Just Because...

Just Because...

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Bloomingdales: STOP Temptin' A Gal Please...

I still have the Bloomingdales gift certificate that I got from my boss which I'm contemplating using for something for my new place. So, I log into the site to think about it and see this:

Le Creuset is in Carribean. On Their Site. ON SALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ARG!!!!!!!!!!! Just when I got done adding to the red in my kitchen set, they have to switch up to one of my fave colors. Do Red & Teal go together, I wonder, or would that just be tacky...

Labels: Cooking, Shopping

Posted by Lys :: 12:39 PM :: 1 comments

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Monday, January 29, 2007

S&TC Wisdom to Kick Off the Week...

Carrie: You shouldn't have to sacrifice who you are just because somebody else has a problem with it

Labels: SATC

Posted by Lys :: 1:04 AM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Airhead Alert...

Getting adjusted to the new abode has been fun (what little time I've been here because I've been working on cleaning up the old place and learning to "Spackle". Yes - you heard me right - I can Spackle with the best of them. Watch out Tim the Tool Time Guy - rrrrrrrrrrrr)

Anywayz... y'all might laugh. Wait - there is no doubt, you WILL laugh. And it won't be with me, my friends - it will be AT me. Yup - I fully embrace my inner airhead and I'm fine with it. I don't think my new complex will be.

See, in the rush of getting out clutter of the old place, I just grabbed the canisters that were on top of the old kitchen cabinets. I didn't think. I didn't check them. I just grabbed them and into a box they went. Well, in unpacking the canisters which I think will be replaced with these, I found coffee. Unused coffee. Coffee from when I first got the canisters - THREE YEARS AGO! Umm... so it went into the garbage disposal.

What do you mean coffee can't go into the disposal. I didn't get that memo in my "You're An Adult Now Handbook". Now it was a full coffee can of coffee grounds. All in the new disposal that was acting up anyways. And I ran the dishwasher. Are you laughing yet? Can you figure out what happened next... Forget Old Faithful - Altamonte Springs has Old Folgers. IN MY APARTMENT. Coffee. Everywhere. And not only that, it's still coming up and it's clogged the drain. However, I've learned to ladle efficiently into the other drain of the sink. Along with finding some metal thing that looks like something that Grissom from CSI would know, probably originally in there before I moved in.

So I'm going to have to call the office and be the whiny tenant. The one who says "I'm sorry but the disposal and the dishwasher is acting funky." The one who is whining like a wench my first week. Yeah - so much fun.

Needless to say, I won't be making coffee for a while and, when I do, the grounds are NOT going in the disposal. Learn something new every day - just wish it wasn't so damn messy.

Labels: Apt., Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 12:37 AM :: 1 comments

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Friday, January 26, 2007

Ahhh... Home Sweet Home...

The move went okay - love love love the movers. For y'all in Orlando, for any moving needs, you need to check out Royal Moving & Storage. We got about 90% of my clutter on the truck and the movers that Jim at Royal sent were top of the line. They had my stuff on the truck and off the truck within 3 1/2 hours. Absolute professionals and the funniest part was when one of the guys saw Shadow, he remarked that he doesn't get along with cats that much due to childhood experience with I think his aunt's cat. Shadow's response - a howl/growl. Though, I think in part it was because she saw them taking her hutch.

We went back to the apartment today after the drama with DirecTV (that will be a blogpost for another day - trust me, you'll be more livid than I was) and staying the first night in the new place was heaven - even if I don't have my mattress yet. Hey - yoga mats are comfy!! So, more stuff is coming back and we're cleaning up tomorrow and fillin' in holes, etc.

Funny thing - there is a cop who lives in my building. Well, his cruiser alarm went off for about 20 minutes. Then when it stopped, I took my inquisitive butt to the landing and there was an undercover/unmarked vehicle helpin' the cop car shut up. My neighbors must have been happy. I saw the cop later and hot dayum!

Yup - I think this is the right apartment complex!!

Labels: Apt.

Posted by Lys :: 10:00 PM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Signed, Sealed and Now To Deliver...

Well, the lease is officially signed and this gal is now the proud lease holder of a fabulous apartment. However, now the moving part is gonna kick my behind! Thank god my dad flew in last night and can deal with the movers. He's got way more tact than I do. As it is, I already cursed out the place where my old complex rents their washer/dryers (3 days to hear back about a service call with water in the washer - p to the ewwwwwwwwwww). They are just going to pick up the washer/dryer and call it a day.

So - I took a few pics of the new abode before I clutter it up the next 2 months with boxes, boxes and more boxes! This place is a bit smaller than I estimated, but that's okay - it's just me and the cat. How much room does the fuzzbot need anywayz? She does, however, get custody of part of the laundry room for her stinky litter - she's not messin' up my pretty new bathroom. Check out the hotel style tub. There's double sinks and everything in there... sooo cute.

My digital camera was dying a fast death so here are some of the pics... The kitchen is very Melrose placeish with the built in wine rack... I'll take a pic of the whole island, overhang thing once it's completely decorated, but hot damn.

This is the built-in entertainment center (saved me some $$$ - that's for sure)....

And this is the sunroom - it gets much sunnier in there, just not today - I'm thinking that will be my quasi small intimate dining room as the island cuts into space a bit. We'll see tomorrow... now only to find out where to put my hutch...

Dealing with the staff at the new complex (we'll call it C/E from now on) is always a joy - the neighbors seem nice and they even have valet trash AND gated entrances/exits. The window sills at this joint are marble and let's not even talk about the porch - NO SLIDING GLASS DOORS - it's straight up a glass entry door - sooo elegant.

All in all - I'm very pleased, excited and ready to start this new chapter/phase of my life... and I'm ready to decorate (of course!)

Labels: Apt.

Posted by Lys :: 2:04 PM :: 4 comments

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007

What a "Non-Campaign Photo"...

My friends know that I don't talk or claim to know much about politics, or Obama for that matter, however this photo was too good not to share... You sure one can't convice GC to run for VP?

