probably scarred for life from it just makes it worse.

These women make my heart ache. Seriously. They get together to find out better ways to purge, puke and "get skinny".
Sorry, hun, skinny isn't everything. If it makes you miserable to GET there, just imagine how hard it's going to be to STAY there.

That's the end of my rant for today. I'm sure I'll get some angry comments, but that's life.

Out-
Tori

ozzfest 07

2007-05-28T18:02:00.001-07:00

Alrighty then! I just got my confirmation number to get 2 free tickets to Ozzfest this year. Starting on the 12th I can put in what date I want, and print my tickets FOR FREE!!!!

Now, Ethan and I just have to decide where we want to see it-at Tinley Park in Chicago, or over in Detroit at DTE. I really enjoyed Tinley but I've never been to DTE, so I dunno. I'd like to go to Detroit, because the day after the Chicago show, Lamb of God is playing in Louisville Kentucky, and we really wanna go to that.

Now, you might ask-why not just wait until they come to Michigan? Because the venue they're playing at in Kentucky is a fucking SANATORIUM! It's Waverly Hills Sanatorium (anyone who knows some things about Haunted places in the US knows about this place) it's on the top 10 most haunted places in America. I really don't like LoG, but I'd deal with them for a show just to be in the Sanatorium. How cool would that be??

Okay. Just wanted to brag, haha

Tori

summer time...

2007-05-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

...and the living's easy...

I can't think of anything real important to talk about, but I'm gonna ramble.

First topic:
Pornography.
Fast fact: One in three viewers of pornography are women. Fancy that!

Second Topic:
Toes
I hate my feet. I hate my toes. So, I keep them painted all the time. It's rare for me to not have polish on my toes, no matter what time of the year it is. Right now, they're black. They look cool. My 3 year old nephew LOVES having his toes painted. That's right-I'm the crazy aunt who lets her nephew have nail polish on his toes. My sister and bro in law don't mind, as long as I keep the a neutral color, like orange, or green or something. There is nothing better than seeing a little boy wander around playing, with bright orange toes. Hehe. It makes me giggle.

Third Topic:
Pickles
I love pickles. My dad makes homemade pickles, which makes me ultra happy. My boyfriend HATES pickles. He hates them to the point that after I eat pickles, he prefers that I brush my teeth before I try to get near him. But, I'm the same way with him and Taco Bell.
Last night, he got out of work at 3 am (he was Bouncing at the Orbit Room) and got himself some TB for din-din. I was about 10 feet away, and the smell of it made my stomach hurt. I made him brush his teeth before getting into bed.

I think that's about it. I have another pic of my niece I'll put up, it's absolutely adorable!! She's getting very big, and I'm getting excited about seeing her next weekend. YAY for nieces and nephews!!

Later all

Reading: Songs in Ordinary Time (it sucks. don't read it)
Listening: "santa monica" everclear

wth?

2007-05-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

Alright. Now, this is going to be a post that may irritate some readers, but this is something that really bothers me.

The FDA has approved a vaccine that can prevent cervical cancer, and it's recommended that girls as young as 9 years old get it. The strain of HPV (human papillomavirus) that causes cervial cancer can only be spread through sexual contact.

It seems logical that any parent who wants to prevent cancer in their daughter would make sure that their daughter get the set of shots for the vaccine. (Most insurance companies cover the cost of all the shots, a total of 360 dollars).

But no. Parents (mostly conservative religious families, to be honest) are saying that by getting their daughter vaccinated against this strain of HPV will promote promiscuity, because they apparently think that since their daughters are protected against SOME types of HPV, they'll have more sex...which honestly doesn't make sense.

I see no reason why parents SHOULD NOT get their daughters vaccinated. Cervical cancer kills 10 women every DAY. 10 a day.

The reason I get so heated about this topic is because my mother had cervical cancer. Luckily, she's healthy now, didn't have to go through chemotherapy, radiation, just had to have surgery. But, she still had to deal with that.

If every girl at age 9 was required to get this shot, we could drastically reduce the cases of HPV, if not completely eliminate the virus all together.

I'm gonna post a link to the article that kind of set me off:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18769275/

Hopefully some of you ladies out there will read this, and get the vaccine, or at least get more information. And you men out there-encourage the ladies you know to look into this.

Here's the link to the actual site for the vaccine:
http://www.gardasil.com/cervical-cancer.html?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=GL047

-Out

your move, holy man...

