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Chicago Sheri

Sunday, June 27, 2004



When we left the zoo and were waiting on the train, there was this woman with toilet paper sticking out of her butt and over her shorts.
Of course I had to take pictures.
And no we didn't tell her, if we liked her we would, but we all 3 agreed her and her family were annoying. She walked around in front of all her family several times, no one noticed or brought up her cottony white tail.






I had such a great time with my mom, she really is the coolest. We can talk about anything, nothing is too taboo. We had so much fun everyday. I love you mom!!

Went to Brookfield Zoo with mom and Brad on Saturday. I got in A LOT of walking while mom was here, by the end of each day we were pooped and ready to go to bed early.

Mom's favorite at the zoo is always the giraffes. Its Brad's mom's favorite too. We were able to get pretty close to them and watch them eat leaves off of the trees.



Goats with really big horns



We also got pretty close to the zebra, he walked right up to the wall, stretching his head over to get at some plants he wanted.



Penguins



The peacock was really strutting around for every bird and person around. He really did look fabulous. Everytime you think he started drooping and getting tired, he would just fluff right back up.



The elephants came close for some treats from some of the zoo workers.



Brad's favorite is bison. They were gorgeous but I couldnt get a good shot of them. We also really liked the aardvark, bats, and monkeys.

Brad took Friday off to go to Shedd Aquarium with me and mom.
Got up early, took the train in and had breakfast at Lou Mitchells.
Took the green line trolley service to Shedd.
Brad was really impressed with it.
The first thing we saw was a huge aquarium with an eel, fish, sharks, stingrays, and a turtle named Nickel. Nickel was one of my favorites of the day. She had a chuck in the back of her shell taken out by a propeller of a boat that affected her bouyancy. So her backside kept wanting to rise. But she was a strong swimmer and could swim her way down, and then she would prop her backside underneath some coral to hold it down so she could relax for a bit. She got her name because there was a nickel stuck in her esophagus they had to remove.



They had a dolphin show which was ok, a little too much talk. But the dolphins were beautiful.




Lots of stingrays, they seem so friendly and curious gliding through the water. At one spot you were walking above them on some clear glass. It was cool to see them swimming below you.




Seal



I also really enjoyed the penguins. They are so active, swimming, jumping in and out of the water. Watching them waddle around, sticking out their chests.




This is a view of the lake and skyline from the trolley as we headed back to the train station.



All that fish made Brad hungry!



*Sea bass dinner at Burrito Loco

Saturday, June 26, 2004

Weds after my mom got here, we went to downtown Naperville for lunch.
Ate outside at Jimmy's.
Split a buffalo chicken sandwich and some onion rings.
Walked around the downtown Naperville area, shopping.
I tried on pretty pink dresses in Ann Taylor Loft to show off to her.
It was fun, I like trying on new things to see what I like and how it looks on me.
Met Brad after he got off work at Nicky's for dinner. Mom and I split a spinach pie.

Thursday we got up early and took the train to Chicago.
Got a breakfast sandwich at Corner Bakery (to split :) ) and then got on the free red line trolley service. Got off on State street, and went in: Old Navy, Filenes Basement, TJ Maxx, Nordstroms Rack and Marshall Fields.

Then we got back on the trolley to Water Tower. Walked next door to John Hancock, and went up to the lounge instead of the observation deck. It's free and a better view. Even the bathroom has huge windows with a great view. How the hell do spiders get up there? Big spiders outside the windows in their webs. Weird. Then went downstairs to the Signature Rooom for lunch. Split beef tenderloin brochette, and each had a bowl of tortilla soup. Every bite was delicious. Went next door to Water Tower Place. Went and checked out the floors and a few shops. Then headed back to the trolley to take the train back home, and picked up some Middle Eastern for dinner. Baba ganoush, spinach pie, falafel, and lamb kabob which we all split.

I only worked Mon & Tues of this week.
My mom is here for a visit.
Weds morning before she came I went to go walk the dogs since I wouldnt be able to on Saturday.

