Total Bum
With hubby in Vegas for a business trip, I find myself being totally bored out of my mind. After cleaning house and putting my assignments on hold, I refused to leave the house and was content vegging out watching one DVD after another. With the exception of eating and taking necessary bathroom breaks (oh yah, and blogging), I succeeded in getting to disc 3 the Gilmore Girls Season 2. I also popped in "Pieces of April" and jumped around in "Under the Tuscan Sun." After psyching myself to finally do my work, I'm beginning to feel a bit ill. It must've been all those chocolate almond kisses that I scarfed down during my Gilmore marathon. Ugh. Tummy hurts once again.
Should I or Shouldn't I?
The end is finally in sight. I began taking online classes in March 2003 through the University of Phoenix. The Masters program that I am in can be completed in a year and a half. Had I stuck to the program without taking any breaks in between, I would've been done a long time ago. But as my luck would have it, I chose to spare my sanity after going weeks and weeks straight of late night reading, homework assignments, and communicating and hating many of my online classmates. Had I continued without breaks, I wouldn't have had so many opportunities to visit da Bay without fear of assignments looming over my head. Had I presevered through class after class, I would have suffered the stress of moving out of state, being home for my dad's quadruple bypass surgery, and other numerous events and activities that have added excitement to my life. I don't know how people do the whole school-work thing on a full-time basis. I mean, I did for a while, but that was at the expense of much needed sleep and the sacrifice of missing out on the fun things. In many ways, I feel so lucky that I only have my school to focus on right now. It continues to blow my mind when I hear about people furthering their education while raising a family, too. Just the time, effort, and dedication that is required for such programs validates the theory that there is simply not enough hours in the day to do everything that we'd like.
I am 7 units from completing my Masters degree. How dope is that? I now have the opportunity to participate in the graduation exercises this coming July in Arizona. They actually have a ceremony for the online community. I have a chance to finally meet and put the names to faces of so many that I've worked with, bitched with, and stayed up late hours with just to finish a project. Joy. Honestly, that could either be a good thing or a bad thing. All that aside though, I'm seriously considering flying out because, well, gee, I am earning a Masters degree! It's something that I take pride in, not only because there are only a handful in my family who've gone beyond the college diploma, but because this achievement is something that I've put a lot of hard work into. In college, I couldn't wait to be done and I thought that would be it. I never even contemplated going back to school. But even though there were MANY times that I wanted to quit, I toughed it out.
So the question is, should I go to Arizona this July? Do I attend this ceremony knowing that my family cannot be there to celebrate with me? Do I really want to spend the loot for a plane ticket and hotel to see people I rarely know or do we save that for the house or a ticket back home to CA? But wouldn't it be cool to wear the cap and gown with a hood? Hmmmmm...decisions, decisions. Is it worth it? Any thoughts?
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Only in MN
Snowmobiles. They sound exactly like lawnmowers- loud and annoying. As I was stirring in bed trying to hold on to those last attempts of sleep, I could've sworn that I was back in da city. It could've been my parents' house or our old apartment in Foster City, but it was Saturday mornings when those lawnmowers were loud enough to wake me up. After staying up late the night before, I wanted to relish waking up late. It's bad enough that because we still don't have any window treatment that the sun can't help but brighten our room at the start of the day. I set my alarm clock and of course, I end up hitting the snooze about a couple hundred times when I finally realize that the buzzing I hear isn't from the alarm clock, but from somewhere outside. Dammit.
I didn't quite notice them last winter, but along the roads you've got your normal stop signs and then you've got the mini-stop signs. Yes, mini. I remember thinking, why the heck did they make those stop signs so small? Who'll be able to see them? They weren't directly on the road; rather, they were more on the sidewalk. But then I forget that we're not in da city anymore. They don't have sidewalks out here in these parts- they have trails. And those lil' stop signs aren't for road traffic, they are for snowmobile traffic.
After relating all of this to hubby, he laughs and says that I asked him about all of that last year. I don't remember. I do recall seeing the "tracks" of the snowmobiles, but never the snowmobile itself or the mini-stop signs. Hmmm...I KNOW I'm not losing my mind just yet!
In the city newsletter that we get, I read that snowmobiles are legal to drive. Just the other night, we saw one trying to cut across the roads. It kinda freaked me out actually because it was late at night, it was so dark, and it came out from nowhere. (btw: ALL the roads are dark at night...they must have a thing against street lights...) It made me think that snowmobile drivers were sorta like ninjas in their dark helmets and attire....sans the whole sword and soundless movements thing. LOL!
