The Story of J

Meh

2012-02-11T21:05:00.000-05:00

Nothing new.

Shun. Shunnnnnnnnnnnn

2012-02-03T21:25:00.001-05:00

Never heard back from HR. Even sent an email saying please send a status update. There is a tiny piece hoping that means the paperwork just hasn't gone through, yet, so there is no response available. But I know it's another rejection by avoidance.

Waiting for Good News

2012-01-27T12:18:00.002-05:00

Wednesday I had a phone interview with a consulting firm. I thought it went very well. There are several more steps before a job offer, but crossing the first hurdle would be the biggest step forward. The guy I spoke with, Marc, said that he would forward the file with his notes and my resume to his boss for approval. Once approved, HR will send me a background/credit check form to submit. So, I am waiting for that form to show up in my email. Of course, HR could send one saying the job-hunt equivalent of "ewwwww cooties" (which I've gotten many many more times than I like), but here's hoping it is good news for once!

Wouldn't It Be Nice!

2012-01-20T15:48:00.001-05:00

I have a phone interview scheduled for Wednesday. Trying not to get over-excited, yet, but it would be practically the perfect job. If all goes well, I will share more later, but for now, just keep your fingers crossed.

Align

2012-01-13T22:16:00.002-05:00

Not much happened this week. Still sending out resumes. Hoping the Stars Align one of these days and I actually get a job.

Speaking of alignment, here are a couple camera-angle pics:

Sigh

2012-01-07T11:59:00.002-05:00

I'm in a bit of a funk. Life has been so stagnant for so long that I feel like I will never find a job, lose weight, enjoy life again... I have no money to spend, so don't like shopping or traveling right now. That makes Nauber unhappy, which makes the relationship feel unfulfilling. It's like a big downward spiral. I've been hanging all the "change" on "when I get a job" that 3.5 years of complete rejection from every employer on the face of the planet is wearing me down.

In honor of my foul mood, here's the most uncharacteristic choice I could find in my collection:

and Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T14:33:00.002-05:00

Christmas was nice. I didn't go home, for the first time ever. (No Money) Had a midnight dinner Christmas Eve (Brazilian tradition). Nauber hasn't gotten anyone gifts, yet, because he is waiting for the clearance sales (so he says).

So far, we're just having a couple close friends over for NYE. It's a simpler party, so I told everyone we're just having snacks. Ronny keeps trying to add dinner to the menu because "Brazilians don't like DIPS". Mind you, other than those two, the only Brazilian that will be here is Liliani, and the artichoke dip is specifically something she requests. Similar to Nauber freaking about a poppyseed cake that he then loved and requested more of, or the horror with which I was told "Brazilians don't like SANDWICHES" for my grad party, but they gobbled up the shredded beef anyway.

This is a Spaniard (David Barral), which is similar to Latino, but he's clearly much less selfish!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T13:02:00.001-05:00

I didn't have any pics that were particularly Christmas themed, but this one's at least got some bright red!

Follow-up

2011-12-16T13:46:00.004-05:00

I sent an email to the manager (see last week) saying I really did want the job, please keep me in consideration. She replied that they didn't hire me because I lack finance experience. Which they knew ALL ALONG - even before the two rounds of interviews, during which she herself said "I know you can do the job" and "we will have to train no matter who we hire" because their system is somewhat unique.

That means back to fruitlessly applying to job after job that never replies. I applied to one this week that is local. Quality Manager at a metals processing company (small, family owned business). It is exactly what I have qualifications for, despite being what I really want to get away from (thanks, TJX!). But even they have not responded.

To distract from the WTF, here's some scrumptiousness:

Of course not

2011-12-10T14:39:00.002-05:00

Nish called. They are not going to hire me at TJX. His boss doesn't believe I would want to give up a lucrative engineering career path for one in business. Which is so many versions of incorrect that it hurts. So, I officially got rejected for a job I really wanted because they didn't think I really wanted it.

Waiting

2011-12-02T20:07:00.004-05:00

This week was my second round interview at TJX. Met with the Assistant VP and the Divisional CFO. They both seemed to go really well. Now I just have to wait and see what happens. Hopefully having Nish on the inside pulling for me will help!

At this rate, if I don't get the job, Ronny and Nauber will make me move to Las Vegas anyway!

Thanks

2011-11-27T00:51:00.003-05:00

This week was Thanksgiving. I did dinner again. We had a good turnout this year. Ronny, Nauber, and I of course. Nauber's friends Liliani and Darrell. Ronny's friend Dulci and her two daughters. My friend Shaun and her husband Ian. Nauber's coworker Nick. Ronny's kind-of-sort-of boyfriend also showed up later in the evening and ate the second drumstick, which Nauber was NOT happy about.

My turkey turned out good, as always. Also did a ham this year, turned out fabulous. Served it with an apple cranberry chutney (no cran sauce). Giblet stuffing, smoked gouda mashed potatoes, roasted beets, yams, roasted zucchini, broccoli and cauliflower with crumb topping, and gravy were the sides. The gravy didn't turn out well at all, but that was partly due to Liliani (who offered to help, so came early) trying to tell me I was 'doing it wrong' and taking over. She tried to change the beets, too, but I stopped her on that one, so they did turn out right (which I pointed out to her!). For dessert I did pumpkin cheesecake, mixed berry pie, and a black forest pie. Both Liliani and Dulci brought pave (a Brazilian pudding torte), though one was peach and one was pineapple. I like peach more than I like pineapple, so I liked the pave de pessago (the peach one) better.

My stove schedule was also messed up a bit because Liliani brought a jug of cider and wanted to mull it, so we had a pot with spiced cider, too. I had bought egg-nog, but it got sidelined by the cider.

