Alisa

Pink Floyd

Sun, 03 Dec 2006 02:36:49 GMT

So - I was in a Pink Floyd mood today. I went into work and put Dark Side of the Moon on my little speakers next to my desk. My boss promptly said that is not the way to listen to Dark Side of the Moon. He put the CD into his high end stereo and promptly blasted Dark Side of the Moon in the office. Thank God no one called as I would not have been able to hear them. It was awesome to listen to the music and have a background of thunder and lightening. This memory will stick with me for for some time.

On another note, I finally read the Time Out Chicago magazine article that mentions my bosses' wife. She gave some geeky writer from the magazine pick-up advice. The article was hysterical. The guy could not pick-up any women in Lincoln Park or Wicker Park even though he had a cute three month old puppy.

9/11

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 23:11:49 GMT

Well - I was lying in bed with my cat thinking about 9/11. Every where I turn it seems as though everyone is remembering 9/11. What gets me is that most of the country didn't know a single soul who lost their lives on 9/11. I cannot say that. I grew-up in Stamford, CT - an hour train ride to Grand Central Station, NYC. I had childhood friends and family of friends who died a horrid death. I am feeling rather morose tonight thinking of the people who died. Every time I see the image of the towers collapsing, all that goes through my head are that people are dying and I am watching it on TV. Somehow, that seems very sick to me. I just can't seem to get my head around the death of these people. It seems to be me that I should be approaching my 20th year high school reunion with anticipation - instead I am dreading it.

Danse Macabre

Sat, 06 May 2006 19:44:32 GMT

Those of you who know me know I am a book reviewer. I get massive amounts of books in the mail. As a matter of fact, the postman just delivered two packages full of books. I am a bibliophile and love books, but sometimes a real stinker of a book comes my way.

My rant is about the latest Laurell K. Hamilton book, Danse Macabre. I must admit that I loved the early books in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series, but this book is horrid. I know I will be panned for saying this, but it is true.

I remember being so excited when a new LKH book came out. I got out of bed with pneumonia on the day Narcissus in Chains was released. I have attended her book signings when she comes to Chicago. I even interviewed her for SFSite.com. I was a fan - until this book. I am so disappointed in the lack of storyline and the emphasis on sex. I don't mean sex scenes that make you squirm a little - I mean sex scenes that make you want to hurl. Considering one of my best friends is a professional dominatrix, I think I have a high tolerance for bizarre sexual acts.

All I can say is the publisher probably does not want me to review this book. I will make the sacrifice and finish it so I can write a nice discourse on why no one should purchase this book. Maybe I'll get lucky and the book will suddenly get better.

Medication Hell

Thu, 16 Mar 2006 02:04:07 GMT

Well - I have been so lucky to experience nerve pain on my wonderful, huge incision site. My incision extends all the way to my spine - so I have about four inches of skin that was not cut. I am experience something called neuropathic pain - a have violent spasms that are painful and a burning sensation. This is a result of the severed nerves reattaching along the incision site. I have had no sleep - the spasms are the worse at night.

Anyway, my doctor decided pain meds, Vicodin was not the way to go - instead I am now on Neurontin. I feel like my head is a big balloon above my body and I am extremely nauseous. I have been popping Zofran and Compazine as all day. I feel like a drug addict with all these pills. I have to take the Neurontin for three months. It is supposed to take a couple of days to work. Hopefully some of these nasty side effects will diminish. I feel useless.

Sleeping with Kitty and Chamois has become interesting. I cannot sleep on my stomach so I have a pillow along one side of my body for me to lean on. Chamois has decided this pillow is really for him to sleep on against my side. It's kinda weird as he feels like a hot water bottle curled up on me. Kitty has decided my feet are the most comfortable part of the bed. It's weird how the cats have claimed certain spots are their own.

Jill took some graphic pictures of me after surgery. Of course I gave her permission, but it was weird to see her come down with her task light to make sure the pictures were are graphic as possible. I have decided to share one - the rest show too much of me for public display. Here is my 'new' belly button. It looks much better now that the swelling has gone down. Plus I finally got rid of the green sharpie markings. You just barely see one of the j-tubes I came home with. They where nasty.

Tubes are gone!

