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Friday, December 31, 2004

To start with 

First and foremost, Happy new year!

Now that the formalities are out of the way, I hope you had too much wine, beer, liquor, sekt and/or champagne tonight. If you had been anywhere near me this evening, we'd have had a shot of strawberry vodka. You wouldn't have been able to get out of the first round. The other 6 rounds - well, to be perfectly frank, I had nothing to do with ordering those. Although I did partake in them, so I s'pose I'm liable for something there, I wasn't really the one urging the barkeep to keep pouring them. Not that it really bothered me.

As I was out of town and not writing lately, a whole lot of randomness follows:

I got back into town this afternoon, only to really not want to be back in town. I was contemplating extending my short vacation by a day, but I didn't think that would be appropriate, nor did I think it would really be the best idea - now, keep in mind that I was intentionally ignoring how much I wanted to stay out of town.

I shot some of the worst pool of my life earlier tonight. Thankfully, I was in the company of friends, so let's hope that they have a short memory of everything from tonight before the bar.

The holiday season is an odd one. I don't really know what to make of all the people out shopping and being incredibly giving in a not so friendly kind of way. I mean, okay, go on and buy gifts for people. But do you really need to elbow your way across the sidewalk to get closer to ... something? Really, I think not.

I'm a brilliant chew toy. Or at least my kitten seems to think so. Ow.

I think that new perfume - it just rules.

I've had one song stuck in my head since sometime around lunch today when I kinda magically stopped listening to my ipod.

I think public transport is like god reincarnated. It's fucking heavenly.

Austrians give out pigs to people on new year's as like... a kind gesture. Somehow, a pink sow brings even the most unluckiest of bastards some luck. All I have to say about that is - oddballs.

I'm goddamned tired. Have been all day. I didn't sleep last night.

Because I'm not briefed on the proper etiquette with this, I just have to ask advice. What does one do with a weird guy that keeps kind of ... stalking you in a creepy, but somehow polite and nice non-stalking kind of way? Okay I guess stalking is a little over the top, so I'll explain. Out at the bar every now and then, this guy somehow manages to sit beside me, across from me, or otherwise in my immediate vicinity. There's sometimes a whole entire hand brushing across my leg, and sometimes, just sometimes, there's merely a couple fingers brushing across my leg. There's also stares that aren't returned from me. And weird moments where I catch him just creepily looking at me. Like I'm a porkchop or something. Which I am. Most days. Except today. There's sometimes where he apologizes for something he said, which should have obviously offended me merely because I'm a girl and in reality it didn't because I don't really care that much. There's sometimes where he quizzes me about where I go or how I get to where I'm going, as if I lied about the way I went home sometime. Which I do lie about - all the time*. I'm obviously not equipped to handle such behavior. Whereas, I'm usually quite capable of being outright bitchy to outright behavior, I suck at being blunt about sneaky, sly shit that kinda creeps me out.

And honestly, I am kinda creeped out.

And just a little bit sad. But I had a good night, mostly. I hope you did, too. Once I figure out a couple of New Year's resolutions, I'll let you know which promises to myself I plan to break.

*=I'm so kidding.

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Wednesday, December 29, 2004

The early bird 

I thought it only fair to forewarn you that I'm out of touch for a little bit. That is, once I actually get my ass out of bed, pack and figure out at what time I need to be at the airport. My (lie of an) excuse for still being in bed is that I somehow magically think that if I rest a bit longer I might have another day where I only sneeze twice. Or better yet, not one sneeze at all!

So in my frantic state, once I get out from beneath these covers, I'll have way too much to do in way too little time and I just wanted to make sure that I didn't forget to spread holiday cheer, albeit early. So, without further ado:

Here's hoping your New Year starts off in splendor and laughs and outrageous antics!

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Well written 

Because I haven't the skills to write so well this morning...
Why doesn’t he call?

He’s changed his mind.
This is a clear signal of disinterest.
And, abhorrently – He’s just not that into me. (I’m throwing up in my mouth as I type that.)

It’s like all of my insecurities got naked and went streaking.
See here for the full effect of the latest from Fish.

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Monday, December 27, 2004

Shopping myself sick 

I have to stop shopping for things I don't need. It's not good for me. And most of all it's not good for my bank account. But I keep buying things that I like, and therein lies the rub.

