Am I There Yet?

2010-05-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

Wow. It’s been a really long time since I’ve done this. With my 31st bday quickly approaching, I’m feeling the pressure of last year’s resolution bearing down on me like a repo-man at a garage sale. Did that analogy make sense? Regardless, last year I resolved to do 30 new things during my 30th year. Here’s the list:
1. Go to Yosemite, and camp like an adult. Check.
2. Vegas Roll at RA Sushi. Check (and YUM).
3. Drink better wine and beer. Goodbye 2 buck chuck and Budlight, you’ve been good friends but, alas, it’s time to move on.
4. Go back to school. CHECK! I graduate sometime between Sept and Nov with a BS in Nutrition. I can’t believe it and will be SO proud of myself once I’m done. It’s taken me a long time to narrow the field, but I’ve finally settled on teaching high school. Look out teenage angst!
5. Become a Nanny. This has been the most fulfilling job I’ve had (as of yet). Jackson is amazing and has taught me so much. I can’t wait to have one of my own
6. Buy a new car. I did it, all by myself- car payments and all. It feels great to have adult responsibilities.
7. Clean up my credit. This has been a work in progess since the mistakes of my early twenties but I’m happy to say that I’d qualify for a decent APR if I so desired. The credit bureau’s can suck it!
8. Get a new puppy. Well, she’s a dog now, but Annie is new nonetheless. Rodrigo and I are both happy to have her, and her annoying skin allergies.
9. (Another) new job as Captain for The Abbey Catering and Event Company. It’s pretty fun and, most importantly, it pays the bills.
10. Learn a few life lessons. Relationships are all about practice and figuring out what works (and doesn’t) for you. I think I’ve matured over the years and have made a concerted effort to pick better men and make better choices.
11. Joined a 2 person hiking club. Trissy and I go nearly every weekend with Annie. It’s amazing to me that San Diego offers so much ecological variety.
12. Made new friends- at least 4!
13. Became a regular member of the best dinner club ever! Once a month we indulge in great food, wine, and company.
14. Go to Church. I’ve been attending Mission Gathering Christian Church for over a year now and have only missed a handful of Sundays. It’s awesome to be a part of something that makes me feel connected to God without becoming part of the Religious Judgment Machine. I don’t go to church to judge, I go to feel good about myself and others. One of my favorite quotes is “You Christians are so unlike your Christ.” – Ghandi. Sad, but true.
15. Be comfortable in my own skin. Ok, well actually I’ve been this way for quite awhile, but it’s a biggie and therefore deserves mention. It makes me so sad to hear friends talk about how unattractive or worthless they feel. Everyone has faults, the trick is to focus on the great things and forget about the extra jiggle or other inadequacies that come with life. Confidence is 90% of the battle.
16. Make the Deans and President’s list. This one goes into the school category and is achieved with a 3.85 and 3.95 GPA. Straight A’s is something I never thought I was smart enough to achieve. Turns out that’s one of the things I was wrong about.
17. Reconnect with old friends. This one is a shout-out to Agi, my high school BFF that I lost touch with somewhere in my early 20’s. I’m SO glad to have her back in my life!
18. Go with the flow. This one’s a work in progress, but this year I’ve made significant effort not to plan out every detail of my (and everyone else’s) existence. I’ve tried to live my life by the idea that there is plan for me and it’s not up to me to decide what it is.
19. Be Happy. This is not the first time in my life I’ve been happy- 2008 was a pretty good year, haha- but I am. That’s that.
20. Practice Patience. Huge. I have none. Huge.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
Ok, so I have 10 left and until 6/1 to do them. To those that feel adventurous, I need help. I’d also like to replace some of the 1-20 that are filled with sentiment with physically new things. Less talk, more action!

On a side note- it’s so bizarre reading my earlier post. 2008/2009 were filled with the highest highs and lowest lows. I’m glad I made it to the other side and wouldn’t have if not for my close friends and family. As terrifying as it is to be officially “in my thirties” and not just on the cusp, I’m excited about what the next year will bring. 30 was about recovery and personal growth. I’m not sure what the theme of 31 will be, but it’s going to be awesome!

Goings On

2008-09-10T16:29:00.001-07:00

Ben and I are doing great. We spent Labor Day weekend at a wedding in LA (see pics) and then last weekend camping with my friends in Julian. There are other things, like work, relationships, kickball and even some more significant details.. but nothing I'd go so far as to blog about.

Here are some pictures from the wedding we went to (Ben's friend Maria got married).

Tag!

2008-09-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

Well since I was 'tagged' by Cari, I guess I'm IT!

Seven interesting, but utterly useless and self indulgent facts about moi:

7. Like Cari, I HATE mouth noises. The chewing sound is akin to nails on a chalkboard to me. It gives me anxiety and turns me into a total bitch.

6. Regardless of how hot it is, I have to sleep with covers

5. I have no regrets. I've made tons of "mistakes" but I've learned from every experience and feel as though they've made me a better person.

4. I make random, wierd faces all the time- not to anyone in particular, just to myself...

3. I am the most passionate about exercise and nutrition. I could probably tell you anything you ever wanted to know about either subject.

2. I still have the ashes from when Muffin was cremated.

1. I think I'm partially psychic. Well, not really...however I am oddly in-tuned to specific people and can sometimes tell when somethings about to happen or has happened.

So that's it. Hmm..I'm supposed to 'tag' a couple people, but considering only about 5 people know this blog exists and the majority of them have already completed this questionairre...I'll only tag 1- Auntie, you're it.

