sleepwalking

(if you click the purple arrow, the advertisement comes with... unfortunately. try the one in the little square below the video box.)

new years 'aspirations'

this is synchronistic (funny, see colored post below, daily feel good, positive thinking email)...

yesterday out of curiosity, I went to January 1, 2008 on my blog to see what I had posted as my New Year's 'aspirations' (to see what I might have accomplished this past year & what I might consider for the new year...ummmm):

• reduce my carbon footprint. (Not - bot condo, increased my carbon footprint.)
• embrace change, seek solutions, and make improvements in mind, body, spirit. (?)
• be present...stop dwelling in the past and focusing on a future that cannot be determined. (uh...)
• plan and execute an adventure. I'm looking (again) at vacationing in southern AZ or UT and TX. (nope.)
• constantly be aware of, and re-write negative inner dialog. (sigh.)
• meditate. (not at all. but I did practice a lot of deep breathing.)
• do daily morning pages in my journal. (pretty much none.)
• stop using so many commas, hee! (this one is stupid, I like commas, am know for them, they tested me in 2nd grade for the gifted program 'cause I used commas. [you & me both, Julie!])

and then I got the Karen Jandorff daily today...hahahahaha!!!

the thing is, I already do this. and truly, I've gone hardly anywhere with it...

I say, forget the New Years "aspirations" and the "resolutions" too!!! they're all BuNk! especially if you have to carry them forward and repeat them every freakin' year.

(of course, I could consider that if something is repeating in my life, I should probably pay attention to the message, huh? I AM SUCH A PISCES!)

I just wanna start out fresh...

* * * * *

To view this in your browser, click here. If you want a future that’s distinct from the past, you have to be with people who you aren’t used to being with and have conversations that you’re not used to having. ~ Peter Block Practice Creating a compelling future requires the willingness to venture into unfamiliar territory. Today I am willing to leave my comfort zone, meet my fear of change head on, and get comfortable with the unknown.

oh my ...

these mini sparkle donuts are the cutest! annnnnd the cupcakes are back!!!
(red velvet, vanilla with 'sparkles!' and yummmmm, chocolate/chocolate frosted! eee!)

just when I was gonna start boycotting cutting back on my Sbuxs. sheesh!

The Day After

Some other projects I worked on this holiday season...

You can see the tags from my 25 Days of Christmas tree shown in yesterday's post here.
I made one for everyday of December 1-25.

and I made this fleece wreath. Cute huh? Got the idea here...Vee is awesome!

Merry Christmas!!!

Oh happy day!!!

I hope Santa brought you everything you wanted!!!

the day before

coffee sleeve wreath, idea from here...you were wondering what to do with those java jackets, right?!

What're u doin'?

I ran. it was cold (36 degrees!) mike ness in my ears. awesome!

I might bake today, probably crochet, make some more stuff.

Dad's pkg made it to TX on time!!! He even put up his Charlie Brown Christmas Tree!!! Yay-ness! I'm not convinced this is his living room. There's no dust...

sc, 2 dc in 2nd ch from hook

Today I felt like making a baby afghan. I don't really crochet. My Mom taught me how to do a granny square many, many moons ago, and I more recently made some flowers, but I've done nothing on a grand scale.

I emailed Barbara at work 'cause her Mom was making the coolest afghan at Barbara's tree trimming party recently and asked for the name of the stitch so I could google it. Mrs. Dorfman had Barbara send the pattern back to me in an email!!! Barbara typed the instructions out word for word, and said she hoped I understood b/c she didn't!!! hee!!! Very awesome of Mrs. Dorfman!

The repetition is quite addictive! I can't put the project down. And if I do, I pick it back up immediately. My shoulders hurt. I wonder if this "exercise" will tone my upper arms? They certainly need it!

On a totally different note...

I decided it would be fun to visit my dentist as I hadn't seen him in awhile, so I chipped a crown. I'm glad I was able to get an appointment so close to Christmas. This got me to thinking that I have had multiple dental "emergencies" near holidays since I started seeing Dr. Chang in 1990.

Our first meeting was between Christmas and New Years that first year. I had a root canal right b/4 Fourth of July weekend, a titanium implant (that's a story!) right b/4 my birthday, and this appointment 2 days b/4 this Christmas! ai yi yi!

