Monday, January 31, 2005

Horoscopes...

Greetings Jennifer --
Here is your horoscope for Monday, January 31:

What a great way to start the day -- with a nice, strong dose of romance. Whether you're single or attached, you're going to feel like a teenager. And you just wait -- there's even more in store!


Astrology.com is usually somewhat right on target...until recently. I don't take my horoscope really seriously, unless it says "buy a lottery ticket" or "watch for falling debris." The past few days have been way off the mark. I especially like today's message--a nice, strong dose of romance. Hmmm, the most romantic thing that happened today was Turtle looking up at me with a look on his face that seemed to express "you're not too terrible for a human. If you died in your sleep, I'd wait a few days before devouring your carcass, out of respect for the dead."

Greetings Jennifer --
Here is your horoscope for Sunday, January 30:

For the next few weeks, you'll be ready, willing and able to connect with anyone who's 'different' -- which might only mean that they're not from your neighborhood. The more unusual their views are, though, the better.



Okay, I'm open-minded, ready and willing for an off-kilter fella to wander into my path. Unfortunately, last night I was watching an expose on the famous bigfoot-caught-on-camera anthropologist/cryptozoologist argument/debacle all alone.

Greetings Jennifer --
Here is your horoscope for Saturday, January 29:

Whatever you've been up to lately is finally going to work. So if you've been trying to catch someone's attention and feeling like your technique has been less than effective, not to worry. You're golden.


I'm not sure what's up with this one. Nothing has ever worked for me. Nothing ever!

Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Secret Agent Jen...

I don't know why I'm still signed up at match.com anymore. I think the fact that I'm still single and childless is an omen--I'm not cut out for a typical life. There is something unsettling to me about getting married and having children. Maybe it's the stability and the potential monotony. My parents keep suggesting I invest in a condo or house, but this idea doesn't appeal to me one bit. I prefer the ability to get up and leave at a moment's notice. I don't want to the roped into a commitment for life (or several years.)

Yesterday I spoke with an attorney (and former DEA agent) at my firm about her experiences at the FBI Academy (I think the DEA stole her away before she could be assigned as an FBI agent.) She told me all about training at the academy, all the running and swimming and firearms training. Basically, it's survivalist training and something about that enthralls me. I'm searching for a life less ordinary and I might actually be on the right track. Of course, if this doesn't pan out, I'll probably be crushed for weeks/months/years (but I'll have a decent degree to fall back on.) I do have the perfect lifestyle for the FBI--I'm not married, no children, nothing holding me down, no felonies on my record, clean bill of health, no debts, no really subversive activity and I'm willing and able to relocate without having to compromise with anyone else's life. Plus, I really want to make a difference in the world.

Who knows where I'll end up? I'm thinking about postponing my Stonehenge trip for a year (maybe as a graduation present to myself) and taking a trip to Washington DC instead. It will definitely be a tad bit cheaper, and I really should explore my own country before running off to Europe. Maybe something exciting and wonderful will happen to me there. I've always had a thing for clandestine government activities and secret agencies, probably thanks to Scarecrow and Mrs. King. I was completely addicted to that series in high school. I discovered it on the Family Channel and was instantly hooked. Just the thought of a divorced housewife (not too frumpy) having a chance encounter with a handsome and smart super-spy and becoming involved in an ultra-secret government agency unbeknownst to her family--and years later secretly marrying him (of course almost getting killed or kidnapped every week; oops I gave the end of the series away!) That would be a dream come true for me! Just imagine: I could be at the Smithsonian or Library of Congress, be taken aside by Mr. Secret-Agent-Man, given instructions, become a convenient package courier, show everyone that I have the right stuff and have the beginning of a life of adventure and intrigue that I've been dreaming of...But of course, I am deeply rooted in reality, and things like that rarely happen. I'd probably just be involved in a routine drug bust.

Imagine going back to one's high school reunion and replying to the "what do you do for a living" question with "If I told you, I'd have to kill you" and actually mean it!!!

My personal ad...

This is the text portion of my match.com personal ad. I tweaked it a bit during my lunch hour. I don't think I'm asking for too much, hmmm? I'm pretty much giving up the search at the end of February. I'm at the point where I don't really much care anymore. Well, that's not exactly true; I know what I'm looking for, unfortunately, he probably doesn't exist. I'll describe who I'm searching for in a future post. Maybe later on tonight when I'm finished studying. I'm just really burnt out right now.

