Spicy Chick-fil-a Salad

Title refers to my dinner. I usually bring food from home but had to rush to meet someone for lunch. Eating my dinner at work, I was amused at the fact that I gave up vegetarianism b/c of Chick-fil-a 4 years ago.
I WILL get spare car keys made tomor. I've scared myself a few times thinking I locked myself out (with my spare whatsoever).
I've put off sending Xmas cards b/c I realized CVS no longer does mini-prints; how sucky is that? Need to pick up my 800 China prints I printed after Thanksgiving when they were 10cents each. I doubted the necessity of having prints of most of the many photos I took last year.. it's just hard for me to exclude any, but adds more weight when I move places.

CELL PHONE~~!!

I am cellularly automonous, aka I have my own new cell phone as of today. It's a nice one with full "keyboard" for texting. It's with my family's plan, good discount with my dad's work, on 2 year contract so it's cheaper.

Chinese tea

I inadvertently gave a male acquaintance Chinese weight-loss tea! When he found out, he asked if I were trying to tell him something. ha! I bought it because the Chinglish on the back was funny, reading it's "durable in dunk" and "the new century soft drink." It has a smoky flavor, which I didn't like. I meant to give him a bag of it, but he misunderstood, so gave him the box. If I hadn't done that, and he didn't have a Chinese roommate, we wouldn't have known. He said he liked it when he first tried it.

Cville visit

Don't know where I could find a part-time job. Well, I only tried Cheesecake Factory since I saw their C-list ad 2 weeks ago. Most places probably don't need someone (leaving) before 4pm. I would get less sleep but would perhaps meet people and be happier staying busy.
So I'm learning Arabic as of last week. What does it show about our society that I have to meet people via internet? It's not like I'm in a remote place; I'm 1.5 miles away from a new shopping mall. We met at a library this time (Iast time just English conversation at Starbuck's). We worked in the library cafe but he prefers Sbuck. Have dentist apt tomor (teeth were hurting a few weeks ago and had to wait for dental insurance card to arrive). So no drink at Sbuck this time. I got the peppermint mocha yday at Target in Cville (I remembered to say 1/2 shot); it was good but felt so full after b/c we had had Panera an hour before. My friend ('05) and I shopped, bought sleep-over food, and watched the Thanksgiving special on food network (not my first choice, but since I don' t have cable, fun to watch). Slept on her couch but since I'm used to going to bed around 3am, couldn't sleep til after 1. Fell asleep after 7:30 this evening to wake up 2.5 hrs later. Am glad I work 2 days then off 2. I actually get to go to the French meet-up downtown! Probably not as many people because T-giving is next day.
Yday I bought 5 French books for $1 each!! My friend gets used books at the SPCA place (like Goodwill). I will give 3 to my dad for Christmas. I now have a copy of "The Awakening," and started reading "Beloved" last night. Will have to see the movie after. I tried to watch SNL clips and Kath and Kim episodes tonight but the connection sucked :(.

Veterans Day (and Jill's b-day)

The highlight of my day was speaking Russian to the Ukrainian man at the Russian grocery. I saw a Russian newspaper, and on the cover, a dollar bill with Chairman Mao's face! I could read it, but asked for better translation from him, however his English isn't great. After I said I spoke a little and made many pauses b/c Mandarin vocabulary has taken over, he would translate whatever I said in English; I know how to say it but am out of practice.
This morning I watched "You are what you eat," a BBC show about unhealty, obese Brits who are given a detox regimen for 8 weeks and come out looking so much better. It inspired me to go to the health food store. My sister had a half day b/c of the holiday. Mom took pics of us under the orange maple tree in the backyard. I saw Kelly's former best friend, who I hadn't seen in over a year or w/o braces. She's 17 now and can drive herself.
It was nice last night to come home and watch hbo briefly. I woke up this morning to the stuffed blue marlin painted electric blue hanging on the wall of my cousin's bedroom; her husband caught it on their honeymoon in Hawaii a few years ago. I thought, "She's had to wake up to that many mornings!"

Obama!

Like I wrote on my Fbook status, I'm so happy my county and state went blue and that I witnessed last night's historical event. I was at work, and my fellow associates were also rooting for him. One woman started to cry, a woman from Cameroon wanted to dance :).

