Gardening, yoga, bubble baths, medication...and I still want to smack somebody!

So, the christmas season is upon us once again. and let me tell you, you have not witnessed the true meaning of the christmas spirit until you have worked retail for the holidays. as most of you know, i am working back at the old barnes and noble for the holiday season. my hiadus did me well, because i was able to pick up the pieces of my self-esteem that were shattered by last years' holiday shoppers. i am in good spirits, even when crotchity old ladys try to rush me so they can catch the bus in time to get the good seats. i'm really working on centering myself and staying calm, even in the face of the crazed shoppers. but in the end, i'm only human, and can only take so much of this crazy shit! and i'll be oh so glad to have five days off right before christmas... and that's when the real winners come in and blame you for their special orders not being here and making you feel that you single-handedly ruined their family's christmas. i choose not to buy into the guilt that some so heavily lay on me, and instead go to the breakroom, stuff my face with holiday cookies and bitch to my co-workers. only once in my retail history did i ever cry. this year i'm in a much better place, so far so good! merry christmas to all, and to all that cross me this holiday season....f**k off! i'm in no mood!

Diablo Cody is RED HOT!!!

Diablo Cody is a writer from Minneapolis and i just picked up her book Candy Girl: a year in the life of an unlikely stripper. She's frickin' hilarious! The way she describes Minnesota is so funny and true. "Everyone's favorite supper is a gluey carbohydrate-rich concoction simply known as "hotdish." That's one observation that is purely Minnesota that left me in stitches. I have practically finished the book in two days, literally could not put it down. If you are in the mood for some raunchy, blunt humor, this is the book for you. She has also written a screenplay for a movie that comes out this Christmas called Juno. I've seen previews and it looks really cute and funny. So keep your eyes out for that one. This chick makes me want to a.) write about things and myself exactly as i see them, b.) be a badass chick! and c.)no, not strip... but tap into those parts of myself that i'm scared of but interested in what could be. So, there's my monthly book review. Now that i'm working at Barnes and Noble again, I'll have much more to read and be more up to date on the current prints. Peace out y'all.

One more thing. If you were wondering what "porn-shui" was, it refers the the art of posistioning oneself in one's office or cubicle so that one can surf porn undetected. Usage: "I have great porn-shui; I face the hallway and the desk behind me is vacant."

(experpt from Candy Girl.) enjoy!~

Into the Wild will get into your head....Sonja's movie review.

All i can say, is go see this movie. I read the book, Into the Wild a couple years ago and became obsessed with the story. It's the true story of Christopher McCandless, who set out on the road and lived on the fringe for about 2 years. And his plan was to make it up to alaska and live off the land in the bush. I really admire Chris for living the life that he felt he needed to live. I also think that even though it was so unfortunate that he died young, it almost couldn't have been any other way. When i first heard that there was a movie out, i was appalled. I don't think that every book needs to become a movie, but sean penn really did the whole story justice. the movie was absolutley beautiful! the cinematography was awsome. emile hersh, who plays chris, could not have done a better job. his portrayal was almost errie. please see this movie and call me so we can discuss it.! enjoy....take it in for what it is, and let it penetrate your mind, body and soul.

Sights on a new adventure....in a new place...

Well, I believe that my time here in Duluth, will soon be coming to a close. I have lived here for over 5 years now, and I think it's time for a change. I have recently reconnected with an old friend who lives here, and we both feel that we want to get away from Duluth. So, we've decided to venture out East! My friend, Shelly, and I are taking a trip in April to go check out some spots out on the Eastcoast, and see what we like. We have talked Vermont, Maine, Boston, who knows!? All I know, is that i need a change and i need to close this chapter of my life. I have always wanted to move somewhere far away, just to try it out, and now seems like the perfect time. We will plan on moving next summer, by August at the latest. So, my goal right now is to work more, play a little less and save, save, save!! I feel this is something that i need to do for myself. There is too much here that leaves me feeling stuck in the past, and caught up in too much drama that i would rather avoid. I am craving change and growth, and i don't think i can reach that potential here. Nothing is set in stone as to where we will go, or when exactly, but the trip in April will really help to clarify all of that. I would love some feedback from anyone who has it. This is a very recent idea, but I feel that it's a good one!!!

"ONCE..."

I have been introduced to some of the most beautiful music i have ever heard in my life. There is an indie movie called "Once" that is about two people who meet and make beautiful music, but come together at such the wrong time and have to learn to let each other go. I haven't even seen the movie yet, but I've listened to the soundtrack, and it tells the whole story. I recommend everyone buy the once soundtrack. The leads in the movie are also in a band called the swell season, and the guy is the lead singer for the band the frames, which are from Ireland. I'm so blown away by all of the music and songwriting and vocals and everything. and i can't wait for the movie to come out on video so i can finally watch it. If anyone wants to go see the swell season with me in november in minneapolis, let me know!!

Obsessed Much??

I have recently been listening to the Wailin' Jennys newest cd Firecracker, and yes, I am obsessed. Mom and I are fans, and i think that everyone could enjoy their music. It's three female vocalists and between them, they play guitar, banjo, mandolin, violin, accordion, organ, harmonica, you name it! You can listen to them on their website: http://www.thewailinjennys.com/. They are so beautiful and their music speaks to the soul. I was thinking that if i was going out to Seattle for marit's birthday, i would try and catch their show in Victoria, BC. But i am now joining mom and david in Seattle the weekend before. It will be nice to be with everyone to celebrate marit's big day! I'm very excited! well, check out the Jenny's or pick up their cd, and i promise you won't be disappointed.

"jump into the darkness of the unknown....."

These last couple months have been a wild ride for me, and i'm continually trying to regroup and process things and find my balance amongst all the chaos. There have been a lot of ups and a lot of downs for me lately, but it feels good to have that instead of just coasting somewhere in the middle. For those of you who heard about dan's accident, he's doing well and is pretty stable. For those of you who don't know what happened, give me a call and i will fill you in. This has been an intense experience and it has reminded me how precious our lives are and how important it is to have people who care about you and love you. Life is crazy and i feel i've seen a lot just recently, but i feel my eyes have been opened and my heart has been opened. I read a quote in anne lamott's book yesterday...(she didn't write it, but was quoting someone else.) "when we jump into the darkness of the unknown, faith lets us believe that we will either land on solid ground, or we will be taught how to fly..." i thought this was such an amazing way to look at life and to look at taking chances. we have no idea what is out there, and the only way to find out is to jump in and have faith that you will be ok. well, i hope that everyone is well and enjoying the change of the seasons. it's getting cold up here, but it feels good.