The BIG intro

2008-07-22T12:06:00.000-07:00

I've been back in the saddle for awhile now. I've been seeing Ben since Ian and I broke up in April. We met through our kickball league and have pretty much been inseparable since. I could honestly spend every second of the day with him... it's great. We spent 4th of July up in LA with his friends and went to his Aunt's bbq in Malibu. True to form, I impressed all of them with my wit and charm..haha

Mom came down last weekend to help out with Rodrigo while I went to Scottsdale and she got to spend time with Ben on Friday and Sunday. They loved eachother, which is fantastic.

His parents are coming down from Sacramento this weekend for the big intro...a little intimidating, but I'm also really excited to meet them.

A little about Ben: He's 33 and an Analyst working in the Counter Intelligence dept for the NCIS. He went to UCLS for his Bachelors and Georgetown for his Masters. He's Jewish (although non practicing) and grew up in Sacramento (went to Jesuit). He's funny, very caring, thinks I'm pretty much the best thing ever, and makes me very happy.

We're planning a trip up to Sac in September, so be on the lookout!

More Fun Times!

2008-04-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

Last weekend some friends and I went back to Mexico. It was so beautiful, it was 90 degrees the entire time. It really is nice to get out of town for the weekend...especially somewhere that you don't have cell phone reception!

So I haven't updated in awhile...

2008-03-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

2008 is shaping up to be a pretty great year. Here are a few things that have happened so far:

I am still dating Ian. I don't want to jinx anything, so that's all I have to say about that.

Work is going great as well. For awhile it's just been 2 of us in my department- the other being my manager. Needless to say I've had to take on alot of additional responsibility. My efforts have not gone unnoticed. I recently had my year review and was asked to take on even more responsibility training the 2 additions we have to my department. I also recieved a 9% raise, which is pretty awesome. As with any review, they also mentioned what areas I needed to work on. My favorite suggestion was that I "think before I speak." Hilarious.

I've done alot of great things with my friends so far this year as well. Here are a few highlights:

My holiday Christmas party. I am obviously having a good time.

New Years Eve 2008
New Years Eve with Ian

A couple friends of mine have decided to have a baby so we threw them a "Turkey Baster" baby. If you think about it, you'll get the joke.

These are the "Maybe Baby?" pictures:

And then there was the trip to the River House in Mexico:

And Finally, Slot Canyon in the Anza Borrego Dessert:

Up-date

2007-12-17T13:45:00.000-08:00

So Ian is pretty great. Really. We have another date tonight...we'll see if he can keep this up!

If I didn't write them down, I would lose track

2007-12-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

So the last one was a bust..what was his name again?? Oh, that's right Chris. Well, anyway..not a good fit..I think he's a little too carefree for me. Anyway, I've met a new guy.. Ian. I actually met him on Halloween but we've only recently been emailing/talking etc. We have a date tonight..we'll see.

On another note..I'm still dating the chef (it's been a little over a year)..it's getting seriously complicated..he is my Mr. Big.

Another day, another date..

2007-12-06T12:17:00.000-08:00

I went out on another date last night...lately i'm averaging about 1/week. I met Chris through my friend Genessa. He's 31 and a civil engineer. It was a good date, we went for drinks and then took Rodrigo for a walk. He's goofy and smart, which I love. We'll see, he's already made it past most of the guys. The fact that I still liked him after our date bodes well for him..:)

Ryan, the afore mentioned date, did not work out so well. Its funny how much of a 'connection' you can have when you're drinking. Needless to say, on our sober date I was less than enthralled. Lackluster.

This is whats wrong with me...

2007-12-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

On Sat 11/24 I spent the entire day in the hospital. The night before, I went to bed dizzy. I figured it would be gone in the morning, however, when I woke up it was even worse. I was too dizzy to walk, I had to crawl to the bathroom and then to my phone. I made a few calls to let people know what was going on (just in case i was having an aneurism). When I finally spoke to my friend Trissy, she insisted that we go to the hospital. The best way to describe the feeling is that it was like having the spins when you've had too much to drink.

After spending the day in the hospital, the Dr. told me i had Benign Paroximal Vertigo. Basically I have calcium deposits in my ears and it's throwing off my equalibrium. When i first look at something it's out of focus because my eyes and ears are out of sinc.

It took about 4 days for me to be able to walk again and now, 2 weeks later i'm still dizzy, though not as bad. If it persists through Monday, I'm going to make another appt.

Fun times.

Wednesdate

2007-11-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

I have an official date with Ryan on Wednesday. I'm excited. Turns out we have all sorts of random things in common. He's 30, a music teacher and band member. His day job is for Road Runner Sports (coincidence!) and he did his senior project (college) on what it would take for a band to go on tour (touring logistics is what i do these days.) He's also a traveller and has lived in Ireland and all over the country, includinng Ashville, NC and Boston.

I'm gushing alot about someone I haven't even gone out with yet...we'll see.

Date o-rama

2007-11-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

So I've been dating...alot. I'm not talking once a week..I'm talking double booking for 1 night. Over the last week I went out on 5 dates, not including the guy I met on Saturday night OR the guy from high school that came out to visit (who ended up being CRAZY and telling me he loves me!).

Busy. I feel like something big is about to happen. It feels like the calm before the storm- in my head and in a good way. Like I've stopped struggling and am finally ready to accept someone into my life. Corny i know.

So far, none of them are it...i have my fingers crossed for the one I met on Saturday though...we'll see.

Some fun stuff i've been doing..

2007-10-22T10:37:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pics from my HS reunion, the first on is of me and the prom queen, it's incredibly validating that i look better than she does:)

The next ons is of all the popular boys from HS: Alan McCoy, Jason Smith, Steve Something and Steve Weydert

And finally, one of Chrisy, Anglea and myself- girls i was actually friends with.

