(Not) The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

We had a really good winter this year.

I know what some of you are thinking- What!? It was freezing for almost two months straight! And yeah, I would agree. And it was awesome!

I love winter. I love cold weather.

Having two solid months of appropriately cold winter weather was so awesome. Especially since we've had some really mild winters recently. A snow here or there does not make a winter. Constant, cold air is winter in my world. I got to wear sweaters this year! I got to wear two scarves sometimes! It was awesome.

And then...like being pushed off a cliff, it ended. One week it was in the 20s and the next, it was pushing 60. It was a big change. I still craved cashmere. I still wanted to wear tights! I'm still not ready to say goodbye to my winter coat.

But I admit that a few of our days have been pleasant in the past two weeks. One day especially when it was around 50 with a partly cloudy sky. I drank that crisp, cool air up like it was water. I was into it!

And then, instead of being pushed off a cliff, I was forced into a microwave. For 8+ hours at a time. Much to my horror (but not my surprise), work still had the heat on.

THE HEAT! 

And now, a week into this transition period from the frigid, cold air of winter, to what will eventually be the sticky hot of summer, we have what could be described as lovely outside to most people. Even I, the biggest lover of winter there is, can enjoy a pleasant day in the 50s, but I won't be enjoying it because I have to go to work. And at work, it's a big box of warm, stagnant air. It is uncomfortably warm at work.

In a first world problem sort of way, it's also completely unfair.

Virginia gets very few weeks a year when it's not too cold*, it's not too warm, and it's also not humid- Hallelujah! And it bums me out that I can't enjoy it because for 40 hours a week, until some HVAC guy comes and gets on the roof to switch from heat to AC (!!!), I have to be miserable all day long.

Why is this okay?

So, thanks, work, for making this time of year completely miserable. Thanks a lot.



*In my opinion it's never too cold.

Drop It Like It's Hot

Soooo here we are- the first day of summer.

Meteorologically speaking, of course, since it's been disgustingly hot more often than not lately. We had a decent spring this year with not too much humidity and nights with an almost chill in the air. It was actually quite pleasant.

But now? It's gross again. Temps hovering around 90 and the humidity, oh the humidity! The air feels so...impure when it's this humid.

But I don't to be a complainer right now. I'll leave that up to 90% of you guys out there! HA! All I've been hearing lately is that it's "too hot" and "gross" out. And this is coming from those same people who claimed to love summer. Well, THIS IS SUMMER! It's hot! And it sucks!

XO,
SVR

Follow me on twitter! @scarls17




+Title from Snoop Dogg

Secret Knowledge Of Backroads

A comment  by Tess on my previous post really made me realize the part of my life that I would really like to change:

Traffic.

I am sure it has been no secret to those who know me in "real life" that living farther away from everything has really affected my mood lately. Just to fill you all in- I had given notice on my previous apartment in Reston and then I got appendicitis. My parents ended up moving me out of there while I was in the hospital. I never had a chance to find a new place and while it was a blessing in disguise (the hospital is expensive, y'all, living with my parents farther out has been trying. I don't mind living with them at all, but they're 40 miles from my job and most of my friends. The other day it took me almost two hours to get to work. Now I have started leaving extra early and just waiting around at work to begin my shift.

I have already counted my blessings and know things could be worse, but spending so much time just driving is tiring, expensive, and soul-crushing at times.

I really can't wait to live in my dream area...a smallish town near a larger one (and not one on the Top 10 Worst Traffic List) where I don't have to consider rush hour traffic every day I plan on doing something.




+Title from Pavement

Hot Like Fire

I had a meltdown at work today. Literally.

About an hour and a half into my shift, I was helping a line of people in a row when all of a sudden I realized how warm I was. I had already put my hair back to try to cool off, but when I realized I was sweating on my forehead, I knew it was bad. Standing next to the computers was just awful.

A lot of times at work, I am warm, but I am very aware that it is not all about me* so I wait until others complain about it being hot and then it is like I am their union representative and I make it my mission to make sure everyone knows it is not a comfortable work environment.

I couldn't take it today, though. It hit me and all of a sudden it was like I was claustrophobic and had to get out of there. I felt like I was suffocating. I raised my voice to a coworker friend and then went in the break room to cool down (in more ways than one). That's when I almost cried. Yes...I almost cried.

