Family Matters Pt. 1

I have to say, this Father's Day was the best in recent memory.

I have a father...everyone does. But not having a "dad" of my own, and most of my friends being in the same boat, it was really nice to see how a father-child (well, grown child) could be. It was actually enjoyable doing something for Father's Day. In the past,  me and my mom would usually go visit 2 older (male) family friends, one who I called "Grandpa Bud" and one who was "Uncle Art." Yes, we gave gifts and spent time with each of them, but it never really felt like family. It was too calm. Too formal. Too many "niceties."

I have to say it was the same for all "family centered" holidays. Christmas. Thanksgiving. Easter. All holidays in which families typically get together and do something incredibly mundane, like go out to dinner all together. But to me, that was normal. I wanted nothing more than to argue over which family member's house everyone was going to and who was making what. Being pissed that I was stuck in the kitchen with the ladies while the men were watching football. Arguing about whose recollection of old memories rang truest, while Uncle Joe told gross jokes, and Aunt Jess got plastered...again. Which everyone pretended to get mad about but kind of enjoyed because it was hysterical.

Instead, I recall more than once having Chinese food or turkey sandwiches on Thanksgiving, and watching every movie we could sneak into on Christmas Day. I would be embarrassed when family friends would invite me and my mom over for holiday dinners, because it always seemed to be out of pity. "Aww, they don't have any other family to spend the holidays with, let's invite them over" or "why don't they have any other family?" seemed to be present questions looming in the air. We didn't want anyone's pity. We had chosen this path....or someone had, and I had no say in it.

That was, until college... but more on that later, in Part 2.

This Father's Day was spent with C and his parents. We went to a small restaurant for brunch. There was small annoyances...
"Ugh, that restaurant line is too long...let's see if the Cafe 72 line is shorter...",

corny jokes...
 "Hey, I got slippers! I always need slippers! And look, they're monogrammed- L and R!",

and playful banter...
C and his rents arguing over who was going to pay. I started giggling, and his mom goes "Yeah I bet your family is calm..." at which I answered "No, actually I'm pretty sure my mom is crazier than you!"

It was a good time. And though I'm sure the questions still loomed, at least from his mother's side, I didn't feel they were as palpable, or mean-spirited, as they felt coming from others.

The Monday Minute!

Time for another Monday Minute! Wanna play? Link up *here*.

1 - Have you ever had any feelings towards one of your teachers back in the day?

I had a crush on a high school history teacher. He wasn't even my teacher, but he was really cute!
And I'm currently in luurve with a high school history teacher...I'm seeing a trend here...

2 - What's the most embarrassing thing that happened while at work?

Having a pair of dirty underwear fall out of a pants leg. It fell out in the ladies room. I denied it was mine, but I threw them out later when no one was around.

3 - When was the last time you crapped yourself sharted?

A few years ago...at my ex's apt...while wearing his basketball shorts. So, so embarrassing. Lucky for me, I was already in the bathroom, so I was able to wash them right away. Obviously, I never told him.

4 - What is one thing you have always kept a secret and why have you kept this a secret for so long?

I'm not telling the secret right here, right now. Too much pressure! But I will say that I've only told 3 people the whole story, and I've kept it a secret for so long because 1) it's painful and uncomfortable to talk about, 2) hardly anyone would believe me if I did say it and 3) I am no longer friends with any of the 3 people I told...who I thought I would be bff's with forever, and I don't want to open up to anyone like that if they are not going to be in my life for a very, very long time.

5 - What's your best advice for us habitual coffee drinkers as to not have to poop right after drinking it?

I don't think there's anything that can be done!

GTKY Sunday

*to play..copy the questions..answer them..then come back here and link up*





The questions..

1. While at the beach, pool, etc..Do you cover up your assets or show them off?
I like to have something covering my booty. Other than that, I don't cover too much.

2. Road trips or Plane trips?
I haven't been on a road trip in a while, and having fun one one really depends on who you're with. I like plane because you get there faster.

3. I can't stand it when...?
My commute takes longer or I get to work late because of a late/broken train

4. Have you ever gone topless at the beach?
I have not. I'm not a big fan of my boobs- they're too small. But that's not to say that I never will- just haven't gotten up the courage yet.

