Victory

I have made it through an entire week of school. And thank goodness Spring Break is next week. Wouldn't want to do that more than twice in a row. Also, I have written my first (and unfortunately not last) short story. What would I do without Grandma for material?

I have no other updates or pictures. It's been cold and rainy. I'm convinced I almost blew over the side of the bridge driving to work today. No one else around me seemed to be battling the monumental gusts that were blowing me in and out of everyone else's lanes. Boy was I stressed out when I got to Mt. P. That was a high pressure situation. No pun intended.

Anyways. What will you do for spring break you ask? Well I'm not sure. I let it slip to Val about my vacation time and now I work everyday that week! Except Monday. I don't really mind though. I'm more excited to not have to do homework for a week. This has been a homework intensive semester. But I do need to take Ari on an adventure.

Did I tell you she's moving to New Orleans in May? I know and yes. I'm heartbroken. I encouraged this outrageous behavior a few months ago when it was but a wee idea in her kooky mind. You see, Ari also thrives on adventure. And she never wanted to stay in Charleston. Upon watching her slug through each day I said, "Ari! You need an adventure!" I need one too but you see, as long as I'm serving time, I can't really leave the state. I said, "Move somewhere exciting and take a great job."

I'm not used to people taking my advice. Usually I'm scoffed at, mocked, or physically harmed (in cases involving Ellen). But she listened. AND I TAKE IT BACK!!!!! You don't need adventure! You don't need a job that makes you happy! You need me!!!!! Ok ok I need you but still. But still Ari!!! Needless to say, Ari has created an adventure list of things we must cross off before she leaves. Thus, my spring break...and the upcoming months of Spring weather.

That was a little ramble I went on there wasn't it? This is what happens when I feel pressure to entertain you people. "Not enough posts this month Laura." I've been muttering to myself. If you notice, to the right there is an unnerving little chart/list of the number of posts per month per year. Last year my goal was to do at least 8 a month and if more, an even number of 'em. This year I was simply aiming for an even number above 6. Oh the complicated games I play with myself.

And with that I will leave you with one of my favorite pieces of art. Ever heard of Banksy?

Distractions n' Things

I have not done good with my updates this month. Of course I blame busy-ness; school. work. schoolwork. But I also haven't been taking pictures or adventures of any kind. Tis a dull time of year in the adventure department. I am currently being forced to write a short story to present to my class on Thursday. This is immensely daunting to me and I am very much opposed to and unamused by it. I have chosen to make Grandma's incessant matchmaking the subject of my tale and of course I've had to add a number of extra details so that it is technically "fiction". I will be very happy when it's over. This weekend in particular is one of homework and dreary weather. I have a painting, a drawing, and a story due this week. As well as my weekly short story reviews due on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. I am attempting to do all of this over my weekend time on account of having some kind of social distraction upcoming every night this week. I just don't have time for homework.

I have terrible spring fever and can't wait for long humid days in shorts and flip-flops. I have a craving for beach time, kayaking, and watermelon. Ohh those are the days....

Well Well

I found this picture from our pluff mud days! Oh how this gives me spring fever!

I also found this one of my SCAD buddies that just puts me in stitches every time.

Those are off topic.

I just noticed I've hardly done any posts this month. It's been a rushed month if you ask me. Which means it's about time for me to start complaining about a lack of free time. I don't have any free time!!

I do like my new place of employment though. My boss Val, is super laid-back and easy going. I hit the jackpot with this lady. I've enjoyed learning about the furniture and decorative bee-bob world and have now taken it upon myself to beat my own instated sales goals. My old man is quite the salesman you know. I wanna see if I have it in me. This past Saturday I went and worked for ole Boone Hall at the Southeastern Wildlife Festival. I was standing around smiling, answering farm questions, and giving out jelly samples. Did I ever tell you the farm makes jelly? It was outside in Marion Square and boy was it cold. I was immensely unamused and in denial for most of it.

As for school news, I have yet to complete an entire week of classes. I keep skipping. Or my profs cancel. Think. It's senoiritis mixed with lauraitis. This semester didn't stand a chance. I'm very interested in seeing if I can make it through the whole semester without ever going to every class but I have chosen against it out of fear of my impending Registrar letter that will tell me I can't graduate. I still haven't heard from them. Maybe it's a good thing? Also I am really struggling in my writing class. How can that be? you ask. With such riveting entertainment provided here, surely you can write a story or two? Well you would think. But I CAN'T. I can't. While I am enjoying the class, I have learned that there is a very distinct difference between story telling and story making. I'm no maker. I have to present a short story to my class next thursday and boy do I have nothing.

In Ellen news, she has completed her course in basic Real Estate and had her first day working for the man yesterday. I mean Dad by the man. Not The Man. Although him too. She seems tickled by it for now but we shall see. In more important Ellen news, she is now an official first time homeowner. She "bought" a little place in the neighborhood across from the Pig. She's very excited about it. She's rendering me homeless.

Speaking of which, a family has moved in next door and because their cars never move, Mom has decided that they are starting a meth lab. She insists the stationery vehicles are a sign of this somehow.

Pleased to Meet Ya :04

Describe yourself in a single sentence.
     -I'm a mere prince among peasants. 

What your biggest pet peeve?
     -People that talk about something they know nothing about.

If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive...
     -George Washington- cause I want to find out if he really did cut down that tree.