I'm trying to avoid the mouthful of hurt by pounding Advil 'cause Dr. Chang "trimmed" my gums. Ick! I can still taste the burnt flesh. (Eeewww, sorrysorrysorry!!!) A positive note: the artist who creates the crowns for Dr. Chang...his name is Moon, how cool is that...said my teeth were "too white". He'll have to use the lightest color for the porcelain. I guess giving up coffee has at least one positive outcome!

Christmas Eve tomorrow, can you believe it?! : .)

I vant to collect your blood!

I felt like this today. It was an odd feeling. Ironic???

My co-worker Barbara donates blood on a regular basis. Turns out today, Stanford Blood Center was at work collecting. I mentioned to Barbara that I should probably donate blood, but never have.

A bit later she came to my desk and told me that her iron was too low, she couldn't donate, and that now was my opportunity to donate in her place.

No pressure of course. She didn't stand over my desk for the next 10 minutes glaring at me, nope. LOL!

After a few more anxious moments in the deciding, I was off to the mobile blood drive. The blood collectors teased me about doing everything my co-workers tell me. Not typically, but in this case, I did, heh!

Anywhoo...its done. And I feel good about it. I can donate again in 56 days. Maybe I can get a frequent donate-er card??? (I did get coupon for a pint of ice cream at Baskin-Robbins! Pint for a pint! Make mine cho chip!!! : .)

cranky elf

this was me today, cranky elf.

angry, self-centered, impatient, unsettled, unproductive, and a bit scary.

I think my vacation should have started today.

susan's creepy custom dolls...

Christmas Safety!

Ellen DeGeneres plugs the company where I work on her show...Verra cool!!! Safety first, buy UL Listed products peeps!!!

happy camper, and not just 'cause of christmas!!!

currently watching Nitemare b/4 Christmas! Jack Skellington ROCKS!!!


watched Coraline in 3-D! scary and weird.

worked on my fitness today by doing a 7 mile run with Sonia. weather was gorgeous, but my glutes are sore! eeee!


made a stitched garland, using Martha's punch (coupon!) and the trusty sewing machine!

cooked chicken curry and had it with brown rice, delish!

and...OMG!!! I found out that there's a vegetarian restaurant RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM MY HOUSE!!! yahoooooooo!!!! so excited to know this!!! but lemme ask you...is it weird to you that vegetarians want to eat fake meat? the menu at Lucky Bamboo restaurant is filled with fuds that have "meat". and doesn't it seem wrong to want to have a turkey-shaped soy loaf for Christmas dinner??? just askin'...

Christmas in T - 6 days!!! can you believe it?

christmas wrapping

I took a vacation/mental health day...

Much needed : .)

I didn't get a lot accomplished today. I finally wrapped and shipped my Dad's gifts and they're off to the Lone Star State. The USPS wanted $34 for delivery by Christmas, I voted for parcel post! I might plan better next year and get a box shipped earlier, but probably not!

I completed a few more tags for my mini tree, cute! I'll post those pixs soon...

Renegade Craft Faire is this weekend in SF. I think I may go! But after running or maybe after Bob's play on Sunday.

5 good things from today:

1 - step class!
2 - im w/ jc
3 - quick line @ the po
4 - (unexpected) gift from Ragged!!! (LOVE the taupe chenille washcloth and yummy scented soap! thanks soooo much!!!)
5 - crafting

view from my bedroom : .)

have yourself a merry little christmas!

more festivities!!! holly berries (I knew there was a use for that canning jar!), sno-pom from anthropologie, and my mickey mouse-eared snowman!!! ain't it tuuuute???!!!

my christmas cards have become the bane of my existence. ok, you gotta buy 'em, sign 'em, write letters in some of 'em, address 'em, stamp 'em, mail 'em! but like my sugar cookies, I do love 'em and I didn't do it differently last year, wouldn't do it any differently next year or thereafter! gotta make that goal of completing the task by the end of the year. I think I'm on track!

vacation in T minus 6 days!!!

5 good things for today...

1) Karen's back on facebook!!! {let's hope she re-friends me!}
2) pockey choco sticks!
3) good convo with Estor!
4) rock star sightings!
5) humor from an unexpected source! {Fact of Life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says W T F...hahaha!}

Finding My Christmas Spirit

I'm workin' it, Baby!!!

