My vision is within! Here is where the birds sing! Here is where the sky is blue!

Bond. Eames Bond

2010-11-14T21:20:00.000-08:00

I wanted to wait till after the Holidays; but sometimes love finds you.
Hubby had been wanting a second, manly-man, dog but I hesitated. But my hesitation didn't last long when we saw a gangly golden retriever at the San Francisco SPCA. Porsche's face was full of love and yet loneliness at the same time. Her sweetness proved hard to resist; not just for Mike and I but Sasa too!

Porsche came home with us that very night.

After we picked up a new leash, a spanking new Kong, and a new name, we couldn't wait to get Eames settled into her new home.

It's been just about a month now and Eames has adjusted to her new home with flying colors. She's learned so much already. She sits politely before each meal, she takes such very good care of her Duck, and she roughhouses with Sasa like she's done it all her life. We are watching her slowly bloom and gain new confidence each day.

But It also hasn't been easy... we've had to break some animal shelter habits, find a homeopathic cure for a UTI, and suffer endless bouts of carsickness. But it's all worth it to give this little lady a loving home, away from her stray past. We've had 30 days to reassure Eames-y Girl that she is finally home and we'll never let anything happen to her. Not ever again.

Sasa, her BFF, feels the very same way.

Tigers and Dogs

2010-02-16T23:52:00.000-08:00

It's the Lunar New Year and we welcome The Tiger!

But as much as the big cat will dominate this year, my heart still lies with the canines.

And here we are, in an combustible elixir of crazy, the Lunar New Year, the Winter Olympics, Valentine's Day, President's Day, NY Fashion Week and the Westminster Dog Show have all landed within just days and hours of one another. Is it any wonder this 3-day weekend has wiped me out??

Thank goodness for the uber cuteness on display in New York City. This ain't no Puppy Bowl, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the real dizzle. And much as I waxed rhapsodic last year about these furrry competitors, my enthusiasm this year was compounded by the Scottish Terrier's odds to take the trophy.

Every year, I ooh and aah over all the breeds and every year there's some sort of upset (didn't you love the Golden?) to supply some drama and true competitiveness. These dogs work hard!

They go through all sorts of machinations in preparation for their big night.

But sometimes withstanding hairdryers and grooming products isn't enough. Once in a while, a perfect dog like Sadie comes along, and Best in Show just seems obvious.

But my heart will always be with the You-Know-Who's.....

Tom Ford Saves the Day!

2009-12-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

I was experiencing a not so great Christmas Eve Day... And knowing that my lovely husband won't be home until late doesn't help.
But I'm glad to be home to collect my thoughts. And finally spend some quality time with new MacBook. And look! I found Tom Ford on the Charlie Rose show discussing A Single Man. A dog lover in a great suit talking about filmmaking in a humble and yet insightful way. "Style without Substance? Meaningless." Me likey!

I have to admit, I didn't give Ford's directorial debut too much creedence, but rave reviews, costumes by Arianne Phillips and Colin Firth? I'm in!! And for whatever reason, after a day feeling sort of, discouraged and not full of peace of earth, thinking about art and creation is giving me back Goodwill towards Men. Well, a pair of Tom Ford sunglasses wouldn't hurt either....

Romantic Future

2009-12-10T12:03:00.000-08:00

Seems I've spent some time ruminating on my romantic future. Will I ever remarry? Who will it be? Will my shoes be fierce?

.. Well, I am happy to announce, in as official capacity as I can muster in this age of technology, that my romantic future has finally arrived. In less than 24 hours, I will be married to the man of my proverbial dreams and in My Beloved City no less!

He is tall and dashing, a snappy dresser (if you like the Early Soccer Hooligan look.), mouth like a sailor, makes me laugh my @ss off, and most impressive of all, knows what I'm talking about when I say I'm going to wear Trina Turk. After wasting too much time trying to pretend we could move on without each other, Mike and I are taking life by the horns, looking it in the eyes, and punching it in the face.

Thank you to everyone's love, support, blessings, and general all-around good tidings! We love you right back and hope to celebrate with grand panache next year with all of you.

Until then, watch out City Hall, here we come!!!
PS. Yes, my shoes are indeed, Fierce....

On the First Day of Christmas...

2009-11-30T16:43:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. I haven't heard anything crazy come through the grapevine, so I'm going on the assumption everyone is safe, sound, and full.

So now we begin the Holiday Swing. Lots of whirly twirly going on in Deezy-land, but for now let's focus just on distractions, mmmkay???

Daydreaming about fantastical gifts is a favorite hobby of mine. And Christmas is a perfect time to practice imagining what shows up under the tree with a big red bow on it. So, someone please buy me Jonathan Adler's Gossip Bench for Christmas; y'know, in the spirit of giving....

Small Rant

2009-08-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

You know... I get it.
Healthcare is an absolute mess in this country. And I'm glad that citizens are speaking up (assuming of course these protesters aren't dispatched by special interest groups) but where were these people when the Bear Sterns of the world went kaput? Where were the voices decrying the defense of our Constitution when the president sent our young men to War?
..... As you were.......

Mad (Wo)Men

2009-08-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

*sigh*

I couldn't help it! I Mad Men'd myself....

Welcome Home!!!!

2009-08-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

In the words of Current TV, welcome home Laura and Euna. We are so very happy and grateful to have you back.

Bastille Day Mes Amis!

2009-07-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

Aujourd'hui, c'est le quatorze juillet...

So Happy Bastille Day Y'all!!!

For whatever odd reason (and with me there are plenty!), I have always remembered this phrase. It was the very first phrase I learned in French class, back in 7th Grade, and it has just stuck with me. Can you believe it? Six years of French and all I can remember is a phrase I can really only use once a year. ......

Mango Margarita-ville

2009-05-27T01:09:00.000-07:00

I am cozy at home now, but it's been a full month. With travel, Memorial Day, dogwalks, it's been a full week! On Tuesday I spent a night with friends, both old and new.
Each Super Tuesday (4th Tuesday of each month) the gang gets together and I introduce a cocktail. Some months are more experimental than others. But we served tacos this month, so a margarita was in order.

With mangos in season, I couldn't help giving it a little extra flavor. Here is the margarita recipe I started with, very basic:
2 shot(s) Sauza Hornitos Tequila
1 shot Cointreau
1 shot Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice

But before putting all that together, I muddled a ripe mango.
I found this didn't change the flavor too too much, but it did take the edge off some of the tequila; which in turn, made this cocktail deceptively strong!! Beware!

Gullible's Travels

2009-05-20T00:53:00.000-07:00

I've been traveling a fair bit more than the norm lately. My work keeps me busy but it is an incredible luxury to have an expense account that will still allow for some small pleasures.

Props must go to Cutie-Patootie Claussen at the Coopers Square Hotel for taking care of D & I during our stay in NYC. The hotel is too kool for skool(I still love it!), but he made us feel welome and very well taken care of. Be forewarned, next time I see you, I'm putting you in my pocket and taking you home. (Do only older people say things like that? Good god, I'm mortified.)
Must also take this opportunity to plug Accomplice:NY, an amazing group of people who put on a mxiture of walking tour, scavenger hunt, and improv theater. It's a blast and an awesome way to see parts of New York City. Run don't walk(or in this walk don't run?) for your tickets and be prepared to have your wits about you!

Fast foward 2 weeks, and I'm in Hong Kong (I'm so continental!) enjoying a solitary brunch on my one day off during a 2-week business trip. Started out in Singapore and will ultimately end the roadshow in Beijing. The Aircon here can be jarring; and as with visits past, I am fighting a cold. Its annoying but at least I brought fortification (Zycam!). And, as a Chinese-looking, Cantonese speaking ex-Pat in this City, the experience can be an interesting one.
If I use English to communicate, I can be treated differently. Treated better or worse depends on who I'm talking to. The drivers tend to find it funny that I'm bi-lingual. Last night my driver wouldn't shut up knowing I was an ex-Pat. Too bad I only understood about 60% of his story. I think he was discussing Holland? It was nice feeling my Cantonese improve day by day. Who knows, maybe I'll be expounding on the the state of affairs in Holland sometime in the future. I reckon I should learn to expound upon it in English first...

Dear Mumsicle...

2009-05-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

I very rarely spend holidays away from family; not even the "minor" ones like Mother's Day. But I've been on the road over a week now, on the other side of the world. Ironically I am in my mother's Native City. I am quite sure she'd be happy to trade places with me today. And if I could, I would grant her that Mother's Day wish.

Until they perfect teleportation my dear Mother shall have to be satisfied with a phone call and a blog post. And all the other Mother's in my life(and you know who you are) will also have to be happy with my electronic shout out.

Happy Mother's Day to you too Sis!!! Hope the kiddies give you lots of love & kisses. I will see you all soon!!

"And She's Climbing a Stairway to Heaven..."

2009-04-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

Each year I challenge myself to something new, something I have never physically done before. It's not always the smartest thing to do; but I think deep down I'm trying to make up for my bookworm ways when I was a kid.

This year started slowly(no misbegotten marathons in the cold tail of winter) but last week I joined a thousand others to raise money for the American Lung Association. It was a climb up 1,197 steps to the top of the BofA Bldg, Carnelian Room; and it kinda sucked. hehe. But I lived to tell the tale; and I even surprised myself with my time (17min, 36secs!). It gave me the encouragement I needed for the rest of the surprises that lay ahead of me in 2009!

Team Carnelian Room wait patiently as we inch closer to the stairwell. I wished there was more room to stay warmed up though.

Teammate makes a quickie attempt to break the bank. (It was kinda neat seeing the safe in the basement!)

I'm just seconds from my start.

I'm halfway there!!
Aaaahhh.. definitely one of finest Finish Line spreads there has ever been!

And there was my Pop! Cheering me on at the Finish Line! (OK, he had to work and would've been there anyway.. but it was definitely great to see him when I got to the top. The champagne didn't hurt either.)

And to top it off, a massage! And not just some wussy chair massage. I laid down on the table and got pummeled.

Sasa's a Star!

2009-04-07T21:44:00.000-07:00

What Happens Without Laptops

2009-03-27T00:50:00.000-07:00

Can it be that I've only posted once this month??
I'm tired.
And I'm starting to not be happy with my computer. My trusty Mac-a-doodle-doo.

This past weekend in Dunsmuir, D and I agreed on a "no laptop" moratorium. I reckon I cheated with my iPhone; its gettng harder and harder to avoid technology. But it is certainly easier to bear with a day like this.

D, Sake, and I had great Stand-by-Me little hike. Just thank goodness there was no need for anyone to yell "TRAIINNNNN!" Although secretly I think D was disappointed.

Jon Stewart: Call Me!

2009-03-13T00:17:00.000-07:00

I love Jon Stewart. I would marry him.

If he didn't already have a family and I wasn't on the opposite coast and in a relationship of my own and if I had acquaintances who could introduce me to him and he fell in love with me and proposed to me with a big fat diamond, I would marry him.

His interviews with the likes of Mike Huckabee just seal the deal. And last night's interview with Jim Cramer was a knockout. He is not a nobel prize winning economist but he brought up issues that I haven't heard anyone in the media report on. He spoke plainly with passion and clarity.

He kicked ass.

Here's a taste of my beloved, if you didn't watch it tonight please go to The Daily Show and check it out.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Interview Outtake Pt. 3

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things With Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Economic Crisis

Party Planning

2009-02-23T22:32:00.000-08:00

aka: How I Learned to Love the Bomb

Don't tell anyone.. but I'll be turning 40 years old this week.
The good thing is.. I've been too busy to worry about it.
The bad thing is I've decided to throw myself a shindig so I've been worried about that instead.

And perhaps I'm so worried, stressed, that my body is giving out.
So the bad news is I've got the sniffles and my throat feels like doodoo-caca.
But the good news is I've lost my appetite and perhaps now I can look awesome in my dress!

With all the preparations, contracts, logistics, and making sure everything looks and sounds great, I'm almost worried people won't show up! Or I fear the music won't be enough to get people groovin'. Or we'll run out of food. Or guest won't like the wine. Are these fears normal? Is it the nightmare of every party thrower?

