...of bragging, I just want to give a little shout out to my dear friend, Dear Abby. Ok, she's not my friend. Be picky. But I have read her column every day for as long as I can remember and today's hits home for me (as so many times they do...)
Dear Abby: May 28, 2010
People who are happy, secure and socially sensitive don't usually feel a compulsion to brag about what they have.
Ain't that true, Ms. Dear Abby.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Blog Etiquette
So I'm sure I've broken a lot of these but they're a good read nonetheless for anyone's website or blog....
The 21 Worst Things To Have On Your Blog or Website
written by Chavah Kinloch
Finally, someone who agrees with me about Flash! I thought it was cool when it came out, but now it just drives me insane when I'm visiting websites. And the fact that I can't see Flash websites on my phone? Annoying. It is pretty though...
I don't really agree with the "not making people register for comments" thing. I had my blog set up that way and got spammed like CRAZY over the past 6 months. Now I have to make you register. Sorry.
This one cracks me up: Loooong Blog Posts – If it’s going to take forever to say it, break it up. Create a series. It's common sense yet so many people don't abide by this. It's usually those who like to hear themselves "talk."
Just wanted to share this good list with you...
The 21 Worst Things To Have On Your Blog or Website
written by Chavah Kinloch
Finally, someone who agrees with me about Flash! I thought it was cool when it came out, but now it just drives me insane when I'm visiting websites. And the fact that I can't see Flash websites on my phone? Annoying. It is pretty though...
I don't really agree with the "not making people register for comments" thing. I had my blog set up that way and got spammed like CRAZY over the past 6 months. Now I have to make you register. Sorry.
This one cracks me up: Loooong Blog Posts – If it’s going to take forever to say it, break it up. Create a series. It's common sense yet so many people don't abide by this. It's usually those who like to hear themselves "talk."
Just wanted to share this good list with you...
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Google Analytics
It still baffles me why "living the vine life bragging" is my top keyword result after all this time. It's too weird. If you, my lone reader, searched that phrase and got to my blog, tell me - what made you search that? I've had 124 visits to this blog from that search term alone from Jan 1 to now. Way weird.
I posted this entry about bragging way back in March of 2009. That was over a year ago. Why are people still searching that? I know this blog title brings up a lot of religious websites and blogs so maybe there's a tie there? Again, way weird. I do have one comment on that post from someone who agreed with it but who knows if that has anything to do with the keyword search results either.
What a mystery.
I posted this entry about bragging way back in March of 2009. That was over a year ago. Why are people still searching that? I know this blog title brings up a lot of religious websites and blogs so maybe there's a tie there? Again, way weird. I do have one comment on that post from someone who agreed with it but who knows if that has anything to do with the keyword search results either.
What a mystery.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Lady Gagme
Reason #36217343 why I can't stand Lady Gagme.
From SFGate.com:
Commentary: You were born in 1986. Shut your face.
Commentary: So it's ok to load up on drugs because your thoughts run like crazy? Sounds like someone else I know of. Pathetic. Grow up. You're not that tortured. You had a normal childhood with regular parents. You even went to Catholic school. Oh, right. You're a part of the generation that thinks they're special and more important than anyone else. Reality check - you're just another person. That's it.
[note: I still like Just Dance but if I hear Ale-alejandro Ale-alejandro or On my telephone again, I'll go crazy.]
From SFGate.com:
"I hate big acts that just throw an album out against the wall, like, 'Buy it! F**k you!' It's mean to fans. You should go out and tour it to your fans in India, Japan, the U.K. I don't believe in how the music industry is today. I believe in how it was in 1982. I don't understand bands who say they'll tour for one year, then record the next. I make music every day!"
Commentary: You were born in 1986. Shut your face.
"And the 24 year old admits she has been taking pills to help her deal with the pressures of fame: "(I use) prescription medicine. I can't control my thoughts at all. I'm tortured. But I like that... It's good to be tortured. The thoughts are unstoppable - but so is the music. It comes to me constantly."
Commentary: So it's ok to load up on drugs because your thoughts run like crazy? Sounds like someone else I know of. Pathetic. Grow up. You're not that tortured. You had a normal childhood with regular parents. You even went to Catholic school. Oh, right. You're a part of the generation that thinks they're special and more important than anyone else. Reality check - you're just another person. That's it.
[note: I still like Just Dance but if I hear Ale-alejandro Ale-alejandro or On my telephone again, I'll go crazy.]
Funerals and Memorials
I attended my "adopted" grandma's memorial service this past weekend. This is my seventh family funeral/memorial service in the past five years. I feel I'm able to comment on these services as an expert at this point. My main question in all of this is what happens to people when a loved one passes?? In my experience, people become vultures, scavengers for their loved one's possessions. Drama always seems follows the service, or it even starts beforehand. It saddens, disgusts and appalls me. I've watched this happen with family and now again with my "adopted" grandma's family and in-laws.