5. How many blog carnivals do you do a week?
I don't know what that is...

6. My favorite thing about the weekend is...?
Not having to go to work! And being with C :)

7. Pancakes or waffles?
French toast!

8. Water Park or Amusement Park?
Amusement park with water rides!

Is This Summer?

That has been my face for the last 7.5 hours. So.Damn.Bored.

I think what is adding to my boredom is the fact that, for the first weekend in...I don't even know how long...C and I don't have plans.

Usually, we have something to do. Some obligatory baby birthday party. Regular birthday party. Said we would go visit somebody. And this weekend...nothing. I guess I should be happy- we can actually do what we want to do! Hooray! But no. Because I live for weekends, and I don't have anything to look forward to.... at least not until July 4.

And even that I'm not super excited for. Because I really wanted to take off July 1-2, and go to Montreal for the International Jazz Festival. But because of C's hestitance (which I later found out was becuase he didn't want to go to Canada on America's birthday), I was not able to take off work. And, obviously, we're not going to Montreal. Which I have been saying I wanted to go to for at least 6 months (not every day, but definitely mentioned more than once). So we can't go. But I do have a 3 day weekend. And we are going to a BBQ...

but it's...

how do I put this...

I like his friends. I really do. I've formed a bond with the other girls, and everything is cool. But lately,...well exccept for this week when I got to see 2 of my friends, one from college and the other a coworker (who I don't consider a true slash good friend, but a female whose company I enjoy and who was available to go out with me for Shecky's Girls Night Out), I really don't see my friends often.

It's not anyone's fault really. Where I live and work is not close to where any of them live or work. But take this weekend for instance. Like I said, we're free. And my good friend is having a party at her place. But she lives in Lancaster, PA (2.5 hrs away from my apt). And it's an evening party. With lots of games and drinking. Obviously, C can't drink and really have a good time (with these strangers...he's met my friend, but not her other friends) because he has to drive alllll the way back home after. (And yes, he has to drive because I don't know how to drive stick.) So I had to tell her we won't be able to make it. But I want to be able to make it! I want to see her! I want to see her place and play games and drink with her!

I just don't want it to be so damn difficult!!

Also, when left to our own devices, we usually wind up doing absolutely nothing. Which C loves. But I don't.

Take Memorial Day Weekend for example. We didn't have plans. But we waited too late and it was too expensive and too rushed to actually plan anything. So we wound up doing nothing. We tried to deal, and decided we would go out for our favorite, Trenton Tomato Pie. It's BYOB, so we bought a bottle and headed the 20 or so min there. Only to discover that they were closed. So we went to a hibachi restaurant that we'd past several times and wanted to check out. But there we found a Princeton University douchebag party. It was like a frat-sorority house had taken over. And they were all wasted and standing on chairs giving obnoxious speeches and starting sing-a-longs. I mean, it was funny, because it was so horrible, but not a nice romantic dinner like I was hoping for.

Another thing I was looking forward to was the Prom. Which I found out the day of (after having spent the night before trying on dresses and had already cleared with my boss that I would be leaving early) taht I wouldn't be able to attend because they had over-sold tickets. I wouldn't have been so disappointed if I had never been able to go anyway. But it was being held at the Camden Aquarium, and I went last year, and I really wanted to go. I tried to shrug it off like it didn't really matter, because at that point what else could I do, but I really was disappointed. I just sat home and did nothing. Fell asleep before C even got home despite all my attempts to stay awake.

*Sigh*

It's not that I haven't done anything fun. I went to see Cirque du Soleil's Ovo in late April. Followed by a concert by the awesome band Ozomatli, the Revlon Walk, a Phillies game, a Cinco de Mayo party, a BBQ, a brunch, and a Lost Finale party. But again....during all these things, I didn't see my friends.

And I don't have any plans to see my friends.

And I guess that's what's bothering me most. Obviously, I'm most comfortable with people I've known longer, who I didn't meet through C. I have no plans for tonight, while C is at a Phillies game. I have no plans for this weekend, and though C says we'll go to the beach or "do something", I'm doubtful. I'm semi- looking forward to the 4th of July BBQ. I'm definitely looking forward to July 12th, where me and all his "friends-girlfriends-who-have-now-become-friends" are going on a Girl's Beach Day. 