Hi, I am a smart, pleasant-looking (I've been told) girl searching for someone who will treat me well. My friends would say I've got an interesting personality and am someone unlike anyone you've ever met before (in a good way, I hope!) I'm on the petite side, with a small to average body type. Not muscled, not scrawny. I'm in shape. I'm currently working in the legal profession, but I'm also writing a novel. As I stated earlier, I love reading, but I also love trivia games, taking road trips, and visiting places I've never been before. I love to paint, and although I'm technically an untrained "outsider artist", I like what I've done so far. I am extremely quiet and shy at first, until you get to know me. When I'm more comfortable with you, watch out! I have a weird, dark sense of humor much of the time and my personality reflects on that. I enjoy many genres of music, except rap, hip hop and country. I LOVE LEONARD COHEN. When I'm hanging out with friends, I prefer a smaller, intimate setting. To sum it all up, I'm an interesting person looking for the same in a date.

I'm looking for someone much like myself: smart, goofy and interesting. Someone with great grammar and an appreciation for the fine art of writing. Someone in their late 20s or early 30s *NEVER MARRIED AND WITHOUT CHILDREN* I'm searching for someone extremely literate and highly-educated with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, who also digs David Lynch movies and MST3K. I'm looking for someone with real career aspirations and goals. Someone willing to work hard at a job they love. My dream date would be catching a film at the Detroit Film Theatre, then a cocktail or coffee afterwards to discuss the film or anything else that pops into our minds. I'm also looking for a guy who loves sushi and isn't afraid to try ethnic foods. A love of Polish food is a major plus. Right now I'm looking for someone who will treat me well and respect my feelings. Someone to talk to and share with. Someone who won't forget my birthday. Someone with an awesome sense of humor. Maybe if things work out, someone to grow old with. Basically I'm looking for a friend first before anything else. I'm looking forward to meeting a man who is compatible with me!

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Proposals...

Last night I finally got in touch with Liz (of Lusty Lizzard fame.) It was great to hear from her and to hear all about her residencies and Ph.D plans, but the kicker was to discover that she and Craig are planning on starting a family soon. We talked about baby names and all that jazz--she likes the name Leif for a boy. Very cool Viking moniker! Liz and Craig are absolutely perfect for each other. The perfect match! One in five billion!

Ever since that conversation, I've been thinking about the progression of my own life. I'm 27 years old and have never, ever come close to being married, or even close to the point of even considering having my DNA mingle with another's. Hell, I've never even met a guy who I would consider changing my last name for. Not that I haven't been looking.

In my relatively short dating history, I have received two proposals. Neither of which were romantic or memorable. The first was on the way to the movies one night and it was a month after we had met. I didn't accept or say no. It was just a ridiculous suggestion, never to be brought up again. The second suggestion was offered while we were walking past a pet shop. Again, I didn't give an answer but I was slightly moved by/totally creeped out by the fact that he was a bit emotional. Hell, this guy was forever welling up. Looking back on these two guys, I thank God that my head is on straight and that I'm not an emotional twit...but still I can't help but wonder if I'll get any more future opportunities.

Monday, January 17, 2005

Ring ring...

I forgot to mention: I did accomplish one thing whilst laying around sick this past weekend--I now have a cool new ring tone on my phone! Attention anyone who reads this who also has my number! If anyone might ever happen to call me, the ring will happily sound out Men Without Hats' "Safety Dance."

Sick...

The only thing worse than being sick is being sick at work. I have the flu, yet the Detroit library always needs coverage and the librarian is away today, so I am here. What contributed to my sickness, you probably didn't wonder?? On Thursday I stood outside The Post Bar waiting for Mike to show up for 45 minutes before he called wondering where I was, only to discover that he was in the wrong place. I didn't stand inside waiting because of all the smoke/gropey guys. Standing inside a covered doorway in the rain and 30 degree temps isn't good for even the healthiest of people.

Saturday after class I changed into my pajamas and didn't taken them off until this morning. I've been sneezy, coughy, achy, and feverish (yeah, I'm queen of the adjectives today) all weekend and I feel like living shit right now. The only thing that's keeping me alive right now is Day-Quil. Those LiquiCaps are seriously magical. Instead of functioning at 35% like I was this weekend, I figure I'm more like 72% My ears are blocked, my throat hurts and I'm phlegmy, but I can sit up without much difficulty.

At least I had a bit of entertainment yesterday whilst malingering. I watched "The Silence of the Lambs" on HBO yesterday morning. It's probably my favorite movie of all time. I'm even more interested in the FBI as of right now. It's been years since I've seen in all in one sitting; I actually forgot that I have most of the lines memorized! Winners such as:
"Don't you hurt my dog!"
"Don't you make me hurt your dog!"
"Hey, you don't know what pain is!"

Damn, that movie totally rocks!!! Between concentrating on work and trying to stay alive, I'm going to compile my top 10 favorite movie list this afternoon.

Friday, January 14, 2005

Wigging out...