Nick ended up staying over that night, and we watched Another Gay Movie 'cause he hadn't seen it before (if you watch it, make sure to get the "uncut" version - it's so much more raunchy!). Darryl Stephens is one of my all-time favorites:

Can I Has Careerpath?

2011-11-18T15:47:00.002-05:00

Three interviews this past week! All will need a second round before any decisions. On Monday interviewed with HR for QA Director at a med device manufacturer in Holliston MA. Round two would be with the hiring manager, the owner. Small, family-owned business. It would add title and med device to my resume, but small fam-own manufacture SUCKS. And the commute to Holliston would be annoying. Tuesday was phone interview with QA Manager for QA Engineer position at electronics manufacturer in Woburn MA. Round two would be the in-person. Low position, still manufacturing, and the commute would be hellacious. This is the 'safety school' option. Wednesday was an interview with HR/Supervisor/Manager for a financial analyst job at TJX in Framingham. Low level, but huge up-side potential, and adding financial analyst to my skill-set! The second round would add in Asst VP and CFO, since I will be the sole dept representative sent to the distribution center in Las Vegas. That's right - relocation to Vegas, baby! The only real downside here is leaving my social network behind, tho both Brazilians are currently in "yeah we're going with you!" mode.
The other issue is that every single person I interviewed with came across as loving me except the Manager at TJX, and that's actually the job I want. The irony is that her issue is that she's not sure I really want This career, since it is so different from the trajectory my resume illustrated. I've said what I can, and sent her a thank-you message that same day to try to keep the interest level evident.
I will probably hear back next week from all three when they want to see me again for the next interview. I hope this all turns out Right!

Older

2011-11-11T15:43:00.002-05:00

The birthday party last weekend was a success. Too much food, of course, and I didn't care for the brazilian snacks. Cris' friend Ney offered to do them. The kibbe and the coxinha were slightly better than Cleuza's, but I like her bolinhos and pastel much better. The bolinhos (fried little balls of cheese) had big green chunks of herbs in them - no idea which herb, but rather overpowered the yummy cheesiness. The pastel I prefer are the cheese and corn ones, he only made beef. Liliani did another Torta de pao (chicken cake!), and we rolled out dozens of docinhos. Most of them were new variations. Added pecans to the chocolate ones (yum!), rolled a strawberry piece inside, or added a bunch of pineapple to coconut ones.

Everyone also liked the porn star calendar in Nauber's room (I gave it to him earlier this year). November is a particularly good choice, Dario beck. The calendar is full nudity, but here's a more modest shot of him:

Festa dos Brasilieros

2011-11-04T14:34:00.002-05:00

Nauber has been much better this week. Even accommodated a request of mine! Did make a snarky reply about paying me back when he gets a new boyfriend after I mentioned how he hasn't paid me for any bills since his mom was here.

But it is his birthday this weekend. As well as Cris. As well as Sergio. We are doing a joint party for Cris and Nauber together on Saturday at our place. Sergio was invited, but I have no idea if he will show up (Ronny invited him).

And yes, these three are Brazilian, too:

Cave

2011-10-28T15:59:00.002-05:00

Well, we had plans last Sunday, so we had to start talking again, just because... But he still just as selfish as always, and still treating me like I'm irrelevant. It's sort of like physical therapy, though. Lots of work for slow progress.

Mood Swing

2011-10-21T14:52:00.003-05:00

So, two weeks ago, Oct 7, Nauber calls from work at like 10:30pm to ask permission to go out to the bar with a group of coworkers when they are done. He has gone out after work countless times, and never felt the need to call me first, so I thought it was odd, but really sweet. He then included an "I love you" in the sign-off. It was sort of tossed out casually, so I breezily said "I love you, too" in reply. But it was the second time he has said it ever, and the first since Christmas Eve two years ago when I was stranded alone in DC for the night. It made my heart happy!

This morning (like 4am) I drifted awake and tossed his stuffed bear to the floor. For the past month he has been sleeping with the damn thing, and it too large to make it comfortable, so it's hard for me to fall asleep. I have complained, but he doesn't care. Anyway, just as it hit the floor, Nauber woke up and had to go pee. He comes back and says "Why is Tifum on the floor?" crawls in bed, and yanks the blanket over to cover the poor bear. This leaves me uncovered, so I pull on the blankets, but again, the bear is in the way. I grab the bear, chuck it on the floor and say something akin to "enough with the damn bear"! He gets huffy and says "what are you doing!?!" to which I reply that "I should be able to sleep better than that stupid f&%#ing bear". He grabs his pillow and the bear, says "that's why I have my own bed" and storms off. Sooo nice to know I mean less to him than a stuffed toy he found on the side of the street (aka trash).

Today is a not-speaking day. I never win those, however, since he is perfectly fine with me leaving him alone, and it drives me nuts. We had just started plans and invites for his birthday party (Nov 5, our house!), so he'll need to ask me to do stuff for him. Not that there will be remorse or an apology. Ugghhhhh...

And this one is just for Amy...

Heat Wave

2011-10-14T15:33:00.003-05:00

We had some unseasonably warm weather for the Coumbus Day weekend. Darryl was visiting; the first time since about May. We went to the churrascaria Sunday, then to the other one on Monday for the pizza buffet. Nauber called in to work to say he had to take me to the hospital, so he got to go along. Both nights we went for walks along the beach (Sunday in Revere and Monday in Quincy). Coming down off a cold in the fall, and walking along low-tide seems to have done a number on my allergies, so I was not feeling too hot Monday and Tuesday.

