Pardon if I make mistakes. I am trying to set my sleeping schedule back to normal by staying up all day. To stay awake, I have the TV on. Currently, I'm watching the View. After the lovely test of the Emergency Broadcast System, it came back to a segment on Outrageous Fashion. The first two I saw weren't really that outrageous. And then....
They showed the most ridiculous accessory ever (at least in my opinion): the Roach Broach (or is that Brooch? whatever...) This is a LIVE cockroach decorated with little jewels on it's back. It's attached by a chain to a broach that you pin to what you're wearing so that it acts like a "leash" for your decorative pet roach. It can actually crawl around on your shirt. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. These roaches were MOVING *shudders* Evidently the contestants on America's Next Top Model had to wear them at some point. I wouldn't know as I don't watch ANTM. Poor models.
Listen up people: Buy me one of these and we are no longer friends lol. I have a bug aversion, especially to cockroaches after my trip to Costa Rica. You might too if you reached for your bag to locate your flashlight in a blackout only to encounter a cockroach crawling on it. Ick! I sooo do not consider a cockroach a pet, sorry, entomologists and fashionistas.
What I really want to know is how and why the bleep someone came up with this idea?! Ugh. It even has an entry on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roach_brooch . What will they think of next?
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
Gigapxl Project
I first discovered the Gigapxl Project thanks to my dad who read about it in a magazine. What is the Gigapxl Project? It is an amazing photographic project that is probably best described by those involved with it. Here is the project's Vision as described on the website:
Defining the upper limits of large-format photography, digital scanning and image processing, custom-built Gigapxl™ cameras capture images with unprecedented resolution.
It would take a video wall of 10,000 television screens or 600 prints from a professional digital SLR camera to capture as much information as that contained in a single Gigapxl™ exposure.
The Project's near-term goal is to compile a coast-to-coast Portrait of America; photographing her cities, parks and monuments in exquisite detail.
A longer term goal is to create for future generations a world-wide archive of vanishing cultural and archaeological sites.
Thanks to my dad's timely discovery, I was able to see the Exhibition at the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego last summer. I had seen the pictures on the website before going to the museum exhibition, but nothing quite compares to seeing them in person!
The Gigapxl Project captures such a wide variety of experiences. Some of my favorites are scenic shots of places such as the Grand Canyon, Big Sur, the Great Fountain Geyser in Yellowstone, and the recently added Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Arizona. They also have amazing shots of Times Square, the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Mormon Temple in San Diego, a Panorama of San Diego seen from Coronado, and even Petco Park! To see the images I mentioned above, just click on the names to go directly to that image in the gallery.
The site also shows how the spectacular resolution allows to zoom in on specific parts of the pictures. My favorite is probably the photo of Black's Beach, a famous (infamous?) clothing-optional beach in San Diego. They actually had to pixelate the features of some of the people in the photo to protect their privacy. And they captured some men up on the cliffs with telescopes and such trying to see down to the beach LOL! To see more of the images, visit the Image Gallery.
Since all of us are not able to travel along with the Gigapxl Project, we can keep up with the progress via the website. They keep a travelogue as well as a map that shows all the places visited. You can even download the gallery images to use as wallpaper on your computer! In fact, the pictures here in this post are the wallpaper images I downloaded to use on my computer.
I, for one, can't wait until they start the world-wide journey! If you are interested in learning more, feel free to go explore the projects website, http://www.gigapxl.org/
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Who Am I?
I've been in a bit of a funk lately. I think it's mostly because I've graduated and have yet to find a full-time job, so I'm wondering what the hell I'll be doing with the rest of my life.
When I started out in graduate school, I knew I wanted to teach. Well, I still want to teach, but finding a full-time teaching job at a community college seems to be more difficult than winning the lottery. There are jobs out there, I just don't have enough experience to even get an interview.
It's really frustrating. I wouldn't mind the whole teaching-part-time-to-get-experience bit, but it's pretty much impossible to support myself on a part-time salary. And did I mention, no benefits? Oh, and many teachers do this for 4 or more years before getting a full-time teaching job. So I find myself wondering, "Why did I want to do this again?"
I thought about teaching high school, but besides the fact that I worry I can't handle the unruly kids, I can't afford to teach high school, because of my school loans. Not to mention I don't have a credential.
But if I don't teach, then what do I do? I feel like there's nothing out there calling to me as a career. I just feel like I'm wandering without a destination.
And all this mess has carried over to other aspects of my life. It's feeding all my other insecurities and bringing them to the surface. I am constantly second-guessing myself. The second-guessing bit isn't always a bad thing, but it's different somehow lately. I'm back to dealing with my biggest hang-ups. It's really driving me crazy. I tell myself to get over it, but somehow that just makes it worse:S
Don't get me wrong. I know there are many people out there with far worse problems to deal with. I've been extremely lucky in my life and I am very thankful for it. I just have been feeling...blah lately. I think I need to dig out that Choices book I posted about a while ago. If I'm choosing to feel this way, something has got to change!
If you've made it this far, sorry for being a downer, but thanks for "listening." I'll try to post something more upbeat in a bit...
When I started out in graduate school, I knew I wanted to teach. Well, I still want to teach, but finding a full-time teaching job at a community college seems to be more difficult than winning the lottery. There are jobs out there, I just don't have enough experience to even get an interview.
It's really frustrating. I wouldn't mind the whole teaching-part-time-to-get-experience bit, but it's pretty much impossible to support myself on a part-time salary. And did I mention, no benefits? Oh, and many teachers do this for 4 or more years before getting a full-time teaching job. So I find myself wondering, "Why did I want to do this again?"
I thought about teaching high school, but besides the fact that I worry I can't handle the unruly kids, I can't afford to teach high school, because of my school loans. Not to mention I don't have a credential.
