So much to do, such little time

No, not THAT. Just everything that needs to be taken care of before the weekend. But guess what I get to look forward to this weekend?
PARTYING WITH THE POOKSTER!
Ahhhhh-yahhhhh.
It's like Christmas day for me and The Man. His best friend and wifey have never visited us before but they're a-comin' this weekend! We are going to celebrate Pookie and Jon's birthday by doing I-don't-know-what but I'm sure it will be fun. I even cleaned this past weekend (well, I put off cleaning an extra week because I didn't want to clean twice.) But there's still so much to do-
1. Go to the laundrymat to wash the comforter
2. Take Pili to the vet (her ear is icky)
3. Grocery shopping - although I doubt we'll be cooking so maybe I can skip that
4. work work work!!!!!!!
Jon is cleaning the kitchen so that's not on my list. Hehehe
Work is still great but it's about to get super busy. It requires me to do some prep work the day before every work day. I'm sure that it's not a big deal but it's a change in schedule. Maybe it's a blessing. I could really use a break from the wedding stuff. I also realize that I have to be better at follow up when it comes to work. I think I'm pretty good at it but when the volume increases, it's hard for me to keep up and keep it straight. Anyway, back to Pookie and her hubby.
Oh yes, I told her that Jon was looking forward to barbequing for her Hubby. We even talked about buying his birthday present early. (It's a grill. You are shocked.) But he's been working 12 hour days and I've been working really early days and that just makes for two lazy people when we get home. So we haven't bought the grill yet. I'm secretly (well, not anymore) glad because I hate washing his BBQ equipment and the dishes caked with BBQ crap. He said we can go out instead. Hurray!!!!
So I'm scrambling around trying to get stuff done before the weekend. But none of it really irritates me. Well, other than the fact that I've been having sleepless nights.
I love me some sleep. I miss it so much. This 5 hours of sleep deal is kicking my ass.
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Sweet Jeebus. I had to get up at 4:00am today to take my parents to the airport. Thanks, Sister. I'm kidding. It's not her fault. If my parents save $60 by taking a butt-crack-early-in-the-morning flight, by golly, their baby can certainly take them to the airport .
But I can't go back to sleep because I have a 9:00am meeting in San Francisco. Ai-yai-yai.
Oh and I have to add one more thing about the Pookie-Mama. I adore her because we BOTH were relieved after we met each other. Seriously, how much does it suck when you hate your boyfriend's/husband's best friend and/or his wife? Her hubby is a peach - he's very nice, you can tell he loves and respects his wife, he's attentive to his family, and quiet (like his best friend) which makes his humor that much more funny when he starts cracking jokes. Pookie likes to tease both of the guys, just like me, and is just a funny gal! And she even tried to rig her bouquet toss so I would get it. She knew me for two days, bless her heart! But I have an unreasonable fear of the bouquet toss so I stepped out of the way. That's beside the point.
They are our favorite couple to hang out with (not including family or couples that we haven't hung out with yet so I don't want any nasty comments!!!!) which is really sad because they have a ton of couples they hang out with in their hometown. And here we are, when The Man and I are feeling social, pining away for a couple that is nearly three hours away. But they are so much fun!
OK, I'm done. And now you know why I'm super happy they're coming, even when I'm pooped from no sleep :)
Oh, and ...
Happy Birthday, Pookie-baby! You saucy thing, you! ;)

Things are looking up

Maybe being on the verge of my period has contributed to my impatience. Although I've always been this way so maybe not.

In any event, there appears to be a few ways Jon and I can go about getting what we want. It's just that I want to get the big tasks (like getting a venue) out of the way. I'm starting to get really busy at work and expect to get slammed within the next two weeks. When you have that looming over your head, you want to check off as many things on your personal list as you can, you know?

On something completely unrelated but a lot more fun, we made a purchase only crazy dog lovers would make ... see, Piko loves loves loves (I mean, LOVES) to stick her head out of the car window. If she can't stick her head out of the window while we're driving (because, say, we're on the freeway and I don't like my hair whipping me in the face nor do I want to worry about her falling out of the car) she tries to sit on the console so she can see above the dashboard and through the windshield. This girl loves road trips.

We joke around how we should buy her goggles, a bomber jacket and a scarf (kind of like Snoopy) because she loves to go on car rides, peaking out the window. Well, we stopped by a local pet store, Wags & Whiskers, and bought Piko a pair of goggles. Or "Doggles."

Seriously.

How fierce is my puppy?! These aren't great pictures of Piko (we've all agreed that she is much cuter in person and just not that photogenic. And by "we" I mean me.) But how fantastic are these goggles? DAMMIT, they are awesome.

OK, The Man is giving me flack for posting ugly pictures of our puppy. But I couldn't wait show off her Doggles. I promised him I would post better ones when she's actually in the car, sticking her head out with the shades.

But just in case you don't believe that Piko is a very pretty Pekatese, here's a picture to remind you:

Love / Hate

I love being engaged to Jon. Pookie's right - he's my lobster:) I am thrilled to be marrying my best friend and starting new adventures with him.
But I am beginning to hate planning my wedding. It's true! Isn't that terrible? We just wanted something very simple. After talking to Jon (I'm happy to say there were a series of discussions rather than arguments) and after many discussions, we have agreed that we will have a small ceremony with parents and siblings on Oahu in the Spring. He is shy and private and I respect that. We both also come from huge families.
We would then have a wonderful party in the Bay Area to celebrate with our extended family and friends in the Fall. It may not be the least expensive way to go but this was an arrangement that made both Jon and me happy. So all rightee then!
I started making calls to my #1 choice in Oahu because we chose mid-April as our desired ceremony date. I will not disclose the venue yet because (1) if I go with them, I'd rather not mess up my karma by ripping them a new one on my blog and (2) I really really want this place and don't want to talk too much about them until I figure out if they'll work with me or not.
But who knew that if you don't book the ceremony AND a banquet room (because using the restaurant on the property, for whatever GD reason, doesn't count) you can only book six months in advance. Well that doesn't help when you want to make sure your mama and Sister have a freakin' place to stay when and if the wedding takes place! And at choice #3, if you only book the ceremony (because restaurant doesn't count) you can only book 31 days in advance. What?!
Well, you say, why don't you just use one of their banquet rooms? I'd love to, I would reply. But most banquet rooms, at least, the PRETTY ones, require a minimum of either 50 or 100 people.
I have 21.
Well, you say, what about the rooms that require less people? I would then reply that the rooms require a minimum of 30 people - which is fine because I'll probably have to feed some of my vendors and the minister - are boring hotel rooms with fold-away walls (and that would be OK if I decided to have my wedding here in the Bay Area ... not when I'm having a destination wedding!) Or, the other choice is outdoors in a beautiful area but they will charge me $2,800 NOT INCLUDING FOOD.
Sweet Mary Mother of Pearl. I'm ready to kick some ass.
And the best part?
I've been talking to the assistant because the manager has been on PTO. The catering manager finally came back towards the end of the week so I left her two messages. Haven't heard back from her yet.
I'm thinking about getting married in Mexico at an all inclusive resort. I don't need this kind of stress.
But I'm still happy to be engaged to Jon. I just hug him when I get upset.
He's been getting a lot of hugs the past couple of days.

I felt obligated to write about this because I gave Kim and Tater a hard time not updating me on their wedding plans. I have a feeling that I may be posting a lot of angry entries. I apologize in advance.

