Out of everything you could have stolen off my car, you took my windshield wipers??? Freaks.

I would like to take the time to say that the UebiMiau webmail interface blows. Half of my emails don't get sent. *grumbles*

In other news, I'm still at the hotel. It wasn't as bad as it could have been - Roy and Johnny hooked me up for dinner last night with ceasar salad, prime rib, and that uber fantastic raspberry cheesecake, plus I got a nice room to myself for the night. But that doesn't change the fact that I worked a 13 hour shift yesterday, then had to get up early today and start tearing all the shit I put up yesterday down. At least I can get out of here in a few hours. The sun is out and the ice is melting, so I should get down to Blacksburg with no problem. Yay! There's a cute boy waiting for me! And I get to see Batista beat up HHH (I hope).

Haha, you know what else I did last night? After I finished my shift I stayed down here in the office for a bit, and pulled out our small-ish powered speaker and hooked up my computer and a mic to it. Hey, you have to start band practice somewhere, right? So it was an easy and non-pressured way for me to start working on some songs and get used to hearing my own voice. I've missed out on going out to see Derek in the last two weeks, so this sorta makes up for it. And it was fun. I could watch my facial expressions and such in the reflection of the VTEL units while I did it. I'm always really impressed with a lot of artists that have not only a good voice but a good stage presence as well. Foremost Jay Gordon, but also Ryan Shuck, Jimi Haha, and Fluffy Starr. So I think it's important that I start paying attention not only to how I'm singing, but how well I'm expressing through it. I was also really surprised to hear how different songs worked out now that I could hear my voice through a speaker and not just me singing in the car, lol! Songs that I thought I was good with weren't so hot, yet others that I feel like I'm straining with were awesome! I found I can sing along with Jay a lot better than with Jon Davis. (Which is a shame, because I was really looking forward to rocking some Korn.) Could it be that I actually sing better lower than Shirley Manson? Hehehe.

Song of the Day: Orgy - "Eyes Radio Lies" www.punkstatikparanoia.com

Lot's of stuff going on, and not much time to write. But I'm covering the business center for a few minutes, so I thought I'd drop in.

If it's going to snow, God, why every weekend? How about during the week? That way everyone wins - no work, no school...instead it just means everybody's weekends are royally screwed. Like this weekend. I kid you not, I have to spend the night at the hotel tonight because I have morning shift tomorrow. And you know I'm gonna be stuck here tomorrow too. *sigh*

So this should be an interesting experience. On the other hand, tomorrow is my last day here until Thursday. Tuesday and Wednesday I'll be at the college doing lighting inventory, which will be cool. Last week I did the expendables - all the gel and lamps...had already done the gobos. It's nice to see what we actually have! I can't wait to really get this going. Plus, B sent me my schedule up through freakin' April. How awesome is that? It gets even better. I work around noon to 6 Monday through Friday, a few weeks it's 5 to 10 instead, with only an occasional morning or weekend shift. Yeah. Theatre majors do have more fun.

Had other good things happen this week, too. The hotel did majorly well this past year, so we're all getting a sizable bonus. Plus, they just happened to get back a laptop power pack that no one claimed, and yes you guessed it - it's for my computer. So that's a hundred and eighty bucks I don't have to spend on a spare pack. Alllllllriiiiiiiiiight.

I'm going to go drinking in downtown Roanoke after work, if anyone is able to join me.

Song of the Day: Orgy - "Where's Gerrold" www.punkstatikparanoia.com

[00:13] asphyxiated: should have bought toilet paper...cant fuck that up

Anyways, been talking to Dana a lot lately, and it's great! He's writing a book on insomnia, and it's fucking brilliant.

I need more sleep...later...

Stop Ashlee

Far be it for me to go against capitalism, but there's something annoying about the work or die mentality. I am so...damn...tired. It's been about a medium-ish load at the hotel lately, but it's in such a way that I'm barely working at the college at this point. I hope that changes soon. I'm working short shifts tomorrow and Thursday, so I'll be going over there afterwards to start on lighting inventory. Fun times. 3 weeks, 5 days to go.

Though I am gonna be a bit sad to leave here. One of the major plusses I always felt about this job was the people that I work with, both in my department and all over the conference center. I sat here this morning listening to Chris type up a few last minute adds, and thought how much I'm gonna miss him and Dave and Nick. But I'm determined that if I am going to get emotional, I'm not gonna do it to the last day, lol! Moving on...

