Just got back from a session with my trainer. 60 minutes working on the bag and I'm feelin' pretty Million Dollar Kickass!!!.. It's been well over a year since I've done any hardcore kickboxing-type training and I realize I miss it! Sure, my insteps are tomato red from all the roundhouse kicks but it's empowering and it makes me sweat to the point where it's dripping down into my eyes. Me! The physical coward! Me! Who used to not be able to do 5 regular pushups for all the JImmy Choo's in the world! ME! Who can now admit, yea, I'm pretty happy with my Right Hook.... WOOOHOOO, I'm Back Baby!!!!
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Monday, August 15, 2005
I Have to Say It...

"The coldest Winter I ever spent .. was a Summer in San Francisco."
This weekend's driving excusion was to Half Moon Bay. It was a typical San Francisco/Bay Area day, ie. Sake and I froze our asses off! But no harm, no foul. As you can see, she enjoyed herself thoroughly. I believe little Sasa was actually quite happy to be back in her proper damp cold element. Unlike me, who just wasn't bred for this sort of weather!
With much more difficulty hanging out the window of the car, I settled for being entertained by random radio tunes . Ultimately, we hit the beach but not in that cool OC Way that I was spoiled with the last 2 years. No my darlings, I was sans bikini and sans my Maui Babe Tanning Lotion; instead, I was bundled up in a sweater and the surfers were in full body wetsuits. But all in all, Sake and I had a fantastic time cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway. That rush that makes me fall in love with California always remains the same. (Special thanks to Cyndi Lauper and "Girls Just Want to Have Fun.")
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
"Welcome Home, Friends..."
said Mission Control. ..Despite my mixed feelings about NASA and the obscene amounts of money we pour into the space program, tears welled up in my eyes when I heard of our astronauts safe return to Earth.
Afterall, I'm still amazed that we can fly from San Francisco to almost anywhere we want in the world. And here we are exploring space! There is a part of me that is touched by the site(and sound) of the NASA geeks cheering as Discovery and her 7-person crew touched down. Those 7 people put their faith in a team that is sending them out "to go where no one has gone before" and we all just want to see them come back safely. Here are supporters of astronaut Soichi Noguchi at Hamasuka Junior High School in Chigasaki(Noguchi's hometown), west of Tokyo.

Thursday, August 04, 2005
The Reverse Ghetto
My life pretty much consists of constantly overpaying for shit due to my own negligence. I just found out yesterday that the 1/2 Marathon I have been planning to do in October is already sold out. (WHAT?) Since it was $55, I was putting it off. Now my alternative is to register for the FULL Marathon($85 I think) but be ghetto and run the 1/2 anyway. I want that Tiffany's Finisher neckace!
And no. I am in no shape to run the full marathon. (Will need to wait for 2006 on that.) I have only lost 2lbs of the weight I need to lose to be at my "running weight". (No such thing actually. I am just finding a way around saying I was getting fat.) And that 2lbs will likely come back since I managed to eat an entire container of Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Caramels while housesitting. Damn you JOE!!! Damn you to Hell!!!
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Rowena Lowry
HA!


Thanks to Craiggers for pulling through with the tickets! "Ask. And you shall receive," he says. Huzzah! You are a rockstar. I promise I won't go running out onto the field to accost him; however, I cannot guarantee that my sister won't accidentally push me onto the green. I couldn't possibly be blamed for that could I? Afterll, he could be my future ex-husband! (Hey, could I help it if Jason Bateman was already taken? wink wink)
GO GIANTS!
Monday, August 01, 2005
"It's Not TV, It's HBO"
Now Listening To: The Real Thing - Gwen Stefani
AAaaah. I Just finished watching another kickass episode of the best show on television. I've heard so many people rave about Desperate Housewives receiving the torch as handed down by Carrie Bradshaw. That is the biggest crock of bullshit. It's bullshit not only because those who say that are wrong but because it's a lazy assertion. A group of sexy women over the age of 35 in the suburbs does not a new Sex and the City make. I took SATC to heart because, despite the designer clothes and out of reach living conditions, these women touched upon some very real scenarios. It was a fantastical reflection of what it's like to be a single woman.