Deep breaths, gather. It's going to be great, and I can't wait to see you all there!

** Cake image courtesy of Pinkie's Bakery. Wait till you see what she is creating just for me!!

Super Doggy Bowl

2009-02-09T20:53:00.000-08:00

If you hear a little whooping and hollerin' coming from my living room tonight and tomorrow, don't worry. It's just the annual doggie love fest known as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Each February you can find me in front of the telly with a huge grin on my face, clapping for my favorites. I just simply can't help it!

Who can forget 2008's Best in Show Champion Uno the beagle (L)? Here he greets RJ (R) another beagle at a preview for this year's Westminster. Uno became a certified therapy last summer as part of the Club's Angel on a Leash program and truer champion there never was!

This year will also see the debut of the Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff. It is the only newly-recognized breed eligible for competition this year; the head is the largest of any dog, according to the Kennel Club. Watch for lots of applause when Brando competes in the Working Group! HEAD!!!!!
You had better stand back when they say the words, "May we have the Terrier Group in the ring please." I stand up and clap and whoop and grin and simply act a fool over my favorite group. This
year's Australian Terrier is from Vacaville! w00t!!! And the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Ch. King's Mtn Minnie Mouse is from San Francisco. Yay!!!

And Vegas has given Sadie, the Scottish Terrier, 18-1 odds of winning the whole shebang. Go Sadie!!

But watch out for a Terrier Showdown as Sadie goes up against Charmin, the #1 terrier in the country. Uh, Charmin is on the right....

(What the French Toast! Sadie takes it!!! First a Scottish Deerhound wins the Hound Group, and now a Scottish Terrier. If it's not Scottish, it's CRRRAP!!)

What more can you ask for? Drama, sportsmanship, grace, and athleticism. Westminster can give the Oscars a run for the money.

And lest you think dogs take any less grooming than Catherine Zeta-Jones, I give you Exhibit A....

Monday Morning Chuckle

2009-02-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it because you had some other wildly fantastical thing to do Saturday night.

I couldn't have said this better myself..

Tough Crowd in the City

2009-02-04T00:11:00.000-08:00

In the last couple of months, I have made overtures to homeless people here in San Francisco. I offer what I have with respect but without pity.

Once, I was headed to the Muni Station after stopping off at the grocery store. I had a bag(my own burlap one, natch) full of randon groceries, topped off by some apples. When I passed a homeless man panhandling, I turned and said, "Sir, I've got an apple here for you if you're hungry." He calmly opened his mouth and pointed to his toothless gums. I felt like an @sshole....

Today, after a refreshing yoga class at the gym, I once again made my way to the Muni station. This time I had a Satsuma orange in my pocket I was going to eat, but I stopped and said, "Hey Dude, would you like an orange?" The man seated on the ground waved both me and the orange away dismissively. For a moment there, I felt as though I did something wrong.

It can be a tough crowd out there in the See-tay.

Domino Magazine Falls

2009-01-28T10:27:00.001-08:00

The past 2 weeks have seen many good, hard-working people lose their jobs (Although I'm sure there were a few slackers in the bunch.) and some familiar retail names shuttering their doors.

But this one today hurts, it really hurts. Conde Nast today announced the closure of their shelter magazine Domino. DOMINO! A magazine I eagerly look forward to each month will grace my postbox no more.

I've been a subscriber since Day 1 and I shall miss the inspiration, tips, and overall escapism their lovely pages offered me. Thanks for all the hard work Domino! You were a gem!
(I wonder what happens to the rest of my subscription??)

Splashdown Nightmare

2009-01-15T15:09:00.000-08:00

It shouldn't be that my first post for 2009 involves a plane crash. I am always the one saying a silent Non-Denominational prayer when taking off.
I can tell you that if ever I hear the words "Brace for impact because we're going down", I would be eleven kinds of crazy. However, knowing that all 155 passengers of US Airways Flight 1549 came out of the Hudson River relatively unscathed leaves me with the Warm Fuzzies.

Kudos to the pilot(Let's give it up for Danville!!) who kept his calm and steered everyone safely on its splashy landing!!!! HUZZAH!!

From Christmas Wishes to New Year Visions.

2008-12-29T23:18:00.000-08:00

The week after Christmas is not as stressful as the preceding month, but it has its own challenges. Not only am I desperately trying to recover from the food, the booze, the shopping; I'm also trying to take time for introspection. What have I accomplished the last 365-ish days? Did I advance my career? Did I save enough/any money? Did I see all the movies I wanted to see? Is my condo any cleaner? Did I lose the weight I set out to?

And if not, how will I do it all differently in 2009?
During these times of inventory, I like to avoid it all entirely and take Sake to the beach. Watching the Little One bound around with such pure joy always makes me feel seismically better about the days ahead.

Christmas Wishes 2008

2008-12-24T12:14:00.000-08:00

Seems tradition now that I spend mid-December running about in a Whirly Twirly. But today is Christmas Eve and I feel finally, a sense of my Christmas Spirit back. We have a rough road ahead of us in 2009(and 2010?); but may you all have a Lovely Holiday and a Bountiful New Year.

Merry Christmas To All, And To All A Good Night

Beijing in 2.5 Days

2008-12-15T23:16:00.000-08:00

It's the Holidays but I find myself still talking about my trip to Beijing. It's as though I visited a city, a country, on the verge of a big shift and I can't stop marveling.
Some highlights:

First stop was the Beijing Zoo. First and Foremost I wanted to see pandas. It was in fact my initial desire to put in volunteer work in the Wolong Natural National Panda Reserve.. but I have to confess, I chickened out due to weather and possible disease. So instead I saw them at the Zoo. And with only 2 and a half days in Beijing, I could've spent the entire time just watching these amazing animals.
This is one of the 8 panda cubs that were brought to the zoo for the Olympics.

A grownup panda is really just mostly interested in munching down snacks. Still fascinating to watch. Note that all the pandas look much cleaner in photos! ha!

It was onto the magnificent Forbidden City after that. A good portion of the structures were refurbished, again for the sake of the Olympics and boy could you tell! There were the proverbial crapload of pictures taken that day, but I'll just leave you with this one.

Cleanliness and hygiene could be spotty in certain attractions and establishments. This restaurant calmed my western squeamishness with its shrink-wrapped serving set; but when I saw Dog Stew on the menu, well, let's just say the squeamishness came back.

Another sight on my list was the National Centre for the Performing Arts, also known as The Egg. Another amazing building designed by a French Architect that was not without its own controversies. You may notice by this point that I'm wearing the same thing in a lot of the pictures. Well, I'm a Californian and I was bloody cold there. I wore the same beanie, jacket, and gloves pretty much every day.

And here we are. The Great F&ckin' Wall. It does go on and on, as far as the eye can see; humbling anyone in its presence. And look how incredile those mountain ranges are in the distance. I've never seen anything like it.

I can't even really tell you much more about this picture than: Me + Llama = Awesome!I'm not usually a Starbucks drinker, but at the Great Wall? I had to do it. And with the milk crises going on, the default was soymilk. Perfect!
Definitely a highlight of my trip. I had to visit the 798 Art Zone.
A decommissioned military factory, it is now home to a thriving modern art community. And by chance there was an exhibit melding Christian Dior haute couture and Chinese artists. Here were curtains of pearls you had to walk through to begin the exhibit. This completely blew me away.
Some minor example of Shock Art. Naked chick on a bike (not me!).

I couldn't resist!

Hurray for Hollywould

2008-12-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

I had a travel post ready, but something has taken precedence. I couldn't let the day go by without spreading the word about SHOES! Yes ladies, shoes.. and not just any run of the mill shoes. But Hollywould Shoes. Created, by Holly Dunlap, they have acquired quite a cult following for those with a big budget and a penchant for heels. Afterall, some styles cost as much as $495! Yes, AMERICAN dollars.

But here's the skinny... everything on the website is now $99!!
Yep. You heard me. $99. Tough times, even for Holly.
I know they are an extravagance, but if you ~~can swing it~~ are a shoe whore, you need to go check it out!
Go forth and be well-heeled....

A Visit to Beijing

2008-11-24T06:14:00.000-08:00

aka: Where Ancient and Modern Collide
I'm 2 days into Beijing and I'm marveling at this transformed city. I thought Hong Kong was a chaotic blend of the old and new.. but it has nothing on Beijing.

While here I've visited both the Ancient and the Modern. The Forbidden City and the Great Wall humbled me with their majestic scale and history. But tears welled up in my eyes when I came upon the National Stadium(aka Birds Nest) and all the new history it had made in such a brief amount of time. It is a tremendous site to see up close; it's the 2nd building I have ever seen that has brought tears to my eyes. (The Disney Concert Hall being the First.). Perhaps it seems silly to cry at the site of a building. But visionary architecture can do that, it can soar above just steel girders and right angles to be glorious and full of hopes and dreams.

And one wouldn't think I would find it here, in the Communist Motherland. Where men(and women) spit freely and pick their noses with matching aplomb. But there's the juxtaposition. I fear using the toilet while away from my Ikea-like hotel because squatting is just not in my DNA(is there ever enough Purell??). But it seems this damn city is wired and I can surf the internet wherever I wish. The Great Wall warns against cellphone usage during thunderstorms; and I still find stewed dogmeat on the menu.

I reckon there are some things technology still can't do.....

Greetings from Asia

2008-11-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Hong Kong!
It's been just 5 days here and there's a part of me thats already a tad homesick. Pathetic, right?
5-star hotel, room service, and a 3-hr massage and facial treatment. What more could a girl ask for? I think it's just the fatigue talking. It's been a full work week on top of jetlag.

I'm off to Beijing in the AM for Holiday. At which time I'm hoping to catch on me, and you of course!
In the meantime, this little doodah has been giving me laughs non-stop. Enjoy!

Edit:
Video can no longer be embedded. You know, copywrite and all that stuff.
But here's the link , it's classic.

God Bless America

2008-11-04T20:11:00.000-08:00

I still can't believe it. I'm numb. Can it be true?
This is not just another presidential election. This is a remarkable, transformational night.

Tonight. Tonight. Tonight we are truly the greatest nation on this planet.

Vote Early and Vote Often!

2008-11-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

It's so exciting to see Election Fever taking over this country! I believe its high time that Americans actually vote for something other than the nex American Idol or their favorite episode of Seinfeld. It warms the heart to see Americans care again.

Although its thoroughly depressing to read the vile tactics that people are using to keep Dems at home from voting.

If ever there were people who hate America and work at its downfall, its the c@cksuckers that printed these flyers out and had them distributed. I know, I said c@cksucker. That's enough to throw me out of a baseball game, but that's how infuriated I am!!

**Edit: "State elections officials have identified the person responsible for a phony election flier that told Republicans to vote on Tuesday and Democrats to vote a day later.

State Board of Elections Secretary Nancy Rodrigues said Monday the flier bearing the Virginia seal and the elections board logo was a joke that got out of control. The flier was distributed early last week across Hampton Roads. State police confirmed it also was distributed by e-mail.

State officials declined to name the person who created the flier or a second person who began distributing it.

While distribution of false information to voters is a misdemeanor, state police spokeswoman Corinne Geller says no charges would be filed."

OMGWTFBBQ. Heads should roll. Of course, wait till we find out this was perpetrated by a 13-year-old...

Some other last minute election thoughts of note.....

