Adventures in Mediocrity

Sad ending

2011-04-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

So someone in our condo complex passed away last week, and unfortunately his body had to "be discovered." That meant one of the neighbors called the police for a welfare check after enough flies collected in the unit to concern them.

What a sad way to go that you are that much of a recluse that no one notices when you are gone. I have no idea who lived in that unit (it was a building over, so I don't see those neighbors too often), but it makes me sad for the person living their life in that condo. Once we knew that the unit was unoccupied, Mike and I looked through the second bedroom window (which had its shades partly open). Apparently this person was a bit of a hoarder, but a hoarder of books. The second bedroom was piles and piles of books everywhere.

The fact that this person was an avid reader made me even more sad, because I felt some sort of connection (albeit really tiny).

One really gross thing about this whole mess is that after the body was removed (by the police and hazmat) nothing else has been done with the unit. There are still flies, a neighbor said there was a rat and the above neighbors claim there is still an odor.

You would think the HOA, even if this was a rented unit, would be able to contact either the owner (if the deceased was not the owner) or at least an alternate contact (as HOA papers require all the owners to have).

I'll be very sad to think that this person owned the unit and had no alternative contacts. What will happen then? What happens to those people who honestly die so very alone?

My Eurotrip...

2010-07-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

While my Euro trip is quickly coming to an end, here is a map of all the driving that was done! 1 day, 16 hours!!!! The dots represent cities we visited. I will have a lengthy post with photos about my adventures in the next week or so! I have one more full day here in Regensburg and I return on Saturday. It's been so fun!!!

Hockey, Canada and the Olympics

2010-02-28T21:35:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed the Winter Olympics this year and found myself more tuned into the games than I have been in the past.

After the tragic beginning with the death of Nodar Kumaritashvili, I was unable to watch any luge, bobsled, skeleton or any sport on that track without cringing. It was just too sad.

Hockey, while I didn't watch a ton of the games, was what I was most aware of thanks to my husband's obsession. When the U.S. beat the Canadian team I was in shock and had such high hopes for our team.

Today, those dreams were crushed as Sidney Crosby, Canada's Golden Boy, brings them to victory once again. The U.S. players and goalie Ryan Miller really had a go at victory though, tying the game in the last 25 seconds of regulation play. It was an exciting game to say the least, but in the end Canada won.

The thing that bothered me the most was how much time the announcers and the camera man spent praising Crosby for his overtime goal win when he hadn't had a single point in the past two games before this. The camera was literally fixed on Crosby's face during the entire celebration on the ice, which I felt was unfair to the rest of the Canadian team. The TEAM won the gold medal, not just Sidney Crosby.

So now I am being bored to death by the closing ceremonies as I watch this, I watched the entire opening ceremonies just two weeks ago.

One interesting article I read was how the olympics in Vancouver have been one blunder after another, including death, bad weather, mistake during opening ceremonies etc. I found it interesting. Why the Olympics Have Been Bad for Canada.

Now I'm not saying the olympics were a bad thing for Canada, it brought them so many great things. The article just brought up things I didn't always notice.

One thing I hated about this olympics was NBC's covereage of it. Sports that were originally scheduled to be on one channel, ended up on another channel. Rarely was a sport actually live (for the west coast) and there was a tape delay for the west coast. What gives?! Finally we have an event in OUR TIME ZONE and we don't get to see anything in real time. Absolutely ridiculous.

So the olympics is over now, I am sad that I did not visit Vancouver as two of Mike's friends did, but I do hope to visit a Winter Olympics sometime in the future. I hear it is an experience not to be missed.

More movies, less reading

2010-02-28T21:17:00.001-08:00

So I spent another weekend watching more movies, while I should have been reading. My excuse this weekend? I had horrible headaches each morning which worsened every time I tried to read.

As of tonight, I have now seen nine of the ten films nominated for Best Film for the Academy Awards.

I started off this weekend watching Inglourious Bastards. For as much as I dislike Brad Pitt, I really did enjoy this movie. A lot. I would have to say this would have my vote for best film, hands down. I was also surprised I liked it as much as I really did not appreciate the Kill Bill movies by Quentin Tarantino. I'm a sucker for Nazi-related films though.

The next day I watched Precious. Let me just tell you, gearing up to watch this movie was difficult because I knew it was going to be depressing. I had such a hard time starting the two-hour long heart wrencher. And boy did it live up to what I had heard. Great acting, good plot but my goodness was it just completely sad. Things just kept getting worse and worse for the character. The best part about this movie was its realism. There was no happy ending and that suited me just fine. I guess the semi-happy ending was that we saw her smile in the end.

Mike and I went out on a date night on Saturday night and we watched Shutter Island. I thought this movie was good, but it had me trying to figure it out from the get go. It played many mind tricks and had you leaving the theatre still thinking about the plot. Which story line did you choose to believe? I like a movie that makes you think. Leonardo DiCaprio was great in the film, the music was a bit dramatic (though that is Scorsese for you) and I'm not sure Mark Rufalo fit into the film well.

The last movie I saw this weekend was Pixar's latest Up. It was very cute and very Disney, but I was excited to see an original story line (not a recycled fairytale). It definitely pulled at the heartstrings and was just a heartwarming story overall.

So all that is left for me to see this award season is A Single Man, which I have not heard very much about so I'll be interested to see how I like it. I hear the acting is worth watching it alone.

A flower in the desert

2009-10-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

I’ve been neglecting my blog lately but I’ve been doing really well.

In life I find we get so caught up with what is wrong with this or what we are upset about, that we take very little time to appreciate the little things that make us happy.

Driving on my way home from work I concentrated on what has been making me happy and it was a very pleasant drive.

Things that make me happy:
• Cold, crisp autumn days
• Salmon-colored sunsets
• Driving with the windows down
• Singing and rocking out in my car
• Working in the suburbs
• Picturing my future
• The sky at twilight
• Reading a great book
• Finding Matte at a café in San Francisco yesterday

Now the list could go on and on, but these were just a few things that have made me happy lately.

I’ve been pretty involved with Kiwanis lately, which is nice, but I keep having that nagging feeling that I could be doing more.

A week ago at our staff meeting this man came and spoke to us (in French, as someone translated for him) about this amazing work he is doing with disabled people in Africa. Apparently they are the most shunned people and their disabilities break families apart because usually shortly after the disabled person is born, the father leaves the family because he feels that he has failed them in some way. This man talked about how he took the most inept people (disabled) and gave them purpose, found some sort of talent in each one of them. He spoke of the amazing change it brought to the communities and the families as these people where transformed – fathers come back and the community has something to stand behind.

“Even a flower can bloom in the most barren desert,” he said.

He didn’t speak very much English, but before he left our office (sometime after the staff meeting) he made it a point to go around to every person’s desk, shake his or her hand and say that quote in English to us.

His visit has touched us very deeply and I can’t shake the feeling that I want to do more to touch people’s lives. I don’t know what it is yet, but I know I want to do more to give back.

Recently, while covering a story involving some junior high girls, I was reminded that junior high girls are of an age where I no longer find kids annoying. I actually found it quite refreshing to be among the students and I think I want to do something more with girls who are that age. Being in junior high was a very difficult time for me, as I am sure it is with many girls.

Maybe I’ll become a tutor, but I’d rather interact with these girls at a social level. Help them somehow that way. There are a couple of avenues I am looking into – but that is what I am set out to do right now.

I know it sounds dumb but I want to help someone bloom. I can think of several people in my life who have helped me bloom, but I want to be that for someone else.

Bad, horrible moment in fashion

2009-09-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

So Lauren and I went on our annual San Francisco shopping trip. The day was.... interesting. I was completely visually assaulted.

Really the 80's had to come back? Really? SO HORRIBLE.

This is the first time I have ever been shopping and felt like I am too old to buy into it anymore.

Check out these photos of some of the "fashion" I witnessed. Man models can't even make this crap look decent.

Am I just getting too old, or am I right? The 80s and the 90s should never be repeated. And repeating them does not make you fashionable. Acid washed jeans? Seriously?

The worst 80s offense was when I saw an 80s almost Jazzercise-esque display.

Layering neon colors did not look good then and it looks even more ridiculous now, unless you are wearing it as a Halloween costume. This was so offensive I had to capture it with my camera.

But I believe the worst of the worst was caught by Lauren on her phone.

Leggings are awful awful awful! Especially when they are on 40 somethings trying to act young. And if you are going to wear them, please, for the sake of the people standing or walking behind you, COVER YOUR ASS! No one likes panty lines.