I've slowly started sorting out my flat. And by slowly I mean so slow as to barely match the pace of a snail. Just barely. There's a number of things I ought to get done in the next day or two. It's just a question of whether I'll get around to it or not. My primary excuse for not doing anything productive is that I've been feeling under the weather lately. On Christmas day I woke up pretty groggy and feeling kind of shit, so I took some medicine, which I'm usually pretty loathe to do, and it was fine all day. But today my cough has gotten worse in that it sounds like I'm actually sick now. Sneezes have been creeping up on me. And in a sad attempt to get over whatever this is, I've been napping and curling up under blankets since I came back from my short shopping trip earlier this afternoon. I still haven't even taken my goods out of their bags and put them away.

Well it's tea time and then nap time when the documentary about sailing is over. And the documentary is making me want to go jump on board a boat and go on a long sailing trip. It's a shame I don't really know how to sail, though.

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Sunday, December 26, 2004

A little fresh air 

I can't remember one spring break while at university that I didn't go to Yosemite. There was always so much to see and admire in the park. I hiked up Vernal Falls, snapped photos of Bridal Veil and Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, tromped beneath the Royal Arches, admired the view of Half Dome from Mirror Lake and Tunnel View, wondered what it felt like to stand atop both of the Cathedral Spires or one of the Three Brothers, or wanted to rappel down El Capitan.

Since I can't do any of that from Vienna, I've linked to the webcam. Hope you enjoy it.

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Weather update 

My dreams of a white Christmas didn't come true. After looking at the weather report for the next couple of days, I see it's supposed to snow tonight.

That is all.

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Friday, December 24, 2004

Traditionally from memory 

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled, all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.
And mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap.

When out on the roof, there arose such a clatter!
I sprang from my bed to see what was th'matter.
Away to the window, I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutter and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow
Gave the luster of midday to objects below.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick!
More rapid than eagles, his courses they came
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name.

Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer, now Vixen!
On Comet, on Cupid, on Donner, on Blitzen!
To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall!
Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!

As dry leaves before wild hurricanes fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the rooftop the courses they flew
With a sleigh full of toys and St. Nicholas too!

And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof,
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot!
A bundle of toys he had slung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes, how they twinkled. His dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow!

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly
That shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work.
He filled all the stockings and turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
And I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!

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Record time 

I left my flat this morning to buy gifts for everyone on my list. I walked out of the flat at 10.15. I had very few ideas of what to get the people on my list. I shopped. I walked back into my flat at 12.00. I only have one person left to get gifts for.

This is record time, folks. Record time.

All together now: Ooooooh.

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Thursday, December 23, 2004

Delivery 

Sitting quietly, barely moving, on the couch. Rhythmic music decked out in four four basslines playing in the background, elevator-music-loud. Tea light candles flickering, combating the fading daylight for more influence on the dancing shadows. A slight herbal aroma hovering in the room like a thinning fog dissipating in the morning light, slowly rising from floor to ceiling.

A knock at the door. The mostly-silent, quiet and unmoving suddenly disturbed. In a tizzy, uncomfortable. Movement across the room shuffles the still air, disturbs the fog of quiet, sends ripples of distraction across the room before the door is opened. Displacement.

Fresh greenery topples the herbal scent, overpowering it, resetting the scene.

An imposing vase of lilies. Rest and relaxation under a blanket in a wingbacked chair. A slow tune hums quietly around the room, pausing for reassurance before carrying on. Candlelit shadows waltz across the floor, crawling up the walls and stretching across the ceiling. Unmoving, undisturbed, focused and surprised.

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To: You From: Me 

Hey. Thanks.

I love gifts. :) And you caught me totally unawares.

Where'd you find the time to shop? That's the most miraculous bit to me.

hugs n' kisses
-K

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Part 2 

After going to a movie after work yesterday, I went to a bar/cafe/restaurant in the museumsquartier for a little food and drinks before I wussed out and went home at midnight to sleep. The bar/cafe/restaurant has a giant disco ball.

I want it.

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Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Wish List Part 1 

Update: My cat is going crazy. She just woke me up and is doing laps around my flat.

As for my wish list this year....

All I want for Christmas is a long list of things I can't have right now.

Back to sleep with me.


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Monday, December 20, 2004

I shudder to think 

A quote from a recent email from my mother:

"Your 6th grade hairdo was hilarious!!"

I can't even remember what it was. I don't want to remember.

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Commuting 

I have to take a moment to explain very quickly, to those of you not living in Vienna, just what it's like to ride on public transportation with the native Austrians.

They hate you.

And I don't mean that in a personal kind of way. But really. If they don't know you...

They hate you.

That's just how it is. They aren't being cruel or mean, really. They just can't be arsed about you if you aren't already known to them. It's something that's apparent from the second you get into any kind of public transport in this country. It's everywhere. It's just how it is.

