Excuse me while I tell you about the rest of my Thanksgiving weekend that revolved little around cereal dating. I'm tired of the aforementioned subject anyway. If only my endurance for dating was that of my 10 K endurance. I would be a new woman.
I got up at 7 am with friends to run the 2nd Annual Silicon Valley Turkey Trot, where I saw NO signs of a turkey. But, Brandi Chastaine was there - again. Does she just travel to local running events and do radio blurbs? You're a great soccer player and a local hero -- we got it! I hate to say it, Helga, but I am not the fastest woman in San Jose, but I think I am the second fastest woman in Campbell between the ages of 20 and 29... Here's how I did:
Age: 27
13 F 20-29
50:16.1
50:31.0
0:14.9
8:06/M
The Trot was followed by 4 hours of cooking. For those of you who know me well, this is much more of a feat than running 6.2 miles. Not only am I not a good cook, I just don't usually do well in the kitchen environment. My roommate had brought home a gorgeous tofurkey, so I felt I should do my part. I made two pumpkin pies, green bean casserole with FRESH green beans, mashed potatoes (not the boxed kind), my mother's famous raspberry/cranberry jello concoction, and my roommate added a Finnish sweet potato souffle. It was all yummy, except maybe the rubbery tofurkey, but I really liked the stuffing that came with it. Not all tofu is bad.
Dinner and "Frida" was followed by a night cap in downtown Campbell.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Cornflakes, RC, porridge revisited...
Second dates are always so much more revealing than first dates.
Cornflakes sat through a 2 hour high school benefit concert and didn't complain. We'd also started the evening with Cajun food and a pitcher of Turbodog. That might have helped, but I genuinely think he had a good time.
Porridge still insists on opening my car door and took me to a restaurant where men with guitars serenade you at the table. He is almost insistent upon, "getting to know me better."
Rice Crispies is shy, but was not ashamed to sing "Livin' on a Prayer" at a dive karaoke bar or to eat chicken fried steak at a 24 hour diner at 2:30 am.
Coming soon (?)... The man from Chicago. What kind of cereal will he be?
Cornflakes sat through a 2 hour high school benefit concert and didn't complain. We'd also started the evening with Cajun food and a pitcher of Turbodog. That might have helped, but I genuinely think he had a good time.
Porridge still insists on opening my car door and took me to a restaurant where men with guitars serenade you at the table. He is almost insistent upon, "getting to know me better."
Rice Crispies is shy, but was not ashamed to sing "Livin' on a Prayer" at a dive karaoke bar or to eat chicken fried steak at a 24 hour diner at 2:30 am.
Coming soon (?)... The man from Chicago. What kind of cereal will he be?
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Goldilocks tastes the Porridge
I just wish she could eat it up like this!Unfortunately this Goldilocks doesn't yet know if the porridge is too cold, too hot, or just right. Goldilocks is a fan of oatmeal, but doesn't know if she's had porridge before, per say. It seems like it may be something she likes, yet maybe a little old fashioned for her tastes. Goldilocks is a very independent woman, but she's also sick of boring, cold cereal or conversely, burning her tongue.
Porridge and I met on a pub crawl, which was a lot of fun. I went with a group of pub crawl rookie friends. His group of friends were all of the pub crawl old-timers, there from the first year of this annual downtown tradition. He was a friend to many, loved by all, almost like the beloved fairytale. Porridge takes care of people --his friends, his family, random women he meets on pub crawls... He's just a good guy. I was constantly being introduced to new people, had a drink in my hand, my friends were treated like family. A good time was had by all.
The next day, Porridge and I decided to have a lazy Sunday (non-drunken) afternoon in Capitola, followed by sushi. He was attentive, opened the car door, etc. I liked this, but it also made me uncomfortable. I'm not used to someone trying to take care of me. I think this is my problem, and no fault of porridge, who just wishes everyone to have a nice warm breakfast on a cold morning.
Maybe I'm the cold porridge.
Snap, Crackle, Pop...
...Rice Crispies *singing*
I've changed my mind about Rice Crispies. This cereal is, of course, part of a balanced breakfast, but it makes fabulous sounds when milk is added. I'd forgotten how exciting it is when your cereal actually speaks back to you, furthermore when you are interested in what it has to say to you. Rice Crispies is intelligent and fun at the same time. Nothing needs to be added -- except milk, and it's damned tasty without. Rice Crispies is also responsible for the most delicious, easy to make snack, the famous Rice Crispy Treat. Mmmmmmm.
Mr. Rice Crispies is a midwestern gentleman who doesn't feel he needs to open doors for you, because he's not trying to overly impress you. (Chivalry is so dead, in my opinion.) He's quick (intellectually "snappy"), has a degree in law, could have the tendency to get dry or soggy, but is open conversationally and is not shy to admit to going to karaoke parties. We went to dinner at a tapas restaurant. He let me pick the place, and even let me decide what to order. He spoke softly but with such an aura about him that you knew he exuded confidence. Communication is so nice, isn't it? So many people lack in this category.
