After a week of some fun in the extremely hot sun, I'm back on the east coast where it already feels like fall. Sigh...where did the summer go?
As usual I had a fantastic week, and I'm exhausted. I always feel like I run out of time on these trips and never get to spend enough quality time with my friends and family, but I do what I can. During this visit I opted to spend a little more time with the family mainly because I've been missing them a lot lately. Hopefully I'll be able to see everyone on my next visit, including PB & HB's new baby girl. She's scheduled to arrive on January 5, but I'm hoping she decides to make an early appearance so I can meet her. :)
The one thing I did a lot of on this trip was eat. Boy did I eat. I feel like I need to detox. Everything was just so good I couldn't resist. RJ introduced me to this awesome strawberry croissant thing that I'm craving now. Yum! I was also able to go to Sonic numerous times. I love my strawberry limeades and strawberry creamslushes. Happy hour between 2-4 p.m. was the greatest because all drinks were half off!
And of course I did manage to find time for the puppies. My sweet girl Roxy was awesome as usual and little Mocha and Bruce were so cute I just wanted to cuddle with them all day. Poor little Gizmo got stung in the nose by a bee and his mouth and nose swelled so much he had to be taken to the animal hospital. He's fine now, but I have to say, he looked really cute--kind of like Scooby Doo.
Now that I'm back it's time for me to gear up for September--lots of things going on including tons of work, all the fall TV premieres, the U.S. Open, Hamlet and outings with people I haven't seen in ages. Before I know it, October will be here already. Seriously, what happened to summer?
Did I mention I was tired?
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
No Circus for Me
My horoscope for today:
It won't be a boring day. Startling, for sure--shocking, maybe. But definitely not boring, humdrum or run-of-the-mill. Your first surprise will likely arrive via either a coworker or someone else you see on a daily basis. Either way, they won't be acting even remotely close to the way they usually do. Of course, you being you, you'll enjoy the change -- and encourage it. Hey, it's your job to be a sparkplug. Might as well have fun with it.
Lately this thing has been so accurate, it's scary. The week I was in a crappy, horrible mood, each horoscope for every day of that week mentioned something about me being angry and getting into disagreements. Totally freaked me out.
Before I read this morning's blurb, I received a surprising email from my boss asking my co-worker and I if we wanted tix to the Britney Spears concert. Apparently, one of the intern programs we work with is giving them to us as a thank you. Unfortunately, I'm out of town next week. Of course I totally would have gone because say what you will about the girl, but she really can put on a show. I went to her Pepsi-sponsored concert years ago because we got free tix from a family friend, and it was definitely entertaining. Oh well...I wonder if they have any tix to the U.S. Open they can give us. ;)
No matter--hopefully I'll be able to catch an Angels game while I'm home, and I'm really hoping my sister's hook-up can get us tix to the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. I've lived in Orange County most of my life and I still haven't been to a show. What is this you ask? It's basically an art show where they re-create famous works of art with real people. It's really cool if you're into that kind of stuff.
OK, I have a few more things to do before I hit the sheets, so I better get to them. Vacation here I come! Woohoo!
It won't be a boring day. Startling, for sure--shocking, maybe. But definitely not boring, humdrum or run-of-the-mill. Your first surprise will likely arrive via either a coworker or someone else you see on a daily basis. Either way, they won't be acting even remotely close to the way they usually do. Of course, you being you, you'll enjoy the change -- and encourage it. Hey, it's your job to be a sparkplug. Might as well have fun with it.
Lately this thing has been so accurate, it's scary. The week I was in a crappy, horrible mood, each horoscope for every day of that week mentioned something about me being angry and getting into disagreements. Totally freaked me out.