It's all about timing

I worked a long day yesterday. It was fun. But looong. We were at the first 49ers pre-season game and out in the sun for about five hours, handing out giveaways, soliciting donations, and raising awareness of our organization. After the first quarter, we all splurged a little, buying garlic fries and other yummy ballpark treats, and enjoyed some of the game. We all decided to leave early, in the third quarter, because it was getting very cold. I stopped by my parents house to pick up the pups. Yes, they puppysit! But I didn't stay long because I was exhausted. So I said a quick "hello-thank you-goodbye" and headed home. The puppies, used to being picked up earlier than 8:00pm, were eager to go home too. I parked, entered through the garage, walked into the kitchen and saw this-

I thought two things: "Oh my gosh. OH MY GOSH!" and "Oh no. OH NO. I smell like the outdoors and have garlic breath!"
I followed the white path lined with candles and rose petals. I couldn't believe it. It was really very romantic. The path lead through the kitchen into the living room hallway and ended in the bedroom: There Gil was, on one knee, with a ring, a bottle of wine and two dozen red roses. His proposal was short and very sweet. And of course I said yes! So he slipped the ring onto my finger.
What touched my heart and just confirmed that this man is the PERFECT person for me is what he said next. He told me that just a few minutes ago he had been on his way to my parents' house to ask for their blessing. But he saw my car in the driveway and was sure I had seen him drive past in his work truck. (I didn't.) He realized that I was an hour early and raced back home because all of the petals and unlit candles were laid out. He knew he had only a few minutes to light all the candles and finish setting up. After he told me this story, he asked me to take off the ring because he wanted to show it to my parents. I said, "Oh." (Just kidding, I understood.)

I gave him a kiss, a big hug and wished him luck. He went off to ask for their blessing and pretended that he had not asked me already. Poor guy, he was flustered because he had dressed up, wearing a barong (traditional filipino dress shirt) and slacks, ready to meet with my parents but had to rush and beat me back home! He still looked very handsome, though :)

So he went to my parents' house with my ring and a gift for each of them. My dad, ever the serious person, asked him his plans (oh goodness!) but both my mom and dad were happy and, of course, they gave their blessing.

I apologize for the informal announcement but you know me, I'm a terrible storyteller, especially if I have to repeat it more than once! I tend to leave out all the good stuff. And he had worked so hard to make this a special and memorable proposal. And it was. I love him very much and we are very happy to be engaged!
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Here is a picture, Kim:

Son of a biscuit, I've been tagged.

The Rules:
1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.
2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged write their own blog post about their eight things and include these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged and that they should read your blog.
5. 8 is a magic number. Not three.

And here we go:

1. My first french kiss was a disaster. Remember when you were a (pre)teen and PDA was just the norm? Nothing has changed. I mean, kids just make out right in front of each other. You don't believe me? Visit a junior high or high school during a lunch break. Well, my first boyfriend asked for a kiss goodbye and we were with another couple. I thought he just wanted a peck on the lips. He stuck his tongue in my mouth. I actually spit in disgust because I was a reserved little 13 year old and didn't know that's how we were going to say goodbye.
We broke up one week later.

2. My first make out was a disaster. He gave me mono! I lost 15 lbs and dropped two sizes and people thought I was on drugs because I looked so sick. Now you know the reason why I was so conservative. It wasn't so much fear from religion as it was fear of an STD because I swear I thought my luck was heading down that road.

3. By the way, that #2 random fact was my prom date. He broke my heart, then gave me mono. Four years later, we reconnected. I never told him he gave me mono but I turned him down when he wanted to start dating. I didn't mean to give him payback. It just goes to show karma can be a biatch.

4. I had a temper as a child. My mom used to make me practice playing piano a lot (justifiable as she was dropping $ for me to learn) and sometimes I would get so frustrated when I didn't learn something quickly that I would bite the piano. Sister has the piano now and you can see the faint bite marks.

5. My senior year in high school I had the brilliant idea to perm my hair. The next day I colored it. The day after that I decided I hated my perm so I straightened it. My hair was so trashed, brittle and thin from the abuse all happening in one week that I had to cut it. This is how the mushroom hairdo came about.

6. My freshman year in college I had both a 24 year old and a 25 year old (seniors in college) repeatedly ask me out on dates. Luckily, I knew that I was too insecure to accept because my parents gave me an 11pm curfew (yes, it's true!!!) and I thought for sure they would end up dumping me if we ended up dating. I'm very glad for the insecurity because a 17 year old virgin who was also inexperienced emotionally would surely get messed up in the head by dating an older man.
Oh wait, I did end up dating the 24 year old. Whoops.

7. Another fun hair fact: I cut three inches, THREE INCHES, when I got my haircut yesterday. I promptly had regrets after I left the salon.
No matter how bad I feel about myself or how self-conscious I get, I can count on having nice hair. I know that I have at least that. And I went and chopped three inches off. I was a little sad.
Then realized no one could tell. Bastards.

8. The first time I met Jon I was sure that he was everything I wanted in a partner. (I'm sorry, it's mushy but it's true.) Now he drools on my pillow. But that's OK. He still fits the bill.

TAG: OK peeps, you are probably being double or triple tagged by now: Demondoll, Tater, Cyn, Kim, WGD - that's all I got!

Real nutrition facts, I promise

I like my job. They don't promote being skinny or looking a certain way. They're all about living healthy and education. My company is one of the many organizations supporting Mandatory Menu Labeling for all chain restaurants in California. If you think about it, it's really cool. The more information we have readily available, the better decisions we can make.

Take this quiz -

1. Which of the following breakfast items that are served at Denny's restaurant do you think has the fewest calories:
-Ham and Cheddar Omelet
-Country Fried Steak & Eggs
-Three slices of french toast w/ syrup & margarine
-Three pancakes w/ syrup & margarine

2. Which of the following items that are served at Chili's restaurant, do you think has the least salt:
-Cajun Chicken Sandwich
-Classic combo chicken & steak fajitas
-Guiltless chicken platter
-Smoked turkey sandwich

3. Which of the following items that are served at Romano's Macaroni Grill restaurant, do you think has the most fat:
-Traditional Lasagna
-Chicken ceasar salad
-Pasta Classico w/ sausage & peppers
-BBQ Chicken pizza

4. Which of the following items that are served at McDonald's restaurant do you think has the most calories:
-Two Big Macs
-Two Egg McMuffins
-One large chocolate shake
-Four regular hamburgers

The answers are in the comments.
If you want to read more about the Menu Labeling, click on this link. My organization, along with others, is the same group that advocated for sodas to be removed in public schools and that only healthy beverages can be served in elementary, middle and high schools. How cool is that?
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JC UPDATE
On a completely different subject but along the same lines (does that even make sense?!) I lost two pounds my first week on Jenny Craig. I was actually surprised since I didn't start until Monday and weighed in Thursday afternoon. I am now 12 lbs from my target. Can I just say these have been the most difficult 15 lbs I've ever had to lose?! Criminy, they've been such a pain in the ass!! I'm digging the JC plan. Probably because I don't like to cook. More specifically, I don't plan ahead to purchase groceries or cook. So I'm hoping JC will be my solution since they prepare all the food for you. And once I get to my target weight, they will help me incorporate regular food into my diet. Anyway, cross your fingers for me going into the second week :)

