"They don't deserve you anyway"

I have a 15 page research paper due in my New Product Development class in 2 weeks. I would tell you what my "Product" is that I'm researching, but it's an actual business that I'm crazy enough to put together, so I'll keep it under wraps for now. Any who, I'm currently in a computer lab at Xavier University, the wifi didn't work in the commons area of the student center so I found a lab and I'm currently signed in as Craig Anderson. Funny. Craig has class until 3:30 so I came to campus with him to work on my project until he gets out of class. So instead of during my "research" I'm laughing listening to all of the "college" cell phone conversations going on around me. Oh to be a 20 year old college student again, I would do it all the same!

I've decided to start looking for a job back in Ohio. I have 5 more months to enjoy Chicago but as much as I love Chicago I am missing Ohio more. For a brief second I considered returning to the job that I left before transferring within the company to Chi. I left on good terms and worked my ass off until the minute I walked out of the building. (Vito I think you still have my name plate?) But here's an excerpt of the response I got back from my previous HR manager....

"Even if we had the openings, I’m not sure if it would make sense for you to come back into the *&^% at this juncture. It seemed that you were not sure this role was the right fit for what you were wanting in your career. To me, it would feel like a temporary role to get you to a point where you could really look for the next opportunity that you were seeking. This wouldn’t be good for your overall happiness nor would it be good for us."

...so PC but probably correct. So what do I want to be when I grow up? Still figuring it out. I was sad when I first read this email, I don't think anyone particularly enjoys rejection but job hunting comes with a constant supply. I'll keep one of my moms quotes in mind "They don't deserve you anyway!"

Craig just stopped by "my lab" on his break from class (he is working on his MBA as well) in his class so far some girls from another class gave a presentation on financial analysis of their business plan for a mobile manicure business, so random. Well I'm going to finish my coffee from the Coffee Emporium, work on a bit of research and wait for Craig to get out of class. Then we are headed to Blackfinn to catch the OSU game! O-H

I think astronaut might be out of the picture by now but any other ideas on what I should be when I grow up?

Short Run to NAB, African Lions, Yamakas and Starbucks

The title almost says it all.

The weather is still gorgeous here in Chicago. The air has turned brisk and chilly which always towards the end of summer only reminds me that a fall marathon is soon approaching. I did NOT want to run yesterday, did not did not did not. I didn't have a good reason. I felt good, plenty of rest, still funemployed, live next to the most beautiful 18 miles of running trails and my biggest race of the year is only two weeks ago. I somehow mustered up the motivation, laced up the shoes, made sure the iPod was charged and tucked my mini starbucks card into the tiny pocket in my lulu shorts. I still didn't want to go but I knew I would be pissed at myself if I walked to get my iced coffee only to see my fellow trail blazers headed towards the lake. Damn this city and the fact it makes me feel guilty if I don't stay active. Aah and that's why I love it! Thank You Chicago.

The first mile my body felt like an extra 100 pounds heavier but by the time Eminem and Salt-n-Pepa helped me get to North Avenue Beach and back, I felt a million times better. I just went for a short run, 4 miles total. I talked myself into running by making sure I would stop and see my lions at the Lincoln Park Zoo on the way back and then of course that Venti Vanilla Iced Coffee at the end. BTW the best water fountain in the city is at NAB! So good. Anyway my usual 3 lions weren't laying outside, I hope they are ok. The cheetah and jaguar's also aren't in the lion house...hhhmm. Wonder what they're up to. The Zoo has had a sign in the cheetah habitat for 7 months (at least) that says, "Due to seasonal allergies the cheetah has been experiencing hair loss and will return shortly". UH you're not fooling me Lincoln Park Zoo. Give me the Cheetah!

The black jag is super cool although when I go to see her (she might be a boy but since she looks so bad ass I like to think she's a she) and she's not there it worries me. She has two "houses" side-by-side, a sign on the left hand side says "The jaguar has two habitats if you don't see it here please look to the right". Again, you're not fooling me Lincoln Park Zoo! I guess the Zoo makes up for all of the missing lions by finally having the African Lions out. The are beautiful but too pretty to be labeled as bad ass and I happen to like bad ass zoo animals.

I venture off to get my Venti and walk the few blocks home. As I'm walking home drinking my Venti and eating pita chips (also stopped at the market) I was wondering how I can never get my mess of hair to stay out of my face with my bobby pins, but yet Jewish men with Yamakas keep that little thing on with only (what looks like) 2 tiny pins into their short short hair. What am I missing here people?

I love that the Columbus Marathon is now less than 2 weeks away. I'll get to see my cute cute nieces, my family, friends, The Craig and eat a ton after the race. Bison, Beer and Cupcakes? Oh and as much as I love running and want to break 4 hours for the race, kind of looking forward to it being over . And I know I know I should get a dog or a cat, or a fish, or a child from somewhere but for now I'll keep visiting MY lions at the Zoo. I'm hopeful Cheetah will overcome his seasonal allergies, my lion trio will venture back outside and Bad Ass Jag will again pace in one of her two habits. Anyone want to race to the boat and back?

Nike Diaper Shorts and Bison

Ladies, ladies, ladies. We must join together and stop wearing these shorts. If you are a runner or if you've ever watched a race or went on a walk in your neighborhood, I'm sure you know what I am talking about. Not only do they make anyone and everyones ass look huge, they also make us look like we are carrying a "load" in the back. I admit I do own one pair of these. I bought them in a size smaller than I usually wear, hoping they would NOT make me look like I have loose bowels and need some extra protection there JIC. I had to put them on last week when all my other running shorts were dirty, but since I bought them a size smaller 2 years ago the also terrible elastic band at the top was digging between my ripped abs. Those of us that own these also know that the "panty" on the inside of the shorts is a horrible horrible saggy mess that grips all the way around past where my butt meets my thighs. I don't need a panty to be down on my thighs for any reason.

So the question is...Why does everyone buy these? Is it because Nikey makes us? It's like Nike says "hey this IS our running short, its a good price point, we make it in 50+ color combinations, we mass manufacture it, then mass market it, so BUY it". And we say, "ah ok".

Now I'm not one to have to look cute when I run, but I just don't understand everyones obsession with these horribly fitting, have-to-be-designed-by-men, hideous shorts. Nike makes A TON of great products I just wish they would stop making these! I opted to wear my previously worn and not yet laundered lululemon shorts from a few days ago rather than stepping outside in my Nike Tempo Track Shorts!

Someone close to my heart would like for me to take this opportunity in my first Blog to market his first T-Shirt design...by Duece Designs.

http://www.zazzle.com/bison_tshirt-235234166909803834