TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTS OF 2003
1. I'm a TV star! My episode of "Date Patrol" airs March 17.
2. Going to Autostadt in Wolfsburg, Germany, with Chris and Amy.
3. Discovering Las Vegas and going four times.
4. Reality Check goes on the national newswires.
5. Meeting my favorite furrier, Dennis Basso.
6. Waterfest.
7. Fleet Week in New York City.
8. Driving 90 mph through Vermont mountains and seeing a moose.
9. Atkins.
10. And finally, my love for the best show on TV, Viva la Bam.

I thought about listing my Top 10 Disasters of 2003, but there's no point.
Now bring on the gluhwein and VW sausages for German New Year's Eve 2003!

I've been a bad blogger lately, I know. I guess I'm a busy little bee. Once I stop pounding mugs of Gluhwein mit schuss (that means German mulled wine with a shot) and scrape myself up off the floor, I'll come back to the land of the living.

romanian danceparty.
wow.

back again. drunk in europe. don't know who is watching.
i want to go home BUT I NEVER WANT TO GO HOME EVER.
i want to see j and b and ruff and drive OTTO of course.
i'm so on vacay that i dont even use punctuation.
but sometimes i wish vacation had no internet. no dealing with all my thoughts of everything i may have messed up and left behind and now i have to return to.
and then amy yells at me and says BASTA.
there were italians here.
and we made friends with...
a kyrgys pop star
german hiphop stars
an american diplomat sleaze who stared at our chests and had weird vampire wife
some boy named atilla thinks i'm famous (but i am!)
and more importantly i went to fucking wolfsburg, VW paradise
but now i sit here and worry because in 14 hours i must go home and deal with non-lazlo drama:
3 Ms, a serious R, a guatemalan, a Westerner, another R and god only knows who else,
and fucking christmas bullshit.
and i still havent packed
and we have so much goddamn booze and meat and VW paraphernaila to bring home.
fuck.
i have to go find the italians now.
and drink more of course
fucking vacation
go!
i need to go hug amy.
and chris.
but amy because she deals with this shit.

uhoh drunk in budapest.
someone let ME make cosmos for the euros and now the whole continent in wasted with me.
hehehe.
um. lazlo/gabor/atilla danceparty.
now.

I am in Wolfsburg!
Real life VW danceparty!
I have already seen two R32s and we drive Touaregs tomorrow.
Kinder eislaufen gluwein danceparty!!! Woohoo!

Amy and I are in Hungary.
Woohoo!!!

SAGITTARIUS
If today is your birthday...
The most important thing this year is that you move with the times. If you don't, you will find yourself lagging behind. Fortunately, being a Sagittarian, you find it easy to adopt new methods and soon you will be moving in a new direction. By this time next year, your world will look completely different -- and a lot nicer than it does right now.

Yay!

Woah snow!
I left work at 2 p.m. yesterday.
I got home at 7 p.m.
It's never taken 5 hours in the snow before! I-95 was a mess. I got from Stamford to Shelton (about 35 miles) in 3 hours 45 minutes. But once I got to Shelton, things took a turn for the worse. Roads all over the city were closed because of all the accidents. The only way home was through some serious hills, so I decided not to chance it. I know Otto and I could make it, but I'm scared of other idiots plowing into me. So we parked at the Shelton police station and my dad rescued us in the Jeep. I was at my wit's end by 5 hours in the car.
I dug Otto out this morning. He's home now. But the roads are a mess, and the worst is yet to come.
I expect to see at least a foot by tonight.
So the question is... do I stay home, or do I continue on with birthday plans and make this an adventure?

OK, I think I last wrote like an hour ago?
There's already a half inch of snow on the ground.
Dammit, it's going to be traffic hell this afternoon.

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to.
Hmpf.

According to Weather.com, "A Nor'easter is taking shape. A potent coastal low pressure system will bring significant accumulations to the Northeast for the duration of this weekend."
They're talking a foot of snow. Welcome to Connecticut, hope you brought your sled.

The sky is so gray and it's so cold. The snow's going to start any minute now. I'm ready. Otto has his snow boots on and we can tackle anything in a front-wheel drive six-speed. But I'm afraid Saturday's birthday plans in New York City may be affected by the weather. At least half of the partygoers will get snowed in (read: wimp out), and that makes me sad.
Oh well. I will be there. So will Bone, Heather and Bunny, that's for sure. And the four of us + martinis + crazy New York City snowstorm = Absolute madness.

So shut up, Kara. Stop whining.
Let's go party our snowpants off.

I love "Viva la Bam." It's my new favorite show. I watched the Christmas episode last night and it made me laugh so much it hurt. Like the infamous Kara HAHA laugh.
I don't know how Bam gets away with the stuff he does to his mom and dad. And he must have a huge budget from MTV. (How did they not blow up the neighborhood lighting up the house like that?)
But Bam is adorable, and so is Ryan. And Bam's little Philly accent is the best. I haven't heard that since Tony/Philly days.
Oh, and the Margeras live in West Chester, Pa., which is also the home of QVC, which makes Bam that much better.
And Bam drives an Audi. EVEN BETTER! (Did you know Bam was supposedly at Waterfest this past summer?! Bam + Waterfest = best ever.)
I want him to turn my house into an ice skating rink and paint everything in my kitchen blue. And I want him to have medieval battles in my front yard.

So go watch the Christmas episode of "Viva la Bam."
And Merry Christmas, little jerks.

p.s. Can I have Bam for my birthday?

I want the weekend now.
Because then it will be the start of my birthday celebration week (I'm such a princess, getting a whole week) and we get to go here and here and maybe even here.
And I think I'll have my parents take me here.
I don't care if it snows all weekend, I want to play.
Snow=fun.
And of course, in one week from tomorrow, Europe!
AUTOSTADT in 12 more days!
Princess, princess, princess. All I want for my birthday is martinis and boys and VWs!

SNOW!!!

Boy, am I glad I put Otto into winter mode last week.

Look, Laura has a blog now! And I am excited that the first thing she wrote about is booze, of course.

Let the countdown continue...
19 more days!

>>>
From: Yvonne
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2003 11:45 a.m.
Subject: AUTOSTADT

Dear Kara,
thanks for your email.

I reserve the All-Terrain Course / GeländeParcours on tuesday, December 16 at 09:30 a.m. (60 min. / 1 round with the instructor, 3 round with the visitor at the wheel= 70 Euro)

Experience Tour
Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
The experience tour gives you an intensive insight into the architecture and the attractions of the Autostadt. You will experience the highlights of the Autostadt: The Group world with its technical innovations and film attractions, the special architecture and experience the various worlds of the brands.
I reserve the Experience Tour on tuesday, december 16 at 2 p.m. (11 Euro per person)

Factory Tours
Duration: approx. 60 minutes
During your stay in the Autostadt you have the possibility to take part on a factory tour through the Volkswagen production halls, The panorama trains drive from monday till friday approximately every 15 minutes. A minimum age of 10 years is recommended. The tours are not offered at week-ends, on public holidays and on factory holidays. Bookings can only be made here in the Autostadt. It is not possible to book in advance. Please visit the Welcome Desk in the Piazza as early as possible to make a reservation.

We are looking forward to your visit, and send you best greetings from the Autostadt.
Best regards

Ihr CustomerCareCenter der Autostadt
Yvonne
________________________
AUTOSTADT GmbH
Prozess- und Technologie-Management
Business Prozess Management / Customer Care Center
StadtBrücke
38440 Wolfsburg
http://www.autostadt.de
>>>

Oh, and did I forget to mention, we're staying at The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg? What could possibly be better than falling asleep in a five-star hotel IN Autostadt? There will be thousands of Volkswagens slumbering among me. Talk about sweet dreams!

Volkswagen danceparty heaven!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CHRIS -- THE BEST BROTHER EVER!

LOTS TO DISCUSS TODAY.
I LOVE the CAPS lately.
SO SUE ME.
GRRR.

No. 1: My producer from "Date Patrol" emailed me this:
Hi Kara -
Hope you are well - Your show is scheduled to air March 17th @ 10 pm.
I'll let you know if it changes but I don't expect it will.
OK, that SUCKS.
• March.
• Wednesday night.
• ST. FREAKING PATRICK'S DAY?!
Oh well, losers who aren't out drinking will be watching. At least it'll be rerun a hundred times.
But I WILL still have a party and you better believe we'll be drinking green beer.

No. 2: Today I strategically placed myself behind a Touareg this morning during my commute. It made me smile. But then I saw its unfortunate license plate. I guess they're on the "S"s now in Connecticut. 621.STD. Just go ahead and name your car "gonorrhea" now and get it over with.