Before I read this morning's blurb, I received a surprising email from my boss asking my co-worker and I if we wanted tix to the Britney Spears concert. Apparently, one of the intern programs we work with is giving them to us as a thank you. Unfortunately, I'm out of town next week. Of course I totally would have gone because say what you will about the girl, but she really can put on a show. I went to her Pepsi-sponsored concert years ago because we got free tix from a family friend, and it was definitely entertaining. Oh well...I wonder if they have any tix to the U.S. Open they can give us. ;)
No matter--hopefully I'll be able to catch an Angels game while I'm home, and I'm really hoping my sister's hook-up can get us tix to the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. I've lived in Orange County most of my life and I still haven't been to a show. What is this you ask? It's basically an art show where they re-create famous works of art with real people. It's really cool if you're into that kind of stuff.
OK, I have a few more things to do before I hit the sheets, so I better get to them. Vacation here I come! Woohoo!
Goin' Back to Cali
I'm heading out West on Friday, and I'm pretty excited. As usual, I have some activities lined up already, but I'm also looking forward to spending some down time with the puppies...and my family, too.
I write about the puppies so often, I'm sure some are wondering why I don't have one of my own. The main reason is that the dog I want just doesn't fit into my lifestyle right now. Back home my aunt has a beautiful golden retriever, who's as sweet as can be, that she's willing to give me when I'm ready. Unfortunately, my building doesn't allow dogs over 25 pounds and I only live in 750 square feet with no yard. I realize people in the city have big dogs and small spaces, but I just couldn't do that to my dog. Plus, it'd be difficult to get home in time to let her out. It's usually 10-11 hours between the time I leave and when I get home. That's just torture. Of course, the last reason is economics. I just don't have the money for vets and doggie hotels.
So, I have to resort to traveling across the country to spend time with my favorite four-legged friends: Mocha, Bruce, Roxy and Gizmo. I used to have Diva in the city, but she moved to Colorado. Of course there's also Dolly and Lucy in Tennessee and Maui and Seymour in North Carolina. Before you say anything, yes, there are actual humans I can visit when I see these pups. And yes, I call all the dogs I love puppies.
Anyway, I've spent the week tying up loose ends at home and work. I'm going to have to do a little work on this vacation, but it's OK...I'm setting it up so all I have to do is click a few buttons to get everything updated. One thing I love about working on a website--you can do your job from anywhere.
I just packed my suitcase, so all I have to do tomorrow is put together some small odds and ends, and I should be good to go. I hope. It's funny, no matter how many lists you make or how prepared you think you are, you inevitably end up forgetting something. Which reminds me, I need to make sure my Dramamine is packed...
I write about the puppies so often, I'm sure some are wondering why I don't have one of my own. The main reason is that the dog I want just doesn't fit into my lifestyle right now. Back home my aunt has a beautiful golden retriever, who's as sweet as can be, that she's willing to give me when I'm ready. Unfortunately, my building doesn't allow dogs over 25 pounds and I only live in 750 square feet with no yard. I realize people in the city have big dogs and small spaces, but I just couldn't do that to my dog. Plus, it'd be difficult to get home in time to let her out. It's usually 10-11 hours between the time I leave and when I get home. That's just torture. Of course, the last reason is economics. I just don't have the money for vets and doggie hotels.
So, I have to resort to traveling across the country to spend time with my favorite four-legged friends: Mocha, Bruce, Roxy and Gizmo. I used to have Diva in the city, but she moved to Colorado. Of course there's also Dolly and Lucy in Tennessee and Maui and Seymour in North Carolina. Before you say anything, yes, there are actual humans I can visit when I see these pups. And yes, I call all the dogs I love puppies.
Anyway, I've spent the week tying up loose ends at home and work. I'm going to have to do a little work on this vacation, but it's OK...I'm setting it up so all I have to do is click a few buttons to get everything updated. One thing I love about working on a website--you can do your job from anywhere.
I just packed my suitcase, so all I have to do tomorrow is put together some small odds and ends, and I should be good to go. I hope. It's funny, no matter how many lists you make or how prepared you think you are, you inevitably end up forgetting something. Which reminds me, I need to make sure my Dramamine is packed...
Monday, August 17, 2009
What is Jeopardy?