Other than that...I'm just kinda "eh." And I've been that way for a little while now, and I'm kinda getting tired of it. I'd like to see my friends more. I'd like to live closer to them. Or have a car so I can go see them without taking 5 hours to get there (via public trans) or making C drive.

But what can ya do?

Wednesday Wickedness

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Wickedness. We are like other memes in that we will ask you ten questions each and every Wednesday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

Today we picked Bruce Springsteen. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. “When it comes to luck, you make your own.” Do you believe you have that type of control over your luck?
Not at all. I don't think you can "make your own luck." I think that some things just happen for a reason, and you have no control over it, but it all works out in the end.(That does not mean I believe people should just sit back and let life happen to them though- I think the decisions one makes will lead them in a particular direction, but at some point luck and/or fate take over. I'm a romantic at heart.)

2. “You've got to learn to live with what you can't rise above.” What is something you have had difficulty rising above?
Yeast.

3. “Poor men wanna be rich, rich men wanna be kings, and a king ain’t satisfied till he rules everything.” Would you want to be rich?
No, I don't want to be rich. I want to be "comfortable." And not have any debt.

4. “The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with.” Tell us about a song that helps you "face the world."
This song changes with the seasons. Right now it is "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy ft. Bruno Mars.



5. “In America everything's about who's number one today.” Have you ever been a fan of someone you thought would last but turned out to be a flash in the pan?
Not anyone famous, but yes, I've definitely done that with friends.

6. “Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse?” Has any dream of yours come true?
Yes.

7. “Our American government has strayed too far from American values. It is time to move forward. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting.” What would you change if you became the president?
I would never want to be President. Someone is going to criticize you no matter what you do- you just can't please everybody. Next!

8. "Yeah, I had gay friends. The first thing I realized was that everybody's different, and it becomes obvious that all of the gay stereotypes are ridiculous." How do you feel about gay rights?
I'm all for gay rights. Let them get married, have babies, adopt babies, be free. Gay people are still people- they should have the same rights regardless of who they want to sleep with at night.

9. " It's a sad man my friend who's living in his own skin and can't stand the company." Have you ever been disappointed in yourself?
I'm usually disappointed in myself at least once a week.

10. "The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with." What's your favorite type of music? What's your favorite band?
First off...why is this quote on here again? Did Bruce Springsteen really have that little to say, that this one liner had to be put on here twice? And if so, maybe the quiz-maker should've chose someone else. Just sayin.

I like pop. And I know the words to most pop songs, and singing releases endorphins, the happy hormones, so then I'm happy,...or at least happier. I like some rock too, for the lyrics.

Sunday Stealing: The Dark Side

1. You’re building your dream house. What’s the one thing that this house absolutely, positively MUST HAVE? (other than the obvious basics of course)
Fireplace. The apartment I have now is the first one I've ever had, and in the winter, it is wonderful! And an outdoor hot tub. With a patio os at least some kind of covering over it. One of the houses I rented out right after college had this, and even in winter it was so relaxing to sit out there, with a jet massaging your back, and a cold beer in hand!

2. What is your dream car?
Oh ya know...Maserati...Aston Martin...Bugatti...

3. What is your favorite website that isn’t a blog?
Facebook

4. iPhone 4 or Droid, which do you want?
Uhh don't really know the difference, so whichever!

5. When you’re feeling down or lonely or just generally out of sorts, what do you do to cheer yourself up?
Watch TV, talk to a friend, surf the internet, clean, read magazines...

6. Tell me about something or someone that you love that most people seem to hate.
The Jersey Shore. I loooove that show- it's so bad it's good.

7. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Child psychologist/ couselor.

8. Would you go on a reality show if given the chance?
Depends what the show is. Something like Tough/True Love, maybe. Something like Real World, Real Housewives of East Bumblef*ck, Jersey Shore, no.

