So my new betta seems depressed. He's always at the bottom of his bowl. I'm thinking of getting him a new friend. Kristen suggested that if I had two bettas, I could have Tiny Tim and Jumpin' Jim be their (ukulele-themed!) names. Having a friend (in a separate bowl, of course) might help my betta be a bit more social and active. I do so want him to be happy! My other thought was trying him out in a 2-gallon tank and seeing if he preferred that setup.

I have many fun activities on the agenda. I'm trying to cram all of the fun in because soon I will be starting school (on the 28th of January -- next Monday). My schedule will be as follows, all required courses:

Monday evenings: Sculpture studio
Tuesday evenings: Writing Across the Curriculum
Wednesday Evenings: Creative Projects (the second half of Linda's class)

Tonight I am going to an event with Aly. Then tomorrow I will look at furniture with Susan and maybe go to a comedy show with Justin at 11. Friday or Saturday I'm going to NJ to visit my folks and Doris... then Doris and I will take a pseudo-road-trip (does it count as a road trip if it is only 40 minutes?) to Connecticut to see Jessica play. Sunday morning will be a brunch with some of my gals from high school. Then -- I will launch into Back to School Mode!

I have lost 2.5 lbs. First mini goal is 10 lbs. Overall longterm goal is 30 lbs. Sounds like a lot? That is how much I have gained since 2004 when I originally lost a lot of my "college weight!" Here is a motivational sea creature-themed tracker:



Last night I did an exercise video tape that was challenging but fun and effective. I just have to get back to my "good habits" of exercising regularly again. As soon as I do, the weight really comes off fast. I've just gotten SO out of the habit!

Ah, tonite was SUCH good times... I had a Girl's Night Out with the lovely ladies from Palmer Bros. I met the girls at work at 6pm, then we headed off to buy flowers for Marina. (Destination: Marina's Dance Recital.)

Then, Lauren, Kaitlinn, Mellie and I went to Charlie Brown's for dinner! We had to eat faaast, because the recital started at 7:30! Still, we managed! We were riding in Lauren's convertible with the top down! Sweeeet~!

Marina was absolutely adorable in the recital, she did a great job! There were loads of laughs, though, as two teenage girls (both HORRIBLE singers) attempted to sing songs fron "Rent." Plus there was a teenage boy in a tight-ass cat costume, dancing. And girls dancing with panties on their heads. Good times ALL AROUND!

After that, we dropped Mellie off to a graduation party, and the three of us drove back towards my house. We started putting in CDs and singing really loudly, and causing a commotion, which was royally fun. I think we really embarrassed Kaitlinn! But it was a blast and a half! We ended up cavorting on Grand Ave, just riding around and singing.

Finally we decided to call it a night, but I hope we get to hang out outside of work again because it was GOOD TIMES!!

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Today before all those shenanigans, I was very productive on my day off. I got up at 8am, exercised to a Richard Simmons tape, showered and headed downtown for a manicure and pedicure! I dropped off film and a letter to my friend (JeffyK) in Spain. After that, my mom and I transplanted seedlings into pots, watered the plants, and cleaned up around the house. I repaired the missing letter L on my paddle from Erin, and then I sewed together the crocheted bag I have been working on FOREVER! (It came out nice, but is very wintery!)

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Right now, I'm awake and in the mood to be going out! Lol. But I'm not, considering it is already 11pm. And no one is online! Ah well! Tonight was great, though! Perhaps I'll unwind and read more Harry Potter. (#4 mind you, not the Order of the Phoenix.)

...but here I am.

I had a Perfect Evening last night. I returned home from work (it was a rainy, rainy day) and my mom told me I'd missed a call from my friends who were over at Daphne's house. I called back and they wanted to go to the Fort Lee News Bar (a favorite cafe of mine) for Fondue.

After dinner and after a grrreat phone conversation with Gina (who's in Kansas City, MO)... the girls picked me up in Jess' van. It was me, Jess, Doris, Daphne, Marina, and Cara! All of my best girlfriends from high school. It was an amazing reunion, and Fondue was a perfect way to celebrate!

With pouring rain and lightning outside, we were indoors and warm, huddled around the fondue pot filled with chocolate! There was all different kinds of fruit, plus pretzels, marshmallows, and cake bits! We were laughing the whole time, as we struggled to keep fudge-laden fruit pieces on wooden skewers unsuccessfully!

After eating we played a board game (ImagineIff... SUPER FUN!) at my house for a while. We didn't hang out TOO late since I had work the next day. but the game was great, posing such questions as, "If Doris was a sea creature, which would she be?" and "If Daphne was a mode of transportation, what would she be?" etc. Lots of laughs again!

Such good times... it was like a flashback to high school. With these girls I feel like no time has gone by. For some of us, we haven't seen each other in a year or so! But nothing has changed! What a comfort!