Labels: Celeb

Posted by Lys :: 12:03 PM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Obsessed With: M.A.C.'s new Raquel Welch Collection...

Have y'all seen this? I'm beyond obsessed with this collection. I'm thinkin' that after the move, this gal is going to have to treat her self to a lipglass (or two) and the Sultress Eye Collection... Check it out here and don't forget that you get some $$ back at Nordy's through either Ebates, Fat Wallet or Mr. Rebates!

Labels: Beauty, Cash Back, Obsessed With, Shopping

Posted by Lys :: 11:57 AM :: 0 comments

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Sunday, January 21, 2007

I Think I'm Gonna Like This Town...

Saturday, I was tootling around Altamonte after my car insurance/carco inspection. First - let me say that trying to tell some mechanic he was beyond wrong, that yes, indeed, my lil' Cougar has dual airbags and that's what the term AIRBAG is for on the car plus doh - there is a sunroof, power steering, tilt wheel, security system and a whole bunch of other stuff that he obviously missed - lazy ass #*@*! I have to keep remembering that I'm in the south, god forbid a northern gal (and a blond one at that) tells a guy that he's wrong. DOH!

Well, I visited some of the TUESDAY MORNING stores to look for my Jenn-Air toaster and stopped at the local Dunkin' Donuts to grab an ice coffee for the trek back to LBV. Upon departing with my not bitter hazelnut non-fat ice coffee, I turn around and almost dropped said coffee and gasped. In front of me was a man that not only looked like A, but BETTER than A. (and, in my book - that's kinda tough). He was one of Altamonte's finest and was grabbing a quick cup of joe before he started his shift to serve and protect the local residents. And, no surprise, he appeared to be a regular. Hmmm.. now - if all Altamonte police officers (or at least 40%) look like this man, I think I'll be a very happy gal indeed. At least the scenery is pretty.

NO BR - I'm not going to speed past him to see if he'd pull me over. (I only did that to you to piss you off *LOL*).

Labels: Altamonte

Posted by Lys :: 4:04 PM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo--------------- 4 Days Til M-Day...

And the clock keeps tickin... not only that - it's amazing the amount of crap that a person can acquire over 5 years. Now I came to Orlando with alot of stuff from my previous life so that, lumped on with new stuff makes for a very headachy Lys... oy VEY!

Well - the closet monster and I had a brief scuffle yesterday. I never realized that I had so many damn shoes/boots and they are still comin'... I am going to be paying a visit to the cobbler to repair a pair of tortoise heeled pumps that I got during tour years ago. Even more hilar were some of my club outfits from back in the day - I'm surprised BR didn't call me a damn harlot! EGADS! I looked at alot of those items going "I WORE THAT???" (mind you back then I was 70lbs heavier and rocked that with attitude). So needless to say, many items of clothing are NOT comin' with.

Well - 8 trash bags of clothes are ready for charity - tons of trash went out and we're at 48 boxes and counting. 4 of the big boxes are shoe boxes/shoes/boots; a ton of cds/dvds and books make up much of the remainder and surprisingly, my clothing is taking up some suitcases and thank god for Space Bags! Yeah - I think I'll be sorting for a bit once I move (more like for 2 months after the move is my guess). However, I think that its going to be cathartic.

Should I make the moving guys some cookies/coffee? Because they are absolutely going to hate me. I probably should make a point to make the valet trash guys at the new apartment some too - because after the move they will most definitely detest me (at least with all the boxes). What's Emily Post's status on moving - is there even an etiquette entry on moving? Ugh!

Labels: Apt.

Posted by Lys :: 3:51 PM :: 1 comments

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Thursday, January 18, 2007

Ying & Yang...

I've come to realize that sometimes life is all about balances. When you get dealt a swift (or in my case annoying) blow, there is always something that will counter it. I.E.- Bad day at work - inevitably someone will make you laugh; bad service at one store - superb service at another.

Like, in my case - Pier1. Last night I went into Pier1 to purchase some new things for the new abode. As I had a coupon for $20 off my order of $100 or more, I wanted to take advantage of the huge winter sale going on now and maximize my bang for the buck. I entered the store at 8:30 at the Florida Mall and, upon walking into a store that had one other customer besides myself in it - not one ounce of acknowledgement from the staff. Fine by me - I can shop in peace. I wandered around the store, picking up some pieces to consider such as a new vase at 50% off (in my teal/brown color scheme), some drapes for the new apartment, a couple reed diffusers and various other items. I even ignored the idjot (gotta love that spelling - Thanks Creole in DC) that almost knocked my butt over so he could rearrange wrapping paper. At 7 minutes of 9, I put my full basket on the cash wrap station and told the clerk, Robert, that I was definitely getting those items and wanted to look at one other thing (the vase facing the cash wrap station). As the vase was heavy, I couldn't balance that and my already full basket. Wanna know what Robert's response was "You understand we're closing in 2 minutes, right?", delivered in a tone that bordered on annoyance and sarcasm. Oh. No. He. Didn't. I sniped back "Yes, Robert I'm fully aware." Then I thought who the hell is this little rugrat to even think he is entitled to speak to anyone, let alone a paying customer that way. I told him, "You know what, Robert. I don't want to keep you. I'd much rather give my business to the Altamonte location" and he so kindly offered to return the items in my basket to their rightful places. I turned on my stiletto to depart and then asked him what his manager's name was and informed Robert that his manager, George, would hear from me in the morning. He said "You do that".

Well, I did that. Today - I had a long talk with George. I got to hear that Robert most certainly knows better, regardless of him wanting to leave early. After assurances that George would deal with Robert today, I said I would not delete my housewarming registry just yet and would give Pier1 another chance.

