A Swift Kick & A Band-Aid

Norfolk

Short story: Norfolk was AWESOME!

Long Version:
18 students and 1 Navy Commander (currently attached to our program) met outside our building on campus and away we went for a grand adventure through Virginia. It took less than the 4 hrs to get there that we had planned for and I managed to get a little bit more sleep on our little bus.
We got to the base and checked out the ships for a bit before lunch. We headed to Breezy Point Officer's Club and parked ourselves to enjoy the view...I mean have a nice meal.

Then came the tour of aircraft carrier #71, the USS Theodore Roosevelt. We had a very nice female public affairs officer and a weapons officer take us around the ship and show us all kinds of nifty things. The mural painted on one of the hanger bay doors was sweet and the ship's moose & museum were informative. We had an especially good time trying not to kill ourselves on all the ladders too. The views from the navigation deck and the flight deck were pretty dramatic and awe inspiring. Finally getting to see the Ouija board was damn rad too!

Next was the tour of the submarine, the USS Albany. The pier guard didn't know we were coming so there was a little confusion for a moment. Then someone from the sub that did know we were coming came out and bitched at the guard for leaving the Commander out in the rain with the rest of us. He he he... Apparently only the Officers of the sub knew we were coming and they failed to mention it to the rest of the crew. Things were sort of messy since they were doing maintenance but I think the Commander was the only one that really cared. Anyhow - We had to break into two groups for the tour - I was in the second so I got rained on a little more. Our tour guide was great. He was a torpedo guy that was proud of his ship. We got a much less technical and more 'this is how things are' type tour from him. People in different areas explained their jobs to us in their words and what their life on the ship is like. We BS'd around with those guys forever. They were great at answering all of our questions, showing off the equipment, and entertaining the crowd. Oh, and flirting with the 6 or 7 women...

We all walked away from the day feeling very privileged to have been allowed on such magnificent ships.

It was a good day, my friends...a good day...

Pre-Norfolk

I am so hatin life right now...
3 hrs sleep, delirious, and grouchy...
In fact, I'm ready to kill the person that invented this time of day...

Anyhow, I am off to play with some Navy boys today.

I'll let you know how it went, once I get back.

BAI!

Stupid Commercials

I was interrupted by an extremely stupid commercial today as I indulged my post-research-conducting-temporarily-on-strike self with a guilty pleasure - soaps. Well, it’s not really plural... I only really follow one with any semblance of regularity. It’s Passions, the stupidest one (if that's possible), so the laughter it generates sort of makes me feel better about watching the drama unfold. I only semi know what is going on with the Days of Our Lives cast and the only reason I care is I started watching when I HS classmate was given a permanent role.

Anyhow...I'm eating my lunch, watching TV, enjoying the nice weather, smiling at the sweet smell of flowers drifting off my coffee table ... and a commercial comes on. Whatever...blah blah blah...another commercial...blah blah blah...then the offending advertisement. There's this woman prancing around a meadow in a black flowing dress with a wrap she is flinging around like its rhythmic gymnastics at the Olympics. She is longing for a scent, poking her head in and out of secluded areas as she searches for it. She is a total whiner in that stupid perfume ad whisper and acts like her life will end if she doesn't find the necessary scent. Naturally this looks like a perfume ad, right? No...It’s a Snuggle ad. They've got some new scent about emeralds that they want you to try.

You know what? Your commercial was so annoyingly stupid, I'm not going to try it...just to spite you...you damn Snuggle bear with your damn laugh and damn showing up in the middle of stuff...

Spiked Drinks? Pshh...

So some college student created a hollow glass in some fancy schmancy way to prevent drinks from being spiked at a club. CNN will tell you all about it if you like. But is such technology really necessary? I say no.

In fact, I found my own solution to this problem and successfully implemented it several years ago. I call my invention 'The Shot.' Perhaps you've heard of it? From what I can tell it is all the rage with concerned citizens such as myself. And its not just for women - men need to be concerned as well (just look at what Norway is coming to these days...)

Here's how it works:
1. You go order your alcohol of choice - in my case this is generally tequila, Jaeger, or whiskey.
2. The bartender pours it in a glass.
3. You immediately drink it.
Unless your bartender is in on a scam against you - you're good. Have your drink and no worries when Mr. Dreamy comes by to ask you to dance. Nothing to hold when that perfect song comes on and you simply MUST dance with your girls. Or, when Mr. Creepy comes by he can no longer ask what you’re drinking and offer to buy you another. If he offers to buy a drink anyway you simply say, my friend is bringing one, sorry.

All drink, no spike. Problem solved.

If you don't like the taste of your favorite alcohol straight, have no fear - there is still a shot for you...and they have all kinds of cute names so you can still be feminine about your drink (if you so choose). If you aren't into cute names then just go for it straight. Ladies, this sometimes has the added bonus of catching additional male attention, assuming you can hold your liquor. Nothing says tigress like a hot babe that can hold her own at the bar - men love a challenge.

Bring on the good times Ladies & Gents...its all about the shot!

Exploding Toads?

I always knew that Germany was weird (their unique porn industry and all) but exploding toads? This is just down right bizarre...

"The toads at a pond in the upscale neighborhood of Altona have been blowing up since the beginning of the month, filling up like balloons until their stomachs suddenly burst."

Well that's gotta screw up your property value...dead toad goo all over...

Go read the rest

Stress Relief

Before my presentation last night I had to do something with my stress. I highly recommend these two options for anyone needing to distract themselves and smile on the inside (at least a little).

1. Pop bubble wrap ... ONLINE! No need to waste the real stuff...
Just go here instead...

2. Set off some fireworks ... ONLINE! Just visit what remains of my first website and blow off all the fireworks you want. But if you've got a subwoofer, make sure the volume isn't too loud. They make a nice boom. Try it!

If you don't enjoy one of these two activities I'm putting out an amber alert for your inner child...right after I report you as a murder suspect for killing the poor child.

I'm Bored

And I'm awesome...

Home Is Where I Belong...

See? I'm not just homesick...I belong there

Floor Vents

Ok, these vents on the floor of my breadbox sided bedroom...Not cool! Yes, I understand the point of hot air rises, 'better' heating, etc. However, this room is already the hottest room in the house. And vents on the floor means I can only arrange my furniture so many ways. Since it was winter I just covered them up with my bed and my desk...I'd sweat my ass off if I had even more heat pumping in here. So now that its getting warmer, I'm screwed.

I am itching to rearrange the furniture like you couldn't believe. Its a thing I do. Its like wiping the slate clean I suppose. Or maybe its my way of changing the view so I don't get bored. Why I do it is not the point. The point is, I really don't have any new options on what to do with my furniture because if I cover up the vents during the summer, I get no AC. No AC = VERY unhappy Princess.

