January 31, 2004
Thar's a hole in my pocket, dear Liza, dear Liza
An innocent trip to Home Depot. A receipt that reads: $327.18
Contents of Cart:
5 gallons of paint
1 gallon of primer
2 rolls masking tape
3 paint tray liners
2 boxes sand paper
1 can spackle
1 package paint rollers
5 foam paint brushes
1 bottle wallpaper paste remover
1 can goof-off gunk remover
4 wall plates
1 closet rod
1 door knob
2 rolls shelf liner paper
2 fire distinguishers extinguishers
1 snow shovel
1 chandelier
Holy Home Improvement, Batman!
P.S. Thank you George, Barb, & Mieux for the 10% coupon-- it saved me $34.40!
Posted by donna at 09:38 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
changing life
It looks so easy on Changing Rooms. The teams are always having the time of their lives! I wasn't having the time of my life scrubbing the kitchen cabinents and peeling the yucky pink wallpaper off the dining room walls. Maybe if Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen was helping me, it would be different. Doubt it. Tonight I make my first trip to HOME DEPOT!!! The list of items I need to buy is endless. I am sure there will be many return trips.
Posted by donna at 05:33 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
January 29, 2004
.: Donna Villa :.
Say hello to the Donna villa:
If you squint, you might be able to see my black-cloaked figure standing by the door.
Settlement wasn't nearly as daunting as I imagined. Charles was right when he said it would take about an hour. The very first document I signed said: Buyer is Donna S, an unmarried woman. I laughed when I read it and fought the urge to jump up and down and dance around. After about 1000 pages all requiring a signature, I shook hands with my realtor, the listing agent, Diane the seller, my mortgage broker, and the lady from the title company. Lisa and I got into her car and drove right over to our new home. MY HOME! MINE! We went inside and spent the afternoon walking around, standing, and sitting in every little room. It felt so right. I am happy. Very very happy.
Tomorrow, I clean and paint.
Posted by donna at 05:59 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
January 28, 2004
whoa!
I went to the bank for a certified check. Twenty percent down plus closing costs. As I signed my name, I bit down on my lower lip. I handed the check to the teller and I tasted blood.
Tomorrow is settlement.
Posted by donna at 02:36 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
January 27, 2004
oh my goodness!
It is getting close to settlement! Today I called the telephone company and the electric company (Hey you guys!!!!!! We're gonna turn it on! We're gonna bring you the power!) and got everything ready for the big switch.
On a whole, it was pretty easy getting the services set up. There was only one slight issue. The customer service rep from Verizon kept apologizing to me for absolutely nothing. It was really aggravating.
"What did you say the local unlimited plan costs?"
"My apologies, 25.95"
"If I want DSL, how much would that cost?"
"Terribly sorry, that would be 34.95 a month"
I tried to ignore it but he was really rattling my nerves! Finally I said: "Look buddy, stop apologizing to me. You are acting subservient and I can't take it."
What was his response? "Oh, I am sorry"
Posted by donna at 10:44 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
January 26, 2004
Tork Rhymes with Dork
Last night, Lisa and I went to the Tin Angel to see Peter Tork (and James Lee Stanley) perform. This would be my third time seeing Peter perform without the Monkees and I was excited! The last 2 times I saw him, I took pictures from afar but never ventured close enough to have my picture taken with him. This time would be different! The first set ended and Peter Tork and James Lee Stanley sat by the stage selling their CDs. A small crowd formed around them. Lisa and I went to the bar to have a beer and wait for the crowd to disperse. Fifteen minutes later, we approached the stage and stood in line. Female fans surrounded Peter. He laughed with them and kissed their cheeks. "Wow!" I thought, "Peter sure seems friendly!" Once they left and it was my turn, I paid James Lee Stanley the $15.00 for the CD. James Lee Stanley scrawled his name on the CD and handed it to Peter to sign. Peter signed the CD and as he gave it back to me, I asked if I might have my picture taken with him.
Peter replied flatly, "Yeah sure, whatever." He pointed to the empty seat next to him and I sat down. Lisa quickly snapped the picture.
I turned to him and said, "Thank you, I appreciate it".
Peter responded, "YOU CAN GO NOW-- GET OUT!"