And here we are with Entourage. Another fantastical reflection of what it's like to be a single male. Yeah, HBO has the advantage of being able to use harsh language and show nudity( it's supposed to take place in Hollywood afterall!), but the dialogue is real enough to eat. If you haven't seen it yet, the show follows four friends from Queens through stardom in Hollywood.They frequent real restaurants and mingle with "real" celebrities. I know I should be offended by some of the things said.. "She's a sure thing! She can't SPELL NO!" ; but I can't help but chortle with laughter. I laugh because I know at it's heart it's a story of friends in a big city and how they navigate through the waters intact. Hmmmm. Which show does that remind you off?? ... Here's the NY Times getting on the Entourage bandwagon. "Entourage does not patronize its characters or its audience: it is a multilayered, adult and thoroughly funny show about various male fantasies of teamwork and individualism." 
And Ari Gold.. "You've Got Gold." He's the most outrageous, compelling, and complicated character you want to simultaneouly screw and bitch slap. Jeremy Piven plays a ruthless agent full of venom and passion. "You go to Malibu! And you fucking storm that beach like it's Normandy!!" Piven is not to be missed, and I hope he grabs that Emmy. If you haven't started using his catchphrase yet, you will.... "Let's hug it out, Bitch." (I must also give special props to the best fucking eyebrows in the business. Google her if you doubt me. Debi Mazur takes no prisoners as Vince's publicist, "You kiss your mother with that fucking mouth Turtle?")
The First Season is now on DVD(go! go! go now!) for your viewing pleasure. It already shows the glimmer of great talent; but the second season now playing is stronger, and even more outlandishly fucked up. Just in this last 30 minutes we had porn stars with comic books (Pussy Patrol!), Plushies wandering hotel hallways, and a U2 concert. I can't say enough about the boys: Vince, Drama, E and Turtle. I love hanging out with them every Sunday night, they make me warm and fuzzy, even if they don't wear Manolo's....
Monday, July 25, 2005
Carpool
1) Unless you are curing meat, there is no reason to have your Aircon to a temperature below 60 degrees. I think I have frostbite now. Should've started that bonfire in the backseat like I wanted to.
2) SHUT THE FUCK UP! No one wants to know how much you make a day. No one cares you were once stuck on the San Mateo Bridge for 4 hours. And in particular, if you insist on having your car feel like a Meat Locker, I should not be obligated to hold a conversation with you.
That's it. It's a very short handbook. Learn it. Live it. Love it.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Anywhere But Here
I’ve a list the length of the Golden Gate of shit I have not completed, both personal and work related. The amount of sleep I need to catch up on is also mounting.. maybe that’s why I overslept by an hour today....Sweet. This Rowdeezy has decided she needs to pull her act together. Have crossed off 2 Huge things on list already! Only 7 more Huge Things to do, I mean to go. Jeez Freudian Slip there, huh???
Must stay focused.. so today less typing from me and more from Josh who is Riding the Globe with his German Lady! LOL! Check out his journal at www.ridingtheglobe.com. He likes to use a lot of run-on sentences (hahaha) but he has some funny and amazing stories to share thus far. I’m so jealous of his trip and it makes me wish right now that I was anywhere but here. Check out his “run-in” with Lance. Whew! Way to not screw it up Josh! GO TEAM DISCOVERY. Way to kick NO.7 Ass Lance!
This morning I woke up a little fuzzy headed from the wine last night but due to the oven that was my tent I had no choice but to get up. Damn I should have looked for a shady spot to pitch my tent. The area was buzzing with people, semi-trucks, helicopters, and camera crews getting ready for the riders to cross the finish line. I spent most of the day wandering around chatting with people and watching the preparations. At 3:00 I started to wander down the road to find a good place to watch Lance come up the hill. At about 3:30 a series of floats and sponsor cars started to come up the hill, each throwing out hats and stuff. When 4:45 rolled around the excitement started to mount and after a few minutes everybody was crowding to the center of the street. As I crowded my way towards the street, camera at the ready, I caught a glimpse of a cyclist about 100 feet down the road. Hhhhmmm, I wondered if I would be allowed back in America if I tackled Lance, well definitely not Texas at least. So I opted not to tackle Lance, not fearing that I would never be allowed back in Texas but more out of spite for the French cause they would rejoice that he didn’t win, they really hate the fact that an American owns this event, well that and the fact that I would probably miss and be run over by another biker and end up with a broken hip, I am not too coordinated sometimes.
