So, I got a call today from a job that I applied for back in September with Jos A. Bank. But, there's a hitch: it's for a different location, which would require that I take a 25 minute train ride both ways.

The pros:

• OMG menswear! I may or may not have mentioned this along the line, but I love men's clothing. A lot.
• Better pay: 8 dollar minimum wage + 5% of anything that I sell (which is pretty significant, if you know anything about this place's prices).
• A better/more regular schedule. Last week Jamba friggin' cancled all my hours since they weren't making enough sales, and they've been pretty inconsistent about which days they put me on, even though I've asked them multiple times to give me something as regular as possible.
• 15-20 hrs a week, which, compared to the above mentioned fluctuations in hours that I'm getting now, sounds pretty nice.
• The combination of type of work + commissioned pay would make me actually enthusiastic about work. Right now, I'm okay with my Jamba job because I like the people that I work with. However, it was pretty clearly stated to me that they don't really do merit bonuses unless you've worked there for ages, so it's really hard to feel like I'm striving for something. Also, men's clothing >>>>> smoothies. Just sayin'.
• The woman I talked to about it sounded really nice and understanding about scheduling and travel issues.

• Y'know how I said "travel issues"? Well, for every day that I'd work I'd spend at least an hour in commute.
• This commute would cost me approximately $90 a month (which isn't bad, assuming I can make up for it in commissions).
• As I said, I like the people that I work with for the most part. Is it worth gambling that for a bit (or possibly a lot) more money?
• The nature of this job could lead to potential awkwardness. (This could actually be a good thing in the long run, if it makes me more confident/less uncomfortable around people I don't know.)

Alright, right as I pressed "POST" it occurred to me that some of that stuff might not be all together familiar. So, let me help you to help me!

THE HITCHER
He's crazed, eel-obsessed, cockney Victorian. He also happens to be bright green, has a huge thumb, and the ability to combine the past and the future to make something not quite as good as either (or other such odd mystical abilities).



The up side: costume-wise, I've got everything but a wig/hat, cane, and face paint, so this'd be pretty easy. The down side: that's a lot of friggin' face paint, also I might weird people out a little too much.


A "GOTH DETECTIVE"
This is an idea created during the 2006 episode of The Big Fat Quiz of the Year (which is a yearly game show with British celebrities, for those of you who don't know). I just thought it was a kind of cute/original twist on a more traditional costume idea.(note: the bit that is related is about 4:45ish)
The up side: once again, I've got most of the stuff for this. I'd only need props and hair/makeup stuff. The down side: and once again, it's pretty friggin' obscure.


FRANCIS MACOMBER
I ADORE this short story! I'm pretty sure that I've rambled about it here before, but in case you forgot, The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber is a really awesome (and kind of atypical) Hemingway short story. Everyone in it is kind of terrible, but ever so interesting! I suggest you read it if you have the time:
The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber
The up side: I've been wanting to have a good safari outfit for ages so I can go act like a fool at the zoo, and this is a grand AND literary twist on an old standard. The down side: I don't really own much of this stuff, so it'd probably be more expensive. However, as I said, I'd be likely to get good use out of it!

SEBASTIAN FLYTE
So, I love Evelyn Waugh. This love was first spawned through reading Brideshead Revisited, so it kind of makes sense that I'd want to dress as the charming, slightly feminine Sebastian. I could make grand romanticized statements, drink champagne, and carry around a teddy bear all night.

The up side: depending on which costume I chose, I basically have everything. Plus, once again, I'd get to talk in a British accent all night. The down side: not very recognizable, thus to most people it'd just look like me cross-dressing. *shrug*

A MAD (WO)MAN
So, my mum has a ridiculously large stash of awesome vintage clothes, thanks to the band that she's in. Depending on what I find, I could go as any of the awesome leading ladies (Peggy, Joan, or Betty). I mean, that show is just effin' fierce and I'd love to try my hand at being as awesome and confident as Joan, in particular.

The up side: I've got all of the costume stuff, so I'd just have to worry about hair, which would mean an excuse to buy a wig maybe (though that could also be a down side, depending on price). The down side: I went as Chuck from Pushing Daisies last year, and my costume was basically a vintage dress from a similar time period, so I'm not sure if I want to go down that road two years in a row. Also, I bet TONS of people are doing this.

DOMINO HARVEY
Okay, I bet some of you are questioning the logic of dressing up as a character from a really rather bad movie. However, I've got the short hair for the time being, and I'd might as well make use of it. Also, I rarely feel like much of a badass and this would be a chance to do so.

