Chicago daytrip

Well at about 4:00 Sunday afternoon it was decided I was going Monday. Luckily I had already started to plan!

I left Madison just before 5:30 and including some stops was at Union Station by 9:10. I put some money on a CTA card so I could use that instead of cash for the bus. I had a little mapquest map and found my way to the bus stop right as my bus was pulling up. Score! I'm so glad I found the #10 (runs to/from museum of science and industry from downtown) since it made my trip so much easier. I got to the MS&I just after 9:30. I waited in line for my ticket for about 10 minutes, but the line moved quick. I roamed about the museum for about two hours. There were other exhibits that looked cool, but I didn't know how much time I had. It was awesome seeing an actual U-Boat and just how HUGE they are.

I had another score! when I left the museum. Between 10:00 and 3:30 the #10 only runs every half hour, but when I got outside there was a #10 there waiting! I'm also glad I went to the museum early since the line was LOOONNNNNNNGGGG when I left at noon. I was dropped off at State and then walked on over to Michigan to grab some cash and find lunch. Did both. Had a yummy gyro. I walked down the Ghiradelli store, but didn't buy anything. Too bad I couldn't buy just 1 piece. I wanted a chocolate fix so I went to Fannie May and just wanted one piece. The woman didn't have me pay just for one - thanks! They must sell them by the pound or something. I crossed back over to State and went into some stores. Wasn't planning on buying anything, but I needed a break from the cold!

I met up with terani and againstathorn for a little bit after they were both done with work. It was sooooooo nice seeing them again and just chatting. They had an early dinner while I just had coffee. Just talked and laughed and had a good time. After we split up I met up with projectlost1 . We walked around for a bit and stopped in for a margarita. Thanks - I'm buying the next one! Again, it was just nice chatting and catching up with a friend. I told all 3 of them that with the semester starting back up soon I don't know when I'll have 2-3 days off in a row, let alone 8! Hopefully it's sooner than later. And I'll get to visit with some of my other Chicagoians I wasn't able to visit today. I took the 7:00 bus back to Madison and was home just past 10:00.

Today we're going to visit Grandma and one of my uncles may stop in too. After that we're going to hit up Festival Foods, a grocery store, in Fond du Lac. Only me would freak out about this AWESOME grocery store. I love food.

Random thought: Thanks to my friend lauratakesphotos.blogspot.com/, I think I'm also going to make a list of 24 things to do before I turn 24. I've already got a few things on the list.

~Nicole

Christmas/letter post

Yesterday was good. I went downtown for my haircut and then to work, but since we had been so slow she told me just to go home. Sweet! I basically did a lot of nothing. Exchanging gifts was good. Got my Brewer charity calendar - a bunch of players posed with their own pets or pets available at the Humane Society. I've been wanting that as soon as it was announced in August or September. Nicole has been a very good girl. ;)

The days leading up to Christmas were busy at home and at work. If I wasn't working or in my kitchen I was out doing stuff. Tuesday almost killed me since I barely had any time between the time I got home from work and the time I was to leave. I was supposed to do, but things got moved an hour up. I had some good beer that night though.

Now here is something new I'm going to try. I've done picture posts and I've written "year in reviews" on my blogs before, but I'm going to try a photo year-in-review. And then if you have any questions/comments, feel free to respond.

January:




February:




March:




April:




May:






June:




July:




August:




September:




October:




November:




December:




Random thought: Merry Christmas. :)

~Nicole

Lack of posts

Sorry for the lack of posts. Between working 10 days straight, being in my kitchen when I'm not working, and other random stuff I haven't had much computer time. Hopefully I'll be able to do a longer post tomorrow or on Christmas Day when I have some time!

~Nicole

A weekend of dancing, working and partying

Friday night I worked, spent time in my kitchen, went shopping with dad and got ready to go out dancing. There's this gay dance club where every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month is ladies night so there's no cover for females and a selection of drinks are cheaper. Now I know why terani and againstathorn stay trim since they go out fairly often! I left "early" (late for me) at about 1:30.

Saturday I slept in. I did more food prep in the kitchen and went on the treadmill. I decorated my gingerbread men and made my bread dough before work. Work was okay. We were fairly steady all evening. I looked at the numbers at the end of the evening and it was pretty good for a Saturday. There was some confusion about a boy so if you're interested and would like to weigh in read So the guy I was into for a while (the guy who we're just going to be friends) came in and we chatted for a bit. I apologized for sending him a semi-drunk text at midnight - 1:00 a.m. where he was since he was in Ohio! He said he didn't care since he was still up and he enjoyed hearing from me. He said he was in Ohio for his sister's performance; she's a really good instrumentalist. I was like oh that's cool. He then says "I wish you would have been there." I got really confused. Do you wish I was there because I would have enjoyed it? Or because you like hanging out with me? Or...? I'm trying not to think much of it, but obviously because of this blog post I still am. I'm just confused. He probably meant it the first way and just didn't word it quite right..

After work I made a quick trip to Woodmans since there's no way we would have made it on bagels until our next order comes on Monday and bought some bagels. I had a quick meal of cereal before going to bed. I didn't have enough to eat since it took me a long time to fall asleep and I woke up at 4:30 and couldn't fall back to sleep. My alarm was set for 5:30 so at 5:00 I just said "fuck it" and got up and made waffles.