$*$@%*^#$_$_*&#@!#@ wrong coast ...
*&^$%$%#!@#$$% architechture ...

I just want to move the furniture dammit...why is that so much to ask?

Outer Space

So...I had an interesting experience this semester in grad school. I got screwed by the administration (as usual) and had to give up on one of the concentrations for my degree (which completely pissed me off) but I've ended up in a pretty interesting situation out of the whole deal. I know, the semester isn't exactly over but with this space research out of the way, it might as well be. I have stressed over this point for hours and hours. Just sitting in class and joking with my classmates, I felt so much better. Getting the presentation out of the way felt a thousand times better. Afterward we said our goodbyes because it was our final class. One of my classmates who has a good 5 yrs in space oriented work experience for notable employers came up after class and complimented me on my presentation. Day one I walked in knowing nothing and didn't try to pretend. She remembered that and commented on how much my presentation proved I had learned and how well I had done. It felt great. To be honest, I'm shocked that I wrote this piece. I didn't know crap about space, let alone military space a few months ago... I've actually learned something ... whoa...
Anyhow, getting screwed on my courses led me to pick up a concentration in science, technology, and public policy that has turned out to be really interesting. I'm not sure how useful it will be in the long run but at least I don't want to shoot myself in the head when I'm sitting in the classes. In fact, I actually look forward to the discussions...
Does this mean I'm growing up? Cuz I'm not really into that whole being an adult thing....

Almost Over

Just a few more hours before I present my comparative analysis of competing concepts of security in space...

And I fully agree with this comic today:

So if you see me doing the conga all by myself down the street on my way home tonight, don't be surprised. Getting this stress off my back will be a great relief I've been looking forward to almost more than sex...almost...

Two More Days...

My research is due tomorrow so I'll be MIA for a little bit longer...

In the meantime, this comic should entertain you...

Make sure you go back and read his archives too.

Buried

Blogging shall suck this weekend...just too much on my plate and unfortunately that means blogging has got to go for the time being.

Don't let anything too cool happen in the world while I'm out of touch.

General Pace

In the news this morning it was announced that USMC General Pace was selected to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. All I could think to myself was, "It's about damn time."

Now I don't know a thing about General Pace other than he has been Vice Chairman of the JCS so I have no clue if he was the best man for the job. Being Vice Chair you would think would prepare him for the job but again, I don't know a thing about his record or the decisions he has made. I'm just happy to see a Marine finally hold that position (assuming he is confirmed by the Senate).

The Marines may be the smallest service but they have done a lot of good for our country. I'm happy to see that the competence and reliability of the Corps is finally being recognized.

Where Have I Heard This Before?

You used to be such a good little girl
Now you've got a problem with the whole damn world

You're gonna have a hard time til you get it right
You're gonna have a hard time...

BWAHAHAHA...my parents have come to haunt me in the music I listen to!

And they are right...I don't think I've taken the easy road for a day in my life...makes things more ...uh....rewarding ;o)

It's My Life

It's amazing how much one little song can bring up in your memory...and that's just what happened as I sat here working on my research.

Last summer I went out with my friends and had one of the most memorable and fantastic nights of my life. That night we danced to No Doubt's version of "It's My Life" and I don't think I will ever forget how much fun it was.

Tell me we don't look like we're having a great night...

China & Japan

Most of my friends and family have asked me what I think about the whole China/Japan situation right now. Some have asked why I have not blogged on it. The answer is: I DON'T CARE! I know, I know...I should care...and I do...to a point. There are bloggers all over the place talking about what's going on over there so why should I jump in? Well they say I should because Japan happens to be an area I have studied rather extensively (many of my poli sci courses had to do with Japan in some way - focusing primarily on the late 1890s forward...I also minored in Japanese studies...and I lived there for a while). I'm pretty familiar with the national security policy of Japan and the trends so here goes my take on the situation....

The Short Version:
Violent protest should never be the answer.

Japan should not have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council

The Longer Version:
Japan has many valid reasons for its pursuit of a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. They have become a major player in the international community, an integral piece of the international economy, and the largest/most stable economic force in Asia (for now). Most of their additional reasons are:

1. They are strong/active proponents of many UN sponsored treaties
2. They believe strongly in peacekeeping missions & offer personnel
3. They are significant economic contributors to the UN
4. "The council of today should reflect today's international system'

These are justifiable reasons but I take issue with this last one in particular. The council of today should reflect today's international system but it should also include members with legitimacy on all security matters. Japan's inability to face its demons and insistence on the issue of textbooks strips it of its legitimacy on international security. For Japan to have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council would further trivialize UN resolutions and bring greater scrutiny to the value of the organization as a whole. In a time when the credibility of the only successful supranational organization is in question, Japan should not seek to jeopardize it further.
Many countries have skeletons in their closet but most discuss them and attempt to repent. Japan has not even admitted to their existence. It would be irresponsible for the international community to allow a hypocritical nation such as Japan to sit in judgment of others.
The time draws near, but the time is not now. Sorry Japan.

The Wrights

I've been listening to their new CD that will be released 03 May on CMT's listening party. They are a very descriptive and touching group. I've had the songs on in the background while I try to do research and they have managed to keep me somewhat sane. The songs just have a way of taking you from where you are and putting you in a whole new scene.

Go check it out.

A New Govie

Though none of you know him, congrats go to the boytoy today. He has officially accepted a job as a new government employee. The bastard gets his student loans paid off and everything! Not that I'm jealous...

Unfortunately, now that all the hurry up to find out is over the wait for the clearance to go through is here. But being former military, he's familiar with the process of hurry up and wait.

Congrats on being a Govie!

Going Home

One of my very best friends is graduating from college this June and I finally have my plane tickets to go see her.

Arrive Friday, June 10
Depart Wednesday, June 15

Get ready San Diego cuz I'M COMIN HOME!

Cat-Land

Stolen from Ace of Spades:

Take the quiz at dicepool.com

And this is how I know that I should be President.
But I'm not stupid enough to do that.
So I'm going to have my own island.
I might have to take over a 3rd world country though.
Meh, sounds do-able.

Fun Quotes

"I'm really glad this is jack sauce...and not what you guys are talking about..."

"We can all ride in his box...It'll be fun!"

My friends say some of the best lines sometimes :o)

Ghost of Lil Bro

I don't see lil bro more than once or twice a year, I suppose. I'll see him next month for his graduation from college but I haven't seen my brother since Christmas. He looked the way I remembered him....Big dude, slightly overweight but well carried due to his natural muscle and big bone structure.

He sent me a recent picture the other day and my jaw dropped. He doesn't look hardly a thing like the brother I know. He's lost a lot of weight but not in a good way. He's a ghost of who he once was. He looks unwell.

I've always known how insecure he is but I never knew it would present itself like this. In the picture you can see how uncomfortable he is and how badly he needs the approval of those around him. There is insecurity oozing from every pixel.