The up side: Did I mention that I want to act like a badass? Because I do. Plus, I'd really just have to buy props for this one, and who doesn't want an excuse to own fake Nunchucks and other such weaponry? The down side: Like Sebastian Flyte, if you don't get the reference, this isn't much of a costume. I'd just look odd and people might be weirded out by my fake British accent

MS. MARPLE
For those of you who don't know, Marple is a clever and witty old English lady who solves crimes and knits and is all shades of sly. Seriously, I want to be her when I'm old. Plus, the whole murder/mystery thing is in theme with Halloween, I'd say.
The up side: Between my mom and myself, I think I've actually got EVERYTHING for this. Plus, I could drink tee and knit and make innuendo-filled comments all night. Also, my step-step family are fond of Marple as well, so they'd actually be in on the joke. Oh! And I'd get to practice fun old-lady makeup! The down side:...I'm not sure if there is one. I guess it's not very youthful?

FLAPPER
So, the week before I left Austin I bought this AWESOME black and white sequined flapper-style dress from Goodwill for 6 bucks. It's magnificent, and even has a sort of cape-wing-ish thing going on. I know it's kind of hard to make a judgment on this one without seeing pics, but I'm afraid I don't have any.
The up side: As I've said, I've got everything. Plus! And excuse to bug a wig. The down side: Though I'd love an excuse to wear the dress, it's not the most interesting or original of costumes.


Some notes if you've got any suggestions:
In the past few years I've been the following, and (unless you have some AWESOME twist on the idea) I'd kind of rather not repeat. Chuck from Pushing Daisies, Dr. Caroline Todd from Green Wing, Shuan (from Shaun of the Dead), an Elizabeth Swann-ish pirate, Maggie Fitzgerald from Million Dollar Baby, Eowyn from LOTR, Puss in Boots, etc.
For reference, I don't have too much money to spend, but I do have access to the following things: gad of vintage clothes/shoes/hats, awesome smoking jackets, riding apparel, a corset, and a decent amount of menswear and sports stuff. And probably more, but I can't think of it right now.

Anyhoo, if anyone has any ideas, etc, I'd love to hear them!

So, as I may or may not have mentioned previously, I ADORE HALLOWEEN. I love the crisp (or, at times, soggy) weather that comes with the end of October. I love seeing everyone out and about in costume. I love that, even if for only one day, everyone seems to be in on the same awesome joke.

As such, not dressing up is basically never an option for me. However, I'm really not much of one for the huge-party, drunkin' college scene. So, when my mom told me that she'd only be able to come visit this year if it was over Halloween weekend, I was actually super excited. Instead of spending a couple hours squashed in between drunken girls in "sexy" costumes and the guys hoping to remove said costumes, I get to go out to the suburbs and have a laid back celebration that just happens to involve costumes. Which, frankly, is much more my style.

However, I'm drawing a bit of a blank this year when it comes to costume ideas. I don't have a lot of money and I don't really like repeating myself, yet I want to do something fun/interesting/original. So, here's where you guys come in:

Poll #1468405 What should Allison be for Halloween?
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 2

Should she go as....

1) Tofu Bánh mì
2) Omelet
3) Pumpkin Muffins
4) Anything

P.S. So close! Tomorrow's my last day of lemonade, then two days ease out!
P.P.S I'm now addicted to food blogs. I think that might make me a bit masochistic.

So, Day 3 (or 5, depending on how you look at it) and I'm truckin' along. Felt rather spacey yesterday and utterly miserable this morning: was exhausted, but when I tried to drink my lemonade I just felt ridiculously nauseated which was unfortunate. I'm feeling at bit better now, though! Need to juice more lemons but I'm putting it off since it's so messy/stings like a bitch.

But, here's the bad news. I just got a wonderful, marvelous care package from my amazing mum: it's filled with all sorts of good stuff like oatmeal, soup, dried fruit, and German friggin' raspberries, along with a new travel mug and my very own aero latte (yay frothed milk!). But, seriously, unpacking that stuff and was ridiculously difficult, and I can't stop myself from looking over at it longingly. Let's hope that I have the self control to pull this off!

Also, being addicted to sites like Cake Wrecks and Eggs on Sunday isn't really helping.

Also not helping is the fact that I keep thinking of all the things I want to bake. Crapitycrapitycrap.


However, I know I'll at least get to fulfill my baking urges by the time that Angie (zombres ) comes to visit in December! So excited!! It'll be another weekend of epicness, possibly filled with museums, movies, baking, and booze! What else can one ask for?

{} I dreamed last night that I had long hair again and I woke up feeling very sad that I, in fact, do not. Woe! I guess that's the problem with cutting most of your hair off. I mean, I like it as is, but there is definitely part of me that misses being able to do anything with it. And, of course, there's the issue of growing it out, which is always rather on the awkward side. But, whatevs. Perhaps this is an excuse for me to buy a ridiculous wig for Halloween?