Wed, 08 Feb 2006 20:15:29 GMT

Yesterday, the doctor removed the four j-tubes! I am so happy as they where a wee bit uncomfortable. I have to go back next week and get the stitches removed from my bellybutton. Right now I look like a very stuffed sausage. The doctor has sworn to me that the swelling will go down dramatically and all will look 'normal.'

Pain is still forefront in my day. I am trying to be productive, but I am a basket case. Chris and Kendrick visited last night which was really nice. I am beginning to get cabin fever. I think I may even attempt to walk to Walgreen's later today just to have something to do. The problem is, I don't think I can make it there and back. Three blocks is a long walk when you cannot stand up straight and am only six days post-op. It is pipe dream - but I can try. Maybe I'll just order Thai food instead. That sounds more realistic.

As you can tell my days need some focus. I am really not a good patient.

Surgery

Mon, 06 Feb 2006 11:28:23 GMT

Well - it is now Monday at 5:20am and I am four days post-op. I am still in a great deal of pain. I found myself lying in bed this morning trying to convince my bladder that it really didn't need to be emptied. My entire body is sore and akin to one big knot. My incision goes around my hips to about two inches from my spinal column. This makes any sleeping position uncomfortable. I think you all get the picture.

On the plus side, I am slowly healing - no infection - no colds or the like. While Mike has not been helpful, I have been able to depend on Ed.

Please do drop me a note or visit - if you really now me. I feel the insanity begininng to brew.

Surgery

Sat, 28 Jan 2006 19:06:51 GMT

Well - it is really going to happen this Thursday. I am very anxious as this is major abdominal surgery and I will be in recovery for six to eight weeks. The thought of another surgery is definitely a freaky thing. I have had such bad hospital experiences. I will never forget after kidney/bladder surgery – lying there in true agony with a multitude of tubes – being given shots of Dilated and Belladonna & Opium. I was high as a kite and in a type of pain I NEVER want to experience again. It is bad when your pain subsides enough that the doctor decides to step down pain management to a morphine pump. That was scary and very painful. I have been reassured that this surgery will be uncomfortable, but not in the same category.

Ed has kindly agreed to be my nurse for a bit. He is going to be taking care of Chamois also. I have to give him cat bathing lessons later today. This should be rather fun to watch. While I have an understanding with Chamois – Ed is new to this.

Today is also the day to finish moving furniture around. I need to have everything organized before Thursday. Hopefully I will be able to get everything done. I am looking forward to having my office all setup again. Right now I am in a sea of books and paper stacks. It has been driving me nuts.

Tonight is the Belmont Burlesque. We are meeting at Friar Tuck to start of a fun night of debauchery. It should be a great way to enjoy myself before my convalescence.

Please drop me a note or call as I don't deal with being sick well.

B-12

Mon, 16 Jan 2006 23:27:17 GMT

As some of you know, I have something called Pernicious anemia - in other words a Vitamin B-12 deficiency. My insurance company decided it was too expensive for me to traipse to the doctor's office every other week and get an injection of B-12. So I am now required to inject myself. While this may sound rather benign - let me tell you that it is hard to stick a needle in your own flesh. Plus, it stings afterward.

Today was my first time doing the injection all by myself. I feel like I just passed an exam or something similar. Hopefully, giving myself these injections will become much easier as time goes by. I keep wondering if I had the needle at the correct angle - did I inject into muscle or fat - the questions are endless. It certainly felt like I did it the same way as the nurse at my doctor's office. Thank God I don't have to do this again for two more weeks.

Friday the 13th

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 19:45:52 GMT

Today is not a good day for me. I feel like crap and am miserable. After contemplating moving more furniture, I sat on my couch and cried. Now that I have no more distractions, it would seem I am extremely upset over all that is happening in my life. Today feels like a mini-meltdown. I even went back to bed with both cats curled against my body.

It seems as though people in my life have strange agendas. I just want to enjoy the hard earned health I have now. I can do whatever I want and the freedom of this is very heady. I’m not stuck anymore, but I feel even more boxed in. Some days or I should say most days I find it hard to feel good about myself. This is not a good situation with all the verbal crap coming my way.

I woke up today and felt very ugly. Hopefully, writing about it will help make it seem all the more silly. And I just realized it is Friday the 13th. Go figure.