No. 3: Three weeks from RIGHT NOW I will be on Austrian Airlines flight 7265 from Vienna to Berlin, where we will pick up a pretty little VW Golf and a few days later, drive to Wolfsburg. That's right, in 24 days we'll be at Autostadt for real life VW danceparty!

No. 4: Last week I made no weekend predictions, and although the weekend wasn't a huge success, remember I did meet the gay love of my life, Dennis Basso, so I can't complain.
This weekend let's shoot for: drunk Stammie with the kids, lots of partying in New York City since my brother is in town AND it's his birthday, tequila, 60 degree weather, an Otto wash if he's lucky, and maybe a knuckle sandwich IF I KEEP MY CAPS ON. If Amy doesn't PUNCH SOMEONE this weekend, I WILL.

No. 5: The sun moves into Sagittarius Sunday. Finally. Life should start making sense again. I can't wait!

p.s. Beth, I feel for you. Nevermind boys, PEOPLE ARE STUPID, throw rocks at them.
p. p.s. What did the mother say to Michael Jackson at the beach?
You're in my sun.

Go take my friend test!

Today I met Dennis Basso.
This time, for real, I am the happiest girl alive.
He may be 45 (OK, probably 60), and gay, but he is THE most fabulous furier in all of Manhattan. And today I shook his hand. And I love him.
It is better than meeting a rock star.
HE IS MY ROCK STAR.
I was wearing my Dennis Basso Faux Mink Trim Denim Jacket
BUT someday I will have $45,000 to spend on a real Dennis Basso chinchilla fur coat.
I love him.
Shut up, I am not a furier fag hag.
I love Dennis Basso.

Last night I was telling my parents that I think it's great our painters have sweet mullets. My mom laughed. My dad just looked puzzled.

Me: "You don't know what a mullet is?"
Dad: "No."
Me: "It's when your hair is short on top and long in the back. Totally '80s, dad."
Dad: "Oh, I thought it was a type of fish."

Now that's some classic Willie.

The mulletude was in such effect this morning I got in the car and listened to Journey's Greatest Hits.
Shut up, you know you love it.

Today there are painters at my house, painting the kitchen, dining room and Grandma's room. Both of the painters have sweet mullets. It makes me happy.

This morning the Merritt Parkway was a Merritt Safari. I saw one dead coyote (creepy), one dead deer and three live wild turkeys crossing the road. Sometimes I think I live in the wilderness, but then I remember the traffic.

One month from today Bone and I go to Europe. Yay!

I had a dream last night that I was at the dress rehearsal for my funeral. It wasn't at my usual church. There were lots of people there, lots of flowers and a tree with cookies hanging off it. (There were VW cookies, but the VW symbol was wrong and that bothered me.) I was going to pick out the flowers for the altar, but there was no time, so we used bright purple flowers. They were fine.
My mom asked me who I wanted to have walk her in to the church and down the aisle — Amy or her friend's son, Eric. I told her Amy. She ended up walking in with her friend, Mary Alice.
As the eulogies began, I wanted to stay and listen, but my dad told me to leave. I secretly wanted to hear what everyone would say about me now that I'm dead. Although I wasn't even dead yet. Everyone was crying. I left, and I was on the streets in Manhattan, so I decided to go shoe shopping. I called Amy to come with me, but then I remembered she was busy at my dress rehearsal funeral.
Either before or after the funeral, I went to the bathroom and there were two mice swimming in the toilet. I was really freaked out. Maybe more freaked out by the mice than the fact that was to die very soon, since everyone was practicing for my funeral.

I made no weekend predictions, and therefore got nothing in return. I was sick and sinusy all weekend, and it was bitter cold. I spent many hours under my fabulous new down comforter. It's like sleeping in a cloud!
Oh, I did go see "Elf." It was funny and Christmasy and I loved it. I will never look at maple syrup the same way again. Go see it.
Saturday night I drank one too many Cosmos, and coupled with the eerie full moon and lunar eclipse, decided it was wise to sneak out of the house at 3 a.m. Hopefully I didn't do anything I may regret. Stupid Kara.

Go look at my HOLLAween pictures now.

Today I realized that maybe I'm not as neurotic as I thought. But that's only because I went here and read how crazy everyone else is.
Personally, I like this one best.

Don't mess with Catholic school girls. (Thank you, Evy.)

OK, let's see how I did on my weekend predictions:
Martinis, CHECK
sugar highs, CHECK
butterfly wings, CHECK (but more kitty ears)
a Stamford party, CHECK
a long overdue boy CHECK
and some car wax if Otto's lucky. NO (but Otto is clean)
Not bad.

OK, it's time to be obsessive for a minute.
It dawned on me that I started Big Trouble a year ago, mostly because I had a lot to say about some overwhelming feelings I was having. I'm a believer in astrology, and at the time the sun was in Scorpio, typically my worst time of the year. And it was.
So I'm becoming paranoid. Today is the sun's 11th day in Scorpio. The past several days have not been bad. In fact, recent days have been great. This scares me. I am vulnerable.
Today I'm nervous, and I'm beginning to expect the worst from the next 19 days. I want it to be Nov. 23. Chris will be home, it will be Thanksgiving, December will come and bring my birthday, Bone and I go to Hungary and Wolfsburg, and then the holidays come. The entire Sagittarius span promises wonderful things.
I don't like to rush the winter. (I hate snow wheels and tires.) But the unknown scares me right now. Usually, it doesn't. In 19 days the uncertainties I have now about so many things should be deciphered. I want to know where I will stand, and more importantly with whom I will stand with, come the beginning of the end of the year.

Damn, that sounded so Sherwoodish. And I don't like her. See, I am going a little crazy.

And now for your weekend update...
Happy, sunny, 75 degree, New York City Saturday.
Let's go to Girl Props, Sephora and H&M.
The sunny sun and happy shopping make me so not hungover.
More martinis now!
Oh, and if I had a dollar for every time we heard "Here kittykittykittykittykitty" last night, I'd be shopping with Ally and Jaime today, too.

Happy HOLLAween.
Word.

Today is a bad day to be on Atkins. I feel surrounded by doughnuts and candy. But if I start inhaling sugar now, I will be flying around the newsroom in no time (which would be funny since I'm wearing purple sparkly kitty ears today) and I will crash by the evening, which is a bad idea since Bone and I have to trick-or-drink it up tonight in Manhattan. We have no real plans, but again I will stick with my theory that no plan is a good plan, because Bone and I always end up getting ourselves into some kind of worthwhile trouble.
So yeah, I will go eat my Atkins bar now and thank myself later. Right.
Weekend predictions: Martinis, sugar highs, butterfly wings, a Stamford party, a long overdue boy and some car wax if Otto's lucky.

Oh! New VEGA$ pictures here. Enjoy.

Ahh, such is the life of a reality TV star (narcissistic)/copy editor (obsessive-compulsive).
It makes perfect sense.
Oh well, at least I'm not really too nuts.

Disorder	Rating
Paranoid:	Low
Schizoid:	Low
Schizotypal:	Low
Antisocial:	Low
Borderline:	Low
Histrionic:	Low
Narcissistic:	Moderate
Avoidant:	Low
Dependent:	Low
Obsessive-Compulsive:	High
-- Personality Disorder Test - Take It! --

It's Tom Jones week on "Good Morning America." That makes waking up infinitely brighter.
You're a Sex Bomb.
Enough said.

So now they're delaying the new episodes of "Date Patrol" until January 2004. Guess I'll have to wait even longer to be a TV star. It's OK, I will enjoy my days of non-fame now. Just you wait 'til January when I take over the airwaves and the world. Free cable TV and VWs for everyone. Muhahahaha!

Have I really spent approximately $55,111.68 on booze in the past several years? Because if that's the case, I'm going straightedge and saving for a Golf R32. Go see if you're more of a drunk than me. I'm rated next to Homer Simpson. Great.

Also, go here.
Love,
Bambi Smurf. (Sweet.)

Rod Roddy died. Now that's just sad. Even more reason to get that "Price is Right" dollar sign tattoo.

Another successful trip to Vegas is in the books. Well, we'll just have to see how successful soon enough. Lots of lounging in the jacuzzi, drinking, shopping and harassing of the male persuasion. It was great to see Kitty, of course. I miss her.
And I'm so happy I got to see Beth and Nicole. That meant a lot to me. It was quite enlightening, actually. You learn something new every day, right? Well, I certainly learned a lot this weekend. Nevertheless, Vegas confuses me, in so many ways.

It's looking like my episode of "Date Patol" will air Saturday, Dec. 6. But things change frequently in the land of reality TV, so I'll keep you posted.

As promised, pictures of Philly are here. Look how big Justina is! Vegas pictures will be up soon.