2007-05-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday was my niece's baptism, and I was one of her godmothers. Now, I was never baptized. My parents left it up to me to decided whether I wanted to be or not, and I chose not to. It doesn't bother me, I don't see it as being that big of a deal (I'm not a big church goer anyhow.)

The church my sister and bro in law go to did Communion during the service. I decided not to go up, as I don't feel it's right to do so, if you've never been baptized/christened/whatever. My sister, however, feels that I'm obligated to, seeing as how I'm a godmother.
The entire time I was up there, all I could think of was the Dane Cook comedy skit about going to church, and Communion. He makes a comment about taking the cracker (in my case, the bread) and about how he sometimes will stick his tongue out, and hold his hands out. He then says "Your move, Holy Man!" Good skit, inappropriate time to be thinking about comedy skits.

Now, my sister usually cuts my hair. The last time she did it, it ended up uneven. Like, to the point where I had a lock of hair at the front of my head, on each side, that was much shorter than the rest of the hair. And the back was cock-eyed. My sister says to me "Man-who the hell cut your hair the last time-it's uneven all over." I look at her and go "You did, jackass." "Oh. Whoops. Let's see if I can do better this time." That's not very promising, right?

I don't do extreme haircuts. I like it shoulder length, maybe a little longer. So, Saturday night, my sister gets ready to cut my hair. I point about a half inch below my shoulders and say "This is how long I want it." "Okay," she says, and gets ready to cut. She starts snipping, and I'm thinking to myself "Man, she's cutting awfully high.." Then, my bro in law leans into the kitchen, and he stares at me, open mouth, like "OH MY GOD!" I freak out, and find out that my sister apparently has moved my shoulders to where my chin is. The best thing I can think to say: "I always knew there was a reason why I don't pay you to do this."

In other news-I had an awesome ice cream bar last night, on our drive back up from Chicago. It was a Rollo ice cream bar. Caramel ice cream, with caramel through the center, and chocolate covering the whole thing. YUM! I love long drives just for the awesome snacks you find at the stops along the way. My favorite thing about the 12hour drive to see Ethan's family is that once we get to about Kentucky/Tennessee, almost all the gas stations have Slush Puppy machines. I love SP, and they also have Sonic's downthere-Sonic rocks!

Okay. I'm gonna hop in the shower, and read a bit. Later all
Tori

What I'm reading: "Songs in Ordinary Time" Mary McGarry Morris

What I'm listening to: Infinity on High (Fall Out Boy) "Let's Make a Memory" Bon Jovi, "Untouchable Face" Ani DiFranco

beer thirty...

2007-05-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

Man-this is some AMAZING weather we're having, yes?

I'm geeked that it will be nice this weekend, as the Boy and I have to drive to Chicago (alright...a bit out of Chicago..close enough), and it'll be nice weather to drive in.

I'll be going to my sisters for my nieces baptism. I'll be one of her godmothers. I guess I'm excited about it, although unless something horrible happens (heaven forbid) being Godmother doesn't mean a whole lot, considering I'm also her aunt. M'eh. I'm excited. I haven't seen my nephew in almost 2 months (for the first 2 1/2 years of his life, I saw him at least once a month...Going more than a month or so kills me.) My sister and I are also going to do "sister" things, I suppose you'd call them. She's going to cut my hair, and dye it for me. She's gonna dye hers, and we're going to do a little shopping. Good times.

Things have been relatively uneventful lately. Ethan has been working alot, and now I'm watching August (Ethan's youngest niece-she's 18 months old...a riot!) so we don't see each other much. I'm glad we get to spend the weekend together, even if it means riding in the car together for about 8 hours or so, ha.

I watched the entire season of "Dexter" from Showtime, in the past two days. It rocks. It's amazing, and if you get a chance to watch it-do so. Warning-if you don't like gore, don't watch it!

Random thought-My hair is amazingly soft. Must be the new shampoo...It smells good, and it's green-can't get much better than that.

Here's a random Chuck Norris fact for you all:
"If Chuck Norris is late, time better slow the fuck down."
(This "fact" happens to be my mother's favorite one. Mine is this: "Chuck Norris is 1/8 Cherokee Indian. This has nothing to do with ancestry-the man ate a fucking Indian.")

Okay. Gonna finish this up, and relax a bit.
Later all

Listening to: "Better Together" Jack Johnson, "Blowers Daughter" Damien Rice, and "Cigarette" Yellowcard
Reading: "The Cocaine Chronicles" Edited by Gary Phillips & Jervey Tervalon.

again and again...