I don't like to be hot. My appearance means a lot to me and if I am hot and sweaty, then my hair won't look good. I don't want my eyeliner to run because it's melting. I don't want to have to push up my long sleeves for relief. I want to look nice and feel comfortable. Why is that so much to ask??

XO,
SVR



*Yet.


+Title from Jessica Simpson

Suddenly Everything Has Changed

The warm weather literally depresses me. I know some people get annoyed when I complain about the lack of cool temps, but when it's a week from November and I had to use my car's AC yesterday, it's just ridiculous. When I walk out of my apartment and don't need a jacket at 6am!? That. Is. Just. Wrong.

I thrive in the cold. It awakens my soul. It motivates me and keeps me wanting more more more. Yesterday was not a good day for the weather I love.

So when I got back to my apartment complex last night after a super long day at about 930pm I started cursing really loudly in my car. Why? Because there were absolutely no parking spots near my apartment. They changed our parking situation about a year ago and made it so guests needed passes. It was crappy for awhile after that because the guests would get the good spots. They changes it once again about four months ago and made it so guests had designated spots. Since then, parking has been even worse. When I get home late at night and the only spots available are guests spots next to my building and I can't park there? I get very angry. I had to park so far away last night and I had a lot to carry and I was not cold. Not one bit. I was furious. I yelled the F word about 15 times while looking for a spot. I know I was overreacting, but this has happened way too many times recently. I was so angry I decided to cut through the grass because I just wanted to be home.

And I stepped into a blanket of beautiful, fallen leaves. Gorgeous yellows and oranges. Leaves that covered the grass and ruffled as I walked through them. I forgot all about my anger.

XO,
SVR


+Title from The Flaming Lips

Sick, Sick, Sick

I get so irritated when I hear someone say, "I think I'm getting sick" because I know, inevitably, in a day or two, they will be sick*. When I think to myself, "Oh no, I think I'm getting a cold" I immediately begin drinking a lot of fluids, get more sleep, and basically think myself healthy. I am not a granola-crunching nutjob, but I really believe in mind over matter. 9 times out of 10, if you're feeling under the weather, its your body's way of telling you to slow down or up the nutrition.

So slow down and up the nutrition! And don't get sick! Quit calling out of work and bailing on friends! Stop missing out on life because you're laying in bed!

XO,
SVR

+Title courtesy of Queens Of The Stone Age


*I also don't think people should say they're sick unless they have a sore throat, a fever, or are vomiting. Otherwise, it's a cold.

Separate And Ever Deadly

I am sick of single people who start to date someone and then turn into a combined blob-form of a person.

Am I alone in the fact that I just really enjoy going to bars? I am not going there to "meet someone" (although, yes, that would be nice) so once I have a boyfriend, why would I stop going out? I DO NOT UNDERSTAND PEOPLE!

And asking for permission? Sure, if someone is married then communication is key and seeing if its cool to hang out with a friend is just nice. I get that, I do. There are things to consider such as dinner together and catching up, but sometimes I think married people use it as an excuse: "Oh, I'll have to ask my wife." but really he's saying, "I'm going to tell you I asked her and make her answer NO". And when people are just dating? I think way less of you if you say you're boy/girlfriend doesn't want you to. And declining an invite because your sig other is busy? Even. Worse.

Also, when out, why must couples always be touching? Now, if you're a long-distance couple or maybe have weird schedules and don't see each other much, then yes, your wanting to be near each other is fine. But if you are always together (because you decline invites out?) then, when you do go out, is it really necessary to constantly be touching? No.

"We." OMG, don't use this for everything. Unless it was an activity that you both did, use half as many "We"s in your sentences. "We love True Blood!" Great, so do *I*. "We aren't too hungry tonight." Did I ask about your both? No.

So couples, regain some of your independence and resist becoming a blob of a couple. Your friends will realllly appreciate it.

/rant

XO,
SVR

Weather Report

I rarely have bad days and, when I do, it's usually because I'm really tired or it's too hot. Today was sort of a bad day. It made my angry.

