dirty down there

Since I work in health care, there are almost no health subjects that are off limits at work. It seems that lately, we have had an excessive number of teenage girls coming into the hospital positive for STD/STIs, which is very concerning to me. One of my co-workers uses a great phrase to describe promiscuous people and people positive for STDs..."dirty down there." 

As I was reading an article on cnn.com today, it linked me to an article from www.thefrisky.com. Since the article was cleverly written, I started clicking around on the site and read a few more articles when one featured another website that helps you tell people when you are "dirty down there."

InSpot.org is a website sponsored by a nonprofit organization that is "dedicated to developing and using Internet technologies to prevent disease transmission and enhance the sexual well-being of individuals and communities."

Through this website you can send e-cards to sexual partners notifying them that you are positive for a STD or just letting them know that they might want to get checked. There is also an option to send anonymously. A handy scrolling list of STDs is available if you want to get specific. Even if you aren't "dirty down there," you should check out the site and keep it mind in case you ever know of anyone that has the misfortune of contracting something.

And just remember...

You don't have to be a cheap, immoral promiscuous slut to get AIDS. All you have to be is unlucky.

The Great American Autumn Adventure

Your hood or mine?



That was Brock's text yesterday as we were trying to figure out what we were going to do. Deciding that we wanted something new, we headed to Lakeview in search of a late lunch and "autumn in a glass." We were enjoying the nice fall weather when we blew by Wilde. Just by looking at it, we knew that they would be able to create "autumn in a glass" for us. The inside is really warm and cozy with fireplaces, a massive bar and upscale pub food. We had a great waiter named Brian with whom we gave the challenge of creating a nice fall beverage for us. He brought us cable cars(a martini of spiced rum, triple sec and lime juice with a cinnamon and sugar rim). Fabulous.

After enjoying our food, we headed back out to continue on our autumn adventure. As we were walking the temperature suddenly began to drop and I felt rain hit my face. Not sure if I was imaging things, I turned to Brock for verification. As I did, the wind picked up and we were being pelted by sleet. Fortunately, this only lasted for about 3 blocks. We were near our next destination of Kit Kat for a late afternoon of 1/2 price martinis. We quickly befriended the bartender and the couple sitting next to us. The woman apparently makes pecan pie that's better than sex(according to the guy) and he is a triple 7 pilot for United.

During Brock and I's conversation we discovered that we are both going to be in Chicago and family less for Thanksgiving. So, we decided that we are going to have Thanksgiving together. No turkey and we will have a mandatory casserole, since we are from the Midwest. Needless to say, I am very excited to have plans for Thanksgiving.

2 out of 10, not bad

I am by no means a trendsetter or do what the in-crowd is doing. So, I was shocked as I was paging through Chicago magazine and saw that I had recently been to 2 out of 10 on the Hot List. Falling from last month's #1 spot to #2 is eating at Graham Elliot and lower on the list is More, a cupcake shop.

I would recommend GE to anyone. Great food. I believe that Graham recently came out with his fall menu. More just happens to be located at 1 E Delaware, which is Brock's building and there are always free trays of More at his front desk. Honestly, if Brock didn't live there, I am sure I would have never had More. I do love that his front desk guy never makes me sign in or call up to Brock. He simply lets me in. It must be because he saw me come and go about 1000 times helping Brock move in.

Seasons change

You know those lame ice breakers you frequently find yourself having to participate in when having to get to know other people? What's your favorite color? Dead or alive, choose one person you would most like to have dinner with? What's your favorite season?

Well, I had to partake in a fun icebreaker session the other day and the favorite season question made me stop in my tracks. Spring was the answer about ready to leave my mouth, then I stopped and realized I have either changed my mind or have been lying to myself for years. Spring puts up a good fight though, because it does own my birthday. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love celebrating my birthday(and Aaron's, too). I enjoy seeing everything turn green and the weather turn warmer, leading into summer, but maybe I like other things more...

This year, I have found myself having a love fest with fall. Even though it signals the end of summer and warm weather gatherings outside and the end of patio weather, I am really enjoying fall. I have always been a fan of walking through the crunchy leaves. The cooler weather is the perfect reason to throw on a hoodie or cozy sweater and curl up with a cup of hot tea and a book.

So, for now...fall. Fall, it is.

Zac Brown Band

Come one, come all!

I am STOKED that the Zac Brown Band is coming to Chicago Friday Nov 7. They are playing at Joe's on Weed St.

I love Chicken Fried. Listen and love it. Love it.

it's me

I frequently get these e-mails, so I'll help everyone out and fill it out myself(not quite the same effect, I know).