Rice Crispies is very open and honest about doing cereal dating of his own, making him almost more inticing. I'm sure I'm not the only one lured in by Mr. RC. Like I said, this guy is smart. He knows he's good looking, but can remain humble, and knows he's intelligent, but doesn't take over the conversation or activity. There is a mystery there - what makes Rice Crispies snap, crackle and pop?
I'll let you know if I find out.
I've changed my mind about Rice Crispies. This cereal is, of course, part of a balanced breakfast, but it makes fabulous sounds when milk is added. I'd forgotten how exciting it is when your cereal actually speaks back to you, furthermore when you are interested in what it has to say to you. Rice Crispies is intelligent and fun at the same time. Nothing needs to be added -- except milk, and it's damned tasty without. Rice Crispies is also responsible for the most delicious, easy to make snack, the famous Rice Crispy Treat. Mmmmmmm.
Mr. Rice Crispies is a midwestern gentleman who doesn't feel he needs to open doors for you, because he's not trying to overly impress you. (Chivalry is so dead, in my opinion.) He's quick (intellectually "snappy"), has a degree in law, could have the tendency to get dry or soggy, but is open conversationally and is not shy to admit to going to karaoke parties. We went to dinner at a tapas restaurant. He let me pick the place, and even let me decide what to order. He spoke softly but with such an aura about him that you knew he exuded confidence. Communication is so nice, isn't it? So many people lack in this category.
Rice Crispies is very open and honest about doing cereal dating of his own, making him almost more inticing. I'm sure I'm not the only one lured in by Mr. RC. Like I said, this guy is smart. He knows he's good looking, but can remain humble, and knows he's intelligent, but doesn't take over the conversation or activity. There is a mystery there - what makes Rice Crispies snap, crackle and pop?
I'll let you know if I find out.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Never been a Cornflake Girl
Never was a cornflake girl
Thought that was a good solution
Hanging with the raisin girls
She's gone to the other side
Givin us a yo heave ho
Things are getting kind of gross
And I go at sleepy time
This is not really happening
You bet your life it is
--Tori Amos
I could probably eat cornflakes at any time of the day, morning, lunch, evening, as a late-night snack. Cornflakes are a popular cereal, even worldwide. In fact, Germans refer to all cereals as "Cornflakes" as we Americans refer to facial tissue as "Kleenex". But, they really aren't a cereal that I crave or otherwise have an affection for. They are just good ole', standard, healthy, crispy flakes. Honestly, to make corn flakes taste really good, they need tons of sugar or fruit on top. It would be nice to find a naturally sweetened flake - perhaps the use of sugar instead of corn syrup. Cornflakes sweetened by corn syrup -- that's a lot of corn.
This is American, man. It's amazing how much corn is out there: corn flakes, corn puffs, corn chowder, corn bread, corn syrup... I should know, I'm from the #1 corn state. Iowans are proud of their corn culture; they even started the "ethanol" gas revolution. A product made of corn that runs an engine? REMARKABLE! I think my parents would be thrilled with a Cornflake son-in-law that could run an engine.
Cornflake Boy (who also happens to be a mechanical engineer.. he he he) invited me to a college basketball game last night - his high-brow, Ivy league alma mater, vs. my ghetto-ass State College. We had a beer before the game at a local pub where we discussed skiing and told funny Las Vegas stories before heading over to the game.
My first impression - yep, this is a Stanford guy. Cute, non-offensive, nice smile, clean, stands upright, looks you in the eye when he talks to you. My father would love him. We had a nice conversation throughout the game, but nothing deeper than surface level. (Not that I expected it on a first date.) CB is true to his team. He's the biggest fan of all Cardinal sports, and attends games regularly. He has 2 degrees from the tree-as-mascot university, and intends to go back for an MBA. I don't know, it's a little to "home grown" for my tastes. I think I'm in need of a little diversity.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Cereal dating
I've made an important decision. I'm going to start cereal dating. That's right "cereal" dating. I like all kinds of cereal, and I've decided to try and figure out what kinds of cereal are out there, and take a chance in trying as many new cereals as possible.
I used to like the typical cereals, back when I had a perfect impression of how breakfast should be. I liked Cheerios, Rice Crispies, generally. Now these varieties seem a little boring to me, even if Mom and Dad like them.
I've tried Honey Nut Cheerios, which are like Cheerios, only sweeter. They are also more fattening than regular Cheerios and don't have much in the way of nutritional value... oh, but they try to tempt with the cute little bee on the front. Oh, I'm not falling for that! Damned BEE!
I'm also a fan of rugged varieties like Grape Nuts. You have to be careful of the Grape Nuts. You really only need a little bowl to get a hearty helping of morning nutrition. If you pour yourself more than a small dose, the cereal gets soggy and the milk gets warm. Arg. I hate that. If you leave it for five minutes, it becomes a bunch of congealed gunk and you have to throw it away.
Oatmeal is another popular seasonal varietal. It's meaty, sugary, HOT and brown. It takes a little extra effort, but putting in the correct amount of water makes huge difference. You don't want to put in too little and have crunchy oatmeal, and you certainly don't want to overcook it to where it hardens around the edges.