Then tonight - I made out like a bandit. The Altamonte Springs store is the bomb! I wound up getting not only curtains, but throw pillows for the soon to be new couch, new smoky/chocolate martini glasses, a gorgeous blue dish for the new bathroom, and many nice little touches for the new place. And for $100.00. And not only that, I perhaps found my couch and perhaps comfy chair for the price of one of the chairs in some of those fancy schmancy furniture stores. So a decision is going to be made and I'm curious to see people's opinions of Pier1 furniture over something like... let's say, Ashley Furniture, Haverty Furniture or Rooms 2 Go...

I must also say that if you are in the Orlando area - go visit Jackie & her staff at the Pier1 in Altamonte - they truly are representations of what customer service should be. Robert - you might want to train with them.

Labels: Altamonte, Random Mess, Shopping

Posted by Lys :: 11:18 PM :: 1 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Best Financial Advice Ever...

Now this is somethin' that I found to be highly informative... MSN's article:

"The Best Financial Advice Ever"

Guess I don't need to wait for Prince Charming anymore!

Labels: Finance

Posted by Lys :: 10:34 AM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, January 17, 2007

That Girl...

I swore I'd never become one - but I have to confess - I've now been branded with the label: THAT GIRL.

I meant to disclose this a few weeks ago and, in the flurry of the move, this story was pushed back into the recessed cobwebbed part of my mind and hit me today as I happened to encounter someone in the same predicament as I was a few weeks ago. Let me set the stage for the story:

Leaving work after a long day, I decided that I needed to run errands and get gas a few weeks ago. While tootling down Sand Lake Road in my normal 7/8pm fashion, I stopped at the local gas station and filled up the tank. Well, something (or someone or perhaps my cell phone) distracted me to where I showed my true blond roots and when on my merry way towards LBV/home. Did I pay attention to any of the people staring at me or the car? Nope. Did I pay any attention to those who decide a honking is in order - No. Well - when I got on Apopka Vineland road (ohhh...about 10 minutes down from my original destination) I noticed that I couldn't see the headlights in my side view mirror of the car behind me. Thinking that was odd as I'm a gal who does check her mirrors from time to time, I noticed a shadowy figure on the side of my car. Flappin' away in the breeze while I was cruising down Apopka Vineland Road was not only the gas door, but the GAS CAP!

Needless to say, I was mortified. Yes, my friends - I'm officially That Girl!

Labels: Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 5:43 PM :: 0 comments

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Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Oy Vey!

Woke up this morning and felt like I was hit by not one but TWO mack trucks. And to get sick now during the move is just not an option. Not at all. So - Nyquil and I had a talk and I'm determined to get back to normal within a day. I counted the boxes and we're at 30 (hey - even small boxes count, right?) and I have many more left to go through. It's hard to put one's life in boxes even if its to move 30 minutes in the other direction *sigh*

Oh well - at least I'm starting to find that I have more in my closet than expected. And - I even refused to buy a pair of shoes today no matter how much I loved them. Nor did I pick up the Bare Escentuals Perfect Black Dress set, Garden Botanika Pumpkin Ginger Shower Gel or the flat iron on sale at Ulta. Nope- I banned shopping from my repertoire until after the move or if its Costco/Move related. (i.e. Boxes, Mattress - Aerobed, etc.) No "24" DVDS or anything. The most was a coffee from Starhell and I guess I should hide the book I bought at Costco about decorating one's abode Pottery Barn style. I guess this is where Meowmix shoots me an email that plainly says "Cut the crap!"

Should I use the defense - "The Nyquil made me do it?". Yeah - I didn't think so either - but hey, it was a good thought.

Labels: Apt., Shopping

Posted by Lys :: 10:30 PM :: 0 comments

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Monday, January 15, 2007

Yay! One more thing off the list...

I know, I know - I'm rambling... but I finally made my mind up as to a moving company. Let me tell you - RipOffReport.com has been most helpful as well as MovingScam.com when it came to narrowing down my list. That, coupled with Orlando's BetterBusinessBureau, left me with many names crossed off my list and I feel, how do I put this, not so blonde. One company was stellar, had a great rep and people seemed pleased. Their representative's emails to me were very well researched and they were upfront about costs, etc. Now - let's see if the moving company lives up to the hype. Bring on the contract... I knew that pre-law mumbo jumbo would come in handy for somethin'...

Labels: Apt.

Posted by Lys :: 5:52 PM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo--------------- And People Ask WHY I'm Moving...

This happened yesterday down the street from my apartment...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16634386/

Buddy Dyer - Let's get this crap under control, shall we? And to think I almost went there yesterday. 9 days and counting...

Labels: Orlando

Posted by Lys :: 11:20 AM :: 0 comments

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Sunday, January 14, 2007

HOLY CRAP - It's CARLO!

My neighbors must think I'm nuts! Why, you ask? Well - tonight, as I'm makin' a batch of to die for Southwestern Chicken Soup, I'm puttering around my kitchen with my attention mostly on shredding the chicken with one eye on tonight's premiere of "24" (as I'm dvr'ing it, I'm not stressin' just yet) then I hear that unmistakable voice ...

The voice of Carlo Rota.... Mick Schtoppel/Mr. Jones of La Femme Nikita; the man who got me hooked on Ice Wine (Sadly - my bottle is still up north in storage); the man who just had Meowmix and I in fits of laughter during his panels in Toronto (besides - of course - Lawrence who coined the term "Fluffy Pillows" but I digress); the man who has a personality that is beyond sparkling and an all around nice guy.

All my neighbors heard was a bloodcurdling scream from me as I dropped my knife going "OH MY GOD - CARLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO".

Thanks Joel Surnow & Jon Cassar! I'm now, however, officially hooked. First Gene Glazer & Alberta Watson (Ops & Madeline from LFN), and now Carlo...what's next? Its a regular LFN reunion on this show - right down to the old set *LOL* Now all you need is Mr. Dupuis.. he could play a great villain, perhaps... I'm just sayin...

Labels: Celeb

Posted by Lys :: 8:47 PM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo--------------- 10 Days....

