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!

Sayings Cont.

By the way, a saying that I HEART that I never say anymore is:

I love you like a fat kid loves cake. 

So descriptive, isn't it? Just creates that image of how much I love you! I googled it just to see what I'd get and I found an awesome blog...I particularly like that it was posted in 2007 and also the fact that it has photos and lets you know that even though you may not have been searching for this blog, there's a reason to stay and hang out for a while. Well done.

My New Favorite Saying

I'm always down for new and funny sayings. People can be so creative. I will say, that my new and funny saying has come my way thanks to The Lonely Island: Punch You in the Jeans. I love it and will use it regularly. It will replace my "I want to punch her in the face." or the ever-perfect "I want to kick him in the shins."

Thank you, The Lonely Island, for providing me first with I'm on a Boat (utterly classic and incessantly funny) and now my new phrase - punch you in the jeans. I'm forever grateful.



Cheers to The Lonely Island!

PS - I've got my swim trunks and my flippy floppies. Let's roll.

Social Media

I think Social Media is awesome. Is that super duper uber ultra geeky of me or what?

Cheers 2.0!

PS - Ya know what else is geeky? I just joined Technorati. Awesome.

aerfd5stnc

Weeds & Other News

I've started up with Weeds again after a short hiatus (just started season 2 last night - thank you, Z, for my Watch Instantly Netflix access!!) and I'll tell ya...MLP annoys me. She always looks like a deer in headlights. The premise is funny I guess, though slightly sad and pathetic, and maybe that's why she acts so lame most of the time. She's trying to come off naive and green to the business (ha - yes, pun intended) but most of the time she's coming off as stupid. And she doesn't even partake in the merchandise...all in all, my review of Weeds is that it's ok. Addicting, but just ok. Hopefully it'll get better even though I hear it gets worse...

In other news, Tahoe was insanely awesome this weekend - the weather was hot and clear, the company was great, craps was awesome, and the dancing rocked!
{Me, Q, C - happy to have a weekend away!}


{Q and Arthur the awesome lounge DJ!}


{This HAS to be during DON'T STOP BELIEVIN'!!!! HOLD ON TO THAT FEEELLLLIIINNN'!! STREET LIGHTS! PEOPLE! OOOHHHHHHOOOOOOOOHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!}

Lakeside Inn is my absolute favorite casino in South Lake for gambling - cheaper tables, friendly staff, and $2 drinks. Bummer they took out their roulette table a few years back but roulette is a money sucker anyway. I do like it, but I have found that my favorite game right now is craps! Why don't I play that lovely game of chance EVERY TIME I gamble? It's so much more fun! We played $2 hands and were able to learn the ropes even more in the middle of a Sunday afternoon. Nope, didn't walk away with my mortgage payment, but had a blast for an hour and $20. That's worth it. Ya know what else was worth it? Q's banter back and forth with the dealers. I will say that at a table full of true craps players, 3 chicks with $20 have a great time.

Cheers to Tahoe! (as always.)

Last Weekend

Last weekend was pretty nutty - K's baby shower BBQ, A's b-day, photo shoot, The Hangover, rehashing The Hangover, then sleep glorious sleep on Sunday night.

Let's begin from the end, with seeing The Hangover Sunday afternoon. I loved this movie. Loved it. Loved it so much I saw it again on Monday night and it was even better! This movie is really all about the one-liners and there are SO many of them that I just can't stop repeating...it's not illegal, it's frowned upon. One of my favorite parts is how Alan copies Phil...in the desert, in the car on the way home, at the wedding ("does my hair look like Phil's?" "yes, Alan, classic Phil.") Alan is so pathetically funny and he's trying to copy the cool guy, Phil, so much. It's awesome. His lines are GREAT. Funny how movies sometime mimic real life! They did such a great job in this movie casting the characters...they're soooo different and sooooo funny together. Did you just eat sofa pizza?

That morning, I had gone to Sonoma to do a photoshoot for W...it was fun and friendly and crazy with people but it was a house filled with smiles and good-natured smack talk. Reminded me of home...


