Gold's Gym D+

Don't be such a girly-man loser!

"It's not all about lifting weights there anymore. They have a lot of cardio equipment."

"Everyone attaches a stigma to Gold's from the 80's that it's just a bunch of guys taking steroids and lifting weights."

"What else do you need?: a rubber floor, some weights, and some cardio equipment. It has all of that."

These are all comments I've received from Gold Gym members who think that my gym standards are too high. I took all of this into consideration as I embarked on new gym territory last night after work.

(CG = Current Gym)

Location
I didn't like the drive TO Gold's Gym from work, but was amazed by the zippy ride home.

CG is a nice distance between my residence and work. The parking is horrible during Christmas and summer because of local shopping.

The facility "tour"
From the outside, the look in is very industrial - very fitting for a gym. The reception area was nice and I was greeted kindly by one of the reception staff. Let's call her Emily. I told Emily about how much I liked my CG, but was willing to try out something else because $80 a month for free towels seems a bit expensive. I asked her if I could get a tour of the gym, thinking this was something complimentary that prospective members would receive: showing me around, telling me about the benefits of the gym, where specific equipment is located... Apparently not. Emily took me to the edge of the reception area and said, "The cardio and locker rooms are upstairs, and the weights are on the first floor." Hmmm, not the tour I had in mind, but ok. Maybe she is new.

Hans and Franz are going to pump *clap* you up.
The weight area alone is the entire size of my current gym. Special K, a Gold's Gym member, told me that Gold's has special weights that conform to your movement, giving you the best possible workout for each muscle group. That's impressive, I thought. Unfortunately, the weight room was large and it confused me. If I would have had a tour, perhaps they could have told me if the weights were arranged by target body area... (?) They obviously were not arranged by type. There were circuit weights mixed in with free weights mixed in with pulley weights. I didn't even want to search for the "special" weights my buddy Special K was talking about.

CG has circuit weights arranged on one side of the gym, pulley weights generally in the middle section of the weight room and *gasp* free weights in their own special section. Wow! The area is small, but well arranged. You do not need to go more than 3 feet to find the next appropriate machine or weight.

I'm more of a cardio girl. So, let's go UPSTAIRS!

Bikes, treadmills, elliptical trainers, Stair climbers, oh my!
...and all of them set up to face the same direction, which looks at about 10 overhead TVs and windows facing the expressway (except for the windows that are MIRRORED, so you can stare at yourself and those behind you while you work up a sweat). The windows, by the way... have they been cleaned in the last year? Ugh. I don't think so.

I'm more of a people watcher while I do cardio, and am not all about the TVs. CG has a TV at every cardio station. I think TV is distracting; it takes away from what you are supposed to be doing = exercising. But, I can appreciate those who need a TV to sweep the time away. The TVs are also adjustable, so you can move them out of the way and watch the other patrons and trainers. I've learned a lot about weight lifting, core exercise, and just people in general while doing cardio. What can I say? I'm a multi-tasker, extraordinaire!

Stretching my tolerance
There was no stretching area.

CG stretching area is one of the most popular areas of the gym.

It's a group thing
The group fitness classes looked fine. Gold's does Yoga, Gold's does a core training class. They do not have pilates, but I've never taken pilates so I can't complain. Emily tried to sell me on all of the fabulous aerobics classes, but I don't do aerobics. I don't like to clap when I exercise. The possibility that Gold's has fabulous group fitness is not enough to sell me on a membership.

CG has a LOT more group fitness classes, some of which cost extra (which I think is a rip-off). But, I've enjoyed a Wednesday morning Yoga class and they constantly run "special" classes that you can try out. Again, group fitness is not the main focus of my exercise routine, but it is nice to have options.

WHAT? WHAT DID YOU SAY? I DIDN'T HEAR YOU.
The noise level of Gold's is uncomfortable and out of control. There is a constant loud whizzing noise of fans. I understand they are trying to keep it cool and ventilated in there, but geez... look into some noiseless airconditioning units. Also, because the cardio equipment is older, it is by no mean noiseless. It's time they upgraded enough to be able to play music in the background.

I did complain to my CG staff last Christmas for playing annoying holiday music in the locker room, but they typically play some good background tunes - at least music that can be blocked out.

Going to the ladies.... locker room
The ladies locker room was the cleanest part of Gold's Gym. It was a bunch of lockers, some decent looking shower stalls, bathroom stalls, and a place to apply make-up/do hair if I were to go in the morning before work.

CG's locker room is fabulous. They have a towel service, build-around shower stalls without curtains, lockers equipped with locks, hairspray, deodorant, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, bamboo floor mats, floral arrangements... clearly much more that what is needed. Everyone knows the names of the housekeeping staff because they are constantly making sure everything is spic-n-span in the locker rooms. Furthermore, I know that Maria, everyone's favorite member of the housekeeping staff, is on maternity leave and is having a boy. It's like a family. Clearly more than what is needed. :)

Personal trainers
I only saw one trainer working with a client at Gold's Gym.