And this gal is sicker than hell. Does not fare well for packin' methinks, however, I'm trudgin' along and with the 2 hour premiere of "24" tonight, I will toodle around the closet and pack whatever is not on the wardrobe agenda for the next couple of months and put those spacebags to good use.

In other news, I've got the phone & cable scheduled, ADT on the line up and on the 22nd, I'll be purchasing the mattress set. So I'm on track, just need to get that box count up. So far I'm up to: 14. Only another 30/40 to go, right *LOL*

It still seems so surreal. And, if my damn landlord comes up with yet another "inspection" for this reason or that reason, they are going to get a piece of my mind - after I sign the new lease of course.

Labels: Apt.

Posted by Lys :: 8:06 PM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Sex & The City Quote o' The Week...

Samantha: Here's what I think. Round up all the divorced men and keep them in a pound. That way, you get their whole history before you take one home

Labels: SATC

Posted by Lys :: 8:02 PM :: 0 comments

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Friday, January 12, 2007

Twice in One Week....

Well, OPD - you done did it again. Yup. Yesterday morning on the way to work, yet again a fresh new batch of "traffic control" (or as they tell the radio - SPEED CONTROL") was out in force, this time led by not Mr. Village People Cop, but Roscoe. Guess he's steppin' up in the world. And Roscoe thought he was slick; boy had on a blue windbreaker covering up his uniform acting all covert with his little surveyor tripod and walkie talkie - telling people who and what to pull over. Same scenario as last time with them walkin' through traffic and aggressively flaggin' someone down. Give. Me. A. Break. Roscoe needs to learn how to act a bit more stealthy. Like, I don't know - switch up the exits - wait.. would that be perhaps infringing on the State Troopers' jurisdiction? Ahhh... I see - if you guys are up far enough on I-4 near downtown the Staties won't bat an eyelash. Ahhhh... okay. Well, I vote for y'all to cut the crap.

Again, thanks to Roscoe & friends, this gal was 32 minutes late. Mr. Dyer - accordingly, please remit a check to those people that were late due to your "speed control project". Obviously, by your crew walkin' through traffic there was no "speeding" going on. Moreso - mostly minor traffic violations, seat belt checks, registration checks and "allegations of suspicious activity" which, in Florida speak is "that one don't look right". Such the good ol' boys network down here. Seriously - OPD needs to be fighting crime on our streets. Our murder toll is already way too high. I think making sure people's seatbelts are fastened securely is important, however I think you need to prioritize and solve the crime problem on Parramore and OBT. Your cops are parked right by OBT - perhaps they might want to take a walk back DOWN the hill and do what us taxpayers request (and pay them for) - fight crime, not traffic.

Also - one way to cut down on your budget and over-expenditures - WE DON'T NEED A NEW ARENA! Better yet - let's update the one we have. I know you love knockin' down the buildings ala Tonka Toys style, but dayum. Enough is enough! Even the homeless are pissed.

Let's see if Roscoe or VPCop make an appearance next week.

Labels: Orlando, PD

Posted by Lys :: 6:01 PM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Friday Fun: Central Florida Barbie…

Mattel recently announced the release of limited-edition Barbie Dolls for the Central Florida market:

"Heathrow Barbie"
This princess Barbie is sold only at The Mall of Millennia. She comes with an assortment of Kate Spade Handbags, a Lexus SUV, a long-haired foreign dog named Honey and a cookie-cutter house. Available with or without tummy tuck and face lift. Workaholic Ken sold only in conjunction with the augmented version.

"Lake Mary Barbie"
The modern day homemaker Barbie is available with Ford Wind Star Minivan and matching gym outfit. She gets lost easily and has no full-time occupation. Traffic jamming cell phone sold separately.

"Sanford Barbie"
This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, a Ray Lewis knife, a Chevy with dark tinted windows, and a Meth Lab Kit. This model is only available after dark and must be paid for in cash (preferably small, untraceable bills) ...unless you are a cop, then we don't know what you are talking about.

"Winter Park Barbie"
This yuppie Barbie comes with your choice of BMW convertible or Hummer H2. Included are her own Starbucks cup, credit card and country club membership. Also available for this set areShallow Ken and Private School Skipper. You won't be able to afford any of them.

"Deland Barbie"
This pale model comes dressed in her own Wrangler jeans two sizes too small, a NASCAR t-shirt and tweety bird tattoo on her shoulder. She has a six-pack of Bud light and a Hank Williams Jr.CD set. She can spit over 5 feet and kick mullet-haired Ken's butt when she is drunk. Purchase her pickup truck separately and get a confederate flag bumper sticker absolutely free.

"Downtown Metro Barbie"
This collagen injected, rhino plastic Barbie wears a leopard print outfit and drinks cosmopolitans while entertaining friends. Percocet prescription available as well as warehouse conversion condo.

"Apopka Barbie"
This tobacco-chewing, brassy-haired Barbie has a pair of her own high-heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time she chased beer-gutted Ken out of Deland Barbie's house. Herensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans, fake fingernails, and a see-through halter top. Also available with a mobile home.

"UCF Barbie"
This doll is made of actual tofu. She has long straight brown hair, arch-less feet, hairy armpits, no makeup and Birkenstocks with white socks. She prefers that you call her Willow. She does not want or need a Ken doll, but if you purchase two UCF Barbies and the optional Subaru wagon, you get a rainbow flag bumper sticker for free.

"Orange Blossom Trail Barbie"
This Barbie now comes with a stroller and infant doll. Optional accessories include a GED and bus pass. Gangsta Ken and his 1979 Caddy were available, but are now very difficult to findsince the addition of the infant.

NOTE: They should make a OBT Lady of the Evening Barbie to accurately reflect what really happens on the trail

"Mt. Dora Barbie"
She's perfect in every way. We don't know where Ken is because he's always out a-'huntin'." Red Light Barbie/Ken"This versatile doll can be easily converted from Barbie to Ken by simply adding or subtracting the multiple snap-on parts.