Gizmo, Lacey, Kerchek and Tootsie all got adopted.
The had 3 Boston Terriers.
I spent most of my time with Sullivan.
He was more timid then the other 2, and had his own kennel separated from the other two. I put the leash on him and he started walking towards the door. As soon as he reached the end of his leash he screamed like he stepped in a bear trap. The leash really freaked him out.
We got outside, and he was quite to push up against me. Loved being scratched, especially his butt. He danced and kicked around as I scratched him all over. A few times he would walk away to sniff something, reach the end of his leash and scream like he was dying everytime. He looked totally freaked, and would come back to me all confused and in need of some soothing. Very lovable boy.





Tuesday, June 22, 2004

Had a lot of fun with the dogs last Saturday.
Not as rushed.
Brad and I got to hang out together with our dogs and let them socialize.
It was a lot of fun, they were all a really good bunch.

I walked Lacey first (already got adopted this week).
1 year old Jack Russell Terrier.
We had a nice walk and play time.
On the way back to the building she laid down.
Turned her little body into dead weight.
She looked so goofy I couldnt help but drag her a few feet across the grass.
Playing possum.
So I picked her up and carried her the rest of the way.

Next I walked Tootsie, a 6 month old Yorkshire Terrier. Brad and his dog Zander an 8 month old Pitt Bull Mix (also already got adopted this week) sat with us. He was so gentle with her. Brad held him still for a bit so Tootsie could run around and sniff him. She got real playful with him, and even gave him sweet little kisses. Before I could snap any pics of her one of the staff members came out to collect her to take her to the vet to get spayed since she had just gotten adopted.

Next Brad took out Gizmo 10 month old Border Collie Mix, and I took out Kerchek a smaller Collie Mix. Gizmo was just so lovable. Sweet funny, likes to kiss. Kerchek was more on the quiet hesitant side. He was pushed back against the wall in his kennel. When I came in to get him, he didn't move but wagged his tail. He justed seemed so submissive, worried about stepping on toes. Gizmo really got Kerchek out of his shell. They both sniffed, played and rolled around together.


Lacey





Zander



Gizmo







Gizmo & Kerchek






Sunday, June 20, 2004

I'm layin in the backyard, in my hammock.
Beautiful day, nice breeze, blue sky, birds chirping.
On my wireless laptop, vpn'd into work, got some tickets and emails done, listening to the XM Satellite Radio. On the "Fred station", number 44.

Thursday, June 17, 2004

Today for lunch I took a friend, Brent, to get his eyebrows waxed with my waxonatrix Elaine.
Part of an early birthday gift for him.
I was excited for him to meet Elaine, cause I'm so nuts about her.
I sat in with them while she did him.
It was neat to watch.
She got the tops, the bottoms and the in-between.
I thought it looked great, shaped them really nicely.
This was his first ever waxing.
He did great.
He kept playing with his eyebrows afterward, cause the skin around them felt all weird from being ripped.

Before



After

Tuesday, June 15, 2004

I'm really happy about making a new friend at work.
She has been here 3 months, but I just met her last week.
We clicked right away and spend breaks and lunches together a lot now.
She is Greek, and speaks 5 different languages and Portuguese is next on her list.
Smart too, she is our new firewall person, she's got unix and networking skills.
Happy, upbeat, bubbly and very sociable. She is a good influence on me since I stick to myself at work mostly. She has introduced me to people I have talked on the phone or email to, but never met. In the 3 months she has been here she really knows her way around. I told Brad about her shortly after I met her, and she told me she told her mom about me! :)

Her and I are off to ride the free trolley service now for lunch!
I might take some pics for later.

Sunday, June 13, 2004

Until recently I thought the Bee-Gee's song How Deep is Your Love was "and you come to me on a submarine" instead of "and you come to me on a summer breeze"

We were out somewhere and heard it, and I was all like "what the hell kind of lyrics is that?" then Brad told me those weren't the lyrics.

Saw Harry Potter Friday.
Perfect day for it, the theater wasn't over packed...perfect.
Went to see the dogs yesterday.
Got some sun on my shoulders from the walks.
I wasn't able to take many pictures.
There weren't any other walkers there and we were the first walks of the day the dogs had, so we hustled around to make sure we gave each dog a walk before they exploded.
I walked Princess the bassett hound, the other princess the terrier got adopted as well as Kikei, the dog that looked like a fox.

