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.
......................................................

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."

Singin in the Car

I tend to look at people in their cars when I'm driving. I can't help it. I like to see what type of person drives what type of car. Did I expect that combination? Are they doing anything funny? Are they cute? You know, all the interesting things about strangers.

Ever since I started driving to the new office, I've seen a lot more people singing in their cars. It's probably because I drive more slowly now and am on roads with oncoming traffic. It's fun. Last Friday, I saw a dude in a big ol' white cowboy hat, in a Ford F250, singing his HEART OUT to some country song he had blasting. It was hilarious! I watched him in my rearview mirror all the way down Soscol and at a very long red light. He was in his own world, rockin out to his favorite country song. Today I saw a kid in his early 20s probably, wife beater, beat up white truck JAMMIN' to some rock song. I love how carefree singing in the car make me feel, and I can only assume everyone feels this way. My current research is supporting this statement.

Sing in the car on the way to work tomorrow. It feels good. Rock on.

Obsessed

Since I don't get A&E anymore, which means no Intervention, I have now become obsessed with a show on TLC of people who are obsessed. Wow. This one is about plastic surgery...what do these people see when they look in the mirror?? They don't see what everyone else sees. Are they vain? Is it just a body image disorder, like what leads to anorexia or bulimia? I just don't understand how people can go under the knife with all of the risks and potential complications.

This one guy has had 50 different things done, spending $500k at least, he said. He looks creepy. CREEPY. I wish someone would shake him and tell him to stop. This chick went to Tijuana to get her boob job, stating that she thought they would do a better job than anyone in the US. Turns out, they did a very, very bad job. Shocking, huh. Well, I'm not sure why I'm watching this, I think it may be time to break my addiction. K, that's all.

Random Thoughts of the Day

Thought #1: I think the last name "Nesbit" is really funny. I have no idea why. It cracks me up every time I see it.

Thought #2: Why do websites now use password reset questions like "Where did you go on your honeymoon?" and "Where did you meet your spouse?" Stop rubbing it in already! I don't have those! I also didn't have a pet growing up except a hermit crab (long story) and the street I lived on in Washington was a number. So was the one in Ohio. I need to figure out a good write-in question.

A Piece of My Childhood Going Chapter 11

I used to spend hours reading my Oma's Reader's Digest, large print edition, whenever we'd visit them. I loved all the funny stories people sent in and always wanted to come up with something to send in myself to win $100. I'm so sad to see that Reader's Digest has filed for Chapter 11. I don't read it anymore, though this article makes me want to get a subscription.

Sidenote - According to the article, Reader's Digest "had several successful ventures, such as the magazine Everyday with Rachael Ray" which makes me like Reader's Digest just a little, teensy weensy bit less. I can't stand Rachel Ray and her freaky little arms that fling EVOO everywhere. Ugh.

Faith in Humanity

This is an open letter to the two chicks I met this morning who restored my faith in humanity.

Dear Two Chicks,

This morning, I headed up to IKEA to buy stuff. Mostly stuff I don't need but that's neither here nor there. After debating over curtains and perusing through the As-Is section, I took my wares and headed to my soccer mom ride. Pulling things out of the cart, I grabbed some green leaf thingies and proceeded to knock my wok, and heard someone go "ooohhh." I turned just as two glass serving bowls crashed to the hot IKEA parking lot. Shattered, to be more precise. The next to me stared. His kid stared. The people who just parked and were walking towards IKEA stared. The couple driving the Mini out of the lot stared. Not one person offered to help.

I just continued to unpack the cart, knowing there was nothing I could do about the shards of glass all over until the cart was empty anyway. I was so mad at myself - sixteen bucks down the drain. My cart was finally empty (I spent a fortune) and I got a plastic bag out, and started picking up the big pieces. I then considered going back in for a $2 baby broom and dustpan set to pick up the rest. Just as I contemplated the best way to pick up all that glass, you got out of your car and one of you yelled over to me: "Do you need a broom?" I answered, surprised, "Do you have one?" You walked over, broom & dustpan in hand, and swept up all of the glass for me as I held the bag. Just when I thought that everyone sucked, that everyone these days is self-centered and rude, there you were, broom in hand, offering to help.