Last week I went to Oktoberfest with my friend Alaina. It was such a beautiful day!

Ok, so I know it's been awhile

2007-10-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

Well, the fires are here again. I'm in the office right now, but most of my coworkers are gone, due to evacuations. There are two fires right now, one in Witch Creek and the other near Tecate, we're right smack in the middle. The one in Witch creek is about 15 miles away, near my old house- my old roommates have actually been evacuated already. The fire crews haven't gotten any air support because of the lack of visibility, so it's pretty much just the ground crews out there. My fingers are crossed....

Lost and Found

2007-06-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

Rodrigo is home. I recieved a call late last nignt, someone saw the flyers. He's so exhausted from his "adventure" yesterday that he's slept all day today. Im thankful. Lesson learned: make sure your pet is wearing their tags with the updated information.

My heart is breaking

2007-06-16T20:54:00.000-07:00

Rodrigo is lost. He got out today around noon by somehow managing to crawl under my building and out the front. The mailman saw him around 1, I haven't seen him since 10. I don't know what to do. I've called the animal shelters and Animal Control, I've posted two ads on craigslist and a bulletin on myspace, posted flyers in my neighborhood and canvassed the streets calling out until the sun went down and my voice was so hoarse it hurts to cry. I don't know what to do, except sit here and cry.

Memorial Day

2007-05-31T14:23:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Rodrigo and I joined some friends (about 15) up at the Kern River for some outdoor adventure. It was beautiful! Rodrigo had SUCH a good time, even though he threw up an entire T-Bone!!

Ding Dong the Witch is Dead

2007-05-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

Jerry Falwell died today. He founded the Moral Majority in 1979 and was responsible for many hateful things.

Falwell was widely criticized after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks for suggesting that God allowed them to take place because of the work of civil liberties groups, abortion-rights supporters and other groups. He was quoted on the Christian television program ``The 700 Club'' as saying, according to Cable News Network:

``I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for an American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America, I point the finger in their face and say `you helped this happen.'''

After the brutal slaying of Matthew Shepard, Falwell created a link where you could view a picture of Matthew burning in hell for being gay. A button was also installed so that the Moral Majority could watch/hear him scream.

Karma.

Come to Mama

2007-05-08T21:39:00.000-07:00

I have a date tomorrow night. Hopefully this one will go better than the last. I'm hopefull

Im so happy, I could cry

2007-05-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

Paris Hilton was just sentenced to 45 days in the Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF). She will begin her sentence on June 5.

This may be the happiest day of my life.

Where I'm At

2007-05-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

I'm moving !!!!! I found an awesome one bedroom apartment close to work. It's spanish style with an arched ceiling and terracotta tile with blue accents in the kitchen. Hardwood floor, 2 giant closets, built-ins, and crown moldings. I love crown moldings, really. The best part is that I'll have my own private back yard, its not huge (bedroom sized) but it's perfect for Rodrigo. As you walk through the front door into the living room, you can see the backyard framed by 2 white French Doors! I'll be able to walk to work with Rodrigo, which will be great for him AND my ass:)

Dating. So exhausting. I'm on match.com, which I actually like. It seems like theres a lot of emailing going on but not too much action. I'm getting tons of emails and "winks." Its surprising how easy to tell through email and/or phone conversations whether or not you have chemistry with someone.

I'll keep you posted.

I've been told...

2007-04-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

Ive been hearing for some time now that I look like her. I guess I kinda do..when I wear makeup:)

Yay!

2007-04-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

I have a date on Wednesday:)

I went to Blue foot on friday night with Tianna and Marie...looking...nevermind for what. I met Curtis as I was ordering a drink, he was a dork, he made me laugh and he wasn't trying too hard to get into my pants, so I decided to give him my phone #. My experience with meeting guys at a bar is that they seldom call. Either they were too drunk to remember who you are and what you look like, or theyre interest has faded along with their hangover. I only talked to Curtis for about 5 minutes that night, but had a good feeling about him. To my delight he called today and we have a date for Wednesday.

Equally as exciting..I'll be able to wear my SKINNY JEANS!! double yay!

Don't mind me, just venting

2007-03-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

Rodrigo gets into things...its what he does. Today, after I left for work, Rodrigo got into a box of pancake mix. It was everywhere, and unfortunately my roommate is the one who had to deal with it. She swept up what she could before she had to rush off to work. I got home around 730, sweaty and tired from the gym, to find what was left of the caked on mess. No problem, Rod is my responsibility and I'm grateful that she did what she could.

Tonight when she got home, she was in a horrible mood and wouldnt stop complaining about the incident.

Her dog has been sick and, because she has a boyfriend (who I recently accidentally saw naked. ew), she cannot be bothered to clean up the throw up, which has been daily, and really really gross. I have been the one mopping up puke. Because Marley and Rodrigo are best friends, Rod has caught this stomach virus and is now throwing up, alot.

Instead of thanking me for taking care of her dog (she's spent the night at home ONCE in the last week) and sympathizing with our poor, sick puppies, she's hiding in her room, irritated.

If anyone's aloud to be irritated, its me.

No, this post does not make me depressed, if anyone in particular is wondering.

The greatest thing EVER

2007-03-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

I found this awesome site! Its a place where you can watch any movie, tv show, etc for FREE!! I checked a couple shows/movies out and it was just like watching them on the tv. The movie 300 was on there, it was the only one I noticed with a banner at the bottom, but it was still viewable.

