Highlights of Halloween 2011

Well, we hit 400 trick or treaters and the candy was gone, including my hidden stash of Baby Ruth and Butterfingers!   Even after I shut off the porch lights and put a sign on the door, they still kept knocking!  My street was packed - lined with cars, numerous kids, big and small, jaywalking across the road.  I'm assuming this was all due to it being a dry, but cold, night.  I especially loved the babies, swaddled in their fluffy costumes, sleeping while the parents continued to trick or treat.  We all know those babes with no teeth wouldn't be biting into the Butterfinger I passed along to their bag!  No wonder I ran out of candy so quickly!! 

The popular costumes this year were Snookie from Jersey Shore, Spiderman, and the everlasting mask from Scream.  I'm a little bothered by several of the teenage chicks who were sporting the bosom-baring outfits that may have come from Playboy.com.  It seemed they would be hitting the nearest meat market bar after picking up their treats from the neighbors.

The one thing I know is true....everyone loves getting their picture taken!  Even the smallest ones were striking a pose.  It's odd that not one parent asked me why I was taking pictures.....several kids and adults said "this must be for Facebook!"  Nope, it's simply for this Diva's personal entertainment, as well as fodder for the blog!



 

Sam and his crew



Happy Halloween Divas!!

The boys are getting ready to rumble tonight - age will no be a deterrent to free candy!!!  I've got my stash of the gross candy to distribute (Tootsie Pops and eyeball chocolates) while I've got the good stuff (Baby Ruth and Butterfinger) hidden in the back room.  Let's have safe Halloween Divas!!!


Cody and Sam photobombing Tyler and Jordan



Obedience to Authority - the Root of All Evil?

If there were ever a time for a discussion on creepy experiments, today is the day!

Last night there was a show on the Discovery channel titled "How Evil Are You?"  It reproduced an experiment that was originally performed 50 years ago by Stanley Milgram of Yale University.  I found it much more fascinating to understand the experiment in black and white from the early sixties than watch the new show, although that is what sparked my interest.

The Milgram Experiment was created to explain some of the concentration camp-horrors of the World War 2, where Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals, Slavs and other enemies of the state were slaughtered by Nazis. Many war-criminals claimed they were merely following orders and could not be held responsible for their actions in the trials following the World War 2.  Were the Germans in fact evil and cold-hearted, or is this a group phenomenon which could happen to anyone, given the right conditions?

The Milgram Experiment set up a fake shock generator which gave electric shock, given by the tester, to another participant, the learner, in increments of 15 to 450 volts.  Each time the learner gave an incorrect test answer, he would receive a shock.  The tester giving the shock was in a separate room; the tester and learner had met, but were not in the same area.  Everyone but the tester was in on the test; the learner was not receiving shock treatment.  An overseer, referred to as the "experimenter" was in the room giving directions as needed, such as "Go on", "You must continue", that sort of thing.  The question was “For how long will someone continue to give shocks to another person if they are told to do so, even if they thought they could be seriously hurt?”

Throughout the experiment, dependent upon the number of volts given, the tester would hear cries of discomfort, then anguish, then silence.  Although most subjects were uncomfortable doing it, all 40 subjects in the test obeyed up to 300 volts, 25 of the 40 subjects continued to give shocks until the maximum level of 450 volts was reached.

 Before the Stanley Milgram Experiment, experts thought that about 1-3 % of the subjects would not stop giving shocks. They thought that you’d have to be pathological or a psychopath to do so. Still, 65 % never stopped giving shocks. None stopped when the learner said he had heart-trouble.  How could that be? We now believe that it has to do with our almost innate behavior that we should do as told, especially from authority persons.

Creepy huh?  Perhaps this is a reminder that all authority is not good authority and we must respect the minds we possess and have the strength to do what is right, not simply follow direction.

Happy Halloween Shoes

In time for the Halloween holiday, ran across the following shoes on the Just Fab website.  Aren't they cool?  Apparently many others agree as they are sold out.