Glad I bought those snowpants today

I was sledding and playing with the neighbour girls for almost two hours! Mum wasn't feeling well so I went out and shovelled our two inches of snow. Laura, Allie and Emma were out. I helped Laura shovel a bit since she had Emma in a sling-thing and she had to keep an eye on Allie, who'll be 4 in a few months. I finished shovelling and then joined Allie and Lilly and Elise's house. After a bit of time playing, including me being the "big, bad wolf," we went back to Allie's and sledded for a while. It's good we played tonight since it's going to be cold tomorrow and Wednesday.

Today was a successful day. Spent an hour on the treadmill. I went to the bank, post office and various stores and was successful at all where I went. I stopped at Cool Beans for the snowstorm latte - white chocolate and ginger syrups! Caleb's wife was there so we visited for about 20 minutes.

I watched the "introduction/"press conference of Randy Wolf on the MLB Network. If he stays strong and healthy it should be an awesome year. I called Tim to tell him it was on. I got a text message from him about 10 minutes later saying that he hopes we see him on Opening Day. Him or Yovani Gallardo would be awesome. In other awesome Brewer news we signed Craig Counsell for at least another year.

Random quote of the day:
Me: Allie, what should I have for dinner?
Allie: Broccoli
Me: With what?
Allie: Cheese.

~Nicole

My life lately

Working. Nothing new there. I've stayed extra by at least 15 minutes each day. Oh well, gives me a bit of extra pay. We have a work meeting in a little over an hour. Am taking the bus since I don't want to waste the gas by going down there TWICE in one day (I opened the shop this morning).

Friday night was AWESOME. Went to a drag show that my friend was in. Heard some Lady Gaga, which is always nice. After that I met some friends at the Vintage for an ugly sweater/cookie swap. Cookies were swapped and ugly sweaters were worn. I wore a sweater, but it wasn't ugly. I don't have one and even though it'd be cheap I don't want to spend money on something I'd never wear again. I had some drinks and then some pizza since pizza is awesome after drinking.

Slept until a little after 8:00 on Saturday. Ate breakfast and went on the treadmill. Went to the grocery store with mum, had lunch and went to work. Work was okay. Got some guy's phone number. Or actually he gave me his. Don't think I'll call it. Nice guy; maybe if I see him in again I'll bring something up but I'm not going to go out of my way. Especially since I have my eyes for another! And no, not the guy that just wants to be friends.

This morning I opened. It was pretty slow. Kayla and I talked a lot, like we always do. Didn't see my coffee hottie. During work I got this sudden urge to grill so after work I went to the grocery store and bought turkey burgers, a tomato and a bun. I froze the rest of the burgers and just grilled myself the one. I also grilled some potatoes and had a beer. Am now watching the end of the Packer game before leaving for work.

Random thought: I have yet to meet a guy named Ryan who is a douchebag.

~Nicole

PS--> Here's some Holiday joy for you

Il a neige

Beaucoup!

Bienvenue à Wisconsin.

For those who do not speak French:

It snows.

A lot!

Welcome to Wisconsin.

I'll try and get some pictures up later or tomorrow. I've decided I'm driving to work tomorrow so I can better control what time I get there. If I show up 20 minutes early I'll get an early start on the day. I figure with it being an almost back-to-normal schedule for tomorrow we're going to go through a lot of coffee since it's going to be real cold.

Random thought: Sore back from shovelling.

~Nicole

It's a sunny, Saturday morning

Instead of feeling like this:


I feel like this:


Work is going to be fun. :/

~Nicole

Dang throat

Sore throat has been here for over 48 hours and still isn't going away. :(

Work was okay. It helped that we were busy so I had to keep my stamina up. As soon as I got on the bus home I felt awful. I think it was the slale/bus air since as soon as I got off the bus I felt better. Just wolfed down some ice cream and it was delicious. Got some lower-fat/calorie stuff.

Tomorrow I get to sleep in until 6:40 - yes! I work until 3:00, then I'll be ordering baseball tickets!! Mum and I will go grocery shopping sometime after I get home. I may go dancing Friday evening if I feel up to it.

Random thought: Here's a belated photo from Halloween.



~Nicole

lolcat

Those of you who subscribe have already seen this, but I found this one especially funny:



My cat waits up for me if/when I come home late, but that's the extent of her protection!

Random thought: Gonna try that drink tonight.

~Nicole

You + I = bad romance

Lady GaGa, how catchy and amazing you are.

Yesterday was okay. I left work about an hour early since we were slow and I'm so glad I did. The morning just draaaaaaaged on. I went to the zoo after work to buy a little-stuffed zebra for Ella and walked around the zoo. The animals were out in full force! I saw Papa Lion climb onto his rock hill and Mama Lion joined him about a few minutes later. It was so cute. I also saw a tiger, an ostrich, various snakes and turtles and some bears. I was lazy as heck Sunday evening and ate a bit too much.

This morning was AWESOME. Ran 7 miles straight w/o walking! I like being able to run these distances again. I showered and made french toast for breakfast. I went to the grocery store with mum. After we got home I called active.com and they will be refunding my $60. Nice and easy that process was. I made lunch, watched a bit of "White Heat," read and took a 20-minute power nap. Mum and I made turkey salad and I'm the process of making some wheat-oat-honey bagels. Hopefully they turn out. This evening it'll be soup, a roll and something else for dinner. I work tomorrow and have Wednesday off so I'm running errands on Wednesday.

Random thought: Gosh my e-mail is being a pain in the butt right now.