Check it out!

http://tv-links.co.uk/index.do/1

Wax on. Wax off

2007-03-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

Helpful Hint:

To remove cooled wax from clothes, furniture, floors, etc, simply place 2 layers of papertowel over hardened wax and iron on highest setting until wax has been heated and absorbed by papertowels:)

um, nice legs

2007-03-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

Every morning is the same. Exhausted, lifeless I awake to the sound of ring #10 leaking out of my white chocolate phone. It's musical, I thought maybe, just maybe a light, a whimsical tune would be better than the universally annoying beep beeep beep that normally accompanies the snooze button. I snooze, I admit it. I will not apologize for the extra 25 minutes of sleep that I squeeze out of the quickly escaping night.

Tuesday morning I snoozed. I reasoned, in my unconscious state, that if I sacrificed my morning shower, I could sleep in until 630 and still have exactly enough time to get ready for work. So, at 630 I wake up, dazed and a little confused. I walk towards the kitchen to let Rodrigo out, and to my surprise there is my roommates NAKED boyfriend!!!

Seriously?!

No. Really?!

You're right, a naked glass-of-water run is TOTALLY excusable. No question. However, a naked stare-out-the-window-because-I -feel-like-it is a little alarming to the roommate who's used to stumbling through the house half asleep ALL BY HERSELF.

Needless to say, I keep my robe clutched tightly closed as I ease myself into the day.

Seriously?

2007-02-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

I need to get it under control. The waterworks keep coming out of nowhere. Case(s) in poing:

Last night during Gilmore Girls when Lane asked Rory to be her "Lorelei Gilmore" I sobbed

Tonight during Will and Grace when Grace's daughter and Will's son met I cried

Tonight during American Idol when a girl sang "shut up and sing" by the Dixie Chicks- welled up

Last night during A.I when some guy dedicated a song to his grandma- welled up

I was also in a really bad mood all of a sudden when I got home tonight and I cried earlier this week too! WTF

No, its not pms..its def hormonal, but pms is not my m.o

So much has happened...

2007-02-20T20:34:00.000-08:00

I'll start with the Soup Swap:

Awesomeness. Around 10 people showed up, we laughed, drank champagne cosmopolitans, we played Cranium, and swapped soup. There was Gumbo, Ginger Yam, Squash, Cream of Pot, Cream of Tomato Basil, Cream of Brocoli, Borsch, and a few others. YUMMY!

I've got a fabulous new job. I'm the transportaion coordinator for Road Rebel. I know, I just can't get away from the road. Sort of symbolic, me be a wayward traveler and such. The company is awesome, I really have a good feeling about it. I was waiting for the right job, one where I truly enjoyed going to work. I see a bright future at road rebel.

And the most important:

Scarlett Eve Valdes was born on Saturday, Feb 17. She's amazing. I've had baby fever for awhile now, it just intesified 10 fold. I'm definately feeling the pressure, brought on by society, my family, and my body, to have a baby.

Sometimes I really am impressed with myself

2007-02-07T22:19:00.000-08:00

I can't really take all the credit, I got the recipe off soupcache.com. I altered the recipe slightly to make it my own, but the original idea, sadly, is not mine.

Yam-Ginger soup

4 large yams, diced
4 red potatos, quartered
1 squash (any variety will do)
olive oil
1 yellow onion
3 cloves of garlic
approx 4 knodules of ginger root (pressed)
approx 2tbs white sugar (brown would be good, too)
2tbs salt
1tbs pepper
6cups of water

Slice squash in 1/2, place on cookie sheet face down, with about 2tbs olive oil, lightly salted. bake @350 for 40 min.
In large metal pot, sautee onions, garlic and ginger in olive oil.
Add water, potato, yams, boil until soft.
Strain yams and potato and puree in food processor until mush. Do same with baked squash.
Place all ingredients back in pot, continue to boil until all ingredients are blended.
Add sugar, salt and pepper to taste.
May need additional water depending how thick you want it.

SO YUMMY

I'm kind of a big deal

2007-02-06T21:09:00.000-08:00

This is the view from inside the hummer limosine I was riding in all night last night. It was part of the job, I was escorting a bunch of middle-aged electronics convention goers to their exclusive party at Confidential downtown. I got $100 making small talk and making sure no one fell out of the limo. Tough gig.

Ok, sometimes he IS cute

2007-02-04T19:32:00.000-08:00

TGSS

2007-02-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

The Great Soup Swap has officially been scheduled for next Sat, Feb 10! What is a Soup Swap you ask? WELL, a SS is the perfect opportunity to show off that famous soup you've been bragging about. Everyone makes 4qts of their favorite soup, separating them into 1 qt containers. Numbers are drawn and we take turns picking out soup 1qt at a time until there are no soups left. The 1st and last soups chosen get prizes! The whole night will be decorated with wine, cheese and a whole lot of fun! At the end of the night, everyone leaves with new and exciting soups to try!

YAY SOUP!

And the beat goes on...

2007-02-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

I know, you're right, it HAS been a while since I last posted. Cookies, really, THAT"S what I choose to blog about? To my own credit, they were phenomenal cookies:)

The wait has finally ended, my perseverence has (at long last) paid off. Monday, Fed 12 I start a new chapter of my life working for Road Rebel as the Transportation Coordinator. YAY! RR is a touring logistics company that contracts with various touring groups (ballets, opera, etc). My job will be to arrange transportation between airports, show, hotels, etc, negotiating the lowest rate possible for our clients.

Last week (Feb, 23rd) I started a part time job working for Quantum Productions as operations staff. So far I've had alot of fun with this job, it's easy, no pressure and no responsibility. Here's a peak at some of the events I've worked for Quantum so far:

* Airport pickup- basically just holding a sign and making sure the right people get on the right shuttle.
*Dinner cruise - I made sure everyone was on board and acted as the "go-to" person had the client needed anything.
* Hotel-Seaworld transfer- After the driver and I dropped off the clients at Sea World we spent the next 5 hours hanging out at Balboa Park and Seaport Village!
*Awards Dinner- I made sure the band went on break. We got paid for the whole night even though we were release early!

