Take a Seat

Mark this day in history. I’m about to say something that will come as a shock to some of you. It’s not something you will hear a woman say all too often. I found a pair of slacks in my closet that I forgot that I had and I wore them yesterday. Here’s the kicker – are you ready? I actually like the way they made my butt look! The interior of our elevators are mirrored, so whenever I was in an elevator alone, I was totally checking it out all day long! It looked lifted and rounded and dare I say sexy? I kinda want to wear those pants every day!

Mmm Hmmm, Ehh Uhhh

Gordon tagged me. Somebody stop him! First he makes out with 3 girls in one night, and now he's going around tagging innocent others!!

So, may I present to you, my list of turn ons and turn offs, in no particular order other than beginning with the bad news because I like to end with the good.


Turn Offs
- Cockiness – Get over yourself.
- Basketball – I love every other sport except this one. Bor-ing.
- Rodents and Reptiles – NOT pets. Don’t expect me to sleep over if you think they are.
- Workaholics – Have fun turning on your laptop because you’re not doing a thing for me.
- Long Hair – I don’t want to share my hair rubberbands.
- Push-Overs – Have a belief, take a stand; I’ll respect you more.
- Vegetarians – Real men eat meat.
- Just a Moustache – Not even on Burt Reynolds or Tom Selleck.
- Earrings – They’re for girls.
- Smokers - I won't pick on them. They get enough crap these days.
- Head Games – It’s simple. If you like me, just like me. If you don’t, don't.

Turn Ons
- Chilly Weather – Cuddling under the covers is always fun.
- Thunderstorms – The wet rain, the electricity, the passion created when weather collides….ah hem…so anyway….where were we...
- Blues Music – Makes me feel like stripping.
- Manners - I'd like to think that chivalry isn't completely dead.
- A Smile – It’s contagious. Definitely the only thing I’d ever want to catch from a member of the opposite sex.
- A Southern Accent – It’s sexy, it’s what I’m used to, it’s home.
- The Smell of Soap and/or Cologne – I can quickly become an addict.
- Compassion – For animals, for children, for people.
- Cowboy Hats – Don’t ask. I don’t know. Cowboy hats are just hot.
- Intelligence – Challenge me.
- Sense of Humor – Making me laugh is the path to my heart. Laughter is the only thing that transcends age, illness, and handicaps, and in the end, it may be all you have together.

I could probably sit here and list things on both all night, although I had a much easier time thinking of turn ons rather than turn offs. Frankly, it's just not fair for a single girl to spend an evening listing out turn ons. So now, I tag Jon, Sabrina, Tiffany, and David with the same task. But, please, anyone else that feels the need to list out theirs, consider yourself tagged as well. I'm an equal opportunity tagger.

Sleepless Word of the Night

an·tic·i·pa·tion
Pronunciation: (")an-"ti-s&-'pA-sh&n
Function: noun
1 a : a prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action
b : the act of looking forward; especially : pleasurable expectation
2 : the use of money before it is available
3 a : visualization of a future event or state
b : an object or form that anticipates a later type
4 : the early sounding of one or more tones of a succeeding chord to form a temporary dissonance --
synonym see PROSPECT or KARA

This is perfect on so many levels.

Nail Tips

On Saturday I received dating advice from the older Vietnamese man doing my pedicure:

“You a pretty girl, why you not marry?” he asked in his broken english. (Now there’s the million dollar rhetorical, apparently even international, question every girl *loves* to be asked.)

“You should go to bar, may meet nice man there. Or at work. Work better, men at bar may have family waiting for them at home. You spend time with some man at work and maybe marry him.” (Thank you for the tip. And hey, while we're exchanging advice, may I suggest you focus more on my O.P.I nail color and less on my dating life for *your* tip?)

OOOMPAAAHHH

My friend and I booked our trip to Greece today! Leaving on September 15th and returning on September 27th.

Total roundtrip flight duration: 28hr 25min (pass the Tylenol PM)
Total roundtrip miles traveled: 11,448 miles (cha-ching, I hear frequent flyer miles)

Ok, so now I can get over there, but with my ticket setting me back $1000, I have to figure out how I’m going to pay to sleep and eat while I’m there! I’ve set up a fund where donations will be accepted – anyone, anyone??

No Elephants, No Donkey, Just Soda

Please Vote.

Thanks for your support!