Never before have I been so sad for him. And never before have I been so powerless to help. My efforts would make it worse - he resents me and everything in my life.

Grand Opening

*sticky post*

Well this is a little bit late in coming by now but I'll go for it anyway

Welcome to A Swift Kick & A Band-Aid!

I hope to make this my 4th and final home on the web.

But before you go and read anything else - some major thank you's are in order:

First, to Jim (Snooze Button Dreams). He got me set up in a mighty speedy fashion and was very helpful in the process. Without him and his organizing, I wouldn't have this new home.

Next, to Sadie (Fist Full of Fortnights). She has spent god only knows how many countless hours working with me on the design. She deserves a medal just for putting up with my pain in the ass self as long as she has. And another for being so fun and friendly doing it. Hopefully she won't give up on me just yet. I love the new look and never could have achieved it on my own. If you like the new diggs, all design credits go straight to her!

Finally, to Eric (Straight White Guy). This could be the biggest thank you of them all. I owe my munu nomination to this guy. I owe my connection to designer Sadie to this gentleman, as well. He has answered question after question in my state of real blogger ignorance. And an even bigger thanks for the number of times his kind and supportive words have tamed my demons and/or unknowingly pulled me from the brink of abandoning blogdom altogether.

Unfortunately, I'm terrible at expressing my gratitude adequately enough, especially in written form. Hopefully you three understand what my babbling has been trying to say. And just for good measure, if you guys are ever in the DC Metro/NoVA area, let me know - several rounds are deservingly on me!

*sticky post*

Severely Fucked

"Every time I've ever believed in a happy ending I've gotten severely fucked." --Brenda, Six Feet Under

Today is no different...

*head* *hit* *desk*

So. I'm sorry, So?

Sometimes people just can't be bothered to see the big picture. Understanding the impact of their actions on someone else is apparently just too hard. So, in light of the fact that the number of people who can't see past their own lives seems to be growing at a staggeringly exponential rate - I would love to end so many conversations these days by just playing this song:

Them:
So.

Me:
So? I'm sorry, SO?
So, so long, bye bye baby
I'll catch you on the flipside, maybe
Dontcha slip slide on a tear when you find me gone.
Go go on cry cry baby
Those tears are gonna drip dry maybe
But you're gonna miss my good love baby
for so so long
So, so long...

I bet you think I'm gonna let it slide
the way you're flashin me those puppydog eyes
Right? yeah right. Right?
WRONG.

So, so long, bye bye baby
I'll catch you on the flipside, maybe
Dontcha slip slide on a tear when you find me gone.
Go go on cry cry baby
Those tears are gonna drip dry maybe
But you're gonna miss my good love baby
for so so long
So, so long...

--Dierks Bently

Bitter Dude

This guy is more bitter than I am...but its freakin hilarious to read all the things he comes up with to be pissed off about.

http://factualmaterial.com/archives.htm

Oklahoma City

19 APRIL 2005: OKLAHOMA CITY, 10 YEARS LATER

The Alfred P Murrah Federal Building is no longer standing. Half because of a terrorist act. Half because it was "the right thing to do" to destroy the rest of it.

The primary suspect, Timothy McVeigh, is no longer alive. He was executed on 11 JUNE 2001 for his participation in the attack.

The whole thing just doesn't sit right with me. I'm not a conspiracy theorist but I've seen the seismographs - they don't match the idea of a single truck bomb. I don't know enough to even fathom a stab at the truth so I won't tell you it was all a big government plot. But for Timothy McVeigh, it was an execution that came much more swiftly than for others with the same sentence. I can't accuse my government of perpetrating an attack on its own people but I do believe something shady went on after the fact. For evidence to be 'lost' and McVeigh executed so quickly - when there are still so many unanswered questions - something just doesn't add up. And I don't feel good about it. At a minimum I would have liked to see them keep McVeigh alive a few more years, just to see what else could be learned.
Maybe the real story was that there were so many loose ends and unknowns that it couldn't be solved - after all, we don't live in an episode of CSI - and admitting that was considered unacceptable.
I don't know what the real story is all I know is we haven't gotten it.

More importantly though - my heart is with the families and friends today as they remember their loss. May peace find your souls and comfort in your heart.

Exercise Ball

I've had this damn exercise ball in my living room for the past couple months ... just sitting there taunting me and poking fun at my out-of-shape-ness (it’s a mean little bastard like that). So I've finally had enough. No, I've not decided to work out with it (I'm lazy here, remember?). My incredibly poor posture in my desk chair led me this morning to sitting on the exercise ball as I work on the computer. Hopefully it will keep me from being so slouchy. As a bonus, its fun too! Means I don't have to sit still - I hate sitting still.

Where Does The Good Go?

where do you go with your broken heart in tow
what do you do with the left over you
and how do you know, when to let go
where does the good go, where does the good go
look me in the eye and tell me you don't find me attractive
look me in the heart and tell me you won't go
look me in the eye and promise no love's like our love
look me in the heart and un break broken, it won't happen
it's love that breaks the seal of always thinking you would be
real, happy and healthy, strong and calm,
where does the good go, where does the good go
where do you go when you're in love and the world knows
how do you live so happily while I am sad and broken down
what do you say it's up for grabs now that you're on your way down
where does the good go, where does the good go
--Teagan & Sara

This song came on as a closing to a TV show tonight. I was walking back and forth from the folding laundry to the pile that still needed folding. I was numb to the world when I caught a glimpse of my face in the mirror, distorted and sad. Just hearing the song, one I had never heard before in my life, threw me off. Without even knowing it I was holding back tears triggered by the song, refusing to let its lyrics touch me fully. I would not let myself cry tonight.
But I still ask, where does the good go?

Emotions

Yet another difference between men and women...

To men, emotions can be WRONG.
To women, emotions are never WRONG.

From where I sit, emotions will never be wrong. They can't be wrong. There is no fundamental basis for emotions to be wrong or right. You can't control your feelings.

You can control how you deal with emotions. You can control your behavior in conjunction with those emotions. These things can be right or wrong. They are cognitive decisions that a person should be held responsible for.

Emotions are something to be recognized and understood. Their existence must be validated. Their source should be sought. Any root cause should be dealt with.

People go through a lot through their lives, some more than others, and we have to find a way to process it all. Our personal, internal response to those experiences is what makes us who we are. Those emotions cannot be wrong, only how we express them.

Worried

I was talking with the friend yesterday about her situation with the psycho and I just don't know what to do.