But if I don't teach, then what do I do? I feel like there's nothing out there calling to me as a career. I just feel like I'm wandering without a destination.
And all this mess has carried over to other aspects of my life. It's feeding all my other insecurities and bringing them to the surface. I am constantly second-guessing myself. The second-guessing bit isn't always a bad thing, but it's different somehow lately. I'm back to dealing with my biggest hang-ups. It's really driving me crazy. I tell myself to get over it, but somehow that just makes it worse:S
Don't get me wrong. I know there are many people out there with far worse problems to deal with. I've been extremely lucky in my life and I am very thankful for it. I just have been feeling...blah lately. I think I need to dig out that Choices book I posted about a while ago. If I'm choosing to feel this way, something has got to change!
If you've made it this far, sorry for being a downer, but thanks for "listening." I'll try to post something more upbeat in a bit...
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Boring Weekend?...HA!
I was all set to have a boring weekend. I thought about driving to San Diego to keep the cats company since my parents are out of town, but with all the people on the roads headed that way, I nixed that idea. After reading about people's fun plans, I decided I needed to live a little. What did I decide to do? Brave the movie theater on a Friday night. For many of you this does not equate to living a little, but for me? It's an adventure:P
I've wanted to see Mission Impossible: III (though I haven't seen the first two) and there was a late showing, so I got my stuff together and headed out! It was crowded when I arrived (as expected), so finding parking was a challenge. After less than a minute, I triumphantly pulled in to a vacant spot.
As I got out of the car and headed to buy my ticket, I noticed that something smelled like it was burning. I glanced around, but everything appeared normal, so I figured someone's car had just overheated a bit (ah, if only I had known...)
I join the ticket line, which is of course at a standstill. Just as I am about to get to the front of the line, I notice people running toward the parking lot on the side of the theater. I hear the words "car on fire" and think, "Oh crap!" because everyone is running towards where my car is parked! I jump out of line and run down the ramp.
The first thing I see as I round the corner: flames shooting out of a car in the corner of the lot. I'm talking bonfire-big, light-up-the-whole-parking-lot flames. It was totally out of control. My first thought is, "Thank God it's not my car!" This is, of course, followed by guilt as it is somebody's car. People are running toward the car as theater people are shouting at them to keep back. Just as I'm reaching for my cell phone to call 911 (since it seemed no one had actually done that), a theater employee says into his walkie talkie, "We are definitely going to need the fire department."
I thought about moving my car, but figured that wouldn't be a good idea since it was too close to the actual fire. When it appeared I couldn't do anything to help, I went to get back in the ticket line (which was no longer actually a line).
The first responders pulled up before I even made it back to the line, so someone had obviously called 911 pretty quickly after the fire started. I suppose I could have watched them put out the fire, but I figured I was safer inside.
I think I was in shock for quite a while after that. After the movie, I came out and saw the debris left over from the fire: scrap metal, glass and a lot of foam. And woo boy, the stench. It wasn't pleasant. If I ever smell something burning again, you can bet I will be on the lookout.
I've wanted to see Mission Impossible: III (though I haven't seen the first two) and there was a late showing, so I got my stuff together and headed out! It was crowded when I arrived (as expected), so finding parking was a challenge. After less than a minute, I triumphantly pulled in to a vacant spot.
As I got out of the car and headed to buy my ticket, I noticed that something smelled like it was burning. I glanced around, but everything appeared normal, so I figured someone's car had just overheated a bit (ah, if only I had known...)
I join the ticket line, which is of course at a standstill. Just as I am about to get to the front of the line, I notice people running toward the parking lot on the side of the theater. I hear the words "car on fire" and think, "Oh crap!" because everyone is running towards where my car is parked! I jump out of line and run down the ramp.
The first thing I see as I round the corner: flames shooting out of a car in the corner of the lot. I'm talking bonfire-big, light-up-the-whole-parking-lot flames. It was totally out of control. My first thought is, "Thank God it's not my car!" This is, of course, followed by guilt as it is somebody's car. People are running toward the car as theater people are shouting at them to keep back. Just as I'm reaching for my cell phone to call 911 (since it seemed no one had actually done that), a theater employee says into his walkie talkie, "We are definitely going to need the fire department."
I thought about moving my car, but figured that wouldn't be a good idea since it was too close to the actual fire. When it appeared I couldn't do anything to help, I went to get back in the ticket line (which was no longer actually a line).
The first responders pulled up before I even made it back to the line, so someone had obviously called 911 pretty quickly after the fire started. I suppose I could have watched them put out the fire, but I figured I was safer inside.
I think I was in shock for quite a while after that. After the movie, I came out and saw the debris left over from the fire: scrap metal, glass and a lot of foam. And woo boy, the stench. It wasn't pleasant. If I ever smell something burning again, you can bet I will be on the lookout.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
More Pet Photos!
Here are some more photos I took of the cats when I visited my parents. Ron and Sophie are hard to catch; partly because they rarely stay in one place long and partly because of their color (Sophie so light and Ron so dark). Sophie blends into the patio and Ron always seems to be out of focus! Oh well...
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
From the Photo Archives!
I’ve been going through some older photos while backing up my files on CD. For various reasons, I wasn’t completely satisfied with some of them or I liked others better. I guess that’s the perfectionist in me, though, as nothing can ever be perfect, how does that work? That’s probably a question for an entirely different blog!
