Ending 2009

Happy last day of 2009. I didn't think I'd post again until after the New Year, but I just had to post one last thing that absolutely cracks me up. I have posted this before, but I didn't spend any time making it as hilarious as it is today.

For 2010, I decided to cut off all my hair and become and engineer, just like my dad.

Random Thoughts of the Day

1. I played Rockband last night with THEUNITARD for 4.5+ hours. Yeah that's right. Not only are we behaving like 13 year olds (my texts were also over my maximum this month....13 going on 32 anyone?) my carpal tunnel in my right wrist is flaring, my ankle hurts and my voice is scratchy. Getting too old for video games? I think not. I'm just warming up.

2. I can see a shift in how people act. People are going back to traditional roots not in the traditional sense (ha) but an evolved version of tradition. Homemade gifts, time spent with each other instead of lavish shopping trips, "green" efforts, a turn to the simpler life. Granted, life isn't simple - texts, IMs, emails, voicemails, all at your fingertips, your fingertips itching to go go go. Here and there though, touches of an easier time and a from-the-heart way of living are starting to shine through. This all makes me happy. It makes me realize that my parents were right all along (about a lot of things anyway) and that their standards and values are true and solid. Thanks, ma and pa. I appreciate the insight even though I was blind to it most of my life.

UPDATE: I would like to amend my post here a little. I took my parents out for Thai tonight and though sometimes people behave like civilized adults who respect their dinner companion(s), most of the time they don't. Since when is it acceptable to check your phone during your meal, while your dinner companion is sitting there, staring at their pad thai? It's just so rude. Give people your full attention. It's courteous, considerate, and just plain nice. Manners! Manners! Where are you?? 

3. I saw an interesting article today about how Facebook privacy and other privacy issues on this here interweb are going to turn our society into an eery replication of 1984. I have one simple statement for that thought....if you don't want your privacy invaded, if you want your photos and your affiliations and your interests kept secret from the world, your employer, your ex, your classmates, your family, DON'T PUT YOUR LIFE ON THE INERNET. It's really that simple. I obviously don't care. I only let people see what I want them to see anyway.

4. I love the color Kelly Green. I used to hate it now I like it. Similar to my relationship with red bell peppers.

5. Why is work coffee so bad? Is there a rule about that in some corporate law book?

6. Happy almost 2010! I may not write again until Sunday, so have a fun and laughter-filled New Year's Eve, make sure you countdown even if you're alone, and enjoy your first days of the new year!

December 29 - How again?

It's December 29, 2009 - only 2 more days until this year is over. This year was not my year. I'm so ready to have a fresh start in 2010...do more, try more, be more.

I'm not ready to publish any sort of New Year's resolutions yet - I'll save those for Friday's post.

May the last days of 2009 be chock full of fun, nostalgia, reflection and laughter.

Cheers, 2009. You won't me missed.

Mondegreens and Other Such Things.

One of my favorite words is "mondegreen." (Remember? I'm into etymology, aka word nerd.)

I'll let you in on a little secret - I always thought Hall & Oates (ya know, the 80s sensations who brought us "Maneater" and "You Make My Dreams Come True") was "Holland Oats" - that's right, like some sort of Dutch breakfast.

Those are really embarrassing.

Christmas 2009

Things I learned this Christmas...
1. Handmade gifts are THE BEST. We've vowed to do that next year. I hope we can also squeeze in a Secret Santa - that's just hilarious.
2. My family is extremely talented. It amazes me every year.
3. Ping pong ball gun fights are super fun. Until one hits the TV. Game over.

4. Homemade chili after 5pm church service is perfect.
5. Staying awake for midnight mass gets more and more difficult as I get older.
6. My brothers in their suits is a very nice thing. And it makes my mom very happy.
7. My mom loves Wii bowling. It's awesome.
8. Rockband is so. fun. I need roommates just to sit around and play that. I need to earn good songs!
9. I still love apple crisp.

Merry Christmas!

Dropsies and Other Such Things

My women-friends will know what I mean when I say I have the Dropsies. The Dropsies include dropping things, obviously, running into walls, and overall klutzy behavior. I don't know if my case of the Dropsies is the worst ever or if everything just seems worse because I'm so irritable.

Let's start with last night. I decided to get in some Christmas shopping given that I don't have any Christmas presents yet and Christmas is on Friday. The traffic was irritating, the crowds made me nutso so my evening in Fairfield was short and sweet. I then headed to the grocery store to do some shopping for work and lo and behold, I sighted someone at my grocery store. Yeah, that's right, I said it. MY grocery store. There are like 17 other grocery stores in this town and I don't go to the hoity toity ones anyway - go there. Grrr.

Luckily the line at Starbucks was nonexistent, then I headed home and proceeded to whack an elbow on a doorjamb, hit my head in the cabinet, jam my finger on a knob, and stub my toe. I decided then that it was ok to just watch TV and not wash the dishes because I could get seriously injured if I did more than just sit.

Moving to today...nothing too exciting happened this morning. I got to work, as usual, then headed upvalley for a tasting. I had to stop at JV to get one last wine, found it, loaded all the wines in my car and started the drive. Of course, someone in front of me slams on their brakes for no apparent reason other than the fact that  they're stupid, and all the wine flies off my back seat, hitting the back of my seat one by one. Ten minutes later, I smell wine. At first I thought it was because I was driving upvalley and North Napa smells more like wine than South Napa, but then I realized it's winter and the only wine I could be smelling would be that in my backseat. Sure enough, one of the bottles slammed hard enough into another one and cracked, leaking wine all over my back seat floor.

If this all doesn't count as a bad case of the Dropsies, I don't know what does.

I'd like to leave you with a quote I just saw on a bumper sticker on my way back to work..."Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." - Voltaire

That's a shout out to my homies.

Christmas

I'm looking forward to the Christmas when I have my own family. That'll be really fun. I'm watching the Christmas music special thing on TNT and I'm really looking forward to starting my own holiday traditions!

PS - Stop copying me.
PPS - I can't stand Jersey Shore.
PPPS - Why do I love George Lopez? I just do.

The Weekend

Today marks the almost-end of the awesomeness that was The Hangover weekend. A few of us are left, watching Four Christmases. Nothing gets me in the holiday spirit more than Chex Mix, overindulging on a massive Black Bear breakfast and another holiday movie (so far we've watched Elf, A Christmas Story, and two viewings of The Hangover. It's been a good 24 hours.)

Last night we saw all the best Christmas lights in Napa, watching as others slowed and adored the lights as much as we did. There was just one tool bag sighting, not bad for a Saturday night.

Time to get back to the movie, funny conversation and wrapping up a lovely, lazy Sunday.

PS - As a photographer, it really bothers me when people find images on the interweb and proceed to use them just because. At least give props to the person that took the photo or buy one from a stock house. Thank you for listening to my photography PSA.

PPS - For some reason, I have "fat guuuuuy in a littttllle cooooaaat" stuck in my head, alongside the most obnoxious song ever - Party in the USA by Miley "I'm annoying" Cyrus.

The Hangover Weekend Is Here!

In other news, I cannot WAIT for tomorrow. My girlsies are coming over for what has turned into a slumber party (no, we will not have a pillow fight), the highlights being:
--Decorating my little baby tree while listening to Christmas music, watching Elf/A Christmas Story/Christmas Vacation and sipping adult hot chocolates
--Driving around Napa to see all the holiday lights (I even got a map off the Register's website!)
--Coming back for the showcase of the night - THE HANGOVER
--Laughing and telling stories all night long

Yay weekends!

PS - It's only one week till Christmas...wow. Time flies when you're...um...living it.
PPS - Stop copying me. Thanks.
PPPS - Will I be in the holiday mood when I get a tree? I hope so.

Treasure Island - Story 2

As I've mentioned before, I lived on Treasure Island, aka the "Island" from here on out. I absolutely loved living there - we had some insane times there. I know I've reminisced before, usually because of something that happened in the news that spurred memories.

Now there's this, an article about how Mayor Newsom is going to buy the Island from the Navy to build his dream "green" community there. Look at all that stuff!