Why can't people respect those who are grieving and give them time to just be before bombarding them with ridiculous requests? When someone's possessions are left, why do people come out of the woodwork and expect to be given items from the deceased's home? These people are callous and shallow and do not deserve anything.
Why can't people respect those who are grieving and give them time to just be before bombarding them with ridiculous requests? When someone's possessions are left, why do people come out of the woodwork and expect to be given items from the deceased's home? These people are callous and shallow and do not deserve anything.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Hmmmm.....that's weird.
So on my flight home, I was starving so of course I took the airplane peanuts. I ate one bag and noticed on the other bag this delightful note....
Are we that sue-happy of a society that we have to put a note about PEANUTS being processed in a plant that has PEANUTS and other nuts in it? Wow. It reminds me of when I first moved to Rohnert Park to go to school. I moved into Jung Haus and one of my three roommates was from Sweden. She was a little older, 24 I think at the time (hey that was old for me then - I was 19!). She had just come back from the store and said, "Why does the paper bag tell you to hold onto both handles? Obviously you should hold onto both or the other one will rip! What is with this country??" That was the beginning of my annoyance with ridiculous lawsuits and settlements. Thank you.
Are we that sue-happy of a society that we have to put a note about PEANUTS being processed in a plant that has PEANUTS and other nuts in it? Wow. It reminds me of when I first moved to Rohnert Park to go to school. I moved into Jung Haus and one of my three roommates was from Sweden. She was a little older, 24 I think at the time (hey that was old for me then - I was 19!). She had just come back from the store and said, "Why does the paper bag tell you to hold onto both handles? Obviously you should hold onto both or the other one will rip! What is with this country??" That was the beginning of my annoyance with ridiculous lawsuits and settlements. Thank you.
Monday's Travels
Monday, I had an awesome opportunity to attend the Mario Batali Foundation golf tourney in LA....talk about a photo opp. We left early to make sure we made our flights. Surprisingly in LA, the airport was dead. I'm talkin' morgue status. We ended up getting to the gates by 5:14 - early enough for me to jump onto the 5:30 instead of the 6:50. There were three open seats when I got on the plane... 1) between two very large men 2) next to a screaming baby or 3) between a large man and a teeny chick. I chose option number 3.
I asked the man if I could scoot into the middle seat, and instead of getting up, he slides over. I told him he didn't have to do that, but he said it was fine, so I got the aisle. I was so happy to be on this flight getting home over an hour early that I really can't complain....but the dude spilled over into my seat enough that I couldn't put my right arm by my side, it had to be crossed over my middle. Awesome. Oh well, c'est la vie. Between the two crying babies and a 100% full flight, we made it home with no issues and I had a date with Chevy's flautas on the way home.
The moral of the story is: be happy when things go your way. For once.
This is the end of the most boring blog post ever. If you happen to be reading this on May 21, please check Google - so rad.
I asked the man if I could scoot into the middle seat, and instead of getting up, he slides over. I told him he didn't have to do that, but he said it was fine, so I got the aisle. I was so happy to be on this flight getting home over an hour early that I really can't complain....but the dude spilled over into my seat enough that I couldn't put my right arm by my side, it had to be crossed over my middle. Awesome. Oh well, c'est la vie. Between the two crying babies and a 100% full flight, we made it home with no issues and I had a date with Chevy's flautas on the way home.
The moral of the story is: be happy when things go your way. For once.
This is the end of the most boring blog post ever. If you happen to be reading this on May 21, please check Google - so rad.
Friday, May 14, 2010
I'm Too Sexy for My Age?
I just saw this and am disgusted by it. The Mommy Files on SFGate.com wrote an article about this.
Obviously, parents put their daughters in these competitions. Obviously, adults taught them the routines. Why is this ok?!? The outfits alone are WAY too risque for young girls. Maybe I'm a prude, or maybe I'm just out of touch with "the times," but I would never, ever let my daughter wear this outfit and dance like that. INAPPROPRIATE. I'm shocked that any adult thought that this was the right thing to do by these girls. You could go on and on about how this just perpetuates the pressure that society places on girls to be perfect and sexy in order to be taken seriously. I won't do that. I am just appalled that this even happened.
Obviously, parents put their daughters in these competitions. Obviously, adults taught them the routines. Why is this ok?!? The outfits alone are WAY too risque for young girls. Maybe I'm a prude, or maybe I'm just out of touch with "the times," but I would never, ever let my daughter wear this outfit and dance like that. INAPPROPRIATE. I'm shocked that any adult thought that this was the right thing to do by these girls. You could go on and on about how this just perpetuates the pressure that society places on girls to be perfect and sexy in order to be taken seriously. I won't do that. I am just appalled that this even happened.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Interesting Combo
What do Subway and hip hop have in common?