9. Who was your favorite teacher when you were growing up. (Grade school, Middle School, Jr. High or High School only.)
Miss Weber. She was my music teacher from 4th-8th grade. She used to stay afterschool to chat, and sometimes we'd go out for ice cream. We still keep in touch :)

10. You get one pass to do something illegal or immoral. What are you gonna do?
Ooooh...waaaaay too many things!

11. What were you doing 10 years ago?
Going to high school, and I think working at the town summer camp as a counselor in the summer.

12. By this time next year, I ...
Will hopefully have less debt, live closer to work (or work closer to where I live, whichever), make more money, and have more shoes :D

13. Do you think the United States will elect a female President in your lifetime? Do you think this would be a good thing?
I think it could definitely happen. I'm not much into politics though, so can't say whether it would be good or not.

14. Which fictional, TV show character you would shag anytime?
Most of the celebrities I would want a free pass with are in movies. So...I guess Paul Walker...he's on some TV show now I think...I wouldn't want to shag a "character"- sorry.

15. What is your greatest pet peeve?
Goodness I have so many, I can't pick just one. But one that is anooying me at the moment is people who talk with their mouth full of food. so.gross.

16. Tell me about your most recent trip of more than 100 miles?
I honestly don't remember my last real trip more athn 100 miles...it was probably to a friend's bbq.
17. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?
Thesaurus

18. Do you have a nickname? What is it?
Lil Desiqua. And cocobutt. Couple others, but those are my fave...

19. What are you dreading at the moment?
Checking my bank account...and a certain someone's wedding.

20. Do you worry that others will judge you from reading some of your answers?
Nope. You can judge me alll you want!

21. In two words, explain what ended your last relationship.
overbearing -and- impotence

22. What were you doing this morning at 8am?
Riding on a train to work

23. Do you have any famous relatives?
Nope

24. How many different beverages have you drank today?
2, coffee and soda

25. What is something you are excited about?
July 16th- taking off work for girls' day at the beach...REALLY hope it doesn't rain!

26. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group?
Oh goodness...I think 2006. I had to speak in front of a large audience of all parents for Freshman Orientation at Penn State on behalf of the Student Activities Office.

27. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
I need to do something with this hair...

 28. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Prepping for today, going to bed

29. What’s a word that you say a lot?
Seriously

30. Who is your worst enemy?
I have 2. Both not going to be listed here, sorry!

Getting to Know You Sunday

*To play..copy the questions..answer them..then come back here and link on up*


The questions..
1. If you could have one of Superman's, powers which one would you want? Superhuman strength..Flight..Superhuman speed..X-Ray vision..etc
Speed...I'm always in a rush!

2. The best thing I ever won is....?
Hmm not sure. I hardly ever win anything. I suppose winning $42 at Roulette in PR was pretty cool.

3. Have you ever skyped with a bloggy friend?
Nope, don't really use Skype.

4. What is your favorite Summer month?
July. I love 4th of July, and bbq's, and the hot weather! Though August is close second because by then most un-heated pools are warm, and rivers, and even the ocean seems warmer!

5. Pool, Lake, or Ocean?
I used to go to Girl Scout camp every summer when I wasa  kid, where we had to having swimming lessons in the mornings and it was always so cold, so now I'm quite "anti-lakes." I like the ocean, much more in the Caribbean though where it's warmer, plus I don't like getting sand in my shorts! So I guess pool :p

6. One of my favorite Summer memories is.....?
Summer of 2002, and Summer Excel.
I had just graduated high school, was accepted into college and going early for a summer program, was innocent and naive...I was still friends with a lot of friends from high school and met some great (at the time) people at college, had my first couple alcoholic beverages, was living away from home, people thought I was "cute/attractive looking" for the first time ever, made out (several times) with my crush...such a great summer.

7. What's your favorite secret bargain?
Sephora online sales, because you usually get an awesome free gift on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Old Navy flip flops, but that's no secret. And street fairs/flea markets, just because it's fun to look around- and you can usually find some cheap and interesting things!

8. Do you plan on or have you been watching the World Cup?
I saw part of it this past Saturday becuase I was slightly bored at a baby birthday party and it was on,...maybe I'll watch more towards the end when it's more suspenseful.