They even have an Alicia boot - I'd work it!!

 

Can't Get Any Better Than This!

A dozen pink roses, dinner out twice, a beautiful card, and fabulous conversation - all courtesy of my guy.  I'd have to say I had a pretty good week!

L'Oreal False Fiber Mascara Fabulous!!

Here are the results of using my new L'Oreal False Fiber Lashes mascara....wow!  Look at those suckers!  I applied my new Hip eyeshadow along with the new mascara yesterday and was pretty impressed with the results.

Beauty Night on Friday's Menu

I spent a leisurely Friday night getting my hair trimmed before hitting Rite Aid to browse the makeup and hair aisles.  Although it was a draining Friday after a long week, the 18-year old receptionist at the hair salon made my day.  We were talking about her high school, my alma mater, and how I had spent some time performing mock interviews there for several years.  She said most of the interviewers were old, "not young like you."  Oh how I loved her for that comment!!

On to Rite Aid - for some reason this store always has the newest makeup; it's higher priced, but you can usually score it on sale.  I had to buy some new face powder - I think I have 3-4 face powders that were just not working due to being either too dark or too light.  I was tired of running around with a dark line around my face or appearing geisha-like so I needed to grab something that better matches my complexion.

Rite Aid Bonanza



I ended up purchasing Cover Girl powder, L'Oreal Million lashes mascara and Hip eyeshadow (buy one, get one 50% off), and Organix Shea Butter shampoo and conditioner (buy one, get one free), which smells positively orgasmic!!  I'm anxious to try the mascara today to see if it pans out; I currently use the L'Oreal Voluminous mascara but it gets a little clumpy.

Once home, I spent the evening watching the Project Runway finale from On Demand (I just knew Anya was going to win!), reading my new Allure magazine, and painting my nails.  I decided to try the au current trend for nails - different colored polish for each nail.  I used pink, red, and light pink.  Aren't they fab?

I also learned from my trusty Allure mag a couple of tips from hairstylist Garren:

1.  Viviscal is the secret vitamin that makes your hair grow faster.  I'm trying to grow out my blond mop so I'll be picking some of this up in the near future.  Here's a Viviscal link to Finola Hughes extolling it's virtues.

2.  Garren says don't apply conditioner to your hair without rinsing it out.  A lot of times, due to my coarse and thick hair, I would spread an extra drop of conditioner on to my locks before I got out of the shower.  Garren says this will only make your hair drier.  Hmmmm...interesting concept!

Along with texting my BFF and beau, that was it for my Friday night!!!

Tres chic nails!



Anderson Cooper is My Comic Hero!

Anderson Cooper took time out of his busy day to add Courtney Stodden, aka 17-year old married to creepy Green Mile actor, to his RidicuList.  This is too funny and Anderson really brought it home!  Take a look if you want a Saturday morning chuckle!

TGIF!!!

Diva in the Making

Ran across this photo at home, which tells me I've obviously been into shoes since I was a wee lass!  Aren't those boots fantastic?  I've kind of got a Lolita pose going on, which is a tad disturbing.  Wearing that wig, I was perhaps dressed up for Halloween, which may explain the creeper at one house who said "I'll give you a dollar...come back for more later!" 

Terrible Tortoise Torture

My first indication the turtle
was not a good idea!

Yesterday was cold.  As I browsed my closet, I happened upon this beautiful purple turtleneck sweater that I hadn't worn in ages.  It looked so warm and cuddly that I decided to wear it to work.  Uh oh....not a good decision! 

It was during my commute that I realized why I hadn't worn the sweater in so long.....it eats me.  Seriously, the turtle slowly climbs its way up my neck and begins devouring my head.  It was the tortoise from hell!!  Wearing that sweater was akin to wearing a bra that has been forgotten; you put it on, then spend the whole day rearranging your boobage because it pinches, it pulls, and just doesn't fit correctly.  Sheer torture!!!



