So during the random "Halloween hit on the OG while in Orange County Fest", I forgot to mention one gentleman who tried to pick me up at a sushi restaurant that my friend frequents. My co-worker/friend (Rachel) took me to her favorite hole in the wall sushi place, on Oct 30th... and while we were there a random guy (aka the Turkish guy - he was from Turkey not that original of a nickname I'm afraid) at the sushi bar a few seats away from me who kept on talking to us and asking about where i lived, etc.
Rachel is married and heads to her "hole in the wall" sushi place as often as I go to Itchi Raku with Cat and the gang. And Rachel told me a couple of weeks ago that she and her hubby went in and he (Turkish guy) was asking about me, if I was coming down to the OC again, etc. She said, no I didn't have plans, etc.
I just got a text from her saying that the Turkish guy was once again (2 months later) asking after me.
I have to know - what happens when I go out of town that men hit on me... and then ask about me months later?
I know I'm wonderful and fabulous - but is the fog getting in the way in SF? Or is it just the men in Orange County? I don't know, but I'm beginning to think perhaps I should move to Orange County... Should I pretend that I don't live in SF - but that I live somewhere else?
Who knows. But I have to say, though I don't know that this guy isn't a raving lunatic socio-path I'm still complimented by the fact that I left SUCH an impression.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
a production in the pool
today my mum and i did what she calls the "route march" through the neighborhood. It's a great, flat walk. Unfortunately it is 80 degrees and humid and I'm not used to humid weather over 60 degrees and foggy. I know I shouldn't be complaining as I have friends freezing their backsides across the country and across the pond (aka Atlantic Ocean). I am trying to commit to memory what the warmth feels like as in just over a week I must abandon the comforts of the tree house (sigh) and come back to my real life.
Anyway, Mum and I rewarded ourselves for doing our walk with a wander to the club for lunch, a cocktail and a bit of sun by the seaside. We found a table poolside. As my Mum and I enjoyed our lunch and some sun I listened to a gaggle of pre-teen girls play in the pool.
I remember playing the 'let's create a movie' game. One of us (not me) was usually in charge and would attempt to share her vision for the play or movie we were making in the pool. Usually a damsel in distress or some fantastic splashy number. But it was always the same we were acting out another girl's ("the director") vision. So in this play/movie the director tells the others there needs to be a dolphin and shark and they vie for parts practicing their dance-like splashing. The routine is semi-set and the director realizes that someone needs to be the narrator. Well the shark and dolphin pipe up that they have their parts and someone else says i don't want to be the narrator, I'm the producer.
Now, as an adult who has seen her fair share of movies and did theatre in college, I'm still not exactly sure what a producer is or what they do other than be part of the folks who collect the Oscar statue when a movie wins. I'm amazed that there was one of the girls who knew she didn't want to be in the production she wanted to produce it. So the production at the pool (which I missed as I needed to head to some shade before I burst into flame) had a director, a producer, a shark, and a dolphin and was missing a narrator...
I keep reading that kids are growing up fast and are light years ahead of where some of us were at their age... but I'm mostly amazed and curious where this young girl heard someone talking enough about producing a production that she knew she was better off being the producer of the pool play than the narrator... amazing what kids hear these days.
Guess I don't need to worry about my language down at the pool anymore.
Anyway, Mum and I rewarded ourselves for doing our walk with a wander to the club for lunch, a cocktail and a bit of sun by the seaside. We found a table poolside. As my Mum and I enjoyed our lunch and some sun I listened to a gaggle of pre-teen girls play in the pool.
I remember playing the 'let's create a movie' game. One of us (not me) was usually in charge and would attempt to share her vision for the play or movie we were making in the pool. Usually a damsel in distress or some fantastic splashy number. But it was always the same we were acting out another girl's ("the director") vision. So in this play/movie the director tells the others there needs to be a dolphin and shark and they vie for parts practicing their dance-like splashing. The routine is semi-set and the director realizes that someone needs to be the narrator. Well the shark and dolphin pipe up that they have their parts and someone else says i don't want to be the narrator, I'm the producer.
Now, as an adult who has seen her fair share of movies and did theatre in college, I'm still not exactly sure what a producer is or what they do other than be part of the folks who collect the Oscar statue when a movie wins. I'm amazed that there was one of the girls who knew she didn't want to be in the production she wanted to produce it. So the production at the pool (which I missed as I needed to head to some shade before I burst into flame) had a director, a producer, a shark, and a dolphin and was missing a narrator...
I keep reading that kids are growing up fast and are light years ahead of where some of us were at their age... but I'm mostly amazed and curious where this young girl heard someone talking enough about producing a production that she knew she was better off being the producer of the pool play than the narrator... amazing what kids hear these days.
Guess I don't need to worry about my language down at the pool anymore.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
So I've done my ritual walk along the beach on Christmas Day. It was lovely and peaceful. I did take my camera and took a few shots while I was walking along. I also collected a few shells which, knowing me, I'll forget here at the treehouse.
The beach was fairly pristine. I only saw a few bits of rubbish which was nice.
And this year red tide hasn't shown up so no large numbers of deceased fish. Last year was pretty awful - it was as if I had a cold with burning nose, throat & eyes (not fun for xmas). (insert Al Gore speach on red tide from "Inconvenient Truth" here) There were some seed pods washed up on the beach and of course, the shells. I even saw a jelly fish (see right, for artsy photo).
I did see some others walking along the beach, but for the most part it was fairly quiet and it was as if I had the beach and ocean to myself. I suppose most were preparing dinner or playing with new christmas toys. Here's the view I enjoyed while walking along.
I hope everyone has enjoyed this holiday even if you don't celebrate. As we approach a new year, I hope everyone find the opportunity to rest, relax and are able to reconnect or spend time with those who are important to you...
The beach was fairly pristine. I only saw a few bits of rubbish which was nice.
And this year red tide hasn't shown up so no large numbers of deceased fish. Last year was pretty awful - it was as if I had a cold with burning nose, throat & eyes (not fun for xmas). (insert Al Gore speach on red tide from "Inconvenient Truth" here) There were some seed pods washed up on the beach and of course, the shells. I even saw a jelly fish (see right, for artsy photo). I did see some others walking along the beach, but for the most part it was fairly quiet and it was as if I had the beach and ocean to myself. I suppose most were preparing dinner or playing with new christmas toys. Here's the view I enjoyed while walking along.
I hope everyone has enjoyed this holiday even if you don't celebrate. As we approach a new year, I hope everyone find the opportunity to rest, relax and are able to reconnect or spend time with those who are important to you...
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
one more post!
i know i've been the mad (as in crazy) blogger today... but i've been wanting to post this one for a while and haven't.
i recently (in October) went to Seattle and flew Virgin America for the first time... it's like a nightclub with wings. i dig it.
if you've never flown Virgin America or you fly often enough to ignore the safety warning or you would like to be amuzed...
check out the Virgin America safety demonstration.
Virgin America Safety Demo video
i think it's pretty entertaining. And I'll certainly fly it again!
i recently (in October) went to Seattle and flew Virgin America for the first time... it's like a nightclub with wings. i dig it.
if you've never flown Virgin America or you fly often enough to ignore the safety warning or you would like to be amuzed...
check out the Virgin America safety demonstration.
Virgin America Safety Demo video
i think it's pretty entertaining. And I'll certainly fly it again!
NORAD & Santa
Hi everyone... it is Christmas for my friends in China!
Here's the link to track the man in the red suit! BTW, Santa is prepared for low visibility due to rain (in SF) and snow (in Seattle), he has Rudolph working this year. (watch the video of Santa at the Great Wall).
Tracking Santa
And here's an article about how Santa & NORAD started their unusual partnership...
Santa + NORAD = holiday fun for kids
p.s. i FINALLY figured out how to insert links. i rule!
Here's the link to track the man in the red suit! BTW, Santa is prepared for low visibility due to rain (in SF) and snow (in Seattle), he has Rudolph working this year. (watch the video of Santa at the Great Wall).
Tracking Santa
And here's an article about how Santa & NORAD started their unusual partnership...
Santa + NORAD = holiday fun for kids
p.s. i FINALLY figured out how to insert links. i rule!
boiled peanuts and what kind of jerky??
as i referenced below my mom and i drove up to Orlando to pick up my sister and her hubby... the drive to Orlando from the tree house is about an hour and a half and through bits of FL that there are gators on the side of the road. oh yes, it's rural. quite a pleasant/beautiful drive when there's no traffic. (traffic ruins any road, in my humble opinion)
last year when we did this drive we stopped at a road side stand for boiled peanuts, a favorite southern snack. and a family favorite.
so this year we hoped we see another roadside stand with boiled peanuts as we 1. knew we'd sit in traffic on the way back to the tree house and 2. we needed a snack. And this year we weren't disappointed. We started to see the signs for boiled peanuts and then we saw this sign....
gator jerky!
now, I'm not sure what gator tastes like... but i'm guessing rather tough chicken. and then turning tough chicken into jerky?
interesting concept... gator jerky... a pleasant reminder that any meat can become jerk-ified.
any takers?
ps sorry for the small photo - had to use my camera phone while driving at 65mph...
last year when we did this drive we stopped at a road side stand for boiled peanuts, a favorite southern snack. and a family favorite.
so this year we hoped we see another roadside stand with boiled peanuts as we 1. knew we'd sit in traffic on the way back to the tree house and 2. we needed a snack. And this year we weren't disappointed. We started to see the signs for boiled peanuts and then we saw this sign....
gator jerky!
now, I'm not sure what gator tastes like... but i'm guessing rather tough chicken. and then turning tough chicken into jerky?
interesting concept... gator jerky... a pleasant reminder that any meat can become jerk-ified.
any takers?
ps sorry for the small photo - had to use my camera phone while driving at 65mph...
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
4 out of 5, the 5th will be here tomorrow
today my sis and bro-in-law arrived from Richmond, VA. This was attempt to leave Richmond, part 2. Yesterday they attempted to leave but Air Tran held them back. They arrived at the airport (in 20 something degree weather with the promise of 70 in FL) only to find out that though they bought their tickets 2 months ago - they weren't confirmed and may not get to FL that day. So they grudgingly gave up the seats they didn't have to arrive today instead. In return for giving up their 'not' seats, they each recieved 2 travel vouchers to be used for future travel and an upgrade to business/first class for their trip down today.
so we are all at the treehouse now - and tomorrow the last of our happy band of christmas rebels arrives. :)
I can't believe tomorrow is christmas eve. christmas eve. it all of a sudden went from halloween, to thanksgiving, a few days in between and then *POW* christmas. i'm not one to complain though.
i'm ready for a new year. a new start. there's something about a new year that's just the impression of starting again. almost like a semi-reset button.
tomorrow we'll be a full-house of 5 fun and fabulous folks - looking to enjoy some family time.
i hope the wi-fi reaches my room. ;)
so we are all at the treehouse now - and tomorrow the last of our happy band of christmas rebels arrives. :)
I can't believe tomorrow is christmas eve. christmas eve. it all of a sudden went from halloween, to thanksgiving, a few days in between and then *POW* christmas. i'm not one to complain though.
i'm ready for a new year. a new start. there's something about a new year that's just the impression of starting again. almost like a semi-reset button.
tomorrow we'll be a full-house of 5 fun and fabulous folks - looking to enjoy some family time.
i hope the wi-fi reaches my room. ;)
Sunday, December 21, 2008
on the verge of another christmas
christmas is officially here. I think I'm actually ready to get into it all. I must confess I haven't really been in the christmas spirit this year (unless you count egg nog and alcohol). And being 75+ degrees hasn't helped. I've really wanted to relax and enjoy resting, reading, and relaxing.
But today after the last of the presents being purchased, after the lights are on the christmas tree and my mom has put up the around the tree house quite a few holiday decoration accents, I might actually be ready.
Just maybe.
But today after the last of the presents being purchased, after the lights are on the christmas tree and my mom has put up the around the tree house quite a few holiday decoration accents, I might actually be ready.
Just maybe.
Friday, December 19, 2008
And once again...
so once again i get hit on while I'm on the road/not at home. let me back up. while at the treehouse, alone, i go to the same spot for dinner. and tonight was my third night enjoying dinner for one at the bar. The ladies in the restaurant are very nice and Sandy, the bartender, ensures my beverage is refilled, regardless of what it is. (she makes a wicked Irish coffee which has helped me sleep with this evil cough)
So this evening, I was sitting reading and enjoying my desert with a kaluha coffee and a, shall we call them rambunctious, group of folks were leaving. One gentleman looks to Sandy and says to his friend, 'i've not met her.' the friend replies, 'well, she's been tending bar'. the original gentleman says, 'can i meet her'? and the friend says he can and he comes over to meet Sandy. Sandy says 'hello' and he introduces himself as Cookie (i'm guessing at spelling here). He then sees me sitting there, turns to me, takes my hand, and once again introduces himself. And I am pretty sure I then get the once over from Cookie. I should probably mention at this point that Cookie is approximately in his mid-60s. Cookie, then says my name again. Sandy mentions I'm visiting from California. He asks where and we launch into a brief chat about SF. His bro-in-law lives there, fab food, great bars, yadda yadda. He then takes my hand and says, I hope to see you again, down on the beach.
Now I thought nothing more of this exchange. I'm a young fabulous woman and probably among the youngest single women at the beach. And I suppose I have trophy woman written all over me... and I shrugged the experience off. But Sandy found this interaction interesting/entertaining/worthy of telling others. So when each of the waitresses came over - she had to tell the tale of me and Cookie. (I can't stop giggling at that name)
So once again - I leave home and men find me intiguing. I suppose they find me intriguing at home too - but I think the gent's name, "Cookie", and his ignoring of Sandy after his 'determination' to meet her is particularly amuzing.
So here's to you Cookie!
Cheers!
So this evening, I was sitting reading and enjoying my desert with a kaluha coffee and a, shall we call them rambunctious, group of folks were leaving. One gentleman looks to Sandy and says to his friend, 'i've not met her.' the friend replies, 'well, she's been tending bar'. the original gentleman says, 'can i meet her'? and the friend says he can and he comes over to meet Sandy. Sandy says 'hello' and he introduces himself as Cookie (i'm guessing at spelling here). He then sees me sitting there, turns to me, takes my hand, and once again introduces himself. And I am pretty sure I then get the once over from Cookie. I should probably mention at this point that Cookie is approximately in his mid-60s. Cookie, then says my name again. Sandy mentions I'm visiting from California. He asks where and we launch into a brief chat about SF. His bro-in-law lives there, fab food, great bars, yadda yadda. He then takes my hand and says, I hope to see you again, down on the beach.
Now I thought nothing more of this exchange. I'm a young fabulous woman and probably among the youngest single women at the beach. And I suppose I have trophy woman written all over me... and I shrugged the experience off. But Sandy found this interaction interesting/entertaining/worthy of telling others. So when each of the waitresses came over - she had to tell the tale of me and Cookie. (I can't stop giggling at that name)
So once again - I leave home and men find me intiguing. I suppose they find me intriguing at home too - but I think the gent's name, "Cookie", and his ignoring of Sandy after his 'determination' to meet her is particularly amuzing.
So here's to you Cookie!
Cheers!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
arrival at the treehouse..
*WARNING*
I am currently experiencing nice weather in FL - I say this not to brag - but to prepare the reader for sunny pictures and descriptions of a warm tropical climate.
*END WARNING*
(consider yourself warned)
I descended upon the treehouse around lunch time yesterday. In fact, I arrived with just enough time to run and grab a spot of lunch before logging in to work. This trip isn't all about margaritas and good times! This trip is about work too (no, margaritas & work don't mix).
Today was my first full-day here and I once again worked and got out for some lunch. Here's the view from my lunch spot (not the treehouse).
I am grateful that the weather here has been so good as I could be at home in SF - swamped with rain and frozen with chilly temps. Or working out of LA where it is snowing in places. or in Vegas.