1 of the kennels in my row for walking had 2 small dogs, so I took both of them out at the same time. But then the smallest didnt want to walk, she wanted to be carried. So I walked one and carried the other.

My last walk of the day was my favorite. I knew I had time to sit down and enjoy the dog. I walked Chato a boxer mix. He sat down until I put the leash on him. So very behaved.





Lots of slack in the leash when we walked. He is a snorting panter, its really too cute. Thinks he is a lap dog. Brad sat down with us for a bit, and Chato climbed in his lap too. Likes to sit on or lean up against people. And such a big lug to hug and kiss. Boxers faces are just so cute.

Friday, June 11, 2004

If you like the mash ups, you can sign up for "The Confidential" newletter here.

Thursday, June 10, 2004

:: Wrapped Detective, Go Home Productions

Uses:: Watching The Detectives,
Elvis Costello
Wrapped Around Your Finger,
The Police
Hello, Lionel Ritchie
Fever, Peggy Lee
Exodus, Bob Marley

Size:: 05.82MB Length:: 00:04:14
Format:: MP3 Quality:: 192Kbps

Click here


:: Happiness is such a thrill, Geoff Carpet

Uses:: Happy, Max Sedgley
Rockin' Music, Martin Solveig
Crocketts' Theme, Jan Hammer
Thriller, Michael Jackson
Duckman samples
BBC presenter Jimmy Kingsbury clip

Size:: 07.23MB Length:: 00:05:16
Format:: MP3 Quality:: 192Kbps

Click here


:: An Egyptian Trick, Soundhog

Uses:: Trick Me, Kelis
Egyptian Reggae, Jonathan Richman &
the Modern Lovers

Size:: 03.61MB Length:: 00:02:38
Format:: MP3 Quality:: 192Kbps

Click here


:: Xfm Superchunk, McSleazy

Uses::
Purple Machete (McSleazy Bootleg)
(Purple Haze, Jimi Hendrix; Comprendes
Mendes, Control Machete)
Movie Dialogue, Fight Club
A Little Know How (McSleazy Bootleg)
(Know How, Young MC; Sympathy for the Devil,
Rolling Stones; Never Leave You, Lumidee;
Just a Little, Liberty X)
Movie Dialogue, Fight Club
Official Chemical (McSleazy Remix),
Dub Pistols
Discodance (cry.on.my.console v Fake ID
Remix), McSleazy
Don't Call Me Song 2 [2004 edit] (McSleazy
Bootleg)
(Song 2, Blur; Don't Call Me Baby,
Madison Avenue)
Make Over (McSleazy Remix - edit), Christina
Aguilera
Milkshake (McSleazy Remix), Kelis
Boom Boom Bird (McSleazy Bootleg)
(Freebird, Lynryd Skynryd; Do Your Thing,
Basement Jaxx; Fuck It, Eamon)

Size:: 42.30MB Length:: 00:30:49
Format:: MP3 Quality:: 192Kbps

Click here


If you like the mash ups, you can sign up for "The Confidential" newletter here.

Thanks Ron Reagan! I just found out I have tomorrow off!

I swapped one of my gmail invites at gmailswap.com for a box of cigars from the Dominican Republic and I got them in the mail yesterday!

Wednesday, June 09, 2004

Website Weds

10 worst album covers of all time
Soap bubble game
New Tokyoplastic flash animation
Radiskull & Devil Doll
Eric Idle sings Fuck the FCC
The Singhsons

Tuesday, June 08, 2004

Filled up my water bottle and went across the street to a courtyard.
Sat in the middle watching people and cars go by on Jackson and Wacker.
People talking, eating, reading and sunning themselves.
The sun felt good, warming me, relaxing me.
I left Navin a voicemail to see if he wanted to come outside and play.
I took my shoes off, felt the grass in between my toes and found a spot to lay down.
Looking up at the Sears Tower, watching clouds float by.
Nice lunch break.

Going back in, asshole got off the elevator I was getting on.
Mutual sneer.

I think tomorrow I might hop on the free trolley bus and just have them drive me around.

