Unbelievable

Why Itchy? Why?

We had a deal. We were eating too many sweets. We decided to cut way back on them. You promised that you wouldn't eat the crap at the bake sales*. Unless they had broccoli. We agreed that you could eat as much broccoli as you wanted. So why did you have a brownie today? More importantly, why didn't you bring one home for me? I mean really, if you were going to cheat than I should have at least had the option. Isn't that common knowledge at this point? In case you didn't know, I have a sweet tooth. I crave chocolate all the time. It isn't cool when you come home and tell me that you had a brownie. It's worse when you keep making excuses. I don't care if it was free. I doubt that "it wasn't that good". Just bring home half of the god damn thing!

Oh and we had plans for Saturday. Don't tell me that we can spend the day at the beach if what you mean is that you need to check with your football team first. I don't care if you have practice. You guys need to practice. You agreed to go to practice at 4:30, not 3:00. Leaving the beach at 2:00 is a lot different than leaving at 3:30. That's an hour and a half of beachy fun. And since we probably won't leave for the beach until at least 11, that hour and a half totally counts. You made plans with me first. So what if you told everyone that if they don't show up they shouldn't get to play. Do you really think that anyone else thinks that? Or would actually enforce that? They didn't even take Droppy McDropstheball out of the last game. I know you don't have control over what other people do. I understand that it was a voting situation. Here's the thing, you could have said 7 simple words. "I can not be there until 4". You have control over what YOU do. Football doesn't have to come first.

Of course, if it's raining on Saturday it won't even matter. Let's hope it rains. It'll just be easier. You won't have to check your phone every 20 minutes to see if it's time to leave. You won't have to pretend that you aren't thinking solely about football.

You fail at promises Itchy. Double fail.

*Itchy's school has an unbelievable amount of bake sales. They have 2,385,344 different clubs and whatnot. They all have bake sales to raise money. It's a bit ridiculous.

As the world turns

I feel like I've been busy. I haven't. But it certainly feels that way. I think it's because I'm going to the gym more, football season started up again, and that I am cooking real meals again.

Going to the gym takes up a lot of time. It is not just the hour and a half that we are AT the gym. It's the 20 minutes to get ready, the 10 minutes to drive there and back, and the showering/redressing afterwards. Not to mention the time it takes to do all of the laundry that going to the gym produces.

Football may only be on Sundays but man, it feels like it takes up the whole day. We have to get there early to set up, we stay for all the games, and then I pick up garbage after the games. I still can't believe that people leave behind that much stuff. I fill 2 or 3 garbage bags every week with water bottles. Water bottles that were not there when we got there. We set up the fields. I tend to notice the garbage laying around when we set up. There isn't much. I mean, locals use that field and they do leave behind their share of water bottles and shoes (or parts of shoes). It irritates me that people leave behind that much stuff. I pick it up every week because it's the right thing to do. Sorry about the tangent. Anyway, once we get home we shower and eat. Then it's time to update the football website.

It was Itchy's idea to start a website. I started a blog for him to give him ideas. It's not what he wanted but he's using it. I've done most of the design aspects. It feels like I've been cheating on this blog. Sorry blog.

The cooking thing has taken up a lot of time. I plan all of our meals. I have a 4 week rotation with foods the we like, can get ingredients for, and can afford to eat on a regular basis (obviously, things like steak and lobster are not on this rotation). It takes a lot of time. Once it's done I'm glad I did it but during the process it just seems like a giant pain in the ass. The actual cooking is no problem. Sure it takes longer than the 'already prepared' meals we had been eating (during the 6 weeks we had no cooking gas) but I think it's worth it. But it does take more time. And it creates more dishes. Which I have to wash. Which takes more time away from making seashell necklaces.

On a more fun note, I've got the camera back so I can get some of the pictures I need for future posts. Just have to quit being lazy and get the pictures taken.

Wii

I've been reading about the new Wii Fit game. There seems to be quite the demand. Of course, this is just internet buzz. I personally don't know that many people with a Wii. But according to the internet, a lot of people are going to lose weight with their brand new Wii Fit game.