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
     -President of the United States

What profession would you not like to do?
     -Any desk job.

If you could go back in time and meet yourself as a high school kid, what advice would you give yourself?
     -Don't toilet paper the principle's house...egg it!

What would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
     -Welcome Sir

What do you love most about your Charleston family?
     -I feel welcome.

Something you learned about yourself in the last year...
     -I'm very patient.

Laura: I am immensely pleased to have Chris as Ellen's all-conquering suitor. I also very much enjoy having someone else around to help me sling zingers at Ellen. It's not often I come across someone who I simply can't nickname but Chris here has me stumped. I settled for "shambles" a few weeks ago when Chris became over enthusiastic about a game of Shanghai and shattered our tiny red drinking glass. He's too mysterious for nicknames.

Ellen: He won't tell you, but he's trilingual and has a number of degrees. He's a secret softy and is very excitable when it come to Christmas decor. I've seen him skipping through the aisles during the after Christmas sale.

The Girlfriends Parents: Chris is very thoughtful and kind of soft-spoken but he's also very competitive. A competitive Patriots fan to be precise. We enjoy his pleasant attitude and his miraculous ability to coexist with Ellen. Anyone who can keep her in line...

Folly Gras

Saturday was ye old Folly Beach Mardi Gras celebration. Folly Gras.

Being a proud half-NOLA gal, Ari decked herself out in full costume, from the feather mobile atop her head down to her gold trimmed, white marching band boots with tassels. She insisted I join her in this endeavor but as you'll see, I refused. I've never been a costume person. I prefer to blend in and go unnoticed. But I did in fact wear gobs of colored beads which I proudly handed out to other bashful types, insisting the flashiness factor was ok, just this once. One step at a time Ari.

We headed out there at 1:30 for the parade and we ran into a bunch of friends and various acquaintances, including our musical friend Julie and her roving band of harmonious roommates. The place was packed! My four minute ride to the beach took a whopping thirty-five minutes as cars were bumper to bumper the entire way. We had a most excellent time and didn't end up coming home until 4:30 the next morning. That was accidental. But you know, you have to do these things when you are but a baby with a wealth of time on your side. 

I also ran into my buddy Dan from Australia. What are the odds? Notice the blue blob of sugar in front of us. He was very excited about the "fairy floss" which he kept saying over and over. "I'm going to go get some fairy floss. You want some?" "Fairy floss?" I thought. Is that a drug? Has Dan started doing drugs? Turns out thats just what them Aussie folks call cotton candy.

The late-night instigators here were all of our Surf Bar guys who got off work at 6:00 just in time for dinner. And you know, it's important to eat a good dinner. And you know we had to spend time talking and dancing with them afterwards. And of course you have to take them up on their offer to go home and build a large bon fire (something I found out, is illegal on Folly Beach).

In Ari's mind, this weekend was a warm-up for the real Mardi Gras on Tuesday. I've got news for her. 

Chic Antique

That is the only time you will ever see me use the word "chic". Ehh I hate that word. It's so girlish and condescending. "My, she looks chic!" Yuck!
It seems I have once again found myself "employed". Yes, I was looking for work and yes, I am pleased to now have the ability to further the growth of my savings, and yes, I am also tickled to work with the luxury of central heating and air. But really, I'm not tickled to work. I've enjoyed slumping for two months. You know, I've had a job since I was sixteen. Yeah yeah, I know, back in the day kids starting working in elementary school blah blah I got it. But I'm just saying. As a snobby spoiled kid I didn't HAVE to work. I CHOSE to. And I have dutifully done so since!

I am the newest (and only) employee of a little home decor boutique in Mt. Pleasant.

I thought, "Well this seems nice. I love decorative bee-bobs as much as the next gal. I'll do it." And so I showed up for a spontaneous interview and wowed the owner with my Valley Girl impression and prompt call-returning skills. What I did not expect was the layout of the store and it's surroundings. 

There is a burger joint to the right, a men's gym to the left, a salon upstairs, and of course a Bait n' Tackle shop on the other side of the gym. What's odd about that you ask? Well, they are all connected on the inside. Like one giant room. Like a Wal-mart. There was the distinct smell of sweet potato fries. Oversized, sweaty men came traipsing through porcelain displays, past the white sofas and turquoise throw pillows. An old lady in yellow appeared behind a heavy green door, her hair in perfect curls. There was a small child learning vocabulary. Someone named Homer shouted goodbyes to my interviewer who had to get up a number of times, once because a kid from the burger joint locked himself outside. It was madness. It was thrilling. I took the job. 

In other job taking news, Ellen had her first day of Realty School and was reminded just how much "college sucked". See. She was a bit snippy upon her return and quite unamused at the thought of going back tomorrow, alas once she was fed she felt better. 

Grandma has found me a new suitor- one she keeps telling me "will inherit millions." She continuously asks me to show up at his work to "have a look at him" and see what I think. I refuse. A few days ago she left me a stern voicemail insisting I go meet him as a favor to her because that's God's will. Then she reminded me..."millions..." Who knew Granny was a gold-digger?

Mom and Dad continue their usual routines. Dad has had less work to do lately and therefore has been staring at Mom and slapping his children. Mom simply glares at him, in-between bouts of cleaning and deciding which walls we should knock out to let in more sunlight.

And Buddy Boy is back to his old self. We still don't know what happened. Dumb dog.