Chicago Sheri

2009-05-21T01:55:00.001-05:00

Been up last 3 nights with scheduled work
totally has my sleep messed up
i was sleeping an hour here, 2 hours there , then 3.
So today I caught up on sleep since i dont have to work tonight

now its night...and i cant sleep

thinking about taking a bath or going grocery shopping (its 2am here)

I already vacuumed and dust mopped my floors, cleaned the tub, the countertop, dusted, and little straightenings here and there....

2009-04-26T12:14:00.000-05:00

More photos from the wax museum

2009-04-25T22:45:00.001-05:00

i have sucha crush on Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock...he is on SNL RIGHT NOW!!!

2009-03-28T09:23:00.002-05:00

Busy week.
Went to Las Vegas Thursday - Sunday with Jeff. We stayed at Bellagio! He still has to upload pics, so Ill just post pics later. Wax museum was fun, NYNY rollercoaster (he doesnt like them or heights and rode it with me!!), saw an awesome Cirque De Soliel show Love (all Beatles music) eyes wide and mouth agape the whole time, (skating, bungees, trampolines all sorts of crazy shit!), didnt lose too much money (mostly played penny and nickel slots)

Then on Monday went to a super great show with Brent and Jeff at Bottom Lounge. Stereo Total, Leslie & the Lys, and Pure Magical Love (local band)

Pure Magical Love was AWESOME!!! Girls dancing around in panties and electrical tape, acting out a whole story and then killing a guy at the end. (and local!!)

Leslie & the Lys so much fun, I like her raps. She had a few fans that dressed like her. One girl was super intense and was so honored she was given the tiger shoulder pad to fix the fringe on...she took her job very seriously...I could just see it all over her face.

I LOVE Stereo Total. Fun, happy music...and featured in the latest Dell commercial. I like to try to sing along even though I dont know french or german, I know some of the choruses. I got pulled up on stage to sing and dance along to L'amour A Trois!! I felt so bad I didnt know more lyrics to it!! But I had the chorus. I froze when she asked me up but luckily Brent started pushing my ass up there and I just stared and focused on her the whole time as we sang (and I tried to keep up) No pictures of that, cause I had the camera, but I got some pics with her after the show.

GREAT GREAT SHOW!!

My building brought in contractors to fix a bunch of stuff and its been awesome for me. Got my tub leveled, bathroom painted the most beautiful glossy blue (I smile as I look in everytime I walk by...I really love blues), put in a trap that was missing attached to the tub, and they are coming back Monday to caulk and grout the bathroom tiles, then sometime fix some water damage and a tuckpointing issue over my front windows.

Jeff is in Ohio this weekend, so I am holing up. Got 5 movies from Blockbuster, a bunch of crosswords, the latest issue of Time Out magazine to go through, and a beautiful blue bathroom. I have been hiding in my bedroom, eating, tv, movies everything all in bed. Its been very luxurious! Bought some pound cake to toast and some cook and serve chocolate pudding to put on it.

Im going to stay in bed ALL WEEKEND!

Pure Magical Love

Leslie & the Lys

Stereo Total

2009-03-06T04:41:00.001-06:00

Been meaning to post.
If you get a chance to go see Punk Bunny play...GO

Saw them about 3 weeks ago at Quenchers, been waiting for them to come to Chicago.
Funny, sweet guys. Bought one of their cd's.
They opened for Flaver Savers, another great AND LOCAL band

Brent rockin to Flaver Savers

Jonneal has the most fabulous mustache!

Punk Bunny!!!

Luigi & Andrew Burnette

Blossom

2009-01-21T19:00:00.001-06:00

I want a lemur

2009-01-17T12:17:00.001-06:00

woke up grumpy
still am
but crossword and bath will help
and had cake for breakfast

last weeks chicago time out magazine cover was hottest trainers
i kept seeing hot trannies
which i would be much more excited to read about

today it was the movie hotel for dogs
i saw as hostel for dogs
and thought about some slasher hostel flick of dog torture

seeing my bloody valentine in 3d with izzy and brent tonight

2008-12-17T09:22:00.001-06:00

Ok so I been super busy with work, having lots of people staying over my place..dogs too.
And when it starts getting dark at 3:30 and it super cold..and from Thanksgiving on seems to be such a blur of doing so many things and so many things still to do.
Been run down
just tired
I keep real busy, cleaning a lot, like vacuuming 5 times a day, laundry, at least 3-4 grocery store trips a week, plus I dust 2-3 times a week, clean floors once a week etc etc, then I work all hours and all days very often, then thrown in some social obligations on top...

Jeff had plans to go to Indiana for work, to do some installs, and asked if I wanted to go with him.
Stay in hotels with Wifi, so I could work from the hotel room. No chores, laundry or grocery shopping to do. Just a pool, hot tub and a big fluffy bed. BLISS!!

Nevermind the fact that I hate Indiana. Its just gross and depressing there. People always say "well what about Indianapolis" thats like people in Flint saying "well what about Detroit". Gary is the armpit of Indiana, so that makes me in the belly button right now which is Terra Haute. There is nothing here, places are empty. But the hotel is really nice and so is the hot tub...so I am happy.

2008-12-17T08:42:00.001-06:00

Been busy
been run down

but I'm resting now
right now

So anyways, last Tuesday was Jeff's big birthday.
I wanted to make it special.
His brother helped me by supplying some old pics of him so I could make him a special cake, and I made reservations at Chuck E Cheese!

It was a great party, we all had a wonderful time.

Did the cokes, pizza thing, and we all got tokens as a part of the birthday package, and I used some coupons so we could get more.

After we ate for a bit, they brought Chuck E Cheese out!! We sang Happy Birthday, did a birthday parade around the table area then lined up in front of the stage for the finale.

Jeff got birthday bot balloons, and a gold medal.

Then we spent the rest of the night spending our tokens and playing games. My favorite is the sketch machine in the kiddie area, better and cheaper then photo booths!!!

Thank you everyone for coming out that snowy weeknight and making it really special for Jeff!

2008-12-03T12:56:00.001-06:00

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

2008-11-18T16:57:00.000-06:00

Happiness is candy in your purse

2008-11-09T11:02:00.001-06:00

Thursday night, Jeff and I got to take Tiff out to Province, our new favorite place.

Friday we got dressed up for the Restaurateurs Ball. I like the opportunity of dressing up.

Yesterday Jeff left for Ohio for a couple days. I went to Piece for lunch with Brent and Jeff(combe) and then watched a lot of movies all day and all night.

2008-11-06T21:52:00.001-06:00

2008-10-29T12:58:00.003-05:00

OMG I so freaking hate that "IM JOE THE PLUMBER" commercials.
What fucking idiots!!

You are all unlicensed, non-tax paying people worried about being the 5% of all people that will get higher taxes??!!

Unless you are super SUPER rich...your taxes wont go up. Small business...not likely.
No plumber, carpenter, teacher, fireman, cop, etc will EVER make enough that their taxes will go up!

CLEAN OUT YOUR FUCKING EARS!!

2008-10-12T10:15:00.000-05:00

Fatburger finally came to the Midwest!!!
Yesterday Jeff and I took a mini road trip to Orland Park to visit the Fatburger that just opened there this week. I was worried it wouldnt be as good as the one I went to in Las Vegas BUT IT WAS!! Milkshake, fat fries and a fatburger (no relish, no pickle) SO GOOD. I was hamburger giddy the whole time I was there

Thank you Kanye West for bringing us Fatburger!! This is the first in a chain of them he is bringing to Chicago.

Had food coma for awhile after that, but then got it together enough to get together with a group for rollerderby. Chicago Outfit vs Hammer City Roller Girls. We won! Last game of the season.

2008-10-08T16:16:00.003-05:00

2008-10-08T10:22:00.000-05:00

Hey,

Want an Obama T-shirt? MoveOn's giving them out if you make a small donation to their young-voter registration program, aimed at registering half a million young voters in swing states. I just got mine, and wanted to share the opportunity with you.