This in mind, consider the following story from my morning's commute.

This morning, I was taking an odd route to work. I was quietly, and of course diligently, working on a New York Times crossword in my fantastic new calendar - Geeky, yes. Back off. I like it. - while riding the underground. I'm usually pretty engrossed in my activities of crosswords or staring out the window on public transportation, preferring to avoid any and all eye contact with anyone. If working on a crossword, I occasionally look up and glance out the window, as if searching for inspiration or a bolt of lightning to hit me with the right answer. Sometimes I like to look up from my crossword just to tap my chin with my pen and stare at another transportation-taker, just to freak them out and make them uncomfortable, but only for a second or five.

So this morning, I glanced up and this odd looking older lady was sitting diagonally across the aisle from me, facing me. Her face was contorted in what appeared to be fear, and as she was facing me, I decided to glance over my shoulder to see just what it was that was scaring the living shit out of her. And there he was. A kid (I'm using this term loosely - he was in his 20's) who, just as I turned around, fell to the floor in a seizure in the next seat section up from mine. And then I looked around the traincar and saw people literally bolting for the doors to get out of the train at the next station. They would have climbed out the window if they could have fit through them. They would have pulled the brake on the train just to get the fuck out of there before he could get near them. Because really, folks, he was going somewhere fast. And by somewhere, I mean the floor.

And all of a sudden, two guys, from, I sweartagod, nowhere, calmly took over the situation, securing the guy so that he didn't thrash about too badly and hit his head, clearing his mouth of anything and another little old man, trying to calm the kid's dog, was cooing and saying sweet things towards the dog. Scary lady, after standing up and getting as close to the end of the traincar as possible, yelled at the two helpful guys to call the ambulance, which one of them did, calmly stating that they would get out at the next stop, telling them where that would be, and then coordinating with Nice Guy without cell phone to get the kid out of the train. Old helpful man took the dog's leash in hand, and at the next station, led the dog and owner + nice guy with cell phone carrying the kid + nice guy without cell phone carrying the kid onto the platform.

Not one person sat back down. In the entire traincar.

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Sunday, December 19, 2004

Searches - Behold! 

Just a few. I apologize to all of the people that ended up here after their searches. But in some ways, it's your own fault... I mean look at what you searched for!

being well dressed (Yahoo)
Boss Roasting ideas (Yahoo)
Directions on how to clean the inside of a Xbox game Console (Yahoo)
Don't be foolish wearing cross of Christ (Yahoo)
ideas for cute writing on plastic dishes (MSN)
mr. goodbar etymology (Yahoo)
Uma's hiccups (Yahoo)

Advice to those of you who got here looking for such topics:

I wouldn't take my own advice about being well dressed. Hope you weren't too disappointed.

I don't know how to roast anyone. Let alone the man who can fire me. Sorry?

I would advise not cleaning the inside of an xbox console with anything but bleach and a lint-ridden rag. I kid. Don't clean it. Really.

I didn't know there was a cross not 'of Christ'?

Plastic dishes and cute writing go hand in hand. I'm shamed to have not already completely shared my experience with cutely writing on plastic dishes. I shall endeavor to remember to do that this week, what with the holidays coming and the need for cutely written on plastic plates rising so quickly in the next few days. So, so sorry.

What is the etymology of a Mr. Goodbar? Other than it being a good chocolate-y snack, I don't know much else about them.

How and, mostly, why are Uma's hiccups of any interest to anyone?

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Reminded 

I was watching a West Wing episode on dvd a bit ago from the second season about a NASA program, and I was reminded of a picture from NASA that was one of my favorites in the past couple of months. Take a look in the Weekly Link section.

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Sleep-deprived 

I went to see a film last night. With the walking dead. Those that went to the same film, that I knew, were all hungover. In a bad way. Some more than others, but still. Very uncheerful group.

I slept something like 14 hours last night. I plan to do the same tonight. I'm a little sleep deprived, I suppose.

I have to do some Christmas shopping. But I don't have any time off before the day that no one can stay alive while Christmas shopping. So I'm trying to do some shopping online. Other than the standard list of online retailers, I've taken a look at the Adoption Center. If you're still looking for gifts, check it out.

And now I'm off to lounge on my couch. Because Sundays are just that rockin' at my place.

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Saturday, December 18, 2004

What have I done? 

So. Last night was the company Christmas party. What have I done to myself?

And who the hell let me smoke an entire tobacco and cigarette plant? I can't even speak with my real voice. But I haven't been out of bed, let alone my flat today, so I probably won't be needing to speak to anyone.

