January 2003 Archives

As the month draws to a close, I finally make it to the gym tonight. It was the first time in over 10 months. Everything hurts but I feel good for having gone and worked out for close to an hour. Luckily I didn’t run in to my former trainer. I don’t think I could have dealt with him seeing me. Two years ago he had helped me whip my body into shape but I got complacent and let everything go when my workout partner moved to Denver. So here I am starting over again. I really do have to think about this as a lifestyle change and not just a short term project. Weight will always be an issue for me. So goal is to get to gym at least 3 times a week. I should be going everyday since I have so much to loose but I’m trying to realistic. With the pressures of work and all my extra curricular activities, I want to ease back in slowly. But I really need this to work. I don't like being a big girl! Thus to increase chances for success, I'm also working with a nutritionist. Cooking for one person is no fun so I tend to eat out a lot. Trying to change that. In addition to nutritionist, I also signed up for 10 week Weight Watchers Programthrough my work. It probably seems like overkill but I really need the support of others to hold me more accountable. Things have got to change. I’m simply not comfortable with my current weight. So failure this go around is not an option. So I ask you out there in webland for your words of encouragement and support!

So it's been one of those days. Moral on the sales team is not what it should be. While we're making progress with penetrating new clients, it's not fast enough for management. Everyone is pointing fingers. I'm trying not to get caught up in all the nonsense, but it's somewhat difficult with all the buzz about Project Springboard which already has a few scenes straight out of Office Spacethe movie. We've got efficiency experts running around all over the place. If you haven't seen the movie and can relate to working from a cubicle, go check it out. Funny as heck!

Attended yet another meeting to review our branch sales pipeline. I won't bore you with the details, but just wanted to share a few classic lines:

From Engagement Manager to Sales Rep: "What's the problem? I sell you get the money..."

From Managing Director to Sales Rep: "They are running around the yard without a leach. Contain them, before you step in it. You need to discipline this client..."

From Managing Director to Sales Rep: "Just do a Nancy Regan....say NO."

President Bush is talking. I'm not listening. But I have a legitimate reason....I'm on the phone with my younger sister. So I can't offer any commentary. So go here. This guy provided running commentary while Dubya was actually giving the speech. Impressive!

Update: Chris Lawrence links to a couple other people who also did the live blogging during the State of Union. Go here and here.

I had a long talk with my older sister today and learnt about more family secrets. Secrets that I’m not suppose to know about. Secrets that I’m not supposed to talk about. I get angry thinking about it. Why is it we just can’t talk about these things? Why do they have to kept bottled up? So I’m going to do what I said I would long ago. I’m going to write a book about these family secrets. Will I ever try and get it published? I don't know. It would not paint certain family members (mostly of the older generation), in a good light. But know matter what; I want to get it all out. I want to be released from it all.

My friend's book/dinner club is featured in the February 2003 issue of O Magazine. The Grub Club is featured on page 160. So if you walk by a newstand, be sure to check it out! If you are interested in recipes for food profiled, you can get an electronic copy here.

Rejoice! Dave Barry now has a blog. But what is up with that layout?

Rumors are swirling that Madonna may be pregnant again. If true and she has a successful pregnancy, this gives me hope. She would be having her 3rd child at 44. I would like to have children now (I'm 32), but since I don't have a husband, not willing to go it alone. If however, I reach a certain age (say 40) and I don't have a husband, I might reconsider. A certain person who shall remain nameless has offered up his sperm. But here’s hoping I don’t have to resort to that method. I grew up in a single parent household and I would like to avoid that at all cost. My baby needs a daddy!!!!

My birthday astrology was completely wrong. While I meet a bunch of new people at the Super Bowl party tonight, I did not meet anyone with whom I had a romantic spark. To make matters worse, the game wasn’t even close….and lets not talk about those weak ass commercials. Oh well! There’s always hope for next year. Go New England Patriots!

I do not wish to talk about affirmative action anymore. Not until the Supreme Court makes a decision on the two Michigan cases. The issue is simply too polarizing. With that said, most people who know me are surprised that I have been so vigorous in my defense of Michigan’s policy. Primarily because my inner circle is mostly white. But it’s particularly because of that reason why I feel the need to defend affirmative action. Every day, I’m exposed to white privilege – a privilege that most take for granted. So while I recognize that there are flaws in Michigan’s policy, I’m not willing to say disband it. Education is the only way to even the playing field and more minority students who meet a certain academic standard need access to that being offered by the premier colleges/universities.

The Michigan Marching Band took part in half time celebration for the 1st and 7th Super Bowl. This year it will be Shania Twain. I vote for a return to the tradition of having college Marching bands take part in the show. They did so for the first 10 years of the Super Bowl.

Had a great time tonight playing board games with my friends. It brought back wonderful memories of my youth. Favorite board games to play include: monopoly, scrabble, pictionary, clue, twister and yahtzee. Tonight, we played another throwback to the past: The Game of Life. Along the way, I went to college and became a doctor. Also got married to a wonderful man I named Chris and had four kids (Alex, Phillip, Charles and Rosetta). I didn’t win the game, but I had enough to retire comfortably in millionaires’ row. Now if only I could mirror this in real life….

PEOPLE: I am not affiliated with the "Battle of the Bands. Please contact the official sponsor at: http://www.hondabattleofthebands.com/index.htm

If you're in Atlanta this weekend (I wish I was), consider checking out the inaugural Honda Battle of the Bands show at The Georgia Dome on Saturday, January 25th. Tickets are only $10 and I know there will be some great performances. Marching bands from 8 black colleges/universities will once again showcase why at football games: half time is really show time! Black college bands are truly in a league of their own and would explain why competition is fierce amongst the schools for the best musicians coming out of high school. Performances by these bands are extremely energetic with complex routines of both popular and traditional songs. Oh, and let’s not talk about the showgirls!