Working backwards...A's b-day. We had an awesome time in Petaluma - hit up Dempsey's for dinner (best onion rings I've ever had...more like a pile of shaved, fried onion heaven) and, of course, mad conversation. After dinner, we headed downtown, deciding to try the vodka bar at Graziano's. Yes, a vodka bar. As in a room with blue lights, a wall of vodkas, and 28 degrees. So cold that they give you a faux fur coat...as seen here:


After the pricey vodka shots and frozen extremities, we headed to the Hideaway to dance a little and closedown the place in honor of A's 21st birthday :)

During the day on Saturday, it was my honor and pleasure to attend the K&JK Baby Bash BBQ! M and I left her house early that afternoon and headed out to Spring Lake in Santa Rosa for an afternoon in the sun with friends and family. They made it so fun! There was baby present bingo, betting on date/time/gender of the baby, and an awesome idea - a large white mat with pink & blue pens to sign with...sign your name in your chosen baby-type (boy blue/girl pink), and guess the baby's arrival date and weight/length. This is a lot like guessing how many jellybeans are in a jar or people in a room and I am horrible at those games. Here's a little taste of the party...(I'll edit some of these this weekend and post to my Facebook business page...)



Friday I stayed at my parents' house - it was nice to just hang out, work on photos, and watch Wall-E.

Another Thought on The Best Show Ever.

As I've written 3289381 times here, Wipeout is the second best show on the planet, only to The Office. Granted, they are different kinds of humor, so maybe they tie for first place in my best-shows-on-the-planet race.

How can you not love the Big Red Balls? The Motivator? The Dizzy Dummy? People falling? People falling in mud? People falling in cold water? People falling in suds? People falling off Banana Hammocks? The awesome, hilarious commentary?

My perfect world would be living on the beach, a warm beach, with TVs all around my little beach cottage playing Wipeout all the time. You know they have enough footage!

If you've never watched Wipeout, please do. You'll thank me for it.

Match.com Article

I saw this article yesterday and just had to comment, considering I have mucho experience with online dating (and I'm obviously not ashamed to admit it.)

So there's a guy who signs up for Match. He peruses the goods and notices after a while that women aren't replying to him or sending any "winks" or emails. He now decides to sue Match.com for misrepresenting themselves. He says that profiles are outdated, that they leave people's profiles up there to make it look like there's more of a pool than there really is.

Sure, there are profiles that are old - either they have accounts that auto-renew (grrrr) and the people never bother to notice that they're being pilfered out of $30/month or they still show up because they never set their status to "non-searchable." In any event, just sort by "Newest First" and you'll never have this issue. If people aren't communicating with you, there may be a few issues...

1. Your profile sucks. If you come right out and tell people that you're looking for a friend "to do fun stuff with," chicks who are looking to date will skip over you. If you say that you just want to have fun and aren't looking for anything serious, chicks read "player" and move on. If you have misspellings/typos it makes it look like you don't care. If you write the mandatory 1200 characters or whatever, again, it makes you look like you don't care. If you come across as a mama's boy, chicks will move on. If your photos are too far away or terrible, chicks will move on. A chick is as much of a visual being as you are, so make it count. As much as people say that you can't judge someone based on their profile - yes. you. can. That's ALL someone sees before they make contact with you! It's their first impression of you - just like in "real" life. Every time you do something with someone new, you're making a first impression. Make sure it's a good one.

2. You come off as a stalker. If you contact someone and they don't write back, you're allowed ONE more point of contact and that's all. For whatever reason, they didn't write back to you and you need to respect that. They could be on vacation, off Match, dating someone else, don't like your profile for one of the many reasons listed above, slammed at work, busy in their social lives, or any other reason. Most importantly, it's most likely not about you. Move along.

3. You think you're entitled to matches. No one deserves matches just because they paid $30. They deserve matches when they WORK at getting them. Match.com, eHarmony, Yahoo Personals - they all take a TON of work. Check emails. Wink at people. Arrange dates. Follow up. It's a. lot. of work. Again, like "real" life, dating takes work. It shouldn't be overly difficult to meet up with strangers, but it does take some effort. It takes effort to be selective and look for people who truly match you. If you don't like someone for whatever reason, other people may not like you for their reasons. It goes both ways. And the entitlement issue, don't even get me started.

All in all, my experience in online dating was....um...interesting...and not all bad. Obviously, I haven't found the love of my life that way and I don't think I will. Online dating gave me confidence that bad boyfriends had whittled away, and gave me a plethora of hilarious stories.

My last thought...it's dating. Don't take it (or yourself) so seriously.

Dessert in the Morning...

...I wish.

I'm craving a Rosen's cheesecake. Yes, it's 7:48am.

Happy Thursday-the-Almost-Friday.

Cheating.

In the midst of all of the Jon & Kate Plus 8 brouhaha, it saddens me to think about how often people cheat on one another. (Be aware...I'm going to use "you" in my rant on cheating, but it's just a general "you" and not aimed at anyone in particular, hence the word "rant.")