Day by day, I'm finding more holiday fun to decorate with. I had forgotten how much I had in the way of Christmas festivities. Now, if only I could find that soy pine scented candle...

Button tree, fun globe lights and metal reindeer sporting a very cool neck piece.

5 good things for today:

1) Conversation with Dondi (Don, the security guard at work). I hear this rattling sound down the hall and I'm knowing its Don, but I'm thinking Santa Claus. I mention this to Don, and I say, "but I dunno if I should believe in Santa Claus, he didn't bring me what I wanted last year." Don says "Just how many 24 year old muscular running vampires do you think Santa can deliver?!"

Oh geez!!! Am I really that predictable? Well, he got the age wrong, 24 is way too young!!!

At least its a good story!!! LOL!!!

2) Churro from Estor, yum!

3) Sweating buckets in cycle class!!! Yahoo!!!

4) Protein shake!

5) Christmas Spirit!!!

what's on your agenda for the weekend?

I wanna run in the rain (but not the cold). Have a EGTL from Starbucks. Meet Als and go to the mall with the entire population of Santa Clara County. Find perfectly fitting jeans & cute boob tops. Go to cycle class. Sweat a lot. Get paint on my hands and make art. Write notes and address my Christmas cards. Wrap my Dad's gifts and get them ready to ship. Find my reindeer collection and put it out. Bake chocolate chip cookies and package them prettily as gifts. Find joy & happiness. Buy gifts for all my friends. Loose 10 pounds. Meet my soulmate. Feed the world. And finally, find wonderful parents for all orphans.

OK, the last 6...I may not get to this weekend. But give me time : .)

creating a flat film

Saw this blog hopping today. A post on ART TEA LIFE, by way of Amazon...



Some food for thot, yeah?

Busy weekend. I had a list. It was an ambitious list. I ended up doing things not on my list. And some things on my list. I guess I'm forwarding the unaccomplished to a new list : .) I wanna work on some tags like these for my mini xmas tree, gotta address and mail xmas cards, and pkg Dad's xmas gifts. erggggg!!! Oh, and its supposed to snow in the S. Cruz mtns tomorrow!!! That will make for an interesting commute. Not for me tho'. Then again, rain + cold = ice, so maybe an interesting commute for me toooo!

Good stuff from the weekend...

peppermint scented candy cane shaped pens
tasty fuds @ Barbara's annual tree trimming party & quality time with Als
sleeping in and skipping the Sunday am workout!
clean house and laundry : .)
doing Kath's family annual photo shoot, highlight below, LOL!!!

Lisa, Santa's Little Helper, Marge, Homer (DOH!) & Bart...hee!!!

vampire vs werewolf

I'm still with Team Edward. But wait...If Jacob continues to be shirtless...

just kidding!!!

: .)

(I did get a Team Edward t-shirt! on sale for $5!!! LOL!!!)

HELLO DECEMBER!!!

oh my, time flies when you're having fun!!! how is it the end of the year already?!

I'm gonna try to bust out another 25 Days of Christmas album like I did last year! I pulled out my 2008 album and quickly flipped thru...yeah, check out page 1.

I'm not sure if I should be mad at Santa or not : .(

thorry, thorry, thorry

so tonight, I'm sitting with Clan Burge around the dinner table and (another of) the world's cutest three year olds (picture strawberry blonde curls and sky bleu eyes) says "thorry, thorry, thorry!" all the adults stop eating and ask what she's sorry for and she says:

"I tooted!!!"

snort! still laughing!!!

5 good things for today...

baby farts (hee, hee, hee!)
bunny suits (unrelated to the image above)
mrs. woodard's xmas cookies
sharing said cookies
a "muse"ing conversations : .)

Turkey Trot on Turkey Day

My workout buddy Jim challenged me to run the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot 10K this morning!

Perfect weather, good company, and a fun run!

Some of my fav snapshots from the race!

Jim (my wingman) and his lovely wife, Cathy!

A couple of turkeys!!! LOL!

Looks like Jim's enjoying the race, yeah?!

Elite runners competing in a 5K (3.1 miles) for a $12K purse with a course record bonus of $10K, whoa!!! 13.37 is the men's course record, I think this runner may have crossed the finish at 13.36!!!