Everyone voting electronically... doublecheck your votes!!!! Early voters are reporting that votes are not being registered correctly.
Report any and all f^ckery being perpetrated in not allowing you to vote. Record it, blog it, email to the Liberal, Gotcha Media (especially to my news hunk Anderson Cooper at AC360).
If in Cali, vote No on Prop 8! Lest you forget, anti-miscegenation laws were not repealed in California in 1948! That's right, it was illegal 60 years ago for Whites to marry Asians. My ass would've been in jail. State law was finally overturned by state judiciary in the Supreme Court of California. And yes, if there was a vote, I bet you more than 61% of the state would've said keep marriage status quo between Whites only. Please let such dark days of bigotry and fear be bygones.
Electronic voting reeks of potential tampering. If they can hack into the FBI database, they can tamper with an election! I say the country stays with the "times up, pencil's down" method.
Why on earth is Election Day not a National Holiday??!!! For god's sake we need to address this antiquated voting day that's been around since the Farmin' Days!!!
Get out there kids and perform your civic duty, flex your right, your PRIVILEGE to vote!!
Ladies, 100 years ago we weren't allowed to vote!! Let's do it for Susan B Anthony, $1 coin styleee!!

No doubt I'll be back with Post-Election reaction. Until then, read some Thomas Friedman.
Be Well America. Go Vote.

Alright, Who Put the Ass in Self Assessment???

2008-10-27T19:07:00.000-07:00

I have to write my self-evaluation this week. It is one of the most-loathed tasks I am forced to do at work. Partly because I've never been particularly good at tooting my own horn(Self-deprecation doesn't translate well on paper.) but mainly because it seems a useless task that sucks up valuable time. I mean, c'mon! More time spent on fluffing up my achievements is less time I spend blogging for all of you!!

And anyway, at most workplaces it never seems it has any of true bearing on the eventual review given to me, or on the (minimal) raise I get.

Can someone tell me doing these darn things is just some sort of legal liability type of f&ckery that HR has to keep in my file?

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

2008-10-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

I had been saving up for a change to happen next year. But with the economy in a free-fall and Pro-America small-towns and Non Pro-America big-cities coming to ideological blows , I had been feeling a little low as of late...

When I visited my trusted coiffeur, Alex S., it did not take long for him to appeal to my ever-hiding spontaneous nature. Ever the intuitive(and vegan) soul, he broke past my initial trepidation and guided my hair to its very own Carpe-Diem-moment. (But not before I shed a few tears.) Yay him!

Before the Big Reveal, let me take a moment to introduce the newly relocated Alex Sandor Art Studio. His new storefront still has that same funky, "I made this!", vibe about it. His trusty tools are still housed in a vintage.. uh.. Alex what the hell is that thing?

What's new is his commitment to going green and organic. Alex designed his studio usng only recycled refurbished and salvaged materials and furniture. And he uses organic, non-carcinegenic hair products on all those who walk through his door. But really that's just the beginning. Click here to get it straight from him. Note the salvaged wood planks from former wine barrels on the walls; and the stainless steel accessories,such as the trays, are from SF General Hospital.

I particularly loved this piece which serves as the refreshment station. The lemon ginger infused tea is a nice refreshing touch too.
But what you've all been waiting for!... *drumroll*.... TADA!! Here I am with my hair 10 inches shorter. Alex does it again. I walk out of his salon a brand new woman. And with my donation to Locks of Love, I've hopefully given a child an opportunity to Seize Their Day too.

Palin Winks Her Way Through the Debate

2008-10-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

What. The. Fuck.
Does she plan on bringing winking back to the side of the American People too?

Register and Get Your Vote On!

2008-10-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

Google uses its powers for good today.
That fat kid from Superbad is pretty hilarious.

Summer Recap

2008-09-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

It was the First Day of Autumn and I know I'm not alone when I say.....WHAT??!!!@#
Seriously, what the heck happened to summer? Every year, when June comes around, I get that 3rd grade feel of joy. WWWAAHOOOOO! SUMMERTIME!!!! But then I remember I don't have summer vacation. I have a 9-5 job.

With the nation's financial debacle on the horizon, taking one of those "Oh I summer'd in the Maldives" sort of vacation seemed frivolous. So I grabbed summer whenever I could. And now that Autumn is just around the corner, I can't help but reflect on all thats happened.

First Up. Skinny Dipping at the top of Horsetail Falls. Well, the skinny dipping came after my panic attack on the way up.

And you just can't talk about summer without mentioning the Olympics. Sake loved watching the ceremonies! She did I tell you! She did!

Then, what would a Northern Californian summer be without a little Overcasty Goodness at the Beach?
I also got to revisit the 80's, if only for 1 night...
Mid-August the planets lined up and the 2nd generation of Ips/Yips/Yehs reunited from east/west. Could I FIT more people in my place?
Oh hey! PIDGEON!!!

The Dog Day of Summer game at AT&T Park was definitely a highlight. Check out Sake on the Jumbotron!

I had a brush with Slo Food Nation.
D took me out for my first time surfing!(I forgot to tell D I'm not that strong in the water. But thats a story for another post. And this pic is merely a dramatic re-enactment..)

I developed a new obsession: Spring Awakening. But then again, sitting on stage watching these adorable kids sing and dance can do that to you!

Finally? The Brisbane Family Singers!! Ok. The Brisbane Fireplugs.

WOW! I had a great summer! How about you?

#1 With a Bullet

2008-09-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

It usually takes a little time for someone to usurp the #1 stronghold on my Bitch Slap List but I have to say Sarah "Pit Bull" Palin has got talent.

Ladies and Gentlemen (and Republicans too)... here is Pit Bull Palin doing the ol' Skirt the Issue in a major way. I see she has been fully prepped in the proper hand gesturing to imply sincerity.

If you'd like to see part of what Charlie Gibson's referring to.. Hmmm... Separation of Church and State anyone??

Palin is just Wa"silly"

2008-09-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

I do have a sense of shock and outrage. I shouldn't. I shouldn't put anything past the Grand Old Party.

I have said in the past, if ever there was a republican I would vote for, McCain would be The One. I am even OK with the graceful and gracious Cindy. But now, he's gone and chucked my respect for his possible presidency all out the window with this bulldonkey, I mean Elephant, bit of decision-making.

I won't say anymore, because I think his own Spin Doctors can say it better...

BARACK THE VOTE!!!

BaRACK the Vote!

2008-08-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

Did we think we'd be alive for this day?
My joy at seeing Barack and his family on stage as the possible First Family of this country filled me with such joy and hope. I can't imagine what an emotional wreck I'll be once he wins the White House. (Not to mention what an emotional wreck I'll be if he doesn't win the White House.)

"The change we need doesn't come from Washington. Change comes to Washington. Change happens because the American people demand it—because they rise up and insist on new ideas and new leadership, a new politics for a new time. America, this is one of those moments."—
Four years ago Barack gave me hope for a UNITED States... and he did it again tonight. Yes. We. Can.

Footnote: Thank you Hilary. Thank you for an amazing speech. I understand the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pantsuit thing, but tangerine?

Olympic Fevah Ends

2008-08-25T01:18:00.000-07:00

Well its over. Two amazing weeks of international competition. I'm an Olympics geek. I cry. And watching the Closing Ceremonies tonight was no exception. I sobbed.

Many pooh-pooh the commercialism of the Olympics. NBC always gets grief for poor coverage. And this year, China got much criticism for the exorbitant amount of money spent (43 Billion dollars!!), its politics, and for giving a cherubic gap-toothed young girl the Milli Vanilli treatment. I've even read some articles playing down the monumental accomplishment of Michael Phelps' 8 gold medals. Are you KIDDING me??! You try having 17 swims, in a variety of 4 different strokes, against the best swimmers in the world. I normally enjoy rooting for the underdog, sometimes the inevitable wins by the United States can make me cringe... but he swam and won with such sincerity and humility, you just had to root for him.

And here it is, are we so defiantly jaded that we cannot enjoy these Olympics? Are we so vehemently so opposed to the thought of the unifying power of the Olympics? Is there possibly a dry eye in the house when you see Iran and Iraq athletes marching in the parade of nations back to back? How about when you see the female athletes marching in for Afghanistan?

I normally love the Olympics anyway. I love seeing the one athlete arriving, proud to compete on behalf of their country. I share the heartbreaking joy when an athlete has their dreams come alive. I cry when I see the agony of a dream dashed in a mere second of a mistake. And this year, I was even more touched watching China stake its claim in history.

As a Chinese-American, I was so absolutely proud to see my countrymen produce such a jaw-dropping spectacle. I teared when I heard Yao-Ming say "I've waited for this day my whole life. Not just me, the whole country." And I can say my entire family was glued to the competition, well into the morning light. For 2 weeks straight I finally saw Asian people, Chinese people on TV. I saw them being competitive, strong, full of life and grace. The Today Show actually highlighted Chinese without accents speaking of fashion, cuisine, culture. I saw small pieces of me finally reflected back, and yes it felt great.

The Beijing Olympics meant so much to its Country and its People. It was opportunity to show the world what The People are all about. And here, on the other side of the world, I think the Chinese community waited with bated breath, hoping we would be proud of what we saw. And, underage gymnasts aside, by no means do I think we were disappointed.

First Detox Weekend

2008-08-18T21:31:00.000-07:00

Finishing up the 4th day of my Quantum Wellness Detox and its been easier than I thought, but still a challenge.

The headiest withdrawal were the first 2 days without coffee, dear sweet nectar of the gods! I was groggy, slow, headachey and just altogether not myself. Sunday, with some solid z's under my belt, was much smoother. But as I was back in the office today with the usual lack of sleep mojo, I needed something and broke down with a decaf soy latte.

Lucky for me, I'm a big soy/tofu fan so the food has been manageable. Which doesn't mean, I couldn't do without a big honkin' burger right now! But I'm experimenting with alternatives and I reckon that's part of this whole experience. Tonight, I made a quesidilla made with teff tortillas, avocado, and vegan cheese. For grilling purposes the teff turned out just fine, but as it is gluten-free, I wouldn't advise eating without heating up. I imagine a $5 bill tasting better. And the vegan cheese? Well, it served its melting purposes but thats about all I can say thats fit to print.

Some thought the weekends would be more difficult than the weekdays but I'm not so sure. A full workweek ahead and far too much munchie time spent in front of the computer monitor. Eeeshk!

The Google

2008-08-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

My favorite Olympic Google so far...

Food Issues

2008-08-15T01:03:00.000-07:00

I don't think I have food issues. I love food. What's the issue??

I guess I just love it too much. Although, I do keep an eye on what I eat, I certainly do not deny myself. How can I with all the amazing food available to us here in San Francisco?

But tomorrow I embark on a 10-day test. I will be plunging myself into the Quantum Wellness detox: refrain from sugar, caffeine, alcohol, gluten and animal products. It is an experiement to see how much my body is actually addicted to these substances. While the author of this detox, Kathy Freston, says that I should do as much as I can do, giving up the five substances is admittedly ambitious. For many folks, it hard enough to just stop sugar by itself; and I'm not even shooting for 21 days as prescribed. I am being realistic with a 10-day goal. Each day beyond that I will take slowly.

Clear tummy, clear mind. Ohmmmm... Ooohh, is that a cupcake??!

Making History

2008-08-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

Seems my Olympic Fever is keeping me up at nights. I'm starting to get a nice set of Louis Vuitton luggage under my eyes. But it happens only once every two years, and with Beijing hosting, well, its once in a lifetime. History is being made and I'll stay up for that. And oh yeah, I'll stay up for Mike Phelps and his D'Angelo muscles making history too.

Under the Covers

2008-07-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

Contrary to the rumors, I haven't just been fiddling with my iPhone and ignoring my writing(well, maybe a little). Things have taken on a more introspective turn, I've been nesting, and also, I'm wondering about the Next Big Thing.

Because aren't we all looking for our Next Big Thing? A new idea, a new event? A new job?
Its daunting enough to put me under the covers.... And truth be told I've found being under the covers ain't so bad. Granted, I've got a lovely Brocade Home duvet cover but I digress...

Its been hard to find the right topic. I've been an uninpsired blogger. I have always been challenged in the discipline of writing as an art form. Blogging has been a way to write daily without the pressure of being the master of words. But now I feel the pressure of being prolific. The pressure of being clever, incisive, snarky on a daily, nay, hourly basis. It drives a girl to want and just curl up under the covers with her iPhone...

iPhone Therefore I am

2008-07-14T00:43:00.000-07:00

Mission completed. My iPhone 3G was procured on Day 1.