It's fun, good money, and completly non-committal. A great part time job.

Oh, I've also been crafting. I know I keep promising pictures, but I just cant seem to remember to take them! Sorry Shana! Eventually they'll get done, I swear!

Sometimes I really do think I'm Martha!

2007-01-28T21:45:00.000-08:00

So tonight, actually about 30 minutes ago, I decided that I desperately needed sweet. Rummaging around the cupboards and the fridge, I found nothing. Being the creative person I am, I decided to make cookies! This is what I know about cookies: milk, eggs, flour, sugar, baking soda/powder, salt..and I don't really know measurements. No prob, except I dont have milk. So, you ask, how did I make the most amazing OATMEAL cookies EVER?!

I used strawberry Mueslix instead of oatmeal.
Lemon flavored light yogurt instead of MILK ( I kNOW!)
egg
salt (tsp, i think)
tsp of bkg soda and powder
1/2 cup of sugar

bake at 350 until nice and golden. YUM!

craftastic

2007-01-22T23:17:00.001-08:00

I'm crafty, it's true. My level of craftiness has increased exponentially since the incorporation of my brand new (to me) sewing machine. NOW, instead of being resricted to projects that involve yarn, paint or glue, I can actually SEW things! Thus far, my beginner sewing projects have included: riced filled, scented heating pads, cloth yo-yo's (like flowers), an apron, a tshirt for Rodrigo, and a cloth-carrying tote. Exciting, riveting even.

Here's a small list of projects I have in mind:

Bracelet for Tianna: Cuff style, probably about 4" long, with a horizontal zipper on the outside for cash, etc and a vertical pocket on the inside for d.l and/or credit cards.

Wallet for Marie: Made of fabric or vinyl ( I can't decide), approx 4"x4" when folded, 8"x4" when unfolded. Unfolded it will have a horizontal pocket running the entire length of the wallet that can hold cash, and two slits on the outside of the pocket that can hold cards. When folded it will have one slit pocket. It will be held together by magnets sewn in strategic places.

For Jane Valdes and Chloe: Animal shaped baby washcloths: Bunnies and/or a Bear. Bunnies: Two pink and 1 white wash cloths sewn together using white for the nose and eyes tail and tooth, pink gingham for the insides of the ears and pink for the body. Bunny shaped. Bear: 2 l.brown, 1 d.brwn, 1 white washcloths and brown and white gingham for inside the ears. I havn't quite worked out the logistics of this one, but same as the bunny basically.

I'd gladly take suggestion for new projects!

Hell Freaking Yes!

2007-01-22T21:48:00.000-08:00

Hillary Clinton announced her official candidacy for Presidant in 2008. Awesomness. Her innauguration will mark the first female president in US history and the end of Republican mayhem. For our childrens sake I hope she wins, I'm even considering volunteering to help her campaign.

Go here to read the article: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/815617.html

Spoken Word makes me want to throw up.

2007-01-21T20:00:00.001-08:00

Lately I've been somewhat of a socialite. That's not what I mean to say, I've really always been a socialite. What I mean to say is, as of late I've become a kind of cultural cat. I go to indie films instead of mainstream movies, wine bars in leiu of regular ones, Henry's and Trader Joes instead of Albertsons and Ralphs.

On Friday night, I agree to go poetry reading at "The Rubber Rose," a sexuality boutique owned by to friends. It was to be the book launch of "The Encyclopedia Project, vol. A-F." The reading consisted of various artists reading their exhausting contributions. Now, I know that I've oft spoken of my love of the written word. WRITTEN, not necessarily SPOKEN. I havn't quite determined the reason for this, it may be a general disinterest in their chosen topics, or perhaps the sound of the over pronounced words coming out of rehearsed mouths, maybe (I'm slightly ashamed to say) it's not disinterest in specific topics, but instead a general disinterest in other people. Yes, I do realize that sounds bad, but its exhausting enough overthinking my own problems and problems belonging to those I care about without involving myself in a total strangers blossoming neurosis. Luckily I was promised a bar afterward. Blue Foot may be the best bar ever. It fits in perfectly with the trendy yet unassuming neighborhoods of North Park and South Park. It's my new favorite.

Saturday night, again with Trissy, Tianna, and Marie in tow, we go to The Ken theatre for some urban culture. Being friends with the manager of The Ken really does have its perks. Free movies, free popcorn, free sodas and access to the deepest, darkest corners of one of San Diegos most haunted places. I'm not joking, it really is haunted, I've personally had an encounter and so have several other people I know. We saw "La Petite Leutenant," a french sub-titled film that when translated means "movie with no plot." I'm being overly critical. The movie had plot, though the subtitles I determined the movie was about police investigation. The problem was, it was simple. Being American, I'm used to American movies. Apparently the French like their movies simple, I'd liken this movie to a whole wheat sandwhich with nothing in the middle, not even mayonaise. But it was free, and I sure do love free and I love the company as well!

Sitting on the Sunny side of the bench

2007-01-17T19:33:00.000-08:00

Instead of wallowing in a quagmire of self-pity over the fact that I still don't have a job, I am going to focus on the positive aspects of this state of affairs, because that's the mature thing to do. I'm going to banish my inner teenager to the bedroom, and resist whining about how the world is out to get me.
Essence of Positivity

1. I don't have to get out of bed in the morning if I don't want to.

2. It doesn't matter that I spent two hours in the gym today.

3. Nobody is expecting anything of me urgently.

4. I don't have to deal with idiot colleagues, or the waft of body odor from over confident frat boys.

5. All the emails I currently receive are from people I want to correspond with, except for the spam, but you get the point.