Edited: Make that 13.39 minutes, that's a 4:23 per mile pace! Yowza! The female top finisher ran the 5K in 15.41 (5:02). I guess I'm gonna have to work harder to improve my 10:30 per mile pace if I want to compete next year, ahahahahahahaha!

Enjoying an EGTL and then I'm off to eat lots of TURKEY!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Question to Self...

Self: Linda, what are you thankful for?

Linda: "I'm thankful that I'm slightly less fucked up than the rest of my family."

plenty of fish in the sea

for reals...

a "free" dating website, mentioned to me by my hair stylist.

whaddya think? should I try it? : .)

he's a groper! LOL!

image from trend*hunter

new do

my new do is my old do. you didn't know that I had a new do b/4 my new do. I didn't have ducats to continue upkeep on the old do, so I let the do go. and I bot Clairol and did my own hair. eeee! it was supposed to be auburn, but it really lightened my hair. and I hated it. and my hair was straggly. so I sucked it up and paid to get my old do back.

confused yet?

yeah, me too.

LOL!

not much else happened today. I ran with Speedy. I planned lunch for tomorrow with the biking boys. I chatted with the biking girls. oh, and I worked after only getting 2 hours of sleep last night.

life is good.

5 things for today...

sonya, my hair dresser. she rocks!
truffle salt
Vampire Diaries
clean kitchen
mac & cheez

home again, home agan...

haven't been home in the evenings, so I haven't been posting.

monday, I invited myself to dinner at aldien's (spaghetti, meat sauce, veggies!). ok, I had to take some donation goods to her.

it was oddly quiet there...no kidlets, but video of one of the little guys singing the star spangled banner was just too cute! he told g'ma that his throat gets scratchy on the high parts! hee!

last nite, I invited myself to dinner at mary's (bbq'd steak, corn, baked potatos, wine!!!). ok, I had to deliver some gifts.

after dinner, we sang happy birthday to the cat, tim. (that's scott holding him!) that cat posed for pixs wearing not only that b-day hat, but also a tiara. I personally thot it was kinda humiliating, but tim never really complained!!! LOL!!!

today, I worked late. and am now contemplating dinner...what else?! aside from stalking cute boys, I like to eat. yeah. heheheh!

try not to be envious of or overwhelmed by the excitement in my life!

5 good things (should it be 15, since I missed three days worth?)

truffle salt
optimism vs pessimism
bike riding & convo with haydee
soft cats
cambozola cheese & crackers
apple pie
camaraderie
completing projects @ work
deciding to sign up and train for BSIM (that's a doozy, excited and scared all at once!)
rock tape
dr. steve
anticipation
expectation
asthma inhalers
letting go
apple pie (oh wait, I already listed that : .)
cute, smart kids
granted wishes
the smiths
the human condition

sparkly eyes & apple pie

One does not have to do with the other...

Last week at work, I kept talking about pie, how I wanted pie. Estor suggested I bake a pie and bring her a piece on Monday : .) Not one to shirk from a "challenge" ('cause let's be honest, it doesn't take much to convince me to make and eat tasty snaks), I baked a pie. I did not tackle pie crust from scratch (Pillsbury rocks!), but I did peel and slice all the apples, hee, hee!!! Isn't it gorgeous? I hope it tastes as good as it looks...More important, I hope Estor likes it!!!

Today, I also met up with my friend Tony to see Men Who Stare at Goats. Secret military psychic research? Jedi Warriors? To end war as we know it? Remote viewing? “More of this is truer than you would believe” Goats dropping dead by staring at them??? Hummm...Ironic considering my post yesterday and trying to convince Dubin Little that peace, not war was the way, hahaha! OMG! It was hilarious!!! I laughed almost the entire time! Go see it.

Winding down the weekend with a viewing of Twilight. I might need to read the first two books AGAIN (round 6) b/4 New Moon comes out next week! LOL!!! Ahhhh, Edward! (btw - Vanity Fair did an article and photo layout of Robert Pattinson this month...Swoonerific!!!)

5 Good Things for Sunday...

1) Sleeping in.
2) Good company and good movie.
3) Paint-by-numbers Mickey Mouse
4) Island Spa Yankee Candles
5) Apple Pie, of course!