2007-05-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

I know I just posted a few days ago, but I figure "What the hell-I'll post again!" So I am. And there's nothin' you can do about it!

Anyhow. I've decided I've got the best boyfriend ever. Not only does he put up with my quirks (a very good thing) but twice this week, he's made breakfast for us. I'll count buying donuts and bringing them home as "making" breakfast, as he "made" an effort.
This morning, he got home from work around 6am or so, and we decided to go get breakfast food stuffs so "we" could cook breakfast. My part of the cooking was to pour juice. I did well. This concept of things that "We" do is interesting:
One night this summer, his sister asked us if "we" could babysit the girls. No problem. Well, "we" slept on the couch, and I watched the girls. It's funny how that works...

In other news, there's a new episode of "House" on tonight. I love House. Thursday night is going to rock: A 2 hour new episode of "Grey's Anatomy". It's a good thing that The Boy has to work, because he doesn't like Grey's. (He'll 'pretend' to watch it, but then ask me questions about what's going on, even though he wasn't watching it...Riiiight.)

Okay. Guess that's all for now. I think. If not, I'll post again later this week or something.

Later all

You've come along way from whiskey and cocaine...

2007-04-28T21:39:00.000-07:00

I just realized (yay for midnight revelations) that I have yet to say what my journal title is all about.

It's a song by the band Dashboard Confessional, called "The Good Fight" and the chorus goes "Does it comfort you to know you fought the good fight? Basking in your victory, hollow and alone. But you boast your bitter bragging rights, to anyone who'll listen, while you're left with nothing tangible to claim..."

I'm a big DC fan, and this song has to be one of my favorites. I'm not gonna get all philosophical on everyone, but I will say this: We've all "fought the good fight" and I think it's a good thing. *nod* 'nuff said.

Movin' on...
I took The Boy to Logan's today. I'd never been there before, and I know why: That's the place where they let you throw peanut shells on the floor. The OCD cleaner in me almost had a panic attack because of this. I don't see the point of it. It's a nice restaurant. Why dirty the floor? Isn't there some sort of health code violation there? I dunno-it's just me, maybe. It drove me nuts. (no pun intended)

I got to hang out with Ray Charles this week, which rocked. Ray Charles (aka Rachel) was my roommate Freshman year. We shared a suite with 2 other girls. Let me tell you a funny story, about something that we did our Freshman year...it's kind of funny.

"Don't Look in the Freezer"
While Rach and I lived together, we had a mini fridge, that had a mini freezer. We had this poor Beanie Baby, who we called Hooty (he was an owl, with a graduation cap on him. He was a gift to Rach.) We, one day, decided it was a good idea to stick him in the freezer. Well, we had a sign on our freezer door that read "Don't Look in the Freezer!" and it kind of scared people.
The next year, I moved into an apartment with 2 other girls. My nephew had left a Batman action figure in my apartment (he didn't dig Batman), and since I missed having something in my freezer "to keep watch over the ice" I put Batman in there. My one roomies boyfriend opened the freezer one day and asked why Batman was in there. My answer "To make sure that no one steals my ice cream, and he watches the ice."
Batman stayed in my freezer this year too. He'll be there next year, too. It's just not a good apartment with out Batman keepin' watch over the ice. He brings good "juju" if you will.
Alright. It's after midnight. Maybe I'll find something on the TiVo to watch-I think there's an episode of "Bullshit!" on there...I'm trying to stay up late, so I can sleep in with the Boy tomorrow (He works 3 shift...he won't get home till 6 am, an hour or so before I normally wake up...)

Night all

What I'm reading: "Ghost Writer" (no clue who wrote it...it's not that good) and the May 2007 issue of Glamour
What I'm listening to: "Dashboard Confessional: Unplugged", "I'm Not Dead" P!NK

Spring is in the air...

2007-04-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful week it has been!!! I enjoy weather like this, but not so much when I have to be indoors to work or go to class...And, alas, my allergies have decided this week was as good a time as any to flare up. Oh well. Thank goodness for Benadryl, right?

In other news, I've been slowly packing my things up for the summer, which I hate doing. I hate packing almost as much as I hate laundry (which I had to do today, too...) I can't believe it's almost the end of my third year at college...Crazy crazy.