But tonight, I was reminded why I enjoy the get away. I do miss spending time with friends while I'm here - but tonight, I looked up into the sky and saw the sky covered in stars. So peaceful. As I walked home - I could hear the splash of the waves, taste the salt in the air on my lips and see the sky above me reminding me about what is truly important in life.
I love the work I do - but doing it 24-7 isn't realistic. I wrote my dissertation about work life balance and the one thing that folks ask me when I say that is "how do I get balance". And my answer is usually the same. Three easy installments of $19.95 + S&H. And after they laugh (and they usually do)... I remind them, that balance isn't that simple. It's about creating priorities, what's truly important to you. And to me, if I have to work a little bit while I'm here to get to spend 3 weeks locked up at the beach, so be it. I'll log off next week - and part of the week after. But in the mean time, I'm going to enjoy the time off in between my conference calls.
And on that note, I leave you with this view...
I am currently experiencing nice weather in FL - I say this not to brag - but to prepare the reader for sunny pictures and descriptions of a warm tropical climate.
*END WARNING*
(consider yourself warned)
I descended upon the treehouse around lunch time yesterday. In fact, I arrived with just enough time to run and grab a spot of lunch before logging in to work. This trip isn't all about margaritas and good times! This trip is about work too (no, margaritas & work don't mix).
Today was my first full-day here and I once again worked and got out for some lunch. Here's the view from my lunch spot (not the treehouse).
I am grateful that the weather here has been so good as I could be at home in SF - swamped with rain and frozen with chilly temps. Or working out of LA where it is snowing in places. or in Vegas.
But tonight, I was reminded why I enjoy the get away. I do miss spending time with friends while I'm here - but tonight, I looked up into the sky and saw the sky covered in stars. So peaceful. As I walked home - I could hear the splash of the waves, taste the salt in the air on my lips and see the sky above me reminding me about what is truly important in life.
I love the work I do - but doing it 24-7 isn't realistic. I wrote my dissertation about work life balance and the one thing that folks ask me when I say that is "how do I get balance". And my answer is usually the same. Three easy installments of $19.95 + S&H. And after they laugh (and they usually do)... I remind them, that balance isn't that simple. It's about creating priorities, what's truly important to you. And to me, if I have to work a little bit while I'm here to get to spend 3 weeks locked up at the beach, so be it. I'll log off next week - and part of the week after. But in the mean time, I'm going to enjoy the time off in between my conference calls.
And on that note, I leave you with this view...
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
the delay, the airport, the wheel of fortune
my journey to the treehouse annex has been momentarily delayed by construction on the Las Vegas airport runway. Or so their website says. i have quite fortunately found a Verizon recharge zone where I can charge my blackberry, iPod, and laptop. and surf the web. i have not logged into the work system - so sshh... don't tell anyone that i have access.
i have another 2 hours (on top of the 45 minutes I've already been here) to gamble away my daily wage at the wheel of fortune slot machine! WHEEL OF FORTUNE!! or is usually my experience, wheel of misfortune. probably safer to just stay here and surf the web.
but anyway I spend it... a 2 hour lay over for a ticket i paid $5 for... is just fine by me. fortunately the vegas airport has many exciting ways to spend your money and your time!
*come on wheel of fortune momma needs a new pair of fabulous boots!*
i have another 2 hours (on top of the 45 minutes I've already been here) to gamble away my daily wage at the wheel of fortune slot machine! WHEEL OF FORTUNE!! or is usually my experience, wheel of misfortune. probably safer to just stay here and surf the web.
but anyway I spend it... a 2 hour lay over for a ticket i paid $5 for... is just fine by me. fortunately the vegas airport has many exciting ways to spend your money and your time!
*come on wheel of fortune momma needs a new pair of fabulous boots!*
Monday, December 15, 2008
the tree house...
tomorrow morning I'm heading to the super squirrel secret OG annex. or rather the OG's mom's tree house annex. i am looking forward to enjoying 3 weeks of family time. of relaxation. 3 weeks of a different pace. hopefully, 3 weeks of 70 degree warm weather. of christmas in shorts (if i packed any).
i did this same journey last year and though 3 weeks is (and feels) long - it is important to mix it up and give yourself a much needed break.
work has been insanely busy. work is going to continue to be insanely busy. i need to recharge. and i can say this as this is the topic that i wrote about to become Dr. OG. Work-Life balance. and this is the life balance portion.
a much needed experience.
i hope everyone takes the time this holiday season to rest, rejuvenate and get some quality family and friend time.
on that warm and fuzzy feeling. happy holidays!!
i did this same journey last year and though 3 weeks is (and feels) long - it is important to mix it up and give yourself a much needed break.
work has been insanely busy. work is going to continue to be insanely busy. i need to recharge. and i can say this as this is the topic that i wrote about to become Dr. OG. Work-Life balance. and this is the life balance portion.
a much needed experience.
i hope everyone takes the time this holiday season to rest, rejuvenate and get some quality family and friend time.
on that warm and fuzzy feeling. happy holidays!!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
i've gotta be me!
in the theme of lists and not really having anything to blog about lately... i've 'leveraged' this list of questions from kittieflyn...
My earliest memory is... i don't know. i can't tell if my memories are truly my memories or the stories i created in my head from hearing all the stories about how cute i was as a kid. (some things never change i suppose, still cute)
At school I... was a bit nerdy. And one of the smart kids. (again, some things never change, still nerdy)
My first relationship was... uh. what was his name again.
I don't like talking about... anything that will create conflict. so money and religion are the tops of the list.
I wish I had... an understanding of what's going on.
I wish I hadn't... procrastinated.
My most humiliating moment was... when i was in soviet russia and i slipped and fell in a fountain in Gorky Park. I had to walk around the rest of the hot humid day, in wet shorts. humiliating and uncomfortable.
My happiest moments were... so many. but completing my doctoral dissertation, knowing i could finish formal education for life and be a student of life.
My last meal would be... depending on my mood - but possibly mac & cheese with tiramisu for dessert.
I'm very bad at... letting go.
When I was a child I wanted to be... ruler of the world, i think. (once again, somethings never change)
The book that changed my life is... i don't know that there has been only one. Really good, enjoyable books leave a print on me. but if i had to say a book - i'd cheat slightly as say the 'hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy' series.
It's not fashionable, but I love... comfortable clothes. jeans, and my fluffy beige shoes.
The song I'd like played at my funeral is... something perky. Perhaps, "I'm walking on sunshine" by karina and the waves. the first 45' i bought. or Frank Sinatra's "my way"
Friends say I am... pretty fabulous.
My greatest fear is... growing old and being totally alone.
If only I could... say what i'm really feeling without fear.
The hardest thing I've ever done was... facing the idea that he wasn't the one. or the guy i thought he was. and questioning what that meant about our time together.
The last big belly laugh I had was... probably thursday night. or last saturday.
I'm always being asked... 'do you do comedy?'
Cat or dog... cat. max (my cat) is watching me.
If I wasn't me I'd like to be... just the same as i am now.
At the moment I'm reading... technically 3 books, so nothing at all.
My favourite work of art is... the painting in my bedroom that i bought on a visit to Scotland, over a decade ago.
My worst job was... in the grand scheme none of my jobs have been horrific. but the worst might be the winter i did food service at Busch Gardens. The stand was next to the elephants. i was covered in cotton candy and it wasn't that great smelling.
I often wonder... if life is more than just work and home again. which is usually when i get out of the house to enjoy the company of friends.
My earliest memory is... i don't know. i can't tell if my memories are truly my memories or the stories i created in my head from hearing all the stories about how cute i was as a kid. (some things never change i suppose, still cute)
At school I... was a bit nerdy. And one of the smart kids. (again, some things never change, still nerdy)
My first relationship was... uh. what was his name again.
I don't like talking about... anything that will create conflict. so money and religion are the tops of the list.
I wish I had... an understanding of what's going on.
I wish I hadn't... procrastinated.
My most humiliating moment was... when i was in soviet russia and i slipped and fell in a fountain in Gorky Park. I had to walk around the rest of the hot humid day, in wet shorts. humiliating and uncomfortable.
My happiest moments were... so many. but completing my doctoral dissertation, knowing i could finish formal education for life and be a student of life.
My last meal would be... depending on my mood - but possibly mac & cheese with tiramisu for dessert.
I'm very bad at... letting go.
When I was a child I wanted to be... ruler of the world, i think. (once again, somethings never change)
The book that changed my life is... i don't know that there has been only one. Really good, enjoyable books leave a print on me. but if i had to say a book - i'd cheat slightly as say the 'hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy' series.
It's not fashionable, but I love... comfortable clothes. jeans, and my fluffy beige shoes.
The song I'd like played at my funeral is... something perky. Perhaps, "I'm walking on sunshine" by karina and the waves. the first 45' i bought. or Frank Sinatra's "my way"
Friends say I am... pretty fabulous.
My greatest fear is... growing old and being totally alone.
If only I could... say what i'm really feeling without fear.
The hardest thing I've ever done was... facing the idea that he wasn't the one. or the guy i thought he was. and questioning what that meant about our time together.
The last big belly laugh I had was... probably thursday night. or last saturday.
I'm always being asked... 'do you do comedy?'
Cat or dog... cat. max (my cat) is watching me.
If I wasn't me I'd like to be... just the same as i am now.
At the moment I'm reading... technically 3 books, so nothing at all.
My favourite work of art is... the painting in my bedroom that i bought on a visit to Scotland, over a decade ago.
My worst job was... in the grand scheme none of my jobs have been horrific. but the worst might be the winter i did food service at Busch Gardens. The stand was next to the elephants. i was covered in cotton candy and it wasn't that great smelling.
I often wonder... if life is more than just work and home again. which is usually when i get out of the house to enjoy the company of friends.
Friday, December 5, 2008
my iPod *hearts* LL Cool J
I listen to my iPod at work. I am convinced it helps me be more productive at work as I'm able to concentrate on the project in front of me. I usually listen to a few select playlists that I've created most of which are a single singer/album, so not exactly my most creative playlists. But occasionally I pop on my "new gym mix" and listen to the music I listen to while at the gym but it kills the excitment of the playlist while I'm on the treadmill.
So the other day, I decided that I'd try the 'shuffle' function on my iPod and see what I get. And it's a good mix. I have approximately 2550 songs on my iPod. I have a wide range of musical tastes... as you can see from the right hand side of this blog page. And the one artist that has come up more than any other by ratio of the number of songs on my iPod... LL Cool J. I'm not sure why. I have almost double the Frank Sinatra and Rolling Stones than LLCJ and only 1 Rolling Stones song has come up and perhaps 1 Frank song and it was from the Ocean's 13 soundtrack.
What is it about LL that my iPod loves so much? I don't know. But all I know is Momma said knock you out... oops... sorry - let's find some Norah Jones.
a little more calming...
So the other day, I decided that I'd try the 'shuffle' function on my iPod and see what I get. And it's a good mix. I have approximately 2550 songs on my iPod. I have a wide range of musical tastes... as you can see from the right hand side of this blog page. And the one artist that has come up more than any other by ratio of the number of songs on my iPod... LL Cool J. I'm not sure why. I have almost double the Frank Sinatra and Rolling Stones than LLCJ and only 1 Rolling Stones song has come up and perhaps 1 Frank song and it was from the Ocean's 13 soundtrack.
What is it about LL that my iPod loves so much? I don't know. But all I know is Momma said knock you out... oops... sorry - let's find some Norah Jones.
a little more calming...
Monday, November 24, 2008
The first of the christmas questions...
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper
2. Real tree or Artificial? i think we're getting artificial this year. my cat eats the tree... ew.
3. When do you put up the tree? just before christmas
4. When do you take the tree down? right after new year's
5. Do you like eggnog? bring it!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? the hello kitty plush
7. Hardest person to buy for? my sis - i never know what to get!
8. Easiest person to buy for? me
9. Do you have a nativity scene? uh. no.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? MAIL working on Christmas cards after Thanksgiving
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? i can't recall that information, Senator
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Santa Clause: The Movie (circa mid-1980s)... or not really a christmas movie, but Trading Places.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? i try to shop all year round
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? i can't recall that information, Senator
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? all of it!
16. Lights on the tree? usually white
17. Favorite Christmas song? i'm dreaming of a white christmas
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? flying to FL to meet the rest of the fam!
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? perhaps.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? angel i think.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? christmas morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? people.
23. Ornaments: theme or color? neither. ornaments that have been gifts from family or are ones we've had forever. so i guess the theme would be ornaments of sentimental value.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? whatever my mom makes! yum!
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? gym gear (i've been going!!!)
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? well, it is on my blog - so ... um... no one?
Happy holidays to all!
2. Real tree or Artificial? i think we're getting artificial this year. my cat eats the tree... ew.
3. When do you put up the tree? just before christmas
4. When do you take the tree down? right after new year's
5. Do you like eggnog? bring it!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? the hello kitty plush
7. Hardest person to buy for? my sis - i never know what to get!
8. Easiest person to buy for? me
9. Do you have a nativity scene? uh. no.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? MAIL working on Christmas cards after Thanksgiving
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? i can't recall that information, Senator
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Santa Clause: The Movie (circa mid-1980s)... or not really a christmas movie, but Trading Places.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? i try to shop all year round
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? i can't recall that information, Senator
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? all of it!
16. Lights on the tree? usually white
17. Favorite Christmas song? i'm dreaming of a white christmas
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? flying to FL to meet the rest of the fam!
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? perhaps.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? angel i think.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? christmas morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? people.
23. Ornaments: theme or color? neither. ornaments that have been gifts from family or are ones we've had forever. so i guess the theme would be ornaments of sentimental value.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? whatever my mom makes! yum!
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? gym gear (i've been going!!!)
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? well, it is on my blog - so ... um... no one?
Happy holidays to all!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
a moment in the movies
i moved into a new office a couple of months ago - and this office has more cabinets and drawers than the OG cave. i've never really looked in them until today. and i had this moment as i looked at the largest survival kit EVER, and thought - well, if this isn't foreshadowing I don't know what is... other than being followed by cellists who are playing that creepy music often found in movies.
so ... if you find yourself downtown in a natural disaster - my office, 2nd cabinet, 4th drawer down, you will find an emergency kit larger than my gym bag!
though on the other side - i feel comforted that my employer cares about my safety so much that i have the largest emergency kit EVER!
ADDITION: I went through the other 2 cabinets in my office and found 4 crowbars and another 2 of the largest emergency kits ever! so definitely my office in an emergency!!
so ... if you find yourself downtown in a natural disaster - my office, 2nd cabinet, 4th drawer down, you will find an emergency kit larger than my gym bag!
though on the other side - i feel comforted that my employer cares about my safety so much that i have the largest emergency kit EVER!
ADDITION: I went through the other 2 cabinets in my office and found 4 crowbars and another 2 of the largest emergency kits ever! so definitely my office in an emergency!!
Monday, November 17, 2008
i think i'm singing the blues
so... last night my friend Heather and I went to the VooDoo lounge to watch some folks i know perform at an open mic nite!
well, heather and i got there a little early and by the time the singing started we were more than a beer or so in! and i think i committed to singing at the next open mic night... in 2 weeks. i think i said i'd do either ella fitzegerald or etta james. i think.
either way... for anyone interested in a good time join the OG and friends (the friends will be singing more than 1 song, i'm only doing 1) for cocktails and tunes... at the voodoo lounge - in 2 weeks.
so stayed tuned when the OG says - and for my next number i'd like to dedicate it to...
well, heather and i got there a little early and by the time the singing started we were more than a beer or so in! and i think i committed to singing at the next open mic night... in 2 weeks. i think i said i'd do either ella fitzegerald or etta james. i think.
either way... for anyone interested in a good time join the OG and friends (the friends will be singing more than 1 song, i'm only doing 1) for cocktails and tunes... at the voodoo lounge - in 2 weeks.
so stayed tuned when the OG says - and for my next number i'd like to dedicate it to...