NOTE: Wonder if this is the OBT Barbie/Ken….

Labels: Jokes, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 10:52 AM :: 0 comments

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Thursday, January 11, 2007

500 Posts....

Holy Cow Batman!

Well, I was going to rant about the OPD, but I'll save that for Blog Post #501. However, as promised, this is a pic of the Comfy Chair that has haunted my days since looking at Philly Apartments a couple years ago. I'm still finding it hard to believe that not only am I staying in Orlando, but I'm excited about it too - and my furniture prospects (LOL). While I miss my friends and family back home up north, I'm finally making a life for myself here in O-Town/Altamonte Springs and I think I'm finally coming into my own.

Also - many thanks to all of you that read my diatribes, shopping obsessions, Orlando rants etc. etc. etc. I'm still always in shock when I see some of the countries that click to Just Because... Not to mention, those peeps on my blogroll are some of my daily stops on the 'net. Y'all are too much!

So, with that - thanks for stopping by. I'm always glad to see ya!

Labels: Apt., Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 5:58 PM :: 1 comments

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Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Does It Say *DOH* on the Forehead?

After work, I decided to toodle up to Altamonte Springs and do a little furniture browsing. I found a coupon for $120 off the Sealy Posturpedic mattress at Costco so that gives me an extra $100 or so in my budget to apply to a new couch & comfy chair. Not that I'm buying anything, mind you - I'm just looking.

I have an idea of what I'm looking for and, once I'm settled in the new place, it's on and poppin'. I'm looking for something in a muted beige and I'll post pics tomorrow of the chair that Meowmix and I saw in Philly when I was originally planning on moving up there that started this "Comfy Chair" obsession.

So, with a definite vision of my future living room, I decided to check out a few furniture stores - Rooms to Go, Baers and Broyhill Furniture.

Rooms to Go: Friendly to me upon walking in, understood when I said I was "just looking" and made themselves available for any questions should I have any. I wandered around the store and saw pretty much nothing that met my vision. The only one that was somewhat close had a palm tree print and that doesn't scream "Lys' abode". However, I'm not ruling them out. Prices were very reasonable.

Baers: Good Lawd! 2K for a friggin' couch? DO I REALLY need something that is "Liz Claiborne". Doh - never try to talk to a former publicist about branding or how their designers take an active interest in their furniture designs. Yeah... mmmmmhhhmmmmm... NOT! The woman was very nice and her manager was circling me like a hungry lion. Designer furniture - I could care less. For that price it better get me ice coffee! But - that's not the classic one...

Broyhill Furniture: Upon walking in, not one person greeted me. I did, however, see them chasing after anyone with a designer purse which I welcomed because I was able to wander in peace. Saw a couple pieces that were "interesting" but I'm not paying over $1100 for a couch, plus $800 for a chair and $400 for an ottoman. DOH! Nor am I going to buy the full set either with all the bells and whistles (tables, lamps and more crap to dust). That isn't my style. Well, after wandering around the store and laughing to myself about the piranha that were on the sales floor, I decided to leave. One guy walked up to me and introduced himself asking if I needed any questions answered. "Nope, I'm good thanks".

THEN out of nowhere, the old shark appeared. Apparently he realized that the two chicks from Polk County were not biting and I was in his light of sight. Damn! As I'm about to walk out the door, this guy stops me to ask if he could show me something, if I had any questions, etc. - basically tripping over his tongue to get me to stay and give him a commission. I told him I was just looking and I had time. I wasn't looking to buy for 4 months or so. He then CUT ME OFF to say, "Well you really DON'T have time because so much stuff is made overseas and with container ship times blah blah blah". I looked at him and thought "Oh no this man didn't. He doesn't really THINK I am THAT dumb is he?" That boy needed to be put in check and quick. I again said "No sir, I do have time, but thank you" and again he went on his blah blah blah containers blah blah blah overseas script while giving me his card. I looked at his business card which was printed on cheap stock, which indicated to me that his job, along with this store, was easily disposable. If Broyhill is going to charge me $1100 for a couch, they can afford better card stock for their sales reps, you think. I'm all for working with people but the minute one has a condescending tone ala "Little lady" bullshit, I'm all over that mess.

So, I interrupted his diatribe and said "Jerry - I am very familiar with import/export issues not to mention the time constraints so, like I said - I have time. But, thank you for your time" and, with that, I turned on my Nine West Granny Boots and bid him adieu.

Don't let the blond hair fool ya. I wasn't born yesterday.

Labels: Altamonte, Apt.

Posted by Lys :: 9:32 PM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Speakin' of iPods...

Plugged in the shuffle and in the tradition of "Wild Wednesdays" - this is what's playing on my iPod this morning...

JZ's track "Can You Feel the Love"
Stefanie Bennett/Paradigm "Back for My Love"
Nona Hendryx "Why Should I Cry"
Pussycat Dolls "How Many Times (How Many Lies)"
"Love Dance" from Cirque De Soleil's KA
Meridyth Brooks "What Would Happen"
Mel & Kim "From a Whisper to a Scream"
Hednoize's "Loaded Gun"
Luz Divina "Sorry" and *sigh*
George Lamond "More Than Words Can Say"

And for a little 80's flashback.. the wonders of YouTube

Labels: Music, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 12:57 AM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo---------------

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Yummy...

Has anyone else heard this track from Gwen Stefani off her new album, "The Sweet Escape". At first I wasn't very ummm. fond of this album, especially the first song with the whole Sound of Music thing (flashback to 2nd grade when I was a nun in the school play and the music director/mean nun told me to pick a tone to sing in - high or low because it wasn't normal to be able to do both -wench!). This track is so off kilter that it's very catchy and I have half a mind to put it on the iPod for the gym...

Who am I kidding - it's on the iPod for the car. I won't be visiting the gym at LBV for a while. Thank god the new place has a kick-ass gym. That's the only way I will get my ass kicked into gear *LOL*

Anyways - check it out. You might be pleasantly surprised, but you might have to listen to it more than once.