Lovely

I was so honored to be invited to Tater's wedding this weekend! It's a little tricky how I know her - my boyfriend's best friend is married to Veronica who is the sister of Tater. Who would have thought a friendship would flourish with not just my boyfriend's best friend's wife but also her sister?
Tater is such a funny gal. In the beginning, she who would take refuge in her room whenever Jon and I would visit Veronica and her husband. I didn't even know she was home most of the time! I think it's charming how Tater thinks she's mean and yet she's very shy. And Tater is the person who taped all the season finales of my favorite shows when I was in the Philippines. I'm still grateful for that.
Anyway, I was honored to be invited because we didn't know each other very long and most of our interaction was through occasional visits and, of course, Blogger :) I really think it's special when people invite you to witness something so personal and important like a wedding ceremony. Of course, I was also pretty excited because this would be my first Mexican wedding! Now, I've been to plenty of wedding ceremonies where the bride and groom are of Mexican descent. I live in California for crying out loud. I'd say at least half the people I've met in my life are Mexican. And I don't mean a tradition Mexican wedding. I don't even know what one would look like. I guess there are only three things, to me, that qualify a wedding to be Mexican-
1. 75% is in Spanish
2. Mariachi band
3. Mexican food
Substitute "Spanish" for "Tagalog", "Mariachi Band" for "Karaoke" and "Mexican" for "Filipino" and that is a Filipino wedding. I'm still not quite sure if I've seen a Traditional Filipino Wedding. But I've been to PLENTY of Filipino weddings.
Alas, there was not a #3 and I was sad because I knew it would have been goooood. But there was #1 and #2 and oh boy, neither disappointed! But that isn't my point. It was just a bonus.
This was a BEAUTIFUL wedding. These Milan sisters know how to throw a shindig (I was also honored to attend Veronica's which was equally beautiful and spectacular.) Tater looked stunning in her dress. She was divine. (I'm not a great photographer but pictures can be seen on Pookie's page.) She and her husband looked so lovely, happy and in love. And yes, YES, I was one of the many who cried when Veronica gave her speech. You would have thought I had grown up with them or something!
So even though Tater is NEVER on Blogger anymore, which we'll discuss in private, I still want to thank her (and Veronica because, well, I just adore her!) for inviting The Man and me to such a beautiful event.

Nine phrases women know

I loved this so I had to share ... I read it to Jon-Jon and I definitely laughed more than him.

1.) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
2.) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
3.) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that b egin with nothing usually end in fine.
4.) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
5.) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)
6.) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
7.) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you're welcome.
8.) Whatever: Is a women's way of saying F@!K YOU!
9.) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to #3.

I knew this would happen

I've been all up in myspace and neglecting my blogger. I love Blogger!
Hmmmm ... well, I'm going to Fresno for a wedding this weekend. And I have nothing to wear. I think I'm just going to try to put something together with what I already have because I didn't find anything at the mall. I looked in Express, Banana Republic, Gap, Forever21, and Wet Seal. I was hoping to find something in the first three stores but it's all very casual. The last two stores was just hoping for a shot in hell. I used to LOVE those stores. I thought they were a steal! But now they give me a headache. There are clothes EVERYWHERE and it's all squashed together and I feel like I'm burrowing. Don't get me wrong, I've found cute stuff from there recently but I can tell I'm getting older because the amount of my wardrobe from the teeny bopper stores is getting less and less.
Anyway, I still don't have anything to wear.
Oh, and I'm debating trying Jenny Craig. OK, before I hear how it won't work because WW teaches us how to eat properly and be mindful, know that I KNOW this. But this is my fourth time on WW. That's right, FOURTH. And I lost 3 lbs. I've been on it for 12 weeks now. I know WW works. It worked the first time. Maybe I lack the discipline. But I have to try something new.
Crazy is doing the same thing and expecting a different result. So I'm going to look into Jenny Craig.

Health & Nutrition

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

I know Power Week is looming when ...

I cry three times today FOR NO GOOD REASON. No really -

1. At church because I was thinking about stuff to worry about since I don't understand the sermon in Tagalog (which is intentional) and I was frustrated that I'm even there when I didn't want to be but that's another entry.

2. At home because I felt like I wasn't able to communicate my feelings to my significant other who, THANKFULLY, knew that I was being "sensitive," gave me a big bear hug and told me there was nothing to cry about. Because duh, there really wasn't.

3. At a freakin' baby christening. That's right. I cried at a christening. Not a baby shower, a christening. I think I thought it was so sweet how anxious and excited all these parents were and it touched me. *Gag* right?!

I honestly CANNOT WAIT for my period to come so all this nonsense can stop.

Smell that glue?

I don't own any flats.
Seriously.
Maybe it's because I'm short. Maybe it's because my mom has a shoe collection that rivals Imelda Marcos (no, I'm not exaggerating.) Maybe it's because I grew up during the time the Spice Girls had a strong influence on fashion.
In any case, I don't own flats. In fact, I think they're ugly. Before anyone gets riled up, I think they're ugly ON ME. What I considered "flats" were one-inch heels so I do own a few of those.
But my ankle is being a fickle bitch and I can't wear any sort of heel without it hurting. So I realized that I was going to have to cave in and buy flat shoes that are appropriate for work. I say this because I have over ten pairs of flip-flops which I would gladly wear but don't fly with the work dresscode.
Since I despite flats, I refuse to pay a lot for them. So off I went to the good ol' Payless Shoe Source! Very cheap which is great because I'll probably throw these away once I can go back to Nine West, Bandolino, and all my other shoes.
They're so flat, aren't they? I hate them. But the bitch that is my ankle is happy in these so whatever.
I have no idea how long I won't be able to wear heels. That means all my sandals, peep toe and closed toe ... well, hell, practically all my shoes.
I'm a little sad. Because, again, I think flats are very very fugly.
I also got these. They aren't much cuter, are they? And they look like they're platforms but they really aren't, they're slides. They're only an inch high. Shut up, they're still flats to me.
So here are my ugly shoes from the glue factory (aka Payless Shoe Source) which are the only kind of shoes I can wear to work for a while. Ick.

Going down in blaze of glory

Last Thursday and Friday I went to LA for a work conference.
As you might guess, I am still in the honeymoon stage of my job. Coupled with the fact that I was going to get to hang with some of my most favorite colleagues, I was happy to be going to this conference.
I got up at 4:15am that Thursday morning. Wasn't so happy abut that. The pups somehow know when I'm going out of town because they have a tendency to raise hell ALL NIGHT LONG the night before I leave. I dragged myself out of bed, dragged myself to the aiport and dragged myself onto the plane.
After the double shot latte kicked in, I was normal enough for human interaction. Like most work conferences, we were on the go, go, go. We had a "working" lunch and more guest speakers.
Lucky for us, the last speaker of the day was just spectacular. She was lively and engaging. I was really interested in what she had to say. Truly! I even got irritated that I had to use the restroom because I didn't want to miss any part of her lecture. But I drink 64 oz a day, remember, so I had to go. I was seated in the back and knew I could make a quick exit and return.
I whispered to my seatmate, "Let me know what I miss" and went for the door.
OK, I don't know exactly what happened. I know I meant to open and walk through the door but what I did was a half fall/ half sprawl and HIT the door. Yes, that's right. I ATE IT. Big time.
I had a million thoughts running through my head all at once -
"Sweet Mary, did I just fall?"
"Ow! My ankle really hurts."
"Sh*t, am I covered up? Of COURSE I would be wearing a skirt today."
"This GD ankle hurts like a mother!"
"Maybe no one heard me and I could get back up without too many people noticing."
... and, I'm sure, other things that I can't recall.
This all happened in a split second. So there I was, sprawled on the floor, hoping that I've managed to cover my underoos before anyone saw them. I was a little dazed and I sincerely thought that maybe no one noticed my fall. I thought that I hadn't made a sound. Evidently, I had made a thud against the door, then another thud onto the floor. To make matters worse, a woman had then yelled, "Oh no, the baby!!!!"
See, there was another petite, ethnic (by that I mean brown) gal who happened to pregnant. And the woman who yelled, bless her heart, probably rarely sees brown people so she got us confused and worried a whole bunch of people. So a FLOOD of people come rushing to me. Most already knew it was me, though, and came over to help.
Mind you, all those thoughts and more that I listed above were still racing through my mind. My boss ran over and asked me if I was OK. HER boss had run over and asked if I was OK. The one out of two men in the room asked if I was OK and did I need him to carry me to a chair?
No, no," I waved everyone away, "I'm fine! Just leave me here and go back to the lecture! I'm OK. I just can't move."
Because THAT made sense to me. My ankle hurt and I couldn't pop back up like I thought I could and the lecturer had stopped because I caused a major scene.
I had just wanted to go to the loo.
"Please, go ahead! I'm fine. I'm fine! I just like to be dramatic, is all. Leave me here to collect my thoughts and I'll be fine."
In case you're wondering, yes, I still had to go to the bathroom at this time but my ankle hurt more than anything so I just held it.
The vice president and senior vice president told everyone to go back to their seats and they would take care of me. I didn't want to get up so I kind of butt-scooted through the door and rested outside on the lobby floor (I had nothing to lose at this point.)
Another coworker brought me ice and I eventually heaved myself into a chair. When it was determined that I did not break or twist but had actually rolled my ankle, everyone was OK with leaving me alone with my thoughts until I was good enough to go back into the room.
And that is how I went down in a blaze of glory (without the glory) at a work function.