From where I sit this guy has a history of questionable behavior and is currently spiraling out of control. When they broke up 7 yrs ago for religious reasons (he's an atheist, she was a devout Christian) he went to the tallest building on campus for 2 reasons - to see in her window and supposedly to jump. Years later they began speaking again because he sent her an e-mail that sounded like a suicide note. Since then - even while they were dating - she has questioned his emotional stability. Now he's pulling stunts like showing up at her house, sending excessive e-mails, calling when she asked him not to...these are not the actions of a normal, stable individual. He's doing internet searches for her and visiting all 3 blogs of mine that he can find multiple times, nearly everyday (2 are old and not updated) - I'm assuming he's trying to find information about her. That's just plain obsession.

He broke up with her last December and his family still thinks they are dating. If that's not major denial, I don't know what is. Why can't she see that he is clearly not behaving normally and that living in this fantasy world is unhealthy for all parties involved?

I'm worried that someone is going to get hurt. We know he's thought about physically hurting himself and that he makes irrational decisions, some that could affect his future and career options. I think he is capable of physical action against her - maybe kidnapping her or even hurting her.

I can't file a restraining order against him on her behalf. I can't even convince her that I have reason to be worried. But I can't stop worrying...

Avoiding Avoiding Reality

As I lay in the hot bath laced with magnolia, candles burning all around, listening to a new CD, I attempted to avoid my current reality for just a few brief moments.

Instead I lay there thinking of everything I should be doing instead. It started out simple enough, "I should think about shaving my legs while I'm soaking here..." But the thoughts just kept coming.
I do need to see the chiropractor but I am too busy/stubborn I to actually care enough to find one...
How much research I could be getting done while I lay here?
What the hell did I do with my day?
When am I going to get off my ass and make an eye appointment?
Stupid conclusion that still needs to be written...
I would kill for a bath pillow right now...
What's it going to take to get the roommate to switch rooms?
I should ask the landlord to tint the windows...
But that would be mean if I decide to move out...
My phone still isn't ringing...
Tickets, hotel, car...fuck...
Don't I have an interesting magazine to read?
I should be more tired than this, what's wrong with me?
Who the hell thought this bathtub would be comfortable?
No faith? No shit. I don't live in a fantasy land.
Fucking internships...
3 1/2 weeks? Fuck...
Shit, I still need a dress...
I bet cell phones don't work on cruise ships...
Why am I still lying here if I'm cold and aching?

As the water kept getting colder and I watched candles burning out one by one I suddenly realized...I was not avoiding reality. Somehow I had learned how to avoid avoiding reality.

Missile Defense Lobby

Here it is...Saturday night...and what am I doing? I am on the verge of finishing up my case study on Boeing's efforts to lobby Congress on missile defense funding. Fun stuff, just what I imagined doing with my Saturday nights in grad school.

If anyone has an interest in the way Boeing influences policymakers to specifically appropriate for missile defense within the overall defense budget, let me know. Otherwise it is going to get turned in and then take up space on my hard drive.

You may now carry on with your joyful weekend adventures.

Great Falls

I went for a hike out at Great Falls today with a friend and his dog. Got my blood pumping pretty good in some places. Over all, the water was one of the most gorgeous things I have ever seen. Though, there’s not a chance of it beating the glorious sight of my lovely city as I fly in back home.
But I'm a dolt...I forgot my camera. My friend didn't tell me until after we had left that this was a scenic hike. I'd never been there before so I figured it was some trail with a bunch of trees, not much more. My bad.
Good excuse to go back though!

A Psycho Ex Part 2

Well it seems that 'ol evil himself has been lurking around the site. Interesting...

We shall see what will come of this. My prediction - nothing good.

UPDATE
It has been confirmed - the psycho reads this blog. And it hurts his little feelings. Well I have this to say in response:

GROW A PAIR! Bring your shit to me DIRECTLY instead of whining in some corner about it.

A Psycho Ex

This manipulative piece of trash you see below is Leo. He is an ex of a very good friend of mine. He must be thwarted via any (edit: legal) means necessary. I don't care if you have to squash the little sumbitch like the nasty little bug that he is.

Edit: The pic has been removed as per my friend's request

My friend asked him to stop communicating with her after his little stunt a couple weeks back (he drove 8 hrs to her house and showed up unannounced after learning she was dating someone new). Instead of complying with her wishes he sent her 15, yes FIFTEEN emails today alone. One of them included a song he wrote for her and recorded in a sound file.

Psycho. Nothing short of psycho.

Make it stop!

Daddy's Girl

They say that girls want to date men that are like their fathers. I don't know how true the general statement is as a whole but for me, I couldn't agree more. Growing up my father was my best friend. He made mistakes along the way in his marriage to my mom but when it came to me, I thought he was a god.

Dad raised me with a sense of right and wrong that I believed in. I didn't just follow the rules because he said so. I understood them and their purpose. He cared about my understanding of why things were the way things were supposed to be.
He always had time to listen to my stories or look at what I had done at school that day. It was harder to show him things when he was on the road but he still had time to listen on the phone. It wasn't so that he could be proud of me either. It was because he knew how much it meant to be to have him pay attention to me and think I was important. That time together taught me out to be proud of myself, for me.
No matter how hard I tried to hide it, he always knew when I had a bad day. Even when I was pissy and brushed him off, he persisted and he would always take me for a drive to get away from things and talk it out. We wouldn't come home until we had talked long enough to make things feel better.
He did what he could to make me one of the cool kids. He would take my friends and me out for ice cream of just drive us around in his sports car so that we felt grown up and cool.
He would always take the time to help me with school work. Even after I started studying things that weren't in his field he did his best. If I had a hard paper in college he would go to the bookstore and find a book he thought would help and overnight it to me. Most of the time the books weren't that helpful, but knowing he wanted to help that much was important.
When we moved and I had to start a new school I was unbelievably upset. The first day of school when they called the parents into an orientation of their own, my dad pulled a chair aside and cried at how much his decision to take a new job was hurting me. We all knew it was the right decision in the long run but it killed him to see me so upset in the process.
He paid attention to the little things and the details. He knew how simple things could change a person's day, including a kid's. Getting to ride on the tractor or go see the new Deere. Going to the produce stand for a snack. The reward of a Saturday morning donut at the local shop for a job well done on the paper route. Never big things. Never enough to spoil us. Just enough that I knew I was never far from his mind and that my happiness meant more to him than anything money could buy.

He's not quite the man he used to be but that was my daddy. I was lucky to be raised by such a kind and thoughtful man. I'd be the luckiest girl on the planet to find someone like that again.

Day Three

I woke up this morning and the migraine that had subsided enough for me to fall asleep had returned with a fierceness something mad wicked. F'in SOB...what does it want from me?

Anyhow, check out this little life advice that a friend of mine posted on his away message:

P.S. Guys who wear tighty-whities have issues. Guys who wear thongs should be tortured and executed. Especially guys who wear black thongs who stand at urinals with their jeans pulled down to their ankles, and scare the shit out of poor me when I walk into the bathroom at work

I concur...except for that urinal part...cuz a Princess wouldn't use the men's room...Queens, well, that's a whole 'nother story...