Blah

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 23:40:32 GMT

Today is a very blah day. I started moving books and furniture in anticipation of Mike's move. It felt wonderful, but damn, I hate moving crap. Of course Michael will not lift a finger. I am feeling a little tortured. I should be shouting with glee, but I think the sadness has finally hit me.

I did find a funny picture to add to my userpictures. It was taken while waiting for a flight to Boston. I thought it was hysterical to see a jumbo jet pilot cleaning the windshield of his plane. Far be it from me to suggest that windshield whipper fluid might be necessary.

Ed is currently obsessed with going to a 'gay rodeo.' I guess they wrestle a goat into jockey shorts and various other activities best left unmentioned. Imagine the Marlboro Man in leather chaps and nothing else. Enough said about that.

Cat Marijuana!

Mon, 02 Jan 2006 21:10:39 GMT

My cats love catnip. Being the nice owner I am, I bought a bulk supply of catnip on-line. The box came and got shuffled outside. I found it today when I was putting away the Christmas ornaments. Imagine my suprise when I opened the box and found 2-lbs of catnip! The cats are extremely stoned and very happy. Chamois actually head butted Kitty. They are currently passed out on the couch.

Chamois and Kitty have their own webpages on catster.
Kitty: www.catster.com/?186089
Chamois: www.catster.com/?186088

Christmas and Hanukkah

Thu, 29 Dec 2005 02:07:38 GMT

I hope all you readers have had a wonderful Holiday. Mine was interesting. On Friday, Ed and I went to a family dinner/drinking event at Rob's new place, the Landmark Lounge. We had a blast.

Saturday found us at another family dinner/drinking event. This time Santa came - and Ed got to sit on Santa's lap. Below is a photo of the event. Ed had a great deal to drink and hence had a wonderful time. I was too sober for my own good.

On Christmas day, I went to another cousin's house for a nice dinner. We introduced Reuben to a menorah and said the prayers for the first night of Hanukkah with candle lighting. I even got some chocolate gold coins.

	Ed & I
	Ed & Santa
	Rueben's first menorah
	Cousin Michael & I

King Kong

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 22:24:34 GMT

Went to see King Kong last night with Ed and Aidon. It was an adventure start to finish. We went to Earwax first and had dinner. Then off to a 10:45pm movie. Since it was such a long movie, I brought alcohol. Ed decided he wanted to be stoned for the movie since it was CGI orientated. Aidon was the token sober person with us - or at least to start with.

The movie was fantastic - until the fire alarm in the theater went off..... A nice employee came in and told us it was just a mistake and the movie would resume shortly. Ed and Aidon decided this was a wonderful time to take a cigarette break and left me in the theater. It was very creepy to be sitting there with all these young males with colorful head gear and flashing lights. Plus I was a little tipsy at that moment. They came back and the movie resumed and then the alarm went off again. That fire alarm really ruined the movie.

We didn't get out of the movie theater until 2:30am. Ed of course had the munchies so off to White Castle we went. I would recommend the movie to those who do not have issues with insects.

On Friday night, I am going out for a family drinking event at my cousin's new bar, the Landmark. The Jamieson family never fails to have the best drinking habitats. If you know my family you would understand the humor in this statement. Every Thanksgiving when we where younger the family would play a game of football, called the Toiletbowl during the day and then retire to the Dupage Inn for some heavy drinking. As the years went by, the game got shorter and shorter with more and more bar time. I don't know if this tradition is still going on, but it was fun when I was younger.

Holiday Party

Tue, 20 Dec 2005 03:06:39 GMT

Last night was my attempt at a Holiday Party. Fun was had by all - albeit most of us where too drunk to notice by the end. When I got up this morning Chamois was feasting on caviar, someone who will remain anonymous had gotten cranberry juice on the dinning room ceiling, and someone else got red wine all over the kitchen. Must have been a good party.

	Dennis and Chamois in his Christmas shirt
	Chris, Stephen, and Kendrick
	Kathy and Alisa
	Stephen, Kendrick, Chris, and Ed
	Alisa and Ed
	Jill, Karl, Kyle, Tom, and Bret - note red wine on shirt
	Alisa

Chilly Sunday Morning Reflections

Sun, 13 Nov 2005 19:47:21 GMT

Well - another Saturday night Burlesque has passed. This time Tomas graced us with his presence. He was fantastic as usual. The guest performer was awful. I think I have been to too many of the shows as the acts are beginning to repeat themselves. Alas, it is becoming a little too predictable. Hard to believe booze, boobs, and a bump-n-grind could become mundane, but it has. I need to find new things to do. I feel like I am in a rut. I end up going to Filter or Earwax a few times a week and the same bars - Club Foot, Rainbo, or Whirlway. I need something new in my life. It doesn't help that most of my friends are just as predictable.