On my to see/read list

2009-05-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

So sorry I haven't been updating my blog, I've been lazy.

I'm using this post as a list of movies I want to see this summer and a list of books on my to read list.

Movies:

My Life in Ruins, June 5, trailer: This looks cute and will have many shots of Greece, which I LOVE.

The Proposal, June 19, trailer: This looks goofy and I haven't seen a Sandra Bullock flick in forever!

My Sister's Keeper, June 26, trailer: I teared up just watching the trailer. I somewhat question the choice of Diaz as the mother, but it won't keep me away from the theatre.

The Ugly Truth, July 24, trailer: Sorry, but who doesn't love Katherine Heigl?

Funny People, July 31, trailer: This looks decent, I'll be interested to see the supporting comedy and if they can pull it off.

Julie & Julia, August 7, trailer: Amy Adams and Meryl Streep together again?! Yes please. Plus cooking unhealthy food with no experience, so great.

Post Grad, August 21, trailer: Alexis Bledel, enough said. Plus, no one makes movies about how bleak life looks right after you graduate college. It's about time.

Books on my to read list (more so I don't forget what I want to read):

"My Sister's Keeper," By Judy Picoult: I have to read this before I see the movie, so it's been bumped up to the next book I am reading.

"Firefly Lane," By Kristin Hannah: Picked this up at Target. Looks like a nice, light summer read.

"The Man of My Dreams," By Curtis Sittenfeld: Currently devouring Sittenfeld's third novel loosely based on the life of Laura Bush. I missed this book when it came out (her second novel) and I love everything by this author, so will have to read this one.

"The Soloist," By Steve Lopez: Heard nothing but good thing about this book.

My new obsession

2009-03-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

So my new obsession is my new phone and Twitter. That is what is up with me.

Since someone told me to update...

2009-02-17T09:51:00.000-08:00

Been doing a lot of movie watching lately, gearing up for the Main Event – the Oscars! I've been a little underwhelmed with the movies, they are all ending the same. Just because someone kills themselves does not make the movie deep. I'm really sick and tired of this plot. Suicide is not profound and worthy of thought. Stop glorifying it Hollywood. Seriously. I'm sick of it.

So- my commentary on the contenders –

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- Ok. Seriously? This was the movie with the MOST nominations. That is so unfortunate. The movie was definitely worthy of its technical nominations, but BEST MOVIE?!? Please. This movie was a bad rip off of Forest Gump and Big Fish. They tried to fit too many life experiences into one movie, and it ended up being a big jumple of uneccesary scenes. In my opinion.

Frost/Nixon- Have not seen this movie yet, but will watch either today or tomorrow. Looking forward to it.

MILK- Best movie by far. This movie should win. Will it? No. Sean Penn will (or better!) get best actor, but honestly this movie was moving in ways the other movies failed in my opinion.

The Reader- I'll admit, a very unique story. It was very captivating. But really? The ending just got to me. Maybe because it was the umpteenth million movie I saw this year that ended in suicide. It's getting old people, really really old. Kate Winslet was great though.

Slumdog Millionare- This movie will get the prize, because it is sort of the unsung hero of the Oscars. I did like this movie and I'll admit it was extremely unique. I will not be upset to see this movie get its award. It came in second for me, behind MILK.

Other notes regarding movies:

The Wrestler- I did like this movie, but it just didn't move me like I thought it was going to. People really built this one up and I wasn't super impressed. Though Rourke and Tomei did good jobs. Once again, was the ending really neccesary?

Doubt- Hands down the best acting in any of the movies this season. I thought it was epic. Though I have never seen the stage version of this, I was so happy they made a movie version and I thought the casting was very apropos.

Rachel Getting Married- Very artsy, sort of film class sort of movie. Anne Hathaway's performance is worthy of her nomination and carried the movie in my opinion.

The Changeling- More specifically Angelina Jolie. This is awful. This is Hollywood bending over backwards to make sure its king and queen (UGH Brangelina) feel worthy and attend. Its utter BS. This role was not that great and in my opinon just an imiation of her performance in "A Mighty Heart." Which was a better movie. Instead of screaming for her husband, she is just screaming for her child in this one. Bleh. SHE. IS. SO. NOT. WORTHY. She seriously just needs to go away already. I'm sick of it.

Revolutionary Road- This was the snub of the awards season. I thought the acting was great and it was an interesting critism of how life "should" go with the kids, the white picket fence, etc. But once again, not an original ending.

So there is my recap. I would like to challenge the film makers in Hollywood to make a positive piece with superb acting. I'd like to see something a little more positive nominated for Best Picture. It's been a long time since we have glorified happiness. I guess that just doesn't sell, but I'm getting a little depressed with the choice of movies as of late. It's either total bublegum (Bride Wars, He's Just Not That Into You) or complete downers (everything nominated).

One more note. Finished watching Gran Torino last night. I went into it thinking I wasn't going to like it and was completely suprised. I really liked it and personally think it should have gotten some nominations itself.

I think I've got a location

2009-01-12T16:12:00.001-08:00

I think I found the location for my wedding this weekend. Check it out:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2027701&l=ba894&id=34700404

Google Reader is amazing!

2009-01-08T12:18:00.001-08:00

So Google Reader, where have you been all my life? You allow me to never, ever have to visit the actual website of the many (and sometimes annoyingly ad ridden) blogs I visit. And you make sure I never miss a post. Your reader system updates in my tabs when something new is posted (just like an email!). So amazing. I don't know how I have missed out on this.

I am able to follow all of my gossip, narrative and newsy blogs. I can even follow local bloggers who I am a fan of. Essentially this wonderful little reader has made it so I never have to browse the internet again.

I realize I am figuring out about this technology a little late, but it is perfect for work. Because when you look at Google Reader, it essentially looks like an email webpage or whatnot. It's not the annoying ad ridden often glaringly obvious I'm-not-doing-work-related-browsing that so many of pages are.

Also on top of learning about Google Reader, I figured out how to make a screen capture today. Not that I need to do it that much it is something cool to know.

Hooray for technology!

P.S. Click on photo to enlarge to see what Google Reader actually looks like.

I got a kitty

2009-01-04T20:07:00.000-08:00

So I went and adopted a kitty (she is 11 months old) today!
She has the most beautiful green eyes you'll ever see on a cat and she has markings of a tabby and tortoise!

I'm so happy!!!

I'm getting hitched!

2009-01-03T18:27:00.001-08:00

So Mike asked me to marry him just before Christmas at the Sharks game. Yay! That is the ring above. It was his grandmother's (that is why it is on my pinky, we are getting it resized).

So now I'm planning a wedding. It's a lot tougher than I expected it to be, and I've only just begun the process. I've also chosen my bride's maids.

There is Lauren, my Maid of Honor.

Mira, my close friend from high school.

Kelsey, my close friend from college.

and....

Amanda, the little sister I never had.

So its going to be an exciting road these next few months. I'm hoping to have an August wedding and trying to keep it affordable for my parents might be a bit difficult but I'm excited!!!

I voted. You should too!

2008-10-29T14:55:00.001-07:00

Remember to vote Nov. 4. If you are in California and you can't vote or it might be inconvenient Nov. 4, vote early. Look up your local registrar of voters online for any questions you might have. Above everything though, please please go get your voice heard.

And while you are at it, a NO on 8 and YES for Obama would be great. ;-)

I voted. Turned in my absentee ballot at my local city hall this morning. Did you know you can do that? Don't even have to pay postage.

Spread the message and encourage all your friends to vote. It's important. No matter what your opinions are. I want our children to grow up and be proud that their parents were involved and cared about what mattered when they were young.

Equality for all

2008-10-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

Been reading a book about racism this month. On top of reading all the Yes on 8 garbage and seeing all the support against gay people I am reminded of how much the issue of gay rights and racial rights are similar.

Equality for all people. I don't care if you don't agree with their lifestyle, they are still human and deserve to be treated as such. Learning about them will not infect your children. Acting like they don't exist will, you only seek to spread the hate you harbor when you don't accept people for who they are.

And stop believing the lies the TV ads tell you.

This is exactly how we treated African Americans. Exactly. Only now we are doing it to gay people. They are people too and they deserve the same respect you bestow upon everyone. Stop the hate. STOP. IT. NOW.

Vote no on H8te!

Fun fill in the blank blog

2008-10-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

Go to urbandictionary.com and type in your answer to each question in the search box, then write the most amusing definition it gives you.