Pixs from the Trail & Alien Invasion

It was a lovely morning on the trail. (I finally remembered to bring my camera to take pixs during my run.)

I planned on running 6 miles, but I felt ok when I hit the turn-around, so I added on an xtra mile : .)

Its surprising how far inland the Comorants will fly and hang out.

Nature is so creative.

Mi casa was invaded by aliens (including Dubin Little and Baby Mermaid) this afternoon and built a city called "You York" in my dining room. There were guns and death involved. Why is it that little boys love guns and war? Then grow into men who love guns and war? I couldn't convince Dubin Little that we should all just get along and practice peace, sigh. Baby Mermaid on the other hand just wanted to sit in my lap, play ring-around-the-rosie, and pretend to be a cat...meow! hee, hee, hee!

5 things...

rain
the ability to run
visit from Dubin Little and the Baby Mermaid
paranormal tv
organization

MTB Alum Rock Park

Another Friday MTB event with the boys @ Alum Rock Park on the east side of San Jose. All these wonderful nature trails in my very own back yard.

I can't believe I've lived in the Bay Area for 20 years and have never been to this park! Its nestled in the foothills, beautifully maintained, (flush toilets, ahhhhh!) and well staffed by Park Rangers. I think I'll bring the ladies here to run!

There are sulfur baths that occur naturally, complete with hot, stinky water, altho' they haven't been used in ages. I guess the baths, which are stone lined depressions lining the creek, only fill up if there's heavy rain.

I think we'll be back next week. I'm game for exploring more trails and conquering hills!

Gearing up! Jim, John, Nazir, and Jerome.

Almost to the top! Paul catching the action!

Just missed the sunset!

5 good things for today...

smooth to work traffic

screaming downhill runs! wheee!

good company

sweat! not perspiration, sweat!

the weekend!

who is michaelgoogalo?

asked Z!  he was playing some q&a game on webkinz : .)  I was watching him play while I was spending time with Clan Burge this evening.  visiting with kidlets always give me a better perspective on life.  they're (almost) always straightforward and unconditional.  I get attention and hugs.  LOVE IT!  almost makes up for the week I've been experiencing!

the curly haired girl (who's two or three???) and I played chutes & ladders.  she kept telling me that she wanted to win.  she was pretty certain that she would win.  she's such a crack-up!

then Em and I practiced spelling French dance terms.  she's got to do a speech in class tomorrow.   potobourey (pas de bourrée) and tondue (tendu).  

yummm, I'd like some fondue.  LOL!!!

5 things...

1 - clan burge

2 - friday tomorrow

3 - vampire diaries (new episode)

4 - witch dr. remedies

5 - creative visualization

For All You "Twi-Hards"!

SNL recently did a spoof on the movie, Twilight.  

My co-worker hooked me up...I'm obviously  not a TwiHard 'cause I didn't know about it, haha!  Imagine that!!!    : .)

Taylor Swift, is dating Taylor Lautner, who plays Jacob Black in the "Twilight" series and is in New Moon. (Ironically, the trailer was just on tv!) She plays Bella Swan in this spoof.

Hilarious!!!

Humor aside, I had a great evening!  Dinner with Jack and his friend Maddy.  Yummy fuds and good conversation!  

That's #1 on my good things list, meeting & hanging with Maddy!

#2 Premiere of Ghost Hunters Academy...I want to be a paranormal investigator!

#3 Greeeeaaat bike ride with the boys!  Fantastic weather!

#4 DVR of last week's episode of Vampire Diaries 

#5 Honoring vets on Veteran's Day...Thanks Dad, U. John, George, Mr. Miller, Mike G., Jack, Mr. Guilliams, and other friends & family who served in the military!

oh Christmas tree...

I was reading an ARTICLE on the Daily Green this afternoon on which is greener, a real or fake Christmas tree.  

I'm always experiencing the dilemma of being green...wash the dishes with water (pollution and use of natural resources), or use paper plates (and create more landfill); how to dispose of batteries and light bulbs; drive my car or use public transportation, nail polish, hair dye, natural vs commercial cleaners, paper/plastic/reusable grocery sacks, blah, blah, blah.

this article almost ruined Christmas for me. oh the guilt, because...

