Your people are more important than ever -- and more squirrelly, too!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

6:45 pm Fam Room

Have you seen this holiday commericial? It's SO cute!!! Seriously, the kid is adorable. It reminds me of every little kid I've ever babysat for.

Most of you have received the BRILLIANT Christmas card that Maria and I have sent out, but for those of you who didn't get the card with our faces plastered on it with its accompanying poem, I will display them here.

Here's the pic:

And here's the brilliant Christmas poem that Maria and I wrote instead of doing work at the library:

A Christmas Poem
by Tara and Maria

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the floor
Not a person was stirring, not even Dean Elmore.
The empty beer cans were piled in the recycling bin with care,
In hopes that a liquor fund soon would be there.

The roommates were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of graduation danced in their heads.
And Tara grabbed a snack, while Maria hit the light,
And the two settled down to recap the night.

When outside StuVi there arose such a clatter,
We sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.
Away to the window we flew like a flash,
Wondering if another student was trashed.

The streetlight on the sidewalk shed light on the snow,
So we could finally make out a shape down below.
When what to our wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

We rode down the elevator so lively and quick,
For we knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
But presents for us he had not a one,
And we saw at that time that our Christmas was done.

“No money? Or vodka? Or T pass? Or food?
No parental approval? This ruins our mood!
To the side of the guard booth! To the very 10th floor!
This holiday sucks! What’s Christmas good for?

“We’re just lowly interns, we can’t get a job,
Our futures are unclear,” we said with a sob.
“How are we s’posed to go live on our own?
The economy sucks, and our savings our blown!”

“Dear girls,” said Santa, with a twinkling eye,
“Your talents are many, your successes are nigh.
You’re pretty and charming, men flock to your doors.
You’re witty and clever, the future is yours.

“Now stop all your worry, you’re ahead of the game,
Your internships will help you, and your family the same.
I think you will find a surprise Christmas Day,
Much cash from your parents, that’s all I can say.”

“Thanks Santa!” we said, as he jumped in his sleigh,
And we waved him good bye, all our worries at bay.
Then we looked at each other and yelled with delight,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Love,

Tara

"If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging" alert.

Saturday, December 13
7:16 pm My room

A text convo with my darling sister on Thursday:


K (4:33 pm): My phone is all broken! I can't make calls or answer them or listen to my voice mails! Maybe I'll be able to get my new phone sooner now!

T (4:43 pm): Bummer! Whatd u do to it???

K (4:44 pm): I Pooped on it

T (4:44 pm): You made me laugh out loud at work. Seriously whatd u do to it?

K (4:46 pm): Good! And nothing at all i just tried to make a call and i couldn't hear anything and mom couldn't hear me

T (4:46 pm): Bummer man. I feel for u

T (4:47 pm): I'm so friggin bored

K (4:47 pm): Well you can feel excited for me cuz i wanted a new phone anyway!

K (4:48 pm): Do work?

T (4:48 pm): Thank you that's helpful

K (4:49 pm): I try :) think of all the things you can do for me as an early christmas present such as clean my room!

T (4:50 pm): Yeah ill get on that soon as I'm home. When are you working at the toystore next?

K (4:51 pm): Tomorrow Gts

T (4:51 pm): What does gts mean?

K (4:52 pm): god get with it. Good times

T (4:53 pm): Haha syf.

K (4:54 pm): What does that mean?

T (4:55 pm): Shut your face. I just made it up

K (4:56 pm): Orlskethmlj. Oh it means something. But I'll never tell

Love,
Tara

Try to relinquish ingrained patterns that you tend to invoke under stress.

Tuesday, December 9
11:59 pm I am a victim!

Have you seen this video? Watch it, then read on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xZp-GLMMJ0

Ridiculous, right? Especially when they're all at the football game because they look like they're straight out of a cult. Anyway, they're also HILARIOUS, and it would have made an excellent gag gift for my mom because she's always cold. But then Snuggies Inc. stole the contents of my wallet just like a pick pocket would target an unsuspecting American girl in a bar in Spain... but I digress...