1. Your name:
2. Your age:
3. One of your friends:
4. What should you be doing?
5. Your favourite colour:
6. Your birthplace:
7. Last person you talked to:
8. Last thing you had to drink:
9. Your nickname:

My results:
1. adj., awesome, cool, neat.
"that jet plane is so traci!"
2. The age at which one can finally rent a car in the United States without being charged enormous amounts of money and without having to sign thousands of papers for that matter.
I got stabbed and mugged in the subway because I woulda had to pay $100 more per day for renting a car cuz im not 25 yet!
3. The most awesome event, person, or place.
That party was so Amanda!
4. Jargon for the act of diving to catch the disk in the game ultimate frisbee.
you should have laid out to catch that.
5. Money
homies always askin fo some green.
6. The most over looked city in Orange County. Most people who live in The OC haven't heard of it. For those who don't know, it is between Huntington Beach, Westminister, and Santa Ana. It is home to about 2 Starbucks cafes and 20 7-11's.
Person 1: I live in Fountain Valley.
Person 2: Where?
Person 1: In Orange County.
Person 2: Oh SWEET! You must be like, RICH!
Person 1: No. *punches Person 2*
7. One who circulates the room without reason.
that party was full of elizas.
8. A uniquely American drink that apparently tea drinkers outside the US just don't get. Both refreshing and caffeinated, but be careful what you order -- Southerners like it really, really sweet.
Ah, iced tea. My wirewater of choice.
9. Describes the act of following in someone's particular way of life, like using tracing paper to make a duplicate of an original.
man, don't trace those kids, be yourself.

I don't know what this all means, but I think I have decided the Urbandictionary is pretty much filled with a bunch of crap.

P.S. Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile.

Mother Nature is confused

2008-08-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

I'm not complaining here but I think Earth is confused.

After an extremely mild summer here in the Bay Area the leaves have already started to change colors and have already begun littering the streets.

I love fall. It is my favorite season, I just don't want it cut drastically short because of this random weather we have had this summer.

Anyway on a side note I am concluding my summer with a vacation to Lake Tahoe. So I will be incommunicado until Sept. 1. But if you need me.... you know the number.

I love teachers but....

2008-08-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

Look I love what teachers do for the world. Really I do.

But I am upset. They won't give me the time of day today, this week, EVER. I've tried everything – stalked the classrooms, talked to the principals even gone to the Superintendent's office and nothing has connected me with them.

They are all apparently too busy to give me the time of day. I can't even bug them while they are setting up their classrooms. Hey I can even help you set up your class – I have expert experience in that!

BUT NO.

I'm too busy sorry.

OR-

You email them and NEVER hear back from them. And when I say never I mean NEVER.

Now I am logical. I realize where their priorities lie, in the students. BUT I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO DO MY JOB AS THE SCHOOLS REPORTER UNLESS I CAN TALK TO SOME FREAKING TEACHERS.

I realize what they do is noble. But it would be great if they would get off their high horse for all of 15 minutes and give me a quick interview. The topic isn't even controversial.

I am done for today. I have completely checked out. DONE.

I didn't like The Dark Knight

2008-07-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

So I didn't like The Dark Knight. There I said it. And I know I am probably the only one on Earth that feels this way, but I really didn't like it and here is why:

I didn't like Christian Bale as Batman in this movie (let me preface this by saying I did like him in Batman Begins). I guess I don't really like how Batman was portrayed in this movie. He was too brooding, I get it he was supposed to be transitioning to The Dark Knight, but it was just awkward to watch because I didn't believe his performance, I thought it was weak.

And what the heck was with the deep Batman voice, it was way too deep and off balance. It was freaking overkill.

I also didn't believe that Maggie Gyllenhaal's character was sexy. Not at all, and I don't get why she seemed so unattainable. I get that Batman has this past with her, but what the hell does Harvey Dent see in her. I did not feel her emotional connection with either Batman or Harvey Dent. And can I say she looked old, tired and haggard during the film, which didn't really add to her character's appeal (but I still love her as an actress, just not in this role).

The plot went here, there and every where and tried to throw in tricks here and there. I was able to predict those surprises before they happened, which didn't really impress me considering all the hype this movie has received. I also thought the plot had too many elements in it, I found it hard to follow at times.

The only redeemable thing about this movie (and let's face it, it's mostly the reason so many people will see this movie) is to see the extremely chilling and creepy performance of the Joker by Heath Ledger. It was amazing and the most brilliant portrayal of the Joker, but I can tell you I really felt morbid watching it all.

So overall I really did not like this movie. It was worth going to to see The Joker, but other than that the rest of the movie really failed to impress me. And I do not understand all the hype. Seriously, people seeing it 3-4 times? I don't get it. I don't think I want to see it again.

This movie, in my humble opinion, is getting too much hype. WAY too much hype.

Boycott

2008-07-24T22:12:00.000-07:00

Let me preface this post by I realize I am way lame for watching a reality show and feeling this strong about it. Yeah, I get it, just work with me on this.

No more So You Think You Can Dance. NO MORE. Tonight, Will, the best and most talented person on the show got voted off, by America.

Because this contest is not about TALENT, no it's about how America votes, which at this point in the competition is ridiculous because how on earth can you let good contestants go like WILL! He was the best- he deserved to win the whole thing.

And I can complain because I did vote for Will. I voted for him 15 times last night. I am so angry. SO ANGRY.

Will was the most well-rounded and capable person on that show, and I am so irritated right now. I am boycotting the rest of the season. No point in watching if the person who deserves to win isn't going to.

No more So You Think You Can Dance. NO MORE.

Emmy nods

2008-07-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

I can't even begin to express my excitement for both Neil Patrick Harris and Kristen Chenoweth for their much deserved supporting actor gigs! Kudos many times over.

And I have to admit, I know he is gay, but I have a huge crush on NPH.

Anyway hooray for Emmy Nominations coming out today. Looks like a good bunch of people got nods. Check it out.

Picture tour of a picturesque weekend

2008-07-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

So this was a jam-packed weekend. But a good one at that.

The weekend started with dinner and an old fashioned flick at the Stanford Theatre with my good friend Marie and Alexis. We saw Strategic Air Command, starring Jimmy Stewart and some horrible representation of a woman playing his wife. The movie was full of Cold War propaganda and horrible anti-feminism sentiments. All in all though it was a fun evening.

The next morning I woke up bright and early to work my shift at the Los Altos Art & Wine festival. Our paper has a both there where we try to hawk subscriptions and we pass out ballons (with our logo on it) to the little kiddies.

At the festival I bought a print by this really cool artist. Here is one of his pieces (not the one I got).

After the Art and Wine festival it was off to the beach. Where I was going to meet up with my friend Raj and some old friends from the dorms. We went to Seabright Beach right next to the BoardWalk in Santa Cruz, but way less crowded. Here is picture of that beach, when I get pictures from the event I'll update this post.

After the beach, which was packed with frisbee, football, dogs and friends, I headed back over the hill to Mike's where his parent's were. We all went out to dinner then saw John Caparulo at Rooster T. Feather's in Sunnyvale. He was so great and everything we were hoping. Way way funny. Check him out!

The next day I met up with my good friend Amanda and we went to Cow Hollow in San Francisco to get some brunch. We didn't get to go to the place we hoped, but we still ordered the delicious items at a place that was somewhat subpar.

After brunch we headed over the Golden Gate Bridge for a tour of Mill Valley.

First she drove me to town, where we saw the cute downtown, her office and some of the beautiful estates. All the while Mount Tamalpias was in the background.

Then Amanda took up up Mt. Tam to show me where they hold the Mountain Play and the beautiful view that goes along with it.

After we reached the empty stadium and admired the view we headed back down the mountain the back way. Where we were greeted with beautiful town of Stinson Beach. We continued to drive up highway 1 until we were almost in Pt. Reyes.

Overall it was an amazing day with a beautiful ride up the northern coast. Good company of course and beautiful scenery. I'm glad I got to share it all with you.

P.S. I didn't take any of these pictures because I forgot my camera but wanted to remember everything about this weekend so I took stuff from other websites.

Ch-ch-changes

2008-07-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

So I went to see a wonderful musical last night, "Snapshots." Composed by Stephen Schwartz who also composed "Wicked" and "Enchanted."

Anyway the musical which was basically about how a relationship turned sour over 30 years reminded me of another creative version of The Last Five Years. Also a really good musical, if you haven't checked it out you need to. Like now.