Click this link to get your Obama T-shirt:

http://pol.moveon.org/obamatshirts/index13.html?id=-10845371-.G49Chx

Thanks!

2008-10-06T15:41:00.001-05:00

Lotsa fun
Kind of a blur.
Thursday we had people over to watch the debate at our place.

Friday we met another group for burlesque and then to Streetside.

Saturday we took Izzy (just moved to my hood!!) her visiting friend Matt and Jeff and Tiffany to Berwyn to see Red Elvises after having dinner at El Cid.

Sunday another group of friends, and Izzy and Matt for brunch at Dunlays. Then to get a forgotten credit card back in Berwyn, nap time and then we picked up Jeff to go see Slim Cessna's Auto Club.

Tonight we are staying in. Nothing night, eating meatballs Tiffany gave us.

Tomorrow night - watching the debate at Quenchers and having a bit of a meet up there.

Izzy and Matt LOVED Red Elvises. Crowd was odd mix, but the band is a lot of fun.

Slim Cessna was AWESOME! (as usual) So glad my Jeff got to see them, he was so floored by them. We stood right up to the stage, and got to be all into it. Other Jeff was all into it like he was last time we went, having a spiritual meeting with them.

2008-09-26T08:25:00.004-05:00

On my way to Ohio for the weekend.
Went out to Cobra Lounge last night to see the Pussy Pirates (they are so cute) at Cobra Lounge.
I wore my cat mask, but I think it looks more like a panda. I told people I was the South Park Sexual Harassment Panda.

Wore my PBR t-shirt I won from the other night PBR bingo at Burlington.

Great show, great time...very friendly crowd :)

2008-09-24T10:09:00.000-05:00

Celebrated Jonneal's birthday last night at Katerina's. (but her real birthday is on Thursday) Had a great time with Jonneal, Ava, Brent and Jeff (as usual)

Happy birthday to a sexy sex-say girl!!

2008-09-22T09:33:00.002-05:00

Had a good weekend. Hung out with friends Saturday and Sunday. Concert last night.
Date night Friday night with Jeff, crashed an art show that had open bar. (and some really neat art!!!)

I still feel bad about Jesus. I failed him. I love him and miss him and it hurts, but I know I made the right decision. I just feel really bad for letting him down. But...that's for me to beat myself up about not some anonymous person that wasn't with me scrubbing my floors at 1am, and washing rugs everyday. You pay to get my car detailed cunt!

Anonymous said...

"Maybe you should consider not having a dog. Considering they are a lot of responsibility....instead of taking one in and then sending it back to the shelter because it's "too much work" "

I said...

"Easy to say when you are anonymous, not cleaning up barf and pee 5 to 8 times a day and spending $3000 in 3 months at the vet to get a dog in good health that you just got from a place that didn't say the dog was a special needs dog when that sure as hell is special needs.

Dont think you are superior and don't fucking judge me cunt."

2008-09-18T11:38:00.001-05:00

I took Jesus back to PAWS this morning
I called the vet and let her know and thanked her for her help
Told PAWS about the vet and the vet contacted them to help aid with Jesus more.

I am busy with work and cleaning and straightening

Feel really bad, sad, I failed. I did better for him then when I got him. But I just couldnt take it anymore.
Cleaning up puke 5 to 8 times a day for his life, I cant do it
then there is his sometimes peeing even though I take him out all the time

I want to give my washer and dryer a break

Ordering a new area rug

Been crying since last night when I made decision but its my only choice.

its gonna be hard when I see people and they ask about him

2008-09-07T18:04:00.000-05:00

Holy Jesus

2008-08-26T13:39:00.000-05:00

Found a good place for Jeff's clam strip cravings last night, Hagen's Fish Market Really good and really cheap fish sandwiches too.

Today Jesus found something new he loves, well at least a new spot. He now like to sit in the window behind me on the sofa. Been there all morning. I brought him his blankie.

2008-08-24T17:39:00.001-05:00

Got to see Jonneal for a bit before going to rollerderby last night. Brent and I met up with Jeff, Tiffany, Mel and Ben. Great game, close the whole time. First good challenging team...and sad to say we lost 68 to 71. First loss. So close, all in the last 30 seconds. Chicago Outfit is a really great team.

Was super awesome seeing Tequila Mockingbird last night. Its been a year since her accident. She is starting to walk again!!

Thinking about going to Liars Club tonight.

I bought Jesus a couple new dog toys, and I'm thrilled..yes thrilled at how much he seems to love them. He is such a pain in the ass, and stinky, but then I get so happy when he is happy and playing.

Watched Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day. Yesterday watched Black Book and Offside. Good movie weekend.

2008-08-21T14:56:00.001-05:00

Had a professional fitting for a super nice corset today at Skyscaper Heels.
I love it so much I wore it home, didnt want to take it off.
(Even though I look weird in sweats and a corset) :P

Super snug, super sturdy. I have to take smaller breaths in it. Yes, you can pass out from wearing it she told me. So no going out and dancing in it HAHA! She suggests I wear it on and off for awhile to get used to it, moving, sitting, breathing. It does take some adjusting while wearing it.

But I really love it, nice treat for myself

2008-08-21T10:43:00.000-05:00

We went to Six Flags in Gurnee yesterday.
GREAT FUN!!
Jeff was a good sport and rode most of the rides with me, he did all the rollercoasters!
We liked Batman and Raging Bull the best. We rode Superman first, it was super freaky hanging like that. We were screaming and laughing. But we hate the Iron Wolf, the way the things are next to your head gives you cauliflower ear!!

We had a really good time.

2008-08-17T12:57:00.001-05:00

JOY!!!

Pulled pork day at Logan Square Farmers Market!!!

2008-08-16T19:46:00.001-05:00

2008-08-16T18:21:00.001-05:00

Jesus and I went to Montrose Beach for Brent's Cream Team volleyball playoffs.
Then to the dog beach right north of it and watched some really cool planes from the Air and Water Show.

I bought a kids raft for Jesus so he could still get wet but not have to swim when he gets tired. He dug for the first time today!!! Dug and dug and dug!!

2008-08-11T23:51:00.002-05:00

Jesus Update:

He has a kidney infection, showed up in the x-ray, so taking meds for that and to tighten up his pee pee so he doesnt leak
Seems to be helping

Also reason he was drinking so much water
which is now helping his puking
He threw up 4 times today, but its way better then 10, and its mostly water, and not as much volume.

Now I control his water intake, slow him down a little, give him little bits at a time, seems to help.

He played with Bishu, Jeff and Tiffanys dog last weekend. First dog he has played with. They chased each other and played.

We put his bed on the bench by the window, he seems to like that and if he gets up at night I can hear him jump off the bench and go let him out. He doesnt get me up every night and if he does its once and not twice.

So its better

Gets another vitamin B shot on this week, and I'll ask about next round of blood work.

Im not as frustrated....at the moment
Now its work that is wearing me down

2008-08-11T23:40:00.001-05:00

Been super busy with work since Thursday. Non-stop calls all weekend. To the point Im all confused today, just in a cloud, but still working

I did get a brief moment to step out Sunday to Market Days. Just long enough to get pictures, get a gay.com temp tattoo on back (its still there) and watch buff guys in Speedos play Twister. Jeff got the car for me while I sat int he car and worked and he went and got me a funnel cake that somehow managed to explode all over my car. (Which I cleaned today because when I feel like I dont have control of things, I get control back by keeping everything in order in my car and condo. I did laundry (included the bed), washed floors, rugs and the bathmat today as well as a funnel cake explosion)

Steambath guys playing twister

Bucket of cheese fries

Cutest ass!

Owner of the cutest ass, and the guys that tattoo'd me

Brent throwing at the dunk tank (got it on his 3rd try!)

Brent and I did this together while Jeff was getting the car for me. You get blindfolded and shove everything you can down your partners shirt. You had to get $ bills, and a certain number of pieces of colored paper to win stuff. We didn't win, but Brent kept a $ bill I shoved in his shirt :) It was silly fun, Brent was laughing so hard, his laugh was cracking me up.