Anyway, last night (well, early Tuesday morning), I was looking through the photos, and I found some I decided I would share even though they have flaws. When I say flaws I mean, slightly out of focus or that there is something in the shot that I couldn’t remove and it sort of ruined the picture (in my opinion.) I played around a bit last night and tried to crop out some things (like fence lines). Anyway, I’ll be posting the first two here and then more of them in the posts below…
The first picture below is a picture of the foothills here in Claremont. It was clear after a storm and there was some snow on the hills. I had a hard time getting a shot without something (cars, telephone poles, houses, …) in the way. I actually drove around to different spots in town trying to get a better shot. This is the best I could do:
The next picture (below) is of Downtown San Diego, also taken on a clear day after a storm. Like the above shot, it was hard to get one without wires, poles, or headstones (it was taken from the naval cemetery) in the way.
Anyway, last night (well, early Tuesday morning), I was looking through the photos, and I found some I decided I would share even though they have flaws. When I say flaws I mean, slightly out of focus or that there is something in the shot that I couldn’t remove and it sort of ruined the picture (in my opinion.) I played around a bit last night and tried to crop out some things (like fence lines). Anyway, I’ll be posting the first two here and then more of them in the posts below…
The first picture below is a picture of the foothills here in Claremont. It was clear after a storm and there was some snow on the hills. I had a hard time getting a shot without something (cars, telephone poles, houses, …) in the way. I actually drove around to different spots in town trying to get a better shot. This is the best I could do:
The next picture (below) is of Downtown San Diego, also taken on a clear day after a storm. Like the above shot, it was hard to get one without wires, poles, or headstones (it was taken from the naval cemetery) in the way.
Cloudy Sky Experiment
I've posted some pictures I've taken the same day as I took these. I just had some fun experimenting with taking pictures at odd angles and thought I'd share these as well...
March 2006 Sunset
Here are some sunset pictures I took in March. I wasn't happy with them mostly because the fence got in the way (I've cropped it out) and the focus wasn't quite right...
November/December 2005 Sunset Pics
Here are some sunset pictures (taken on 2 different days) that are a bit too dark as I got outside pretty close to too late to take photos. It was extremely difficult to get the shots because of the light (and without a tripod), but I had to try because the colors and the clouds were amazing. I've been kicking myself for not getting better shots, but I figured I would share these anyway...
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Goodbye Alias! It Was Great While it Lasted...
It’s over. It’s really over. I can’t believe it. Four years, 7 months, 22 days and 5 hours ago, I was sitting in my apartment in Camarillo watching the premiere of what became my favorite show ever. I never missed an episode.
I’m so sad to see it end even though I knew it had to end some time. They all do, right? Heck, I was worried that it wouldn’t even make it to Season 2. Luckily, we got 5 seasons. Yes, Alias had it’s ups and downs, but I was a loyal fan to the end.
I know I’m getting overly emotional about a TV show of all things, but I feel like I’m losing an old friend. Looking forward to Alias got me through some tough times at work, and now it’s gone.
So I’m posting here to say “Farewell, Alias! You’ll always be a fond memory for me.”
I’m so sad to see it end even though I knew it had to end some time. They all do, right? Heck, I was worried that it wouldn’t even make it to Season 2. Luckily, we got 5 seasons. Yes, Alias had it’s ups and downs, but I was a loyal fan to the end.
I know I’m getting overly emotional about a TV show of all things, but I feel like I’m losing an old friend. Looking forward to Alias got me through some tough times at work, and now it’s gone.
So I’m posting here to say “Farewell, Alias! You’ll always be a fond memory for me.”
Monday, May 22, 2006
May TBR Challenge
I had quite a difficult time deciding which book to read for AngieW’s May TBR Challenge. I have so many books I am dying to read!
The theme this month was:
“Military/Police themed book in honor of Memorial Day OR an ebook/book in print that was first an ebook.”
I seem to have more ebooks on my TBR list than print books, so I decided to go with a book first published as an ebook, specifically Sexylips66 as noted below:) I suppose it fits the military theme slightly. The hero in the book I chose is actually in the military, but the book doesn’t revolve around a military scenario. And bear with me here as I am new to this and am not exactly sure what to write!
Title: Sexylips66
Author: Dakota Cassidy
Year published: 2006 (I think that’s right; the copyright is 2005 though)
Why did you get this book?
I’ve wanted to try a Dakota Cassidy book for some time, so I was specifically looking for one of her books as I was browsing. The blurb and excerpt for this book intrigued me.
Do you like the cover?
I don’t generally pay much attention to covers of books, especially ebooks. I looked back at it and the cover definitely fits the title!
Did you enjoy the book?
I really enjoyed this book. I started reading it while waiting for my car to be serviced, and there were numerous times I had to stop myself from laughing out loud! I didn’t think the people watching the Fox News Channel would appreciate me laughing my ass off :P I even found myself exclaiming “OMG!” along with Callie (the heroine) a couple of times. I was really able to identify with Callie. Though we have our differences, I felt like I was Callie in some ways. And who wouldn’t love Brian? Brian is a strong, hot, sensitive, understanding guy who takes Callie as she is, baggage and all. I love the combination of online and in person interaction between Callie and Brian. And I definitely rode the emotional roller coaster along with Callie (and even Brian) throughout the story. I started this book during a really busy week and found myself losing sleep because I just didn’t want to put the book down during the few free minutes I did have.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
This is the first book I’ve read by Dakota Cassidy. Though I’ve been warned that this book is a bit of a departure from her normal style, I definitely plan to read more Dakota Cassidy novels!
Are you keeping it or passing it on?
As it is an ebook, passing it on isn’t an option, but I’d be keeping it anyway.
Anything else?
I am someone who tends to associate specific songs with events or things in my life, though this usually doesn’t apply to books I read. In this case, though, I have started to associate George Michael’s “Heal the Pain” with Sexylips66. I guess it’s a good pairing as I love both the song and the book and they have similar themes!
Oh, and for those of you who prefer print books, this book is available in print as well either at Amazon or Books-a-Million. In fact, I even saw it in print at my local Borders just the other night, though my book budget didn’t allow me to buy it this month:(
The theme this month was:
“Military/Police themed book in honor of Memorial Day OR an ebook/book in print that was first an ebook.”