PEOPLE: I am NOT affiliated with the "Battle of the Bands. Please contact the official sponsor at:

Please contact them directly for ticket information. I cannot help you. Sorry!

A coworker forwarded to me and I couldn't help put post. Funny as heck!
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Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?
We have all been to those meetings where someone wants over 100%. How about achieving 103%?

Here's a little math that might prove helpful.

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Then:

H A R D W O R K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

K N O W L E D G E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But,

A T T I T U D E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

And,

B U L L S H I T
2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103%

So, it stands to reason that hard work and knowledge will get you close,

attitude will get you there,
but bullshit will put you over the top.

And look how far ass kissing will take you.

A S S K I S S I N G
1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118%

Just found out that my best guy friend's girlfriend is moving in with him. Found out while reading her livejournal. I'm extremely happy for him, as I actually like the girlfriend. But kind of annoyed that he didn't even consult me. Perhaps he didn't because he thought I might have tried to talk him out of it. Whatever his reason, I feel slighted. I tell him everything, he holds back. Sometimes, I wonder about our friendship. He use to be my best friend but has since been demoted (it's our little joke!) to just my best guy friend. I wonder where on his list of friends I rank. Something tells me, I'm not near the top anymore. Hmm, maybe it's just the natural evolution of things....

Update (3:37pm) Finally caught up with him. They're both in Las Vegas. We talked. We laughed. Everything is ok. I don't feel slighted anymore. So instead of making this about my need to be in the know, wishing the happy couple the best of luck. For the first time, I think my best guy friend has met someone who he is totally compatible with and that makes me happy.

Steve who writes one of my favorite weblogs, is flying in from New York to attend B-fest. So, if you're in Chicago this weekend, and don't yet have plans, consider checking out B-Fest a 24-hour marathon of b-movies. The line up starts with Kingdom of the Spiders on Friday, January 24th @ pm and ends with Godzilla 1985 on Saturday, January 25th @ 4:50am.

So last night as I was going to sleep, noticed that HBO was showing: Training Day. Thus, finally got a chance to see Denzel Washington’s Oscar winning performance. Found movie to be entertaining and action packed. But I’m not really sure I agree that his performance was actually Oscar worthy. Thinking the Academy Awards just trying to play catch up. Then again, maybe I’m just having a hard time with seeing him master the art of playing such a corrupt, cynical and thuggish police officer. Or maybe it’s due to the fact that I didn’t find certain parts of the movie plausible. It’s really hard for me to believe that so much would happen on a single day. Having said all that, would I recommend the film? Yeah! It's a lot better than most of the cop films I've seem over the past few years.

Despite the fact that I'm wearing two layers of everything and I've been indoors for a few hours now and that I've had some hot tea, I still feel cold. The walk to the bus stop this morning was completely brutal. Thankfully, I didn't have to wait too long. The temperature was in single digits with wind chills approaching -20. And it felt colder since I live so close to the lakefront. Gosh, I can't wait for Spring. This weather is depressing the heck out me...

It’s frigging cold here in Chicago. According to weather.com, it’s currently 12 degrees but with wind chills, it feels like -2. Yikes! It’s suppose to get colder tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to going out side tomorrow. I miss the days when I use to work from home. I tell you, its days like these where I think it would be nice to have someone to snuggle up next to.

Just got a bunch of bizarre comments about the CBS Star Search. I suppose it’s due to the fact that the show was just broadcast live and I’d made an entry about the show earlier this month. So I did a little research. It appears that my weblog is the second site that pops up if someone does a search via google for "cbs star search.” Strange. The official site isn't even on the first results page. Amongst the comments was this one:

"I would like to be a constant on star search I all was watch the new shows that come on t.v. and the old shows. I would like to be a model I got the looks for it but I got to get more pratice."

Wondering, does anyone else out there want to be on Star Search? I can’t make any promises, but I’ll see what I can do. NOT!!! So, if you're here looking for Star Search, click here and good luck!

I have a headache and I’m feeling depressed. It all started this morning when we had our weekly sales meeting. Finally, information about Project Springboard was shared with the team. Goal is to improve effectiveness of the sales machine. The managing director indicated that this project was surgery and if it didn't work, the next step would be amputation (ouch!!). Not really surprised by the message just disappointed with the tone and delivery. It was really negative. At one point, there was a screaming match between one of the salespeople and a practice director. It got really uncomfortable in the room. No question about it, the behavior of "some" on the sales team needs to change, but it’s not going to happen by fear and intimidation. Despite this negativity, I’m actually optimistic about my job. I know what's expected of me. It’s all a numbers game. More importantly, I know I can deliver. But after what happened today, I need a drink. Heck, maybe a couple...

My cat Choo-Choo is displeased with me. In over a month of journaling, I have yet to offer a formal introduction. Thus, he has requested and been granted his own user name/password. Thus, look for a profile on him later this week. In between cat naps, he is frantically trying to complete.

With all the talk about Michigan's affirmative action program, thought I would do some digging to determine what percentage of incoming freshman belong to a minority group. Based on 2002 data, 28% of incoming freshman class identify themselves as belonging to a minority group. This includes African Americans (8.9%), Native American (1.1%), Asian American (11.8%), & Hispanic Americans (6.9%). To see how Michigan compares with other top Universities for acceptance and enrollment of African American students, go here. Data was compiled by The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. Another critical statistics is the graduation rate of said minority groups. While Michigan's numbers could be better, they lead the 10 Big Ten and most of the other top public/private universities across the country. Overall, I'd say Michigan has a good record. According to study by The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, Michigan ranks 19th based on its success in attracting, enrolling, and graduating African-American students. Not bad, not bad I tell you. Of course, things could always be better. :)

As the long weekend came to a close last night, I went to the movies to see: About Schmidt. I could see why Jack Nicholson won the Golden Globe award for best performance by an actor in a motion picture (drama). He gave a great performance but the subject matter was depressing as hell. This movie is a dark comedy. Gosh, I hope when I get that old I’m not that miserable or lonely.

