July 1, 2002Monday Mission 7/1/02
1. In the United States of America, it was recently ruled that the phrase "one nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional. Do you agree with this ruling? Should the phrase "under God" be removed? Why?
I'm not really sure how I feel about this.
2. When was the last time you took a road trip? Where did you go and what did you do?
This weekend. Jeff & I went to Carlisle, PA for the All Truck Nationals. We walked around the fairgrounds all day looking at trucks; big ones, little ones, new ones, old ones. Truck, trucks, trucks! Agghh!! :)
3. Do you have any vacations planned for this summer? Already gone? Where to and what?
True vacation, no. But we seem to be out of town just about every weekend, so maybe they could be considered mini-vacations.
4. What is the most drastic change to your appearance that you have ever made? Are you brave enough to post a photo?
Well, in middle school I tried to spiral perm my hair. That pretty much sucked. And then a couple years ago I cut it really short, like to my chin. Pretty drastic considering 2 years before it was almost to my waist. Can't say I've really done anything terribly crazy.
5. Tell me about something to which you are committed?
Umm..uhh..
6. Now tell me about something you just flat-out gave up on.
Umm...uhh...
7. (new saga) I've had it, this place is just wearing me out. You too? We need a break! Let's head out and go someplace new. You make the plans, I'll get things ready. So what do you have it mind, and did you want me to pick up anything special to pack for the trip?
We're going to the beach baby!
BONUS: Where is my hairbrush?
Under the bed.
Posted by Olivia at 11:56 AM | Comments (5)
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July 3, 20024 day weekend ahead!
This feels like the last day of school..when you're too excited about vacation to concentrate on what you're supposed to be doing.
Yeh, that's how I feel. Well, sorta. I just want to go back to bed.
Don't you love it when the boss is gone, and everyone complains about him/her and they way they do things? Ahh...the working life.
Posted by Olivia at 10:00 AM | Comments (5)
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July 8, 2002Monday Mission 07/08/02
1. Have you had to repair anything lately? Did you do it yourself or have someone else do it?
Repairs..hmm..can't think of anything lately. I like to do them myself, unless they're car related, then Jeff gets those :)
2. Do you work out or exercise? Or is there anything you do each day for your health?
Hahahahahaaha!!!
3. Are you a modest person? That is, would you be embarrassed for someone (an acquaintance, a friend, a stranger) to see you nude?
I'm fairly modest, sure.
4. Some smells that I just can not stand are bags of grass clippings that have sat in the hot sun for a few days, burned hair and vomit (although, thankfully, I have not had to smell them all at the same time). What are some odors that you just can not stand to smell?
Besides those (not sure about the grass clippings though): seafood, burning rubber and/or brakes, paper factories.
5. Are there any social situations that make you uncomfortable?
Any? Let's just say most.
6. Has a friend or an employer ever asked you to do something you felt was unethical or? What was it and what happened?
If some one asks me to do something I feel is unethical, I would tell them no. If they are a true friend, they will respect that decision.
7. (continued) Well, we are not yet at our destination, though the way you described it, it sounds simply amazing. What is the first thing we should do once we get there?
I've forgotten what's going on with this..doh! vacation!
BONUS: In this whole world, what is fair?
Not a whole lot. But what IS fair? How do we define fair?
Posted by Olivia at 2:18 PM | Comments (2)
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July 8, 2002Flags, baseball, and more baseball.
It's not really time to come back to work, is it? Why does free time always seem to go by much faster that during the work week? I hope everyone had a most enjoyable 4th of July.
Jeff & I started off the holiday with Mike & Lauren. The three of them hit the gym for some too-early-for-me-workouts. After everyone got cleaned up we met up at their place and went south to Lauren's dad's house, to drop off an ottoman they're having recovered. After talking with the step family we made our way over to Chesterfield Mall. After a quick stop in the food court for lunch, the original idea was to shop for decorative home items. Unfortunately there are pretty much only apparel-related stores in this mall, so we didn't really accomplish much. So onward we went to Kelly's for a cookout. Later that night we piled in the various vehicles in search of fireworks. We ended up at a gas station outside King's Dominion (with quite a few other people) where we waited about an hour for the fireworks to start. They were ok. Kelly & Jon went on back home and the four of us went back to Mike & Lauren's to watch Orange County.