~Nicole

Random thoughts/notes about the past few days

-Love Grandma, but she overdoes the perfume
-Whenever I go out to the bar I should just use cash since after a drink in me I always feel compelled to buy more drinks or buy drinks for others. Granted I do not go out to bars very often and I only bought one extra drink, but still.
-I weighed myself this morning and weighed one pound LESS than when I weighed myself last week. YES!
-I love it how at the beginning of a race people pass me, but I always pass people half-way through because they started out too fast whereas I start out at a pace that feels good and get faster (most times) as the race progresses.
-I was in bed for 10 hours and it was AWESOME
-Lady GaGa is amazing and so-damn catchy
-Christmas is in 4 weeks - holy crud!
-My days have been all mixed up since I worked 2 days, have 2 days off and then I work the next 2 days. Not complaining; just a bit out of the norm.
-Am looking forward to all of the Holiday plans/parties/festivities :)
-Am glad Angela's boyfriend made it home safe from Afghanistan
-Love and miss you all :)

Random thought: I need a new digital camera.

~Nicole

Am I odd?

After a few drinks at the bar I ALWAYS want cereal. Most people crave tacos or pizza or something greasy. Not me. Give me a bowl of cheerios and I am happy.

I also turn on the MLB Network a lot of the time. Right now it is game 5 of the 1956 World Series when Don Larsen threw a perfect game.

Random thought: I should get to bed.

~Nicole

Gyros

I attempted to make chicken gyros for dinner and they tasted pretty good considering it was my first attempt. The yogurt sauce turned out well. I'd like to try lamb next time I make gyros.

Today I was lazy as hell. I woke up, went out for a run, showered and had breakfast. After looking at a bit of the paper I took a nap. After my nap I hung out with my neighbours for a bit and then made lunch. I watched a bit of football before going shopping. Needed a bra, but came home with a purse, headband and a fedora. I swear fedoras are my downfall. I went to my friends' band concert. After the concert I did some grocery shopping for my gyro ingredients. Now I am just watching TV and hanging out before I go out later.

My dinner party turned out great. I was a bit nervous with Booth coming since he didn't know any of my other friends, but everyone had a great evening. After my semi-disaster dinner with my friend Charles and my other friends in NYC I was really hoping everyone would get along and talk and laugh and we all did.

Tomorrow I have to run some errands and get some stuff ready for Thanksgiving. Nothing too exciting.

Random thought: I am le tired.

~Nicole

My grandma is 90 years old today

But she has not remembered/known who I was for about 5 years now. It's really sad. I don't even remember the last time I visited her.

I am very tired right now. I honestly can't believe I was able to function today. Yesterday I worked 6-2 and went grocery shopping right after work. Once I got home I ran on the treadmill for a bit, showered and rested in my room for a little over an hour. I took it easy before getting pertied up for the New Moon premiere. I'll post pictures once I get them off my camera. The movie was an improvement from the first one - acting, etc. is definitely better. But it's still Twilight and still not grade-A cinema. Unless I receive it on dvd I probably won't see it again. I was home by 2:30 and probably fell asleep by like 3:10'ish. I was on-and-off for a bit.

This morning I was up at a little after 6:00. I made sure to set two alarms incase I missed the first one. Luckily we were pretty steady at work so I wasn't just standing there. After work I've pretty much been busy. I've got some friends coming over for dinner so I've been prepping that all evening. Menu is: veggie sandwiches, chips & various dips, fruit, and an upside-down apple cake with caramel sauce and whipped cream. Don't know how long people will stay since I have to be up at 5:40'ish tomorrow. But I only work 5 hours so I plan on stopping at daisycafeandcupcakery.com/default.aspx for a quick lunch. I can nap after lunch. And then I'm going to see my lovely friend Kelly in a play Saturday evening. :)

Random thought: Yay for dinner party!

~Nicole

See Nicole, that wasn't difficult

I make things too hard on myself when they don't have to be.

Random thought: Was offered assistant manager at the coffeeshop. I'll most likely take it, but I still need to think on it.

~Nicole

Why do I make things difficult?

So boy and I are going to be friends. That's cool. That's the vibe I was getting anyways. I figure well maybe I'll invite him out when my friends and I go out so he can meet some new people and it's not just us. He was interested in karoke a few weeks ago, but my friends and I don't do that as often. When we go out again for karoke I will invite him.

Now I'm conflicted. Some friends and I are thinking about doing dinner Friday night. I'm thinking well I'll invite him along. I've got a friend saying yeah, good idea. I've got another friend saying yeah, not so much. If I was inviting another one of my guy friends I wouldn't be having this discussion, but for him it's different and I'm not exactly sure why.

Ugh Nicole you make things too hard on yourself.

On a good note the massages were awesome. I did not realize how tired my legs were until I was getting them worked on.

Random thought: Extra hour of sleep tomorrow - woot! Or technically I get to wake up an hour later.