I continue to be amazed by Dr. King's brilliance and his ability to somehow see the future. Below is the full text of a sermon he delivered at Ebenezer Baptist Church on 2/4/1968. It was two months before he died. Part of speech deals with how he wants to be remembered. Here is my favorite part of the speech. If you have the time, read the speech in full below.

And every now and then I ask myself, "What is it that I would want said?" And I leave the word to you this morning. If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don’t want a long funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell them not to talk too long. (Yes) And every now and then I wonder what I want them to say. Tell them not to mention that I have a Nobel Peace Prize—that isn’t important. Tell them not to mention that I have three or four hundred other awards—that’s not important. Tell them not to mention where I went to school. (Yes) I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to give his life serving others. (Yes) I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to love somebody. I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war question. (Amen) I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. (Yes) And I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. (Yes) I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. (Lord) I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity. (Yes) Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. (Amen) Say that I was a drum major for peace. (Yes) I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. (Yes) I won't have any money to leave behind. I won't have the fine and luxurious things of life to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind. (Amen) And that's all I want to say. If I can help somebody as I pass along, If I can cheer somebody with a word or song, If I can show somebody he's traveling wrong, Then my living will not be in vain. If I can do my duty as a Christian ought, If I can bring salvation to a world once wrought, If I can spread the message as the master taught, Then my living will not be in vain. Yes, Jesus, I want to be on your right or your left side, (Yes) not for any selfish reason. I want to be on your right or your left side, not in terms of some political kingdom or ambition. But I just want to be there in love and in justice and in truth and in commitment to others, so that we can make of this old world a new world.

When I purchased the All-Clad LTD cookware set from Amazon.com as a Chistmas gift to self, they gave me a $100 gift certificate to purchase additional kitchenware stuff. Finally used it today, to purchase a few blue colored Le Creuset cookware pieces. Amazon gives me an estimated delivery date of February 27 - March 20. Damn! That's more than a month away.

Here is another interesting article about Michigan's affirmative action plan by Chicago Sun-Times Columnist Debra Pickett. Check out link or read article below. Nothing really new here, but I'm glad to see others share my opinion on this matter. According to latest Newsweek poll, two-thirds of Americans are against affirmative action. No surprise there. But I'm wondering, how are universities/colleges suppose to achieve racial diversity if they don't consider race on some level? Or better yet, should racial diversity still be a goal?

Steve mentions in his weblog today that according to Yahoo! Astrology masking tape was invented on his birthday. So I thought I would go check out what they had to say about my birthday (August 11th). Below you will find the results. Hmmm, looks like January 26th is a positive day for romance. Interestingly enough, I'm going to a superbowl party, so maybe I'll meet someone there. I'll be sure to report back.

What to expect during the next 12 months:
You carry a powerful creativity that seems to be fueled by an inner light. Hold to this inner vision for it is a true guide. November 27 through December 12 and July 2-6, 2003 are both periods excellent to begin any new project. This year your lucky days are December 10 and April 19, 2003. The most fortunate days for romance are January 26, 2003 and May 8, 2003. Expect positive changes December 24 to January 22, 2003 and May 26, 2003 to July 3, 2003. Old structures will be replaced with new opportunities to make your life more true and creative.
Your lucky charms:
bright yellow, gold, topaz, grains, seeds, and nuts, marigold and sunflower, large cats like lions and panthers, the star Regulus, the tarot card Strength, the number 9.
Historical events on your Birthday:
1989 - Voyager II discovers two partial rings of Neptune
1968 - The Beatles launch the "Apple Records" label
1956 - Elvis Presley releases "Don't Be Cruel"
1866 - World's first roller rink opens (Newport, Rhode Island).
Famous Birthdays on August 11:
1921 - Alex Haley
1928 - Arlene Dahl
1950 - Steve Wozniak
1953 - Terry "Hollywood" Hogan

I know I've already posted about this, but GeoURL is pretty darn cool. I'm enjoying finding fellow webbloggers in my neighborhood. Go check them out. As more and more people join the database, it's gonna be even cooler.

Nothing pleases me more than hearing that Secretary Powell backs the U of M Affirmative Action plan. National security adviser Condoleezza Rice on the other hand supports President Bush's position. This from a woman who has admitted that she benefited from affirmative action during her career at Stanford University.

Well, someone high-jacked one of my AOL email addresses and sent out lots of spam email. I became aware of situation this afternoon as I tried to log on and was told that my account was blocked. After waiting about 15 minutes to talk to an AOL customer service rep, I finally go the situation resolved. But I was pretty peeved. I felt totally violated. I thought about bolting from AOL but feeling I need to be a little loyal since I've have my AOL account for quite some time. I originally signed up for AOL back when they were charging by the minute and I’ve never really had a problem until now. Plus I own the darn stock. So for now, I'm staying where I'm at and hoping that there won't be a repeat performance.

But I’m so sick of the daily spam I have to deal with. Luckily, the email address high-jacked was not my main account but an address I use primarily for chatting. What’s really scary though, is that emails started going out last Monday and I have no idea how my id/password got compromised. I did do a full scan check on my harddrive, and thankfully found no virus. So I'm baffled. I really wish AOL would get their act together. This is just so unacceptable.