Saturday, November 15, 2008
what i miss most
i've been missing in action lately. i've received no less than 4 emails in the last week from friends saying "did you fall off the planet?" ok - they didn't all exactly say that - but they said something along that vein. in fact, a friend from DC decided i was taking too long to respond to her letters - that she came to visit and she's currently sleeping on an air mattress in my living room as i type.
i've been in a funk lately. unfortunately it hasn't been a James Brown or Earth Wind & Fire funk. i've just not been interested in taking any sort of initiative to plan anything. actually, i've just not been interested in doing anything that may mess up my routine of coming home from work and sleeping and reading. sushi has been the exception. because without sushi OG goes craZy.
so i find myself realizing that though i've been single for over a year - and living alone (with my crazy feline) for 9 months - it isn't that i miss having a significant other in my life for company, it is something else. don't get my wrong, i miss not having someone to put my cold feet on when i crawl into bed. or someone i can try to kill with my pathetic attempts of cooking meals... what i really miss is someone i can laugh with. someone that i can have that inside joke with. someone i can send a pict msg from my phone to when i see something totally bizarre that i just HAVE to share. or someone i can sit with in silence and just enjoy being together in each other's company reading or playing in the internet. i have some pretty awesome friends that i can share these things with (bar the cold toes) but it isn't the same. but i don't want false sharing of these things either. not just for the heck of it.
i've never been one to be in a relationship just because. but i recognize that the friends i've not seen lately are the connections to life i've been missing.
consider yourselves warned... i'm getting out of the house!!
i've been in a funk lately. unfortunately it hasn't been a James Brown or Earth Wind & Fire funk. i've just not been interested in taking any sort of initiative to plan anything. actually, i've just not been interested in doing anything that may mess up my routine of coming home from work and sleeping and reading. sushi has been the exception. because without sushi OG goes craZy.
so i find myself realizing that though i've been single for over a year - and living alone (with my crazy feline) for 9 months - it isn't that i miss having a significant other in my life for company, it is something else. don't get my wrong, i miss not having someone to put my cold feet on when i crawl into bed. or someone i can try to kill with my pathetic attempts of cooking meals... what i really miss is someone i can laugh with. someone that i can have that inside joke with. someone i can send a pict msg from my phone to when i see something totally bizarre that i just HAVE to share. or someone i can sit with in silence and just enjoy being together in each other's company reading or playing in the internet. i have some pretty awesome friends that i can share these things with (bar the cold toes) but it isn't the same. but i don't want false sharing of these things either. not just for the heck of it.
i've never been one to be in a relationship just because. but i recognize that the friends i've not seen lately are the connections to life i've been missing.
consider yourselves warned... i'm getting out of the house!!
Monday, November 10, 2008
that natural high...
so i went to the gym this evening for the first time in - well i don't recall how long! but i did it. i walked in the door around 645pm - walked out about an hour or so later. I left, walked to the bus stop and while i was on the bus it hit me - i was feeling good. i hit that adrenaline high. that body-natural chemical experience...
it is tremendous. i highly recommend it. certainly cheaper than anything artificial. with the exception of buying REALLY fabulous shoes on sale.
I didn't realize what i was missing until I found it again. and now that i have - i'm ready to go back to the gym again tomorrow!!
the monster is back!
growl!
it is tremendous. i highly recommend it. certainly cheaper than anything artificial. with the exception of buying REALLY fabulous shoes on sale.
I didn't realize what i was missing until I found it again. and now that i have - i'm ready to go back to the gym again tomorrow!!
the monster is back!
growl!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
A quote for hope
the movie "The Shawshank Redemption" is far and away my favorite movie. the 1994 classic starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman is an amazing story that i watch whenever i need something and i don't know what that something is. for those of you who haven't seen this film - rent it! rent it right now! or you can borrow my copy. i have it on DVD and VHS.
A friend sent me the following quote this week from the movie and i want to share...
Andy Dufresne: That's the beauty of music. They can't get that from you... Haven't you ever felt that way about music?
Red: I played a mean harmonica as a younger man. Lost interest in it though. Didn't make much sense in here.
Andy Dufresne: Here's where it makes the most sense. You need it so you don't forget.
Red: Forget?
Andy Dufresne: Forget that... there are places in this world that aren't made out of stone. That there's something inside... that they can't get to, that they can't touch. That's yours.
Red: What're you talking about?
Andy Dufresne: Hope.
Red: Let me tell you something my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.
Andy Dufresne: [in letter to Red after his escape from prison] Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.
Red: [narrating after his release from prison while breaking parole to leave the country] I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend, and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.
A friend sent me the following quote this week from the movie and i want to share...
Andy Dufresne: That's the beauty of music. They can't get that from you... Haven't you ever felt that way about music?
Red: I played a mean harmonica as a younger man. Lost interest in it though. Didn't make much sense in here.
Andy Dufresne: Here's where it makes the most sense. You need it so you don't forget.
Red: Forget?
Andy Dufresne: Forget that... there are places in this world that aren't made out of stone. That there's something inside... that they can't get to, that they can't touch. That's yours.
Red: What're you talking about?
Andy Dufresne: Hope.
Red: Let me tell you something my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.
Andy Dufresne: [in letter to Red after his escape from prison] Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.
Red: [narrating after his release from prison while breaking parole to leave the country] I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend, and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
on the road again!
this time i'm in the great state of Texas. the weather is quite pleasant and definitely better than last time - which was snow/sleet/ice and a 3 hour delay at the airport.
heading home friday. hopefully without a delay!
only in town long enough to hang everything in the closet and then put it all back in the bag to come home.
heading home friday. hopefully without a delay!
only in town long enough to hang everything in the closet and then put it all back in the bag to come home.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
waiting for it to be morning
I find I’m anticipating the results of the election, as if it were Christmas eve and I’m waiting for it to be Christmas morning. Never has it been so painful to wait! it is a nail biting experience. check cnn.com. no information. darn. check msnbc.com. no information. darn-darn. abcnews.com. oh look celebrity gossip. election coverage? no new news. darn-darn-darn.
I find waiting for Santa less agonizing! yes, Santa still visits me! I think he'll keep on bringing pressies until I'm married or have kids. Sorry sister, no more pressies for you! :P
I just hope I wake up tomorrow and there are really reasons to celebrate and not to commiserate.
I find waiting for Santa less agonizing! yes, Santa still visits me! I think he'll keep on bringing pressies until I'm married or have kids. Sorry sister, no more pressies for you! :P
I just hope I wake up tomorrow and there are really reasons to celebrate and not to commiserate.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
today's horoscope
Leo (7/23-8/22)
An opportunity to go on an interesting adventure arrives today -- are you ready?
The above is my horoscope for today. "opportunity to go on an interesting adventure, today"??? this should have been yesterdays.
i can't possibly imagine another interesting adventure crossing my path. 24 hours, 2 interesting adventures. 1 woman. sounds more like a movie than my life.
can't wait for the day!!!
An opportunity to go on an interesting adventure arrives today -- are you ready?
The above is my horoscope for today. "opportunity to go on an interesting adventure, today"??? this should have been yesterdays.
i can't possibly imagine another interesting adventure crossing my path. 24 hours, 2 interesting adventures. 1 woman. sounds more like a movie than my life.
can't wait for the day!!!
A bizarre Halloween - part 3
if you haven't read parts 1 and 2 - please scroll down - none of what i'm going to relay here is going to make sense otherwise...
so - the last time we left our heroine, she was returning from the flight deck... so my new friend and i get back to our seats and we talk about work, travel, where we're originally from, etc. the plane finally takes off (i'm no longer in the pilot's seat) and off we took off for SF.
my friend and i talk about travel, etc. he talks about having several hundred thousand miles from traveling and i ask why he never uses them, etc. by this point we've been chatting for at least 2 hours. fortunately the flight to SF was uneventful and we landed with only minimal bumps on the way down. nice landing, captain!
so the steward comes on and starts talking about the various gates for other flights. portland gate X, boise gate Y, honolulu gate Z, etc. well the honolulu comes up and i say, i've never been to hawaii, had he? he says, yes. you wanna go?
EXCUSE ME!?!?!
hawaii with essentially a stranger. ok, yes after 3 hours next to each other on a plane we're practically married, but what??!?1 HAWAII??!
so we walk over to the counter for giggles to see what it would cost. long story short - 25,000 miles each (which he had), $5 each, and $100 charge for it being day of.
ok - this is reasonable cost!
BUT I JUST MET HIM! yeah, we could talk up a storm - but i don't know anything about him, really. as my friend Devon said when i called her - she said, he could be an axe-murderer!! of course, Cat on the other hand wanted to know why i was calling from my car and was on my way home after an offer like that!
suffice it to say, i declined the offer.
but it has to be the most BIZARRE Halloween on record for me. in a 6 hour time frame, one man gives me jewelry (even if it was plastic) and another a trip to Hawaii...
i can't wait for next year's halloween!
so - the last time we left our heroine, she was returning from the flight deck... so my new friend and i get back to our seats and we talk about work, travel, where we're originally from, etc. the plane finally takes off (i'm no longer in the pilot's seat) and off we took off for SF.
my friend and i talk about travel, etc. he talks about having several hundred thousand miles from traveling and i ask why he never uses them, etc. by this point we've been chatting for at least 2 hours. fortunately the flight to SF was uneventful and we landed with only minimal bumps on the way down. nice landing, captain!
so the steward comes on and starts talking about the various gates for other flights. portland gate X, boise gate Y, honolulu gate Z, etc. well the honolulu comes up and i say, i've never been to hawaii, had he? he says, yes. you wanna go?
EXCUSE ME!?!?!
hawaii with essentially a stranger. ok, yes after 3 hours next to each other on a plane we're practically married, but what??!?1 HAWAII??!
so we walk over to the counter for giggles to see what it would cost. long story short - 25,000 miles each (which he had), $5 each, and $100 charge for it being day of.
ok - this is reasonable cost!
BUT I JUST MET HIM! yeah, we could talk up a storm - but i don't know anything about him, really. as my friend Devon said when i called her - she said, he could be an axe-murderer!! of course, Cat on the other hand wanted to know why i was calling from my car and was on my way home after an offer like that!
suffice it to say, i declined the offer.
but it has to be the most BIZARRE Halloween on record for me. in a 6 hour time frame, one man gives me jewelry (even if it was plastic) and another a trip to Hawaii...
i can't wait for next year's halloween!
A bizarre Halloween - part 2
ok - yes, i should have written this blog backwards so that that story is in order, but oh well!
so i make it to the airport - and low and behold, my flight to SF is delayed. don't get me on the topic of SF weather and the delays it seems to cause. so i get some lunch - grab my book, buy some water and settle in for a wait. just when we are supposed to be taking off - the podium guy who helps us board - gets on the speaker and says, the pilot wants to board, we're going to take our chances and see if we can get an earlier spot to take off... if not, we'll be sitting on the tarmac away from the terminal for up to 1.5 hours. (ugh)
well, i take my chances, board the plane and settle in. we pull away from the gate - and yup - the captain informs us that we'll be sitting on the tarmac for 90 minutes, but that once we get parked "in our parking space" they will be opening up the 'flight deck' and the co-pilot will be offering 'flying lessons'. i thought this was a joke. so did the guy next to me. so the guy next to me and i start chatting. me chat with a stranger? the heck you say. so we chat about the crap movie they are showing us ('swing vote' starring kevin costner, dennis hopper, nathan lane, kelsey grammer, stanley tucci, george lopez- yes even with a cast like this - it was crap, i didn't need audio to tell you that) ...
and we talk about the reason we're flying, me - home, he's doing a snowboard convention thing... turns out he's a photo editor for a snowboarding magazine... interesting...
so time for drinks - we're not going anywhere for 90 minutes - so a round of beers is in order. we chat. we enjoy our beer. and finally, the captain reminds us that the flight deck is open - come up for your flying lesson...
well - we did. here's the photo to prove it.
yep, that's me in the pilot seat... watch out!
so the co-pilot takes me through the infinite buttons and dials (it was just like that scene in Airplane). It was interesting that there wasn't a 'steering wheel' just a joy stick for the up, down, left and right of the plane while it is in the air and a disk next to that for when on the ground. and for those of you who wonder if there is a speed limit on the ground - it is 30 mph and other planes will tattle if they think you are going too fast. i know i've been on a few planes that the pilot has been bookin' it on the ground.
well, my new friend, joined me for the grand tour of the flight deck and the pilot thought we were together and he took out his camera and took a picture of us both. the pilot then gave me his card with the photo reference number on it - and said to email him with that number and he'd send us the picture. we set him straight that we'd just met but thanked him for taking the picture. i thought it was SO cool - that the pilot would take pictures of folks and send them copies.
so random... or really... how bizarre!
so i make it to the airport - and low and behold, my flight to SF is delayed. don't get me on the topic of SF weather and the delays it seems to cause. so i get some lunch - grab my book, buy some water and settle in for a wait. just when we are supposed to be taking off - the podium guy who helps us board - gets on the speaker and says, the pilot wants to board, we're going to take our chances and see if we can get an earlier spot to take off... if not, we'll be sitting on the tarmac away from the terminal for up to 1.5 hours. (ugh)
well, i take my chances, board the plane and settle in. we pull away from the gate - and yup - the captain informs us that we'll be sitting on the tarmac for 90 minutes, but that once we get parked "in our parking space" they will be opening up the 'flight deck' and the co-pilot will be offering 'flying lessons'. i thought this was a joke. so did the guy next to me. so the guy next to me and i start chatting. me chat with a stranger? the heck you say. so we chat about the crap movie they are showing us ('swing vote' starring kevin costner, dennis hopper, nathan lane, kelsey grammer, stanley tucci, george lopez- yes even with a cast like this - it was crap, i didn't need audio to tell you that) ...
and we talk about the reason we're flying, me - home, he's doing a snowboard convention thing... turns out he's a photo editor for a snowboarding magazine... interesting...
so time for drinks - we're not going anywhere for 90 minutes - so a round of beers is in order. we chat. we enjoy our beer. and finally, the captain reminds us that the flight deck is open - come up for your flying lesson...
well - we did. here's the photo to prove it.
yep, that's me in the pilot seat... watch out!
so the co-pilot takes me through the infinite buttons and dials (it was just like that scene in Airplane). It was interesting that there wasn't a 'steering wheel' just a joy stick for the up, down, left and right of the plane while it is in the air and a disk next to that for when on the ground. and for those of you who wonder if there is a speed limit on the ground - it is 30 mph and other planes will tattle if they think you are going too fast. i know i've been on a few planes that the pilot has been bookin' it on the ground.
well, my new friend, joined me for the grand tour of the flight deck and the pilot thought we were together and he took out his camera and took a picture of us both. the pilot then gave me his card with the photo reference number on it - and said to email him with that number and he'd send us the picture. we set him straight that we'd just met but thanked him for taking the picture. i thought it was SO cool - that the pilot would take pictures of folks and send them copies.
so random... or really... how bizarre!
A bizarre Halloween
Yesterday was a bizarre Halloween - and i didn't really go out last night or dress up in costume (unless you count a suit as a costume, which I usually do).