I don't know why I thought shots of vodka sounded like a good idea, nor do I know why I thought it would be good to have loads of red wine with dinner. I'm also unclear about why I made the decision to start drinking cocktails after dinner.

All I know for sure is that I'm not entirely fond of my kitten right now, merely for the reason that she can move unhindered by hangover limitations. I'm just jealous. Well, that, and she keeps pouncing on me.

Ow.

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Thursday, December 16, 2004

I shouldn't, but I'm so gonna 

I'm up this late because of you. I should have gone to sleep - like you - an hour ago. More than that actually. I should have been in bed - warm, cozy, snuggled up in comfort. And now that I'm in bed, all I can do is wallow in disappointment.

And not sleep.

But I am warm. I am cozy. Kind of. Sort of... Mostly. Kittens are cuddly and snuggly, so when she settles down and stops pouncing on me, there's a chance for some snuggling up in comfort.

I just didn't expect to be wide awake and waiting for my kitten to calm down at this hour.

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Wednesday, December 15, 2004

I wanted to say 

You looked fabulous today.

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Monday, December 13, 2004

Oh how I love thee - let me count the ways 

I had meeting overload today. I spent, like all fucking day in meetings. I loved it.

I mean, I

loved

it.

I love meetings so much that I could even say something like
I HEART meetings.

I have just THAT MUCH LOVE for meetings.



It wasn't really that bad. I just thought that bit was funny.

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Sunday, December 12, 2004

Open Letter 

Dear Mr./Mrs. Manufacturer of Front-Loading Washing Machines,

Just what are you playing at? Have you not even taken a moment's time to consider that there are stupid people on this planet? And have you failed to recognize that some of your very own customers are stupid? It's an oversight, to be certain. And an oversight that I would be willing to completely overlook, had I not been one of the collective stupid people.

Why would you allow a gentle wash to seemingly stop it's cycle - seemingly finished yet altogether unfinished? Even turn off the light that tells the stupid people that a wash cycle is complete? And then go and allow the safe-locking-mechanism-dooooohicky to UNLOCK when the wash cycle IS NOT COMPLETE, which leaves the washing chamber half full to the brim with water?

I would be laughing at myself were I not too stupid at the time of the disaster to realize the front-loading washing machine has a window (that one can see through), which would have prevented me from having half the machine's water on my floor.

So. Please. In the future. Consider the stupid people!

Yours,

-Kirsten

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Linky Link 

Renee, I know the 5 star hangover. I most often suffer (and prefer) the 1 star.

Enjoy this week's link from Renee.

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Unrealizations 

I want to be able to brag about how productive my weekend was. I want to tell you with utmost sincerity that all of my Christmas shopping is done. I want to tell you that I didn't once look at one damn thing for myself while out yesterday "shopping". I want to boast about the level of cleanliness my apartment has achieved since god-only-knows-when. I want to tell you that I'm done with holiday preparations and vacation planning. I want to claim to have finished two books this weekend.

I so want to.

But I can't.

Because I didn't finish even start my gift shopping. I didn't actually buy myself anything, but I made a mental list of places to go back to for things I want. I did, however, purchase some furniture I've been meaning to get since November. Of 2002. I washed my laundry and organized my closet. But my flat's had a bomb explode in it and I haven't yet picked up the pieces. I washed my dishes, I cooked food. And then I washed my dishes - again. I haven't put much thought - at all - into holiday preparations, or even where I'll be, and I sure as hell haven't even come to a decision about where my next vacation will be. Nevermind when it will be. And although I started another book last week, I haven't cracked any of the three that I have been reading for a month now.

All of my plans for the weekend - unrealized. And I didn't even go out on Saturday night.

Friday night, though, was pretty cool. Work day was short, for some reason or another, and the entire office headed down to the bar at the office park. We managed to get about 30 or so people at one, albeit quite large, table. I got to talk to a bunch of guys that I don't normally see outside the office. We ended up wandering into town a couple hours later, with a much smaller group, and having some more beer. For some reason, I was just done at around midnight and made my way home pretty early.

Weekends are quickly becoming my "recover any energy you expended over the past week" times. I am not going out very often anymore and I am enjoying spending time at home on the weekends. For a number of reasons.

Something puzzling me lately, though, is that I'm more and more lacking topics of interesting discussion. I'm currently unsure as to whether it's me keeping thoughts to myself or if I'm really becoming just that boring.

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Thursday, December 09, 2004

Update on the update 

I'm going home. And so won't sleep.

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Updates 

I'm at work.