So far, this has been the year of intellectual, creative and physical (marathon plans) endeavors, but it's also evolving into a total carpe diem-esque time in my life. Out of the blue, whilst sitting in my dull office this morning, I just decided to go out and buy a red wig. A natural looking yet inexpensive auburn wig. I don't know what triggered this urge; maybe the thought of hanging out somewhere on St. Patrick's Day and pretending to be Irish, who knows?

Anyone who is familiar with Downtown Detroit is no doubt aware of the area's wig store density. In some parts, you can't swing a dead cat without smacking into a wig store. I dragged my buddy Carol (who just really wanted to go to Starbucks and not go shopping) and went to Eastern Wig--an extremely unique establishment next to the Compuware Building. If you are folically challenged or just curious, this is the place to visit. Unfortunately, if you aren't quite sure what you're actually looking for, this is a confusing place to shop. I had a shade of red in mind. After trying on two mid-back length wigs (with cute bangs!) in carroty-red and dark copper red, I just wasn't finding the perfect shade and was getting frustrated. This isn't the kind of place where you walk in and say "Hi, I'm looking for something Molly Ringwald/Pretty in Pink red, not Breakfast Club red." You need a definite shade in mind.

To make a long store short, I didn't purchase anything, but plan on returning maybe next week (with some now-curious co-workers) to narrow down the choices for my goofy purchase.

It's personality time again...

I love taking these tests...they're such a great time-waster. Way back in 2000, it was determined that I was an INFP. Five years later I'm now an INTP. I'll have to look into this one. Apparently, I'm not as introverted as I used to be and I'm sensing more. Who knows? And goodie for me--I'm attracted to the 3.3% of the population just like me. Hello? Where y'all be??

Jung Explorer Test

Actualized type: INTP
(who you are)
Introverted (I) 73.53% Extroverted (E) 26.47%
Intuitive (N) 60.98% Sensing (S) 39.02%
Thinking (T) 50% Feeling (F) 50%
Perceiving (P) 65.71% Judging (J) 34.29%



INTP - "Architect". Greatest precision in thought and language. Can readily discern contradictions and inconsistencies. The world exists primarily to be understood. 3.3% of total population.
*The current algorithm breaks the tie randomly so refresh the page to see alternate results


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Preferred type: INFP
(who you prefer to be)
Introverted (I) 80.65% Extroverted (E) 19.35%
Intuitive (N) 64.86% Sensing (S) 35.14%
Thinking (T) 50% Feeling (F) 50%
Perceiving (P) 61.11% Judging (J) 38.89%



INFP - "Questor". High capacity for caring. Emotional face to the world. High sense of honor derived from internal values. 4.4% of total population.
*The current algorithm breaks the tie randomly so refresh the page to see alternate results



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Attraction type: INTP
(who you are attracted to)


Introverted (I) 67.65% Extroverted (E) 32.35%
Intuitive (N) 67.57% Sensing (S) 32.43%
Thinking (T) 52.94% Feeling (F) 47.06%
Perceiving (P) 63.64% Judging (J) 36.36%



INTP - "Architect". Greatest precision in thought and language. Can readily discern contradictions and inconsistencies. The world exists primarily to be understood. 3.3% of total population.
*The current algorithm breaks the tie randomly so refresh the page to see alternate results

Thursday, January 13, 2005

My popularity...

Out of the blue, around Thanksgiving, as I was expecting a call from someone supossedly interested in purchasing my entertainment unit (*sigh*) I received a call from one of the turd boys from last year. The conversation went exactly like this:

ME: Hello?
TURD: Jen? It's TURD from a few months ago.
ME: Oh. Hello.
TURD: I want to take you out to dinner and a movie tonight.
ME: Sorry, I can't go. No, no! Not out of the blue like this. No! Bye.

And that was that. 36 seconds in total. I've never been so proud of myself (as far as my skills of getting rid of unwanted callers goes.)

Well, I am "After-the-fact" popular yet again, as of late. A guy I dated for a month or so (and who then disappeared) now works in Detroit and is looking for an after-work drinking buddy--me. We're meeting up after work tonight and although I'm not really in the mood to talk to this particular person, or any person right now, I shall attempt to be cordial. It is better than drinking alone.

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

I'm 9% geekier than I was in June...

You are 66% geek
You are a geek. Good for you! Considering the endless complexity of the universe, as well as whatever discipline you happen to be most interested in, you'll never be bored as long as you have a good book store, a net connection, and thousands of dollars worth of expensive equipment. Assuming you're a technical geek, you'll be able to afford it, too. If you're not a technical geek, you're geek enough to mate with a technical geek and thereby get the needed dough. Dating tip: Don't date a geek of the same persuasion as you. You'll constantly try to out-geek the other.