I've seen the graphics for other Wii games and was curious to see if this was all cartoon like as well. It is. It would be better if the character was Mario. He's a fat guy. He could stand to lose some weight. Hell, even Princess Peach has huge hips. She should be a character. It would make the game more fun.

I don't know if it'll actually help people though. It seems like you barely move. I mean, you have to stay on the platform for almost everything. That really limits your range of motion. I guess it would help your balance. It has a yoga section which I suppose could be helpful. I'm just a skeptic though. That's probably because I work my ass off and well, my ass is still huge. How can running, biking, elipiticalling, and lifting weights not work? But stand on a white platform trying to balance on one foot and poof, there goes 10 pounds?

While I was looking for more info, I came across this video. It's pretty funny.

One more update

We have cooking gas again! And it only took two months. I can boil water again! This makes me happy.

It turns out that our old neighbors were completely wrong. We asked them where we go to order cooking gas. They told us, and I quote, "The red and white building across from the hospital. It's not a gas station, just a building. It's kind of by the Shell station, but it's definitely not Shell." End quote.

Except that the only 2 buildings across from the hospital ARE gas stations. The red and white one is Texaco. The one next to it is Shell.

We just figured that she was remembering things wrong. For pete's sake, she said that it was the red and white building across from the hospital, so she must mean the Texaco, right? Right? Well, Itchy kept going there. They were always out of cooking gas. There was no waiting list. You just have to keep checking. Finally, Itchy grew tired of this (and my bitching about it). He asked our landlady if she could help. She asked where he had been going. He told her the Texaco across from the hospital. She told him that he needs to go to the SHELL GAS STATION.

Seriously? It's definitely not the Shell? What the hell? Did you mean to say that it WAS definitely the Shell station? Or did you not want us to have cooking gas?

Either way, I'm boiling water just for the hell of it.

ETA: Our landlady even made fun of the locals. She said that the people working at the Texaco could have just been a *little* helpful and told Itchy where to go. She didn't understand why they couldn't be just say something. It was funny to hear a local complain the locals.

Update on the workout

I started it yesterday (because Monday is a good day to start new things). I'm still doing it. That is all.

What a waste!

I'm wasting an airline ticket tomorrow! Yeah for hundreds of dollars being just thrown away! I wish I could do it more often. Maybe I will. I'll just keep booking flights and then not taking them. yes, this sounds like a fine idea.

See, I have a flight booked for May 21st (tomorrow). I can't actually leave tomorrow since I'm leaving in July. I called to get my ticket changed but American Airlines sucks. Apparently, the ticket is only good until October. I need it in April 2009. It's nonrefundable and nontransferable. I get nothing for canceling it. It'll cost at least $400 to make any changes (fares have gone up).

I have a flight booked in July. I thought about changing tomorrow's flight to July, the ticket in July to April, and then getting the correct date for the return ticket in August. But if it's $400 for one ticket change, than it'll probably be over $1200 for three tickets. For $1200, I can just book a brand new flight. Which is what I will be doing. Bastards.

Of course, I can't even talk to anyone from American Airlines. The number to call if you are calling from the West Indies does NOT work. Any other number requires a credit card because they are not toll free unless you are calling from that location. Umm, international call rates (that they don't specify) are not a cheap. So no, you can't have my credit card number. How about you get a number that IS toll free for your loyal customers stuck in the West Indies. Oh and stop answering my emails with an email that I need to call you. I CAN'T! That's the whole point. Can you stop being idiots and do something helpful? Please?

In addition to this crap, I still haven't heard anything about my VISA renewal. The oh so unhelpful people taking care of that should have gotten back to me by now. The stupid thing expires next week. I turned it in on time. So what's the hold up?

Famous People

Itchy and I spent the afternoon at the beach. I did *not* get sunburned. New sunscreen +hat +t-shirt = no sunburn. So that was a nice change. Itchy had perhaps one or two too many drinks. He fell asleep at 8 pm (just after we got home). I had to stay up and do laundry (it's nearly 1 am now). Boo to laundry. There were many, many people at the beach. It was a school event (fund raising for a scuba/diving club) so it was mostly students. A few tourists to stare at us (our island lifestyle is different-we have much lower standards) and a few locals to laugh at us.