Ehh

2011-10-07T17:57:00.001-05:00

Another quiet week. Unemployed. Unemployable...

Job hunting is so depressing. Need to figure out how to find the job that will want me.

Welcome back...

2011-09-30T20:57:00.003-05:00

It has been a while since I've posted. With Nauber's mother here, I was responsible for hosting a lot of the time, so posting was low priority. We had a little trip to Salem, and a 5-day in NYC. It was a nice 6-week visit for Nauber, but it ended up being 'work' for me. It was hard to communicate, and I spent SOOOOOO much time at Marshall's it was getting scary. She was more distant and stoic than I would have expected, based on Nauber telling stories about how she loves taking care of everyone and all his friends love her to death. And she did almost no cooking. Nauber claims she made him dinner every day, but I never saw any of it, so she was cooking for one or two, if she was. I of course had to make cake all the time. Even showed her how to do Olhos de Sogra.

Cafe Belo is no more, but the big one in Everett is now under new ownership and open as Brava Cafe. Two dollars more, but the meat did taste like somewhat better cuts. The garlic beef is really weak on the garlic, though!

And, still job hunting. Sigh...

Leisurely

2011-08-05T23:00:00.002-05:00

Busy busy busy at work. The rental office posted our remaining apartments publicly, so every realtor in Boston is stopping in to borrow the keys to show our apts. Guess who gets to keep track of it all... Have to go in for a few hours on Saturday again just to let them burn themselves out.

I was supposed to meet Shaun for lunch, but I was late and she was busy, so we met for dinner instead. Then wandered the Commons for a bit, chatted until 10:30. It was a nice night out, so it was a great end to a boisterous day.

Saturday!

2011-07-29T18:43:00.001-05:00

I have to work on Saturday. Long time since I have done that! But I'm gettin' Paid!!

Steamy

2011-07-23T13:02:00.002-05:00

It has been hot and humid. We hit 103 yesterday. Today should reach 100 again. The Brazilians are both at the beach right now.

The hot weather makes my room a tad less comfortable than the living room, so I have been sitting in the LR with my laptop. Since most of my photo collection is on my desktop computer, it took me a little longer to get a post together!

Friday already

2011-07-15T17:26:00.003-05:00

Now that I'm working full time again, the week just kind of flies past. It is strange being hourly. I get paid for staying late!!

4th

2011-07-08T17:16:00.003-05:00

Hope you had a nice 4th of July. We were in Tampa Bay, Florida. It was hot and humid the whole time, and Nauber still insisted on no AC. So, while we were in the car he would roll down the window. Mara would tell him to roll it up because she had the air on, but Cida would just turn it off. Not even leave the fan on, just shut the whole thing off. Ughhh.

Other than Cida dumping beer on me shortly before heading to the airport, it was a nice trip. Went to Busch Gardens. Saw the Dali museum, FL museum of art, Tampa aquarium (second trip), and Chihuly collection. Chihuly was like three things, and cost $15 each. Luckily Mara had passes so we paid very little to go there, and nothing at the other three. They made me bake a banana bread and a beet cake. They loved them both!

Started work when I got back. I get up early, leave around 7:20, get back between 5:30 or 6, and go to bed around 11:30. I didn't see Nauber at all on Thursday because of schedules, so I was not able to tell him that I wanted to meet up for lunch on Friday. So had lunch alone. ;( But he made empadao and chocolate/coconut cake while he was home today!

Start Small

2011-06-24T11:38:00.002-05:00

The College of Management finally added a dedicated career services specialist, so I went in and met with her. Much more production discussion than the last time I went in to CS. Useful advice on the resume and the cover letter, plus job search tips, and she showed me the resource library at the CS office. Why on earth could they not have thought of mentioning that the first time?

While I am in the meeting with the good career helper, my phone rings (it was on vibrate, so it didn't disrupt anything). Afterwards I check the message, and it was a call to schedule an interview. Now, this position is like a $35k office assistant job at the real estate office a friend of mine works at, so it's not a 'real' job, but it would help pay bills until I found a real job. My only concern is that it would create schedule conflicts for interviewing.

37

2011-06-10T16:47:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday. Ronny bitched I didn't do the dishes. Nauber asked why I didn't make him a cake. So, as usual, nobody cared enough to think about doing something for me.
Today Nauber and I went for lunch, with Liliani. We tried Summer Shack. Food was meh. Service was meh. Bathroom had no running water. They were out of iced tea and diet coke. We will not be going back.
After we ate, I said I wanted ColdStone. We ended up malling with Nauber. By the time he finished at A/X, Liliani had already left, and he said he didn't have time for ice cream, he had to go to work. I said I'd been saying ColdStone for two hours. He said I don't have a job. (I don't get it, either...) I repeated my complaint from last night that just one day a year it would be nice if he thought about what I wanted instead of making everybody do what he wants all the time. We got ice cream, but he was grumpy the whole time. Not exactly the point...
And it turns out the flavor I vaguely recalled wanting to try was limited time only in May, and no longer available (lemon poppyseed), so I got chocolate hazelnut. Meh.

Tomorrow is Pride. I don't really want to go, but there appears to be little option. I would rather play D&D, but there aren't enough people available - again. It's been three months since we last played. Pride has turned into an excuse for annoying people to get drunk. As I read recently, we've done to Pride what we've done to Christmas (ignore the message and go for the celebrating).

I'm in a funk. The annoying job hunt doesn't help at all. Everytime I see an employed person it reminds me how frustrating it is that nobody wants to hire someone competent enough to get top marks in MBA and MS ME.