On another note, another thing to make me annoyed at my sister. I have dvd rentals to return today. I asked her yday on her day off if she was going to watch them or should I return them; of course, she didn't know. Now I have my doc apt in that shopping center before work, and the dvd's who knows where! Urgh. frustrating, inconsiderate little sister

Election Day

I voted without any wait this morning before 8am (Dad's idea). I am pleased that my mom ending up voting blue. The voting machine was a little alarming: when I made my choice, it made a red "X." I thought, "I'm choosing him, not eliminating him." I think a green check would be better.

tofu, chocolate and red wine

Subjet simply refers to what I just ate after coming home.
I got a call from a quebecois lady today..oh my gosh, I barely understood her. Luckily she had already talked to another guy (who was about to go home), was able to pass her off to him.
At this rate I'm going to have to find quebecois people on Skype to practice with (who are willing, of course); don't think there are many in Richmond area who check Craigslist.
I'm going to work tomor morn for a movie promotion for a few hours (overtime pay :) ).

Thoughts on my new car

I think of things to write in here, but when it comes down to it, I'm lazy.
So the last two days it was nice to drive my new car to and from work, but because it's small and 4 cylinder, I feel like I'm in a toy. I also got a little paranoid, thinking "Is this car going to be the death of me?"
Monday night I really freaked myself out thinking I had tons of research to do to email the client by 10pm, but it was for the next day; talk about lack of attention to detail (one of the needed qualities mentioned in my interview!). Last night I researched steakhouses near Times Square and had to send email explaining that David Letterman show tickets can not be purchased thru us. I didn't know how detailed to write it since it's spelled out on the site, so the senior associate wrote it for me. The last 2.5 hrs I was looking at French sites. I got my first French-speaking caller! I understood he said he called the wrong number, he switched to English :(, but to be sure, I asked if he wanted to reserve something . I was embarrassed. Then I said "bonne nuit" at the end, but you only say that to people you're familiar with, when they're about to go to bed! I was translating literally. Hopefully I'll get better.

Uncle's retirement party

Today we went to the military base of Fort Monroe, near Hampton, VA to celebrate my uncle's retirement. This is a man who doesn't like surprises, but I can understand my aunt wanting to do something special for him.
I love incense. Now I'm burning "Asian spice;" I bought that, ember, and patchouli from Pier 1.
The big news is: I have a car! We didn't put too much thought into it since my dad and I were both tired yesterday and sick of looking for cars; it looked nice, drove well, was a good price. Will take to be inspected and back to dealer Tues to finalize the deal. (If the mechanic finds major problems, we have the option to back out on the car).

Lessons to learn

I almost cried at work tonight. Nothing catastrophic happened, it was just me adjusting to the work, overextending myself and getting frustrated: normal process for me. I met with my unhealthy tendency to take on too much and my overactive sense of urgency and willingness to please. Argh, why do I learn things the hard way?
I fulfilled an easy car rental in Alaska. Then I got a call from a cute 79 yr-old woman who rattled on. She wanted hotel, Tina Turner tickets, and transportation from the airport to hotel. I started researching the hotel, called one for availability and got confused by hotel lingo. Then I realized I could purchase the concert tickets on the phone since they were available, so called her back. She asked if I had found hotels yet, and I said the one, which she wanted me to book. But I was told by the associate helping me that I need to tell the customer the cancellation policy or I'm liable, and should always give 3 options. So I managed to get the concert tickets for her, and said we'd follow up with her tomorrow on the hotel and transport. After leaving I worried my notes in the case weren't perfect, would cause confusion for the person assigned to it tomor when I have the day off.
Lesson learned: take it easy, as I'm just starting out. If I try to handle too many things at once, I will either collapse in tears or blow up. It's just hard because I'm the only one working the evening on my side. Tonight only one was across the way, with her back to me, and my voice sounds so small when I call her name. I met the guy from Ghana in next section. He was friendly and gave some advice. His accent is nice.
Before work today I went to the Cupcakes place nearby but it was closed. (Mom didn't want a cake) However, if we go to a restaurant, can just have dessert there. Then went to Target; didn't know what to get her. Bought a moisturizing face mask cream that I really hope she uses because it was $20 (thought it was cheaper). Kelly predicts she won't and might want to use it instead. Dad bought her red carnations and left the price on the plastic bag (men).