Labels: Music, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 11:53 PM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Sale... Nine West... Really?

Yes - you heard me right - Sale. Nine West. Really. So that means get up, get in your car and get thee to Nine West or, if you just feel like a little surfin' ('Net Style).. www.ninewest.com

Tonight, Roomie wanted to get a pair of the Franciscos in teal. Since it was her birthday last week, I decided to drag her to the Millenia mall (my Nine West home away from home). Nine West is in the midst of their Final Clearance sale, and this gal scooped up the bargins. Along with the Franciscos (which, mind you I have them in teal and red, both of which I paid either full price or close to full price and they still look like the day I got them), a couple (few) other shoes that decided that they needed to go home with me and, at 20 bux a pop + 20% off two pairs, why not. Yeah, I know I know - I'll regret it later, but let me share what is now calling my apartment "home".

These are perfect for court, business meetings, whatever - very 40s, ya think?

For every gal's 80's flashback, my favorite "ho" boots, sooo cute and rrrrooowwww...
For Vacations, Florida Sunshine and Pedis - a gal needs a little understated bling, ya think?

And Roomie's new pair of 4" skyscrapers. MB - don't let her wear these to church in the snow.

Labels: Shopping

Posted by Lys :: 10:08 PM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Tigger's Done It Again...

Poor guy just can't catch a break. Actually, this story here sounds a bit more "accurate" as from what Roomie tells me - the teenagers are the worst when it comes to torturing the characters.

Team Tigger!

Labels: Disney, Orlando, Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 6:02 PM :: 1 comments

---------------oOo---------------

Monday, January 08, 2007

Damn You Steve Madden....

You just HAD to tempt me, didn't ya? Thank god these shoes won't be out until March 20, 2007 but hot damn! Between that and the spectator wedge, Steve Madden better have a sale - and quick!

Labels: Shopping

Posted by Lys :: 5:50 PM :: 3 comments

---------------oOo---------------

Sunday, January 07, 2007

17 Days...

And Counting... *LOL* I should get one of those tickers that updates "17 days, 10 hours, 22 minutes and 4 seconds until Lys signs the lease".

But seriously... Reese called me the other night and asked "How goes the packing" to which I told her "Ummm.. 2 1/2 boxes?" and she said "That's good for today" and my response "Ummm.. no overall". I just need to light a fire under my butt right now. It's been crazy with work and all and after I got a letter from my mother on Friday (we'll not even go into that crazy mess), I just really wanted to crawl under the comforter and just hide from the world for a while. I've got 3 weeks and the moving truck will be here on the 25th, but with work developments (the business thing is getting pushed back yet again), I've got to step up the pace, just don't have the energy or willpower just yet to do so.

The Christmas stuff comes down today, the tree gets tossed tomorrow morning, and the decorations go in the pile of stuff by the dining room table that is packed. We're now at 4 boxes, thankyouverymuch, but I'm sure by the end of the week it will be stacked high. I've done more disposing of stuff and never realized how many suitcases I have. In the living room alone, I am looking at 5, there's 2 in my room and that will be good for the clothes to go on the truck, I'm guessing. Saves on Boxes, right. And, before Bec kills me, yes I got some of those Space Bags so we'll see how that goes. Space, people, Space.

My shoes are going to be the fun thing. They are all in boxes and those boxes are going to be stacked lovingly into a big box for transport. It took every iota of willpower for this gal to not go to Nine West today to pick up these shoes that would go soooo good with my black suit and nude/black lace shell.

The cat got a haircut today and she was pissed. Beyond pissed. She ripped the fur out of her back legs and haunches, and the groomer said it was fretting because of the stress of the move. Well, I guess Shadow told off the groomer and when she came out of there, she was a wet little thing; a wet little thing with a vendetta against me. So much so that the cat was headbutting and throwing temper tantrums in the middle of PetSmart because she wanted a pink scratching post (well, I don't think she knew it was pink but it had catnip) and after hearing her howl, yet again, what did I do - cave in and bought that along with 4 other toys she headbutted, a new collar for her new home and ugh. Damn cat. At least there won't be any fur in the new place and no shedding...

And in other news, I got that comforter set I was thinking about. Macy*s had a kickass sale and I wound up getting it for $70 off the price and Chandra and Lori at the Millenia Mall were soooo helpful. After the dingbat at the Florida Mall kept trying to sell me the same set that was ripped, dirty and taped up, much to my protest, I called Millenia and Chandra went above and beyond to pull the Jardin set aside, mark down the price to reflect the signage in the Florida Mall and while it was still pricey, it's the one thing I wanted for my new home and refused to settle.

And I refuse to take it out of the bag. It will stay there until after the move. Now I just have to get my new mattresses from Costco and have them delivered on the 25th/26th.

See, I am working on my list. One thing at a time...

Labels: Apt., Random Mess, Shadow

Posted by Lys :: 8:43 PM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo--------------- This Week's S&TC Musing...

Samantha: Well, let's just say it: you won.

Carrie: Was there a contest?

Samantha: Oh please! There's always a contest with an ex. It's called "who will die miserable."

Labels: SATC

Posted by Lys :: 8:32 PM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Is There A Manual for Cell Phone Etiquette...

Remember when we didn't have cell phones... life was so much more peaceful back then. Then they had that huge ass cell phone that looked like a mega walkie talkie - so not chic. Nowadays it seems like everyone and their momma, baby, dog, rat - everyone has a cellie. And everyone talks on the cell. EVEN IN THE BATHROOM.

Now tell me, what on earth would possess someone to yip away on their cell phone while sitting in the ladies room. Isn't that rude? Isn't there a provision in the Emily Post Book of Cell Phone Manners "Thou shall not gab while flushing?" I mean, can you imagine if you were on the other end of that convo hearing a toilet flush and going "HUH?"