Slump

2011-06-03T14:39:00.002-05:00

Nothing going on, again.
Job hunting. A depressing activity made worse by the fact that nobody seems to care that I just graduated with my MBA, earning a high gpa. Because it wasn't Harvard...

All over

2011-05-27T16:26:00.000-05:00

The graduation party was fun. About 25 people. Not everyone, but a decent turn-out. My mother had a fun time, too!
Grades finally posted, and I have a 3.82gpa. Now need to figure out who would be impressed by that, since nobody seems to care, so far...

Demur

2011-05-20T19:53:00.000-05:00

My mother is visiting, so I am keeping the post more tame this week...

Close

2011-05-13T14:09:00.002-05:00

The end is near - of school, that is. One paper and one test next week, and it is ALL over. Except the party!
Got another rejection this week. Another consulting firm that thinks an MBA, masters in engineering, and work experience isn't very useful. Driving me NUTS...

Two Down

2011-05-06T23:12:00.001-05:00

I am completely done with two of my four classes for this semester. A final project, a case paper, and a final exam and I am graduated!

And

2011-04-29T14:56:00.002-05:00

nothing new.
School is busy next week, then almost nothing the last week of class. All done by the 18th.
Sent out party invites for the 22nd, which of course nobody has accepted. It's almost as frustrating as the fact that nobody ever hires me, either.

Arrrgghhh

2011-04-23T01:15:00.003-05:00

I interviewed at Target this week. It was an executive position (basically Assistant Store Manager), but still 'simply' at Target. I have a master's in Engineering and (shortly) an MBA, and have been a supervisor already. They've already sent the "we're going with someone else" email. WHAT THE F*&# DO I NEED TO DO ALREADY!?!?!?!?!

All the clueless idiots in my various classes that have jobs, and not one single company has any interest in me. It is getting really annoying.

Deep breath, calm down. Here's a distraction...

Job hunting

2011-04-15T10:44:00.002-05:00

In Monday's Strategic Management class, we had a guest speaker from Accenture. She basically said that there is a dire need for STEM (science, tech, eng, math) people with business acumen and people skills. I went up to her after class and mentioned that I fit that bill pretty well. She said by all means send her my resume. The smarmy guy in class, who happens to be a recruiter for John Hancock insurance, overheard me talking with my project partner Staci about applying for a position at JH and he said to just send him my resume. And I got an email that I am scheduled for an interview on campus with Target on Tuesday. OK... Who knows, maybe I actually will get a job one of these days!

No more lying around doing nothing all day (according to my roommates who don't seem to consider an MBA program to require any effort).

Uhh

2011-04-08T10:25:00.000-05:00

Not much to say again this week...

Academia

2011-04-02T12:43:00.002-05:00

Crazy week at school. Presentations, homework assignments, and even the collapse of a project team. That is the first time I've actually had a project team experience enough conflict to remove someone. Even the lazy arrogant jerk in my MGT650 class wasn't kicked out of the team. Next week is looking much more calm.

And my mother has booked a flight to come visit in May, so I am planning a graduation party that weekend!

And just wanted to record that Nauber has been in a very touchy / lovey mood lately, which I totally enjoy!

Starving

2011-03-25T18:28:00.003-05:00

I restarted my dieting attempts. Post-buffet stupor got to be a bit much, and the pants that had been loosening up were getting tight again.

Repercussions

2011-03-18T18:10:00.004-05:00

Vegas was fun. Nauber wants to go back (wanted to stay longer, too). "O" was visually stunning, but rather light on the acrobatics. Rio buffet was quite impressive (recommended!) but the Bellagio buffet was disappointing (not worth it).

Of my predictions, one was right (my desires were not important) but one was wrong (Phil did not bring the laptop and did not play WoW). Though, Phil did bring an iPad and did a little work now and then.

And, Phil and Ronny got into an argument that at one point included Phil hitting Ronny. Phil admits it was wrong and has apologized, but Ronny has declared Phil as being "dead to him" so has not heard the apology. I, of course, am tossed in the middle. It made the second half of the trip a lot more anxious and a lot less exciting. Ronny has also decreed that Phil is not allowed in our house, which I understand. It will cause issues a few times, for parties and such.

So, here's a pic of some guys being happy and getting along...

R&R

2011-03-11T16:59:00.002-05:00

Spring break is next week; no school. The term usually means rest and relaxation. But we will be in Vegas with Brazilians. Nauber will want to go everywhere and do everything. Ronny will want to go everywhere and do everything that doesn't cost much money. Phil will want to sit in the hotel room and play WoW on his laptop the whole time. And nobody will ask what I want to do...

Just a prediction.

Nice

2011-03-05T15:13:00.002-05:00

Weather is taking a turn for spring-like conditions. Which means people are getting happier, and Nauber is talking incessantly about going on trips, going swimming, going camping, etc.

Another One

2011-02-26T02:15:00.002-05:00

It's Ronny's birthday, so we are having a party this weekend. It is actually the first full fledged party we have hosted at the new apartment. Hopefully all goes well, and people actually show up. Otherwise, we will have insane amounts of leftover food!

Dinner

2011-02-18T16:22:00.002-05:00

Shaun and her husband are coming over for dinner tonight. Making cheeseburgers on the grill. I am also putting together a red velvet cake. I invited Phil, but he's on a diet, so when I mentioned (irresistible) red velvet cake he declined.

Hold Me

2011-02-11T14:00:00.001-05:00

The snowstorms have calmed down recently, though it is still quite uncomfortably cold. The milder temps are supposed to show up middle of next week. Until then, I have to hold onto Nauber to keep warm!

Boys of Summer

2011-02-05T23:35:00.000-05:00

When will this winter end...