6. Sunday evenings are just another part of the weekend.

7. I don't have to have two separate-but-equal wardrobes: one interview shirt and some black pin-striped pants are coping just fine all by their lonesome in the 'work appropriate' section.

Mission Trails

2007-01-15T21:44:00.000-08:00

It's easy to get caught up in the routine of life. Wake up, coffee, breakfast, email, bills. Fancy words for hubbub and monotony. Thankfully I have friends like Trissy who think above the beaches, zoos, museums and various corners of Balboa park, and literally, take the road less travelled. So, Rodrigo in tow, I joined Trissy (aka Tbag), the Girls (Zoe 6, Noah 11), and Marie for a day hiking at Mission Trails.

New Year's Resolution(s)

2007-01-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

The end of the year has led me to the conclusion that I am not perfect. Therefore, I have come up with a few New Year's resolutions for 2007. I'm not new to this game, I realize that my determination will soon fade, I choose to view resolutions not as hard and fast rules, but as guidelines to good behavior.

There are a few:

1. Lose 15lbs by being an active person and eating healthy.
2. Write more, work on my portfolio.
3. Stay focused in school.
4. Get a job worth having. I quit Road Runner for a reason, I will not settle. No backwards or horizontal movements, only vertical.
5. Have a well behaved Rodrigo.
6. Be in a mature, adult relationship with someone who's not a jerk.

Truths

2006-12-29T18:18:00.000-08:00

I have wrinkles. Tiny lines that decorate my eyes and mouth when i smile and linger thereafter. The encroaching two thousand seventh year has me feeling a little behind. I recently came across a picture taken 5 christmas's ago of my cousins and I, 7 of us total. We looked young and beautiful. Myself with dark, wavy hair, looking very bohemian, Cari with very blonde hair, the only one staring directly into the camera, smiling, holding Juans hand. Joe and Shana, newly married and in love, laughing beautifully as lovers do. Jim, happy, the picture of masculinity, the guy you'd love to set your girlfriends up with. And Aaron, about to embark on his military carreer, high from the recent approval of his grandpa Art (a Veteran), with no idea that the next 5 years will take him to the other side of the country, by submarine. It's good to know that I'm not the only one aging. There's innocence in the picture. Complete naivete of lessons to come. Heartbreak, marriage, pregnancy, war. Common themes of adulthood.

Freaking Awesome

2006-12-20T23:40:00.000-08:00

Neat

2006-12-16T01:04:00.000-08:00

Jesus should have been my parking garage attendant

2006-12-14T23:42:00.000-08:00

I almost died last night. It was late, I was walking through a very dark parking garage, into the depths where I could'nt even see my hand in front of my face. I called for the parking guy, "Hello?" All of a sudden I saw a shadow pass in front of me and then one behind me. I was tense, I was really scared. I could feel my heart beating out of my chest, I knew I had to run for my life. Before I could do anything I felt the piercing cold blad of a knife to my throat. Shadow #1 was behind me. I could feel the warmth of his body, the roughness of his cotten hoody that was probably faded from being washed too many times. He was holding his breath, not because he was nervous, but because he was excited, and anxious.

Shadow #2 was in front of me. He was the one in charge, he was fierce, he was going to rape me and then they were going to kill me. Fight or flight. I screamed but nothing came out. As hard as I tried I couldn't make anything but a screechy, breathless "help" come out. 2 stories underground, no one was coming, no one could hear me. I paused, focused myself. "HELP!!!" I screamed as I pushed myself away.

I screamed so loud I woke myself up and I kicked Rodrigo. Sadly, as loud as I screamed I did'nt wake either roommate. If we ever have an intruder, I'm screwed, unless you can die from being licked to death by an overly friendly black lab.

To Quote Kailee: "EW"

2006-12-14T23:37:00.000-08:00

I was not aware that Jesus was a gymnastics coach. I guess it should come as no surprise, he DID manage to come back from the dead and turn water into wine, etc....or so I've heard. According to the manufacturer, Jesus also plays hockey, football, teaches ballet, soccer and some other defunct sports that (in an effort to fight childhood obesity) our youth are forced to play.
O' Jesus, where arent thou?

Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

2006-12-11T21:28:00.000-08:00

I love Christmastime. I'm sitting in my house, in the dark. Tiny glowing lights have me hyptotized as I type into my 14" white Apple G4 laptop. The decoration is none of my doing. Karin and Carissa came home the other night, real christmas tree in toe, determined to bring the Christmas spirit to our lovely home with the Green Tea colored kitchen and hardwood laminate flooring. They're not blinking lights, but they twinkle none the less. Pink, blue green, and peach lights wrap around the window that frames our kitchen and also around the green palm tree chair. It's like christmas in Hawaii, or Miami.

Our tree is AMAZING. It's definately not a "Charlie Brown" christmas in our house. 8' of beautiful green Douglas Fir adorned with tiny glowing blue and white lights. It's definately Carissa's doing. There are no homemade ornaments or strands of popcorn, instead our tree has tiny bells and perfectly conditionded angels and stars. The smell of happiness hits you as soon as you walk in the door, or wake up. God THAT SMELL! It warms me up, reminds me of home and being safe and happy with no "bills a piling" or "hearts a breaking." The perils of adulthood.

Soon there will be presents under our tree. Im knitting both roommates scarves. Red for Carissa, Blue for Karin. I'm hoping the time and effort I'm putting into their gifts will outweigh the cheapness of it all. Christmas is inconveniant when you have no job.