God Bless the Irish

On the train on my way home things were a little busy. I wasn't in the best of moods (thank you migraine) and that prospect of a packed train did not thrill me. I had my headphones on and a book in my hand, looking at the ground as I impatiently waited for the slowest people on the planet to clumsily exit the train with their suitcases. I got on and was immediately confronted with someone much larger than myself - the dreamiest Irishman I've seen in a long time. He was headed toward the last seat and offered it to me instead. It was next to his friend so I politely declined and took his place standing near the door instead. The accent was heaven to listen to as he chatted with is friends and I read my research. The ride home wasn't so bad after all. God bless the Irish!
Funny how simple things can change your day, even for just a few moments.

Psycho Roommate

Its wonderful weather out and our condo is unbelievably stuffy. So, every morning I get up and go down to the kitchen. Before putting the water on for my tea I open the blinds in the kitchen to let in the sun light. I would open the windows too but I don't think they have ever been opened in the entire 9 years this place has been standing. Someone keeps promising to open them for me ... but I think the hot pockets were more interesting. Or maybe it was the comfy bed... Anyhow, they don't open at the moment. While I'm waiting for the water to heat up I go into the living room, open the venetian blinds, and slide open the glass door to our back patio. All day long there is fresh air blowing and sun light streaming through the windows. It makes working at home suck a little less.

*clock strikes 4p* This means the roommate has come home from work. Eesh.

The first thing he does after religiously taking off his shoes is march his scrawny little ass over to the patio door and slam it shut. EVERY SINGLE TIME! Ok, psycho! It’s like a little ritual. He doesn't say a word to me about why he does it and he doesn't say a word about not wanting it open. What the crap is that about?

I've decided he's a psycho and that's all there is to it. Psycho.

UPDATE:
The psycho finally decided to say something. As I was running (literally) out the door for class (and unable to find my keys) he whipped open the door to his room and attempted to start a 'casual conversation' as I was half way down the stairs. I felt like a teenager trying to sneak out past curfew. "How's it goin?" he says. "Good, you?" I respond as I stand there trying to look as hurried as possible. "Off to class" "Yep" "Well, on a side note..." Oh great...here it comes... He proceeds to tell me that he would prefer that the door not be open if no one is downstairs. WTF? Psycho! No, make that PARANOID psycho! We live in an extremely peaceful neighborhood with lots of families and nothing bad ever happens. Yet he insists that everything must be locked down. Grrr! I pushed him on how concerned he really is about it and he brought up the screen door not having a lock. Its a screen door! WTF would a lock do? Its the middle of the day and I'm home. I'm pretty sure I would hear someone stealing your TV. I didn't have time to argue. I finally gave up, said "ok" and left. This kid needs help.

Day Two

Its day two of the evil evil EVIL migraine. This is the worst I've had in a while. I spent a fabulously wonderful year and a half or so without them but since moving to the East Evil Coast they have returned. And they are threatening to begin attacking me on a clockwork-like schedule. What's worse...there's not a damn thing I can do about it. Dark room...nope. Silence...nope. Sleep...you're kidding, right? OTC Drugs...nope. 'Spensive Drugs...If you come anywhere near me with Immitrex I'll find a way to painfully murder you with the packaging (not so good reaction years ago).

My obvious frustration leads me to the excessive use of profanity (yes, even more excessive than usual). So naturally, I found this story over at Shoes, Ships, and Sealing Wax to be quite amusing. I have one of my own as well...

While I was attending Brown University my roommate and I made our room home to just about anyone on the floor that wanted to stop by. One of the girls with a room to herself down the hall asked me to come by for a chat. *quizzical look* "Uh...ok...” so I went. She sat me down and expressed her concern over my use of profanity (as well as perhaps the image such language presented). She asked me not to swear for the remaining 2 months. I laughed out loud. I knew there was no way that was going to happen. She asked again, "2 weeks?" I wasn't laughing quite as hard now. One last try for her, "ok, 2 days." I was still laughing but I agreed...I could do 2 days without swearing. I thought.
Not 2 minutes after we left her room I managed to stub my toes really hard on the metal bed frame in my room. There went my promise of clean language...
"MutherF*cking Son of a...” It clicked in my head. "Shit" It clicked again. "Fuck!" I couldn't make it stop. "Dammit!" Every time I realized I had just cussed, another profane word expressed my frustration. I was doomed. Oh, and there were about 8 people rolling on the floor by now...

Swiss Cheese Life

Ok readers...I have a dilemma...

I love my blog. Playing with the blog. Writing in the blog. Reading other blogs. I love bloggy stuff.

Naturally I want to include people I care about in that part of my life and I want their opinion on things. Hell, I want their approval on it. Not in the way that I need them to ok everything I do but I need them to be supportive of what I am doing. Suggestions on how to improve are good too. Things are always more fun when your friends enjoy them too and want to see you be the best at them.

However, I am finding myself with the urge to make swiss cheese of my life and exclude those I care about from my bloggy lovin ways. It is hard for me to share things that are important so I am ultra sensitive about them. Telling me in any way that I'm not good enough doesn't sit well. And when I get burned I don't just yank my hand away, I run screaming from the stove.

What to do... what to do...

It feels so empty not being able to talk about my loves but it sux so much when we do...

Is the swiss cheese life sustainable?

Professorial Quotes

"You'll always get quoted by the press if you use one of the following words in a believable sentence: befuddled, bamboozled, hoodwinked."

"I am under no illusion that the [Congressional] members are listening to me."

"Politicians are not the most courageous people."

"Do they still teach how to find your position in the military?"
"In the Air Force we just used Map Quest."

"This is like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic!"

Dear Diary

What is it with people that want what they can't have? I'm referring more specifically to people that want what they had, but they really want it only after they have thrown it away. Is this simply the embodiment of the cliché, "you don't know what you've got until it’s gone"? I really want to be a bitch about it since these lyrics are in my head:
You know you tore me up / You really wore me out / I swear I cried so much / That I nearly drowned / ... / Now its you who calls / And me who's never home / / Who's cryin now? / Knowin it’s too late / To get us back together / ... / Who's cryin now? / Who's lonely? / Now who's sad?
But instead the majority of the time I react much differently and with a lot more anger. I end up feeling things like:
If I'm so important now, why the hell didn't you care then?
If you've always thought I was so great, why the hell did you feel so comfortable using me the way you did?
If you've always liked who I am, why the hell did you make such a fool of me?
If all you can give me are excuses for the past, how the hell do you expect me to see anything new?
But then again...I guess that's a pretty bitchy attitude as well...

