Hands Where I Can See 'Em

Congratulations, Mom and Dad!

2008-10-14T01:54:13Z

Congratulations are in order to our very own Pantarch. Through the stream of Facebook, RSM and I read about Grace Catherine Andrews. We wish Mom and Dad all the best and look forward to any pictures that might be floating around. Steve and Bet, we love you! Congratulations on your new addition!

pencilpusher78 @ 2008-09-14T19:08:00

2008-09-15T00:09:39Z

I have been away from Live Journal for so long--mainly because of my addiction to Facebook. Sad to say, I have spent more time looking for long lost elementary school peeps that updating everyone else with what’s new and interesting.

Work.....

Is hella busy. Four books at one time, my cube looks like a paper factory, and I have a sign posted outside my cubicle that basically says, “Get the &^%$ away from my desk unless it is important, I’m busy.” Enough about that.

Life Outside of the Cube.....

IS GREAT! Being married rocks, mainly because I am married to my best friend, fellow geek, and husband all rolled into one. Total “awww..” moment, but it is 100% true. :)

Some highlights:

We went to ComiCon and had a grand old time in San Diego with friends new and old. I think that RSM would agree that the true highlight of the trip was hearing Avery Brooks and Jonathan Frakes serenade a relaxed, albeit drunk crowd at the Westgate Bar (which also include the dudes from Penny Arcade and MC Frontalot). I think they may have had a cocktail or two themselves, but sang a wonderful rendition of “Those Were The Days” with the house piano player. The only downer of the evening was the bartender who was a surly fellow.

We spent Labor Day weekend in Tennessee with Mike’s folks, which included a trip to the Jack Daniel's Distillery (sadly, no samples as Lynchburg is a dry county). Our tour guide was a portly fellow, with overalls and a straw hat/visor combo, and a drawl so thick I think you could have scooped it up with a ladle and dished it out over a plate of fried chicken and flour biscuits. He shared all the interesting tidbits an eager Jack Daniel liking tourist would like to hear: the ingredients in the whiskey mash, the height of Jack himself (I am taller than him by an inch), and the cost of your own barrel of Jack Daniel's ($10,000, you get your name on a plaque in the distillery, and the Master Distillery guy signs your barrel; I say screw being a homeowner, let’s use the down payment something that could be both furniture and drinkable). The afternoon at the distillery ended in having some Jack Daniel's flavored ice cream at a local shop. I also went up in my father-in-law’s WWII plane--both excited and scary all at the same time. The idea that I was strapped in with a parachute and had to know where the ejector seat switch was located was thrilling and scary. He is an amazing pilot and I had an awesome time (though I closed my eyes during the barrel roll).

Musically, we are going to Sigur Ros on the 23rd (hooray!) and I recently discovered I love Iron & Wine, enjoy Brazilian Girls, and don’t do well in the heat (well, I already knew that). My sister was in town with her husband and my brother-in-law for Lollapalooza. We met for breakfast and we parted. An hour later she called me with a VIP pass for the day. I took her up on the offer and spent the day roaming Grant Park with access to water, booze, food, and didn’t have to go in a Portapotty. The heat was stifling and I think I drank my weight in water, but I saw some amazing bands live. For my first Lolla ever, it was a good day. I learned to love Iron & Wine and the Brazilian Girls, jammed out to Gnarls Barkley, and (despite his HUGE ego and recent arrest at LAX) saw Kayne West. Lolla aside, I also recently discovered The Gaslight Anthem and Rodrigez through KEXP (and was pleased to hear positive reviews on NPR also). Both are worth checking out.

And of course! The election. Pantarch’s detailed insight on McCain and Biden were extremely interesting (and taught me to look at both sides of the political coin before opening my yap).

Veer

2008-06-26T01:17:47Z

It all started when I commented on a colleague's desk top wallpaper. It mentioned the word Helvetica (my most favorite font and, on a side note, the subject of a very good documentary).

My coworker sent me the website and I nearly flipped my lid. A wonderful world of type, images, and graphics. Veer ROCKS. If you want to get lost in a technicolor coma, this is the place for you.