At one point, a catamaran pulled up to the beach. Word spread quickly. Eli Manning was on that boat. His older, funnier, and more talented brother Payton may have also been on the boat. We were close enough to it to see people. I totally saw Eli. That's pretty damn cool. I mean, I hate the Giants, but it's still fun. They left when a crowd formed. They did come back and get off the boat a few hours later though. We were leaving so we didn't go try to meet him or anything. Really though, the guy is on vacation. He should be able to relax without people bugging him. We probably would have left him alone anyway.

He's not my first famous person. I once ran into Tori Amos. Literally. I was late for my Geology class. I was running to get there on time (I actually *loved* that class) and she was performing on campus (later that day, not actually performing when I ran into her). I took a shortcut and ran.right.into.her. Oops. I almost knocked her over. I apologized, she laughed it off, and I continued to run to class. Once I got into class I realized who I had just run into. I wasn't a huge fan or anything, but it's still a funny story. I've also seen Justin Timberlake in an airport. Not a great story though. He was walking. I was sitting. He walked by, people stared, and then I realized who he was. I'm not a fan so I didn't really care. Of course, living in a city (before the island) with all sorts of professional sports teams, I've seen a few of them but couldn't tell you who they were. Just that they were famous. So no big name players. There may have been others. I'm not the type to *recognize* people. What are your famous people stories?

Holy Neglectareno!

Ok, I don't know how to spell neglectareno. Just sound it out folks, just sound it out. I've been neglecting the blog. I've got things I want to write about and things I've already written (saved, but not published) that are waiting for final touches. What? Final touches? Yes, people I actually do edit most of this stuff. Sometimes, not always.

Just watching The Office right now... Sorry, I'm typing at commercial breaks. This show is my favorite. I love it. One of the Best Shows Ever. Did NOT see that coming. Holy crap.

Random thought here, hoping someone has an answer. You know that "joke" that starts with Why did the chicken cross the road? The punchline is different every time but it's never really funny. I was at the gym today and watched a chicken and a chick cross the road (a very busy one, it's was actually the Main Road) and it got me thinking. Where did that joke originate? Was there an actual punchline that was funny? Did some former president have a pet chicken and the country made a joke about it? Is it because of someplace like KFC? The chicken crossed the
road to get away from the Colonel? I just don't really see the appeal of the joke. And everyone has heard some version of it. So what are your thoughts?

Enough of that. Football starts on Sunday. Itchy got me a team shirt. It has his name on the back. Since he's my favorite player on the team. Really in the league. This should be Itchy's last semester as commissioner. I have my doubts though. I can see him wanting to do it next semester as well.

I've also recommitted to the whole losing weight/working out crap. We just renewed our memberships, so I think that's why. Whatever. I looked up a new workout. This is will be in addition to the "trying to run" program. We've also eliminated our nightly desserts. We got into this habit of eating dessert almost everyday. Nothing fancy, just stuff like rice crispie bars or brownies. But that's done. No more. Itchy was all ready to cut out cheese as well. No way Mister. I told him that if we cut out cheese, we would be cutting out all dairy and red meat. I mean, if he wants to be drastic, let's be really drastic.

I've got a game in mind for next week, but it'll require you lazy bastards to post comments. I'm not sure if we'll play or not.

Monday syndrome strikes again

For pete's sake. What the hell is up with Monday? I feel like I should have just stayed in bed today. The whole day has just been frustrating. Actually, it's been the whole last week. This is going to be a long, vent-filled post.

Let's start with last Tuesday. Itchy and I went out to eat with a group of friends. Not a huge group, but it did break our rule about eating out with a group of more than 4. We always get screwed over. Apparently, it's not cool to get separate checks. And if some of them had their way, we would have just split the bill evenly at the end. Great, so I get to chip in for their wine, steaks, and desserts while I sit there eating cold chicken, drinking water (which I couldn't get a refill of to save my life), and wishing I wasn't such a fat ass so that I could have dessert too. Now this time, they didn't even suggest that, so maybe they know that it's not really fair. Itchy and I only had to pay for our meals but the extra tax from their pricey meals, drinks, and desserts was still split up evenly amongst us. It's not a huge deal, but I'd really rather not pay extra. Just give me a separate bill. That's all I'm asking for.