~Nicole

New Leona Lewis song

I'm really feeling her new song "Happy." Her album comes out tomorrow. I may listen to samples on amazon.com and if I'm into it I'll buy it. Here's a link to the song (lyrics are below), thanks to youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Mt7Nfq1CJc

"Happy"

Someone once told me that you have to choose
What you win or lose, you can’t have everything
Don’t you take chances, you might feel the pain
Don’t you love in vain; cuz Love won’t set you free

I could stand by the side
Watch this life pass me by
So unhappy, but safe as could be

So what if it hurts me
So what if I break down
So what if this world just throws me off the edge
And my feet run out of ground
I gotta find my place
I wanna hear my sound
Don’t care about all the pain in front of me
I’m just trying to be
HAPPY (Just wanna be Happy)

Holding on tightly, just can’t let it go
Just trying to play my roll, slowly disappear
And all these days they feel like they’re the same
Just different faces, different names
Get me out of here

I could stand by the side
Watch this life pass me by
Pass me by

So what if it hurts me
So what if I break down
So what if this world just throws me off the edge
And my feet run out of ground
I gotta find my place
I wanna hear my sound
Don’t care about all the pain in front of me
I’m just trying to be
HAPPY (Just wanna be Happy)

So many turns that I can’t See
Like I’m a stranger on this road
Don’t say Victim, don’t Say Anything

So what if it hurts me
So what if I break down
So what if this world just throws me off the edge
And my feet run out of ground
I gotta find my place
I wanna hear my sound
Don’t care about all the pain in front of me
I’m just trying to be
HAPPY (Just wanna be Happy)

I am a lucky SOB

It turns out two friends of mine that I had recently hung out with got the swine flu. One just got it and the other one just got over it. I am a lucky SOB that I didn't get it. Or haven't gotten it yet. You think I would have by now considering the proximity. I didn't get it from Lindsey and I hung out with her the day she started feeling ill. I hung out with Sam Friday night and she started feeling ill early Saturday. It's not almost mid-Sunday and I feel fine. But mum felt ill last night again. Don't know why though. I thought maybe it was because of some bad bread (it has mold on it this morning), but dad ate the same bread, I think, and he feels fine. Dad didn't eat the same bread so it was the bad bread that made mum sick.

Life has been good of late. Just been working, as usual. This afternoon I need to do some shopping. I'll probably shoot some pool later with some friends. Going to see if Booth would like to join us. Other than that I'll have a "lazy'ish" day. This really starts my weekend as I have today and Monday off. I thought about running my errands tomorrow, but it's a bright, sunny day so I'll do it today and have Monday be my lazy day.

Oh and ps to reoracer and atlanticat : Atlantics aren't going to go to MO as part of the irl, but as part of Grand Am (their schedule came out). So that means we'll have to pick a non-race weekend to get together. Maybe meet in Chicago since that's halfway for myself and Jen. And then we could hang out with terani . :)

Random thought: I LOVE my neighbours.

~Nicole

Just gonna be friends

Am a bit disappointed, not going to lie. He brought it up and was like "you know this is just as friends, right." I tried to play it cool and replied with something like "oh yeah. Was I giving off vibes?" I guess I was giving something off, like being gusto or eager. I then said "well you see me at work. I'm always bubbly and hyper." I was definitely on the defence aka trying not to look like an idiot AND trying not to make it seem like I was on the defence. Kind of sucks.

On the bright side since he moved here he said I'm one of the most normal and awesome people he's met. We'll hang out again for sure. Maybe we can get a group thing or something. Chat him up at work still and maybe go out for a drink or something later next week.

Random thought: Good thing my hopes weren't super high. Now I can flirt with other hotties. lolz. Maybe...

~Nicole

Karoke

SO much fun!

I picked up Lindsey at 9:45 and we drove around for a bit since most of our friends wouldn't be able to come until 11:00. We got there at 10:30, chatted and drank some beer. Slowly our friends started showing up. I bought a pitcher of beer for everyone. We were in a 90's mood. Luke and I sang "Tubthumping" by ChumbaWumba. The next song I sang was "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls; the whole gang was up there for that one. Lindsey, Ashton and I sang "I want you to want me." Not 90's, but it's a good song. I put in "Gin and Juice" by Snoop Dogg, but they didn't get to me. I'll sing it next time. There's karoke again Wednesday night. I work at 6:00 Thursday morning, but I'm probably going to say fuck it, go out and just drink loads of coffee Thursday morning. We might do Sunday karoke again. I want Booth to come with us one of those nights so when I (most likely) see him tomorrow I'll bring it up.

Random thought: Nicole, why did you eat that? Now you're feeling meh.
Random thought #2: Didn't do a whole lot today. 'Twas my day off.

~Nicole

The lovely weather/weekend

Friday was a good day. It wasn't horribly busy. After work I met my friend Ali. She sat with me while I ate Jimmy Johns (sandwich shop) for lunch and then we split ice cream from Coldstone. After we split up I wandered to the Memorial Union and found a funny birthday card for my brother. Since I was meeting Booth (yes, that's his real name) for drinks later I just took my stuff to work instead of going home and then coming back downtown. I mailed something for my friend. I glamoured myself up, which consisted of changing clothes (didn't want to smell like coffee) and a bit of make up. He was running a little late (see the anticipation post) and that was making me anxious. I called Lindsey and she told me to call him. I was going to wait another 10 minutes (by this time it would have been 30 minutes after the time he gave). I talked to a co-worker and he called and apologized for being late. Since he's not from here he doesn't know the area so we met at my work and we walked to Genna's. We talked for a couple of hours. I can tell we both had a good time and we plan on hanging out more often; we'll see what happens. Like I said before if all else I made a new friend. I took the bus home and talked to Mel, stopped at Culvers for cheesecurds and talked to the parents until midnight.

Saturday I went out for a run. I wanted to go for a longer run, but with the 5-mile race on Sunday I didn't want to tire out my legs. After my run I basically did a lot of nothing until I left for work just past 3:00. It was a pretty slow night. Joanna and I made pizza. After work I came home and talked with the parents. I was in bed by 11:00'ish. I was tired. I'm used to being up between 5:00-6:00 so I tired early.