Christmas has awakened a Suzie Homemaker of sorts in me. I've been cooking...alot. this week alone I've made Chicken Vegetable soup (sauteed onions, garlic, chicken in a pot with red potatoes, brocoli, zuchinni and carrots, in veg. broth and veg. puree, brought to a boil then simmered), chinese stir fry in a peanut sauce, and tonight pad thai with chicken, broc, snap peas, sprouts, carrots and garlic. YUM.

LaLa Land

2006-12-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

I was kidnapped yesterday. Stolen away into a black Explorer by Tianna and Becky. Tianna promised a night of fun and drinking. She's single again, so I couldn't say 'no,' and Becky is a party all by herself. We were on our way to "Here," the hottest lesbian bar in LA. A night with no pressure to hook up, awesome. The drive there was easy enough, the "Fierce Five" announced our arrival into LA. In a city that seems always to be screaming, constipated with traffic, this music was a perfect accompanyment. Fallout boy, My Chemical Romance, and 30 Seconds to Mars: fake music for a fake city.

Cruising was on the menu at Here. Short skirts, tight jeans, impossibly high heels were hung neatly on girls with perfectly manicured faces and expertly coiffed hair. Every half hour a deafening siren would sound and the ultra smokin bartenders would climb up on the downstairs bar and perform choreographed dances to songs like "sexy back." Gyrating, lots and lots of gyrating. They were completely mesmerizing.

At the bar, a guy named "Kermit" (I kid you not, that was his name) bought my friends and I shots of tequila. Tianna took it upon herself to introduce us. "Hey, she's straight and so are you, funny!" He was handsome enough, tallish, black, nice smile, and he WAS buying shots. Not really my type though, especially after the first ass grab. So not ok. I was aloof, trying to show obvious disinterest. I was wearing an off-the-shoulder magenta top. He took it upon himself to massage my shoulders. Ick. "Wow, you must work out." Thank God for Becky. Seeing the desperate look in my eyes she tried to rescue me. "That was such a lame line," she said as she grabbed me around the waist and wedged herself between us. The name dropping started. "Can I send a limo to pick you guys up tomorrow? I'm having a huge party, Nickolas Cage (Nick to his friends) and Wesley Snipes will be there." " Ok" I said sarcastically, do these lines really work for him?

Unsandwiched, we made our way outside to the patio to enjoy the rest of our night. Jo fell in love and I was commissioned to play wingman. Haha, awesome! I chatted up two girlfriends as Jo attempted to charm the pants off their third wheel. Slowly, the bar began to empty, parties of two (and sometimes 3) spilled out of the bar and into the street. Sloppy lines of girls with runny makeup magically appeared in front of the Los Pancho burrito shop, girls too drunk to care about the 700 calories they could barely taste.

The drive to Aunt Kays seemed to drag on forever. We finally stumbled in around 4am, exhausted yet completely satisfied. I met my pillow with a heavy head and dreams so vague I can't remember.

Chopped Liver

2006-12-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

I looked Hot. I mean, really hott. The kind of hott (yes the kind that warrents a double-t) that even the people that see you everyday feel as though they're in the presence of great hottness. I wore my skinny jeans, the one's that make my butt look phenomenal, my blousy black and white top with the bat-wings, the sinched empire waist and plunging back and neck, a burgundy velvet fitted jacket and my black suede pumps with the stacked wooden heal (4"). Hott.

I even had the walk down. No, not a walk, last night it was a strutt.

Our date was for 8'oclock, at Flemmings. I knew what I wanted: the porterhouse, cooked medium rare, with a glass of Sangiovase and maybe a side of mashed potatoes. For once in my life I was being decisive. Kyle didn't know what he had coming.

7:50 I get a phone call from Tianna.
"Where are you?"
"I just parked."
"FUCK! I think Kyle's flaking."
"Seriously? Why do you think that?"
"I just got off the phone with Heather, she's been calling Kyle all day and he won't return any of her phone calls. She thinks he's flaking."
"Awesome. I should of known better, the Navy is bad news, period. I'm already here, I might as well go and see if he's checked in with the hostess."
I walk into the restaurant. "Reservation under 'Kyle.' Is he here yet?"
"No."
"Ok, I'm gonna go outside and make a phone call."
"Ok, I'll find you when he checks in."
So I go outside and talk on the phone for about 10 minutes. No Kyle. I think to myself "wow, I've never been stood up before. Kinda funny, very inconsiderate.

Blind dates are tricky and can cause some anxiety. If you want to cancel, ok, whatev's, we've never actually met so I have to feelings about you, whatsoever. But be courteous enough to give a girl a head's up. Mira Mesa is a long ways from the gaslamp. Kyle better thank his lucky stars I hadn't been seated before Tianna called me. I can't even imagine the humiliation of sitting at a table, alone, waiting for someone who is never going to show up.

Luckily for me, I already had after-date plans with the girls.

Jiggy? Really?

2006-12-06T23:20:00.001-08:00

I went out tonight. Tried to drink away my sorrows. Turns out, I'm too responsible to drink away anyting. Damn.

There was a man on the square-tiled hardwood (laminate) dance floor. He was 76. He got "jiggy wid it."

I don't know what to do with the whole experience.

As JT would say: " Get your sexy on."

So I heard your'e a wino.

2006-12-05T18:01:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I'm a wine broker.

Now I just need some clients (note the use of "clients" instead of "customers," it means I'm very grown-up).

Word.

job o riffic

2006-12-04T22:27:00.000-08:00

I have a new job, it actually started last Monday. I'm officially a wine broker, well, I will be after I make an official sale. That part is particularily stressful. I won't feel as though I have True job security until that happens.