I just had two beers. Instead of working for the past 2 hours. I'm a bad, bad, bad person. And I should feel horribly guilty. (It's the Catholic upbringing that leads me to think that one should feel guilty for everything.)

I'm going home. Soon. I hope.

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Tuesday, December 07, 2004

What it is 

I'm in a whirlwind of work and stuff-to-be-done. If it's not something that I do at the office, it's just not getting done. Plain and simple.

I'm the world's worst homekeeper and would be the most tragic and horrifying stay-at-home-anything. I NEED to wash some dishes. I NEED to pick up my flat. I plan to go shopping tomorrow. For things I don't need. Because.... I can. Someone else will tidy this place up. The little gnomes will. I'm sure of it.

I'm tired. I didn't sleep well last night. And that means I didn't sleep at all. I've got something on my mind that I just can't sort out. Don't know what it is, where it came from or what to do with it. But I can't be bothered to think about it after work.

I'm cranky and bitchy. But that's normal. No worries there. Except when I'm stupidly bitchy when there's absolutely no need for it. But that's normal. No worries there.

I'm not only tired and that's my problem. I just don't have the energy to do anything once I leave the office. I'm drained. But only outside work. I can't sort that one out.

Can't sleep.

Not eating right.

And have a headache.

But I think the headache might be a direct effect of the excessive drinks from tonight's timid foray into socializing.

3 notes

Monday, December 06, 2004

Quote me 

I was just reminded about a recent trip I took with two good friends of mine. And then I got to thinking about all the stupid movie quotes that are randomly floating around my head right now. I also can't get Mike Myers out of my head. Not that this is any fun for anyone else, but I'm gonna list some quotes because I can't really be bothered to do a proper post. That's how lame I am.

"Would ya look at the size of that kid's head! It's the size of a planetoid and it has it's own weather system! Looks like an orange on a toothpick!"

"We've got a piper doun! A piper is doun!"

"Woman... woe-man... whoooa-man. She was a thief, you got to believe, she stole my heart and my cat."

(Now imagine those above being said by Mike Myers in So I Married an Axe Murderer. Or my old uni flatmate, Blue. Which was equally as hilarious. I swear.)

"Well I don't need a magic 8-ball to look into your future, you want a forecast here, will Holden ever fuck Alyssa?, oh what a shock, NOT FUCKING LIKELY"

"Now THAT, my friend, is a shared moment."

"I don't know. I'm starting to get a tingle in my bottom."

(The above 3 courtesy of Kevin Smith, from Chasing Amy.)

"You're legally allowed to drink now so we figured the best thing for you was a car."

"You're just a kid, you don't have the faintest idea what you're talkin' about."

"No, you know. I'll tell ya, I was hoping for a goodnight lay, but I'll settle for like a kiss."

"Well, I got her number. How do you like them apples?"

(Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, from Good Will Hunting.)

"Then you may remain so long as you remain silent."

"He dies?"

"I know something of a woman in a man's profession. Yes, by God, I do know about that."

(Shakespeare in Love)

"Beautiful. Gorgeous. Wish you were here."

"We're going down, we're going down, we're going down."

"Of course you know him. All you bastards know each other."

"I don't know what they taught you in France, but rude and interesting are not the same things."

(Kate and Luc - French Kiss)

"Take that thumbtack out of your chin."

"I'm having a problem with cancer."

"How do you become something you're not?"

(Life as a House)

"I rule!"

"For you, Brad, I've got five!"

"It's a great thing when you realize you still have the ability to surprise yourself."

(American Beauty)

"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist." (Usual Suspects)

"Men make women messy." (Thomas Crown Affair)

"Ten years, man!" ... "Ten! Ten years!"

"Oh, I'll have what she's having."

"Are you free?" "Of course!"

"What am I gonna say? "I killed the president of Paraguay with a fork. How've you been?""

(...Grosse Pointe Blank)

"Anybody interested in grabbing a couple of burgers and hittin' the cemetery?" (The Royal Tenenbaums)

James: "What are you doing two weeks on Saturday?"
Helen: "Probably killing myself."
James: "Excellent. What time does that finish? Do you like boats?"

"Not only does he own a personalized matching set of crocodile-skin luggage, but his favorite TV program is Baywatch. So you see there's always someone sadder than you."

(Sliding Doors)


And now I will go to sleep. And hope my cat doesn't attack me before I'm back to a waking state. And hope that I can get "Like an arnge onna tethpeck" outta my head before I go insane.

5 notes

Thursday, December 02, 2004

P.S. 

I'm buried under a pile of work.

I'm still clawing my way out.

I'll get back to you.

Promise.

1 notes
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