I seem to have more ebooks on my TBR list than print books, so I decided to go with a book first published as an ebook, specifically Sexylips66 as noted below:) I suppose it fits the military theme slightly. The hero in the book I chose is actually in the military, but the book doesn’t revolve around a military scenario. And bear with me here as I am new to this and am not exactly sure what to write!
Title: Sexylips66
Author: Dakota Cassidy
Year published: 2006 (I think that’s right; the copyright is 2005 though)
Why did you get this book?
I’ve wanted to try a Dakota Cassidy book for some time, so I was specifically looking for one of her books as I was browsing. The blurb and excerpt for this book intrigued me.
Do you like the cover?
I don’t generally pay much attention to covers of books, especially ebooks. I looked back at it and the cover definitely fits the title!
Did you enjoy the book?
I really enjoyed this book. I started reading it while waiting for my car to be serviced, and there were numerous times I had to stop myself from laughing out loud! I didn’t think the people watching the Fox News Channel would appreciate me laughing my ass off :P I even found myself exclaiming “OMG!” along with Callie (the heroine) a couple of times. I was really able to identify with Callie. Though we have our differences, I felt like I was Callie in some ways. And who wouldn’t love Brian? Brian is a strong, hot, sensitive, understanding guy who takes Callie as she is, baggage and all. I love the combination of online and in person interaction between Callie and Brian. And I definitely rode the emotional roller coaster along with Callie (and even Brian) throughout the story. I started this book during a really busy week and found myself losing sleep because I just didn’t want to put the book down during the few free minutes I did have.
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
This is the first book I’ve read by Dakota Cassidy. Though I’ve been warned that this book is a bit of a departure from her normal style, I definitely plan to read more Dakota Cassidy novels!
Are you keeping it or passing it on?
As it is an ebook, passing it on isn’t an option, but I’d be keeping it anyway.
Anything else?
I am someone who tends to associate specific songs with events or things in my life, though this usually doesn’t apply to books I read. In this case, though, I have started to associate George Michael’s “Heal the Pain” with Sexylips66. I guess it’s a good pairing as I love both the song and the book and they have similar themes!
Oh, and for those of you who prefer print books, this book is available in print as well either at Amazon or Books-a-Million. In fact, I even saw it in print at my local Borders just the other night, though my book budget didn’t allow me to buy it this month:(
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Strawberry Nachos?
When I last left you, I planned to get up early (8:00 AM) to head to the Strawberry Festival in Oxnard. Unfortunately, when my alarm went off, I decided I was way too tired, both in the usual sense and of driving, to make the 90-mile trek today.
With that decision made, I drifted back to sleep. When I was finally ready to contemplate getting out of bed (at noon), I started thinking that maybe I did want to go to the Strawberry Festival. Plus, if I didn’t go, I felt I would let you all down by not reporting back about it (not that there are many of “you” out there.) After calculating how long it would take to get ready and then drive there, I jumped in the shower at 12:13 PM and was out the door by 12:47 PM.
After quick stops for gas, a snack and cash, I was on my way! I so late was that I missed the traffic on the way there. It seems that everyone was on the other side of the freeway on the way home! Of course, as soon as I got within 5 miles of the festival, it started to rain. So there are no photos of the festival because I didn’t want to mess with my camera in the rain.
There were the usual things as I mentioned previously, but this year I noticed one strawberry item that I hadn’t seen before: Strawberry Nachos! I just had to go find out more about them as this really didn’t sound too appetizing to me.
So what are strawberry nachos? First, deep fry flour tortillas to make chips. Then sprinkle the chips with cinnamon and sugar. Finally, add strawberries and whip cream on top. Sounds better than I expected, but I still wasn’t up for trying them.
The rain combined with me not being in a sweets mood meant I didn’t try any of the strawberry concoctions, but I did bring strawberries home with me. And I bought an official festival cookbook! I guess I can experiment some this week. Of course I have to go to the grocery store first. Groan…
With that decision made, I drifted back to sleep. When I was finally ready to contemplate getting out of bed (at noon), I started thinking that maybe I did want to go to the Strawberry Festival. Plus, if I didn’t go, I felt I would let you all down by not reporting back about it (not that there are many of “you” out there.) After calculating how long it would take to get ready and then drive there, I jumped in the shower at 12:13 PM and was out the door by 12:47 PM.
After quick stops for gas, a snack and cash, I was on my way! I so late was that I missed the traffic on the way there. It seems that everyone was on the other side of the freeway on the way home! Of course, as soon as I got within 5 miles of the festival, it started to rain. So there are no photos of the festival because I didn’t want to mess with my camera in the rain.
There were the usual things as I mentioned previously, but this year I noticed one strawberry item that I hadn’t seen before: Strawberry Nachos! I just had to go find out more about them as this really didn’t sound too appetizing to me.
So what are strawberry nachos? First, deep fry flour tortillas to make chips. Then sprinkle the chips with cinnamon and sugar. Finally, add strawberries and whip cream on top. Sounds better than I expected, but I still wasn’t up for trying them.
The rain combined with me not being in a sweets mood meant I didn’t try any of the strawberry concoctions, but I did bring strawberries home with me. And I bought an official festival cookbook! I guess I can experiment some this week. Of course I have to go to the grocery store first. Groan…
Clouds!
I planned to post these pictures earlier, but I got sidetracked at Borders! First by the books and then by an in-store performance. Anyway, I have been itching to take some sunset/sky shots, but haven't had cooperative weather lately. Today my luck changed! And while I was planning to take photos, I wasn't thinking of getting the shots I've been itching for. I planned to take pictures around school, but it was a bit too bright when I got off work. I did get some decent cloud shots when I ran in to print off my unofficial transcripts though!