CG has at least 3 trainers on duty at any time, and they all wear bright red. If you have a question, you can ask them. Because I'm quite the people-watcher, I often watch the trainers work with clients and pick up tips from them. I've never used a personal trainer myself.


Are these my peeps?
If you are in denial that muscle-heads don't hang out at Gold's anymore, you are sadly mistaken. When a large majority of the gym is weight machines, you are bound to get those who main focus of exercise is weight training. Also, don't think for a second that this doesn't apply to women. I saw some pretty tough looking chicks in there too. Upon telling Special K my experience at Gold's, he referred to most of the muscular-types as "posers." Maybe, but I still wouldn't want to get into a brawl with any of them. (Luckily, I'm sure I could out-run them.)

I also got the overwhelming feeling that I was being stared at. Perhaps it was because I didn't know what I was doing, or where anything was, and people sensed that I was new. It could have also been that the guys behind me while I was on the treadmill (I saw them in the mirror) were looking at the TVs over my head. Perhaps I'm just crazy. At least when you catch eyes with some (creepy) person at my CG, they will come over and talk to you. When someone watches you in silence = scary.

I admittedly given a lot of flack to my CG-peeps. The OLD PIBTY in the locker room, the guy who shouts out Bible verses while he pumps iron, the muscle-kissing guys who flex in the mirror, the women with fake breasts and the old men who love them... But, let's face it - strange people are everywhere, and who's to say that someone doesn't think I am a freak too.

OVERALL REVIEW
Location = B+
Tour = F
Weights = B- (Assuming I could figure out where everything is.)
Cardio equipment = D-
Stretching/core area = F
Classes = N/A (Would have to go back.)
Locker Room = C

Noise level = F
Cleanliness = D (It would have been an F, but the women's locker room was fine)
People watching (for fun)= B
People watching (for fitness) = F
Amenities /Extras = C

Today's obsession

Rhymes with Orange

The Two Faces of Coffee

My co-workers are confused by my lack of personal or inanimate objects in my work area. I'm a minimalist, what can I say? So, I'm thinking of buying and framing a print of a comic strip that's been hanging in my cube since May of 2005. It's from a strip called Rhymes with Orange.

Doesn't the character look just the tiniest bit like someone we know? Hmmmm....?

I put the strip up at a time when we had a coffee maker in the office. Because I was the person closest to the coffee maker, I was somehow expected to make coffee. (Please refer to post NOT a Secretary.) Unfortunately, I would also partake of the coffee as it was so readily available and would end up feeling like a zittered zombie by the end of the day. I was regrettably horrible at cleaning the coffee maker (again, because I didn't feel like it was my responsibility) and eventually it went too long without being washed. The office collectively decided that the coffee maker was disgusting, and it was no longer welcome in the office. Since removal of the coffee maker, I drink considerably less coffee. Once in awhile someone will come in and ask where the coffee maker went and I will give them a sigh and say something like, "What coffee maker?" or "It ran away," before pointing them in the direction of the cafe across the street.

Thanks for listening. I'm going on a coffee break now.

Alien TV Sightings

It's true. The roommate broke down after Christmas and bought a pair of rabbit ears so we can watch a few channels. I have been both mesmerized and completely perplexed by TV in the last month.

#1 Raj Mathai, NBC 11 News
Isn't he a beautiful man? Ethinic AND can talk about sports. Wow. Speaking of good-looking Sportscasters... (see #2)

#2 Extra
This show is sad. I can't believe people watch this. What's worse is that it's followed by Access Hollywood, which is the SAME show. Why Jon Kelley, did you go from being a one of America's best sportscasters to being on Extra? Oh, lured by the money, were you? You were so much cuter talking about the Chicago Bears than you are talking about Lindsay Lohan. I'm sorry you had to come to this.

#3 The President's Update on Iraq
Did charisma leave the building? What is he squinting at? Oh yeah, he's reading.

#4 Doggy steps
They should include a disclaimer that reads:

WARNING SINGLE PERSON! Did you know that your bed is one of the dirtiest places in your house? Do you know how many perfectly wonderful mates have allergies? I don't care how cute and cuddly your dog is! He's a dog -- he can sleep on the floor. You can even buy him his own custom bed! If you do like sleeping with your pet, your chances of having another human being sleep in your bed GREATLY decrease. Don't trade in human companionship for Fluffy or Fido.

Doggy steps are perfect couples who mutually love their canine, older people who live alone with their canine, or people who want to be single forever.

#5 Deal or no Deal
Is that IT? They just open cases? Are there any other games, or is that it? Geez, at least the original show had different games and people in costumes. I'm greatly disappointed.

#6 Music concerts on PBS
I'm suddenly a fan of James Blunt. He wrote other songs besides "You're Beautiful" and they are GOOD! Yay! (He also has nice lips!) I'm also very appreciative of the Stix concert with the Cincinatti's Contemporary Youth Orchestra. Old guys with mullets, a spinning keyboard, and kids rocking out on violins?! Heck yeah!

#7 Housewives of the OC
I watched about 15 minutes and was bored out of my mind. I refuse to get upset; really it only makes me feel smarter. (he he more smart)

Back on the Fabulous Campaign horse

Howdy Partners! YEE HAW!