I often go for the flake/dried fruit combo cereals, like Trader Joe's Cranberry Crunch or Raisin Bran, but am also finding these to get old pretty quickly too. It's a great combo - a hearty crunch with a little bit of sweet in there, but again, you have to watch out for soggy flakes.
I don't even try children's cereals like Cap'n Crunch (which can't spell) or Lucky Charms anymore. They were ok at a younger age, but I've outgrown fake little marshmallows and prizes at the bottom of the box. The prize is always some crappy plastic thing - very disappointing.
If anyone has any cereals that I could try out, please let me know.
I used to like the typical cereals, back when I had a perfect impression of how breakfast should be. I liked Cheerios, Rice Crispies, generally. Now these varieties seem a little boring to me, even if Mom and Dad like them.
I've tried Honey Nut Cheerios, which are like Cheerios, only sweeter. They are also more fattening than regular Cheerios and don't have much in the way of nutritional value... oh, but they try to tempt with the cute little bee on the front. Oh, I'm not falling for that! Damned BEE!
I'm also a fan of rugged varieties like Grape Nuts. You have to be careful of the Grape Nuts. You really only need a little bowl to get a hearty helping of morning nutrition. If you pour yourself more than a small dose, the cereal gets soggy and the milk gets warm. Arg. I hate that. If you leave it for five minutes, it becomes a bunch of congealed gunk and you have to throw it away.
Oatmeal is another popular seasonal varietal. It's meaty, sugary, HOT and brown. It takes a little extra effort, but putting in the correct amount of water makes huge difference. You don't want to put in too little and have crunchy oatmeal, and you certainly don't want to overcook it to where it hardens around the edges.
I often go for the flake/dried fruit combo cereals, like Trader Joe's Cranberry Crunch or Raisin Bran, but am also finding these to get old pretty quickly too. It's a great combo - a hearty crunch with a little bit of sweet in there, but again, you have to watch out for soggy flakes.
I don't even try children's cereals like Cap'n Crunch (which can't spell) or Lucky Charms anymore. They were ok at a younger age, but I've outgrown fake little marshmallows and prizes at the bottom of the box. The prize is always some crappy plastic thing - very disappointing.
If anyone has any cereals that I could try out, please let me know.
Monday, November 06, 2006
I'm Byootyful
I think we need to say this to ourselves at least once a week. I'm puttin it out there for my lady friends (and gay men friends) to enjoy. It's Bette Midler at her best.
"I'm Beautiful"
"That's it, baby! When you got it, flaunt it, flaunt it!"
"This is the Divine Miss M and I'm here to share with you some rare and stimulating insight into my cosmic fabulosity. It's really very simple. I simply believe with all my heart:
"I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, dammit!I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, dammit!I'm beautiful, so beautiful, I'm beautiful, dammit!I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, dammit!
"Go away, little girl," they used to say."Hey, you're too fat, baby, you can't play.""Hold on, miss thing, what you trying to do?You know you're too wack to be in our school.
"Too wack, too smart, too fast, too fine,too loud, too tough, too too divine.I said you don't belong. You don't belong.Too loud, too big, too much to bear,too bold, too brash, too prone to swear.I heard that song for much too long.
Ain't this my sun? Ain't this my moon?Ain't this my world to be who I choose?Ain't this my song? Ain't this my movie?Ain't this my world? I know I can do it.I'm not too short, I'm not too tall,I'm not too big, I'm not too small.Ooh, don't lemme start lovin' myself!Ooh, don't lemme start lovin' myself!
I'm not too white, I'm not too black,I'm not too this, I'm not too that.Ooh, don't lemme start lovin' myself!Ooh, don't lemme start lovin' myself!
I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, dammit!I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, dammit!
It's time to call it what it is. Don't play the naming game.Become what you were born to be and be it unashamed."Go away, little boy," I can hear them say,"Everybody on the block says they think you're gay.Hold on, my friend, do you think we're blind?Take a look at yourself. You're not our kind.
"Too black, too white, too short, too tall,too big, too green, too red, too small.I said you don't belong. You don't belong.Too black, too white, too short, too tall,too blue, too green, too red, too small.I heard that song for much to long.
Ain't this my sun? Ain't this my moon?Ain't this my world to be who I choose?Ain't this my song? Ain't this my movie?Ain't this my world? I know I can do it.
People always ask me,"Miss M, how did you get so faron so little?" Shut up!Well, I woke up one morning,flossed my teeth and decided,"Damn, I'm fierce!" You look good!You can be just like me! A goddess? Yeah!Don't just pussy foot around and sit on your assets.Unleash your ferocity upon an unsuspecting world.Rise up and repeat after me:
"I'm beautiful!"I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful!
Can you say that?
I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful!
I don't hear you!
I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful!
Louder!
I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful, I'm beautiful!
Hey!That's it, baby, when you got it, flaunt it, flaunt it!
Aaaaaah!