After that, I decided I wanted to go out later to take pictures when the light was better. I almost missed my chance as I decided to take a nap (always a dangerous thing to do in my case), but I woke up just in time to catch sunset. I grabbed the camera, ran outside and before I even got in the car, I noticed the clouds and stopped to take some photos. Then I headed off to school because there was a "Quiet place" and a garden I wanted to shoot, but unfortunately, I slept just a bit too long. I'm including one photo of a fern that I got. I hope to get more in better light at some point. I did get some more cloudy sky shots though. I even got some really interesting shots of the sky through the Gazebo covering the garden. Anyway, the pics are below.
Oh, and as of right now, I've decided to go to the Strawberry Festival. I'm going to try to get up early. As it is just about 1am right now, that might not work too well...
After that, I decided I wanted to go out later to take pictures when the light was better. I almost missed my chance as I decided to take a nap (always a dangerous thing to do in my case), but I woke up just in time to catch sunset. I grabbed the camera, ran outside and before I even got in the car, I noticed the clouds and stopped to take some photos. Then I headed off to school because there was a "Quiet place" and a garden I wanted to shoot, but unfortunately, I slept just a bit too long. I'm including one photo of a fern that I got. I hope to get more in better light at some point. I did get some more cloudy sky shots though. I even got some really interesting shots of the sky through the Gazebo covering the garden. Anyway, the pics are below.
Oh, and as of right now, I've decided to go to the Strawberry Festival. I'm going to try to get up early. As it is just about 1am right now, that might not work too well...
Friday, May 19, 2006
Strawberry Festival: Go or No?
This weekend is the Annual Strawberry Festival here in California. It's held in Oxnard which is just a few miles from Camarillo where I lived when I worked for Verizon. I love strawberries. They're my favorite fruit. But I can't decide if I want to make the trek (about 90 miles each way) through the hellish traffic which is usually bumper to bumper the last 20 or so miles unless I get there at the crack of dawn. It was a no-brainer when I lived only 6 miles away, but now? Sigh...Two years ago I drove up from San Diego which is even farther (190+ miles) , but now I wonder if I was on crack when I made that drive!
Even when I do go, I don't generally stay long because the crowds (or the heat) get to me. There are tons of strawberry foods: strawberry shortcake, smoothies, strawberry pizza, shave ice, funnel cakes, you name it, they have it. Yet, my stomach is only so big. And after a lot of sweet stuff, I start feeling sick.
They also have music, arts and crafts, and a ton of activities for kids. One year I joined the kids and made my own neon candle LOL! And the arts and crafts are always dangerous. I inevitably fall in love with something I really can't afford. Like the ginormous Bird of Paradise painting that wouldn't even fit in my car. I think that was the one thing I didn't end up buying.
If I do go, I would get strawberries to bring home with me as the strawberries from that area are some of the best in the world (so good, they are usually exported to countries that will pay more). I got spoiled getting them from road-side stands when I lived up there. Now I can't stand to buy the second-rate strawberries they sell in grocery stores.
What to do? Maybe I'll go an take my new camera. I haven't taken the big one along since I would worry about it too much and it is a bit bulky to lug around. Hmmmm...
***ETA: According to the weather, it might rain on Sunday (the only day I can go as I work Saturday). That may make my decision for me, but the rain may make it less crowded. Hmmm...Still undecided LOL.
Even when I do go, I don't generally stay long because the crowds (or the heat) get to me. There are tons of strawberry foods: strawberry shortcake, smoothies, strawberry pizza, shave ice, funnel cakes, you name it, they have it. Yet, my stomach is only so big. And after a lot of sweet stuff, I start feeling sick.
They also have music, arts and crafts, and a ton of activities for kids. One year I joined the kids and made my own neon candle LOL! And the arts and crafts are always dangerous. I inevitably fall in love with something I really can't afford. Like the ginormous Bird of Paradise painting that wouldn't even fit in my car. I think that was the one thing I didn't end up buying.
If I do go, I would get strawberries to bring home with me as the strawberries from that area are some of the best in the world (so good, they are usually exported to countries that will pay more). I got spoiled getting them from road-side stands when I lived up there. Now I can't stand to buy the second-rate strawberries they sell in grocery stores.
What to do? Maybe I'll go an take my new camera. I haven't taken the big one along since I would worry about it too much and it is a bit bulky to lug around. Hmmmm...
***ETA: According to the weather, it might rain on Sunday (the only day I can go as I work Saturday). That may make my decision for me, but the rain may make it less crowded. Hmmm...Still undecided LOL.
You Learn Something New Everyday!
I love learning new things. This little fact, however, is not something that is essential to my being, but what the heck, right? I actually learned this “fact” last weekend when Summer was in town, but I was reminded tonight as I drove by the sign at the Tropical Lei (the local strip club just down the road).
As I drove past the Tropical Lei with Summer in the passenger seat, I wondered aloud what was so special about the latest blurb on their marquee, “Even Bad Days Have Happy Endings!” That was when I learned that “Happy Ending” didn’t mean “And then they lived happily every after…” in the fairy tale sense.
Now, I know that “massage parlor’s” are not always just places to give you a nice relaxing back rub. In fact, I had to hold all business licenses in the City of Coronado when I temped for them. The police had to verify that each “massage technician” really was only giving nice relaxing back rubs. But, yet again, I digress…
Thanks to Summer, I now know how to get a little “extra” at one of those not quite legit massage parlor’s if I ever get the urge (highly unlikely:P). The odd thing is that later that night as we were watching Leno, he referenced a “Happy Ending” in that sense as well while talking to Tom Hanks. Now I wonder how many “Happy Ending” references I’ve missed over the years LOL!