Thank you for that. I appreciate that small token of kindness you extended to me. I appreciate the 5 minutes you took out of your day to help me when no one else would. It may seem insignificant to you and probably to most who are reading this, but I needed that today. Thank you.

PS - this is my 200th post. Cool.

Nouns into Verbs - and Other Word Nerd Activities

I love making nouns into verbs. Being the word nerd that I am, I like anything that has to do with words, letters, grammar, etymology....etc.

I talk a lot. A lot a lot. Just because I talk a lot doesn't mean I like to speak in a way that's grammatically correct or in sentences that are any longer than necessary. This is where making nouns into verbs comes in handy.

For example, when I want to say: "Why didn't that company just use a DBA on that wine label instead of using their subsidiary?" I can say: "What didn't that company just DBA it?" See? So much faster. Now I can stick in an extra sentence or two to continue speaking a. lot.

Another example is used by most people these days, even when they search using a different search engine (the nerd in me just chuckled.) "What's the distance from here to the moon?" "I don't know, google it."

These come up quite regularly and I either sound like an idiot or like I know what I'm talking about even moreso. I should probably bank on the former.

Cheers to being a word nerd!

Bad Dating Stories. Awesome.

I'm having sort of a bad day, but reading Kayla Aimee's bad date blog entry made it so much better. I love rehashing my own bad dates in my brain...makes me realize how crazy people are and how I seem to like it. Just for the story aspect, of course. My worst date ever, published here in my little ol' blog, is also here, at Divine Caroline. I really need to get a start on that book before I forget all those dates!

I do feel sorry for chicks like me, who are pretty much normal, who end up on bad, bad dates. Ultimately, they're pretty funny, though remember I'm laughing WITH you and not AT you. Hopefully most of these stories happened long enough ago that you can laugh with me too.

Cheers, ladies! We've made it this far, some ended up with good guys, some are still looking. I believe I'll find one, and if I have to suffer through more bad dates to find him, then so be it. Actually, bring it on. I'm ready!

Closed-Minded

Why do people think that because they live in California they're better than everyone else in this country? Just because someone lives in the Midwest, it doesn't automatically mean that they're Bud Light-drinking fools who are overweight and lazy. I swear, this stereotype just kills me. Maybe I take it personally because my parents are Midwesterners and most of my family lives there, but seriously now, who categorizes people like that? You can find someone who fits that description anywhere! My aunts, uncles and cousins are not overweight, they may drink Bud Light but I know a TON of people in Northern California who do as well, and they are by no means dumb or less-educated. All are college graduates, all have great jobs, and all are just like anyone here. (Ok, except that they call soda "pop.")

I know that stereotypes are rampant and that I'll never escape them, but I just can't accept that people generalize like this. This especially goes for every geographic stereotype. You make your life how you want it and your geographic location has little to do with it. Now for my PSA - stop generalizing because you think that you're better than someone who didn't grow up the exact same way you did. You are no better than anyone else and every person deserves respect.

Rich Singles?

By the way, I just read this article about the top 10 cities that have rich singles. Guess what town isn't on here? You guessed it! Napa! Tomorrow at 4:37pm, I'm moving to Arlington, VA. Who's comin' with me.....??? (I'd choose Hermosa Beach but I can't afford that town. Oh, so does that mean I'm not allowed to move there? Do you have to be rich to live there? My plan is falling apart...)

Tahoe Baby Tahoe

This past weekend, we celebrated two birthdays in the lovely town of South Lake Tahoe. Now, I know it seems like we always go there...oh wait, we always do. Everything we love to do is all in one place - why wouldn't we keep going?? Casinos, dancing, fresh air, pool time, good food - we did it all. My favorite place we ate was Rosies in North Shore (we took a little trip up North) - great food, great ambiance, great location!