Anyhow. One thing I'm totally excited about for this summer is that (unlike last summer) I'll have time to catch up on my reading! YAY! I'm a total bookworm (I get that from my mother's side of the family) so when I have some spare time I like to read. I read a book yesterday (and part of today) that totally rocked. It was about a set of conjoined twins, it was fiction, but it was so good, and it seemed like a non-fiction story. Very good. My boyfriend was shocked that I had read an almost 400 page book in less than a day. I didn't tell him that I read another book of short stories, as well. I was pretty impressed with myself, to be honest, because I actually accomplished things this weekend, and was able to read a ton, so I don't feel so bad about curling up for an hour or so at a time and reading.

This summer Ethan and I will be taking a trip to Alabama again. I actually enjoy the South, save for the insane humidity and all the damn mosquitos. I don't know what it is, but the bugs don't bother the people that live down there year round, but they won't leave my Northern skin alone. Damn bugs. Oh well. The scenery on the ride down is amazing! I had never seen mountains before (lame, I know) so the first time I went down there, I had my face pressed against the car window to take it all in. I think one of the most beautiful things about the ride through Kentucky and Tennessee is the contrast of bright green grass and red clay soil. It's nuts.

Alright. I have a paper to write for a final this week, so I'll wrap this up and get to work.
Later all
Tori

What I'm reading: "The Girls" Lori Lansens, "Mammoth Cheese" Sheri Holman
What I'm Listening to: "All the Wrong Reasons" Nickelback

Lazy Days

2007-04-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

Since nothing exciting has been going on in my world lately, I think I'm just going to ramble a bit, and see where it goes...

It's been a pretty uneventful week, which has been really nice. I got to spend a fairly large amount of time (compared to the last few weeks) with The Boy, which always makes for a good week. We had to go to Macy's this week to return some horrible sweaters his grandmother sent him for his birthday. She does this every year, instead of sending him something he'll use, like cash, or even a giftcard. (The Boy doesn't care much for Macy's. He doesn't fit there very much, and I don't even like the store-too much I could break.) The sweaters he got this year are much worse than last year. He got a horrid rust colored button down cardigan, along with some other very strange shirts. Thankfully, he kept two of the shirts, a black sweater and a nice tan button down shirt (he has to have some dress clothes) but we returned the rest...Crazy granny...

Speaking of family, we're going to see my parents next weekend. That should be nice. I'm gonna take over some baby back ribs so my dad can BBQ it up...I love my dad's cooking, it's soooo yummy...Of course, I have some visiting to do, but when we go see my parents, it's usually to relax, and not do anything. Even the 3 hour ride across state is nice (unless I have to listen to Tool the whole ride-then I'm cranky) So, it should be a good trip.

You know what my least favorite thing to do is? Laundry. I really hate having to do it. I hate having to put away my clothes when they're dry and everything, too. If it weren't for the fact that I hate wrinkly shirts, I'd just leave it all in my laundry basket and go from there...But then again, I'd have to buy another laundry basket to put my dirty clothes in between washings, because seriously-you can't mix dirty and clean, despite what my brother says...Silly boy...

Oh yeah-this Sunday is Easter...I actually kind of like Easter, because it may be based on a big Christian event (Christ rising again, and all that jazz) but then the Easter Bunny comes along and hands out candy. The Bunny is even better than Santa because there's more room in a basket than a stocking, so you get way more stuff. Growing up, we used to go see the Easter Bunny and take pictures with him every year. Many years later, I realized that it was an uncle of a friend of mine who was the Easter Bunny. That was around the same time that I found out Santa and Mrs. Claus were a classmates grandparents...The joys of a small town.

Okay. Guess that's it for now...I'll wrap it up (like always) and leave for now...

Listening to: "Better Together" Jack Johnson, "Dear Mr. President" P!NK
Reading: "The Problem of the Media" McChesney, "Chloe Plus Olivia" (can't recall the editor) and Reader's Digest April 2007

Later all
Tori

late night ramblings...

2007-03-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

I didn't plan on writing another post until sometime early next week, but it's almost 11pm, and I can't sleep yet (The Boy snores...) so I'm gonna ramble a bit.

I don't think I've mentioned my job yet, huh? I work on campus at GVSU, at the downtown food court...erm...plaza. This is my second full year working there, and it's not too shabby. I make a decent amount of money for a college student working for the University. My uniform isn't too terribly ugly (though, the hats are the wrong color...) and I generally work with great people. I've had some interesting things happen working there, and I've encountered a few interesting customers...I'll tell you about some...