{} So, in my movie-casting thing, I touched on how hard it is to really know how other people perceive you. Personally, depending on my mood, I see myself in a rather wide spectrum, if that makes sense. Well, the other day (while closing at work) I discovered that, apparently, I'm not the only one. While one of my new coworkers was convinced that I was too nice of a person and was sincerely worried that they (or someone else, for that matter) might offend me, the other was convinced that I was some complete rock-chick who could front "a band with a bunch of guys, like Gwen Stefani." I mean, really? Cause I think there's a pretty big difference between those two ideas. So, I was just wondering: how would you guys describe me?

{} "Does everything have to be fun to be worthwhile?": This latest season of Peep Show is pretty brilliant. I mean, utterly cynical and depressing as usual, but quite hilarious! "Men like to look of troubling images of heroin addicts showing their genitals for money: that's hard-wired, like spacial awareness. I mean, it is disgusting and shameful, but so is the textile industry." Lolz! Seriously, if you haven't watched Peep Show I suggest doing so with haste.

{} When I started this post, I looked out the window and saw a bright yellow balloon floating about the side of the west wing of our dorm. I went to grab my camera, so as to capture the randomness, only to find that it had disappeared in the second that I had looked away. However, just moments ago I could have sworn that I saw a flash of yellow out of the corner of my eye, so I'm kind of hoping that it's eternally stuck between the two wings in some mad air current from the ac vents.

.::. I will never cease to be amused by teachers! As some of you might remember, my teachers at LASA were a key source of hilarity there, and it seems like Northwestern is no exception. Last year I had a Chem professor that reminded me (both visually and vocally) of Vizzini from The Princess Bride, a Calculus professor that was ridiculously enthusiastic/squirrel-like and whose lecture syle basically imitated my note taking style (right down to the randomly commentary and exclamation points after solving problems), and an English prof who legitimately discussed with me the fact that she didn't think James McAvoy was attractive enough to play Robbie (obviously, I disagree, but whatevs).

So, this year seems to be working along the same lines. My bio professor legitimately reminds me of Gopher from Winnie The Pooh, my Orgo professor is a living version of Tweedle-dee/Tweedle-dum (no offense intended, but he's rather large and dresses in a similar fassion), and my Orgo lab proff. looks just like Mr. Fennel except he is constantly wearing bow ties. Awesome, no?

.::. Speaking of other odd school-related things, I had lab this past week and, though I sat down next to one of my friends, there was an empty seat to my right. This seat was soon filled by some guy that I had never met before, and the way that we were paired up meant that I wound up as his lab partner (which is excellent, actually, because he's rather smart and hilarious). Halfway through the lab, the coordinator walks up to us and says, "you're siblings, right?" Now, neither of us look particularly alike: different hair color, different facial shapes, different eye color, etc. So, we're both pretty confused and respond accordingly with, "no...why?" Then, it was her turn to look confused and surprised. "Really?" She said, raising her eyebrows, "because I just assumed that, with your names and all....and since you're sitting next to each other...." At this point I turn and ask the guy what his last name is --- get this, WE'RE BOTH POPES. How weird is that?

.::. In other news, I finally received my first pay check! Which was exciting. Time to start hording my money. Muahaha!

.::. In rather unhappy news, my step-grandfather died last night. He had been doing pretty poorly for a while now, so it wasn't particularly surprising. He had a growth on the vascularized peritoneum near his pancreas, which was sucking the nutrients out of his system before they ever reached the small intestine and was basically inoperable. He was also in poor state mentally, because his memory certainly wasn't what it used to be and, at times, he didn't seem to really be aware of anyone else in the room. I just feel bad for my stepdad and step-grandma especially: after living with the same person for so many years it's going to be a real adjustment to life without him.

And my poor mum can't seem to get a break from death. At the start of the summer her best friend's son committed suicide, and she, being the truly good person that she is, helped with everything, from providing comfort to taking care of the resulting legal issues. Then, at the end of the summer, one of her long term friends and band-mates died because he had a seizure disorder and, since he's a full time musician and can't afford health care, didn't have his medication. And now this. It's times like this where life just feels a bit exhausting.

.::. As far as my health goes, I'm a bit worried that I'm sleeping too much. I took a three hour nap this afternoon (in which I had a really disturbing dream where tiny scorpions injected my legs with larvae so I kept pulling these huge pupea-like scorpions out from under my skin), and did the same on Wednesday. However, I'm not sure if this is just because I haven't been getting enough food (which I'll get to in a moment) or if it's just that balancing school, homework, and work is a bit tiring in general. However, as long as I still have the time to do so, I've decided I'm not going to deny myself these naps. Because I REALLY can't afford to get sick around now.