cool sunshine

This morning I slept in, finished the bag of peanut butter M&M's I bought earlier in the week (I can't keep sweets around long), had some Iron Buddha tea, went quasi-jogging, and picked up my "conversation partner" to shop at Stony Point Mall, which is really dog-friendly.
I wanted to find a bday present for my mom but I couldn't find something I KNEW she'd like and use that wasn't overpriced (she doesn't like us spending too much money on her presents); I think I'm cheaper than before I went to China because there everything was so cheap. On the way back I wanted a sub but they looked busy so got a Chicken Club, 2 baked potatoes, a large chili, and 2 small Frosties for the fam. They forgot the chili but I checked the bag before leaving the parking lot and went back. ... I have to pause after I write such stuff and wonder, do I write about trivial things? My sis is all into PETA, like I was at her age, and there are so many intl issues and environmental problems, and here I'm writing about my order at Wendy's? ha.
Then my parents and I went to U of R for the weekly intl film series for a Chinese film, "Sunflower," by Zhang Yang. It was a poignant family drama with a curious ending. My mom wanted to sit in the back but I wondered at the end when I saw the college couple in front (not directly, there was a space) sucking face, if she regretted that decision, haha! They were going at it for 15 min or so; at first I was a little embarrassed, sitting next to my dad, but then laughed to myself that they were directly in front of my mom.
Will see my sophomore tomorrow morn :).

Cold October Day

I burnt my tongue on hot chocolate at the Science Museum :(. Alison and I saw the new IMAX film "Antarctica." We got there a little late, should have sat farther up.
After 4pm Dad I went to look at car dealers. I test drove 2 Nissan Sentras. The 2nd one was newer, a little more expensive, and looked nice, but I had the seat too low and therefore felt small when driving. Pulled into Costco, then Dad realized they close at 6 on Saturdays.
I should be doing something social, but what and who is there? I'm still sharing cars and cell phones and in the suburbs. Part of me is glad I will work evenings and every other wkend so that I won't feel bad that I'm not out doing something. Only plans tonight are SNL.
Can see the Chinese film at U of T tomor night.

Pay Day!

Received my first paycheck after 3.5 months, and it's so much better than the wages at Ukrop's and in China. Was going to cash it to set aside to pay back Dad when I get a car, but remembered my local account has a low balance; can deposit instead.
Tonight I watched "Madea's Family Reunion" with Mom. Dad went to a Chinese film at U of R, which will also show Sunday if we care to see it. I picked out "Madea" because I thought it would make her laugh, but I wasn't expecting it to be full of dark themes, as well. She said, "I like Blair Underwood, but not this character." (he played a controlling abusive fiance)
Tomorrow Kelly takes the PSAT, although she went to sleep early and probably won't want to wake up to take it. Need to buy a birthday present for Mom (next Thursday).

blues

I really mean to write here more often.
Feeling a bit glum, despite getting payed tomorrow. I'm glad I'm working evening shift so I don't have to deal with my sister; she disappoints me so much. She falls asleep after 6:30pm. I tried to wake up her 2x, the 2nd time at 9pm. I tried to open her window, left the shade up despite her asking me to close it, and was called a bitch. (I'm really sensitive, and right now, being called that by my little sister affects me).
I'm adjusting to the job. I called Violeta at morning break today because I made some minor errors and was frustrated with myself, doubted whether I should be in customer service.
Am still listening to The Bell Jar on tape. Would like to finish Obama's autobiography before the election.
I just want a car, think it would make me feel a lot better because it's so necessary here. I also want a cell phone of my own and an iPod someday.