Nothing! But the Subway in American Canyon plays hip hop, yo. It's awesome.
Nothing! But the Subway in American Canyon plays hip hop, yo. It's awesome.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Injuries and Consumption of Alcohol
I have just couple things to say here.
Wenis - I'm sorry you broke your pinky playing Just Dance. I do thank you for hours of insane entertainment with this game though. I LOVE it. We are now calling your broken pinky the Wii-nky.
My ankle still hurts. Though it's not a cankle anymore, I think I did more damage than I originally thought. This is now called my Cleankle. (see? cleat + ankle = cleankle! HA.)
Fleury Winery was AWESOME. We had an absolutely incredible time there and I can't wait to go back. The staff was so cool and the wines were delicious. Starting wine tasting on my birthday at 11am began what I am now calling the Playtex Drunk - 18 hours of a great buzz! Fun times, fun times.
Wenis - I'm sorry you broke your pinky playing Just Dance. I do thank you for hours of insane entertainment with this game though. I LOVE it. We are now calling your broken pinky the Wii-nky.
My ankle still hurts. Though it's not a cankle anymore, I think I did more damage than I originally thought. This is now called my Cleankle. (see? cleat + ankle = cleankle! HA.)
Fleury Winery was AWESOME. We had an absolutely incredible time there and I can't wait to go back. The staff was so cool and the wines were delicious. Starting wine tasting on my birthday at 11am began what I am now calling the Playtex Drunk - 18 hours of a great buzz! Fun times, fun times.
Relationships
Obviously, I'm not the best person to be handing out relationship advice. Then again, hindsight is always 20/20, right? I see now what I didn't see then, and I think that only makes me a better candidate for a long-term relationship. I know what I want and I won't settle. (Hey Prince Charming, you hear that?)
One of the biggest things I see is that people don't put their significant other first. I truly believe that once you have decided to marry your SO, that person is your top priority and them yours. If you have kids, this shouldn't change! I'm not saying that your kids and your immediate family are a distant second or third to your SO, but they should be a close second and third. Your spouse is your rock, your partner. He or she is your family and that's really all there is to it. I'm also not saying that you should spend every waking moment together. I hope to have my own life and keep doing things I like to do when I find that certain someone. I don't expect that person to be my everything and it's ok if we don't hang out every second or if we have different hobbies. That what keeps it interesting, right?
That's really all I have to say about this. For now, I need to go on a first date with someone. It's a good start.
One of the biggest things I see is that people don't put their significant other first. I truly believe that once you have decided to marry your SO, that person is your top priority and them yours. If you have kids, this shouldn't change! I'm not saying that your kids and your immediate family are a distant second or third to your SO, but they should be a close second and third. Your spouse is your rock, your partner. He or she is your family and that's really all there is to it. I'm also not saying that you should spend every waking moment together. I hope to have my own life and keep doing things I like to do when I find that certain someone. I don't expect that person to be my everything and it's ok if we don't hang out every second or if we have different hobbies. That what keeps it interesting, right?
That's really all I have to say about this. For now, I need to go on a first date with someone. It's a good start.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Ow.
I spent the day at a video shoot for one of our wine brands. It was amazing to be surrounded by such talented and creative people - extremely inspiring! I know I always say how I want to shoot more after these and it's true, I still need to shoot more.
Towards the end of the day, the light was getting to be perfect as it does almost every day, so as they were shooting on the little beach, I set up some bottle shots on the deck above the beach. Got a few shots in and decided to move the bottle to the railing for a different perspective. I warn you all, please do not do this while looking through your lens. I backed up, very expensive fancy camera in one hand, bottle of Riesling in the other, and tripped over a massive, rusty, horn cleat (how did I know what it was called, you ask? I just looked it up, I'm not a boater), like this one:
PS: Hey, horn cleats: Number 1, your name is stupid. Number 2, why don't you stay on DOCKS where you belong and not on DECKS. That may have helped my brain remember you were there. I don't care if you are retired and you just want to hang out on the deck and watch the sunset. You're big, rusty and you have no flexibility to get out of the way when someone is about to fall over you. I'm just sayin' - go back to your home.
Towards the end of the day, the light was getting to be perfect as it does almost every day, so as they were shooting on the little beach, I set up some bottle shots on the deck above the beach. Got a few shots in and decided to move the bottle to the railing for a different perspective. I warn you all, please do not do this while looking through your lens. I backed up, very expensive fancy camera in one hand, bottle of Riesling in the other, and tripped over a massive, rusty, horn cleat (how did I know what it was called, you ask? I just looked it up, I'm not a boater), like this one:
I can honestly say I didn't see it. That could be because I was walking backwards, one eye closed, one eye smashed to the viewfinder. To give you some perspective, this particular horn cleat was about 5 feet long and a foot wide. Not a tiny little thing...