Break it down now...
--A town center (we had the goose-poop-filled great lawn!)


--"Commerical" - [When we moved there in March of 2000, we had...um...Pak N Save in Emeryville! In 2002 or so, we had....um....the Job Corps store that did not sell alcohol or much of anything! Now they have a store up at the front where you can buy sushi (not sure why you would but you could)!]


--Three hotels! (Our apartment was basically a hotel. We threw a lot of parties. I remember one where I woke up the next morning and there were people sleeping on every inch of the floor. It was awesome.)


--A ferry terminal! (This is what I always dreamed of when we lived there. I mean, you come out and you can see the ferry building RIGHT there yet you had to go up the hill then risk your life by gunning it to try to get onto the bridge without getting killed because you had 10 feet to get up to speed. A ferry terminal. What a novel idea.)


--Hundreds of acres of parks! (Which means they'll need to raze all of the old buildings. Bowling alley - gone. Commissary - gone. Creepy day care - I think that's now a functioning day care. Brig - gone. Gym - gone. I need to get out there and take photos before it's all gone!)


--6000 homes! (Hope they're better than what we had. Been out there lately? The place is pretttty shabby.)


--The Navy is almost done cleaning up! [We were not allowed to plant in the ground because the ground was toxic (in our lease.) Also, many of the streets that were open when we lived there are now closed because of radiation. If I can't have babies, I'm suing. So much for a green community, huh?]

One additional comment: If there is a major earthquake, the Island will melt into the Bay. Yeah, that's right, it is highly susceptible to liquefaction. That was also in our lease. It's LANDFILL. Of course it is! Hello, 1906 all over again. If you don't believe me, check out this lovely map from the USGS. Yerba Buena = Rock. The Island = Built up sludge. How exactly are they going to deal with that slight issue?

All in all, I could have written up this plan 10 years ago and we'd be halfway done.

What a great place. I miss it.

The Quest

In my seemingly never ending quest to find a date, I re-joined an online dating service that provided me with hilarious dating stories in the past. I've been on one date so far - no fireworks but a cool dude - and hope to have a few more comin'. In these times when I try to put myself out there again to meet someone for whom I'm not settling, stories like this are rubbed in my face. Sure, it's a happy story. I love happy stories. If I could watch one type of movie for the rest of my life it would be romantic comedies (The Hangover is a romantic comedy, right?). I love that they went through this tragic event, not even speaking to each other until months later. It's such a fairy tale story - one that gives me hope and happiness.

Do I need to land on the Hudson river in a plane to meet someone??? If so, let's go. I have a plane to catch.

Things That Are Rad, Chapter 5

My heated blanket, Joe
Roasted zucchini in my favorite seasoning salt
Rice Krispie Treats (not making them, eating them)
Being authentic, genuine and transparent online
Photography
A risk I'm about to take (also falls under the "Things That Are Not Rad" category)
Sing-Off
Finishing the Half Marathon in Vegas (also falls under the "Things That Are Not Rad" category)
The Hangover
Friendmas (Friend Christmas. Get it? Huh Huh?)
Sleeping in
Facebook
Company holiday parties
Photography classes

What!

As I drove home from work this evening, I thought, "man I could go for some chips and salsa." I decided then and there that I was going to stop at 7-11 to satisfy my craving. I came up on 7-11 and it. was. closed. Yeah, you heard me correctly, 7-11 was CLOSED. What!

I know you couldn't have gone on living without hearing that story.

Rock n Roll Half Marathon 2009

Vegas was....unlike any other Vegas trip I've ever taken. I think Vegas should be left for the partying and not the exercising (unless you count dancing the night away exercise. I do.) I'm a ball of pain...I pretty much fell apart at Mile 10. Oh well! I should have trained.Well, I guess now my name will come up in Google search results.

I finished in 3 hours and 35 minutes - basically I took the entire allotted time. If my knee had decided to cooperate, I actually probably would have done much better. It took us about 45 minutes to get to the start line - at a 6:15 start time, this was painful. It was very, very cold, but at least they shot off fireworks. I have never seen the Vegas sunrise sober. It was beautiful-ish.

Around Mile 4, we passed a group of 6 guys who had just stumbled out of the casinos, drinks in hand, looking quite disheveled. I wanted to be them.

I ran/walked the first 5 miles (a first for me) and actually felt great jogging (aka bounce walking...I wouldn't really consider it "running" necessarily.) The air was COLD (32 degrees!) and dry - great exercising conditions for me I guess!

By Mile 6, I resigned to a fast walk, and around Mile 6.5 I tried to run but Mr. Knee decided that wasn't going to happen.

By Mile 8, I could see the major casinos again which I thought would be a benefit but turned out to be a detriment.

By Mile 9, I got lonely and a tad bored.

By Mile 10, I was picking out inconspicuous places to throw up.

By Mile 11, I had teared up and seriously considered just going back to the room.

By Mile 11.1, I really needed a nap, some ice for my knee, a cocktail, and some blackjack.

By Mile 12, all of the finishers were walking the other way in their hot dog wrappers which really put a damper on my mood. I then wished for a Segway or a bicycle to pull me to the finish line.

By Mile 13, I just couldn't do it. My legs wouldn't work, my limbs and extremities were frozen, and my knee hurt so bad I thought I was going to die.

Finally, at Mile 13.1, I crossed the finish line, grabbed my medal, ate the most amazingly delicious mini bagel I have ever had in my life, ate a bag of pretzels, wrapped myself in my own hot dog wrapper, and headed over to station T to meet the girls. We then welcomed S to the finish line.

Sunday afternoon consisted of Jello shots, some craps, pizza, and hobbling around the casinos. At least we weren't the only ones! Sunday night's dinner at the new Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip was AWESOME and a much-needed distraction from the pain. Oh and the hamburgers were insanely good. I'm thinking we needed some protein!

All in all it was an experience, and I can say that I finished! Slow and steady doesn't really win the race, by the way. 

Vegas Baby Vegas.

I'm heading to Vegas in t-minus 23 hours for a crazy goal - walk 13.1 miles in less than 4 hours. Can I do it? I have no idea. Have I trained? Um, I was gonna but I didn't. Who knew that I couldn't commit to running? Oh, that's right, I did. Oh well.

I'm nervous, scared, excited and hope there are no major injuries in my future. Or minor ones for that matter.

Wish me luck. I'll need it.

(here I am!)

I Knew There Was a Term for It...

I'm sitting here, procrastinating, scrolling through the channels, landing on Dr. Phil. They're talking about the 20-something generation, the one that's entitled and self-absorbed. How funny. I knew there was a name for it - Generation Me. More books for me to read!

I'm friends with 20-somethings and none of those people are like that. I've also come into contact with more 20-somethings than I can count who are exactly as described - self-absorbed, have this ridiculous sense of entitlement, yet can't make it on their own. They think they're above everyone else, they're better than what they're doing, yet they can't make ends meet and expect someone to pick up the slack. Sickening.

I've since changed the channel. I can't bring myself to watch an hour-long TV show about these people. People who can't own up to their shortcomings, who can't be real about their flaws. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious and wanting to be famous and rich and successful. My issue is that this Generation Me expects all of that to be handed to them. I wish I could have parented each of these brats. Things might be different.

Comedy is So Rad.

'Stache Contests

In addition to burly men dressed as women, 'stache contests make me happy. Not only were we privileged to meet a group of 6 or 7 guys - oh I mean, mustache men - celebrating the end of their 'stache contest, my friends Blog Master G and P-Dog are starting their annual, bi-coastal 'stache contest! I'm so excited to watch the masterful works develop as well as learn all new words for "mustache."

I leave you with these words...Please keep in mind the Tamil saying, "A man's glory is his mustache." 

Good luck, gentlemen. May the best 'stache win.




I do have to include this screenshot of P-Dog's blog - the Google ad is a hilarious contrast to the point of his post.

Even the fancy printer needs some love.

sf bay area craigslist > north bay > other seeking other > Looking for an LTR

Some people may call me fancy - I do a lot of color printing on large paper - but I'm really just a regular printer looking for a long-term relationship (LTR).