For the first morning in about a month, I made it back to the gym this morning. MY gym -- the one that I love despite OLD PIBTY and old men hitting on me. I haven't brought myself to terminate membership after they decided to raise my monthly fees by $31. Some gym-shopping is in order before I decide that $79 per month is just too much. So, I'm shopping all of the typical places first: Golds, Ballys, 24 Hour Fitness... a gym report coming soon to a blog near you. Any suggestions appreciated.

My first M.A. course of the Winter quarter is already over. One class = one weekend. Woo Hoo! The topic? "Ethics in Higher Education." I didn't get to sleep in this weekend, but it was worth the sacrifice. For the next 5 weekends, I will be taking "History and Philosophy of Higher Education," which will at least give me Sunday free to roam around the house, have visitors (one in particular -- see below) or take a partial weekend trip somewhere. (Central Valley, maybe?)

I'm not really cereal dating any more. I went to pizza with Cinnamon Toast Texas Crunch this weekend, but didn't really view it as a date, more as a friendly get-together. I'm trying to see Special K as much as possible, and am having a difficult time being interested in anyone else. He's changing his work schedule to come down to San Jose on Friday so we can go out on a real date.

Off the market

Cinnamon Texas Toast Crunch

I know. This cereal doesn't really exist, but let's put it this way -- Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a Texan, a little younger than what I usually go for, but I found it to have a sweet and crunchy appeal (with a slightly thicker texture), so I'm willing to overlook his child-like appeal, for now. I'm also willing to overlook the fact that he went to law school, and I've had little luck with lawyers. (After the awkward kissing situation, RC and I never called each other.) They always seem a little dry...

CTTC took me to E&O for dinner followed by beers at a local Irish pub on the Tuesday before Christmas. (This was the only time we had to get together before the impending holidays.) He was the most outgoing lawyer I've every met, and I let him know that by saying, "You are the most outgoing lawyer I've every met!"

There was never a lack of conversation, we even talked over each other a bit. I gave him my Schtick about higher education, blah, blah, blah and he played along, telling me about his experiences at Notre Dame, etc. He was not offended by my lack of football knowledge. We discussed the law profession, and law in non-profit and performing arts organizations. We also hit pop culture and family values. We had a very open conversation about sex in relationships. He looked me in the eye when he talked to me, and asked me questions. I asked him questions. It was a freakin' 2-WAY CONVERSATION! OMG!

During the date I went back and forth with the age discrimination. (I was discriminating.) This guy has had a LOT of schooling -- he's obviously very intelligent, but has he really LIVED? Does he really know what he is looking for in life? He's traveled, lived in different states, has a large family, many interests and is a pretty happy-go-lucky guy. (I hate that expression.) Maybe I'm the one who is slightly jaded and I should be happy that CTTC is not.

It was a fun Monday night, and I went home with a smile on my face. Since the date, I went home to corn country and he spent his holidays in Texas. He phoned last night and is interested in getting together when he returns to CA tomorrow. To be continued...

FYI

I'm meeting out-of-towner Special K for dinner tonight (Tuesday). Will I EVER see this guy on a weekend?

Celebrate everyday!

I'm so glad to be back in "The Grind." Holiday madness has passed -- no more fluff, just back to working my way through life, trying to find a hidden suprise in the mix.

I found the holidays to be sadly mundane. During the holidays, I feel that I'm in a constant rut -- nothing is progressing, in fact, everything is digressing: my health, my work and school activities, my pocketbook, my relationships... I definitely don't get the overall warm, happy feeling that people are supposed to have during the holidays. Conversely, during "The Grind" I'm constantly thinking of ways to improve -- to take classes towards my MA, to move up professionally, to spend time with friends, to exercise, and just generally feel good about life. Holiday madness just puts me in a rut. It would be nice to have a break from the "The Grind" but not when it's just a bunch of materialistic hype, over-eating and over-drinking. I would rather just celebrate the "Every Day."

The reason why people tend to make New Years Resolutions must be due to the fact that people generally feel like crap about themselves at the end of the year. I will totally admit to feeling like crap, as I make the following resolutions:

1.) Make everyday advancements at work. Even if this means only that my desk is kept orderly, improvements should be made on a daily basis. The bigger picture is building my experiences and network for the future.

2.) Read more German literature. I don't find a lot of people to speak German to, and need to keep up. Reading is the best way. Since my reading skills are slower in German, I'll actually read less this year.

3.) Learn about grant writing. I would assist in the grant writing process for the performing arts and have been thinking about getting some PhD funding for myself...

4.) Stay healthy. I'm not going to complain. I've been pretty good about running, but health could always be improve.

5.) Date NICE guys. Eventually one will knock my socks off. I can't deal with Mr. Fraternity and his band of drinking buddies anymore. Fun does not equal functional...and it doesn't stay fun for long. This also ties into No. 4 Stay healthy.

6.) Remember friends' birthdays. This was a resolution after my birthday 2 years ago. It's getting better, but improvements can always be made.