In slow motion, I tumbled backwards, struggling with all I had to stay upright, how human adults should be. I was diligent (obsessed) with keeping my camera in the air and making sure I didn't drop it or fall on it or smash it in any way. Broken bones will heal, a broken camera will not. Here I am, crashing loudly onto the deck, with seven video crew members and three models right below me on the beach. Production stopped while they asked if I was ok, I called out that I was and more importantly, my camera seemed to be fine. My ego, on the other hand, was not. Well, that's not true. Falling down is extremely funny, especially if you're the one it's happening to. I'm pretty banged up, but hey, the camera is fine and the bottle of wine didn't even break. I'd say today was a good day.
PS: Hey, horn cleats: Number 1, your name is stupid. Number 2, why don't you stay on DOCKS where you belong and not on DECKS. That may have helped my brain remember you were there. I don't care if you are retired and you just want to hang out on the deck and watch the sunset. You're big, rusty and you have no flexibility to get out of the way when someone is about to fall over you. I'm just sayin' - go back to your home.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Pleasantville
I turn a year older this week. I'm struggling with this internally, but externally, I will show the world that I indeed love birthdays, even my own. I do have to thank the heavenly skies that the weather will be 73 and sunny, which I believe is the around the constant temperature in Pleasantville. I hope my day off on Friday will be a scene from Pleasantville.....sunny, gorgeous, and practically perfect in every way.
What does a day of off work on your birthday mean exactly?
1. A trucker breakfast
2. Wine tasting (um....what else is there to do in Napa?)
3. Rockband - no birthday is complete without it
4. Dinner with friends
5. Downtown Napa
Cheers!
What does a day of off work on your birthday mean exactly?
1. A trucker breakfast
2. Wine tasting (um....what else is there to do in Napa?)
3. Rockband - no birthday is complete without it
4. Dinner with friends
5. Downtown Napa
Cheers!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Cable
I hate Comcast. This is not news. I got rid of cable last summer, as I've mentioned 38293081 times here. Over the months, I discovered that I had all of the channels I'd ever want, they were just hidden in weird numbers, such as 118-4 (Lifetime Movie Network) and 119-7 (USA). I'm indirectly paying for basic cable, so I thought I was getting these as a part of that.
After an insane 1.5 weeks of work, Wednesday night rolled around and I wanted nothing more than to sit on my squishy couch and watch bad TV. We all know how much I love my bad TV! Getting ready for three hours of The Office (GREAT TV, by the way), I switched the channel to 75-11, TBS. Nothing. I tried 75-7, TNT. Nothing. 83-6 (VH1), 86-11 (HGTV), 119-9 (A&E). Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. I freaked. I called Comcast, chewed out the poor guy for my loss of channels. He told me I could go to the Comcast store on Jefferson and get a box so that I'd get the basic channels. I told him I already get the basic channels (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and randomly, Discovery) and he said that everything would slowly disappear. It wasn't slowly! I had all of those channels on Tuesday! What was happening??!
After yelling at Comcast, I called KK.DEElight to vent and commiserate. She knew exactly what was happening and was willing to indulge in self-pity with me. There we were, exhausted from work, unable to veg out and watch bad TV. She then informed me that I actually was never paying for those channels and that I had yelled at Comcast for blocking channels I wasn't paying for. I was mad at Comcast for taking away my free cable. Funny, sorta.
So here I sit, three days later, watching network television and renting movies out of Redbox. Comcast doesn't deserve my money. At least not yet. (DVR, I still miss you.)
After an insane 1.5 weeks of work, Wednesday night rolled around and I wanted nothing more than to sit on my squishy couch and watch bad TV. We all know how much I love my bad TV! Getting ready for three hours of The Office (GREAT TV, by the way), I switched the channel to 75-11, TBS. Nothing. I tried 75-7, TNT. Nothing. 83-6 (VH1), 86-11 (HGTV), 119-9 (A&E). Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. I freaked. I called Comcast, chewed out the poor guy for my loss of channels. He told me I could go to the Comcast store on Jefferson and get a box so that I'd get the basic channels. I told him I already get the basic channels (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and randomly, Discovery) and he said that everything would slowly disappear. It wasn't slowly! I had all of those channels on Tuesday! What was happening??!
After yelling at Comcast, I called KK.DEElight to vent and commiserate. She knew exactly what was happening and was willing to indulge in self-pity with me. There we were, exhausted from work, unable to veg out and watch bad TV. She then informed me that I actually was never paying for those channels and that I had yelled at Comcast for blocking channels I wasn't paying for. I was mad at Comcast for taking away my free cable. Funny, sorta.
So here I sit, three days later, watching network television and renting movies out of Redbox. Comcast doesn't deserve my money. At least not yet. (DVR, I still miss you.)
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