In the time I waited in line I could've also:

Played in a Texas Hold'Em Tournament
Knitted a Sweater (and I don't know how to knit!)
Flown to Miami
Watched Juno 4 times.
Cooked a turkey.
Repainted my closet doors.
Run a marathon (This being theoritical, of course.)

I'm such a lemming.

Don't Make Me Angry, You Won't Like Me When I'm Angry

2008-06-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

I resorted to a Yelper review of the DPT(Department of Parking & Traffic) the other day. I was so absolutely enraged I wish I were the Incredible Hulk.

Situation: I live in a permit parking area in the Mission area. Who doesn't? Well actually one block up the 75 Degree hill I live on actually has no permit parking. But I digress.

A car has been parked for over a week on my block, taking up 2 car spaces. Highly coveted car spaces. My neighbor left a passive/aggressive note which I'm sure made THEM feel better; but really had no effect.

The car proceeds to sit through the weekend and well into the week. Never mind, it doesn't get marked ONCE for parking without a permit! And never mind that I, WITH a permit, have gotten a parking ticket for which the DPT is STILL reviewing after 3 months!. Car has now gotten a street cleaning ticket, but essentially has paid for over 9 days of parking for the price of one ticket.

By now I'm thinking perhaps the car has been abandoned (It doesn't LOOK abandoned, but whatever.)

I call DPT to report abandoned vehicle. This is how it went.

"Thank you for calling DPT. blah blah blah. Press 1 for English" *1*
"To report or call about abandoned vehicle press 4." *4*
"To report a abandoned vehicle, press 1." *1*
"Please say the license plate number of vehicle after the tone." *I wait for tone.*
"Please say the license plate number of vehicle after the tone." No tone, but I say *3XXX5XX*
"Please say the license plate number of vehicle after the tone." Still no tone but I repeat *3XXX5XX*
"Please hold while we transfer your call." *CALL ENDED*

WTF!!@$%%#$^%^&%^&$%^#$%

I am so dumbfounded, that I stupidly I tried one more time. With the same results!!! WHAT THE F&CK!!! Seriously, at this point, will anyone blame me for turning into an angry green monster with shredded pants?

Footnote: Police came to tow away car. It was stolen....

And the Oscar Goes To....

2008-06-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am aware that my blog is starting to look like a food blog.. and I reckon I should try to be more varied with posts or else just start a food blog altogether. But who wants another Machead prattling on about the iPhone 3G today? You will need to read me wax rhapsodic about my neighborhood once more.

The James Beard Foundation awards were handed out last night in New York. The awards, given annually, are basically the Oscars of the food world. And 2 of the top awards were not only given to San Francisco chefs, but to chefs that work their culinary magic in my hood, just 5 blocks away! Can I get a *whut whut*??!

Craig Stoll, chef and co-owner of Delfina in San Francisco, was named the best chef in California and Hawaii, one of 10 such regional awards. Stoll and his wife, Annie, also operate the adjoining Pizzeria Delfina which is delish but kind of a pain to eat at because of the neverending crowd. The New Yorkers took a lot of the big awards so I feel like it was sort of a gimme for Craig to go up against other Bay Area chefs in this regionalized award.

The other major prize, the Outstanding Pastry Chef award, went to Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson, owners of Tartine Bakery in San Francisco, as the best pastry chefs or bakers in America. The award designates a chef or baker who serves as a national standard-bearer of excellence. NATIONAL. AMERICA. Got that? The ham & cheese croissants? The savory bread pudding? They serve as a national standard-bearer of excellence. Warms my heart I tell ya. And my tummy too.

Two-fer

2008-06-04T18:01:00.000-07:00

I've heard of buy one, get one free....
But this is just getting out of hand! .... I'd be more excited if Jamba Juice were doing two-fers.

Big Apple Bites

2008-05-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

No trip to New York City would be complete without a thorough partaking of local eateries. Its the only other city that could rival the Foodie Paradise that is San Francisco.

Here now some highlights (in no particular order):
Lever House. Located on the ground floor of the mid-century jewel of the same name. I was excited enough to just walk by and marvel at the architecture of the building; so eating there too was a real treat. From the NY Times, "In a reckless gamble, Marc Newson, the designer, more or less thumbs his nose at the severely elegant architecture around him, leading diners down a glowing enclosed walkway into a tubelike dining room decorated with a hexagon pattern on the floor and walls, like an Op Art painting." With the repeated hexagon motif, I felt like a bee cocooned in the hive; but in a good way. For lunch, the place filled up mainly with Power Players in Suits; I decided to forgoe the Power Martini and opted for the fresh lime soda($8). My seared arctic char came with a riesling foam, which I found really intriguing. (That damn Top Chef piqued my curiosity.) This place was uber pricey and at $100 a person(lunch!), it certainly is not a place I could ever afford without an expense account. But the ingredients were fresh and the flavors subtle, if not necessarily memorable.

Perilla. Yes. Cheesy. But I decided to throw caution to the wind and try Harold Dieterle's restaurant in the Village. (I always had a soft spot for the no-nonsense approach that led to his ultimate win on the first season of Top Chef. I know, 2nd reference.) Turns out his place carries out his no-nonsense approach. Small, unassuming, and reasonably priced, I had a great dinner. The highlight here was his signature appetizer, the duck meatballs. OMG. I could've eaten a whole BOWL of this! Spicy duck meatballs on a small bed of spinach and cavatelli pasta(infused with mint!); topped with a quail egg that you break open and mix in. Truly, this dish is a standout that I will remember for a long time.

Rare Bar and Grill. New York is a great city for burgers. I have already been to hall of famer Burger Joint(at the Parker Meridian hotel) and so decided to try something new at R.A.R.E Bar & Gril's 2nd location in Greenwich Village. I had the M&M Burger which was flambeed in whiskey. Nice. I thought it was delicious and juicy and flavorful. But the real deal of the night was the $10 trough of fried goodies: shoestring fries, waffle fries, and sweet potato fries. Said trough was also accompanied by 5 dippings sauces: basic BBQ , chile ketchup(bland), garlic mayo, chipotle aioli, and a honey maple syrup mayo dippy thing. To my surprise, and chagrin, I could not stop eating the sweet potato fries with the maple syrup dip. It was just so weird that my taste buds couldn't get enough. Try at your own risk.

Gizmodo sighting

2008-05-20T22:51:00.000-07:00

In other news, I guess my bro is on gizmodo via valleywag. And no, his job did not actually make Tech's 10 worst. Although it just looks like it.

Onward New York

2008-05-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

Being a cosmetics buyer is not all fun and glamour. But so far on this market trip to NYC, it has been at the very least, Fun. A definite respite from the daily grind that occurs while stuck in the Office. One of the highlights today was meeting with this guy. I've been using his products for years and to actually sit in a room and discuss retail strategies with him, wow. Its sort of mind boggling..

He's one of those ADD geniuses at work. A wonderful spokesperson for his company and absolutely passionate about his business. While I discussed some details with the VP of sales, he kept saying, "is it ok if I interrupt for a second?". No Peter. You can't. Its only your name on all the product. "I'm making this up here, but..." No problem. Always happy to hear a genius at work. All in all, quite a character. Can't wait to make his business a success for us all.... Bonus baby.. bonus.

After two days of meetings, the pile of goodies to take home is building up. I convinced these people to just ship their generous samples to the office because I can't deal with 70lbs to lug to/from airport. Ladies, go check out the Quinc3 Body Butt3r. YUMMALICIOUS. I usually don't like to request anything specific from my vendors.. but I had to get my hands on this!

Today I have to say, my Product Whoriness served me well...
Onward....

West 55th, Midtown

2008-05-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

NYC.
"Business" Hotel. Free Wifi! w00t! A coffeemaker, microwave, and room in mini-fridge for leftovers! Double w00t!

Fat mirror in the bathroom. This place sucks.

Four Barrels, One Dog

2008-05-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

After months of seeming hibernation, I got the chance recently to step out and explore my neighborhood again. And My Beloved City did not disappoint.

Down a quiet little alley in the Mission there was rumored to be an amazing cup of joe to be had. So the intrepid Sake and I ventured forth to find the mythical Four Barrel Coffee.

Background: The cofounders of Ritual Coffee Roasters are trying a new concept with Four Barrel. Its more coffee bar than café, with some seating, but it will mainly be a space to showcase their coffee to wholesale clients. So no syrups, no nonfat milk, no chai. (They WILL have soymilk, however. *whew*) There will be two La Marzocco Mistral machines and they will be sourcing single origin coffees(bye bye brokers), and doing their own espresso blend. Such dedication!

Could it be? Are we at the right place?

Maybe that guy can tell us something...
And lo,
here we are! Two guys, a dog, and a soy latte!
Seems until their front coffee bar is completed, the Four Barrel guys are serving steaming cups of coffee love out the back door.
I love My City....

They're Bringing Sex Back

2008-05-01T21:50:00.000-07:00

Ever since the Puppy Mill episode I've been avoiding Oprah the past week or so. Too traumatic. But imagine my absolute DELIGHT to find today's episode featured the Sex and the City Reunion! I literally cheered and my heart swelled when I saw the 4 ladies strut across the stage and sit on the couch together. (And lets not forget Mr. Big!)

Its been 4 years and 8 months.. and oh how I have missed them so!
Silly, right? They're actors. Its just a tv show.

But ask any devotee of the show out there. These ladies are our friends. Our fabulous, Christian Louboutin'd friends. I've cried with them, I've nodded along in agreement with them, gotten angry with them, felt their pain, and their joy(Elisabeth Taylor GoldenBlatt!). I reckon its a testament to the superb writing and production; but above all else, its a testament to the sublime acting and chemistry of SJP, Kim, Cynthia, and Kristen (and their lovable men! Let's not forget the men!). Sure the gossip mags have had their say about behind-the-scene tensions, but the electricity is there. Sitting there on the couch, I see the love between them and I know thats what the rest of the world has fallen in love with too. They are beautiful, strong, feminine, smart, sassy, (seemingly) sincere women that I have welcomed into my home for almost 10 years(syndication...).

*sigh* And it floods my heart and mind with all the memories of my girls. The sex talks over brunch. The Friday Champagne toasts. The heart to hearts while painting toe nails. Freeflowing tears. Perfectly chilled cocktails. Ridiculous laughter. REVERTIGO! Shopping excursions. Dessert breaks. Road trips. With all of us spread throughout the far-reaches of the United States(the world1), I've missed them dearly and think of them often. It makes me appreciate the girls I have around me in the Bay Area right now.

And in 29 days, 4 of my best friends will be back in town. I can't wait to grab a Mandarin Cosmo with all the girls and have the most fabulous reunion EVER. (Barring any last minute trips to the Far East.. gulp)

"Her" Chair

2008-04-25T15:33:00.001-07:00

Not really sure how I feel about a chair that has a nicer @ss then me....

Go Forth and Be Green

2008-04-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day!
I am not participating in any rallies or events. But I did stock up on some "green" cleaning supplies at 30% off. MMMmmmm geranium. Anybody else want in on the discount code, leave a comment!

Lost and Found

2008-04-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

Through my Mucinex Fog last week, I was still able to call up visualization exercises to track down lost items.
I hate losing things, especially items that I use often and cost me a penny or 2 to buy. I wasn't ready or willing to chalk these things up as a loss; but didn't want to send myself into a panic either. I just kept telling myself, "You WILL find those lost items. They will be made available to you again." out loud.

So in slow succession, I found my sunglasses.. (I left them at the office.) I would've been really bummed if I lost these. They have been my go-to pair the last year.

After some incidental cleaning, my office entry badge was found in the pocket of my navy trench. (How did it get THERE??)

And then TODAY, TODAY... I called the Bellagio's lost and found and they have my watch!! How excited am I?? I never get stuff back left in a hotel room! Oh its a great Monday! Granted, my ESQ is not a priceless timepiece, but it is mine and I have developed a fondness for its understatedness.