In the meantime I've got painting bids to send out, websites to update, promotion to do - I started work with Electricult this week, so I started putting up the promo sites on various music communities - check out Soundclick, Garageband, and soon Download.com for more. Very cool. I've been needing to do some minor adjustments to Fluffy's site for about two weeks now - I need to do that tonight, definately. Lee talked to me last night about doing a short load-in gig with him in April. That'd be cool. And then they're getting started on the next show at the college soon, so I need to start rolling with that. All in all, with painting, theatre overhire, and webdesign, I think this is gonna work out rather well.

I miss my Jacob. I hope I can see him this weekend. Royal Rumble is on Sunday night, so that should be fun. Go Batista!

Song of the Day: Orgy - "Make Up Your Mind" www.punkstatikparanoia.com

Fun weekend. After work Friday I hurried down to B-burg and met up with Jacob at the venue. The show ended rather early, so we were able to go home before the snow started. And then...snow. Ice. Freezing rain. Everywhere. We had planned on first seeing the first showing of the play, then going over to the movie theatre to see Phantom of the Opera. But once I got on 460 and had the freezing rain sticking to my windshield and felt my car sliding out on the first curve, I knew it was time to go back.

But that's ok, because that meant we just had time to be cute! We watched a few movies, played around with the sqooooosh pillows, and ate good food. I resigned myself (rather easily, lol) to spending the night again, and soon after a few car loads of people showed up for the weekly party, so we chilled out and played some darts and drank a bit.

I had stuff to do this weekend, but I think I'd much rather have spent it with my boy like I did! But I did get some stuff done - still working on my portfolio. Also, I've been talking to the webdesigner for Ecult and getting that stuff started. I should have some stuff up soon. It's gonna rock!

Song of the Day: Plumb - "Concrete" www.plumbinfo.com

Just when you think you turn in your notice soon enough...

...part of the roof caves in on the conference center. Seriously, the section over the loading dock came down tonight. Not sure what the order of events was...either the sprinkler system got set off, which then took it down, or it feel in on its own, causing the sprinklers to fire thus setting off the fire alarm. But it was pretty amusing, aside from the fact that it could have happened during the day and, ok, not going to go there...

Other than that, all is well. Was able to make to rehearsal and everything, and still get a decent amount of sleep tonight. Yay.

Unashamedly stolen from Corrie:

You Know You're From Virginia When...

Speed limits are just suggestions You have at least two friends who have no idea what their relatives do...because its "top secret" government work Most of your senior class wend to Mason, JMU, Tech, VCU or UVA When people ask where you're from, you tell them DC because its easier to explain You've never told someone you're from Virginia without putting "northern," "central," or "southern" in front of it (See above.) It's not actually tailgating unless your bumper is touching the car in front of you. You know yellow light means at least 5 more cars can get through. (Yeah, man...at least. Probably also happens everywhere else.) A red light means 2 more can. You actually know what the black boxes at stoplights are for. Despite the fact that Virginia fought for the south in the Civil War, you are not, under any circumstances, a "southerner" You are amused by visiting relatives who are actually excited to see Washington, DC You took a field trip to Williamsburg as a kid You are amazed when you go out of town and the people at McDonalds speak English You or someone in your family has a Smart Tag An inch of snow and you miss 3 days of school All the potholes just add a little excitement to your driving experience Crown Victoria = undercover cop Subway is a fast food place. The transportation system is known as Metro, and only Metro. They just tore down the old farm house across the street and put 12 new McMansions in its place For the cost of your house, you could own a small town in Iowa If you stay on the same road long enough, it will eventually have three new names. You have to dial the area code to call your neighbor "Vacation" means spending a day at King's Dominion or Busch Gardens. "Going to the River" means any stream with water. You have never been served tea without the waitress asking "sweet or unsweetened?" Your favorite past time is telling West Virginia jokes. Anyone who can't trace his or her ancestry back to at least four generations in Virginia is an outsider. "Going to the beach" means anywhere from Ocean City to Virginia Beach to Myrtle Beach. You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Virginia.

Get Your Own "You Know You're From" Meme Here



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Yesterday went surprisingly well for a first dress/tech. I guess maybe since I'm getting so familiar with the stage that I can write prelim cues pretty damn well at this point. Had only a few minor adjustments throughout the night, so I actually got a fairly decent amount of sleep. Hopefully, all will be well tonight, and that will be that.

Hehe...I just read Jacob's comment about our sqoosh couch. Basically, he found these HUGE sqoosh ottoman's ("Talk furniture to me, baby...") at Wallyworld for 10 bucks! Best sqooooooooshing ever! Except maybe for the body sqoosh. Anyways, so he got me one too, so that night we made this awesome couch out of his bed and the sqooshes while we watched our movies. Fun times. But I think someone really should make furniture out of that stuff. You could call them, uh...bean bag chairs...yeah...