Just had to shout from the rooftops ...

Our (DDoll & my) Mom got her biopsy results and it's BENIGN!
Hallelujah!
Our mom is quite private. I almost posted about it earlier this week - the fact that she was getting a biopsy and how we were sooooo worried - because I knew she could use the prayers and well wishes. I decided not to, though, because the waiting and worrying just felt to personal to write about.
But all is wonderful and right in our family's world and I'm very very happy to share the great news. Whoooohoooo!

Having to get creative

I bought this pedometer last weekend.
I attended my regular Sunday morning WW meeting and noticed that this girl was wearing the pedometer. She is only one around my age at the WW meeting so we usually sit together. I don't even know her name but she seems pretty cool.
"Hey, do you like that?" I whispered. (We should be paying attention to the meeting. But there's this lady who is not the leader that loves to try and co-lead every time. I try to ignore her.)
"Yah, it's great! You should get it. It tracks your activity points.And it's really easy to use!"
It looked cheap to me but if she likes it, then OK. So I got one. It clips on so it kind of looks like a very small pager. It's pretty cool. It cost $20 and tracks my steps, distance, has the time, can also be a stopwatch and tracks activity points.
But yesterday, I was wearing a form fitted skirt and a blouse that ended several inches below my waist. And the directions said that it has to be right side up so I can't clip it upside down to the bottom of my blouse.
So where the hell do I clip it?
After staring at the pager-looking thing and looking at where I can put it (should I clip it to my shoe? No, I might look like a convict.) I clipped it front and center of my bra. My shirt was dark so there was no visible bump from the pedometer.
And it worked!
I walked about 3,500 steps. I think I'm supposed to be around 9,000. See? Good to know!
I don't know how it will log when I run on a treadmill but I'm going to give it a go today.
So if you ever decide to buy one that isn't a wristwatch and you're wearing an outfit that doesn't permit you to clip it on your waistband, now you know where else you can hide it.
You didn't think I was going to put it anywhere else, did you?

Frustrated

Maybe 20 points are just right for some people. To me, they aren't much.
I neglected to look at how many points a McGriddle had when I gave into a craving this morning. I thought, "It's probably six, maybe seven points."
It was 10.
I don't blame McDonalds or anything. I'm the one that didn't feel like having the oatmeal.
But that decision gave me only 10 points left for the rest of the day. And I eat way more at night than I do in the morning.
So now I've racked up 30+ points today.
Another frustrating thing ...
I came across an old WW weight log that I started when I had "re-joined" back in 2001. I remember thinking back then, "I've really let myself go." (I could do an entire blog of how your mind can really get messed up when you live with someone same height as you but a size 2 and thinks she's fat. I don't blame her, I'm just saying that it can mess with your head. No, not you, C!)
I also noticed when I was loading pictures onto Flickr that I have very few pictures of me or The Man from this year. We used to take tons of photos! I know it's because I've shied away from the camera this year. Because I'm uncomfortable when I see any pictures of me lately. Terrible.
Now I've joined WW, yet again, and I'd gladly give quite a bit of money to get to that weight. In fact, I AM giving quite a bit of money in an attempt to get to that weight off and hopefully lose more.
So frustrating.
I know. Don't give up. Work out and eat better.
What kills me is that I can't believe I'm still fixated on my weight. I've been self-conscious about my weight since I was a teenager! I just want to be content. So not only am I frustrated about the weight but I'm pissed that I'm frustrated about the weight.
OK, I had to write this all down or else my poor significant other would hear it.
I've got to check my pill pack. I MUST be getting my Power Week soon.
PS: I took down the link about what celebrities would look like if they were "normal" like us (but a tad trashy) because I don't want to be one of these people that feel better by making fun of or putting other people down. Even if it's just pretend. And even though they're super duper rich and beautiful. (But I won't stop reading perezhilton.com)

New digs and random bits

Hey! Hope you found me easily.
I didn't move because of any drama. More like technical difficulties. Learning how to add Flickr was a pain in the hoo-hah. (I am not html savvy.)
Thank you for the song suggestions. Please keep them coming! I need enough running/work out music for three hours.
Yah. I know.
Oh, and I got CAUGHT. Jon-Jon glanced at my computer which happened to show the post about his bathroom issues. He pointed to the screen and said, "Hey! What's that?!" Oops.
But he thanked all of you for acknowledging that he is a neat man - most of the time. Between you and me, though, he's still have stomach problems and I'm not looking for stuff to clean, know what I mean? I have cleaner and papertowels in the bathroom so he can take care of his post-business. And if your concerned about his 7+ days of bathroom issues, because I actually am, he saw a doctor and is going to see a specialist. Cross your fingers! Between the broken yet healing hand and stomach problems (I was going to write something else but decided to be kind,) my boy is not a happy camper :(
Have a great Monday!!!!

I desperately need new running music!

Some help, please. I need some running music. I've been listening to the same playlist (give or take a couple of a songs) for two years! It's the same GD music I listen to when I worked out. Evidently I PLAYED THEM OUT.
I like fast beats and, if at all possible, mainstream. Suggestions, please. Here's my current playlist:
Gold Digger
Crazy In Love
U & Ur Hand
Ain't No Other Man
Just a Girl
Kawaipunahele Dance Mix (A Hawaiian remix)
Touch the Sky
Chris Cox Megamix of Britney's music
Promiscuous
No Strings ATtached
Elevation
Numb/Encore
Uptight
SexyBack
Candyman
Ex-girlfriend
Blister In the Sun
I will Survive
Sunday Morning
Come On Eileen
Lady
Intergalactic
Get Ur Freak On
This Will Be (Everlasting Love)
Crazy
Bizarre Love Triangle
Butterfly

I'm getting SICK of it. I find myself getting easily distracted by how much I'm annoyed by my music. And, because running is such a pain in the ass, it's way to easy for me to become unmotivated, slow down and start walking. Now that I'm incorporating music when I train, I need to freshen my playlist.
So please, tell me what gets your booty shakin' so I can add it!
Yah, I wrote "booty."