As I drove past the Tropical Lei with Summer in the passenger seat, I wondered aloud what was so special about the latest blurb on their marquee, “Even Bad Days Have Happy Endings!” That was when I learned that “Happy Ending” didn’t mean “And then they lived happily every after…” in the fairy tale sense.
Now, I know that “massage parlor’s” are not always just places to give you a nice relaxing back rub. In fact, I had to hold all business licenses in the City of Coronado when I temped for them. The police had to verify that each “massage technician” really was only giving nice relaxing back rubs. But, yet again, I digress…
Thanks to Summer, I now know how to get a little “extra” at one of those not quite legit massage parlor’s if I ever get the urge (highly unlikely:P). The odd thing is that later that night as we were watching Leno, he referenced a “Happy Ending” in that sense as well while talking to Tom Hanks. Now I wonder how many “Happy Ending” references I’ve missed over the years LOL!
Thursday, May 18, 2006
What would you do?
On my way back from San Diego, I stopped to fill up on gas. As we all know, gas prices are outrageous these days. As I pulled out of the Costco gas station and hit the road, I got to thinking about something I saw on the news last week. There was a glitch in gas pumps at a gas station in Indiana that allowed people to get gas for $0.002 per gallon.
Many people filled their tanks and took off. I think I remember hearing on the news that one person went and told all his friends so they could fill up as well. I’m not sure how long it took, but eventually the gas station owner realized that something was wrong with the pump and placed it out of service. I found one online article that says one woman finally went in and told the attendant (though I don’t recall this being mentioned on the news broadcast I saw). She even offered to pay the actual advertised price. Obviously, the gas station lost quite a lot of money.
I started thinking, “What would I have done if I discovered the glitch?” I’m a pretty honest person and I am a big believer in Karma. When someone gives me too much change, I always correct them and return the extra money rather than pocket the extra money and think “Lucky me!” I even called my bank once after they made a deposit twice -- even though it was only $14. They told me to keep it since it would cost them more than $14 just to get it back (my good Karma I like to think).
I generally try to put myself in the other person’s situation and ask myself what I would like someone to do in my shoes. With the incorrect change situation, I think of the cashier trying to reconcile the money in the drawer at the end of her shift and having to explain to her manager how she ended up short.
I even do it with non-monetary things like customer service. I tend to go over the top to be nice to customer service reps because I have been in their shoes. I know that it isn’t fun to be yelled at all day for something that isn’t always within your control. Now, there are times when this doesn’t work and yes, I do lose my temper. I do, however, tend to go in with the “you catch more flies with honey” attitude rather than the “squeaky wheel gets the oil” attitude.
With the gas station situation, I put myself in the owner’s shoes and think, “Does this mean I can’t pay for essentials? Do I have raise the gas prices even more to recoup the money I lost?” Yes, I know some accuse gas station owners of price gouging, but has anyone ever filled up for $0.002 a gallon?!
So my question to you is, would you have filled up and then gone on your way? Or would you have gone in and told someone working at the gas station that the pump wasn’t working correctly?
I’d like to think I would have informed the gas station attendant…
Many people filled their tanks and took off. I think I remember hearing on the news that one person went and told all his friends so they could fill up as well. I’m not sure how long it took, but eventually the gas station owner realized that something was wrong with the pump and placed it out of service. I found one online article that says one woman finally went in and told the attendant (though I don’t recall this being mentioned on the news broadcast I saw). She even offered to pay the actual advertised price. Obviously, the gas station lost quite a lot of money.
I started thinking, “What would I have done if I discovered the glitch?” I’m a pretty honest person and I am a big believer in Karma. When someone gives me too much change, I always correct them and return the extra money rather than pocket the extra money and think “Lucky me!” I even called my bank once after they made a deposit twice -- even though it was only $14. They told me to keep it since it would cost them more than $14 just to get it back (my good Karma I like to think).
I generally try to put myself in the other person’s situation and ask myself what I would like someone to do in my shoes. With the incorrect change situation, I think of the cashier trying to reconcile the money in the drawer at the end of her shift and having to explain to her manager how she ended up short.
I even do it with non-monetary things like customer service. I tend to go over the top to be nice to customer service reps because I have been in their shoes. I know that it isn’t fun to be yelled at all day for something that isn’t always within your control. Now, there are times when this doesn’t work and yes, I do lose my temper. I do, however, tend to go in with the “you catch more flies with honey” attitude rather than the “squeaky wheel gets the oil” attitude.
With the gas station situation, I put myself in the owner’s shoes and think, “Does this mean I can’t pay for essentials? Do I have raise the gas prices even more to recoup the money I lost?” Yes, I know some accuse gas station owners of price gouging, but has anyone ever filled up for $0.002 a gallon?!
So my question to you is, would you have filled up and then gone on your way? Or would you have gone in and told someone working at the gas station that the pump wasn’t working correctly?
I’d like to think I would have informed the gas station attendant…
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
World on Fire
This isn’t one of the many topics that I’ve been planning to blog about, but after seeing Oprah today, this vaulted to the top of my list. I don’t watch Oprah often, but today I am glad I did. The first part of the show was moving in and of itself. Her guests were Queen Rania of Jordan and the first female African President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, of Liberia. I almost cried when I heard first-hand stories like the Liberian girl, a 12-year old just starting school because her family couldn’t afford it earlier. She said that she knew she could be anything knowing that a woman was the President of her country.
What prompted me to run to the computer and write this blog entry was her last guest: Sarah McLachlan. She was on to play and show her video for her latest single. Though music is a large part of my life, I’m not a big fan of music videos, so this video has been out for a little while (though this is the first I’ve seen or hear of it). I love the song, and Sarah McLachlan’s video for her new single is not like any other music video.