I started the day in Irvine/Newport - and went to go visit one of the managers that I coach as he's in a development program... well, the leader who we call the 'lobby leader' was doing his job and asked how he could help etc and i said i wanted to speak with the manager. he said he'd let him know i was here and went to let him know. the manager, let's call him Bob, and the lobby guy, Frank - for the sake of ease... anyway, frank comes back and says Bob is busy - so i sit in the chairs and wait. Frank is, i'm guessing about 23/24 - and he proceeds to be conversational as he should - doing is job - he helps other customers and then he comes back and starts to flirt with me. now, in fairness to Frank - he didn't know i worked for corporate. he thought i was a customer. he asks me to join him this halloween evening - i decline saying that i had to fly home in a few hours. later he says, "so i guess you won't be visiting me later in the store". later he's over at the halloween candy table that they have set up in the store for the kiddies... and he goes over pokes through the candies and trinkets and hands me a green plastic pumpkin ring. i must have looked AWESOME (more than usual) yesterday for a guy to know me 10 minutes and hand me jewelery. you get the gist of where this is going... and Bob is finally finished and we go and chat for 15 or 20 minutes and i have to get going as i have a plane to catch.
well Bob reintroduces me to Frank - and tells Frank who i am - from corporate, etc. and the poor chap just got very nervous all of a sudden. i think my favorite part of the exchange was i was telling bob how frank had been very nice and had done a great job of talking to me, etc. and frank says, well given you're corporate, it's a good think i wasn't hitting on you.
i almost lost it!
well i look at my watch and my plane is scheduled (note the word usage there) to take off in an hour - and i have to get going as i have to return my rental car, etc.
it was a lovely compliment to have this young guy hit on me... definitely made my afternoon... but then... i got the airport and it all became even more bizarre...
I started the day in Irvine/Newport - and went to go visit one of the managers that I coach as he's in a development program... well, the leader who we call the 'lobby leader' was doing his job and asked how he could help etc and i said i wanted to speak with the manager. he said he'd let him know i was here and went to let him know. the manager, let's call him Bob, and the lobby guy, Frank - for the sake of ease... anyway, frank comes back and says Bob is busy - so i sit in the chairs and wait. Frank is, i'm guessing about 23/24 - and he proceeds to be conversational as he should - doing is job - he helps other customers and then he comes back and starts to flirt with me. now, in fairness to Frank - he didn't know i worked for corporate. he thought i was a customer. he asks me to join him this halloween evening - i decline saying that i had to fly home in a few hours. later he says, "so i guess you won't be visiting me later in the store". later he's over at the halloween candy table that they have set up in the store for the kiddies... and he goes over pokes through the candies and trinkets and hands me a green plastic pumpkin ring. i must have looked AWESOME (more than usual) yesterday for a guy to know me 10 minutes and hand me jewelery. you get the gist of where this is going... and Bob is finally finished and we go and chat for 15 or 20 minutes and i have to get going as i have a plane to catch.
well Bob reintroduces me to Frank - and tells Frank who i am - from corporate, etc. and the poor chap just got very nervous all of a sudden. i think my favorite part of the exchange was i was telling bob how frank had been very nice and had done a great job of talking to me, etc. and frank says, well given you're corporate, it's a good think i wasn't hitting on you.
i almost lost it!
well i look at my watch and my plane is scheduled (note the word usage there) to take off in an hour - and i have to get going as i have to return my rental car, etc.
it was a lovely compliment to have this young guy hit on me... definitely made my afternoon... but then... i got the airport and it all became even more bizarre...
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
behind the orange curtain
today i flew into Irvine/Newport... John Wayne Airport. I am staying in "the OC". I've driven maybe 15 miles total today (including the 1 mile i was driving around lost) and in those less than 15 miles - the 5 miles from the office to the hotel were the most interesting. ok, the non-optimist answer is: agonizingly traffic painful. it took me over 30 minutes to go those 5 miles, on surface streets. yes, the traffic was crowded - but it was mostly the traffic lights. i think the lights in Irvine are to give the driver moments to meditate. meditate about what - that's a personal choice - but the not moving on the roads of Irvine/Newport (as i'm not exactly sure where one starts and the other stops) creates the true opportuntiy to reflect perhaps on the day.
at least i hope so - because it was otherwise a very long drive to not go very far - geographically speaking.
although the upside is that i did see some pretty fabulous cars. woo hoo! there's always an upside!
at least i hope so - because it was otherwise a very long drive to not go very far - geographically speaking.
although the upside is that i did see some pretty fabulous cars. woo hoo! there's always an upside!
Friday, October 24, 2008
chillin at the coast...
i made it. i made it to my vacation... i made it to bodega bay.
i've been asking if it was friday since last wednesday. son only once in the last 10 days (other than today) was it actually friday. a great disappointment, i assure you.
well a weekend away from home... but with a ton of work to do, which sucks!
yes i have work to do. work. actual work - work. and that work i should be doing right now. but alas, i'm blogging and watching - Die Hard 4: Live Free or Die Hard -not my favorite, but still good. Die Hard 3: With a Vengeance is my favorite.
anyway - i am looking forward to a weekend of work (not really) and relaxation - plus there's a hot tub. if anyone needs me... that's where i'll be!
i've been asking if it was friday since last wednesday. son only once in the last 10 days (other than today) was it actually friday. a great disappointment, i assure you.
well a weekend away from home... but with a ton of work to do, which sucks!
yes i have work to do. work. actual work - work. and that work i should be doing right now. but alas, i'm blogging and watching - Die Hard 4: Live Free or Die Hard -not my favorite, but still good. Die Hard 3: With a Vengeance is my favorite.
anyway - i am looking forward to a weekend of work (not really) and relaxation - plus there's a hot tub. if anyone needs me... that's where i'll be!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
food at the end of the great highway
as you may have read, i'm sick. and when i'm sick, i want comfort food.
this evening Cat and i were debating what to eat for dinner. she wanted something fried - preferably cheese fries, i wanted comforting noodle (translate to: Thai food)... now we live in San Francisco with most countries represented via restaurants - but where could we find Thai/American cuisine?? Cat didn't really want Thai as she had Cambodian for lunch - so where would we find this great compromise?
at the end of the great highway is where...
tomorrow is the Nike's women's marathon around and through golden gate park - so the parking in the city is a nightmare as it is tourist central! and it is even worse around the park as they have blocked the parking until 4pm tomorrow. no taking a chance getting towed. so we drive around the block a few times as Cat is willing to make the great sacrifice and do Thai food to meet the sick one's noodle need. :) but after 10-12 minutes of hunting it was becoming painfully clear - there would be no parking for us - so we decide to have a bit of an adventure and try the "Great Highway Cafe" - Thai and American cuisine.
and amazingly enough we found both... i ordered noodle and soup - Cat ordered grilled ham and cheese (minus the ham) with fries!
and it was pretty darn good!
probably among the better thai food i've had in a while.
who knew it existed - this perfect mix of Thai and American cuisine... in one little restaurant at the end of the great highway...
this evening Cat and i were debating what to eat for dinner. she wanted something fried - preferably cheese fries, i wanted comforting noodle (translate to: Thai food)... now we live in San Francisco with most countries represented via restaurants - but where could we find Thai/American cuisine?? Cat didn't really want Thai as she had Cambodian for lunch - so where would we find this great compromise?
at the end of the great highway is where...
tomorrow is the Nike's women's marathon around and through golden gate park - so the parking in the city is a nightmare as it is tourist central! and it is even worse around the park as they have blocked the parking until 4pm tomorrow. no taking a chance getting towed. so we drive around the block a few times as Cat is willing to make the great sacrifice and do Thai food to meet the sick one's noodle need. :) but after 10-12 minutes of hunting it was becoming painfully clear - there would be no parking for us - so we decide to have a bit of an adventure and try the "Great Highway Cafe" - Thai and American cuisine.
and amazingly enough we found both... i ordered noodle and soup - Cat ordered grilled ham and cheese (minus the ham) with fries!
and it was pretty darn good!
probably among the better thai food i've had in a while.
who knew it existed - this perfect mix of Thai and American cuisine... in one little restaurant at the end of the great highway...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
home sweet zzzzz......
well after a successful trip to seattle, i am home. the trip was successful on many levels any only sucky on one.
successful:
spent time with devon
the meeting went well (got kudos from the team and manager)
my flights up (united) and back (virgin america) were without incident (always good)
though i got stuck in a terrible traffic jam due to an accident - i had plenty of time to get to the airport, i didn't miss my flight and it gave me time to enjoy my pimpin' VW Bettle rental car
way that the trip was sucky:
i got sick (more sick than the wimpy sick i was earlier this week)
oh well. to every trip a little rain must fall (esp wen you visit seattle)
*sneeze*
successful:
spent time with devon
the meeting went well (got kudos from the team and manager)
my flights up (united) and back (virgin america) were without incident (always good)
though i got stuck in a terrible traffic jam due to an accident - i had plenty of time to get to the airport, i didn't miss my flight and it gave me time to enjoy my pimpin' VW Bettle rental car
way that the trip was sucky:
i got sick (more sick than the wimpy sick i was earlier this week)
oh well. to every trip a little rain must fall (esp wen you visit seattle)
*sneeze*
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
off to the airport
well after a flying hiatus - i am off to seattle today. it is a short trip - i'm heading back here on Thursday evening. unfortunately i land late. i hate late. but i've blocked my calendar Friday morning so that i can get a late start if needed. and it will probably be needed.
this should prove to be an interesting trip. i'm flying up there first class on United airlines. frequent travelership has it's privileges. i'm renting a car while i'm there as well. not quite a first, but as always it should prove to be interesting. (ppst - seattle drivers consider that a warning) and on the way home i'm flying Virgin America for the first time, which i've always wanted to fly - so that should be fun too!
AND i'm going to see and stay with my friend Devon while i'm up there too! it is the perfect trip. except the actually having to do work while i'm there.
but the work is always fun when i get the chance and i'm doing 2 pieces i've not had the chance to do in a while - so i really am looking forward to it!
so here's to a successful and enjoyable work trip!
this should prove to be an interesting trip. i'm flying up there first class on United airlines. frequent travelership has it's privileges. i'm renting a car while i'm there as well. not quite a first, but as always it should prove to be interesting. (ppst - seattle drivers consider that a warning) and on the way home i'm flying Virgin America for the first time, which i've always wanted to fly - so that should be fun too!
AND i'm going to see and stay with my friend Devon while i'm up there too! it is the perfect trip. except the actually having to do work while i'm there.
but the work is always fun when i get the chance and i'm doing 2 pieces i've not had the chance to do in a while - so i really am looking forward to it!
so here's to a successful and enjoyable work trip!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
the great cold pandemic
ok, that's a bit of an exaggeration. how about: the minor cold infection? still not right? how about... i'm sick and it sucks?
that probably sums it up nicely!
well... it has begun, cold and flu season. and per usual - i am among the few that gets it first. many years, i'm like the groundhog who predicts spring - i predict cold and flu season. as a kid i caught EVERY bug that was out there. as an adult i probably get 1 out of 4. i was hoping i'd missed this round of cold sickness - but alas i didn't.
oh well. it has afforded me the opportunity to stay home from work today - sleep massive amounts and drink the little soup i had in house. now i REALLY have to go grocery shopping. darn it all.
i am actually not full blown ill - but ill enough i canceled all my meetings - yes, all of them. i'm mostly taking these precautions because i like to practice safe travel. i don't like to potentially get others sick and traveling always makes me more sick - so i'm trying to lift the base line. besides i'm running the meeting all day thursday - and a coughing facilitator doesn't make an effective facilitator. or a believable one!
i look not to blame anyone for my sick state - though i do have a suspect or two... and i'm watching to see if you have any more nefarious plans to sabotage my health!
so as the OG predictor of cold/flu season - i see a mild cold and yet a heavy flu season - so take your vit c, zinc and get plenty of rest. get a little bit of exercise everyday and listen to your body. except when it says it wants more chocolate or one more glass of wine, because then it is just lying to you to get it's evil... oh, um, never mind.
stay healthy!
that probably sums it up nicely!
well... it has begun, cold and flu season. and per usual - i am among the few that gets it first. many years, i'm like the groundhog who predicts spring - i predict cold and flu season. as a kid i caught EVERY bug that was out there. as an adult i probably get 1 out of 4. i was hoping i'd missed this round of cold sickness - but alas i didn't.
oh well. it has afforded me the opportunity to stay home from work today - sleep massive amounts and drink the little soup i had in house. now i REALLY have to go grocery shopping. darn it all.
i am actually not full blown ill - but ill enough i canceled all my meetings - yes, all of them. i'm mostly taking these precautions because i like to practice safe travel. i don't like to potentially get others sick and traveling always makes me more sick - so i'm trying to lift the base line. besides i'm running the meeting all day thursday - and a coughing facilitator doesn't make an effective facilitator. or a believable one!
i look not to blame anyone for my sick state - though i do have a suspect or two... and i'm watching to see if you have any more nefarious plans to sabotage my health!
so as the OG predictor of cold/flu season - i see a mild cold and yet a heavy flu season - so take your vit c, zinc and get plenty of rest. get a little bit of exercise everyday and listen to your body. except when it says it wants more chocolate or one more glass of wine, because then it is just lying to you to get it's evil... oh, um, never mind.
stay healthy!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
horoscopes: fact or fiction
i read my horoscope. i am a leo. how much i believe this informs who i am as a person - i don't know. but i read it none the less.
work has been a bit rough. i don't have a boss right now, so my peer and i are trying to do our jobs and cover for a boss we don't have. as part of my morning ritual i read the headlines on yahoo and then peak my horoscope, log in to my gmail and get down to the details of the day.
today my horoscope read:
Change requires patience. Nothing important can happen overnight, so keep waiting.
this is almost the very thing a friend said to me this week. and the advice i was given today. so it got me thinking - were there other horoscopes today that fit my life...
so here you go...
Aquarius (1/20-2/18)
Your brilliance will always shine through, so why are you getting nervous? Relax.
this could be true of me any day of the week. brilliance? yup, that's me.
Gemini (5/21-6/21)
There is no point in sharing your deep thoughts unless you share every one of them.
i always share my thoughts even when i don't want to... i would make a crap spy. so this one could also apply.
Cancer (6/22-7/22)
Don't skip the gym but do devote yourself to intellectual pursuits. They're healthy.
are they watching me?? i'm not usually so paranoid - but really this is ridiculous... it is as if they knew i'd read them all!
*insert twilight zone music*
work has been a bit rough. i don't have a boss right now, so my peer and i are trying to do our jobs and cover for a boss we don't have. as part of my morning ritual i read the headlines on yahoo and then peak my horoscope, log in to my gmail and get down to the details of the day.
today my horoscope read:
Change requires patience. Nothing important can happen overnight, so keep waiting.
this is almost the very thing a friend said to me this week. and the advice i was given today. so it got me thinking - were there other horoscopes today that fit my life...
so here you go...
Aquarius (1/20-2/18)
Your brilliance will always shine through, so why are you getting nervous? Relax.
this could be true of me any day of the week. brilliance? yup, that's me.
Gemini (5/21-6/21)
There is no point in sharing your deep thoughts unless you share every one of them.
i always share my thoughts even when i don't want to... i would make a crap spy. so this one could also apply.
Cancer (6/22-7/22)
Don't skip the gym but do devote yourself to intellectual pursuits. They're healthy.
are they watching me?? i'm not usually so paranoid - but really this is ridiculous... it is as if they knew i'd read them all!