So tempting

I had all these big plans for my three days off. Five, if you include the weekend!
But I had this weird stomach ache that would NOT go away.
So I was laid up in bed, forced to watch non-cable shows. Or be on the internet. I chose internet.
I am SO tempted right now to join MySpace. I checked it out and there are so many people I know on it and it would be fun to reconnect. Oh. So. Tempting!!!!
And then I remembered why I joined Blogger.
I am a defunct Friendster user. It used to be fun. I spent hours, and I mean HOURS, finding people, reading people, and finding and reading even more people.
I added people that weren't really "friends" but I guess that's why it's called "friendster." Kinda friends but not.
I think I had a 100+ friends by the time I left. And if you know me, I don't have a lot of patience so there's no way that I can call over a 100 people true friends. I left because it got to be too much. Obviously we write for ourselves but we also write because we know someone is reading. Well, Friendster just got to be too much. Too much of a hook-up zone (and that's OK but I wasn't trying to hook-up), too many people that I didn't really know connected to me and I didn't want them to be (why that bothers me, I'm not sure but it does) and too many people that I realized I didn't really want to know my business. How could I be truthful if I worried people were judging me? I mean, my friends don't judge. But how could I really "put it out there" if I worried what people would think? Sure, I can say, "I don't care what people think" but I sort of do!
Part of me thinks I have an addictive side. That's why I won't purchase a PS3 or Wii (that's how it's spelled, right?) because my ass would always be in front of the TV. It is a HUGE reason why I fight with The Man to not get cable. I love me some Lifetime, MTV, VH1, and whatever else plays TV shows from the 80s and 90s. But that's beside the point.
I just spend an hour checking out old friends, sorority sisters, and *gasp* even my ex-boyfriend to see what they're up to and what they look like now. I think I just qualified to be called a stalker. I'm too inquisitive (nosy) to have self-control. Poor Piko and Pili will wonder why their mama doesn't play with them anymore. The Man will have to talk to himself. He already doesn't care for Blogger because of how much time I spend perusing!
Please, don't think I'm judging the MySpace users. I think just about ALL my friends are on it. If not, then 98%. I think it's so cool that you can connect to so many people from the past.
But, for me, that's the curse of it, too.
So I'm going to step back, slowly, and walk away from MySpace. Tempting, like a beautiful but expensive handbag that I don't need.
I am jealous of the music capabilities, though. Anyone know how I can put some jams on this here blog?

Love is

cleaning the toilet after your significant other had a terrible two-day bout of diarrhea.
For real.
OK, it wasn't that bad. But still. You know how strongly I feel about shrapnel.

Where is everybody?!

I joined blogger so I can stay in touch with family and friends. It's actually done a great job of that. I love reading about my friends' lives and knowing things that they probably would have never bothered to tell me.
(This is where I shout people out)
But where the f*ck is everybody?! I mean, I know we're all busy and have a lot to do. But would it kill you for a sentence or two?! I'm not really mad. I just like lots of exclamation points.
DDoll is pretty good about writing on a regular basis. Pooks: you're off and on but I get that school can kick a person's ass. Plus, you've been writing more now that you're on break. Tater: what's going on with you? I know, I know, you have a wedding and I'm positive that you are working your tail off. But I'd love to know how you're doing or any crazy stories leading up to your wedding. You've got a great excuse, though, so I can't expect much. I just miss reading about the chaos you cause. Kim's on vacation - boo. TwoLips: You're MIA but I understand why. Tel is pretty good at updating her stuff. Bro-in-law: We haven't heard from you since freakin' April! Have you abandoned your blog? Sassy: You've left blogger for myspace and I'm still sad about that. Your email updates are nice but just not the same. VS: I'm pretty sure you've abandoned ship. XT: I KNOW you're done. Karaway: You were the one person I met through blogger and I miss your crazy stories.
Obviously I miss reading you guys. You guys write (wrote) such entertaining passages and I loved them! Oh well.

Breaking records and gorgeous girls

I ran six miles today!
Well, I ran five-and-a-half miles and walked for about one. I had to take a 20 minute detour from the path because I needed to go to the bathroom.
Helpful hint: Do not eat a protein bar containing 11g of fiber before going on a run.
At least, I shouldn't. Just ten minutes into the run, I was in desperate need of the loo. Jon and I followed some signs to a bathroom only to have it locked. I was about to cry (seeing that we were a mile and a half from the start) when The Man found a cottage with the logo, "YMCA." Hallelujah! I was ready to beg, plead or kick some ass, if need be, to use their facilities. The place was open but no one was inside. I think it was where they held Summer Camp or something. Well, bless the upper class suburbia because the facilities were pretty nice. I left, still not seeing anyone, and we went back on course. The detour probably added an additional 1/2 mile to the course.
(If you haven't donated yet, the link is on the right of my blog or RIGHT HERE. It's a safe link and your money goes to a good cause. We all have had a relative suffer from heart disease or stroke. Just get your credit card out, follow the directions and donate $25! Admit it, you drop that much at Starbucks within a week. You can spare it!!!)
Six miles is a lot. Even for Jon. I've got a headache and he's a little dizzy so we're both laid out on the couch. But dammit, I ran six miles! Of course, since the prior four mile run was my longest distance, today breaks my personal record - thus far. Pretty fantastic considering ...
I was whoopin' it up at ASIA SF the night before!
I've gone dancing there before but have always wanted to catch the dinner and show. My friends and I booked reservations a month ago and finally went out last night. Sure enough, it's worth the hype! The food is excellent. And the gender illusionists are spectacular! They were so beautiful. Tiny figures with flat tummies and perfect fake chests. They didn't have the outrageous Las Vegas kind. Their boobs were definitely more voluptuous than the average Asian gal but it looked nice. Augmentation looks good when the person isn't greedy about it :)
I don't have any pictures yet but here are some samples from their website:

We had two waitresses (they are also the gals that later perform in the show.) One was an older Filipino woman/man as our waitress. She said her name is "Tita" but we could call her "Tits" for short. Well, all right.
The place is infamous for bachelorette parties which I know confuses some men. I myself can't explain it. There's something about being in a trendy place with good food and gorgeous performers (who are boys) gyrating up and down a catwalk that make the place so much fun. Of course, you heard every girl (with a vagina, I mean) in the place saying something like, "I wish I looked that good!" I was certainly one of them! As you can tell, I had a lot of admiration for the gals.
I noticed that the straight bartenders scored big time with the drunk girls so watch out for those charmers! It actually makes sense considering that most, if not all, of the straight men in attendance were brought by their girlfriends. The bartenders were feeling up on the bachelorette parties and licking whip cream from their cleavages. I'm telling you - these guys have the market cornered at this place! But enough about them. I went for the gender illusionists! The food and drinks, however, were just as lovely.
I downed three rum & diet cokes that night so I'm quite pleased that I was able to wake up at 6:30 am and run six miles. If it weren't for the headache, I'd feel pretty damn invincible.

Pound for pound

I have been a VERY BAD WW girl.
Sure, I drink at least 64 oz of water a day.
I exercise 3-4 times a week.
But I also eat anywhere from 30-50 points a day. Especially when I work out. I get so hungry! Terrible considering my allotment is 20 points per day. Even with the flex points (that's the 35 points we get as cushion for you non-WW peeps) I'm still doing miserably.
This isn't good. I know it's not good. I even skipped last week's WW meeting because I was embarassed. Maybe even ashamed?
I can't seem to get on track. I know I should eat more vegetables and fruits but I'm failing at that. Instead, I eat chocolate, carbs and the yummy-but-oh-so-bad-for-you stuff.
What's strange is I'm more comfortable in my skin than I was when I was in college. But not THIS skin. I gained 10 lbs when I was at my old job and I can't seem to shake them off! I would love to lose 15-20 but if I can lose 10 lbs I will be able to fit into my cute clothes again.
OK, enough of the pity party. I just had to put it out there because I feel like I'm not owning up to my badness.
I want to do better. I have to do better. I NEED to do better. Because even though I'm doing all this damn working out and drinking like a GD camel, I'm not losing any weight. And I'm pissed. And it's not good to be walking around in public pissed.