The day that I was sick, hubby saw a whole gang of them outside. I told hubby that they were probably on their way to Starbucks! (Kinda like how you'd always see a gang of Asian guys on their Honda all-done-up racer motorcycles with their girlfriends holding tight from behind making a mad dash to the Serramonte Starbucks...c'mon, you know what I mean! It never fails that they take up half the parking over there!)
I find that there are still so many things that I learn about the way of life over here. Outdoor activities are THE mainframe here and so whatever the weather and no matter how cold, hot, wet it is, people will be out and about. Blows my mind really. As much as I might, *MIGHT*, try, I don't think I can ever convert to be an outdoor person. It's seriously either too cold, too hot, or too buggy out. (Yes, I put bugs into this category!) If you've been here in summer, you'd know and realize that they deserve their very own category...ewwww. I SO can't wait for spring to come.
Snowmobiles. They sound exactly like lawnmowers- loud and annoying. As I was stirring in bed trying to hold on to those last attempts of sleep, I could've sworn that I was back in da city. It could've been my parents' house or our old apartment in Foster City, but it was Saturday mornings when those lawnmowers were loud enough to wake me up. After staying up late the night before, I wanted to relish waking up late. It's bad enough that because we still don't have any window treatment that the sun can't help but brighten our room at the start of the day. I set my alarm clock and of course, I end up hitting the snooze about a couple hundred times when I finally realize that the buzzing I hear isn't from the alarm clock, but from somewhere outside. Dammit.
I didn't quite notice them last winter, but along the roads you've got your normal stop signs and then you've got the mini-stop signs. Yes, mini. I remember thinking, why the heck did they make those stop signs so small? Who'll be able to see them? They weren't directly on the road; rather, they were more on the sidewalk. But then I forget that we're not in da city anymore. They don't have sidewalks out here in these parts- they have trails. And those lil' stop signs aren't for road traffic, they are for snowmobile traffic.
After relating all of this to hubby, he laughs and says that I asked him about all of that last year. I don't remember. I do recall seeing the "tracks" of the snowmobiles, but never the snowmobile itself or the mini-stop signs. Hmmm...I KNOW I'm not losing my mind just yet!
In the city newsletter that we get, I read that snowmobiles are legal to drive. Just the other night, we saw one trying to cut across the roads. It kinda freaked me out actually because it was late at night, it was so dark, and it came out from nowhere. (btw: ALL the roads are dark at night...they must have a thing against street lights...) It made me think that snowmobile drivers were sorta like ninjas in their dark helmets and attire....sans the whole sword and soundless movements thing. LOL!
The day that I was sick, hubby saw a whole gang of them outside. I told hubby that they were probably on their way to Starbucks! (Kinda like how you'd always see a gang of Asian guys on their Honda all-done-up racer motorcycles with their girlfriends holding tight from behind making a mad dash to the Serramonte Starbucks...c'mon, you know what I mean! It never fails that they take up half the parking over there!)
I find that there are still so many things that I learn about the way of life over here. Outdoor activities are THE mainframe here and so whatever the weather and no matter how cold, hot, wet it is, people will be out and about. Blows my mind really. As much as I might, *MIGHT*, try, I don't think I can ever convert to be an outdoor person. It's seriously either too cold, too hot, or too buggy out. (Yes, I put bugs into this category!) If you've been here in summer, you'd know and realize that they deserve their very own category...ewwww. I SO can't wait for spring to come.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Lucked Out
There's this backroad going to our house that we just discovered recently. It sure beats sharing the always crowded one-lane main road that we've been taking for the past month or so. It's way less trafficky and the huge million dollar homes are always a sight as we drive by. I finally decided to drive today because I've refused to do so when the roads are slick...for MY obvious reasons, see previous posts. Anyways, the road was empty except for the police car that had just pulled out of another complex heading the opposite direction. As it passed, I noticed in my rearview mirror that it was making a U-turn. Crap. Hubby tells me to slow down and as I do, I see those red siren lights go off behind me. Double crap.
I pull to the side of the road and stop my Honda. Hubby says to put my hands on the steering wheel because cops like to see where the hands are. I just rolled down my window and was greeted by, very surprisingly, a nice police guy. He was cheery, not condescending and was the furthest from being the dick that he could've been. Here's the conversation as follows:
Police Guy: Do you know why I stopped you today?
MnM in an innocent, yet natural tone: Um, not really.
PG: Do you know what the speed limit is around here or did you happen to see the speed limit sign?