Stuck in San Jo

At least I wasn't stuck at DEN, but my flight was delayed 5 days due to the blizzard in Colorado. I've finally made my way to the Hawkeye State after 3 days of basically sitting on my ass in SJ, free from working, doing nothing.

Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. Happy Festivus. Merry Christmahakwanzaka.

More later.

Smalltown, IA U.S.A.

I will keep the name of this town anonymous to protect it's dignity. (I love under the marriage statistics that they include everyone 15 years and older.)


Population (year 2000): 1,401.
Estimated population in July 2005: 1,310 (-6.5% change)
Males: 676 (48.3%)
Females: 725 (51.7%)

Median resident age: 43.0 years
Median household income: $29,958 (year 2000)
Median house value: $46,400 (year 2000)

White Non-Hispanic (84.6%)
Hispanic (14.3%)
Other race (3.3%)
Two or more races (1.2%)

Ancestries: German (21.0%), English (10.6%), Irish (9.4%), United States (5.1%), Swedish (3.4%), Scotch-Irish (2.9%).

For population 25 years and over
High school or higher: 74.3%
Bachelor's degree or higher: 10.9%
Graduate or professional degree: 2.9%
Unemployed: 4.2%
Mean travel time to work: 14.8 minutes

For population 15 years and over
Never married: 23.9%
Now married: 54.1%
Separated: 1.4%
Widowed: 10.5%
Divorced: 10.1%

Cereal Dating Status - Month 1

I HATE when profiles ask you about your "status." It's not like I'm single on purpose, or that I don't enjoy being single. Where is the "picky" status or the "happily unattached" status? Furthermore, there is no "cereal dating" status, and there really should be - at least for me. Here is my current cereal dating status, in case you were wondering, or if you are just plain confused:

Cornflakes

East coaster, lived all over
MA Stanford Engineering Grad who is taking time off of work to apply for MBA programs. His top choice? - Stanford, of course.
Non-offensive, looks like a Stanford guy. Goes to a lot of Stanford sporting events.
Date #1 A Stanford vs. SJSU basketball game
Date #2 Cajun food and a HS benefit music concert
AWKWARD DATE SCENARIO: Like an idiot, I leave my purse behind at our seats. I run back to get it. When I return, he has a hamburger and fries – for himself.
STATUS: Never called each other back.
FEELINGS: None.

Rice Crispies

Also from the "I" States, moved here 6 years ago
Law School Grad working in high tech
Dark and handsome, with a bit of geek. Likes karaoke. Not your typical "I" State ‘fratguy’.
Date #1 Dinner at a tapas restaurant
Date #2 Japanese food and dive karaoke
Date #3 Pizza and James Bond
AWKWARD DATE SCENARIO: Strange attempt at first kiss.
STATUS: Have invited him to Christmas Cocktails at the CoHo.
FEELINGS: I feel like this guy may have everything programmed.

Porridge

He's a local
SJSU marketing alum working in high tech
Dark, cute, nice dimples, plays soccer.
Un-official Date: Pub Crawl
Official Date #1: A walk around Santa Cruz
Date #2: Cuban food and coffee
Un-official Date #2: A friendly night out in Los Gatos
AWKWARD DATE SCENARIO: A girlfriend of mine was having a fight with her boyfriend. She gave him the, “You know SHE’S not into you, but what do you think of ME?”
STATUS: I hope he doesn't hope we are dating.
FEELINGS: Please go out with my friend. She could really like you.

Lucky Charms

North of Chicago, has been here for 2.5 years
Went to a small, liberal arts school in Ohio, works in high tech and is quite a "monster"
VERY tall, big hands, big feet, big hair. VERY Irish.
Date #1: Italian food
AWKWARD DATE SCENARIO: Outside in the parking lot, he asks me to guess which car is his because, “I hope people don’t have the wrong impression of me by what I drive.” He drives a BMW, which I would have thought was perfectly normal, had he not made such a big deal about it. I lived in Germany – I know they are reliable cars.
STATUS: He asked me to a movie, but when I found out Special K was coming to town, I made up a lame excuse not to go.
FEELINGS: Ditching a guy and using a lame excuse is not good. Should just cut off contact and not make any more plans.

Special K

From west Chicago burbs, moved to LA, lived there for 5 years, lived in ND before moving here 2 years ago
Went to the same school as my sister, works in automotive industry
Best smile, very kissable, works out a lot. Dry sense of humor, great laugh.
Date #1: A really weird Monday night on the town in which someone (not him) drank a little too much.
Date #2: A Tuesday night in Santana Row after a hard-days work.
AWKWARD DATE SCENARIO:He’s from out of town, here on business, so he’s staying in a hotel. Um, this could potentially be sleazy/ appear to be sleazy.
STATUS: We really need to get together on a weekend. I've invited him to a Christmas Party in Davis.
FEELINGS: Kind of warm and gushy.

Anyone in the hopper? A lawyer named Jeff.

Anyone else? No, I'm tired.

Where's the damned snow?

If there were a red or blue pill that gave me the option go either go through the holidays, or to skip it -- I would skip it.

