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Sunday, April 11, 2010

A Night Out Equals Quite The People Watching Experience…

Last night, I headed out to meet up with CK and our friend LM for her birthday soiree.  One of the freestyle artists from back in the day was headlining and I figured I’d hook up with a bunch of friends who told me that they would be in attendance and have some fun.  As a sign of support, I bought a ticket as CK was promoting the event rather than call the artist directly and be put on his guest list.  See, for me to pay for a freestyle show is EXTREMELY rare – I’ve paid my dues, I still consult for PR from time to time and I’m pretty laid back about it.  I’m not  being arrogant, just truthful.

The show was $30 and before you go “Lys, what were you thinking paying $30 for a show where XYZ was performing” and I reasoned it this way:

This $30.00 tix was for open bar, appetizers and parking was free.  Sure it was 30+ min. away but it was CK’s event therefore I’d ALWAYS show my support, regardless. 

Well, when I got there, pretty much out of our group only CK and LM were in attendance.  There was someone else from the show but I didn’t see her.  Other ones that said that they’d be there were no shows.  Really seriously disappointing but I understand that we are in a recession and they had conflicts.  They should have just been upfront about it.

Driving into the club parking lot, I knew this was going to be quite the interesting night as I took in the long parking lot that was quickly filling up.  Parked next to me, it was like a girl from East L.A. moved to the East Coast, totally chola style with the poof hair, the dark lip liner, the overly exaggerated brows and a look that would slit your throat in a heartbeat.  Her boyfriend decided to strip in the parking lot to change his shirt and it was like the premiere episode of the Biggest Loser (and I'm not being mean – just giving you a visual that I was eternally scarred with).  On the walk in, you had 3 drunk boys holding a gallon juice jug and swigging from it as they staggered into the club cat-calling at everyone, including yours truly.  Drunk boys got the sideeye from me and were told “Have a good night munchkins!”.  They got into the club and started fighting with the doorbitch that they REFUSE to pay full price.  Inside the club, as I quickly made my way to the back, I glanced around at the study in ages.  You had the older older crowd that were in the midst of a mid-life crisis, hitting on the young cubs and cubettes.  You had some much older men grinding on women on the dance floor.  You had my generation, some of which still are stuck in the 80s fashion.  You had the wanna be cast members of the Jersey Shore, all about GTL and fist pumping.  There was an explosion of aquanet everywhere and I just was in amazement.  I was praying for Clinton & Stacey to burst into the club and correct the insane amount of fashion horror that was everywhere.

One thing about me and clubs is that I will always feel like I’m working, promoting a record/artist/etc.  and, yes, I did a bit of networking.  However, I can’t stay out as long as I used to and as I was headed back to Manayunk, I wondered if someone watched me back in the day with my crew and thought the same thing about me.  However, I’m comforted in knowing that I at least wouldn’t have seriously offended Clinton & Stacey – and at least I could walk in my stilettos.

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Posted by Lys :: 5:42 PM :: 1 comments

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Thursday, April 08, 2010

Marvelling At The Brilliance...

Man, my day has been quite the active one today...

I have been having quite the time getting Sir Wiggy up in the morning for his morning constitutionals. It's a vast difference since when he first lived with me - that boy was up at 5 or 6 a.m. ready to greet the world. Come 7:30 I'm shaking him awake gently and he's looking at me with that vacant glare like "Momma, puleaze - I iz seeps!" At 7:45, I'm shaking him again and his reply - he rolls over. At 8:00, that's it - he's got 10 minutes to run outside and pee or I am late for work. He gets up begrudgingly like how dare I wake the king from his slumber and trots out to the living room to see where the cat is. Then he remembers "OH Door is at end of hall." and he slooooooowly trots down to the doorway while I'm walking behind him going "Wiggy - you are dilly-dallying - MOVE IT!" My neighbors must think I'm nuckin' futz, I swear.

So this morning was yet another round of "Wiggy Wake Up!" and it set me behind on my schedule a bit. Fine, no Starbucks drive by would be possible as I grabbed a diet coke for the road. As I'm heading to the 9to5, my GPS tells me there is a back road that will shave 15 min. off my commute. GREAT! Not only would I be early, but that also would mean that I don't have to deal with the senile Conshohocken police officer and his sidekick dopey crossing guard who hold up traffic without fail every. single. day. [The two stooges only let one car at a time through the intersection (and it's a two lane highway - figure Car A waits while Car B goes - then the cop lets a ton of cars out from the cross street and then Car A can go while Car C has to wait - it's a NIGHTMARE) as Officer Dipstick marches through traffic looking in cars for seatbelt. offenders].

I take the shortcut and am movin' right along - 10 min. down the road, I see this HUGE sign looming in front of me that says "ROAD CLOSED."

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?

So I make a u-turn and head back up the huge street to the main road and thankfully there was another back way in. However, still I was way behind schedule. *UGH!* "Brilliance, Lys, Sheer Friggin' Brilliance!" I griped as I mentally slapped myself upside the head ala Gibbs from NCIS.

Cutting to lunch hour, I had to run to the King of Prussia mall to Borders to pick up an updated AP Stylebook and got there in record time. YAY! I figured things were turning my way - until I decide in yet another fit of brilliance that I'd grab a coffee from Starbucks down the hall instead of going through McD's drive through when I got back near the office. That would be a wonderful plan if only the Barista knew how to multi-task. The man had 4 coffee orders and could only methodically mix one at a time while ogling some mall rat girls (Don't they have school?!?!). Well, 15 min. later for my venti iced non-fat caramel macchiato, I had to run like the wind to get into Borders and grab the book which was buried in the vast back of the store and race back to the car. UGH! Again with another mental slap to the head as I hightailed it back to work.