After a week of no food or sleep, I finally finished all my final projects today, and I was looking forward to a little online shopping. I thought a Snuggie, while completely ridiculous, would make a delightful little gift for the always freezing Mama G. I mean, a blanket with sleeves? She'd wear it all the time. So, I googled "Snuggies" and found the official website. It looks totally legit! I mean, they were advertised on the QVC for goodness sakes! So, I click, pick a color (sage green), enter a little personal credit card information, check my order, wham, bam, thank you, ma'am, order complete. At $37.56.

WHAT???? I cried, nearly spitting out my Crystal Light. Then I looked at the order again. TWO sage green Snuggies and TWO book lights. Puh-scuse me? I said to my computer. My computer flickered to show its confusion, as well. Now, I KNOW I did not order two sage green Snuggies and two book lights, but there was no way to check my order or cancel it. So, I googled "how to cancel my Snuggie order" and ALL these links popped up about how Snuggies are a scam and nobody's been receiving them and how their customer service number isn't a real number. All good things to know before one places an order, but I digress...

Well, I was just not going to stand for this and neither was my bank account... mostly because there isn't enough money in there for two sage green Snuggies and a couple of book lights, but I digress. So, I went to the source - good ol' BofA. That's right, I called Bank of America. I'm on a first name basis with several of the operators there because I've had problems with my checking card/account so many times (these "problems" are mostly human error, but I digress). After trying several different Customer Service numbers and getting connected to all sorts of departments, I finally spoke with a "representative" who could help me. She asked me what the problem was. Here's the condensed version of our conversation:

T: "Hi, well, I was doing a little online shopping, and I'm pretty sure I just gave my check card information to this website that was a total scam."

Rep (with Southern accent): (pause) Well, I'm sorry to hear that ma'am.

T: Seriously. Me too.

Rep: Well, I can go ahead and freeze your account if you'd like.

T: Nice. Freeze it. Please.

Rep: Ok, I'm just -

T: WAIT! Am I going to be able to get money from my account?

Rep: Yes ma'am, if you would like, instead of mailing you your new card, you can stop by any of our Bank of America locations, and they will issue you a temporary card.

T: Ok, great, thanks. I'll do that. I'm going Christmas shopping with my sister on Thursday.

Rep: (pause) You're very welcome, ma'am. Is there anything else I can do for you today?

T: I don't think so. Thanks a lot for your help. I really appreciate it.

Rep: You're very welcome ma'am. Now you have a good rest of your evening and a very Happy Holidays.

T: You too! Don't buy Snuggies!

Rep: I'm sorry, ma'am?

T: Er, nothing.



Love,
Tara

Your urge to splurge makes all sorts of sense -- there's ads everywhere telling you to shop -- but you may need to resist the impulse for today.

Monday, December 8, 2008
3:48 pm Libe Status

Scenes from a Library:

Tara and Noelle are sitting next to each other in cubicles on the third floor of Mugar.

Tara: (whispering) Girl, there are a lot of cute guys here.
Noelle: (makes a face) There are?
Tara: Well, one. (tilts head to the right)
Noelle: (leans back casually to get a look) Yeah, he’s cute.

Tara spends the next five minutes trying to catch his eye. Even gets up and walks by his cubicle. Unsuccessful, she gives up.

Five minutes later, guy gets up and walks past where Tara and Noelle are seated.

Noelle: I think he’s gay.

Avoid conflict by refraining from commenting on another's approach.

Saturday, December 6, 2008
12:13 am Not doing work


Ok, so this song isn't new, but I just recently fell in love with it, and I CAN'T STOP LISTENING TO IT. I seriously had it on repeat for a half hour while I was working out, and then I just watched the video about four times. Maybe I shouldn't admit that...


Anyway, I love it so much because it's the story of my life. I'm sure any girl who's ever dealt with that period right before the end of a relationship can relate.


Kate Nash, Foundations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhC4E055OsY

Love,
Tara

If an invitation to leave town materializes, why not accept?

Thursday, December 4, 2008
6:24 pm In an angry place

Okay, ladies and gentleman: it's venting time. I HATE THE T. With the burning passion of a million suns. I'm not exaggerating. Every single time I ride that thing I end up feeling annoyed or pissed off or violated.