I was debating whether or not to buy a large artificial Christmas tree for my new home this year. I have the perfect spot for it.  I really need to put up an artificial tree.  the year my dad visited and I slept under the live Christmas tree, I got so sick  (the first time in many, many years) and was very ill for 2 weeks from breathing the mold.  I wonder what kind of ailments I would get from sleeping under and breathing toxic off-gassing from an artificial tree??? 

I was saved by the last two sentences of the article.  I'm creative aren't I?  I could create a Christmas tree with stuff from my craft collection, or upcycled/recycled materials.   I feel however that I'd need some Chinese manufactured products to decorate said tree, painted with lead paint.  I don't think I could win the argument here,  for either side.  even with myself.

I think I'll use the tree my boss gave us (co-workers) for Christmas so long ago, same as I did last year, and ignore the fact that it was probably manufactured in China, with toxic chemicals, and cost a lot to be shipped to be sold here in the United States. 

ignorance is bliss.  especially around Christmas, right???  can you say Santa Claus?!  LOL!!!

oh, 5 good things...

1 - finished my trade cards for D : .)

2 - finished a project at work

3 - survived a loooonnnggg day

4- tylenol 

5- honey butter

cukesicles

Today I opened my lunch to find that my cucumber was frozen.  Ever try a cukesicle?  Not tasty.   Just icy and mushy!  

There was also a boiled egg (unfrozen), raw almonds (also unfrozen), 2 tangerines, and a mango (both unfrozen).   I try to eat healthy during the week, but it was another rough day, and I needed cake!  I'll probably work that off tomorrow during cycle class, but I'm still worried about that 1/2 a gallon of ice cream I ate since last Wednesday.  I think its gone straight to my biceps.  Biceps?  You ask...Yes, I have a tendency to (initially) gain weight on my upper arms.  And of course, my entire life I've wanted twizzle stick arms!  

The Sistor is celebrating her 40th birthday.  No, I did not call her and wish her happiness.  I do hope she's had a great day!

Alrighty then!  

5 good things list...

4ish mile run in gorgeous weather! (running @ lunch is da bomb!)

healthy fuds

j.w. morris gewurztraminer (that's healthy too, right?!)

internet access

making friends happy : .)

Image from uncyclopedia.

Stanford University

MemChu (Memorial Church) No, its not crooked.  Photographer was off-kilter.

Hoover Tower & Stanford locals.

Looking down from the Hoover Tower Observation deck.

View south Downtown San Jose, way way back right...that little line of white buildings, seemingly at the base of the foothills.

Kawika and I went to Stanford University campus today to try out my new Canon G11.  I gave Dad my digi SLR, 'cause it was too big and bulky and heavy and etc...  He must'uve felt guilty 'cause he bot me the Canon. (I am not complaining, but he did get the better end of the deal! : .)

It was soooo clear, we could see all the way north to San Francisco, all the way south to Downtown San Jose, the Diablo Mountain Range to the east, and Stanford Dish to the west.  

AWESOME!  Can't believe I've lived in the Bay Area for almost 20 years and have never been up in the tower!!!  What a view!  Campus is gorgeous!  Historical.  (Don't ask me for any details, I can't remember now...heheheheh!  All I remember is Lou Henry Hoover [wife of the 31st president, Herbert Hoover] was the first female geologist that graduated from Stanford.)

5 Good Things...

#1 - G11

#2 - Incredible views!

#3 - Plain tart yogurt and mochi bits

#4 - 2 hours at the gym = SWEAT!  (cycle and step class!)

#5 - EGTL!!!

I think Penguins taste like Chicken

San Jose's beloved Los Tiburones played the 2008-2009 Stanley Cup champions last nite at the Shark Tank!  

Nabby made the Penguins lay a goose egg.  (Final score 5 - 0!  Whoo!)  

Awesome game!  Even Estor stood up and cheered!  LOL!!!  

Faith regained!  

5 good things:

1)  Seeing Sidney Crosby in the flesh!

2)  Running 7 miles of hills @ Rancho. (I even ran FASTER than Sonia!)

3)  Quality time with Aldien.

4)  EmmaZachRileyNoahCalebMarkColleenJoeyYvonneJoeandAlmaJune

5)  Internet access!!!  OMG!  Its hard to want it and not have it for 3 days!!!