This morning I woke up and read the newspaper. I had a light breakfast and watched a special episode of "Top Chef" before getting ready for the run. GORGEOUS day for one. Should have worn shorts though. My mouth became very, very dry within the first five minutes. Just before mile two there was a drinking fountain so I took a swig of water from that. I had a decent race. My pace was better than I thought. I thought I'd be around 10-minute mile, but my average was about a 9:36. That includes walking up some hills, which I know I could have ran up (I've done this race before), but right after mile one and just before mile three I had very bad stomach cramps. Even though during races I HATE walking I figured it's going to be better if I take a few walk breaks. This turned out to be true. I finished in about 48 minutes and AC/DC helped me cross the line with "Hells Bells."

This evening I'm going to karoke. I told Booth about it Friday and he seemed interested. I called and left him a message, but he called me back and can't make it tonight. I was kind of bummed, but actually happy that he called me back (am I pathetic or what?) since if he hadn't of by a certain time I was toying if I should call him again or not. We'll see each other at my work and we'll definitely hang out again.

Random thought: I totally felt gourmet in my lunch and dinner choices today.

~Nicole

Evening with the boy

Went well. He's single. Just gonna see where this goes for now. Seemed like we both had a good time. We're planning to karoke Sunday night and maybe do something later next week. If all else I made a new friend.

Random thought: :)

Got digits from the boy

New Nicole and confidence, 1
Old Nicole, 0

New haircut and NYC review

Instead of having a long post I'll just do bullet points of the trip with some brief explanations.

Thursday:
-Woke up at 4:15 and on the road by 5:00 to catch our 7:50 flight out of Milwaukee. Blasted music and drank coffee.
-Got to NYC just after 11:00 ET. Took a cab to the hostel, dropped off our stuff and walked around. Walked around for a bit and found an awesome and cheap and GOOD sandwich place for lunch
-Met up with Jaime at about 3:00. Got her settled in, rested and enjoyed free pizza at the hostel
-Walked around for the evening. Enjoyed some ice cream and bubble tea. We also found a decent bar. We were back at the hostel at 10:00'ish. We did another podcast and talked until about 11:30.

Friday:
-One of our other roomies came in at 4:00 and snored like no other so we didn't sleep much past then. The hostel has a free breakfast from 8-10 so after a shower and getting dressed we headed down.
-We headed up Broadway. Stopped at a mini "farmer's market" along the way. I picked up some cider. Don't think it was pasteurized. Stopped at Macys but didn't find anything worth buying.
-Had lunch from a vendor in Times Square. Went into various TS shops, including riding the carousel in Toys R Us.
-Continued our walk up to Central Park where we had a carriage ride. Went into FAO Schwartz and bought some candy.
-Went into Prada, Chanel and a few other designers and felt poor and WAY out of place. Killed a bit of time and rested our feet and drank coffee at Rockefeller Centre
-Went to dinner at Dave and Busters. Met up with my friend Charles. Shared ice cream with Luke. Spent some more time at TS. Took the subway back.
-Jaime and Lindsey weren't feeling the best so after a bit of rest Luke and I went back out. A 30 minute walk turned into a 2-hour walk. Stopped at a bar just go I could pee. Got a bit lost. Back by 1:30 a.m.

Saturday:
-Slept in and had breakfast at the hostel. Was out by 9:30 and walked down to lower Manhattan, via Chinatown and Little Italy. Went halfway across the Brooklyn Bridge and back. Went down to the World Trade Centre site.
-Walked back via Broadway. Stopped for some gelato. Got ready for Halloween. Took pictures.
-Started out the night in heels, but Lindsey and I had to switch. Went to the liquor store so we could make some drinks. Went out and tried to catch some of the Greenwich parade. Started raining so we stopped for pizza.
-Waited out the rain a bit. Had some shots at a bar. Lindsey and Luke went down to Times Square while Jaime and I walked around the East Village. In bed by 12:00.

Sunday:
-Was up by 7:00. Packed and lounged around before heading to breakfast solo at 8:00. Ventured out to try and find a bakery. Stopped at Whole Foods for some noms for the plane.
-Finished packing with the gang and then went for a final walk with everyone. We did a final podcast and I left our roomie a note (he was running the NYC marathon so I wrote him a quick note congratulating him). We checked out, said goodbye to Jaime and went our ways.
-Took the subway to catch a bus to LaGuardia. Got there hella early and had lunch and played cards. Bought a magazine. Left NYC at about 5:00 ET.
-Landed in Milwaukee just past 6:00 CT. Got the luggage and were on the road by 6:30. Stopped for noms and cigs. Back in Madison by 8:00, home by 8:30.

Random thought: Had fun, but I miss it. Now to see if I can plan a trip to Arizona in March...

Random thought #2: If you are my friend on facebook there are photos there. If not, I'll post some soon.

~Nicole

Before:


Now:

Home safe

Will update later

NYC TIME!

It might just be better than Trevor Time. Maybe. ;)

See y'all Sunday night. I'll probably have a post and pictures up sometime Monday. Hopefully.

Happy Halloween and Happy Samhain.

Random thought: I've got 5-6 hotties that come into work on a regular basis. Am I pathetic or what?! LOL

~Nicole

Almost time for NYC (and hotties update)

This past week has just flown by. Tomorrow is Wednesday, the last day before we leave. I am just about packed. Since I am not having checked baggage I am making sure I follow all of the rules. I've got my clothes all packed. Now I just need to work on my make-up, accessories and personal items (ie shampoo). Luke, Lindsey and I are going to share one checked bag for our Halloween costumes. I probably won't buy much to take back, but I'll have room in my suitcase. Tomorrow I plan on going for a run or walk before work, work, come home and do any last minute stuff I have to do. We're all sleeping at Luke's tomorrow night since we have to be up early.