BTW - Supposed to be the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower tonight, step out and take a look. I will!

2008-08-05T01:18:00.000-05:00

Jesus update:

Vet called today with info from last weeks blood and pee tests.
Traces of blood in his urine, so now I am taking him back in tomorrow for an ultrasound.
I mentioned the extreme barfing frequencies and she speculated could be dilation of his esophagus. So she might do an x-ray of his esophagus while he is in tomorrow, might run more blood work too, and while he is there go ahead and get his weekly vitamin B shot too.

So we will see what comes of this round of tests.

Jeff felt bad when he came home when he saw how frustrated I was and offered to do barf clean-up for the night. He got frustrated too. Everytime we turned around... he even puked in the same spot Jeff had just finished cleaning up another puke.

So tomorrow:
Drop off dog for more test
oil change and tire rotation
and replace missing drivers license

and I go on primary on-call at work tomorrow around noonish until next Tuesday.

2008-08-04T15:11:00.001-05:00

I am really grumpy and guilty right now.
Its about Jesus...the dog.

I take him out every 2 to 3 hours.
He peed on my rug this morning anyway.
The amount of times that occurs...is nothing.
My main problem is his puking.

He barfs up water, or water and kibble sometimes up to 10 times a day.
I am tired of scrubbing the carpet, cleaning floors and washing rugs.
I know he cant help it and thats why I feel guilty, cause it makes me so mad sometimes.
No bile comes up, and it doesnt seem too stressful on him when he does it. I mentioned it to the vet last week, and will tell her more this week (weds). I thought maybe it was his dog food, but no, he is just a barfer, which means more tests.

He is an expensive dog:

The enzymes to help him digest, weekly vitamin b shots for a little while, all the blood tests we have done and will have to do monthly for awhile, pee/poop tests and then I have the amount of cleaner, papertowels and detergent he makes me go through!!!

and he has barfed on me....twice now

Yes, Im an obsessive cleaner anyway but I dont need anyone giving me MORE TO CLEAN!!

Im grumpy, tired, frustrated and then feeling guilty about being mad about it.

2008-08-03T13:03:00.001-05:00

Went to see Gogol Bordello with Brent on Friday at Metro. I really hate Wrigleyville and all the people there. Gogol was good, I like the music. We had a good spot close to the stage but when the music started it was scary, hard pushing and shoving and I was worried about the welfare of my toes with everyone jumping up and down around me. So we moved further back and then eventually upstairs so I could see them better.

Last night we met up with Tracy to see Matt and his brothers (Smoking Popes) open for Flogging Molly at Congress Theater. Liked the venue. Had a great spot on the side of the stage for people watching. 2 drunk guys were entertaining. One guy was really creepy, latching onto every nearby girl and grabbing them. A couple of times I thought he might throw up on one of them. Stumbling around like he might fall over. Another guy was big and happy and dancing all over the place. People were giving him dirty looks for bumping into them and he would latch onto girls too but not as bad as the other guy. He would mostly just dance with them and ease into a little touchy feeling rather then lunging. By the end of the night he was talking to me and Brent too. We did a lot of smile and nod, but he was nice.

Brent and I are so WAY cool, everytime a guy on stage would motion in our direction we were all like haha that girl thinks he is looking at her but it is so me. :P We like to pretend. Whatever. I also like making up dialog for people I am watching.

Lost my drivers license at some point yesterday. :( Have to go to DMV sometime this week and replace it.

Jeff is in Ohio this weekend spending time with his boys so I been going out and watching movies. Watching Latin Boys Go To Hell right now. Then might go see Swing Vote and X-Files. I like to see at least 2 movies if I go to a theater and just buy one ticket. Saw Mummy and Hellboy yesterday.

I take Jesus out every 2 to 3 hours on average so I am really getting to know a lot of people in my neighborhood from being outside so much.

I made a cake.

2008-07-28T10:39:00.001-05:00

Another great weekend.
Friday went to Streetside to celebrate Mercia's birthday with Missy, Tracy, Matt and Evan.

Saturday went to a BBQ at Twisted Scissors, and then to the Chicago Outfit roller derby.
My lucky charm boyfriend won me tickets to this Fridays Gogol Bordello show!! I was wanting to go anyway. Really enjoy roller derby.

Then walked up the street to Mutiny to see Gina and Dan in the Venom Lords. It was Jeff's first time seeing them play. He liked em. Got to spend time with Tiffany there. Wore a black fishnet shirt out that night, and loved it. Felt good in it.

Yesterday was a potluck BBQ with the people in my building. Jeff made a wonderful watermelon vodka lemonade (chunks of watermelon in it!) and some tasty mac & cheese. Good time hanging out with everyone.

2008-07-25T12:23:00.001-05:00

2008-07-22T11:38:00.000-05:00

Went to Pitchfork Music Fest, 3 days of eating drinking and music.

Friday was a short day with 3 acts, but one of them was PUBLIC ENEMY!!! That was cool, then the second day Jeff won us VIP passes (THANKS BOOST MOBILE!!) for all day Saturday and Sunday. Got us free food, beer, drinks, booze, and backstage. IT WAS AWESOME!! We had some great naps there too, just hanging out all day.

Sunday we set up camp, chairs, blankets so a big group of us could all hang out together and kept us a great spot in the shade and within good range of the 2 large stages. Had 2 friends from San Francisco (Adriane and Arsenio) visiting, and then Jonneal and Ava and a bunch of Jonneals cousins hung out. Tiffany and her roommate Michelle were volunteering at the DepartMent tent, so Id stop and visit and bring them beers.

2008-07-14T12:19:00.001-05:00

Had a really good weekend.

Friday night went to a party at Tracy's. Brought Jesus with us, he did really good. He is easing into playing with other dogs, I dont think he gets it still but he is starting to get interested. We also saw him happy. Bouncing around her yard like a rabbit with all the attention. Really cute.
After all the excitement and late night, he was a grumpy brat when we got home.

We all slept in on Saturday. I colored Jeff's hair. Lighter, summery looking. I like it, he is still deciding and getting used to it. That night we went to Joe's to see a band his brother used to be in Shurman. I hate that whole area on Weed. I hate the majority of people there, its a bad bachelorette row. The band was alright, they finally picked up their energy on the last 3 songs. Jeff caught up on old times a bit with the lead singer. He seemed nice.

Sunday we went to the Farmers Market. Bought some good stinky blue cheese and soem local picked corn. The corn was delicious! FINALLY!!

Went to dog beach (see pictures below)
Had a great time. Jesus went off to check out other dogs, got a little playful.
We got him in the water. Held him over the water to watch him kick like he was swimming (so funny). We think he likes swimming (doesnt like cold though) looked like he was wagging his tail and they way he was swimming around us..he looked happy. He didnt try to climb us all looking miserable. Went he got out he wanted to be bundled under the towel and warm up, then afetr he warmed up a bit he would look all tired and watch all the dogs around him curiously. Taking it all in. Watched a dog pee on these guys shirts they left on the sand. Met a 3-legged dog named Pepper (really strong!) Good times at dog beach!
Oh yeah and he is even starting to lift his leg now when he pees rather then squatting!!

Brent came over to eat corn, queso and watch a movie he brought over "Sex: The Annabel Chong Story". Jesus got grumpy again like he does whenever he has a big day and turned all piranha-like with Jeff. Grumping and getting all bitey. He is still wiped out today from his weekend.

Got a couple friends coming in town this week to go to Pitchfork this coming weekend with me and Jeff. YAY!!

Here he is sitting on the beach waiting for us to come dry him off
(look for his ears!)

Pepper 3-legged dog

2008-07-13T20:53:00.000-05:00

Our latest thing:

We keep a cup in the shower to fill with water and throw out the window while we shower to splash people.

Its nice to open the window while you stand in the shower and lean out watching the neighborhood, splash cars coming thru the alley, and at people walking by.

2008-07-10T08:29:00.000-05:00

I miss Lula.