After a late night Jeff & I slept in a little on Friday, but had plenty of time to hit Home Depot & Lowes to continue pricing appliances, before meeting Eric & Kelly for the baseball game. Fireworks were also being done that night at the stadium, so the game was packed. The Braves lost, but not until the very end. After we finally got back to the car, Eric took us to the Third Street Diner. Scary place. Well, to me it was. Creepy people, sticky tables. Eric said he and his friends used to go there when they were in high school, so the atmosphere didn't bother him too much. Yikes, think I'll stick to the chain restaurants. :)
Saturday we slept in way too late and had no time to do anything before the X Mug Cookout at 3. X Mug, the Macintosh User Group Jeff's involved in, had planned a cookout/baseball game outing for it's members. We met up at Bryan Park and hung out until about 6:15 or so, when we headed back down to the Diamond for another exciting baseball game. (Can you tell I'm not a huge sports fan?) I think everyone had a pretty good time.
Sunday was another lazy day. We ran some errands, stopped by the dirt to take pictures of the flags(!), then went out to Garden Ridge. Poor Jeff, I bet his feet still hurt :) After driving around until we bypassed the backed up traffic on 95, we made it home. And for the first time this summer, we went to the pool. That's right folks, we actually decided to out on bathing suits and just do it. The water was so warm (after several days of 100 degree weather I would hope it was!) and relaxing. We might just do it again today!
But first, I must keep working...have a lot to catch up on after end-of-the-year and holiday pileups. Ick. Oh well..hope everyone is having a great Muhnday!!
Posted by Olivia at 3:17 PM | Comments (2)
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July 10, 2002Pre-Construction Meeting
Well, as Jeff mentioned, we had our pre-construction meeting today with one of the builders. Basically, the idea was to go over all the options we had selected, to make sure they had it all correct, and it was still what we wanted. Like we would pay $300 just to change something now!!
We had come up with a couple of questions to ask as well, so after that Jeff & I walked down to see how it was coming. The had already dug for the footers and were pouring concrete! Yay!
Looks like everything is pretty much on schedule. So far, ours is the only building to be completed in September, so they shouldn't fall behind. Mike, the builder, (not unlike Bob the builder) said that once the building's under roof he'll be able to give us a better idea of an actual move in date. But for now it's still looking like mid-September. Very cool!!
Posted by Olivia at 4:37 PM | Comments (7)
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July 15, 2002Monday Mission 07/15/02
1. Have you ever sold anything through an online auction? What did you sell and did you make very much?
Nope, haven't sold anything.
2. Have you ever bought anything through an online auction? How was your experience?
Oh yes, many times. Love ebay. It's addicting!
3. Do you like the sun? Getting a suntan? Have you ever had a bad sunburn?
I get a bad sunburn at least once every summer. Hopefully I've already had mine for the season! Even knowing how bad the sun is for your skin, I still like to have a little tan; don't want to be pasty white in the middle of July!
4. Are you a vegetarian? Why? If not, have you ever considered it?
Indeed I am.
5. Suppose you are getting into your car after you've just made your purchase from a store you visit twice a week. You suddenly realize you had a .35¢ item in your hand and you forgot to pay for it. What would you do next? (what *would* you do, not what *should* you do)
Oh yikes. Should: walk back in and pay for it. Would: walk back in and pay for it. Or just put it back on the shelf!
6. Sometimes it seems that there is just not enough time to do everything that must be done. Was there anything you wanted to accomplish this weekend that didn't get done?
Well, considering I was not at home this weekend, I didn't get anything done! I have laundry to do, bills to pay, apartment to clean, etc...
7. What is your favorite game to play with a group and/or an individual? (board game, computer game, athletic, etc.)
Hmm..that's a rather broad question. I like to watch people play board games more that I like to play. And I don't like playing physical sports. I do like things like badmitten and koosh, though. :) Computer games: The Sims, solitaire, and mah jong are my favorite. Video: Dr Mario, Ms Pacman.
BONUS: One headline why believe it?
What?