Girls' Weekend

Toting, bending, lifting, shoveling, planting, cleaning, painting, straining, sweating...smiling.

I just got home from volunteering to build a playground alongside other female executives at my company for a local organization called Girls, Inc. We dubbed the playground build, "girls helping girls." It was a really neat experience, and the playground (which the girls from Girls, Inc designed themselves) looks wonderful! While the actual people that provide the playground structure mostly build the structure (for obvious safety reasons - I mean, what in the world would a bunch of corporate women know about ratcheting and bolting millions of steel together for little girls to swing and slide from? Absolutely nothing. So, good call on their part!), the volunteers do various other jobs to help out the site. My jobs? Shoveling mountains of mulch onto tarps. Carrying tarps of mulch to the playground site. Staining the benches. Staining the steps. Staining the picnic tables. Planting flowers. Spreading out dirt. Laying step stones. All in 95 degree heat with a heat index of 105. It was so freakin' hot. But it was all so worth it! Those girls are going to have a great time playing on their new playground, and it couldn't have been for a more worthy cause - helping an organization that actively reinforces self-confidence and strength in (mostly underpriviledged) girls of today that will take our place as the women of tomorrow.

Next on the agenda for the girls' weekend? Huntsville, AL to visit my college roomate!! I haven't seen her since early December, so we've got a few Christmas and birthday gifts to exhange! Her husband (a teacher and jr. varsity football coach at the local high school) will be out of town taking the team down for football camp. What a more perfect time for the girls to get together again for a weekend reminescent of the good times we had while living together at U.A.! Shopping, margaritas, laying by the pool, boys...well, considering she's married now, maybe it won't be just like it used to be, but we'll still have a great time with the shopping, margaritas and the pool!

And finally, the last hurrah for my girls' weekend will be the 90th birthday party for my great, great aunt (my grandfather's aunt!) on Sunday. She's still sharp as a tack, lives on her own, keeps up with current events, does some of her own yardwork, and travels! If I'm around to see 90 years, I hope I'm blessed with the independence and intelligence that she still maintains! May it run in my family!

A Change of Underwear

Has anyone else noticed the addition of material to men’s underwear and subtraction of material from women’s panties these days? I don’t know any men that wear tighty whities anymore (if you do speak up) and women wearing thongs and g-strings seems to me to be the norm.

We'll Now Return You To Your Regularly Scheduled Kara

I know many of you come to my blog for a little entertainment, and my postings have been far from entertaining lately. But, just know that I'm feeling back to the ol' spunky Kara, and just as soon as I can make fun of something, you better believe I will! In the meantime, I've been interviewed by Jeremy, and the following are answers to the questions he's asked of me:

1. Hindsight being 20 / 20 what is one decision in your life, that if you could go back and change or make over, you would and why?
I'll give the generic "I wouldn't change anything because it's what's made me, me," which is true, but honestly, if I could do it again, I would have listened to my inner voice and followed my own advice. It would have saved heartache. However, skating through 26 years without knowing heartache, now I know what it is, so now I feel like I'll be better prepared to know what *true* love is when it happens. There's always a silver lining when it comes to me.

2. Describe your ideal self and your ideal mate in terms of moviestars... i.e. Jolie's lips, Vin D's muscles etc.
I really don't get caught up in all of the movie stars. Why wish to be something you're not instead of learning to love what you are?

3. Why do you blog?
I blog for a few different reasons. I’ve always enjoyed writing, and find it very therapeutic, so I began it as a means to settle my thoughts before bed every night. A place to park my ideas, my fears, my anger, my frustration, my joy, and my excitement in order to get to sleep. I also began it as a way to remember what I do and what I go through. An archive of my life. It’s always good to go back and read from your past, what you did or how you felt, and build upon those experiences and feelings. I find that it grounds me sometimes. And then I realized, that other people read my blog. They read about me. And at times, others find it interesting - the things I do or can relate to how I feel. Sometimes, others even offer support or a new perspective. I like it. I like to hear what others have to say or if they know how to help. It’s a place to go for free advice, an outlet to make others laugh, and a place to connect with strangers on a more intimate level than could ever be achieved in every day meanderings through my little world and routine.
4. If you were given an opportunity to write a book, what would it be about?
I feel like I write a book in my head as I live out my life, so it would probably be trials and tribulations of me. However, I think Helen Fielding already stole that idea and called it "Bridget Jones Diary" so there goes my hopes for a best-seller book idea!