Simple Creation

My boss's (how do you pluralize an "S"?  I forgot!) nephews (Zach and Travis) have a band and they played locally on Friday night!  They mostly do covers of ska/punk/reggae music.  They've even recorded two CD's!  

I dragged Kawika to go listen with me.  Its always nice to have a reason to go out on the weekend, otherwise I'd just stay home and watch paranormal tv : .) (sorta boring, yeah?!  hee, hee!!!)

Seeing the boys was #1 on my good things for the day list

dos - mental health day (off from work!!!)

three - lots of painted backgrounds

shi - moved all the boxes from the dining room to the garage.

cinq - cuties tangerines

snubbed.

sometimes, I don't understand the rudeness...

there's this new guy @ work.  

he keeps sitting in the corner of the break room alone.

I started waving at him.

one day he said hi to me.

I said hi back.

today, I went to ask his name and introduce myself, formally

asked him what department he was working in.

that's it.

he then looked at his wrist watch and said to me "my lunch is over."

(end of conversation.)

I stood there stupidly for 30 seconds and started to walk away.  I said, "it was 'nice' meeting you."

the interaction seems innocuous, but honestly, I got my feelings hurt, I felt snubbed.  and I'm still processing the encounter (whaat???).  

I think I'll avoid the break room from now on.

Bleu Screen of Death

sigh.  my poor baby.

hard drive failure. 

good thing I back up to an external drive.  

it'll be a few days until my little computer is fixed.  

until then, I have a loaner.  (thanks, Kawika!)  

Charter Member of Starbucks Gold?

(Red cups are baaacccckkkk!!!)

So yesterday, Starbucks informed their charter members (me) of changes to their rewards program. Currently, I receive 10% off anything I buy in the store, a free beverage on my b-day, and coupons, which I don't use. Occassionally, I purchase a snak or a beverage for a friend, or merchandise, 'cause I love Starbucks merchandise! (I'm such a conspicuous consumptor!) I paid $25 for a year's charter member discount.

I either purchase an EGTL (Earl Grey Tea Latte) or a Chai Latte, as I don't drink coffee, EVERY.SINGLE.DAY!!!

I am the definition a "frequent" visitor!

Starting January 5, 2010, charter members will receive one free beverage after purchasing 15 items with their rewards card. For me, this means that instead of spending $35.50 (10 EGTLs) and essentially getting the equivalent of a free beverage, I will have to spend $53.25 (15 EGTLs) to get a free beverage. And to add insult to injury, they recently raised the price of my favorite beverage, while reducing the price of coffee and some of the espresso drinks. I'm not seeing a benefit to me here!

I suppose this is timely because the budget hardly accommodates this daily indulgence.

I cry FOUL!!!

I get so much joy from my daily latte! I have a "relationship" with my barristas! They know my name!!! My lattes make me HAPPY!

argh!

To counteract the negativity I am experiencing because of the "changes" and having to face the boycott of one of my favorite monopolies, here's a list of 5 good things that happened today. (Ben, I fell off the wagon, time to get back on board!)

1) Cute tattoo'd boy sighting.
2) Vuelve a la vida! (reconnoitering Salvadorean/Mexican fuds for Friday)
3) Chiropractic adjustment, CAH-RACK!
4) Figuring out what was bugging me about a decorative piece in my bathroom and fixing it!
5) Trader Joe's Maple Leaf Cookies, yum!

Its late...Off to bed!!!

TTFN! : .)

ihbehbonsible

Last nite this little girl was trying to argue her case to watch a baby mermaid dvd instead of the Indiana Jones dvd brother was watching. She said watching Indiana Jones was "ihbehbonsible"...get it? irresponsible! Hysterical!

I think I smudged my unibrow!

Viva la Vida!!!

Channeling my inner Frida!




My costume received a mixed reaction today...Even with hints - Mexican artist, unibrow, mustache, "Buenos Dias, Comrade", Diego Rivera, I still either received a blank stare or the following responses:

Carmen Miranda - 2 (um, hello!!! do you see fruit on my head?!)
Evita Peron - 1 (don't cry for me argentina!)
Fidel Castro's sister - 1 (huh?)
Is that you? Yes, it is you - 1

And one person said, "Oh...you know Linda, you really do look like Frida."

Ok, I admit a few co-workers knew exactly who I was!!! They all got mad props!

Happy Halloween!!!