On Wednesday night, I met up with 7 other Chicago webloggers at Dave & Buster’s. I was the only female amongst the bunch. But hey, I’m not complaining. The food was good and the conversation superb! Thus, it made for a great time. I’ll definitely attend future events. At the event was:

Andrew
Brian (weblog in development)
Jason
Kurt
Leigh
Paul
Ray

For a good recount of what happened, check out Andrew’s write-up! Also check out Paul’s entry about the event as he linked to some great resources for newbie webloggers.

Ironic that on the anniversary of the beginning of the Gulf War, the inspectors find 12 empty chemical warheads in Iraq.

On January 16th 1991 @ 6:40pm EST, the official annoucement came from BUSH I that America was going to war against Iraq. Below is my journal entry from that day. My thoughts were scattered and I made several short entries over the course of the day. Interestingly enough, I wrote down a quote by both Bush and Hussein.

3:00pm
War has begun! Help us! Help us! Please bring our service men home.
I think of David (my military penpal) often. I hope and pray for his safety.

"The Liberation of Kuwait has begun. We will not fail, we will be successful." George Bush.

I hope to God you're right.

4pm.
I will always remember forever where I was -- University of Michigan Career Planning & Placement Center preparing for mock interviews.

6:40pm
Spoke to James as the official annoucement came.

8pm
Dan Rather is the best anchorman -- forget Walter Cronkite!!!!

"God is with us." Saddam Huseein

Liberate Lebanon (huh?)

My thoughts are not complete!!!

I don’t celebrity worship. Many eventually do something that shows them to be the flawed human beings we all are (some more flawed than others). Perfect example is Pete Townsend (of The Who rock band) who can only be described as a dumb fuck! Does he really expect us to believe that he purchased child pornography as part of his research for a book? Even if it were legitimate research (which I don’t believe), why would you purchase pictures that you know to be illegal? Child pornography is illegal. Thus pictures showing such acts will be illegal. I do believe one can accidentally stumble onto a site selling this stuff by entering any number of words in a search engine, but to pay for it? That takes things to a whole other level.

Btw, on his own Internet site, last January he made a lengthy journal entry about the problems of child pornography on the Internet. This has since been removed from the official site, but you can read it here. I'm troubled by some of what I read. What I can't understand is why he had to purchase the pictures. There are enough free ones on the Internet that he could have used as part of his "research." Something is not right here. I know, innocent until proven guilty, but he has a long way to go in convincing me (and I'm sure many others), that he's really innocent.

Dubya's administration is filing a brief with the Supreme Court opposing the University of Michigan's affirmative action plan. Yet he (they) offers no real solution as to how to reform the system. Typical of someone of his stature who used his family name to get in to Yale and Harvard MBA School. Talk about affirmative action really nepotism of the worse kind. And let’s not even talk about his political career. Does anyone really thing that he would have won the Governorship of Texas and now the White House if he wasn’t a Bush? Oh please! I don’t even want to hear!

Btw, Affirmative Action does not equal Quotas.
Affirmative Action has merit. Quotas do not.
Let's not get them confused.

Finally, here is Michigan's response.
President Sue Coleman does an excellent job of explaining Michigan's policy.

GO MICHIGAN!!!

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If you haven't figured out yet, I'm a Michigan grad.

Glenn Reynolds links to a guy who got fired today for blogging. Yikes!! I better watch what I say on here. Big brother is watching and reading.

For the last three days, Chicago Public Television WTTW11 has been showing a PBS American Experience series on the history of Chicago. Totally first rate and quite informative. Since the series ended tonight, would recommend checking out the Internet site as it has some interesting facts about this gwonderful city I call home. Below is a description of the series from the PBS site:

Chicago: City of the Century offers insights into topics in American history including the settling of the prairies; contact between fur traders, speculators, and Native Americans; infrastructure topics like the building of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, water management projects including sewers and drinking supply, the growth of the railroads, and the creation of the vertical skyscraper city and mass transit; the mechanization of American businesses including farming and animal butchery; the immigrant experience and the diversity of urban populations; the birth of modern commercial methods; the Chicago Fire and urban responses to natural disasters; conflicts between capital and labor including strikes for improved working conditions, Pullman's industrial utopia, anarchy, and the Haymarket Affair; ward politics and corruption; urban squalor, vice and the crusades for reform; social services for the working class; Jane Addams and the settlement house movement; and the rise of cultural institutions in late 19th century America.

Bloomsbury Magazine annouced earlier today that the fifth book in Harry Potter series will be published on June 21st, 2003. I can't wait to read: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I don't particularly care for the Harry Potter movies, but I love the books. Go J.K. Rowling!!!!

While the official holiday is this coming Monday, today is the actual birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Born in Atlanta on January 15, 1929, he would have been 74 years old today. Two great sources for information about Dr. King are:

The King Center
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Papers Project @ Standford University

Consider checking them out! Honor his memory.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 15th is International Blog Meetup Day. So if you have the time, go meet fellow webloggers in your city!

Both Glenn Reynolds and Oliver Willis have entries today about upcoming PBS show on blogs. Go check it out and send them (PBS) a link to your blog.

Dictionary.com list today's word of the day as querulous. Thinking this describes a few people I know!

querulous \KWER-uh-luhs; -yuh\, adjective:
1. Apt to find fault; habitually complaining.
2. Expressing complaint; fretful; whining.

Querulous Oscar rattles on, never more or less than himself, but never much more than the content of his grumpy rattling.
--Sven Birkerts, "A Frolic of His Own," New Republic, February 7, 1994

Mam is a tragic figure when transported to New York by her successful sons -- querulous, unable to get a decent cup of tea.
--Maureen Howard, "McCourt's New World," New York Times, September 19, 1999

Men who feel strong in the justice of their cause, or confident in their powers, do not waste breath in childish boasts of their own superiority and querulous depreciation of their antagonists.
--James Russell Lowell, "The Pickens-and-Stealin's Rebellion," The Atlantic, June 1861

The emails continue from pet stores trying to get me to buy diet products for my cat. Below is the lastest from PETCO. Do they know something I don't?