I want my little friend back.
Im still mad she is gone. Robbed, cheated of my time with her. Its not fair. We were supposed to have so much more together. So many more adventures and fun together. Going to the beach, the movies, road trips to Ohio. I have been looking at pictures of her and watching some of the videos I took of her and crying.

People say but you made her happy with the time you had together. But Im feeling mad.
ITS NOT ENOUGH!! Its not enough I made her happy the short time she was here!! Its doesnt make me feel better knowing that. Cause we were supposed to have had SO MUCH MORE!!!

.....

So then I stop crying and go watch the Farting Preacher and laugh at fart jokes

2008-07-09T12:45:00.000-05:00

Shotgun Domestic Partnership

Card carryin'....for reals ya'll

2008-07-09T05:39:00.000-05:00

Just now bouncing back from a busy weekend

Had my mom and her friend Dee stay with me for Independence weekend, and Jeff's entire family pretty much stayed in a hotel.

We did Taste of Chicago, downtown fireworks, my neighborhood dueling fireworks show on rooftops and alleys all-nighter, Navy Pier, Hancock building, Millennium Park, Bean, Spitting fountain, professional bra fitting/shopping, and even an East Coast Swing/Jitterbug dance conference

Got a lot in, and a lot of walking and great great fun

2008-06-26T16:14:00.001-05:00

Jesus crying over not getting any blue cheese dip

2008-06-26T07:34:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I was emotionally wiped out. I am so numb now from talking about it and talking to people about Lula.

I saw some neighbors yesterday who at first thought Jesus was Lula and then go "Oh thats not Lula". I then say. "This is Jesus" and then they play and say Hi to Jesus, and then I go on to explain very monotone "You wont be seeing Lula anymore she died" with I feel a very blank dead look in my eye. Like yeah uh-huh my dog died. And then they look uncomfortable, say the thing you are supposed to say "oh im so sorry" looking a little confused about my bluntness about the whole thing (which I usually am anyway) on top of my monotone matter of factness. Im really tired.

I love Jesus and his name. Its perfect for him. Jesus will heal my pain. I have the love of Jesus in my heart. WWJD I found Jesus. It all has a new meaning, and for once I can feel ok with those statements.

Jesus has very sick poop. Its like a yellowish paste, and he swirls it real pretty like a soft serve ice cream cone. I discussed that with an uncomfortable neighbor too.

I can make some people uncomfortable but most people just "Oh Sheri" me, especially the ones I like best.

2008-06-25T09:16:00.000-05:00

good

We went to PAWS yesterday. I had no intention of getting a dog, just filling out an app to get one, and walk around and look at dogs.

Then I saw Reese, who we renamed Jesus.
1 year old boy Chihuahua mix.

Cute bulbous head for kissing, but he is very different from Lula. He is curious, nosey, he seems to like most people instead of just one (me), brave, demanding, pushy. A little imp, that isnt scared of anything.

Brent went with us. Brent is a part of our family so Im glad he was there.

Jesus is very skinny, I need to put weight on him. He was emaciated, and due to that had digestive issues but is better now.

Yeah, I thought maybe it could be too soon, but I dont think it is. I want to have a little buddy with me at home during the day.

2008-06-25T09:02:00.001-05:00

Bad

I am very sad and mad about Lula.

I think the people at the place are nice good people but it was wrong the way she was handled, and killed her.

They have a fenced in outdoor area. I assumed thats where she would go outside. I didnt think to ask of she would be walked, where and how. They walked her near a very busy intersection, knowing she is scared and timid, not using her collar but a lead that every dog and dog owner knows all you have to do is back out of it, there was no grass, no nearby grassy park areas just busy street. She had no business being there!!!

Their corp claims they did nothing wrong however they have now changed their policy to harness dogs under 25 lbs, and the place I took her to is doing even more by not walking dogs at all anymore and just using the fenced in area.

I am happy these changes are happening to protect other dogs.

But Im really unhappy with Illinois law. Dogs are property like a cell phone. I spoke to several attorneys yesterday and they told me that they could actually throw a dog off a roof and then just offer to give you money for a new dog and then be done with it. If they are negligent or not, it doesnt matter...just get a new one.

Remember that dog food that was killing dogs? On average people got $65 for their loss. I mean how traumatic is it to poison your own dog and then just get money for a replacement?!?!

I cried everyday on vacation and these last few days at home has been really rough.

We went to go say goodbye to Lula on Monday. They were holding her in the freezer for me at the vet place before they cremated her. That was hard. Even though she was frozen, her fur was soft so I could pet her, hug her, and still kiss her little bulbous head.

They are putting her ashes in a box that has a place for a picture on the front. We thought we would put a close up of her face on it and put it under the sofa, where she liked to hide and peak out. She spent a lot of evenings under the sofa.

I miss her so much.
(but a good post coming up next)

2008-06-23T11:31:00.001-05:00

Thank you everyone for the emails, calls, texts and messages.
You guys are so sweet it gets me all weepy

2008-06-23T11:28:00.000-05:00

Vacation in Florida

I cried several times each day about Lula but I still had a good time in Florida with my family.
Im glad I had this last week off, time on the beach, in the pool, eating, soaking up sun and surrounded by people I love.

There were lots of jellyfish in the water the last half of my stay. I think they are pretty but dont like to be in the water with them. Got stung a couple of times and that was it for me. We would catch some in nets and then bury them to try and clear out the waters.

Our first day out in the water we saw like 3 or 4 groups of dolphins and one group came real close to us. We were so excited to be so close to them.

Went out with Jeff and the boys and took pictures of them parasailing. I did it last year, so I just took pics this year. It was their first time, and Jeff doesnt like heights. They all loved it. They almost got dipped in the water right on top of some sting rays! I didnt see any, but they said thye could see some while up in the air.

Jeff and I rented a waverunner for 2 hours. We saw lots and lots of jellyfish. I told him not to tip us cause then all he would hear is me going "OW OW OW OW OW OW OW!!!" We saw a couple schools of splashy fish, we saw some dolphins.

There was one scary part. We saw sharks. We were going by a military building (air force base nearby) on our way to go by our condo and wave to family from the ocean. We saw a really big shadow under us by that building. We stopped and looked again, Jeff thinks it was 10 or 11 feet I think I heard him say. He went slower away from there just to make sure we didnt tip or lose control. Then on the way back...the same area...we saw 2 or 3 that were about 6 feet. Again we stopped to look, and then we started tipping. We werent doing anything to tip. I wondered if one was pushing us but we didnt feel a bump. Jeff thinks there was a weird current that was tipping us. He was scared too. I told him I was scared and to get us out of there. He did.
After and before that everything was fine.

Im still white, but I think I got more color this last week then I ever have, and lots of new freckles.

There were about 25 of us all together, it was cool. Everyone opening their condos to everyone and helping out with the kids. More people joined this year and plan on making it out again next year.

2008-06-15T17:27:00.001-05:00

My Lula is dead.

I am in Florida, landed yesterday in Ft Walton Beach for a weeklong family vacation and got a call from the dog boarding place. She was out on a walk, heard a loud noise and got spooked, got off the lead they had her on and took off running. Ran into the street and got hit by a car. They said she died immediately, like maybe even had a heart attack. I had tightened her collar when I dropped her off just for that reason, but they must have slipped a different lead around her neck. I can just imagine her spooked and scared like that, she would get scared and panic. But I wasnt there, she wasnt near home and what she knew, and scared.

They cried on the phone as they told me about it.

I felt bad for them too.

I want my Lula, I didnt have enough time with her. She was my baby. My little funny dog. I had so many summer plans for us, so many years left with her. I wont have her little bulbous head to kiss anymore. Her little funny faces she would make at me. Our playtimes. Her sweet soft kisses. Our car rides and trips together. Im not gonna to have my little buddy at home with me.

I was supposed to have many many more years with her.

2008-06-10T11:41:00.001-05:00

Work has been busy, which had a hand in me getting sick and losing my voice for a bit...That and the majorly fluctuating weather...