National Carpet Trouble Week

2008-06-22T20:00:33Z

The weekend certainly started off with a bang. After a long week of work, RSM and I are relaxing on the couch eating dinner and watching 21. In taking dinner dished back into the kitchen, I step on a small patch of water right by the entrance to the kitchen. I didn't think anything of it, since I figured I might have accidentally spilled something while cooking or dripped water on the floor with a towel. An hour later I go back to the kitchen and notice that the spot has grown into a small, wet puddle. Mike is cat napping on the couch and thinking about going to bed and I woke him up, asking him to take a look at this patch of water. After a few moments of testing the carpet, we realize that something is indeed leaking into our love nest. Thankfully, nothing in our house was causing the leak. However, the foyer window points out to the apartment next door. Mike looks out and says, "Baby, I think I found the problem." The vacant unit next to us had a small river of water flowing out from underneath the door. As it turns out, the pipes under the kitchen sink weren't turned off all the way and leaked into our apartment. The handy man came right away and turned off the water next door, he even brought an industrial fan to try and dry out the damp carpet. The good news is that we caught in time, the bad news is that our downstairs looks a wee bit messy since we tried to move our stuff out from the wall.

To ease the pain of our mini flood, RSM and I went out to a movie (The Happening), dinner, and sipped some martinis to forget our mini catastrophe.

p.s. I highly recommend Cooking Mama 2 for the Nintendo DS.

Mac-a-roo

2008-04-07T01:00:56Z

Dear Dell,

I don't know how to say it, but.... we're over. We're done. We're history. I just can't take it anymore. You just don't wow me like you used to. When we first met, you were the hottest thing in the room. Your sassy keyboard, the flattery of XP, and that processor.... I was yours for the taking. But then you slowed things down... we don't go out and paint the town red like we once did. You just sit there... with that blank stare, that darkened screen. I have found someone new to keep me entertained. Someone new to take me out and show me the sights. His name is MacBook. You might have met each other once or twice... perhaps over martinis or at a show (I've heard those Apple commercials really wow the ladies...)

Anyway, its been great, but I have to move on. I am sorry, its not you, its me. I have just moved on to bigger and better things. I would love to hear how you are doing from time to time.

I hope we can get together for coffee sometime... I am always here.

Love,
Liz

p.s. In case you ever see him on the street, the Macbook is harmless. Really. He's just sensitive.

Still here

2008-02-06T04:59:48Z

I haven't posted in forever and for that I'm sorry! It has been a really crazy last few weeks. Here's a sampling of what I've been up to (random 'cause I am tired)

1.) I got to vote this morning in my pjs. My precinct was in the lobby. Up and voting by 6:30, I got to go back to bed for 30 minutes. I was so excited to cast my ballot--definitely exciting and curious times ahead.

2.) Work has been CRAZY. Really, really busy. Just lots and lots of projects and wishing we had some extra pairs of hands. Or some publishing fairies that could do my work for me. My desk is an absolute disaster area. But its a paycheck and I can't complain.

3.) As RSM shared, we planned our honeymoon. So Excited!!! I've already started doing research on the cities we're visiting and all about the boat we'll be staying on. I never thought in a million years we'd be doing this.

4.) I have started to take Spinning class at the gym. My co-worker teaches at Crunch and I thought I'd try his class. Spinning is indoor cycling with techno music. Tough, but fun as hell.

5.) I love Phantom Hour Glass on the DS. Totally Rocks. Amazing that a stylus can change a gaming experience.

6.) A Mac is in my future. Hooray.

7.) I discovered that I love Wow Bao.

Happy Holidays

2007-12-23T22:06:33Z

I write this entry as I sit at my Mom’s PC; a glass of Coke by the mouse and Robotsockmonkey on the couch reading a magazine. It’s cozy, warm, and quiet. Just as it should be the day before Christmas Eve. The cozy and warm part is especially nice since we woke up this morning to a power outage and we didn’t have heat in the house. Showering was a little tricky since the bathroom was a glow with candles and a Maglite, probably could be considered romantic and adventurous if it wasn’t so darn cold and this wasn’t my Mom’s house.