Instead of paying the $150,000 it usually takes to make a music video, she made her video herself for $15. She donated the remaining $149,985 to causes around the globe. Her video chronicles what the money could (and did) buy instead of her music video. Words (at least mine) cannot express the emotions I felt watching the video. It was just amazing. The video is below. It may take a little bit to load (buffering message), but I promise you it is worth the wait! I took it off auto-play, so you may actually have to hit play twice (don't ask me why) to get it to start...
If you can’t get the music video to work on your computer or for the text of the video and song lyrics, you can find all that and more by clicking here.
What prompted me to run to the computer and write this blog entry was her last guest: Sarah McLachlan. She was on to play and show her video for her latest single. Though music is a large part of my life, I’m not a big fan of music videos, so this video has been out for a little while (though this is the first I’ve seen or hear of it). I love the song, and Sarah McLachlan’s video for her new single is not like any other music video.
Instead of paying the $150,000 it usually takes to make a music video, she made her video herself for $15. She donated the remaining $149,985 to causes around the globe. Her video chronicles what the money could (and did) buy instead of her music video. Words (at least mine) cannot express the emotions I felt watching the video. It was just amazing. The video is below. It may take a little bit to load (buffering message), but I promise you it is worth the wait! I took it off auto-play, so you may actually have to hit play twice (don't ask me why) to get it to start...
If you can’t get the music video to work on your computer or for the text of the video and song lyrics, you can find all that and more by clicking here.
Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com
Backyard Photos
I was going to blog about one of the million topics running through my head, but I got distracted looking at some photos I took today in the backyard of my parents' house. That and making mixes to record on CD. I've been in a Michael Jackson music mood lately (though only the earlier stuff-Off The Wall, Thriller, & Bad), so I thought I might make a mix. Yes, he's become beyond strange as a person, but I still love the music and it reminds me of my childhood.
Anyway, here are a couple of pictures of the backyard, the house, and some photos I took in the yard. Many of the other pictures in the blog were also taken in this yard...
The Backyard...
The house from the yard (with Cherie in the foreground)
Anyway, here are a couple of pictures of the backyard, the house, and some photos I took in the yard. Many of the other pictures in the blog were also taken in this yard...
I was amazed that this Bird of Paradise appeared to be crying!
Another Bird of Paradise
A flower about to bloom...
The Backyard...
The house from the yard (with Cherie in the foreground)
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Who Is It?
Ok, so I'm in a less evil mood and I realize the picture below is blurry. Soooooo...I posted who is in the picture with me in the comments section of the post below. If you want to know, check it out:P
Graduation!
Whew! What a weekend! It was pretty busy as I worked, visited with family from out of town (Oklahoma and Northern California), graduated, then drove to San Diego for Mother's Day. I have a ton of things I want to blog about, but haven't had the time (or energy when I get the time). For tonight, I figured I would post an update.
As I think I mentioned before, I decided not to attend the all-school commencement ceremony. I had various reasons: it was 110 degrees last year, they name everyone, the list goes on... I wouldn't have missed any of the 3 Stanford graduation ceremonies I went to as an undergrad, but I felt grad school was a bit different. And Stanford's graduation has quite a reputation** so there was no way I wanted to miss it LOL!
Anyway, for grad school I just wanted to participate in whatever reception/ceremony the math department held. It was all very last minute, though. It took some frantic calls and arrangements, but my parents and Summer were able to attend the reception with me:)
I was happy as I really wanted my parents and professors to meet! And I find out so much interesting stuff about both my parents and my professors listening to the conversations. The Dean (who was also my advisor) said some things to my parents that he'd never said to me that made me feel really great, so all in all it was a great day!
And then there's the story that my parents never fail to mention when I go with them to parties and such. It's something I never really tell people. I don't know why; I just don't! And it gets really embarrassing when my parents do tell people. Anyway, the story prompted a nameless person to joke about getting me to contact this person to donate enough money to name the School of Mathematical Sciences after him.
Who is it you ask? Well, I'm not going to make it quite so easy! I've been in an evil mood lately. So I'm going to post a picture (though it's a bit blurry) of us taken my freshman year in college at a track meet. I think this will be enough to identify the person:P
Oh and I suppose I should give you the short version of the story...We had freshman writing class together and were friendly during the time we were both at Stanford. I even won a cheesy award at my 10-year High School Reunion because of it LOL! Anyway, here's the pic (I'm the one in the hat with the blue shirt on):
**At Stanford, the procession into the graduation ceremony is known as the "Wacky Walk" and is by no means orderly. The year before my graduation, someone came in to the stadium naked and slid on a slip 'n' slide. They banned nakedness after that, though. And during the ceremony? The Band (who also has a reputation for insanity) passes out "Bingo" cards (with words likely to be used by the commencement speaker). Beach balls fly...All of this while some really important person (Ted Coppel my graduation year) speaks...You get the picture?
As I think I mentioned before, I decided not to attend the all-school commencement ceremony. I had various reasons: it was 110 degrees last year, they name everyone, the list goes on... I wouldn't have missed any of the 3 Stanford graduation ceremonies I went to as an undergrad, but I felt grad school was a bit different. And Stanford's graduation has quite a reputation** so there was no way I wanted to miss it LOL!
Anyway, for grad school I just wanted to participate in whatever reception/ceremony the math department held. It was all very last minute, though. It took some frantic calls and arrangements, but my parents and Summer were able to attend the reception with me:)
I was happy as I really wanted my parents and professors to meet! And I find out so much interesting stuff about both my parents and my professors listening to the conversations. The Dean (who was also my advisor) said some things to my parents that he'd never said to me that made me feel really great, so all in all it was a great day!
And then there's the story that my parents never fail to mention when I go with them to parties and such. It's something I never really tell people. I don't know why; I just don't! And it gets really embarrassing when my parents do tell people. Anyway, the story prompted a nameless person to joke about getting me to contact this person to donate enough money to name the School of Mathematical Sciences after him.
