But I don't want to go back to work. . .

So Saturday, I spent the evening at my grandmother's baking a chocolate cake. It was her recipe and she said that it was so simple that even I couldn't screw it up. Turns out she was right. I did check out the message boards online and asked someone how to say Happy Birthday in German. A very nice lady replied back right away with a couple of examples of different things that people put on cakes. She even gave me websites with pictures of German cakes with the expressions on them. The most common one was one that meant, "All the best on your birthday." Since the cake was big enough, it did fit on the cake. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see Robert that night because he was helping his friend (who's in a wheelchair) install something in his van or something. So I just went home, studied and slept.

The next day promised to be sunny (at first), which was good since Robert and I were planning on going boating. I called Robert and he asked me to pick up a few things at Wal-Mart because I had to go by there before I went to his place anyway. We were planning on taking lots of food on the boat. By the time I got out of Wal-Mart, though, it was raining. Uh-oh. I still went to Robert's, we loaded up the stuff anyway and off we went. It actually was just drizzling a little when we left and by the time we got to the lake, it had stopped raining and had warmed up. Boating was fun. I even steered a little bit. Of course, it did rain off and on while we were out there. But just some sprinkles. It was a little chilly though. It was nice and secluded out there on the lake. We had a lot of privacy, which we enjoyed. After boating, I went with him to Atlanta to feed some cats for a friend of his that was out of town. Then we went to this bakery that I didn't even know existed and he bought me dessert. How sweet. The cheesecake was sooo good. Then it was home and bed.

So I spent Monday morning with Robert and even though it was his birthday, he had to go finish the work on his friend's van. Then, apparently his immigration lawyer wanted to take him out to dinner for his birthday or something. Should I believe that? Anyway, he said it shouldn't take too long and he would call me when he was done and we could hang out for the rest of his birthday. So I went home and studied and cleaned and stuff. I also hung out with my sister and my nephew for a but. My nephew has gotten so big. He is so adorable. Of course Robert didn't call me till late. Whatever. I wanted to do something he had wanted to do a while ago as a surprise, but it was too late. So he invited me back to his place and I gave him his cake. He loved it and was very impressed that I had found that German expression. I'm glad I made him happy. Let's just say the evening ended on a very happy note. Happy Birthday Robert. Hehe.

Today, I woke up at 5:15 and immediately decided to call into work. I was way too tired and did not feel like going in. So I called my boss and crawled back into bed with Robert. I fell back asleep, but kept waking up because of the birds outside and his cats too, of course. His cats always come crawling all over him in the morning when it's feeding time and this morning, they were crawling all over me, too. Robert and I ended up sleeping in till 11:00, but didn't get out of bed till nearly noon. Ahhh. . . mornings with Robert are so nice. Then I went home to study and then to class to take my midterm. I think the midterm went okay, but it's hard to tell. It was really long and consisted strictly of essay questions. I hate those. Then I went to work out. I made this one a short one because I am really sore for some reason. I have to start working out a lot more. I just found out that I've gained 2 1/2 pounds or something and I have to lose them. I would like to be under 130 again. That would be nice. Right now I am so very tired, even though I got about nine hours of sleep last night. I need sleep, but alas it must wait until my laundry is done.

The Beginning of what promises to be a fabulous Memorial Day Weekend. . .

So yesterday was kind of uneventful. Work was busy, but good. After work, traffic was crazy. . . as usual. Of course, the idiot was still on top of the crane. Seriously, that's like 47 hours now or something. I don't know. Just push him off already. Jeesh. I know, I know. I'm so empathetic. Whatever. My tax dollars are paying to have those police officers out there trying to coax him down. Anyway, I called Robert again and left a message. Told him to keep his birthday free for me. Why wasn't he calling me back? Then I went to the gym and had a great workout. Did cardio, weights, and 155 crunches. Excellent. Last time I did that many, my abs were sore for four days. That's not the case this time. Good deal. Of course, this guy at the gym tried to make me feel guilty because I haven't been there that often lately. Whatever. I know, I've been slacking off a little since Robert. I haven't been as regular with my workouts. I really have to watch that. But I think this guy is just trying to flirt with me and I just want him to back off.

