What are you looking at?

I'm a Great Friend

My aspiring-famous-actor friend, Jason, is also a martial arts fighter. Here I am being supportive by posting a link to his latest interview. Even though he forgot my birthday last week. My freakin' BIRTHDAY. See how forgiving I am?

If you think he looks familiar, that's because he is - last February he appeared on Fear Factor and won a car. But I think he had to eat cockroaches to get it.

A Funny

I just have to say that, for the last couple of weeks, that Sonic commercial has totally been cracking my stuff up. It's the one where two guys are in a drive-thru, and Guy 1 orders a wuh-rap.

Guy 2: the "w's" silent.

Guy 1: Why would a "w" be silent?

Guy 2:It just is. You know, like wrench?

Guy 1: WUH-rench.

Guy 2: You've been saying wuh-rench?

Guy 1: Yeah. I think you've been saying it wuh-WRONG.

HA! Gets me every time.

Shaken, Not Stirred

At the college, there is sad news: our beloved freelance graphic designer, who's been working with us for almost three years, has decided to take a break in order to focus on her full-time duties as a real estate agent. This means that we must look for a new designer. This, of course, means there will be change.

Despite the title of this entry, the transition should be relatively smooth. I met with an alumna tonight who is excited at the idea of working with us and charges a very reasonable rate. And yet, and yet, I'm sad. Sad to lose such a wonderful working relationship with a person I also call a friend. Nervous to work with someone new. And it's jarring to think about going beyond my comfort zone. I have to learn proofreader's marks, for Heaven's sake. Not a huge thing, but a new thing in my universe.

This has reminded me that no one is allowed to be indispensable in this life; at least, not in the work force. Much as you might like to think that you are unique with unique talents and unique ideas, one day you'll be gone. To make rocket ships, have babies, watch Oprah, who knows? and those left behind will deal with the aftermath. Unsettling, to say the least. Thank goodness that, outside of the office, in your own personal life, you're allowed to say, "I can't live without you" to those you love most. Even then, when you lose someone, you are expected - even expect yourself - to go on, but you don't have to pretend you haven't changed from their absence.

Wow, kind of disheartening, huh? Forget everything I said. Kick up your heels. Enjoy a Twinkie and a soda on me.

If I Could Turn Back Time...

...I would do it all differently. Not with ex-boyfriends, bad haircuts, or unfortunate wardrobe choices (although all reflect temporary lapses in good judgement), but money. Cash. Dough.

I began making a full-time salary in July 2002. What bills did I have in July 2002? Practically none. I lived for free in a campus residence hall. There was a crappy 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass with only liability insurance. A phone bill. Gas for said crappy car. And that's it. Wheeeeee! Out to dinner every weekend! Books and CDs up the wazoo!

Then September introduced me to my pretty 2002 Chevy Cavalier. OK, so now there's a $256 car payment and full coverage for that. But still living for free. Until March, when I decided I am An Adult, and as An Adult, I should live not in a dorm but a pretty little house with An Adult Roommate Who Is Not My Boyfriend. I do this and shoulder on more financial responsibility. Before the end of the year, I decide I am An Adult who should be Independent. I move out. I get a cell phone for use on the drive to and from Chicago, in the event that I become An Adult who find herselfs stranded on I-65. As my financial burdens go up, slowly, so does my pay. However, the meager amount directly deposited into my savings account does not. And now, as An Adult who is Independent, I am in student loan debt up to my ears. Debt I will begin paying this December. Am panicked. Must do something to cushion the blow now.

I have two appointments scheduled three weeks from now to learn more about feasible investment options: one with my bank, another with a company that received an excellent referral from a co-worker. However, I can't help thinking through all of this: if only I had done this TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO. With all the free money I had floating around, I could have doubled my car payments and had it paid off by THIS MONTH. Taken care of immature undergrad debt and cut up those cards for good. Slammed away into an IRA. This is what they should teach you in college.

Oh, well. Once I hit "Publish Post," I won't dwell on the shouldas, couldas, and wouldas any longer. I will be An Adult with a Plan.

The New 'Do

And the best boyfriend a Frema could ask for.

Happy Birthday, Frema!

Lots of people think that, no matter what a baby looks like, he/she automatically qualifies as "cute" simply because of said baby status. I'm not so sure I agree. And when I look at this picture, I bet most others wouldn't, either. For though my dress is quite frilly and my booties quite fluffy, I clearly bear the face of a 50-year-old man.

This is me now:

All likeness to the 50-year-old man is gone, though this hat gives my noggin the shape of a conehead. I wanted to post a picture from today, the day of my birthday extravaganza, but it's late and I'm tired and my smiles are coming out kind of forced. Sometime soon, I'll show off my new 'do, sans hat.

It really was an awesome day. Luke made banana pancakes for breakfast and gave me some very thoughtful presents, my favorite being the complete collection of Winnie-the-Pooh's stories and poems. Then we went to Chicago, where my I-love-them-so-much family had cake and presents and signs announcing that I am "da bomb." All of my siblings were there, a special treat since we scatter around as we age, and I cried when I opened my mother's gift: my baby book, jam-packed with pictures, cards, letters, and descriptions of my earlier years. We stopped by my friend Brooke's house, who herself recently celebrated a 21st birthday, and was having a party for her little son, Matthew, who turns one tomorrow. After a home-cooked dinner back at home, Luke and I were off to Merrillville, where we had a nice visit with his parents. It was a wonderfully relaxing, slow-paced day, filled with the people I care about. And, may I just say, I was having an awesome hair day, making it even more depressing that my photo shoot didn't work out.

I couldn't have asked for a better way to turn 25.

There Are Lurkers in Our Midst

I visited this blog today, which talked about celebrating the wonderful concept that is de-lurking: that is, "taking attendance" of those who visit your blog but don't speak up. It sounds like she has software that tracks the number of hits she gets each day. I, for one, do not, so I would appreciate it even more if you made your voice heard - whether you already comment or not.

Now, my life. Things are good. I had a root canal on Monday that went really well, and I'm in zero pain, though I keep forgetting that I no longer have to guard the tooth with my tongue when drinking milk. Next dental endeavor: replace the molar I had pulled this past summer. Then I can demote my activity to a normal biannual cleaning. In the meantime, I'm thinking a lot about school, which starts tomorrow (assuming the roads will be clear and the university doesn't close). My last winter class. Possibly my last Thursday class. Oh, what a diligent student I will be this quarter. Straight A's to prevail all year round! I will walk across stage in June with magna cum laude status and seize the world!

Since the new year began, my head has been spinning with the goals I want to accomplish, mainly find another job and become Money Saving Genius. I'm currently in the market for some kind of investment planner who can help me manage my moolah. Should I pay off my car early before student loan debt hits this December or funnel all extra income into an IRA? How much extra income do I actually have? How many shopping sprees am I allowed before they become obsessive? Absolutely mind boggling. And all in time for my very own 25th-no-longer-will-I-ever-again-be-early-twenties birthday. This Sunday. January 9th. Just in case you want to de-lurk and offer warm wishes.

A Special New Year's Message

Hang Tough in 2005!