I knew what I was leaving behind when I left San Diego and went to grad school. I hated leaving and I did so kicking and screaming the entire way. But I felt compelled to do so if I was serious about my career path. Unfortunately the grad school experience has done nothing but repeatedly let me down and makes me question my ability to ever make a difference in this field.

Living on the East Coast has once again changed my personality from the Princess most people in my life know (and love, I hope). This is the third time I've parked myself over here and I have just never been able to call it home. It takes a special person to be able to call both coasts home and that just isn't me. The lifestyles are very different and they are very distinct. I miss the one I had in the West where it was easy to smile and my eyes sparkled when I did. Out here I can smile but it’s just not the same. Put a picture of me from SD next to a picture of me here and they look more like sisters than the same person.

I'm not just pitying myself for the past, or being homesick...I'm Me-sick these days. I want the old me back - the one that hardly needed sleep, always found the fun in things, and loved living life, even on the bad days.

Cali Crisis

What crisis, you ask? Their dammed political identity crisis. According to this information on Polipundit it is real. And I tell you, I love California, but this voting for liberal democrats has got. .to...stop! You know those liberal democrats that you feel so good about yourself voting for? They actually make decisions that affect the rest of the country. Not cool. And why are you voting for them anyway? The voting record for CA issues doesn't seem to show you're all that liberal.

The only reasonable conclusion I can reach (in my semi-conscious state as I am quite groggy) is that Californians suffer from a political identity crisis and are like that guy in Memento who can't form new memories. They have glorified the image of the democrat so they feel good about voting them into national office. But, they can't form new memories so then one of two things happens: (1) They forget the voted for the Democrat and vote based on the CA issue at hand, or (2) They forget the less than helpful outcome of putting the national level Democrat into office, and vote based on the CA issue at hand.

In any event, we should help them...after all, this is a medical condition that isn't their fault.

Paddle Boats

The guy that asked for my blog did so just after he suggested I take a picture of this:

Another View:

Its kinda funny...but it feels wrong to laugh...But that life jacket isn't going to do shit! And who's idea was this anyway?

Evil Pickles

It was my long night on campus so I was most definitely tired and hungry when I got home. My food was heating in the microwave but I was hungry NOW. So I reached into the fridge and found Japanese pickles...Mmmmm. But, in my haste to tame the angry stomach the struggle with the plastic container was much more difficult than it should have been. Then the mutherf*cker sliced my finger clean open!
So now I've temporarily got a band-aid on my finger to keep pressure on it so it will seal. I can't leave it on their too long though or I'll get a giant red welt. Why? Well...from best I can tell...I'm allergic to band-aid adhesive. Odd, I know. Kind of ironic about the blog title then too, huh? hehe

Dot Com

I'm thinking of going to the land of the dot com and have no idea where to start.

While I was out this weekend a guy heard me talking about my blog and asked for the address....the mu.nu was confusing to him. I love munu and all my munu neighbors - I just want people in the real world to be able to find this place (and all of you by association...YAY blogrolls!)

So - anyone want to point me in a helpful direction?

Malaysian Food

I LOVE this stuff!! I like Vietnamese, I like Thai, but Malaysian...YUM!
I just finished my leftovers from my visit to the Malaysian restaurant across the street from my old office downtown and I couldn't be happier. (Ok, I would be happier if there weren't a pile of work on my desk and I weren't going to sleep alone tonight but whatever...) And I even made some fresh, sticky, steaming rice to go with it. :o)
How do I always forget how phenomenal the food is until I taste it again? I have absolutely no idea how authentic the food really is but I don't really care. I know what I like and I like what they've got. *drool*

Jo Dee Messina

I am absolutely positively in love with Jo Dee Messina's new CD "Delicious Surprise" that comes out on the 26th of this month. I like the single getting radio play. "My Give A Damn's Busted," but the rest of the song on this CD are even more fantastic. I've been listening to it all night while working on avoiding my powerpoint for tomorrow.
I highly recommend that you give the CD a try - you can even have a free listen to the entire CD on CMT's listening party right now.

Ooo...Cherry Trees...

I went to the sakura matsuri (cherry blossom street festival) this weekend and had a great time. It was SO sunny (but not too hot). I got myself just a little sunburned though... (OW)

I saw a lot of vendors and performances that reminded me of my time in Japan. A little bit of it even made sort of misty-eyed...but I got over that when I saw these guys. I LOVE taiko drummers! They even had their dance team with them. Good stuff!!

We took a stroll over to the tidal basin after that and checked out the trees that start it all, way back when.

At first I wasn't much interested because trees are trees, right? No, these trees really are that cool. And even though I had seen them before, it was magnificent to walk through them...Especially knowing they only bloom 7-10 days per year. There is just something awe inspiring about being under their delicate canopy.

Weird

It's odd to visit your own blog and watch it morph before your eyes. It almost makes it easier to get a good design though. That way I'm not all caught up in the personal "I made this" mentality and I can really tell if I like it or not. Unfortunately that means throwing the designer back to the drawing board more times than probably seems nice. SORRY!!
But her designing has been spectacular so I can't wait to see the final product!

Internal Turmoil

These lyrical excerpts felt particularly appropriate today:

One more kiss could be the best thing / But one more lie could be the worst / And all these thoughts are never resting / And you're not something I deserve

I dream ahead to what I hope for / And I turn my back on loving you / How can this love be a good thing / When I know what I'm goin through

And no matter how hard I try / I can't escape these things inside I know

You love me but you don’t know who I am / I'm torn between this life I lead and where I stand

-- 3 Doors Down, "Let Me Go"

Ok, Now I'm Frightened...

I just got an email from a professor saying, "I appreciate you having the
courage to take this on."

You know you've picked a tough research topic when the guy who has done this kind of stuff during his day job for the last who knows how many years says that to you.

Oh, and did I mention I have until April 19 to write it?

Are You Serious?

I suck at this today

Test

1st try

Test Entry

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi.

Who Am I?

Princess Cat (def): A conservative, country-lovin, suburbanite girl trapped in a liberal, big city life on the wrong coast.