I see if there was an emergency, but you don't sit in Macy*s on the cell phone in the Millenia Mall yippin' about "Girl you should have seen him last night"and there are other people in the restroom who must have shared the same sentiment I did - Shut off that damn phone.

Or even better - flush it.

*jumps off soapbox*

Labels: Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 5:10 PM :: 1 comments

---------------oOo---------------

Saturday, January 06, 2007

So Disturbing on SOOO Many Levels...

Back during my time spent in Lawrence, MA and Derry, NH, Meowmix introduced me to the trouble that was The Palace Nightclub. Within the back confines of the Palace Nightclub was the ever so popular Men In Motion, the Massachusetts version of the Chippendales. Many a weekend, Meowmix, myself and crew would have a blast there, many shots were had, and much trouble was caused.

During my frenzy of packing the past few days, I came across a few things that I didn't know I still had - photos of various dancers that I knew from that time period, i.e. Damian and Mike, not to mention pictures of myself, Meowmix and our friends from the infamous "Lys is goin' off to Orlando, that crazy bitch" soiree that they threw me. What was my gift from Meowmix - Damian. As she said, "that boy is yummy" and yummy did he smell - kinda like a Bath and Body Works store when you first walk in (now that I think about it - that's kinda disturbing). However, during many discussions outside the Palace, I can say Damian is a very well educated, articulate (and foine but you already figured that) man. His brother was an absolute doll as well, very charming and sweet. I always laugh when I think of the story of one woman wanting to cover him in whipped cream him and he told her "Lady - I've got oil on, a spray tan and I'm sweaty but you want to put whipped cream on my chest and lick it?????" Those women there could be c.r.a.z.y. broads, let me tell ya.

Over time, The Palace has since been demolished to make way for a Lowes or a Home Depot as I last heard. On one of my trips home, after dinner one night with BR, I headed out towards the Boston area to meet with Meowmix for an evening of catching up and saying "Hey" to the guys. When I walked into the new version of Men in Motion I saw many of the same women fallin' over themselves, the same guys (albeit older, don't know if wiser fit the bill), no Damian, no shotboy, and people easily dropping $300/$400 a night (Meowmix - remember that wench??)... anywayz... I have a point to my scatterbrained reminiscing.

So, I'm online tonight doing some research on stuff for the move and that show, Paula's Party was on the Food Network. It's 1:00 in the morning and when I look over she's flirting with the Butter Wranglers (because you know Paula Deen loves her some butter)... and I swear - one of the guys looked just like one of the guys from the Palace Nighclub/Men in Motion. And to see Paula Deen flirtin' with him like a young southern belle just about made me die laughin and was a bit disturbing on a few levels, reminding me of those women fallin' over themselves to shove a dollar or 4 into various people's *ahem* clothing.

And then I got to thinkin... after one too many free shots from Frankie the shot boy.. how much of an ass did I make of myself those nights at the Palace. Then again - some memories need to stay in the deep, dark corners of a gal's mind.

But those shots, man. Those were some GOOD shots....

Labels: Random Mess

Posted by Lys :: 1:30 AM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo---------------

Friday, January 05, 2007

There is Trouble On the Horizon...

Jenny over at All Eyes on Jenny was talkin' about a fashion dilemma that she is currently facing and mentioned this new shoe & handbag site, Endless.com. Being the shoe obsessed wench that I am, finding this site was like finding a bit of nirvana in online shopping. They ship overnight For Free. The selection is endless. They even offer FREE RETURNS! I found shoes on here like this pair which will be one of my first items of business once I'm moved and settled (unless I happen to get them for my trip on the 30th). Let's not even talk about their sale prices.

So, many thanks to Jenny for the great find and, while it doesn't give cash back (yet - but I will be emailing FW, Ebates & Mr. Rebates about this new find), I'm willing to sacrifice that for a little bit of heaven in finding what I might actually want in my shoes & handbag wardrobe.

My closet, however, is scared - very, very scared. Thank god the new place gave me two bedroom closets. Thanks to this discovery, it's been decided that one can be just for shoes!

Labels: Cash Back, Shopping

Posted by Lys :: 10:50 AM :: 1 comments

---------------oOo---------------

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Is She Nuts...

The Horror! Poor George!

Labels: Celeb

Posted by Lys :: 7:06 PM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo--------------- Open Rant to the OPD...

I was going to post this yesterday, and I know that some of my law enforcement buddies might want to shoot me, but I'm really miffed. Here's why.

All we hear in the news down here in Orlando is how our crime rate is so high, how we had over 60 murders in Orange County and almost 50 murders in Orlando alone in 2006, how even NY's Guardian Angels were so concerned about the alarmingly high rising crime rate that even THEY came down here to clean up our streets, etc. etc. etc. And - to kick off 2007, what do we have - 3 murders in one night. What. The. Hell.

What we also hear (but you may not) is how some of Orlando Police Dept.'s ("OPD") finest just got busted for surfing the *ahem* adult sites at work, that often the Orange County sheriffs & OPD can be found loungin' at Dunkin' Donuts both downtown and in Lake Buena Vista and, more often than not, setting up speed traps, or their version of speed traps.

Do they clean up the apartment building where I live in Lake Buena Vista - no. Now, when we had a domestic in our building where our downstairs neighbor threatened his soon to be ex-wife & her son with a gun because he was off his meds, now those two sheriffs needed a badge of commendation. They were the FIRST set of sheriffs that were not condescending, and they were very knowledgeable and courteous. They weren't Roscoe P. Coltrane and the down home good ol' boys like we often see here. You know the type, older guy with a chip on his shoulder and acts like he's bothered you spilled his coffee. But, there is an *alleged* drug dealer 2 buildings down and he deals openly, but do you think Orange County sheriffs deal with that, or the level of crime on property i.e. break ins, car thefts, rapes, etc.?

Now - listen, before the Law Enforcement crew gets on my back, I have a number of friends that are cops and I beyond respect the badge - just not here in Orlando until they shape up their mess. We've got crime galore and my heart breaks for the homicide crews because they are beyond overworked & overtaxed, but Seriously - Buddy Dyer - do we NEED SO MANY DAMN TRAFFIC TICKET COPS!!!