MnM: Isn't it 35?
PG: Actually, it's 30 and I clocked you going 45. Technically, it probably used to be 45, but because of the new developments happening, we're trying to ensure people are being safe in this area.
MnM: Oh, okay.
Hubby: Yah, this is only the second time we've used this road.
PG: Are you folks from around here?
Hubby: We actually just moved here from California.
PG: Well, what brings you out here? Are you tired of sunny weather?
Hubby: Yah, we were trying to escape the California winters.
PG laughing: Oh, I see.
PG getting serious now: Do you have a driver's license on you?
MnM: Yah, I have it right here.
PG: I'm going to write you up a warning.
MnM: Okay.
PG: So where are you living?
MnM: Actually, we just live down the road in the new development.
PG: Oh, just over there?
MnM & Hubby: Uh huh. Yah.
PG: Well, I tell you what. I'm just going to give you a warning today. The police chief is trying to crack down and make sure people follow the rules of the road. We're trying to be really vigilant over here.
MnM: Oh thanks. I appreciate it.
PG: No problem. Welcome to Minnesota. Have a good day folks.
Police guy gets back in his car and I turn to hubby with a smile. "Wow, no ticket!" I say happily. Hubby's response? "See? All you had to do was flash that smile of yours." "It worked, eh?"
On the real, and for reasons I can't explain, I didn't even feel nervous. The few times that I've been pulled over, the cops were such a-holes that they make today's PG look like a saint. He was a nice guy. A nice police guy. A nice police guy who could've easily given a person of color like myself a ticket. See? That in itself gives me hope that not all cops are crooked and out to fulfill their quotas. Thanks Mr. Police Guy of Woodbury! Keep up the good job! =)
*Note to self: 30 mph on the backroads.*
There's this backroad going to our house that we just discovered recently. It sure beats sharing the always crowded one-lane main road that we've been taking for the past month or so. It's way less trafficky and the huge million dollar homes are always a sight as we drive by. I finally decided to drive today because I've refused to do so when the roads are slick...for MY obvious reasons, see previous posts. Anyways, the road was empty except for the police car that had just pulled out of another complex heading the opposite direction. As it passed, I noticed in my rearview mirror that it was making a U-turn. Crap. Hubby tells me to slow down and as I do, I see those red siren lights go off behind me. Double crap.
I pull to the side of the road and stop my Honda. Hubby says to put my hands on the steering wheel because cops like to see where the hands are. I just rolled down my window and was greeted by, very surprisingly, a nice police guy. He was cheery, not condescending and was the furthest from being the dick that he could've been. Here's the conversation as follows:
Police Guy: Do you know why I stopped you today?
MnM in an innocent, yet natural tone: Um, not really.
PG: Do you know what the speed limit is around here or did you happen to see the speed limit sign?
MnM: Isn't it 35?
PG: Actually, it's 30 and I clocked you going 45. Technically, it probably used to be 45, but because of the new developments happening, we're trying to ensure people are being safe in this area.
MnM: Oh, okay.
Hubby: Yah, this is only the second time we've used this road.
PG: Are you folks from around here?
Hubby: We actually just moved here from California.
PG: Well, what brings you out here? Are you tired of sunny weather?
Hubby: Yah, we were trying to escape the California winters.
PG laughing: Oh, I see.
PG getting serious now: Do you have a driver's license on you?
MnM: Yah, I have it right here.
PG: I'm going to write you up a warning.
MnM: Okay.
PG: So where are you living?
MnM: Actually, we just live down the road in the new development.
PG: Oh, just over there?
MnM & Hubby: Uh huh. Yah.
PG: Well, I tell you what. I'm just going to give you a warning today. The police chief is trying to crack down and make sure people follow the rules of the road. We're trying to be really vigilant over here.
MnM: Oh thanks. I appreciate it.
PG: No problem. Welcome to Minnesota. Have a good day folks.
Police guy gets back in his car and I turn to hubby with a smile. "Wow, no ticket!" I say happily. Hubby's response? "See? All you had to do was flash that smile of yours." "It worked, eh?"
On the real, and for reasons I can't explain, I didn't even feel nervous. The few times that I've been pulled over, the cops were such a-holes that they make today's PG look like a saint. He was a nice guy. A nice police guy. A nice police guy who could've easily given a person of color like myself a ticket. See? That in itself gives me hope that not all cops are crooked and out to fulfill their quotas. Thanks Mr. Police Guy of Woodbury! Keep up the good job! =)
*Note to self: 30 mph on the backroads.*
Thursday, January 27, 2005
That's Not Right
Here are just a few things that caught my eye as I read the paper today. In no particular order, some I find just wrong and others which I find highly disturbing:
- Minnesota's age of sexual consent: 16 years old.