Seriously, these ideas of brilliant time saving have to stop or I just need the Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland to keep me on schedule.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:43 PM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The Art of the Tag...

Seriously, while I love Facebook, sometimes I loathe it as well.  Case in point, today I get an email that one of my old friends, Nyk, tagged a photo of H. and I back in the day.  Not only was that photo when I was twice my size, it was one of the most unflattering pics of me as well - we're talking chins to China here.  Just absolutely horrid.  Now, since the tag shows up, you know that photo is in everyone's feed.  I never logged onto Facebook so quick in my life to remove that daggone tag. 

Could you imagine the crap that would be posted under that photo - between my family who has NO love for H. at all, my friends who really detest him and don't even get me started with A. who I've recently reconnected with thanks to Facebook.  I could only imagine his colorful language such as "Doorknob" "Loser" "Deadbeat" and so on and so on.  Seriously, there is no love remaining *LOL*  Not to mention, H.'s wife doesn't need to see that mess - it's not fair to her.  To be honest, I like her -- just can't stand him.

Thankfully Nyk deleted that photo.  The wonders of Facebook - it's not always good.

How do you handle photo tags?

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Posted by Lys :: 1:04 AM :: 6 comments

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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Dreamin’….

Remember that track from Will to Power – Dreamin’?  I have to say that EVERY time I hear it, I flash back to the 80s and remember days on the set, my Philly crew (when they (and I) were young, etc. etc. etc.  However, the song also reminds me of my days at Annie's when I was just out of college as well because Chris, the DJ, used to play it CONSTANTLY.

Anywhooo – onto the subject of dreams… My friends crack up at times because I will have a dream, wake up and go “Holy Crap” and not in a good way.  I often joke about it being “Indian/Irish Intuition” but I know when I have dreams about certain people in my life, often I will check on them to make sure they are okay.  It’s how I found out that EJ was in the hospital,  that A. was getting married (don’t ask!), etc. 

Yesterday, I had the WEIRDEST dream – and I don’t know if it was motivated by an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (shush – Marc Blucas reminds me of BR in the worst way) or possibly someone bringing BR up to me a few days prior, but one of the main characters was BR.  And it wasn’t good.  I can’t go into particulars but I knew that something was up and I couldn’t figure out what it was.  And BR was trying to shield me from whatever the situation was. 

Luckily, I caught BR on chat and he was fine.  He joked with me asking if he “expired” in the dream and, quite frankly, last I checked he wasn’t a gallon of milk or somethin’ (jus’ playin’ Brenn!) but I had to laugh.  I basically brushed it off and called it a day.

Well, BR has often cautioned me on jumping into things feet first but he also is one to push me to achieve my goals.  The sense of foreboding of earlier rang true when my phone rang and on the other end was MB going “OK – what is your airport now that you’ll fly out of.  You have a gig to promote.”  I protested to no avail (new possible job; the dog; what the heck am I going to WEAR?!?!?!) and I accepted the reality – I’m diving head first back into PR for a brief moment.  It’s a big project that I can’t really announce just yet but when I can, I’ll disclose to y’all first!

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Posted by Lys :: 2:22 AM :: 0 comments

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Monday, January 18, 2010

Sometimes You Just Need To Shake Your Head…

This morning, after picking up those dreaded Girl Scout Cookies for my father, I decided to drop by Ross to see what they had in terms of kitchen goodies (not a whole heck of a lot – ehhhh).  Anywhooo, as I’m checking out, I’m asked if I wanted to donate to their charity of choice – the American Heart Association.  Hmmmm… if it was the Red Cross I would especially with the Haiti situation but right now, I didn’t think the AHA was worth it at the moment. 

Dontcha know this fuddy duddy older woman decided to interject her own two cents and tell me how corrupt Haiti was, how we’ve given them billions of dollars in aid before and now we aren’t going to help them until they prove where that money went.  Plus, she felt it wasn’t needed at the moment.

HOLD UP – WHAT DID SHE SAY?

I whipped around and (sorry Mom) I know I’m supposed to respect my elders but dayum, ignorance and stupidity is not tolerated, especially around me.  I knew she was about to launch into the usual b.s. I would often hear down south and I gave her that look – you know the one where I let you know to hold your tongue and asked her with an attitude “What News Are YOU Watching – Pat Robertson?” 

The woman got all flustered and said “No, All of the news channels are reporting this”.  Hmmmm, news to me and I DO watch the news and normally this wouldn’t escape my attention.  Haiti needs our help, PERIOD!  Just seeing the images makes me want to jump on a plane and fly down there to help.

Well, I let her have it – I do not tolerate bullshit.  Plus, how could she not see that the young girl that was waiting on me spoke with a Creole or Haitian accent and was visibly upset.  I apologized to the salesgirl for my outburst to the woman grasping with senility but the fact remains, People need help. I honestly don’t give a damn about the political bullshit – HUMAN BEINGS ARE IN PAIN.  Leave the political preaching at the door and reach out to your neighbor and help, no matter how much or how little. 

Sorry, I’m jumping off my soapbox now but damn that woman got me HEATED!!!!

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Posted by Lys :: 11:59 PM :: 1 comments

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Sunday, January 10, 2010

We Interrupt Regularly Scheduled Programming To Bring You A Very Special Story…

I know, you are thinking “WHAT PROGRAMMING LYS?!?!?  YOU HAVEN’T POSTED HERE IN DECADES” but, I have to confess, I have been posting over HERE on the regular and I’ll be posting here at Just Because… regarding what’s been going on in the personal end of things in a hot minute but indulge me for a sec, please :)

This segment just ran on the news this morning and I wanted to share it with y’all.  As you know, CK is like one of my older brothers.  I know we’ve talked about him from time to time.    We have been friends for what seems like forever and through the ups and downs of life, the crew knows that we can always count on him for support, a helping hand and a listening ear.  Heck, when I first moved here to Philly, who was here to help unload the moving truck – CK.  He’s a good guy and this piece on Action News 6 sums it up – check it out.