"Crack Pipe Professor"
One morning, I had a very well dressed professor ask me if we had any Brillo pads in the kitchen as he was "making a crack pipe in class and need some"...WTF?! I didn't know how to respond except to get one of my supervisors. He honestly didn't believe me when I told him about this guy. Oddly enough, we don't use Brillo pads in the kitchen, so we couldn't help him...Oh well..

Crazy Customers
I've had some really cool customers, and some really not-so-cool customers. One not so cool customer is the fellow who comes in wearing very tight pajama pants early in the morning...He's a nice fellow, I just can't look at him without wanting to tell him to buy a larger size pants, as he's showing the world EVERYTHING! Very awkward, lemme tell ya...
We've got alot of cool customers, many of them are professors, which is even cooler. They're the ones who ask how our classes are going, and try and leave us tips, which we can't accept (that sucks, because one time a woman wanted to give my co worker and I a 5 dollar tip...couldn't take it...)

Catering
I also work for the campus catering crew, which is a lot of fun. Not only do I not have to wear a stupid hat, but I've learned quite a bit, too. I can lay a mean place setting, and I'm pretty efficient at putting skirting around a table in a decent amount of time (thank you, 21 tables I had to linen and skirt one evening...) I've also done some really cool events, too. I helped out at this years MORHA convention (big weekend long event for RA's and MA's from the state's university) One night a co-worker and I baked, sliced, boxed, and delivered 50 pizzas, along with snacks and whatnot...We worked until 1 am...And we had a blast: we had the kitchen to ourselves, so we could blast whatever music we wanted, as loud as we wanted...Good times...

Alright. I'm winding down...More later next week

Tori

Cast of Characters

2007-03-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

I've decided to introduce some important people in my life, just so that in future posts people aren't all "Wait...Who's that?" and confused.

Here we go now...Starting with Family, then friends, then...pets or something...

My Family
I have 2 siblings, Chrissi and Dave. They are both older than me, my sister is almost 28, my bro is almost 25. I'll talk about my sister first, she's actually sane. My sister is married, and now has 2 children. My nephew and neice from her rock! My nephew is the coolest 3 year old I know, and he recently decided that I'm a T-Rex. Not entirely sure why, but I'm a dino now. Neat. My sister has a very nice job teaching, my my bro in law rocks-we went to Ozzfest together this summer, and we went to see Avenged Sevenfold together last spring, too. He's neat.
My brother...Is nuts. He has no job. He has a step son, a daughter, and another on the way. Most people would say "Cool" Not me. His step son is almost 3. His daughter will be 1 this fall. Then he'll have a new born. My sister and I decided to get him a vasectomy for Christmas this year (KIDDING!)
My parents are pretty cool. My dad is an awesome cook, and unfortunately, I've only gotten part of those awesome skills from him. My mom is a pretty good cook too, but since my dad cooks all the time, my mother chooses not too. She bakes. Her peanut butter cookies are HEAVEN! My dad had a stroke my senior year in high school, and his personality changed completely-He's way cooler now. Oh yeah-my love for Neil Diamond comes from him. (If you don't know who Neil Diamond is, you go Google him, and find some of his music. He is a genius!)
I have some cousins and aunts and everything, but none that I really see on a regular basis, so they aren't going to be mentioned here. Moving on...

The Boy
"The Boy" is my boyfriend. Ethan and I met about a year ago, on MySpace. Yes. MySpace. He emailed me and told me I was weird. I was hooked. We are a very odd couple- but he's my type. he's got 5 tattoos, 8 piercings and a mohawk. He used to be a piercer, before he moved to Michigan from Alabama. He's got a pet ferret, Spaz, who rocks. He's the cutest little weasel I've ever encountered. The only problem that I have with The Boy's choice of pets: He said no to buying me a sea otter. What gives? Oh well. He's the best-he puts up with my very weird habits, and is so cool. *sigh* I'm lame.

The People
I have great friends. I've been in trouble with the law with some of them(Becky and Sara). I've lived with one of them(Rach, also known as Ray Charles), and was subsequently tied to the bed while I was sleeping (mean prank to play on your roomie..lemme tell ya) and have been prevented from going into a bar with one of them (Toni) (yes, alcohol was a large factor.) All in all, they rock. I'm glad I have "people" like them.

Okay. Guess that's it. I'm gonna wrap up my post with the usual, and find a new pic to put up here.

What I'm reading: "Kitchen Confidential" Anthony Bourdain, "The Problem of the Media" McChesney, "Queer Theory" Annamarie Jagose, "The West Wing" (I can't remember who edited it.)
What I'm listening to: "All Black" Good Charlotte (from the kickass new album Good Morning Revival)

And...I'm out!

oh baby!