Ain't this my sun? My sun! Ain't this my moon? My moon!Ain't this my world to be who I choose?Ain't this our song? Ain't this our song?Ain't this our movie? Ain't this our movie?Ain't this our world to be who we choose?
I'm not too short, I'm not too tall,I'm not too big, I'm not too small.Ooh, don't lemme start lovin' myself!Ooh, don't lemme start lovin' myself!I'm not too white, I'm not too black,I'm not too this, I'm not too that.Ooh, don't lemme start lovin' myself!Ooh, don't lemme start lovin' myself!
I'm beautiful, dammit!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Prop 25: Stop the early celebrations!
I went to the gym this morning, and the lawn area outside of my gym was adorned with a HUGE Christmas tree. Come on people, it's only November 1! Isn't it WRONG to start celebrating Christmas before All Saints Day or El Dia de los Muertos? Aren't we supposed to mourn those who have passed before we begin to celebrate the birth of Christ. HELLLOOO!
I think this is wrong and I would like to set up Prop 25, which will halt the celebration of Christmas until after Thanksgiving. The calendar was set up for a reason, and I think we should start using it properly.
Please vote YES! on Prop 25. Stop the Early Celebrations!
Thank you.
I think this is wrong and I would like to set up Prop 25, which will halt the celebration of Christmas until after Thanksgiving. The calendar was set up for a reason, and I think we should start using it properly.
Please vote YES! on Prop 25. Stop the Early Celebrations!
Thank you.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Bridge to Bridge
Time: 1:01:44
Pace per mile: 8:17
It's been 3 weeks, but I thought I should give some information about the Glide Bridge to Bridge race on October 1.
I did the B2B last year, but this year, I took on the long race - 12K. It was foggier this year than the picture perfect race last year. It IS San Francisco, afterall, so it's not like this weather was unexpected. I was in much better shape October 2005, and I started the race having no idea of my pace, and not being able to remember what running over 7 miles feels like. I ran the Wharf to Wharf in good form a couple of months ago... so what's another mile and a half, right? The truth is, if you are in semi-good running form, it's only the first 3 miles that can make or break you. After that, you could run for hours. (Not recommended.)
I always enjoy the company of other runners. It makes the time pass so quickly and allows for an enjoyable time. During the B2B I was playing cat and mouse with a girl who looked like a body builder. She would pass me, I would pass her, she would pass me, etc. It was kind of fun -- we realized half way through that we were generally pacing each other and it afforded a little, harmless competition. (I kept in mind that, even if I passed her for good, she could still kick my little ass at the end of the race if she wanted to.) We shared some small-talk, mostly about an upcoming long hill.
After the race I waited in the shuttle line with a guy and his two teenage daughters. Turns out he is in a classic rock band in the East Bay. His son is studying jazz at UOP, playing multiple instruments, so we talked a bit about rock bands, jazz and university music programs.
I have not yet convinced any of my friends to participate in these races with me, so I've been going alone, but having a great time anyway. It gets me up early, keeps me motivated and inspired before the rush of the work week begins.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Synchronicity
After a girls weekend in wine country, I've come home with a newly established sense of some of the things I want to get out of life. I am on a search for the missing puzzle pieces - the ones that I know exist and I'll know when I find them.
While away this weekend I read an article on "synchronicity"which is the idea that, when things are going as they should, the reality of the situation slows and you can see all of the correct decisions being made as well as see all aspects clearly from all different angles. The author quoted a Boston Celtic's basketball player who recollected some of the best games of this life; the game/team was in synchronicity, everything around him just made sense - he knew the players, where to throw the ball, who was coming at him and when to attempt the shot. The author was comparing this to business also - when no one needs to ask questions, when everyone just "gets it" and they work in synch with one another to accomplish a common goal.
There are a few things that I feel this way about, and others that I'm still searching for synchronicity in. For example - my job. Although my career path is frustrating, the last move I made was absolutely in synch with how I was feeling, and want I wanted to be involved with. Going to classes is also in synch with what I want to be doing in the future, and is where my interests lie right now.
However, sometimes there are things we choose to do that are so horribly out of synch with what we really want and really need; we know this (or at least have a sense of this) immediately. Why do we insist on doing them?
There are things and people that you tend to attach yourself to, knowing that you really shouldn't. Do we have the need to fall off track every once in awhile to remind ourselves that we are human? Truly, there is nothing better than bouncing back. I'm in a bouncing back stage... and I'm taking no prisoners.
While away this weekend I read an article on "synchronicity"which is the idea that, when things are going as they should, the reality of the situation slows and you can see all of the correct decisions being made as well as see all aspects clearly from all different angles. The author quoted a Boston Celtic's basketball player who recollected some of the best games of this life; the game/team was in synchronicity, everything around him just made sense - he knew the players, where to throw the ball, who was coming at him and when to attempt the shot. The author was comparing this to business also - when no one needs to ask questions, when everyone just "gets it" and they work in synch with one another to accomplish a common goal.
There are a few things that I feel this way about, and others that I'm still searching for synchronicity in. For example - my job. Although my career path is frustrating, the last move I made was absolutely in synch with how I was feeling, and want I wanted to be involved with. Going to classes is also in synch with what I want to be doing in the future, and is where my interests lie right now.