I would wake up on Monday, January 8, go to the gym where I would run an easy 30 minutes on 7.0 treadmill speed and stretch. Before showering, I would stop by each mirror to marvel at how thin I look. I would go to work, where there would be plenty of important items on my desk. During lunch, I would check my bank account online to see that I have plenty of funds for a pedicure and a trip to Ann Taylor. No one would say, "Happy Holidays!" or ask for the millionth time what I'll be doing for Christmas, New Years, etc. No one would ask me what I did for Christmas, New Years, etc. It would be fabulous.

Unfortunately I must endure these holidays with everyone else. Even the party-loving, gift-buying, Christmas-In-The-Park-going people who think that is what the holidays are all about. These are the same people that honk at you on the freeway, take the last can of pumpkin, and steal your parking space because THEIR Christmas is sooo much more important than yours. I hate them.

I don't know why the holidays stress me out so much. So, I blame it on the weather.

California Christmas is confusing. I can understand wanting to spend Christmas on a beach, under a palm tree, relaxing, drinking something out of a coconut. I can also understand staying inside under a blanket because you can't get your car out of the snowed-in driveway. But, I don't understand the holidays having anything to do with rain or leaf blowers. I'm in more of a mood to go shopping for school supplies than to put up a Christmas tree. This is FALL, people. NOT winter!

A group from my choir is getting together next week to sing carols at Christmas in the Park. San Jose's Christmas in the Park scares the crap out of me. There are scary animated figurines and FAKE snow. Sure, I was spoiled as a child to enjoy walking down Chicago's historic Michigan Avenue to view the intricate window displays of Marshall Field's and the world famous Bloomingdales Christmas tree in the cold. But, why even bother pretending that there is snow on the ground? Doesn't this just confuse little children.

Caroling SEEMS like it would be fun, but, how many Christmas carols do you know that have nothing to do with winter? I think California and other no-winter states should do some carol rewrites and stop misleading people. Really, this is for the good of the children!

Oh the weather outside is delightful,
And forest fires are so frightful,
And since the weather is so tame,
Let it rain! Let it rain! Let it rain!

I'm dreaming of a foggy Christmas,
Just like the ones I used to know.
Where the marine layer covers,
And birds still hover,
To hear our next door neighbor mow.

In the bleak midwinter,
Mild, wet wind made moan,
Earth stood soft and muddy,
Water flowed, flowed, flowed
Rain had fallen, rain on rain, rain don't you know?
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride in a horsepowered SUV!

Cell phones ring, are you listenen?'
On the freeway, traffic lights glistnen'
We're honk at them all, as we see a car stall,
Parkin' in a crowded shopping mall.

Special K®

A complete breakfast?


I googled "What's so special about Special K" and got the following hit:

Ketamine, or "Special K", is a veterinary anesthetic as well as a popular recreational drug due to its short term hallucinogenic effects.

Not exactly what I was looking for. So, now that we all know what is special about the hallucinogenic drug, Special K -- what about the cereal? The Kellogg's Special K website, did not give much scientific explanation to the mystery of this popular breakfast cereal other than saying "The prize is inside." Apparently there's a lot of good/healthy stuff in there. There is also the Special K Challenge:

The Plan

Eat a serving of one of the FIVE varieties of Special K® cereals with 2/3 cup skim milk and fruit for two meals a day.

Eat your third meal as you normally do.

For snacks, choose from the following:
- fresh fruits and vegetables
- a Special K® Bar
- a pouch of Special K® Snack Bites.

Consume beverages as you normally do.

The man, Special K, is also pretty special. He's a classic -- funny, slightly sweet, he's not full of bullshit. I liked him without hesitation the first time we spoke. We finish each other's sentences. It's a little scary. I'm having a hard time attaching him to a cereal, because there are really no outstanding cereal traits that make him fun to write about. As my friend, TC, pointed out - "Maybe you aren't "cereal" dating this guy. Maybe you are just dating him." Hmmmm... perhaps he's an hallucination?

In order to keep dating him, there will have to be a "plan" because he lives at least an hour from me. Isn't this ALWAYS the way it works out? So, I'm trying to make plans to get to know him a little better, which is difficult over the holidays. We both have trips planned back to the Midwest for the holidays (yes, he's from Chicagoland), work, and other engagements. Look for Special K at a Christmas party near you!

Lucky Charms

"They're always after me Lucky Charms..."




There's something sexy about a big type-A personality: the big ego, the drive, ambition. These people (men or women) are not afraid to put their personality on the table -- and as loud as possible -- because it's gotten them pretty far in life. I appreciate those hard-working, money-makers who enjoy their career and are at the top of their field. Unfortunately, I also think they come in contact with a lot of people in the single world who are not so much after their drive as their pocketbooks, and try a bit too hard to please them. I'm not one of "them."

Lucky Charms, who is Chicago-Irish, sweet and crunchy, made a reservation at a slightly-posh, yet comfortable Italian restaurant in Los Gatos. He's a big guy in all aspects of the word. Big body, big hands, big hair, big voice.