Old School Daddy, part II

Oh my gosh, my sister reminded me of ANOTHER story about our dad!
When I first started driving, I drove a 1989 GMC Jimmy and it always needed to be serviced. My parents, particularly my Mom, didn't trust me driving any of the "good" cars so I was only allowed to borrow my dad's beat up 1990 pick-up truck. This is the car my dad used to drive to work every day to and from Richmond. It logged a lot of miles and had many dings and dents. My mom figured I couldn't do much more damage than what had already been done.
Anyhow, during one of the times my car was getting serviced, I had to drive my dad's truck to school. No biggie, it got the job done. So, just like the many times before, I drove it to San Francisco when, on this one particular day, I had to hit the brakes really hard to avoid hitting a car that cut me off. Luckily Toyota makes good trucks with good brakes.
But imagine my surprise when this object shoots out between my legs and hits the gas and brake pedals.
It's a freakin' Machete!!!!! Or, if you're Filipino, a damn BOLO knife! I nearly had a heart attack. Yes, it was in it's holster but c'mon. If you aren't expecting something like that to whiz between your feet, it's a surprise! Sweet Mary, I remember yelling at my dad when I got home and he just chuckled.
He forgot he kept it under his seat in his car. See, during his younger days, he kept it there should someone ever punk him and he needed to protect himself. Plus, I'm not sure if he had a gun license.
Yes, seriously.
Think about it. The man worked in Richmond for over 20 years. It KIND of makes sense.
Oh Daddy.

Late, but he doesn't give a hoot.

My dad doesn't visit this here little blog. Heck, who am I kidding? He doesn't do the Internet. Just as well, probably. Plus, he's in the freakin' Philippines so we completely missed celebrating Father's Day together.
If you read carefully my blog a couple entries back (OK, so I've pretty much lost all seven people that bother to glance at this,) I said I would revisit the deal about my Dad vs. Neighborhood Stray Cats. While it may rile you up, keep in mind that my Dad is, in general, an awesome dude. Who is OLD SCHOOL.
My dad's garden is neat. He's not a landscaper so it's a hodge podge of greenery. But it's impressive - multiple rose bushes; rows and rows of orchids; hanging plants of which I don't know the names; an orange tree; lemon trees; apple trees; asian pear trees; callalillies; a persimmon tree; tomato plants; grapevines; eggplants; onions; summer squash; and on and on. Believe you me, it is a pain in the ass to water these plants when he goes on vacation. But that's beside the point. His garden is his pride and joy and he spends a lot of time making it flourish.
My dad hates the neighborhood cats. They poo and pee on his plants which, of course, either makes the plants sick or kills them. The cats also eat the eggs of the birds that decide to nest in the backyard. That really ticks off my dad. Whenever he sees cats getting comfortable in his yard, he goes after them with a waterhose. He also recently rediscovered his slingshot and shoots stones at the cats. Told you he's old school.
Before you get indignant, he never hits the cats. He hurls stones in their direction but never actually hits them. He just wants to scare the bajeezus out of them. And I think he likes shocking me more than anything. I had yelled in protest the first time he told me he used his slingshot on the cats. (Jon laughed.)
As we were leaving for the airport a few weeks ago, we walked through his garden. He wanted to remind me one last time,
"Don't forget to water my plants. Especially if it gets hot. OK?"
"OK," I replied. Then I noticed something. "Hey dad! You put mesh wiring over the soil of your rose bushes!"
"Yes. I'm tired of those damn cats pooping on my soil."
"But I thought you were using your slingshot on them." Me, of course, egging him on.
"I wish I could! Damn cats." Then he looked around. "But I don't want the neighbors seeing me and saying something."
Oh, Daddy.
He really does love animals. This is the same guy who dotes on my pups. He is the one that told me Piko was "... becoming a little lady" when he discovered she had started her period. He also yelled, "She's just a child!" when it looked like she was choking on a chew toy. He had ran to her and thumped her back while trying to pry the toy from her throat. My dad also holds Pili like a baby and whispers inaudible baby talk to her when he thinks no one is listening. He worries that they don't eat enough so he makes them chicken soup and rice, steak, and sometimes, fried rice. He also picks up my pups at noon every weekday so that they aren't alone for too long and puppysits until I pick them up after work.
Ask my nephew. Or if my puppies could talk, I'd tell you to ask Piko or Pili. Because they would all say he's a good Papa. Who's just a tiny bit protective of his garden.

Ooo-weee

This morning I ran four miles. FOUR!

This is a first for me. The most I've ever ran before is three miles. I think. I don't care much for running. That's a lie. I think running sucks. But I know it's good for me so I'm trying to get over the mind block. Thus the half-marathon. That and it's a good cause (donation link on the right side of the blog. I'm just sayin'.)

Scoff if you will but I'm proud of myself. I expected to do it in 1 hour and 20 minutes but I did it in 1 hour. I am so happy! I know I'm no gazelle but, for me, that is a GREAT time. Hot damn. (Now just 9 more miles to go!)

It almost, almost, makes up for the fact that I've gained back the 4 lbs I lost. But not quite. But I won't get into that because, when I think about it, it REALLY PISSES ME OFF.

On a completely different topic, I haven't put up a picture of the kids lately so here it is -

Stretch after squats

Or you'll be walking funny. And taking a lot of time to sit down. Something I learned from working out yesterday ... a little too late. Just thought I'd share the wisdom.
I had so much fun with Tel and Moberg! It was so nice to see Tel after all this time. Like boneheads, we talk more now that she's moved away than when she was here! But I'm glad we've been able to keep our friendship. It's been seven years!!
I have my car back now. While it's nothing to brag about it, my Pontiac Sunfire is a car that someone my age would drive. I'm happy to be reunited. (Although when I do retire, I'm sure I would feel safer behind an Oldsmobile. So never say never, right?)
No big plans this weekend. I'm training this Saturday for the marathon. (Haven't donated yet? There's a link on the right side of this blog!) And I have to garden because my dad is in the Philippines. He takes care of his garden and my garden because if he didn't, I would kill everything. Plants have a soft spot in my dad's heart. I won't even tell you what he wishes he could do to the stray cats that poop on his plants. I may save that for the next entry. Anyway, I wish I had his gift. But I don't. So simple things like watering, weeding and pruning do not excite me at all. I dread it as much as I dread cleaning the house. But even more so because there are BUGS.
Yesterday, Jon and I watered the plants (it takes two people and it still takes about an hour ... my dad has a ton of plants!) As I was unwinding the water hose, I came face to face with a yellow jacket nest.
Oh, SNAP.
"Hon!" I said. "Hon! Come here! Are they resting?!"
I could see the yellow jackets/ wasps (I am not ashamed to say I don't know the damn difference) resting on top of the little mound they built.
Imagine me, scared of bugs, and my one-handed boyfriend trying to spray the nest with bug spray (NOT my idea.) I wanted to stay the hell away but, of course, we will need to eventually use the hose so I guess Jon was right. But I had to hold the canister while he held the spray nozzle. I thought, "We are going to get stung. This is how dumb asses get stung."
Thankfully, we didn't. Jon soaked the heck out of the little nest and all the yellow jackets/ wasps fell and died.
This is huge reason why I don't like to garden. That and the getting dirty part. But mostly because of the bugs.

Ay. Ay! What's yo' name?