An awesome game show that I’ve recently rediscovered!
I used to watch it religiously when I was younger, mainly because my grandma always watched it along with Wheel of Fortune. You know that scene in She’s All That where the dad blurts out random answers while watching Jeopardy? Yeah, that was me and my grandma. Hell, it’s still me now. Although, sometimes I do surprise myself when I get one right—like the Final Jeopardy question on Friday. And the only reason I got it right was because I watched The Tudors. Who knew TV could make me smarter?
The minute European History went up, my first thought was, “Ha! I’d bet zero. That’s soooo not my subject.” My second thought was, “Wouldn’t it be funny if the answer was Henry VIII?” And it was! The clue was something about citing Levitcus’ “ If a man shall take his brother’s wife, it is an unclean thing…” in his divorce. Of course, anyone would have guessed him because he’s the most famous king to ever ask for a divorce, but this time I actually knew my answer was correct. Don’t you just love that feeling? OK, I’ll stop being a geek now.
BTW…Jeopardy is in the middle of its college tournament and a Mizzou girl made it to the semi-finals. I guess we all know who I’ll be rooting for this week. :)
Back to The Tudors…The other night I was looking at the official site and noticed the “Who the Tudor Are You?” section. So, wanting to know which one I was, I took the quiz. The little meter thing at the end was such a stupid tease. Just like The Price is Right wheel, "The Great Chain of Being" pointer leads you to believe you’re a Queen before dropping the bomb and telling you who you really are in the hierarchy. What did mine land on, you ask?
Yes, you read that right. I would have been a nun during the time of King Henry VIII. Here’s the official description:
Well done, Sister. Unlike the vast majority of the population, you’re morally pure, relatively well educated and, more importantly, you’re not horrendously filthy. Unfortunately, the price you pay for this cleanliness is a life of celibacy and constant prayer. You’re the closest thing to a nurse in your community, but if a rewarding life tending to the sick isn’t for you, don’t worry; King Henry is about to tear down all the nunneries and kick you out onto the streets. A life of chastity increases your lifespan, though, at your age, you can expect to live for another 23 years.
Get thee to a nunnery my ass! Whatever. Stupid quiz.
I used to watch it religiously when I was younger, mainly because my grandma always watched it along with Wheel of Fortune. You know that scene in She’s All That where the dad blurts out random answers while watching Jeopardy? Yeah, that was me and my grandma. Hell, it’s still me now. Although, sometimes I do surprise myself when I get one right—like the Final Jeopardy question on Friday. And the only reason I got it right was because I watched The Tudors. Who knew TV could make me smarter?
The minute European History went up, my first thought was, “Ha! I’d bet zero. That’s soooo not my subject.” My second thought was, “Wouldn’t it be funny if the answer was Henry VIII?” And it was! The clue was something about citing Levitcus’ “ If a man shall take his brother’s wife, it is an unclean thing…” in his divorce. Of course, anyone would have guessed him because he’s the most famous king to ever ask for a divorce, but this time I actually knew my answer was correct. Don’t you just love that feeling? OK, I’ll stop being a geek now.
BTW…Jeopardy is in the middle of its college tournament and a Mizzou girl made it to the semi-finals. I guess we all know who I’ll be rooting for this week. :)
Back to The Tudors…The other night I was looking at the official site and noticed the “Who the Tudor Are You?” section. So, wanting to know which one I was, I took the quiz. The little meter thing at the end was such a stupid tease. Just like The Price is Right wheel, "The Great Chain of Being" pointer leads you to believe you’re a Queen before dropping the bomb and telling you who you really are in the hierarchy. What did mine land on, you ask?
Yes, you read that right. I would have been a nun during the time of King Henry VIII. Here’s the official description:
Well done, Sister. Unlike the vast majority of the population, you’re morally pure, relatively well educated and, more importantly, you’re not horrendously filthy. Unfortunately, the price you pay for this cleanliness is a life of celibacy and constant prayer. You’re the closest thing to a nurse in your community, but if a rewarding life tending to the sick isn’t for you, don’t worry; King Henry is about to tear down all the nunneries and kick you out onto the streets. A life of chastity increases your lifespan, though, at your age, you can expect to live for another 23 years.