5. What is one thing you look for in a man that regardless of anything else, if he has this... he is a keeper.
A foundation and faith in Jesus Christ because I know that every other important thing that I look for in a man stems from that - unconditional love, respect, good parenting, morals, trust, truth, sincerity, strength, etc.

Good questions, Jeremy!

Ok, come one, come all. You know the drill. If you're interested in being interviewed, please complete the following:
1. leave a comment below saying "interview me."
2. I will then ask you five questions, each person's will be different.
3. you update your journal/blog with the answers to the questions.
4. you include this explanation and an offer to interview others inthe same post.
5. then, when others comment asking to be interviewed, you will askthem five questions and on, and on, and...

Congratulations

I wasn't looking for a lifetime with you
And I never thought it would hurt just to hear "I do" and "I do"
And I do a number on myself
And all that I thought to be
And you'll be the one
That just left me undone
By my own, hesitation

and for the million hours that we were
well I'll smile and remember it all
then I'll turn and go
while your story's completed
mine is a long way from done.

I'm on a champagne high
Where will I be when I stop wondering why
On a champagne high
I'd toast to the future but that'd be a lie
On a champagne high,
high
....

- "Champagne High" by Sister Hazel

Best Wishes.

I'm glad it's over. All of it.

So Much to Say, So Much to Say, So Much to Say

So Much to Saayyyy.

Just thought I'd break a little DMB down for you. Since he seems to have so much to say, I thought I'd just let him talk. I apparently have writer's block.

We Are Not Afraid

And these pictures prove it.

Oh Bliss @$!#*&

What in world could be ANY better then knowing your ex is getting married this weekend? Why, having it broadcast all OVER the local news and radio, that’s what. Apparently he and his fiancée were to be married down in Florida this weekend and hurricane Dennis destroyed the place where they were to be married. So a local news station and radio station picked up their story and are now helping them plan their dream wedding for them this week so they can still marry this weekend. I’m really over the relationship, but really? Must it be thrown in my face?

George Gray

Inspired by my good friend, Jon, I decided to post my favorite poem on my blog.

I have studied many times
The marble which was chiseled for me—
A boat with a furled sail at rest in a harbor.
In truth it pictures not my destination
But my life.
For love was offered me and I shrank from its disillusionment;
Sorrow knocked at my door, but I was afraid;
Ambition called to me, but I dreaded the chances.
Yet all the while I hungered for meaning in my life.
And now I know that we must lift the sail
And catch the winds of destiny
Wherever they drive the boat.
To put meaning in one’s life may end in madness,
But life without meaning is the torture
Of restlessness and vague desire—
It is a boat longing for the sea and yet afraid.

- Edgar Lee Masters from The Spoon River Anthology

Moooving Cows

On my drive home from work on Friday, I saw an 18-wheeler from Tennessee transporting cows. The truck had a large cow bell hanging from the front grill. When I slowed down to get off at my exit, I noticed when the truck passed me, it had a very large, pink, rubber pair of testicles hanging from the back bumper!

The Big Chicken

This is the most famous landmark in the city that I grew up in. I'm not kidding! It was even a Jeopardy question ladies and gentlemen. We were beaming with pride as Alex Tribec revealed the answer behind the little blue screen!

Don't You Just Love It When

you rush back from lunch, inhale your food at your desk while checking email and voicemails that arrived while you were out, walk all the way down to building B (2 buildings over from the one I'm in) for a meeting, wandering around in a frenzy but trying to look like you know where you’re going amongst strangers sitting in their cubes, searching for conference room D, FINALLY finding the dumb conference room, only to see that it’s pitch black with no one in it!? So you make a call from the vacant conference room and hear, “uh oh. Since you weren’t on my original meeting distribution, I guess I forgot to notify you that the meeting’s been canceled.” Yes. Yes, you did. Had I known I was going to have to go on a 2 mile hike through two buildings, elevators and up stairs, for no reason whatsoever, I would have worn more comfortable shoes. You know, the ones that weren't a 3" heel. Thanks.

It's Confirmed

Girls do crazy things. Myself included. I don't want to elaborate. Just want to confirm. Thank you.

Barely Running on a Low Battery

Fingers clinched, my wrist twists to the right.
There’s a slight hesitation.
I hold my breath.
Then we’re off.
I let out a sigh.