Then I went home and actually got a little studying done and went to bed at 10:30 because I was exhausted and still. . . no word from Robert. However, my phone does wake me up at midnight. He asks if I'm in bed already and I'm like. . . Hello?? It is midnight, right? I'm not dreaming about the time? But I can tell that something is bothering him and that he wants to talk so of course it's not a bad time. What are girlfriends for, right? Besides, I wouldn't have minded Kim or Seth calling at that time if something were bothering them either . He starts telling me about his back surgery and the risks and he sounds really nervous about it. He said that's the reason he hasn't gotten back to me. He's been just researching the surgery options and trying to think and stuff. He's not even completely sure if he's going to do it. I tried to comfort him as best I could, but I'm not sure I helped. I hope I did. I am really worried for him. I do care about him, so I don;t want anything to happen of course. I don't want him to need surgery period. I tell him that nothing may go wrong at all, but of course there are no guarantees. Anyway, he asked if I wanted to go boating on Sunday because he needs to relax and take his mind off things. Can't blame him. He also does want to spend Monday with me as well. So today I'm going to bake a cake with my grandmother and then go over to his place and spend the weekend with him. Hopefully, I can help take his mind off of everything. I'll do my best.

But right now I'm at work and for the next two hours I am completely by myself on the phones. That's because someone had the brilliant idea of giving one of my coworkers every Saturday in June off. Luckily, one of my other coworkers volunteered to come in two hours early for those Saturdays. Otherwise, I would be on my own for four hours and wouldn't be getting any kind of break during that time. Better go get some work done.

It's Friday!!!

It's now Friday and I feel like I have sooo much to do! Yesterday was okay. My coworkers are so hilarious. I made a comment about how much I love Tivo. Robert has it and I said, "Yeah, I almost just go over to his place just so I can use TiVo. It's so awesome." And Shaina said, "Yeah, that's why you go over there. . . for the TiVo." I swear, I started blushing so shard and I never blush. Too funny. When I got off work, I discovered I had gotten a voice mail from Robert, which I found weird since he never calls me during the day (he knows my work schedule). Turns out, he found out he needs back surgery and he called to tell me. Ouch. I called and left a message, then headed to class.

Usually, I love class. The Professor is very funny and very interesting. However, tonight class just dragged on. I swear, he didn't talk about anything that was of relevance. Well, I guess that wasn't completely true. We did discuss the interviews that we have to videotape. Oh boy. I can't wait. I have to interview Dwight, the guy that I work with. He graciously volunteered. I'm going to learn so much about him. But I am so nervous about presenting the tape to class. And we have a midterm on Tuesday. Seriously. . . who schedules a midterm the day after Memorial Day?? AND it's Robert's birthday. This weekend is going to be so stressful. But I don't think the midterm is going to be too bad. Finally, class ended. I called Robert again. Again, his voice mail picked up. Okay, so I thought he wanted to talk to me. What's up with that?? Then, Kim called a little later and we chatted for the first time in a while and then I talked with Luke. I love talking to Luke. He's fabulous. I can't wait to go to Rochester and officially name his bird Cindy. Hehe. Then I called my other friend Alvin and wished him a Happy Birthday. We hadn't talked in so long that he barely even knew about Robert. He said that if Robert didn't treat me right, he would mess him up with Tae Kwon Do. Hehe. It was a busy night of phone calls. I was Miss Popular. I just wish I could have talked to my boyfriend. I'm just worried about him with this whole back thing.

So today's Friday and there is this idiot fugitive from Florida who has been on a construction crane refusing to get down for 39 hours and counting. I'm not exactly sure if he's threatening to jump or what the hell is problem is. Apparently, he's wanted for killing his ex-girlfriend in Tampa. Now, the police are trying to get him down by buzzing helicopters around him and playing loud music. Seriously, just shoot him down. I feel like I have a million things to do. We have over 10,000 e-mails in Carl's Jr. (literally), I have another work project to work on, I have to study for a midterm, I have to learn how to say Happy Birthday in German, and I have to find a good cake recipe so I can bake a cake. If anyone can help me out with the last two, that would be great. It's going to be a busy, busy weekend.

Can we slow down a little please?

So last night was predictable. . . Robert couldn't get together. He had to do his taxes or something. At first, it was because he might have to do something with a friend. But then it was because he had to get his taxes done. Okay, so whatever. He said he would call me later. I wasn't really going to hold my breath for that one. Good thing because he never did. I really have to reread that book "He's not that into you." Good book. Good advice, I think. Oh well. I watched the American Idol finale. Carrie won. I knew she would, even though I kind of hoped Bo would. I like them both, though. I know they'll both get recording contracts. And because I was pretty positive Robert would not call, I went to bed immediately after American Idol. I was exhausted.