On a different note - I am going to spending nine days with my mother over Thanksgiving. That should shake me out of my rut. Nothing like a jewish mother to put new perspective on your life. At least my mother and step-father live an hour from NYC. I will not lack for diversions.

I have plans to reconnect with an old high school friend who made the following comment to me:
My son is 12, which makes him only 2 or 3 years younger than you were when I met you. How's THAT for making you feel old? :o) In just a few short years he'll be doing all that stuff we did in high school, which makes me a little nervous.
And yes John, you should be nervous with all the things we did in high school.

Halloween

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 03:54:50 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, Jill and I made demon babies. They are currently hanging in our front entryway. Surprisingly enough, we have not had a single trick-or-treater. Would you let you child ring our doorbell?

Pictures do not do these demon babies justice. Be sure and stop by and take a look at them. For fun, try and figure out who made which babies.

Yoda Cat

Sun, 30 Oct 2005 20:57:44 GMT

It looks as though Chamois is attempting to impersonate Yoda. Do you see the resemblance? I found him as seen below an hour ago.

Another Friday

Fri, 21 Oct 2005 22:21:47 GMT

Yesterday, Stephen and I went to see MirrorMask. While the movie was visually stunning, it wasn't all that interesting and very predictable. I think I am saturated with Neil Gaiman these days. He has become too popular.

I think I have been going out too often this week. I am beat and the weekend has not even really started. I try to blame Ed as it was his birthday yesterday. We went to Whirlaway on Wednesday and Club Foot on Thursday. My poor body is not used to this much debauchery.

Things are going to be even busier over the weekend. Saturday night is sure to be a blast with the Belmont Burlesque. Unfortunately, Tomas will not be preforming tomorrow night. We miss him. Luckily, we have enough of a crowd to make a reservation. Last month we almost didn't get in.

On Sunday night, Billy is having his going away party. That is sure to be an interesting event. Lots of people, booze, and so on. We will be sure to send Billy off to Austin with fond memories of Chicago. I will post nice pictures of drunk people after the event.

Nada Surf

Sun, 16 Oct 2005 03:53:59 GMT

Last night, pavlovs_bells, Kathy and I went to see Nada Surf at the Metro. What a fantastic show! I was amazed at great they were live. I have been a fan of Nada Surf since 1997. They seemed to have disappeared for a number of years, but are now back with a vengeance. We all agreed that the show was one of the best each of us has seen in years. Their new CD, The Weight is the Gift is really good. Be sure and check it out.

After the show we hung out with the opening band, Say Hi to Your Mom. While the name is really bizarre, the guys in the band were very nice. I really did not pay that much attention to them as I was highly anticipating Nada Surf. They are coming back to Chicago sometime in the winter.

This coming Sunday, Billy is having his going away party at our house. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and the party will be in the backyard. I can only imagine how rowdy this party has the potential to become. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures for blackmail material.

Another Night of Debauchery

Sun, 09 Oct 2005 17:41:02 GMT

Once again, another Saturday night was spent at Club Foot. Fun was had by all, but I drank way too much. I think I should not drink again for awhile. My life has been very intense as of recent and I probably am drinking to escape dealing with my own crap. Sucks to have to face consequences for your choices in life. Things will get better as changes occur - at least I hope this will be the case.

If you see me, be sure to give me a hug as I'm in a bad spot.

Fiery Furnaces

Sat, 08 Oct 2005 17:47:30 GMT

Last night Bret, Stephen, Ed, and I went to see the Fiery Furnaces at the Logan Square Auditorium. We all had a great time. The Fiery Furnaces put on a great show. I am still a little deaf from it. Oddly enough, I bumped into a number of people I have not seen in ages. Last night was my first time at the Logan Square Auditorium venue. My only complaint is there was nowhere to sit except the floor.