Me: on the heavy side but cuddly all the same, can print anything you want up to 11x14, open-minded and accepting of all colors equally, not into this internet thing but I have the capabilities, not dysfunctional like the printer next to me, stable and currently employed at an office, I can be expensive but just a little TLC goes a long way.

You: a nice smile, tenderhearted, likes office employment or at least respects it, no kids as they may hurt me, and lives within the Napa/American Canyon area. I can't travel too far.

I'm in love.

But it's not a person. It's a space in an awesome building that I really, really want to rent. Please view it and tell me how awesome it is. It's in the building I wanted to buy (ok, I just had fleeting thoughts about how cool it would be to buy) and it would make an amazing studio!

I can see myself flourishing in that space! Tall ceilings, big windows, historic building, 500 square feet of mine-ness. Oh to dream.

Shocking - I didn't go.

The best laid plans of mice and men....

I did not get up at 4am this morning to hit up Target and score my $3 panini press. My family stayed till midnight, I stayed up till 1, and I just didn't see the point of getting out of my amazingly cozy bed three hours later. My brothers talked me out of it last night anyway..."why would you go to there to save only 27 bucks? There's no guarantee that you'll even get one." They were right. I didn't go so I actually saved $30! HA :) Knowing me, I wouldn't be allowed to leave without spending at least $50 anyway. It's Target.

Currently, I'm posted on the couch, watching a little Fresh Prince of Bel Air (ohhhh daytime TV). I'm about to order a bunch of awesome photo supplies...I'll do my Black Friday shopping from here.

My Dream Abode

I have always wanted to live in a converted church, schoolhouse, firehouse...or convert it myself. I love the history, the charm, the curiosity of living in a building that wasn't intended to be a home. Usually these come with great open spaces, my ideal floorplan. I'm in love with this firehouse-turned-home...

This dream could probably become a reality if I moved out of CA and to somewhere like Kansas or Missouri. Too bad KS and MO are not my preferred state abbreviations. Personally, I like HI or OR much better. I mean, those are even actual words. Way cooler.

Am I a midwesterner at heart? Should I cash in on my roots? I'm pretty spoiled here - no humidity, no bugs - I don't know if I'm cut out for shoveling snow.


Hmmmm.......I want to live like Tom Hanks in Big. Minus the baby corn.

PS - That's me in the window and my fireman husband on the street. Thank you for visiting our house.

Golden Gate Bridge...Good Idea for Once!

I just saw this article on SFGate about how they're thinking about letting people "tour" the Golden Gate Bridge to help raise funds for the city. Awesome idea. My dad has connections with Golden Gate Transit so we've been begging him for a while to get someone to take us to the top of one of the towers (he's already been. lucky.) After 9/11, they weren't letting anyone up there, but now it looks like it may be a great source of revenue. I think this idea is so cool and I might even pay up to $200 for it.

I'm warning you, public, if you get an owie while doing this and you sue the city/Golden Gate Transit/Marin County/motorists/me/the landmark society or anyone else, and you ruin it for everyone, I'll hunt you down and punch you in the jeans. You've been warned.

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Today, this Thanksgiving Eve, I'm thankful that I have my health. I know I was thankful for this before, but despite my bum shoulder, my propensity for ear aches, and my tendency for an old-smoker-lady-cough, I'm pretty healthy.

Today is Really Thursday.

It's the Tuesday of a short week, so it's really Thursday as far as I'm concerned. I'm so very, very happy for this short week (you could say I'm thankful for it, but that's sort of a cop out) and so ready to host Thanksgiving this year!

My hosting does not include cooking. Though I proved my mad cooking skillz on poker night, that's a rare occurrence and is not easily repeatable. My folks are coming up Wednesday and will start smoking the turkey. I'll cut up vegetables and um....yeah. My brothers will probably come up on Thursday, and I hope they stay long enough for some games and a little Wii competition!

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I'm thankful that my parents are still together and still mushy with each other. I'm so grateful that I grew up in a loving household and still have my parents' relationship as a model for how I want my marriage to be.

Invisible - Not in the Super Power Way.

Do you ever have those days where you feel invisible? Those days where people don't see you when you're driving...when somehow you were left off another list...where people don't listen when you talk...when you were passed over for something you wanted but didn't want to seem too eager and you weren't as loud as the last guy...where everything you said fell on deaf ears...

That was my day.

Let's go, Tuesday - bring me something better.

You Down with OPB?

If you were born around the same time I was, you'll have fond memories of OPP by Naughty by Nature. In my quest to find reading material and marvel at how witty and intelligent other people are, I'm down with OPB, Yeah you know me. The first two letters are the same but the last is something different. Other People's Blogs.

In reading KA's blog today, I clicked on Diane's name and that took me to her blog with a warming story about her brother. From one of her previous posts, I saw a link to this awesome story from Blogget Jones about how a "peon" in an office can pull through to the amazement of coworkers with something important that would benefit the company. I can identify with this story in many ways...I like it. (What I really hear in my head is "EH HEH SUCKERS - CHECK ME OUT!")

Cheers to finding OPB and enjoying every minute of it!

Black Friday 2009

In my quest to stop shopping on Dec 1, I've done a bit of damage in the retail world, single handedly bringing the economy back on track. I have never shopped on Black Friday - I view that day as the one to do anything else because everyone will be at the mall/Target, etc. This Friday though, I really, really want to go to Target to get a $3 panini press. I mean, come on. $3? I've been wanting one of those forever! If the rumors are just rumors, and I drag myself the half mile to Target to find that there is no such thing as a $3 panini press, I'll be sorely disappointed. I may even throw a fit. I don't do well on no sleep.

Wish me luck.

Update: Looks like it's real! 

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I am thankful for lazy Sundays and bad reality TV. I really am. Pure entertainment for the tired soul.

Weekends Go by Much Too Fast.

A little karaoke watchin', a little errand runnin', a little primpin' and pamerin', a little movie watchin'....all in all a good weekend.

Saturday night we went to see A Christmas Carol - M's movie! It was really good - very true to the story, nice and dark. The 3D thing was a little wacky, made me sick a little, but it was pretty rad. I don't know if I've ever seen a movie in 3D! Scrooge's scraggly old fingers would come right out atchya. It was cool. Not only that, M got a CREDIT! A MOVIE CREDIT! As in her name was in the CREDITS! It was SO COOL. Congrats, M!

Today was a lot of lazin' around, as my Sundays usually go. I'm halfway productive right now...working on photos and watching Tough Love 2. It's called multitasking. Don't judge.
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I'm thankful that my friends are down to earth and successful! I'm also thankful for pizza.

Napa and All of Its Glory.

Oh, if Napa were cool. I wouldn't mind living here as much if there were things to actually do here. If you're single and don't know many people, if you didn't grow up here and have your clique, this town is not very inviting. There isn't a hub, an area that can be walked, that stays open past 9pm on any given night. Where are the galleries downtown that have a monthly art walk with wine and cheese? Where are the hot spots to check out the scene? Where are the venues for music? Why can't we dance here? Is this Footloose, circa 2009? What is with this place?

According to this article, they are trying to revamp downtown and are spending over $750k to come up with a plan. Um, ok. Government processes are ridiculous, but ok. Will any of this cool stuff happen?? Will COPIA be turned into something other than a conference center or tourist trap? If they put mixed-use buildings in downtown, won't that thwart any efforts against live music or DJs? I'm tired of leaving Napa just to do something fun. I'd rather my tax money stay here!
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Today I am thankful that my parents and family are coming to my house for Thanksgiving. It'll be fun to host them!

Another Open Letter - To My Friends

Dear Friends of Mine,

It's Thursday, November 19, 2009. I'm not sure how this happened but it did. Some of you I've known since I was 9, some I've know since I was 19, some I've know since I was 29. I'm so thankful for you guys. You keep me sane yet you join me insanity. You are up for anything or nothing at all. You've led your lives, as have I, and when we connect again, it's like no time has passed. Whether we go without seeing each other for a day, a week, a month, a year...I know I can call you, we'll get together, and silliness will ensue.

