Nicole

So tonight my manager (yes, THAT one) said, “You’re always smiling. Stop being so happy.”

Heh.

Considering last night at 2:30 am I was sitting outside in a thunderstorm sobbing, that’s a remarkable instruction. I was at Pattengill, for old times’ sake–times before all this began.

Pattengill had not been my first destination.

And now it’s almost 2:30 again. And my random playlist is full of songs that make me want to cry. Random my foot.

I should be used to the feeling of having had the rug pulled out from under me. But I suppose a person really shouldn’t get used to that feeling.

If there’s anything to be learned from this, I guess it’s that I need some new mp3s. Happy ones, even.

So my dermatologist told me years ago to get a blackhead extracter, but I was doubtful as to whether a layperson could get her hands on one (if they don’t sell it at Meijer or Target, I generally don’t have it), but today at CVS, I saw one and bought it. It took a little getting used to, but I’m impressed. Way better than Biore strips.

I was at CVS buying aloe vera, as recommended by nini_monene. Of course, as often as I’m sunburned, I’m familiar with the stuff, but I’ve never used it on skin that wasn’t hurting. I have to say, it feels much nicer than regular moisturizer, tighter and cleaner. Thanks for the tip, Cyd!

“You know, in a way, I feel for this runaway bride. I once put my name on the list at Applebee’s, then changed my mind, panicked, and hid behind a Goodwill drop box for a week.” – Dennis Miller

Well, you might not have ridden this ride wit me before, but our rules are:
1. NEVER root against Gary Stevens, even if he’s riding a Baffert or Lukas horse.
2. Always root against Baffert and Lukas whenever possible, as long as it doesn’t conflict with rule #1.
3. Never finalize your picks until you see the post parade, and you can see who’s wearing himself out reacting to the crowd of drunk people.

And perhaps I should add:
4. Don’t miss the Derby because of some stupid wedding.

Rrrrr, wish I didn’t have to break that one.

Anyway, Gary is riding Noble Causeway, who is trained by Nick Zito! How much do we love that! Nick Z. also trains the drop-dead gorgeous, possible superhorse Bellamy Road, who unfortunately is owned by George Steinbrenner, ick. Zito also has three other horses, all of whom look good. And Todd Pletcher has Bandini, a son of Fusaichi Pegasus, who also looks good. You heard it here first.

The 5th largest meteorite was found in Skihote-Alin, Russia, weighing an estimated 27 tonnes.

The first un-manned moon landing was from Russia (Lunik 2 in Sep 1959).

The 3rd coldest place in the world is Oymyakon, Russia, where the lowest temperature has been -71.1 degrees Celsius to -96.0 degrees Celsius.

The 2nd place in the world with the most contrasting seasons is Yakutsk, Russia.

The country with the largest areas of forest in the world is Russia (8,513,920 sq km)

The country with the 5th highest divorce rate in the world is Russia.

The country with the 3rd highest marriage rate in the world is Russia.

The country with the 2nd highest suicide rate in the world is Russia (42 suicides/100000).

The country with the 3rd highest rate of death from heart disease in the world is Russia.

The country with the 2nd highest total prison population in the world is Russia (919,330 prisoners)

The country that suffered the greatest military loss in WWII was the USSR (13,600,000 fatalities)

The country that has the 3rd highest amount of submarines, combat aircrafts, navy and defence budget is Russia.

The country with the second largest amount of neighbours is Russia (14).

In other news, after listening to Black about 40 times, Ive moved on from PJ to CC