My neck is far from lengthy and swan-like, but this was taking it too far!  I spent the day tugging at the sweater, pulling it, pushing it, shoving it, folding it, and trying to be oh so creative in order to solve the problem of it eating me alive!  Alas, I had to give in to my circumstances and make light of the whole situation just to survive my fashion faux pas.

The only thing that kept me going during the day was the thought of stripping that friggin sweater off after work.  I couldn't run to my room fast enough; my neck was sweaty, my hair was unkempt, but the relief I felt after stripping myself of that turtle was pure bliss!

Turtleneck sweater anyone?  Free to anyone with a six-foot neck!!


How may I help you?

Doing the burka!

Anything to Give Variety to the Old Grind!

Here's how I keep myself sane at work.  Today I kidnapped Diva Adriana's new Aflac duck and held it ransom.  Cute huh?  She didn't think it was so funny when I texted this picture to her!!


Give me all your chocolate and the duck goes free!!

Here's a few more little sayings I ran across about my profession that gave me a chuckle.  Ya gotta laugh or you end up crying in your beer!!



Flowers for a Monday

Thanks to Diva Marie for sending me this video, which contains the birth of many flowers.  Nothing wrong with a little beauty for a dreary Monday morning!!  Make sure you leave your sound on as this contains a symphony that enhances the floral beauty!!

Life of flowers from VOROBYOFF PRODUCTION on Vimeo.

Of Rides and Red Heels

Awwww....Sunday is here and I'm enjoying every minute of it.  This Diva has had a busy weekend and I'm looking forward to kicking back today....perhaps even taking a nap!  To recap:

Friday - Friday, I love you so, although I forgot to add TGIF to the blog.  Went grocery shopping after work then hit the hay around 9:30 after catching up on Project Runway.


My man's new ride

Saturday - Rose early and picked up my guy for a cruise to Gresham Kia in order to get maintenance on my car at 10am.  We decided to wander around the car lot just for kicks and giggles, which was the wrong thing to do.  The car salesmen started swarming like flies on honey....one after the other, moving in  for the kill.  One older salesman ended up showing us a few cars; he went on and on about first the pain in is leg, then his sciatic nerve, then more about his pain.  He topped it off by saying his eyes weren't watering he was crying from his pain and unfortunately the morphine he was taking was helping.  Oh for God's sakes man!  This is not how to make a sale!!!  I told him he was telling us too much about his health....I was sick of it (pun intended.)

I actually ended up test driving a car but my boy was the one that went home with a new rig.  He picked up a sweet Kia Sorrento; we ended up being in the damn car dealership until 3pm.  Yes, five fricking hours!!!  We hooked up with the salesman that sold me my car so I earned myself a $50 referral fee (yeah, Weston didn't break the bank on that one!) 

A few tips for Weston Kia - offer your customers, especially ones who are buying a car, something to drink.  They offered us no beverage, although the salesman filled up his water jug while we were there.  It wouldn't hurt them to have a few cans of cheap Shasta pop sitting in a fridge available to at least customers who are making a purchase.  In addition, they only filled up my guy's new car half way with gas.  WTF?  The man spends a considerable sum and that's only worth half a tank of gas?  Those items, along with a 50+ year old salesman sporting a gray faux-hawk, were disturbing.



Saturday night Diva outfit

My guy and I made plans to meet up at our regular spot for competition darts along with celebrating the bar owners birthday.  After taking a quick shower, I had to figure out what to wear.  Arrrggg....sometimes it is so hard to figure out the perfect outfit!  Jeans or skirt?  Heels or flats? Hair up or down?  After creating a quite large pile of clothing on my bed and pile of shoes on my floor, I finally decided on skinny jeans, striped top, and red heels.  I also threw a wide, vinyl red belt in with the mix but that simply moved it too far into 80's costume so it was quickly removed.