No parkin' by the sewer sign
Hot dog, my razor's broke
Water drippin' up the spout
But I don't care, let it all hang out

Hangin' from a pine tree by my knees
Sun is shinin' through the shade
Nobody knows what it's all about,
It's too much, man, let it all hang out


I did get written up.
I'm ok with it.
He sent me an email a bit ago with the word doc attached.
He also said he talked to the asshole from yesterday and his boss told him to cut it out and to let him know if it happens again.

I think I'm gonna go get some sunshine now.

Monday, June 07, 2004

Had a crappy day.
But it got better, not great....but better.

First I made an error in judgment at work on Friday, deleted some home directories I shouldn't have. Had to restaore them by tape today, since its a new filer and they weren't available on snapshots yet. And it was really the wrong people to do it to. So my boss had "a talk" with me. It was my mistake, I was in error so I felt bad. At the end of "the talk" he said he would talk to me later about it. As I went back to my desk and sat down it hit me. What does "talk about it later" mean? I didn't want to panic all day so I called him. "When you said, "I'll talk to you later", did you mean there is a chance I will get written up about this or there is a chance something worse could happen?" Luckily I was reassured the worse wouldn't happen.

I called Brad at work to let him know that I did something wrong and got a bit of trouble over it. I really felt bad telling him, I don't want him to be worried or disappointed in me. He was really cool, sent me sweet text messages to my cell throughout the day telling me he loves me and was thinking about me.

Then middle of the day the group that sits next to me got a call from a guy wanting to talk to someone in Unix. He sounded like an ass so I tried to avoid it, but I couldn't cause I heard some of the things he said and knew I had info on it. So I joined in on the line with the guy and the helpdesk people that sit near me. The guy went off on me because some of his Unix boxes CPU went to 100% for 10 minutes. I had an approved CMR (change control request) to install some new measureware on all our prod boxes since I had already installed it on our dev boxes 2 weeks ago and that went fine. He told me I needed to call and tell him anytime I wanted to touch their boxes. I told him thats why I did the CMR, to notify everyone, his manager goes to those meetings and if he did would have been aware. Also the package I installed was no hog, the CPU had to be very high to begin with to put it over the top to 100%. He didn't swear at me but was talking to me like a baby, really talking down to me. "Do you understand what I am saying?" and just his tone. He said next time I need to take it a step further and notify him and his manager and kept pressing me to say I understood and agreed with him which I refused to do. This guy is not above me in rank he is an equal. We dont really know each other or done anything together before. It really pushes me over the edge when people talk to me like this, I really can't handle it. Especially when I don't deserve it, I dont mind people yelling at me when I fuck up and have it coming, but this was completely uncalled for and unreasonable.

After we hung up (after I just stopped talking) the 2 helpdesk guys came over to give me sympathy, which was really kind. Told me I should kick his ass, and that they were surprised he looked up from playing his online games long enough to even notice. I went to go talk to my boss about it but he was busy. I vented with an engineer, who said there is no way the package could cause CPU to go to 100% and asked if I told his or my boss yet. It was just nice to vent. I felt really pushed at that point. Heart racing. So I bought a bottle of water and sat outside for a bit. The warm sun help relax my tension. Close my eyes and relax. A little later after I went back in, I told my boss what happened and how over the top I thought it was and how other people heard the conversation and were equally shocked by it. He said he would talk to his boss. He said the guy had a rep for doing that and that it still didn;t make it right and would let his boss handle it. I felt a bit better after that.

Then things started getting better.
A new firewall girl stopped me in the hall to introduce herself to me, saying she had seen me around. Seemed really nice and upbeat.
A manager stopped me in the hall and asked me if I had lost a bunch of weight, which I happily replied I had and thank you for noticing and commenting on it.
The 2nd shift helpdesk supervisor unloaded on me about his problems. Splitting up with wife who has a boyfriend, mother having financial problems and he is loosing weight from not eating and getting sick a lot. I kept telling him he should take advantage of the banks free therapy. Which he replied "yeah we should have". I said, "No, not you and her, if she has a boyfriend it's a little too late for that, I mean for you." I hope he does, he is trying to be the bigger person and he is on the outside but he isnt handling it as well as he thinks he is and thats why he has been so sick and loosing weight.
Then he goes to get coffee, and the other 2nd shift guy comes over. Tries to sell me Amway without saying it was really Amway....so I kept trying to change the subject. "Thats so great you have that going on the side with your wife, something you can do together." to get him to quit telling me about his vitamins and water filters.
Then he unloaded. His wife had a stroke a year and a half ago and cant use the left side of her body. He does her hair and makeup for her. How he misses her, they dont talk like they used to. But at least this guy does use a therapist and knows he needs it.