I've had so much fun watching your lives unfold - from the "grown-up" jobs to the new cars to the new houses to the new guys to the old guys to the new husbands to the new clothes to the new experiences. We've become pretty cool people in our old age and you've helped me get to where I am now.

You keep me grounded when I just want to daydream my life away. You have always been amazing sounding boards for my life decisions and I wouldn't be where I am without that. You are funny and fun, silly and serious. We have the same sense of humor which we all know is so important and which allows us to do what we do best. You like to go dancing with me, even when I bust out the Kid 'n Play followed by the sprinkler. In public. You don't care if I make a fool of myself and often encourage me, but I owe my lack of public embarrassment and outgoing personality to that. You've helped me grow as a person in every way, shape and form, and I thank you for that.

I hope I have been the kind of friend to you that you've been to me. Life doesn't get any better than when you are around.

Love,

Me

The Knot.

It's November 2009. In 15 months, I guess I'm getting married to my lovely fiance, TBD.

I got an email from The Knot at the end of October (it's an email address I rarely check) saying "15 Months to go!" Way back when a friend was getting married, we were looking at dresses on The Knot. In order to look through a lot of dresses, you have to register. It asks you your name, your fiance's name, and your wedding date. Let's see. I had a name, I didn't have a fiance's name so I entered "TBD," and I didn't have a date so I thought I'd put in 2011 as a good year, figuring I'd HAVE to meet someone by then.

Um. Yeah. That's now only 15 months from now. I haven't met anyone anywhere near marriage material. I'd better hurry up and replace "TBD" with a real name.

Thank you to The Knot for rubbing it all in my face.
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Today, I'm thankful for the Indian food place in AmCan, All Spice. They're super nice and the naan is de.li.cious.

Cold and Now Dreary

So I'm thinking I should pay more attention to the weather. It was SO COLD last night that I actually left my heater on all night. My parents are the ultimate tight wads - I mean they are so very frugal - the heat went on after November 1 when the rates went down and even then it was "put on more socks" versus turn up the heat. Given that, I can't bear the thought of leaving the heat on when I'm under 4 blankets with surrounding pillows and warm PJs. I did it last night. I'm a wild and crazy kid. Now, I walked out of work and it's drizzling. Really? Really?? Where was I when winter happened? If I could come to accept the cold and rain, I could change my attitude to my "YAY TAHOE" thoughts and we'll be golden till spring.

On a separate note, I want to list out some needs I have in order to hold myself accountable for my evenings at home. I need to focus. I need to assess my current situation and figure out my plan of attack. I need to paint my bathroom. I need to organize ten years of photographs so I can best use the images. I need to start writing more letters. I need to become more fiscally responsible. I need to have more fun. I need to go on more dates. Ok, I need to go on dates. I need to ditch the soccer mom ride in favor of something sportier (and cheaper.) I need to get my motivation back. I need to hang out with my brothers more. I need to continue to build my business. I need to join more organizations. I need to volunteer.

On this chilly, damp day in the middle of November, I'd like to give thanks for hot chocolate, Locals Night at Oxbow, and photography clients.

People Are Jerks

And I mean that in the nicest possible way, of course.

I cannot believe how arrogant and self-absorbed people are. I'm not going to go into what happened this evening to make me write this - that's not important. It's just a vent that I need to get off my chest and it's not targeted at anyone in particular but at my generation as a whole.

Now for my PSA to those Gen Y/Millennials who think they are holier than thou: Not everything you do is an amazing feat. Not everything you say is profound and interesting. You are just like the rest of us - a person who makes mistakes, learns from them if you're smart enough to, and makes decisions. These decisions make life turn out one way or a different way - it's not complicated or ingenious. I make decisions every day, so does my neighbor, my brother, my aunt, that guy I see walking down the street every morning, my boss, the chick at Starbucks, the guy at the gas station.

Just because someone makes a decision, they should not be rewarded. You, Gen Y/Millennials, are not ENTITLED to anything. You are not Mother Theresa because you donated a bag of clothes to Goodwill. Try being ACTUALLY selfless. You are not Bill Gates because you have a job. So do most people. Try working for a non-profit or volunteer full time if you want to make a difference. Most people out there work to make money to do things they really want to do - hence the saying, work to live not live to work. Don't act like you're any different. You are not Martin Luther King Jr. because you have something to say that you think other people want to hear. They most likely do not care and what you have to say is nowhere near as important as what MLK had to say. Not even close. You are not Rosa Parks because you stood up for what you believed in. It's called having integrity. You are not Helen Keller because you have overcome a "hardship." Anything you think is difficult probably isn't, you just think it is because you were rewarded for ridiculous things growing up. Every kid should not receive a trophy for playing a sport. WIN and then you get the trophy. We're going to have a bunch of sore loser wusses on our hands here. Life just isn't that way. When you have a real job in the real world, and you don't do well in your review, you aren't handed a trophy and a "Good job trying there, sport! You'll get 'em next time." You are handed a pink slip. You are not awesome because you have friends. Most people have friends. It's called living and having some social skills. You are not an incredible person of whom everyone should be in awe because you save energy, work out, volunteer at a school, got married, had a kid, gave a homeless person a dollar or any other thing that you do. Try being humble for just a moment. It does wonders for your character.

What happened to this generation? Are they so self-centered that they act this way to get attention or make themselves feel better by belittling others? I believe that's called bullying. Is my generation passing on this outrageous and obnoxious behavior to their kids that will only perpetuate this attitude? I vow right this moment not to raise my kids this way. It's driving me insane.

I am not perfect, nor have I ever claimed to be (re-read my blog, it's true. I'm far from it.) I do not, however, sit behind this computer and preach to the "lowly" people out there or brag about everything I do and how rad I am. I was raised to be humble and full of honesty and integrity. I'm not arrogant or self-absorbed, though I'd never claim to be selfless. I can and will work on a million things to make myself a better person, but I'll do it for myself. I will not act superior to anyone because I have chosen to do nice things for others or have tried something and stuck with it. I may post about things that I've done that I'm proud of, but I say it without exaggerated self-opinion. I'm disappointed in my generation and am appalled at the things that come out of their mouths. Quite frankly, it's embarrassing.

Thanks for listening to me vent...it's been a long time comin'.

PS - After that rant, I'm going to have to go light-hearted in what I'm thankful for today. I'm thankful that I have a job that affords me the luxury of turning on my heat. It's cold.

Yeaahhhh....

So I haven't blogged since Tuesday. I've been sick and life's been busy. I owe five things I'm thankful for.

1. I'm thankful for old photos and the keen ability to sift through them over and over while procrastinating on other things.

2. I'm thankful for how sunny it is today even though I think it's pretty chilly.

3. I'm thankful that people give me an opportunity to do photographs for them.

4. I'm thankful for how I was raised.

5. I'm thankful for apple crisp. (My Oma's recipe, my brother's cooking)

New Year's Resolutions...In November.

So it's November. January is still a little ways off, but I saw this article about not spending for a year and I got to thinking....could I ever do this? I wonder if I could. I thought I'd train for a marathon, then a half marathon, and now I'll be walking it (if I can even do that) because I didn't get my booty in gear. Could I actually not buy anything for a year? Six months?

If you know me at all, you know that this is highly unlikely. I love to shop. I love to go to Ross and find a deal. I love shoes. I love sales. I love wearing new clothes. I love gadgets. Best Buy is one of my favorite stores. I have more gadgets than I need and should be satisfied with what I own. I wonder if I could do this for my financial well-being. I'm not in a good place and something needs to change.

Starting December 1, I will not buy anything for myself. I will see if I can do this for one month. Then, when that month is over, I'll see if I can do it for another month. Here are my rules (stealing some from the article):

1. My business expenses do not count.
2. If I actually commit to losing weight and actually lose some poundage, I am allowed to buy pants but nothing else.
3. I can continue to purchase makeup/toiletries/necessities. I really need more dishsoap.
4. I can buy presents for others, but opt for making them instead if possible.
5. Mini-vacations/road trips are allowed in moderation.
6. One exception: I will be buying a dishwasher if at all possible.