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Posted by Lys :: 2:21 PM :: 0 comments

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Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Update On The Stupidity That Is DirecTV...

I'm one for finding a resolution - I don't want to hear excuses or the blame game b.s. Let's just fix whatever problem we're having. I tend to apply that theory to everything in my life. Sadly, DirecTV doesn't subscribe to that theory and the amount of b.s. and lip service I've heard from that company astounds me - seriously, how did I ever tolerate them for 6 years.

I gave them a drop dead deadline to hear from them by close of business last Tuesday - when did they call - Wednesday afternoon. And the email they sent me was b.s. as well - advising to call one of their 800 numbers. Seriously - are you kidding me? First problem - they don't hit a deadline and then push it off on the customer.

I went through the holiday weekend thinking "Fine - I'll deal with the situation at the beginning of the week" because I have some serious letters that need to be sent to the FTC, FCC, Better Business Bureaus & the Attorney Generals of both Florida & California. Those letters take serious thought. Also, contrary to their "yes you need to send them back/no you don't need to send them back" mixed messages re: the converters, I have to incur additional expense, labor etc in shipping these converters back to them which entails inventorying of each converter, remote, access card, etc., writing another letter to their inventory control department, cc'ing their general counsel on everything, etc. In short, a basic "Here's your ****, don't ever contact me again" breakup letter - but, of course, a bit more legally verbose.

In my theory of "Let's just be done with this", as I was in the midst of preparing the requisite cranky "Trusting My Position Is Clear" letters, I made the mistake of actually taking their call Monday afternoon.

My reaction to the b.s. on their end - are you EFFIN KIDDING ME?

This service MANAGER - Rachel - had the nerve to tell me that DirecTV does, indeed, maintain the right to keep ANY credit card their customer uses and reserves the right to charge out at will for balances due. If you currently have them, know that they have this in the super fine print.

Even better - while I was paid through Sept. 15th, I am obligated to pay through Nov. 15th because while one of their CSRs from one of their many call centers in whatever country didn't follow procedure. To drive the point home, Rachel made the comment that they will charge out my account for the full amount. Well, then you'll be dealing with USAA again. USAA is wise to the b.s. and DirecTV is on their radar - not in a good way.

For the amount of trouble I'm having to go through to cancel each and every credit card EVER used with DirecTV - seriously, I should bill them an hourly rate. Thank god USAA is handling it on my end with the dispute and, should DirecTV try to bill again, then it's on. Not to mention, those letters are going out this week to the AGs and the appropriate government agencies and their converters will be shipped back. Should ANYTHING come up on my credit report - hell hath no fury. Also, as a sidenote - to the Plaintiff's attorney that's got a federal suit pending against DirecTV, don't worry, you'll get a copy of my letter as well.

Rachel - note for future use - when your senior VP of communications forwards you a blog post and email for answering - (a) note the deadline and (b) READ THE ENTIRE BLOG FOR FOLLOW UP POSTS. See, if you had, you would have seen that Laura and I had it worked out and you just blew it right up AGAIN.

As expected, DirecTV doesn't know how to correctly follow through ANYTHING (or you would have hit the deadline by Tuesday evening). Boo on me for actually (A) taking your call; (B) giving you a chance to speak and (C) for actually believing that you, as a company, could come correct. Guess after 6 years, I really didn't know you AT all.

DirecTV - EPIC fail - seriously, I do hope that Comcast and DISH TV teach you one hell of a lesson - especially in customer retention. I'm loyal to a fault and, quite frankly, I should have left you a long time ago.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:52 AM :: 2 comments

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Saturday, November 14, 2009

So Late In Posting This....

I know, I know - I'm bad.  Anywhoo - here is a pic of Wiggy in his Halloween costume.  He's not one for clothes, dressing up nada - he ripped off the fireman costume the minute I tried to put it on him and as for him being a medium - NEVER.  He's a large - couldn't keep anything on him.  He consented and wore the pirate hat around the house to answer the door and was far from happy until the delivery guy told him how freakin' adorable he was.  Never saw that dog prance until then.

He must have caught the vain-virus from Ms. Shadow... Go figure.

DSCF0925

OOPS - let me try again...

 

Wiggy-Halloween

RAWRRRRRR - Iz Pirate!

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Posted by Lys :: 11:25 PM :: 4 comments

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Thursday, November 12, 2009

The Bitch Is Back...

No, not me - I never left.  How excited am I that Amanda Woodward, my fave character EVER on Melrose - well, except Rob Estes - is back.  It makes suffering through all things Simpson bad acting somewhat okay.  Who knew that Melrose Place (from the 90s) was my guilty pleasure.  Go figure. 

And for the love of God will someone tell me where the hell they found these shoes for Amanda's return - they are screaming to be in my closet.

Check out the clip - best line ever "You know when I hired you to give this place a makeover, I didn't mean to smear it with lipstick and turn it into a five dollar hooker."...

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Posted by Lys :: 1:55 AM :: 2 comments

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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The One Where My [Driving] Past Resurfaces...

You know my theory of "don't put it out there" or "don't think about it" or "stop thinking about it because you know if you focus on something, it's gonna happen".  Well, it's happened - I got a flat tire in Philly.