It begins

2011-01-29T17:33:00.002-05:00

This week was the start of school again. Very cold outside, too. And we're having a really snowy winter. I even had one class canceled.

But this is my last semester, so hopefully things will be heading in wonderful new directions by the summer. As a bad omen, I did get a rejection from McKinsey, but since they are the top of the line, I'm guessing they get snooty about what school you went you went to. I shouldn't be too deflated.

Think warm thoughts, and before we know it, spring will be here (and all those awful projects will be coming due)!

Snow away

2011-01-21T14:13:00.002-05:00

We are already well over the average total snowfall for the season, and it's not over yet!

Luckily we are booked to go to Vegas, though by March the snow should be less of an issue already.

Away

2011-01-14T13:36:00.003-05:00

We booked a trip this week to go to Vegas during my Spring Break (March 14). And then we got hit by a blizzard. It is so nice not having a car, or anywhere to go, during a blizzard. No longer is snow automatically tied to an "ahhhh shit" feeling.

While in Vegas we have tickets to see Cirque's O, and the Brazilians are heading off to see Celine Dion. Nauber asked what we will do the other night we are there and I suggested hitting the 1/2 price booth that day to find something. I don't Lenny Kravitz will be performing, or that we'd go, but maybe we'll hit up one of the male strip shows?

Not Much

2011-01-07T18:17:00.001-05:00

(oops - I posted a pic here that had already been posted. sorry for the error, and here's a fresh one)

Happy Holidays

2011-01-01T12:05:00.001-05:00

Was at my parents' in New Mexico for Christmas again this year. Always disrupts the posting schedule...

Yay!

2010-12-17T12:31:00.003-05:00

Fall 2010 semester is over. I did pretty well. Grades have not posted yet, but I know I have to "A" and the other two are at LEAST an "A-" maybe, maybe, maybe even "A"!

And my TSA paperwork finally went through. (Started the application 5/14/2010, we'll see if anything comes of this before I get a 'real' job!)

School

2010-12-10T14:01:00.002-05:00

Some of the hard stuff is over. One little paper and a group project due on Monday. Quick, easy presentation on Tuesday. Then a final on Thursday, but with two whole days to study with nothing else going on, it should be good!
And then school is over for the semester! A week later I head home for Christmas, and have off until around the 23rd of January.

Ronaldo

2010-12-03T19:40:00.001-05:00

Not much newsy stuff to talk about today, so here's Cristiano Ronaldo in his underwear.

Thanks

2010-11-26T21:30:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. I hosted again. Shaun came with Ian and her sister LaTiegrie plus baby Tora. Phil came - slightly hobbled by an appendectomy. Lance was there. Mykael came late, and Ronny was also a late arrival because he went to a TG at his ex's boss's house (and *surprise* bumped into the ex) first.
I made turkey with giblet stuffing which turned out very good, and gravy. Made cran sauce again, but forgot it in the fridge, so nobody ate any. Crescent rolls. Peas and carrots with crumbs, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, beets, and salpicao (brazilian chicken salad). I also did sangria, tiramisu, and apple-pie (the family recipe version that's more like hostess fruitpies).
Nauber got a headache and was not very participative. Lance got into a strange agrument over logic with Ian (the compu-sci PhD student). We played a little Catan.
Today Nauber and I met Shaun et al at the aquarium, but Tora started getting fussy right about then, so we saw them for all of 3 minutes. But Nauber got to see his penguins again. And then I got to follow him around shopping. By 4pm the stores aren't as insane.
Should be playing D&D tomorrow at Phil's with Brad and Rick.
So, let us give thanks. Here's one more thing to give thanks for:

Cozy

2010-11-20T00:15:00.002-05:00

Nauber has been sleeping in my room consistently for a couple weeks now. This is unusual, especially in that I have not been asking. Writing it will probably jinx it, but oh well!

Cake

2010-11-12T12:23:00.004-05:00

Nauber's birthday was nice. Even vegetarian Mykael enjoyed the churrascaria meat buffet. He did not have meat, of course, but there were plenty of tasty other options - he particularly liked the kale, beets, and fried bananas. Then we came back to the house for cake. The cake was a gift from the Brazilian lady in Worc who makes all our party food for us all the time. Nauber's request was "fruit" and other than that she had complete freedom to be creative. The cake was very good, and I rather liked the extra dense (incorrectly leavened?) layer on the bottom, but it was not very fruity. Some coconut sprinkled on top, and a creamy layer in the middle that may have had some passionfruit in it, but zero chunks of chopped up fruit. Which is especially odd because they normally throw chopped strawberry in all their cakes just for fun. Cris had two cakes, a white cake with strawberries, and a chocolate cake that also had some strawberries in it. We were also an hour and half late doing the cake for Nauber because we had to wait for Ronny. He said it was Mykael's fault, though Maykael said it was Masam's fault. Who knows...

So, here's a (probably Brazilian) birthday suit!

Brazilian Birthday Month

2010-11-05T18:16:00.003-05:00

November is here. That means birthday parties this weekend. Saturday is Cris's in Worcester. Sunday is Nauber's at the Cafe Belo churrascaria.

Grumbles

2010-10-29T16:59:00.002-05:00

Drama at home again. Every now and then I seem to get exasperated with Nauber's cold indifference. I wish he paid more attention to my desires.

Pizza Pizza

2010-10-23T13:06:00.002-05:00

Went to a 'new' churrascaria for lunch on Columbus Day, and there was a sign for $8 pizza buffet. We asked when the pizza was, and the waitress said after 7pm. So, last night (yes, last night was Friday, sorry I'm late), we headed there in anticipation of stuffing ourselves silly with pizza, but there was none. They told us the pizza buffet is only on Mondays. So, when we asked on Columbus Day (a Monday), they didn't bother pointing out that Monday is the ONLY day. So, we stuffed ourselves silly on meat (Garlic Beef!!) and will have to go BACK sometime. Damn...