"Hi, Pet Lover!

Got a porky puppy? A corpulent cat? A fat ferret? Maybe even a bloated birdy? Sounds like a real “fat farm”, doesn’t it? But if your pets are overweight, that can spell serious health problems for them down the road.

Not to worry—PETCO can help your pals trim down, with a variety of low-calorie foods and other dietary products, as well as toys to keep them active and books for you to read up on optimum pet health. So, this year make a resolution to establish a healthy diet and exercise regimen for your pets! We'll help you on your way to a slimmer, trimmer and more healthy life for your pets with useful weight loss tips! And, find out how to ensure that proper nutrition is part of this routine."

Oh, brother!!!!! Why did I ever give them my darn email address.

Ironic that I would write about my morning commute to work last night. This morning, I experienced “Bus Rage” for the first time. You see for whatever reason, the buses were backed up. So by the time the buses actually arrived at our stop, they were too full to take on any more passengers. When one that had room finally arrived, another waiting commuter got on the bus and started yelling and screaming at the bus driver. She then started yelling on everyone on the bus to move back. The bus driver would have none of it, so he kicked her off the bus. She was not pleased. If she had a gun, thinking she might have used it. She was like a mad woman. Hopefully, this is a one-time occurrence.

Every weekday, I take a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus to work. Since I'm not a morning person, I find myself getting up between 6:45am and 7:15am. This sometimes proves problematic since I have to be at work for 8am. Most mornings, I manage to get there on time by taking the express bus. But this usually means standing up which makes it difficult to read. I could take a local bus which would guarantee a seat but that means I would have to get up at least 10minutes earlier. For now, I prefer to sleep. It’s simply too cold and dark most winter mornings. But it would be nice to use the time to read more. I have started and finished many a book riding the CTA.

Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman has entered the race for the 2004 Presidential election. So is America ready for its first Jewish president? Only time will tell. As Al Gore’s running mate in 2000, they did get more votes than any Democratic ticket in the history of the United States. To be exact, a half million more. Gosh, if only Al Gore had won his home state of Tennessee. Forget Florida. Things would be so different now. Oh well! No sense dreaming about what could have been. Time to think about what could be.

Today my company launched a new corporate wide initiative called Project Springboard. Reason for this is that we have a fairly aggressive sales goal (40% over last year), so they want to make sure that everyone is doing everything they can to make it happen. Project will last 6 months. I really hope they don't drive me crazy! I hate being micro managed.

Today I signed up for GeoURL. Despite being a little leary about potential cyber stalkers, it seems like a pretty cool concept. According to the site, "GeoURL is a location-to-URL reverse directory. This will allow you to find URLs by their proximity to a given location. Find your neighbor's blog, perhaps, or the web page of the restaurants near you."

Another blog tool I really like is: Technorati. It's a great way to figure out who has linked to whom in blogland. So wondering, how come only my friend Leigh has linked to me? Doesn't anyone else love me? Hmmm! I suppose I just need to give it more time. I've only been doing this for a month.

While lounging in bed yesterday afternoon, I got the chance to listen and watch the outgoing Republican Governor give a speech to University of Northwestern Law School:Center for Wrongful Conviction. He was trying to explain why he was commuting the sentences of all those on dead row here in Illinois. Governor Ryan's reason for the blanket action was that “our capital punishment system is haunted by the demon of error - error in determining guilt, error in determining who among the guilty deserves to die." True, but I think most would have preferred if he had decided on an individual basis instead of commuting the sentences of all 167 prisoners. Surely, not all of them are innocent.

Some would argue that he probably did it to draw away attention himself as there are allegations that government employees were deployed illegally on campaigns and contracts were traded for contributions while he was Illinois Secretary of State. These charges are thought to have prevented him from running for a second term as Governor. But I'm not sure about that. Three years ago he placed a moratorium on the death penalty. Then he commissioned an extensive study of the issue which found more failures in the system. So maybe he did have a complete change of heart and really beliefs as he said: "I no longer shall tinker with the machinery of death."

It should be interesting to see what happens next here in Illinois and across the country. The Democratic governor-elect, Rod Blagojevich is in favor of reinstating the death penalty. In addition, prosecutors are looking for ways to challenge Governor Ryan's action. Not much will probably come of that as governors have broad, virtually unchecked constitutional powers for pardons and clemency.

Hopefully, the result of this will be that there will be serious debate about the death penalty. As Governor Ryan pointed out, journalism students should not be the ones responsible for figuring out who really is guilty or innocent. The system needs to be reformed.

Last night I had a really fun time. Some friends and I went to Smoke Daddy's for dinner. Not only is it a great place to go for bbq, but you can also hear some pretty cool local jazz/blues bands. After dinner, we headed to a going away party for a couple who were moving to New York. The husband of couple is the brother of the current guitarist for the Goo Goo Dolls. Yup, he was actually at the party. Overall, very interesting artsy and international crowd. Not surprising since wife of couple is a chef and husband is a painter/artist.

Exactly one month ago, I began my journey in blogland. So far I've shared a few stories. Here's hoping I have the courage to share many more in the months and years ahead.

Earlier this evening, I saw the movie Two Weeks Notice with a friend. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone. While I was prepared for the predictability of the plot, the movie became unbearable at times due to the lack of real chemistry between Hugh Grant's and Sandra Bullock’s characters. Wish I had read the reviews before going. Oh well! My friend really wanted to see it. Thankfully we used two of the movie passes my older sister gave me for Christmas. So folks, save your money and wait for this movie to be on cable. Then again, don't even waste your time then.