Name: Cat
Nickname: Princess Cat / Kit Kat / Miss Kitty / SharpTooth / Sharpy Girl / Splenda / Whiskey Girl
Astrological sign: Gemini
DOB: 06/06/1980
Height: 5'9"
Weight: enough
Level of Education: B.A. Political Science/International Relations; B.A. Economics; M.A. Security Policy Studies (Candidate)
Occupation: Professional Student
Birthplace: Iowa City, Iowa
Marital status: Not Married
How many children: NONE - thank GOD!
Do you drink (alcohol): Hells yeah I do!
Do you smoke: Here and there, but only if I'm under unusual stress
Favorite outdoor activities: hanging out at the beach, picnics, BBQs, reading by the pool, strolling through the rain, jumping in puddles, scenic photography
Favorite indoor activities: Chillin with Sheila (the computer), cooking/baking, chatting on the phone, napping
Favorite colors: Purples/Reds - especially lavender and blood red
Favorite type of music: Country
Favorite musical groups/performers: Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, Allison Krause, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Terri Clark, Toby Keith, Tracy Lawrence, Jeff Bates, Brad Paisley, Chris Cagle, Alabama, Blackhawk
Favorite song at the moment: "Delicious Surprise" by JoDee Messina
What's in your home CD/cassette player right now: Julie Roberts
What's in you car CD/cassette player right now: In the CD player I listen to while taking the Metro to class is a Pop/Rock mix I burned
Do you play an instrument: Technically? Yes... But I haven't touched a violin or a piano in years
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping: I've always been too shy
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up: As a young child, I wanted to be a vet. When my cat got hurt I changed my mind. I just assumed it would be something medical after that.
What would be your dream job now: Red cell analyst with the Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Office at the Department of Homeland Security (IAIP @ DHS)
Have you ever been convicted of a crime: The law still smiles on me
Places you'd most like to visit: Australia, Ireland
Your first car: When I get one, I'll let you know
Dream car: I used to think this was a BMW M5 but I haven't really put much thought into it for a while
Car you Drive now: None
Favorite season: Spring
Favorite holiday: Independence Day
Favorite hobbies: Fixing computers, coloring, baking, home improvement/ housewares shopping
Favorite sport to play: Hockey (as long as there is no ice involved)
Favorite sport to watch: Football
Least favorite sport to watch: Baseball
Most humiliating moment: I've had a lot of embarrassing moments, two tie for most humiliating.
(1) One that was especially humiliating follows one of my winter orchestra performances. We had gone out afterward to bond. We had not been in the orchestra together long. Anyhow, I was getting dropped off with 3 friends still in the car. It was icy, I was in heels, carrying my violin. I got out, closed the door, and turned to walk up to the driveway. As they rolled down the window to say something I slipped and lost my balance. While falling forward my long black skirt flipped up and the car got a nice ass shot. It didn't just go back down either. I had to fight with it being tangled in the coat as I tried to recover my composure. They reminded me to be careful of the ice a lot after that...as we laughed.
(2) One morning my dad dropped me off at school (innocent enough). I drew a lot of attention because he drove me in his boat (a 1965 green sedan deville). That wasn't the problem. The problem was me running late and not paying attention. I jumped out of the car and whipped around to run to class...only to smack my face into the pole of a no parking sign.
Do you have any siblings: Lil bro, Ian
Do you get along with your parents: Yes and no. I grew up a total daddy's girl but he and I have drifted apart after his second marriage. We don't fight but we aren't that close anymore. Sometimes I really miss him. I've never really gotten along with my mom. It's always been more of a sibling relationship than a parent-child relationship. We fight less now but I don't ever see us being close.
Favorite place to chill: The California shore of the Pacific Ocean under the moonlight
Favorite place to visit: Vail, CO
What is your bad time of day: The time when I have to wake up for no good reason
What is your good time of day: The time I get to connect/share with friends (via email, phone, chat, blog, etc)
Favorite flower/plant: Stargazer lily or white & lavender rose (think fire & ice type look)
Favorite subject in school: Advanced Anatomy (cadaver class)
Least favorite subject in school: Math
Favorite authors: Richard Preston, Patricia Cornwell, Robert Sabuda
Favorite book genre: mystery/forensic fiction
Favorite book: Dove by Robin Lee Graham
Current book I'm reading: 1421, The Year China Discovered America by Gavin Menzies (in bits and pieces since I'm buried by academic reading)
Favorite magazine: Scientific American, maybe ... I don't really read mags
Favorite movie of all time: Top Gun
Other favorite movies: Real Genius, PCU, Boondock Saints, The Cutting Edge, Hackers, Grosse Pointe Blank, The Replacements (Yes, I like cheesy movies but I can watch them over and over again and they make me laugh every time)
Favorite actors/actresses: Ben Browder, Val Kilmer, Nicholas Cage, Kevin Spacey, Goran Visnjic, Tommy Lee Jones
Favorite cartoon characters: Bender (from Futurama), Dexter, Mojo Jojo, Tigger, Crush the Turtle (from Finding Nemo)
Favorite food: Anything my aunt makes *especially* her homemade mac n' cheese...Mmmmm
Chocolate or Vanilla: Vanilla - you can always add chocolate!
Favorite alcoholic Drinks: Tequila shots, Jack & coke, Jaeger & redbull
What is your bedtime: Whenever I'm so exhausted I'm about to fall down or whenever someone else makes me go to bed. Left to my own devices I tend to go to sleep sometime just before sunrise.
Worst enemies: No one I actively am enemies with...but there's a list of people that I fear or that hate me
Interesting fact about your childhood: I was ultra shy & I don't remember most of it
How many rings before you answer the phone: I only use a cell phone so there aren't rings, just different songs.
The first thing you think of in the morning: WTF time is it?
Favorite thing to do when you're home alone: Play my favorite songs extremely loud and dance around the house
Things that make you feel good: Being wrapped up in a blanket, the smell of fresh baked goods, the smell of a garlic infused meal being cooked, a nice glass of red wine, the 'click' that happens when someone finally understands something you are trying to teach them, falling asleep being held by someone I love
Things you don't like: Foods with a mushy texture, safety Nazis that try to save people from themselves, people that insist they are right but don't have facts or evidence or even logic to back up their blabbering, masses of people all trying to do the same thing without any order involved (like in malls, stores, etc)
Worst feeling in the world: The idea of never being important
Scariest feeling in the world: Feeling helpless, powerless, and/or trapped
Best feeling in the world: Love
Do you get motion sickness: Unfortunately. Sea sick most often, sometimes car sick but I never actually lose my cookies
Roller Coasters - Deadly or Exciting: Exciting, so long as they are only the kind at Disneyland. That's where I draw the line.
Thunderstorms - Cool or Scary: AWESOME
Pen or Pencil: Pen
Do you like to drive: NO
Do you sleep with stuffed animals: Just two right for the time being - a giant Easter bunny and a teddy bear. I miss my giant panda. The rest of the stuffed animals are either decorating the bedroom or stored in California.
Did you have imaginary friends or a blanket as a child: Who has an imaginary blanket? I just beat up on my little brother when I was bored instead of making things up.
What is on the walls of your room: Cowboy hat, American flag, USMC flag, Diploma & cap (with HS and college tassels), fraternity medallion, UCSD pennant, Japanese fan, Japanese print, ledges (holding stuffed animals, pics, keepsakes), wood & glass shelf with princess items on it, princess mirror, pics of roses, pics of friends, family portrait, corkboard w/keepsakes, magnetic dry erase board
What words or phrases do you overuse: Dude, awesome, nice, f*ck
Coolest things anyone ever gave you: Blue gave me a pen engraved with the initials of all our friends at the time, Ang gave me a photo album with all kinds of personalized touches as a going away present, boytoy gave me boba for our first Christmas together (its an Asian drink)
How would you characterize your political leanings: Conservative realist, libertarian idealist, independent thinker capable of evaluating issues on a case by case basis, promoter of personal responsibility and ownership in all aspects of social, economic, and political life
If you could pick one super-human power, what would you choose: Invisibility - I could go anywhere or do anything and no one would know!
Favorite Quotes/Lyrics/Poems: Most of these will be put in the blog from time to time as I remember them. I'm good at posting lyrics, a lot.