The past few days have been well. Today at work I wore my hair down and wore my fedora. I need to do that more often since we got good tips! lol 3-out-of-my 4 hotties came in. One I'm definitely asking out next week when I get back. We joke about going out to the bar. Well I'm going to be serious and ask him. Blondie came in. He's a big flirt, but rumour has it that he might be gay. I'll have to work on that. The other one I'm going to keep tabs on. We had a good talk today or as good of one as you can have when you're trying to get orders in as quick as you can.

That's all I got for now. I won't have internet starting tomorrow night until Sunday night. I have limitted internet access on my phone so I may be able to do a quick facebook status update, but that'll be it.

Oh yeah, I also got my hair cut. I'll have before-and-after pictures when I get back. It was long enough so I was able to donate it. :)

Random thought: One more work day!

~Nicole

Unpasteurized apple cider is delicious

LOVE it.

Sorry for the lack of posts of late. With me getting up at 5:00 a.m. for work I'm still getting used to those hours. Now granted 5:00 wake-up call is probably normal for some of you guys or some of you reoracer are already working during that hour, but I'm still getting used to it. Don't get me wrong; it's nice being done with work at 2:00 or 3:00 in the afternoon, but it's still an adjustment.

Thursday I worked 6-3. I was scheduled 6-2, but I didn't want to leave Melissa in the weeds so I stayed until 3:00. I took the bus home and as soon as I got home mum and I left to run some errands. That day was my Eliot's first birthday (daughter of my friends Ben and Laura) and they asked me to make her a small cake so I did and delivered it that afternoon. Here's a link to Laura's blog and some photos: lauratakesphotos.blogspot.com/2009/10/365-days.html. Mum and I went grocery shopping after visiting and I relaxed that afternoon.

Friday I only had to work 9-5. A "sleep-in" day - woot! I left work 30 minutes early and caught the bus home. I stopped at Walgreens, which is close to my house, bought some items for my upcoming NYC trip and walked home. Friday night was a relaxing evening. I went to bed at like 9:45 since I was tired and had to be up early.

Saturday morning I was up just past 5:15. I wanted to go to the Farmer's Market so I went before work. The market starts at 6:00 and I had to be to work at 6:30. The vendors weren't all there yet when I started out, but I was able to find the three things I wanted. Work was a bit slow, but I was done at 1:30. I went to the Willy St. Co-op and bought some ingredients for granola bars. I also signed up to be a membor. It's only $10 a year and I get special savings. The bulk of the food there is either organic or local so it's good. After I got home I ate lunch and took a nap. That evening I went out with some friends and we had a belated birthday celebration for Ashton. I also discovered that PBR went suprisingly okay with my mediterranean plate.

This morning I was FINALLY able to get out for a nice run. I also was FINALLY able to read the whole Sunday paper. I ran some errands after lunch and am now doing random stuff. Tonight I'll probably watch some of the baseball game. It'll be a busy next few days since I work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday AND I need to get ready for the trip.

Random thought: Making, baking and decorating cupcakes in one hour?! I rule.

~Nicole

I have broken down and joined the darkside

I now have twitter.

If you do too, my name is:

nicolebakes4you

Add me. I'll follow you too.

Thanks and please don't think I am a disgusting human being.

Random thought: Sorry for lack-of-posts. My life has mostly consisted of work.

~Nicole

Lyrics will tell the story of this post

"This Town" - OAR

In the morning, wake me up
And tell me everything
So I can understand your world
You can understand my dream
I could be anywhere
And you could be there with me
I just wanna be a ghost
And see everything
I don't want it to be the way they want it

This town, this light, this crowd
Come on put em up
Let me hear it loud
This town, this city, this crowd
Stand up on your feet
Put your worry down
Any every one of you all around
Come on y'all let's take this town

Random thought: GO PHILLIES!

~Nicole

Why does the hottie always come in when it's busy?

I can never talk to him for that long with there being a line. :( DAMNIT!

The weekend was okay. Saturday I worked. Sunday was Alison's baby shower. She's freaking huge! Well she's due in a little over a week, but she is a tiny person so to see her REALLY preggers is a bit strange. It was nice meeting all of her friends and some more of her family. Things seem like they are going to work out for her now. About 7-8 months ago things weren't the greatest so I'm glad things are okay.

Sunday evening was fun. I picked up Lindsey and we stopped at the grocery store before arriving at Kay's. Amongst the three of us we provided a nice Italian dinner. We also had some drinks, talked and played Tetris on the original Nintendo. That was awesome. We left for the Comeback Inn just past 9:30 for karoke. We all ordered beers; Ashton joined us about 20 minutes later. This random drunk guy named Luke decided to sit buy us and we were his new best friends. The cool (and my friend) Luke came just before 11:00, right before we sang "Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind. I left just past 11:15 since I had to be up at 5:15 this morning. I was proud of myself for a) singing and b) not spending the night in the bathroom like I did at the Comeback the last time.

This morning was a bit brutal at work, but it wasn't bad. Not hangover wise, but I was just tired. After work I did some shopping so I can make Eliot's cake and I bought my shoes for my Halloween costume.