Anyway I got some news this week about one of my close friends who ended her engagement. It was sort of a shock. What was even more of a shock was her reconnection with an old flame. I would like to say her first real flame, from high school.

I am happy she is doing what makes her happy. And after watching a musical last night which illustrated how two people grew apart over 30 years, I am glad she made this decision before she got married and had children down the road.

She is doing what she needs to do, its just so crazy that after everything that has happened, things might end up like they once were, seven years ago.

I really don't have a real reason for this post. It just got me thinking about the past and the way things used to be. I'm happy I am where I am at right now, but I am also grateful for the past because it is what got me to the spot I'm at right now.

I'm thankful for my friends, past and present. They've each had a part in making me the woman I am today, and I wouldn't change that for a million bucks. Well maybe for a million bucks, times are hard these days!

Shoreline is a freakin' rip-off

2008-06-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

So I sent my wonderful boyfriend to Shoreline this week to get tickets for Brad Paisley's Shoreline concert next week – lawn seats are only $20.

To buy the tickets online the service charges would total $13.80 extra a ticket- that is more that 50% the ticket price.

So I sent Mike to the box office (which by the way is only open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, ummmm WTF?) where he went to buy the tickets with about a $9.25 service charge per ticket for "convenience fees!" UMMMM its very inconvenient for my boyfriend to drive to your box office so why are we still paying these freaking fees?

Apparently if you go on Sunday, between 10 a.m. and 2 pm. you don't have to pay some of those fees, about $5, but you still have to pay other fees, I think.

Um I realize if there are extra printing costs or whatever, just up the price of the concert ticket. I'd feel better about paying for a $30 concert ticket without paying 50 percent in extra fees! For some reason fees that add up to be more or about 50 percent of your ticket price seems ridiculous!

Taylor Swift - Should've Said No Live Awards

2008-06-11T09:26:00.001-07:00

Needed a little cheering up this morning so I watched this career defining performance by Taylor Swift. I can't believe she is only 18 (or 17 I think). She is so talented.

How apropos

2008-06-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

Isn't this great timing. My calendar listing for this month is titled "Communication." Oh how hilarious.

Things are a little better now. I was able to get my point across with my publisher and he doesn't think I am doing a crap job or anything.

I just wish he would quit emailing me and actually get up and have a chat with people when he has an issue rather than sending out weak emails. That is not how you improve COMMUNICATION in the office.

ARGH

2008-06-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

Well I didn't think I'd post for awhile, I was enjoying Twitter too much.

But now someone has gone and ticked me off.

How the heck am I expected to do my job when no one, except the community maybe, is appreciating what I am writing as of late?

I get it, budget stories aren't interesting, BUT when the local district is facing cuts and a deficit, which would affect the spotless reputation of education in this town, it is important to cover!

AND when the papers shrink and I get like, maybe 4 pages to fit in everything, I have to delay those heartwarming frivolous features. DEAL WITH IT.

I'm sorry I thought my job was to make sure the news got out first. I was taught news first, features second.

And if you have an issue with my section, take me aside and speak with me. Don't send some freakin' email to the office with your comments on how my section doesn't meet your standards.

I'm offended and hurt. I've been working my tail off lately and all I get is these sorts of comments – and I'm pretty sure that my editor and publisher don't even read my stories. As soon as they see budget, they gloss over it, even though it is important!

Enough!

2008-05-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

Ok Hillary,

Enough is enough. If you don't bow out, like now, you obviously don't give a crap who wins the presidency unless it's you. And you are only going to dig your grave even deeper and create even more people who hate you.

How can you do this to the Democrats? Seriously, we cannot have another Republican president. By not bowing out you are only creating more time for McCain to campaign for the presidency, and you are only distracting and confusing those voters on the fence. You are giving McCain more time to sway the moderates. You obviously don't care.

With each day and article I read I respect you less and less. I used to be ok with you, I used to say, "Barack or Hillary, I'm ok with either as long as we win the White House."

NOT ANYMORE.

I have lost all respect for you. Give it up! Michigan and Florida did not follow the rules, and had the situation been reversed and Obama was complaining about something like this you wouldn't listen to him for a second. That is just petty. You are just trying to hang on to this pipe dream.

Listen up....

It's not going to happen. And the sooner you realize it, the sooner the Democrats can steamroll their way to the White House. GIVE US A CHANCE.

I'm embarrased to admit...

2008-05-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

So I'm embarrassed to admit, I like suburbia.

Blame it on my Orange County childhood or blame it on the fact that I surround myself in the quaint neighborhoods of Los Altos for work.

I can't get enough of little 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom houses, located the perfect distance away from noisy streets but just close enough to the award winning nearby public schools.

I find myself often parked near some of these neighborhoods during my lunch break, staring into a house and imagining my future. It's strange, because the notion of kids and being a mom makes me sick to my stomach. It's just something about these houses that remind me of home.

A home would be nice. I live in a house right now, but it's very different from a home. It's not mine, so I can't qualify it as a home.

Often times I'll be getting coffee on Main St. and I'll see two moms walking with their kids just chatting and having a great all time. This picture both sickens and intrigues me. These women look like the most relaxed people, not a care or worry in the world. And they are never in a hurry, just totally enjoying the moment.

Granted their husbands are probably multi-millionaires bringing in all the dough, so they have nothing to worry about... except maybe their husband's fidelity. But that is me just be being pessimistic.

Life has just been super stressful lately, I guess I'd just like to know what it felt like to not be worrying about things like the future, finances etc.

Twitter

2008-05-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I gave in and joined Twitter. If you have Twitter, you should follow me and I'll follow you and it will be swell.

Also if you are curious about my updates, they'll be posted to the right on my blog from here on out.

And if you haven't joined Twitter yet, you should. Apparently it's the blogging of the future. I figured I shouldn't let it pass me by.

Things I want....

2008-05-07T23:20:00.000-07:00

So my friend (with a birthday around the corner) recently posted her extensive amazon wish list on her blog.

This led me to think... I don't have a wish list. And when people ask me what I want for birthdays or Christmas, my mind usually blanks.

So I am starting a list. Even though my birthday has passed. This is just so I don't forget about that book I wanted to read, or that CD I wanted to get.

I haven't added a lot yet, but here is my list so far (some of it includes items yet to be released).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2NB4ROJ7JEVTW

Kudos to Maile for being the inspiration for this post. Miss you!

Good day sunshine!

2008-05-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone.

Just wanted to pop in and say how happy I am to enjoy this beautiful weekend. I am right now outside in the backyard, soaking up some rays and catching up on some emails, reading my New Yorker and going through some of Mike's housing paperwork.

Life is pretty good right now. Save for the minor blip in judgment I had on Friday night, I've been doing pretty well. Work has been so busy it has just been flying by, Mike's condo is coming together quite nicely and life is pretty great.

I'm looking forward to a mini break I get next weekend when I get to visit Mike's parents, and then in two weeks I'm flying home so that will be something to look forward to as well.

Anyway hope you all are doing well too... get outside, even if its for 15 minutes, I promise you it will be worth it!

Ugh

2008-05-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

So anyone who saw me last night, please pretend like you didn't.

I'm embarrassed and I will never drink without eating a decent meal first ever again.

Things I am thankful for, and things I am not...

2008-04-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

Jeremy Roenick and the Sharks victory in the first round against Calgary.

The Weepie's new album. And the fact that iLike is streaming the whole thing here.

Mike's new condo, which is still empty. I am helping move all his stuff in this weekend!

My new addiction- who thought Scrabble and Boggle combined would be so much fun!

And now for the most recent thorns in my side:

Kit and Zoe. I know they are nocturnal and for the last 3 months earplugs have been enough. But I swear they play a game where whoever wakes up Mommy first wins. I have not slept a whole night through all week, and I am exhausted. I think tomorrow after work I am going to do a room re-design and see if I can fit these buggers in my closet. It's a long shot, but anything is worth a try so I can sleep through the night again.

Look at the new addition to our household!

2008-04-17T23:23:00.000-07:00

Her name is Lola and she is 8 weeks old!!!

I'm sorry

2008-04-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the crazy angry post yesterday.

I just hate people wasting their time being critical of things which are basically non-important. It's a waste of energy to be so vitriolous.

On a better note, Mike is coming for lunch today AND he is getting his keys!

Yay for a new condo! I'll post photos of it later when his stuff is all moved in!

I both hate and love Wednesdays

2008-04-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

Wednesdays are the day the paper comes out.

So you think, yay finally people get to see what I have been working my tail off on all week. Maybe they'll like it and send some sort of thank you email or nice note.