2007-03-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

Wowza!!
I just got off the phone with my older sister. She called to tell me about my new neice, Sarahanne.

She weighed in at 8 lbs, 14 oz, and is 20 inches long...she's a chubby baby! I'm looking forward to seeing her in person tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully tomorrow night I'll have a picture to post on here of her.

That's it for now,
Tori

Introduction

2007-03-13T16:59:00.000-07:00

Alrighty...Here we go, ladies and gents!

About me...
I'm 20, originally from the East Side of Michigan (no, NOT Detroit...I'm north of there-way north.) I'm the youngest of 3 kids, and have an older bro and sis. My parents are still married, after almost 28 years. I'm the proud aunt to 2 nephews (Gabriel whi is 3, and Ethan who is 2) and 1 neice (Sophia-she's 6 months old.) In about a week and half, I'll have another neice, Sarahanne, who I'm totally geeked about. Being an aunt rocks, because I'm the "bad aunt" I feed them candy, let them watch whatever they want, and I teach them things like how to pick their nose. Best "job" in the world!

I go to Grand Valley State University, and only because it was a chance to get away from the town I grew up in, Harbor Beach. I'm a Communications major, but still have no clue what it is I'm doing. Meh. Oh yeah-I work on-campus for Campus Dining. I work at the downtown campus, at the Cafe/Gazebo. I also work with the Catering crew, which is awesome. I'll try to include stories about my job in this journal (I have crazy encounters-like the guy who asked for a Brillo pad to make a crackpipe. Honest.)

I'm blogging on here for a class I'm taking, which should be interesting. This blog is going to be mostly about my personal/daily life, and I'll try to include things like what I'm listening to that day, and what I'm reading, because I read alot (both textbooks and "fun" books) and I listen to a ton of music.

I have a boyfriend, Ethan. He's...amazing. (Lamest description ever, I know!) I'll talk about him a bit, I'm sure. He's a big part of my life. We've been together almost a year, and it's been interesting to say the least. We're very different from each other, enough to keep things interesting, but so much alike it's kind of scary! He's got a pet ferret, Spaz, who rocks. He looks like a panda. Hehe.

Just a disclaimer-I'm a very very odd person. I've got alot of strange quirks, and habits, and I'll probably mention them from time to time. Like my "texture issue" that I have...Certain textures, mostly food, really bother me. Like, to the point where I'll get a migraine. Not fun. I have weird quirks about things people say, too. Like the simple phrase "I know, right." Now that you've read it, you'll notice other people saying it constantly. Trust me.

I guess that's me for now. I'm sure I'll forget something I wanted to say, and wish I would have posted it, but there's always another post.

About comments:
Feel free to comment on ANYTHING that I've posted in my journal. Music, books, my job, my classes, if I've spelled a word incorrectly, let me know.

With that note,
I'm out!
Tori

Fightin' the Good Fight

long time gone

long time gone

it's been a while

the night is always darkest...

ugh

vacations galore

carnival of chaos

we're better together

long weekends, stuff like that

there's a special place in hell for people like me

sunday sunday sunday!

long day

dirty south

sunday night's alright, too

musings on a spring day

hi-oh!

babbling

spring ahead

ready set, don't go.

quick

relaxin'

it's a long slow slide...

what what??

*insert funny title here*

Brave New World

kiss my ass turkey

what a weekend!

stupid people

been a while

Dumbledore

hmmm

random thoughts

looooong time, no see...

"one more outburst sir..."

mmmhmmm

same bat time, same bat channel..

*sigh*

deep thoughts, and what have you...

September Morn....

movin' on up!

youtube shizz

boys=dumb

+/-

what are you? I'm BEER! WINE!

downtime

waking the fallen

hot as hades

ugh

train wrecks

school=expensive

Bad Children

75-25

emm eff

back from "vacation"

w00tage-your fist!

Mustard

engagement chicken

blog rating

*insert clever title here*

faves, again

batting 1000....

weekends

not in my town

good music

monday monday

chicken magic?

Beer Goggles

good lyrics

twice as much ain't twice as good

a bit of a sad note..

ozzfest 07

summer time...

wth?

your move, holy man...

beer thirty...

again and again...

You've come along way from whiskey and cocaine...

Spring is in the air...

Lazy Days

insert funny title here

sigh

insert clever title here