I have a mysterious virus and it makes me dizzy. I have weird spins, and my ears are all funky and my stomach is just not right. And now I have some crazy nasal spray to take and if my ears aren't better in a week I have to go on steriods. I don't get it.
But I will stop complaining because I could be this woman. I've been following this case for a few weeks now, and it makes me so sad. They were killing her, but now they are reinserting her feeding tube, even though lawyers says it's unconstitutional. But thank God she has a chance to live. So yeah, tell me to shut up and stop complaining.
And Adam, yes, please have a party Friday because hopefully I will be there! Horray for secret trip to Vegas! (Guess it's not so secret anymore.)

Fridays make me jumpy. Maybe it's the leftover alcohol from watching last night's game. (Stupid Sox.) I agree with Amy — as long as Derek Jeter loses I'll be happy. Or maybe it's my freaky Atkins vitamins. Whatevs.
Again I will appraoch the weekend without too much excitement, but secretly hope for the best. But Amy and I are going to Hi Life tomorrow, and that's always great.

Because there is nothing else to write today...

1. WHAT IS YOUR FULL NAME?
Kara Ann Justina, but today I'm Inspectah Deck.

2. WHAT COLOR PANTS ARE YOU WEARING?
Old khaki pants that go way too far up my waist.

3. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Mouse-clicking. And the graphics boy's conversation.

4. WHAT ARE THE LAST 4 DIGITS OF YOUR PHONE NUMBER?
6670.

5. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Coffee and an Atkins Morning Start Apple Crisp bar.

6. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Reflex Silver, baby.

7. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My "Date Patrol" producer, Teri.

8.FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Car.
Heh.

9. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT YOU THIS?
I love Bunny, as long as we're not doing the dishes or using the computer.

10. HOW ARE YOU TODAY?
Fine. But I need new pillows, my neck is all stiff today.

11. FAVOURITE DRINK?
Ginger ale!

12. FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK?
A good mojito.

13. FAVORITE SPORTS?
Baseball and college basketball.

14. HAIR COLOR?
Blond.

15. EYE COLOR?
Blue.

16. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No.

17. SIBLINGS AND THEIR AGES?
Chris, 35.

18. FAVORITE MONTH?
December.

19. FAVORITE FOOD?
Behold the power of cheese.

20. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
I think it was that trash Lifetime movie "S3x and the Single Mom."

21. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR?
New Year's Eve.

22. ARE YOU TOO SHY TO ASK SOMEONE OUT?
Not anymore.

23. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer.

24. HUGS OR KISSES?
Kisses.

25. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?
No comment.

26. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA?
Chocolate love. (I always say that.)

27. DO YOU WANT YOUR FRIENDS TO WRITE BACK?
Sure, distract me.

28. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Stephanie.

29. WHO IS LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Kitty, because she just called me from Denver, and she's on her way to Vegas.

30. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS?
Home with Mom, Dad, Grandma and Ruffles.

32. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
American Girl Place in Chicago.

33. WHAT DID YOU DO LAST NIGHT?
I watched the Cubs/Marlins game. Stupid Cubs choked!

34. FAVORITE SMELLS?
New Volkswagen smell.

35. CAN YOU TOUCH YOUR NOSE WITH YOUR TONGUE?
I can stick my tongue up my nose and I am d@mn proud of it.

36. BUTTERED, PLAIN, OR SALTED POPCORN?
Smells like buttered popcorn.

37. FAVORITE CAR?
GTI 337. Otto of course!

39. FAVORITE FLOWER?
Gerbera daisy.

40. HOW MANY KEYS ON YOUR KEY RING?
One.

41. CAN YOU JUGGLE?
I can juggle boys.

Thanks to not getting excited for weekend plans, Philadelphia was lots of fun and I'll link to some pictures soon. I even drove there in 2 hours and 50 minutes — record time for New Jersey Turnpike hell. Rock. And I even got to go to IKEA and I bought this most fantastic mirror ever. So pretty!

This morning's disturbing sight: While on my way to work on the Merritt Parkway, I passed a SUV with something sticking off the back covered by a blue tarp. I thought it was some bikes hooked on the back of the truck, but when I looked closer, I saw two hoofs sticking out from under the tarp. Sick! Now, I hate the deer as much as every other commuter out there, but I could never imagine hunting one down and tying it up to the back of Otto. This is Connecticut, not Arkansas.
That's just nasty.

Happy 39th wedding anniversary to my parents, the best mom and dad ever. Aren't they the cutest?
I bought them these martini glasses and they love them. And I love that I can buy my parents funky martini glasses for their 39th wedding anniversary because they are still incredibly fun parents.

Last night Bone and I were at Bobby Valentine's (that's the bar owned by the N.Y. Mets former manager for those of you not from around here) watching the Red Sox/Yankees game (go Sox!) and Bobby himself was there. We were with one of my co-workers and Bobby came up and shook his hand, looked at Bone and I, smiled and said, "Hey, you're hanging out with the pretty girls tonight, huh?" Needless to say, I was very excited. I love Bobby V!

I am dying for a new entry here. Dying!!! I keep going back and rereading entries, but at least they still make me laugh.

Unlike last Friday, today I will not get hopped up about weekend plans for fear that they will all backfire. So in full reverse psychology mode, yeah, I'm going to Philadelphia tomorrow. Maybe it'll suck.

p.s. Beth, can I come over and bring you ice cream? You sound so sad!

The best laid plans... how does that saying go? Making plans always turns out to be a disaster. Someday I will learn that expecting less always brings more.
Instead of this from Friday's entry: "Drinking commences in three hours on the glorious Metro-North Railroad bar car, and despite the cold, I'm banking on a damn fine weekend full of girls, tapas, sangria, Manhattan, Otto, a 'rado, martinis and maybe a pumpkin thrown in there for good measure."
I had this: Drinking commenced at the glorious Thirsty Turtle, and despite the cold, I had a 50/50 weekend full of drunk girls, stealing shopping carts, too much Red Bull, Stamford, Otto, a BMW mechanic, 337 melodrama and yes, a little sugar pumpkin thrown in there for good measure.

Nemesis


?? Which Of The Greek Gods Are You ??
brought to you by Quizilla

I can't even handle myself today, I'm all over the place like a kid on crack.
I'm irritable, but I'm also excited and happy.
Maybe it's the little extra coffee I had today? It wasn't Starbucks, so I don't know what gives.
Maybe it's the cold? I saw my breath this morning while taking Ruffles outside. I think it was in the high 30s last night. Fucking fall, you can shove it.
Maybe it's my new fur-lined denim jacket? Fuck, why is it only October and I'm already wearing fur?
Maybe it's my new shoes? They're Rocket Dogs and they're like stilts. I'm like 5' 10" today.
Maybe it's because it's Friday? We're playing in Manhattan tonight, going to Xunta for tapas and copious amounts of sangria.
Who cares. Drinking commences in three hours on the glorious Metro-North Railroad bar car, and despite the cold, I'm banking on a damn fine weekend full of girls, tapas, sangria, Manhattan, Otto, a 'rado, martinis and maybe a pumpkin thrown in there for good measure.

Vegas kids: Have fun this weekend, I wish I could be there!

I have been slacking on the blog, lately, huh?
What do I have to say?
• Wacky news: This morning I went to the dentist and he asked me how I liked last night's finale of "Paradise Hotel." Is that funny that my dentist watches that show? I don't know how I feel about that.
• Funny news: This morning I was the commuter you LOVE to HATE. On the Merritt Parkway, while trying to swerve and avoid construction trucks in traffic, I juggled a large hot coffee (NO, not from Starbucks, you snots), the radio, the cell phone (while trying to get a signal and dial Amy) and shifting, all at once. I kept going from 1st gear to 3rd gear... I was laughing at myself because I almost stalled out and I know people were cursing me. I love being a jerk.
• Embarrassing news: I've been grossly obsessed with my old freestyle CDs the past week or so. I don't know what my deal is. I even went out and bought the Judy Torres greatest hits CD, because I couldn't get
"Come Into My Arms" out my head for an entire day. So now I play it over and over, just like it's 1989. Somebody stop me!
• Happy news: I've stopped throwing rocks at some boys, for now, at least. :)
• The best news: Amy and I bought tickets to go to Europe in December! We're going to hang out with my brother in Budapest, and (drumroll please)... Chris wants to take me to Wolfsburg, Germany, for my birthday! Wolfsburg is the land of Volkswagen. I can't believe it, I get to go to Autostadt! Most likely we'll fly into a larger city, and then rent a car, a VW of course. So that means in a little over two months I get to go drive a VW on the German Autobahn to Wolfsburg, the homeland of VWs. (I can't even believe I just wrote that sentence.)
Who's the happiest girl alive?