See, being up north they have a nasty thing called potholes.  You know that daggone Geico commercial where the pothole has a "discussion" with a tire that it kicked the crap out of?

Take a sec and watch...

Doesn't that pothole remind you of Britney Spears?  Well, I digress.

I might have mentioned that back in college A. & B. often came to this gal's rescue because potholes and I are not friends in ANY way - and the amount of tires I went through was epic (at least for me).  It was the running joke and one that I wasn't too proud of.  I can change a tire but I reason that AAA can do that (and don't get me started on the AAA south club - They won't transfer my membership to Philly until renewal NEXT SEPTEMBER!) Stilettos are NOT made for changin' tires ;)

I thought recently that "Gee Lys, you haven't had any flat tires recently - thank god!"  Well, then that stupid commercial has been on repeat on the networks.  And that commercial reminds me often of the college tire trauma - thereby making me think about flat tires often.  Not good.

I had a meeting in Center City this a.m. and I decided that I should leave an hour or so early and, as I'm backing out of the parking space I hear "SCREEEEEEEEECCCCCHHHHHHH" and thought "WTH?!?" as I jumped out of the car to be greeted by a flat tire.  These were BRAND NEW TIRES that were purchased in September - what the #*!@*@#*#@*!*!*#*@

Turns out there was a screw on the sidewall so I had to get another whole new tire (thanks Goodyear on Ridge Ave - Love those guys!) but damn - and I'm sure that there was a pothole somewhere that was laughing and junk...

Welcome to Philly, right?

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Posted by Lys :: 7:36 PM :: 2 comments

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Thursday, October 15, 2009

Adventures At The Social Security Office...

One of my issues in trying to become a legal responsible resident of Pennsylvania includes getting a proper drivers' license.  Granted my Florida one doesn't expire until 2010, however per Commonwealth rules, you must have a new license within 60 days of establishing residency.  Easy Peasy - right?  WRONG!  The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania doesn't make it so simple as turning in your new license and showing your lease/bill/etc. to show you live here - they also demand your Social Security Card be shown.  Ummmm... however, much like the title to my car, the SS Card is MISSING!  I'm sure I'll find it when I've gotten my replacement but I haven't seen it in years since I moved to Orlando. *sigh*

The only way to get the replacement card is to make a visit to my local SSA Office closest to my address.  The one that the SSA sent me to was in the heart of Germantown.  For those of you that aren't familiar with the Philly landscape, Germantown is not a favorable area - my gal Suz is a police officer in that district and the stories she tells me "Oh we had a stabbing/There was a shooting/Oh I have to testify at a murder trial" blah blah blah.  You get the picture.  Suz is in court almost every day and at night she's patrolling the streets of Germantown.  Needless to say, when I was looking for an apartment, Suz was the one to yay or nay a place.

So, my dad joked that I should go earlier in the morning because "the riff raff are still sleeping".  Sure - not a problem.  I figured it would be simple and that would be it.  4 hours later, my viewpoint on society has changed.  I'm now convinced that I need to channel my inner Suze Orman and save for my retirement because I am convinced there will be NOTHING for me when I retire.  The conversations I heard were such perfect blog fodder that I figured you might enjoy/shake your head or start praying for society as a whole...

I'm convinced that a day at the SSA is like a prison lunchroom with people trading tips on how to best the system.  Now, before we get "political", let me just say that I have friends who have been on the system and have used it to help when they were in a tough spot and now they are on their own.  That's not the point of this post.  I fully support the system for those that need it. 

However, I was privy to a conversation to two women who were quite loud and that I have never been so thankful to hear my number called so I could leave them without telling both of them to "grow the eff up".  One of the woman, a badly bottled blonde, couldn't have been more than 26.  She would only work 15 hours a week so she couldn't lose her SSA benefits.  According to her, she's bi-polar and couldn't work more than 15 hours because of that.  To make it even more "head shake worthy", she wouldn't accept responsibility for losing her prior job because she was caught SMOKING CRACK when she should have been teaching.  She was a headstart teacher in Northeast Philly.  Ummmmm..  The other woman is "diabetic" and she couldn't work because she had diabetes therefore she needed a SSA check while her boyfriend who wasn't her husband had a good paying job.  Are you effin' kiddin' me?  Seriously.  There was a woman to the right of me who decided she would just change her baby's diaper in full view of everyone where the baby let out a howl and a half because, well it was COLD.  There were people who go there daily and it was like a lunchroom catch up with everyone.  There were retired veterans who actually NEEDED benefits that people wouldn't move to let them sit.  The sense of entitlement that was around the room just pissed me the hell off.  And when my number was called out of order to get my replacement card, I heard people chattering behind me going "That ain't fair.  They should call my number."  I almost turned around to tell her "Bitch PLEASE - I'm here for a replacement card - NOT TO MILK THE SYSTEM like your funky azz".  And the people that work there - there was one woman who needed to be "retrained" as she copped major attitude with everyone, kept taking breaks and I'm convinced she was on the internet or something as she would wait before taking another person - no initiative.  There were 4 windows and only two open.  Boy was I thankful that after the 3.5 hour that they opened up a third window.

I do believe that there are people who are disabled and need SSA benefits.  However, I don't feel that bipolar, depression and diabetes counts as reasons to not work.  If you take your meds, there is hope, right?  I can say that never again will I ever go to the SSA Germantown office and, quite frankly, I'm now convinced that society has "issues."

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Posted by Lys :: 1:38 PM :: 1 comments

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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The Case of the Toasty Marshmallow...

Picture this - we've been driving since 10 a.m. the day prior; it's 6 a.m. on Saturday and I finally arrive at the new abode. Come into the house, the dog promptly christens the new hallway, I lose my mind for a second, then it's off to crash for a few hours.

