Day 5

Yesterday I didn't post because I gave myself a lazy day to bum around and reflect. Day time TV sucks. I did watch this awesome Lifetime movie called The House Next Door. Lara Flynn Boyle and Zach Morris were in it. It was about this creepy house that made all the people that lived in it go crazy. It was so awful I enjoyed it. I didn't do much else. Once Jamie got home he entertained me and then we went to trivia. We didn't win. We didn't even place last night. We normally come in third. We totally blew the second half of the game. Trivia guy actually had some hard questions, for once.

So today I've been working on my resume. I finally got it all down on paper. Now it's time to move in to the editing stage. The best advice I can offer anyone based on my unemployed experience thus far is to update your resume on a regular basis! If I had been doing that over the past five years I wouldn't have had to waste any time doing this (read = I could've hit the ground running) and racking my brain to think of things I did and all that jazz.

I leave you today with a picture of me and Kitty I took on my BlackBerry (I finally figured out how to email them to myself).

Oh yeah, Happy Halloween!

Day 3

I'm at my parents house today working on stuff. I came here to work on my resume since my Mac at home doesn't have Microsoft Word. You can buy it for Mac, but it's like $1,000,000 or something. Plus I can just come over so what's the big deal. I'm also surfing the web since my Internet connection at home is spotty (see previous post).

So far, I got nothing. I don't know if it's the economy, the end of the year, a combination of both or something else completely. But it sucks.

Yes, I can always go back to Mellow Mushroom, but I don't want to. I'm afraid if I do I'll get sucked back into that world (fun, easy work and easy money) and lose sight of my goal - to find a career. I do not want to be a career server. No thanks. Plus Brianne pointed something out to me on the phone last night. I'm sure she meant it as a joke or maybe she was bragging, but it scared the hell out of me. She said (in reference to me MAYBE going back to Mellow Mushroom), "isn't it funny that at 26 years old you, me, Katie, and Jennifer will all be working in pizza?"

Crap. That is not funny. That is the farthest thing away from funny. At least for me. Brianne has never really had a real job, Katie can't hold a job (not being mean, being observant and sometimes the truth hurts, but in her defense she is back in school), and Jennifer, though she does work in pizza, has a really good job as a manager at California Pizza Kitchen, a place with infinite possibilities for her to move up in (and a great salary).

I know lots of people lose jobs due to no fault of their own, but it sucks. I'm bored. I'm discouraged and I'm mad.

I'm going to watch last week's Ugly Betty on the DVR now. How's that for dealing?

In keeping with my photo journal, since I'm not at my house I can't take a picture of myself, so here's a picture I found of my Dad's truck. There's no significance to it, but I can make one up... This truck represents me! Shiny and tough and ready to take on any challenge. Like me, this truck is ready to get a job!

Day 2 Part 2

Wouldn't it be fun if I kept a picture diary of me on every day of this new journey?  I think so, if for no other reason than it gives me something to do.  I'm so bored.  All I want to do is go shopping and that's the one thing I can't do.  

So here I am.  I making a thinking face.  And my hair is lovely as always...  No Mom, I will not brush it.

Day 2

As you probably already know, I am now a member of the unemployed world.

Long story short, I got laid off yesterday.  Blah blah blah.

I'm already bored.  Really bored.  I was totally one of those people that hated to get up and go to work, in fact I dreaded it sometimes.  But once I got to work I was fine.  Now I miss it and it's only been 28 hours.  Ugh.

So today I went to the Department of Labor to file for unemployment.  I was expecting a DMV like experience with long lines, cranky people and bad attitudes.  But I was pleasantly surprised.  Yes, it's an awful building with folding chairs, stained carpet, and cardboard like desks, but the people there were super nice.  I guess they all feel bad for the people that come in there, knowing we're all out of work and based on the unemployment guidelines, unemployed by no fault of our own.  

I checked in (there was no line to do that) and was instructed to sit on the right side and wait with everyone else.  There were no chairs that I could sit in where I wouldn't be directly next to someone so I picked the chair next to the lady in the cute denim jacket with the cute purse.  Her and I were both so involved with our BlackBerry's that we didn't even look at each other.  The Dept of Labor lady then started calling people to move to the back side of the room (and I assume sit some more) and she called a name I recognized and the woman next to me stood up.  It was a woman I worked with who also got let go yesterday.  Small world.  I wish I would've realized it was her earlier so we could've talked (read = bitched about getting let go).  