I like chocolate martinis.

Oh God, Wolfsburg.
I can say nothing else for now, because I don't know what could happen.
But oh God, Wolfsburg, Germany.
Home of the VW.
Soon.
Me.

I was just watching the weather. The newscaster said, "It's starting to feel like football weather." Don't get me wrong, I love football, but it's like barely in the 60s out there, and it blows.
Kitty is leaving for Vegas in two weeks. Dear God, please don't let me be too far behind.
There are new jobs on journalismjobs.com at the Las Vegas Sun.
Note to self: Get your ass in high gear now, Kara.

Amy says we need lists today. That's because it's Friday (rock) and we're tired, I gather.
• Robert Palmer died. That's just sad. First John Ritter, now Robert Palmer. What's with all these people in their 50s dropping dead from random heart problems? It freaks me out.
• The teens last night made me feel old. But then I realized they're just obscenely young. "I was in the fourth grade with Green Day's 'Dookie' came out," said one. And another one was only in first grade. See, I'm not old, they're just babies.
• Starbucks has me hooked. I can't decide if it's the crack or the heavy cream. But I went back again today. I'm a fiend. But only for the iced coffee because you know how I feel about the hot coffee cup/lid situation.
• Why is it that whenever I make OK plans, suddenly jucier plans pop up, but I can't possibly break the original plans because I'm much too loyal to blow someone off? Oh, but the more desireable plans are far more intriguing... Damn.

Suddenly my insides are shaking. Is it the Starbucks crack coffee? Did the lady put more than heavy cream in my coffee?
I kinda like it.
It's no wonder why I wrote so much below.
Woohoo! I'm gonna go walk around The Advocate building now til my pants fall off. Yeah!

Some thoughts, in an easy to follow outline form.

1. I just went to Stop & Shop because I had to buy cookies and chips for the teen advice columnists that I have to work with tonight.
• That's just funny, I have to hang out with the teens and pretend to have control over them or something, when I really just want to get the geeks drunk.
• I bet the teens think I'm really old.
• Buying cookies and chips when I'm on Atkins is a cruel joke. But my pants are falling off my ass so hardcore today you can see my undies. Sweet. (Sweet in more ways than one.)

2. Two teen Hanson-type boys with guitars were busking outside of Stop & Shop and they got kicked out. I felt bad. Then I got in Otto and drove nearby to Starbucks (sorry, Adam) to get iced coffee and the boys were trying to busk outside the Bed, Bath & Beyond, and they got kicked out. They were on their way to the Men's Warehouse next.
• I'm glad I felt bad for the kids, because for a split second I almost had the thought: "Go away, grungy teens." That would make me old.
• Making a Hanson reference definitely makes me old.
• The Starbucks lady called me "miss" (note: not ma'am, thank God) and then offered me heavy cream for my coffee. Is she a mind-reader? Do I have "Atkins" written on my forehead? In any case, she was a gem, and I want to go back and give her a tip.
• The busking teens are dumb, because who the hell shops at the Men's Warehouse on a Thursday afternoon at 2:30? Not exactly a money-making location. I bet they got kicked out anyway. Maybe I should go back and give them a tip, too, but they kinda sucked.

3. Driving back from Stop & Shop, the man behind me was driving a mid-'90s Subaru station wagon, but the steering wheel was on the opposite side of the car. I was so confused, I thought I was having problems using my rearview mirror. But when I realized he was sitting next to the curb, and I was sitting next another car in the lane beside me, I got it.
• Is Stamford suddenly part of England? Or am I nuts?

4. Conclusions:
• I'm generous and I feel like giving money away today for some reason. Too bad I'm not rich.
• I have a real age complex today.
• I'm a little off today.

5. In other news:
1. Three months 'til Christmas. What the fuck?
2. Tonight a film Heather edited is being screened at the Greenwich Film Festival. The film is called "Mendy" and it's about Hasidic Jews, whom I am fascinated with much like I am with the Amish. And I don't mean that in any derogatory sense.
• Did you know Hasidic women go to a separate section, the "Veiber Shul" (ladies synagogue) when attending services. They are not allowed to lead any part of the services or to pray out loud, as men are prohibited from listening to the voice of women. — HasidicNews.com

6. Told you I am a little off today. A little wordy, too. And don't forget a little pointless. Except for...

7. Finally, much love, hope and faith to Baja Stacey and her family.

Vegas kids, you will be proud. I finally put the Euromotive stickers Brian made for me on Otto:



I also took this beautiful picture of Otto at sunset last night:



Such a pretty boy. I love Otto.
The rest of the pictures can be found here. The album is called Martinis and stickers, and it's positively delicious. You'll see why.

HI NICOLE!
There, that's better!
:*

Beth: The window wasn't open, silly, it was raining so hard here it was leaking through. It was like a monsoon!
But the sun is out now, so I'm a bit less bitchy now. Well, until I have to fight afternoon traffic.
And Stacey: Much love and luck to your dad.

Brace yourself for the bitchfest of the week...
It's like I live in the goddamn rainforest.
It took me almost two hours to get to work today. Mind you, I'm a mere 40 miles or so away from work. The commuters were driving like there was snow on the ground instead of water. The Merritt Parkway, I-95, the backroads, it didn't matter. We drove slow like wet little turtles today.
When I finally got to Stamford, it started to rain sideways. Otto shook. I thought the hurricane was last week? I got out of the car during what I thought was a lull in the rain. But as soon as I started to walk away from Otto, the wind picked up and I was pelted with sideways rain. The umbrella did no good.
So now I sit here, in soaking wet tight capri pants that might never dry, freezing because the air conditioner is on full blast. And my leather sandals are so wet they squish when I walk. Gross. And let's not even discuss the hair.
It's even raining in the building, through one of the windows near me. That's not safe.
I sincerely hope Otto doesn't float away.
Happy fucking first fucking day of fucking fall, motherfucker.
Maybe I will start swimming towards the desert today.
p.s. And yes, ladies, we are still throwing rocks at boys. For now.

Boys suck.
The end.
No, wait.
Let's be more mature about this.
Boys are dumb, throw rocks at them.
(Much better.)
The end.

Yay, the first episode of "Date Patrol" aired tonight on TLC. That means in only 10 more episodes I'll be a TV star, too.
The episode tonight was great. It was about this nice guy Ken, from New Jersey, who they basically had to jazz it up. I kinda think my episode will be a little like his. He was Mr. Nice Guy who had to turn into Mr. Naughty, but Nice Guy. I will be the Little Girl Next Door who has to turn into Sexy Woman Next Door. We'll see. In any case, I'm a little nervous, because they did make him look pretty dorky in the beginning. (I'm not looking forward to them picking me apart and calling me one of the Brady Bunch kids on my episode.) But by the end of the episode, Ken looked amazing, I had tears in my eyes. So I am happy, it did turn out well.
Overall it was a nice show. Entertaining, fun, and heartwarming.
Awww.
And now I'm patrolling the "Date Patrol" message boards on the TLC Web site and Ken has all these girl fans that just love him. Does this mean I'll get cute boy fans, too?!
I can't wait for my episode!!

Today must be a better day.
The hurricane has passed.
I got an iced coffee today and it didn't spill. (Sorry, Adam, I had to go to Starbucks, I needed the caffeine today.)
I'm wearing my fabulous new green cargo mini from H&M.
It's Friday.
And most importantly, Brian's Jetta is home!

LOST: 1995 VW Jetta.
Let's be the first to put that on the side of a milk carton.
Oh my God, Brian's Jetta was stolen. Pushed right out of his driveway. It's suddenly the saddest day ever. I just want to go to Las Vegas right now to go find it before it's stripped to pieces.
Brian gave me a ride in the Jetta less than two weeks ago when I was there. I have a big crush on that car. It makes me smile.
And I can't believe Brian's car got stolen. Brian is sweet and kind and wonderful and a great guy. He put so much work into that car. It makes me really sad and very angry.
Go read about it here.
Oh baby Jetta, please come home.