Sunday

So Friday I met with a Vietnamese guy selling his '97 Civic, but it's bright red and despite low miles, too old. I was in a bad mood last night for 2+ reasons, so I had a beer, watched French news, and went to sleep.
Saturday had nice weather. I went for a jog and talked with a neighbor whose kids I used to babysit weekly a long time ago. Dad had sung in the choir for a funeral at church. I looked at cars on Craigslist and arranged to meet someone with a Ford Focus with a lot of miles. We went there and dest drove it, but not on the highway. It's not in the greatest condition but is cheap. Dad thinks the muffler would need to replaced in the next year. Then we went to the Folk Festival on Brown's Island and saw an Eastern European group, Arabic music and bellydancing, a "Saharan blues" group from Mali, and a father and son Kentucky thumb-picking duo. Alison met us there. Dad and I left shortly after her and got a free movie at Blockbuster's and some reduced Sat night bread at Ukrop's.
Today we'll go to the Folk Fest again and see a car in Chesterfield afterwards.

Frustration

One current frustation in my life is my younger sister: she's such a slacker. This weekend she's read, slept, used the internet (Dad tried to block it from her school laptop but didn't work). Her desk isn't even cleared off. She needs to study for chemistry, which I could try to help her with (even though it's been 7 years), but she doesn't even come to us for help b/c she avoids it.
Urgh. Why does she have to be such a bad student; doesn't she care?!

Saturday

Today Dad and I looked at 3 used cars that we'll consider. The Mitsubishi Galant looks very nice, I'd have to get use to the shift being in the middle instead of on the steering wheel. I'm used to Taurus, but didn't particulary care for the blue color. The Ford Focus is nice and small, didn't know much about it. Afterwards we went to Starbuck's to use the WiFi and look up car info. I walked over to Sticks Kabob shop. The lamb sandwich was ok; sometimes I don't like the taste of lamb.
When I got home there was an email from someone asking me to dinner but didn't have his number, so too late. He Facebooked me, and I saw his political views are different. I wrote this but said we could still meet. So he called and was offended that I judged him so soon, I wasn't open-minded (hate that!). But it's ok.
SNL!

TGIF

Even better: the fat smoker's in another pod. (I know, I sound mean) I was informed by the woman who went to high school with me, a year younger, that my comp was set up today.
Decided not to see the manual Honda Civic. Doesn't make sense to have a manual, with my sis learning to drive.

We got our "mentors" for the rest of training (2 weeks). Mine is an attractive black guy named Carroll. He gets his customer service on in "How are you doing today?" I don't think I'll be quite like that cuz I don't give a damn. He was working on a case acquiring Super Bowl tickets: $9800 each! Some of our clients are socialites; he got one today from a frequent caller, as in, she calls 3-4 times a day for resto reservations, etc.
The whole thing is tedious. If someone calls, you can't just take care of it yourself because maybe your shift will be over. So someone else is assigned it, who has to do the research. We did 2 practice calls; the trainer called me. She said after the second one to be aware of talking to myself. Ugh, why a phone job?
After Dad picked me up from work, I got my dry cleaned skirt that I thought I had given to another teacher, but had sent by boat from China. It was $1+ more than I thought b/c it's lined. I'm not even sure I'll wear it anymore, it's 2 sizes bigger than my current.
Then we looked at the Chevrolet dealer down the road from us, but of course there's nothing in our price range. Will look at a Mitsubuishi from Craigslist tomor at noon. No other plans yet other than to clean my room and VACCUUM.

VP debate

I watched the debate between Biden and Palin for an hour and then my attention waned.
Today I saw there's a somewhat spoof movie called "W" (about the current president) coming out in 2 weeks; was it on purpose to be viewed right before he left office?
Today we learned how to research for travel plans, using sites to obstain Broadway and concert tickets, restaurant recommendations and reservations, and air ticket and car rental estimates. We were given the task of researching a flight to Phoenix and hotel there. To give the client options, we have to find 3. Whatwith connecting flights, it was such a pain to enter in air details. Only 1 receiving practice call today, compared to yesterday's 3. Tomorrow we'll "be on the floor" again with our permanent mentor. I'm glad I'll sit on the other side of the "pod" from raspy-voice smoker on my shift.
After looking at frommers and fodors travel guide sites, the trainer mentioned ricksteves.com. There I saw a blurb titled "Palin's small world" quoting her rationale for not having a passport, that her upbringing didn't include her parents giving her money to backpack thru Europe after college. The author said regardless of this, she didn't care to broaden her horizons thru travel. Personally, I think it's fine that a lot of people are like that, but I certainly couldn't be.