*insert twilight zone music*
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
OG time...
tonight i am enjoying a pleasant evening surrounded by favorite companions... me, myself and i!
oh and a glass of wine. can't forget the wine.
so yes... an evening of me time.
i learned (so did my college friends) that i need 'OG time' - time for me to decompress, be alone, read, watch tv; you know - let down the OG curls...
i realize that the older i get - the more 'me' time i need. it can be hard to balance the need for time to be alone with wanting to be social - but yesterday was among the most frustrating days at work yet... mostly because i couldn't actually get work done. my new work laptop arrived last week and technology support was supposed to take my laptop for 2-4 hours and create my new one... and viola... new exciting laptop. alas, as an optimist i can be seen as delusional at times - but alas - technology support was flat out insane. i handed over my laptop at 9am - got my old one back at 330pm - and then at 445pm - was told my new one wasn't ready.
i did have a few meetings that i could do while the tech refresh was happening - but unfortunately - not much else. i did get a nice 40 min work out in at the gym... but other than that. not much else.
a little frustrating to say the least.
so after a day like that - being told by tech support that the email outlined that the process would be long - and me having to say, yes, i accept that it isn't instant, but when you said 2-4 hours, i thought you meant, 2-4 hours! not ALL DAY!
well wednesday afternoon will be more of the same. as they have to finish what they started and i will finally get my new laptop. very excited.
at lest my day wasn't a complete wash. i was able to work out - and i knew i needed that OG time - so i'm getting that...
hopefully tomorrow i can actually get work done!
oh and a glass of wine. can't forget the wine.
so yes... an evening of me time.
i learned (so did my college friends) that i need 'OG time' - time for me to decompress, be alone, read, watch tv; you know - let down the OG curls...
i realize that the older i get - the more 'me' time i need. it can be hard to balance the need for time to be alone with wanting to be social - but yesterday was among the most frustrating days at work yet... mostly because i couldn't actually get work done. my new work laptop arrived last week and technology support was supposed to take my laptop for 2-4 hours and create my new one... and viola... new exciting laptop. alas, as an optimist i can be seen as delusional at times - but alas - technology support was flat out insane. i handed over my laptop at 9am - got my old one back at 330pm - and then at 445pm - was told my new one wasn't ready.
i did have a few meetings that i could do while the tech refresh was happening - but unfortunately - not much else. i did get a nice 40 min work out in at the gym... but other than that. not much else.
a little frustrating to say the least.
so after a day like that - being told by tech support that the email outlined that the process would be long - and me having to say, yes, i accept that it isn't instant, but when you said 2-4 hours, i thought you meant, 2-4 hours! not ALL DAY!
well wednesday afternoon will be more of the same. as they have to finish what they started and i will finally get my new laptop. very excited.
at lest my day wasn't a complete wash. i was able to work out - and i knew i needed that OG time - so i'm getting that...
hopefully tomorrow i can actually get work done!
shoe p0rn
so on saturday night i went to a poker party... and i met the most fabulous pair of shoes. and a fun friend who wore them.
so it began with Fluevog shoes in my life. oh the shoes are unconventional - and fun, and sexy.
oh wait - i'm describing myself.
but fluevog shoes are definitely interesting... they have an unusual design. they definitely fall into the shoe p0rn category!
http://www.fluevog.com/
enjoy!!
so it began with Fluevog shoes in my life. oh the shoes are unconventional - and fun, and sexy.
oh wait - i'm describing myself.
but fluevog shoes are definitely interesting... they have an unusual design. they definitely fall into the shoe p0rn category!
http://www.fluevog.com/
enjoy!!
phrase of the week
so, i actually had someone accept my offer of borrowing my obscene number of Top Gear disks/episodes... Motoproponent (see his blog - link on the right). So he's completely geeked out on Top Gear. it sounds like he's done it almost obsessively. well, it's nice to have someone else to share the hilarity of the show with... so in honor of Moto's obsessive-need to watch Top Gear - here's the phrase of the week. Please work it into a sentence.
flappy paddle gear box...
here's an example:
i wish i had the new (insert fabulously expensive and beautiful car that i will never own as it is more expensive than the OG doctorate cost, name here) with the flappy paddle gear box.
work it into a sentence this week.
flappy paddle gear box...
here's an example:
i wish i had the new (insert fabulously expensive and beautiful car that i will never own as it is more expensive than the OG doctorate cost, name here) with the flappy paddle gear box.
work it into a sentence this week.
Friday, October 3, 2008
UPDATE: the optimist spidergirl
apparently the spider wasn't radioactive... no webslinging... no spidey sense. the alert is over...
no cause for concern.
nothing to see here...
keep on moving...
perhaps i'm from another planet and i'll get my golden bracelets and lasso... maybe i'm really wonder optimist woman!
watch out bad guys!!
no cause for concern.
nothing to see here...
keep on moving...
perhaps i'm from another planet and i'll get my golden bracelets and lasso... maybe i'm really wonder optimist woman!
watch out bad guys!!
pairing off at a dance
watching the news lately has been like watching kids at a high school dance pair off... it's almost like a day-time soap opera... which bank is going to go out with whom next. ... and the funniest thing to watch is citi whining that wells stole it's partner... wachovia...
will the drama never end?
will the drama never end?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
the optimist spidergirl
i was bitten by a spider at some point in the last 24 hours. i think if the spider was radioactive that within the next 24 hours, i'll turn into a spidergirl. i can use my spiddey (sp?) senses to sense where people aren't optimistic and i can help them see the bright side.
so... just in case that happens - you know why. i blame the spider bite.
btw - for those of you who live in SF - could you please keep my new secret, secret identity secret?
thanks.
i'll be swinging by ya!
so... just in case that happens - you know why. i blame the spider bite.
btw - for those of you who live in SF - could you please keep my new secret, secret identity secret?
thanks.
i'll be swinging by ya!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
the gym and other misc thoughts
i finally made it to the gym after last week's hiatus due to business travel. i'm usually better about going to the gym - but usually my gym bag is with me and not in my broken down car in Placerville.
anyway, i've realized a few things during my last 2 visits...
1. Governor Schwoierujnagjbjhoiager looks awful on TV - flat out scary!
2. i really, really can't wait for the election to be over
3. i don't miss TV (for reference, i have a TV just no cable or local channels) - i get enough TV at the gym, thanks.
4. though i don't miss TV - i may have to schedule my visits to the gym around a TV show called "destroyed in seconds" - the commercial showed the most horrific crashes, explosions, etc... it looked TOTALLY cool - i must watch.
5. the gym on a Monday is packed... the gym is not as packed really any other day of the week at the same time! totally amazing. i was putting this theory to the test over the last few weeks. not sure why this happens, perhaps resolve. perhaps sushi plans that they don't want to miss... who knows. it isn't as if they play Top Gear on the TVs - so that can't be the reason people stay is to watch TV. which reminds me - i've totally corrupted/influenced/convinced someone else to watch Top Gear... converting the masses, one at a time. :) i may make it to a goddess of worship, yet!!
6. i have delusions of grandeur, but they are confined to my gym ponderings...
7. that for as much as the gym isn't my favorite place - i do like jumping on the scale and seeing a difference and i know i can see a difference when i get dressed for work. losing weight is cool!
anyway, i've realized a few things during my last 2 visits...
1. Governor Schwoierujnagjbjhoiager looks awful on TV - flat out scary!
2. i really, really can't wait for the election to be over
3. i don't miss TV (for reference, i have a TV just no cable or local channels) - i get enough TV at the gym, thanks.
4. though i don't miss TV - i may have to schedule my visits to the gym around a TV show called "destroyed in seconds" - the commercial showed the most horrific crashes, explosions, etc... it looked TOTALLY cool - i must watch.
5. the gym on a Monday is packed... the gym is not as packed really any other day of the week at the same time! totally amazing. i was putting this theory to the test over the last few weeks. not sure why this happens, perhaps resolve. perhaps sushi plans that they don't want to miss... who knows. it isn't as if they play Top Gear on the TVs - so that can't be the reason people stay is to watch TV. which reminds me - i've totally corrupted/influenced/convinced someone else to watch Top Gear... converting the masses, one at a time. :) i may make it to a goddess of worship, yet!!
6. i have delusions of grandeur, but they are confined to my gym ponderings...
7. that for as much as the gym isn't my favorite place - i do like jumping on the scale and seeing a difference and i know i can see a difference when i get dressed for work. losing weight is cool!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
yesterday at the spa
yesterday - Cat and I celebrated my belated birthday with a day at the Indian Springs Spa. ahh... heaven.
it was a lovely day of sun, relaxation and a fab massage.
if you can get your hands on one - i highly recommend it!
it was a lovely day of sun, relaxation and a fab massage.
if you can get your hands on one - i highly recommend it!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
true beauty
i was in tahoe for work this week and monday night the team (plus me) did a dinner cruise on the lake. as the sun went down behind the mountains and colored the sky a variety of stunning hues - i realized how fortunate i was that i was enjoying this wonderful peaceful evening. i was surrounded by mother nature at her best.
majestic mountains that in a few months (perhaps weeks) will be covered in snow - surrounding a lake that was as peaceful as the setting we were in.
by the time we reached other side of the lake - it was dark and we were in the emerald bay - by this time - it was pitch black dark night. with a few twinkling stars...
and it was on that boat deck - surrounded by true natural beauty and peace - that i realized that for as tough as life can get at times - car break downs, crap days at work, etc - that mother nature's wonder will always be there.
i am fortunate to live in one of the more beautiful places in the country - and i hope i don't take it for granted.
majestic mountains that in a few months (perhaps weeks) will be covered in snow - surrounding a lake that was as peaceful as the setting we were in.
by the time we reached other side of the lake - it was dark and we were in the emerald bay - by this time - it was pitch black dark night. with a few twinkling stars...
and it was on that boat deck - surrounded by true natural beauty and peace - that i realized that for as tough as life can get at times - car break downs, crap days at work, etc - that mother nature's wonder will always be there.
i am fortunate to live in one of the more beautiful places in the country - and i hope i don't take it for granted.
Monday, September 22, 2008
on the way to the offsite
so... i love to drive. actually, let me re-frame that. i love to drive my car on fun and exciting roads. i don't love to sit in traffic or drive in a straight line as much. so i was presented with an opportunity to drive to south lake tahoe for a work meeting.
i figured out that it was cheaper for the company if i drove my own car up. so... i became terribly excited about the prospect of driving up and potentially being able to explore Tahoe a bit as i was going to take monday after my morning meetings - go 'offline' and go for a drive.
well the best laid plans of mice and optimist girl often go wrong...
because 150 miles into my journey the OG mobile... Jayne... started to overheat and i had to pull of the road.
i am ok.
the car. perhaps, not so much. when i popped the hood - there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. i don't know much about cars... but i do know, that's bad. so i made some calls, and AAA would be on the spot for assistance in 30 minutes. :) in the mean time, i made a few calls to friends and to coworkers who were expecting me in tahoe. no tahoe for me last night. i also had quite a few drivers ask if i needed assistance, which was great. :)
i had to pull of the road in Placerville, CA.
POST PAUSED
POST CONTINUED 9/24 - Wednesday night...
i did indeed make it up to tahoe... and the lack of coolant was because the car was overheating bc the temperature gauge was broken.
so... $300 later... i have my car back and i'm back on the road.
i'm bummed as i wasn't able to get out and about in Tahoe - but i had to work so much that i wouldn't really have had the chance even if i'd had my car. grr.
but i'm incredibly happy that Jayne chose to break down where she did - before the Sierra Nevada mountains... when it was a warm sunny day at 4pm and not in the mountains, or when it was wet, cold or dark!
it is probably the most fortuitous timing in my life and usually... my timing sucks.
i figured out that it was cheaper for the company if i drove my own car up. so... i became terribly excited about the prospect of driving up and potentially being able to explore Tahoe a bit as i was going to take monday after my morning meetings - go 'offline' and go for a drive.
well the best laid plans of mice and optimist girl often go wrong...
because 150 miles into my journey the OG mobile... Jayne... started to overheat and i had to pull of the road.
i am ok.
the car. perhaps, not so much. when i popped the hood - there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. i don't know much about cars... but i do know, that's bad. so i made some calls, and AAA would be on the spot for assistance in 30 minutes. :) in the mean time, i made a few calls to friends and to coworkers who were expecting me in tahoe. no tahoe for me last night. i also had quite a few drivers ask if i needed assistance, which was great. :)
i had to pull of the road in Placerville, CA.
POST PAUSED
POST CONTINUED 9/24 - Wednesday night...
i did indeed make it up to tahoe... and the lack of coolant was because the car was overheating bc the temperature gauge was broken.
so... $300 later... i have my car back and i'm back on the road.
i'm bummed as i wasn't able to get out and about in Tahoe - but i had to work so much that i wouldn't really have had the chance even if i'd had my car. grr.
but i'm incredibly happy that Jayne chose to break down where she did - before the Sierra Nevada mountains... when it was a warm sunny day at 4pm and not in the mountains, or when it was wet, cold or dark!
it is probably the most fortuitous timing in my life and usually... my timing sucks.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
the saddest thing i've read (today)
"...And because the Muppets have been without a regular television gig for more than a decade, many children and younger teenagers don’t know them.
Ms. Breier said recent focus groups indicated that some children could not even identify Kermit and Miss Piggy, much less ancillary characters like Fozzie Bear and Gonzo the Great."
Here's the article...
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/movies/21barn.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1
(sorry it isn't a link - i can't get the links to work via blogger - probably operator error)
that quote is so sad. children not knowing who the muppets are? that the muppets have been gone so long, is so sad - that part of my childhood and teen years watching "the muppet show" reruns... the movies... such memories, just laughter, such fun... i think i learned my heckling ways from Statler and Waldorf. one could argue, i learned my culinary skills from the chef... bork, bork, bork
"it isn't being green" is a great song about how to appreciate who you are. "rainbow connection" ... the perfect OG anthem. "Movin' right along" ... perhaps not a great road song - but a fun sing-a-long about grand adventures and coming to CA.
the muppets show - what a great "clean" entertaining program. can you really find a program today that has dancing chickens? and hecklers? and pigs in space? admittedly i don't watch much tv (the OG cave doesn't have cable) - but i know there isn't entertainment like it out there. i mean, what show has stars come on and look like they are having a good times with muppets.
well - until i get the show on DVDs... i'll just keep on singing "rainbow connection" - here are the words in case you want to join me!
"The Rainbow Connection"
written by Kenny Ascher and Paul Williams
Kermit: Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers and me.
Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that, and someone believed it,
And look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.
All of us under its spell,
We know that it's probably magic...
... Have you been half asleep? And have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
... Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something that I'm s'posed to be...
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.
Laa, da daa dee da daa daa,
La laa la la laa dee daa doo...
Ms. Breier said recent focus groups indicated that some children could not even identify Kermit and Miss Piggy, much less ancillary characters like Fozzie Bear and Gonzo the Great."
Here's the article...
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/movies/21barn.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1
(sorry it isn't a link - i can't get the links to work via blogger - probably operator error)
that quote is so sad. children not knowing who the muppets are? that the muppets have been gone so long, is so sad - that part of my childhood and teen years watching "the muppet show" reruns... the movies... such memories, just laughter, such fun... i think i learned my heckling ways from Statler and Waldorf. one could argue, i learned my culinary skills from the chef... bork, bork, bork
"it isn't being green" is a great song about how to appreciate who you are. "rainbow connection" ... the perfect OG anthem. "Movin' right along" ... perhaps not a great road song - but a fun sing-a-long about grand adventures and coming to CA.
the muppets show - what a great "clean" entertaining program. can you really find a program today that has dancing chickens? and hecklers? and pigs in space? admittedly i don't watch much tv (the OG cave doesn't have cable) - but i know there isn't entertainment like it out there. i mean, what show has stars come on and look like they are having a good times with muppets.
well - until i get the show on DVDs... i'll just keep on singing "rainbow connection" - here are the words in case you want to join me!
"The Rainbow Connection"
written by Kenny Ascher and Paul Williams
Kermit: Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers and me.
Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that, and someone believed it,
And look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.
All of us under its spell,
We know that it's probably magic...
... Have you been half asleep? And have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
... Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something that I'm s'posed to be...
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.
Laa, da daa dee da daa daa,
La laa la la laa dee daa doo...
Saturday, September 20, 2008
lyrics stuck in my head (again)
i bought the "new" Alanis Morrisette CD - and i've had a song stuck in my head like a broken juke box for 2 days... so here's to hoping that the lyrics on my blog will get out of my head.