Once I woke up, it was time to unload the UHaul from hell. However, one [un]pleasant surprise when I awoke - it was CHILLY! And by chilly I mean just straight up cold. Wiggy, we're not in Florida anymore. So, this gal remembers that her new landlord turned on the AC to get the apartment ready. I decide that the only smart thing to do is turn on the heat and warm up the place.

Well, a couple hours into the heat working, I smelled the faint whiff of something burning. I didn't think much of it until it came along again, off and on as I would go in and out of the house, reminding me of the smell of smores on a campfire. I thought, perhaps, it was just the heating system getting some use after being dormant for a while. Maybe it was a crisp new filter in the vent getting broken in. Or, as my over active imagination was racing with the idea that perhaps the wiring was sparking and me, by turning on the heat in the new apartment, I could have started a fire in the vents and now the apartment would burn down.

The toasty marshmallow smell was quite strong in my bedroom by the vent which was next to the window. I finally panicked and called my new landlord K. and told him my fears. Turns out they were leaving early and maintenance had already left for the day. However, K. paged the maintenance supervisor and then the game of phone tag began. See, I have a plethora of radio towers outside my apartment and I wasn't hearing ONE phone call and things were just driving me nuts. The smell kept getting stronger and now my mind went into overdrive. Finally, upon connecting with John from Maintenance, we discussed the situation as I started to wander the apartment to see where the smell was originating from. I had already turned the heat off prior so now the fact that the smell was VERY strong, the panic was starting to surface. The smell was strong in my bedroom and as I went to the back porch to discuss it quietly with John, I noticed the smell was very strong out on the back porch - where there was no vents. Confused, I looked around and then I spotted it - my neighbors in the building next door were using a charcoal grill with some foil packages on it - most likely containing something with marshmallows.

I laughed and told John that the case was solved. You can imagine my shock when he said "Oh - neighbor XYZ. They aren't supposed to have that type of grill - we'll send out a letter on Monday".

Yeah, that's how this gal started off her new life in her new apartment inadvertently ratting out her new neighbor (who has since moved out due to other issues).

I just will never look at smores the same way again...

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Posted by Lys :: 11:05 PM :: 3 comments

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Sunday, August 23, 2009

Sometimes A Little Reflection Is Good...

I know I'm super stoked about the upcoming move and looking forward the adventure ahead.  However, I wouldn't be truthful if I didn't think about what brought me here to Orlando in the first place.  I believed in a project so much that I left a good paying job at a major corporation to head forward into the unknown and handle the PR for a group of amazing individuals who, even to this day, I am so proud of.  Regardless of my issues with their management, I always believed in them and do to this day.  Anything that they call me for, you know I'll drop what I'm doing and help them out.  They have all grown up now and I still slip and call them kids, but the memories I have with them and their family is just priceless.  They are fabulous individuals and I adore them.

When times were tough, the people surrounding them became a surrogate family of sorts - and I can't imagine not having MB or Fus around to yip with.  They understood my frustration - Fus and her family let me spread my wings PR wise and handle things for the label, giving me major experience and huge learning opportunities.  I was able to reconnect with industry people from my past and revive those relationships, take on new clients and explore different genres.  I learned that sometimes you just have to branch out and have faith that the road you are on is the right one.  I also learned to rely on instinct and if something doesn't seem right or you just know it doesn't fit in your plan, then get rid of it.  I learned that some people are just downright snakes and your instinct won't lie to you.

Of course, when their band broke up and they moved back out West, I stayed here in O-Town and wound up getting the job I have now (and will have til Sept. 4th).  I met some amazing people regardless of someone's telling me to NOT work and that just "things would be taken care of" (thankfully I also learned that some people are full of ish and they just need to be gone!)  I learned responsibility at a level I never really had to before, where I became truly independent and could think for myself.  I embraced my inner bitch and dealt with the drama swiftly, only looking forward.  What would crying do to help me, not a damn thing.  I just had to soldier on. 

I also learned that besides the day to day, I needed a creative outlet, hence me starting Just Because... well, just because and meeting (virtually) some fabulous fabulous people that I would love to have a cocktail or coffee with and just chatter endlessly about fashion, cooking, the weather, anything with :)  I further branched out into honing my cooking skills and then transitioning that over to Cooking in Stilettos and meeting FoodBuzz, another group I just adore.  On the fashion end (because, well, I'm a fashion whore - totally admit that), Reese and I collaborated on Fashionista+ which I'm excited to work on again. 

And, on the personal level, Shadow and I met the one and only Mr. Wiggles who taught me that things I deem urgent, really aren't - at least in a dog's eyes.  I began to laugh again and to not always focus on the minutiae.  I discovered that Loubous and fabulous shoes are, indeed, my crack.  I rebuilt some relationships from the past.  I learned to "edit it down" when it came to my surroundings and address things that normally I would try to hide from and stick my head in the sand.  Sometimes when you just deal with it, it's not as bad as you think it would be.

The past few years have not been easy and the move to Philly just seemed out of my reach. However, once I set my mind to it, the wheels began turning and, in a few weeks, it is a goal I'm about to achieve.  Since 16, I knew I wanted to live there.  In February 2008, that feeling was overwhelming when I was wandering around Center City by 17th Street.  I knew that I needed to be there in the thick of it.  I reconnected with old friends from the past such as OurBuddy, Jas & CK and with them, Reese & Meowmix, some great discussions were had.  It was during one of those Philly jaunts that, by chance, I met Rifleman who would be one of those friends I think will be around for a long time and has gone above and beyond to help me attain this goal.  I discovered that there are, indeed, good hearted people in the world that really do give a ***t.