It's October!

Tomorrow is Gramma's birthday; Mom is going there, so Dad will drive and pick me up from work tomorrow.
I made 2 calls to car sellers on C list. Unfortunately, I just realized the Civic I was gonna see Friday after work is manual. I should learn how to drive manual someday. I know most European cars are, maybe international in general?

So, 3rd day of training made me a bundle of nerves. This happened because we did our first practice calls (scripted, but I still found it easy to forget to say some things). We are an odd number, so the trainer called me. It's pretty easy, but it's difficult at first for me to multi-task, talking/listening to client and entering details.
The woman next to me says her phone voice is an octave higher. My phone voice today wasn't that different from normal; don't want to sound depressed!
The clients who call us are rich, which I figured. They want reservations to the best restaurants in the US.

First day of training

A slice of carrot cake from the neighbors hit the spot.
I don't feel like writing about the job: kinda uneventful. I feel blasee, you know, I'm entering the work world, but hey, I need money.

It's fall!

I wrote about D.C. in my French blog but got bored half-way (had to look up a word and was chatting online).
I chatted with a fellow teacher from Suzhou (she and her son are still there). His bday is in a week, will be 18. I had thought of sending them chocolates, so I will hopefully buy some tonight and send tomorrow now that I know what he likes. He had given me a scarf for Christmas when I didn't give a gift. I meant to buy him a souvenir from travels but forgot!
I felt happy to get an email back from Sasha (who may call at 1am tonight) and Angela, my best friend from Suzhou. She got my letter and called me "smart baby" since I wrote her name in characters, lol. She wants to come visit me some day (before 20 years) but her mom says she'll have to marry a VERY rich man if she wants to do that.
Today I'm looking for cars and will meet two R-M alumnae for dinner at Nacho Mama's (fun to say outloud).

French

Last night I was at Starbuck's for a 2nd night this week (a lot for someone who doesn't really drink coffee). The lack of cafe culture (compared to Europe) sucks.
So I met up with a French guy, and we spoke French until I asked him about the elections, when he switched to English. He thinks with our huge debt, the future president should just crash the economy, and after 5 years or so, America would be better for it; I can't imagine. He said Germany is getting out of theirs now.
I thought when I woke up this morning that staying at the hostel in D.C. 2 nights will be interesting with my current sleep schedule of going to sleep after 2am, however, maybe it will cure me.

letter and Steve Martin dvd

Title refers to today's mail, which just came. I sealed a letter to a friend in China and got out there just as the mailman came. He's a friendly guy, wanted to know how job search was. He went to Quebec City a while ago.
Laptop not broken after all :). It was the CD-rom drive that tends to pop up.
Wanted to take a bath but there are lots of paint boxes in the tub.
Looked at cars on Craigslist. Would be ideal to get one before I start training.
Last night talked to Gramma and Papa. After Mom handed the phone to me, she asked as an after thought, "How does he like Palin?" I wish she would have asked, so I didn't have to hear from him that she's a "smart woman," "our next VP," and that he's voting Republican all the way. ugh. I didn't think about politics much in high school, but it nearly broke my heart (not really) when I learned my closer grandparents are conservative (knew my dad's parents definitely were).
Had somewhat nightmare this morning. Something about people misunderstanding me, involving my cell phone, and I joined a cult! Also a friend from high school was going to meet me in 5 minutes, she wrote in her email, but I couldn't. Woke up at 9:30 but slept more til almost 11:30.

Montpellier

Today Mom, Dad, and I went to Montpellier, former home of James Madison. As it is Constitution Day, the site decided to have their Renovation Celebration today. We heard Lehrer from NPR talk, as well as a Supreme Court Chief Justice. We decided not to see the renovated house b/c there was a long line.
We had a late lunch at a diner. I got the lunch special chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, and corn; it was enough corn for 3 people! I had some of Mom's barbecue sandwich, think the first since I've been back. I love sleeping in cars and trains; that's what I did on the ride back. Dad and I played tennis, and I went for a jog after. That makes 4 days in a row I've jogged. I do stop at times, so I need to work on endurance.
Feel restless. Doesn't seem I can upload files on this comp. So annoying my laptop broke on me! I had it for less than a week with Wifi.