What is it with people in meetings who have nothing insightful to share but talk just so they can say they participated? Goodness! I have headache. Thank g*d it's Friday. I just want to scream.

So two of my really good friends are reading and following the advice in book titled: How to Succeed with Men. Am I going to follow to follow suit? Don’t know yet. I'll have to give the book a run through the next time I'm at the bookstore. The reviews on amazon.com are quite mixed. But the friend who recommended the book to me, sings its praise. So who knows. Only time will tell!

Today I got an email from Pet Treats Plus titled: "Help your pet lose those holiday pounds." I chuckled. Then I got annoyed. Not only am I constantly being bombarded with images that make me self conscious about my own weight, now I have to start obsessing about my cat. Good grief!

So my best guy friend's girlfriend, mentioned my weblog in her livejournal today. Yippee! Go check out her site. It makes for interesting reading. He is known there as HWHNYBN (He Who Has Not Yet Been Named).

All of America must be trying to log in and vote on Star Search. I can't get in. Oh well! The show is pretty cheesy anyway!

3/20/03 @ 9am; PEOPLE: THIS IS NOT A DISCUSION BOARD FOR CBS STAR SEARCH. THIS IS MY PERSONAL WEBLOG. FUTURE MESSAGES ABOUT WHO SHOULD WIN WILL BE DELETED.

Fortune magazine came out yesterday with an updated list of top 100 places to work. Illinois has two companies on the list. I have a friend who works at one of these companies and so I emailed her the link to get a reaction. She writes back:

“our CEO left an enthusiastic voice mail to all of us yesterday to tell us the great news about what a good company _________ is to work for. I rolled my eyes when I heard that. I thought if things are bad here, how horrible can they be at other companies? I should shoot myself now!”

Yikes!

So after next year, Sex and the City will be no more. Good! While I thought the show was interesting at times, I just couldn't relate. Are there women out there who really live like this? I know I don't and I'm a single gal in my 30s. Perhaps I'm just too much of a prude.

Annotation: Oops! How could I have forgotten that my Best Guy Friend's cousin is the executive producer of Sex and the City? Shame on me. So I guess I want the show to go on forever!!!!

Andrew Sullivan provides a link to an article which references a recent speech given by Tony Blair. Would recommend reading the speech in full as it offers excellent insight on what it means for the UK to be a close ally of the US. Beyond politics, his speech made me think of my own relationships. Sometimes I do not agree completely with the actions of one, but I nonetheless offer support. Then there are friendships which I cautiously cultivate, so as not to upset main friendships.

Since yesterday was the day of Epiphany, I decided to go to bible study. It’s the first time I’ve been in many years. Let’s just say something moved me to be there. The focus of the session was Matthew 2:12 (We Three Kings). One of the texts we referenced in the discussion was “Beginning Where We Left Off” a chapter in Peter Gomes’ book titled Sermons: Biblical Wisdom for Daily Living. It goes as follows:

“There is a time to lay down one’s cares and duties and to run with excited spirits to Bethlehem and the manager, ‘to see the things that has come to pass’; there is a time to follow the eastern star and take the road not taken; there is a time to flee for refuge from the troubles of the world and seek the safety of the mountaintop. There is also a time to return-to the hillside, the laboratory, the scene of one’s labors, to begin again where we left off……and yet to make a new beginning.”

1. Lose weight;
   
2. Be smarter about how I spent/save my money;
   
3. Be more kind to myself (sometimes I can be my own worse critic);
   
4. Invest the time and energy to develop better relationships with friends and family members; and
   
5. Be more honest and open about what I want and expect from others.
   

A friend sent this to me (her stepmom sent to her) and I thought I would share. After 2 weeks of holiday festivities, this sums up what I've feeling:

'Twas the month after Christmas and all through the house,
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd tasted,
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber),
I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces, and beef nicely rared.

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese,
And the way I'd never said, "No, thank you, please."
As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt,
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt.

I said to myself (as I only can),
"You can spend a winter disguised as a man!"
So, away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip.

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
'Til all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won't have a cookie, not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore --
But isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all, and to all a good diet.

Selected from Good Clean Fun List

So I blew off my friends this past weekend. Instead of going out, I decided to stay home. After having family stay with me for 10 days, I felt like I needed to regroup -- particularly after that awful fight with my younger sister. But now, I feel totally weird about my decision not to be more social. I should have at least acknowledged their calls. In talking to one of my friends last night, it sounds like they had a wild night @ Duffy's watching the national championship game. It is hard to explain really what I am feeling. I tried to talk to my Best Guy Friend about it, but he really wasn�t very helpful. Of course, I called him at work and he couldn�t really talk. Why do relationships (of any kind) have to be so complicated? Hmmm...

Instapundit has a link to a bad ass (great) picture of Lil Kim on the cover of OneWorld Magazine. Now if only her music was that good. To see the full cover, go here: Rapstation.com.

I had a difficult time getting up for work this morning. I simply was not ready to get back into a regular work routine. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that while I like my job, I’m not really passionate about it. Perhaps the best thing about the job is my ability to control my income. That is the beauty of being in business development/sales. But I’ve come to realize that money isn’t everything. After seven years, the game has gotten stale. So the search for my true calling continues….

I should be off doing other things, but I'm sitting here watching MTV's Real World & Road Rules Battle of the Seasons. Nothing more entertaining than watching people make fools of themselves. If only they could remember, it's just a game. Can't wait for Real World/Road Rules Battle of the Sexes to start tomorrow. Eye candy Jonny Moseley is hosting the show. Oh yeah!!