There are so many other avenues that are opening up left and right that I think Philly will just be a whole new playground and a level up.  I will miss my friends and adopted family here in Orlando - that's for sure but I welcome the future opps.

And when I sit here tonight and think about it, one song comes to mind bringing this full circle -Jett17's track "All Together Now" - because, quite frankly, things are coming together now.  I know where I'm going, where I came from and what I went through and it made me the person I am today and, you know what, I think I kinda like her.

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Posted by Lys :: 3:14 AM :: 2 comments

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Tuesday, July 07, 2009

The Big News...

Y'all know that news that I said I couldn't share - at least out in BloggyLand? Well - I can now.

I'm moving...

There - I said it. Granted y'all knew that when I told you I was giving the apartment complex now known as Golf Dorm Central the old heave-ho. However, that was only the tip of the iceberg.

*drumroll*

I'm moving to all points Philadelphia (or at least the outskirts) come September. I had to break the news to the 9to9 hence why I didn't disclose it here for y'all. I'm still working out the logistics but that's my big news. A few of you knew that on the d/l but now - well - it's just out there and, as per the terms of The Secret - Put It Out There and it will happen.

However - it's a system of trade offs. I'll still have to deal with tourists but they won't be Disney tourists. Philly is having economic troubles but their salary rates are quite high and the cost of living is about on par with what we pay here. The Rat controls the Orlando economy and, yes, I have to say a big F/U to all things Disney for making people think it's okay to work for peanuts around here while everything costs an arm and a leg.

Sure, there's snow and my friends will razz me horribly for all the times I said "Yo - it's 70 degrees out there - what's it up north - 20 below?" but I'll take the 4 seasons any day. Plus - Fall IS my favorite season. Speaking of fall - I can wear BOOTS! You know I had to get a shoe plug in somewhere. Whenever I wear boots in Orlando, people look at me like I lost my daggone mind.

In the summer, there will be weekends at the shore to look forward to. Ocean City anyone?

Philly's huge and all and, yes, there IS crime but you know what - their crime level is on par with Orlando and Orlando has HALF the amount of people. Go figure. Philly cops are no joke either - that's a comforting thing. There are no sheriffs to be found (thank god - the sheriffs down here drive me batty).

Their mayor is 20x better than Orlando's in my opinion. Granted his name is Mayor Nutter - but he's better than Mayor Weeble Wobble - aka Buddy Dyer. And I don't think Nutter has a mug shot. (That's a joke - so pipe down Orlando City Hall and stop stalking my blog).

Sure the traffic is going to suck but hey - I can deal with traffic. Also, I'll be three to 4 hours away from my family (like when I lived in New Hampshire - yes Mom I'll be late to dinner - and with the pug too). I'm a couple hours from all points NYC. I'll be living not only near my favorite malls (King of Prussia, Cherry Hill) but also near my favorite restaurants, nightclubs and, of course the Italian Market. I can take cooking classes at Sur La Table in Marlton or at Fosters in Center City.

Philly has a better climate for my dear pug who just can't handle the humidity and the heat (yes he'll get snowboots and a sweater).

There will be NO PALMETTO BUGS! (Yay to the end of the buggy car dance). God I hate those sons of bs... ughhhh.

There is so much that I can't detail it all but in a nutshell, Philly will provide a gal with room to thrive and grow.

Now - organizing everything for this move is going to be chaos. There will be LOTS of ebaying, decluttering and packing going on at Casa Lys. However, I'm up for the challenge... Bring it!

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Posted by Lys :: 6:20 PM :: 7 comments

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Monday, July 06, 2009

Sometimes You Just Have to Pay Attention...

I've had so much going on in the day to day that I've just been caught up like a working drone - work; home; pug; chores - over and over again. This weekend was the first time in a while I really chilled out after the chaos and really relaxed.

Well, somehow last night I had the weirdest dream about A. The dream involved him needing to talk to me about something important and he couldn't since Meowmix was blocking him from contacting me. Somehow, he and I chatted and all was fine. I can't remember the specifics of the conversation but all and all, it was one of those types of dreams that I woke up thinking "Da Hell?!?!?!" Not to mention that it is quite rare to even have a dream with A. in it plus remember it the next morning. When that happens, my instinct kicks in and I know that something is up.

Well, totally random - this morning I get the news that he's getting married in a couple months. He's marrying someone who also works for the same PD as him and understands his lifestyle (totally different than his last wife who would beg me to try to convince him to work a office 9-5. The man wanted to be a police officer ever since we first met so no, he'd never trade in his badge for a desk.)

In chatting with Meowmix, she also agreed that the timing of the dream and the info was peculiar to say the least but it showed me one thing - not only has he moved on but so have I. It goes without saying that I am beyond happy for the cat and his new bride. If she makes him happy, then all is right in my book. He has been through hell.

It also shows me that yet another chapter of my past is finished and only the best is ahead.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:00 PM :: 0 comments

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Monday, June 29, 2009

Getting Back To The Daily...

You know when you fall off the blogging wagon, sometimes it's NOT just like riding a bike? Then again, it's just a question of finding my inner voice that has been silenced by the chaos from the daily grind. I can't tell you how many times I say "OMG that is such good blog fodder" and then *poof* its out of my head quicker than a TV show getting cancelled. Not to mention that I have something huge going on in my life but I can't blog about it because I need to get ducks in a row. Egads - what is a gal to do.

So, yup - I'm trying to jump back on the wagon and make a go of it - and yes, I have some news to share. All in due time, lovelies - all in due time.

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Posted by Lys :: 12:20 AM :: 2 comments

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Saturday, June 27, 2009

Patient Update...