Not much else going on I guess. Just working a lot. Kinda crazy day at work (people are stupid), but still slow. And in a month it won't matter anymore. They just posted the updated job listings this morning, and my job is there. Heh, heh...allllllllllllriiiiiiiiiiight.

Song of the Day: Orgy - "Eva" www.punkstatikparanoia.com

Tomorrow is gonna suck. Gonna wake up early to write cues before I head over to the college, then hurry up and finish the last few lights I need to hang. Hopefully I'll get some base cues done before rehearsal, then write during the show run. Afterwards I'll stay for however long it takes me to fix anything that's not working. Tuesday I'll hopefully make it for part of the run (after an 11 hour shift), and then that's it. Meh. Not ideal conditions, but hey, that's life.

So I had my first rehearsal tonight! Didn't get a chance to sing, but we talked for awhile and went over stuff. It was all really cool. So I think we're gonna start with some of his older stuff and a few cover songs, and work up to a full band and play some open mic nights here and there. We'll see how it goes. I'm excited. Even if I suck, this will still be fun.

I spent the day yesterday with my Jacob. It was cute! We had dinner and did the radio show (and Corrie, it was just a two week break deal...) then watched some movies and ate cheese. Princess Bride and Napoleon Dynamite. Fun times! We're thinking about doing a small vacation together sometime soon. Maybe for Valentine's Day or something. We might go to a bed and breakfast somewhere close for a few days. One of his friends suggested a place down in North Carolina. So I think that would be cute!

Anyways, I'm gonna go to bed now, and try to get as much sleep as possible before these next few days. I looked ahead in my work schedule and saw that I have a huge pipe and drape thing to do at the hotel on Wednesday I think, bleh. I hate that shit. But it's ok, because in 4 weeks and 6 days, it'll all be done.

Song of the Day: Korn - "Here To Stay" www.korn.com

My life is going to be hell for the next month. I'm really glad I got the new job, but this is gonna SUCK until I can quit the hotel. I like sleep. Ah well...it was really awesome to just spend all evening hanging lights...getting paid for what I was planning to do. Didn't get quite as far as I would liked to today though, so it looks like Monday and Tuesday are gonna be my version of hell week crammed into two days. I'll be glad when this show gets up on its feet.

So Jacob got me some of those Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans from Harry Potter. It's just like Ron describes it in the book and movie - they mean every flavor. Definately have had several pepper, dirt, and vomit flavored ones in the first box. Not for the faint heart! But it's fun in any case. Just have a drink nearby.

I got the lighting section of my portfolio online finally. Now I'm working on my painting section. I had two ladies at work ask me about that, so I have to get that up this weekend.

Getting ready to get started on what looks to be a huge project I'm now involved with. A big music thing, along the same level as D1. I'm very excited about it. More later when things are confirmed.

Going for my first band "rehearsal" on Sunday night. Talked to Derek for a bit today about stuff, and we're starting with some mainstream songs we're both familiar with. Should be a good way to figure out how well we'll work together without having to focus too much on the music itself. I'm excited, and a bit scared. This is definately something new for me.

For now, I'm just relaxing, trying to get over the remains of this cold. Tomorrow I'll be spending time with Jacob and doing the radio show. Everyone should tune in from 6-9 tomorrow night!

Song of the Day: Garbage - "Supervixen" www.garbage.com

So, I would like to take this time to say that my boy Jacob is the cutest ever. Because he is. Nothing really special or out of the ordinary has happened lately (other than the usual amount of insane cuteness), but since I realized how busy my life is gonna be with two jobs for the next few weeks and that I wouldn't have a lot of time - I also realized how important my boy is to me.

We've been together for over six months now, and we've been through a lot of great times, but a lot of hard things too - my metal allergy, crappy jobs, exams, financial strains...but we're still together. And we're still cute. I know the next few weeks are gonna be hard, too, but it'll all turn out well in the end. Because in my world were everything is temporary and changing, my Jacob is my steady source of quiet strength.

Well, him and the kitten.

In other news, I may be in a band. I've been talking to a guy I met on the GRO forums, and it looks like he has a good set-up, and listens to a lot of the same styles I do, which is amazing to find around here. He's got a lot of his own material, plays a lot of instruments, and has his own studio and practice space. So very cool.

I've also been sick for the past few days. Some damn stomach thing. My whole family has it. It sucks. I like food, so I hate not being able to eat. I want some Chicken Tikka Masala more than anything right now.