Diva Sister Erin stopped by for a quick visit and that was entertaining, to say the least.   Her visit could make a whole blog chapter in itself but I believe I will pass. 

Saturday ended up being a late night and for that reason a Sunday nap is calling me!

Shoe of the Week

Diva Alexis gave this pair of shoes to me this week as they were a tad too big for her.  Love them!!  Can't wait to rock them out!!  Thanks Alexis....you know exactly what a Diva loves!!!

Barbie and Bastardino!

The newest Barbie comes with a black skull-and-bones tee shirt, leopard leggings and a pale pink bob, is the result of Barbie's collaboration with Simone Legno of the Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand Tokidoki.

The doll, currently retailing for $50, is described on Barbie's website thusly:

tokidoki® Barbie® doll is always ready for cutting-edge fashion! She pops on a pink miniskirt, logo leggings and black top with signature skull heart and bones, carries a large bag from the brand, then adds bracelets, a belt, and sky-high sparkly silvery shoes! This funky fashionista features trendy tattoos and a pink bob. With cactus friend, Bastardino, by her side, she’s ready for fun in fashion-forward form!

Love the pink bob and even her tats are cool but c'mon....what's with the dog's name?  Bastardino?  Should have rethought that one!!

I Believe.....

Batman and Sam - Separated at Birth?

Waiting for game

Just dropped my Sambo off at the Gamestop store so he can wait until midnight to pick up his pre-ordered Batman Arkham Asylum game.  Can you tell which one is him?  If you know him, it's obvious.  Gamestop is showing The Dark Knight at 10pm before the release of the new game.  Yes, I know it's a school night but I can't stop the Batman fiend from obtaining his newest game - he's been waiting three months for this day to arrive!!!

Update - Drove back to Gamestop to pick up the boys close to midnight.  Sam was number three and ready to grab his game.  Before the game was released, a store employee came out with the Batman game cardboard stand to give away.  Anyone interested had to play rock, paper, scissors to win it (if you saw the group, you'd understand.)  Sam's buddy Garrett made the winning move and won the sign; he immediately handed it over to Sam and said "Happy Birthday Sam!"  A few moments later Sam had his new game in hand and we were on our way home.  It was the icing on the cake!!

Garrett, Tyler and Sam with winning game sign!



Damn....Monday Already!!

Recipe for Hungry Teens

I've frequently been making the following recipe for my kids - along with their friends, who so often appear around dinnertime.  It's a big hit plus it's fast to make.  My kids even use the words "it's the shit, Mom" when describing this dish.  Try it - both you and your hungry children will be happy!!

Hashbrown Casserole

Mix together a large bag of frozen, shredded hashbrowns with a large can of cream of chicken (or any other type) soup along with 1/2 to 1 cup of sour cream plus about 1/4 cup of milk.  Add in grated cheese and your cooked meat of choice.  You can add in leftover meat or, as I did tonight, add in hamburger that I cooked with onion and garlic.  If you don't want to mix it all together, you can even layer this like a lasagna in the pan.  Pour into a 9 x 13 baking dish; sprinkle the top with Panko bread crumbs (has to be Panko, which you can buy by the box or from the bulk foods section.)  Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour.  Yum!

Another new recipe I've been trying out that I found in Cosmopolitan of all places is the following marinade.  I'll marinate chicken or pork loin in this marinade all day, then cook it at night.  This has also been a big hit at our house.

Molasses Glaze

1/4 cup strong black coffee, cold or room temperature
3 Tbs molasses
2 Tbs Balsamic Vinegar
2 Tbs Olive Oil
2 Tbs chopped thyme
Salt and pepper

Mix all the above together then marinate your meat of choice over night or all day.  I used this for pork loin and cooked it on 375 degrees until it reached 145 degrees.  Two or three times during the cooking process I dumped more of the leftover marinade over the loin.  Once done, let sit for ten minutes then slice.

I Want a Saturday Night Do Over!