The restaurant had reserved a small table, which would have been fine, but LC wanted us to be comfortable, so we waited for a (big) booth. At the bar, he pulled out my stool for me and literally had to pick it up, with me in it, to slide it under the table. It was actually kind of funny -- especially since I'm weird about chivalry, and we both knew how blatantly chivalrous it was. We got a giggle out of it. This guy doesn't do anything half-way.

We sat down, and ordered a couple of drinks. He ordered some complicated scotch drink, "straight up" and I had a glass of Chianti. At this point, LC let me know that dinner was "on him." Well, thank you very much. That's fine. It's 2006, and chivalry is dead -- but he invited me, so I'll just shut up and enjoy it. For dinner, LC orders the lobster ravioli, of course. I ordered some tortellini thing.

Our conversation revolved much around Chicago, "big" projects, work ethic in the Bay Area, un-PC comments and jokes, naming pets, and paintball. We pretty much hit everything, although all of his work stuff was completely over my head, as singing and working in the performing arts was over his. LC moved to the Bay Area after being charged with moving a project at his (big) tech firm. Apparently, they thought he could get people moving on it with his dominant personality. He doesn't like to shit around -- he's a man of results. I can appreciate that, but at the same time, parts of the conversation seemed a bit arrogant to me, also with the scotch drinking and lobster eating. I'm usually the one who keeps the conversation going when meeting someone new, but I would say he took the prize for thinking up interesting date topics. So, here is the question: can two dominant personalities co-exist?

Perhaps his big personality is threatening to me... But, I accepted for another date. Am I after his Lucky Charms?

Turkey Trots and Tofurkey

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.

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?

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.

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.

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'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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?)

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:

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

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.)

Article

I was featured in a neighborhood newspaper last week. ENJOY!

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.

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.

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!

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)

It was a very good week

Last week was one of the best in a long time! Yes, I've had a great day here or there, but with all of the crap 2006 has brought on, I can't remember the last time there were 7 consecutive days of good happenings. It was non-stop from Sunday to Sunday but so much was accomplished that I am proud of. It was a balance of all of my favorite things rolled into one week: I kept my fitness goals, took on a new job, reconnected with good friends, went back to school and got the chance to express myself artistically.

Accomplishments from Sunday to Sunday:

22 miles run
1 Yoga class
1 Bridge to Bridge race in SF
2 Issues of "Runners" magazine read
1 2-week notice
1 New job
1 Lunch with a good friend
1 Day of fun with in SF with another friend
2 Concert rehearsals sung
2 Concerts sung
1 MA class attended

Weird Wednesday

WEIRD COINCIDENCE

I think it's interesting that both Arethusa and Kjerste have blogged about strange dreams. I also had a strange dream last night having something to do with a Desperate Housewives plot and I've been racking my brain all day to remember what it was about... can't remember.

Oh well.

WEIRD NEW OWNERS
It seems the cafe across the street from my office is changing ownership. I'm very sad -- this is the only place I know of where you pick your food up at a counter, and they will actually hand you utensils and a napkin. Sonia and her husband are the sweetest people and I've enjoyed talking to them over the past 2 years. They are Korean; their daughters are first generation Californian. The oldest just started at UC Berkeley this fall and is taking courses in preparation for medical school. Ah, the American Dream at work.

Sonia introduced me to the new owners, who are not as nice.

WEIRD EMAIL

I received a strange email from my ex-German today that said:

5 years ago today...
Have a wonderful day! Sometimes I act like such a child.
Dom (All in German, of course)

I'm not sure what to make of this. (Yes, I guess we DID meet 5 years ago today. I didn't remember the exact date.) Does this mean he does, infact, wish to speak with me after he explicitly told me not to contact him anymore? This was only a month ago. I've decided not to respond. I've had enough indecisiveness in the past month.

WEIRD INTERVIEW
I found out at 10:00 this morning that I had an interview at 1:30. Even weirder is that the interview was super easy and I got a job offer. Maybe putting in your time and working your ass off DOES pay go noticed (eventually)...

More details later.

Muffins

My female co-worker told me she was a little offended by the comment I make about BEBE sweatpants in my blog title. She does admit, that although she would enjoy a pair of BEBE sweatpants, and would probably wear them out in public and enjoy it, would be misconstrued as "A muffin". We have determined that she is not a blueberry or a chocolate chip muffin, not even poppy seed, but a bran muffin. So, we can still be friends. We both have an aversion to the fruity or seedy muffin types.

Kjerste and I started using the term "muffin" in college to describe a female who, although tasty and perhaps sweet, is almost artificial. We, on the other hand, consider ourselves to be free of artificial colors and flavors.

I have decided I am a piece of white bread, perhaps with a lovely pepper jelly spread.

What are you?

Man with last name "Q"

So, I thought it would be funny to post aforementioned post on Craigslist so I could show everyone the responses from those looking for love on the same internet site where you can rent an apartment or buy a used bicycle.

Some were just the emails you would write to anyone. I bet most of these guys just send their stats out to each post like clockwork. They leave me nothing to believe their that their names have a "Q" in them.