.::. So, I'm currently finishing up my 3rd day on the Master Cleanse, which, since I condensed the ease in to two days, means I'm on my first day of the lemonade diet. Now, I'd just like to say that this isn't a weight loss thing, really: it's more that I'm trying to a) see if I can, b) break myself of the boredom-snacking habit, and c) reevaluate my attitude towards food. So far it's actually not too bad, though the lemonade is surprisingly spicy, which makes it much harder for me to drink. Also, I'm allowing myself to keep drinking coffee/tea, just without milk: I happen to be ridiculously addicted to caffeine, so I figure that cutting myself off from that and food might be too much to take.

My two complaints are these: 1) it's ridiculously hard to avoid temptation when working the the food industry. Doh! and 2) OMG the saltwater cleanse is the most disgusting thing ever. I have a really sensitive gag reflex when it comes to flavor, and I probably retched four times just trying to drink the single frickin' liter. The effects of that haven't kicked in yet, except all the water has made me feel uncomfortably full and a bit sick. Ugh.

.::. I really, really want to go to the Chicago International Film Festival, but tickets are rather expensive and I don't know if I'll have time. Particularly, I'd like to see An Education because the director will be in attendance, which would be really cool. There are some others that I'd like to do, but I just don't know if I can afford any of this right now. Plus, I happen to have midterms right in the middle of the fest. UGH.



Speaking of midterms/hopefully not failing them, I should go do some genetics and orgo problems. I know you're jealous. ;D
Cheerio!

I stole this from zombres because I'm lame and love to procrastinate when I should be doing my homework. Anyhoo, it's fun!

You have to choose the ACTORS who will play:
- Yourself a.k.a. the main character:
- The true love:
- The "mistake":
- The true love's best friend:
- The rival:
- Mom:
- Dad:
- Sister/brother (or both):
- The best friend:
- The gay best friend:
- The pet:
- The city: (note: I'm assuming you don't have to chose an actor to play the city, though that might be HILARIOUS.)

And now you have to choose YOUR PERSONAL SOUNDTRACK, of course:
- Opening credits:
- Working/studying montage:
- Falling in love:
- The kiss:
- Sex:
- The break up:
- The psychological breakdown:
- The Return to Calm:
- Shopping with friends:
- Getting back together:
- End Credits:

Oh man! I totally forgot the real reason that I wanted to make a post!

So, I've been reading my Genetics textbook like a good little student, and found out this:

So, you know how I said I was going to post more often? Well now I feel like a bit of a liar. Yes, technically this is more often given my pretty much summer-long hiatus, but that wasn't really what I meant.

Anyway, let's sum up what's going on in my life and why I haven't been posting.

001. Work is going well, though I find that I spend most of my time desperately trying not to screw up people's orders as I haven't memorized the recipes exactly quite yet. As of now I seem to like most of the people that I'm working with, so that's nice I suppose.

002. Classes have been nice so far: it's all review at this point, which makes me a little at a loss as far as studying goes, but I think I'll manage.

003. Quite obviously, seeing as how classes have started, I've moved in to my dorm. I actually really like it, though I've been acting like a bit of a recluse; between working and being exhausted from work/school/possible sickness, I haven't really done much socializing. This is basically what I predicted, though, so I'm not to stressed about it.

004. Remember how I said I'd go to the aquarium? Well, I lied about that too. It's kind of expensive, so I'm waiting to go on one of the days that it's essentially "free". Instead I went to the Lincoln Park Zoo, which was pretty awesome and FREE. And we all know that I loves me some free stuff.

005. I also went to go see Phoenix this past Wednesday when they played at the Aragon Ballroom. I'm not going to lie, they were pretty friggin' awesome. I mean, they were awesome enough to make up for the fact that we had some obnoxious girls behind us who were incredibly high and had thus lost both their impulse control and that of their limbs. I swear I got smacked in the temple more times than I could count. Eventually, security made them go to the back, but come on. I'll stop before this starts sounding like an anti-drug rant, but let's just say that I don't think that intoxication should excuse you from acting with respect and decency.

006. On the entertainment front, holy SHIT. Last week's Mad Men, anyone? Totally incredible, and I pretty much love Joan even more now. Also Franklin Sherman from The Critic is super awesome. The show is rather funny (if a bit repetitive in its jokes), but Franklin is pure awesome.

007. And now, some pictures to sum up events.
( Take that Guernica! )