Posted by Olivia at 12:47 PM | Comments (4)
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July 17, 2002MacWorld 2002
Well, the plan this morning was to watch Steve Jobs keynote from MacWorld NY. I even got to work early. And it was going great (the plan that is), until my machine decided it couldn't handle streaming video and Excel spreadsheets at the same time. So I lost the sound. And the only way to get it back? Restart Quicktime. Stupid PC's. Lost the stream at 10:30. Couldn't get back on. Missed the unveiling of the new 17in display iMac. Oh well, I guess I got to see most of the other stuff though.
Here's a short list of some of the new/improved things:
Features included in 10.2:
iChat-built in intant messenger, compatible with AIM
Rendezvous-networking technology
Sherlock 3-very much like Watson
Some other stuff:
New iPods
Quicktime 6-with MPEG-4 technology
It's good they're focusing on applications and useability of programs for OS X. I know people are always hyped up about the next machine, or hardware device that's rumored to be in the works, but what good is it if there are no programs to run on it?
Posted by Olivia at 11:40 AM | Comments (4)
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July 18, 2002Broadband? If we're lucky..
After days, ok, maybe not days. After hours, ok, maybe not even hours. After a few minutes of being on hold with AT&T, I finally got to talk to a person!! And would you believe that I didn't even wait on hold today AT ALL!!??!! Wow!
So anyways...
What I wanted to know is if Broadband service is going to be available at our new house. Doesn't that sound cool? Our new house. Ok, back to the subject at hand. The customer service rep I talked to couldn't give me any info (I know what you're thinking, but just hold on). I guess they either, 1) Don't have access to that kinda stuff or B) AT&T just doesn't keep up with new areas they could expand to.
So ok, now you're thinking, "great, never going to find out," right? Wrongo! She's going to have them survey the area to see if it's possible!! How cool is that??
Now of course we just have to see if it really happens...
..until next time...
Posted by Olivia at 5:34 PM | Comments (3)
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July 19, 2002Friday Five 07/19/02
1. Where were you born?
Florence, SC
2. If you still live there, where would you rather move to? If you don't live there, do you want to move back? Why or why not?
I don't live there, and no, I don't want to move back. I don't know anyone there and it's a smaller town than I like being in. Plus, I don't remember ever living there, so I have no emotional ties.
3. Where in the world do you feel the safest?
No place is absolutely safe.
4. Do you feel you are well-traveled?
I've done my fair share. I guess being a military brat has it's advantages!
5. Where is the most interesting place you've been?
They're all interesting in their own way. Each place offers a different culture and customs to learn about.
Posted by Olivia at 11:44 AM | Comments (4)
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July 19, 2002In my past life?
At first I thought, people asking me for advice? Nah. but maybe it's not so far off :) Anyone believe in past lives?
Posted by Olivia at 5:20 PM | Comments (6)
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July 22, 2002Monday Mission 07/22/02
1. Do you remember your first encounter with computers? Tell me about that.
Believe it or not, I didn't start using computers until I went to college. I had typed papers at my dad's office once or twice in high school, and played Word/Number Munchers in middle school, but that doesn't really count. The dorm I lived in freshman year had a computer lab in the basement. And that's where it all went downhill :)
2. How late can you stay up and still be functional the next day? Do you do that very often?
Well, it depends on the day; what I've done the day before, and what I'll be doing the day I have no sleep. I'm starting to need more and more sleep though. I hate that. In college we used to stay up until 2, 3, 4, and still be productive the next day. Now, if I don't get at least 6 hours of sleep I'm pretty useless.
3. When was the last really good hug you got from another adult? Who was it and what was the situation?
I suppose that would have to be Jeff. And does there have to be a situation to get a hug?
4. One thing about children is that they all like to draw. We all shared the same ability and skill level at one time. Do you still like to draw? (Not do you think you draw well, or do others, but do you like to?) If not, how come? Did you get discouraged at some point?
I love to draw, color, paint. I'm not good at all, never claimed to be. But it's so much fun just to doodle. I get discouraged when what I'm doing is for a grade. Good thing I don't have to deal with that now!
5. I way overslept today. I had to head to work with no shower (don't get too close), and I am not in the best of moods. Have you ever overslept on a day you had something important going on? What's the story there?