Now if only my cashmere Burberry muffler would show up........

Room Service

2008-04-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

Right now I really wish my condo came with room service....

Seafood Chow Fun - Yes indeedy
Smiling Noodles with coconut curry - Heck yeah
Confit Duck Leg - Come to mama
Macaroni and cheese with broccoli and smoked ham - YEP!
Pot Roast - Me likey!

dangit....

Comfort

2008-04-15T23:13:00.000-07:00

I am proud to say I am not the Outbreak Monkey during my recent bout of the 08 Cold; but as my weeklong hacking cough has morphed into a fever and runny nose in its second week; non-outbreak monkey status is essentially small comfort.

I am no stranger to this wicked viral infection, but I had hoped I would somehow escape its grips this year. Stuck at home, unable to take advantage of the situation by catching up on DVD's(can't focus), I am somehow just flat out pissed off. Pissed off at my body's inability to kick this. Pissed off that no one is here to take care of me; but happy that no one is around to witness the feverish, cranky, speechless, gimpy, snotty, hacking entity that is me. ...

The Hello Kitty humidifier is now cranked up, and I can feel the slow lull of Nyquil dreams. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzz... *cough* *cough* snot* zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Olympic Torch Melee

2008-04-09T15:02:00.000-07:00

At home sick today but it has allowed me to stay tuned to the Olympic Torch brouhaha unfolding on tv. Actually if I go out on my deck, I can see the media helicopters in the sky. Its so crazy seeing those familiar San Francisco streets being aired on CNN! I mean, sheesh! Who knew the torch would be running through the Marina??

What a brilliant move to completely reroute! I am all for the protesters and believe in a Free Tibet. But I have also always been a big supporter of the Olympics and have been so excited to have the torch relay come through my Fair City. So glad that the torchbearers have been given their moment to shine.. All these runners with such amazing stories, it always brings a tear to my eye.

Mayor Newsom looking oh so official and concerned with his hair.

Nothing like a bunch of Chinese folks gettin' all kinds of crazy.

All in all, great to know everyeone had their say with no serious acts of violeance and no arrests. If I weren't sick, I'd be down there amongst all this ~~chaos~~ fun!

Hawaii Highlights

2008-04-02T00:56:00.000-07:00

It was a mere 3-hour difference, but coming back from Hawaii screwed me up something fierce. I came back the first night only to stay up till 5am before having to head to work on 3 hours sleep. Ggggaaa. I'm still trying to catch up with my life. Boy, am I a business travel newbie or what??

Well, before moving on to some other topics, here some highlights from my week-long stay in the Aloha State. The week-long stay part is deceiving as I really only had one full day off to enjoy the island so really there's not a whole lot to say.

First Up: Makapu'u Point. Following a paved 2 mile trail up the hill, you can find the Makapu'u Lighthouse, one of Hawaii's most familiar landmarks with a spectacular view of the Windward side of O'ahu. It was a hazy Saturday but allegedly on a clear day you can see the entire coastline and the island of Molokai in the distance. I took the road less travelled(off to the right) and found myself in a scarsely populated cove where it seemed a bunch of local kids hung out. Coolio! Always nice to have a brief respite from pesky tourists, yours truly notwithstanding of course...

Next it was onward to the lighthouse point. Despite the wind whipping the crapola out of my face, I had an amazing view of some of the bluest waters I've ever laid eyes on. And the Makapu'u Lighthouse with its red roof made for the perfect contrast. I was on a bit of a time crunch that day, so didn't actually make it down to the structure itself. This way I've saved something for my next trip!

I was getting hungry and the North Shore beckoned. So I hopped back into the Rental and proceeded to continue my drive north along the coast. I had been told by some folks in the office that no trip to the North Shore would be complete without a stop at Matsumoto's Grocery Store for shaved ice. I'm not a big shaved ice freak but who was I to argue? Not knowing when I'd ever be back, I opted for all the fixin's. So here's my shaved ice: The Hawaiian (coconut, pineapple, and I forget what) with red beans AND condensed milk. Despite D's proclamation that my concoction was "gross", I found it strangely tasty. Nonetheless, once left with a heap of melted ice, syrup, and red beans.. I was ready to toss the last 1/3 of it out. I got the gist of it.

After that it was a 40min drive back to Honolulu and a dinner of Linguini & Clams in a restaurant called Ciao Mein (surprisingly good!).

Day of Fools

2008-04-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

Has anyone noticed Google's new ~~feature~~ prank today? They've launched Google Custom Time!
Any email you send to the past appears in the proper chronological order in your recipient's inbox. You can opt for it to show up read or unread by selecting the appropriate option.

By God, Gmail has harnessed the power of an e-flux capacitor to resolve issues of causality!

But be warned: you only get ten emails to use per year. Researchers have concluded that allowing each person more than ten pre-dated emails per year would cause people to lose faith in the accuracy of time, thus rendering the feature useless.

Their findings:

N = Total emails sent
P = Probability that user believes the time stamp
φ = The Golden Ratio
L = Average life expectancy

Anybody else see something good today???

Corned Beef and Spam?

2008-03-17T19:02:00.001-07:00

Aloha and Happy St. Patrick's Day from Waikiki!
Seems a bit odd as Corned Beef and Cabbage doesn't seem particularly Hawaiian, but they're giving the spirit of things a great go!

I am curious to see if anyone comes up with a green Maitai. But I'm actually working pretty much all day (well into the evening), don't know if I'll make it to a bar. We shall see...

Island Style

2008-03-16T03:34:00.000-07:00

After 3 days of work here in Waikiki, I was truly looking forward to a weekend of rest and relaxation Island Style. I have a great team I work with; but 3 days and nights with my VP, new boss, old boss, and 2 others over the age of 50 is enough to make me start longing for frathouse keggers and tequila shots.

So I reserved a rental car and planned to hit Makapu'u Point and the North Shore. But gadzooks! Not 10 minutes after I put on my bathing suit this morning, the phone in my room rings. Its my VP. "Yada yada.. did you have plans for today?" I tell her I do. "Yada yada how about tomorrow? I'm sorry I have to ruin your day tomorrow. Blah blah. Yada urgent, yada yada Bernard Arnault."

So no weekend for me. By no means did I give up my North Shore drive today, but ugh, I'll have the project looming over my head. But like the R&R, I'm hoping to work on Sunday Island Style: poolside with a Mai Tai in hand. Dang... I'm so howlie, I don't even know I'm howlie......

Cat's Meow

2008-03-06T20:29:00.000-08:00

Did I ever tell you about the time my knee started to fill "twingy" each time I went to Step Class?
Yeah, you're right. I didn't.
THATS BECAUSE IT NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE!

Granted, my knee has been acting up during my weekly runs but lately I get that "twinge" a lot more often. You know the one. The twinge that makes you suck in your breath like the time you got your ear pierced. Or like the time you got your flu shot. Yeah, like that.

I got that feeling about 45 minutes into my class today. Crapola. Is this how it starts? I've been denying it the last half a year, but I just may have to make one of those "Doctor it hurts when I do this"-visits soon. Will I start sliding into the "my body is falling apart"-phase the morning after?

Will I start complaining about my sciatica next? Prefer my peas mashed? Crave Hometown Buffett? Will I want to start watching movies like The Bucket List? .. Oh goodness, will I start to believe Jack Nicholson is the Cat's Meow????? Say it isn't so....

Hop and a Skip

2008-02-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

So, I am now 39-years-old. I'm at peace enough with it to say it out loud to the world.
I'm no longer a hop, skip, and step to the Big 4.0; I'm now a mere step away.

And yet although I suppose I'm at peace with it, I'm really not sure. I'm certainly not holding a ticker-tape parade; but I suppose overall, I'm pretty happy with things.

Pisces in the Hizzouse!!

2008-02-19T16:51:00.000-08:00

It's Lano's birthday today.
And for his birthday, I googled him. And BAM! Look! The first result!

Whoa.. Our Lan-o is a celebrity! He's got 2 google images on the first page alone!

This is the second result. .. Which may be what he'll look like in 30 years.....
Nice 'stache Dude!!!!

Happy Birthday my dear fellow Pisces. Can't wait to celebrate!

Canine Competition

2008-02-11T20:35:00.000-08:00

I find it difficult to sit through all 4 quarters of the Super Bowl, but parade a bunch of fancy schmancy dogs on the green and I am captivated for hours.

And every year I look forward to all 6 hours of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, length be damned. Sure, the other channels broadcast the Eukanuba dog show, etc, but they're always abbreviated, only winning dogs get airtime. Boo. I want to see them all!

I also enjoy watching the special segments showing therapy dogs, this year the first time ever welcomed to the Sloan-Kettering Center. Hey, you don't have to convince me that dogs really do help you to feel better. And lets not forget that Westminster is a benched dog show. The dogs stay at Madison Square Garden all day and you can educate yourself on the different breeds. After all, retardos like P@ris Hilton are not doing anyone any favors treating dogs like an accessory. Each day the San Francisco Humane Society is now getting little Chihuahuas dropped off by owners who had no idea what it took to raise a dog; their daughters just wanted a little furry thing to carry around in their Hannah Montana tote bags. *sigh* *Happy thoughts* *Happy thoughts*

First up? The Hound Group!
The Whippet! Whip it good!
For 2008, Uno, the 15" Beagle, takes the Hound Group.
"Heeeyyy.... you work out??"

(OK, is it me or is that David Duchovy's voice in the Pedigree dog commercials? Can anyone confirm?)

Up next, my favorite group! May we have the Terrier Group in the ring please...
The Dandie Dinmont is quite Dandy!!
Meet Smudgie, a Miniature Bull Terrier. Looks like he's searching for a Valentine's!

"This breed possesses no small amount of self-esteem"...You think?? And here's Champion Efbe's Hidalgo At Goodspice, also known as Charmin. No surprise, the #1 terrier in the country(ssshhhh.. don't tell Sasa...) takes the Terrier Group. He is a beauty!
Alrighty, I keep finding spoilers on the internet so time for me to just relax and watch these cuties. ADOPT A DOG!

NOLA Shoutout

2008-02-09T02:34:00.001-08:00

Sweetl! A NOLA picture I shared at CasaSugar got highlighted today! I just couldn't let a weeklong discussion about New Orleans architecture go without mention of the amazing Doullut Steamboat Houses! Go check it out!

You Dirty Rats

2008-02-07T23:59:00.000-08:00

Sake thinks every year should be the Year of the Dog, but she still wishes everyone a Happy Chinese New Year!

And with her New Year's finery on, she'll even bow down and wish you Gung Hei Fat Choy!

You're Super, Tuesday!

2008-02-05T00:11:00.000-08:00

Have you had enough of election coverage yet? I'm so ready for Bush to be gone, I actually don't mind it all. This past weekend I subjected myself to more. I weaseled myself into a Hillary event. I have found myself to be conflicted as of late; unsure which Democrat to go with. So I hoped seeing Clinton would help with my indecision.

She spoke to a sold out crowd at the Orpheum Theater. Hmmm, perhaps people were confused and thought Zac Efron would show up?

I was a guest of an official Patron of the event. So I went straight to the VIP line and got my red bracelet. Btw? Red = $2500 donation.
Evidently, $2500 wouldn't get me out of passing through the metal defector, I mean detector.

But Hillary runs a classy campaign, all the bottled water I could drink (or carry out in my Gucci totebag).
And once seated, I saw our Fair Mayor making the PR rounds.

I was determined to approach him with the ultimate thought-provoking question. But I was so overwhelmed by the sheer force of Gavin's hair, I was rendered speechless. -Doh!
And then there was the main event, 3 mayors and a Mary Steenburgen showed up on stage to introduce Hillary Clinton.
She gave a warm and convincing stump speech. I found myself nodding and cheering and applauding, caught up in the energy. I was also really glad she chose the navy pantsuit and not the poo brown one.
I am still marveling at what an exciting time this is. Normally, we are lamenting the lack of worthy candidates but there is debate and real decisions to be made. And as Super Tuesday looms, I find myself still waffling. But then something hit me on the way home, my heart was battling my head. Well, could I forgive myself if I didn't follow my heart? Did it have any place in the world of politics? I've listened to pundits. I've diligently subscribed to my CNN podcasts. I've read the bloomberg reports. But screw politics. How many times in my life do I get to make a decision like this based on the emotions rendered by my heart?