I am long overdue in posting to LJ. My last “real” entry was in October, so my apologies. It has been nice to spend a few moments catching up on everyone’s entries :) To sum it up, life has been full of Christmas shopping, wedding planning, enjoying my wonderful/awesome fiancée, playing Zelda on the DS (Phatom HourGlass ROCKS), reading a ton of good books, fending off a cold, and watching some good movies/TV shows (The Kingdom, Weeds, The Sarah Silverman Show, and Over There just to name a few).

We’ve also indulged in some Christmas specials—Emmit Otter Jugband Christmas and A Charlie Brown Christmas were favorites.

Being at home and in a complete state of relaxation, I have had a chance to settle down and think about what an awesome year its been and how thankful I am for the many blessings I have been given. I hope that if you are reading this, you are surrounded by the people you love and are celebrating the good things life has bestowed upon you. I hope 2007 brought you all that you had hoped for and that 2008 brings nothing but the best.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays. Peace

Still here!

2007-12-11T18:21:20Z

Just a quick post to let everyone know I am still on LJ. The holidaze are upon us and Christmas mixed with wedding planning mixed with work and topped off with trying to have fun has kept me busy. Will post more later on tonight, I promise.

New Home

2007-10-10T04:32:57Z

Of course, it has been a long time since I've posted (a couple of weeks at least) and life has been keeping me (and RSM) quite busy. Read about our whirlwind adventures below

September

Seriously, the month of September went by in a matter of minutes. Every weekend, except for two, was busy with trips back to Michigan and packing up the old place on Wilson. Leading up to the move, I was working some crazy hours and trying to pack a little bit each night when I got home from work. Thankfully, Mike gave me a ton of boxes; moreover, getting boxes from work was a piece of cake. Every day I would come into work and I would find that the Box Fairy had paid me a visit. Um, no. Actually, people were tossing boxes in my cube when new book shipments came in . I had so many at one point, that I could have built an addition onto my cubicle.

My apartment looked like a storage unit for a few weeks and at one point I was eating off of paper towel. I think it hit me that I was moving when I realized all my drinking glasses were packed and I found myself drinking out of a lemonade pitcher. After reems of tape and inhaling the scent of Sharpies, the big day came. Mike and his Dad (Mr. K), along with my co-worker John came out on a Saturday morning and the move was relatively painless. Of course, I say this because much of my furntiure was taken care of by the strong men with work gloves. Getting my stuff into Mike's place wasn't bad. He went to LA on business, which gave me a chance to settle into the new digs and unpack a crapload of boxes. Rest assured, kids, what's left in boxes are pictures and breakable stuff that we're not quite sure what to do with, but I am sure we'll figure something out before rocktober.

October
We're not quite into October yet, but the month is proving to be quite relaxed outside of work (work iteslf is another entry unto itself). I had a chance to fly out to LA and see Mike. It was a quick trip, but a hell of a lot of fun. We got a chance to see Maggie (Mike's sister) and her kids, Soren and Keady. I need to post some of the pictures I took, 'cause they really had a blast--Universal City Walk, Tony Roma's for lunch, playing in the fountain at the city walk, a half hour at the arcade, and joking around with the kids.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in October; I might add, Jason, I need to think of a good character, so if you have a particular need for someone then drop me a line off LJ (don't want to give anything away). There's a big batch of cookies on the way, so bring your appetites. I've discovered, since moving in, that I like to cook. Crazy.....

I'll post up some pictures of the apartment this week, along with new pictures of my nephew below. He is four months old and growing.

Halloween Costume

2007-09-22T19:02:34Z

I think my nephew should wear this for Halloween. How cute is this! I need to start geeking the little guy out now before his Mom and Dad have to step in. :)

See Jane Die.

2007-08-27T02:52:11Z

****Warning to readers: I'm having a girlie moment, please bear with me on this*********

After having a subscription for the last three years, I was informed via postcard that Jane magazine will no longer be delivered to my doorstep and that in its place I'll be receiving Lucky. Sigh. Another decent mag bites the dust.

On Janemag.com:

Dear Jane Reader:

With regret, Jane and janemag.com is no longer being published.

In its place, we invite you to explore Glamour magazine and Glamour.com.