Song of the Day: Celldweller - "I Believe You" www.celldweller.com

So without knowing it, I started working at the new job today, lol. Basically I told my new boss yesterday I'd be dropping off my light plot for the show I'm doing down there, and when I went in this morning he said he'd told HR that I was starting today so that I could get paid for the half hour meeting. That's cool! In the same way, now when I go down next week to get the show up and running, all of that counts. Imagine, getting paid for theatre!

We talked a bit about what I'd be doing in the next few months, and it seems like he's really big into utilizing my talents and interests for this job. For instance, some of my first projects will be lighting inventory and maintanence, as well as webdesign for a new tech self-help site. So I'm very excited about that. He also mentioned in a few months I'll be able to learn a lot of audio and video editing. I don't have hardly any experience with that, so that's awesome. Yeah, I think I'm gonna be happier here.

I'm starting to look into more places where I might possibly get more overhire work. There are surprisingly a lot of related businesses in the area that I think I might have a shot with - so here we go!

Song of the Day: Fluffy Starr - "Control Freak" www.fluffystarr.com

Damn straight.

So the big news that some of you knew about: I've just accepted a new position as a Media Specialist II at VWCC. I'm very happy to be doing more theatre and less a/v support. The hotel overall has been a cool experience, but it's time to move up and on.

I think this job will be a lot of fun, and give me a bit more time to do the things I do on the side that I really want to do. Don't really have any more particulars yet, but yeah. There it is.

Song of the Day: Linkin Park & Jay-Z - "Numb/Encore" www.radio-active-music.com

Stolen from Heather's blog:

1. What did you do in 2004 that you'd never done before?
Drove insane amounts of distance, mostly on the interstate, mostly at night, mostly alone, mostly for a good time, mostly for love.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Don't do that sorta thing...

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No

5. What countries did you visit?
None

6. What would you like to have in 2005 that you lacked in 2004?
Money, a better job, a place of my own

7. What dates from 2004 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
...all three Orgy shows: chilling with the guys on the tour bus, drinking Jay's beer, Ryan remembering my name, the drives with Corrie, Dana, and Laura, Ryan wanting to play "Sonic" for me, getting my VIP passes...When Lance came up to visit the first time, me and him driving in his mustang to Grundy and the state park and racing some dude home, Family Guy, Beer, and Bam Bam...the beginning radio show days with Jacob, Corrie, and Mike; baking cookies and watching DS9 reruns; cuddling in Jacob's room in NoVA...

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Launching Radio-Active-Music.com

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting as far in my career as I'd hoped.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yeah, the black plagu- uh, I mean, the flu. Twice. Bastards.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Probably more webspace, lmao.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
I was really happy and proud of Jeremiah for getting the job that he did and traveling out; I was happy to visit Tech and see that Heather had gotten much happier and more comfortable there; I'm glad Lance is playing football again so soon. I was so proud and encouraged to see many of my friends succeeding in their careers - especially Corrie and Lee; and I was thrilled to see Jacob and the guys take Tripleside so much further in these last few months.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Mainly a few friends who consider themselves unlovable or not good enough.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
When D1 had their first major release - Punk Statik Paranoia.

16. What song will always remind you of 2004?
Orgy - Make Up Your Mind

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
Happier, but more disillusioned.

b) thinner or fatter?
Thinner - I've lost 15 pounds since working.

c) richer or poorer?
Richer, but with more expenses

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Wasting time by worrying or working at useless projects.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Me and my boy were really cute! I went up to see him a few days before and saw all of his family. For the actual day I went to midnight mass with the family, then the next morning ate a lot of good southern cooking and was hence lazy for the rest of the week.

22. Did you fall in love in 2004?
Yep. Twice.

23. How many ...one-night stands?
That's not me, lmao.

24. What was your favorite TV program?
Family Guy.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Not really, but I have lost some respect for at least two people that I can think of.

26. What was the best book you read?
HP3

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Disown - saw them open for Orgy in Cleveland and have been hooked since.

28. What did you want and get?
A fairly decent job in my area of interest.

29. What did you want and not get?
Complete independence.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Harry Potter 3

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
22 - we all went down to the Cellar to chill.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Moving out.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2004?
I got a bit more creative with accessories. I now have 3 belts instead of 2.

34. What kept you sane?
Jacob most definately, and Jeremiah too. And let's not forget Yuengling.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Alan Rickman of course...but as far as simple respect goes, Micheal Badnarik.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Breaking the illusion of the two-party system.