Oh yes. I oversleep a lot! I guess that's what happens when I don't get in bed earlier enough to get my 6 hours in before the alarm goes off! The worst time though (that I can remember right now), was, once again, in college. I stayed up really late studying for a final exam. And yep, you guessed it. I slept right through it. But I talked to my professor and he let me come in later that day to take it. :)
6. Ever go shopping for something you know you can't afford? You look at it and even think about how it will look when you get it home, somehow you justify the cost and believe it can happen? And just before you get to the counter come to your senses? What was the last thing you almost bought, but thought better of it? And why the heck do we do that to ourselves?
Umm..no. Sure, I dream a lot, but I've never actually gotten to the register before I decided I couldn't afford it.
7. (It begins again...) It's all such a blur now. I'd asked you to help me wake up but the alarm didn't go off. It was 10 till and just I knew I'd be late. Somehow you got me here on time. How did you do that?
It wasn't me!
BONUS: Can't you see, you belong to me?
How my poor heart aches with every step you take
Every move you make ...
Posted by Olivia at 1:50 PM | Comments (9)
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July 24, 2002Sniffing for networks
As Jeff has already mentioned (beat me to it again!), we went sniffing around the West End for wireless networks. Can't say I've ever done that before. We found quite a few; most of them unprotected so we were able to get on and surf the web. I know, I know, what a geeky thing to spend your evening doing. But it was something else to do besides watch TV.
Hmm..what else? Nope, that's about it!
Posted by Olivia at 12:46 AM | Comments (3)
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July 26, 2002Friday Five 7/26/02
1. How long have you had a weblog?
Oh, since January 2002.
2. What was your first post about?
Starting my blog, and a random paragraph from a cookbook from the 70's, see.
3. How many changes (name, location, etc.) of your weblog have there been, if more than one?
None. This is the only site I've had. Excluding my little bit of space on RU's servers.
4. What CMS (content management system) do you use? Do you like it or do you want to try something else?
I use greymatter. That's what I started with and although I don't always understand the logic of it, I'm pretty comfortable using it and am not planning on changing anytime soon.
5. Do you read people who have both a journal and a weblog? Or do you prefer to read people who have all of their writing in one central place?
What really, is the difference between a journal and a blog?
Posted by Olivia at 9:36 AM | Comments (2)
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July 26, 2002NKOTB & other fun stuff!
Today has been a typical Friday. With the exception of the giant spider in the kitchen here at work. Yikes!
This moring started off with us waking up at 8:30, throwing clothes and, and rushing out in the pouring rain to get to work. Should have brought some soap! It must have rained for a good two and half to three hours. But we sure needed it. As I pulled into the parking lot at work and contemplated how I was going to get in the building with the least amount of water on me, Q94, a fairly top 40/Alternative radio station started playing a familiar tune. Maybe they were doing flashback Friday or something, I don't know, but there must have been a good reason for them to play New Kids on the Block. :) Yay!
Come on now, don't deny it, we all loved the New Kids "back in the day." They were cool.
Posted by Olivia at 4:34 PM | Comments (3)
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July 29, 2002East Coast Nationals
Friday night Jeff & I met up with Brian, Mike, Lauren & Chris at, where else? Fridays of course! After some good food & drinks we tried to catch a movie, but alas it was too late. So we ended up back at Mike & Lauren's and watched The Majestic. I thought it was a pretty good movie. It was neat to see Jim Carrey in a different type of role. Since Jeff & I had to be up so early the next day we had to get home after the movie. At least we got to spend some time with you guys, right?
East Coast Nationals was a weekend full of trucks (& cars), sun, and lots of bugs. Lots of bugs. Did I mention lots of bugs? The show was held a RIR (Richmond International Raceway), out in the field. I think it might normally be the parking area. And for some reason, there were tons of Japanese beetles out there. They would just run right into you, the vehicles, the tents, didn't matter. It was really gross.
Jeff met up with some of the Custom Tacos guys (Jimmy, Juan, Dan, and Jake) Saturday morning and headed down to the show. He came back and picked me up later. There was a really big turnout, so lots to look at. Too bad the bugs made it nearly impossible to stand in one place for a long time. After a quick walk through most of the vehicles, they fired up the grill and started eating lunch. By mid-afternoon it clouding up so we started packing. Before we could get everything in the trucks it began to pour. Since Jeff's truck was parked on the other side of the field, in the spectator parking, we jumped in Dan's truck to get out of the rain.