Either way, the service was shitty. My Asian chicken was served room temperature. At first I thought it was suppose to be served cold, but it wasn't cold. It wasn't hot either. It was the precise temperature of food that has sat on the counter for the last 45 minutes. No one would refill my water glass either. The people we were with were getting on my nerves as well. They bitched about everything, but if Itchy or I said anything (room temperature chicken, no water, etc) they jumped on us saying that the only restaurant that we like is "Lori's cooking". Yeah, I can cook. Nope, I'm not inviting any of them over.

Wednesday we need to run to the grocery store. We have little to no food. Itchy goes to get his credit card. He can't find it. We look everywhere. Can't find it. Spend the next four hours looking for it. Still can't find it. This after Itchy has hundreds of dollars stolen from him during his flight back to the island not even a week ago. Money that was suppose to be for me to take back with me during my vacation, so that I could actually do stuff. Now we have a missing credit card. And having to deal with telling Itchy's parents he lost yet another credit card (4th one in 4 years). It's crap.

Then we had the Semester Olympics this weekend. It's suppose to be fun. Soccer on Thursday, football on Friday, Ultimate Frisbee on Saturday, and then Volleyball on Sunday. I got bit up like crazy by fire ants at soccer (Itchy's team got 3rd place). Itchy's team lost badly on Friday in the first round, so the rest of the night was blah. But some of the other teams were bitching about EVERY SINGLE call made by the refs, so I was annoyed by that. I just don't understand why people can't just act like adults. Shut up and let the refs do the refereeing.

Then on Saturday, Itchy's team did really well (3rd again) so we were outside all day. I got freaking sunburned again. But with a UV rating of 12 out of 16, I guess it's no surprise. I'm immune to sunscreen at this point. It sucks. No poisoning this time though, so that's good. But still, ouchy sunburns aren't fun. On Saturday night we are suppose to go to a BBQ (with the people we went out to eat with). But we are tired, burnt, and starving. I just want to veg out as does Itchy. He calls them and tells them we will stop by later but we need to veg out first. I also have a feeling that this BBQ is going to cost us money that I'd rather not spend, so eating at home is for the best. Well, we go to the BBQ later and everyone leaves as we get there. Whatever. We stay and watch a movie with Shots and the Most Annoying Person (we'll call him map). We are told that the people hosting this BBQ spent a thousand dollars on the food and alcohol. Everyone was suppose to chip in to cover this cost. Since we ate at home, we are NOT chipping in. But OMG, who does that? They could at least tell us up front that we'd be expected to pay $60 a person. And maybe ask what we would like. Sorry, but Itchy and I are picky eaters. We try to eat healthy. So those hot dogs, mayo based macaroni salad, fruit covered in stuff, and bags of chips aren't exactly what we want to pay $60 (each) on. I know we'll hear about it. They planned on us being there, the price was based on us being there, we got that for you, etc. Give me break. Not all of us have that much to spend on ONE meal. Why did you spend that much in the first place? How about next time you just tell people what to bring? Whatever. The movie would have been better if Map hadn't been there. He just gets on my nerves. Every time he talks I shudder. It's like jabbing knives in my ears. Also, he breathes really loudly. So even when he isn't talking, I can hear his breathing.

Let's see, that brings us to Sunday. We are obligated to go to Volleyball. Itchy doesn't play, but since class participation counts we have to go. I woke up Sunday morning with a very swollen face. From what you ask. I have no idea. Tylenol didn't help, Benedryl didn't help, ice didn't help. It took actual effort to keep my right eye open. That along with the sunburn made me feel like crap. We left early. Itchy's semester got 1st place though.