Get thee to a nunnery my ass! Whatever. Stupid quiz.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Dear Mr. Hughes...
At first I was going to let the day go by without mentioning John Hughes’ death, but then I realized I just couldn’t. How could I ignore a man whose movies were a huge part of my life? Although he’d been out of the spotlight and hadn’t written a teen masterpiece for years, the news of his death deeply saddened me. The possibility that he could pull together one last brilliant movie about teen angst is forever gone, but fortunately for us, his legacy lives on forever.
If asked what my favorite movie is, without hesitation I will always tell you Sixteen Candles, even though The Breakfast Club is more widely known for being his best work. Yes, my favorites list is very long and I don’t have the most discriminating eye, but there’s no other movie I’ve watched more than this one. I watched it so much I just gave up keeping track of the number. I’ll watch it on my birthday, if I’m happy, if I’m sad, when I need an escape, or if I’m flipping through channels and I see it. There was one period in my life when I came home from school every day and popped the tape into the VCR. Yes, it got that bad.
Look through my T-shirt collection and you’ll find Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink and “I Love Jake Ryan.” My sister gave them to me for one of my birthdays, and they were the best presents I’d received that year. My “I Love Jake Ryan” shirt has been worn so much, his face has faded slightly, but it’s still my favorite shirt.
Even if you weren’t obsessed with Hughes’ films, there was no escaping them. Anyone who was a child or teen of the 80s knows his movies and can remember at least one great quote or memorable scene. How can you not know The Breakfast Club dance in the library or smile when you hear “Bueller. Bueller. Bueller.” It’s impossible to look at Molly Ringwald and not see awkward Sam, the Princess or outcast Andie. Anthony Michael Hall will forever be the scrawny geek no matter how big he gets. When I see Eric Stoltz and Mary Stuart Masterson, I think of that hot “practice kiss” in the garage. Of course, whenever I see that iconic photo of Sam and Jake sitting on the dining room table, as if they’re floating on a cloud, my heart will always flutter.
I always dreamed of writing characters and scenes as well as this man, but it’s just not possible. (Did you know he wrote The Breakfast Club in two days and Planes, Trains and Automobiles over a weekend?!) There is no way anyone can come close to what he’s done, so the only thing you can do is appreciate his work, acknowledge his influence and hope that one day your voice has the power to influence a generation much like his did.
So in honor of the man who heavily influenced my youth and still continues to do so to this day, I will throw on a T-shirt and watch Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club this weekend. (Sadly, the rest of my collection is on VHS in California.) I will laugh, swoon, recite my favorite lines and silently thank the man for always giving me a reason to smile.
If asked what my favorite movie is, without hesitation I will always tell you Sixteen Candles, even though The Breakfast Club is more widely known for being his best work. Yes, my favorites list is very long and I don’t have the most discriminating eye, but there’s no other movie I’ve watched more than this one. I watched it so much I just gave up keeping track of the number. I’ll watch it on my birthday, if I’m happy, if I’m sad, when I need an escape, or if I’m flipping through channels and I see it. There was one period in my life when I came home from school every day and popped the tape into the VCR. Yes, it got that bad.
Look through my T-shirt collection and you’ll find Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink and “I Love Jake Ryan.” My sister gave them to me for one of my birthdays, and they were the best presents I’d received that year. My “I Love Jake Ryan” shirt has been worn so much, his face has faded slightly, but it’s still my favorite shirt.