Oh boy, Beth has a blog now, too!
I love it! All the Vegas kids have blogs now, it's almost like being in Vegas...
er, maybe not.
:(

I'm starting to dislike Starbucks. Don't get me wrong, I love their burnt coffee, it's like crack. It's their cups and lids that really turn me off.
I understand they use paper cups to be environmentally conscious. (Whatever, I don't care.) But the seam on the paper cup does not fit well with the lid, so wherever the seam meets the lid, coffee inevitably leaks and spills down the side of the cup. Annoying.
But these plastic lids are a problem themselves already. Each lid has a rasied top and a built in hole, which does not work in car cup holders. Go over a bump, and coffee comes spouting out of the hole, like a little whale blowhole. Super annoying.
So I thought I had the cups all figured out. I put a napkin in the hole and drape it around the lid, hoping to catch all leaking coffee. Sometimes this works, but this morning was a disaster. Starbucks isn't even five minutes from work, and by the time I got to the parking lot, the napkin was soaked through and dripping and coffee was coming out at the seam. And it's not that bumpy of a ride. I had to wipe coffee off the leather gearshift boot. I was not pleased.
So, as I sit here, and glare at my coffee-stained white Starbucks grande paper cup and lid, I wonder, is this their way to get me to buy one of their overpriced, cheaply made (ask Amy how cheap) travel mugs that probably won't fit in my funky, poorly placed VW cupholder?
F THAT. Sometimes I wonder why I bother straying from Dunkin' Donuts and all its unabashedly cheap Styrofoam goodness.

Horray! Now Nicole has a blog, aptly named nicolelicious!
Go get some Vegas lovin'!

Oh my God, I am definitely going to hell for sending you here.

I can't believe John Ritter is dead.
A day without Jack Tripper is like a day without sunshine.
:(

"Come and knock on our door
We've been waiting for you
Where the kisses are hers and hers and his,
Three's company, too!"

Because there is nothing better to write today, I will self-indulge.
l. IF YOU COULD BUILD A HOUSE ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
Las Vegas.
2. YOUR FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING ?
I like these karate pants a lot. They come with a handy detachable belt which you can use for naughty things!
3. FAVORITE PHYSICAL FEATURE OF THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Ass... I mean arms.
4. WHAT'S THE LAST CD THAT YOU BOUGHT?
Metallica — St. Anger.
5. WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO BE?
The top of The Palms at the Ghostbar in Las Vegas.
6. WHERE'S YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PLACE TO BE?
The dentist.
7. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO BE MASSAGED?
Hands.
8. WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT, STRONG IN MIND OR STRONG IN BODY?
Mind.
9. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE IN THE MORNING?
After 8 a.m. So lazy.
10. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN APPLIANCE?
The ice maker.
11. WHAT MAKES YOU REALLY ANGRY?
The check engine light.
12. IF YOU COULD PLAY ANY INSTRUMENT WHAT WOULD IT BE?
The harp.
13. FAVORITE COLOR?
Relfex Silver.
14. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SPORTS CAR OR SUV?
Otto. That means sports car.
15. DO YOU BELIEVE IN AFTERLIFE?
I believe in Heaven.
16. FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK?
"Miss Spider's Tea Party".
17. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON?
Summer.
18. WHAT'S YOUR LEAST FAVORITE HOUSEHOLD CHORE?
Cleaning the tub.
19. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE (OR TWO) SUPER POWERS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Time travel.
Fly.
20. IF YOU HAVE A TATTOO, WHAT IS IT?
No, but so help me God, soon there will be the "Price is Right" $ on my ass.
21. CAN YOU JUGGLE?
Yes. Boys.
22. THE ONE PERSON FROM YOUR PAST YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO?
My best friend when I was like 4, Danielle.
23. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE DAY?
New Year's Eve.
24. WHAT'S IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR?
Oh boy. Aerobed, several water bottles, car cleaning supplies, gym clothes and sneakers, CDs, a blanket, flip flops, a present for Kitty, a few cans of seltzer water, the jeans I've been meaning to return to Banana Republic for months, clothes to go to Bunny's tonight, and a full-size spare tire, thank you VW.
25. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SUSHI OR HAMBURGER?
Soosh!

I need my own chicken. I need a chicken that will lay me eggs.
Yesterday I ate five eggs. Today I've had 2 1/2. Ah, but it's merely 2 p.m.
Oh, Atkins. Soon I will start clucking.
Or maybe I will become like Edie, the Egg Lady, from Pink Flamingos.
Dear God, no.
In the words of Divine, "I am the filthiest person alive!"

Look! The official TLC fansite is up for "Date Patrol." TV star!

I feel like I've just come down from a great high. (A natural high, as long as you don't count the Ketel One and Red Bull fuel.) And so today I am sad. And tired. But I am pleased.
Vegas was so wonderful. I mean, it is so wonderful.
Everyone I met is so wonderful. I already feel like I'm at home there, but then I leave and I'm reminded it's not home yet. And taking the godforsaken redeye home doesn't exactly help matters. Ha, and I even almost missed my flight. I think Nicole secretly locked the keys in the Bronco to trick me into staying there. You know, I wouldn't have complained if I did. But I had to go home. Connecticut home. For now.
And yes, I cried when I left. It's inevitable, I always do. But we took off and I looked down at the glittering Strip below. Something clicked. Something felt right. I stopped crying. I told myself I'd be back soon, and next time I will not leave.

"Don't cry. Be like me and move here. Then you don't ever have to leave." — Adam

I'm in Vegas right now.
Vegas, baby, Vegas!
I'm the happiest girl in the world!
Happy Birthday, Adam!

Ah, to be a TV star...

Idol


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Only 23 1/2 more hours!

And I am so excited Buffy is basically all over this blog.

Yay, look, Adam has a blog now!
28 more hours.
Wheeee!

I want to see this. Because I am fascinated by the Amish. Maybe I will trade in Otto for one of these. And I will put a little VW emblem on the back of it.
Wow.
I am delirious.
45 more hours!!!

Sometimes I do really silly things when I am drunk.
Like what I did Sunday morning.
But sometimes really silly things make me really, really happy.
73 more hours.
I can't even stand it.

You want impulsive? You got it.
In less than 5 1/2 days I will be in Vegas.
Vegas, baby. Vegas.
It might only be for 2 1/2 days, but it means the world to me right now.
All $286 of it.
I am so there.
Happy Birthday.
This is for you.

Reality TV star time is over for now.
My date was great.
So now it's time to celebrate.
Happy Hour now!
Yay!

Ain't that the truth!

You're Cruel Intentions! A dark, steamy movie of
rich teen's woes and a sexual target that turns
out to be more than just an obstacle.


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Today's update? Being a reality TV star makes me tired.
And the Atkins Diet makes me headachey.
But I will stop complaining because TV is great!
The End.

I was dreading August. July was so great: Waterfest, the Jersey shore and of course, VEGA$. I didn't think I could top that.
Then I remembered my birthday horoscope from last year. "August will be memorable." I was skeptical, until I got the call last week from Date Patrol, a new show premiering on TLC.
That's right kids, yours truly is a reality TV star in the making. Go read about it some more here.
I'm busy, exhausted and frazzled. My life is not my own for the next few weeks. But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I couldn't pass up. How many reality TV columnists actually get to be on reality TV?
I'll keep you posted on my 60 minutes of fame. (I'm even the season finale!)
Superstar!

Today I was asked for directions twice. And boy, am I the wrong person to ask.
First, in downtown Shelton, this morning a cute boy in a truck asked me how to get to Coram Avenue. I've lived in Shelton my whole life, you'd think I'd know where Coram Avenue is, it's a pretty well-known street. Of course I have no clue.
Second, driving to work on Tresser Boulevard (or is it Washington Boulevard?) a nice man in a BMW pulls up next to me and asks where Atlantic Street is. I vaguely know where that is, since I think the bars are around there. My response? "When you get farther downtown, just go left." Hmm. If he did that, I bet he's still lost.
What is my problem with directions?
Nevermind, people need maps.
Kara = not a map.

I am home from Vega$.
And wow, everything sucks.

VEGA$ in less than 24 hours.
With 17 of my friends.
I am the happiest girl in the world.

I went to Waterfest and all I brought you back was this picture of Otto and my ass.

Otto and I are leaving for Waterfest right now.
We are the happiest kids alive.
See you Wednesday!

PASQUALLI (1/3), 2, DIES IN HIS STAMFORD HOME
One-third of Pasqualli the goldfish, a Stamford resident, died Friday, July 11, at home. He was 2.
He died by jumping out of his bowl, for reasons unknown, according to family. No note was left.
Born in 2001, Pasqualli was won at the Danbury Fair Carnival by his loving owner, Karen (Bunny) Elizabeth Hirsch of Stamford. He grew up in Shelton and moved to Stamford at age 1.
He is survived by his other 2/3, Pasqualli and Pasqualli of Stamford, who may have convinced him to jump or may have pushed him, according to family.
He is also survived by a friend, Heath the betta, of Shelton.
He was predeceased by a ladyfriend, Penelope, of Shelton.
Burial was private Friday evening at his Morgan Street home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that fish owners never starve their fish so that they will love them.

11 more days until Waterfest.
23 more days until Vegas.
Wheeee!