Just a bad sinus infection, Im still getting over it and now woke up with my left eye swollen and gross. EW!! and that irratating cough starting up I get after I get any cold that seems to take months to get rid of. I get grumpy having to cough so much.

I slept all day Saturday so we could go out that night and see the Smoking Popes at Metro with Tracy and Missy. Great show, go to go back stage and sound room and all that!

Went to Blues Fest Sunday night (too sick on Friday to go see Koko Taylor on Fri) to see BB King with Brent and Jeff.

A friend I worked with in Columbus (he now lives in Texas) is in town for work and brought his wife with him. We are having dinner with them tonight and then later this week they are staying with us for a few days and we all go to the airport on Saturday. Them to go home and us to go on my family trip to Florida! Im so excited. Think about it everyday. Beach and swimming!!

2008-06-01T09:57:00.001-05:00

Forgot to post pics from last weekend at the dog beach!!

Took Brent and Jeff's boys with us. Brent and the boys splashed around in the water. Lots of happy dogs running around.

I waded out in the water and Lula came in after me, got her to swim some too, except everytime she would catch up to me she would try to climb me and scratch the crap outta my legs.

I did get her in a little dog playgroup and she came out of her shell in a big way and then started chasing and barking at all the big dogs that went by, even scared a few of em!!

Friday night Jeff and I saw La Scala and Firewater at Empty Bottle with Jeffany (Jeff & Tiffany). Had 4 voicemails from Brent on the way home about cops in armor and big guns all over Fullerton and emptying some building next to him one person at a time. So we did a drive by to see how it was, still half the street blocked, cops and people all standing around. Brent gave me updates by voicemail as he watched from his window with cops shining their flashlights in at him.

Today is the local farmers market. Meeting up with some people there. Then the free Flobots show at Subteranean tonight, and then follow up with ten cent wings at Estelle's.

Pics from dog beach:

2008-05-22T12:23:00.001-05:00

Been having lots of fun lately.
Got to go to the NRA, not rifles...Natl Restaurant Assoc.
It was like a buffet.

Had Jeff's clients take us out to some dinners, including to a place that was a potential client and sounds like he is ready to sign up.

I love doing "work" with Jeff, it usually includes dressing up, showing off my boobs, and eating at nice places.

Monday I won tickets to Howard Brown's (midwest largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health organization) A Taste For Every Palate, a food and wine tasting. A lot of great local restaurants were there providing food and drinks and got more interested possible clients for Jeff to meet up with. Really fun great crowd there. Making lots of good contacts and new friends

Last night we went to the opening night of Avenue Q. I liked the song Everyone's A Little Bit Racist the most.

2008-05-18T13:44:00.001-05:00

Last weekend Lula and I went to Ohio for a few days to help watch my sisters kids with my mom while my sister went to the Bahamas.

The family commotion was good for Lula, but she was very happy to be going home.

I just got a basket put on my bike for her to ride with me. Pockets, air vents, harness to strap her in even if she is having a freak out.

Went biking today. I think she really liked it. I could pet her while biking around, she could see me and look around.

2008-05-10T01:18:00.002-05:00

Went to see MIA at the Aragon tonight.

I was so proud of myself (yeah I know its lame, but Im still proud) I took the bus by myself. Its been forever since I bussed it, I usually drive. So it was a little overwhelming at first cause Im not sure what Im doing. On the way there, there were 2 fluffy chickens on the bus. One black and one white. They were really pretty. I EVEN TRANSFERRED!! :)

When I got to my final destination I was thinking about getting a bite at Crew, but not sure I had enough time. As I was walking in Chloe of Chloetam.com walked by me and remembered me from another show I went to by myself (La Scala at Darkroom). I only spent time with her there, but I am really crazy about her. She was with her little brother. So I hung out with them. They are both so upbeat and fun, her brother was dancing with everyone.

We pushed our way up close to the front. It was super hot, I NEVER SWEAT!! (ok hardly ever) but it was just dripping off me, so I pulled up my shirt and tied it around my boobs. The crowd started getting more and more crowded and people pushing. One girl was just laying on me. I hate that shot, I mean just cause people are pushin on me I am not rag dolling it and shoving people in front of me. I was standing my own ground and laying back on the people pushing me, but they just wouldnt let up so I moved back more towards the middle. It seemed like she took forever getting out on stage. Everyone was tired and hot, but we still got into it and danced. She got a lot of girls form the audience on stage with her, it was so full I thought they were gonna start falling off the stage.

Good show, really tired after that from dancing and sweating so much. Stopped in a t Crew for a poma tini and a quesadilla with corn and red peppers before I took my 2 buses home. Was thinking about going out more, but too tired. Wanted to go home, wash everything, shower and go to bed. Driving to Columbus in the morning.

2008-05-10T01:01:00.000-05:00

Brent and I had to pull over to the side of the road just to watch this.

SO AWESOME!!!

Just crunching through those things!!

Oh yeah and they like finally got my australian red licorice back in at Trader Joes after about 2 months...so I had to buy four!

2008-05-08T16:27:00.001-05:00

This is her amour look.

I can peep around the corner at her and her ears just drop like melted butter and her eyes half close. She gives the sweetest softest kisses and then darts away.

I love her so much.

2008-05-06T09:42:00.001-05:00

We returned Geeta on Friday. Im relieved. She was too much dog too much energy and I just dont have the long term patience for it. She made me sore all over and I was afraid what could happen when I took her outside, people were afraid of her.

Plus we had 3 people and 1 extra dog over Friday night. Jeff's brother Johnny was here Weds thru Saturday and then a couple friend of ours Meghan and Aaron (The Driggy Driggs) were here from Friday to Monday morning.

Meghan made me the cutest purse EVER!!! (You can buy one here)

Saturday we went out to the burbs to go to a Gilly Hicks store. Its a branch of Abercrombie & Fitch. Aaron and Meghan both work for them and I got to buy a shirt Meghan helped put together.

That night we went to the roller derby. Watched the Chicago Outfit kick the ass outta Stateline Derby Divas . It was the first bout for both of them. Chicago Outfit won 170 to 10. Total blowout. Then went to Quenchers for the after party and Neverland played punk versions of Michael Jackson songs. It was great, and really packed.

Sunday went shopping in Wicker Park at vinyl record stores and clothing shops.

Someone sitting in front of us kept farting and it was really really bad, the whole area around us were knocked over with it.

2008-04-29T04:04:00.001-05:00

Up too late with work.
Then find out last minute that there is maintenance for me to take part in during the late night maintenance.

So im sitting waiting for sun to replace a nic card and watching Rambling Rose. Been forever since I seen this movie, its a good one.

Dropping off Geeta at PetSmart for a bath, then have to go into the office since boss is in town for meetings.

Overly sensitive yesterday (which is now overrunning into today), worrying about work stuff, gray gross cold day. Didnt get my newspaper and its the worst not to get on a Monday or Tuesday when the soduko is a little easier to do. Had to go to 3 places just to get a paper, the other places were sold out. Everybody out today seemed grumpy.

Today after I drop off Geeta, before I go to the office, I am buying myself the new Santogold album released today, and the new Augusten Burroughs book also released today. A Wolf At The Table a book about his dad.

2008-04-28T10:27:00.001-05:00

Been busy with work, on-call this last week until tomorrow.

Saw Margaret Chow show with Liam Sullivan (The guy that does the Kelly - Shoes video) opened on Saturday with Brent. I liked the 2 way dildo song that Liam Sullivan's character opened with but we were singing Margaret Cho's Eat Me Out song the rest of the weekend. Had dinner with some friends of his at Elephant and Castle. Got to see Jonneal, Ava and Felicia after the show (they had tickets too)

Picked up a dog for Jeff on Friday from PAWS. 1 year old, rottweiler/shepard mix. Big girl, 65 lbs.

Brent helped me with her this weekend since Jeff was in Ohio.

Have to go into the office this week, my out boss is in town.