Anyway, yesterday Shaina (one of my coworkers) said something interesting. . . or funny or stupid or whatever you want to call it. Dwight (another one of my coworkers) and I were discussing a really stupid ignorant caller that had called the line earlier. Apparently, this guy felt that Chick-fil-A should not hire anyone who is not American (even if they are legal) because they do not deserve jobs. I made the comment that I had decided to not even raise children in this country because this country was so messed up. And then Shaina made the comment, "Well, you better hurry up because your boyfriend doesn't have very much time." I was drinking water when she made that comment and I swear, I almost spit it out from laughing. I told her that we have only we been dating for 3 1/2 months and could we slow it down a little. And who said I was having children with this guy? It's like when you're dating someone, everyone assumes that the next logical step is marriage and babies, even if you've barely been going out! And ever since my friend's sister asked me when I'm going to get married, I feel like everyone is judging me because I'm still single or something. Believe it or not, I am not ready for marriage right now. Nor am I ready for children. If I met the right guy, sure. But I don't think Robert is that guy. We've only been together 3 months for crying out loud and I don't even want to think about where we're going to be in another three months. So everyone can just back off with the baby and marriage talk. It's not happening anytime soon, okay?? Okay.

With that being said. . . I am very happy to report that I am thisclose to having most of my credit cards being paid off. Of course that is one of my goals on my list of things to accomplish in my lifetime. I can't wait for class tonight. It will cheer me up. I like class. Nerdy, I know. But it will get my mind off things. Mental note: call Robert tomorrow and let him know that I do have plans for his birthday on Monday so he should keep that day open.

"He'll just die faster"

So today's horoscope reads: "You know what really matters, so don't waste your time on what doesn't." I think maybe I'll take that to heart today. Seriously, I'm getting used to this whole waking up at 5:30 thing. . . do you think maybe if I say it enough times, I'll convince myself?? I get to work and somehow Carl's Jr. went from 2,800 e-mails to TEN THOUSAND overnight and Hardee's went from 60 to ONE THOUSAND. **SIGH** Oh well. I like it because it means I have a lot to do. And there's talk of another twelve hour e-mail-a-thon to try to get caught up. Yay. I love time and a half. Of course, they want some of us to come in on Sunday. Hello?? My boyfriend's birthday is on Monday and I have stuff to do to prepare. No can do.

Speaking of. . . I may go see him tonight. Of course he was very vague on the phone last night. Something about someone else **may** ask him to do something today or something. So basically he can get together with me if something better doesn't come up. Oh well. I have to work out first and then we'll see if we can see each other. If not, then oh well. I think it's ironic that my schedule is about ten times crazier than his and yet I seem to be able to make more time for him than he can make for me. Hmmm. . . but I'm just going to do what my horoscope says and concentrate on what matters. And if I can't see him, then I'll just go home and watch American Idol. It'll be his loss anyway. At least he's not standing me up.

So today will be a good, busy day either way. And I'm looking forward to Robert's birthday. Hopefully, he will want to spend the day with me. And for those of you that are curious, he will be 37. One of my coworkers feel that is a little old and the other one said, "That just means he'll die faster. That's all." That is so comforting. :)

Now I have to finish my shrimp cocktail and get back to my 10,000 e-mails. Life is good.

Who said I'm not an optimist??

Okay, so I'll try to make this short and sweet. Here are a couple things of note.

1) Never, ever, ever get a loaner car from a dealership without a CD player. I don't care what anyone says. . . they are ESSENTIAL. They are more essential than seatbelts or airbags even. My hour commute was spent pressing dial after dial after dial in the vain hope of finding music. I would find a song and then a commercial would come on or they would start speaking and they would NOT SHUT UP! Oh well. . . at least by index finger got a good workout, right?

2) I am extremely sick of Paris Hilton. Not just a littls sick, mind you. I mean, if I ever met this chick, I would kick her in the head. She has this commercial with two of our clients. For those of you that are interested in seeing the extended version, as well as behind the scenes clips, you can at www.hardees.com. And our customers are outraged. One of our clients hasn't actually started airing the commercial yet, but the one who has aired it has. . . (are you ready for this?) 2,800 e-mails right now. Yes, that's right. You heard me correctly. Of course, there's something wrong with the website and we are receiving duplicates, so at the VERY least, we have between 1400 and 2000 e-mails between Friday and today and 90% of those are complaints about that commercial. But hey, it keeps me busy and it also means that pretty soon, my managers are bound to be asking for overtime, right? Hey, who says I'm not an optimist. Oh, that's right. . . Robert. Whatever.

Other than that, my day is good. Treated myself to a fattening Chicken Biscuit from Chick-fil-A. Hey, my desk drawer was out of cereal and I didn't have time to buy any more. Yes, my desk is very much like a grocery store. I now have to work on a big project for Sonic (another client) and then off to class tonight. I love this class! Who says I always complain? Oh that's right. . . Robert. Haha. Bye for now.