"When someone shows you who they really are, believe them the first time." -- This was said to me by Lisa Tombalakian, an instructor of international marketing. I think she read it or paraphrased it from somewhere else but it has stuck with me

"Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean that they don't love you with all they have." -- Truman Capote

"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him." -- James D. Miles

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." -- Dr. Seuss

"Except for ending slavery, fascism, Nazism, and communism, war has never solved anything." -- USMC bumper sticker

100 Things

1. I curse enough to make military men blush
   
2. I'm a Gemini - my sign fits me & I most definitely have 2 sides
   
3. I think I was born in the wrong part of the country
   
4. I have never felt at home anywhere but my Palmilla Apt in San Diego
   
5. I'm an occasional overachiever, when I give a damn
   
6. I enjoy smoking a good cigar
   
7. Stupid people are the bane of my existence
   
8. I am an ESTJ - the guardian/administrator
   
9. Sometimes I'm an ESFJ – the caregiver
   
10. I can't stick to a hobby for any length of time
    
11. I'm addicted to Sheila (my computer)
    
12. I always have an opinion
    
13. If I think you're wrong, you'll soon know
    
14. I'm a terrible packrat
    
15. The Pacific Ocean talks to me (when I am on the beach at night)
    
16. I can't wait to own a house CHECK
    
17. Singing, however badly I do it, always makes my day a little better
    
18. I think sarcasm is an art form I am working to master
    
19. The smell of lilies calms me
    
20. I've only known my dad to cry 3 times, twice it was my fault
    
21. I hate school
    
22. I'm very proud of having attended 5 different universities
    
23. I love learning
    
24. I love immersing myself in music (read: the surround sound is cranked)
    
25. Tequila is my shot of choice
    
26. I crave attention
    
27. I hate the spotlight
    
28. Having to be the bigger person really chaps my hide, but I keep on doing it because I hate myself if I'm not
    
29. Baby snot is the most disgusting thing I can think of (just the sight of it makes me gag)
    
30. I'm fascinated by military affairs
    
31. I can't wait for a job, that stays at work Not as great as I thought it would be
    
32. I've been suicidal more than once in my life
    
33. I can hold a grudge for eternity
    
34. My parents are divorced, at least 10 yrs too late in my judgment
    
35. I love to travel
    
36. Being away from my things for too long makes me uneasy
    
37. I like country music more that most other genres
    
38. Both my grandfathers died before I was born
    
39. They both died of cancer before my parents ever met
    
40. Reality TV has a way of sucking me in
    
41. I can do 0 to BITCH in under 2 seconds
    
42. Teaching comes naturally to me
    
43. The only potential in-laws to openly like me were not US citizens
    
44. I seriously considered joining the Marine Corps
    
45. Beyond family, I can count the number of people I truly love on one hand
    
46. The few I bother to hate I can count on the other
    
47. The mainstream media annoys me
    
48. The people who believe the MSM bullshit annoy me far more
    
49. I've dissected a human cadaver (and it was one of the most awesome things I've ever experienced)
    
50. I get along much better with male roommates than female
    
51. I don't like other people to do my laundry
    
52. I have an incredibly violent mind
    
53. I only fight when someone else throws the first blow
    
54. I find line dancing fun
    
55. Silence freaks me out, especially if I'm alone
    
56. Kids are not a part of my future plans
    
57. Plastic surgery is, hopefully sooner rather than later
    
58. Being the rock for others gives me purpose in life
    
59. I have an incredibly analytical mind (that doesn't shut down)
    
60. I don't tolerate deception, period
    
61. Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot is my favorite phrase
    
62. I have a compulsive need to correct things that are out of place (i.e. books out of place on the store shelf, sugar packets at a restaurant, the writing assignments of my peers)
    
63. Explosions and fire turn me on
    
64. I make myself feel better by buying bath products
    
65. Taking baths doesn't relax me
    
66. I'm not ready to be a grown up yet
    
67. I have never fit in with my peer group, at any age
    
68. I can't stand not being trusted
    
69. I'm a Reagan Republican
    
70. The idea of being married makes me feel secure
    
71. The idea of getting married is unfathomably scary
    
72. People that don't pay attention to politics are a constant source of irritation to me. Especially if there is an upcoming election.
    
73. I can't stand going to bed at night unless I am worthlessly tired
    
74. Waking up is my most dreaded part of the day
    
75. I have never felt like more than a flawed version of what wish I were or people expect me to be
    
76. I can't read more than a few pages of anything before my attention span fades (thanks grad school!)
    
77. My father went to military school
    
78. Ignoring me/not listening is the quickest way to piss me off
    
79. I always have a bottle of Jager in the freezer
    
80. I'm terrible at expressing my gratitude for other people
    
81. I hate the color pink, unless it is associated with princess stuff
    
82. I'm one of the laziest people I know
    
83. Hurting people, no matter the circumstances, is one of the most difficult things for me to do
    
84. Classical music grates on my nerves
    
85. Feeling trapped is one of the worst feelings I have experienced
    
86. I CANNOT have sex with only my socks on
    
87. I am easily amused by cartoons, stupid humor, and simple things (like jumping in puddles with friends)
    
88. I can't help but rock out to Bon Jovi (Living on a Prayer/Wanted Dead or Alive/You Give Love a Bad Name)
    
89. I've been accused of setting the women's movement back 20 years with my thinking
    
90. I believe in equal responsibility for equal rights (personal responsibility and ownership - novel concepts, I know)
    
91. I don't participate in organized religion & my faith is very private
    
92. Only one person close to me has ever failed to let me down - the rest have done a terrific job of it at least once
    
93. That person will probably never really know how much she means to me - no matter how much I try to tell her
    
94. Playing the drums would rule!
    
95. White roses with lavender edges (think fire & ice) are my favorite - I've only found them once, ever (florists have no idea what I'm talking about)
    
96. I can be painfully and unapologetically blunt with the truth
    
97. My world seems off balance without fighter jets overhead
    
98. I feel guilty spending money on myself
    
99. I can organize anything, except my own life
    
100. A solitary walk through a rain storm can wash away nearly all my stress and worry