That’s been the course of events these past few days since I noticed my car hesitating when I go to start it. It started on Monday night and has taken increasingly longer and longer to catch the motor each time I go to crank it. In my vast knowledge of car diagnostics (in fact, you might have seen me on “Pimp My Ride,” except the producer turned me down for my infinite *lack* of car intelligence), I decided it was my battery dying a slow and very painful death. And long story short, (of which includes a flirtation session with the manager at NTB to get it changed quickly AND to increase the chances of my business card being drawn for a free alignment), I was right.

Just Stop

Blogger's stopped emailing me people's comments when they leave them. It's hoarding all of my comments and for what reason, I don't know. But it's really annoying. Stop being selfish, Blogger, and send them on! Dumb computer.

By the way, Stormtrooper called again tonight. I didn't answer. Said he missed me at the 4th of July party he was at. Yea, well, buddy, I didn't miss you. Stop. Calling. Me. Please.

I Heart Atlanta, Just Not The Single Men

Dear internet,

Let me just brag a little about how freakin' wonderful my city is. For the past 2 nights, I've had the most amazingly fun time doing Atlanta summertime events. Thursday night, some friends and I took a blanket, wine/beer, and a picnic to Piedmont Park for Screen on the Green to watch Grease. It was like Woodstock - people were everywhere...thousands of them! Some people dressed up, others tried to undress because it was so hot, humid, and sticky. But a good time was had by all. I mean, how much more fun could you ask for while drinking and watching that movie outside along with thousands of people singing along to the songs!? I think people in Texas probably heard us when we all busted out, "You're the One That I Want."

Last night, I scored 4 free last minute tickets and 2 parking passes to a concert at Chastain Amphitheater. It's one of our outdoor amphitheaters that has THE BEST atmosphere. The seating is made out of flagstone and the concert venue is surrounded by trees. People bring picnics, wine, flowers, and candles to see concerts there, and it's just so much fun. Anyway, the concert last night was to see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (swing/jazz/big band type music - think "Zoot Suite Riot") with back-up music by our Atlanta Symphony Orchestra with a grand finale of fireworks for the 4th of July celebration. Oh My God. It rocked! Our seats were incredible, the band was so much fun, and the wine was flowing! There was even an impromptu conga line that broke out; however, it came to an abrupt end when the guy that was unknowingly "leading the line" made it up to the bathroom. Turns out he was heading up there with his girlfriend hanging onto his hips behind him when everyone joined in. That was hilarious!

Finally - the fireworks. I heart fireworks SO much! I love everything about them except when they end. I love the colors and the textures and the sound! It's just so exiting. There's even something somewhat romantic about them. The display last night was great!

So have I made any of you jealous yet? Well you should be. If not, I haven't done my description justice because I've had the most amazing weekend so far. And now, I'm off to the pool to enjoy the sun. If you want to visit, you can stay with me. If you decide you want to move here, you can put in your application. However, let me forwarn married men and girls, while we'd love to have you visit, any application to move here will be denied. We've got enough of your kind here, which was painstakingly obvious in going to these past 2 events.

Y'all come down now, ya here?
Kara


Dear Single Cute Guys at the Taco Stand (a local bar/restaurant good for happy hours),

Yes, we noticed you staring at us when we walked in. In fact, I think a local patron had to help you find one of your eyes that may have popped out of your head. So, why you decided not to join us at the concert is beyond me. Do you know how much courage it took us to go over and give you our 2 extra tickets and parking pass to invite you to come with us? I NEVER do things like that. But in my attempt to take my social life into my own hands, I mustered the courage. And while you seemed genuinely excited about going, my friend and I were less then excited to show up at the concert to find that you gave the tickets to some guy and his nurse girlfriend that talked FAR too much (figures - I've found that all nurses and teachers have boyfriends). Listen, we weren't looking for a lifetime with you. We just wanted to flirt a little and get to know you better (and then maybe make-out a little after having a few glasses of wine at the concert - ha!). But no. What is wrong with you? All I have to say is that was dumb. Very dumb. I guess the only consolation we have is knowing that we made your night. I mean, how often do you have cute girls inviting you out? That and we'll forever live in your memory and stories described as a "supermodel and porn star" because you know the tale that you'll tell your buddies will be bigger and better then the reality.