GOOD news

I found my college ring! It was in the front pocket of my orange purse all along (since vacation a month ago). It's always like that: I think I've lost something and then am so happy when I realize it wasn't lost after all.
Today Mom, Kelly, and I went to Good Foods for the first time since it opened. They have ostrich eggs there. We just bought a cookie, 2 cans of "natural soda," rolls, and plums. The cookie didn't have a sign but it was really good: pecans and orange cinnamon. Mom made carrot cake tonight.
Looked at the parakeets play at Petco. Kelly was in there a long time, got cookie-shaped biscuits for Fred.
Am making good progress on Plath: think she's married now. Am also reading "Eat, pray, love."

Friday

Today Fred almost succeeded in opening and eating a small bag of Hershey's Kisses.
I went for a jog and met Christine at Panera. Alison invited me to see "The Women" but we weren't finished with dinner yet. Met up with her at B &N and went with her friend to Friday's, where I hadn't been since coming back from China. Went only 2x I think, the last near the end, on Ladies night (free margaritas). The woman I sat next to had been in Samoa with Peace Corps.
Alison had gotten a bag of freebies from the radio station (at the cinema) and gave them to me. When I got home, my Mom looked thru the stuff; imagine her surprise when she pulled out a cell phone! (Alison's) I do need one, haha.
So I'm glad I was "out" on a Friday night this week.

package from Inner Mongolia

Received package I mailed 2 months ago, the hardest one to send. In Hailaer, Inner Mongolia, they wanted me to write my Suzhou address in character; they also wanted to verify the zip code. Two women helped me, luckily. I sent myself 3 suede flasks: a brown smaller flask of Genghis Khan and gray camel flask, and bigger olive-green one.
As a side note, while my dog barks outside to be let in, don't feed a dog (esp. an old one) plums. Dried plums become prunes, and you know what happens when one eats those. I thank my dad for this situation : /.

OCCUPATION!

So I'm pretty happy I got the job offer this morning. I'm not superstitious, but when the phone rang, and I looked at the clock, it was 9:11.
I asked for $1 more, but I'd be happy with what they offered; it's more than normal customer service wage. I was amused my mom's first concern when she heard it's 4-midnight shift was my love life. I'm not concerned about it right now, just need a job! I worried they'd retract the offer if I asked for too much more, but I was, as someone put it, "screwed royally," in my pay in China. I also thought, when bargaining with a vendor in China, he jacks up the price, but you ask for 1/3 of that, because that's (possibly) what it's really worth. Negotiation is all a game. I didn't like bargaining in China but can have an appreciation for it.
The weather is cool today: love it! Reading Sylvia Plath's college years journals.

WiFI

Today is a historic day--- we have high-speed internet chez moi! I can look at youtube and tv5 French news again, look at people's photos..
This morning I went to the company for the French evaluation. They had given me 4 questions they'd ask, which I prepared last night, but two of those were changed when I got there today; fortunately, they were the ones I didn't like as much. The new ?s asked the favorite gift I've received and a concert I went to recently and enjoyed. For the first, I could only come up with my college ring, which I don't really think of as a gift, but it was on my mind because I lost it on family vacation a month ago. I wasn't sure of the gender of "ring," second-guessed. As for concerts, I said I don't go often, but a few years ago I really enjoyed the quebecois group "Le vent du Nord" (whose name I couldn't remember but managed to before next ?). Hope it didn't seem I was sucking up, since it was a quebecois guy I was talking to on the phone. I should have asked, I didn't know how it'd be set up. I was a little intimidated having 3 people listen and watch me. I probably didn't come off too confident.
Today I went jogging, this time going up the hill. (I'll go one street more each time) Then I did exercise dvds since Dad found the dvd remote yesterday (hallelujah!).
On my way into Target tonight saw my 5th grade teacher coming out. I had seen her past summers when I worked at Ukrop's. She has a slipper on one foot, hasn't taught since January. I suggested we exchange email since I won't see her at Ukrop's anymore!