I've been most unwilling to see this turmoil of mine
The thought of sitting with this has me paralyzed
With this prolong exposure to mirror and averted eyes
I've feigned that I've been waiting: such mileage for empathizing
[ Chorus ]
And now I see the maddness in me is brought out in the presence of you
And now I know the madness lives on, when you're not in the room
And though I'd love to blame you for all, I'd miss these moments of opportune
You've simply brought this madness to light and I should thank you
Oh thank you, much thanks for this bird's eye view
Oh thank you for your most generous triggers
It's been all too easy to cross my arms and roll my eyes
The thought of dropping all arms leaves me terrified
[ Chorus ]
I'd have to give up knowing and give up beaing right
You inadvertent hero, you angel in disguise
[ Chorus ]
I've been most unwilling to see this turmoil of mine
The thought of sitting with this has me paralyzed
With this prolong exposure to mirror and averted eyes
I've feigned that I've been waiting: such mileage for empathizing
[ Chorus ]
And now I see the maddness in me is brought out in the presence of you
And now I know the madness lives on, when you're not in the room
And though I'd love to blame you for all, I'd miss these moments of opportune
You've simply brought this madness to light and I should thank you
Oh thank you, much thanks for this bird's eye view
Oh thank you for your most generous triggers
It's been all too easy to cross my arms and roll my eyes
The thought of dropping all arms leaves me terrified
[ Chorus ]
I'd have to give up knowing and give up beaing right
You inadvertent hero, you angel in disguise
[ Chorus ]
bookphile
so, i love books. Ever since my parents put my first book in my hand - i've loved them. i enjoy reading them. i enjoy talking about them. Though my high school english teach Mr. Ellis - may disagree. [side note to Mr. L Ellis - i'm Dr OG now - so HA! - i can articulate myself! :P and i do]
in fact i love books so much if i had to choose between reading a book and a ben stiller movie - books would win EVERY time. Books wouldn't win if it were up against jason statham, however.
so, you get how much i love books!
but for as much as i love them - i am quite picky about what i read. please note that i didn't say i had standards, because i don't.
even given my pickiness - i have a stack of books at home i've either started or are sitting thus far, untouched.
books i'm currently "reading":
- Bonk The curious coupling of science and sex (very interesting research)
- Mindless Eating (a good read about food)
- Guns, Germs and Steel (good look at societial development)
- It's your ship (a book i'm reading to evaluate if it would be good for use at work)
books i have and haven't started:
- Deja Dead and Dead du jour both by Kathy Reichs
- The Sexual Paradox (about men and women in the workplace)
- Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell (borrowed from a friend)
- and more fab fiction on the shelves
I've actually never had so many books on the go at once. possibly because i tried to read two books at once in high school and became horribly confused. The reason for this confusion was that the main characters had the same name - Mr Archer. Admittedly the books were very different. Book one was for school and was an Austen style book. The other was a Clancy or John LeCarre. i don't recall - either way - though both books were very different. I realized it wasn't in my best interest from a comprehension perspective - to read both [root cause, Mr Ellis for me not being able to articulate myself - possibly].
so the point of this post was that i'm ready to actually make time in my calendar because the books are piling up at the moment and i don't feel like a book lover!
i am more like a book collector that buys or borrows books to put them on my shelf to display them proudly so when you visit the OG cave you can think to yourself "my, the OG is well read and must love books" - but sadly no.
i am just a book person who has some books on her shelf.
in fact i love books so much if i had to choose between reading a book and a ben stiller movie - books would win EVERY time. Books wouldn't win if it were up against jason statham, however.
so, you get how much i love books!
but for as much as i love them - i am quite picky about what i read. please note that i didn't say i had standards, because i don't.
even given my pickiness - i have a stack of books at home i've either started or are sitting thus far, untouched.
books i'm currently "reading":
- Bonk The curious coupling of science and sex (very interesting research)
- Mindless Eating (a good read about food)
- Guns, Germs and Steel (good look at societial development)
- It's your ship (a book i'm reading to evaluate if it would be good for use at work)
books i have and haven't started:
- Deja Dead and Dead du jour both by Kathy Reichs
- The Sexual Paradox (about men and women in the workplace)
- Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell (borrowed from a friend)
- and more fab fiction on the shelves
I've actually never had so many books on the go at once. possibly because i tried to read two books at once in high school and became horribly confused. The reason for this confusion was that the main characters had the same name - Mr Archer. Admittedly the books were very different. Book one was for school and was an Austen style book. The other was a Clancy or John LeCarre. i don't recall - either way - though both books were very different. I realized it wasn't in my best interest from a comprehension perspective - to read both [root cause, Mr Ellis for me not being able to articulate myself - possibly].
so the point of this post was that i'm ready to actually make time in my calendar because the books are piling up at the moment and i don't feel like a book lover!
i am more like a book collector that buys or borrows books to put them on my shelf to display them proudly so when you visit the OG cave you can think to yourself "my, the OG is well read and must love books" - but sadly no.
i am just a book person who has some books on her shelf.
almost 2 years
i started blogging almost 2 years ago. i can't believe it. I've written over 100 blog entries, most of which are drivel but some really are pretty good.
Having a blog has been an interesting experience. there are times I think during the day - oh i have to remember and blog about that and i then start thinking about how i'd phrase the post, is it really worth sharing with those that read my blog, yadda yadda.
yes, i yadda yadda'd my blog.
i know i did it again yesterday. i recall leaving peet's coffee at 630am yesterday (i was on my way to work, not my way home after a rockin' evening) and something happened that turned into a great blog post in my head about... something. no recollection. but it was good.
part of my problem is that i don't blog at work. i suppose i could email myself my blog entries, but then, that's like blogging at work and yesterday i walked into work at 645am and left at 645pm... so i try to be efficient with my work day - as i really don't like leaving at 645pm for as much as one of my friends would argue differently (yes, i'm talking about YOU!)
well i'm going to try to keep the best of the OG blog online and not in my head...
i hope you've enjoyed my posts thus far.
and here's to many more!!
CHEERS!! and here's to you Mrs Robinson!
Having a blog has been an interesting experience. there are times I think during the day - oh i have to remember and blog about that and i then start thinking about how i'd phrase the post, is it really worth sharing with those that read my blog, yadda yadda.
yes, i yadda yadda'd my blog.
i know i did it again yesterday. i recall leaving peet's coffee at 630am yesterday (i was on my way to work, not my way home after a rockin' evening) and something happened that turned into a great blog post in my head about... something. no recollection. but it was good.
part of my problem is that i don't blog at work. i suppose i could email myself my blog entries, but then, that's like blogging at work and yesterday i walked into work at 645am and left at 645pm... so i try to be efficient with my work day - as i really don't like leaving at 645pm for as much as one of my friends would argue differently (yes, i'm talking about YOU!)
well i'm going to try to keep the best of the OG blog online and not in my head...
i hope you've enjoyed my posts thus far.
and here's to many more!!
CHEERS!! and here's to you Mrs Robinson!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
the adverts
once again, i am enjoying an evening at home... and watching, Top Gear, which i'm sure you don't find surprising.
well i am absolutely fascinated by the ads.
ok - so just in case you've not read my blog before... Top Gear is a British television show, which reviews cars byt test driving them and generally making jokes and donkeys of themselves.
admittedly i only discuss top gear with 2 other folks... and one of them is my Mum. but i watched the show tonight and noticed that the adverts weren't typical for a car show. they showed a few make-up commercials. cleaning products. marie callendar. a tire place and finally one of the infinite work out equipment products...
not all standard for a car television show.
but apparently this is why i'm not in advertising!
but still interesting...
well i am absolutely fascinated by the ads.
ok - so just in case you've not read my blog before... Top Gear is a British television show, which reviews cars byt test driving them and generally making jokes and donkeys of themselves.
admittedly i only discuss top gear with 2 other folks... and one of them is my Mum. but i watched the show tonight and noticed that the adverts weren't typical for a car show. they showed a few make-up commercials. cleaning products. marie callendar. a tire place and finally one of the infinite work out equipment products...
not all standard for a car television show.
but apparently this is why i'm not in advertising!
but still interesting...
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
5 more minutes on the treadmill - just 5 more minutes!
you know it is a bad sign when you get 'last call for the showers' at the gym bc they are closing soon. i've hit last call at a couple of bars in my time - but this is the first time, i've ever been late enough for last call at a gym...
and it is a further bad sign that all i've done is blog about going to the gym.
perhaps i'll inspire someone to go and work out. the most i hope for, though, is that i inspire someone to make me a gym mix to listen to while working out to keep me entertained!
*hint* *hint* *wink*wink* *nudge*nudge* knowwhatimean? knowwhatimean?
and it is a further bad sign that all i've done is blog about going to the gym.
perhaps i'll inspire someone to go and work out. the most i hope for, though, is that i inspire someone to make me a gym mix to listen to while working out to keep me entertained!
*hint* *hint* *wink*wink* *nudge*nudge* knowwhatimean? knowwhatimean?
A few things I learned about me at the gym tonight
- I am ready for it to be nov and the election is over and I can "enjoy" working out and watching tv I am sick of all of the political parties and the making up of new that happens - who is really watching that isn't on a peice of gym euqipment and forced to look at the tv is it the only thing to watch (read: acceptable, bc staring at people while they work out isn't acceptable)
- in the absence of real news on cnn, msnbc (no fox news - in a sf gym) or other real tv I will watch investment tv on cnbc
- that for as much as I hate working out and I dislike walking into the gym at 830pm; it is nice to walk into a quiet empty gym - generally void of ppl
- I need a really rockin' gym mix to help the time pass
- for all of my minging about going to the gym and working out - I really do enjoy it
- and finally, I've learned I must have suffered head trauma as I'm digging the gym
true signs of the apocalypse... get your bleach ready!
- in the absence of real news on cnn, msnbc (no fox news - in a sf gym) or other real tv I will watch investment tv on cnbc
- that for as much as I hate working out and I dislike walking into the gym at 830pm; it is nice to walk into a quiet empty gym - generally void of ppl
- I need a really rockin' gym mix to help the time pass
- for all of my minging about going to the gym and working out - I really do enjoy it
- and finally, I've learned I must have suffered head trauma as I'm digging the gym
true signs of the apocalypse... get your bleach ready!
to gym another day
i didn't get to the gym yesterday... i made it monday. made it today (even if i walked in at 815pm)... it was sushi tuesday - so i missed yesterday. poo.
i am just mesmerized by my reaction to the whole gym experience.
*gasp*
i am just mesmerized by my reaction to the whole gym experience.
*gasp*
Sunday, September 7, 2008
wine afternoon in napa
so i went with some friends to napa for a splash of wine tasting. yum. i did my usual wine of the month pick-up at my FAVORITE winery while i was up there and we, of course did some tastings...
as expected.
well, here i sit with my dinner... and a glass of two buck chuck. yup. day in napa tasting some of my fav wines and i come home and ignore them all for two buck chuck...
yum.
ADDITION: my fav winery is V Sattui on Hwy 29 in St Helena. wide selection of wines. Free tasting. and delicious! a must do when you go to the Napa Valley.
as expected.
well, here i sit with my dinner... and a glass of two buck chuck. yup. day in napa tasting some of my fav wines and i come home and ignore them all for two buck chuck...
yum.
ADDITION: my fav winery is V Sattui on Hwy 29 in St Helena. wide selection of wines. Free tasting. and delicious! a must do when you go to the Napa Valley.
Friday, September 5, 2008
oops, i did it again
i'm beginning to sound like the count on sesame street... one visit to the gym... ha ha ha ha... two visits to the gym... ha ha ha ha. three visits to the gym... ha ha ha. four visits to the gym!
you can guess what i did after work today...
yup - went to the gym. another 50 min of treadmill - my little hamster activity.
another week finished. another long week done. i am ready to enjoy a weekend of ... weekendness.
you can guess what i did after work today...
yup - went to the gym. another 50 min of treadmill - my little hamster activity.
another week finished. another long week done. i am ready to enjoy a weekend of ... weekendness.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
must haves for the impending apocalypse
so i went to the gym again tonight!
*gasp* *shock* *amazement*
this is a new trend for me. the gym thing. i've not worked out with such frequency since... uh.. well, there was that time a million years ago! i'm no stranger, really, to the gym. i used to work out. never obsessively - but i went to the gym, you have to believe me.
this evening's visit is a new trend as i had an hour until my friend picked me up for group sushi dinner. and guess what i did... yup. i went to the gym. i went in - changed (bc i don't work out in a suit, usually) - did 25 min on the treadmill - went back to the locker room - showered (smelly sushi is just as bad as a smelly OG - more than you wanted to know i'm sure)... and popped off to meet my friend for my pick up!
oh i could have stayed at work - yes, yes, i could. but no. i did the right thing and went to the gym. that's 25 more minutes of exercise i wouldn't have normally had...
bravo to me.
but i definitely take this as a sign of the apocalypse... and the things at the top of my list to have ready to go are...
- batteries (a given)
- bleach (i grew up in FL, and just ask anyone when prepping for a hurricane, always have bleach)
- tins of those little sausages
- boxes of mac & cheese
- my favorite black and gray cardigans
- comfortable shoes
now, i'm ready for anything... until the apocalypse you can find me at the gym...
(never thought i'd say that)
*shudder*
*gasp* *shock* *amazement*
this is a new trend for me. the gym thing. i've not worked out with such frequency since... uh.. well, there was that time a million years ago! i'm no stranger, really, to the gym. i used to work out. never obsessively - but i went to the gym, you have to believe me.
this evening's visit is a new trend as i had an hour until my friend picked me up for group sushi dinner. and guess what i did... yup. i went to the gym. i went in - changed (bc i don't work out in a suit, usually) - did 25 min on the treadmill - went back to the locker room - showered (smelly sushi is just as bad as a smelly OG - more than you wanted to know i'm sure)... and popped off to meet my friend for my pick up!
oh i could have stayed at work - yes, yes, i could. but no. i did the right thing and went to the gym. that's 25 more minutes of exercise i wouldn't have normally had...
bravo to me.
but i definitely take this as a sign of the apocalypse... and the things at the top of my list to have ready to go are...
- batteries (a given)
- bleach (i grew up in FL, and just ask anyone when prepping for a hurricane, always have bleach)
- tins of those little sausages
- boxes of mac & cheese
- my favorite black and gray cardigans
- comfortable shoes
now, i'm ready for anything... until the apocalypse you can find me at the gym...
(never thought i'd say that)
*shudder*
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
twice in 2 days
i can't believe it - i've dragged my out of shape butt to the gym two nights in a row - after work. admittedly i'm not leaving work until 6pm (last night) - 7pm (tonight)... which considering i usually walk into work by 730am - i'm going for a very long day.
but all that aside - i've gone to the gym. i've hit the elliptical trainer and the treadmill...
i've worked out!
you may want to buy emergency supplies as this might be the sign of the apocalypse... but these days... one can never tell.
here's to going 3 *gasp* days in a row!!!
but all that aside - i've gone to the gym. i've hit the elliptical trainer and the treadmill...
i've worked out!
you may want to buy emergency supplies as this might be the sign of the apocalypse... but these days... one can never tell.
here's to going 3 *gasp* days in a row!!!
totally addicted
ok - so i put a site hit counter on my blog and now i have become COMPLETELY obsessed with the number of hits to my site. i am SO obsessed i check the website about once a day (it was much more before) to see if anyone has checked out my blog.
i shake my fist at the site counter! darned if i have it and completely lost if i don't have it. i must know!
btw - i am averaging 2 hits a day (other than me) - but when they come to the page they aren't hanging out long... :(
please stay, read my blog. visit my fav links...
thank you, and i'll leave the light on.
i shake my fist at the site counter! darned if i have it and completely lost if i don't have it. i must know!
btw - i am averaging 2 hits a day (other than me) - but when they come to the page they aren't hanging out long... :(
please stay, read my blog. visit my fav links...
thank you, and i'll leave the light on.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
a motorcycle moment on a car show
so i've mentioned my fav British TV show - Top Gear... well i just watched an episode from 3 years ago and there was a bet or rather - there was a challenge involving the Nurburgring and a van.