Let's take today, for example. I left the Improper at 5:30 pm, my usual time, and walked to the Arlington T stop, which was crowded. This is to be expected at this time in the evening, so I was unfazed. A B train was there letting people on as I walked down the stairs, but it was so packed on I didn't bother trying. I stood by the wall quietly and waited for the next train. Another B train rolled up not long after. It too was packed. People were pressed up against the doors and windows. I rolled my eyes and decided to wait for the next one. Eventually, another one comes along. Packed.

Now, I am not a shy person. If I thought I had a shot at getting on any one of those trains, you can rest assured I would have knocked over anyone in my path to get there. But there simply wasn't any room on any of these trains. And after an eight hour day of staring at a computer screen in a windowless room these trains were testing my patience.

Finally, B train number four rolls up. There was no room, again, but I decided to try anyway. I found a lovely spot in the conductor's booth. I was seriously on top of the guy, but at least I was on the freaking train. As the train made it's way down the green line, people slowly started to get off, allowing me to move further into the train and off of the conductor's lap. But now I was among "the people." "The people" are all of the people on the T that I hate. Now, to be fair, I probably hate them because I consider the T the bane of my existence, but I hate them nonetheless.

First, there's smug sitting guy. God, I hate that guy. He's the guy who got on the T in like, Haymarket when the T was empty, and snagged a seat. Now he sits there, glancing up at all the miserable people who are gripping the handle bars as the T rocks back and forth, and he smiles. The guy smiles. And it's this condescending, asshole smile because well, he has a seat, and in the hierarchy of the T passenger kingdom, he's the freaking king. So he just sits there, doing his pretentious crossword puzzle, and, every so often, smiles smugly.

Then, there are the starers. I hate them too. I realize the T ride is a boring one and I'm probably the most attractive girl you've seen in your life, but I am not a way for you to pass the time. You had better hope this T stays crowded because if I get close enough to you I'm going to gauge your eyes out. Stop staring at me.

And finally, there are the people who smell. You may think this choice not to bathe is a personal one, but it's NOT. If you can't drag your lazy ass into the shower for yourself, do it for all of the people who are forced to be around you. I'm going to start carrying Febreze with me and spraying it in the faces of smelly T passengers.

So, THEN we're at BU East, still several stops from mine, and there's the dreaded announcement: "This train is going express to Brighton Avenue." I wanted to scream, "You've got to be *&%$!#% kidding me!" but instead I surpressed it and only let out an audible groan. Smug sitting guy responded by looking up and giving me a sympathetic smile. I moved to give him a not-so-sympathetic gesture, but I was carried away by the crowd of people who needed to get off the T because it was going express. WHAT IS THE POINT OF GOING EXPRESS? Why do YOU, Mister T Conductor, suddenly get to decide that you are going to skip a quarter of the stops on your line??? I paid my $1.60 just like everyone else! I am entitled to my FULL ride next to smug sitting guy and staring guy and smelly guy!

My life is so unfair.

Tara

Lucky Jupiter is cozying up to Queen Venus, endowing you with a deft touch and a silver tongue.

Monday, December 1, 2008
7:02 pm My horoscope is really bizarre today

Happy December! Sooo, since it's been a week since I've blogged, I figure I should update you all on each part of my life.

1.) Family Life
Well, Thanksgiving was just a delight for my family... because I was there. Kidding! I spent most of the break with my fam because I became deathly ill (slight exaggeration), but it was really fun. There's nothing like four different people coming in and out of your bedroom in the morning, trying to hold conversations with you, to start the day right. For the actual Tofurkey Day, we went to Gma's in Suffield. Dinner was delish and it was good to spend time with Grandma, Leo, and Auntie Ellie. My sisters, mother, and I were inducted into the family tradition of playing Tripoly. I was a natural (of course) and won 45 cents! At home that night, my family busted out Clue, another family tradition. We played a newer version, though, which made things a little more exciting. I would have won, had I not made a stupid math error. Dad won instead. I am not a good loser.