Case in point -yesterday, I am driving to work and traffic is movin' smoothly. All is well and *bam* on the 3rd day of the year, what do I see: Village People Cop is back again, Roscoe P. Coltrane is acting as lookout and they've got a crew of 8 Orlando Police Officers pulling people over on I-4 next to Exit 82 and wandering through traffic. Not to mention, one of them decided to give me the evil eye like he was going to pull me over - g'head officer - BRING IT cuz I would have a complaint lodged against his badge by the end of the day for no jurisdiction, harassment, etc. I noticed a pattern in the cars pulled over - ethnic or female. What. The. *#*@?? They got the guy behind me for merging into traffic and not using his blinker. Plus, the redneck cop in dire need of a P.T. test that tried to step in front of my car to aggressively waive down the driver in back of me needs to watch where he steps in traffic. He might have lost a toe, or five. I was SOOO tempted to take a pic with a camera phone, and might just do that on the next time. I just was already late for work and what are they going to write me up for on that - paparazzi?

Buddy Dyer - Are you THAT low on funds in the first month of 2007 whereby you've got to have OPD pull over seatbelt offenders for that lovely Click It or Ticket initiative? Do you need to endanger officers lives to have them park down on the exit ramp by OBT, hide their bikes and vehicles, walk up the hill and have them wander like children in traffic without a momma? Don't you think that those officers would better serve the community by perhaps *ahem* fighting crime on the streets, not pursuing those that forget to use their blinker while merging into traffic caused by YOUR officers or those that forgot to click their seat belt? Do you think, perhaps, that you might allocate the budget better to pay the officers their overtime and get rid of this quota mess? Do you think, perhaps, that you might even try to ADDRESS what is causing the crime, rather than sit on your weeble wobble behind and letting others do the work, i.e. the Guardian Angels.

OPD's chief, by no means, is out of my angry glare, but like a good soldier, he is subject to his commander and that is our lovely Mayor who, as you all know, I have no love for. Nor do I have any love for Patty Sheehan (hello - Paris Hilton a good role model for Orlando - I think NOT) or Daisy Lynum (we won't even go into her tirade about her son and how the Guardian Angels are cleaning up her area of town).

Buddy Dyer needs to be held accountable so I'm deciding who to invoice the 20 minutes I was late to - OPD or Buddy Dyer because seriously - that was beyond uncalled for. I called the State Troopers last time this happened at BR's suggestion and they said "Well it's traffic control and we don't care what they do". However, OPD is not working on speeding issues, they are pursuing those not wearing seatbelts and minor traffic violations.

And OPD - take note - you might want to learn a thing or two from Seminole County Sheriffs & Altamonte Springs P.D. - both agencies are tough on crime, don't take any mess and you know what, they are pretty darn nice and don't appear to have a chip growing out of their left shoulder. From all appearances, they seem to have their stuff together.

Now if only Orlando would smarten up.

Labels: Altamonte, Orlando, PD

Posted by Lys :: 12:03 PM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo--------------- The Shot Heard 'Round Orlando

Finally - some progress is starting to be made!!! Bye Paris!

Read the story here:

Photo courtesy of Bricks & Stones

Labels: Celeb, Orlando

Posted by Lys :: 11:09 AM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo---------------

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

22, wait 22 DAYS?

HOLY @#*@*#*@#*#*@*#*#. The timeline hit me this morning as I woke up. My rest & relaxation are over, officially, as of today. I've got a whole spreadsheet breakin' down everything I need to do and am updating it on the hour or as things pop into my lil' blonde brain. About.com's Diane was kind enough to send me a template for a Moving Budget which, if I may say so myself, looks VERY savvy. I've contacted a couple moving companies for quotes and even cancelled the lease on the Washer/Dryer that we had for 5, count 'em 5, years. You know what really was disturbing. At $28.57 a month for the past 5 years that we've paid this leasing company, in total, that leasing company got $1,714.20. (Single Ma, don't shoot me *LOL*). Granted, it was more for convenience but if I knew then what I knew now, I'd be beyond ripped. You know how many washer/dryers that could have been bought for that money. Do you know how many shoes I could have bought with that money. Hell, that would have paid for my Grammy trip & tix. Thank GOD this new place comes with its own washer/dryer.

Also, I'm not sure when to change the address on my bank accounts. I would guess the day I move, but I need to order checks and god knows how long that will take, nor do I want to order checks with my old address. I guess I'll have to punt on this one. Any ideas?

So, I'm gong to have to keep my list goin', add to it when necessary and start cleaning out the clutter. I've vowed that the new place is going to be sooo different than the the one I'm in. Don't worry - I'll take pics of a Before/After. I wish I took them earlier when I looked at it but since they got the repairmen in there workin' on it now getting it all pretty, I'm not complaining. Hell, if anything, when I get back in February, I'm going to be a decorating fool (with a budget of course).

Labels: Apt., Moving

Posted by Lys :: 4:17 PM :: 1 comments

---------------oOo---------------

Monday, January 01, 2007

George Clooney - You Have $$$ waiting...

So does Brad Pitt, George Eads, Sarah Michelle Gellar, even some people from my company and a couple friends of mine. How do I know this.. one of the gossip blogs reported that Unclaimed Property of the State of California is a plethora of info, and yes, I was a bit bored. So, Georgie, you might want to find out why WB didn't deliver the check to your office on the lot. Had to have been an intern's fault.

I'll tell you, on a serious note - check your state's unclaimed property division. I was able to recover around $65 from some policy payment eons ago from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It took them over 5 months to get through the red tape, but my savings account was most appreciative.

Always good to start the New Year off with a bit of positive cash flow, no?

Labels: Celeb, Finance

Posted by Lys :: 10:03 PM :: 0 comments

---------------oOo---------------