The challenge was put out there by a woman racecar driver who'd taught one of the chaps how to drive around and beat a 10 min time, the track is 12 miles long with 16 bends. Her first lap around the track woman drives a Ford Transit van the 12 miles in 10.28... it was thrilling to watch this VAN drive around the track at amazing speeds. it was just as amazing to watch her pass several amazing cars and just as amazing to see her pass a couple of motorcycles.
The Nurburgring is an open track. It was an open track day and she flew in the van. Her second lap time, she flowed a viper and pulled everything out of the van and did it in 10.08!
sometimes one is just amazed about what one can do with a van and a bit of track!!
The challenge was put out there by a woman racecar driver who'd taught one of the chaps how to drive around and beat a 10 min time, the track is 12 miles long with 16 bends. Her first lap around the track woman drives a Ford Transit van the 12 miles in 10.28... it was thrilling to watch this VAN drive around the track at amazing speeds. it was just as amazing to watch her pass several amazing cars and just as amazing to see her pass a couple of motorcycles.
The Nurburgring is an open track. It was an open track day and she flew in the van. Her second lap time, she flowed a viper and pulled everything out of the van and did it in 10.08!
sometimes one is just amazed about what one can do with a van and a bit of track!!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
favourite insult of the day
"cheese eating surrender monkeys"
this was uttered by my fave British columnist... Jeremy Clarkson. i have watched him utter amazingly 'interesting' (shall we say) commentary. i've even read it in his column...
http://www.topgear.com/content/features/category/clarkson/1.html
he's always politically incorrect and exaggerates even beyond the measure of my favorite feline.
i hope you enjoy reading and if you are interested in watching some of the epis of Top Gear - and don't have BBC America - let me know and i'll loan you my CD case of epis. and if you have an international DVD player; i'll loan you my copies of the british DVDs which feature the best of the Top Gear adventures. and i'll even come over and watch them with you!!
Top Gear is my fave import at the moment... right up there next to jason statham. perhaps you'll judge for yourself...
this was uttered by my fave British columnist... Jeremy Clarkson. i have watched him utter amazingly 'interesting' (shall we say) commentary. i've even read it in his column...
http://www.topgear.com/content/features/category/clarkson/1.html
he's always politically incorrect and exaggerates even beyond the measure of my favorite feline.
i hope you enjoy reading and if you are interested in watching some of the epis of Top Gear - and don't have BBC America - let me know and i'll loan you my CD case of epis. and if you have an international DVD player; i'll loan you my copies of the british DVDs which feature the best of the Top Gear adventures. and i'll even come over and watch them with you!!
Top Gear is my fave import at the moment... right up there next to jason statham. perhaps you'll judge for yourself...
election coverage
so, as most folks know, i'm fairly a-political. after living in DC for 4 years and hanging out with friends who were interns for various politicians, i'm fairly neutral about politics... but with an election year, i like everyone else, gets interested in the candidates and their stance on a variety of key topics.
i've been looking for a t-chart if you will, of the candidates views on the key topics - war in iraq, environment, etc. today i found it.
on a british news site... why i had to 'cross the pond' to find it on the BBC News site - i don't know, but apparently that was easier than a US news outlet creating one.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/7436221.stm
for those of you interested - that's the link.
essentially a foreign news outlet has better more balanced news coverage of the US election than a US new outlet...
embarrassing!
i've been looking for a t-chart if you will, of the candidates views on the key topics - war in iraq, environment, etc. today i found it.
on a british news site... why i had to 'cross the pond' to find it on the BBC News site - i don't know, but apparently that was easier than a US news outlet creating one.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/7436221.stm
for those of you interested - that's the link.
essentially a foreign news outlet has better more balanced news coverage of the US election than a US new outlet...
embarrassing!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
entertaining signs (part 2)
ok - another amusing sign... this one from Africa. (which you could guess given the animals depicted)
this sign isn't as 'genius', it is a little more sad. i wonder if this sign really gives drivers pause to drive carefully and cautiously. i mean you don't want to be the reason a baby baboon goes home without a mommy and becomes and orphan. and the baby baboon is so traumatized by the experience he ends up in therapy and then he ends up hanging out with the monkeys and then he starts experimenting with drugs and before you know it the driver has unknowingly added to the baboon drug addict problem.
bad driver!
so take this as a lesson be careful when you drive!!!
remember: driving slowly - saves lives - saves gas (and baboons)
this sign isn't as 'genius', it is a little more sad. i wonder if this sign really gives drivers pause to drive carefully and cautiously. i mean you don't want to be the reason a baby baboon goes home without a mommy and becomes and orphan. and the baby baboon is so traumatized by the experience he ends up in therapy and then he ends up hanging out with the monkeys and then he starts experimenting with drugs and before you know it the driver has unknowingly added to the baboon drug addict problem.
bad driver!
so take this as a lesson be careful when you drive!!!
remember: driving slowly - saves lives - saves gas (and baboons)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
entertaining signs (part 1)
while in seattle on vacation i saw this sign. i believe this sign is a true work of genius. i know that this "genius" statement is incredibly powerful... there's a lot implied in the word 'genius'... but this sign has a double meaning. the use of the work 'impact'... is just, dare i say, clever?!?
and the artistry... i love how everything, books, bags, people are just flying... again, just very creative.
the woman seems to believe that the 'duck and cover' maneuver will protect her from being hit by the car (or at least not severely maimed) - i appreciate the 'equal opportunity' hitting people of the potential driver as there is a woman and a man depicted. also there aren't any children, so obviously the driver is more, well, i can't think of the word, but they are that... i think that sums up the psych profile of both the driver and the sign designer...
i have more signs to share, but thought i'd just highlight this one, this evening.
enjoy!!
BRILLIANT!
and the artistry... i love how everything, books, bags, people are just flying... again, just very creative.
the woman seems to believe that the 'duck and cover' maneuver will protect her from being hit by the car (or at least not severely maimed) - i appreciate the 'equal opportunity' hitting people of the potential driver as there is a woman and a man depicted. also there aren't any children, so obviously the driver is more, well, i can't think of the word, but they are that... i think that sums up the psych profile of both the driver and the sign designer...
i have more signs to share, but thought i'd just highlight this one, this evening.
enjoy!!
BRILLIANT!
Monday, August 4, 2008
great movies - 20 years from now
so a few weeks ago i went to a movie night on Dolores Park (see previous blog entry) and it since caused me to wonder - what movie of today will be watched 20 years from now and be judged a true classic still relevant and amusing.
so i've been pondering this for a while - still unable to come with any movies. i am currently watching 'the princess bride' a potential classic. perhaps that's a potential classic for my list. crud. it is 20 years old. 1988. already a classic! i just don't think 'die hard 4: live free or die hard' will be a timeless classic - oh don't get me wrong, i enjoy Bruce Willis saving the world as much as the next woman - but still a classic 20 years from now? maybe. i mean, heck the first die hard was 1988 - so i will stand to be corrected in 2027 - when the film is 20 years old...
as i look at my DVD collection - most of my movies are fairly old 'fletch', 'trading places', 'spies like us', 'ghostbusters 1 & 2'. oh wait, 'army of darkness' nope - made in 1992...
uh... thoughts?? i'm stuck. i mean heck, 'a new kind of love' 1963 is one of my more frequently watched movies...
i'd certainly appreicate any of your recommendations...
so i've been pondering this for a while - still unable to come with any movies. i am currently watching 'the princess bride' a potential classic. perhaps that's a potential classic for my list. crud. it is 20 years old. 1988. already a classic! i just don't think 'die hard 4: live free or die hard' will be a timeless classic - oh don't get me wrong, i enjoy Bruce Willis saving the world as much as the next woman - but still a classic 20 years from now? maybe. i mean, heck the first die hard was 1988 - so i will stand to be corrected in 2027 - when the film is 20 years old...
as i look at my DVD collection - most of my movies are fairly old 'fletch', 'trading places', 'spies like us', 'ghostbusters 1 & 2'. oh wait, 'army of darkness' nope - made in 1992...
uh... thoughts?? i'm stuck. i mean heck, 'a new kind of love' 1963 is one of my more frequently watched movies...
i'd certainly appreicate any of your recommendations...
Sunday, July 27, 2008
saturday continued...
so yesterday evening (post - yoga class) i met upwith Zeina and some of her friends and some of their friends, etc for movie night in Dolores Park. it was a riot. The movie was 'The Breakfast Club'. A classic. I've actually never seen it from beginning to end in its entirety until now. I have seen bits and pieces so i knew the premise of the film, the characters, etc.
We arrived about 1.5 hours before the film and it was a mad house. SF residents EVEYWHERE! I won't mention that there was already a crazy long line for the restrooms. So we sat and chatted and enjoyed wine, and light snacks. Finally it gets dark and it is movie time!
We get the preview for the next movie - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Newman and Redford, how could one fgo wrong. And then the announcer guy comes on the speaker and started to explain that the views of the sfolks in this rated R film are not the views of the group etc etc. And that there are anti-tolerance things said during the film that were accepted 25 years ago when the ovie came out that should n't have been accepted.yadda yadda. only in SF do you need a caveat like that.
so the movie was great and the entire park audience added to the enjoyment of the film. actually i'd say it enhanced it greatly.
i definitely recommend it and hope to do it again soon!
We arrived about 1.5 hours before the film and it was a mad house. SF residents EVEYWHERE! I won't mention that there was already a crazy long line for the restrooms. So we sat and chatted and enjoyed wine, and light snacks. Finally it gets dark and it is movie time!
We get the preview for the next movie - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Newman and Redford, how could one fgo wrong. And then the announcer guy comes on the speaker and started to explain that the views of the sfolks in this rated R film are not the views of the group etc etc. And that there are anti-tolerance things said during the film that were accepted 25 years ago when the ovie came out that should n't have been accepted.yadda yadda. only in SF do you need a caveat like that.
so the movie was great and the entire park audience added to the enjoyment of the film. actually i'd say it enhanced it greatly.
i definitely recommend it and hope to do it again soon!
i hurt in places, it feels so good
so i am sitting here in bed this morning reflecting on what was a 'busy' saturday... i started my morning by going to my first Weight Watchers meeting in San Francisco and my first meeting this year. I'm not sure when i last went to a meeting - but i went yesterday. And i tell all of my friends so that you can support me. I've gained 25 pounds in the last 10 years since i came to CA, August of 1998.
I have completed some great accomplishments in this time, finished my MA and Doctorate. I am gainfully employed and enjoy my job. I have some wonderful friends and i've kept in touch with the ones who aren't local ... but the fact i've gained 25 pounds in those 10 years, is not something i'm proud of, in any sort of fashion.
so the time has come for me to get my butt in gear as it were. so i started my week towards this goal by going to yoga on monday - but to say it was yoga is both true and misleading. as i mentioned it was a yoga class to focus on stretching. it felt REALLY good. But i went yesterday and 'today my body is saying - uh excuse me, now that's a yoga class. i feel sore almost all over and it feels so good. though my shoulder is spasming and it's really annoying. actually, sore isn't the right word, i think i am hyper aware of my muscles and how they work.
so this is the dawn of a new age.
an age of me and working out - being more aware of what i eat. and i am usually pretty aware. especially as i love food.
this is the first time, i'm been so honest about my struggles with weight - though if you've seen me recently it has been obvious.
thank you to my friends in advance for your support.
off we go on another grand adventure.
I have completed some great accomplishments in this time, finished my MA and Doctorate. I am gainfully employed and enjoy my job. I have some wonderful friends and i've kept in touch with the ones who aren't local ... but the fact i've gained 25 pounds in those 10 years, is not something i'm proud of, in any sort of fashion.
so the time has come for me to get my butt in gear as it were. so i started my week towards this goal by going to yoga on monday - but to say it was yoga is both true and misleading. as i mentioned it was a yoga class to focus on stretching. it felt REALLY good. But i went yesterday and 'today my body is saying - uh excuse me, now that's a yoga class. i feel sore almost all over and it feels so good. though my shoulder is spasming and it's really annoying. actually, sore isn't the right word, i think i am hyper aware of my muscles and how they work.
so this is the dawn of a new age.
an age of me and working out - being more aware of what i eat. and i am usually pretty aware. especially as i love food.
this is the first time, i'm been so honest about my struggles with weight - though if you've seen me recently it has been obvious.
thank you to my friends in advance for your support.
off we go on another grand adventure.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
I want to believe
that the new X-Files movie is going to be amazing and fantastic and i'm going to love it as much as i do it's much older movie and TV siblings.
CAN'T WAIT!
This might be the one movie i see opening weekend this summer. i have stayed away from the trailers until today... i'm very excited to see the original cast (Duchovny & Anderson) together and none of this "we can't kill the character - so let's pretend it's the same actor" stuff - your actor jedi mind tricks don't work on me new Mummy movie.
the trailer did seem like it follows in the TV show's tradition and it is probably best i don't get popcorn or i'm going to end up wearing it as i'll be jumping out of my seat. a lot.
make it a milk duds. they probably stay in the box better.
regardless of my snack choice - I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
Mulder - here I come!
CAN'T WAIT!
This might be the one movie i see opening weekend this summer. i have stayed away from the trailers until today... i'm very excited to see the original cast (Duchovny & Anderson) together and none of this "we can't kill the character - so let's pretend it's the same actor" stuff - your actor jedi mind tricks don't work on me new Mummy movie.
the trailer did seem like it follows in the TV show's tradition and it is probably best i don't get popcorn or i'm going to end up wearing it as i'll be jumping out of my seat. a lot.
make it a milk duds. they probably stay in the box better.
regardless of my snack choice - I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
Mulder - here I come!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
i got stuck
so i got stuck in a moment today. really, really stuck. my head didn't want to function properly and to make matters worse, i was on the phone with my boss. talk about needing to hand the paycheck back.
but a coworker/friend recommended a walk around the block and i am moderately back in my own head. i also listened to a song i like to listen to when i'm trapped in my own head...
U2 - Stuck in a moment
i am not afrriad of anything in this world
there's nothing that you can throw at me that i haven't already heard
i'm just trying to find
a decent melody
the song that i can sing in my own company
i never thought you were a fool
but darling look at you
you gotta stand up straight
carry your own weight
these tears are going no where
baby
you've got to get yourself together
you've got stuck in a moment and now you can't get out of it
don't say that later will be better
now you're stuck in a moment and you can't get out of it...
but a coworker/friend recommended a walk around the block and i am moderately back in my own head. i also listened to a song i like to listen to when i'm trapped in my own head...
U2 - Stuck in a moment
i am not afrriad of anything in this world
there's nothing that you can throw at me that i haven't already heard
i'm just trying to find
a decent melody
the song that i can sing in my own company
i never thought you were a fool
but darling look at you
you gotta stand up straight
carry your own weight
these tears are going no where
baby
you've got to get yourself together
you've got stuck in a moment and now you can't get out of it
don't say that later will be better
now you're stuck in a moment and you can't get out of it...
Monday, July 21, 2008
the theatre party
so Friday after work I met up with Zeina, Melissa and Catherine for a post-work drink. Very pleasant.
in order to protect the innocent and the guilty - the names have been changed...
so one of us let's just call her... M had a party in Oakland - so off we went for Oakland via BART.
as we walk in the door to the party and see the gleaming faces of the fellow guests, we determine - 1 drink or 30 minutes (whichever comes first) we will leave. of course, offering our thanks to the host.