I was absolutely floored. How rude and completely uncalled for! I wasn't holding people up. I wasn't asking for anything unusual. I had no desire to schmooze. Darnit, I paid $15.00 for the 3 seconds of his time!
Mr. Peter Tork, you can go to heck!
My love of the Monkees will survive this setback but I shall always remember how rude Peter Tork acted.
Peter Tork? More like Peter Dork, if you ask me!
Posted by donna at 12:39 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Crushing
There was an awards ceremony and dinner the last night of the annual meeting. The men were asked to wear ties and the women were instructed to wear appropriate business attire. I traded the bikini I had planned to wear for black slacks and a velvet shirt.
I have worked on and off for the last year with a man who, when he wasn't driving me crazy, elicited only my ambivalence. He showed up to the dinner wearing a suit and I was shocked at how handsome he looked. In the suit, his eyes didn't seem so bulgy and his forehead wasn't nearly so vast. He mentioned that he had lived in Japan and spoke Japanese. The next thing I know, I am hanging on to his every word!
It's amazing what a nice suit and a second language can add to a person's attraction quotient.
Posted by donna at 11:16 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
January 24, 2004
snowing...
It is snowing hard. I am in my hotel room, putzing. There are meetings going on but they don't really pertain to me so I am getting email done that I missed Wednesday through Friday. The closing date is closing in quickly. I hope Charles is right and all will be fine. Regardless, it has been an experience. One that I hope not to repeat anytime soon.
Countdown: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, BINGO!
Posted by donna at 12:28 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
where is donna?
Donna is in Chicago.
I've been here since Wednesday and if weather permits, I will return home Sunday. It's the annual meeting and there is so much going on. Yesterday evening I took some colleagues to the Signature Lounge in the Hancock Building. Tonight everyone went to Dave & Busters. We were given cards that would allow us to play a 1/2 hour of video games. I looked all over the place, but I couldn't find Pac Man or Frogger or Qbert.
Someone asked if I had any interesting plans for the next week and I told them I had tickets for a Peter Tork concert. He then proudly boasted, "I'm going to a Kid Rock concert!"
I replied, "KID ROCK, wow! I am so jealous-- wait, never mind-- I was thinking of Kidd Video."
He looked at me rather blankly and I figured he didn't remember that silly 80's cartoon.
Posted by donna at 12:15 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 21, 2004
Happy Birthday and Anniversary!
My father turns 66 years old today. It also happens to be my parent's 42nd wedding anniversary.
Happy Birthday, Daddy!
I love you very much! (And I am only teasing when I tell you I am going to send you off on an ice floe).
And Happy Anniversary, too!
Posted by donna at 10:06 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
January 20, 2004
Strange Grocery Store Item Mix
1. Flowers
2. Birthday Card
3. Bag of Sour Kraut
Posted by donna at 10:35 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
pomade
Saw the most delightful movie last night. It was titled Midnight and starred Claudette Colbert, Don Ameche, John Gilbert, and Mary Astor. I never heard of this film before but it rivals many of the other more well-known screwball comedies out there (i.e. Bringing Up Baby). Don Ameche was fantabulous! Made me wish pomaded hair and little tiny mustachios were back in fashion. Check it out if you have a chance, you won't be disappointed.
The other day as Lisa and I were going through the DVD section of Best Buy, I was hit with an epiphany! Why do I go to the cinema and spend 30.00 on 2 tickets and candy when I can wait a few short months and BUY THE DVD for 20.00 (or rent it for 5.00)? I can watch the DVD as many times as I want. The DVD does not have commericals. The DVD allows me to watch it in the comfort of my own home and not be disturbed by cell phones and rude people who talk loudly and chew with their mouths open. Yes, I think I have come upon something here.
Posted by donna at 01:02 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
January 19, 2004
365 days
It is the one year anniversary of the death of my little puppy Lily. She died in the early morning. My mom and I were with her, telling her she was a good puppy and would soon be with Nanny who was her original owner. I remember her last gasp of air and how her body twitched as the life went out of her. It was so sad. Life without her has been sad and I miss her deeply. She was such a wonderful little dog. My father always said that her number one trait was that she was adaptable. She went from being a yappy lap dog with my grandmother to a frolicking puppy with us. The truth is, she wasn't a puppy at all but a very old dog. Because she was a stray, we don't know exactly how old she was but I guess she was nearing 20 when she died. That last year was hard for her. She suffered and I know she is definitely in a better place now. I hope she is with my grandparents and old pets, all of whom left me far too soon.