Where did we meet: I am constantly meeting myself
Take a stab at my middle name: Leigh
Do I smoke: Only when I'm on fire
Color of my eyes: blue/green
Do I have any siblings: yes
What's one of my favorite things to do: Have a good time
What's my favorite type of music: I really listen to anything except angry music. 
Am I shy or outgoing: Depends on the situation.
Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules: I like to believe that rules are elastic and sometimes I like to see how far they can stretch.
Any special talents: Yes, I do believe it's called the horse face.
How many children do I have: At work, a lot. Personal life, none.
If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing I would bring: a boat

And they called her Bedbug

It has long been proven that smells trigger the strongest memories. After a rain the other day, I was walking outside and smelled a familiar smell. I could not immediately put my finger on it, but kept thinking and thinking about where I had encountered that smell before. Then memories started forming...it was late at night, I was walking down a white, gravel road with a girl about my age next to me, laughing hysterically. We were in flip flops, despite the puddles in the road with the water being splashed up on the backs of our calves. We were walking towards a dark lodge with only the moon light to guide us. 

It was the same smell that lingered at camp after a rain and my brain was flooded with memories, most of them including my partner in crime, a girl better known as Bedbug(named from a song, not promiscuous activities).

You see, during my summers in college, I worked at this great camp for kids that was pretty secluded down a gravel road and all the roads and paths in camp were gravel or dirt. My last two summers there, I was the assistant director. This meant that I got upgraded to living in an 8x10 foot tar paper shanty(loving called "The Hut") that had electricity! Don't kid yourself into thinking it had a bathroom or running water, though. Oh, and I got to share The Hut with Bedbug. We had two cots and a small shelving unit. We had to be careful where we put our cots or they would go through the wood floor(there was also a very nice woodchuck that lived under that floor that liked to wake us up at 4am). All of our clothes were stored in Rubbermaid containers to keep the nice mice out. They were two of the most fun summers of my life. Full of constant pranks between our amazing boss, the Bug and other counselors. 

The memory of Bug and I walking up to the lodge late at night made me smile as I walked down the street, in a big city, hundreds of miles from the rural camp we called home for 9 weeks every summer. A place that greatly shaped who I am today and brought me one of my best friends and a former boss who is also a great friend and mentor. 

Ryan Bowen, what?!?!

Last night at work I got floated up to the adult floor. While checking on some of the patients in the day room, the NBA Europe Live Hornets vs Wizards game was on. I looked up at the TV screen and thought, that tall white guy looks really familiar. In fact, I ran into him at Target at home a few weeks ago. What? Ryan Bowen is still playing pro ball? That can't be him.

Sure enough, he turned around to run down the court and on the back of his jersey was Bowen #40. I guess I just figured he wasn't playing pro anymore since I saw him at Target with his cute kids a few weeks ago(all of them were decked out in Iowa gear), but I guess I was wrong(first time ever being wrong, for the record).

Good times with Brock, as always.

Brock and I make an attempt to meet for dinner once a week, unfortunately, it always ends up being once a month. We have opposite and crazy schedules, but we always manage to have a blast when we're together. 

We always make an attempt to go to a new place. Last night, we decided that sushi was a great idea and headed to this hidden gem on Rush, right by his place. The sushi was amazing, but the decor was a little weird. they also had incredible bathrooms. I made Brock go look at them. They had square toilets and flat screens. 

After dinner, we headed back to his place and watched the debate while enjoying some wine. I can't wait until the next time we hang out. And...Brock just got some great new clothes, so I got a fashion show!!! It's never a dull night when the two of us are together. 

What would your theme song be?

I work with an amazing group of people at the hospital and we are lucky we all get along as well as we do. Some days and nights can be really challenging at work and others, not so bad. We are usually able to keep a good sense of humor on the really bad nights.

Recently, we decided that we should have an introductory song played when we walk into work at night, much like most stadiums do for each batter as they walk up to the plate for each at bat. Enjoying the concept, we all started naming the song that we would choose to make our grand entrance to.

Which leaves me wondering...if you had to enter to a song everyday, what would that song be?

It's not only a phone, but a conversation piece

I believe that iPhone users are in some sort of secret cult, so secret that we often don't know we are in it, until too late. We have this weird common bond with each other that allows us to use our phones as a conversation starter. More random people talk to me now more than ever before, especially if they also have an iPhone.
Everyone that comes into the salon that also has an iPhone and sees mine will immediately start chatting me up about it. Talking about the pros and cons of the device and now, the applications that we most love. People LOVE to show off their favorite applications. I usually tell people that my favorite app is the Magic 8 ball. Ask it a question, flip the phone over and BAM an answer. Everyone loves to ask the 8 ball a question.

Don't tell me that you still believe in love

Really, I gave up on love when Bobby and Whitney split back in 2006. If, I would have any doubt left that love existed(maybe from seeing one too many Disney movies with the kids at work) I would have seen the light of day when the news reports came out that Holly Madison and the Hef called it quits.

Having a cold one

My brother was in Vegas the weekend before last for a guys weekend and for his fantasy basketball draft. One of his buddies that lives there wanted to go to some bar that he had never been to and convinced the crew to go. Upon entering this bar(5 below, I believe) the guys had to watch a safety video and were given a parka and mittens to wear while in the bar. The bar was apparently made entirely of ice. After going through the process, they get into the bar and realize they are the only ones there. To add to it, upon going to the bar, they could only get vodka and cranberry or white cranberry juice. They opted to take their on the rocks and get out of there, with my brother claiming it was the worst bar he had ever been to. I would challenge him and say...JB Barracudas...c'mon, it's nickname was "The Cuda."

