Table For One

Sunday I had planned to go to brunch with a friend of mine but at the last minute she had to cancel. I took one look in my cupboards, opened and promptly shut my fridge then grabbed my keys, off to find some "real" food. I spend the most of my lunch breaks eating alone, so what's Sunday brunch alone, right?

I get to the restaurant, request not to sit at the bar, and am seated next to a large table of bikers who are finishing up. When the waitress finally notices me she greets me, "Oh hey there. Sorry, I didn't see you. Are you eating ALL BY YOURSELF?"

I refrained from being a smart-ass, mainly because her shocked expression caught me off guard. Truly I am OK with eating alone. I'm a very independent person and if I want eggs, by damn I'm gonna pay someone to cook me some!

Politely I told the waitress, "yes, I am dining alone. Can I please have some coffee?" I think the waitress must have been slightly embarrassed or maybe my single-dining-ness made her uncomfortable because after that she came by as little as possible and didn't say "boo" to me.

Is it really that uncommon of a thing to eat alone? Am I the only one doing it? Maybe I need to find less flakey friends... or God forbid, buy groceries. Who am I kidding? My friends are awesome flakes and groceries are overrated. I think the obvious solution here is to come up with better come back lines or brilliant stories to mess with the shocked waitresses. At least that will keep things interesting.

Blogfully yours,

Summer

Get in on the AUCTION!

Some of you who know me know that I serve on the board of directors for the American Advertising Federation of Utah (AAF-Utah). We are the Utah chapter of a non-profit organization meant to bring the advertising community together. As a fund raiser to keep our club healthy and active we are holding a "Not-So Silent" online auction.

Here are the details:

• ANYONE can participate! You don't have to be a member of the AAF-Utah, work in advertising or even know someone who is in advertising or a member of AAF-Utah.
  

• There are all sorts of fun activities to do in and around Utah including: restaurant gift certificates, Zoo and museum passes, massages, yoga, permanent cosmetics, concert tickets, REAL SL tickets AND CHOCOLATE (just to name a few)!
  

• Simply click HERE to get started! Follow the instructions listed on the left hand side of the site. You will need to register, so we know who you are, by emailing info@aafutah.com your name, contact information and screen (blogger/aol/gmail) name.
  

So what are you waiting for? Go check it out! aafutah.blogspot.com and spread the word to friends and family!

Happy Bidding!

Blogfully yours,

Summer

Superwoman Can't Fly Right Now, Check Back Tomorrow

Sunday I was Superwoman, my alter-ego. I spent the morning doing homework, work projects and other obligations. Then I took a break to meet up with my family at the park to hide Easter eggs for the nieces and nephews. After hiding eggs, I went for a jog around the park then shopping at Wal Mart (no body cares if your sweaty and slightly smelly there) for some essentials. After I got back home I swept my porch and vacuumed my floors and couches, then went strait back to studying. I even made it to bed before midnight.

Yes, Sunday I was Superwoman. But now, Sunday is long gone and I'm afraid Superwoman has flown the coop.

I am utterly exhausted. I have no idea how to keep going at the rate I have been going. I know I am not the only person to work full time and go to school, but I don't know how to keep going like this. I leave my house at 7:30 every morning and don't get home until after 9 PM most days. When I finally unlock my door, drop my bags to the floor and change into my pajamas, I am spent. I want to do NOTHING but that is not exactly an option and stupid perky Superwoman is not around, so I have to literally force myself to get things done. I look like hell, makeup can only do so much to hide the dark circles from lack of a good nights rest. I am just plain overwhelmed.

The only thing that keeps me going? Just 3 more weeks until this semester is done, then I get a break.

I can do this... with or without my flaky Superwoman alter-ego.

Blogfully yours,

Summer

It's Not the Same Thing

I convinced ED to come with me over to my sisters house on Friday night to keep me company while she did my hair (what can I say? Tuition is due and she does a fab job for cheap!). I did my best to explain to him that it would be fun. He could laugh at how silly I look, have a drink or two, we'll listen to music and gossip - a great time will be had by all!

Friday night comes around and ED picks me up. We are getting a bite to eat before heading over and he says, "You know, everyone agrees with me that it is kind of bull that I am coming over with you tonight."

"Everyone? You took a pole? With all of the guys at the gym? Of course they are going to say that!"

"No, the girls there agreed too! Listen, it's like if I invited you over to my buddies house to watch me play video games."