Soon after she got called I got called up to a Dept of Labor lady at another desk.  Turns out that because of my severance I can't file for unemployment until December 25 (when my severance runs out).  But since like most places the Dept of Labor is closed on December 25 I can't come back until December 29.  But the nice lady promised me that if I got there at 8:30am I would be out of there by 10am.  So, that's what I will do.  Because the people at the Dept of Labor were so freakin' nice I wasn't even pissed I went over there for no reason.  Plus it killed an hour of my day!

So now I know where it is.  And in case you are wondering it's in the same shopping center as the best deli in town (Mom doesn't agree, but Daddy and I do), Bagel Palace.  I think in December to celebrate my unemployment I'll treat myself to a lox sandwich on an everything bagel.

Dear Mother Nature,

I understand that we are still in drought. I also understand that rain is nature's spin cycle and it's good for the plants and the tress and the grass and all the dirty cars. But, come on, for the second Friday in a row you've had it dump on us. It hasn't rained on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday in forever. But the past two Friday's, rain. Not just a sprinkle here and there, but all out, drenching, soaking rain.



Now, you know I've always enjoyed the rain. I like to play in it, I'm never concerned about getting my hair (clothes, whatever) wet, and I believe that a rain coat and galoshes are the most perfect outfit, but it's Friday. It's sort of a buzz kill to have beautiful weather all week, the kind of weather that makes you want to play hooky from work, and then have it be dark, cold, and rainy on Friday. Hell, today doesn't even feel like fall, it feels like winter. In Atlanta I know we go from summer to winter and winter to summer, but earlier this week the highs were in the 60s. Today the high is 42. What is that all about?



So, in conclusion, Mother Nature, it's hard to go out and celebrate the wonderfulness that is Friday when it's dark and rainy.



But, you're the boss.



Lots of Love,

Melissa



P.S. Why not a rainy Monday? The Carpenters wrote a song about Rainy Days and Monday's and it seems most people have already come to terms with that. I'm just sayin'.

Saturday's Alright For Parading!

So, here's the rest of my weekend.  Saturday was the best.  I don't know if you've ever been to the Little 5 Points Halloween Festival, but you need to make sure you hit it up next year.  They do a huge parade every year and it is by far the best and most unique parade in town.  

Our day started with a lovely breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs and onions, turkey bacon, and pancakes all courtesy of Chef Jamie.  It wasn't brought to me in bed or anything, but that's OK.  It was just as special at the table.  We putzed around the house and then headed over to Adam's.

Adam lives off McClendon in Little 5 Points so it's just a convenient place for everyone to gather.  We walked up the parade and the fun really got started.  The thing about this parade is it's huge.  At least an hour or so.  And the floats are so creative.  Some of my highlights:

-  A dachshund in an alligator costume

-  El Mire's float in which everyone (there was a band) was dressed as Muppets (like the drummer was Animal) and what sealed the deal was the two guys dressed as Statler and Waldorf that sat on top of the float

-  Ace's float was a wrestling ring and all the people on it were wearing those Mexican wrestling masks (except Hulk Hogan and the Nature Boy Ric Flair) and body slamming each other

-  Some dude dressed up as a really good Jack Sparrow with an entourage of people holding up "Vote for Sparrow" posters (with Obama and McCain crossed out)

-  a whole gaggle (is that correct word?) of giant, bigger than life skeletons

You take all that and add in all the other amazing costumes and hilarious get ups and it was the parade of all parades and definitely surpassed years past.

We hung around the L5P area for the rest of the day.  Met up with my co-workers at Star Bar, Jamie and I danced to a really crappy DJ, went back to Adam's, ate hamburgers, and then headed over to the Variety Playhouse.