And lo... I have decided to cast my vote for the man who so eloquently brought me to tears 4 years ago with his words. Because it had never happened before and no one else has done it since. Don't get me wrong, I would be happy if Hillary gets the nomination. I have to remind myself, that in my case, the vote for Obama is not necessarily a vote against her. There are reasons why I have been undecided. Nonetheless, tomorrow, I get to participate in the democratic process in the bare concrete walls of a neighbors garage. Looking back, I guess I've been waiting for years now to finally say: BaRACK Me Amadeus!

By the by, this post inspired me to look back at the original Miss Print newsletter I wrote back in the Fall of '04. Its interesting for me to see my Orange County frame of mind now and again. I have included here just because I'm feeling, well, super! (If anyone wants to see more, speak up!)

"An election year and it has given me much food for thought. The War in Iraq has not turned out to be the rock ‘em sock ‘em all American flag waving Hoedown Showdown that many of our citizens were led to believe it would be. Could the American People be blamed for wanting to believe? Here we were, over 3000 dead: we’ve been attacked, we’re vulnerable. Surely our Fearless “Nucular” Leader would not guide us down the wrong path?
So what happens now? Will it be enough for us to get more more involved? What exactly will it take this election year? To that end, I actually paid a good deal of attention to the Democratic Convention this year. Normally all the self-congratulatory and bombastic speeches leave me a little cold… But from my little idiot box I heard a voice one night that spoke to me and inspired me like no other voice I have heard in my lifetime. Barack Obama’s keynote speech made me dab at the corner of my tear-brimming eyes with his energy, his grace, and his call for unity and message of hope. “If a skinny kid with a funny name can make it, then there is hope.” And who are the Republicans fooling with Alan Keyes? They’ve propped him up to run against Obama in Illinois and the man lives in Maryland! … Try as I might to be Fair and Balanced, can anyone explain the nausea that creeps over me each time I tuned into the Republic National Convention? .. Oh and by the way? Ron Silver is a Fucktard(see Miss Print July29 2003). Fine. Tirade over. My apologies to any Republicans out there I may have offended. To show that there are no hard feelings, check this out… http://www.votecarrie.org/index2.htm

Something for the Ladies
As the Olympics wound down in it’s Hellenic glory, I must confess I lost interest about one week into the Games. Ok, fine. The dip in interest was mostly due to the end of the swimming events. If Mike Phelps and his fellow mates were to continue on swimming for the next 4 months I would still be absolutely enthralled. The sight of the sleek low-rise speedo’s seemingly painted onto these amazing bodies is enough to have me glued to the television night after night. I thought it would be completely plausible that we would get a glimpse of something forbidden. Oh glory be! How proud I am of his sweetness, sportsmanship, and talent. Sidenote: Mike, think about wearing beanies, tooks, or whatever else simulates the swimcap look. Hot hot hot.

UPS Ground
Well, it’s been 16 months to the day(but who’s counting?) here in the Southland and there’s still one tiny thing that I have not reconciled myself to. Bars that exist in strip malls. DECENT bars that exist in strip malls. In fact, my favorite hangout thus far resides in a nondescript little strip mall. No awning, no sign.. nothing that screams “Come In to Kitch! Stay a while!” But stay I do and partake in the comfy chairs. Some nights are more eventful than others. Once, in the ladies room, I posed for SuperModel Pictures with 2 very nice, vivacious young ladies. Super. Other nights I sit and share philosophies with The Canadians over Stoli Greyhounds. But in the end, it’s always a bit jarring to step out the doors, see the parking lot, and realize you’ve just spend the evening in a strip mall where just 8 hours earlier I could’ve shipped my packages UPS Ground and bought some Laffy Taffy.

I’m smarter than I look; but dumber than I think.
I’m not sure how it has happened, but I can feel myself getting dumber everyday. Some recent gems of mine:
“Oh is that one of those electronic cars?” .. “I think she’s El Salvadorean.” Maybe it’s too much sun. Or maybe it’s too much time spent in the car with morning radio. But it is a source of consternation to me that I can’t name what country the city of Prague is in(no fair looking it up!). The city streets here off no consolation… The palm trees smile and wave and there isn’t an independently owned coffee shop in sight. I just don’t want to lose perspective. I fear the before mentioned neon-signed strip malls making me soft. Will I ever be able to avoid eye contact with a homeless person and step over them again? Will I be able to walk more than 2 city blocks in my 3” heels without wincing in pain? Or will being able to sleep through the night with the windows open and the accepted office dress code of flip flops continue to soften me? Can this Northern California girl keep it Real? Stay tuned…..

Devil-May-Carelessness
Who would’ve thought that my exodus from San Francisco would be one of the last acts of randomness and devil-may-carelessness I would practice in 16 months(again, who's counting)? No no no. A 10:30pm showing of The Village doesn’t count! Neither does that bag of Kettle Corn I had at 4am last night . No my friends, I am spiriting myself away back to the Big Apple this week! So take that! (Remember, I can’t let myself get too soft! )
… Does anyone have any recommendations for cheap eats and fun times?

Had enough? Well, here’s more randoms:
The only House Rules I like are mine….
“Strategery”.. Not a word!
Rock the Vote!!!!!!
Is it possible to be haplessly jaded and hopelessly romantic while actually IN a relationship?
You know you’ve been watching too many political conventions when you start giving people the Thumbs Up!
Marrying twice in one year. Isn’t Britney just being greedy now??
I don’t think One-Song Encore’s should count.
There’s just something about a man who says Whoopsie Daisies.. = )

Until we see again my friends!
All my love from behind the Orange Curtain, Rowena"

A Day Late and More Than a Dollar Short

2008-01-31T14:10:00.000-08:00

Its been a busy 2008 so far, and I guess my brain can only hold so much information.
So it was with a slight bit of horror that I looked in my planner last night at 11pm and realized it was my nephew's birthday! How did I miss that??! Granted, he had his birthday party this past weekend so maybe I somehow mentally crossed it off my list.

But here's to you RJ! Happy Birthday My Love! Light of my Life!

Such a cliche but he's just growing up so fast. It's been a marvel watching his personality develop. And what a hoot to see how he takes after his YeeMa. He's a camera hog too!!! lol

Vegas Baby!!

2008-01-28T14:22:00.000-08:00

Vegas is a funny place to be with children.
Nudity pops up willy nilly in all shapes, sizes, forms.
It's hard to give a 5-year-old a moral differentiation between arcade games and those other, "grown up" games. (After all, they all involve money and crappy odds.)
And how can really explain the popularity of Lance Burton??

But there I was.. in a three-generational mambo on the Vegas Strip. With both my parents, a 5-year-old, and an infant in tow; Sin City sure took on a funny spin. .. First off, my sister and I didn't know what to make of the revamped pirate show at Treasure Island. What was once an action-packed (though cheesy) pirate adventure, turned out to be a free PG-13 burlesque show by Pussycat Doll Rejects. "My name is Cinnamon, but you can call me Sin."... Good gracious! How do you explain that to a pre-schooler? And should you?? Seriously, we all felt a little seedy after that. Not just because of the subject matter, but because some of the dancers were in worse condition than Britney Spears.

Non-moving objects sure seemed a lot more appealing after that!

All in all, we had great fun, ate some fantastic food, and ultimately have some great stories to tell. But you know what they say....girlfriend... everybody, all together: WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS, STAYS IN VEGASSS!!

PS. LoSt is BACK!!! yay!!!! Who wants to come over and watch tomorrow night???!

If Its Free, Its For Me

2008-01-25T22:43:00.000-08:00

Lots of thoughts and feelings and goings-on so far in this New Year.
But seeing as this is time sensitive... it gets posted first.
Seen on SavvySugar, Turbo Tax and H&R Block are offering free tax advice until January 31.

Submit a tax question online at Turbo Tax, and a tax professional will call you within 48 hours. They'll give you up to 20 minutes of tax talk.
H&R Block's service is basically the same deal, but they give you the option of communicating with a tax professional over email or phone.

I want to take advantage of it... but can't seem to get my brain wrapped around a specific question. Well, at least not one that is tax-related. I mean, I would love to sit and discuss this year's Oscar nominations... But I'm not sure thats what H&R had in mind.. ...

GirlSMILE

2008-01-10T21:54:00.000-08:00

It's a classic scenario.
Girl gets new responsibilities. Girl works hard to prove herself. Girl works a 60-hour week.
*sigh* Not complaining. I'm just flippin' dog tired. Home after 8pm every night and I've only made it to the gym once this week. I'm breaking out. Pimples? I might get that one special pimple once a month, but I don't get pimple(S)!

I'm now managing new cosmetic brands that deal with emerging trends such as wellness, science and technologiy, and LOHAS(Lifestyles of Health and Sustainibility). And it is indeed a LOT to take in. I'm anxious to learn and soak up everything I can. And yet, walking home in the misty rain tonight, I realized how ironic that I feel so stressed out and UNhealthy! ha! Made sure my dinner was healthy and light (rigatoni with broccoli and chicken sausage in a tomato sauce).

Hopefully I'll settle into a good rhythm and these long days will come to an end soon.
In the meantime, Girl got a $110 GoSMILE starter kit from her vendor and Girl is ready to get her teeth whitening on~!

Billy G's Last Day

2008-01-07T11:23:00.000-08:00

The Consumer Electronic Show(CES) in Vegas is pretty much TechGeek heaven.
And who better to deliver the Keynote than the King of Geeks: Bill Gates.

Due to "retire" in July, Bill will be working fulltime with his foundation instead. Face it, we all think he's a bit of a ninny, but the video he made speculating on what his last day might be like.. dare I say? ... AWESOME!!! "Just think high.. H-I-.. to the sky."

This is the funniest thing I've seen in a while. I actually let out a yelp at my desk... And with cameos by TWO, count them TWO, sexiest men alive!

New Year's Resolve

2008-01-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

After a busy holiday season, my body has been left feeling,"shmooshy". Strangely enough, I stepped on the scale this morning and found I actually lost about 2lbs; but nonetheless, I am still left with a general sense of "shmooshiness". So in response, I, for the first time I think, ever, have a New Year's Resolution: Lose some flippin' weight.

I saw the success that my sister had with Weight Watchers and thought, what a great inspiration! I'm going to give it a shot too!

So today is my first day. It's 2:27pm and I've already eaten all my allotted points for the day. WTF??!!! Granted, I haven't gone to the gym yet, which should credit back some points. But jeez! No wonder I'm a fattie fat fat! Evidently I've been eating for an army!

Happy Shiny New Year

2008-01-02T00:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year dear friends!
I predict a momentus year.

Hunky Crushes Retrospective

2007-12-27T22:19:00.000-08:00

Edit: I know, it seems a crime that I somehow left dear Matty Matty off the list. I guess it was my way of coping since my DreamGuy-Next-Door went off and got married; dashing all my hopes and desires. Not menioning him must have been my coping mechanism at work. But I cannot deny that Matty Matty had a big year. He tops off the Bourne Trilogy in a critical and box office burst of acceptance. He gets to smooch with Ellen Barkin in Oceans 13 (The nose plays!) And then he is crowned Sexiest Man Alive. And all the while he maintains that sense of humor of his that I absolutely adore. I don't know where I on my list he falls... but he certainly deserves mention. Go with your bad self Matty!!!

I've been recently caught up with all various retrospective lists that always pop up at years end and I've decided to compile a few lists of my own. But I find the trouble with these lists is, I have a damn lousy memory! Everything in the "top" is quite likely from the last 3 months!.. hahahaha. So I guess this may just be the Top 5 from the last quarter of the year.... let us see what happens shall we?