If I can get to my birthday in May having not purchased anything for myself, I'll be stunned for one thing, and will buy myself a small and nice birthday present.

Cheers to trying to save some money!

PS - I am thankful that my dad's injuries aren't keeping him off of a ladder. Though they should be.

UPDATE: I wanted to clarify that my spending will be limited to services and/or experiences and not material items aka STUFF. My worst habit is buying stuff. If I worked from home it may be easier because I wouldn't need work clothes, but alas, I have to get dressed every day.

Giving Thanks

For the rest of November, I'm going to write at least one thing I'm thankful for every day. I was in denial that it really was November already, so I'm 9 days in. I'll write 9 things in this one to make up for it.

1. My family
2. My friends
3. My home
4. My job
5. My photography
6. My electric blanket
7. Monthly poker night with the girls
8. Laughter
9. My vacation to Cabo

Juice It Up - Or Not.

This is an interesting article on juice. I don't drink much juice because it's just as high in calories and sugar as soda and if I have to pick one, Dr. Pepper beats out OJ any day of the week.

What this article spurred me to do is go. grocery. shopping. I'm sick, and yesterday was so lame because I had no soup, no veggies, nothing that had enough nutrients to help me get better. Popcorn and a bagel with cream cheese a day will not keep the doctor away.

Cheers to eating more actual produce! I wish we had Andy's Produce over here. I love that place.

Changes.

I needed a change. Since it took me a year to grow out my hair, I decided against cutting it and changed my blog template instead.

It was time.

Energy Star

This makes me furious.

One comment has it right....charging for checked bags when those same bags were free 2 years ago (same cargo space! argh.), Comcast raising rates 40% over the past 5 years, credit card companies slamming us with new fees at the start of the year......How can consumers push back? HOW? If I could figure out a way, I'd do it. From what I can tell, I need solar panels to go off the grid of PG&E, I need to get rid of my internet so I don't have to deal with Comcast, I have to get rid of my phone because AT&T is the WORST EVER, and I should probably get rid of my car since gas is a rip off and I look like a soccer mom. (ok, not energy related but it's true.)

The only thing I have going for me is I'm on a well. Too bad it stains my tub/sink/toilet and doesn't taste great. Now if I could just get my garden going...

TEN YEARS.

November 1st marked my 10th year of corporate life. Wow. I was such a baby when I started! Fresh from the video store, 21 years old, I thought corporate life was so exciting and adult-like. Ten years later, it's really not that exciting and it's WAY too adult-like.

I have learned so much in the past ten years, both personally and professionally, and have had some great (and not so great) experiences. I've become a more rational, patient person who is loyal (too loyal?) and genuine.

[and for the Academy Award thank-yous...]
Thank you to all of my bosses over the years who have shaped me into the black slack, button-down shirt employee I am today. Thank you to the ones who believed in me, the ones who supported me, and the ones who saw my potential. Thank you to my previous employer and my current for providing the benefits and employee consideration that is rare in the work force today. For those bosses who didn't do any of the above, thank you for making me realize that there are more important things in my life than working for you, like my sanity, or my ability to be a non-bitter person, or my integrity and self-worth.

Can I retire now? Come on, that was a good speech.

Photography

Soooo I love photography. Everyone knows that. I tried to use iWeb for a blog but that was just lame (or it was user error. I'm going with iWeb is lame.) I broke down and got yet another Blogger blog for my photography...I'll try to keep that updated as often as I keep my Facebook fan page updated. I may be dangerously close to drowning in social media...

I'm going to keep shooting and posting and editing and joining groups and being as active of a photographer I can because I. heart. it.

My FAVORITE photo of the year:

For some reason I just love to shoot cutlery. Pretty, though, ain't it?

Cheers!

Halloween 2009

On the list to do for Halloween 2009:

1. Go to Tahoe
2. Go to SBC
3. Go to Santa Rosa
4. Go to Petaluma
5. Stay home and watch movies.

#5 ended up winning...until 10pm rolled around, we'd shared a bottle of wine, we met new neighbors and decided to head out and party for a little bit. My costume was going to be much more intricate but in 30 minutes, this is what it turned out to be. I'm digging the interactive costume and I think I'll do it every year!


Turned out to be a really fun Halloween. Cheers!

First Day Back

The first day back from vacation almost makes me never want to take another vacation. On Tuesday, at Aeropuerto Internacional de Los Cabos, I panicked because I forgot how to do my job. Sign of a good vacation? Probably. Makes for a good first day back? Not so much.

On my list of things to do post-vacation:

--Send Hurricane Rick an Edible Arrangements fruit basket for completely leaving before we got there.

--Finish up my Halloween costume. (I should have gone as peopleofwalmart.com but I have another idea. Maybe next year.)

--Sleep

--Figure out how to keep my tan without sprays or beds. Fly back to Mexico? That's still an option.

--Blog about the trip for real.

--Figure out how to give boys my phone number. I have a feeling I missed an opportunity.

That's all for now.

Vacation

Ya know how people say, "Vacation was so great but it's so nice to sleep in my own bed and be in my own home."

I don't feel that way one bit. I'm actually going to just do some laundry today and hop back on the next flight to Cabo. Anyone wanna come with me?

PS - It's WAY warmer there.

Vacation Time

Puerta Vallarta/Chicago/Indianapolis/New York - 2004

Costa Rica - 2006

Mucho mini-vacations - 2000 - present

Cabo San Lucas - 2009

Passport. Check.

Check ya later....I'm going on vacation!!

Positive Thinking: "Smile or Die"

I don't usually characterized myself in many ways...in the more trivial things in life, I'm usually a fence-sitter who can't commit to an entree decision (granted, the way that I love food is anything but trivial.) In the more important things in life, I definitely lean more to one side than the other, but depending on the issue, I can't lump myself into one camp generally speaking. I'll see what I can figure out now on this gloomy day in October.

Disclaimer: I'm a happy, friendly, genuine, sincere, easy-going person born without the debate gene. I like to hear all sides of everything before making a decision. I love to research and read and dig deeper into subjects that interest me. I'm a skeptic on things that seem ridiculous but until I've researched it, I hold judgment. I love with reckless abandon, eat with reckless abandon, but am not reckless in nature.

I'm a realist with a heavy dollop of optimism. I do the right thing because it's the right thing to do, even if it's not in my best interest, uncomfortable, or the more difficult of paths. I'm generally a happy person who knows that when the going gets tough, positive-thinking my way through it is for suckers. The world works in a certain way, I can strive to make positive changes, but things like The Secret are hogwash to me (yes, I just used hogwash.) Like I've said before, I do not believe that positive thinking or mass amounts of vegetables will prevent or cure cancer. And like I've said before, I am offended by this school of thought.

On the heels of that, I have finally come across someone who sounds like she feels the same way I do. This is probably the first time in my life I actually want to attend an author's appearance/book signing thing. Barbara Ehrenreich has written a book called "Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America" - a book I fully intend to read. When Ms. Ehrenreich was diagnosed with breast cancer, she found that she was bombarded with books, articles, stories, and people who told her to think positively as it was the only way to overcome this horrible disease. Her quote from the article on SFGate today: "When I reached out, all I could find were these exhortations to be positive or cheerful because it will make you better," she said. "It was either smile or die."

Like Ms. Ehrenreic, I believe that people have become attached to the notion that if you think in a way that is overly optimistic, narcissistic or blindly positive, anything they want will come true. Are Americans that delusional? Have we lost our sense of reality? Are people wanting so badly to grab onto any ideal or "philosophy" that is easily accessible that they are becoming (more?) gullible? Welcome back to REALITY, people. Not reality shows, reality. Life isn't easy. There isn't a magic pill that makes it all better. I'm willing to admit right now that I wish there were! That isn't REALITY. Reality is assessing your situation and doing the leg work to figure out a solution. Decisions based in reality are not the ones that rely on scam artists who appeal to people when they are at their lowest, taking take their money for impossible promises and lofty ideas. Reality is accepting that we aren't perfect, we don't get everything we want, and just because one channels all of their thoughts through the Positive Thinking Machine, they won't get anything unless they work for it.