Simply put, last night was bizarre!  Diva Shelly was coming over to pick me up so we could hit bar where my guy plays darts.  I had gotten cleaned up and was waiting for Shel to arrive.  I looked outside because I thought I saw her rig pull up.  Nope...it was the county sheriff.  Uh oh - cops are never a good sign!

I answered the door dressed in my jeans, black top and bootie heels - my party outfit for the evening.  The sheriff asked if one of my sons lived there.  Again, uh oh...what has he done that I don't know about?  I quickly grabbed Sam and we headed out to the porch, barking Stubs in tow.  Apparently one of his friends had stolen money from someone and they wondered if Sam knew about it.  They also informed Sam that his friend had stolen a video game and cologne from Sam himself.  As Sambo was fessing up to what he knew about his buddy, I saw Diva Shelly pull up to my street.  I imagined in my head what she must have been thinking see me and my kid on the porch with a copper. 

The sheriff wrapped up his questions with some additional reminders about telling the truth and reiterating that real friends don't steal from others.  We all agreed and the sheriff departed, on his way to apprehend the teenage criminal. 

Shelly then made her way into the house.  As I wasn't driving, I wanted to get the party started before we hit the bar.  Unfortunately, the only alcohol I had in the house was vodka...and no mixer.  What the heck - I'll just slug back some of that straight.  Just as this wasn't a wise idea when I was a teenager, drinking alcohol straight continues to be an idea without merit.  As Shelly and I stood on the back porch talking, I took a few shots of the vodka.  It all seemed good until the very last gulp.  I coughed.  I sputtered.  Then I proceeded to woof my cookies onto the lawn.  Poor Shelly.....between the cop and my puking, she didn't know what to think!  The whole situation was so ridiculous I was having a hard time keeping it together - laughing and vomiting are two bodily releases that should never be combined!

Yeah, like this!

After touching up my puffy, mascara-streaked face, we then hit the road to the bar.  Walking in, I immediately saw my guy.  We ordered some beer (no, the puking didn't damper my intent of having a good time) and began to chat with my guy and the others sitting with us.  Remember the weird vibe I got from that tavern a few weeks ago?  Shelly was getting the same vibe from the dart place.  To make matters worse, a woman who sat across from us kept staring at me.  Perhaps the word "staring" is too kind.....glaring is a better description.  As I talked with Diva Shel, I could sense with my peripheral vision her eyes piercing into me.  I would occasionally glance over and give her a short smile, which I hoped would encourage her to stop giving me the evil eye.  Shelly leaned over and whispered "why is that woman glaring at you?"  I didn't have a clue.  I had met both her and her husband before so I have no idea why she was giving me the stare.

This similarities between
this picture and the
drunk chick are
purely coincidental!


In addition, a drunken chick was trying to monopolize my guy in conversation, a situation I was not about to accept.  As am I, my guy is friendly with everyone.  Unfortunately, this chickster, who apparently had been carrying an unrequited torch for my beau, thought she might still have a chance with him.  Sorry honey - when you've got the Diva, there's no need to look further for excitement in your life.  She simply didn't stand a chance, which I was happy to hear reiterated by my guy to me when my annoyance level with her behavior began to escalate.  I'm a lover, not a fighter but I was on the verge of opening a can of whoop ass on that inebriated lass! 

I'm not sure about all of the random weirdness that occurred last night.  I can only chock it up to the stars aligning or perhaps a full moon in the sky.  I'm hoping none of this occurs the next time we are out together at the regular spot. An evening with no cops, no puking, no glaring, and no drunken chicks will make for a very happy Diva!  And I'm sure Shelly would concur!!

Marilyn Monroe - The Legend Never Fades

There are some new, never published pictures of Marilyn Monroe out now.  Isn't she fabulous??

Avatar Devirginization Has Taken Place!

Well I finally watched Avatar last night.  And I must admit...it was pretty good!  In fact, I'd probably watch it again if given the chance.  Up next - Happy Feet!