Single and Looking for a Girlfriend

I am 23 year old male from San Jose, Ca. that is looking for A Girlfriend to hang out with. I am a friendly person looking To Meet someone warm, cute, caring, sweet, understanding and like to do fun things together.
I like to watch Cartoons, VH1 Classic and Hockey. I Listen To Classic Rock, 80’s Hair Metal, Blues and Country Music I’m looking for girls that is between Ages 18-30 years old. The fun things I like to do is hang out at the Mall, Go to the park by our house, go on computer and listen to music and watch TV once in a while. I shop at music and sport stores. I am a caring loving thoughtful loving person. If you’re a missing someone special maybe I am the one for you and could be a match. Hit me back on myspace with a message. You Can E-mail.... at coXXXX@hotmail.com

Hello, im 27 male from san jose, Im very interested in your post. Im 5 11 black hair brown eyes slim body. if you want I will send you pic. So hope hear from you soon.
Thanks

are you collecting names or something? do you have a pic?

I enjoy beach, sports, music movies, clubbing and traveling. Hope to talk with u soon.
I can go down any time you want!!Me:27ymale
eyes/hair: black5' 10"185 lbs professional in Santa Clara
MS degreenon-smoker

I love that last one. Especially that it says, "I can go down any time you want!" Does that mean what I THINK it means? My favorite was the response from a guy who simply sent me two pictures, one of himself and a picture of his hot ride. Yeah, baby! :(

Other replies didn't tell me ANYTHING about the person who was writing it, only confirming that their last name begins with a "Q." I guess I gave the impression that it would be enough.

My last name is Quan

My name is Bruce
I have one ? for you...Why "Q"?
~Bruce Q.~

My last name does begin with Q. So is it reallyyour goal "Suzy" to marry a man whose last namebegins with Q just so they can call you Suzy Q.??

Intelligence abounds on Craigslist... lemme tell ya. Don't worry, though. There are a few peole who got it, and I appreciate them for getting the joke.

Your priority's are warped but you brought tears of laughter, fucking suzy Q, I get it! HAHA
We should chat! laughter & laughter await's

Thank you to all who participated in this experiment, even though I will not be responding to any of your emails. I just don't think the internet dating thing is a good thing for me... all I can do is make fun of people. That's just not right.

Silly Post

Suzanne -- [noun]: A real life muppet 'How" will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Hmmmm.....

UNRELATED FUNNY STORY

My co-worker and I spend WAY too much time together on a daily basis and on the internet. Last summer, while we were both looking for apartments on Craigslist, we became addicted to the "Missed Connections" section as well as the "Personals." I thought.. "Why would you be looking on Craigslist to find someone? I mean, it's the same place you look for an apartment or a used bicycle..." Are people just used crap?

So, to make light of the Personals-a-la-Craigslist phenomenon, we decided to do our own post:

Attractive, intelligent blonde, Suzy, seeks 25-35 year old male with last name beginning with Q. Last name MUST begin with Q.

It was amazing how many people either lied, or didn't get the credence Clearwater Revival reference. I wish I would have kept these emails, because some of them were hilarious. I was hoping for some hot Italian, but unfortunately all I got was a bunch of desperation and people who CLAIMED their last name started with "Q", but their email address told a different story. (Ok, j_smith@yahoo.com, I don't see a "Q" in that!)

National Talk Like A Pirate Day

ARG, MATIE. Shiver me timbers..

My co-worker and I were just enjoying the Slappy Rap. Some people have too much time.

Now I'm REALLY sore

I had to take it easy at the gym this morning. My feet are killing me, and I didn't get any sleep. It's a miracle I even got out of bed this morning, after the night I had.

I often don't get a chance to think until I'm lying alone in bed at night, unable to sleep from blistered feet (or whatever - I forgot to mention I have a sunburn too). This is the one time when I'm completely alone with my thoughts, exactly the person that I am, with no interruptions. I totally agree with the sleep-on-it philosophy; sometimes you only know it is a real problem when you try, but CAN'T sleep on it, in fact, you can't sleep at all.

Something besides my running pain was bothering me until all hours of the night. One thought penetrated my thoughts and wouldn't let go...

"You ruined my f#$%ing birthday."

It raced and raced around my room, made me toss and turn, almost drove me crazy until I finally took a shot of Nyquil so I could get to sleep. This one little thought, the one thing I never had the balls to say outloud finally took control, and wouldn't let go... then I started thinking of other things I never had the balls to say.... but I won't share them here.

My run yesterday may have caused me physical soreness, but the kind of sore I was last night was worse. I'm sore today too. Hopefully I won't be sore tomorrow. :)

I'm sore

I woke up late this morning, dreading the idea of getting to the gym or going for a run. I really just wanted to sit around all day and weep about going back to work on Monday...but I dragged my ass out of the house, deciding I would see how far it is from my house to Campbell Park - the closest entrance to the Los Gatos Creek Trail.

I took it easy - a nice strong walk, 5 blocks, down to the park, then started running at a slow pace. It's a beautiful day today. It made me wonder why I didn't venture down to the LGCT sooner. Pretty soon my pace was picking up, but I made myself slow down and walk a couple of times to get a drink of water, or just give my knees a rest. It felt pretty damned good to be outside in the fresh air.