Anyone who knows me, knows I love cold weather. 40 degrees is about ideal for me and that's only because I know if I wish for it to be colder then I'd never see my friends again, but honestly, I LOVE IT TO BE COLD! One of my pet peeves is when people say they love the summer, but then never spend any time in the heat. I hate the summer (but love the beach, go figure) so it's okay that I create false environments of cold with AC. If I could hibernate and just sleep all summer, I would so do that. What bothers me even more is when the heat is overused in the fall and winter. Personally, I love scarves and sweaters. It's so comfortable to bundle up and create warmth from your clothes. Why must we crank up the heat when it's expensive and bad for you!? It baffles me.

Okay okay, maybe you're wondering why I brought this up since it was like 83 degrees today (*shudder*). It was so warm at work today that I spent part of it just standing there, fanning myself. I declared that I would not work under those conditions. (Yes, I was being a bit melodramatic, but I don't work in a place where sweating should ever happen.) It worries me that this trend of having the heat on (and granted, I think it's a mistake it's on now, but I was also angry no one knew how to fix it) will continue as the temperatures drop. When I get dressed in the morning and it's my beloved 40 degrees, I wear sweaters and warm layers. When I get to work it's ridiculous to then have to shed those clothes to be comfortable in a too-warm environment. And you sickly people? Going from extreme temp to extreme temp is going to make you sick.

People probably got annoyed with my today since I complained so much, but it's like having a pebble in your shoe-it's not going to feel better until it's gone and I am not going to be in a better mood until it's not ass-hot at work. It's the 15th of October. It's fall. I want the effing cold weather...NOW! I can't even enjoy the gorgeous changing leaves. GRR!

Xo,
SVR

+Title from American Analog Set

Get Gone

Not that I'm a regular visitor to the "I don't like" side, but here is a list of things I do not like:

• Spring
• Ugly Betty
• Alto Saxophone
• Early Wake Up Calls For Something Other Than A Road Trip
• Rieslings
• Soggy Bread
• Olives
• Sour Cream
• Trucks/Hatchbacks/Station Wagons/Minivans
• Janet Jackson
• Centipedes
• My Gas Light
• Repeats In Symphonies
• Shared Crossword Puzzles
• Eyebrow Rings
• Hillary Swank
• Ukrops
• Pastel Colors
• Feminazis
• Slip-On Sneakers
• College Football
• Womens Basketball/Golf
• Political Commercials
• 130am

Xo,
SVR

Silent Spring

I just learned via Kristabella that today is the first day of spring. I feel like my eyes started itching as I read the dreaded fact. I'm still trying to be positive about the upcoming warmth, but the fact that I've been a sneezy mess the past few days has made it difficult. Warmth=I can handle. Allergies=Want to kill.


In other news...I am beyond excited that The Hills comes back on Monday night!

XO,
SVR

Trash

Apparently I will do anything in order to not do my annotated bibliography that is due this week. There are many things I loathe doing:

1. Cleaning out my car.
2. Doing laundry.
3. Anything having to do with APA.
   

So, in order to avoid #3, I did #1 and #2. Repeat: I cleaned out my car and started laundry in order to not have to start writing my annotated bibliography. This disturbs me on a certain level. Especially since it's warm outside and I hate the warm, so to voluntarily go out in it seems just wrong. But now the washer is spinning and my car is clean so the time has come to start this damn assignment.

But first, I noticed a few things while cleaning out my car. You know, like if I pretended to be one of those anthropologists who analyzes people based on their trash and possessions, what would I conclude.

1. I drink a lot of water. (There were roughly 10 empty water bottles in there!)
2. I do not like shoes. (There were about six pairs in my backseat. I get in my car after work and the first thing I do is put on flip flops.)
3. I listen to, and own (and borrow), a lot of CDs. (Radiohead, Foo Fighters, a bag from Amoeba, Kyuss, Nick Drake, Pink Floyd, two small CD cases, etc.)
4. I read magazines while driving. (Just kidding, I do not, but there are four in my backseat.)
5. I want it to be cold. (Scarf there, just waiting to be worn.)

*sigh* I really have to go write this damn thing. I HATE YOU, APA!!!!


XO,
SVR

From The Ritz To The Rubble

I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but sometimes I get this crazy-weird allergy thing where for like 12 hours I sneeze almost constantly. It is miserable. It hasn't happened for months, but of course, today, when I was wearing liquid black eyeliner, it happened.

I spent the day at work willing myself to stop sneezing and carried around a box of tissues all day. People kept telling me to go home and some would ask if I was sick. "I'm NOT sick! It's allergies!" I got a lot of sympathy, though, and even a mystery Benadryl I questioned as ecstasy.