But no, that assumption is usually wrong.

I worked on beefing up a press release and actually making it a story this week. Apparently the person who gave us the press release is pissed.

Well you want to know what – I'm pissed too!

I was working on a handful of stories for the paper on Friday, on top of trying to publish a freakin' 64-page magazine when my boss comes and hands me this press release to beef up, something like 5 hours before deadline.

He basically tells me to take out references puffing up the agency who sent us the release. SO I DID.

And now the person from the agency, a somewhat reputable person in the community is pissed off.

Well guess what – IT'S NOT MY FREAKING FAULT. I was just doing what I was told. And I am SICK AND TIRED OF GETTING SHIT FROM PEOPLE.

I'm especially tired of getting shit from people regarding things that in the large scheme of things AREN'T THAT IMPORTANT.

Anyway, for those who do care I worked really hard this week. And I have three stories I am really proud of - in case you are interested in reading them here are their links:

• LASD advisers predict deficit for next five years

• LASD teachers concerned about unresolved contracts

• LASD parents demand better communication

And in case you are wondering about the picture, I posted it to calm me down. It is of my parent's timeshare at Lake Tahoe.

Rascall Flats/Taylor Swift

2008-04-11T23:51:00.000-07:00

Lauren and I just had the best time at the Rascall Flats/Taylor Swift concert. We had the best seats, since Rascall Flats decided to extend their stage right up to our section practically!

It was the last performance of their tour, and you could tell Rascall Flats was tired, but they still put on a great show.

The highlight though, was most definitely Taylor Swift, whose energy and rock out moves were the perfect way to start the night. She has a bright and shiny future ahead. I also have to say I loved loved loved her shiny guitar, only in country music can you pull that off.

The mystery text message

2008-04-08T23:05:00.001-07:00

So I got a mystery picture text message from a 650 number today. And being that I am a 949 number, anyone from this area calling me is not a wrong number.

And what's stranger is the picture in the text message is of the Free Tibet rally that was held in San Francisco today. So strange.

So if anyone knows who belongs to the phone number 650-305-0146, you might just help me solve the mystery.

And I don't feel bad about posting the phone number because I texted back "who is this?" and got no response. Who the heck is this? And why did I get this text?

One of the best

2008-04-04T20:35:00.001-07:00

One of my most favorite movies of all time is Almost Famous. And I am at home enjoying it, alone on a Friday night. And it is spectacular, except for my throat, which heavily enclosed which means I am either on the verge of being sick or I am experiencing the worst allergies of my life.

"I always tell the girls never take it seriously. If you never take it seriously then you never get hurt. If you never get hurt then you always have fun, and if you ever get lonely you can just go to the record store and visit your friends." (Courtesy of Penny Lane)

"The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool." (Courtesy of Lester Bangs)

Fun with Mike

2008-03-30T09:58:00.001-07:00

Been having a lot of fun with my boyfriend lately.

Last weekend we decided to take a whirlwind day trip to Sacramento/Elk Grove. It was hilarious, we did all the touristy things to do:

• We toured the Capitol
• Went to the Crocker Museum (and looked at historical California art)
• We walked around old downtown Sacramento – ate a snack dive place and then bought yummy candy!
• Had brunch at the Tower Cafe, next to a historical theatre and landmark of Sacramento.
• The we went to ANOTHER historical theatre and saw this movie. Which I have to say is the absolute worst film I've ever seen. EVER. I never walk out of movies but was seconds away from walking out of this monstrosity. You would think Charlize Theron, Nick Stahl and Dennis Hopper would be able to create a better movie than it turned out to be, but no, not even a cast could save the plot of this movie.

After the movie it was time to visit Elk Grove, or as I like to refer to it as, Mike's new Plano. See Mike likes to "future trip" as a good friend would call it. He wants to move there when we are ready to start a family (in around five years or so). So we looked at various different neighborhoods, and ended the night at a brewery in old downtown Elk Grove for dinner.

Isn't it funny how all of Northern California towns have downtowns? It's a strange phenomenon for a Southern California person like me, I didn't even know what a downtown looked like (well except for maybe LA, or business type downtowns) before I came to Nor Cal and now I work in one.

Anyway so that was the fun that we had last weekend.

Now last night, I did something I had been resisting for a long time. Mike wanted to go take a walk to the nearest dive bar "The Peacock Lounge," or as locals refer to it as, "The Cock."

I thought maybe after a drink or two we'd leave and then we could watch a movie or something at my place. But NO!

This place was fun! Really fun, I'm sure the drinks helped make it fun but we spent the whole night playing darts and having strong drinks, without worrying about who needs to drive home. It was awesome, and the drinks were killer – seriously.

Mike and I rarely get to drink together so this was a fun opportunity, also really cheap. I think we got five drinks for $27, and the service was amazing.

So that was my Saturday. And today Mike and I are going to the last (for us anyway) Sharks game of the season. They won the Pacific Division title on Friday night, away, so we get to help celebrate that victory tonight!

Ok, well I hope you all have been having wonderful weekends.

O.K. I get it!

2008-03-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

"Are you ready for this earthquake?" U.S. Geological Survey seismologist Tom Brocher asked last week at a meeting of the California Emergency Services Association. "I hope you are because this earthquake is ready for you."

I get it people. I'm scared. I realize that I'm going to experience the next big catastrophe. The big difference? People aren't so poor here, we won't get the outreach that Hurricane Katrina survivors get, because honestly, who wants to help the rich?

Who wants to help an area where the average income is around $75,000 a year, and that is for the people on the lower end of the scale. Also, who wants to help an area that gets headlines like: Get ready for the Big One on a weekly basis, yet only 10 percent are equipped with the proper insurance?

Anyway, all money aside. I'm scared. I'm extremely scared. I hate earthquakes, and apparently I live on the hotbed of American earthquakes. There is no matter of if the next one will strike, it will most definitely be when.

I toss and turn some nights just waiting for it to happen. But seriously what else is there I can do? I mean I already check this site on a weekly basis, or any time I think I feel something,

Anyway if you want to read up on the most recent article to scare my socks off, here it is in all its catastrophic glory:

Next major earthquake on the Hayward fault will be catastrophic

And when it happens, I hope you'll all think of me and hope I'm not having a severe panic attack when it does. (The last quake I was in, a measly 5.3, I almost hyperventilated).

Annoying trend of the week

2008-03-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

So my annoying fashion trend of the week:

High boots, like to just below the knee

Paired with:

Cropped business pant (Bermuda length)

I love the cropped business pant, but with a boot that almost reaches the pant? UGLY! To me, this works with some skirts, but the length of the pants just make it weird to me!

New music musings

2008-03-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

So been browsing new music lately. Check it out.....

http://www.dragonette.com/

http://www.katyperry.com/

It's playtime!

2008-03-13T21:35:00.001-07:00

Thought I'd share these pictures I took of my chinnies at playtime. I'm a little worried about one of my chins, I think she might be pregs (geez I hope not), but I guess time will tell.

P.S. Ignore my toes, I know a pedicure is loooooooong overdue!

Time change mess

2008-03-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

I'm a hot mess, I'm a time-change-not-adjusting-well hot mess.

It all started when my friend told me it takes her two months to adjust to the change every year, I laughed and said I had never had a problem with that, not at all.

Well, never say never my friends. Ever since the time change it has been afternoon naps, to make up for the fact I can't get to sleep until 1 in the morning. And don't even get me started on what it's like to wake up in the morning.

Ugh, double ugh.

Lately work has been meh, I've been feeling uninspired, which has been showing up in my efforts. It all has me a bit worried, I hope I don't seem like a total slacker, but I've just been bored with it all lately.

Birthday events were fun over the weekend. I had dinner with my friend A Panda and we had a delightful dinner at Spork in the Mission in San Fran. We were expecting more, but the wine was a delight so I guess that made up for a lot of it.

Saturday I had an 80 minute massage, which was wonderful and very much needed. Though I was aghast at how much my friends spent on it ($140!). Then we had a great dinner at Bella Luna in Downtown Palo Alto.

More than one person said my working out has been paying off lately, which is giving me more motivation to continue my gym workout sessions.

Took my chins out for a play time session yesterday, in their new play pen. Zoe loved it, but Kit was just super freaked out. Kit is a bit of a heifer and I just pray that she isn't pregs, which I don't think is possible, but might be.

Anyway, my parents come this weekend, and they've come this time just to see me! Which they have NEVER done before. So I'm excited!