Top 5 Hunky Crushes of 2007:
5)Viggo Mortensen: Not actually "my type", but I admit there is a certain stillness about him that is appealing. Not to mention, he's a kick ass actor who gets to kick ass completely nude in Eastern Promises. Viggo makes the Top 5 mainly because I got to see his twig n berries. But also because I rewatched The Two Towers over Christmas and Aragorn is really growing on me.

4) Justin Timberlake: Sure, I talk about him too much as it is. I was going to just allot him honorable mention; but his priceless D!ck in the Box earns him a slot. Plus he won an Emmy®!

3) Tony Leung Chiu Wai : Okay, I got to see his berries too; but he makes the list because with his work in Lust, Caution, Tony cements his place in the acting world. As the NY Times so aptly put it, "Mr. Leung doesn’t do much talking: he looks, he conquers." He is just as brave(if not more so) as any "western" actor out there (Viggo, Daniel Day-Lewis, Ed Norton, Philip Seymour Hoffman). Anyone who appreciates good acting should be digging into his work.

2)Brad Pitt: Brad, Brad, Brad. He should just be given Hall of Fame status. But he makes it on the list for his tireless work in NOLA and for starring in a relatively well-received arthouse western with the longest name ever!

Before I bring you #1, I have to list 2 honorable mentions..

George Clooney - As the girls from SATC say, "Clooney's like a Chanel suit, he never goes out of style." Here, here. Oceans 13 was a disappointment, but he balanced it out with Michael Clayton.

Eric Bana: My hot red-carpet hunk of 2006. Ok, Lucky You sucked at the box office this May, but isn't he adorable? Plus he just won Best Actor nods at the Australian "Oscars". Watch for him next year as the baddie Nero in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek. He just may make next years list!

And *drumroll*... my number ONE Hunky Crush of 2007?

1)David Beckham: BECKS! In the looks department, there really doesn't need to be anything said is there? But this Greek God landing on California ground cements his standing as #1. I mean, my goodness! The press coverage! And I thought no one cared about soccer!
He arrives, plays a little soccer for $250 million, and promptly injures himself. Kind of a wanker maneuver I must admit. But he makes up for it by posing for uber hot photo spread in W magazine with his wife.

He also captures the other end of his fan base by landing a Disney shot. This is the only G-rated photo of him I can hang at work.

Then, before the year is out, he signs a 3-year deal to be the spokesmodel for Armani Underwear! And Voila! I mean, seriously. WHAT THE HELL???! Ladies, whatever he's selling, I'll take two! (Unfortunately, I cannot hang this picture at work.)

And despite the fact that his wife Posh is ten kinds of crazy, he loves her. And gets totally steamy for her. That's absolutely hot. And that makes him my Hunky Crush of 2007.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T16:34:00.000-08:00

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

Keee-YAH!

2007-12-20T11:27:00.001-08:00

Holiday Rundown

2007-12-19T21:58:00.001-08:00

The Holidays have been kicking my hiney. I don't recall being this frazzled in ages. Even Sake is pooped!

The usual holiday work functions, and an office birthday trifecta have left little time for actual work to be done. And strangely, we are actually busy! I tried to adopt an active slacker work ethic this past year after my crappy buck-up-or-get-demoted review and lo! it worked! ... Effective January 7th, I will be moving on to new brand responsibilites at work.. New brands, more volume, more visibility, and more travel( most likely NYC, Hawaii, and Hong Kong).... I say score one for the slackers!

My dinner party was a success. I got The Band back together for a meal of homemade meatballs and marinara sauce. I must admit, it was yummydelicious. I was too busy being hostess to take pictures but it warmed my heart to see 16 of my closest friends pack themselves into my home for a holiday get-together. The Captain approved....

Since then, I have been focusing on organizing my boss' birthday party, finishing my holiday shopping(done!), writing Christmas cards, organizing Christmas Eve dinner, wrapping presents, and still putting in time with family, friends, Honey, and Sake (not necessarily in that order!). Shamefully, I still haven't finished cleaning up from Saturday! Ok, the salad greens, dressing, and croutons are from tonight.

Right now I'm just trying to crank out the giftwrapping in between loads of laundry. I AM very excited that my holiday shopping is finished though! I got some great gifts this year, I can't wait to see everyone's faces when they open them up! Do you spy the Borg Cube ornament there in the tree? My holiday pride & joy...

And now I find Project Runway is a rerun tonight. -DOH! I need something to watch on the telly when I'm giftwrapping. I guess its time to pop in that holiday favorite: The Lord of the Ring trilogy. Ahhh how I love holiday geekery....

Citizen Philanthropy

2007-12-11T14:40:00.001-08:00

Update: FUNDED!!! Fully fricking funded!!! The Leonard R Flynn Elementary School project to plan, do and review has been fully funded! I don't know if its because of my readers, but it sure can't be coincidence! I shall take credit for it nonetheless! hahahaha! We've got the power people! If anyone comes across a project they are particularly interested in helping, post it!!!! Or send it to me, and I'll post it.

I was slow on the uptake this year and didn't get a chance to send a Christmas carepackage to the troops in Iraq. Poo.
Soo... I've opted to help someone in need online instead.
.. Crate & Barrel sent a gift certificate to use at the innovative DonorsChoose.Org. If you haven't heard of it yet, its a website where teachers pitch to you ideas for project and materials and experiences their students need to learn, such as: improving vocabulary with a class set of dictionaries ($150); discouraging teen pregnancy with “Baby-Think-It-Over” dolls ($500); taking students to Washington, D.C. to see the Supreme Court consider a case ($2,000). There's a lot more accountability here than what goes on in a Hollywood production thats for sure!

You can search proposals by areas of interest, learn about classroom needs, and choose to fund the project she/he finds most compelling. Donors receive a feedback package of photographs, student thank-you notes, a teacher impact letter, and an expenditure report showing that their gift was spent as directed.

Their Mission: "DonorsChoose improves public education by engaging citizens in an online marketplace where teachers describe specific educational projects for their classrooms and individuals can choose which projects to fund. We envision a country where students in every community have the resources they need to learn."

DonorsChoose.org received a surprise shoutout yesterday morning during the CBS Early Show. President Bill Clinton was speaking with Harry Smith about the importance of charitable giving, and he cited DonorsChoose.org as an example of a non-profit that harnesses the power of the internet to enable ordinary citizens to have an impact. BOOYAH! At DonorsChoose you can be a philanthropist for just Ten Bucks. Citizen philanthropy at work!

I used my Gift Certificate and contributed additional funds to a school in the Mission District of San Francisco, learning puzzles, etc, that future classes can use too. And I know where my money is going! .. They are close readers! If you feel you'd like to give, they could get their project funded and completed!! Or find something that is close to YOUR home, and better yet, YOUR heart.

Golden Compass Geekery

2007-12-10T18:18:00.000-08:00

Behold, Philotheus, my Daemon!
Yes, yes, I'm a geek. I couldn't wait to take the quiz and find out what my daemon would be! And strangely, I like him!!!

DIY

2007-12-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

Where the frick have I been?
Busy Busy.

My mind is so fragmented that I haven't been able to sit down and think too clearly. Just checking off things I need to do for the Holidays. With all the Christmas shopping I have to do, I also wanted to throw a dinner party for a few friends("Dude, we're gettin' the band back together!!"). I know, methinks I must be a masochist. So yeah, I've been stressing myself out wanting to spruce up my place for the coming Saturday soiree.

But right now , my place is a MESS due to a wiring issue. The contractor ultimately had to cut a piece of wall out in order to find out why my dining room lights stopped working. Good news is, he fixed the faulty wire; but the bad news is I have to sand down the new piece of sheetrock. ugg.
Don't ask me why but I have one of these laying around the house...
Edit: Note, this is NOT my hand. Its just a random picture I googled....

Why did no one tell me it would leave crap ALL OVER the place? Everything turned white with a layer of crap. Seriously, I NEED a houseboy! Now I have massive cleaning to do, and I can't get my hardwood floors clean. Not to mention I probably took 2 years off my life by neglecting to mask myself while sanding. (I finally wisened up and used my hoodie hood to cover my mouth and nose.) Silly Sake felt the need to supervise so she kept standing there right next to me, no doubt inhaling a much of crap. Great.

I singlehandedly bought a tree Saturday too, and lugged it up my stairs (What a sight I must've been with a 6ft tall tree hoisted over my shoulder!).. But with other commitments, I didn't put the tree up until Sunday night. It was, as they say... getting hella dried out!... So anyway, at 11pm last night, I was battling an uncooperative tree, trying to get it into the tree pot without the whole thing tipping over. After hanging the lights, it was far too late to deal with ornaments. Thats tonight.

I guess I should look for the positive side and be happy that I am getting things done. But I'm so frazzled, I don't can't remember where I actually put my positive side!

Turkey Day

2007-11-21T17:55:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Make every moment count like this turkey did.

The End of an Era

2007-11-20T00:20:00.000-08:00

Vogue is tired. Anna Wintour's iron-fist reign has run(albeit in Prada heels) that magazine into the ground. I realized slowly that I had become less and less excited each month as the issues arrived. The articles no longer resonate. The editorials are uninspired. The new batch of "supermodels" bore me.

Agyness Deyn excluded of course....

Nevermind that Vogue doesn't actually put models on the cover anymore. The actresses they shove at me are not icons of style, grace, or daring. Jennifer Hudson? Scarlet Johanssen? PUL-leeze. And I believe I actually suffered a small cardiac arrest when I saw Anna gave Sienna-f&cking-Miller the September issue!

And I guess I'm just sick and tired of reading about fashion, fitness, and style that I don't feel are attainable or even relate to me anymore. .. I likely just kept the magazine out of habit. So, after 22 years, I finally ended it. I did not renew my subscription. You may think, so what? Its just a magazine. A magazine full of useless, expensive crap they try to shove down women's throats. ... But any Vogue devotee can tell you, Vogue is really more than that, at least it used to be. The magazine showed me about style, not just fashion. And for a dreamy 15-year-old culture hound stuck in the burbs, the monthly editions were my bible.

I still recall my very first issue. Isabella Rosselini showed me that I didn't have to be a blonde blue-eyed vixen to be beautiful. Oh, how I wanted to be her! I actually had my Vogue in my schoolbag as I walked up to the Lancome counter to buy my tube of Cabaret Red. *sigh* Oh, yes, I remember it well.

I hope one day to rebuild the relationship I once had with this venerable book, to recapture the magic. But I think, for now, Vogue and I need a bit of a break; deep in my heart of hearts, I'm hoping it won't last too long.

If It's Free, It's for Me

2007-11-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

It seems so simple. Play a game. Feed the hungry.

Yep. At Freerice.com, you are presented with questions aimed at testing your vocabulary. For every one you get right, ten grains of rice are donated to the The United Nations World Food Program by the game's sponsors (Apple, Time|Life, American Express, etc). Right now the focus is cyclone-ravaged Bangladesh.

It couldn't get any easier! Oh hmm.. Well, for some of us, its still going to be a mountain to climb.

Edit: On 18 November 2007, 170,885,620 grains were donated. Since its inception on October 7, total grains come to 2,628,006,040.

That Time of Year Again

2007-11-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year AGAIN!.... "Serious" movie season.... Bear with me now as this post may be more for me than for you, my esteemed reader.
Realistically, I won't get to even half of the interesting movies that will be released, but here's a wrapup of my list of Must-See's:

Wes Anderson's latest work, The Darjeeling Limited, is another rumination on family. This time he brings his usual suspects (Owen Wilson, Angelica Huston, Jason Schwartzman) to India. I was entranced just from the trailer. "Does anyone have any questions?" "Yes. What happened to your face?" There's also a 13min "prequel" you can download free from iTunes.

The buzz on No Country for Old Men has been huge, and I don't think it will disappoint. Dark and relentless, Javier Bardem is the most frightening baddie you will see, haircut notwithstanding.
I'm not the biggest Keira Knightley fan, but again... the buzz on Atonement has been really good. And, I'm pretty much a sucker for a period movie. Gothic mansions, catastophic misunderstandings, I'm in.