However, sometimes there are things we choose to do that are so horribly out of synch with what we really want and really need; we know this (or at least have a sense of this) immediately. Why do we insist on doing them?
There are things and people that you tend to attach yourself to, knowing that you really shouldn't. Do we have the need to fall off track every once in awhile to remind ourselves that we are human? Truly, there is nothing better than bouncing back. I'm in a bouncing back stage... and I'm taking no prisoners.
Friday, October 20, 2006
NOT a secretary
It REALLY bothers me when someone calls me a secretary. I'm definitely NOT a secretary. My main job functions are not taking meeting minutes, answering phones, filing and ordering supplies. Yes, sometimes I do those things to stay organized, but that is NOT the main function of my job.
I would venture to say that secretaries don't exist anymore. They are no longer needed. We are moving out of a generation where the "boss" has a woman by his desk that types for him, phones for him, and takes meeting minutes in short hand (yes, I said "his" AND I said "woman"). No one goes to secretarial school, and no one learns short-hand anymore. Honestly, this may be a practice in some older business models, but some of the great men AND women in control have to be able to do many things for themselves. Besides, if you want something done right... you have to do it yourself.
I would venture to say that secretaries don't exist anymore. They are no longer needed. We are moving out of a generation where the "boss" has a woman by his desk that types for him, phones for him, and takes meeting minutes in short hand (yes, I said "his" AND I said "woman"). No one goes to secretarial school, and no one learns short-hand anymore. Honestly, this may be a practice in some older business models, but some of the great men AND women in control have to be able to do many things for themselves. Besides, if you want something done right... you have to do it yourself.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Boards and Recipies
With my new job has come research. This makes me sooo happy, I can't even tell you. Right now I have two very interesting items of research sitting on my desk.
The first, By-laws of Not-for-Profit Corporation Form. Yes, I'm learning much about institutional board structure, not only in not-for-profits, but in university performing arts. YAY! (I know you are DYING with enthusiasm. I actually enjoy this stuff. Yes, I'm not kidding.)
The second very interesting thing I learned today was in preparation for an after concert reception for the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. I find it interesting that US American's don't have a holiday where the celebrate the spirits of those who have passed. We have Halloween, but we're not really celebrating anything, we just use it as an excuse to carve pumpkins, dress up skankily, and drink. (Also fun, but you get my drift.)
It isn't often you can interest me with cuisine (especially baking), but in conjunction with Dia de los Muertos, there is a Mexican pastry which is baked, eaten in celebration, and left on graves to feed those who have left this earth: Pan de Muerto, or Bread of the Dead. I love it when languages just tell you like it is. This also is something that US American English is not very good at. Look, this bread is for dead people! There is nothing wrong with calling it what it is! It also looks pretty yummy and easy to make.
Pan de Muerto, "Bread of the Dead"In celebration of Mexico's Day of the Dead, this bread is often shaped into skulls or round loaves with strips of dough rolled out and attached to resemble bones.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
5 to 5-1/2 cups flour
2 packages dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon whole anise seed
1/2 cup sugar
4 eggs
In a saucepan over medium flame, heat the butter, milk and water until very warm but not boiling.
Meanwhile, measure out 1-1/2 cups flour and set the rest aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1-1/2 cups flour, yeast, salt, anise seed and sugar. Beat in the warm liquid until well combined. Add the eggs and beat in another 1 cup of flour. Continue adding more flour until dough is soft but not sticky. Knead on lightly floured board for ten minutes until smooth and elastic.
Lightly grease a bowl and place dough in it, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1-1/2 hours. Punch the dough down and shape into loaves resembling skulls, skeletons or round loaves with "bones" placed ornamentally around the top. Let these loaves rise for 1 hour.
Bake in a preheated 350 F degree oven for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and paint on glaze.
Glaze
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons grated orange zest
Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then apply to bread with a pastry brush.
If desired, sprinkle on colored sugar while glaze is still damp.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Sing-a-ding-ding
I contacted a PR woman today about joining her list of on-call carolers for the holiday season. She found me, and I'd initially told her I was busy with work and CP concerts and going to see my parents in Iowa. After looking at my bank account, I decided some extra funds wouldn't hurt. So, look for me at a holiday party or shopping mall near you. (Just kidding - I don't do shopping malls. I'm a music snob.)
I'm not a fan of the holidays, so at least I can profit from those who enjoy it.
(Did I say that outloud?)
I'm not a fan of the holidays, so at least I can profit from those who enjoy it.
(Did I say that outloud?)
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Smells like teen spirit
Thank you, Saba, for the topic. I think I can write something to that...