- Arson starts a fire at a MN farm killing over 500 animals, mostly sheep and baby lamb. Though many others survived, they will probably have to be put to death because of smoke inhalation and other complications. Although still under investigation, authorities suspect teenagers doing it for fun.
- If the law passes, San Franciscans may be charged 17 cents for every paper or plastic bag they take from grocery stores. I understand the whole environmental issue thing, I do. But c'mon...people are spending the loot for the food already. And to think...I love to double bag.
- Bush and his policies. Pick one. Any one.
- Local high school students in MN are fighting to bring back their old mascot- an Indian warrior. In '96, the student body changed the mascot because after looking through the school's history learned that the founder of the school was involved in killing Native American warriors. The senior leading this crusade sees nothing wrong with it nor believes that it does not cause disrespect to the Native American community..."it's not as if we have painted faces and tomahawks.." I can't stop shaking my head on this one.
- The smoking ban in San Francisco that doesn't permit smokers to do their thang at parks and other open spaces. Although I am not a proponent of smoking (nevermind that it was an expensive habit of mine in college), we simply can't force others to quit or deny them their choice of slow death if they so choose. I think that CA is awesome for banning smoking in restaurants and bars. I'm hoping that MN will follow suit, but it's a tough fight out here. We're still given the choice of smoking or non-smoking when we dine out and believe me...there really ain't no difference. For being named one of the healthiest states in the nation, it's a wonder that all these smokers haven't been keeling over from black lungs yet.
- Paige is leaving Trading Spaces. After the spring, the show is having a facelift of its own by not only be Paige-less, but host-less in the end. With the influx of so many makeover reality shows, they'd like to keep its focus on the homeowners and designers. Boo. It definitely will not be the same. On a brighter note, Geneveive is having her own show and I just saw Vern do an AOL commercial. Seems like we haven't seen the end of the show's favorite after all!
Birthday Shout-Out
A very special birthday shout-out goes to one of my most favorite people in the world and who also happens to be my niece/ina-anak. Sabrina, who I had dubbed my lil' monkey when she was born, turned 8 years old yesterday! Eight- omigosh! I can still remember when... When I talked to my sis the other day, we had a mini reminiscing session. I can't believe how big and how fast she's growing up. *sigh* She's already in the 2nd grade and one of the best students in the class. She's become quite the little lady, a great big sister to Nico, and just an overall good girl. Her Mommy and Daddy have done a great job raising her. I called her yesterday to sing my birthday wishes over the phone...she cracks up 'cuz Ninang can't sing! I wish I was there to help celebrate and to give her a big bear hug, but it'll have to wait til the next time I visit. So Bina, I'm sending my birthday love and hugs all the way from Minnesota to you! I hope all of your wishes come true. Love and miss you!
Here are just a few things that caught my eye as I read the paper today. In no particular order, some I find just wrong and others which I find highly disturbing:
- Minnesota's age of sexual consent: 16 years old.
- Arson starts a fire at a MN farm killing over 500 animals, mostly sheep and baby lamb. Though many others survived, they will probably have to be put to death because of smoke inhalation and other complications. Although still under investigation, authorities suspect teenagers doing it for fun.
- If the law passes, San Franciscans may be charged 17 cents for every paper or plastic bag they take from grocery stores. I understand the whole environmental issue thing, I do. But c'mon...people are spending the loot for the food already. And to think...I love to double bag.
- Bush and his policies. Pick one. Any one.
- Local high school students in MN are fighting to bring back their old mascot- an Indian warrior. In '96, the student body changed the mascot because after looking through the school's history learned that the founder of the school was involved in killing Native American warriors. The senior leading this crusade sees nothing wrong with it nor believes that it does not cause disrespect to the Native American community..."it's not as if we have painted faces and tomahawks.." I can't stop shaking my head on this one.
- The smoking ban in San Francisco that doesn't permit smokers to do their thang at parks and other open spaces. Although I am not a proponent of smoking (nevermind that it was an expensive habit of mine in college), we simply can't force others to quit or deny them their choice of slow death if they so choose. I think that CA is awesome for banning smoking in restaurants and bars. I'm hoping that MN will follow suit, but it's a tough fight out here. We're still given the choice of smoking or non-smoking when we dine out and believe me...there really ain't no difference. For being named one of the healthiest states in the nation, it's a wonder that all these smokers haven't been keeling over from black lungs yet.