The Wood Brothers are my most favorite musical act (save Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, and the Grateful Dead) and they were amazing on Saturday.  You should check them out if you've been living under a musical rock and aren't familiar with them.  Chris Wood is the Wood of Medeski Martin & Wood and Oliver Wood was in my friend Chris' band King Johnson.  Together, the Wood Brothers are heaven on your ears.  Sort of bluesy, sort of jazzy, but always incredible.  I try to see Oliver play around Atlanta whenever I can (he usually does a few Wood Bros tunes) but if they are both together then I will cancel whatever plans I have to see them.  They only have two albums out as of now, but both are perfection.  

Sunday was Sunday.  We bummed around, went to the new Fresh Fare by Kroger (the old Disco Kroger, which you should check out because it's awesome and I got chicken for $2.50, like raw boneless, skinless breasts), stopped in to Marshall's where Jamie got a new blue shirt (I'm not being a snob when I say this, but Marshall's gives me a rash), and that was that.  I took a three hour nap (hooray for Sunday's) and then I went to Jennifer's new place to have dinner with her, Johanna, Emma, Brianne, and Jennifer's Mom and Clint.  It was a lovely weekend.

Then I came home and watched trashy TV (Rock of Love Charm School and The Pick Up Artist 2) and went to bed.

I love the weekends.

This week I'm looking forward to doing lots of laundry tomorrow night and catching up on Ugly Betty, and trivia on Thursday.  As of now, no weekend plans.  We might hit a pumpkin carving party on Saturday.  If you have any pumpkin carving ideas let me know.  Last time I was so uncreative I carved a pumpkin in my pumpkin.

Oh yeah, the picture above?  It's some wild turkeys (not Wild Turkey) we saw up at Lake Hartwell last year.  It's almost Thanksgiving so this is time appropriate. Right?  Gobble gobble.

What I did over the weekend...

Here's my Monday breakdown of the past weekend. It was a GREAT one.

First of all, I would like to welcome reader number 2 to the world of Melissa Blvd. My BFF Emma confessed that she reads my blog (which = fun!). So hello Emma!

Speaking of Emma, she's been in town for the past week. And because of that the weekend really started last Wednesday. Emma got in on Tuesday, but late night (9pm). So Wednesday the girls (me, Emma, Jennifer, Katie, Brianne) went to our traditional dinner spot, Roaster's, for some exquisite dining. We headed back to my house afterwards (minus Katie who went home to shower) for the Project Runway finale.

And OMG, can I just say how happy I am that Kenley did not win. I personally liked Khorto's collection a million times better (as did the rest of the girls in my living room), but Leanne's was cool too. As my fave PR website (www.projectrungay.blogspot.com) pointed out if you took all the color out of both of their collections (Khorto and Leanne) then Leanne's was definitely the best. And I do agree. Without the beautiful greens and yellows that Khorto used her collection was just your basic pieces. Don't get me wrong, I still wish she would've won (her beading = amazing), but I have Project Rungay to thank for helping me see things from a different P.O.V. and now I'm not totally annoyed. Bee-Tee-Dubs, on another PR note, I know you aren't watching Rock of Love Charm School like I am, but the guest judge for the fashion (and I use that term very loosely, have you seen these girls?!?) challenge next week is non other than PR Season 3 winner Jeffrey (otherwise known as Tattoo Neck). Yeah, they showed a quick clip of him in the "next week on..." segment and he has a creepy, 1970's, porn star mustache. Think the Beastie Boys in the Sabotage video. I only knew it was him because of his neck tattoos.

But back to the weekend. After PR we went to Stout. It used to be McDuff's, but now it's called Stout and it's owned by the East Andrews people. I'm totally not a fan of East Andrews (it's just not my scene or my people) but they did a good job cleaning up McDuff's and still maintaining the pub feel. Needless to say I was very rough to get going on Thursday.

So Thursday Emma came and hung out with me at work for a little bit. Then we went home and I made spaghetti! It was delish and Emma was very proud that I cooked something all on my own (hey, if it involves browning ground beef then watch out, cause I am the master!). And in typical Thursday fashion we headed over to the Little 5 Points Corner Tavern for trivia. As always we came in third. And as always it was the same two teams that came in first and second. I'm so tired of being beaten by the same two teams. Annoying. But, it's bar trivia, it's not that serious.