Sidney Lumet is back with another heist gone awry movie, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead.
Philip Seyour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke. How could this Lumet piece go wrong you ask? Well, don't forget Family Business with Matthew Broderick and Sean Connery.. and who though remaking Gloria with Sharon Stone would be a good idea? But again, the buzz is good and I will watch PSH in just about anything....
I'm sure there are more coming out that I haven't listed. But again, I'm trying to be realistic about what I can fit in. Have any films to add to the list?

BRING IT!

2007-11-05T23:06:00.000-08:00

I am often telling people who don't live in San Francisco all the cool stuff that goes on in San Francisco. I don't always take part in it but its always comforting to know its there. But lo! This past Saturday night I found out about Style Wars and felt it was too cool to resist. So I got tickets online, D and I rounded up some friends and headed out to 111 Minna to hang out with some cool fashionable folks.

We bumped into some unexpected friends and our little group got even larger. (Love when that happens!) None of us knew what to expect but we lined up by the runway stage anticipating F-A-S-H-I-O-N.. But the show didn't start until midnight and it got hotter than a U2 concert. We're talkin' General Admission.

When we saw the models saunter out in their wifebeaters and black hosiery, we knew the Battle had begun.I got caught up in the moment and forgot I had my camera phone until the last matchup.

We didn't stay past the first freestyle round, but we did see some fierce ensembles. This was one of our favorites on the left. Her skirt is rope coiled around.

I'm not sure if I saw San Francisco fashion in gear that night; but it just felt good to be in the presence of creation.

Gravel '08

2007-11-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

I took a quiz today at Glassbooth.com. It tallies up which political issues are important to you and then spits out the candidate you should vote for..... It said my #1 choice for president should be Mike Gravel?! I don't even know who the hell he is??? Me thinks he may have been my Atmo Sci professor in college, but I can't remember anymore...

Trick or Treat!

2007-10-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween Kiddies!!

NOw give me some candy.

I Having Nothing to Wear

2007-10-29T23:26:00.000-07:00

Although in principle I am vehemently against the slobbification of America, I must concede; there are times when only sweatpants will do.

At those particular moments in time, I know I'm as comfortable as can be.. but I cannot help but wonder.. what message am I sending out? What on earth would people think of my fashion ethic? Do the people of Anything-Goes-San-Francisco even care??? What constitutes San Francisco Fashion anyway?

Meaning... when I think of New York Fashion, I think American Sportswear.. and lots of Black.
And of course, Paris fashion is all about Haute Couture sophistication:

And then there are the English Eccentrics:And even Los Angeles; I think there's LA fashion. It may not be high fashion, but its a look:

But what about my Beloved City? What is the look that cohesively ties together the city's identity?

Its not khaki's and white poplin, god forbid; although the GAP tried really hard to make that happen.
Is it hippie chic?? *barf* Is this the image people all over the world have of San Francisco when it comes to fashion?? *double barf*

And truly, shit like this just makes me mad... WTF????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I call this the Smug Hipster look. Ladies, just throwing more shit on your body does not make it fashion! I know we dress in layers here, but give it up already!

Is it any wonder then that San Francisco Fashion Week seems so uninspired? As a follower of fashion, I am always aware of New York and Paris fashion weeks. But does anyone really know what goes on during SF Fashion week? I thought I would check in with the local fashionistas on the SF Fashion Week website and see what insights they might have.

“San Francisco style is an expression of individualism mixed with a sense of city chic.”

“San Francisco's fashion is as diverse as it's inhabitants, it's neighborhoods and it's ever changing weather patterns!”

Just as I thought! They don't know either! .. This City is so hellbent on diversity and individuality, we use it as a crutch for not having a true fashion identity. Don't get me wrong , I love this City for all that it offers, the crazy melange of characters I come across every day. But what I come across on the Muni J-line does not constitute high fashion.

Where am I going with all this??
*sigh* I see and meet fashionable folks all the time. How and why is none of that being tranlsated into a strong cohesive identity to present to the world? Are we spiting ourselves for the sake of expressing a state of mind? A shame that for all those who love fashion, it seems as though we all end up looking elsewhere for inspiration.

How Much You Earn in a Minute

2007-10-26T12:34:00.001-07:00

Fun! And yet, kind of depressing too.

I will say, it helps me to make purchasing decisions. I can afford that dress by sitting here for HOW many hours???????

I Came, I Sailed, I Conquered

2007-10-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

I was unsure what three days on a schooner would bring my way. It was definitely an adventure; both of the expected and the unexpected.

I was immediately hit by the visceral sensations of being out on the water. The weather, the wind, the swells, the smells! And as if all that weren't enough to take in, my crewmates and I had to learn all the schooner parts and what they did. It was an entirely new world with a language all its own.

Halyards, cleets, main stays'l, luffing and tacking. What planet were we on??!?

I can't say I came back from this sailing challenge a changed woman per se.. but it most certainly has given me a whole another view of the world, of my own home. I saw parts of the bay I have never seen in my entire life living here in the Bay Area. I got a taste of what I think a part of maritime history that we don't really talk about anymore. Schooners having been more widely used in the United States than in any other country, popular in "trades" that required speed and windward ability, such as slaving, privateering, blockade running and offshore fishing. There is a whole subculture still of people who live on boats year round; they couldn't imagine living life at a 9-to-5 like most of us. I understand now the appeal of an everchanging environment, taking nothing for granted. Unlike the almost robotic way I sometimes go about with my workday. Wakeup, get coffee, ride the train, go to office, sit in my chair, and stare at my monitor.

My building stays in place. My cubicle always looks the same.

But getting just a small taste of what this Tallship program has to offer, I can only imagine what a new perspective this must give to a 16-year-old, for 6 weeks! It is humbling and yet empowering. Frightening to be so far out of one's element; yet comforting knowing there are your crewmates with also the same fears.

I worked alongside 14 other women who were committed to teamwork and learning. And believe me, when we were hit with a horrendous storm on our first full day out, morale was low. But we all focused on why we were there and what we came to do. Truly a lovely experience.

I cannot, however, say the same for the Head. blech. While I slept in my rack, I could smell the intoxicating scent of a port-a-potty waft through the salon. I'm not sure if the smell is completely out of my system but all I can say is yuck. I'll never get used to that.

I recommend anyone out there interested to step up to the challenge next year. You won't regret it. Know this is a wonderful educational opportunity for young girls who would never have the chance otherwise.And thanks to ALL OF YOU who supported me on yet another adventure. You can see all the pics here.

Ahoy Mateys!

2007-10-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

Only 2 more days until I set sail on the San Francisco Bay. As I prepare and pack, the nervousness is beginning to set in.
Do I have enough pairs of wool socks? (I don't.) Will I be warm enough? (Probably not.) Will the candied ginger suffice in case I get seasick? (I'm hoping so.)

I can't believe I'll be out to sea for 3 days; what was I thinking??
To top it off, we'll be returning on the day of the Womens Skipper Regatta, participating in a race back into the Bay. No pressure.

If you have been thinking of sending a donation but just put it off? Well now's a great time!
Whether it be $5 or $10 or any other amount; IT WILL make a difference in furthering a young woman's education.
http://www.active.com/donate/rowena_tallship

I thank you in advance for your support, and truly appreciate your generosity!!

To learn more about the Tall Ship Education Academy, Girls Semester at Sea, and the Women's Challenge(and watch a video!), go to:
http://www.tallshipacademy.org

Birthdays and parties and doggies.. oh my!

2007-10-04T23:58:00.001-07:00

I've been looking so long at these pictures of Choon..

Hey, Cher called. She wants her hair back.....

As always, it was great getting the band back together. A good time was had by all; and we even met new friends from the next table!

Days later more birthdays were celebrated. Party dresses were in order!

And dessert of course.

NOLA Week: Part 4 - Going to the Dogs

2007-10-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

I had been warned to brace myself against the wiles of a puppy dog. .. They are sneaky little things that worm their way into your heart. ... My next volunteer day was spent at Animal Rescue New Orleans, ARNO; a grassroots volunteer organization involved in hands-on Katrina rescue in the greater New Orleans area. These little sticks of butter are 2 weeks old. Their mother, Rocka, was found pregnant in a boat canal and was brought in for an emergency c-section. I should've put one in my pocket....

And here's Chloe once again, giving her best Sexyback. I believe she found a a loving family while I was there. Or else, she's be sitting on my lap right now.

In case any of you are wondering, yes... I did start to cry when I saw her.

There are so many other pictures I took, but I guess at this point, you must be tired of reading about NOLA. But I guess, thats exactly the point isn't it? The country overall I think is suffering Katrina burnout and we just don't want to hear anymore about the hardship there, the crazy stories that come out of there. But its happening, its frustrating, its sad, its a mess. I hope my time here helps to keep NOLA in your mind; to think about how lucky we are.. and how others still need help. If you have any questions please let me know. I am happy to tell you more. And you can find more pics here.

NOLA Week, Part 3: K-Ville

2007-09-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

It was not all just observing and taking pictures while in New Orleans. Through Relief Spark I worked with the grassroots volunteer organization Common Ground Relief in the lower 9th Ward. For a day I joined them at their compound and distribution center to help clean out their tool lending library. It was a "slow" day in the sense that no big projects were in the works so I got to spend time talking to locals.. and getting to know some of the other volunteers better.

Front and center at the Distribution Center

Evidently, nowadays not only can you sign up for tours to see the Garden District homes and the French Quarter, there are fliers in hotels advertising tours to see the Katrina Devastation. Air conditioned tourbuses packed with tourists drive by occasionally.

The tool lending library. It was a wonder people could find anything in here.
Calvin wanted me to sort all the tools so we could put them back in an organized manner. But I couldn't bring myself to tell him that I had no idea what half the tools were!! I ended up with a big "miscellaneous tools" pile....

A few of the volunteers were out mowing lawns and hacking away weeds.
After 2 years, city government is concerned about the general decay of property in the decimated areas. Homeowners are being fined up to $100/day for overgrown yards, even if families have not received their Road Home grants yet and have not moved back. So there is a lot of volunteer work available to those who can just weed and mow lawns.

This was the womens bedroom at the volunteer compound.
Needless to say, I was really glad I didn't have to live here for a week.

What surprised me was my visit to St. Bernard's Parrish.
These were middle class neigborhoods that were also devasted by Katrina. Floodwaters rose up to 10 feet. I saw blocks and blocks of amazing homes where the bottom floor was completely gutted out, but the second floor is pristine. Most homes were still empty though... and this Dollhouse in particular is up for sale.

Your friendly neighborhood FEMA trailer park.I was so glad to actually see a dog in town..... while driving through St. Bernard's Parrish, I learned of a most horrific crime here. .. I cannot believe that I had not previously heard about the massacre of animals that were forcibly left behind as residents evacuated. Two deputies have already been indicted by a grand jury in New Orleans on charges of felony, aggravated cruelty to animals. Read more here.. but be prepared.. it sickened me and brought me to tears. ( Sydney Ray first told me about it while we drove through town; but even now I start sobbing when I read the articles I find online.) I guarantee you, if I had known about this before my volunteer day at the Animal Rescue... this little ball of sweetness would have come home with me!

(I couldn't possibly leave you with such cruelty. Take a look at this face and just let the smile creep back onto your face. I will tell you more about Chloe and her cohorts next time....)

"Hey Barkeep!"

2007-09-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

My heartfelt thanks to all of you who came out last night to support me and support a great cause!

I was truly truly honored to see each and everyone of you as I made my first (and possibly only) foray into the world of bartending. I got to see family and friends, both old and new, meet and mingle over cocktails. And if that doesn't warm your heart, well, then you're dead inside.

Thanks again to each and everyone of you.. and thanks to the Mercury Bar for being such great hosts. (I'll be back for the ribs!) With your help, over $200 was raised towards the Tallship Educational Academy!

Now back to your regular scheduled programming.......