Sunday

The power went off this morning; I heard the computers beeping.
I wrote my former teenage Taiwanese student from SuZhou, who replied she's in Louisiana now! (which I realize I mispelled in the e-mail, leaving out the 'i.") I need to find the paper where I wrote my Japanese student's email... she called me when I was on my way to the final teacher dinner, so I wrote it on a paper for money conversion (that I didn't end up doing til later); highly likely I recycled it.
Last night had dinner at Alison's and went to Byrd Theater ($2!) to see the newest Indiana Jones. Even though I haven't seen the others, I liked it. Alison definitely had a good time.
It's a cool, sunny day; high time I go jogging again (listening to my sister's imported music on her old mp3).

Stupid

At the doctor's 2 weeks ago I stupidly consented to get a vaccine, not thinking about my temporary limited health insurance. It costs $150! It could have waited until I got a job and have more complete insurance. Shit shit shit. I hate money (or more, my current, serious lack of it).

Not staying home next Friday

Title refers to how low I felt these past two Fridays. Last Friday I was out briefly for dinner, but back before 9. My sleep cycle is off, I can't get to sleep before 1am. So I'm bored and feeling isolated in the suburbs. I wish I would have been more prudent with my money. I guess I don't think ahead too much: if I could have foreseen how miserable I'd be at times here while trying to get a job... Just have little purpose.
I've been reconnnecting to people via the net and cell but it's not actual contact, which is more what I need.
It's pouring because of a hurricane or tropical storm, I don't keep track.
Dad started the North Korean documentary but no subtitles, so what's the point (he's trying to find the DVD remote he misplaced).
I checked out 3 books at the library: Sylvia Plath's journals (which I started and like a lot), Steve Martin's biography of being a comedian, and "Eat, live, pray."

Silly me

I should have confirmed before going to the company today that there would indeed be a French assessment. I went a different way from last week and turned left instead of right, making me a few minutes late. I got there, and the receptionist was at lunch; I began to think maybe I shouldn't have come today. The receptionist came and got thru to the recruiter who apologized for the miscommunication and asked me to come at 10am (at other office) Tues. When she called Wed, she mentioned Tues but said keep Fri 2-3 open; guess I'm eager for them to potentially hire me, ASAP! Guess I can visit Tucker High after that since it's across the street.
This morning I watched "La fille de Keltoum," a French/Algerian film about a young woman from Switzerland who has come back to see the mother who abandoned her. I had to skip a little because I had scheduled my 2nd Hepatitis A vaccine at 11am. There's definitely a twist at the end of the film. I saw Michael at Ukrop's, who I used to work with. I last saw him 13 months ago when I got the initial Hep A shot. He's getting an online Associate's or Bachelor's and wants to study Architecture at UVA.
At Blockbuster's, picked out a kind-of documentary about North Korea.

Sunshine

Last night I talked to two R-MWC friends: my first-year roommate and then an '05 graduate who is friends with my senior.
What's really cool is my former roomie received my SuZhou embroidery wedding gift on her wedding day! After the wedding they went to their apartment to drop off things, and it was waiting at the door. How cool is that?
My other friend told me the trials and tribulations she's endured since graduating. I'm glad she's starting grad school in something she's passionate about.
No plans today. Going to company tomorrow for another French assessment.

Tues

Yday I talked to my elderly neighbors. The man said I lost 5 years. I generally get compliments since coming back, having lost the weight that I put on in college. I wished them "Happy Labor Day" when leaving, but they're retired!
I kind-of laughed when I read that Gustav is now a "tropical depression." I thought of someone laying on the beach somewhere, depressed.
My mom is annoyed that Kelly is vegetarian and will only bring paper bag lunches. When I was vegetarian in HS, I brought salads, hummus, and mock meat sandwiches, kept cold with an ice pack. So Kelly wasn't happy when Mom only packed a half PBJ and an apple; she'll be ravenous when she gets home.
Dad suggested I write a thank-you write to my interviewer and offered to drop it by on his way to work.