In other news, my family went up to Reno last weekend for Hot August Nights. I forgot how much I love that event!! When I grow up, I want at least 2 hot rods/classic cars of some sort. I'll have to start a fund now because I ain't gettin' younger. This trip was especially awesome because my whole family was there! My parents had gone up for 4 days and my brothers and I all drove up together. It was cool to hang out with them as peers and not as "little" brothers. My brothers haven't been "little" for quite some time.

To go on a slight tangent...I'm looking for a food photography seminar/workshop/class/conference - anything! I'm a very good Googler and I can't find a thing. I'll keep searching...

As a last comment...I promise to post more often. Really.

PS - It sounds like there is a bear eating an apple in my backyard. Creepy.

July 2009

What an insane month July has been! Sort of obvious since I haven't blogged at all. I still have a lot to say about nothing, but life has gotten in the way of putting these thoughts on "paper."

I love fancy hotel beds...good night.

PS - Wishing I could see more of the dirty dirty...hotlanta needs to be explored! I should have stayed through the weekend. Next time.

PPS - The accents here rock. Sorta makes me feel at home...

Social Commentary - Couples

I've noticed over this weekend that couples are quite interesting. I'm at a conference of over 250 people and there are some couples here. Why is it that couples seem to be people who are opposites? Is it really true that opposites attract? I've seen boisterous and bubbly with dry and sarcastic, friendly and open with quiet and negative, very serious with very silly, controlling and bossy with laid back and fun, quiet and pensive with sassy and spunky. 

What a weird phenomenon. I'll have to really start taking note of this and does it play out. Maybe it's the weekend of Social Media that's made me take a closer look at human interaction both in person and online. Hmmm.

I should have majored in sociology. 

Wine Blogger Conference Numero Dos

I'll be at the Wine Blogger Conference this weekend so no real blogging here! Check out my posts here...

The Happiest Video Ever.

It's been a while since I've seen a video on YouTube that cracks me up - we've got David after Dentist (classic), Evolution of Dance (I heart this dude), I'm on a Boat (and all other SNL Digital Shorts), and earlier this week, this gem came to me via K...



This video makes me so unbelievably happy I can't even describe it. I LOVE that they did this, that everyone participated, the slow-mo part, the bride! I just love it. A great blog included this video...The Power of the Unexpected.

Switching Gears

I was going to post about a more serious topic, but Wipeout is on and I'm feeling a tad sillier now so that serious post will have to wait.

Things that are funny:

Wipeout, of course.

The Office

Office Space

Swingers

The Hangover

Men dressed as women a la Bosom Buddies

Sit and Be Fit

Hey - They're getting more exercise than I am.

Funny T-Shirts

I still love these - witty, stupid, hilarious.

Bad Pickup Lines

Do any of these work?

I like laughing. A lot. I'm sure there will be another one of these posts in the future...I can't think of anything else that's funny right now.

Google Ads

Google ads are pretty funny sometimes. They pull from keywords in my blog postings though sometimes I have no idea how they come up with those ads. A rehab and detox center? Hm. Weird.

Quick Post on Weddings

Attended a friend's wedding this weekend and it was just so fun and wonderful and heartfelt and hot and heartwarming and great.

Thank you, that's all for now.

PS - If I feel this way about other people's weddings, I'm sure I'm going to explode with happiness and excitement for my own. Cool.

Famous! Sorta.

If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound? If you get something published on the interweb, does it count?

I know that *I* submitted this story to Divine Caroline, but they did accept it after review and that makes me very, very happy!! I made some minor changes, but this is pretty much the story pulled straight from my blog...enjoy it again, at my expense. Just kidding! It IS hilarious.

Read about my worst.date.ever.

WOOHOO!  This is slightly more exciting than getting my third word/phrase published in Urban Dictonary today! Awesome day for some interweb writing action.

Things That Are Rad, Part 5

DJ Shadow - Endtroducing
Naming
Packaging
Spray tans
Weddings
Gadgets
My camera
Weekend getaways
The beach
Wine Blogger Conference
Birthdays

(Note: some of the above may be repeats. That means I think they're REALLY rad.)

Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

you: "go away"
little brother: "go away"
you: "stop copying me"
little brother: "stop copying me"
you: "MOOOOOOOM!!!!! he's copying me!"
little brother: "moooooooom! she's copying me!"
you: "I'm stupid."
little brother: "you're stupid."

That always failed. Always.

Of course, my mom probably came back with "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, honey. Your brother just wants to be like you, he loves you." When you're 9 and your brother is 7, that doesn't exactly register. It's just plain annoying.

"Imitation is the sincerest of flattery."
Charles Caleb Colton, Lacon, volume I, no. 183 (1780 - 1832)

As an adult, this makes sense. If someone thinks you're cool/awesome/fun/smart/motivational/ambitious/exciting/happy/an expert/honest/humble/crazy-in-a-good-way/honorable/what have you, then they may, most likely subconsciously, copy you. I realize now that if someone wants to be like you or one of your inherent characteristics, then that is extremely flattering! How nice to be thought of as someone who others want to be like! If you can actually tell that someone is imitating or copying you, it's a tad odd though. And depending on who it is, it can be obnoxious and irritating. (yes, I just started that sentence with a conjunction. Bad.) I guess I just need to flip my thinking and take it as a form of flattery right? Mr. Colton was right.......as long as you take it that way.

Cheers to social media - such a plethora of blog topics!

Movie Mode on Canon 5D Mark II

Quick shout out to Tyler Ginter who posted this awesome tutorial on taking movies with the Canon 5D Mark II...I needed all the help I could get! http://www.vimeo.com/2517472

Couple of Thoughts...Beach Volleyball and Jeopardy

Thought #1: I wish I were a beach volleyball player. Those people are Hottie McHotts.

Thought #2: I'm worried these kids may beat me with Jeopardy answers. Especially the kid with the lisp. A lithp, I mean. Annoying.

Thought #3: Maybe I need cable. Or a life.

Sonoma County

I'm going to be spending the next two weekends in Sonoma County and it makes me get all nostalgic-like thinking about my time there...

In 1997 (holy cannoli I'm old), after a year at the lovely JC, I transferred up to Sonoma State to continue my higher education (aka get the heckfire outta my parents' house.) I still worked at the video store (best. job. ever.) and met awesome people I'm still friends with. So much fun, random, exciting stuff happened the years I lived in Rohnert Park and I still to this day get the warm-and-fuzzies when I go there.

Rohnert Park is a planned city. Not shocking to anyone who has been there. Everything is divided into sections...I lived in B section first, then two places in A section. As you can easily guess, all of the street names in each section start with that letter (they were a little lenient with it, or lazy, considering I lived on Alden then Santa Alicia. Not sure why they didn't just name it Alicia. Whatever.) Most people don't think highly of RP, but man, I do. I loved how close we were to Bodega Bay, Goat Rock and anywhere we could go on the coast, I loved how I could walk pretty much everywhere (and did!), I loved how easy it was to get to Santa Rosa (now, not so much), and how that town holds hilarious and awesome memories of my life back then. Given the choice these days, I'd rather live in Santa Rosa than Rohnert Park, but RP will always hold a special place in this here little heart of mine.

After RP, I moved to SF with Wenis, then back to SR, then up to Sonoma. Somewhere in there, I dated a guy who lived in the Sebastopol area and everytime I go out there now, I realize how much I miss it. There are great restaurants, fun bars, cool people and again, great memories. He lived in a sweet place west of Sebastopol that used to be the scale house for the apple orchards. Of course, all of these apple orchards are now vineyards (except for the Christmas Tree Farm which is rad) but the history of his little place gave it all the charm in the world. We spent almost every weekend out at Doran beach with a huge group of friends, playing volleyball (I didn't, they did. Volleyball hurts my arms. Oh and I suck.), BBQing and just watching the water...my favorite part.

My place in Sonoma holds good memories for the most part except for the very end and pretty much now (long story.) The beginning was great though! Sonoma Square is such an awesome area of town and holds the most fun. Good times had there for sure...

Having been in Santa Barbara this weekend and having lived so close to the ocean gives me that feeling again...the feeling that I need to be a beach bum and sell necklaces to tourists. Oh wait, not that one. The one where I think I'm meant to live on a beach somewhere...(photos and Santa Barbara posting coming soon.)