We think you'll love Glamour.com. Like Jane, it's packed with everything smart, sexy women want to know -- about your body, your beauty, your relationships … and more!

Sincerely,

Jane Magazine

UMMMM... no. Glamour is nothing like Jane--- Jane had all sorts of interesting little tidbits--- cheap finds under $100, tips for throwing budget friendly soirees, el cheapo vacations to spots like Madrid and Prague, interviews with pretty/cool/strong women, and lots of other interesting finds. Grr... looks like the search is on for a good, cool women's mag.

RIP Jane Magazine.

Pack your bags

2007-08-18T22:16:13Z

I have three boxes packed. Yikes. The move hath begun. Exciting times....

I subscribe to The Sun. I can't keep two years of back issues and so I've placed them in a box labeled "FREE!!! AWESOME ART MAGAZINE" and placed it in the alley. I am sure someone hungry for reading will find them. I love this magazine so much, but I'd rather someone else also discover its awesome-ness.

My small collection of comics, however, will be coming with me :)

Sesame Street Flash backs....

2007-08-14T03:48:47Z

I had a conversation at work not too long ago about Sesame Street (in between editing all those medical books, ya gotta get through the madness somehow) and no one remembered this particular skit and yet I do. Anyone else?

I remember this one too..

And last but not least..

pencilpusher78 @ 2007-08-08T23:11:00

2007-08-09T04:12:50Z

Wow. Who knew?

Happy Birthday

2007-08-04T03:31:19Z

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRIS!!! Hope you have a good one filled with good friends, cocktails, and cake!!

The Z Drug

2007-07-22T05:43:03Z

Its 12:35am and I just go through a 5 hour Zelda marathon. RSM was an absolute sweetie and bought me Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for the Game Cube (THANKYOU, THANKYOU, THANKYOU!!!) I just have one word for you: AWESOME. My eyes are tired and my fingers and hands are sore from gripping the controller, but what a GREAT game.

Top model, well, not quite...

2007-07-12T02:22:50Z

My apologies if this makes me seem really vain, but my stylist Jeff put me on his Web site.

Long story short, two years ago he asked me if I'd help him out with his new ad campaign. Jeff is an awesome stylist and colorist, not to mention a good friend, so I instantly said yes.

Lo and behold, I got my hair cut tonight and he said the site was up and running.

Click on "News and Promotions"

http://www.jeffreybasscoiffeur.com/

It's a little weird, but cool.

Want some Spice with that?

2007-06-29T05:27:27Z

If the Police can reunite for a world tour, looks like the Spice Girls can too.

Okay: I am going to step up and admit: when they were popular in 1997 (I was a Senior in high school, mind you) I liked their music. No joke. I will take this a step further and say I have three songs on my iPod. Yes, its cheesy pop music, but when I hear it, I have to smile. It's like a favorite sweatshirt you've had forever--you might not wear it anymore, but you keep it because it brings back good memories.

For example, the song "Wannabe" was HUGE when I was in Spain in '97 (school trip: imagine 20 high school senior girls with few parents and two chaperones roaming around France and Spain like excited puppies off a leash). We went to a disco one night and the dance floor erupted when this song came on; the same night I had my first beer, kissed a guy, and smoked a cigarette. Those were good times in my young life of 18 :) (and oddly enough Posh Spice, Scary Spice, Sporty Spice, Baby Spice, and Ginger Spice all had something to do with it).

For the record, we won't be playing any Spice Girls songs at the reception--that'll be on the DO NOT PLAY LIST right before the Electric Slide and the Chicken Dance.

Done with Wind Waker!!

2007-06-19T04:15:08Z

Well, it only took about seven months of late nights, weekend game play, and the occasional glance at a walkthrough, but as of 11:10 this evening I have FINALLY FINISHED Legend of Zelda Wind Waker. I must say that the game never once got boring and I enjoyed all that it had to offer. Wheee!!! It is nice to feel like I got something worthwhile accomplished today :)

For those of you Game Cubers out there--any suggestions of what I should try next? Let me know!! Definitely something adventure-like and fun, but it certainly doesn't have to be another Zelda game (though I am curious about Twilight Princess---to Wii or not to Wii??)