When I lived in San Jose, I would drive down to Meridian Avenue, park my car, run 30 minutes towards Campbell/Los Gatos, then turn around and run back to my car. This dropped me off at Los Gatos Creek Country Park before I had to turn around. I estimate this is about 7 miles round trip. (I need also mention that I was in tip-top condition last summer when I did this.)

Now that I live in Campbell, I decided to go beyond my usual stopping point and see how close I could get to downtown Los Gatos. So, what do you do when you get to Lark Avenue? You keep going to Vasona, naturally. Eventually I had to stop, because my knees were aching and I still had to go make the trek back. I have no idea how far I went today. But, I left the house before noon and returned at 2 pm. When I took off my shoes, the toes were bloody and I discovered a HUGE blister on my left heel. Time to buy some new shoes and get back into shape.

I KNEW I liked politics!

Congrats to Pittsburg's new mayor! He's 26.

(I'd previously written "Philadelphia" - my bad.) :)

The leaves are changing and so is my blog title.

It's fall, and a fabulous time of year to be fabulous. Arethusa made a typo in her blog when she referred to my former "Flabulous Campaign" as the "Fabulous Campaign," but I've decided to make it stick. (Besides, no one knew what the hell "Nur fuer Verruckete" was referring to, although I highly recommend Hesse's "Steppenwolf - it's a fabulous book.)

Fabulous is a state of mind. It's feeling good about one's self and one's accomplishments. Some believe fabulousness is represented best by material things, but my campaign is NOT buying Gucci or wearing BEBE sweatpants (yuck). I'm taking my personal fabulous campaign into heart, mind and spirit (with an occasional pedicure). I hope that others will join me in this campaign. It seems many have already begun:

Kjerste has begun freelance writing, something she has been wanting to do for a long time.

Helga has moved to Boston to begin a new life and career adventure.

Arethusa has managed to get an awesome new job and a fiance in a matter of months.

Another friend of mine has come back to performing after being swept away to corporate land for 5 years, and is loving it.

EXCELLENT JOB EVERYONE! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU! ACTUALLY, I'M SO PROUD OF US! WE ARE FABULOUS!

Not to complain, or anything...

I really wanted to use this blog to keep in touch with friends, and write funny/witty things, or tell off-the-wall stories. But, it seems it has just turned into an arsenal of complaints. I'm sorry it had to turn out this way. It's not you. It's me.

The FLABULOUS CAMPAIGN you ask?

I'm doing pretty well. Despite being ill, I exercised 3 days last week and was feeling well enough to make it to the gym on Sunday. Saba has joined in the campaign and we are going to run the Bridge to Bridge race on October 1 in San Francisco. I think I'm going to go all out and run the 12 K instead of the 7 K - why not. Anything for a free t-shirt and floss, right?

Feelings and an excuse to use Edward Gorey

C is for Clara who wasted away.



As you may have noticed, I disappeared last week. Unfortunately I was not whisked away to an exotic location or doing anything fabulous. I was sick... the sickest I've been since getting strep throat during a road trip on the way to Las Vegas in 1998. That trip was such a blur... I don't even remember the Denver hospital where my friends rushed me at 7 am because I could barely breathe. (I DO remember taking my friend's migrane medication instead of my antibiotics and feeling FABULOUS as we made our way into Arizona.)


Unfortunately I do not have any good overdose stories from my most recent coughtastrophy. I sat around all weekend watching movies. I almost chewed my arm off of ennui on Saturday.

I'm not bored at work. Missing 1 1/2 days of work after a holiday weekend was not a good idea. I'm fantasically far behind with everything at work, I'm supposed to be moving into a new office, and nothing is getting accomplished. Very frustrating.



It's not wrong to have emotions. In fact, I think getting emotional is the only thing that makes us human. Overreaction is at least REACTION, right? Why should we sit stagnant and wait for things to happen or hope that things will change? I wish more people would overreact. I'm an artist. I have a BA in expressing myself. Lately I've felt managerial, like I was managing emotions instead of just letting them fly. Guess what, folks, I'm lettin' em' fly... watchout! And who better to listen than my friends and loved ones. Sometimes we fly off the handle, but isn't it up to those who love us most to love us anyway?






Z is for Zillah who drank too much gin.
(Sounds good.)

Please excuse the random questions

QUESTION #1: What's the deal with an MBA?

I'm getting a master's degree in administration and you don't see me going around saying that I'm working on my MEA (Masters of Educational Administration) or more specifically, my MEAHE (Masters of Educational Administration, Higher Education) or better yet, my MUA (Masters of University Administration). So, why does MBA get it's own title? WHY? I'll tell you why - because those bastards make more money, that's why.

QUESTION #2: How many calories are burned when coughing?

I've looked everywhere, and this information is no where to be found. Of course, there are many articles on how many calories burned during sports activities, or even laughing. My guess is, I've spent the last 5 days coughing a lot more than laughing... I just want to know how many calories that has burned! Why is this not googleable?