Zoe Saldana from Avatar
who's often mistaken for Thandie Newton



TGIF!!!

We Be Planking!!

Real Life Planking

This is what happens at work when we want a good laugh!  Diva Andrea happened to mention that her new beau is into "planking".  What the hell is planking?  Apparently, it's lying down face first in unusual or incongruous locations.  Google it and you'll see what I mean.  

This morning we felt to urge to become plankers so we closed the office door, pulled down the blinds, and went to town.  I was the first one up on the file cabinet - we laughed so hard we almost wet ourselves.  Andrea hopped on the cabinet next then we invited Bobby in on the fun.  After showing our pictures around (several were shocked to see me, the business woman, planking...obviously they don't know the kind of fun freak I truly am in my personal life!), we received a surprise photo from one of our co-workers planking on the conference table.  This could actually be our new workplace event!  Perhaps Planking Olympics is in our future!!!


Diva Planking




Andrea attempting the 2-chair plank

 

Jon Conference Table Planking



Andrea Planking



The Vertical Plank

Bobby Garbage Planking



I Am Not Moving

All this recent talk about Occupy Wall Street and, in our corner of the world, Occupy Portland, is confusing.  Per Wikipedia, the central demand of the protest is that President Obama "ordain a Presidential Commission tasked with ending the influence money has over our representatives in Washington".  Liberal commentator Michael Moore had suggested that this is not like any other protest but this protest represents a variety of demands with a common statement about government corruption and the excessive influence of big business and the wealthiest 1% of Americans on U.S. laws and policies.  Other protesters have stated that the President has become irrelevant, stressing the importance for the 99% to lead and inspire change.

Diva Luna sent me a link to this video regarding the Occupy movement, which is frankly a little scary!  Watch it if you dare!!!

My Creepy Pumpkin!

They are having a pumpkin painting contest at work so I picked up a little pumpkin tonight at Walmart to paint (forgot to grab the freebie one at work.)  I was going for a Frankenstein-type of item but I think it turned into more of an alien!  Keep your fingers crossed for me as this little guy could pick me up a cool $100 prize!!

Monday Again??!!!

The Meaning of Love

Back in my day, my friends would use the words "cool" or "sweet".  My kids, especially Sam, use the words "B.A." as well as "sweet".  One of the more recent terms that have been a little harder to get used is "Love". 

At my previous position, the average age was 38-40 so the vernacular was similar to my own.  In my current job, the average age probably runs 18-21.  One of the terms this younger crowd uses is "love" in the same way my generation would say "kiddo" or "honey".  "Thanks Love" was one of the first phrases pointed in my direction by one of the employees I had just finished helping.  The first time I heard it I wondered if my ears deceived me...how strange.

I've now become accustomed to hearing this term of endearment all the time.  I've also heard on numerous occasions at work "love you"; "love you lots"; and even "I love you Leash."  Seriously, these phrases were previously only uttered to me by my family or very, very close friends.  I now hear it on a daily basis while at work and even on Facebook, uttered to me by co-workers or even simply acquaintances.  Why is the word love so easily given by this generation?   And how should I respond?  With a superficial "love you too"?  In most cases I simply chuckle, say thanks, or utter "love ya man!" with a smile in my voice.

While my mother was very generous with her exclamations of love and affection, I can probably count on only two hands the number of times my father has told me he loved me.  I freely tell my siblings I love them and I probably tell my sons I love them five times a day....before school, after each phone call, and before bed.  My close friends know I love them but it's rare I say it out loud to them.  I also only state "I love you" in a relationship if I truly feel it from the heart.

I ran across a definition of love from the Urban Dictionary of all places.  I've bolded the sections that truly speak to me when I think of the emotion of love.

