One day :)

Happy Memorial Day!

Thanks to all that have served and continue to serve our country. 

Kickin' it old school

I was feeling in an old school mood today, so I busted out my Beverly Hills, 90210 T-shirt.

This was one of my favorite TV shows growing up, and when I saw this shirt at Old Navy a while back, I just had to buy it.

Not much else going on in my life right now, other than I just came back from London 2 weeks ago. It was an interesting trip, to say the least. I got sick, I lost my luggage, and I also lost $100 worth of souvenirs. WTF.

But, I made up for it in the end, by eating another glorious $100 meal at The Steakhouse in Harrod's, taking a lovely stroll through Queen Regent's Park, getting rained on (ha ha ha) and seeing my beloved Cumberbatch in Hamlet at the Barbican.

He was great.

Anyhoo, it's Friday, it's sunny outside, and I'm ready for the weekend.

Until next time...

My trip to ATL

I meant to post about my trip to Atlanta a week ago... but I've been having a very lazy past two weeks. I've been falling asleep at random times in the afternoon, only to wake up at 12 or 1am, then continue to stay up until 5 or 6am, and then fall back asleep and then in turn go into work late.

Hopefully, today is the last day this will all happen for me. I'm tired of sleeping all of the time.

Anyhoo... back to my weekend in Atlanta... so! My friend Jeannine picked me up from a very busy airport on Friday, May 23 in the afternoon. I swear, everyone must have made ATL their destination of choice that weekend. I've never seen that many people in an airport in my life. Ever.

After she picked me up, we had a little girl time at the mall before she picked up her kids, and then we all went out with them, her husband Marcus and some friends for a chicken wing dinner. It was good. I love wings.

Later on in the evening, everyone came back to Marcus and Jeannine's house for some drinks and Pictionary. Interestingly enough, Marcus had his own way of playing Pictionary. I called it "dysfunctional Pictionary". The rules for this game were quite different. It involved making up stories about popular movie and TV characters and having them do outlandish things to each other, things I can't even write on this blog, because it will make me blush. The game turned out to be fun, but I can tell you that I was embarrassed for most of the game. Here's a picture of the action posted below:

     

Um... yeah. This pic involved Freddy Krueger, Jason and Pinhead scaring someone, something to do with stealing a Leprachaun's gold and a bird crapping on it in the end. I kid you not.

On to the next day... the Smith family and I then headed out to Leesburg, GA to visit Marcus' parents on Saturday morning. They live on 30 acres of land, basically out in the middle of nowhere. It was very peaceful, however, but I'm from the city. I'm used to seeing my neighbors, walking around my neighborhood with them and hearing their street noise. Being in the country around nothing but trees, farmland and silence was weird, but when I closed my eyes and took a few breaths, the peacefulness was nice.

Above is a shot of Marcus' parents' house. It reminded me of all of those colorful homes one usually sees in the country. Their house was really big and beautiful, and it was really nice of them to let me stay here. Below is a pic of their backyard that I took from the room over their garage that I got to stay in:

Lots of land back here. And they had a lake. And jungle gyms for the kids. And SNAKES!

Now, I didn't see a snake, but at one point in time I was told that I had to keep an eye for them and if I was coming down from the garage to the house at night, that I had to make noise as I was walking towards it keep the snakes away. Or, I had to yell out "I'm coming, snakes!" so that the vibrating sound of my voice would scare them away. WTF. And just so everyone knows... I am not talking about little baby garter snakes running around the Smith compound here. I'm talking rattlesnakes and water moccasins running around the compound!

WTF!

In addition to their being snakes, it was SO EFFING HOT outside I thought that I was going to DIE. We stayed in Leesburg for 2 1/2 days (Saturday through Monday morning)... and it was 90 degrees outside the whole time. My hair, got fried. I felt bloated and hot the whole time, and I had a permanent frown on my face every time I stepped outdoors during peak hours. 

Sidebar: I literally told Jeannine when she dropped me off at the MARTA station on Monday afternoon that the next time I came to visit her, it would be in the fall. F*** Atlanta in the summer time!

The best part of my trip was when I got to shoot some GUNS on Sunday evening. That's right, guns. I shot 8 different guns. Jeannine's brother in law, Mitch, is a bit of a gun enthusiast. I swear, every time he handed me a new gun, he had a smile on his face. It was quite funny.

Now, I hadn't shot a gun in about 10 years. I wasn't scared, but I was little nervous, especially since the first gun I shot was a 300 Blackout, which is basically a semi-automatic rifle (I was hoping to warm up on a handgun... but no such luck). It was huge! And heavy. When I shot the gun, the recoil was so hard core that when fired, it felt like my system got a quick jolt of electricity. It was a bit overwhelming, but I kept it together. I shot this gun from about 2 or 300 yards away, and I swear, I didn't hit the target once. Sad, but true. But I had fun.

It was on to the next gun after that, which was an AK-47. I've only seen these things in action in the movies. They are pretty cool up close. Scary, but cool. And again, after I fired it a few times, I'm pretty sure I didn't hit the target. But I can tell you that the tree behind it got messed up!