My philosophy is simple: If you don't want to be with your significant other, LEAVE. Don't cheat emotionally, don't cheat mentally, and don't cheat physically, just leave. If you don't leave and you decide to cheat, you're basically taking away all of the decision making from your significant other which is almost as bad as the cheating itself. They've now been put in a position of having to be defensive, feeling like it was their fault, and dealing with the aftermath of someone who cheated. There is no more trust and obviously there was never any respect. If you respect your partner enough to tell them you love them, spend all of your free time with them, make life decisions with them, or marry them, they deserve the respect of your telling them you aren't into it anymore. This gives them the chance to choose to work on things with you or come to a mutual decision to separate. At least give them that chance.

Of course, leaving is easier said than done. I know it would be especially difficult if there were kids involved, but don't you think that kids would know what was happening? They're in tune with their parents' relationship and they know when something's amiss. It would be better to breakup than force your kids and each other to "live happily ever after" when you're all far from it.

Now on the idea of "once a cheater, always a cheater." If things weren't working in your relationship and you decided to find sex, love, and rock and roll with someone else, why wouldn't you do the same in their next relationship? How can you ever trust someone who has cheated on you or on someone else? They lack respect for the person they claim to love and are so self-centered that they feel they can do whatever they want to whomever they want for whatever reason they've justified in their own head..."oh well, they didn't pay me enough attention" or "I was meant to be with this new person - we're so much more compatible." Any way you slice and dice it, you cheated because YOU made the decision to cheat, and it has nothing to do with anyone else, how you've been "wronged" or how the new person makes you feel. You chose to be selfish and fulfill some need you had. Who's to say you won't do that again to your next "love"?

I may get flack for this posting, but nothing anyone says will make cheating ok to me. Karma will come back to bite you in the booty and you deserve it. Cheating is the lowest thing one person can do to another and it shows how little respect you have for anyone but yourself.

Just a Quick Note...

I HEART WIPEOUT.

Yep, Another Random Thought.

I have been thinking that maybe I should try to become a vegan for 2 weeks. I feel like I should challenege myself to do something that will probably make me feel better. I say that, then I overindulge in a delicious dinner that includes ribs. I heart ribs. I don't like the sauce all over my hands and under my fingernails, but I heart ribs nonetheless. I was lucky enough to have ribs last night. They weren't Rutherford Grill ribs but YUM they were good.

See? I can't even think about becoming a vegan because then I start thinking about all the meat I'll miss out on. Bounce back to the other side of the fence...it's only two weeks. And the other side...mmmm, ribs. And back over...two. weeks. seriously. And once again on the other side...mmmmm, ribs.

I read an article yesterday about Flexitarianism - basically defined as a vegetarian who occasionally eats meat. Maybe that's what I should try. The article was saying to incorporate this slowly...start reducing the size of the meat in your dishes then leaving it out completely more regularly. I wonder if maybe this is the route I should take. Less extreme and honestly, it's sorta made for me. Nice and middle-of-the-road, non-committal. I think I'll try this instead of being a vegan for two weeks. Besides, it has a better name.

Random Thought

I think the word "besties" is stupid.

Thank you and good night.

The Red Bridge...

When I was a kid, we walked across the Golden Gate Bridge on the 50th anniversary of its opening. Today, an article was published on SFGate: The Golden Gate Bridge turns 72 today! 72?? Really?? How the heck did that happen? That was 22 years ago! I was NINE.

When I walked across the bridge that day, I remember my brother B was in a stroller. He was 2. He's no longer that little kid with the chubby cheeks and white blonde curls. I remember hearing soon after that the bridge actually flattened a little from the weight of that many people. Flattened! I still think about that to this day when I drive over the bridge. 

I am so happy that my parents took us on this journey. I think about it all the time and am stoked that I was able to recently walk across the bridge again on one of the hottest days I've ever experienced in the city. Sometimes it's pretty sweet to live here.

Trying to Tweet Over Here.

Twitter is broken. I'm not really sure how they could let this happen, but it has. Too many tweeters in the world - everyone wants to talk at the same time. See what happens when too many people talk at the same time? Chaos. Insanity. Too much noise. Irritation. That's why your mom always said, "Don't interrupt."

The Goob on the Couch

Here I sit, watching the American Idol finale. Yay Kris Allen. I like when the underdog wins....I don't even remember this guy from auditions or even Hollywood week. Yay for him and his little blonde wife - their lives have changed so dramatically and it's fun to think about how I'd feel if it were me. Unfortunately, I'd be in the award clips for worst female, oh, I mean, Outstanding Female. Stupid Bikini Girl. Stupid Tatiana.