I am by no means expecting everyone to think negatively because the world is not a friendly place and bad things will happen. All I'm asking for is a huge dose of reality.

I wish for things all the time. A hot guy has never once shown up on my doorstep. He won't ever show up on my doorstep and if he did, then I should alert the press because I've just made a guest appearance in a Nicholas Sparks book. I know that in order to meet people (potential dates, friends, clients, business associates), I have to attend events, join organizations, follow my passions and utilize my skills. I do not for one moment believe that if I had just thought more positively, my grandparents, aunt, and uncles would still be with me. I do not believe that if I had just thought more positively and put those thoughts out into the universe, I wouldn't be upside down on my condo. I do not believe that if I had just thought more positively, I would have won the lottery by now. I do believe that thinking positively and trying to see the bright side of things can help when you're overwhelmed or need a pick me up.

"Thinking positively" has gotten a negative connotation in my mind, one that speaks to naiveté and gullibility. I do not expect positive thoughts to satisfy my basic needs and that's why I go to a job everyday. I think positively because why would I want to be sad or depressed all the time? I think positively because I am happy. That's all it comes down to.

Hurricane Rick Sucks.

I just wanted to write an open letter to Hurricane Rick.

Dear Hurricane Rick,

About a month and a half ago, your friend, Hurricane Jimena, caused a little panic in me. She swirled around Cabo, making me nervous that my hotel wouldn't be there by the time I got there in October. Supposedly, October is well past the end of hurricane season, so I was trying not to worry.

Today, Mr. H. Rick, I saw that you have decided to visit Cabo as well. I understand that we all need a vacation now and then, but did you have to choose the place I'm visiting on Wednesday? Did you? I don't think that's very nice and I'd appreciate it if you and all of your Hurricane friends would just let me take the vacation I so desperately need and either hang out in the ocean for a while or hit Cabo in November.

According to my friends at weather.com, you're weakening. Now I know this may be very emasculating for you, but I for one am happy to hear it. I'll get you a nice fruit basket when I return home next week if you'll please just stay away.

Thank you, and if we happen to meet the Category 1 side of you on Wednesday, I'll be polite but don't expect a welcome hug.

Sincerely,

Wine Chick

Crazy Couple of Weeks!

Just got back from Vegas yesterday morning for the National Restaurant Association's Marketing Executives Group conference. It was an amazing conference with incredible speakers...CEOs, Presidents, VPs, Directors, Marketing Managers (and me) of companies we've all heard of...Arby's, Denny's, Facebook, PF Changs, Cici's, Pizza Luce, etc. etc. etc. It was one of the best conferences I've ever attended - the content was relevant and rich, the people were friendly and fun, but the best speaker was Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Shoes. His talk to us was inspiring and heartwarming, and stirred something in me that I want to pursue. I know I was meant to do more for others, and after listening to this guy who is close to my age and his incredible story, I can't wait to get creative and figure out a way to use my passions, skills, and knowledge in this way.

After I landed, I flew home (and by flew I mean 80 on 80) and got ready for a day of wine tasting with my East Bay buddies and some North Bay ones too. It was a perfectly beautiful day in the Valley and I'm so happy I spent it with such great friends.

Only two more days and I'm on a plane with SW to sun, sand, and surf! Hello, Cabo, get ready! We're comin' down to party like it's 1999. I'm so ready for a vacation - my last was Costa Rica in 2006! Three years? Yeah, that doesn't really work for me. I need some time away from life, away from responsibilities, and what better place to go than somewhere where my cell phone doesn't work and the beach calls my name? Me + SW + Coronas in a bucket + sand = heaven.

Halloweenie is nestled into the weekend I get back from Me-hee-co and I still need ideas on what to be! I can't think of anything good...Should have done a little Goodwill shopping to get the creative juices flowing. If anyone has an idea, send it my way!

Chicago is next on the October 2009 itinerary...I'm lucky enough to be able to couple my business trip for a market survey with a visit with my family that weekend. Lately my trips to the midwest have been out of necessity, for funerals, but this time it'll be just because. Those are much better. AND my mom is coming out with me so she can see her siblings and family. It'll be great - I'm really excited!

It's 8:56pm, and I'm ready for a little Desperate Housewives (don't judge) then bed. The packing? Monday night is going to be nutty.

Nighty night.

Bein' a Kid

I was about to say that my dad would sooooo do this, but then I remembered that he was the one who would french braid my crazy-long hair for soccer games when I was a kid. He braided it because my mom couldn't do it - hilarious when you think about it. My dad is a zip-tie kinda guy. I mean, really, the epitome of a zip-tie kinda guy. The deuce-and-a-half, old pick up, 4 Bobcats, and the John Deere will attest to that. I'm surprised he didn't braid my hair, then use a zip-tie on the end.

Wedding Photography

And this is why I don't like to shoot weddings....too.much.pressure.

PS - Not sure why this made the Yahoo front page.

PPS - Tonight I had a date. It was fun.

Tool Academy

Tool Academy - VH1. Yet another reality show that I waste my time watching. Think about this one...

You're dating a guy. You think he's a tool. You take him to a show on the king of reality TV - VH1 - called Tool Academy. Aren't you a tool for dating such a tool that you need to take him onto a show with TOOL in the title? Yes.

And I'm a tool for watching it.

Official Run #1

My toes on my right foot are numb, but I ran.

My heart feels like it fell out of my chest, but I ran.

My ears hurt from my headphones, but I ran.

My Nike+ won't sync my run so I can't prove it.

Two months from today, I'll be dragging myself down the Las Vegas strip for the race. Tick tock. Tick tock.

Ahhhh Fridays.

The Chandon Pink Party was last night and I'll say, that was a mighty good time. Because of the late night and tomorrow's itinerary, this Friday, October (!) 2, 2009, is being spent on my cushy couch, watching bad movies on TV, a little Brett Michaels bio on VH1, eating more than I should, and discovering the hilarity that is My Life is Average. Am I a loser? I don't think so. Keepin' it real, everyone, keepin' it real.

Photography

I never post here about my photography and that's mostly because I like my life in separate compartments. A cubbie for work, one for play, one for business, one for wine, one for thoughts...you get the picture.

Last night I went to a meeting then joined the Napa Valley Photographic Society (heck for $42, can ya blame me?). It was really cool to sit through a critique again and learn from those with much more experience than I have. I can't wait to talk shop with these folks!

I love to shoot product. Love it. Almost as much as food.


Prime Cellars
Ted Henry: Winemaker
Sara Lucas Art + Design: Label Designer

Patrick Swayze

Nobody puts baby in a corner. Probably one of my favorite movies, and definitely the best movie Swayze was in. Today's Daily Dish on sfgate.com includes a "story" about how Whoopi Goldberg "chastised Suzanne Somers after she reportedly blamed Patrick Swayze's death on his chemo treatment." So it sounds like Suzanne Somers believes that if Patrick Swayze had just eaten better and "built himself up nutritionally" then he wouldn't have passed so soon due to the chemo.

Hmmmm. Let's be realists about this. We all know that fresh fruits and veggies are incredible for your body - they fight off all kinds of diseases and prolong life. In most cases. Cancer is common unfortunately, and just because someone eats their fruits and veggies every day, they are not automatically immune to contracting this horrible disease. By stating this, it sounds like it's Patrick Swayze's fault for dying because he didn't eat more produce. Seriously? I'm sure he tried everything he could, and honestly, if that worked, if eating your weight in fruits & vegetables when you have cancer worked, don't you think that would be the widespread remedy??? Don't you think that EVERY SINGLE PERSON would try that first before ever succumbing to what chemo does to your body? If it were proven that fresh produce killed off cancer cells when a person is in Stage 3+, I doubt as many people would die from cancer, there would be no debt for medical procedures, and cancer would be pretty much as common as the bubonic plague.