The People’s Republic of Seabrook blog had a link to a test which says it can help determine one’s political compass. Just took the test. The results came back as follows:

Economic Left/Right: -5.25
Authoritarian/Libertarian: -3.49

So do I agree with the results? Yeah, I already knew my political views were pretty far to the left. Of course, it would be interesting to see if the results change in 10-15 years. I sort of agree with the view that the more someone moves up the socio-economic ladder, the more conservative they get (particularly when it comes to money and taxes).

If you're ever home on a Saturday night, check out Trading Spacing on TLC and Iron Chef on the Food Network.

So my younger sister calls this morning to apologize. Her words were: "I'm sorry for all those things I said to you -- they were totally uncalled for. And oh by the way, if you see my day planner can you let me know so I can come pick it up." Whatever!!!!!

I should say that much of our problems stem from the fact that I'm incapable of : "giving her enough praise or affirmation." This is a typical weakness of a ISTJ. Our relationship is particularly complicated because my younger sister sometimes wants me to be just a big sister and other times a parent figure. It’s confusing. What’s a girl to do? For now, I’m just going give it more time. I can’t deal! I've got my own issues to work through.

Why does anyone need to buy/own/drive a $345,000 car? Stephon Marbury a 7 year NBA veteran with the Phoenix Suns owns one. Earlier this evening, ABC UpClose did a news piece on him. Despite his problems, Stephon seems like a nice young man. But that car is a little excessive, even for an NBA player. Oh well! Hopefully, he has a good money manager. Not only does he take care of himself, but he also supports everyone in his immediate family (10+ people). Yikes!

As a Michigan Wolverine, I found myself in a difficult spot tonight. Should I really root for Ohio State in the national championship game? Difficult choice since Michigan and Ohio State are such bitter rivals. But they are after all in the Big Ten so there was no way I was going to root for the Miami Hurricanes. So congrats to the Buckeyes!! A much deserved win. Now just wait until next year.

Just completed test to determine my webbloger personality. According to Bloginality, I'm a ISTJ. Somewhat scarey, but I agree with the assessment from this 4 question test.

"As an ISTJ, you are Intraverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging.
This makes your primary focus on Introverted Sensing with Extraverted Thinking.

As a weblogger, you may will have a dependable form of posting. You may be more likely to be judgementatal toward others who aren't as dependable. You may get taken advantage of in group situations because you are known as not being able to say no. Because of your respect for facts and information, you may need multiple blogs to keep all of the information sorted in your head."

Want to better understand a ISTJ? Go here. Hopefully, this doesn't scare you (my readers) away!! It's me. It really really describes me perfectly. I concur when they say: "although two well-developed individuals of any type can enjoy a healthy relationship, the ISTJ's natural partner is the ESFP, or the ESTP. ISTJ's dominant function of Introverted Sensing is best matched with a partner whose personality is dominated by Extraverted Sensing."

Below you will find information on the origin and meaning of name URSULA:

Ursula, a 3-syllable girl's name of Latin origin, means: A female bear.

Ursula's ethnic backgrounds include Irish, German and Hispanic.
{Note: My own ethnic roots are Black/Caribbean.}

Entertainers with this name include Ursula Andress (the first Bond girl). {Note: This is who my mother named me after.}

Nicknames for Ursula are Nullie, Orsa, Ursi, Ursie, Ursulette, Ursulina and Ursy. {Note: I do not answer to any of these nicknames. Only Urs or UBee.}

Other names associated with Ursula are Orsola, Ursa, Ursala, Ursel, Ursola, Ursule and Ursuline.

************************************************************
Now my middle name PETULA:

Petula, a 3-syllable girl's name of Latin origin, means: Seeker; to ask.

Nicknames for Petula are Pet and Petulah.

Other names associated with Petula are Petulia.


To research your own name, go to Women.com Name Finder.

So I’m feeling kind of blue.
Strange but true.
So very very true!

After 10 days, my older sister has flown back to Boston and my nephew has flown back to Mississippi to continue training to become a soldier in the United States Air Force. I thought I would be more excited to reclaim my apartment, but exhilaration is not what I feel. Perhaps because this visit reminds me so much of what I’ve been missing -- my family. It has been 8 years now since my mom’s death and only in the last few years have we really started to recover and connect. This is the first real attempt to spend Christmas together. And to think it was a last minute decision. I’d say it was a success. Sure my younger sister blew up at me and called me every name in the book, but in time I’ll forgive her. So perhaps we’ll do it again next year.

I'm really glad that I got to spend more time with my older sister. Our relationship was really fractured after mom's death. It has been a slow recovery. Too bad we don't live in the same city. Oh well. This visit really helped things along. As for my younger sister, I think I’ll give it some time. I won’t call her. She said some really mean things to me. Forgive I will, but I’m not sure I’ll ever forget. Now that I’m alone, the words are really starting to sting. I feel hurt because I spent my 20s raising her after mom died (there is a 11 year difference between us). Time I suppose will heal all wounds.

What is it with friends who starting dating someone and then disappear? Hmmm. I know I know! But I really don't want to hear the excuses.

24 days after ordering a new set of LTD All-Clad cookware via Amazon, they have finally arrived. I can't wait to start using them. But wondering, why the heck did Amazon take so long? Oh well! Not gonna complain too much. In addition to free shipping and no tax, I'm also getting $50 back via mail-in-rebate! YIPPEE!!

This new set of cookware is my Christmas gift to self. I initially spotted these pots at a restaurant supply store last August while on lunch break from that crazy startup I was working at. And though I was on the market to buy new pots, because they were somewhat pricey, I hesitated in purchasing them. But after doing a lot of research and checking with people in the restaurant business, I decided to buy. Supposedly they'll last a lifetime.