So as crowd seemed to part inches before his front wheel ran them over he was right in front of me and I got a picture. Yes kinda anti-climatic but then some other bicyclists went by and then a few more and yes some more after them. I mean really I can ride hundreds of miles a day so I don’t see the big deal, well yes my bike has a motor but I think that just makes me smarter than them. In fact, I think I was the only one cheering for the support guys on the motorcycles. So that was the Tour-De-France, not nearly as exciting as Irish Road Races or Running of the Bulls. But I guess I can check it off my been there, do that list.
PS. Beam me up Scotty....
R.I.P
Friday, July 15, 2005
"Chewing Gum is Really Gross, Chewing Gum I hate the most!"
So far the jury is split on Johnny Depp; but a general Thumbs Up for the movie. Some people keep talking about the resemblance to Michael Jackson; which, from the trailers, I don't see. D U M. I will have to make my own decision tonight. I'm mainly bummed about seeing Johnny Depp's face being whored out on all the marketing crap that goes along with the movie release. I'd like to think that he's kind of above this sort of thing... but that's the deal he had to make I suppose....
So yes. Some of you have heard me talk a bit about this movie for mooonths. Other than Mr. & Mrs. Smith, it was The One I was waiting for. GILLY/Jay: Remember when we saw the Trailer??? What movie were we at?? Even if I'm going solo.... I gotta see it tonight. (You all know I have a thing for Opening Night! )
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Moded
V. relieved that our mainstay Bay Area Rapid Transit system did not strike. It was all bullshit anyway. How much does a cranky station agent who is never there need to get paid??
Anywho.. so, a little story from my weekend that I forgot to share. On Sunday, Sake to Me and I embarked on a mini roadtrip up to Bodega Bay. . It was a lovely drive up the San Francisco and Sonoma Coast with windy roads, great views, and quaint small town stops along the way. At one point, we were driving through a wooded area.. There was a canopy of trees, Sake had her head stuck out of the window in sheer bliss, and Duran Duran was on the stereo. YAHOOO! Life doesn’t get much better than that!
Once at our destination, we took a lovely(albeit breezy) walk, I partook in smoked salmon fettucine while Sake nibbled on her Turkey Sausage (for dogs!), and we took in the lovely view of the Bay. (Sorry, no pics!) Before leaving, I wanted to stop in a Kite and Candy store. Yea..intriguing combo, I know. I thought maybe I could pick up a kite for my nephew, but definitely I would pick up some Salt Water Taffy.
The proprietors were quite agreeable and Sake was allowed to join me as long as I kept her in my arms. She’s small for a Westie, so for the most part, not a problem. So I took my time and perused the various kites and sweets for sale. All the while, Sake was on sensory overload and scrambles about in my arms every so often. She is uber cute and people keep stopping to remark on her adorable-ness and Sake eats it up. I decided on my Salt Water Taffy flavors and proceeded to pick the candy out of the barrels into my candy bag. Because I had to stretch and bend a bit, I happened to look down and at that point I realized that from all her maneuvering and squirming, she managed to put one of her back paws right down the front of my tank top. But not just IN the front of my top, she’s actually pulled DOWN my top with her paw(You wish, no pics.) Now, before anyone gets too hyped up; I, thank the Lord, happened to be wearing a bra that day(not always a given). And also thankfully, it was not some crazy lacy number, it was good basic roadtrip bra(yes, I have basic roadtrip bras.) But JEEZ, how long had it been like that??? This was a family establishment and I may have flashed about a good 65% of the patrons! (sigh) Well, I wasn’t being asked to leave so I figured No Harm, No Foul. Sake even got a Milkbone from the owner for “good behavior”.. Yea. I bet.…I paid for my sweets shortly thereafter, and sheepishly left the premises. …..