Whistle

2010-10-15T21:51:00.002-05:00

Monday was a holiday. Tried a new churrascaria that also does pizza buffet (not while we were there). Then it turned into a busy busy week at school. Tomorrow I have to spend all day in another project team meeting. The reason I always hesitated going back to school while I was working was because of the spill-over. Work is over when you leave, but school has homework...

Yum

2010-10-08T22:52:00.001-05:00

Just this

2010-10-01T19:56:00.000-05:00

Throat

2010-09-24T13:02:00.005-05:00

Nauber's antibiotics were causing diarrhea so he stopped taking them. We will see if his throat was far enough along to have healed, or if there is a relapse.

School is getting busy. I actually met with my GA prof and have a task to complete. He wants me to write a business plan for an idea he had. Not sure if it is official GA work or not, but whatever. I am in an entrepreneur class this semester, so it is possible I could have project partners help me with it!

Lack of Severity

2010-09-17T15:51:00.002-05:00

It was tonsillitis again, as it was in January, but not nearly as advanced. Last time, he got antibiotics orally, intravenously, and injected, plus a trip to the ear-nose-and-throat guy. This trip only required the IV. (Take home prescription both times, too.) I am not sure if it the fear of death that happened in January but not this time, but he is much more resistant to taking the antibiotics this time around. Ronny says I should stop babying him and let him skip the pills if he wants. Since I am the one that will have to spend another entire day stuck watching him get treated at the ER, I'd rather get it cleared up. I am assuming that if he had insurance, their first words would be tonsillectomy. The doctor back home in Brazil apparently told him once that the tonsil is "catching" the bacteria and viruses before they can get into his lungs, so he would get sicker, more often, if they were removed. So, here we sit...

Hotter and Grumpier

2010-09-12T13:25:00.003-05:00

Nauber seems to acclimating to the new apartment. He is not as angry anymore.
Unfortunately, he is now literally feverish. It appears to be a repeat of the throat infection he had caught a few months ago. See January's episode. Resistant to going to the hospital. Not sure what will break him of that this time.

And I missed posting on Friday. Oddly, I kept thinking there was something I forgot, but completely did not think of it until today.

Hot and Grumpy

2010-09-03T10:43:00.002-05:00

We finished moving into the new apartment on Sunday. This whole week has been about 95 degrees. Since the new place has central air, Ronny and I took advantage of the amenities to avoid being horribly uncomfortable. Nauber, of course, 'hates' A/C so was in a horribly grumpy mood all week because he wanted the windows open. He also said it was too hot.

He claims to hate everything about the apartment. Mind you everyone else loves everything about the apartment. The people who helped us move all said it is such a great improvement over where we were before.

Transition

2010-08-27T10:32:00.003-05:00

Summer classes ended this week. I have next week off, and then school starts up again the following Tuesday (after Labor Day). And once school starts I will be "working" part time as a grad assistant.

Tomorrow I pick up the keys and we spend the weekend moving. So, a lot of stairs again. The new place is on the second floor, with my room being the third floor. Most of the furniture only needs to go up one flight, though.

Moving

2010-08-20T12:34:00.002-05:00

Signed a new lease. Nicer place. More expensive...
Nauber has not actually been to see it, yet, and is already unhappy with it. We shall see how things work out.

You're a Workin' Girl Now

2010-08-13T10:42:00.003-05:00

You may not recognize the Anna Madrigal quote used for the subject line, but I got the details of my assignment. It is a 1/4 assistantship (meaning 4.5 hours per week at about $21 per hour, plus tuition waiver and 1/4 approx discount on fees and insurance) with one of the marketing professors in the College of Management. He is from China and has some way to go to make fluency in English. I may end up being mostly an editor. He has already asked me to proof-read a paper for him. Officially I do not start until classes begin, day after Labor Day.

Look - shiny!

2010-08-06T11:43:00.001-05:00

Really?

2010-08-03T11:43:00.003-05:00

Ronny has become friends with Sergio. They work out at the gym together all the time. Apparently, Sergio has made the comment that he "tries to be friends" with me but I push him away.

Excuse me??????????

My take on it was that when I called him (couple times) and emailed him (couple times) and he never answered or replied, I gave up. I was sick of being "dumped" by Sergio, and decided to stop giving him opportunities to do so. Ronny is aware of this. He claims that all happened in the past, and things are different now. I asked how they are different. He said he's friends with Sergio now. So, Sergio will stop being a callous, self-absorbed ass to me now that he's befriended an ex of mine who treats me properly. Really? I'm supposed to make the leap of faith AGAIN??

Rejected

2010-07-30T11:03:00.002-05:00

Officially heard from the TSA that I am no longer under consideration.

I am supposed to have heard by (the end of) today about the GA position at school; still waiting.

And now people posting apartments for rent on Craigslist are not returning my messages, either.

Job

2010-07-24T11:22:00.003-05:00

I may have a job...
I got an email from UMB College of Management saying I have been awarded a Grad Assistant position. Doesn't pay too much, but grants free tuition. Checked at the financial aid office, and I can then use my loan awards for living expenses. Probably don't need a tie, either.

(And yes, I am a day late, but Nauber actually had the whole day off yesterday.)