I'm really hoping that these pots will get me more excited about cooking and eating more at home. It is not fun cooking for one person. But I need to do it more as I need to eat healthier.

Senator John Edwards a Democrat from North Carolina announced he was forming an exploratory committee to run for the 2004 Democratic nomination for president. He joins Massachusetts Senator John Kerry and Vermont Governor Howard Dean. Will only these three run? Probably not! Other possible candidates include: Missouri Congressman Richard Gephardt, Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman and South Dakota Senator Thomas Daschle. Oh yeah, and then there's also Al Sharpton. But are any of them true contenders? It really is hard to gauge at this point. If I had to make a prediction, I’d say that Senator Kerry was leading the race for the nomination. Why not Senator Liberman? Let’s just say he’s got too much Gore baggage. Of course, I'm not counting out Senator Edwards. Afterall, the last three presidents have come from Southern states.

Whoever get it, I hope they study the first Clinton presidential campaign. He successfully demonstrated how to dethrone a popular Republican president!

More than you probably need to know, but here goes:

Name Given at Birth: Ursula Petula Barzey
Nicknames I'll Answer To: Ubee or Urs
Astrological sign: Leo
Age: 32 (August 11th, 1970)
Race: Black (my ancestors came to the Americas by way of Carribbean island called Montserrat)
Highest Level of Education Completed: Bachelor of Arts with High Honors from the University of Michigan (May 1992)
Occupation: Sales/Business Development for a national consulting firm
Marital status: Single (awaiting my Prince)
How many children: None
Pets: 1 Cat name Choo-Choo
Do you drink (alcohol): Yes, but mainly on social occasions
Do you smoke: Never!
Favorite outdoor activities: Camping, Hiking, People Watching
Favorite indoor activities: Reading Good Books, Watching TV, Cruising the Internet
Favorite colors: Black, Burgundy, Navy Blue
Favorite type of music: Blues, R & B, Jazz
Favorite musical groups/performers: Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis, Anita Baker
What's in your home CD/Cassette player right now: Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye
What's in you car CD/Cassette player right now: I don't have a car or a cassette player
Do you play an instrument: No
One pillow or two: Four
Croutons or bacon bits: Croutons
Favorite salad dressing: French or Paul Newman's Balsamic Vinaigrette
Have you ever had your appendix or tonsils removed: No
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping: No (but never say never)
Do you make fun of people: Not intentionally
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up: Lawyer
What would be your dream job now: I wish I knew
Have you ever been convicted of a crime: No
Places you'd most like to visit: Anywhere in Africa, Europe & Australia
Your first car: I've never owned a car
Dream car: Volvo station wagon (they seem like such stable and reliable cars)
Toothpaste: Colgate or Crest
Shampoo/Conditioner: Nexxus
Favorite season: Summer
Favorite holiday: My birthday (oh wait, that's not a holiday yet!)
Favorite board/card game: Scrabble
Favorite hobbies: Reading/Collecting Good Books, Ebay, Political Memorabilia

Shortly after my mom died 8 years ago, I started working on a family genealogy tree. In addition, I started trying to find out the origin of the BARZEY name. Since I wasn't really get much information from family, this lead to site on the internet which promised to provide all the answers for $24.99. Below is what I received. I am not sure I agree with profile as based on my own research, the earliest listing for Barzey surname I found was in Wales not Italy; but it makes for a good read.

"This Italian surname of BARZEY was a given name in Christian Europe, and it derived its popularity from the apostle St. Bartholomew, the patron saint of tanners, vintners and butlers, about whom virtually nothing is known. The origins of Italian surnames are not clear, and much work remains to be done on medieval Italian records. It seems that fixed bynames, in some cases hereditary, were in use in the Venetian Republic by the end of the 10th century. The typical Italian surname endings are ‘i’ and ‘o’, the former being characteristic of northern Italy. The singular form ‘o’ is more typical of southern Italy. The name has many variant spellings which include Bartoli, Bartolini, Bartolo, and Barto.

Daniello BARTOLI (1608-1650) was the Italian clergyman and writer, born in Ferrara. He became rector of the Jesuit College in Rome, and wrote religious novels about the Jesuit missions in the East. Lorenzo BARTOLINI (1777-1850) was the Italian neo-classical scholar, born in Vernio in Tuscany. In the Middle Ages heraldry came into use as a practical matter. It originated in the devices used to distinguish the armored warriors in tournament and war, and was also placed on seals in marks of identity. As far as records show, true heraldry began in the middle of the 12th century, and appeared almost simultaneously in several countries of Western Europe.

Another notable member of the name was Edward Anton BARTOLETTI, who was born on the 17th January 1918 in Butte, Montana. He was a dentist, and his appointments included being a Member of the Dental Staff at Montana State Hospital and a Director of the Security Bank, Butte. He resided at Butte, Montana, in the United States of America. The lion depicted in the arms is the noblest of all wild beasts which is made to be the emblem of strength and valour, and is on that account the most frequently borne in Coat-Armour."

ARMS – Gules a lion rampant or

CREST – A lion as in the arms

ORGIN – ITALY

Copyright HPS Insignia (Best Books) 1997

The Michigan Wolverines successfully completed their football season today with a win over the Florida Gators in the Outback Bowl. Oh yeah! Time to listen to the Michigan Marching Band play the fight song!

Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu'ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan
the leaders and best
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu'ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan,
the champions of the West!

Thanks to Fathertimes.net, I can now say (spell) Happy New Year in greek. So

Eftecheezmaenos o Kaenooryos hronos from me to YOU!!!

Now lets start breaking those New Year's Resolutions! Just kidding! :)