Then today happened. I got to sleep in which was good. I've been really tired lately. After I got up, I started laundry. Then I had to go deal with my VISA extension. It's such a pain in the ass. I hate dealing with it. It makes me hate this island and the people here so much. I had to print out my itinerary for my upcoming trip. That's when I realized that there was a mistake. My return trip is scheduled for 2 days after my flight there. It's suppose to be 2 WEEKS after. Ugh, now there are fees involved to fix it. Then having to fill out the extension forms and having the most unhelpful idiots telling me what to do. Last time they wanted us to fill out stuff with these standard responses. We weren't suppose to use our own answers. This time she got all pissy that I asked what the government was looking for as the correct answer. It's all such a mess. And because they didn't keep my passport, I have to go back next week.

Got home from that to do more laundry. The landlady's kid steals the dryer from me so it's taking twice as long as it should. He's in such a hurry to get his laundry done that he dumps my stuff out (mostly dry) to get his in there. Fine. Whatever. But really, you know I have stuff in the washer (the lid was open- so unless the machine did that, it was him), so could you at least get your stuff when it's done. Nope. I had to get their clothes out of the dryer, fold them (they don't leave a laundry basket in there), so that I could get my stuff dry.

So that's how my week has gone. It's been a very expensive week. I'm ready for it to be over. I need our luck to change.

So many things

Well, my Itchy is back! It sounds like his vacation was fun, but he spent too much time with his parents. His dad to be exact. His dad is filled with all sorts of crazy. He just can't contain it. He spreads the crazy around. I think there are some wonderful medications that could help him. OR we should ship him off to another country. Either way, Itchy is back. And that makes me very happy. The kittens are happy too.

He brought presents for all of us. The cat's toys have officially taken over the living room. Pictures will come later (once we get the camera back). It's actually really fun.

I got some new workout clothes, delicious chocolates (sounds counterproductive, but I'm rationing them so it's ok), some new kitchen tools, and a new Nintendo game (haven't played it yet, but it looked super fun). And books! He brought me books. I love to read and am addicted to a certain series, so the books are awesome. Yay for presents! Double yay for Itchy being home.

And our financial woes are better. We gotz the monies again. Not like we can go crazy but we can go buy cooking gas now. We only had to stand in line for 2 hours to get the check cashed, but the origami that Itchy made the time fly by. Almost.

Also, a little shout out to my mom. It's her birthday today. Happy Birthday MOM! I love ya.

Please excuse the typos

I've apparently had a stroke of some sort. My hands will not do what my brain is asking them to do. Perhaps they are just upset with one another? I'm not sure, but this whole dropping everything is getting old. Today while doing laundry, I dropped the laundry basket.

Now, dropping the laundry basket isn't that big of a deal. Usually. But I dropped it outside. Our yard is not clean. There are EIGHT dogs in our back yard. That have no manners at all. They are dirty. Let's just say that it isn't the kind of backyard that you'd go barefoot in. You know, unless you want to catch a disease.

As if dropping the laundry basket in the gross backyard wasn't bad enough, it was full of laundry. Clean laundry. The damn thing couldn't land right side up either. Ugh. I was thisclose to crying. My clean clothes were all over the back patio. The dogs were touching them. One of the dogs ran off with my sock. Bastard dogs. I really don't like laundry to begin with so having to redo laundry really ticked me off.

I think laundry is my least favorite chore. No, you know what, it is my least favorite. It's just so unrewarding. Cooking is obvious, you get to eat. Cleaning, well, a nice clean apartment makes me happy. But laundry, no thanks. There's always more. It's never ending.

I keep telling myself that once Itchy and I live in a real place (as opposed to this imaginary island, right?) that we will have our own washer and dryer. Maybe even a clothes line. Laundry will be easier when we have our own washer and dryer. I won't have to wait until the neighbors are done. There won't be a pack of dogs trying to steal my socks.

If it's up to Itchy, we'll probably have our very own laundromat.

Things I've dropped today, in addition to the laundry of course, include:

• full nalgene bottle (32 oz of water makes a decent sized puddle)
• shampoo bottle
• toothbrush
• car keys
• remote control
  
• my breakfast (bagel, ate it anyway)
• ponytail holder
• the cat's flea medication
• cat treats

and ...






wait for it...

• a full nalgene bottle (for the second freaking time today)!

So if there are typos, just let it go. My hands obviously don't work today.