Labor Day

Yday I went to a cook-out with Alison at Deep Run Park. I didn't know anyone, but then saw a guy who went to HS with us and another who went to MS.
Then Dad, Kelly and I went to the pool to take advantage of the pool party dinner there. Didn't really know anyone there either; because of school districting, most of the pool members go to different schools.
Saw Shanthi Saturday. I was glad to see two HS friends this weekend.
Today Kelly wants to go shopping before school starts tomor. Think she's nervous. I wouldn't want to be in her position again. HS life was somewhat hard when I was there, but 7 years later, what with more technology, Facebook, and the people who go to her school versus mine, it's not easy.

drudgery

I completed an online app for a company here that is known to be a starter job for college grads. There was a ?aire about work environment that asked if I've ever engaged in gossip. Forgetting that they wrote only respond about work environment, I responded "yes;" I'm a woman, we sometimes gossip. Then my dad said I would be one of less likely people to gossip and said it's a red flag ? for employers. Oh well.
Then I realized I didn't see the last page of yday's employee app I handed in before the interview. It was the confidentiality notice. That happened because I printed pages 4 and 5 before the others and didn't see the short page 6. I sent an email to the recruiter apologizing for that; hope it doesn't look flaky.
Mom's nervous again, worried about her mom's health.
I will see my Indian friend from HS today :) and maybe my best friend's new house downtown.

stuff

I had my first real interview today for basically a call center job requiring French. I think I'll be offered it, but I'm torn between where I want to live: stay here in the suburbs or downtown or D.C. I guess I kind-of have to live here for now since I'm broke, tho I could take out loans. I had dinner with a friend and felt cute and wanted to go out, but I was driving the Windstar like a soccer mom and don't know many people downtown. ha

Tues

Kelly and I went to the library shortly after it opened this morn at 9am so she could get her reserved book and I could return books. It was a quick trip because Mom needed to leave to visit her mom, who gets out of rehab tomorrow from her knee operation, and Dad was going to work. It's annoying sharing cars (especially the van) but at the same time I like not owning a car. I don't want to have to buy one in order to survive in America :(.
There's a beginning Arabic class once a week this fall at U of R for only $69 that would be cool to take, but I don't know my situation in the next few months (and am w/o wheels).
It's funny that a foreign teacher from my school went back home in July only to go back to China soon; don't think it will be teaching this time. I liked living in China but feel I should stay domestic-side for a little while.
The one call I've gotten for an interview is for a sales position, which, as my dad says, "is not (my) personality."

I was a good baby, as Angela would say: I went to the doctor, got a shot and blood work and didn't faint! (Last summer or before I almost fainted after blood work. Kind-of a surreal experience, laying on the floor and hearing the nurse tell your mom that you almost passed out. Then they gave me Coke.)
After that accomplishment, went to Chinese place nearby for egg drop soup. My fortune is "You will soon be crossing the great waters." This fortune would have been accurate a little over a year ago before I left for China, but I don't think I'll be crossing the Atlantic or Pacific anytime soon.
I'm tired but no nap.
Rode my bike into Goochland this morning then did a bit of the abs exercise DVD.

YAY!

A month after I got back from China, I finally created my blog. (well, was on vacation for 2 of those 4 weeks)
Today I drove to Charlottesville to have lunch with Ellen and Allison, my French major buddies, but Ellen couldn't make it. So Allison and I had "little hamburgers" at '5 Guys,' where neither of us had eaten before. Cville tap water doesn't taste good. Then we went to the Dollar Tree to get stuff for her French lesson tomorrow and grocery shopped at Kroger. I had time to spare before meeting my other friend, so walked along Downtown Mall (not much going on) and got gelato because I was thirsty and tired. Don't know if it was napping after 4pm on the Chinatown bus back from NYC that changed my sleep schedule, but I went to bed at 3am the other night; feel tired in the afternoon (but no naps!) and have more energy at night. It's going on 1am now, and I'm tired.
Keri and I had Thai food, where I ordered Drunken noodles with pork. I thought of Angela in SuZhou because the noodles were like ones in the dish "Xiaopanji" that she called "fugly," haha.
She had to babysit, so we went there, where I spent a little time with her toddler charge. It's funny when little boys flirt. I got to see photos she took of our friend's wedding in June (she looked fabulous at her bachelorette party and wedding day). Then we watched the closing ceremony. Not as much pomp as the opening, but still cool. I left after 10pm because it was getting late and the kid's parents would be getting back.