There is no miracle cure for cancer. I wish there were. I would still have 2 young uncles with us today. It's offensive to me for people to say things like this, to state that "eating more produce" when you're in the throes of this horrible disease will cure you. Miracle cures and therapies suck gullible people in and continue to make them believe that something as simple as eating a carrot will ward off treacherous cancer cells.

I don't deny that having a healthy diet will help keep you cancer-free for longer, but don't start preaching to me about how if my 44-year-old uncle had just eaten more broccoli he'd still be alive. That's ignorant, offensive, obnoxious, and you obviously have no idea what you're talking about.

GoogleTalk

Sooooo GoogleTalk is down. What did I do in the workforce before there was IM? Oh wait, I didn't work in the workforce before there was IM. My first job included AIM, my second included ICQ then MSN Messenger, my third included Googletalk. This one includes GoogleTalk, Gmail, iPhone usage, and any other technology I can get my grubby little geeky hands on.

When GoogleTalk is down, I send emails. I don't like to send emails that are short they are either IMs (but I can't!) or Tweets. None of my close friends are on Twitter, so no need to post there. I could post on Facespace but I don't want to login to it that much. I guess I can just try to exist without the occasional IM to someone about a random thought I had. I guess I have to exist with myself. Awesome.

Heehee

Google Analytics is pretty cool...ok, the geek in me is screaming "it's freakin' awesome!" Nerd alert. Nerd alert. I like looking at how much traffic this thing gets, where people come from, who their host is, etc. The funniest thing to look at is the Keywords section...most of mine are pretty standard, but the best is someone actually searched "falling off banana" and got to my blog. I have no idea how that would happen or why someone would search for that, but maybe I'll start googling random phrases and see what pops up, then visit those sites. It makes it entertaining for everyone. Or maybe just those with a big ol' nerd in them like moi.

Primped and Pampered

Got my hair did tonight...it's been a year since I've gotten a cut. Looks so fresh and so clean clean. I definitely feel more like a girly girl now which is a fun feeling now & then. That feeling will fade away within a few days I'm sure...as soon as I giggle at a fart joke. Nothing really more to say about it - not that exciting.

Random Thoughts on a Monday Night

• Bottega last night was delicious.
• Life is wacky.
• When it rains it pours.
• When you think people can't be more obnoxious, they prove you wrong.
• Dinner tonight with Joel Gott was an awesome experience; one I'll never forget.
• Not that I usually care what people think, but I hope I'm thought of as down to earth and laid back and not dramatic with ridiculous ideas.
• I guess I was on the Food Network tonight...I missed it though. I was really hoping for the cutting room floor.
• It might be time to get The Good Cable back.
• I'm lazy enough to wish I had a house cleaner, a gardner, and a cook.
• I'm ambitious enough to want to tear down walls in my house.
• I wish I'd be more content sometimes. The grass is definitely not always greener.
• When am I going to start running?
• When is it my turn?
• Things in life usually turn out for the better - I know of one for sure where I dodged a bullet.
• “Tell me what you brag about and I'll tell you what you lack” - Spanish Proverb
• I wish my toe would heal already.
• This entitlement issue is worth its own blog posting. Soon.
• People really need to get off their high horses. Or their high Shetland ponies, as it were.
• I hope my adopted grandma is ok.
• I hope my brother's new life in the great Northwest is outrageously fun, incredibly splendid, and perfectly him.
• I like my bed. It's soft, welcoming, and I have 4839472 pillows that envelope me in a fortress of slumber.

Nighty night. Again.

Work and Other Things

After the debacle that was Bloggate 2007, I decided to stop writing about work. Tonight however, I have to make an exception.

[Disclaimer: This post does not imply that all I do for work is go to dinners. This is untrue. I have worked my patootie off for the past 2 months and like I have said before, work is not what this blog is about. It is about my life experiences, some of which are worthy enough to be discussed here, some of which happen to stem from where I spend 80% of my time.]

I just got back from dinner with a major customer. This was similar to other customer dinners in that the buyers were there as were the sales managers and other people on my team. The only difference in tonight's dinner was that I was lucky enough to spend it with Joel Gott. I've spent time with him before, but not in this capacity (last time was the Union Street Festival.) We invited Joel to join us for many reasons, the main being he's an amazing person with an incredible story that we wanted to share with our customer. I would say tonight was a winemaker dinner with Joel Gott. I learned so much from just one dinner; sitting next to him at dinner rekindled the lost passion I had for the wine industry. Many times, this is a CPG industry. Tonight, I remembered why I applied for a job in this field to begin with. His enthusiasm and excitement are contagious, his knowledge of food, wine, and people is unbelievable. All of this, and he's down to earth. His wines aren't pretentious and neither is he. He follows his heart and he puts a piece of himself into every venture that he starts. What a great evening.

Nighty night.

People.

Are.

Tools.

I think Home Depot had a sale....all the tools are out.

Exercise: My Nemesis

For some reason I have no motivation to exercise. Where are you, Motivation? Can you come out and play? I really need you right now! I realized today that it's just about 11 weeks until the race. ELEVEN WEEKS. How did this happen? How could I have procrastinated that badly as to commit to something 4 months ago and just now realize the thing is only eleven weeks away and I haven't even STARTED walking, let alone running.

I just got back from about an hour of brisk walking. Brisk walking means sweating like a pig (do pigs sweat?) and breathing heavy. I know I can't possibly walk that fast so this is me out.of.shape. I have eleven weeks to turn this sweaty, pig-like frame into a lean, mean, runnin' machine.

Sidenote - When I say race, I use the term loosely. For me, the only thing I'm racing is my out of shape booty and my brain telling me I'm going to die. If I can run away from those two things, I'll do great.

This is me until I'm allowed to have two feet off of the ground at the same time (aka running).

(Turn off your sound and just watch the beauty that is Olympic Power Walking. The dude who posted it on YouTube is a tool and super annoying.)

Why Am I Using My Blog Like Facebook?

I can't seem to get enough of funny videos these days, all of which I seem to post here. Sorry. I know it's not life experience, but if I can make you laugh or crack a smile for a moment, then my work here is done.

Enjoy and slap chop your hearts out.

More About Friends

I wanted to write you all a song, but I figured there were enough songs in the world by actual musicians that were about friends, so I'll just plagiarize those.

My first thought was that "With a Little Help from My Friends" was the perfect choice, especially if you think of the Joe Cocker version.



Then I thought that "My Friends" by the Chili Peppers would be a good choice, but then remembered that it's actually really depressing and absolutely not a good choice at all.



So here I am, left with the only other song I can think of off the top of my head that has to do with friends...

Just a Friend, Biz Markie.

OH BABY YOOOOOOU
YOOOUUU GOT WHAT I NEEEEEED
[altered lyrics here] BUT YOU SAY YOU'RE JUST MY FRIEND, YOU SAY YOU'RE JUST MY FRIEND
OH BABY YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOU

That works.

[Now, just don't cheat on me, k? Thanks.]

A Limerick for My Friends

There once was a great group of friends

Who hung out with me until the end

They wrap up the party

They dance with Arty

With them all my time I will spend.

UPDATE:

Oprah's Kick Off Party!

Two posts in ONE NIGHT - that has to count for something!!

So what is it about me...I LOVE this stuff! I love that wedding video, I love Improv Everywhere, I love the Belgian train station dance to a Sound of Music song. I love when people come together for no other reason than to make people happy. A choreographed dance like that takes effort and it's so awesome that people do that together! I just love it - it makes me so happy!

Productive

I forgot what it was like to be productive at home. Up until last weekend, I'd pretty much been away from home every weekend since early June. That's nutty. I neglected my backyard (shocking, I know), my office, my kitchen, everything. I just mowed, weed wacked, swept, straightened, setup, moved, washed and arranged. The yard looks pretty good for what it is...someday I'll pimp it out. It felt good to get out there, get dirty, get sweaty, all in the name of throwing a good party. I'm looking forward to La Fiesta!