Have Jeff's brother Johnny visiting later this week and the Driggy Driggs (Meghan the married pretty canadian and the Driggiest Aaron) this weekend

Got my bike out from storage!

2008-04-23T14:17:00.000-05:00

Had a great time in Phoenix last week.
Great weather, got some sun, saw lots of cactus and really cool saguaros. (the really huge ones)
Laid out by the pool one day, went out at night with David and Rocko. The last pics are from Chino Bandido Takee Outee, a mexican/chinese place I read about on Yelp. Paintings on the wall of a Bandido Panda. Found a great place we went almost everyday C4: Cave Creek Coffee Company. A great hangout.

2008-04-21T12:40:00.002-05:00

Just got back from Phoenix last night.
Went to Quenchers soon as we got home for tots and Frito Pie. Met up with Brent, Jonneal, Ava, Mo and Scott, saw The Blissters, Black Umbrella Brigade and Zamora play.
Great time, great bands and great friends. Brent even saved me a cookie from the batch he made the other night.

Tonight having Brent and maybe one or two others (whoever wants) over for movies and tacos.

Picked Lula up from the boarding place (All For Doggies). She bent them all to her will. Little tiny princess. She would only let the girl I physically handed her over to touch her. Ran from everyone else. But she got better with the girl, she ran at first but then connected and wanted her to touch and hold her. She would even jump up to sit next to her.

Since she kept jumping up on the front desk and over the ledge to get out to the front door...they would put her in the office with them with 3 to 4 other dogs for a few hours and then she would be put in her own private room with a sofa and blankets. The girl would visit and hold her. They blocked off the door with a baby gate so she could still watch the people and the dogs. They gave her treats (even sent me home with a leftover box because she loved them so much)

She was happy to see me, maybe a little hesitant like she thought I might be mad at her, but then when I picked her up she clutched on and had a little happy fest in the car ride home. Gave her a bath when we got home. I have been cleaning today so I hear her little claws tip tapping up and down the hall following me. Now napping on the sofa next to me.

2008-04-16T09:41:00.000-05:00

Enjoyed Jeff's brother Johnny and his dog Brandeens visit.

Did end up going to Katerina's for dinner Monday and then Liars Club for Sam's birthday. Saw Cathelorettes, Waste and
Coldcock Jones & The Shithawks (liked em all, but LOVED Waste)

Leaving in a few hours for Phoenix, hope to meet Xavier while I am there.

Hoping we arent too tired when we get back to go see The Blissters at Quenchers Sunday night after meeting Scott, the drummer out with Jonneal.

2008-04-14T10:28:00.000-05:00

Went to Ohio for the weekend for my sister's birthday.
Went to Rumba Cafe to see Vermillion Lies. Totally had to twist some arms to go there and everyone ended up really liking the place and music a lot. Great time, great company.

Also had a birthday Brunch for Jeff's niece on Sunday before we headed back.
Brought his brother Johnny and his dog Brandeen back with us until Weds when we go to Phoenix to see Rocko and David for a few days.

Went out last night to Quenchers and Mutiny last night after we got in. Thinking about doing Katerina's tonight for dinner and music and then heading over to Liar's Club for a friends birthday celebration and see Coldcock Jones & The Shithawks

2008-04-05T10:09:00.001-05:00

I just got myself a ticket to see M.I.A. at Aragon on May 9 (Friday)
anyone else going?

2008-04-04T15:11:00.001-05:00

So much.
Went to Ohio cause I am trying to visiting my family once a month and my cousin and her family from Alabama were visiting. Spent the week there. Work kept me somewhat busy but I still made time for a movie, bowling and ice skating. Also went to Jeff's sons roller skating birthday party. Also got out a couple of times with Scott for some really great fun. Showtune sing-a-longs, male strippers and lots of dancing and drinking.

Then a couple days at back at home.
Then his 2 sons and his mom come for a visit (mom just a stop over on her way to visit her mom and then stop back in on her way back) My little condo had a condo-full. Went to Chicago history museum, surgical science museum (enjoyed the paintings and stories of murderers being paid for bodies), bowling, Horton Hears a Who (again).

Going to Phoenix in 2 weeks to visit Rocko and David!! Never been, ready for the warmer weather there.

Got my summer booked! Family Florida trip, blues festival, Pitchfork festival, Columbus ComFest, Taste of Chicago, Brooklyn visit, Margaret Cho & Liam Sullivan, more visits to Columbus and lots of local shows!

Work:
Work has been hectic in the middle of all the other stuff going on, but I just got my grip on it, at least for the moment. Email all flagged, filed, followed up on and notes taken, started some online classes for tcp networking stuff, researching tcpdump (understanding that a bit better now and the whole tcp three way handshake)

Home:
Decorating. Put up some wall decals (see post below) still have the koi fish to put up and some more pictures to put up. The small details. Often I see this wandering black guy on my street, goes back and forth a lot. Slow, unbalanced looking. I watch him. About a week ago some girl was yelling at him in the street. She said he better quit fucking with her or he would be a dead motherfucker, he was ugly, needed to brush his teeth and had a small penis. (Sounded like they went out and now its over) He just kinda scuffled away. But I still see him, just not getting yelled at anymore. He sat in the park on the bench in the drizzle. I was out with Lula earlier this week and saw him. Smiled and said hi, he did the same. So now I have an opening to talk to him next time I see him. I think he is just sad and walks like in the same way when I get wound up I clean. I'm ready for warmer weather and being outside more and talking to more neighborhood people.
We get to dogsit Wickett again on Sunday!

Music:
Saw the Pussy Pirates on Tues. Wonderful!! Love their energy, and little cute tattooed girls screaming and jumping up and down on stage.

The Joans are playing tonight at Jackhammer but dont think I'll go since I am on-call.

Girl in a Coma with Felicia on Thursday at Ronnys

PS. My lip gloss is poppin'!!

2008-03-29T19:26:00.001-05:00

I put up some wall decals, tomorrow or the next few days I'll do some koi in the hallway

2008-03-10T21:29:00.002-05:00

2008-03-06T09:21:00.001-06:00

Had Mercia and Brent over last night for dinner and the finale of Project Runway.
The girls (me, Mercia and Lula) dressed up.

I love Wickett and Lula playing together, its so good for Lula and her confidence. She even came out for a bit and stayed out on the sofa with us without being held!!

I love this one of the dogs!!

2008-03-05T12:57:00.001-06:00

I NEED TO STOP BITING MY NAILS.

It really aggravates me that I started biting my nails again and have not been able to quit.
I used to bite them, got fake nails for a year and then was able to quit. Had nails for a few years, now biting again.

I hate it. I want to quit.

Lula picks up my habits, she helps me clean by eating offensive fuzzballs....now she has started biting her nails. No...they arent overgrown, I clip them. She just started this week, chewing on her nails so they are all scratchy. Yesterday I grabbed a nail file and filed out all the scratchies and made them smooth again.

I need to stop biting my nails.

2008-03-04T09:46:00.000-06:00

I had a great time Sunday at Brent's Volleyball's Annual Cotillion. They play volleyball in drag, have tournaments, a parade and awards. It went on kind of long but it was fun seeing everyone in drag. Some people were obviously practiced in their makeup application.

I lent Brent my red frilly skirt and stretchy corset top. It was neat seeing how he walked with more attitude, was standing with his hand on his hip and much more posed even when he thought no one was looking.

I loved the asian Hooter girls.

They got extra points if the served or hit the ball with their purse.

2008-03-01T22:46:00.001-06:00

DEAD AT 79

cancer

2008-03-01T20:24:00.001-06:00

Today Lula and I went to the movies!!

Ran a few errands and then packed her up in her bag to get her in.

We started with Please Rewind, then Brent joined us for Sweeney Todd and then we finished with The Other Boleyn Girl.

She was really good, the first 2 movies werent that full so I was able to let her walk around in front of the seats and stretch her legs.

We got some Taco Bell after that, and then went to Super Target for some stuff for Brent.