I have a lot to say about this morning's commute.
First, I couldn't take the Merritt Parkway because right after Exit 44 in Fairfield, someone put a stuffed animal that looked like Simba from "The Lion King" on top of a rock on the side of the road that everyone was stopping to look at, causing a worse than normal backup. Tommy, my favorite traffic guy on Star 99.9 said that someone should stop and get it, so traffic could return to normal. So some listener stopped and the Simba was GLUED to the rock. Whoever decided to turn the Merritt into the African plains is an ass and should be glued to the middle of the road (but not during rush hour).
Second, today's classic I-95 spotting: about a 50 foot stretch of the left shoulder was littered with long splinters of wood. Maybe there were some wild vampire slayings ala "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" in Southport last night?
Third, I saw a maroon, four-door Honda Civic with an upside-down license plate this morning. The numbers/letters were correct, just a normal three numbers/three letters combo. But the plate itself was upside down. The usual blue to white, top to bottom fade was white to blue instead. And the "Connecticut" and "Constitution State" were upside down and backwards. I wonder if she gets pulled over a lot? How did they let that slip? I want one! I think it should be a vanity plate option.

p.s.- Go check out my photos of Pride Weekend in New York City. It was an insanely good and gay time.

I hope I'm not jinxing myself, but is it my lucky day (or two)?
Last night on the way home from work I won four movie tickets on Star 99.9! OK, I know, it's a total dork radio station, but I listen to it for the traffic. And the tickets are for some cartoon: "Sinbad — Legend of the Seven Seas all the way in Westbrook (at least an hour away). But so what, I won something! Whee!
Then this morning while I was getting dressed, I saw Mr.Curran drive up the street in brand spankin' new Touareg. Exciting!
And Otto had a good morning. It only took 45 minutes to get to work today. I forgot how much I love Friday mornings in the summer. The lack of traffic almost makes up for the hellish Thursday afternoon commutes.
But most importantly Otto raced a Honda S2000 this morning and WON! OK, I think the old guy I was racing was a little apprehensive, but no matter, Otto won! When we pulled up to the next traffic light, all the guy could do is smile, and I said, "Come on, did you even try? I know you're faster than me," and I drove away. Hehe.
Happy Friday!

Also, today I will begin keeping track of the wondrous items I spot on I-95 every day during my commute from Hell. Now that Otto is back from the hospital and his fender is fixed, surely he will be part of a game of highway ping-pong or pinball again soon.
Today I spy:
A banged up hood of a car in the left shoulder in Stamford. Thank you, Volkswagen gods, for not letting it be in the left lane.

See, I told you I love that $5.98 Wal-Mart bin.


YOU LIVE IN A WALMART BAG!!!


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I love the bargain $5.98 DVD bin at Wal-Mart. In the past few weeks I have purchased two real gems: "The Mod Squad," which I heard was horrendous, but I bought it anyway because Giovanni Ribisi is in it, and "Cabin Boy," which I know is horrendous and I purchased it only because it stars Chris Elliott. I love Chris Elliott. This reminds me that I must buy those "Get a Life" DVDs. That show is the best ever. Now if only those DVDs were in the $5.98 bin.
Also, I love the $5.98 bin for people watching purposes. Bratty children and pushy hicks adore the $5.98 bin and dig and throw and dig and throw the DVDs all over the place, usually ending up with sourpuss faces because they can't find anything good in there. What exactly are they looking for? Definitely not the endless copies of "Major League 2," "The Smokers" or cheap Bruce Lee flicks. I know they were all jealous when I found the lone copy of "Cabin Boy." Teeheehee!

This week blows:
1. Otto is still injured.
2. One, but possibly two, of my best friends are moving.
3. A very special kitty went to kitty heaven yesterday.
4. And at this rate, I don't think I will ever leave familyland.

Tell me to shut up and stop complaining. Remember, Kara, the glass is half full:
1. Otto is getting fixed Monday for approximately $360, which is less than I expected.
2. Friends in new places is fun, because then I get to visit them.
3. The kitty is happy and not suffering anymore.
4. I can concentrate on saving money.
And of course, Vegas in 41 days.
But it seems so far away.

Wow, I'm such a bitch this week.

This morning Otto became part of a little pinball game on I-95 South in Darien. Out of nowhere a black, round, bouncing object about the size of my fist came flying at him. Being the aggressive bully boy that he is, he fought off the object and got a little bruised up. His war wounds are three, half-inch deep scratches and a small dent above the wheel well on the right front fender. Otto, of course, wears this with pride, but I, of course, want to cry. My poor baby.
I hate I-95. I hate traffic. I hate road debris.
But I love Otto and he will be in the body shop as soon as possible.

T0d@y at w0rk I r3v3aled th@t 5omet1mes when I send emails fr0m my work addre55, I use a l!ttle code to h!de swe@rs. They were l!ke, "Wh@t the h3ll are y0u wr1t1ng?" I tr!ed to expl@1n that sometimes y0u need to h!de word5 like "c@sin0" or "c@sh" because spam-block!ng pr0g@ms won't @ccept emails with w0rd5 like that. They definite1y d!d N0T believe me, and pr0bably th!nk 1 am running a p0rn ring out of h3r3. Eh, @t lea5t I can pr0vId3 some enterta!ntment to @n 0therw!5e dre@ry d@y.
By the w@y, my fav0r!te w0rd to c0d3?
51ut.
G0t th@t?

Thanks, Buns.

1. WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR KITCHEN PLATES?
Fiestaware pastels: green, pink, blue, grey and yellow.
2. WHAT ARE YOU READING NOW?
The newspaper. Always.
3. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
American Girl Place in Chicago.
4. FAVORITE GAME?
Spin the Bottle.
5. FAVORITE MAGAZINE?
Eurotuner. Too bad I never buy it.
6. FAVORITE SMELL?
Satsuma. (Orange.)
7. LEAST FAVORITE SMELL?
When it smells like Otto's engine is on fire.
8. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP?
Where's the TV remote?
9. FAVORITE COLOR?
Silver. Reflex Silver.
10. LEAST FAVORITE COLOR?
That nasty Acura metallic burnt orange.
11. HOW MANY RINGS BEFORE YOU ANSWER THE PHONE?
Many. I hate answering the phone.
12. FUTURE Child's NAME?
Jule. Syndel. Sandra. Maybe William for a boy.
13. WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IN LIFE?
Family.
15. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA?
Chocolate love.
16. DO YOU LIKE TO DRIVE FAST?
Once you go turbo, you never go back. Oh Otto.
17. DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL?
Yes. A stuffed bear. (Jiggs forever!) And Ruffles. But he's alive.
18. STORMS: LIKE/DON'T LIKE
I like them unless I have to drive in them.
19. WHAT TYPE WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?
1982 Honda Civic 4-door. The Grey Ghost. 2nd place in Clunker of the Year contest at Shelton High School, baby. I love rust.
20. IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON DEAD OR ALIVE WHO
WOULD IT BE?
My Aunt Sandy. I wish I could remember her.
21. FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK?
Cosmos.
22. WHAT IS YOUR SIGN &YOUR BIRTHDAY?
Sagittarius. December 10, 1977.
23. DO YOU EAT THE STEMS OF BROCCOLI?
Yes.
24. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY JOB WHAT Would IT BE?
Race car driver! And watching TV in the off-time.
25. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY COLOR HAIR, WHAT WOULD IT
BE?
I will stay blond.
26. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN LOVE?
Yes.
27. IS THE GLASS HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY?
Full.
28. FAVORITE MOVIE?
"The Fast and the Furious" and "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
29. DO YOU TYPE WITH YOUR FINGERS ON THE RIGHT KEYS?
Sorta.
30. WHAT'S UNDER YOUR BED?
A stash of boys.
31. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NUMBER?
337.
32. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH?
Baseball. College basketball.
33. WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST FEAR
Loneliness.
34. SAY ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS
TO YOU.
I like Bunny because she plays Power Hour with me, drives me around in the Jetta when I am drunk and watches TV with me. That's three things!
35. PERSON Most LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Kitty.
37. FAVORITE GROUP?
Consistenly, Pantera. But lately I like Machine Head. And I'm liking this new Metallica Patrick is playing!
38. FAVORITE TV SHOWS?
"Home Movies," "The Amazing Race 4," "The Anna Nicole Show," "Big Brother." All reality TV, of course. And "Emeril Live!" And anything on the Food Network with Tyler Florence. I know I watch way too much TV.
39. KETCHUP OR MUSTARD?
I love that Las Ketchups song. Hey, ha, hey...
40. HAMBURGERS OR HOTDOGS?
Both. OK, if just one then, hamburgers.
41. FAVORITE SOFT DRINK?
Ginger Ale.
42. THE BEST PLACES YOU HAVE EVER BEEN?
Here we go:
Las Vegas, Nevada. Every ounce of it.
Vienna, Austria. Especially the Christmas Market and Schonbrunn Palace.
Istria, Croatia. That bar on the rocky beach. The water is the truest blue I've ever seen.
Lago di Garda, Italy. It's the ultimate Euro holiday land.
Berlin, Germany. For the cool factor and it's the land of the VW Golfs.
Porto, Portugal. And the Minho Region of Portugal on the Atlantic Coast.
Budapest, Hungary. Consistenly awesome.
Of course the Domincan Republic.
Uehling, Nebraska. (No kidding.)
Driving through the twisty roads of the Austrian Alps in the summer with my brother (and seeing snow) is probably one of my favorite memories. And then we stayed in that palace in Salzburg, Austria, where "The Sound of Music" was taped!
And the freakin' Autobahn!
I need a vacation.
43. WHAT SCREEN SAVER IS ON YOUR COMPUTER RIGHT NOW?
$$The Price is Right!$$
44. BURGER KING OR MCDONALD'S?
McDs.