This was a weird week. Work is crazy busy, life is crazy busy, I'm feeling a tad scattered. One morning this week, I ended up behind someone I rarely see (which is a good thing) almost the whole way across town. I didn't feel a thing. Not a thing. I didn't get all weirded out, I didn't get nervous, I didn't get spazzy, I just drove like I normally would and that car was just another of many in front of me. In a way, this too is productive. I now have a little of that confidence I thought I'd lost, I know I'm content here, I'm not hung up on anything, I'm not thinking too much. It is what it is and I'm sooooo happy this is how things have turned out for me here. This is a weird town, still getting used to its idiosyncrasies, but I'm happy to live and die in LA it's the place to be. Wait, sorry, that's 2Pac. I meant, I'm happy to live here (some days) and following that person on the road was a good exercise for me in determining whether the past is truly the past. It surely is.

All of a sudden I started drinking soda. Like in the past week. Why? I gave up soda for the most part about 7 years ago when my previous job stocked all soda fridges with any kind of soda you wanted. Like ANY. When I first started and my metabolism was higher, I was drinking like 3 Dr. Peppers a day. That's just gross. I finally weened myself off of those and took back up the coffee habit. At least that's just flavored water for the most part. Why the sudden soda-drinking again? I have no clue but man I need to knock it off. Waste of calories, bad bad sugar, and all those manufactured ingredients...yuck. That first sip of an ice cold soda, all refreshing and bubbly, sweet and satisfying....ok, no more.

Cheers to a stream of consciousness! May there be more where that came from.

Faux Pas Central

Oh, Labor Day was Monday, you say? I'm throwing caution into the wind and I'm wearing white pants today. I don't really get that "rule" anyway. If someone knows what that's all about, tell me so I don't look so ignorant.

Since I Don't Post Often Enough

Here's a random post because I've been told a lot lately that I don't post often enough.

I went to Costco last night. This trip to the big cement box was probably trip #7 I've taken there in my.whole.life. Yep, ever. Hey, I live alone! What do I need 753 rolls of toilet paper for? Will I use 16 cans of tomato sauce? How long will I have 42 boxes of cereal left over if I eat cereal every meal every day for one year? (Wait, I do that already, sooooo probably none.)

So here I am in Costco. See how small I am compared to the HUGE amounts of toilet paper they sell? It's just CRAZY! And why am I dancing in Costco, you ask? Well, because I just looooove to buy things in bulk!

In other Costco news, they have already set out quite a bit of Christmas stuff. That's right, boys and girls, CHRISTMAS STUFF. Isn't it early September? Maybe it's the procrastinator in me that thinks this is a bit much or maybe it's just. too. early.

Proof:

Even more madness at Costco...why would you EVER EVER EVER put a "Flat Belly Diet Cookbook" (complete with most-likely-the-most-disgusting-cupcake-ever) right next to the Martha Stewart Cupcake book? Why?? Whyyyyy? Ya know what those make me want? A cupcake. Do I care about a flat belly? Only after I have a cupcake.

$250 later, I finally left that money-sucking place, only vowing to go back if I really, really, really need toilet paper.

PS - Fond-du-Lac, Wisconsin has the coolest name.

Flattery and Other Such Ideas

I said it before, and I'll say it again. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Remind me again...it's a compliment, right?

Memories...

Songs & smells. Sure, places and objects remind me of good times or friends or family, but those memories triggered by my olfactory and auditory systems are so powerful that they are not easily ignored. Some memories I'd rather not relive of course...like where I was when this song was overplayed on the radio...

(One, this song is actually great. The lyrics are awesome, SO TRUE, and come on, it's catchy. Ready, world? I'm about to admit something - I love, love, love Justin Timberlake. I cannot believe I've admitted that "out loud" - how can you not love someone who does Homelessville and the Single Ladies video on SNL?)

For the most part, the memories evoked are so great that I love to relive them. Like... where I was when I first smelled Armani's Acqua di Gio. Mmmmm. I used to walk through Macy's and spray some onto those strips of paper and just carry it around with me. Weird, yes. Anyway...the smell of Pledge reminds me of being young and following my mom around the house while she cleaned. Beat It by the King of Pop...I can't hear that song without thinking of when my brother and I did a "music video" to Weird Al's Eat It for our parents with a couch cushion in our t-shirts. (That's really embarrassing. Good thing it wasn't last week.) Turns out, that is the theme song to my life.

I've had "You're So Vain" stuck in my head for like two weeks. (Sidenote: I love that part in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days when Kate Hudson sings that at the fancy pants diamond party thing. Awesome.) You're so vaaaiiiinnnn you probably think this blog is about you don't you don't yooooouuuu... Turns out, Carly Simon sings that song and my dad loves her. Random, I know. I wonder what this song is going to remind me of when I forget I had it in my head and hear it again in 6 months...

Well, that's all for today. I'm going to bed early tonight - I really have needed my beauty rest lately.

Relationships - A Late Night Commentary

Beware - this may be a little rant-y and possibly quite long...

I just got back from my parents' house and on the drive I was listening to the radio. I have no idea why the White Menace is on Alice now (oh the CBS conglomerate), but I listened to some radio show with him and some girl (Emily?) and they were discussing relationships. Up for discussion was a book about relationships, therapy, and probably other things that I missed. They talked about how society expects that you will find that one person who will be your partner and how you will be monogamous with that person and if you're not, you're a failure. They brought up points about how that's too much pressure on two people and if there is an opportunity for one person in the relationship to explore other "options" they should since monogamy is ultimately an unrealistic expectation. They also talked about how all relationships are valuable, even if they didn't last a lifetime. (Disclaimer...I did not listen to the whole show, nor did I hear the name of the book. I am only expressing my opinion based on what I did hear for the 15 minutes I listened to the show.)

My two cents...ok, more like my two dollars and thirty-two cents...told you it might be long...

I truly believe that we are meant to find that one person who (ready for the cheese?) complements us in every way. They are not filling all needs nor should you expect them to. They fill your heart, they are your support when you need it, and they make up a piece of you that you may not have realized was empty.

I believe in monogamy and in marriage. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this before, but cheating is, in my opinion, the worst thing you can do to someone (well, I guess besides stabbing them in the eye with a spork.) If you don't feel that you can stay monogamous, break off your relationship pronto. If you feel like your heart just isn't in it anymore, move on, and let your partner do the same. You will come across people in life that you are attracted to, some moreso than others, but if you respect the one you're with, you'll never act on those feelings. Your relationship with your significant other should be your priority and you should be willing to go the distance to stay together, even if you are distracted by a PYT here and there. I do not feel that these "options" should be explored because you could find a better fit out there. If you seriously thought that there may be someone better for you out there, why'd you get married in the first place? If you're willing, even in the slightest, to take action on feelings of lust or even feelings of attraction that are based on friendship, why would you get married and commit yourself to that one person? If you are a person of integrity, you will never treat someone that way whom you claim to love. The radio show went on about how even though people take vows and commit to that one person they love, they should be open to the possibility of meeting someone else who could have a positive impact on them. My question would be, why couldn't a person have a positive impact on you without you acting on sexual impulses? Why couldn't there be someone who comes into your life and changes you for the better by being your friend? When did it become ok to cheat, lie, and act so selfishly as to "do whatever you want because you want to and it's your life?" When did people stop taking responsibility for their actions and how they affect others? When did respect, dignity, and virtue go by the wayside?

I believe that all of my relationships were valuable. Did they last? No. In hindsight, am I glad they didn't? Oh yes. I learned from all of them - I learned about myself, about what I want out of a relationship, and what I don't want. I learned how to take rejection, how to deal with a bad breakup, how to deal with important life changes, how to accept someone for who they are, how to love with reckless abandon, how to recognize (some) red flags, how to recognize who people really are, how to get over exes who have treated me badly, how to move on, and how to avoid people with selfish characteristics in the future. Love is blind in some respects, but my eyes are wide open these days. Do I regret any of those relationships? Maybe, though even as I write that I know that I can't have regrets. If things didn't pan out the way they did, then I'd be married with kids to someone I didn't love and who treated me poorly. I know there's someone out there for me, I just have to figure out where they are and move there.

I know it's a random post, late on a Sunday night, but that radio show got me thinkin'. I had to get it "on paper."