I'm just going to list the guns I shot instead of going through my experience with each one. Here it goes....

• 300 Blackout
• AK-47
• A 223 sniper rifle (with a bi-pod and scope)
• A double barrel shotgun (talk about a kick)
• A pump action shotgun with a laser sight on it (it was green!)
• 45 Colt (a revolver from the Old West)
• 357 Magnum
• Springfield 1911

 Here's a pic of all my shells. And two of the bullets.

Shooting guns was fun. Not that I would ever own a gun or anything, but it was fun. And not to mention, when one fires a shotgun, the kick on them can be so hard core (like with a pump action shotgun), that it can leave a bruise. Like this:

Yeah. Sometimes guns can hurt. My bruise is gone now, but because I had such a good experience shooting the shotgun, I didn't mind it so much. I also didn't mind the fact that I got eaten alive by mosquitos during my gun adventure. The mosquito bites I received were so bad that it took a week and a half for my legs to stop itching. Not cool.

So that was my trip. I came home Monday evening, exhausted and sweaty, but happy that I was able to get out of VA and go on a short vacay. Next up on my summer travels is Seattle, which I travel to on July 2. As long as it's not hot as hell out on the west coast, I should have a good time. 

Can't wait to hit up the Space Needle!

London, here I come

Yes folks... next year, on my 36th birthday (September 1st), I will be spending my time in the lovely place pictured above... London, England.

So, something very interesting happened to me on Monday morning... I arrived at work to find out that at my company X-mas party that previous Saturday night (I didn't go... I was too busy not wanting to buy a dress that I could never wear again), I had won the grand prize of the night (my company gives away gift certificates and prizes every year)! I won a $2K travel voucher to visit anyplace I wanted to in the world.

I KNOW!

I've never won anything in my life. Well, I did receive a few trophies growing up for my band and sports accomplishments, but I've never won anything like this.

I KNOW! LOL.

Anyhoo, my friends Dawn and Andy and I had been planning a trip to London for awhile... and now I have the funds to go! I'm so excited! We are going to spend 2 glorious weeks in Manchester (where Andy is from), London, Paris, and possibly Louin, France (Andy's parents have a summer home there).

I KNOW!

I can't believe it. I'm beyond excited.

I definitely have to see this London Eye. It's so pretty. And I'll be taking a lot of pictures. And I'll be eating some croissants, speaking French, and taking in all that is Paris.

The best part about this is that I get to visit the place that my novel is set in... it all takes place in London, with a few scenes scattered around Paris as well. I'm trying to decide if I want my characters to visit Moscow as well, but I don't know if I'm going to have the time to send them over there. We'll see.

And the other kicker in this situation... Cumberbatch is going to be on stage as Hamlet in London around the same time I'm visiting.

I KNOW!

This is all like a dream come true. 2013 has been the craziest year. It started off soooo crappy, and now it's ending on an unbelievable high note. I'm truly overwhelmed.

Next year is going to be a busy travel year for me... I'm going to NYC in January, ATL in May, then Seattle in July, and then London and Paris in September. WOW.

All I have to do now is get my passport... and then I'm off! Whoo-hoo!

Random

I don't have too much to write about lately, mostly because I've been working a lot and trying to run errands and get some things done. I've been wanting to write, but... I just haven't had the time.

So I guess I'll just summarize some of things that have been going on with me in the last two weeks:

*I saw Thor: The Dark World this past weekend. It was good! And it had lots of funny parts.

*I celebrated Serena's birthday with her, Steven and Ravena. I had fun playing Uno and Taboo.

*I ate ribs. In public. And yes, I behaved myself :)

*I had a lots of beer. It gave me a headache. I'm currently on a break from it right now.

*Cumberbatch's production company SunnyMarch put out a very good short called Little Favour that I really liked. He's so wonderful.

*I worked. A lot.

*I watched this video with Tom Hiddleston and Cookie Monster from Sesame Street. It's so cute!

That's all for now, I guess.

PS - Happy Veteran's Day!

PPS - When is Cumberbatch going to end up on Sesame Street?

Thirty-five

So much to do, so little time, seems like it.

So I turned 35 yesterday. I feel good! Good in the sense that it seems like life for me is starting to turn around a bit. My health has improved, my job situation has given way to something new and hopefully better, and I have good friends and family around me.

Yay! It's about time, lol.

I've decided to forge ahead with some personal goals that I have been working out in my head for the last few months... I don't know if I can reach or attain them all, but I'm sure as hell going to try.

In other news... I still love love love Benedict Cumberbatch, but my obsession with him is diminishing into just a general crush. Whew! I'm happy b/c thinking about him was taking up too much time. Don't get me wrong, I still like the guy and all... but I need to concentrate on other things besides having him as my fantasy husband and future father of my children. Ha ha ha.

35. Wow. Such a milestone in life to reach. And I'm glad that I'm here. And sane, nonetheless! I may not be married or have any kids, which honestly would be nice, but life is sweet anyway.

Now... on to fulfilling those future goals and dreams...