Has it really been that long since my last post??

Okay, so it's been a long time since my last post so I'll try to catch everyone up as quickly as possible. In January, I finally started grad school. Even though my family doesn't understand why I don't want to work at Coca-Cola forever and they have yet to show any real enthusiasm for my new endeavor, I'm excited. Terrified. . . . but excited. I was worried about starting grad school, but I love it. And I finished my first semester with a GPA of 3.85. It's that damn A- in Abnormal that got me. Oh well. The classes are fascinating and I adore everything that I'm learning. It'll only take 3 years and then I'll be on my to a career that I actually love. I still detest my job, but I'm trying to remember why I have to stay. A paycheck, for one thing. Plus, the tuition reimbursement is pretty sweet. And I am so on my way to getting my credit cards paid off, which will make me unbelievably happy.

I also spent several months doing something that I've always wanted to do. . . being a "phone actress." And yes, it is exactly what it means. It was fun. I had a fake name, fake description, fake identity and everything. But it was great. It allowed me to make some extra money in the comfort of my own home. I was a very good actress and I fulfilled a lot of men's fantasies. Of course . . . I did have one woman caller too and that was a very weird call, but I handled it like a pro and just did my thing. Just give the callers what they want. I learned a lot about men though. More than I ever wanted to. Unfortunately, though I had to give it up. Between classes and work and gym and Robert (who I'll get to later), I just didn't have time to do it as much as I wanted, so I wasn't making enough to make it worth it. Maybe another time, though. It was definitely a learning experience.

Now on to something very exciting. . . . my love life. This year has been a little rocky in that area, but hopefully it's settling down. I am dating someone. Yes, I know. I actually have a boyfriend. Fancy that. After all of my playing the field, I actually settled on one. We've been seeing each other for three months and he's. . . . well, he's great. Except for certain things. Yes, he blows off sometimes. Yes, he has a problem calling me when he says he will. Yes, he seems to only want to see me during the week. What is that about? But I think I'm learning to accept that this is just the way he is and as he says, I just take things too personally. I don't know where it's going yet, but for now I'm just going to sit back and enjoy it. He's tall and German and has this accent that drives me crazy. He's also very smart and makes me laugh a lot. So I'm just going to take things one day at a time. Of course if he does stand me up one more time, I'm pretty much going to have to rethink things.

Okay, now that we're all caught up. This summer looks like it's going to be an exciting one. I'm busy making plans to see Luke in June. I am so excited about seeing him and about going to Jake's wedding. I can't believe it's been almost 7 months since we've seen each other! I really can't wait to go to L.A. again either. Today was good as I spent the morning with Robert (the boyfriend). Mornings are ALWAYS good with him :). I also started on a list of things I want to do in my lifetime (I may post the list here when it's finished). A girl I work with had a list like that and she inspired me to do the same. It's nice to have a list of things you want to do before you die. I think it'll keep me in check and force me to do them. There are so many things I want to do. Of course, Robert was criticizing me a little because it seems some of my goals are a little unrealistic. So what if I want to dream big? I mean, seriously.

I then left so we could run errands and stuff. We were supposed to go boating, but I called Robert and he said that it was too windy to go boating. Too bad because I have this fantasy involving a lake and a boat. . . wait, where was I? Hehe. So I went to my uncle's pool instead because I did want to get some sun. My grandmother and I laid out in the sun for an hour or so, but it was too cold to swim, so it was a little boring since we couldn't get in the pool. So then we went back in the house and watched Oprah, where Tom Cruise was on and he was gushing about Katie Holmes. Oh my god. Could he be any happier? Then she came out and I have decided that they are the officially the cutest couple ever. Wow. That should be on my list: to get a man to look at me the way Tom looks at Katie. Could they be any sweeter? Anyway, I left my grandmother's place after Oprah and headed home, where there was a message from Robert. Why he didn't call me on my call I don't know, but whatever. We played phone tag for a while until he could really talk. When he did call, he said he had just gotten home from running errands and was going to be working on redoing his taxes tonight like he's been meaning to do for weeks. And apparently, I can't come over because I am just so irresistible that he won't be able to concentrate on anything else and he won't be able to keep his hands off me. :) Well I didn't think I was that hot, but Robert teaches me new things every day. He said that he would definitely call me later and if he gets his work done, we may get together. We'll see if he calls. Meanwhile, I have to plan for his birthday that is in exactly one week. I think I know what I want to do for him, but I can't really say on here. . . :)

Well, now I'm watching Season Finales of Seventh Heaven and Everwood and just hanging out. I'll make sure and update this later.