Love is an incredibly powerful word. When you're in love, you always want to be together, and when you're not, you're thinking about being together because you need that person and without them your life is incomplete.  This love is unconditional affection with no limits or conditions: completely loving someone. It's when you trust the other with your life and when you would do anything for each other. When you love someone you want nothing more than for them to be truly happy no matter what it takes because that's how much you care about them. You hide nothing of yourself and can tell the other anything because you know they accept you just the way you are and vice verse.

It's when they're the last thing you think about before you go to sleep and when they're the first thing you think of when you wake up, the feeling that warms your heart and leaves you overcome by a feeling of serenity. Love involves wanting to show your affection and/or devotion to each other. It's the smile on your face you get when you're thinking about them and miss them.

With that definition in mind, does professing love to those you barely know devalue its meaning?  Will a constant use of the word love reduce it's relevance?  Or will the continued use of the word to everyone under the sun create a world of tolerance and inclusion?  Perhaps, borrowing from Sophocles, an ancient Greek playwright, "One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love."

If a single word in our vocabulary can free us from the weight and pain of life, then who am I to judge?  I will continue to accept it as it's given and continue to speak it when it comes from my heart.

Halloween is Just Around the Corner!

Here's my Jordy with his googlie-eyed beanie bat.  Yes, it's both cute and disturbing!  Please trust me when I say my son is not a serial killer!

Loving These!!!



All from Spring 2012 runway



Only Joking Here Folks!

My brother sent this to me recently, stating "This short article was forwarded to me by local professional woman and I'm sharing it with you.  I understand there may be some truth to it...?"

 

A study has revealed that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle.  For example:  If she is ovulating, she is attracted to me with rugged and masculine features.  However, if she is menstruating or menopausal, she tends to be more attracted to a man with duct tape over his mouth and a spear lodged in his chest while he is on fire."  No further studies are expected on this subject.

 

 

A Trip Down Drunken Lane

Last night a group of co-workers, myself, and my new guy met up after work at The Junction Sports Bar & Grill, a tavern within walking distance of work.  We were all celebrating both Andrea and Adriana's 21st birthday.  Oh to be 21 again!  Okay, not really but I do remember fondly the days of drinking into the wee hours of the morning and still being able to get up at 6am with a smile on my face!  I also remember, and not fondly, the nights of shots and Hamms beer (the only kind a poor student could afford) that included ferocious vomiting, stumbling around, and spewing a variety of idiotic comments that I thankfully cannot recall. 

During my college years at CWU, my roommates and I would live for Friday after class when we would strap on our boots and hike in the snow to the local liquor store (none of us had cars so walking was always in order - just like the postal service, we walked through rain, sleet, and snow to get our weekend drink.)  We would pick up our favorite pint (for some reason mine was usually gin) then hike on back to our dorm, or to someone else's, to partake in a regular Friday night party.  We spent many an evening at our friend Janie's dorm at Barto Hall (the party place), playing quarters and flirting with fellow students. Janie was short, bleached blonde, petite, and always dressed in pink.  I don't mean now and then...I seriously mean ALWAYS.  In some way it was cute; in other ways it was simply weird.  Sometimes I wonder if Janie continues to wear pink now that she is in her forties.

On one occasion a roommate and I attended (which meant we walked to) an off-campus party.  The drink of the evening was referred to as "Purple Jesus"; it contained grape juice, vodka (or perhaps Everclear), and dry ice.  It may also have included several more items because at one point I remember sipping it, then the next moment I woke up in bed (well, on top of the covers) next to a random guy with my roommate on the other side.  Thankfully we were fully clothed but that was the one and only time I had a blackout moment during my college binge-drinking years.  That's not to say I didn't make a few more stupid errors in judgment during my twenties; I certainly can't blame it for my first marriage so I'm unable to use the alcohol card for that mistake!

Back to Andrea and Adriana - after the sports bar, they ventured off to downtown Olympia for the rest of the evening while my beau and I made our way home.  Their night involved numerous stops at several party-filled taverns and culminated with the two being driven home around 3:30 by their designated driver.  I'm happy to report they made it home all in one piece!!