Curitibano

2010-07-16T09:42:00.002-05:00

Nauber's best friend from back home in Curitiba is visiting. Marco.
Of course, Nauber used up all of his time off to go to PTown for the 4th of July, so Ronny and I are in charge of entertaining. He did meet some guy in NYC, though, so he doesn't plan on staying in Boston for very long.

Hunting

2010-07-09T10:23:00.002-05:00

Started apartment hunting. Not really going well so far. Everything is "full fee" these days. Meaning one month rent spent just for the benefit of signing the lease.

Otherwise, trying to survive the humidity.

Camp

2010-07-02T15:27:00.002-05:00

Nauber and Mykael just left to go to PTown to go camping for the 4th weekend. I have little interest in camping, and little interest in spending excessive amounts of time burning to a crisp on the beach, so I did not go. Putting together a few game-day options for the weekend.

Gol!

2010-06-25T11:40:00.002-05:00

We are in the midst of World Cup soccer. My Brazilian roomies were interested in the game today (Brazil v Portugal - last group H game). I watched a little bit of it. Boring match. Even for soccer. Both teams were already guaranteed a slot in the next round, so they were both playing defensively. Final score 0-0 after 96 minutes. Brazil won!! Wuhoo! *a-hem*

Cristiano quick took his shirt off as soon the game ended. He knows...

And Pride

2010-06-19T00:45:00.003-05:00

Pride was kind of boring. Mykael showed up for about 5 minutes, then left before we even got to meet up with him. It was cold and raining. Clubs have apparently lost their appeal for me. It is just a "what's the point" feeling.

So, we are not going to any other prides this year. Nauber plans to go to P-town for the 4th, at a campsite. No thank you. We'll see what ends up happening.

Another Year

2010-06-11T19:56:00.002-05:00

The birthday party was a little underwhelming. A bunch of people did not show up. The food was good, tho!

Thursday Lance took me out for a birthday dinner. Him driving, and him paying for dinner. It was a reversal of history!

Friday Jennifer was in town, so I met up with her downtown for a little while. She's 8-months pregnant. A little worried about money (new house, baby on the way, maternity leave), but doing well.

Tomorrow the pride celebrations begin! Let's wave little flags...

Another party

2010-06-04T12:08:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is my party. My birthday isn't until next Wednesday, but with Pride season approaching, this was the best option. I'm making my own cake. Two, actually. One will be poppyseed. I'm hoping I don't have a pre-employment drug screen any time soon!

Choose Wisely

2010-05-28T19:11:00.001-05:00

I had an interview at the bank on Tuesday that went very well.
Wednesday I took the computerized screening test for the TSA. I thought I did poorly. I know I missed a couple of the knives in the suitcases. I also missed some pens, a rubber boot, a hammer, and potato-masher, but I figured the knives would be the most damning.
I got an email later that evening that I passed!
Don't know which one will offer me something, yet...

Step 2 Finished

2010-05-21T11:37:00.003-05:00

Spring Semester is now over. I have two grades posted out of 4, both are "A".
The Brazil trip is being formed right now. There's a chance it will happen, but a chance they won't hit minimum enrollment.
Summer classes start June 1.
I have a birthday party developing for June 5. I would have done the 12th, but that is Pride, and not a good night to try to have a BD party.
I have an interview this afternoon with TDBank for a teller position.
I have a computerized exam on Wednesday with the TSA for an airport screener position.

Busy, busy, busy. So, here's a happy little distraction. Lady Gaga's latest song, "Alejandro," is out now, and sounded like a latin lover. The cover photo impmlies bullfighting, which would be Spain or maybe Mexico. The GUY in the photo is Brazilian. Of course...

What am I forgetting

2010-05-15T13:20:00.003-05:00

I kept thinking on Friday that there was something I was forgetting about. It dawned on me this morning that I hadn't done my blog post.

So, Nauber is up to three jobs now (KFC, Bertucii's, and a local place called Rudi's). I just applied as a bank teller and airport security screener. We'll see if either of those happen!

Ronny is contemplating taking on a second job, too. Busy, busy, busy!

Another Quiet Week

2010-05-07T10:50:00.000-05:00

Days Go By

2010-04-30T10:17:00.002-05:00

Two more weeks of school. Then a couple tests/papers. Then the first year of my MBA will be done. Meanwhile, the job market seems to showing slight improvement.

The summer-abroad program to Brazil is still in limbo. They haven't even gotten a sign-up sheet together. By this point, I think it's going to fall apart. That will be a shame, because what better way to take a to Brazil while unemployed than to put it on a low-interest student loan!

Reminder

2010-04-23T10:11:00.000-05:00

Cold and Rainy

2010-04-16T13:42:00.001-05:00

It's about 45 and rainy right now. Last week we hit 90. Earlier this week we hit 70. Consistency would be nice. Maybe I wouldn't have this cold!

Interesting Dream

2010-04-09T13:41:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted a dream. And this one isn't even about sex. But I need to document it anyway!

I was talking to some random guy, who started in on his theory about people. He said there are only two tasks people engage in that are essential: eating and working. Both of those activities he finds disgusting. If you have ever looked around you at a buffet, you'd tend to agree that eating is not a visually pleasant activity. And no one thinks fondly of work. So, I guess that makes some sense. He then postulated that any other activity, since it is not essential, can be categorized as art. Might be a stretch, but somewhat logical. He then pointed out that he, and everyone else, dislikes things other people may like, leading to a lack of tolerance for each other's tastes.

The whole thing boiled down to him claiming that people are "artistically intolerant, essentially repulsive". I googled the phrase, and it didn't turn up as a quote anywhere. I have no idea where my subconscious mind dredged this one up. It doesn't strike me as a moral philosophy, since it only describes a condition, and doesn't create a guideline to making decisions like moral and ethical doctrines would.