Even if you weren’t obsessed with Hughes’ films, there was no escaping them. Anyone who was a child or teen of the 80s knows his movies and can remember at least one great quote or memorable scene. How can you not know The Breakfast Club dance in the library or smile when you hear “Bueller. Bueller. Bueller.” It’s impossible to look at Molly Ringwald and not see awkward Sam, the Princess or outcast Andie. Anthony Michael Hall will forever be the scrawny geek no matter how big he gets. When I see Eric Stoltz and Mary Stuart Masterson, I think of that hot “practice kiss” in the garage. Of course, whenever I see that iconic photo of Sam and Jake sitting on the dining room table, as if they’re floating on a cloud, my heart will always flutter.
I always dreamed of writing characters and scenes as well as this man, but it’s just not possible. (Did you know he wrote The Breakfast Club in two days and Planes, Trains and Automobiles over a weekend?!) There is no way anyone can come close to what he’s done, so the only thing you can do is appreciate his work, acknowledge his influence and hope that one day your voice has the power to influence a generation much like his did.
So in honor of the man who heavily influenced my youth and still continues to do so to this day, I will throw on a T-shirt and watch Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club this weekend. (Sadly, the rest of my collection is on VHS in California.) I will laugh, swoon, recite my favorite lines and silently thank the man for always giving me a reason to smile.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Why Banks Suck
Aside from the obvious reasons--the financial meltdown, inflated executive bonuses, ridiculous fees, blah, blah, blah--I discovered another thing that makes me want to stuff money into my mattress.
I'm already pissed off about the lame way Chase is handling WAMU's switchover, but that's to be expected. What really lit a fire under me today was the fact that some random insurance company decided to withdraw money out of my account without my authorization. To top it off, this caused my account to be overdrawn. Yeah, not nice. Unfortunately, I did not discover this until after I deposited a check into this account. Now I can't even close it until the check clears and I can safely take out the money.
I called WAMU to file a dispute so hopefully the fee will be reversed and my money will be returned. They told me to call the company and have them reverse the charge, but after some online research, I discovered that this was happening to a crapload of WAMU and Chase customers. The charge was showing up in my account as a debit with no PIN authorization, but apparently this company was using routing and account numbers from checks. According to my findings, this insurance company was identified as a division under the AIG umbrella--another reason to hate them. I did attempt to call them, but the little recording said they had a high volume of phone calls and the wait would be longer than usual. Yeah, I think I know why they have a high volume of calls. Perhaps they should stop stealing people's money!
With all these banks merging and buying each other out to form these SuperBanks, I'm wondering more and more about their ability to secure my personal information and money.
Until this whole thing gets resolved, I've initiated every alert I can think of on that account to make sure I know exactly what's going in and coming out in the next week or two. Once I'm in the clear, I'm shutting that thing down. They're not taking more of my hard-earned money. That privilege only goes to the government--mainly because I don't really have a choice in the matter.
I'm already pissed off about the lame way Chase is handling WAMU's switchover, but that's to be expected. What really lit a fire under me today was the fact that some random insurance company decided to withdraw money out of my account without my authorization. To top it off, this caused my account to be overdrawn. Yeah, not nice. Unfortunately, I did not discover this until after I deposited a check into this account. Now I can't even close it until the check clears and I can safely take out the money.
I called WAMU to file a dispute so hopefully the fee will be reversed and my money will be returned. They told me to call the company and have them reverse the charge, but after some online research, I discovered that this was happening to a crapload of WAMU and Chase customers. The charge was showing up in my account as a debit with no PIN authorization, but apparently this company was using routing and account numbers from checks. According to my findings, this insurance company was identified as a division under the AIG umbrella--another reason to hate them. I did attempt to call them, but the little recording said they had a high volume of phone calls and the wait would be longer than usual. Yeah, I think I know why they have a high volume of calls. Perhaps they should stop stealing people's money!
With all these banks merging and buying each other out to form these SuperBanks, I'm wondering more and more about their ability to secure my personal information and money.
Until this whole thing gets resolved, I've initiated every alert I can think of on that account to make sure I know exactly what's going in and coming out in the next week or two. Once I'm in the clear, I'm shutting that thing down. They're not taking more of my hard-earned money. That privilege only goes to the government--mainly because I don't really have a choice in the matter.
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