SCENTS A LA MOI
The first perfume I ever bought was a black bottle with a bright pink liquid : Debbie Gibson's Electric Youth. I'd first had a whiff while opening one of those perfume ads in some pop magazine like Bop or Seventeen. I'm not sure it was the smell, or Debbie's sweet face smiling back at me, her fashionable hat, or perhaps the words:
SCENTS A LA MOI
The first perfume I ever bought was a black bottle with a bright pink liquid : Debbie Gibson's Electric Youth. I'd first had a whiff while opening one of those perfume ads in some pop magazine like Bop or Seventeen. I'm not sure it was the smell, or Debbie's sweet face smiling back at me, her fashionable hat, or perhaps the words:
The power seize the energy, coming up strong. The future only belongs to the future itself. In the future, it's electric youth.
Yes, I wanted to be a powerful person someday, and apparently so did Debbie. She's done well for herself after her teenage years- been on Broadway for over a decade now.
The second scent that ever bought was in the 8th grade, and I wore it for most of high school: Sunflowers. My high school boyfriend commented after our relationship that he was not able to get the scent out of his head and actually dated another girl just because she smelled like me... ahem... like Sunflowers. I had a altogether obsession with sunflowers for awhile; it was not just the smell, but I had sunflowers stuff: in my bedroom, in the bathroom. I was a sunflower type of girl back then. What happened?
In college I gained a bit more expensive taste for make-up and perfume; I moved my way out of Wal-Mart and found the department store make-up counter. I fell for Clinique, and of course, their signature fragrance, Happy. As I was visiting a friend at another college, I broke a very large bottle of Happy all over the dorm bathroom. I was devastated. This friend will always be reminded of her dorm bathroom when she comes in contact with the fresh scent of Happy because she could smell it months after. I bought another bottle a couple of years later and it is still in my cabinet at home.. 4 years old, 1/4 gone.. sometimes I wear it for nostalgia.
Upon college graduation, my parents' foreign exchange student from France gave me a bottle of Chanel Chance that his mother brought over from Paris. (It looks exactly the same as the bottle here, so I'm not sure why she brought it all the way over from Europe, but, oh well.) It was probably the nicest gift I've received from an 18-year-old Parisian boy... (?) Who said the French are mean? I like Chanel Chance, but I don't love it. It's a bit overpowering for my tastes.
Lately it's all about subtle scents for me. I like a little mist of something now and again, but don't travel the perfume route often. I enjoy throwing a lavender dryer sheet in the laundry with the unmentionables, using a scented shampoo or body wash, or spraying a water-based body mist in my hair. That's about it.
Other perfumes tried and failed: Vanilla Fields (smells like CoCo Puffs), Elizabeth Arden's Red Door (a bit "old"), Victoria's Secret's Pear Glace (smells like a Jolly Rancher)
SCENTS A LA HOMMES
There are colognes that remind me of the males in my life, of course. It's a good thing to associate them with a cologne scent rather than the smell of beer or sweat.
My high school boyfriend wore Polo - the stuff in the green bottle with the picture of a jockey on the front. I liked it - a lot. But, then again, I was 16 and hormonal. I think I just liked him. He could have worn anything.
My ex-German wore Lagerfeld, which suited him just fine because he's German and was in the military. Lagerfeld translates roughly to "Warehouse Field" which, if you are in the military, you can imagine what you are warehousing, furthermore why it is in a field... Honestly, men should only wear Lagerfeld if they are in a field, and unable to shower for a few days/weeks/whatever.
My dad went through a stage of wearing Brut. It's true. I wish he wouldn't have because this stuff stinks of old man. The women of the family bought him a bottle of something Abercrombie and Fitch 10 years ago, and he still has it in his medicine cabinet. He doesn't wear it. He also doens't wear Brut any longer - thank goodness.
I once had to have a conversation with a guy I was dating because he was wearing Joop!. My brother wore Joop! and I just can't make out with a guy who smells like my brother. Eehw!
Men's scents with associations:
CK One = every guy in high school, and half of the girls
Drakkar Noir = every guy in middle school, especially those going to the dance
Monday, October 16, 2006
Time consumption
Maybe you've been wondering where I've been, maybe not... the choice is yours.
I've been cleaning up one job and moving into another. Today was my first day at new job, which has an office very close to old job. Half of my day was spent hiding so no one from old job could see me. Seeing me in new job= wanting to ask me questions about old job. That is unacceptable.
Hmmm, other uses of time... I went to an impromptu BBQ on Friday evening, also had a night on the town on Saturday. I'm reading "Focus on Servant-Leadership" for my class, and watching the first season of "Grey's Anatomy."
Excuse the boring post. Have a lovely week! (I need a topic. If you would like to suggest one, please do. I'm in a writing rut.)
I've been cleaning up one job and moving into another. Today was my first day at new job, which has an office very close to old job. Half of my day was spent hiding so no one from old job could see me. Seeing me in new job= wanting to ask me questions about old job. That is unacceptable.
Hmmm, other uses of time... I went to an impromptu BBQ on Friday evening, also had a night on the town on Saturday. I'm reading "Focus on Servant-Leadership" for my class, and watching the first season of "Grey's Anatomy."
Excuse the boring post. Have a lovely week! (I need a topic. If you would like to suggest one, please do. I'm in a writing rut.)
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Crush
At least this crush tastes good and comes in a six-pack.