Posted by donna at 06:54 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
January 18, 2004
weekend review
Friday, as I sat typing an email, the electricity went off. The house was completely dark. I made my way downstairs and found some candles. By candlelight, I knitted until the lights came back on 2 hours later. It was a huge relief when the electricity returned. The temperature dropped quickly and the cold was becoming intolerable. Also, the thought that perhaps this was due to a terrorist attack worried me. It's amazing what we take for granted.
I CLEANED MY BEDROOM YESTERDAY!!!!! What a huge load off my back (and off the floor). I wish I knew why I have such an issue with cleaning my bedroom. When it is cleaned, I feel so good. So why can't I keep it cleaned? Why don't I just spend the 1/2 hour and clean it once a week especially when I experience such joy when it is cleaned? Guess I am just a lazy slob.
My Web stats are going back to normal. The Smartsearch.ws hijack has been defeated.
Posted by donna at 11:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 15, 2004
holy Web site stats, Batman!
You will never believe how many people visited donnaville yesterday! 215. Now, I realize 215 unique visitors is diddly squat but for donnaville, population 5 on an average day, it's like the circus is in town! The question, of course, is why are people suddenly coming to this humble little web page? Apparently many people were victims of the lovely SMARTSEARCH.WS home page hijack. Oddly enough, instead of being elated by the hits, I am experiencing performance anxiety knowing that more people than the usual 5 are reading. Regardless, I hope my removal instructions helped somebody.
Posted by donna at 01:46 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
January 13, 2004
going down
The checks that I've been writing for the Donna Villa are now starting to clear and my bank account is dwindling! It hurts to see the number drop. Of course, I must remember that I still have the money. The difference is that instead of it being liquid, it is in invested in property.
I don't care, it is still painful.
Posted by donna at 08:41 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
January 11, 2004
Ding Dong!
It's fixed. Finally. Here is where I found instructions on getting rid of this monster.
Here are my own instructions (Follow at your own risk!!!!)
1. Download HiJackThis. You can find it here.
2. Boot to safe mode. Start > Shutdown > Restart. As the computer restarts, start clicking F8.
3. Run HiJackThis. Delete all references to SmartSearch.ws and delete:
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UserSystem] C:\~~WHATEVER~~
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [UserSystem] C:\~~WHATEVER~~
4. Exit HiJackThis and find the file C:\~~WHATEVER~~ that was referenced in the O4 lines and delete it. The forums said it was explore.exe or C:\Windows\iExplorer.exe. Mine was Systeem.exe. So it seems like there are many different versions out there.
5. Reboot and your computer should be fine.
If anyone knows how this infected my dad's computer, drop me a line because I am tired of him asking me.
PS I am wearing my poncho and I feel like Tonto.
Posted by donna at 11:59 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
January 10, 2004
flames on the side of my face
How did I spend my weekend?
My father's laptop contracted a virus-- it reset his start page and search page to smartsearch.ws. Darn thing has hijacked his entire system. Editing the registry doesn't do a thing. Running CWShredder and HijackThis doesn't work-- they flash on the screen but are instantly terminated. I am tearing my hair out.
I am so angry and frustrated. The only nice thing is that I finished my poncho and it looks cute. I had so many wonderful plans: Write to Dawn Eden and John Beck, clean my room, listen to Dusty Springfield, peruse interior design books, AND INSTEAD I AM FIGHTING THIS VIRUS and losing.
AARRRGGGHHH
at least I still have Sunday
(bonus points if you recognize the title quote)
Posted by donna at 11:18 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
January 09, 2004
overheard converstation
Lisa and I went to Barnes & Noble last night to browse through interior design books and have a coffee. Sitting next to us was a couple playing a trivial pursuit type of game.
Girl: What creature was unleashed by Doctor David Banner?
Boy: Uh, I don't know
Girl: Yes you do, he is green...