Anyway this post was full of randomness, I'm sorry, thanks for sticking with it.

P.S. Freakin' Hillary, she has really been pissing me off lately. If you don't know what I am talking about, read a newspaper every once in a awhile.

The big 2-5

2008-03-04T22:36:00.000-08:00

So today was my birthday, and not one single person forgot, which makes me feel awful special.

Highlights include:
-Getting flowers delivered to my office from Mike!
-Having lunch with Mike
-Getting yummy fruity pies from work
-Getting pie from my roommates too, sooo nice of them!
-Having dinner with my BFF and our surprise guest!
-Getting calls, texts, emails, facebook messages from everyone
-Stopping to enjoy the beautiful weather and literally smell the flowers
-Realizing that no matter how tough life gets at this point, I will always have so many friends to back me up!

Look at all the colors in our front garden, with the weather so nice, it's absolutely gorgeous to be outside!

Here is a bench in the backyard, I think it's kinda neat.

This is Gus, he is my friend. He comes and says hello almost everyday after work.
I <3 him.

Flashing lights....

2008-02-27T09:04:00.000-08:00

So I went to Vegas a few on President's Day weekend. It was fun.

I was able to bring $200 and not spend a penny more. Thanks in part to making my money last on the slot machines (and my boyfriend, for feeding me), my favorites include penny and nickel Wheel of Fortune (and you know I'm taking about the one with the gigantor spinner!), the lobster fishing one and the mermaid one! All good fun.

I think it's kind a funny how I don't take to video games well at all, but I love the video slots. I won't do any other slots unless they are video ones and have awesome bonus rounds.

All in all I left with less money than I came with, but oh well, no worries. I didn't go to the ATM once, which showed some restraint on my part.

Highlights:
-Dinner at the Tuscany Resort- mmmmmm nothing like good Italian food, good wine and a fine buzz the whole time.
-Gambling at the Monte Carlo- this went on for hours- as did my buzz
-Dinner at the Piano bar- we did nothing but sing along and eat pub food for over two hours. The piano men loved us, they kept giving us ("San Francisco") shout outs
-The view from the Voo Doo Lounge atop the Rio (see picture above)
-The authentic Bavarian Hauf Brau (sp?)- it was great, people were crazy drunk all around us and kept paying top dollar just to get a shot of jagger and a spank from their waitress

Kit and Zoe

2008-02-19T22:42:00.000-08:00

Here are the pictures of my new 6 month old sister chinchillas. Kit and Zoe. So far I have noticed that Kit (the round one with the short curly tail) is more mellow and a bit more timid to get to know me. Zoe is an acrobat and is always jumping off the walls. Zoe is also quicker to take chances, like check me out and nip my hand when I stick it in the cage, or crawl up my arm.

I got the cage from Chins to Go of Sacramento, also the breeders where I got my chins. The girls love the wooden steps and wood ledges and I love the pull out bottom for cleaning purposes.

Coward

2008-02-11T22:15:00.000-08:00

What a coward.

That is all I have to say about the board member who shall remain nameless.

I love how he chooses to call me out on something he views as a factual error in front of everyone at the school board meeting. I love how he calls for a retraction without even asking me to explain where I got my facts.

If he had asked me why I reported the numbers I did he would understand what I was trying to report to the readers. But I guess he didn’t care what I was trying to do, he just wanted to make me look like I am a joke of journalist.

UGH what a jerk. Wanted to make me look small in front of so many people, make me look like I was wrong in an arena where he knew I wouldn’t be able to defend myself.

I am so mad right now. I am hardly paying attention to the meeting because all I can think about it that ridiculous call out he made.

WHAT A COWARD. Oh man, if I didn’t have to be professional and act unaffected I would be telling him a thing or two right now.

All I can say is I am livid, burning and enraged. It is one thing to call me ugly, not like my personality or my taste in music. It is quite another thing to judge me without giving me a chance fight back – especially when it is about my livelihood.

I have been working toward being a journalist since I was in seventh grade, SEVENTH GRADE. Don’t mess with what I have worked my whole life for. DO NOT try to soil my name.

What a jerk, what a cowardly jerk.

Most embarrassing moment

2008-02-11T10:29:00.000-08:00

So one of my favorite bloggers recently asked her readers what their most embarrassing moment was. Well that got me writing. So here it is for you all to enjoy...

Oh boy, this one brings me back to high school. When I had the crush of the century. See I was in the journalism class at good ol’ Woodbridge High School and I was in my first year. Well when I met the editorial staff there and I fell hard for the Editor-in-Chief, his name was Patrick.

Now in no way did Patrick give me any attention, any reason for me to like him. In fact he was actually not the nicest or handsomest person on Earth. But I had rose-colored glasses on when it came to him, he was everything I wanted to be… intelligent, literary, alternative, older and he couldn’t care less what everyone else thought of him.

I spent more than a year falling for him, all the while keeping it a deep, dark secret. No one knew. I bottled it all up while trying to get closer to him, learn from him, visit his workplace (the art cinema house) and join things he was in (ahem…Latin Club, as if that isn’t embarrassing enough).

Well when he was a senior and I was a sophomore I had had enough. I just had to tell him. I – had – to. So being the literary fiend I am I wrote out my feelings in a letter. A page long letter. I simply stated that I had feelings for him and he didn’t have to respond to the letter if he didn’t want to, I just had to get the information off my chest. I worked so hard on that letter, writing and rewriting it in all its glory.

So after spending three agonizing long days at home (it was a long weekend) after giving him the letter on Friday. I get back to the class on Monday, somewhat excited, somewhat scared.

I walk in and everyone sort of looks at me. Now by no means was I at all noticeable, I never stood out in that class (well except to the teacher, who liked my good attitude and writing). I sat down at my desk and began to work on my latest article, all the while wondering why everyone was acting so strange.

Finally the only girl editor, who I guess took some sort of pity on me, brought me out in the hall and showed me a piece of paper. My Letter. Reprinted in its entirety.

She then proceeded to tell me Patrick had an underground literary magazine and that most everyone in the class had a copy and knew that I had written that letter to Patrick.

I could have died. Not only did Patrick print my personal letter for all his friends to laugh at, he told them all he though it was the most hilarious thing he had ever read.

So not only did I get rejected that day, the whole world knew I was rejected.

Sitting in class for the next 45 minutes could quite possibly be the most embarrassing 45 minutes of my life.

See into the future

2008-02-07T10:49:00.000-08:00

Don't you just wish sometimes you could fast-forward 12 months into the future to see where it all ends up? I have been an eager to know the outcome of the primary and I really thought Super Tuesday was going to mean something. To say I am disappointed I didn’t get an answer is an understatement.

Hillary or Barack…. at this point I just want the person who will get the republicans out of office.

I worry if Hillary wins, too many people HATE her, and I mean H-A-T-E in caps. That worries me, I’m afraid she can’t take the White House when all is said and done.

If Barack wins I might be slightly happier, he has people believing we can change the way things are run. And who doesn’t want to have faith that the nation can change its backward ways. My problem is that I feel he might lack the experience. He has the faith, but do I believe that his experience can back up everything he claims? I don’t know.

The ultimate solution would be to combine Hillary’s experience with Barack’s faith and message of change. I still think the combination would be more successful if Barack were the front-runner. But I really feel they have to run together.

I’m afraid they won’t. I think if Hillary wins, I think she will strongly consider running with Barack (he’ll definitely bring in votes where she didn’t). But I think if Barack wins the nod he might consider running with someone else. There’s been too much bad blood drawn, and I hope when all is said and done, they can overcome all the vitriol that was unleashed in the past several months.

When all is said and done I think Obama-Clinton will be the best ticket and will have a real shot at getting the Republicans out of the White House.

I just wish I could teleport or something, just for 1 minute into the future, just to see who actually is going to take the White House in the next election.

One thing can be agreed on…… thank goodness Bush will be gone!

Ah Suburbia

2008-02-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot one of the downsides to living in suburbia...constant gardeners. There are so many houses surrounding this house, three behind, one on each side, three across the street. So no matter what afternoon it is, I'm bound to not be able to nap when I want to because of a gardener.

Ugh, stupid suburbia.

Sorry

2008-02-04T21:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted for awhile. Things have been busy for me, been dealing with a lot of stuff lately.

Been way overloaded at work – barely any time to even surf my regular blogs. I know its horrible.

Anyway, not much is new with me. I got to do a lot of housekeeping stuff this weekend. Did laundry, finally emptied my kitchen boxes. This house is finally starting to feel like home. And I really enjoy the people I live with too. Spent some time with Rhonda tonight (my landlady). We were just watching TV and talking, it was fun.

