Monthly Archives: May 2009

The One Where California & New York are Countries

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Since Irish and I have been dating we have been to approximately six or seven weddings and receptions.

Each time we have been seated at the table with the odd couples/persons out. Our friends tell us this is because we are such a dynamic and versatile couple that we can clearly handle anything. Most of the time we make the best of the situation sharing sneaky glances and winks with each other, supressing our laughter and of course, doing a post-mortem of the event on the way home and possibly the day after, depending on how interesting/weird/wacky the stories are.

Saturday night we had yet another wedding reception to attend for a couple that we have been getting to know more of; they live in MWood just a few blocks from me, same age, a lot of fun, etc etc. We were both looking forward to the party as it was at M&K’s house, outside, low-key, beer on tap and really, what could be better?

As soon as we arrived the only people we knew (Irish’s co-workers) left.

We scanned the crowd for other people we may know and this being the StL I of course knew several people from my Mizzou days but not necessarily people who would remember me and/or people I felt like talking too. (I have my reasons, I promise.)

We wandered from room to room, making idle small talk with a few people here and there. And then we were cornered.

Girl: Excuse me, may I ask you two a question?
Irish: Sure.
Girl: Are you guys from somewhere other than StL, like another country?
Irish: What were you thinking?
Girl: Um, Korea?
Nora & Irish in unison: KOREA?
(Side Note: Irish occasionally is asked if he is from Spain. I don’t really see it but it happens. I’m usually asked if I’m from Italy/Greece if this comes up.)
Girl (smacking hand to head): No, I meant California. Are you guys from California?
Irish: No, I’m born and raised St. L.
Nora: Can’t say that I am. Born in NYC and moved around.
Girl: New York? If I could visit one country I would love to visit New York. Are you two engaged? I love weddings!
(Yes, the girl really did say country, not state.)
Irish (shifting uncomfortably): No, we aren’t engaged.
Nora (nervous laughter): Haha, no. Not at this time.
Girl: Oh, I thought you were. I love your dress! So pretty. So how did you two meet?
Irish looks to me for help.
Nora: Through a friend/blind date situation.
Girl: That’s what everyone says. So much better than going online. Why would you do that? Go online to meet crazy people?
Nora/Irish: I don’t know. It’s probably not a smart idea!
Girl: Hey, why don’t you (points at Irish) take her to New York and go skinny dipping or something?
Irish: Well that’s an idea. We’ll have to keep that in mind. We were on our way to grab some food, do you need anything?
Girl: Oh, no. Thank you! You two have a great evening. Great to meet you.

The rest of the party went on in the same fashion. We talked to the strange cousin who looked like Frank from 30-rock, a really sweet Aunt of M’s who had one eye that wandered around while you were talking to her (I never know where to look!), and K’s mom who told us about her very random and unsuccessful blind dates.

As much as I’m a proponent of weddings and parties I’m really glad we don’t have another wedding to attend until October.

I've Got Soul

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Monday night at the lovely Fox Theater, Irish and I arrived at least 40 minutes early because  a) I’m a very on-time kind of girl and b) because I was really excited about this concert to see The Killers.

Not that it really mattered but this was our first concert together while also being an early one-year anniversary present for Irish, so I was a bit nervous. That and I was curious to see if Irish is the kind of guy who jumps up and down, playing air guitar and singing as loud as he can or if he prefers to silently bob his head and bounce around or perhaps he stands with his hands in his pockets, letting out the occasionally shout/yell/scream and really getting into the music with his head.

(He’s option #3 for those of you who were wondering. I myself jump around when I feel the need, sing to all the songs I know while clapping and screaming incessantly. I suppose I’m like a teenage girl at times.)

The opening band was Chairlift which at first I didn’t like at all because it’s a lot different but it grew on me. I added them to one of my Pandora stations and now that I can understand what they are saying I really like the music. (The mixing was a tad off on Monday evening. Or maybe they were just nervous?) One of their songs that I’m sure many of you know:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/4uHkrKg29d0&hl]

I was most thrilled when they covered Snoop Dogg’s Sexual Seduction; they managed to make it a rather beautiful song.

As with any concert there was a significant waiting around period in between Chairlift and The Killers so we watched men decorate the stage, a large backdrop of lights unfurl, flowers were delicately arranged in a vase (though I still don’t know why. They weren’t used) and a huge light-up “K” was brought to the middle of the stage.

All I can really say is that the concert rocked. Live music makes me appreciate the band, the talent, the lyrics in a completely different way than when you listen to the CD. Brandon Flowers, lead singer, has incredible stage presence, jumping around, punching the air, running all over the stage and acting out certain parts of the song as is appropriate. The guitar players were rather subdued comparatively but amazingly talented. (My favorite moment as with any concet is the bass solo. I grew up around the sound of a bass so it makes me smile every time.)