In other news, I got the EA Sports Active for the Wii last night. It's super cool! It's basically the bootcamp I did last summer....lunges, squats, rows, running, walking, ya know - the works. I'm sore today...though that could be from the massive amounts of boxing-tennis-bowling-baseball that Wenis and I did last night. Boxing is still my favorite....it's SO FUNNY.

I'm still pretty exhausted from our sales meeting last week... American Idol has kept me up waaaay past my bedtime tonight. Time for some shut eye.

The List.

The List ends today. Like I said 328193810 times already, I didn't do very well, though I kicked it up a notch over the past few weeks.

Since today is my 10th anniversary of my 21st birthday, I thought I'd wrap up the list and explain it. If you're willing to read on, please do, I may say something funny.

1. Learn to make Belgian waffles like my dad's So I learned how to make waffles, but I have yet to practice on anyone. Practice makes perfect on these puppies! I took copious notes, so I'll be making these for someone soon! Volunteers?

2. Visit Gabe & Jen in NY (post May 7 but make the plans!)
Unfortunately, I had to cancel my trip back east for lame financial reasons. If I can swing it, I'll be out there later in the summer to bet on some ponies and hang out on a warm beach with warm water!

3. Visit Morgan & Bobby in Martha's Vineyard (post May 7 but make the plans!) Ditto to the above!

4. Run the Maui marathon - TRAIN for an end-of-'09 marathon

Knowing me, I can't commit to anything...especially not a marathon that I'd have to train for on my own. Instead, I signed up for the Vegas Rock N Roll Half Marathon in Dec. Now if I could just start running...

5. Try all 31 flavors at Baskin Robbins - Yeah, I only got through 4. Not sure what happened on this! I heart ice cream and it should have been an easy one. I suck. Well, cheers to pistachio, jamocha, cookie dough and butter pecan.

6. Take a picnic to the beach - Yep, another one I never got around to...and I. Love. The. Beach. It's still on my list for this coming year.

7. Tahoe trip Yo check it. Headed up to Tahoe this past weekend. It was awesome.

8. Put $10 on 31 and hope for the best Put my money on 31, didn't win, but won on every other number I put it on! Came home $50 richer.

9. Rita's for karaoke - A little late, but we're going tomorrow!

10. Play a practical joke on a friend - Couldn't think of anything...have a whole year to think now....muuuwaaahhaahaaaaa

11. Drive east and shoot the whole way - Again with an easy one - looking forward to doing this one soon.

12. Visit Half Moon Bay - Oh come on now. I couldn't get to Half Moon Bay? Really?

13. Host a dinner party Check! Hosted Poker Night and cooked a rather good dinner for the girls.

14. Volunteer for a day - Yep, just selfish I guess.

15. Shoot a gun Added after the fact, but man it was a good one to have on The List. Still scary and not sure if I'll ever do that again.

16. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge Did it, and it was awesome. Kinda far.

17. Visit the Cable Car Museum WAY cooler than I expected - the heart of the cable system. Local peeps have to check that out!

18. Learn 3 all-purpose jokes What does a one-legged ballerina wear? A one-one. What does a Scottish guy have in common with the Rolling Stones? The Rolling Stones say Hey You, get off my cloud and the Scottish guy says Hey McCloud, get off my ewe. What are the two dirtiest animals on the farm? Brown chicken brown cooooow.

19. Go on a date with someone over 40 (uhhh) and someone under 30 (again.) I backtracked in life and used the horrible horrible speed dating-in-a-community-center for my over 40 and the most recent speed dating for my under 30. The kid was 22. Ugh.

20. Take another swing dance lesson - Have to do this! I love it! (don't lead, don't lead)

21. Find a kickboxing class I love - same as above - have to do it! Hiiiiii-YAH.

22. Pay cash for 5 purchases over $30I didn't like this one.

23. See Citizen Kane - Still never seen it. Will have to Netflix that bad boy.

24. Master the art of the bloody mary I had one today - it counts.

25. Shoot at least 25 photos per weekCheck! It helps when the fancy new camera arrives.

26. Discover a new band I'm counting the awesome lounge band from Tahoe on this one. I didn't discover them per se...no clue what their name was. They were cool - someone yelled Free Bird and they actually played it. Rock on.

27. Hike to the top of Mt. Tam - Given that I grew up in Marin, this should be a given, but alas, I'm THAT guy. Someday...

28. See the sunrise & sunset in the same day. Check! It was fun.

29. Go gokarting I have a need for speed.

30. Mail notes to friends/family more often. I LOVED this one and plan to do it way more.

31.Turn 31.