Dr. Scholl's sandals are the best shoes. My mom bought me a pair of navy blue leather exercise sandals. I remember when I was a kid, I used to love clomping around in her wooden soled Dr. Scholl's sandals. I thought they were so grown up and cool and pretty lady. And now I finally have my own, but now they have rubber bottoms over the wood. They're still the coolest, though. Happy 1970s!

Last night I gave Otto a bath and then we took some night shots. Too bad it's going to rain today, again. You can see the pictures here. I really like this one:

Top Five Reasons to Smile and Use Exclamation Points Today:
5. Matt purchased the Vegas trip. T-minus 62 days and counting!
4. It's Friday again!
3. It stopped raining (for now)! (Maybe I can wash Otto again soon!)
2. "Finding Nemo" comes out today! I can't wait to see it.
1. My brother is coming home tonight! Yay for Chris! I haven't seen him since January! Yay! So happy!

Wow, I've been really lazy about blogging lately. I think I've been too wrapped up with:
1. Taking digital photos and posting hundreds of them here.
2. Drinking away the entire rainy Memorial Day weekend.
3. Planning our next trip to Vegas. (Yeah!)
You know it was a good weekend when the majority of the photos end up looking like this:

Happy Fleet Week, New York City.
Soon there will be pictures of yours truly and new sailor friends right here.

Goddamn, I love the Navy.

Go shorty, it's your birthday!
Yay, Megan, happy birthday! Tonight we're going to party like rock stars. I promise to take lots of pictures. Let's place bets on how many people will puke tonight. Approximately 15 people will be partying. I'm betting on at least three (hopefully not myself included, but we'll have to see about that).
Get your drink on!

Otto is all better. We're friends again. I've stopped threatening him with 350Zs and he's stopped being fresh. All good relationships have their bad moments, I guess.
So last night I was looking through my 142 photos from Vermont, and I saw the moose! She barely came out in one or two of the photos. Bless the wonders of Photoshop. See, a moose! I really saw a moose!

Otto is still busted. It seems like that's all I can talk about lately. The knock sensor made the CE light go on again on Friday. And I took Otto to Vermont Saturday and just as I was about to leave for home, the horrible clutch/starter noise started and wouldn't stop. Somehow I made it all the way from Vermont to Stratford in sixth gear, the whole 2 1/2 hours on 91. Otto is at the dealership and of course, they cannot replicate the horrible noise. I know it's the ignition switch inside, but they can't replace it if it's not broken. I am so mad. I will stop now.
MORE IMPORTANTLY, I went to Vermont this past weekend to visit my friend Bob. We had GTI 337 playtime. We went to a crazy party in Sugarbush, and I let Bob drive my 337 because his was getting tinted. We were driving on these crazy twisty mountain roads. He pushed Otto to the limit, and it was so much fun. I knew my baby could handle well, but I never realized how well until Saturday night when we were taking corners at 90 mph and the tires were screaming. It was so much fun.
And then we saw a moose. A moose! There were signs for moose crossing and I couldn't believe it. I thought they were there for the tourists. Bob said he only sees them maybe twice a year, but sure enough, at 3 a.m. driving from Sugarbush to Rutland we go whizzing by an animal.
Me, in a Bud Light buzzed state: WHAT THE F WAS THAT?!
Bob: A deer.
Me: That was NO deer.
Bob slams on the brakes, pulls a U-turn and right there, on the side of the road, is a young female moose, staring back at me. Pure excitement for a suburban girl. I tried to take pictures, but of course my camera was on the wrong setting and they didn't come out. They look more like Blair Witch moose picutres. If you squint, you can see her eyes. I swear, there's a moose in there somewhere.
Anyway, Vermont was fun. Otto and I made nice new friends. :)

All of the pictures are here.
And keep your fingers crossed for Otto!

Otto keeps breaking and I keep misbehaving. I think he is mad at me.
Nevermind that knock sensor nonsense early last week, Otto blew his coils Friday in Stamford, but luckily Riverbank VW rapidly came to the rescue. But Otto is still making that hideous screeching/spinning/whirring noise intermittently from the from end. It all makes me nervous. New cars shouldn't break three times in one week.
Oh, that's right, I bought a Volkswagen. Sometimes I forget.
Anyway, Otto and Golfy had a car wash playdate yesterday afternoon. My pictures are here. Kitty's are here. The boys are so clean and pretty!

Top Five Reasons Why Today Might be a Good Day After All.
5. Ice cream for lunch at Dairy Queen.
4. Alcohol for dinner at the Thirsty Turtle for only $10.
3. The sun is coming out!
2. New Reality Check logo.
1. Did I mention alcohol for dinner?

Amy convinced Brian and I to go to Spinning class with her last night at the gym. Woah. It was serious.

Good points:
• It's dark in class.
• There is loud music, 75% of it good.
• It's kind of like a dance club. Or a planetarium. But no dancing, booze or stars. Wait, that's not really good. Nevermind.
• It was free cone night at Ben & Jerry's so we got to have ice cream after class. Oh wait, it's not free cone night after every Spinning class, is it?

Bad points:
• I thought I was going to pass out.
• There are men in class.
• It smells a little funky in that co-ed gym.
• Up and down on a bike seat for an hour hurts. A LOT.

Conclusion: I felt nice and energized afterwards. It was a great workout. But today I feel like a mule kicked me in the crotch and/or I fell down a flight of stairs on my ass.
Spinning = ouch.

We'll see if Amy can convince us to go again next week. She might have to bribe me with more New York Super Fudge Chunk.

Whew! Otto is OK now. Some kind of sensor was loose and made the computer go wacky, which made the CE light go on and could have possibly made the car lose power. But he is fine now, and I can pick him up after work. Horray! I hope he is still clean. I bet he did this because he was jealous that I sat in all those other cars at the NYC Auto Show on Saturday. Check out my photos here.

Oh, Otto. Check Engine light came on last night on the way home from work. And he was just at Curran for an oil change on Saturday! Poor baby. I bet it's the coilpacks going. Damn 1.8T engine. Hopefully that is it, and they can fix him up today and I can take him back home. I hate it when he's not home. And I even got him washed yesterday! Oh, Otto. :(

Horray for ImageStation and new Nikon cameras. Here is a link to my new ImageStation homepage. And here is a link to Evy's. Bookmark it, I promise to update mine often!
Tonight Buns and I are going to a press premiere of The Real Cancun. I can't wait for wild, drunk, naked college antics on the big screen. It is rated R for strong sexuality/nudity, language and partying. Sweet.

Yay digital camera fun! I took pictures of everything this past weekend — Friday night's c.o. Jones tequila antics, Sunday's sunny Mets game, Easter, and of course, many photos of my loves Otto and Ruffles. Here's a link to the photos from Day 1, but make sure you look around all the albums and bookmark my site for photo updates. (I swear I upload photos more than I blog.)

Evil makeover!
Tell me how you like it.

OK, today it's 40 degrees, and that stinks. Bring back spring!
But I am happy because Reality Check made it onto the national entertainment wire today. (That means my column could get picked up by pretty much any Engligh language paper around the world!)
And this morning I finally ordered a digital camera. The Nikon CoolPix 2500. It's nothing too crazy or fancy, but that's OK. I just want something fun, portable and good enough to take photos of Otto and his friends. I can't wait to get it!

It is 80 degrees today.
I want to drive Otto.
And I want tequila.
(Not at the same time.)
That's all.