We generally had a pleasant evening until... a gentleman who i thought was gay started talking with us. By now a friend of M had shown up and the 3 of us were happily chatting away and the formerly gay gentleman (FGG) was now talking with us. M and I were beginning to discuss leaving when the friend and the FGG offered to give us a ride - M and i are divided. oh i panic i have been offered a ride from FGG - uh... no. you are creepy - though that was what i was thinking, i have manners.
so while FGG took a moment away M and i plot that i have "left" something at her apt and i must be taken home by her friend.
probably not a moment to confess i've never been to M's apt.
so M gets up for a second - and the friend is grabbing her bag and creepy FGG comes over and says 'i think it is time to leave' and i at this moment i'm glad to have the excuse ...
he looks disheartened... but still creepy.
so we collected our handbags while FGG was in the kitchen and literally ran out the door - and then down 3 flights of stairs. probably no the best of ideas after wine and cheese...
but we heard FGG coming down the stairs behind us - at a more reasonable pace. I saw him wandering around outside the apt looking for us (or his creep mobile) while we drive off...
but other than that - it was a lovely evening...
sorry FGG... but you were just too creepy.
in order to protect the innocent and the guilty - the names have been changed...
so one of us let's just call her... M had a party in Oakland - so off we went for Oakland via BART.
as we walk in the door to the party and see the gleaming faces of the fellow guests, we determine - 1 drink or 30 minutes (whichever comes first) we will leave. of course, offering our thanks to the host.
We generally had a pleasant evening until... a gentleman who i thought was gay started talking with us. By now a friend of M had shown up and the 3 of us were happily chatting away and the formerly gay gentleman (FGG) was now talking with us. M and I were beginning to discuss leaving when the friend and the FGG offered to give us a ride - M and i are divided. oh i panic i have been offered a ride from FGG - uh... no. you are creepy - though that was what i was thinking, i have manners.
so while FGG took a moment away M and i plot that i have "left" something at her apt and i must be taken home by her friend.
probably not a moment to confess i've never been to M's apt.
so M gets up for a second - and the friend is grabbing her bag and creepy FGG comes over and says 'i think it is time to leave' and i at this moment i'm glad to have the excuse ...
he looks disheartened... but still creepy.
so we collected our handbags while FGG was in the kitchen and literally ran out the door - and then down 3 flights of stairs. probably no the best of ideas after wine and cheese...
but we heard FGG coming down the stairs behind us - at a more reasonable pace. I saw him wandering around outside the apt looking for us (or his creep mobile) while we drive off...
but other than that - it was a lovely evening...
sorry FGG... but you were just too creepy.
yoga...
so i finally made it to yoga this evening.
what a lovely experience. unfortunately for as good as a stretch as the class was - i unfortunately couldn't get my head to not think about the work i'd left behind so that i could go to yoga.
but all the same it was a lovely class. i found my new favorite yoga pose... pigeon. the one thing i love about yoga is being able to stretch my hips. the pigeon - is an amazing hip stretching pose.
so though my work was running though my head i got a good stretch. which is the whole point... now i'm motivated to go again. which i always have been but it was like a taste of what i've missed.
you are yoga on my mind...
what a lovely experience. unfortunately for as good as a stretch as the class was - i unfortunately couldn't get my head to not think about the work i'd left behind so that i could go to yoga.
but all the same it was a lovely class. i found my new favorite yoga pose... pigeon. the one thing i love about yoga is being able to stretch my hips. the pigeon - is an amazing hip stretching pose.
so though my work was running though my head i got a good stretch. which is the whole point... now i'm motivated to go again. which i always have been but it was like a taste of what i've missed.
you are yoga on my mind...
Monday, July 14, 2008
where do you abandon a country?
A church doorstep? An adoption agency?
So let me give you some context... i went on vacation last week (oh glorious vacation). .. to Seattle and then to Vancouver, BC. As you know when entering a new country one must go through customs and immigration. Canada is no exception.
Now you may or may not know that I was born in Canada but carry a European Union passport as my parents are British - hence I get passport travel privileges. So the chap at the desk asked the usual questions about duration of visit, where you going, staying, etc. Then he asked me about when the last time i was in Canada - i say a few years - and ever so foolishly comment, i was born in Canada - which is obvious FYI as it says on my passport i was born in you guessed it - Canada. The incredibly serious chap behind the desk then looks at me and asked "Have you abandoned Canada"?
Excuse me?
Did you just ask me if i had abandoned a country?
yes, yes he did.
i pondered it for moment as this could be a trick question.
Of course, i said 'no'.
And he allowed me to enter Canada - oh the fool...
so since then i've been asking myself... how does one abandon a country?
i don't know how i could abandon a country - but according to the government chap you can.
who knew?
i didn't.
did you?
So let me give you some context... i went on vacation last week (oh glorious vacation). .. to Seattle and then to Vancouver, BC. As you know when entering a new country one must go through customs and immigration. Canada is no exception.
Now you may or may not know that I was born in Canada but carry a European Union passport as my parents are British - hence I get passport travel privileges. So the chap at the desk asked the usual questions about duration of visit, where you going, staying, etc. Then he asked me about when the last time i was in Canada - i say a few years - and ever so foolishly comment, i was born in Canada - which is obvious FYI as it says on my passport i was born in you guessed it - Canada. The incredibly serious chap behind the desk then looks at me and asked "Have you abandoned Canada"?
Excuse me?
Did you just ask me if i had abandoned a country?
yes, yes he did.
i pondered it for moment as this could be a trick question.
Of course, i said 'no'.
And he allowed me to enter Canada - oh the fool...
so since then i've been asking myself... how does one abandon a country?
i don't know how i could abandon a country - but according to the government chap you can.
who knew?
i didn't.
did you?
Sunday, June 29, 2008
how many hours is a 24-hour day?
i've been working like a crazy lady and i just don't know where the hours go... i get up around 545-6am - get ready for work - jump on the bus and then walk to work... and by the time i get there around 7am, i work, work then work some more - some how i leave, walk then bus home... and suddenly it is 7 or 8 pm?! and i usually crawl into bed around 10pm so that i can be up at 5am again...
does all that really add up to 24 hours? is there a time black hole that is some how causing time to be dilated in that i don't actually have enough time?
i have a stack of books that i've ignored as i've not had enough time to actually read them and sleep. as i am a full fledged book addict - i have been known to read "just one more chapter" until 2am.
well if you find my missing hours let me know... hopefully they will be found while i'm on vacation?!?
does all that really add up to 24 hours? is there a time black hole that is some how causing time to be dilated in that i don't actually have enough time?
i have a stack of books that i've ignored as i've not had enough time to actually read them and sleep. as i am a full fledged book addict - i have been known to read "just one more chapter" until 2am.
well if you find my missing hours let me know... hopefully they will be found while i'm on vacation?!?
Monday, June 16, 2008
top 5 things on your arm
so my friend was giving me a ride home after she cooked us dinner and she said 'oh i think i have some avocado on my arm, it's all sticky'. i retort - there are worse things you could have on your arm, which then degraded into us discussing the top 5 things to have on your arm and of course, the top 5 things you wouldn't want on your arm...
top 5 things on your arm...
5. avocado
4. apple sticky goo
3. ice cream
2. lotion
1. we didnt get this far - but i could say anything chocolate...
top 5 things you don't want on your arm...
5. spiders
4. tar
3. poo
2. chocolate in poo
1. scat (yes, i know this is covered by the previous 2 but i have always wanted to work this word into conversation - and though i think some people can sound as if they are full of scat - it just doesn't sound as good when you are really pissed off)
so go ahead and toss your top 5 things as my lists are kinda weak...
top 5 things on your arm...
5. avocado
4. apple sticky goo
3. ice cream
2. lotion
1. we didnt get this far - but i could say anything chocolate...
top 5 things you don't want on your arm...
5. spiders
4. tar
3. poo
2. chocolate in poo
1. scat (yes, i know this is covered by the previous 2 but i have always wanted to work this word into conversation - and though i think some people can sound as if they are full of scat - it just doesn't sound as good when you are really pissed off)
so go ahead and toss your top 5 things as my lists are kinda weak...
Sunday, June 15, 2008
on the way to the forum
so today i went with a friend on her shopping adventures. i need to buy some outdoor furniture for the OG cave. Yes, the OG cave has a patio. well in usual fashion we did some bargain hunting... started a pier 1 - quite a few nice things, but more expensive than i wanted to pay. then we hit bed, bath and beyond and once again nice things - but this time with a great 50% discount. very nice. starting to get more reasonable in price. we then charged off to look for cost plus world market but apparently it has moved. so that was a bust. and then finally the holy of holies... target. we went to the target in the mall as my friend had to run 2 errands. and who am i to say no to the mall. really?
so we enter the mall. do purchase number 1 without me purchasing something frivolous that i don't need. and we then wander down the mall towards target. my friend needs to make purchase number 2 at a personal favorite store... and we go in... and i should just tell you now we entered, Victoria's Secret. nothing so secret going on in there - other than the fact that apparently the lack of lingerie choice in one style was due to the fact that people had stolen the entire collection... just stolen right off the counter. i don't need that much underwear. anyway, we didn't come out of the store without a few purchases. we then popped into hallmark where my friend bought a few cards and i found the funniest card... EVER!!! i didn't buy it. SHOCK! AMAZEMENT!! it was a hard one to resist... but i did somehow.
so this takes us FINALLY to Target... where on my way to the outdoor furniture - i found great pjs. my friend agreed they were a great buy and she herself found a t-shirt.
so this is where today's amuzing story comes to a head... we did find some great outdoor furniture at a great price. i didn't buy it. i have an online discount with target - so i'll buy it online and have it delivered.
so today the search was outdoor furniture - instead i was only successful in doing some pj/lingerie shopping! and anyone wonders why i can't go to the mall without a chaperon...
and great irony... i did have a chaperon and all we both came away with were lingerie!
so we enter the mall. do purchase number 1 without me purchasing something frivolous that i don't need. and we then wander down the mall towards target. my friend needs to make purchase number 2 at a personal favorite store... and we go in... and i should just tell you now we entered, Victoria's Secret. nothing so secret going on in there - other than the fact that apparently the lack of lingerie choice in one style was due to the fact that people had stolen the entire collection... just stolen right off the counter. i don't need that much underwear. anyway, we didn't come out of the store without a few purchases. we then popped into hallmark where my friend bought a few cards and i found the funniest card... EVER!!! i didn't buy it. SHOCK! AMAZEMENT!! it was a hard one to resist... but i did somehow.
so this takes us FINALLY to Target... where on my way to the outdoor furniture - i found great pjs. my friend agreed they were a great buy and she herself found a t-shirt.
so this is where today's amuzing story comes to a head... we did find some great outdoor furniture at a great price. i didn't buy it. i have an online discount with target - so i'll buy it online and have it delivered.
so today the search was outdoor furniture - instead i was only successful in doing some pj/lingerie shopping! and anyone wonders why i can't go to the mall without a chaperon...
and great irony... i did have a chaperon and all we both came away with were lingerie!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Muni pass
Last week I bought my first MUNI pass... yes, i've lived in the bay area for 10 years and in SF for about 4 years.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
happy, happy, joy, joy
i'm just dancing around today... so happy. don't know why - or not admitting why anyway... i am the happy girl of mystery!
*shaking my groove thing*
*shaking my groove thing*
Thursday, May 22, 2008
F1 mini-vans
so i was actually out on the road today - woah! and while i was driving Hwy 24 (between the WC and Lafayette) i saw many min-vans driving fast. and this is quite normal in my view but it was the way they were driving... i could have sworn that they were training for the next Formula 1 race...
why wasn't i invited?!?!
because i don't drive a mini-van?
whatever! i may not have a mini-van but i have the desire for competition and the taste of victory (which i think tastes like chicken).
i suppose i need to get in training now to be competitive. i don't think i can just have my little ford focus gain a few pounds to look like a mini-van. it is distinctly a 2-door hatchback. no multitude of children fitting in this driving machine. though she's not as small as she looks - i have put 4-adults in this car. i don't know if it was comfortable, as i was driving.
but that aside, i know that mini-vans have been mid-design rehaul for a while - but F1 car they are not. They are as much a Ferrari as my car is a porche...
viva italiana!
why wasn't i invited?!?!
because i don't drive a mini-van?
whatever! i may not have a mini-van but i have the desire for competition and the taste of victory (which i think tastes like chicken).
i suppose i need to get in training now to be competitive. i don't think i can just have my little ford focus gain a few pounds to look like a mini-van. it is distinctly a 2-door hatchback. no multitude of children fitting in this driving machine. though she's not as small as she looks - i have put 4-adults in this car. i don't know if it was comfortable, as i was driving.
but that aside, i know that mini-vans have been mid-design rehaul for a while - but F1 car they are not. They are as much a Ferrari as my car is a porche...
viva italiana!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
the return work..
well after much healing, i have finally returned to the day job. oh the joy. actually, it hasn't been too terrible. I only walked into about 200 emails and a few to-do's that i quite happily ignored as I'm sure someone else was forced to do them as i was out.
i know, i'm not very nice.
but in all fairness i was working my butt off up until i left so that i could really rest while i was out.
but i have returned to work realizing that i have great co-workers who really helped out while i was incapacitated. and this lead to a MAJOR realization, that i already know, that the company will not fall apart if i take a few days off for some vacation. nothing broke. the economy didn't fail (anymore than it was when i was working) and to be fair some people noticed that they hadn't heard from me in a while - but that they knew i was ok. :)
it's nice to be loved.
well, i've also realized while being at work, that it is over-rated. i do love my job. i enjoy doing it. i don't know what i would do if i weren't doing this bc i love it so (other than being a famous film star)! but for as much i love it, i really don't want to work any more... can i be independently wealthy already??
guess not.
perhaps next time.
i know, i'm not very nice.
but in all fairness i was working my butt off up until i left so that i could really rest while i was out.
but i have returned to work realizing that i have great co-workers who really helped out while i was incapacitated. and this lead to a MAJOR realization, that i already know, that the company will not fall apart if i take a few days off for some vacation. nothing broke. the economy didn't fail (anymore than it was when i was working) and to be fair some people noticed that they hadn't heard from me in a while - but that they knew i was ok. :)
it's nice to be loved.
well, i've also realized while being at work, that it is over-rated. i do love my job. i enjoy doing it. i don't know what i would do if i weren't doing this bc i love it so (other than being a famous film star)! but for as much i love it, i really don't want to work any more... can i be independently wealthy already??
guess not.
perhaps next time.
Friday, May 16, 2008
hot hot heat
it's a heatwave! San Francisco is in my estimation, roasting... Fortunately I live in the OG cave which means, it doesn't get overly hot if I leave the blinds closed... right now, the thermometer in the OG courtyard says 74 degrees. I was pretty convinced that it was broken as it said 51 degrees for a while. but yup, it works.
so for having grown up in warm weather i'm not one to enjoy greater than 82 degree temperatures without festive beverage in hand and shade. but one of the things i LOVE, and i do mean LOVE (and appreciate) about SF during the hot weather are the phenomenal sunsets. there is just something about the area that the sunsets are perfect almost every night on hot days and during fall.
for those of you who have never been to SF or want to come back (OG now has the OG air mattress)... the best times of the year for sunsets are RIGHT NOW and fall...
anyway, here's a picture i took last night at sunset.
let's enjoy a moment of silent reflection ... and for those of you who don't live here - please book your tickets.
so for having grown up in warm weather i'm not one to enjoy greater than 82 degree temperatures without festive beverage in hand and shade. but one of the things i LOVE, and i do mean LOVE (and appreciate) about SF during the hot weather are the phenomenal sunsets. there is just something about the area that the sunsets are perfect almost every night on hot days and during fall.
for those of you who have never been to SF or want to come back (OG now has the OG air mattress)... the best times of the year for sunsets are RIGHT NOW and fall...
anyway, here's a picture i took last night at sunset.
let's enjoy a moment of silent reflection ... and for those of you who don't live here - please book your tickets.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)