Note to Self: Buy a doggy carrier this weekend
Friday, July 01, 2005
From the Don't-Take-This-for-Granted Dept:

The view from Mile 3 of my run Wednesday...
God Bless America. ![]()
And have a safe and happy Fourth everyone.
Keep your knickers on!.. Happy Canada Day too.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Sunday in the Park with George
Ok, there was no George. I don’t know who George is…It just sounded better than "Sunday in the Park with Google". Which is a more apropos title for my post today.
Flaked out on dinner Sunday night to enjoy some Row-Time at the park with little Sake To Me.
Actually, I am at a loss for topics today so I will post more random pictures. OK. Not so random. Everyone has been doing a variation of this. For yet another take on Google Image fun.. try googling a SENTENCE, one word at a time! haha.
1. The place you grew up. A little bit of here and there throughout my formative years. I could’ve put SF and called it a day; but I thought I would mix it up with Bay Area. My mistake. BORING.
2. The place you live now. OK. This is much better.“HERKEWLES! HERKEWLES! Oh my little Herkewles!” Trust me, this is a much better picture that the actual ‘burb/town I live in right now. Mythic, yes?
3. Your name. ALRIGHT. Now THAT’s what I’m talking about. Everyone needs a little nudity to brighten their day! ... Gee, how did that picture of me get on the internet? HAHAHA! Riiiight.
4. Your grandmother’s name. I really don’t have anything to say about this. Probably should’ve skipped this one.
5. Your favorite food. I have too many of those to pick one. Growing up around here, you get so spoiled with all the delicious restaurants. However, sopressata was on the mind. MMMMMmmm sopressata. I always enjoy a good salami.. … QUIET in the peanut gallery!
6. Your favorite drink. Why did my mind jump to liquor? Oh well. I have always been a vodka girl. Although, my preference is not normally Absolut. I guess I could’ve been more specific with Vanilla Stoli, but oh well.
7. Your favorite song. I like this image, simple. This Charming Man – The Smiths. Here’s a song from my teen years that ALWAYS put a smile on my face. It still does to this day. From the opening riff to the line, “I would go out tonight, but I haven’t got a stitch to wear!” Story of my life.
8. Your favorite smell. This has been edited. All you need to know is... Google gave me this.
9. Your favorite shoes. It would’ve been far too tempting to google Manolo. But I went with Tyler; for the lemon yellow Richard Tyler slingbacks I had on at the time of the Googling. That’s right, you heard me. Lemon yellow.
10. Favorite number. Haha! Looks like I missed a good party from the 27th.
I’m not cool and didn’t piece it all together into a montage like MS did for a composite Google image. Can someone advise on an expedient way to do this? And yes, I went with the FIRST image.... GOSH!
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Burn THIS
*ahem*....
Good gracious. Are we back to this again??! Let it be known that I do NOT condone a fucking Constitutional Amendment to ban flag burning. (There goes my PG-13 rating.) Dont' get me wrong.. I wouldn't personally go out and do this. But I happen to value my actual freedoms over the symbol that represents them.
WASHINGTON - The House on Wednesday approved a constitutional amendment that would give Congress the power to ban desecration of the American flag, a measure that for the first time stands a chance of passing the Senate as well.
By a 286-130 vote — eight more than needed — House members approved the amendment after a debate over whether such a ban would uphold or run afoul of the Constitution's free-speech protections.
Approval of two-thirds of the lawmakers present was required to send the bill on to the Senate, where activists on both sides say it stands the best chance of passage in years. If the amendment is approved in that chamber by a two-thirds vote, it would then move to the states for ratification.
Supporters said the measure reflected patriotism that deepened after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and they accused detractors of being out of touch with public sentiment.
"Ask the men and women who stood on top of the (World) Trade Center," said Rep. Randy (Duke) Cunningham, R-Calif. "Ask them and they will tell you: pass this amendment."
But Rep. Jerrold Nadler (news, bio, voting record), D-N.Y., said, "If the flag needs protection at all, it needs protection from members of Congress who value the symbol more than the freedoms that the flag represents."