This morning, my Uncle Dave sent me photos of my grandparents house in La Grange. It made me cry to see the old house. I spent so much time there as a child that it felt more like a home to me then with my parents. The house hasn't changed much since my Grandparents sold it in 1984. I have been meaning to visit the house for years. Just seeing the pictures makes my heart ache. I still miss my Grandmother even though she has been dead for 15 years.

The significance of this photo will be lost on most. In 1975 my grandfather extended the driveway. We all put our hand-prints in the cement before it set. Looks as though they have survived.

Home Alone

Sat, 01 Oct 2005 06:47:52 GMT

I have a little advise - never watch a creepy Japanese horror film when home alone for the weekend. Michael has gone to Columbus for the weekend leaving me alone - not that I mind that much. Chamois and I watched tv until I had the smart idea to watch Ju-On, http://www.juonthegrudge.com/. Now I am all creeped out and alone with the cats. Kitty and Chamois are just no comfort at all. Chamois just wants more food and Kitty could care less.

Fun in Chicago

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 20:35:11 GMT

Bret, Jill, Ed, and I all went to the Belmont Burlesque last night. It was a blast! For once, the bus and train both appeared just as we did. I did have pause in the liquor store. Bret wanted Scotch and I had no idea what to buy him. Too many bottles of Scotch at different price points. During the show, the crowd was rowdy - lots of booze and boobs. Unfortunately, Tomas was not preforming and his replacement was only so-so. Tomas is such a fun magician. He is small in stature, but big in personality. After the show, we all trooped back to our house to hang in the back yard. I probably should go out back and clean-up, but instead am chilling in front of the computer

We heard a hysterical joke last night at the show. I must share it with you all. Q-Why can't you get pregnant from having sex with Jesus? A-Because he always comes through your heart.

Chamois was really mad at me when I got up at noon. He was howling about his breakfast. How dare I sleep in on a Sunday morning and not provide him with a proper repast! He is now sitting on my feet nudging me. I think he wants to sit on my lap. This will make typing a chore. Imagine trying to move with a 16-lb hairless cat on you. He is extremely substantial - in other words fat. Chamois has his own page on Catster and is quite popular.

Yesterday, Dan changed the locks on the front door after Derrick moved. We each got one key. I must go make keys today. If I don't, someone will end up locked-out. I already had to let Michael in twice this morning. Someone called him to work early this morning. I never even heard to phone ring.

Off to Home Depot I must go.

People's Energy Sucks!

Thu, 22 Sep 2005 20:43:12 GMT

Today has been one of those days. People's Energy came and turned off the gas to the entire apartment building. They didn't ring my doorbell or anything - just turned off the main. When I called, a nasty agent tried to tell me my gas bill was past due. Turns out it wasn't me - but another tenant in the building. They dispatched someone to turn our gas back on and it was done shortly. What I don't understand is how they could turn the entire building's gas off. No one at People's Energy could answer that question. All they said was they wanted to get the other tenants service off so they just shut down everyone in the building's gas. If I could use another gas company for service, I would.

I just wish I wasn't sick anymore. I officially have an upper respitory infection and an inner ear infection. No wonder I fell like crap. Looks as though I may miss the Belmont Burlesque this weekend.

In other news, I got Diana Gabaldon's new book A Breath of Snow and Ashes yesterday. Her Outlander series is awsome even it is sometimes sappy. The book is behemouth at 992 pages. So far, it has been really good.

Katie

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 18:42:33 GMT

Last night Jill and I went to see Corpse Bride, http://corpsebridemovie.warnerbros.com/. What an awesome movie! We both really enjoyed it. It was well worth the long line we stood in. We found a free sneak preview pass at Earwax over the weekend. It's amazing the stuff you find sitting on that ledge.

I seem to have contracted a wicked cold with nasty allergies. I hate being sick.

Here are various pictures of Katie taken recently.

	Jill & Katie 9/4/05
	Jill, Katie, & Bret 9/4/05
	Steve & Katie 9/04/05
	9/4/05

	Jill, Speak, & Katie 2005
	Katie & Stephen 9/4/05
	Steve & Katie 9/4/05
	Chris, Urchin, & Tina 2005
	Katie's apartment 2005
	Kaite 9/13/05
	Alisa & Katie 9/13/05
	9/15/05
	Great America 8/05
	Katie & John 9/15/05