Random thought: The 2010 Brewers calendar is a bit disappointing.

~Nicole

It's almost 3:30 in the afternoon

And I've already had a beer.

Life is okay.

~Nicole

Songs of my life

So far for a few major moments in my life I already have songs picked out.

My funeral:
"Closing Time" - Semisonic
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/semisonic/closingtime.html

My wedding:
"Wedding Dress" - Matt Nathanson
I don't know at which point in my wedding, but I love the song. http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/mattnathanson/weddingdress.html

For the throwing the bouquet, it will be "Boys Boys Boys" - Lady GaGa
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/ladygaga/boysboysboys.html

Random thought: I'm far away from a wedding and (hopefully) even further away from death, but I guess I think of these things.

~Nicole

You taste just like glitter mixed with rock-and-roll

I am currently watching baseball. It may not be the Brewers, but I love me some baseball.

The weekend was good. When I wasn't working we were hanging out with Angela. Saturday morning we took her to the Farmer's Market. I bought some apple cider. We also went to Whole Paycheck Foods (totally stole that from you Cat ;)) where Angela bought a New Zealand lamb roast for Sunday dinner. I also bought some rice and a scone. I was dropped off at work early so I had lunch before starting. It was pretty slow, but typical for a Saturday.

Sunday I thought about getting out for a run, but mornings where I don't have to do anything right away are few-and-far between so I lounged for a bit and went for a long walk instead of a run. It was mum's birthday so we all had a lazy day. While dad was painting the door Angela, mum and I went shopping. I bought two sweaters and a new wallet. We built a fire outside and chatted with the neighbours for a bit. I ran around with the girls. Angela and I worked on dinner. The lamb roast and roasted vegetables were absolutely delicious! For dessert I made mum a Snickers-inspired cake: chocolate cake layered with chocolate frosting, caramel, ganache and peanuts. It was good! We lounged around a bit before I went to bed.

I opened at work this morning. It was good, although I always forget to fill the mini icebin with ice from the big ice bin. I got out 10 minutes early and stopped at Walgreens quick before going home. We had a bit of time before we had to drive Angela to the airport. After we said our goodbyes we stopped at the post office so I could mail something. I had a piece of cake before going on thetreadmill. I showered and am now doing random stuff before I start dinner and go out tonight.

Random thought: I just love baseball players.

~Nicole

My week of late

Sorry for lack-of-posts!

I've been working a lot. Our friend Angela is in town for the weekend so we're spending time with her. We had Indian food from Maharaja as a late lunch. We also did some shopping. JCPenney is having a good sale that starts early so Ange is going to join me and we plan on making a field trip to Whole Foods since they have some New Zealand lamb and she is from NZ so she's going to cook some for mum and dad's birthday dinner Sunday night.

Nothing much else has gone on. Working and doing stuff. Nothing exciting.

Random thought: Indian food as GOOD!

~Nicole

Content/my 100th blog

Hanson was AMAZING.

My Brewers swept the Cardinals and ended the season on a good note.

The Tigers v. Twins game starts at 4:00 so I'll be able to watch most of it.

Opening at work wasn't bad.

I get paid Friday.

Trevor Hoffman is back for the 2010 season.

Angela arrives Thursday.

Random thought: Life is content.

~Nicole

Some funnies before work

~Nicole

Saturday

Friday was a good day. I didn't work in the morning so I ran errands with mum and then went to work. It was an okay day. I had a good time closing with Anjali; she's cool. After work Lindsey and some friends of hers picked me up and we went to a housewarming party. That was fun! I did not drink very much and switched to water. I had fun talking to people I had never met before. There was like a 2.5:1 ratio of guys to girls so needless to say all of us girls were paid attention to. I got one guy's number, but he was drunk so it doesn't really count. I'm going to see if he wants to karoke with us tomorrow night. I got home just past 3:30 and was in bed just before 4:00. I probably didn't fall asleep until almost 4:30. I got up just before 11:00. I watched the beginning of the Brewer game before going to work. It was slow for the most part.

Speaking of work I will now be opening a few days a week AND I got a raise - woot! I'll have some more responsibility, but nothing major. I'll be earning more than what I did at the bakery and doing less physical labour.

Random thought: I'm soooooooooo happy I don't have to go in until 8:00 tomorrow!

~Nicole

Bed? Please?

I work this evening. That's fine. I don't mind closing once in a while to keep things interesting, but I'm tired and I want to go back to bed. I'll probably hang out with Lindsey after work. I told her earlier I don't want to drink after my debacle on Sunday. If we hang out also on Sunday I'm going to offer to drive. It's not that I cutting out drinking entirely or am worried I'd "go crazy," but I want to lay low on the drinking for a bit.

This morning I ran about 4 miles and walked for another mile or so. Mum and I went grocery shopping. I was a bit disappointed that Chicago didn't get the games since the biking events would have been in my area, but it's exciting for Rio.

Right now I'm just watching Project Runway. I'll be leaving to catch the bus in about 30 minutes. Maybe I'll just try and rest (not sleep) on the way there.

Random thought: Maybe I just need some espresso.

Random thought #2: Where is my hottie?! I have not seen him come in all week?

~Nicole

It took me how long?

So I had a thing for this guy I know named Kevin. As time went on my "thing" for him became less, but part of me was still curious. However, sometimes he'd say these real jerk'ish things that would make me think why the hell am I still talking to you? After one thing he said (that we'd have sex if I was drunk enough and he was desperate enough) a few of my close friends told me to stop talking to him all together, but I didn't.