Who is it you ask? Well, I'm not going to make it quite so easy! I've been in an evil mood lately. So I'm going to post a picture (though it's a bit blurry) of us taken my freshman year in college at a track meet. I think this will be enough to identify the person:P
Oh and I suppose I should give you the short version of the story...We had freshman writing class together and were friendly during the time we were both at Stanford. I even won a cheesy award at my 10-year High School Reunion because of it LOL! Anyway, here's the pic (I'm the one in the hat with the blue shirt on):
**At Stanford, the procession into the graduation ceremony is known as the "Wacky Walk" and is by no means orderly. The year before my graduation, someone came in to the stadium naked and slid on a slip 'n' slide. They banned nakedness after that, though. And during the ceremony? The Band (who also has a reputation for insanity) passes out "Bingo" cards (with words likely to be used by the commencement speaker). Beach balls fly...All of this while some really important person (Ted Coppel my graduation year) speaks...You get the picture?
Friday, May 12, 2006
I Miss the Sunsets...
Ok, after posting the pics last night, I don't feel quite so blah about most of them. After thinking a bit more about it, I realized I miss the sunsets. I haven't had a great sunset/cloud formation to photograph in a couple of months and I'm in withdrawal lol. So I looked through some of my previous sunset photos that I haven't posted and found a couple more to post. Did I mention that I tend to take a bazillion photos? I have two 1 GB photo cards and one 512 MB card and they are almost all constantly full (of course some of it is paranoia about erasing the images I love even when I've transferred them to my computer). Anyway, I'm posting a couple more kitty pictures from this week and then some sunsets from back in March. And yes, that weed is taller than Cherie...
Oh! And I remembered what I was planning to blog about as I drove around on Tuesday. I probably won't get a chance to blog about it until after this weekend, but I will at some point next week (hopefully!)
Oh! And I remembered what I was planning to blog about as I drove around on Tuesday. I probably won't get a chance to blog about it until after this weekend, but I will at some point next week (hopefully!)
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Random Stuff
It feels like forever since I've blogged even though my last post was Monday. I've been a bit busy this week as I am in Bonita visiting my parents and then I graduate on Saturday! I also work my usual Thursday, Friday, and even Saturday morning just before the math graduation reception (I'm not attending the main commencement ceremony.)
I was out and about Tuesday taking my car in for an oil change and then running around doing various things. I remember thinking about all sorts of things I could blog about, but I seem to have forgotten them all. Perhaps that's because I currently have a headache:S I did make a decision on the ebook I'm reading for the May TBR Challenge while I was waiting for my car, though. YAY!
I've taken some pictures, but I'm not really sure I'm happy with them. It's been gray and gloomy a lot so no beautiful sunsets this trip. I tried having kitty photo shoots, but they aren't always the most cooperative lol. I'm posting a few pictures even though I'm kinda blah about them. I think I need to go to bed...
I was out and about Tuesday taking my car in for an oil change and then running around doing various things. I remember thinking about all sorts of things I could blog about, but I seem to have forgotten them all. Perhaps that's because I currently have a headache:S I did make a decision on the ebook I'm reading for the May TBR Challenge while I was waiting for my car, though. YAY!
I've taken some pictures, but I'm not really sure I'm happy with them. It's been gray and gloomy a lot so no beautiful sunsets this trip. I tried having kitty photo shoots, but they aren't always the most cooperative lol. I'm posting a few pictures even though I'm kinda blah about them. I think I need to go to bed...
Monday, May 08, 2006
Choices
I run into trouble whenever I have too many options in making a choice. Trouble in that it takes me forever to make the choice! I think it's part of the whole Libra thing. I always have to weigh everything to make a "fair" or "good" decision. At the moment, my choice dilemma is which ebook from my "virtual" TBR pile to choose for AngieW's May TBR Challenge. There are so many ebooks to choose from! I just hope it doesn't take me until the end of May just to make the decision lol.
You can imagine that if I have a hard time with this choice, that most major life decisions are quite interesting. Anyway, once I make the choice and read the ebook, my review will be posted here on my blog...
On another note (to keep with my theme of randomness), one of my favorite books is related to this topic. It's called Choices by Shad Helmstetter. I first read it in high school and though it's currently out of print, I highly recommend it. It really made me think about how choice affects my entire life even in ways I never thought possible. I think it's time to re-read it (if and when I can find my copy!)
You can imagine that if I have a hard time with this choice, that most major life decisions are quite interesting. Anyway, once I make the choice and read the ebook, my review will be posted here on my blog...
On another note (to keep with my theme of randomness), one of my favorite books is related to this topic. It's called Choices by Shad Helmstetter. I first read it in high school and though it's currently out of print, I highly recommend it. It really made me think about how choice affects my entire life even in ways I never thought possible. I think it's time to re-read it (if and when I can find my copy!)
Friday, May 05, 2006
Let It Be A Dance
Let it be a dance we do
May I have this dance with you?
Through the good times,
And the bad times, too,
Let it be a dance.
Morning star
Comes out at night
Without the dark
There is no light
If nothing's wrong,
Then nothing's right
Let it be a dance.
Let the sun shine,
Let it rain
Share the laughter,
Bear the pain
And round and round
We go again
Let it be a dance.
--Excerpt from Let it Be a Dance by Ric Masten
May I have this dance with you?
Through the good times,
And the bad times, too,
Let it be a dance.
Morning star
Comes out at night
Without the dark
There is no light
If nothing's wrong,
Then nothing's right
Let it be a dance.
Let the sun shine,
Let it rain
Share the laughter,
Bear the pain
And round and round
We go again
Let it be a dance.
--Excerpt from Let it Be a Dance by Ric Masten
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