Your loss,
Kara


Dear Atlanta City Council,

While I love this city as my hometown, I'm increasingly disappointed in the lack of single men and furthermore, the quality of the single men that are here (please reference my above letters). Instead of addressing economic factors, unemployment, infrastructure, and traffic, might I suggest that you divert your efforts towards a marketing push to attract more single men to our city instead? I bet if you put that on your agenda ballot, you'll be suprised with the number of votes it gets.

That's my 2 cents, one of which is the penny I've been hanging hope on.

My advice is free and you can thank me later,
Kara

Still a Freak Magnet...

Ok. I've had just about enough! When is the candid camara team going to jump out and tell me to smile? I kid you not, I can't attract a normal guy to SAVE MY LIFE. I was online minding my own business after getting home from Screen on the Green, and was actually writing a post about how much fun I had tonight, and then out of the blue, I get an instant message from this person, John, and the conversation was so strange, yet so status quo for the types of freaks I attract somehow, that I just had to share. Thanks for the material John.

Kadj64801: just read a blog entry about laughng gas that you wrote....isnt it wonderful stuff
Kadj64801: *laughing
Alicia205:(this is my AIM) wow, that was a long time ago. You're digging up the archives, aren't you?
Kadj64801: lol.....a bit.....hi, im john, nyc......laughing gas lover.....lol
Alicia205: hello John. I'm Kara and I'm in GA.
Kadj64801: i laughed reading how you enjoyed it.......i went from being a dental phobe into someone who loves going to the dds
Kadj64801: nice to meet you
Kadj64801: so, do you get the gas often?
Alicia205: did you stumble on that post by mistake or do you read my blog?
Alicia205: no, hadn't had it in a long time until I had to have some dental work done this spring. A filling for a cavity. :(
Kadj64801: was looking up someone and came across your blog......saw "laughing gas"....and had to respond. (i really think that gas should be sold to everyone)....lol
Alicia205: yes, that'd be fun. It's a cool feeling...and legal!
Kadj64801: i found a dds (female). that uses it for cleanings on me......and shes very generous with it.........i fall in love with the ceiling lights every time the mask goes on me....lol
Kadj64801: so what is a laughing gas experience like for you?
Alicia205: do you have a blog?
Oh, I guess like for most, it's like you're transported out of your body and everything's very surreal. cool experience. I don't get it for cleanings unfortunately. Maybe I should act like a baby so I will next time. good plan...
Kadj64801: hehehe.......it worked for me (although i was quite chicken)........do you get deja-vu on it?
Alicia205: not that I can recall. Like I said, I don't get it very often, and this past spring was the first time in a very long time.
Alicia205: why are you so interested in my laughing gas experience?
Kadj64801: i really love the gas.....somewhat of a fetish i guess
Kadj64801: i find the whole nitrous experience very sensual
Alicia205: ah, I see. well you should become a dentist yourself and you'll have an unlimited supply.
Kadj64801: imagine.....i would never have time for patients
Kadj64801: i didnt mean to be so forward, and i apologize if i came off that way............
Alicia205: no, just a bit strange if you want my honest opinion.
Kadj64801: i just find the reclined chair and the drifting into lalaland under the assts and female dds very arousing
Kadj64801: the submissiveness is what does it i guess
Alicia205: yeah. Well, John, thanks for stopping by and reading my blog.
Kadj64801: nice chatting.....bye
Alicia205: bye.

Who am I to judge, so I try to be diplomatic about things, but geez what a weird-o! What in the world is it about me??? How do these freaks find me? When will an amazing guy save me from my misery with these others that seek me out?

Lack of Parental Supervision

While I was out tonight, I asked my parents to run over to my house to drop off some tickets to a concert I'm going to tomorrow night ( I guess now technically tonight). While they were here, my mother swept my floor and folded a load of laundry I had taken out of the dryer when I got home from work tonight but didn't have time to fold. My dad sprayed my yard with weed killer. I love the fact that my parents are so sweet and thoughtful to do these things, but I'm worried about what they have found in my house while I'm not here. I'm blessed with great parents, but thinking of them in my house without me here sends a rush of panic over me. Did I put up everything I didn't want them to see? What did I leave on my nightstand? Did my mother snoop through bills or drawers? There's no telling. I gotta tell you, it makes me a bit uncomfortable knowing they had free reign of my house without my supervision. I feel very vunerable.