- Paige is leaving Trading Spaces. After the spring, the show is having a facelift of its own by not only be Paige-less, but host-less in the end. With the influx of so many makeover reality shows, they'd like to keep its focus on the homeowners and designers. Boo. It definitely will not be the same. On a brighter note, Geneveive is having her own show and I just saw Vern do an AOL commercial. Seems like we haven't seen the end of the show's favorite after all!
Birthday Shout-Out
A very special birthday shout-out goes to one of my most favorite people in the world and who also happens to be my niece/ina-anak. Sabrina, who I had dubbed my lil' monkey when she was born, turned 8 years old yesterday! Eight- omigosh! I can still remember when... When I talked to my sis the other day, we had a mini reminiscing session. I can't believe how big and how fast she's growing up. *sigh* She's already in the 2nd grade and one of the best students in the class. She's become quite the little lady, a great big sister to Nico, and just an overall good girl. Her Mommy and Daddy have done a great job raising her. I called her yesterday to sing my birthday wishes over the phone...she cracks up 'cuz Ninang can't sing! I wish I was there to help celebrate and to give her a big bear hug, but it'll have to wait til the next time I visit. So Bina, I'm sending my birthday love and hugs all the way from Minnesota to you! I hope all of your wishes come true. Love and miss you!
Monday, January 24, 2005
Feeling much better after that bout of tummy troubles- thanks for the well wishes ya'll. =)
With me being sick, it was a nice to get out and treat ourselves to a dinner at PF Changs. Always a good choice for dinner. Always hits the spot. Always leave home with leftovers. It tripped me out at how WHITE everything looked- snow everywhere! Although the snow plows clear the roads, it's still slippery. In fact, at one bend in the road from our house to the main road, we saw a car that would've probably run off the road had it not been for the buildup of snow. And know what's on the other side of that? A lake! Egads...one of my biggest fears is skidding in the snow and driving off into a lake. They may be frozen now, but water is water, and drowning is drowning. Hubby says that homeboy probably took the curve too fast. I swear, these people over here need some serious driving lessons. They would NOT survive driving in California.
DVD Frenzy
Hubby and I have been on a DVD frenzy the past few days. Since we've gotten our new place, we ain't trying to spend money, know what I'm saying? Yes, yes, we buy to add to the collection, but with the wintery weather over here, I'm content with making it a Blockbuster night here at home. With the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, Peoples' Choice Awards and whatnot that were on last week or so, we gave in to all the hype about the nominated best films of the year schtick. We went to Best Buy and bought a bunch of movies. A bunch. It's not quite as bad as me buying books, but it's close. We've got a few handfuls with plastic intact that we've yet to watch- some oldies, but goodies (Princess Bride, Music Man, Singing in the Rain, Joy Luck Club) and some new releases. A few that we recently watched include:
- Troy
Brad Pitt is bad ass with that spear of his!....and he wears a skirt. WERD!
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Totally original storyline and surprisingly wonderful love story...."I'll never let go, Jack. I promise."....ooopss...wrong movie.
- Friday Night Lights
One word: Intense. It's just a game people. For real. But then again, I'm not from Texas.
Shout-Outs
- Wishing Mommy bLiss and hubby John a Happy 1st year anniversary! Hope you two had a wonderful day. Wishing the both of you much love for many years to come! P.S. Hope adorable baby Eve is fine and healthy, too! *Hugs! Hugs!*
- Sending my Lolo some birthday love on his 90th birthday! He may sound old in years, but he's definitely young at heart. Lolo has actually been in PI "partying" it up with his friends. Always the party goer, he probably spent it with Lola at a Senior Center dancing the night away. Happy Birthday Lolo! Love you!
- Love and congrats go out to Dimples and her honey, Etch- they're getting married! He popped the question right before Christmas and the big day is scheduled for 2006. Yay...another wedding! So happy for you, girl! Love and hugs...
With me being sick, it was a nice to get out and treat ourselves to a dinner at PF Changs. Always a good choice for dinner. Always hits the spot. Always leave home with leftovers. It tripped me out at how WHITE everything looked- snow everywhere! Although the snow plows clear the roads, it's still slippery. In fact, at one bend in the road from our house to the main road, we saw a car that would've probably run off the road had it not been for the buildup of snow. And know what's on the other side of that? A lake! Egads...one of my biggest fears is skidding in the snow and driving off into a lake. They may be frozen now, but water is water, and drowning is drowning. Hubby says that homeboy probably took the curve too fast. I swear, these people over here need some serious driving lessons. They would NOT survive driving in California.