Interesting how a Rep from California is speaking for the people of NY and how the Rep from NY is actually speaking with his brain rather than out of his ASS!
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Who's Your Daddy?
Yep. He had extended an invitation to the 18th Annual Lobster Feed.... and can I clarify for you? This is a 4 course all-you-can-eat event and I didn't want to go. But after 8 hours of inner crankmeister turmoil, I needed a martini, STAT. So I brought my girl Yuri, she tied on her bib, and we proceeded to brace for the eating fest.

The weather finally cleared and we actually had a glorious view of this City o' Mine... I drank it all in along with the Martini that had not left my grip since I walked in. The all you can eat lobster arrived.. (one friggin' WHOLE lobster after we already had clams and caesar salad) and this is when I felt the flash of peace. As I stared out among the bits of clouds, and the setting sun beamed across the waters of the Bay, everything seemed so right.

I forgot about Iraq, I forgot about how creepy MJ still is, I forgot about my own disapointments and realized that I'm a big fucking dolt for not remembering how lucky and blessed I am. Whatever fears and doubts I have of my future will be met head on.. I will fail. I will succeed. But most of all .. I will survive. Seems All You Can Eat Lobster makes warriors of us all....

**********
You may have noticed I snuck in a little reference for my Pop... My preface to the Happy Father's Day shoutout I'm about to give. It's Sunday and I would like to wish all you cool Baby's Daddy's out there a BRILLANT FATHER's DAY. I salute you all and wish I could give you the biggest kiss I have to give. I don't mean to discount Mother/Child relationships AT ALL, but I do adore watching a child interacting with their Dad Perhaps it is the close relationship I have with my Father... when I see it in men my age.. it makes my heart melt. A man I still care deeply about was the most wonderful man when he with his daughter. That I will ALWAYS remember about him.
My own father is no angel. Like any other person, I can write a novel about the issues I have with him. But, as many of my friends can attest, my Dad FUCKING KICKS ASS(eloquent, eh?)! He is generous of heart and always has his home open to my friends. He enjoys a good vodka on the rocks, and often encourages my cohorts and I do the same. He gets too far involved while watching sports and has been known to "pace the sidelines" more than Mike Ditka. He gets carried away while listening to his iPod Shuffle on BART and starts singing with his headphones on. He makes a MEAN steak tartar. He calls me the day after my birthday EVERY YEAR.
"Hey Row..."
"Hi Pop."
"Happy Birthday!"
"Aww. Thanks Pop!! .. Uh, you know it was yesterday, right?"
"....... ...... FUCK!"
He's been a metrosexual long before Queer Eye made it ok. I can't walk thru a dept store without him disappearing in the fragrance dept.,.. "DAD! What did you do? You smell like a French Whorehouse!" He ran his first 10K at the age of 60. And he always comes up with a little gem when you least expect it:
Seated first row behind Visitors Dugout at the Giants game:
Row: "Bonds is on deck."
E: "I cani't believe we couldn't get anybody on base."
Dad(leans in): "Soooo. ... what.. is.. a Little Bow Wow?"
Row: "DAD! I told you to stop watching the MTV!"
So here's to you my Papa. I love you beyond what any words can say. Forever and ever, your Daimui.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
The Interview (aka "This saves me from thinking of my own topic to blog about.")
1. Leave me a comment saying, 'Interview me'.
2. I will respond by asking you five questions. I get to pick the questions. (MUA HA HA)
3. Only respond if you are willing to answer ANY question that is asked of you (THEMS the rules)
4. Update your Blog with the answers to the questions.
5. Include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
6. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
And without further ado...
5 Questions:
1. If you were a runway model, what would be your favorite thing to parade around in? >>> Ooooh, it would be a toss up between a big lovely swishy Oscar de la Renta gown. Because it would be so girly girl and something I would never in a million years be able to afford. OR, it would be something uber fierce by Tom Ford that I would be incredibly sexy in and I could stomp down that runway with my supermodel walk.