The phrase is somewhat resounding, though. It stuck clearly in my mind even after waking up. Maybe I'll have to start a facebook club or something!

Ricky Martin came Out

2010-04-09T13:21:00.005-05:00

I sold the car this week. We randomly hit 90 on Wednesday, so I got to drive a little with the top down before the buyer took it away on Thursday. It is nice to not have those payments anymore, but it's a little sad to not have the car anymore. No more car insurance, either, is really really nice!

On the bright side, I found out this morning I have ANOTHER extension to the unemployment benefits, and will receive money for another 3 months.

I am sure you have heard by now the not-so-shocking news that Ricky Martin admitted on his website that he is gay. I've known since 1997 when I met his then-boyfriend Jaime. Now that it's not a secret, it's not so special anymore that I knew all along.

And Now It Is April

2010-04-02T11:14:00.001-05:00

My statistics professor yesterday went through how little time is left before the end of the semester. It's all happening so fast! I just need to sit down...

Down the Rabbit Hole

2010-03-28T01:27:00.002-05:00

I'm late. I'm late...
Nauber's friend Darryl has been staying here the past few days. His drive shaft broke, and got stranded in Boston. I haven't had any time to catch up things for a little while...

Spring Break '10

2010-03-19T11:37:00.001-05:00

This week was Spring Break. Spent a little time doing homework, a little time hanging out downtown, a little time playing games with Brad and Phil. Low key, and not too expensive!

Ummm

2010-03-12T15:12:00.000-05:00

Can't think of anything interesting to say, so here's a hunky Brazilian!

Misfire

2010-03-04T15:39:00.002-05:00

Ronny's party was not nearly as well attended as expected. That means we had a ton of food left over.

Ronny also made a tactical error, which he wouldn't appreciate me telling, but Shhhhhhh. He apparently was online (assuming Manhunt.net) and met this guy with a hot picture who claimed his BD was on the 27th. Since that was the day of the party, Ronny mentioned it, but didn't invite him, per se. That night Ronny gets a call from the guy, he was in the neighborhood, and wanted to know the address.

So, he shows up. Slight crazy-face, extremely hairy, wearing a tanktop, poor social filter, loves to talk (esp about himself, gay-anything, and sex). I'm not sure what his initial level of inebriation was, but quickly he hit drunk (on Bud cans). Picture if you will the prior description under the influence of alcohol.

Ronny then took him aside and asked him to leave. Claimed his bf was uncomfortable with him being there. He then makes a grand show of telling everyone that he's being forced to leave because gays are all bitchy drama queens. For like 10 minutes. Finally, Ronny shoos him out the door. Lots of eye-rolling transpired.

Meanwhile, Ronny was frantic that Danni would find out the guy was a Manhunt find and freak out. (They are still broken up, but still together. Don't even try to understand!) Which means the bf having issues was Kind Of true, but the fact that scary-guy had been under the impression Ronny was available, he turned it into "the host's ex" having issues. Kinda funny for most of us, tho a couple people interpreted Ronny's ex to mean me, not Danni.

End of February

2010-02-26T12:24:00.001-05:00

Today is Ronny's birthday; tomorrow we are hosting a party. Should be a huge crowd.

In school news, I got an email from my ethics professor inviting me to a pre-speaker-presentation dinner. It said I was chosen because I'm one of the best students. I don't know how many that includes, so I may be the top half, top quarter, top 5?? Either way it is good to know I'm on the "A" trajectory. I also figured that since participation is 20% of the grade, the acceptance was a given.

Little Bit More

2010-02-19T12:29:00.000-05:00

Snow Day

2010-02-12T11:39:00.002-05:00

There was a major snowstorm attacking the east coast, so they canceled school on Wednesday. DC got another foot of snow. New York got about a foot of snow. Boston got about a trace of snow. I had a feeling it would turn out like that when the announcement was emailed to everyone, and it was raining at the time.

In follow-up to last week's post, we did talk. He didn't concede anything, but we're fine. Even Ronny noticed how lovey-dovey we've been.

Trivialities

2010-02-05T11:44:00.002-05:00

Nauber and I are "fighting". I was getting a little tired of his "did you brush your teeth?" every single time I went to kiss him. And Monday, I had JUST brushed my teeth, went to kiss him, he asked, I said I just did, and his response was "so you didn't brush your teeth the whole time before that - ewwww" and wouldn't kiss me. I got a little PO'ed and said he was just making excuses.
This morning I took a shower and brushed my teeth while he was having breakfast. He still would not even acknowledge me. So, I was right. I was just an excuse.
What to do about it, though? He is a bit childish, selfish, and arrogant. And I'm tired of having to "chase" him all the time. But I think confrontation will be better than stand-off. Even though he won't concede.

So, here's a pretty distraction:

I know you...

2010-01-29T15:06:00.002-05:00

Ronny, my ex with whom I am still friends and currently roommates, switched to the Gold's Gym next to where he works, which is walking distance from where we live. Some Brazilian guy asked him something the other day (like "you using that machine?" kind of stuff) and Ronny recognized him from pics he had seen on my computer.
"Are you Brazilian?"
"Yes"
"From Bahia?"
"Yes"
"Are you Sergio?"
"...yea..."
He lives a couple blocks in the other direction. Didn't ask Ronny who he was. I assume he figured it out after Ronny mentioning he moved here from Worcester.

And of course Ronny's comment to me was, he's looking old - and he's getting fat!
Aren't friends great!

Carefree

2010-01-22T11:35:00.002-05:00

Looking at my bank balance, I think it's time to get a job. The carefree life is coming to a close.