It's so hot outside

Ugh... this summer weather is already starting to bear down on me... and we are only twoish weeks into the summer. Rrrr.

Haven't blogged in awhile... I've been busy being lazy. I've been meaning to write, but I've been just loafing around, watching TV and being silly. I blame the summer weather.

One thing that I have been doing a lot of is watching "Game of Thrones"... which is like THE BEST SHOW EVER! OMG... I looooove that show. Tyrion Lannister (aka Peter Dinklage) is like my favorite character.

He's like, da bomb. I can totally see why Dinklage won the Emmy and the Golden Globe for his role on this show. If you don't watch Game of Thrones, I highly recommend you do so. It's that frickin' awesome.

In other news, I'm still in looooove with Benedict Cumberbatch. My obsession with him has died down since Star Trek into Darkness has come out (thank God), but I still giggle like a little school girl whenever I see pictures of him.

Giggling as we speak.

Anyhoo, I'm trying to pick up writing again in my spare time (laziness, duh) and I'm trying to get back on the exercise track. It's going to be some work, but I think I can do it. I have to push through my laziness and get it done.

Not to mention... I recently took a trip down to ATL to visit my friend Jeannine 2 weeks ago... I had a good time. Her daughters are very cute and we went out for girls night and had a really good time. I hadn't been out drinking and dancing in forever. The only thing that was crappy about the weekend is that her adorable daughter Rose peed on me. EWWWWW.

Other than that... life is moving along. I'm hoping the next 6 months bring me good fortune as I continue to improve my health, further my writing career and perhaps, maybe, JUST MAYBE, consider looking for love on Match.com.

Don't hold your breath on that last one, though :)

For Rachel K.

Somehow or another, your comments were awaiting moderation in my Blogger account, and I didn't find out until now! I didn't realize that ANYONE was reading my crazy ramblings other than my close buddies from Barnes and Noble.

Thanks so much for the comments... and thanks for being a fellow Benedict Cumberbatch lover. My friends don't understand why I like him so much. But honestly, after watching Sherlock and some interviews he's given over the years, I'm totally smitten with him. He's a great actor, and seems like an all around good guy.

I couldn't find your email address, but please send me a message! I would love to correspond with you if you like.

And of course, I couldn't end this post without a lovely picture of my current obsession.

He's so cute.

My name

I was looking up meanings for my name today, and I came across this description:

American Meaning: The name Randi is an American baby name. In American the meaning of the name Randi is: Lovely goddess.

SoulUrge Number: 1

People with this name have a deep inner desire to use their abilities in leadership, and to have personal independence. They would rather focus on large, important issues, and delegate the details.

 

Expression Number: 1

People with this name tend to initiate events, to be leaders rather than followers, with powerful personalities. They tend to be focused on specific goals, experience a wealth of creative new ideas, and have the ability to implement these ideas with efficiency and determination. They tend to be courageous and sometimes aggressive. As unique, creative individuals, they tend to resent authority, and are sometimes stubborn, proud, and impatient.

 

That last paragraph.... says it all. I totally resent authority, and I am definitely stubborn. And ridiculously impatient. Yipes!

 

Oh well. Everyone has faults. But at least I am a leader. I like that.

What does your name mean?

It's Britney, bitch!

So this past Sunday night, Lisa, Miss Scarlet and I headed out and caught Britney Spears at the Verizon Center. We first went to Fago in Chinatown for food and some beer, and about an hour plus two Irish car bombs between me and Scarlet later, we headed out to the show.

Seriously, I must have truly forgotten what it was like to be under 21, as every girl that was at the concert was literally HALF NAKED! I've never seen so many short skirts, shorts and tops in my life. I mean, I wore a lot of that stuff when I was that age, but damn! I don't remember it being that short. I'm surprised that every girl I came across that night wasn't about to be accosted by some weirdo in the corner the moment I turned away from them.

Anyhoo, we caught the first act (Nervo and Jessie and the Boy Toys) which was ok. Lots of trancey beats and butt shaking with skimpy outfits. And then suddenly, out of nowhere (since I'm sitting on end of our row), I feel a huge splash of beer drop on my back. Some girl wasn't paying attention while walking by and just spilled it on me!

Luckily, none of it got into my hair, or I would have gotten up and chased her. Since it was on my clothes, I figured it would dry, so it wasn't too big of a deal. My hair would have been the dealbreaker though. That girl and I would have thrown down if my hair had gotten wet.

Nicki Minaj came on after that. I was surprised at how everyone knew EVERY last lyric to her songs. There were lots of people were running around with their pink wigs on, rapping. So funny. And then 45 minutes later, Britney came on. I heard some of my old school favorites such as "...Baby One More Time," "I'm A Slave 4 U," and "Boys", among other songs. She closed the show with "Toxic" and "'Till the World Ends".

All in all (with the exception of the beer incident), it was a good night and the show was really good. It went by quick, though, which was the only negative. I'm sure everyone else had a good time as well (especially since there was no arguing or hissy fits thrown during the event, lol). Who knows, maybe I'll go to see her again next year. We'll see. Not sure if I want to drop $70 on tickets again.