"So not the same thing! First of all, IF I were ever stupid enough to get myself into your hypothetical situation, which I would not, I know I would be flat out ignored whereas you, my darling, will be fully engaged into our conversation."

"Lucky me..."

ED ended up coming with me and in-spite of his complaining, he had a good time. He politely excused himself mid-way into our girl talk of concerts, embarrassing moments and reality TV shows, to watch The Best of Will Farell DVD with my sisters boyfriend. He did manage to snap a photo of us though.
See? Don't we look like we are having fun?

I suppose that men and women are just different. We enjoy good conversation and taking care of ourselves while men enjoy... um... Will Farell?

Blogfully yours,

Summer

Forced Positivity Does a Body Good

After surviving a crazy stressful week filled with deadlines, tests, taxes and barely avoiding a mental breakdown - I figure it is time I threw in some positive thinking via Grace in Small Things.

1. A sister who is also a hair dresser. Even though I'll be sitting in her kitchen tonight instead of a swanky salon, I get to drink wine and catch up with one of my favorite people.

2. No math homework this weekend!

3. Making peace with my cat.

4. The discovery of Indian food.

5. 60 degree weather on Sunday. I plan to take full advantage of it.

Perspective is a great thing. I have to remind myself to take on one thing at a time and that it helps if you mix in one fun thing in between the required things. For example, start with a glass of wine followed by paying bills. Then another glass of wine followed by homework then... well, you get the point.

Blogfully yours,

Summer

Lunch Time Studying. I've Almost Given Up.

Apparently some men are much denser than I give them credit for. The following happened at a new coffee shop that a co-worker, who obviously hates me, recommended.

I'm feverishly studying at lunch - head down, books sprawled open, look of concentration on my face - when I was approached by a man on his way to the restroom.

"Excuse me", he says.

I look up from homework with an are you seriously going to bug me expression and grunt out a "yes?"

"So... you, um, studying?"

"Um... yeah."

"Oh... um... what 'cha studying?" Stepping closer to inspect my work.

"Math. Algebra." I say, using my I am not amused or interested in this conversation what-so-ever tone. Or at least that is what I was going for. But alas, he continued on.

"Wow. That looks... um... heavy."

With one final leave me alone look, I answer "Yeah", look down and continue trying to find out why in the hell it takes Sue 20 minutes longer to paddle her canoe upstream than it does Beth.

So I know I was really bitchy, but honestly it is just plain rude to come up and interrupt someone who is obviously trying to study. I don't know what more I could have done, short of hanging a "Do Not Disturb" sign on my forehead, to let him know that I didn't want to be bothered.

I guess the quest to find a peaceful place to study while getting a bite to eat continues.

Blogfully yours,

Summer

Excellent Babysitter, Horrible Mother

I watched my niece Brielle on Saturday for a few hours. We painted our finger and toenails (pink of course) while watching Spiderman and eating chocolate. I only have one "real" kid movie, and Bri didn't feel like watching it, so Spiderman was the next best thing.

Once we had our fill of all things unhealthy and we both started getting cranky for a nap, I called up Brielle's mom to come and get her. She cried when she had to leave. It was strangely satisfying to know that she had that good of a time.

I am obviously an amazing aunt/babysitter.


When it comes to my own demon child, my cat Aurora, I am not such a good mother. I honestly think she is either possessed or enjoys driving me crazy. She bitches (meows) at me non-stop. I pet her for a minute, but then she just goes right back to it. I let her out on the patio (I'm on a second floor and she is too chicken to jump) and she'll be happy for maybe 5 minutes then she is meow-meow-meowing again. She is getting worse too. She has now decided that I do not need to sleep. It is much more important to wake up at 3 AM to pet her. She will voice this in one of 3 ways: the traditional meowing, making noises by batting the blinds or opening drawers, and the very worst of all - licking my hair!
I have learned of only 2 things to make her temporarily shut her trap:

1) a squirt bottle of water. I keep one by my bed and one in the front room.

2) The vacuum. It will make her hide under the bed for at least a good hour.

But does it make me a bad parent/pet owner to use either method, just to get her out of my hair? It seriously makes me wonder what I would do with a screaming child! Right now I am considering hiring a pet psychic, THAT'S HOW BAD SHE IS! I just need to understand how to make her happy.


Blogfully yours,
Summer