Good question to ask someone you don't really know...Do you prefer the beach or the mountains? My answer is always "I love the mountains - the way it smells, the clean, crisp air, the views, the snow, the trees - but there is something about the beach that just makes me stop, stare, and relax. There's an inexplicable feeling I get when I go to the beach...one that makes me want to live there, work there, and be there all the time."

Cheers to memories, nostalgia, Sonoma County, the beach and all y'all!

Santa Barbara Rocks

I love it here. Love it. I just wanted to pop in and say that. When I get back I'll blog for real about my mini-vacation but for now, need to hop in the shower and get ready for Something's Fishy. Yum.

Cheers for SDub's b-day and a beach mini-vacation!!!!!

My Parents

I'm 31 now and over last probably 5 years, I've come to realize something about my parents. Now, they don't read this blog and I probably won't admit as much to them outright, but I'll post it for the world (aka my 3 readers) to see: they were pretty much always right.

--They've always recycled. Take it as their inner hippie or what have you, my parents have recycled for as long as I can remember, even when it was more inconvenient. I learned good habits from them and recycling is definitely one of them. Green before their time.

--They refuse to buy bottled water. Bottled water is a waste of plastic. I try not to use bottled water as much as I can, but I'm not nearly as good at this as my parents. In light of yet another article about bottled water being not that great/safe/regulated, I'm going to try much harder to use less plastic and more beautiful red metal water holder thing. They also refuse to buy paper towels...something I haven't yet committed to but plan to this year. Yet again, green before their time.

--Always on time. I like this characteristic they share - and I learned it from them. I don't like to make people wait, especially now that we're all older and all much, much busier than we used to be. Every moment is precious (not to be cheesy but it's true!) and I don't want to waste my time or someone else's. 

--Try it, you'll like it. Now this doesn't always work, but most of the time, I have tried it and I usually do like it: red bell peppers, salmon, red onions, mixed greens (but how good is iceberg...mmmm...oh who do I hear? mom? iceberg is just water? yeah yeah, I know.) Over the years I've tried things I thought I didn't like just to see if I now like them. Seafood I still haven't taken a liking to. I'll try lobster again in like 3 years.

--They used to build things better. Time and time again this has proven to be true. In some things. I love new gadgets...like I've mentioned, I'm a geek. Some old things are just better though...cars. Old cars rock. For my birthday my parents gave me a KitchenAid mixer that still has Hobart on it. Yeah, from back then. It's awesome. Now if I could just learn how to cook...

--When you're not in the room, shut the light off (and the runner up, know what you want before you open the refrigerator.) Now that I pay my own PG&E bills, I know they were right. Period.

--Don't run up credit cards. Yeaaaaah. Should have listened to that one.

--A boy should always come to the door when he picks you up. ABSOLUTELY. I cannot believe I ever stood for a guy honking in his car. I know I can be old fashioned about dating and relationships, but this is common courtesy. I wouldn't ever do that to a friend either.

--In it for the long haul. My parents have been together for 33 years. Thirty-three years. That's inspiring in and of itself! I can only hope for the same.

If I can think of more, and I know I will, I'll add them. Got any good ones?

Busy

Countdown to Santa Barbara...T minus 1 day! I am so looking forward to celebrating SDub's birthday with her in such an awesome place. On the way down, we'll be hitting up Hearst Castle (never been!) then do some wine tasting in Paso and SB, and then head to our cute vacation rental about 5 min from the beach and downtown Santa Barbara. 

Roadtrips = awesome. The beach = awesome. Wine tasting = awesome. Birthdays = always awesome. Summer = awesome.

I. can't. wait.

Cheers to mini-vacations!

PS - 47 minutes until Wipeout.

Monday

K just came to town to do some Baby Belly Photos and we had such a blast! I am so excited to meet Baby K - and I'm writing it here - I'm still hoping for a girl. Of course, I'll be happy for a boy too, but I am crossing my fingers (and toes) for a girl. 