Tomorrow Ill take lots of pics because Brents volley ball team (The Punky Brewsters) are doing volleyball in drag. Im letting him borrow a red frilly skirt and stretchy black corset.

2008-03-01T08:59:00.001-06:00

2008-02-29T18:07:00.000-06:00

I like to vacuum.
I dont have that much to vacuum, but I do it several times a day.
Usually about 5 times.

I think, I plan, I map out my errands, word out what I want to say in work emails.

I see a fuzzball, Lula hair, and I go vacuum. My main rug, and the little rugs, 2 in the bedroom, 2 in the hall, 1 in the guest room and the bathmat and then suck up my shedding hair from the bathroom floor too from when I brush it.

I find things to straighten, see a salty footprint and I clean the floors, clean the sink and toilet a couple times a week.

Luckily my place is pretty small so its easy for me to do this. Easy for me to keep up with everything. Careful not to over clutter.

I think I might go out later tonight. Places walking distance, bring Lula with me. Carry her in a tucked in shirt. Was thinking about wearing a mask. Still might, but I wish I had one for Lula too. I hate her feeling left out.

* Music:Gary Neuman - Cars, David Bowie - Cat People (Putting out fire with gasoline)

2008-02-28T10:59:00.001-06:00

Lula

2008-02-28T09:52:00.001-06:00

Upset:
I thought last night was gonna be the finale for Project Runway...there is no part 1 in a finale.
Upsetter:
Chris left and not Rami!!!!
I thought Chris's was WAY better. I loved his use of hair. It was hair just to use hair. It went with the outfits, it added to it, I loved the way the hair moved on the runway. He is so freaking creative and full of great ideas!! Yeah I love his personality and ADORE is portfolio of him in over the top fabulous drag outfits anyway. BUT HIS WAS SO WAY BETTER!!!

I wanted it to be Chris, Christian and Jillian for the top 3. I love both Chris and Christian. Jillian doesnt have as much personality as they do, she is very quiet but then comes out with these really great tailored jackets and cool collars. So now I have to wait until next week.

On Saturday I plan on movie hopping at Kerasotes Webster if anyone wants to join me in eating popcorn all day. I have got to see The Other Boleyn Girl, and plan on seeing at least 2 others, but not sure which ones. It just depends on ending and start times of other movies.

I'm ready for warm weather and summer dresses again.

2008-02-20T12:32:00.001-06:00

I need to get a video camera rather then just using my phone to tape her....

2008-02-20T12:12:00.001-06:00

Went to Ohio over the weekend for my belated birthday, Valentines day and spend time with family.

My sisters kids love Lula, they all want to hold her and sit real nice, gentle and calm with her.

Normally the house with all the kids over was more like this

but they play really nice together. Jeff had his boys this weekend and they went out to get haircuts and then put in some temp haircolor. Red faux hawk on Tommy, green spikes on Andrew and Jeff slicked his hair silver like a distinguished older gentleman :P

Had a great visit, jam packed with family and friends. Go back in March for my cousin Lesa's visit.

2008-02-12T12:42:00.001-06:00

Lula likes Sheri soup

2008-02-11T09:55:00.000-06:00

Had a great post birthday weekend.

Went to Green Dolphin Friday night. Another place thats been on my list to check out. Fancy dinner, over priced, but I thought it was really good, not great but good. When Jeff and I were waiting to be seated a couple behind us started getting friendly. I had trouble understanding what the guy was saying, but he seemed jolly and entertaining. Lots of young couples there for dinner and one really old guy with a much younger woman all over him. I loved watching them throughout our dinner. Watching them kiss, her play with his ears. Watched people on newer dates with stiff body language to see how their date was going, and watched the friendly couple. The guy stood up at some point and just walked around the table. Odd.

We talked to them as they passed us on their way out, they were going over to catch the band in the other room and we told them we would be over shortly. Soon as we walked over the guy was at the door and told the host to put us at his table. Introductions, the girl was really friendly and talkative. She was quick to say the guy was drunk, I told her I knew, and he seemed fun though. I had trouble understanding him. I tried with yeses and no's to what he would say and then pause and look at me, but they seemed to not match with what he was saying, so then I'd try to change my answer from yes to no or no to yes, but that didnt seem appropriate either. It was like trying to talk to Keith Richards or Hunter S Thompson.

We traded emails and phone numbers.
I think they bought our drinks, otherwise we left without paying.

Saturday we got up and went to the local Panera, a new weekend routine for us while he tallies up his weeks receipts for his financial log book while I do the daily crossword and sodoku. Went grocery shopping and then home.

We were thinking about going out to Funky Buddha, another place on my list of places to go check out. But we were still recovering from the night before, and went to go see the movie Cloverfield instead and eat popcorn and milkduds. I liked the movie.

Yesterday was more birthday fun for me! Jeff made plans and kept them secret.

First we stopped off for coffee and No Friction, started talking to the guy at the table next to us only to find out he is a guy I've seen online around for awhile named Greg!!! And another local we can go out and do stuff with!! :)
Then he took me to the Drake for afternoon tea. I've never been in there before , but super fancy and beautiful, and the whole tea service is really upscale. I love finger sandwiches!!! The mimosa went straight to my head, and I felt all loopy again. We were so full even though its considered a light lunch we packed up the desserts to eat later. The lunch he planned for us was so sweet, and then after lunch he dropped me off at Urban Oasis for a hot rocks massage...I THOUGHT I WOULD CRY RIGHT THEN AND THERE!!!

The girl that did me was super nice, traveled a lot and we talked on-stop. I did the rain shower before I left, and Jeff was outside to pick me up. Then we headed back home to settle in and watch the Grammys. We were happy for Amy Winehouse.

Later this week (Thursday) we are heading to Ohio for a few days, then be back late Sunday.

2008-02-11T09:23:00.000-06:00

I really enjoyed watching the Grammys last night.
Fabulous performances
Loved all the tributes

but....

I was so excited when I saw Keely Smith come out...and just disgusted when Kid Rock came out.
Whose bright idea was it to pair them up? Why didnt she back out?
I loved her and Louis Prima together!!!
I took the upset time to leave the room and go wash the makeup off my face.

2008-02-05T11:52:00.000-06:00

Thanks for the sweet well wishes on my 37th birthday today!

***and go vote! I did it this morning.

2008-01-30T15:43:00.000-06:00

Lula running all over me in the morning

2008-01-24T12:41:00.000-06:00

Lula

2008-01-22T14:52:00.000-06:00

Jeff's boys were here for a visit.....

We went to the Science Museum,

went to the top of the John Hancock and had over priced food and drinks,

went to the top of the Sears Tower,

went bowling at Diversey Rock & Bowl,

went to Ed Debevic's for dinner,

went to Shedd Aquarium,

also had game night over at the condo with Jeff, Tiffany and Brent...but I forgot to take pics of that.

We had a great time.

2008-01-11T12:44:00.001-06:00

Lula is doing much better about going outside to poop & pee.
She met a neighbor fluffball dog named Peanut she likes today. It was cute, at first she was all barky and her back fur was standing up. But pretty soon she was playing like a puppy, something you dont see from her normally since she is so shy and nervous, so it was really cool to see her darting around and playing with the other dog. Peanut's person is Hillary, and peanut is a boy.

Its cool seeing her relax and be like a regular dog with other dogs, I think it helps her confidence.

Been going out a lot lately.
Went to Liars Club for Ginas birthday last Thursday, drank too much and danced.
Then went out with Tiffany, Gina/Dan, and Brent to an art showing and for sushi and wine Friday.
Saturday went to Streetside to visit with Mercia while she worked and then met up with Rebecca and Don, then went to Mutiny.
Sunday watched Brents team (Punky Brewsters) play volleyball and then had dinner with him.
Monday took Jeff to Mitsuwa for dinner and shopping (he loved it, and had a great lightning show on the way home)
and last night we went to Abbey Pub with Jonneal and Ava to see a burlesque show and then B1G T1me play. Really happy that Jeff and Jonneal liked B1g T1me, I think they are such a fun band.