2.) Personal Life
The problem with going home to see all your old friends and family is you will undoubtedly be asked the same question a dozen times: Any boyfriends? If you have one, it's great because you can smile all coyly and say, "Welllll...." and then everybody freaks out and wants to know everything. When you don't, as was my case, you have to say something uncomfortable like, "Oh, uh, no. I mean, not right now. Just, uh, you know, well, I mean, no, I guess not." And then your friends' eyes get really big and they act all supportive, "Well, that's really good! It's good to take some time for yourself! I really admire that! That's great." And their voices are always really high-pitched when they say it. So, yeah. I'm, uh, you know, just living my life, I, uh, I guess. I was actually just talking to my friend, Javi, from Madrid. He asked me if I was seeing anyone, and I said no (way easier to do online), and he responds, "Wow, T. No wonder you go to the gym all the time." Jajaja...

3.) Health
Despite the fact that I was sick over the break, I'm feeling relatively healthy. I do, however, want to lose a pound and a half by Christmas Break. Are you done rolling your eyes? Anyone I tell this to spends about 3 minutes rolling their eyes and then says "If you need to lose weight, then how much do I need to lose?" Shh, this isn't about you. I gained weight while I was abroad in Spain (also known as, "The Semester of Carbs"), and I would like to get back to normal. If I lose a pound and a half by the break, I will be back to normal. Therefore, I am counting calories. This makes me irritable. However, being hot and thin makes me happy. It's quite a paradox.

4.) Politics
Hilary Clinton!!!!! That is all.

5.) Social Life
Now that the semester is winding down, lots of holiday/end of semester invites have been popping up. I'm hoping I can keep my workload under control so I can attend some of them. I'd hate for my education to get in the way of my college experience. My friends and I are planning on doing a Secret Santa, just like we did last year. In fact, we're picking names tonight. You might think this would be a simple process, but, alas, it is not. Last year it took us 45 minutes. I kid you not. Because somebody always gets someone they dont want and they go and yell out who they have so we have to do it all over again. Maturity is not always something my dear friends possess. I am also beginning preparations for the Yankee Swap I've done with my friends from home since senior year of high school. Every year I transform the basement into a winter wonderland (another slight exaggeration), so my friends can eat and drink and fight over gifts. Every year I end up in tears from laughing so hard. It's great.

6.) Academics
Two weeks from today, I will have completed my last fall semester at BU. That's pretty crazy. I'd love to savor these last two weeks, but unfortunately, my school work is getting in the way. I have two final projects and my internship evaluation paper to complete within the next two weeks which means STRESS. But I'm okay with it. I mean, I'm not, but I figure I'll just go hard for the next two weeks and then recover at home. Or in Disney World... we're leaving on the 27th :).

7.) Work
My internship with the Improper is coming to a close. I will miss everyone I worked with, especially all the interns I became very close with. I think next Thursday is my last day. I did, however, get the internship with Body & Soul magazine, which I am beyond excited about. I start there in January. The bus from Boston to Watertown is about an hour (Dad says I should bike. Ugh.), but the commute is totally worth it to work for such a great magazine. I can't wait to start! As for paying jobs, Student Services is full of holiday cheer now that I've forced everyone to listen to Lite 100.5 WRCH as it streams through the office computer. It's all holiday music, all the time. It's great. We're also going to be doing our annual office "Secret Holiday Dude" (that's PC for Secret Santa), which I always enjoy. Aaaand then of course, once the semester is over, it's back to the toy store. It's so nice to be able to go back there whenever I'm home to make a little extra money. I worked there over Thanksgiving Break, and I almost didn't mind the rude mothers and screaming children. I especially love working right before Christmas because you're just so busy helping people and wrapping presents you don't notice that the six hours have passed and it's time to go home. On Saturday, Stephanie, Kaitlyn, and I were all working at the same time when Grandma stopped in, and then Mom stopped in. It was like a family reunion.

In other news, I have put together my Holiday Viewing Guide, a list of all the holiday specials and when they will be on. Want me to forward it to you? Because I totally could. It's a little scary how excited I get when I look at it...

Love,
Tara