Take the Polygeek Quiz at Thudfactor.com

Change is good...

I don't know what made me change my blog format, but it is slowly growing on me. I somehow forgot how to add links, but happily remembered before I went completely nuts. Unfortunately, I can't really remember everything that I had on the original white page.

This green is nice and soothing. It kinda looks like my bedroom...yet it gets slightly more visitors--ha!

In other news, I found a local book discussion group (yay!) and attended the first meeting last night. We will be reading The DaVinci Code for February. Since I originally read it last February, I'll do a bit of reviewing. I'm really looking forward to the book group meetings, even though the average age (me included) is easily 65. I really need to discover some hobby, sport or interest that attracts people in my own age range. People, not exculsively guys, but a nice mix of people. It would be nice to find a female friend to go shopping with or out for coffee with. Or more than one. Ever since I graduated, my supply of friends has dwindled due to moving, higher education, and lifestyle advancements. Now I'm for the most part all alone...and the turtle has horrible taste in clothes.

Wednesday, January 05, 2005

Everyone's doin' it...

Since I've seen this self-survey everywhere, I'll finally post my answers.

THREE NAMES YOU GO BY:
1. Jen
2. Jennifer
3. J-Sto (Kate only)

THREE SCREEN NAMES YOU HAVE HAD:
1. preciousjen
2. jendawgy
3. (no more!)

THREE THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. My brain when it behaves
2. My hair when it behaves
3. My small feet

THREE THINGS YOU DON'T LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. When my brain is on fire and won't stop racing
2. My pliable fingernails
3. My shyness

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE:
1. Polish (um...that's it.)

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:
1. David Copperfield
2. Apes without tails
3. Political and religious radicals

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:
1. Coffee and Tea
2. My car (and petrol)
3. My ATM card

THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1. Lilac sweater-set
2. Black pants
3. Ancient black socks

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS (or artists (at the moment)):
1. They Might Be Giants
2. Talking Heads
3. Leonard Cohen

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS AT PRESENT:
1. Autobahn--Kraftwerk
2. Road to Nowhere--Talking Heads
3. Disco Inferno--The Tramps (played at the New Year's party)

THREE NEW THINGS YOU WANT TO TRY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS:
1. Running a full marathon
2. Yoga
3. Wearing a bikini

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP (love is a given):
1. Companionship
2. Mental compatibility
3. An off-kilter sense of humor

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE
1. I'm double-jointed in my hands and feet
2. I can't hold my liquor
3. I was born in a rowboat off the coast of Maine in 1894

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX (or same) THAT APPEAL TO
YOU:
1. Eyes
2. Normal height-weight ratio
3. Symmetry of the face

THREE THINGS YOU JUST CAN'T DO:
1. Sing
2. Dance
3. Mingle

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:
1. Reading
2. Taking long bubble baths
3. Playing with my turtle

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1. Take a nap
2. Go to Long John Silvers
3. Leave my office and get some fresh air

THREE CAREERS YOU'RE CONSIDERING:
1. Librarian--very serious
2. FBI Agent--very serious
3. Air Force officer--extremely serious


THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO ON VACATION:
1. England/Stonehenge (June 2005 Baby!)
2. Prague
3. Iceland

THREE KID'S NAMES:
1. Julian
2. Vyvyan
3. Jane (or Tabitha)

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:
1. Find happiness in a career
2. Have a baby (maybe)
3. Run with the bulls in Pamplona

Sleeping with Prince Valium...

Last night I somehow pulled a muscle in my back. Since I do nothing all day except sit and breathe, this is quite a puzzler. The last time I pulled my back, way back in May, it was due to bending down, twisting, and picking up a laundry basket with two month's worth of towels and other dirty, heavy stuff. Maybe this time I sniffled or sneezed, or maybe it was due to sitting on the couch while eating dinner (chicken caesar salad.) I took a Valium (or Diazepam (sp) for all you pharmacy geeks out there) before bed and had the sleep of the angels! I'm still sleepy!

Here's a long-overdue announcement: I am officially a grad student again! Yay! I'm back at Wayne State and should finish my Master's in a year or so. Only one class had any spots remaining and although it is a killer course, it is on Saturday afternoons! So, I'll be able to sleep in and I won't be after-work-cranky! I'm really excited to get back in the grad school saddle again. It feels as if my life has a little purpose after all.

I'm still sticking to my New Year's Resolutions and am making some definite progress! I purchased a new pair of running shoes from Hanson's (cute red and white gel Asics) but thanks to all the rain and snow, my outdoor running has been hampered. I've also make progress on the vacation front! I'm now planning a trip to England for my birthday!!! I WILL be at Stonehenge for the Equinox on June 21st!