Might go see Blackhawks tonight, we got free special room tickets.

2008-01-07T12:25:00.000-06:00

I hate the shrill shrieking new Publishers Clearinghouse commercials.
They make my ears bleed.

I got to see the I Love NY reunion show...yeah I am all into that.
Nip/Tuck is supposed to be back tomorrow night
I like the new Celebrity Apprentice show, Gene Simmons is so cool.

I need to stop watching QVC and Home Shopping Network, its just so bad its good. And one of my favorite books is Sellivision.

Someone posted a link making fun of the sales women, I watched the clip that was meant to be funny and then ordered the product.....Skincare with Morrocan Argan oil in it I think its helped with the dry lines around my eyes.

The other day there was a TV ad for detoxifying feet pads. I actually didn't order it! But...its just so weird, its been on my mind. Yes, foot pads on my mind. I told Brent about them yesterday and had to look them up online. Kinoki Detox Foot Pads Supposed to pull out toxins from your feet onto the pads, and not just toxins....mucous, cellulite, parasites?? too

2008-01-04T17:55:00.000-06:00

I love my goat, and I love my dog, so I thought I'd love my dog on my goat...

2008-01-03T12:40:00.001-06:00

Lula

Lula is still a scaredy cat. Totally ridiculous and I love her.

She and I are working on crate training, I take her outside a lot. She is using the bathroom outside much more regularly. (I bring treats to give her when she does)
Poor thing though, its been so cold last fews days...she keeps lifting her feet up :(

She follows me around, and likes to sit on the sofa next to me while I am on the laptop.
One day she jumped in the tub with me (with her little sweater on) and then just wanted to sit in my lap. When she is scared or someone moves too fast, she will dive under a bed or a sofa and peek out to see if you are looking at her. She peeks around corners too.

2008-01-03T12:18:00.001-06:00

Christmas

Spent Christmas at Boyne Mountain ski lodge in Michigan with my mom, and sisters family.

My sister and her family took snowboarding lessons (even the 4 & 5 year old!!!).

I went skiing, its been about 18 years for me!! But it was great. I'm not a good skier, I just know how to snowplow, and I like going straight down as fast as I can. I went down a difficult hill by accident but went for it anyway, it was kinda funny, I had to snowplow ALL the way down.

Went sledding together and had a family snowball fight. Kids of course got hurt and I ran up as fast as I could only to take pictures of injuries and sad faces. (They are used to this now and have to get their sad faces back on and not look to braggy about their war wounds)

They also had a water park there. Rode the slided with everyone, we all did it, did the lazy river with the kids. My brother-in-law did the surfer thing (hard moving water and you ride it standing on a board or on your knees or stomach. I tried it and as I fell off, the water shoots you back up to the top. Well....it also shot my boobs out of my top and pulled my bottoms down too (THANK GOD NOT COMPLETELY OFF!!!)

Spent half of Christmas day in the spa with my mom.
They had this HUGE hot tub, the size of my family room, then cool shower, then sauna, then cool shower then steam room. Had waters and teas for us. Then we had lunch brought down to us :) and split a fillet mignon and salad (decadent!) and then did it all over again.

Wonderful Christmas and a great time with my family.

2008-01-03T11:49:00.001-06:00

Mom's birthday

Went to Ohio for Christmas and my mom's birthday.
Threw her a surprise party at a restaurant. Went really well, and was a lot of fun. Good group of people and good food.

One of the servers like a sweater I picked out for her

Then her birthday was perfectly ended at a dear friends Scott. Got to see his new condo and we all danced to his automatic playing piano.

2007-12-17T22:04:00.000-06:00

Went to Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza (too freaking cold) and then to Winterfest at Navy Pier with Jeff & Brent. We watched people ice skate, we decorated (iced) our own sugar cookies, and crayon colored snowmen and then I drew him christmas colored genitalia.

2007-12-17T21:52:00.001-06:00

She fits in my coat.
I've been taking her out with me during the day for errands, including to eat lunch, no one says anything no matter where I am except to say how cute she is and want to pet her.

She loves it in my coat, snuggled tight, warm, swaddled. She is absolutely content for hours like that, as I feed her some of my hamburger.

2007-12-16T14:30:00.001-06:00

Still unsure about names
Last night it was Lulu or Lula
Today back and forth between Peanut and Lucy

Also tossed around Bonita, Chica, and Empanada
or naming her Lula Bonita Chica Empanada Peanutface

2007-12-10T10:09:00.000-06:00

Watching Candy. I watch a lot of movies.and a lot of trash tv.

We had a building party last night where we all have food at each place and went through everyones place. But we had to cut it short, I missed 2 places, yesterday was Jeff's birthday and we had reservations at Alhambra. Food was just ok, the place itself was nice, dim, sexy. They were having a private party with "hairdressers" but we didnt think they were really hairdressers. Mostly girls, not enough gays, (hardly any) looked like they were in a different business....so I was completely fascinated with them and watched them all night.

I like to try to do most of the Tribune crossword daily, except on Sundays. I also try to do the sodoku except on Fridays.

I like candy. I have a cookie jar full of jelly belly cherry sours, a bowl of everlasting gobstoppers and a dish of hersheys kisses and mini reeses cups.

I have sweet tarts in my purse. I never eat the blue or green ones.

I bought touch up paint for scuffs on my wall. One wall the paint stuck out, didnt match, so I painted more of the wall. This morning I painted the entire wall/section. I feel much better now. It was bothering me. One of our guests last night that was sitting in a barstool kicked the shit out of another wall and I painted that too this morning. But just that section she kicked.

I went out with Brent Saturday night and had a really good time. I like dancing with him. We were at an office party of his. They had a girl and guitar she was very sweet but some of those christmas carols are bigtime buzz killers. So in the bar Groove is in the Heart was on, so we ran out and started dancing our asses off to it (no one else was dancing, not that kind of a bar) and just really got into it.

2007-11-20T03:26:00.001-06:00

2007-11-20T03:13:00.001-06:00

A friend down the street from my mom is moving to the downtown area and sold everything in his place to start anew. He had tons of neat stuff like a suit of armor. One of the things from his old place I loved was his goat....NOW MY GOAT!!

This huge stuffed mountain goat, plus even better he is an italian goat, killed of some island of Italy, has his paper and everything, and he sold it to me dirt cheap. I have no room for it in the new condo but had to have it, so the goat is staying with my mom for now.

Any ideas on his name?
Aldo? Guido? Plato?????

I love my goat. I talk to him all the time. "Hi goat" "Bye goat" "Good morning goat" "Goodnight goat"

2007-11-20T03:01:00.000-06:00

In Ohio visiting friends and family for Thanksgiving.

Been jam packed as usual trying to fit everyone in and make sure I spend enough time in between it all with my niece and nephews.

Mom has a new friend named Abe. Like him a lot, seems really into her. Had a few dinners with them and my new boyfriend Jeff, and having both new boyfriends over for Thanksgiving. Everyone has met Jeff before, but it will be new for Abe. Jeff went back to Chicago for a few days for work but then will be back Weds night in time for Thanksgiving.

Saturday we went to a wedding, a friend of his. Nice small wedding. Went to the rehearsal/out of town people dinner the night before and got a chance to get to know them. Really nice wedding, great food, and their families were a lot of fun.

2007-11-12T15:27:00.000-06:00

Had pj & movie day yesterday. Just a few people over, drinking mimosa's that Christina brought over, and eating lots of cheesy snacks and frosted cookies.

I like spending time in my pj's watching movies, so its even better with other people doing the same. :)

Then later that night Jonneal was going out to meet other girlfriends at Martyrs for a burlesque show but she forgot her ID and watched the show form outside the bar window. So I threw on a dress and went to keep her company and watch the show from outside. Michelle L'Amour performed!! She is so hot!!

Outside the burlesque show

Holiday Club was having a rockabilly dj night. Played pool, making progress too!!! Having someone give me direction helps a lot. Watched people swing dance....way beyond me, but I like watching.