A friend recently blogged about all of the fun and excitement a crush can bring: the "what-ifs," the possible scenarios, the Google-stalking... It made me feel strange. I don't think crushing is fun at all; it's just plain mind-boggling. I'd rather if Crush were just a brand of soda and the other thing didn't exist.
The first reason I don't like to crush is Uncertainty - "Does he like me?" "Do I really like him?" "Is he really as great as I'm making him out to be?" I would like to be certain before having feelings for someone that there is some kind of potential. It seems the men I have crushed on in the past are always, unbeknownst to me, unavailable: unavailable emotionally, unavailable intellectually, or "unavailable" unavailable. As soon as I figure these things out, the crush needs to end quickly, which leads me to my next reason:
Mistrust. I don't trust my own judgment and I don't totally trust the person I am crushing on either. All people advertise themselves in the best light, so how can you trust that the person is really who they appear to be? It seems my Google-stalking is more out of fear that the person is not really who they say they are.
Reason #3: Waste of time. Why spend all of that time figuring someone out when there are other things that need to be done? After I am certain that the person is unavailable, I look at the crush as a big waste of time. I could have been spending time with my friends, or taking on a project, or any number of enjoyable activities. (like blogging ;))
My artistic side wants "love at first sight" or "lightning bolts" but, my realistic side knows that perhaps crushing first, then getting to know someone is probably more likely. But, I'm tired of crushing. Really, it's draining and not much fun at all. I think I'm going to stand in the water or by a light post and wait for that bolt. Oh shit, wait. There are no lightning storms in California.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Seasonal TO DO
My TO DO list is growing both at work and at home, but the rain is making me feel quite unmotivated. What does one do when one is unmotivated...? Make a TO DO list, of course!
I suppose this evening would be a good one to get the sweaters and tweed pants out of boxes. That's kind of exciting, isn't it? Every time I get out the fall clothes, I'm excited to find a few articles that I've completely forgotten about. Perhaps it will be something bought on sale at the end of the season that was never worn more than once... Perhaps I will find that my fall wardrobe is boring and dusty and will have to venture out to find something new.
Another Fall TO DO is baking something. I only bake twice a year and it's only one of three things: banana bread, pumpkin pie or chocolate chip cookies.
Next on the list is buying furnishings. I've been in my apartment for 3 months and I haven't bought anything for my room. There are still pictures on the floor, there are still items in boxes. It's time to move in.
I'm going to buy/ put together a Halloween costume this year and go to a fabulous party. Both costume and party are TBD. My costume will be creative and not slutty. Come on people, how many slutty nurses, slutty devils, slutty cats do we need at one party - LAME!
I'll admit -- I'm sad about the end of summer. Looking back, I wish I would have taken a more exotic vacation or read a romance novel or, you know, something really SUMMERY. Oh well. I DO love Fall. Fall is Fabulous; it's winter that I'm not altogether crazy about. I was in Target two weeks ago, and those evil red and green decorations were already starting to take over. It wasn't even October! The only thing I like about Christmas is performing, and by performing I DO NOT mean Christmas caroling. Last winter my gym started playing carols in the locker room and I immediately put in a complaint. They eventually went away and I was happy.
I suppose this evening would be a good one to get the sweaters and tweed pants out of boxes. That's kind of exciting, isn't it? Every time I get out the fall clothes, I'm excited to find a few articles that I've completely forgotten about. Perhaps it will be something bought on sale at the end of the season that was never worn more than once... Perhaps I will find that my fall wardrobe is boring and dusty and will have to venture out to find something new.
Another Fall TO DO is baking something. I only bake twice a year and it's only one of three things: banana bread, pumpkin pie or chocolate chip cookies.
Next on the list is buying furnishings. I've been in my apartment for 3 months and I haven't bought anything for my room. There are still pictures on the floor, there are still items in boxes. It's time to move in.
I'm going to buy/ put together a Halloween costume this year and go to a fabulous party. Both costume and party are TBD. My costume will be creative and not slutty. Come on people, how many slutty nurses, slutty devils, slutty cats do we need at one party - LAME!
I'll admit -- I'm sad about the end of summer. Looking back, I wish I would have taken a more exotic vacation or read a romance novel or, you know, something really SUMMERY. Oh well. I DO love Fall. Fall is Fabulous; it's winter that I'm not altogether crazy about. I was in Target two weeks ago, and those evil red and green decorations were already starting to take over. It wasn't even October! The only thing I like about Christmas is performing, and by performing I DO NOT mean Christmas caroling. Last winter my gym started playing carols in the locker room and I immediately put in a complaint. They eventually went away and I was happy.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
No time for God?
I received a flyer from a neighborhood apolistic church on my windshield this morning outside of work. The front of the flyer states, in bold lettering, "NO TIME FOR GOD?" The inside is choc-full-o-guilt. Enjoy!
THERE IS TIME FOR...
Working, Eating, Sleeping, Politics, Clubs, Sports, Fishing, The Beach, Alcohol, Drugs, Witchcraft, Playing, Drugs, Dancing, Immortality, Parties, AND MANY OTHER THINGS...
FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS TIME BUT FOR GOD THERE IS NOT TIME! WILL HE HAVE TIME FOR YOU?
When you need Him and need Him desperately will God have time for you? The bible says in Proverbs 1:24-29 "Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, an no man regarded but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity: I will mock when your fear cometh: when your fear cometh as desolation and your destrution cometh as a whirlwind: when diestress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer: they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord."
THERE IS GREAT DANGER!
It is very dangerous to have time for everything, but no time for the most important thing in your life: SEEKING GOD.
The flyer goes on to explain in layman terms the meaning of the scripture, but I'm sure you get it. I honestly found it kind of funny and annoying at the same time. The back of the flyer gives the name and address for the church, information regarding service times, etc. and ends with an inviting, "ALL ARE WELCOME!"
God will not answer when people are in distress and anguish and furthermore, he will laugh at you. That's disappointing.
Oh, Old Testament! How frightning you are!
THERE IS TIME FOR...
Working, Eating, Sleeping, Politics, Clubs, Sports, Fishing, The Beach, Alcohol, Drugs, Witchcraft, Playing, Drugs, Dancing, Immortality, Parties, AND MANY OTHER THINGS...
FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS TIME BUT FOR GOD THERE IS NOT TIME! WILL HE HAVE TIME FOR YOU?
When you need Him and need Him desperately will God have time for you? The bible says in Proverbs 1:24-29 "Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, an no man regarded but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity: I will mock when your fear cometh: when your fear cometh as desolation and your destrution cometh as a whirlwind: when diestress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer: they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord."
THERE IS GREAT DANGER!
It is very dangerous to have time for everything, but no time for the most important thing in your life: SEEKING GOD.
The flyer goes on to explain in layman terms the meaning of the scripture, but I'm sure you get it. I honestly found it kind of funny and annoying at the same time. The back of the flyer gives the name and address for the church, information regarding service times, etc. and ends with an inviting, "ALL ARE WELCOME!"
God will not answer when people are in distress and anguish and furthermore, he will laugh at you. That's disappointing.
Oh, Old Testament! How frightning you are!
Monday, October 02, 2006
ENFP
I had to take the Jung Myers-Briggs test again for my Saturday class. My professor is a "certified" Jung Myers-Briggs proctor, so it MUST be right. (?) Right?
I'm supposedly an ENFP (now I'm a thinker and a perceiver)... Arg. I used to be an ENFJ but what I REALLY want to be is an ENTJ (a thinker and a judger).
An ENFP just seems a little "happy/slappy" for my tastes. I'm a feeler AND a perceiver - arg. Maybe this is why people have a hard time taking me seriously.
The ENFP supposedly hates order. I LOVE order, when I'm at work. Then again, I work with some of the most unorganized people ever (artists) so maybe my work ethic is just orderly in comparison.
When I am the artist, I find it good to have a mixture of both organization AND creativity - organized music scores and rehearsal management, but the ability to think creatively about the music, putting my own feelings and experiences into a performance to create a situation which ties me emotionally to melody, lyrics, etc.
I don't like to plan when I go on vacation; I don't like to do much of anything when I'm on vacation. Although, I still prefer to abide by airport and hotel schedules and HATE being late for shows - I just don't have an itinerary with a bunch of planned activities.
Of course it is all about percentages -- I'm off the charts an Extrovert and Intuitive, but it was a tie between Feeling-Thinking and Judging-Perceiving. So, I've decided the following:
I will never be an ENTP (that would just be too difficult)
At work, I'm an ENTJ (hard core)
When performing I'm an ENFJ (artists are VERY judgmental)
Most of the time, I'm an ENFP (fine, I can live with it)
I'm supposedly an ENFP (now I'm a thinker and a perceiver)... Arg. I used to be an ENFJ but what I REALLY want to be is an ENTJ (a thinker and a judger).
An ENFP just seems a little "happy/slappy" for my tastes. I'm a feeler AND a perceiver - arg. Maybe this is why people have a hard time taking me seriously.
The ENFP supposedly hates order. I LOVE order, when I'm at work. Then again, I work with some of the most unorganized people ever (artists) so maybe my work ethic is just orderly in comparison.
When I am the artist, I find it good to have a mixture of both organization AND creativity - organized music scores and rehearsal management, but the ability to think creatively about the music, putting my own feelings and experiences into a performance to create a situation which ties me emotionally to melody, lyrics, etc.
I don't like to plan when I go on vacation; I don't like to do much of anything when I'm on vacation. Although, I still prefer to abide by airport and hotel schedules and HATE being late for shows - I just don't have an itinerary with a bunch of planned activities.
Of course it is all about percentages -- I'm off the charts an Extrovert and Intuitive, but it was a tie between Feeling-Thinking and Judging-Perceiving. So, I've decided the following:
I will never be an ENTP (that would just be too difficult)
At work, I'm an ENTJ (hard core)
When performing I'm an ENFJ (artists are VERY judgmental)
Most of the time, I'm an ENFP (fine, I can live with it)
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