But one thing I do miss, now that I live in a house and with Rhonda (a woman who is close to my mom's age), I miss being home. I miss having my mom take care of me. I miss just being comfortable, helping with the dishes, having mom cook for me, just getting to hang out with her all the time.

I think what I really am is non-complacent with life right now. I'm not settled and I feel I am more and more ready for that everyday. I feel like my life is not constant, there are no certainties – anything could change at the drop of a hat.

I've been thinking about my birthday coming up – 25, man a whole quarter life has gone by. I've passed all the milestones I think I will pass for awhile in my life and I'm feeling just sort of bleh. My job is the same rotation of stuff. My life seems to follow a rotation too. I just feel a little stuck sometime. I feel like I'm not moving forward.

Does any of this make sense? Sorry I'm just rambling here.

I'm happy but I'm just tired of being unsettled. I mean I like where I live and stuff, it's just the state of my life right now. I just feel like I'm in a rut.

My room/my studio

2008-01-27T11:41:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. You all know I moved around Christmastime. I haven't updated about my new place yet. I've really enjoyed living where I am now. My room is kind of like my own small studio apartment (minus a kitchen). There is a family room area, a bed area and my bathroom all attached. Actually right now there is even a kitchen cabinet area – because the kitchen (which is right outside my door) is currently being redone. But have no fear, we are getting new cabinets on Tuesday! So that is exciting. I'm going to try to attach pictures of my new room, hope you enjoy!

Jewel, Madonna, babies and church

2008-01-25T10:07:00.000-08:00

Whoa, weird combination right?

Talk about a strange dream. I was at a church. Sitting next to me was someone who was a regular at the church who apparently was related to Jewel, because Jewel and her newborn baby (don't even know if she has kids) were seated next to her.

All of a sudden I had a baby on my lap. Weird. My baby was smaller than Jewel's, but I laid it on its back on my legs and it wriggled like a little worm. And decided to be gross like babies can be and started to spit up. I then proceeded to wipe the upchuck with a baby towel.

Everyone in the church was waiting for the sermon to begin, when all of a sudden some really excited church member began to walk down the aisle saying, "she's here, she's here!"

Now I had no idea who the heck this guy was talking about. But all of a sudden the congregation stands to face the door and in walks Madonna, circa Evita (I've never seen this movie by the way). She takes the stage and actually begins giving a sermon. Uhhhh, huh?

Anyway, I then woke up and don't really know what to make of any of this dream. I'm actually weirded out at this dream.

So I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, if you have any.

Less weight in 2008

2008-01-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

I know I'm lame. I have a stupid motto but I am hoping to stick to it.

Mike and I joined 24-hour last night. In an effort to spend more time with him (and not wimp out most week nights, going to sleep at a respectable hour) and in an effort to lose weight and gain overall health I am going to try to go to the gym from 11 pm to midnight, four nights a week.

This way I can see Mike and be productive at the same time. If I get tired due to this schedule I will start taking more after work naps. I'll make it work, I have to make it work, because to be completely honest I am not happy with my body right now.

Sweet success

2008-01-11T11:57:00.000-08:00

There is nothing better than getting the legal documents which you put so much effort into getting.

This morning was great. Went to the courthouse, dealt with pleasant people and got the information I needed.

Now I'm off to produce a front page article.

Santa Clara County Courts irritate me

2008-01-10T15:27:00.000-08:00

It's not so much the court itself that irritates me, it's the clerks. Most of the time I get the rudest customer service it drives me insane.

I was trying to get information today regarding a case, which was filed last night, and the woman was a total jerk. She told me it would be days before I would be able to see any of that paperwork. Legally, I think I should be able to have access to it today.

I feel that it is because of her lazy, disgruntled attitude is the reason it would take "days" for me to get this information.

I am on deadline. I have tried everything to get this information and it is driving me mad that I might not have this story for our next issue. UGH.

Stupid disgruntled county employees. What do they have to gripe about? I'm sure they are getting paid plenty more than I do.

Funny thing is the case I am trying to get information is the Los Altos School District filing against the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Take that Santa Clara County!

Coffee and Comcast

2008-01-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

Coffee makes the morning go faster, which is nice. Though I've recently decided to start drinking coffee again, I have found out that if you drink coffee with little to no food in your stomach, in about 3 hours you are jittery beyond belief and your body is screaming for something with carbs to soak up the caffeine.

I'm trying to get my body used to coffee every morning, but it's been somewhat of a battle. Oh well, everything takes time.

I finally got cable installed. Only to discover the cable received at my new place is fuzzy, and it’s not any connection in the house – it's a larger problem. Apparently Sunnyvale cable is not what it should be, I'm not receiving any of my digital cable or half the channels I am paying for. The cable guy spent nearly an hour and a half trying to figure out the problem, which was very nice of him. I appreciate how patiently and diligently he tried to solve the problem, but the consensus was that he was going to report back to his supervisor and let him know about the problem.

So yesterday when I got home and my cable was still horrible I called Comcast, because there is no way I am paying $60+ a month for channels and cable I am not even getting. So I talk to the most idiotic phone operator who asked me to check my connection after I assured him that the cable guy who hooked up my cable checked every connection from every angle on the property, including the power pole connection. Every time I said something to the operator he would just be silent for like 45 seconds, trying to think of what to say. My purpose of the phone call was to schedule an appointment with the supervisor of installation, so maybe he or she could figure out what was wrong with our connection. The idiot on the phone just kept saying uh, and then he was silent for another 30 seconds, doing lord knows what. Eventually I just said, "Look, I'm not getting what I paid for, what can you do about that?" So he credits me a week. I said, "Great, if this problem isn't fixed in a week, you'll be hearing from me again."

And that was that. Cable is still not working properly this morning. The operator said that they were working on cable in Sunnyvale and it would be fixed by LAST night or today. I replied by saying this has been a problem for months, and I am pretty sure he has his info wrong. Oh well, I give Comcast a few more days; if this isn't fixed I'm going to be mean to get what I want. Being nice and patient hasn't gotten me anywhere yet.

Great Christmas gift

2008-01-08T10:43:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to pay homage to the great calendar I got for Christmas from Kelsey which is currently hanging in my office.

I realize half the people in my office won't get it, it's just its presence that pleases me.

Oh and yes, the photo was taken with my new camera phone, though the light glare was something I could not avoid.

Goodbye Chocolate, Hello enV

2008-01-08T10:30:00.001-08:00

So I hung out with my wonderful friend who shall remain nameless last night and he hooked me up, big time.

See my friend, lets call him Bob (since this is being posted on the internet) works at Verizon, and I have been wanting a new phone for awhile. Basically I got the new green enV for only the price of tax on the phone. Sweeeet. And it wasn't even time for my new every two.

The camera is my main selling point on this puppy, it is a 2.0 megapixels, which I love and if I ever do get internet on my phone, it should be pretty simple to use.

I love the rain rain rain

2008-01-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

Man the rain is giving me the adrenaline to get through today. So exciting and dramatic. The power has been on and off at work, trees are down, the ceiling is leaking and Main Street looks like a river. Love love love it.

Check out Adele, mellow soulful music perfect for a rainy apocolyptic day like today. She is the like Amy Winehouse, but not crazy. http://www.myspace.com/adelelondon

New year, new things.

2008-01-01T22:16:00.000-08:00

Well I've officially moved. I am now a resident of Sunnyvale.

I spent the last 8 days in Irvine. It was a well needed respite to be sure.

Mike and I unpacked my stuff a bit more tonight and I am beginning to feel a little more settled which is nice.

New Years was not too exciting, but it was fun to drink soda with Ashleigh. I had a really good time with Ashleigh and David this past trip. I also had fun seeing everyone else as well.

It's weird to think about how much of an adult I've become. I ran into a former classmate when I was in Irvine and it was interesting to hear how everyone I graduated is doing and where they all are now. We really have grown up, we all have real jobs and we are all on our own.

It is crazy to think seven years ago I was a senior in high school, preparing to graduate.

Life takes you so many places. I am confident in saying I am absolutely happy where life has me at this new year. Everything is going well I have to say. New place to live, new roommates (well soon anyway). Mainly a lot of new beginnings.

My parents did not have a good 2007, I am ready to say goodbye to it and move forward. I hope 2008 is "great" as my parents said. They need a good year in the worst way right now.