Of course I didn’t bring my camera as the tickets said “NO CAMERAS! SEARCH REQUIRED!” so if I had brought it, they would have searched me and I would have had to return it to my car. However, there was no search. Ah, but the Blackberry can take pictures, and so I did:

killers-one1

killers-two

If you look closely you can see the “K” lighting up in the first picture, just above the crowd, sitting on stage and a tad to the left. It’s kind of funny that you can make out everyone except Flowers, but that is probably because he was busy sprinting across the stage when I snapped these.

Courtesy of Pandora, I stumbled upon this gem, a cover of Dire Straits and in my opinion much better than the original:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/87cLyBR1JTo&hl=en&fs]

Because we are clearly a blood bank

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(Actual conversation I had with a not-so-potential client last week)

Walk-In-Lady: I’m interested in a new career. Do I have to tell you my blood type to take classes here? It seems like everywhere I go I have to tell people what my blood type is and I have no interest in doing that.

(Nora’s mind: As much as I respect individuals trying to start over for themselves, wow, are they a little bit on the wacky side.)

Me: No, we certainly do not need to know what your blood type is. What may I do for you?  

(Nora’s Mind: Please be a normal answer, please be a normal answer. Not related to blood types.)

Walk-In-Lady: I also want to make $100k per year. Where can I go to do that?

(Nora’s mind: $100k per year, eh? You aren’t going to like the answer I have for you if you aren’t a fan of blood and blood types. Let’s give it a try anyway since it’s the truth.)

Me: Well the best careers for IT in that case would be in the network administration area, though currently that kind of salary is usually for those who are interested in working second shift or third shift hours. As of late health care, government, defense and education are in need of skilled, certified IT professionals. Do you have any certifications at this point or do we need to start from the beginning?

Walk-In-Lady: NO! No health care. I’m afraid of needles. And they ask about your blood type there, too. Plus I’d have to get a lot of shots and tests to work there. And I don’t want to work third shift. And I don’t want to answer phones and help people. I just want to know what my job is and do it. And not have to tell people my blood type.

(Nora’s Mind: So glad career students aren’t my jurisdiction at the office. And if you want to make $100k in IT unless you magically become the director, yes, you’ll have to work third shift. If you mention blood one more time I’m going to tell you that we do ask for blood types just so you’ll leave me alone.)

(The conversation went on for another five minutes, all of the information I provided her with was not what she wanted. Fortunately she only mentioned blood types one more time.)

April 2009 Recap

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Current Book(s):
The Sicilian, Mario Puzo (halfway through)
Next up on the list: The Secret Life of Bees; Breathers: A Zombie’s Lament

Current Music:
The Killers, in preparation for the concert on May 4th
Metallica
Matt White

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:
Mini Kit-Kat Bars
Kedem Tea Biscuits

Current Colors:
Bright Blue

Current Obsessions:
Comfortable Clothes after work
Vegas trip that’s right around the corner
Reading
My new Blackberry Curve

Current Drink:
Water, water and more water

Current Songs:
Love, by Matt White
Funny the Way It Is, Dave Matthews Band new single. Album comes out on June 2 and I’m super pumped!

Current Movie:
I don’t think watching endless amounts of 30 Rock, Felicity & Lie to Me count as movies, but I’m digging them anyway

Current TV Show:
Rescue Me! It’s back on FX and I’m incredibly behind

Current Fave Photo:
(With my man at the Repeal Prohibition Beer Festival a few weekends ago. My necklace is crooked and my hair’s a mess but I like it anyway!)

repeal-picture
Current Wish-List:
A beachside vacation
The desire to attend my grad classes this summer; I’m signed up but not excited about it
More summer clothes!
Get my gym mo-jo back. Yeah, baby!

Current Needs:
Lots of tissues for my stinkin’ allergies
To get my oil changed in my car
Another pedicure. I’m really hard on my feet.

Current Triumph(s):
NOT adopting a dog, as much as I want to
Pre-determining birthday presents and desserts for each of the six birthdays I am a part of in May

Current Bane(s) of my Existence:
Chocolate.
My willpower is lacking and therefore I am not so great at avoiding said chocolate
I do not like going to the gym as of late

Current Goal(s):
Drag my butt to the gym at least four times a week. Five -six would be ideal
Find a cute new outfit for Vegas in June
Continue to disconnect from technology on the weekends

Current Indulgence:
SLEEP

Current Blessing:
My awesome support network
My ability to see the happy, light and positive in almost any situation; it may take me awhile but I get there

Current Slang or Saying:
Oh really?

Current (Fav) Outfit:
Hmmm… probably my black pencil skirt with white blouse or my floor length black/white halter dress

Current Excitement:
Florida friends visiting over Memorial Day weekend
May is concert month: The Killers, The Decemberists
I’m reconnecting with several of my BFF’s and it’s great
VEGAS
Upcoming one year anniversary with Irsh
New Orleans trip

Current Mood:
Slap-happy from lack of sleep