I am 28 years old. Sometimes I forget because I feel like I'm 25. I think it's because I was in school until I was 24. (I believe college keeps a person feeling young. Ask my ex. I digress.)
Today I realized that I'm a hop, skip and jump away from 30. And I don't think that's old - it's just that I won't be in my 20s anymore. It's weird.
So I was driving in a sketchy part of Oakland in my mom's Oldsmobile (my car is out of comission right now.) I'm stuck at a light when I hear,
"Ay. Ay! What's yo' name?"
Normally, this really turns me off. Seriously, what woman thinks, "Yes, yes. FINALLY. A man who knows how to court a woman" or "This guy would make a great baby's daddy." (OK, there may be some women who think this.)
I pause for a second, wondering what I should do. I don't normally like to converse with strangers who shout at me in my car while they are in their car but it's a light and we may be there for a while. So I decide to look over.
"My friend wants to talk to you!" says the passenger.
The driver leans over so I can see both the passenger and him.
They look like wee children.
I stare at the driver and ask, "How old are you?"
"15!"
Of course they are. "Guys, I'm 28 years old."
"Are you married?"
Not wanting to deal with the stupid line, 'Age ain't nothin' but a number', I say, "Yes."
"Oh." Pause. "You have a nice car!"
People, I was driving my mom's 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora. It is a tank.
"Thanks. It's kind of for old people. But thanks." I fight back to end with 'Sonny.' "Well, you guys have a nice day" and I make my right hand turn.
These boys were almost half my age. They could have been posterchildren for Clearasil. I'm not flattered. I'm not disgusted.
I'm almost 30.
So teenage boys, step off.

It's what you make of it

Today was a productive day. Jon-Jon and I cleaned house - he prepped the living room for me to vacuum (I didn't even ask him!) which basically meant he picked up all the chew toys any any other crap off the floor. I vacuumed the living room, going under sofa cushions, wall corners and ceilings. Then I cleaned both bathroom floors, toilets (ugh), and sinks. I also vacuumed the hallway, master and guest bedrooms. Jon swept and steam cleaned the kitchen floor (thanks be!) and most of the carpet in the house.
We were tired.
I also weighed in today. I expected it to be bad since I fell off the wagon but, man. I really need to make more of an effort to journal. I tricked myself when I tried to mentally remember what I ate. How stupid is that? I neglected to attend two of my last meetings because of Bay to Breakers and then I was out of town. But I could have tried harder to go to meetings on other days, you know? I think I'm done beating myself up. I'm back on the wagon and feel good about it. I have a strong support system with friends like Tel (thanks for pretty blog header!!!!) who swear they will help me out. I've got 17 lbs to shake off!
Oh, and I also joined a gym. That was a hard decision. I was spoiled before. I had worked at a non-profit that was attached to a gym so I had a free membership! Then, during this last year with the bad J-O-B, I made no time to work out and, while I still had one year of free membership at my old job, I didn't take advantage of it. I was tired, depressed and frustrated so I was pretty sure I shouldn't be around people, anyway. Well, now there are no more excuses. I went to my local 24 and signed up for a membership. I can't believe I pay to belong to a gym. But I do. The biggest reason why I felt I had to was because ...
I'm running a 1/2 marathon, remember?! I trained for the first time on Saturday. I ran about 2 miles and walked for 1 mile. It took me about 47 minutes to finish three miles. Jon ran with me for moral support. Oh. My. Gosh. I need to train daily. Well, truth be told, I hate treadmills. But I'm also scared to run outside around 5:30am. I would prefer to run on the the local college campus. But, and this is horrible, I still remember when I attended a while back and there was serial rapist who attacked women in the middle of the day while school was in session!!! That was nearly ten years ago but that still freaked me out. Much less running when barely anyone is on campus yet! And that spot is really the closest and best area for me to run. So with slim-to-none selections, I opted to join a gym.
In case you didn't know, I'm running for a cause. It's Train to End Stroke. One of the reasons I chose this cause is because I am a big advocate of the American Heart Association. And here's why you should make a donation:
1. They are smart with their donors' money. More than 75 cents of every dollar goes to research, education, and training. They also fund the BEST research. They have a panel of doctors and scientists that review all the proposals and only select what would best benefit the public.
2. They are the biggest (non-goverment) contributors to research. Even bigger than the American Cancer Society. It must be because they are pretty good about their overhead being less than 25% of their budget. I'm just sayin'.
3. We ALL know at least one person we are close to that has been affected by stroke or heart disease. And if you do not, you are exceptional and very, very fortunate. Think of all the things that your donation could help discover to make our parents, friends and even ourselves live longer and healthier lives.
Please make a donation. Any little bit helps! THIS IS A SECURE LINK and it's super easy to pay by credit card. Seriously, anything you can give is greatly appreciated. Trust me, I promise it's for a good cause. Think about giving and help save lives. And here's another link if you missed the first one ;)
Or just cut and paste it!
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=231134&lis=1&kntae231134=E7345D14234A426AB3CD73E26F7AF460&supId=174574576
OK, I'm done asking. For now!

Jon's hand - may not be suitable for kids. I'm just guessing.

Since he broke it AGAIN, I'm a little less grossed out by it so I figured I'd share some pictures. He was told to make an OK sign with his hand in the first X-ray. The various X-rays show different angles of his hand, the two metal plates (one broken) and the screws that are holding them in place. His doctor doesn't know how he did it but if you look closely, the plate snapped in half. It's a METAL plate, for crap's sake! So, although I think my boyfriend is awfully strong and manly, I think it was a faulty plate.

I know that this is a minor surgery in comparison to what other people go through but doesn't that seem like a lot of screws??

See that sharp part of the plate jutting out? We think that's why the swelling didn't go down. Ick.

Anyhow, Jon's hand is still wrapped so I don't have the latest picture but I'm pretty sure it looks quite similar to this picture. This is a picture of what his hand looked like the first time he broke it.

I wouldn't let him near me because it gave me the heebeegeebies. He looked like Frankenstein. It was also very puffy. In fact, when the staples were taken out, his hand kind of looked like a baseball- round with stitch marks.

I feel bad for him. This sucks. He's not allowed to use it for three months and the Vicodin makes him dizzy. But, thankfully, he is able to still work.

I can't help notice, though, the joy he tries to surpress when he tells me he cannot take out the trash, help clean the kitchen or mop the floors - all of his chores. That is when I really hate that his hand is broken. Again. And out of commission for another three months.

But hey, this is about him! And how this sucks for him! And how I need to be supportive because it's no picnic in the park for him! Of course, it's no picnic for me, either. A lot more like sand in the panties - pretty annoying and incredibly uncomfortable. Oh, well. That's what love is all about. Not the sand piece but the supportive part.

Randomness

Okay, I hardly ever get tagged for chain whatchamahoos, and then today I got tagged by a stranger (yet fellow knitty head) named V. Here goes -

The rules: Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those who are tagged need to write on their own blog their own 7 random facts as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven other people and list their names on your blog. Then you leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.

7 Random Facts:
1. I can talk about vaginas and penises all day long but will easily vomit if the topic is about poo. I have my limits. Poo is my limit.
2. I'm bad about keeping in touch or just keeping friends, in general. It's horrible. I'm not good about staying in contact with a person if he/she isn't good about it, as well. I have a low tolerance for crap, to boot. No wonder I'm friendly, I have to constantly replenish!
3. My favorite flower used to be a sterling silver (lavender colored) rose. It was the flower I picked for my prom corsage and I loved it so much. But then I gained an appreciation and affection for cymbidium orchids. My dad grows them in almost every color available and I think they are beautiful.
4. I've been a size 2. I've also been a size 9. For a bridesmaid dress, I think I've been a size 12. But those sizes are just jacked up, in general.
5. I hated my hair when it was short. I chopped it off after my high school graduation. I got my heart broken and made the brillian decision to hack off my hair. I guess it was freeing. It was also ass ugly. I looked like a mushroom top (my hair has a lot of volume.) Or a UFO.
6. The prettiest I ever felt - that I can remember - was during my graduation for my M.A. program. I was just so happy to be done and I think it really showed in my pictures. I wasn't even my thinnest! But I liked almost all the photographs from that day. I guess true joy (and relief) can really show through.
7. I'm better at Power Yoga than I am in Hula. I wish it was reversed. It's just more impressive to be able to dance a hula rather than do a headstand. Except after 10 cocktails. Then I think it's a draw.