It was REALLY hard to come to work on Friday. I had stayed out too late for the second school night in a row and it was raining. And Emma was at my house, it would've been so awesome to play hooky and hang with Emma all day. But I have responsibilities and all that crap. Here's why Emma is the best house guest ever! She called maintenance for me and had them come and snake the drain in my tub (we've been showering with a few inches of water at our feet for about two months) and fix the light bulb in the kitchen that had burned out the night before. Yea for Emma!

Friday night Jamie and I were so tired we stayed home and sat on the couch all night. It was actually quite nice. We watched some horrible movie on TV called "Wrong Turn." Yeah, don't even waste your time. It's about these dumbass kids that get lost in the West Virgina woods and are being chased by inbred mountain men. The only amusing part of the whole movie as Elton from Clueless was in it (for about 45 minutes until he died). Remember, Elton? He was the one Cher was trying to hook Tai up with but he liked Cher instead? You totally remember. Well I hadn't seem him in any other movie so it was nice to know he had a little career after Clueless.

Saturday was a super big, super fun day, so it deserves its own post. Stand by. That will come soon. Kisses for now!

Sand in every nook and cranny

Hello Internet! I'm back from the wilderness.

This weekend a few us went camping on Capers Island, SC. It's a beautiful island off the coast of Isle of Palms (near Charleston). There's nothing on the island but sand, sand fleas, mosquitoes, and alligators. There were plenty of the first three, but I didn't see any gators.

The forecast called for a 70% chance of rain, but being the optimists we are, we ignored that. When are the weather forecasters ever right? Uh, this past weekend they were.

We arrived at the Isle of Palms marina on Friday at about 4pm and took a boat out to the island. I'm guessing we were about 1,000,000 miles off the coast of SC, but I'm horrible at distances. The boat ride took about 10 minutes. We unloaded all the gear (No men in my life can ever call me an over-packer again as I packed the least amount of stuff, seriously, these boys packed as if we were going to be gone for a month) and hiked to our camp site. We chose a nice stretch of beach maybe half a mile from where we were dropped off. We set up camp, built a fire, and all the jazz. Then it started to rain. It pretty much rained the whole time we were there, but rotated between heavy rains and not so heavy rains.

On Saturday we hiked around the island into the marshes. I met about 70 billion mosquitoes. And even though I was wearing long sleeves, pants, shoes, and socks, I still got murdered. I probably have seven types of Malaria. The marshes were pretty. Lots of fish. So many fish I believe the water was overcrowded as they were constantly jumping out of the water. Fisherman Jamie was unsuccessful at catching dinner for us, but in all fairness, he didn't really try. I kept my eye out for gators, there were signs posted everywhere warning us of the dangers of alligators and what not to do if we saw one (under no circumstances should you feed one or insult it's mother), but alas, no gator sightings for me.

We hiked back to camp, got the fire up and roaring, I took a fireside nap, and then the sky opened up and we camped through what I like to call Hurricane All Your Clean Clothes Are Going to Get Wet. The rain pounded us, the winds were upwards of 30 MPH (I know this to be fact because the charter captain told me so), tents were blowing over, it was scary. I kept anticipating that any minute the coast guard was going to pull up on one of those yellow inflatable boats and rescue us. I wasn't completely freaked out because there were some other people camping on the island (like people that weren't part of our group and I figured they were likely to call for help if need be and they knew we were there as well and they would have us rescued too or their karma would forever be tainted). The worst part was that Hurricane AYCCAGTGW got all my clean clothes wet. For some reason we stayed dry in the tent but everything else got wet. I was so excited because I had packed just right and would have one clean pair of jeans and one clean t-shirt (and bra) to wear on the five hour car ride home. But, alas, that was not the case. Everything was soaked. And sandy.

For someone who stayed completely covered up the entire weekend I managed to come home with sand on every part of my body (really, half the beach was in my belly button), a whole bunch of damp to soaked clothes, and bug bites (damn you sand fleas!) on every part of my body. I look like I have chicken pox. And I'm just as itchy.

But it's OK. Because, at the end of the day I survived and had a great time. I'll be going back to Capers Island, it really is beautiful, but next time I'll believe the weather reports and I'll be going back in December, when the bugs will be non existent. I hear they migrate to Florida that time of year.