2. What are your thoughts on licking whipped cream off someone? (that was my topic for michaelsean today)>>>> Hmm. I'm not sure if I HAVE any thoughts about it. I have found in the past that the implementation of food with sex has its rewards. I'm sure it has spiced up many an evening in people's bedrooms.. or kitchens! But as I am not actually a big whipped cream fan in general, I prefer chocolate or raspberry jam maybe. Ooooh yeah.. Haha. Sometimes the mess is more trouble than it's worth.. I guess.. it's fun enough.. but I dont' crave it. It's not something that could turn me at the sheer mention of it. Seems almost a bit cliche actually...
3. Complete this sentence: "I don't get what the big deal is about _____" >>>>> You are psychic. Honestly, I was JUST thinking about that. And discussing it on the phone with an old friend. What the FUCK is the big deal about Sienna Fucking Miller?? And I think this about her on different levels. The Hot Chick factor. OK fine. She's cute.. Fine, she went topless in Alfie(rumble as the male readers stampede off to watch Alfie).. but her body isn't like.. to die for or anything. Her acting is marginal. And finally, the whole It Girl thing??? She just got referenced AGAIN in a magazine.. for wearing cowboy boots with dresses. WTF??? I call Bullshit. Kate Moss has been doing Bohemian Chic way longer and way better. (OK, now that I have lost all the male readers and probably some of the female ones...)
4. If you had your own NPR show what would you talk about? >>>> ooh tough one. I would talk about Schweaty Balls...
5. Who would play you in a movie? >>> Ming Na... Cuz she has a big head like me. And she's willing to do nude sex scenes.. hahaha
Monday, June 13, 2005
Yada Yada Yada
I spent part of my Friday evening apologizing for my behavior to a new friend(If you're reading this.. yes,you. LOL!). I am usually quite good about returning calls and staying in touch; but I had to confess, I didn't do so this time out of fear, pain, and a dash of anxiety. He was a true gentlemen and listened to my admission with no judgement, only some very kind words.
Newsflash: I normally don't do well when people are too nice to me. I don't trust it. (Yes, Yes, Yes. Let us establish right here and now, that I have many issues. Moving on, alright?) Statements like his usually give me ugly face and make me want to run for the hills. Why? Silly rabbit! Because I've heard it all before, with varying amounts of sincerity. And I normally also don't make that kind of confession. I hate it being seen as a sign of presumptiousness (a word?) or a sign of weakness. "Who does this chick think she is? I don't give a rats ass that she didn't call me back."
I am introspective by nature. Combine that with the biggest sense of guilt you could ever imagine, and it means I am constantly berating myself for my mistakes. And constantly trying to find ways to not repeat those mistakes. This hasn't particularly worked well for me because as you may guess... I have trouble forgiving myself and it causes me much anguish. It is difficult for me to muster up compassion for others because I don't have any for myself.
Forward to the only message I think I gleaned from a cheesy self-help book my co-worker lent me... "I understand why you felt that way, but it's over now, you can let go." I let these words sink into my skin recently; and as I did, the tears flowed. (So embarassing! I was on the bus for god's sake!) I am learning to loosen my grip and let go. For me, it involves confronting my faults and weaknesses and upon owning up to them... letting them lie. I don't need to beat myself to a pulp eveytime I make a mistake. It's ok to tell people I fucked up, and just have all parties involved accept it for what it is. It seems so elementary doesn't it? But these little steps are so difficult, they bring me to my knees. My KNEES I tell you!
But it is the journey I remind myself.. The Journey. As everyone and their trained monkeys likes to say.. "An unexamined life ..." yada yada yada.
Monday, Monday
Peculiar
Snarky
Deuce
POO. (this one is just fun to say!…..)
Honey
Loquacious
Cheeky
Perpetuity
Brilliant (said with British accent)
Friday, June 10, 2005
Mindless Banter at the House
Row: "???!!@#"
Row: "God Damn Jessica Alba is HOT."
e: "Huh? Did you say something? I was too busy looking at Jessica Alba."

It's Friday. Where's my Cristalle Bee-otch??!
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Lover-Who?
Of course, it eventually begs the question: Genius? Or just Too Much Time On Their Hands???


