Cheers to Baby Belly Photos, a Rutherford Grill smorgasbord, and seeing K!

Love This

Urban Word of the Day: FACEBRAG 

To use Facebook as a platform to brag. Normally about a job, internship, trip, purchase or anything else that nobody really needs to know but you'd like to tell everyone because you're awesome.

I LOVE THIS URBAN WORD OF THE DAY.

It's one things to share excitement and tell your friends and "friends" good news and it's another to brag about having things or that your life is awesome. all. the. time. What happened to good old humbleness?

This Guy Is My Hero

Curly is my hero. Not the Curly from the Three Stooges, but this guy. He's 107, born in 1902 (yes, obviously.) One hundred and seven. I thought I'd write that out since the number is so awesome. He's seen things I can't even begin to imagine and he's happy. Undeniably, consistently, fantastically happy. He's all about eating right and exercising, which he attributes to his striking physique and tip top mind. I am too, I just have a more difficult time with the actual execution of it.


Curly, you've inspired me. If you can lift weights everyday, so can I. If you can ride your bike around until you're 102, I can at least TRY at 31. You rock and I hope everything works out for you. Cheers!

In Response to My Food Idea...

So I know I said I was going to try to become a Flexitarian, but now I'm not so sure. Check it, yo: an article on how being a vegetarian makes your bones weak. Yeah, I already have the female thing working against me with bone density and though I'm an avid milk drinker, I worry about osteoporosis. Ok, maybe not as much as how I worry about diabetes or if the Richmond bridge is going to fall into the Bay, but I do think about it.

Granted, I don't believe everything I read because in a few days, there will be an article from some other source that being a vegetarian is better for your bones and prevents psoriasis or something. I take all this stuff with a grain of salt. But just a grain, I'm watching my blood pressure.

Cheers to the news - you never know what you're gonna get.

Nerd Alert Nerd Alert

With the help of this smart dude (chick?), I have gotten my Samsung phone to talk to my computer via Bluetooth and move all of my contacts off of my phone and onto my computer. Now, hopefully, when I get home, I can take the zip file of contacts, unzip them on my Mac, upload them into my address book, push to MobileMe, and on Friday, when I get the iPhone, it'll all sync up and I shouldn't have lost a thing.

Cross your fingers for me - I'm in way over my geeky head.

Cheers to people helping people!

PS - I warned you with the title of this post. It is SUPER NERDY.

UPDATE: I just imported my vcards from my super duper cool Bluetool transfer to Address Book on the Mac...Took about .654 seconds and BAM....they're all there!!! Now, by Friday, I'll know if my mad computer skills paid off....the true test. iPhone day.

UPDATE 2: I forgot to update this...got the iPhone on Friday and connected my Mac address book to my iPhizzle and BAM (again)....contacts loaded. AWESOME.

Happy Hump Day

It's Wednesday - the tipping point between last weekend and this weekend. I try not to live for weekends, but sometimes I can't help it. Especially when the coming weekend is a FOUR DAY weekend! WOOWOO! Thank you for becoming independent, USofA, I appreciate the day off.

Friday is iPhone day...I'm still not super excited but I think that's mostly because of AT&T. They suck and though I swore I'd never return to that fateful company, here I am, handing over a boatload of cash. Oh well, what's two years of my life? Ultimately, I think the iPhone will be great for me...great for organizational purposes and my business. I'm defintiely looking forward to downloading the most random apps I can find...an app(lication) about app(etizer)s would be AWESOME. I'll have to see if that exists. If not, I'll make one and become the richest person on the planet. Muuuwaaahhaaahaahaaaaaaa.


Saturday, we're celebrating the 4th in Sonoma Square - my old stomping grounds! I'm looking forward to being outside and they have killer fireworks.

I have finally convinced K to do maternity shots on Sunday... can't wait to capture this exciting time in her life!! We'll have so much fun!

Sunday and Monday are clean-my-house-work-on-projects days. It's been SO long since I've tended to anything at my house....at this point I'd rather live in Motel 6. Oh, excuse' moi, Chateau Seis. At least they leave the light on for you.


Cheers to long weekends!