Barb’s Burblings

My work computer’s CD drive was read only; I couldn’t burn CDs, which was a pain. Also, it couldn’t play sound. So this morning I got a new computer and…I’m so confused by it. There are just a bunch of little things that keep throwing me off (no “My Computer” icon? not giving each Word document its own tab on the bottom of the screen?). By the time I fully adjust to this, it’ll be my last day.
In other news, the Oscar nominations are out, and I’ve seen all the nominees for Best Picture! Woo! And I’ve seen 3 or 4 out of 5 in a lot of the categories. My thought right now on what should win Best Picture? I’m going to go with Munich. I liked all of the nominees (well, maybe not Crash, so much–Walk the Line should’ve gotten that nod), but that’s the one that’s sticking with me.

Today we (and by “we” I mean “I”) celebrate the birthday of my favorite president, Franklin Roosevelt. If still alive, he’d be 124 today. Happy birthday, Franklin! You rock! As does your memorial.

The Orioles have posted a little piece by Brian on how he’s doing since his injury and surgery last fall. He is too, too cute. And if he plans on writing again, he should totally let me know, because I’ll be more than happy to edit it for him. Over dinner, if need be.

I was standing at the copier this afternoon copying a book (at least it was in page proofs, so it wasn’t too much of a hassle) when a couple coworkers came up.
Coworker 1: Your makeup looks really good today!
Me: …?
Coworker 2: Yeah!
Me: I’m not wearing any makeup, except Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer.
Coworker 1: It’s like you have eyeliner on.
Coworker 2: Maybe it’s your shirt? Your eyes are really standing out.
Coworker 1: Whatever you did this morning, you should do it again.
Me: …OK.
It was nice (if odd and random), and I had actually noticed myself that I thought I looked good today. (Well, my face, anyway.) And I’m wearing earrings, which I have also been complimented on. Maybe it’s the combo of the Lip Shimmer and earrings? Who knows.
Current song in my head:
“Too Shy” by Kajagoogoo

I’m not saying that I watched Skating With Celebrities last night–because I, um, totally didn’t–but if I did, I would be really grateful the Todd Bridges fell during his routine because Debbie Gibson and Kurt Browning totally didn’t deserve to get kicked out. They were better than Dave Coulier and Nancy Kerrigan, to begin with. And also, they were skating to “You’re the One That I Want,” which is totally cute, because Debbie Gibson played Sandy in a production of Grease in London. And I love Kurt Browning. So anyway, justice was done.
…Or so I hear.

I recently ran out of lotion so went out and bought some more. “I like the smell of vanilla,” I thought, and bought some vanilla-scented lotion. Bad move. The lotion is a lovely white and it looks and smells exactly like vanilla pudding. I feel like I’m smearing pudding on my arms and legs. I find this disturbing. I’m just hoping that I’ll get used to the scent, like I do with all my other lotions.
And in an unrelated note, the Discovery Channel needs to stop having Mythbusters marathons. I can’t turn this show off.

It’s a very odd day for me in the office today. On Monday, it’ll be public knowledge that I’m leaving my current job. I was offered a job on Tuesday, accepted Wednesday, and told my boss then. The problem is that the head of my department is out until Monday, and it wouldn’t be good if everyone knew I was leaving before her. So a few people know at the moment, but most don’t.
So today is really my last “normal” day in the office. After this, there will be a lot of questions about where I’m going, what I’ll be doing, “We’ll miss you,” etc. I’ve watched other people leave; I know the routine. And it makes me want to hole up in my office with the door closed until February 10–my last day here.
The new job? Well, it pays a lot more. And I know that I’m not going to advance at all here. I won’t be working on books, which I’ll miss, but I’ll still be performing a similar job function. I’m scared–very scared. I don’t like change, and I’ve grown very comfortable here. But there are times when you need to leave your comfort zone. This is a good move, but it’s so scary. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.
I am looking forward to the week off I gave myself. Mmm, sleep.
Current song in my head:
“Whistling in the Dark” by They Might Be Giants

Tap class started up again last week. It’s a bigger class than the class last fall; there are 9 of us (as opposed to 5 last time). Three of us have been in the same class since the beginning. Three are new; they haven’t taken a class with the teacher before, but know some tap. And three came from the beginner class.
Let me tell you, last week felt good. Because I totally rocked it. I had seen the beginner’s routine from last session and knew that theirs was pretty difficult. I found out that though the routine was tough, they hadn’t learned a lot of the basic steps (including a time step). So between going over steps I knew and working on the routine that I already knew the beginning of, I felt awesome.
Of course, last night we started getting into the part of the routine that I haven’t learned. So much for my abilities. Actually, I did pretty well picking up the steps. We’ll see how it goes from here.
Either way, it’s still enjoyable. And quite a workout. I need to remember to bring water next week.
Current song in my head:
“Beautiful Day” by U2

I didn’t mention it, but at the O’s FanFest, I asked a question of the beat reporter for the Washington Post (about the O’s/Nats balance), also mentioning that I enjoyed the online chats. Anyway, his first one since FanFest was today, and he totally gave me a shout-out:

Jorge Arangure Jr.: Hey everyone. Thanks for joining us. Contrary to what it appears, we at the Post still care about baseball. First of all, thanks to the woman at the Orioles fanfest who said she enjoyed the chats. Everyone else, shame on you for not giving me the credit i deserve. Let’s go.

I am totally famous. Rock on! (Also, Jorge? You’re cute. Call me.)

I was quite pleased with the results of the Golden Globes last night. I saw Walk the Line over the weekend and thought it was fantastic, so I was happy that Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, and the movie itself won. I was a bit disappointed that Reese didn’t thank Johnny or June in her speech, but it was nice to see that her husband looked so happy for her. (For some reason I’m worried that Reese and Ryan are going to break up. I don’t know why this concerns me.)
And wasn’t Steve Carell’s thank-you speech awesome? Again, glad to see The Office winning awards. Right now, that might be the show that I look forward to the most each week.
I loved that Hugh Laurie thanked Stephen Fry. So cute!
Movies I need to see before the Oscars: Munich, Match Point, Crash, The Constant Gardener. Off to Netflix I go!
Current song in my head:
“Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash (and it’s been there since Saturday night)