Anyway, that is all that is coming to my head right now. I'm getting sleepy. And I'm not even sure people actually read this but oh well.

Happy 2008 everyone, let's hope it brings great things.

R.I.P.

2007-12-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

Rest in Peace Austin.

Let's just say it's been a long month, and this couldn't have come at a worse time.

Good night

2007-12-08T17:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas in the Park + Kelsey + nearly a bottle of wine in a rootbeer bottle = one good night!

Monday Monday Monday

2007-12-03T11:24:00.000-08:00

So it's Monday and I'm back at work.

The weekend was everything I hoped it would be. Relaxing, reading, Christmas shopping and hanging out with friends.

But I'm back at work now and I can't help but still feel the tug of unsatisfaction about what happened on Thursday, with the whole promotion thing. I'm trying to put it out of my head, but it's hard. In a way I feel its made me more aloof about my job here. I don't know I wish I had the guts to bring it up, but Monday is just not the day for it and if I do it tomorrow it's almost like I waited too long to bring it up.

Maybe I can bring it up at my review, if that ever happens.

I just wish today was happier, good news is people really pulled through on Friday so I don't have a lot of catch up work today which is nice. Bad news: my section was so large that I am basically starting from scratch tomorrow.

Obligatory pat on the back

2007-11-29T12:05:00.000-08:00

So I guess my pat on the back wasn't really anything. I don't know, everyone else who got title changes got official titles and I got "Special Sections Editor," which really doesn't even sound like an upgrade, more of an additional role.

Some other collegues got more official titles like "associate" and "managing" editors. I feel I do as much as them but on another level, I guess the "special section" level, but really that doesn't even begin to describe it.

I think I would have been happier with even just a deadline editor.

It just seems like I got an upgrade because Bruce was handing them out or something, not really because I actually deserved it.

Grumble, this day needs to be over with already. Like now.

New title-same responsibility

2007-11-28T10:33:00.000-08:00

So I guess I just got a verbal pat on the back (which will hopefully turn into a monetary pat on the back within the next six months).

My editor called me in to ask me if he could give me an additional title, being that I oversee so much on Mondays and am really taking a strong lead on making sure the sections get out I am now not only Schools editor but Special Sections editor.

What I really should be called is the...... making sure things are efficient so we meet deadlines editor.

I guess he thought Special Sections summed it up better.

Fall/winter weather

2007-11-28T10:02:00.000-08:00

Today is just one of those gorgeous days. It's crisp and wintery outside but the sun is shining bright and it is literally raining leaves everywhere you go.

I'm surprised. This time last year I could swear all the trees were bare and the leaves had long since been blown out of the streets. It seems fall is lingering this year, which is fine by me, I absolutely love it when the leaves fall and dance along the streets in the crisp winter air.

Not a lot to update. I got to hang out with Marie yesterday which was fun, we had Thai food and walked her dog. I like hanging out with her, she is fun. I also got to hang out with Mike, caught up on Heroes a bit.

Still need to pack, but I took a step in the right direction yesterday and picked up a ton of boxes from Barnes & Noble. . Hung out with my old co-worker Pingel for a bit which was fun. Oh and if you ever want to read a funny comic about life as a bookseller, take a look at this.

Well that's about it for me today, but I am keeping on top of writing this which is good.

November

2007-11-27T10:12:00.001-08:00

There is just something about the month of November that makes me sick. I really do like this month, I swear. But for some reason I get sick during it and I end up sleepwalking through the entire month.

So I have my last short week this week. I am going home on Friday. Don't know how that will work out, what with me feeling not so hot again and having a lot to do in with the paper. Ugh, I think I ruined November for myself this month. I gave myself too much to do, what with working for my mom, working for the paper and having the move in the back of my mind.

Another thing keeping me from being productive is I've gotten unorganized at work. Just these past two weeks because I have been too busy getting things done early, I haven't had time to do my normal upkeep of my desk. It's messy, just like my room, and that keeps me from doing anything really proactive. Ugh.

Here is a picture.

I realize this post doesn't really have a point, but my head is fuzzy and I don't know what to write about right now.

Hope you guys are all having a pleasant Tuesday, I hope to get out of here a bit early so I can seriously nap.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T10:56:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, just wanted to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

I just finished walking the Turkey Trot in Downtown San Jose. It was really fun but it was crowded, I think over 6,000 people participated.

Anyway just a quick post to say hello, have a great weekend. I'll be stuck in a booth with my head down most of the time. I will also be wearing that idiotic elf hat. Oh joy!

But my dad and I talked TVs last night and he will be shoppin' around for me tomorrow. I'm very excited, looks like I'll be gettin' a new TV either 32''-40''. Thank goodness I have a dad who enjoys braving the crowds.

Well time for me to nap. Then I have to cook. Then I'm off to celebrate Thanksgiving with family.

Hope you guys have a great day filled with fun, family and food!

Expensive pet

2007-11-21T12:21:00.000-08:00

So my chinchilla has a tooth problem, which requires me to take him to the vet every 9 months and shell out $200 to get his teeth filed. That had to happen today, and my pocketbook is hurting because of it. It's very unfortunate that this has to happen at this time of year, what with Christmas shopping around the corner. Argh. Anyway, I'll leave you with a cute picture of Austin.

Hurdles

2007-11-20T10:35:00.000-08:00

Journalists really have to jump hurdles around the holidays. It's not just the fact that we have to put too many issues out in December, it's the fact that no one is during the holidays.

For the real news stories we need to talk to officials. I just spent the better part of this morning calling every contact I had at the district to get official language for something that was voted on last week (the board meeting where I was running a high fever).

So no one is in the district office today. The secretary who I rely on did not send me the information I requested last week like she promised, which is why I have been jumping hurdles today trying to find the information. I finally caught a board member at work.

Now board members are harder though because they never remember the correct language and they are just going off of the confusing discussion which I was trying to clarify anyway. So I got my answers but am disappointed to realize how many people actually get this entire week off.

All I have to say is (and this is a throw back to my elementary school days) ...... no fair.

Traci the Christmas elf

2007-11-19T13:30:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is the new elf hat I am wearing this year selling Christmas ornaments for my mother. She better be paying me top dollar.

Blogging

2007-11-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

So I am tired of not posting more often. It's ridiculous. I am a writer. Why can't I write a stinkin' blog every once in awhile. So here we go. It is my goal to write three times a week (at least) through the end of the year. Here we go....

So life has been very busy as of late. I worked (dressed as an elf, ugh) for my mom this past weekend in Sacramento, I work the San Jose show with her this weekend. Oy, the people who go to these shows are such soccer moms. And the stuff sold at these shows are oh so cutsie. Blech.

The money I am making working for my mom is going toward a new TV, for my new room. Yes folks, I am moving up the Peninsula to Sunnyvale. Yipee to cutting my commute in half (no more freeway)! The house is owned by a woman named Rhonda, she seems pretty nice. She and her part-time daughter Caitlyn live in the guesthouse. I am renting the master bedroom and another lady (who I haven't met) is renting two rooms on the opposite side of the house. The house is huge with all wood floors and the best part is the ginormous kitchen! It has a huge island and it is just amazing! I'm inspired by it, I'm going to look into taking cooking classes so I can test things in a large kitchen.

My room is pretty large, 9.5' by 15.5' and the bathroom is connected to the room. One whole wall is all closet space with cabinet storage space above. My mom is going to drive up one of our old easy chairs and I am going to put it in the room so I can feel like I have a living room/bedroom in one. I'm excited to move, very excited...

...and stressed. This weekend is occupied with work for my mom, next weekend I am going home and that leaves me two weekends to devote to boxing things up. And that also leaves only two weekends for shopping for Christmas gifts. Ugh. And the paper is about to go into warp speed what with putting 6 issues out in the month of December. Meh.

But I digress, there is plenty to be happy about. A new room. A new TV (32-40'' flat screen). A weekend at home to lolly-gag and have fun. New music that has been perfect for my moods lately. AND Mike may be switching to day shifts soon! That is what makes me most happy at all. I can't believe we would be on similar schedules again. It's been too long.

So to send you off I will reccomend some of the music I have been jammin on lately....
Mirah- You Think it's like this but it's really like this - Thanks Amanda!
Ingrid Michaelson- Girls and Boys - If you haven't heard this you must go download it immediately, it is great!
Colbie Caillat- Coco - She sings the "Bubbly" song the radio plays incessantly, but the rest of the CD is really wonderful.
Damien Rice- 9 - It's a year old CD that I just sampled this week, it's good.