After talking to those two guys, I ain't got it that bad at all.

Had some Indian food with Brad for dinner, and then picked up stuff at Trader Joes. Fruit leathers, dried apple rings, cheese crackers filled with peanut butter. Snacks for work.

Sunday, June 06, 2004

Went to see the dogs yesterday.
Cooper, Maya, Prince and Jenna got adopted.
They had all new dogs yesterday.
I walked Princess, a 2 year old Jack Russell Terrier first.
I was really drawn to her. So cute and cuddly, even though she had poop stains on her.
We played outside, I chased her around a bit, and then time for some belly rubbing time. (You can see some poop on her foot in a belly rub shot and how small she is compared to my hand in the last pic)
Then I took her in and gave her a bath, and then towel dried her.
I took her outside to the run with me to dry off in the sun and to give me a chance to click her long nails. I think I got about 4 nails done, it was just impossible, she was so squirmy and fought the entire time. Hated her nails being touched. But then in between kicks she would look up and kiss me, like saying, "I'm sorry I can't help it, I hate anyone touching my nails, but it's nothing personal."








Then I walked another dog, also named Princess. A 6 month old Basset Hound.
Very sweet. Had such thick short stubby legs and wide feet. And amazingly soft fur.






Then I walked Kihei. Not sure how to pronounce that. She looked like a fox.
So calm and quiet. I'd call her over and she would jump up so I could scratch her chest for her.






There weren't other walkers there so we made sure all the dogs got walked before we left.
Went home, changed clothes and went over to pick up and to go to the Printers Row Book Fair.

I wasn't really into any of the books. It was just nice being out, walking around, and people watching. I like the fair/festival atmosphere. Got there too late to see Chuck Palahniuk. Not sure where and what times people were so we just roamed. I enjoyed the company of Emily and Chris. They're fun.

About 6 we headed back to the green line to Oak Park. Got some dinner at Whole Foods, and headed to Barbara's bookstore to see David Sedaris read. We got there 40 minutes before it was supposed to start and the place was packed and lined up outside. All the people outside were NOT getting in. So we decided to head back home. Emily gave us some jade plants and Brad some really cool antique local maps. We sat around their place for awhile and played with the dogs and Alex and watched Veggie Tales.

Friday, June 04, 2004

Had lunch with some friends visiting in town.
Had lunch at Joy's Noodles and Rice on Broadway before they went off to a Cub's game and I headed back for work.

It was a really good lunch, but even better company.
Comfortable and familiar right away.
And both of them are just the sweetest people!

Seeing the dogs tomorrow and torn a little about what to do the rest of the day.
There is the Printer's Row Book Fair going on, and also a David Sedaris reading at Barbara's Bookstore in Oak Park. Thinking about trying to get both in.

Thursday, June 03, 2004

For Sunny

Punky Moms
Baby Wit
Snot Nose Brats
T-Shirt Hell
Cubaby Wear
Glamajama
Jeannie Nitro
Mommys Little Monster
Pint Sized Punks
Punk Rock Baby

Wednesday, June 02, 2004

Nyah! Nyah!

I have 2 Gmail accounts!!

On that subject this is interesting:

Gmail swap site

Gmail noteworthy swaps

Website Weds

Asteroids
I love the new Starbucks commercials
Weebl & Bob go to Pikea
Arms
Matchman

Tuesday, June 01, 2004

Went to a BBQ party yesterday at Gonzo & Jessica's somewhat still new home.
They have a really cool backyard with a pond.
and tons of good food of course too.
Nice seeing them and their gang again.