Boy: Green?
Girl: Yeah, big and green.
Boy: Oh! The Jolly Green Giant.
Girl: No, no-- green like a monster-- a mean, green monster
Boy: Oscar the Grouch?
Girl: No. It's the Hulk-- you know the Incredible Hulk?
Boy: I never watch wrestling.
Posted by donna at 02:09 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
donna villa
I wrote out my second deposit check last week. Yesterday I got word that the seller would like to change the closing date to January 29th; would I be willing? YES! To think that in just a few weeks I will be painting and furnishing my own place! Unreal!
Hopefully all goes well.
Posted by donna at 08:34 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
January 08, 2004
Elvis's Birthday
Elvis was born January 8, 1935.
Happy Birthday Elvis! Wherever you may be!
Posted by donna at 10:15 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
January 07, 2004
Hey you Hunkys!
still on the Gregorian calendar!!!!
Christos Razdajetsja!
Posted by donna at 11:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 06, 2004
wool/acrylic blend hat
My cousin David was the first recipient of a knit hat! He says it fits. Cousin David's hat was modeled on Mike Nesmith's wool hat:
HOW COOL IS THAT!?!?!
Once I get this poncho knitted, I may start knitting Mike Nesmith hats for everyone!!!!!! We shall see.
Posted by donna at 03:28 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
January 05, 2004
monkee snaps
I had to do it. And I am not ashamed. That bag of ginger snap cookies was just asking to be eaten. What kind of a person would I be if I just IGNORED its plea? I deserve a badge of honor.
Last night I went on eBay and found a bootleg DVD of old Monkee performances that I immediately scooped up. The description says it has Peter's performance on the Uncle Floyd Show back in the early 80's!!!! I LOVED the Uncle Floyd Show. I used to submit my little crayon renderings of Looney Skip Rooney-- but they never made it on the air. Apparently Floyd Vivino couldn't recognize true artistic talent. At any rate, this afternoon I bought tickets to see Peter Tork perform in Philly. I can't wait. This will be the 3rd time I've seen him perform solo. And as usual I will don my 1986 Monkees concert T-shirt. It's a little small since I was 12 years old when I originally bought it but I don't care. How else can I display my Monkee love?
Posted by donna at 04:53 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
January 04, 2004
knitting woes
I have spent the last few days knitting the Jen's Poncho from Sally Melville's book, The Knit Stitch. My knitting is getting pretty good; I have 43 rows of 48 stitches completed. As I was proudly showing my hard work to my mother, she pointed out that you can see a color difference which mean the skeins that I've been using are from different dye lots. How I didn't notice this is beyond me. Now I have to figure out what to do. Do I try to make it look like a pattern or do I just say, to heck with it? ARGH!
Do you have trouble making decisions?
Hmmm, well, I would have to say, yes and no.
What I should do:
1. Clean room
2. Catch up on my email correspondence
3. Clean bathroom
What I most likely will do instead:
1. Knit
2. Watch TV
3. Eat cookies
4. Walk aimlessly
5. Drink beer
Posted by donna at 11:14 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
dream a little dream
I had a dream I was checking my business voicemail. There were a ton of messages. I couldn't remember what greeting I was using to tell the callers I was away and so I decided to have a listen. My voice greeted me intoning, "Boobies, Boobies, Boobies, Boobies, BEEEEEEP!" I was horrified! How long has that been my voicemail greeting? Why would I record that!?! Upon awaking I was relieved to find it was just a dream.
Posted by donna at 10:44 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 02, 2004
Donna's Resolutions for 2004
1. Stop being so gosh darn messy! This is going to become even more important now that I am about to own a condo.
2. Join a Health Club. I didn't do it last year; maybe I will do it this year. I should think it is a great place to meet people and it is about time I get myself into some physical shape.
3. Get away from the computer-- Go out, meet people, have fun, be active.
4. Look at other companies and investigate different job positions. Maybe even interview. If I am not going to get married and have little babies, I might as well try to make as much money as I can.
5. Stop crossing legs AND when lying in bed-- lie on BACK. Usually I lie on my side and the skin on my face is all stretched and I drool and it is really gross.
Posted by donna at 11:32 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