After we finally got out of there we we headed back to our place. Dan's friend Jake and his son Brandon came with us. We dried off, played with Play-Doh (me & Brandon), played on the computer (the boys), then decided to get some food. Mike & Brian met us at Outback for dinner. After eating we decided to ride back over to RIR to see if anything was going on since the rain had stopped. After a scenic tour of downtown Richmond we made it there only to find everyone gone. By then it was 10:30 so we went back to our place. We convinced Jake to stay instead of driving back to Northern Virginia, and all crashed by midnight.
Sunday started off with breakfast at McDonalds then more driving back over to RIR. The staff from the show were letting anyone park in the field so Jeff got to park with Dan & Jake. We set up the tent and hung out there fighting the bugs off again. They didn't seem quite as bad as Saturday, but it was still pretty annoying.
After a walk through the vendor area we were roasting, so Jeff drove(cruised) me & Dan around the show to get out of the sun and have to AC on us. Ice cream trucks were riding around tempting us with they're cold treats. We finally gave in and got some. Brandon had this Sponge Bob popsicle that he couldn't eat fast enough so it started melting all over him (he's only 2, almost 3). Red and yellow sticky everywhere; it was really cute.
Awards were originally scheduled to start at 2, but since the rain delayed everything the were running a little behind. We stayed for most of those then headed out and parted ways on 95.
Jeff & I decided to see if anything else had been done with the house (of course not), and when we got back, fell asleep immediately. It's amazing how the sun just completely drains all energy from you. Brian called as we were waking up, stuck in traffic on 95. I told him to come on over to wait it out a while. He and Jeff spent most of the time troubleshooting website. What geeks. Jeff & I tried to watch the race after he left, but kept falling asleep. So if anyone out there saw it, I don't want to know who won!! With all the delays they had at the beginning, I don't have all of it taped, but there's no sense in watching the rest if I already now who the winner is.
And now it's Monday. I've been at work for an hour and a half, and have done absolutely no work. I guess I need to. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! What did YOU do?
Posted by Olivia at 10:31 AM | Comments (3)
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July 30, 2002Monday Mission 7/29/02
A little late, but nonetheless...PromoGuy's Monday Mission
1. What is your favorite snack food? Does anyone you know have weird tastes in snacks?
I'm not sure I have a favorite, I like too many. Way too many to list here! And I can't think of anyone with weird tastes in snacks. I mean, what's really weird? I believe anything can become a snack food.
2. Ever caught yourself saying "well it can't get any worse" and it does? What's the story there?
Actually no, I can't think of a single time.
3. I have a super-short attention span, and it always was my downfall in school, especially math class. What's your attention span like and how has it served you?
My attention span varies depending on what I'm doing. If it's something I'm really into, and enjoying, I could be there for hours. Otherwise, my mind drifts and I start to look at other things.
4. Do you believe in the existence of extra-terrestrials?
Not sure on that one yet.
5. What do you think of the whole "crop circles" phenomenon?
I don't know that much about them, but I wonder how they can just appear and no one saw a thing..fishy.
6. Ever had a time where you begin visiting with someone you don't know all that well and just find you "click" like long lost pals? Tell me about how that came to happen, and who was it? What kind of things do you have in common?
Umm..no. It usually takes me a while to open up to anyone.
BONUS: How can I forget you, girl?
That's right! How could you!?
Posted by Olivia at 9:19 AM | Comments (6)
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July 31, 2002Humpday Mission 7/31/02
1. Which is your favorite Indiana Jones movie?
Can't say I'm really a big fan..
2. What ever happened to the Spice Girls?
Umm..uhh..where's Hanson?
3. What's your favorite reality television show, if any?
I'm not much into the reality shows, but Meet my Folks has been pretty amusing.
4. I've got one hand in my pocket, and the other is.....? (don't make your answer dirty, people!)
And the other one is givin a high five. (I don't even like high five's..they just look weird)
5. What about all those independent contractors working on the second Death Star when it blew up?
Huh? What? I guess I don't get out much.
6. Jigga who?
Jigga what?
7. Word association. I say 'cheese' - you say.....?
it's, poofs, balls, doodles, pizza, sticks, toast..mm...cheese..is it lunch time yet?
Posted by Olivia at 3:02 PM | Comments (2)
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