My advanced apologies to the following individuals (who will hopefully stay friends with me considering my #2 fact) -
Demondoll
Pookiepie
Couch Potato
She is Kim
Two Lips
Tel
Lola
I swear, it's not that painful and it's kind of fun. Really.

As promised, Bay to Breakers pics (not kid friendly)

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Itty Bits and the many To Do lists

I'm picking up my parents at the airport tonight from their trip to the Philippines. I miss traveling. I want to go to P.I. Or Hawaii. Or somewhere I haven't been before - Alaska, Australia, New Zealand or China. All on my traveler's To Do list.

I'm walking (not running!) the Bay to Breakers this morning! If you don't know, it's a big To Do in the San Francisco Bay Area. As someone born and raised, I feel compelled to take this off my local To Do list.

I'm also doing it for the naked people. I'm intrigued by people who are willing to literally be balls out. Which is exactly why Jon is NOT doing it. That's OK. I'm going with my friend Marisa and she is bringing a camera. She is obviously in it for the nakeD people, too. Keep in mind that we both are aware of the fact that it is never the HoT people who run naked. Thus it's appeal.

Sister has a HUGE PART in a production which opened this weekend. I wish I could visit her and start a standing ovation for her. So if you haven't already, visit her blog and give her LOVE and support!

WW Sistas, I fear that I'm falling off the wagon. Please tell me how silly and what a waste of money that would be. (What I'm doing is, while I'm still counting points, I'm letting myself far exceed my daily/weekly allotment. Bad, bad, bad! I know it's because I know I'm missing this week's meeting due to the race. Help!

I promise to post pictures of the interesting people I see today. I don't know about the naked ones. I have to learn how to fuzz out the private parts in Photoshop.

PISSED

Yes, I am. And you?
Well, I'm drinking a glass of wine to take the edge off but I am still PISSED.
This asshole cop gave me a ticket today. He and his bud were busting people who changed from a right turn lane and crossed over a solid white lane.
Yes, I committed a traffic violation. So why was he an a-hole?
Sure, he was doing his job. But there is a difference betweeen just doing your job and being freakin' HAPPY, full of glee and having a GD gleam in your eye because your ticketing someone. Someone who hasn't had a blemish on her record for over seven years if you bothered to even look it up, you ASSHOLE.
I'm going to pour another glass of wine. Or three.

The house of special dogs and my shows

Poor things, they are one step away from a soft helmet. The reason why Pili has to wear the horrible collar, too, is so she doesn't lick Piko's scar. And, like a good mom, I dope up Piko AND Pili so she doesn't play too rough. Controversial, but you're not the one who woke up at 1:00 am this morning to growling and whimpering. Plus, it's only a teeny tiny sedative!

I have way too much buy in with American Idol. I was devestated when Melinda was sent home. Then, the next day, three different radio stations played the audio of when she got the boot and I got all riled up again. I've got to learn to distance myself. I have adored her since the beginning. Here's a girl who has simple looks, modest, and very talented. I would go to the AI concert but I think I would throw things at Hotpants Haley.

The Office makes me laugh and my heart hurt. All the characters are great (Jon thinks Dwight is awesome and, after he pepper sprayed Roy and then revealed his nunchucks and ninja stars, I think he loves Dwight now.) Michael reminds me of a boss I used to have so every time he does something uncomfortable, I have to hide behind Jon because it's too painful to watch! But the love story between Jim and Pam! I didn't realize that they've been stretching it out for three years now. But it's so sweet. And I remember having crushes way back when and it being that awkward and frustrating. But at least they make it funny. I absolutely love this show.

Grey's Anatomy is making a comeback! Burke ended up being the runaway bride - I did NOT see that coming! I'm still turned off by the whole Izzy/George crap storyline and Meredith and Derrick will be forever tortured but hallelujah for the show getting back on track!

Thursdays are fantastic TV nights. Jon teases me all the time and asks me if I'm ready to "Feel Thursdays" (what a dumb tag line.) But he makes us watch 24 and The Unit so I need some chick shows. It may seem like we watch a lot of TV. We kind of do. Well, during the work week and then make up for it on the weekends. Because the dogs would turn on us if we didn't.

Little bits

I came back from my work orientation totally loving the organization. I am so gung-ho that I bought paraphernalia! Can you believe I'm actually representin'? Hehehe.

Piko is going to the vet tomorrow. Wish her luck! This will be MY third attempt in trying to get HER fixed. Sheesh. Update - just dropped off Piko at the vet hospital and they told me that this doctor, a different doctor from the other attempts, prefers to keep his patients over night! My little girl has to stay there overnight! Poor Piko.

And poor Pili. She doesn't do well being seperated from Piko (we got Pili just for her, remember?) All Pili knows is to be with Piko, no matter what. Last time Piko was supposed to get fixed, my parents were able to keep her company and they said she kept pacing, looking for her sister. When my dad left the room to go upstairs, Pili went ape shit. She scaled a baby gate (which she has never done before and hasn't done after) and ran upstairs to find my dad. We think that she thought her dog pack was disappearing so she freaked out. Anyway, she will be all by her lonesome because my parents aren't here to take care of her. Well, in light of Piko being gone for the whole day and now overnight, I've decided to slip Pili a traquilizer pill. She's going to need it today!

Jon's hand is still swollen but he's back to work with the stipulation that he cannot be a working foreman (he'll do very little labor and work mainly on logistics and supervision. I think. Well, it looked good, didn't it?)

Tel is making me a new masthead! I think she feels sorry for my lack of technological creativity, bless her heart. I'm looking forward to her pimpin' my ride blog.

I've lost a total of 3.2 lbs since I've made my "lifestyle" change. "Lifestyle" my foot - it's a freakin' diet. It's a forever diet but it's a diet.

Little things make me happy.

Not too bad!

Sooooo, I had the option to share a room OR have my own but I would have to pay the difference. Maybe it's the poor in me but I didn't want to pay out of my pocket for accomodations to attend a work function.

My colleague/ roommate and I were pleasantly surprised with this room:

We could do cartwheels in our room, it's so big! We also have our own bathrooms. OUR OWN BATHROOMS! We also have a receiving area and fluffy bathrobes.

I'm so happy with our accomodations. It is suh-weeet. And confirms my belief that it's OK to think poor. In fact, it pays off!

What is also a bonus is that it's not as hot in LA as I thought it would be. We are stuck in a conference room most of the time but my company encourages healthy living therefore "healthy activities" so we had Walk and Talk discussions and they encouraged us to walk around the block a couple of times and discuss what we just learned. It was nice to be able to enjoy a little bit of sun.

What's odd is that the part of LA we are in (and don't even ask me what part because I don't know, I just know we are staying at the Wilshire Grand) seems to close at 7:00 pm. For real. We went to Macy's and Express tonight at 7:20 pm and they were both closed. What the heck?!

Oh, and my WW sistas, I'm doing BADLY. I've had pasta, souffle and all sorts of unhealthy stuff :( I've got to get back on the wagon!!

Updates

I finished my second week of Weight Watchers and I've lost a total of 2.9 lbs so far, including the .2 from last week ;) Sweet Mary, thank goodness it's working. I really hope it keeps coming off. I've got 17.1 more to go! Now I need to get a handle on a regular work-out routine.

It's hot. And tomorrow I'm leaving for somewhere hotter. I'm going to LA for a training. Where it's HELLA hot. I normally don't mind (much) when it's hot. I do mind when I have to wear work clothes and closed-toe shoes. Ick. But I like a change of scenery so I'm actually looking forward to it. Well, except for the part of waking up tomorrow at 3:00 am and taking a 6:00 pm flight. That sucks. But the next three days should be fun! I love to learn and meet new people. Plus it should be cooler when I go back home.

Go Melinda Doolittle!

Boo to Grey's Anatomy.

That's all for now.