Today is Ruffles' birthday. He is 14! That's 98 in doggie years. That's older than Grandma!
I can't believe my baby is 98!
Not bad for being half-blind, half-deaf and a little bit wobbly. I can't believe his scary back surgery was over two years ago, too. You laugh, but his K-9 Cart totally saved his life. He'd be handicapped and in doggie diapers if he didn't have it. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? That doggie wheelchair taught an old dog how to walk again in just a few months. And it made him a neighborhood celebrity.
His other secrets to success? Luxury and arrogance — getting his hair and nails done every six weeks, having his laundry done every other day, sleeping on a Sealy Posturepedic pillowtop mattress, sunbathing, weekly car rides, two balanced meals a day, monthly photoshoots, his red sweater, and of course, not taking shit from anyone.
Yay for Ruffy! Happy Birthday!

I love tires. I am obsessed with my tires — Michelin Pilot Sports. And I'm usually pretty obsessive about making sure the pressure is correct in my tires.
So last week as I was in the driveway, my mom said, "Gee, Kara, that tire looks a little low," and points to the front right tire. I get out, give it a glance, and say, "They're low-profile tires, Ma, I think it's OK." I shrugged it off.
The car has been driving fine, but yesterday on the way out of the gym I noticed that tire looked a little low. Come to think of it, they all looked a little low. I vowed to check the pressure when I got home. Of course I went upstairs and watched "American Idol" instead. But at 10 o'clock I dragged my dad outside and asked him if they looked low. I got out the trusty tire pressure gauge...
(Background info: Front tire psi should be 30, rear tire psi should be 28.)
The right front tire's psi was 16.
!!!
The rest were at least 5-10 psi underinflated, too.
(I'm assuming that when Curran VW swapped the rears to the front and vice-versa, they didn't check the tire pressure. Grrr.)
But 16 psi?!
I almost died. I felt like a neglectful mother who left her baby out in the cold for days. Or left the baby's shoes untied. Or let the baby choke on the strained peas. (You get the idea.) I almost cried. How could I be such a bad momma? God bless Otto for not hitting a pothole and bending a rim or losing control. That's 14 pounds under accurate pressue! And according to TireRack:
"If your vehicle’s tires are underinflated by only 6 psi it could lead to tire failure. Additionally, the tire’s tread life could be reduced by as much as 25%. Lower inflation pressure will allow the tire to deflect (bend) more as it rolls. This will build up internal heat, increase rolling resistance and cause a reduction in fuel economy of up to 5%. You would find a significant loss of steering precision and cornering stability. While 6 psi doesn’t seem excessively low, remember, it usually represents about 20% of the tire’s recommended pressure."
I hereby vow to check Otto's tire pressure twice a week from now on.
Go check your tire pressue... now!

My brother is the coolest brother ever. He sent me a little package this week and asked me if I want to volunteer with him at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. It is a year and a half away, but of course I'm going to fill out the application. I want to go to Greece! Of course, there is no one better to explore an exciting new country with than Chris. And the official mascots of the games are a brother and sister, Phevos and Athena.
"Phevos and Athena are two children, simple and joyful, full of vitality and creativity, perhaps mischievous and hence lovable. Phevos and Athena see sports like a game, as all children do. ... Through their laughter, their lively presence, their freedom of movement and their will to cooperate and stay united, Phevos and Athena will be with us from now on to express with enthusiasm and optimism our will to be united and to share the joy of the greatest celebration of humanity: the Olympic Games. Together, they are ready to show us the way towards the 2004 Olympic Games."
See, it's perfect. Chris and I must go be brother and sister goodwill ambassadors at the Olympics, just like Phevos and Athena. And after all our hard work, we'll just have to go party it up ouzo-style on a Greek island for a few days afterwards.
Besides, I must go to the 2004 Olympics as part of my preparation to be on the USA Bobsled team at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.
Now go fill out the application so you can come, too!

Oh, it's been so many days. So much drama, I don't want to get into it.
You know it was a good weekend when you're still recovering and it's Tuesday.
For Laura's birthday we spent Saturday night being swank at The Villard at the Palace Hotel, then being hip at Openair, and then after many Red Bull and vodkas and one midnight-enforced SMOKING BAN later, three of us ended up at Go, which is apparently one of Moby's hangouts. And Britney and Justin used to hang out there, too. And we didn't even have to pay the supposed $80 cover charge to get in. We're so money.

Sunday's Volkswagen get together was rainy, cold, hungover, tired and stressful. It makes me hate Fairfield County's VW counterparts. Here's some boy's album online. Go spot Otto in the rain!

I love being inappropriate.

Which Unwanted
Sexual Gesture Are You?

Made by the fine folks at
daylighttwilight.com

Yesterday's deprecating behavior was truly nauseating. I hate how some people can really make me turn into someone I'm not. Thanks to all those who listened. GAME OVER.
So all I really needed to do to feel better was get back in Otto. His summer wheels really make him money. How did I forget that we're the shit?
Last night on the Post Road in Fairfield I spotted a beautiful Passat W8. I assumed it would be some old guy, but I caught up to him at a red light anyway and took my chances and flashed a big smile. Quite a cutie smiled back. We drove through several more green lights together and at the next red he pulled up next to me and beeped. I rolled down the window.
W8: "Those are beautiful wheels. Did you get them from the dealer?"
337: "Thanks. This is a 337. It came this way stock."
W8: "Wow. Nice."
337: "I luuuvvv your W8. I'm very jealous."
W8: "Thanks. Hey, you wanna race?"
337: "Riiight."
Then the light changed to green and we played tag down the Post Road for another mile or two until he turned away and I beeped bye-bye.
Kitty is right. Car flirting is the best ever.
GAME ON!

Have you ever been so angered by someone's careless, thoughtless actions that you just can't decide what to do? I don't know if I want to scream, smoke, drink, punch something, drive hard, laugh, throw up or cry. I can't decide. So instead I'll sit here and write.
I cannot believe that some people are so capable of being so disrespectful. And I don't understand how I've let it go this far. I watched it happen. Was I really so bored that Mexican soap opera drama was the force driving my everyday actions? How did it come to this? I've become someone else, someone I don't like.
Why do people lie? I'm not talking about little white lies, little innocent lies like "No, I wasn't speeding officer." I'm talking about lies that hurt those that you love. Lies of love. If you truly love someone, could you really lie to them? Could you really act so deceptively that if they knew of your actions, your life would be without them forever? Can you love someone and do that? Live today, deal with the consequences tomorrow? Is it worth the risk?
Why are people so careless? How can someone fool themself? I have a hard time lying to myself. I'm not good at that "fake it 'til ya make it" stuff. I can't do it. How can someone lead a double-life?
I can't think about it anymore. My life has turned into a twisted Tori Spelling afterschool special/Tracey Gold Lifetime movie, but without the implants or eating disorders.
One final thought... If you see any other 337s at Otto's playground. throw rocks it. It's Otto's turf. They love him better.
Someone buy me a drink.

PENELOPE THE GOLDFISH, a lifelong Shelton resident, died Tuesday, March 25 at her home in White Hills — a glass vase on the center island in the kitchen. She was seven months old. She died of natural causes (or maybe a bad water change done Sunday).
Born in August 2002, she was won by Kara at the St. Lawrence carnival at a ring-toss game. She enjoyed eating (alot), spending time with Grandma, playing with her gold-colored marbles at the bottom of her bowl, and swimming fast and furiously.
In addition to Kara and Grandma, she is survived by Heath the betta, Ruffles the Bichon Frise, and Mom and Dad. She is also survived by fellow carnival goldfish Pasqualli of Stamford.
Burial was private, Tuesday morning at 8:15 in Grandma's bathroom.
In lieu of flowers, please adopt a carnival goldfish in honor of Penelope.

We went to see Smackin' Abner Saturday night at the Skybox. A little rock music was nice for a change. (And I have have a crush on the guitar player because he looks like Kevin James.)
Anyway, a little rock music is good for the soul. It's a nice change from my usual angry metal, gangsta rap (50 Cent ) and heartachey '80s freestyle. Smackin' Abner made me want to hear more rock.
In the meantime, I thought to myself, "That jerk really wants the Best of Both Worlds. That's not fair; I deserve better than that." And then the little lightbulb went off over my head and the loud 1986 guitar riff started playing. There is nothing like a little Van Halen to make me happy again, in that 8th grade sort of way.
I love rediscovering an old CD. It happens once in while. I'll get a song stuck in my head and I'll have to go find the CD. Then I'll listen to it obsessively for a few weeks, like it's brand new. Eventually I'll tuck it back away, but it's fun nostalgia ride for a bit. I highly suggest you pick a random CD you haven't listened to in at least a year and give it a rebirth. Obviously, mine is Van Halen's 5150. Cheesy, I know, but whatevs. It makes me smile.