We were talking last night, via IM, and he said another jerk thing and I called him out on it. I was sick of it. At first he said he was just being a smartass, but I called him out on that too and said that in person it may come out differently, but when it's over an instant message it can take on a completely different meaning. PLUS when you say you're "kind of sorry" are you really sorry or sorry you got called out?

I started explaining my deal and then I flat out said that I had liked him for a while, but didn't anymore. I didn't say why, but he was pretty quiet and didn't ask questions so maybe he correctly assumed it was because of those jerk things he said. After we got done talking my "curiousity" of him completely vanished. And we agreed that we make better friends than anything else. And if he ever makes stupid comments to me that I do not think are funny I will call him out on it again, like I would with any other of my friends.

Why it had to be that that made me completely stop liking him I don't know. All along I knew that if we were to ever get together that it would not be a good situation, but I was still curious. Not anymore. :)

Weekend picture blog

Kind of. Just pictures of the game. :)

Saturday I worked 7-3 and rushed home so dad and I could get to the Brewer game. We saw an AWESOME game. Ryan Braun won it with a walk-off homerun in the 9th! We had an awesome time and the older couple next to us enjoyed my random comments. lol

Sunday I was up early and ran, literally, to the grocery store for granola bars. I showered and got stuff ready to go. I stopped at Cool Beans and got a famous Kelly-O caramel latte. I put it in a thermos so that it would stay warm until I met up with Nadine. I listened to my music and met up with Nadine and then drove to Miller Park. I showed her around Miller Park and saw some things I hadn't seen before! We each bought a beer and sat down. She's not really a baseball fan so the game wasn't her first choice of a Sunday hangout with me, but we talked through most of the game. We stopped for ice cream and I dropped her back off at her car. I drove home through some nasty weather. I would have pulled off at one point since I ran into heavy wind AND rain, but there was nowhere to pull off. I was going through that one stretch where there wasn't an offramp for about 10 miles. I got home and hung out with the parents. I went out with Lindsey and we met up with Trevor, Luke and Josie. I made friends with the porcelain god at the Comeback Inn. NOT fun.

But most of the weekend was fun. :)

Tired

Weekend picture blog to come soon.

Yesterday was horrible. I woke up and felt like poop. I quickly went back to bed for a couple of hours. I got back up and tried to eat some crackers. That came back up. I went back to bed for a couple of hours and then tried jello. I didn't throw up, but I wasn't able to eat much. I went back to bed and after a few more hours I was able to have oatmeal. God Bless oatmeal - it's always there for me. I took it easy for the rest of the afternoon/evening. Dad showed me pictures from his and mum's trip. I'm thinking my whole sickness was more than just a hangover. If it was just drunkness I would have felt better way earlier and would not have puked again and would have been able to eat before 4:00 p.m.

Today I was up just past 6:30 so I could be to work by 8:00. It was a very busy day. I worked until 4:00. Now I'm doing random stuff. I may take a quick snooze since later I'm going to Sam's and we're going to watch a movie. I'll try and have a weekend picture blog later tonight or tomorrow.

Random thought: Less than 7 Brewer games left this season. :(

~Nicole

Clopening...kind of

I work 2-close tonight. I closed Wednesday and we were out of there by 9:45 so I'm hoping for about the same tonight. I don't open, but I work at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow so essentially I'll be coming home and going straight to bed. Won't happen that way though. I thought about leaving as soon as I get up tomorrow and buying a scone at the farmer's market, but I'm going to try and sleep in a bit and have the Tim Horton's donut that mum and dad brought me back instead. I can always have a scone next weekend.

The weekend is gonna be busy. I work tonight. Tomorrow morning I work and then I'll hurry home and probably take a quick shower before dad and I head to the game. Depending on how long the game is we'll be home before midnight. We'll of course visit with mum for a bit and if I get to see Trevor Hoffman for the save I'll basically freak out like a school girl and be hyped up for a bit.

Sunday I'll try and get up early for a short run or walk. I'll shower and have breakfast before heading to Cool Beans for a Kelly-O caramel latte for Nadine and I. Then I'm meeting Nadine and we're going to the game. After the game who knows what we're doing. We may hang out for a bit or we may part ways. If I get back to Madison at a decent time I may karoke with Lindsey et al.

Random thought: Pumpkin butter and peanut butter sandwich for lunch on the bus. Why not?

~Nicole

Sippin' on a beer post-work

Is fun to do every once in a while.

It's my last night home alone before mum and dad are back tomorrow. They'll probably be back by the time I get home from work. I think the house is in decent shape. The fridge is pretty bare, but there is stuff for them when they get home. Or else we'll just order a pizza or something.

Today was good. I went on a run/walk, almost 6 miles. I showered and ran some errands with Tim. I got him to buy me breakfast. lol After Tim left I lounged around the house for a bit before going to work. I got home just after 10:00 and am now watching a movie and finishing my beer.

Random thought: Drink(s) post-work with Lindsey tomorrow. :)

~Nicole

Photo blog of the day

These past few Mondays have been my "chore" days. With the parents not home it's when I get stuff done around the house or run errands. Here is a photo blog of the day.



Making cookies for Laura and for Tim & Janice:



Making my lunch of an egg-and-mushroom sandwich:



Visiting with Kitty, the neighbour cat:



Making dinner:




Sharing dessert with Brandy:


Cheering on the Crew:


Random thought: Brewer game with Nadine on Sunday! :)

~Nicole