Meet Elliott

2007-06-14T03:31:12Z

Meet my nephew Elliott. This little guy was born on June 6. He was about 8 pounds when he was born and is almost 22 inches long (gets the length from his dad--Nate is 6 feet tall). RSM and I drove back to Michigan to see Elliott and I loved every second of seeing the proud parents and this newborn cutie pie.

I am sure that I'll geek Elliott out as he gets older. Mike gave him an EA Chicago onesie, so we're off to a good start.

Will you be mine?

2007-05-20T21:56:01Z

I said Yes!

(HUGE GRIN)

Black Hole of Nostalgia

2007-04-30T03:07:34Z

I just got back from Michigan as I was attending a baby shower for my sister (just a little over five weeks left and I'll be an aunt- whee!!!)

My Mom is in complete Grandma mode and has been digging out all the old books my sister and I loved as kids. She asked me to sort through two BIG boxes (apparently there are two more in our basement) and establish what books were mine verus what books belonged to Christina.

When I came across THIS one, I knew it was mine. Its nice to know that in between the Berenstein Bears and Richard Scary, I also had a Star Wars Pop Up book to look at (in really good condtion, I might add).

Yes, its here with me in Chicago. And no, I didn't read it on the plane :)

The book paired well with my Princess Leia Under Roos.

My geekiness came at an early age! Yahoo!

Random

2007-04-16T04:13:42Z

I haven't posted in a while and I am way overdue. Sorry! Just a few ramblings before I am off to bed--

Zelda
I have invested four months of my life into Wind Waker and I am almost done (WOO-HOO!) Of course, according to the walk through I have three versions of the same wizard boss to fight (a puppet, a spider, and a snake) and then a final duel with the wizard. When I have won all four fights, I am done. I must admit, I'll be a little sad when its over, but smiling at my accomplishment.
That being said, if anyone has any suggestions for other Game Cube Games I should check out, I'm all ears (especially if there are any other Zelda games available).

New Niece or Nephew
Shouldn't be too long before I become "Auntie Liz." My sister is due at the end of May/beginning of June. Can't wait to be the "cool" aunt--spoil the little darling rotten with books and as he or she gets older, perhaps some video games? I've also been thinking about all of the books I enjoyed as a little kid...here are just a few:

Babar
Curious George (especially Curious George Gets a Job)
Anything by Richard Scary
The Bernstein Bears
It'll All Come Out In The Wash (by Nigel Gray)
The Snowy Day (Ezra Jack Keats)

Weather
I am ready for some 50s or 60s. Please.

Shiver Me Timbers

2007-03-20T03:24:10Z

While eating dinner and couch surfing with my trusty remote, I came across Dancing With the Stars. Mind you, I don't watch this show. I watch some reality TV, but this isn't on the list. I am more of a Beauty and the Geek, America's Next Top Model type gal, but that gets off topic. The show took a commercial break and I saw a preview for the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie. I saw the first two movies and after seeing this particular preview, I am in. I do like Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow and Orlando Bloom isn't too hard on the eyes, but what really piqued my interest: Chow Yun Fat. He's in it as Captain Sao Feng who leads a gang of supernatural pirates (I found this out with the help of Wikipedia, along with the movie poster below).

Mike and I recently watched Hardboiled (AWESOME), so I am excited to see more movies like it (and hopefully with Chow Yun Fat!) Hard Boiled was great in every sense of the word-- the action was over the top, the shots were incredible, the opening shot in the tea house made my jay drop, and the hospital scenes were really cool (in particuar those involving the nursery..what can I say? adorable babies..of course, you can't forget about the fires, bombs, etc). This is a one hell of a film.

shuffle me silly

2007-03-16T22:26:13Z

I have been listening to my iPod on shuffle all day today. I love doing this because I end up getting the most intriguing mix and hearing songs that haven't been in rotation for a LONG time. For example, in the last five minutes I've heard:
American Car (Mike Doughty)
The Lonley Bull (Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass)
Gone (U2)
I Would Be Your Man (The Odds)

It is the little things in life.