Last week was CHAOS with a capital "C". After I posted about Wiggy and his diagnosis of kennel cough, he took a turn for the worse. Last week we had heatwaves that were crazy hot and the ac in the apartment was, again, on the fritz.

Wiggles started panting like crazy, wheezing and getting himself all worked up (dude - STOP chasing the cat!) and I tried to keep him calm, cooling him down with icy cold towels and ice cubes. About 1 in the morning he just collapsed, couldn't walk and I called the ER to see what their thoughts were. They told me to bring him in ASAP and, sure enough, he had heat exhaustion with the kennel cough. Thankfully they kept me calm because I kept feeling like I failed Wiggy somehow - one shot of steroids later to reduce the swelling in his throat (and over $160), they fixed him up and we were headed home. We won't talk about the buggy fight I had the in car (again - they attack) and I thought all was well with him laying in front of the fan resting. They assured me that the shot would take care of him for the night and knock him out. However, an hour later, he was back to the heavy panting and crawling into the kitchen to lay next to his water dish and fridge. By this time it was already 5 am.

I called his vet the minute they opened and they took him in first thing as I waged battle with the apartment complex to fix the AC yet again. Turns out the compressor unit had a huge leak so the house has been comfortably 65-70 all week. The head maintenance guy took care of it personally and for that I'm grateful. The vet called me at the end of the day to check to see if the AC was fixed as they couldn't release him to me unless it was. Thankfully it was all fixed (and, funny side note - I learned to open and close the air vents - I have 12 ft. ceilings - I didn't know that they were quasi closed. Thanks to SL, those vents are open more than a Dennys).

Wiggy has been working on getting better all week - he's still weak at times, still chasing the cat but he is getting better by the day. I've been keeping an eye on him all week. Even Shadow has been worried checking on him.

I'm happy to say that his personality has returned and, yes, school can't come quick enough. Last night he stared me down and let one go on the rug because I didn't take him out with SL and I when we went to Friendlys. Somehow I just need to remember that I almost lost him and be thankful that he's got a little feistiness in him - even if he does continue to chase Shadow only to give her kisses.

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

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Sunday, June 21, 2009

Wiggs Update and Why I Will NEVER Kennel Him At Preppy Pet Again...

I'm a bit perturbed - let me rephrase - I'm SERIOUSLY perturbed. Wiggs is not the most graceful pug but, if anything, he's pretty damn healthy for a pug.

Until this week. When I got home from Philly, I picked him up from his kennel, Preppy Pet Suites in Longwood. I spoke to them last Saturday and they assured me he was just fine. When I picked him up, Mandy made the remark that he was "quite rambunctious". Fine - I understand that he's quite the pain in the ass and I was fine with it. He got home and I checked his bag to only find that most of his food was still in there. What the hell did they feed my dog? I mean, if I'm paying $160 for the pug to stay there, dammit, they will keep his diet as is. I tend to research what is fed to him after many food dramas and he's on a steady diet (sans the TooJays but that's occasionally). They took it upon themselves to feed him Cesars which is something that is on "clearance" at the supermarkets here and I don't know what the hell is in it. Their reasoning "He wouldn't eat his Chef Michaels" Sure he wouldn't - he's conning you for people food. If you leave it - he eats it. They could have told me this on Saturday and I would have advised them as such - not just "Oh he's just fine and behaving!" I had words with them and also asked that they please send me his collar which they neglected to put with his things (Note to Dana - I'm STILL waiting for it - please send it ASAP!). I was annoyed but not fully ready to break up with them yet.

Fast forward to yesterday - the heat index is unbearable - mostly it's 98 but with a heat index of 108-110. As Lesli can assure y'all, pugs and extreme heat is NOT good. So, I tend to keep him indoors. I'm still going through hell with the air conditioning drama here at the apartment (*ahem* Yo apartment management, perhaps we need a new compressor - stop putting a bandaid on a gaping wound, 'k??). However, he has a fan, steady supply of ice cubes and his new platinum fountain of chilled water. He's good. However his panting and hacking and wheezing had me wondering yesterday what the hell was wrong with him. He was up every hour on the hour moving across the bed to find a comfy spot. I even put in those "ice bricks" that you use with coolers under the sheets so he could lay on top of them. Still he was far from comfy and started dry heaving. Basically, it was a restless night for both of us and the cat who kept coming in the room to check on him.

This morning, I figured enough is enough and called his vet who, thankfully, is open 7 days a week (Altamonte Animal Clinic and Dr. Hart and Dr. Schnars seriously rock!) Jennifer, hearing the panic in my voice, told me that they would see him early this afternoon. First, I learned that he lost .7 lbs at the kennel - not good. In addition, after Dr. Schnars examined him, not only does he have a fever, but also a nasty case of kennel cough. $130 later from this appointment and I'm sure it will be more $$$ in 2 weeks at his follow up and my savings account is going "SERIOUSLY WHAT THE @@*#*@!" However, they take the best care of Wiggs and I'm thankful that they could fit him in today and catch it in time. They even advised that I present the bill to Preppy Pet for reimbursement but that just would never happen.

Preppy Pet, however, and I will NOT be friends and I think it's time that I have a bit of a come to Jesus session with them besides telling them that I will no longer utilize their services nor recommend them to anyone - ever! I entrusted them with my pug and this just is unacceptable. While I know that kennel cough can happen, it shouldn't have been this severe.

On a sidenote: what's funny is the look on the tech's face when I told her that Wiggs was at Preppy Pet. Granted he was there for 6 days but apparently it was 6 days too long and you know that face like that gal made to Carrie in Sex & The City when she brought up Aidan - yeah, that face was the tech's face at mention of Preppy Pet. Perhaps I'm not the only person that will be breaking up with them in the near future.