Please God, it's ME, Grahamcracker.

I love wine, and I really love that I get to drink it at work. Everyday. It's not only O.K to drink at work, my boss(s) are the one's pouring the wine!

No, I don't get drunk. Not after the first day, anyway. Now it's just a single glass, everyday.

Yum.

date 'o' rama

2006-12-04T18:15:00.000-08:00

I apparently have a date on Thursday night. I say "apparently" because at no point was I involved in the date-making process. Tianna met a cute boy last night, and, since she is in no way interested in anything with a penis, she passed "Kyle" along to me. Her exact words (to him) were "she's cute, she's tall, and she has great tits." Yes, I know, words so beautiful that Shakespear himself once used them in the Sonnet "Ode to Great Tits." She then proceeded to text me "You have a date. Flemmings. Thursday. 8." "Ok" I said, becase really, what the hell. I could use some lovin, and some good food. This is what I know of him: Kyle is 26, in the Navy (cringe), a great cook (yum), hottie mc hotterson, a surfer and a very sweet guy. Worth at least one date, I'm sure. Now I know I made a rule about the Navy, but is it REALLY fair to stereotype? I mean, c'mon, the guy deserves at least a date. AND one more credit to Kyle's name: Tianna met him at Bourbon st. and he's a friend of Heathers. Which mean he's totally gay friendly. That TOTALLY cancells out the whole "Navy" thing, right?

maybe i'm further along than i thought

2006-11-21T18:15:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is this week and I'm going home. This visit will serve as sort of a reunion. I'm going to see people I havnt seen in YEARS (I'm talking 7-9 years). I'm so excited, I have a feeling there will be lots of drinking and laughing..something I'm in dier (sp?) need of. I recently ran into a girl I went to highschool with, we both moved to SD shortly after gradutation. We saw eachother today for the 2nd time in 4 months.. I think the universe is telling us something, that maybe we were destined to be friends.

We got to talking about highschool friendships and animosity. We wondered about growing up (and never moving away from) a town like Sacramento. When all of your peers are the same age, you all turn 21 at the same time. With a max of 30 bars (and even fewer hip ones) your'e bound to run into the people friends (and enemies) you went to highschool with. Do those relationships carry over into the 20 something's social life (ie bar scene)? If so, are the bars just an extension of highschool? Feelings cannot be turned on and off like a lighbulb. If you do not move away from your hometown, at what point are you able to just let go of harbored resentment?

i TOTALLY asked this question!

2006-11-19T21:18:00.000-08:00

http://www.pud.com/2006/11/holding-out.html

And I have to say that I totally agree with the response(s)..but you know, i am kind of a know it all:)

getting around

2006-11-17T22:10:00.000-08:00

Mike* wants to hang out. I wish that I felt some sort of chemistry with him. He's real sweet, but young (23) and in the Navy. I've learned my lesson thankyou very much. I told him I was gonna lay low tonight..this week has been weekend enough for me. It started out great enough, got a job monday, got another tues. On Wed I got a call from one of my best friends parents telling me she was in the hospital (for the 5th time in 2 months) for attempting suicide, so I spent the rest of the day in the hospital. I really needed to unwind after that so some friends and I went to Incahoots. Called James that night..my mistake, I really shouldnt lead him on. Went to an ex-coworkers going away party last night, it was awkward seeing my old bosses and kind or irksome recounting my employment update over and over.

I'm trying myself to be "available." I'm over being single and I'm definately starting to feel the pressure (from family, society and unfortunatlely, myself) to settle down. Tick Tock Tick Tock. I joined "match.com" and am pretty happy with the experience so far. I like that I'm able to pick and choose who I want to talk to. If I dont feel a connection, there's no awkwardness if I dont respond to their emails. I didn't have very high expectations, and I've been pleasently surprised. Its been a month, after 2 weeks I met a pretty nice guy, unfortunately it fizzled after about 6 dates. Still a good experience, I got some good dates and some good foolin' around out of it! My "matching" is gonna have to be put on hold for a little while, I'm not allowing myself to spend any money on luxuries until I start getting actual paychecks.

I can't decide whether or not I want to keep this blog anonymous. I have family that are bloggers and feel like if they knew about my blog I might censor myself.

*Names have been changed, cause, you know, people have feelings n shit.

On the bandwaggon

2006-11-17T21:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I've been thinking about doing this for awhile, I figure that my life is so hilarious/ironic/random sometimes that it HAS to be chronicled! My initial plan for this blog is to narrarate my dating/social life. Now, don't get too excited, while your'e sure to get plenty of stories, not all of them are gonna involve dates, chances are there's gonna be a few girlfriends, a couple roommates, and some tv, cause, c'mon its ME!

So the QUICK update, just to catch you all up to speed:

I live in Mira Mesa, Ca with a couple roommates. I'd say "friends" but not really. Sad but true. I have an adorable and obnoxious black lab named rodrigo. He's a tool, you wouldnt believe how many people approach me when he's around:) I recently quit my job working for a local running shoe store, and am very excited to say that I've accepted a job with a Wine Brokerage firm as a wine broker. YAY! I have images of Reislings, Shiraz, and Merlots dancing through my mind!

You may find it hard to believe, but wine and coffee are very similar. Not in what they taste like specifically, more in WHY they taste that way and how to learn to taste them. The 5 years I put in at Peets will definately serve me well. I don't offically start until 11/27. The first week is all training, mostly tastings. I'm worried that I'll get drunk and as fun as it would be, I'm pretty sure thats NOT the kind of first impression I want to make!