I made it through the day, though, and then I went to a party with Ali in Arlington. Some of her museum friends were having a shindig and it turned out to be a lot of fun!

Anyway, it's 2:50am and I have to be at class in 6 hours. Awesome.


XO,
SVR

Letter To Memphis

I've never done this open letter thing*, but why not, eh?


Dear People Who Have Forgotten The Meaning Of "Excuse Me,"

Say you are standing in a narrow aisle. If someone comes up and says, "Excuse me," you are supposed to get the eff out of the way. You do not own the aisle. I can not, for the life of me, understand why people ignore a polite request to take a step forward or back. I say "Excuse me" if I even walk in front of someone. Get some manners and stop being so rude!

XO,
SVR


Dear Mother Nature,

My outside correspondent has reported in that it is 99 degrees outside. That is entirely unacceptable. Cool the eff off. I do understand that is is August and you are supposed to be hotter than hell, but if you are going to make me melt now, then please promise me we can have a real Fall this year. You know, actually starting to cool off in September, chilly in October and getting downright cold in November. Thank you.

XO,
SVR


Dear Corporate Companies,

Numbers do not fall on one person. Grow a backbone and fire the correct people.

XO,
SVR


Dear So You Think You Can Dance?,

Please please please please be a regular, year-round show. That is all.

XO,
SVR


Dear Petrol,

If you are cheaper, my life is a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.

XO,
SVR


Dear UK,

Contact me with an awesome music job. One where I do something like, music history research or even teach clarinet to young children. A music magazine would be hott, too. Email me!

XO,
SVR







*I don't think.

The Conductor

I got pissed in orchestra tonight. Visibly annoyed. Except for my text messaging habit in between movements, my rehearsal behavior is impeccable. I am attentive, I always have a pencil, I listen, I don't talk when not playing, I glance up more than most players, and I nod my head to direction. I make up for any mistakes I may make by being good in other ways. So tonight, when Maestro scolded me and Clarinet Dude for talking when he was trying to tell us something, I was livid.

1) Do not "scold" me. We're both adults and even if I think you're an amazing conductor, I don't "owe" you any respect that results in me being talked to like that.

2) Clarinet Dude and I were talking about the music. We were quietly figuring out a tricky rhythm* and why we had messed it up. Maestro made it sound like we were discussing Amazing Race or something.

3) Work on your selective hearing, buddy. Maybe you should say something to the bass player who never stops playing or the french horns** who don't even whisper when talking.

And then later you said something to the Woodwinds about dragging the tempo. Then, a few measures later I barely knew where I was because the annoying strings were sucking at life and...oh yes...dragging the tempo. And maybe check on their intonation as much as you check on our notes. Mmmhmm.


Yeah, so I was pissed when he told us to "not talk" so we can hear what he's trying to tell us. To this I said in quite the snotty tone, "We were talking about the music." I should have added an "ass" onto that: "We were talking about the music, ass!" Oh, I was so angry. I then proceeded to give him my patented "Scarlet Look" each and every time he told us something. I hope he knows he pissed me off.


XO,
SVR


*Seriously...it's the new e-g-y-p-t
**I love you guys because you're hilarious, but you do talk A LOT.

Yellow

It's that time of year when everyone starts saying, "Oh, isn't the weather just lovely outside?" and "I wish I wasn't working so I could enjoy this nice spring weather we're having." or the worst, "Oh, the flowers are gorgeous when they start blooming!" Because you know what I think about this time of year? "Oh crap...I ran out of Claritin." and "Eff you, flowers. I hate you and your pollen!"


I.Am.Miserable.


I just spent $2 at Wawa for one (1) Claritin pill. An expense I can live with since I consider it a slight emergency. I also bought a box of tissues. Do you know how unfortunate it is to be the girl who has to carry a box of tissues around?

I hate spring. A lot.

Like Eating Glass

I don't know how people get up early everyday and not struggle through the whole day. Last night, I couldn't fall asleep so I'll be running off just under a handful of hours of sleep today. This is unfortunate since my day today will be nonstop until midnight.


My rooommates both left for work today before 530. If I got up that early I would be passed out by 1pm.


OK, Need to stop procrastinating and get ready. I have more important things to write about once I'm coherent and have had the nectar (coffee).

+Title from Bloc Party