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Posted by Lys :: 3:52 PM :: 4 comments

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Monday, June 15, 2009

Forgive Me Internets For I Have Sinned...

It's been days since my last blog post.

So, yeah, you all are sick of hearing me say "Life is getting in the way" but, quite frankly, I'm going to keep saying it.  Lots of fodder over the weekend jaunt to Philadelphia but I really don't know where to begin.  So, since I have the day off to pick up Mr.Wiggles from his extended posh puggy vacay, I will have to upload photos with the appropriate snarky remark and hope that it translates.

Also, I have to say this to the Boston fans in the back of the house - send me to a Phillies game to cheer on my team and my team will spank the Red Sox every.time.  So now I have a new tradition - that being to watch my team in person beat my family and friends' favorite team into the ground.  Yeah I know - tres thrilling.  See, haven't you missed me?

Also, I have so much thinking to do after this trip - opportunity is just around the corner - it's a question of wrapping my head around the ideas and running with it - not just pulling my standard m.o. - that being ostrich + head + sand = Lys' usual way of dealing with crap.

Thankfully, SL took care of little Ms. Shadow but I think she'll be happy to hear her momma come home - at least for a day.  The Pug - that sucker better sing for me when he sees me.  I missed the two furballs.  I even called his little "daycare" spot to see if he's been behaving.  They told me he's been an angel - I think they are lying.  This dog kicked sand all over a blind girl doggie during his last stay - angel my butt.  This is Wiggs we're talking about.  He and I have had such a rough go of it lately where I was doubting my patience level or if he even cares to stay with me or move onto a new home.  He tends to last a few months and then get rambunctious and he's been misbehaving so much lately that I feel like he's a two year old and needs constant attention.  Perhaps its due to his history - or not.  Either way, he needs to learn "quiet/peace/calm the *@*!!* down"  As I told Rifleman, giving him up is not an option - he's with me for a good 10 years or so and somehow Wiggs and I have to pull a Tim Gunn and "Make It Work". 

Here's a story for you - Shadow's been getting him worked up.  He sees her and he wants to chase. When he's calm, he doesn't chase.  Well, her way of getting him in trouble - appearing the doorway of the bedroom, making noise, staring him down as he's laying on the bed and *boom* he's off and running. Often this happens at 3/4 in the morning necessitating me to get up and go get him and put him back on the bed only for her to wait 30 min. and do it again.  He also runs around the bed like "Momma get up!  Shadow play!" and one morning it was so hot, he got so excited and he threw up ON MY FACE!

No, you read that right - my face, my pillow - everything.  He just let one loose - Exorcist style.  Who was the culprit - the cat for getting him worked up and him for downing vats of water.  So I hope she finds a way to live with him because me and my pillow were at wits end.

Also, before I left I had to get a new water dish - in Florida, <del> Oversize Cockroaches</del> <del> palmettos </del> waterbugs *snort*  tend to love the dishes and I found 4 of those suckers in the internal housing of the animals $70 platinum fountain having a party on the carbon filter.  That fountain went in the trash so quickly I was done.  My dad wanted to know if I could salvage - no, I'm sorry - I'm not going to have my animals drinking out of a porous plastic "fountain" that has been doused in bleach.  So I went off to PetSmart before I left to pick up some "Vegas" style fountain for the cat - and let me tell you that putting it together almost killed me. You need a master's degree to put that crap together.   For the price I paid, not only should it have been pre-assembled, but also should have come with a cocktail (or three) Couple that with no sleep and I was one cranky ***** on the flight down.  Now that I'm heading  back to Orlando, I'm quasi-relaxed and ready for the week ahead.

Well, at least after I finish this Baileys - I clearly didn't drink enough on this trip.

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Posted by Lys :: 11:31 PM :: 2 comments

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Sunday, June 14, 2009

Putting It Into Perspective... Or In The Alternative, Why Some People Better Step Back...

I'm pretty hush on the boy detail here and there's a reason - mainly I don't like to put people on blast. However, I saw something this evening that had me rollin' my eyes - mostly because I don't buy into girlie bullshit.

This is my opinion - If a guy is dating someone - he's DATING. There is no implied exclusivity unless it's fully discussed. Perhaps it's because I think like a guy but if I'm dating someone or hangin' around with someone, there is no "one and only one" unless it's discussed and cards are on the table. It is what it is. I also would never put my whole heart on my sleeve for all of MySpace, Twitter and Facebook to read. I also don't assume crap either.

Now there is a friend of mine who I do like to hang out with from time to time. He likes to hit me with the "I Miss You" and "Love You" and blah blah bullshit. My response, "Backatcha" because while I care for the cat, I don't know him well enough yet. Now, should he have plied me with tequila one night, I might have slipped but that was totally the Patron effect - nothing to be taken to heart for future use.

Now I know he dates like a rampant fool. However, there's a gal who he's been seen with quite a bit, but she's not the only one. I even joked with him about it because, quite frankly, thanks to Facebook, I can't keep track of his lovelife. Its amusing (or at least to me). Her, well, let's just say before she even started hanging out with him, she was giving me the death glares. I don't have time for that crap. I also don't have time for her "friends" to be giving me the side eye when I'm hanging out at a favorite spot with some others. Leave that sorority shit at the door. She's one of those girls that I probably would make cry after one of my "Come to Jesus" sessions. Seriously, what the hell are people thinking - or, perhaps, I just got too old for the drama. Now if Meowmix was with me, well she'd really have a ball and there would have been some words. Let's just say that August will be rather interesting...

NEXT!

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Posted by Lys :: 12:35 AM :: 0 comments

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