Check. I'm old, yo.

Cheers to my new List! Send me ideas!

Almost 31.

I'm having somewhat of a third-life crisis (sidenote: if I live to be 90+ I'll be stoked.) Ya know when a guy (or gal I guess) has been married for a long time, has the kids, the job, the house...they get into what they feel like is a rut and buy a new sports car, usually a Corvette. This is how I feel right now in life...in a rut. I'm not sure why exactly, maybe because none of the "big stuff" has happened, or even really has the potential of happening any time soon.

Should I buy a Corvette? No. I shouldn't. I need to get over myself and stop brooding. I'm lucky to have such awesome friends to make me laugh like nothing else. I love how we can be ourselves and be dorky and fun and funny and random and spontaneous and planners and adventurers. We don't take ourselves too seriously and that is my number 1 favorite thing. I'm lucky to have such an awesome family too. My brothers are dudes who have found jobs they love, girlfriends that I like (because as we know this is super important), and friends that are actually cool. They're not my little brothers anymore but my tall, skinny brothers who are adults. (Yeah, it's weird.) My parents are a cool couple I've realized this week - they go on cool trips and do interesting things all the time. They're thoughtful and helpful and considerate. My mom likes to shop and my dad is so extremely handy it rocks.

Sooooo I'm turning 31. THIRTY-ONE. Tomorrow. Wow. I hope the next year is as busy and fun as the last!

Cheers to the 10th anniversary of my 21st birthday!

Countdown Continues

How can a weekend fly by yet yesterday morning feel like it was ages ago? That is this weekend. M and I met up on a gloomy and miserable Saturday morning for a cup of coffee and decided to leave for Tahoe at 3 that afternoon. It. Rocked. I love random trips, especially ones to Tahoe and ones that allow me to scratch off #7 & #8 on The List! 

It was rainy. Very, very rainy. M hadn't been to Tahoe yet and unfortunately the fog-rain-clouds-mist-snow kept her from seeing the stunning mountains and most of the lake. There was still a ton of snow up there - not enough to ski on but enough to make what we could see of the mountains even more beautiful. I absolutely LOVE Tahoe. I love the way it smells, the gorgeous landscape, the people, the places, the random encounters, the funny stories, everything. This trip didn't disappoint. 

We did the typical one-night-Tahoe-trip. Headed straight to South Lake, with a stop at Ross along the way (I really need jeans), then found a motel closest to Stateline, and checked in. Got ready, had some EmergenC (that stuff is dis.gus.ting.), listened to fun music, then walked into Nevada to Harvey's. May is hit or miss - it's off season so the motel rates are low but sometimes there aren't people there either. This weekend though, Sammy Hagar was playing, so Tahoe was crazy. Cabo Wabo was nuts, so we stayed at the lounge band in Harrah's most of the time. Then of course, a weekend in Tahoe wouldn't be complete without some dancing. Headed into Vex when the line disappeared and danced the night away. It was awesome.

Today, we lazily made our way home, stopping for food & gas & the Verizon store. Right now, I wish I had cable. I'm posted on my couch with nothing to watch but my beloved Hulu and Netflix. It'll get me through.

What To Do With COPIA...

COPIA was a cool idea that never quite came to fruition. If cool ideas need a place to come and die, come to Napa. Not that Napa is horrible, it's just that it hasn't found the balance between locals & tourists, which in my mind would equal success. If businesses only ever cater to tourists, then 6-7 months out of the year you're stuck without much business from us, the locals.

COPIA should have offered locals passes - perhaps an annual fee of $10 that would get us in for free. Instead, they charged $10 at the door. For what, exactly? The same photography exhibit and wine shots? Sure, they had movies on Fridays and cool wine & cooking classes, but again, the costs were prohibitive for people to do that every week. Overall, it failed, obviously, since it's now been closed for months.

My idea for COPIA? Turn it into a hot spot! Napa needs one! Live music, DJ nights, comedy nights, awesome art exhibits, wine tastings, beer tastings, movie nights (they already have a theater-like room).....all of which would be fun, affordable, and cater to locals as well as those visiting our little town. There aren't too many neighbors in that area - the river runs around the back of the property and there is enough distance that I think loud music could easily be played without bothering anyone. The place is HUGE inside - there's no shortage of what could be done with it. Why not capitalize on the younger generation in this town who have nowhere to go and make it the buzz about town? Anyone care to lend me a cool mil? I'll have a sweet spot up and running in no time. I'll be sure to hire bouncers - it seems like anywhere with music needs bouncers for all the "gang" fights here that shut every other place down. Who's with me?