CNN had an article on a similar bar in Orlando.

Another app I'm loving...

AIM.

I probably hadn't signed onto AIM in over a year until a couple of weeks ago when I downloaded it to my iPhone. I couldn't believe all the "buddies" I have that are still on that thing. So, if you are still on AIM, feel free to hit me up.

My favorite application

My favorite newspaper to read is probably the New York Times. I just like the (usually) witty style of writing it employs. I love, love, love the NY Times application downloaded to my iPhone so I can read it anytime, anywhere...such convenience.

Articles I have recently enjoyed(but didn't have time to blog about):

Sorry, Fido, It's Just a Guy Thing
--an article about how more men are choosing cats over dogs as pets

Modern Love: Shipping My Insecurities to California
--how to break up when there was no commitment to begin with

Shaken and Stirred: A Deep Sip for Deep Thinkers
--sounds fabulous

33 States to get $62 Million in Zyprexa Case Settlement

Pat's Trailer

Pat(Megan's brother) is in the production of Something Wicked Comes This Way by Ray Bradbury at the Lyceum Theater this fall. So, if you happen to be in Scotland, drop by for the performance. Rumor has it that it might be one of his last performances across the pond and he's coming back home to the states soon. I know his family would love to have him closer to home.

Something Wicked Comes This Way Trailer

You might be interested to know...

1) It's national Mental Illness Awareness week.

Did you know that war veteran's have twice the suicide rate compared to the rest of the US population?

One in eight veterans that return to their college campus after serving in the war have PTSD.

2) University of Iowa to receive FEMA funds

The University received $230 million in damages during the flood this past summer and FEMA will be directing about $75 million in flood relief to my alma mater.

3) AIDS, cancer scientists win 2008 Nobel Prize

As Kenneth Cole said, "We all have AIDS."

4) Duke picked No. 4 in preseason poll

5) Iowa Basketball Preseason Prospectus

It will prove to be an interesting season with such a young team and it being Lickliter's second season coaching the Hawkeyes.

6) TIME: Why some women hate Sarah Palin

Keeping all political comments to myself, I find this article to be interesting and disheartening. If you aren't going to like someone, it should not be for a superficial reason.

Reading Frenzy

I don't know when I have found time to ready latey, but apparently I have been reading a lot. In the past month, I have ready:

Over the Edge, Johnathan Kellerman
Bad Love, Johnathan Kellerman
The Web, Johnathan Kellerman
Compulsion, Johnathan Kellerman

Out of My Head, Didier Van Cauwelaert

The Confessions of Max Tivoli, Andrew Sean Greer

Any suggestions of new books to read?

Palin Porn

Sorry, but I think this is HILARIOUS!!!

Hustler is making a Palin porn and I happen to think the plot is pretty funny. The Russians at her back door...come on...it makes you laugh just a little.

Taken directly from tmz.com:

Sarah Palin is officially a legend! Hustler Video is shooting a porn with a look-alike titled "Nailin' Paylin." The spelling is sic and so is Hustler. You betcha!The faux Sarah is Lisa Ann, who "will be nailing the Russians who come knocking on her back-door." In another scene -- a flashback -- "young Paylin's creationist college professor will explain a 'big bang' theory even she can't deny!"There's also a threeway with Hillary and Condoleezza look-alikes.The video is in pre-production, but is being fast tracked for release before the election.

The burbs

Last night, I trekked it out to the burbs...all for Megan. I've hardly seen her since she moved out to Arlington Heights. I think I saw her more when she lived in Miami than just a suburb away.

We had a great dance party in the car while we waited in rush hour traffic. Then we went to dinner at Fuego, a fun Mexican restaurant by her place. The tables were really close together and it almost felt as if we were eating community style(the newest trend since tapas). Fortunately for us, the older woman next to us had a birthday. Oh yeah, we got to sing to her while she wore a sombrero. The younger man with her exclaimed, "I wish I had my camera with me." Well, I had mine, of course. So, I offered to take their picture and email it to them. It turns out that the woman had just turned 90 and her grandson had flown in from Atlanta just to take her out to dinner. Hilariously, the 90 year old thought that the sombrero was a souvenir and took it with her to remember her birthday.

Then, just when we thought nothing else funny could happen, I went to the bathroom before we left the restaurant. Naturally, there was a line, with no where to wait. Everyone was shuffling around like we were at a Friday night ho-down practicing our square dance moves. Someone)perhaps me) said that it was like a dance just to move in there and this 70ish woman started breaking it down. I couldn't stop laughing, nor could the other 5 people waiting. As I was coming out of the bathroom the same 70ish woman was walking out ahead of me and I noticed something looked askew with her outfit, then BAM...it hit me...her skirt was tucked into her underwear and she was about to give a packed restaurant the show of her lifetime. I ran after her and got her stopped before she made it to the first table, but it was a close call. Dinner and a show, anyone?

We took the night down a notch after dinner and headed back to Megan's place and played two very serious games of Scrabble and consumed some nice wine. Next time we see each other we will have to have the tie breaker game. See, the thing is...I'm a little bit competitive.