37. Who did you miss?
I miss not being able to see Jacob as much as I'd like, and I miss people that I used to see all the time that are now far away - like Corrie, Heather, Lance, Johnnie, Danica, Lisa, Jeremiah...the list goes on...

38. Who was the best new person you met in 2004?
Well, aside from boyfriends, probably my co-workers. Dave, Chris, and Nick are awesome people!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2004?
Patience is coming.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
it's over now
still I can't explain it
and that's who we are
I wouldn't try to change a thing
we missed the point
but didn't dodge the scars
see I've learned my lesson
I'm all right so far...

I bit my tongue and stood in line
with not much to believe in
I bought into what I was sold
and ended up with nothing

this is not my idea of of a good time
this is not my idea of of a good time
this is not my idea of of a good time
this is not my idea

you thought that I would never see
what was meant for you was meant for me
I was distracted at the time
forget about yours; now what about mine?

this is not my idea of of a good time
this is not my idea of of a good time
this is not my idea of of a good time
this is not my idea

you thought I was a little girl
you thought I was a little mouse
you thought you'd take me by surprise
...now I'm here burning down your house

this is not my idea of of a good time
this is not my idea of of a good time
this is not my idea of of a good time
this is not my idea.

- Garbage "This Is Not My Idea"

Had a great time last night. After I got Jacob we went over to Tripleside's practice space in Radford to drop off a rug, back up here for some Indian food. Unfortunately Swagat was closed for some reason, so we went to Nawab instead. After that we went over to the theater and saw "Aviator". It was pretty good. DiCaprio is starting to become a fairly decent actor; the only other thing I've seen him in that I liked was "Gangs of New York". In any case, the story is very interesting, and I thought for the most part the movie wasn't overly violent or in otherways distasteful. There was one crash scene that even got to my iron stomach, but that was really the only thing I can say that would make squemish people stay away from it. With plenty of all-star appearances including Gwen Stafani (don't worry, it's a mostly pure visual bit part), Brent Spiner, and most especially a great ending with Alan Alda.

Today is the last day of vacation for me. I work at 7 tomorrow morning, yech - I've been up these past few days to at least the time that I'll have to wake up tomorrow...I'm wondering if just pulling an all-nighter would be easier. But anyways, I guess that's the way it goes...my laundry is in the dryer now, so I guess I'll attempt to crash out as soon as that's done.

Song of the Day: Kristyn Strange - "817 (Broken Tummy Box Remix)" www.kristynstrange.com

So, today is an extra special cute day. Yep - it's me and Jacob's 6 month aniversary. I can't believe that much time has gone by already. But he's really really cute, and I really really like him, and Corrie is getting really really sick about now, hah! I had to go to Lynchburg today to see an old family friend, but me and Jacob will celebrate tomorrow. I don't know what we're going to do yet, but I'm sure it'll be just as cute as ever.

Today was interesting, as always. Basically this friend is the mother of a politician back home, and he's getting some slack for a choice he made to support something against party lines a few weeks ago. For fear of getting too detailed, let me say this - even me being a strong Libertarian, I think it's awesome he did what he did. Even though he actually went against what I personally believe in, I have a lot of respect for him following his heart and voting for what he thought was right. I wish this world had more leaders like him.

Oh, and I feel really special. Fluffy left a sweet comment about me in her blog the other day. :-) She's such a great friend. I can't wait until her music really takes off!

Song of the Day: Fluffy Starr - "Diffikult Grrl" www.fluffystarr.com

Had a great last few days - Thursday we headed over to Champe's and it was awesome! A lot of old high school friends showed up, and we spent the evening making pizzas. Me and David ended up in a several hour long conversation about politics and religion - you know, the good stuff. Just like in high school. Only now even more animated with beer! Good times. We're planning on all getting together one more time before everyone goes back to college for an old school 'napkin party' (some of you know what I'm talking about - you know who you are. Heh, yeah, we're elitist alright...) complete with Nawab take-out. Awesome.

Then Friday I went up to NoVA and got my boy! We met Corrie at her place then headed over to Kirkpatricks for New Years. It was a lot of fun - it was a big crowd, but not too big, and not too loud. They had a pretty decent cover band and all that. We briefly met a few people and hung out, then headed on back to Corrie's for the night. Owner of the best air mattress ever.

Today me and Jacob packed up his stuff and I brought him back to Tech. It was so nice today - really warm. After we got back we went grocery shopping and had the best All-American meal of grilled cheese and soup! After much cuddling, I'm back here...and working on a new project...

Song of the Day: The Last Laugh - "Sucker" www.radio-active-music.com