DVD Frenzy
Hubby and I have been on a DVD frenzy the past few days. Since we've gotten our new place, we ain't trying to spend money, know what I'm saying? Yes, yes, we buy to add to the collection, but with the wintery weather over here, I'm content with making it a Blockbuster night here at home. With the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, Peoples' Choice Awards and whatnot that were on last week or so, we gave in to all the hype about the nominated best films of the year schtick. We went to Best Buy and bought a bunch of movies. A bunch. It's not quite as bad as me buying books, but it's close. We've got a few handfuls with plastic intact that we've yet to watch- some oldies, but goodies (Princess Bride, Music Man, Singing in the Rain, Joy Luck Club) and some new releases. A few that we recently watched include:
- Troy
Brad Pitt is bad ass with that spear of his!....and he wears a skirt. WERD!
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Totally original storyline and surprisingly wonderful love story...."I'll never let go, Jack. I promise."....ooopss...wrong movie.
- Friday Night Lights
One word: Intense. It's just a game people. For real. But then again, I'm not from Texas.
Shout-Outs
- Wishing Mommy bLiss and hubby John a Happy 1st year anniversary! Hope you two had a wonderful day. Wishing the both of you much love for many years to come! P.S. Hope adorable baby Eve is fine and healthy, too! *Hugs! Hugs!*
- Sending my Lolo some birthday love on his 90th birthday! He may sound old in years, but he's definitely young at heart. Lolo has actually been in PI "partying" it up with his friends. Always the party goer, he probably spent it with Lola at a Senior Center dancing the night away. Happy Birthday Lolo! Love you!
- Love and congrats go out to Dimples and her honey, Etch- they're getting married! He popped the question right before Christmas and the big day is scheduled for 2006. Yay...another wedding! So happy for you, girl! Love and hugs...
Sunday, January 23, 2005
33+ Hours
Being sick sucks. For the past 33 hours since the wee hours of Saturday morning, I've spent it either in bed or running to the loo. How come when one is hit with some kind of stomach virus thingymagiggy that it always has to happen early in the morning? Don't worry, I'll spare the details. I just haven't been able to hold anything down foodwise and to top it all off, my back has been hurting like a mf.
I'm feeling 100% awake right now, although I know that I'm moving in snail-like increments. I'm feeling hungry, yet I'm too scared to eat. Yesterday, the mere mention of food and the smell of it was enough to make me nauseous. Hubby was on-hand to make sure I had what I needed. He even went out to the grocery store at 1am to fetch me some Freezer Pops! I read somewhere that when kids are sick and can't keep anything down, freezer pops are a good alternative to avoid dehydration. Does this sound familiar to anyone???
As with anyone who is hit with stomach problems, I tried to recall what it was that I ate that would lead me to feel sh*tty these 36 hours. I even thought that it might've been due to our "mailbox excursion" the other day. Let me explain.
On Friday, we finally got our first major snowfall for the winter. I'm guessing that we got about a foot. Despite the weather, we had a whole bunch of errands to run. Throughout the couple hours that we were gone, the weather got progressively worse. Thankfully, we made it home safe and sound. As hubby pulled the Lex into the driveway, turns out that he couldn't because of the buildup of snow. He even tried revving the Lex to bust through the mini mounds, but no such luck. Since it wasn't that cold (23 degrees), I volunteered to shovel a path for him. We both got out and maybe it's because we're neophyte shovelers, it took a while! After some slipping and sliding, pulling in and pulling out, the Lex finally made it in. We hadn't gotten the mail just yet and hubby was just saying that I should overcome my fear of driving in the snow and get in some practice. Fine, fine, I said. When we get home, I'll take my Honda out to the mailbox. Well, after shoveling that path for Lex and with the snow coming down even harder, there was no way that the Honda would even make it out of the driveway.
SO, I suggested my "bright idea" to hubby of walking to get the mail. Now really, the mailbox isn't that far away, but when that snow is falling fiercely sideways and you can't even open your eyes to see, it's a freakin' long way! It seemed "fun" at first to walk and make tracks in the untouched snow, but by the time we got back to the house, I was literally exhausted. I honestly think my body couldn't take it and that's why my body is aching.
In any case, hubby is at church without me, my stomach is growling like crazy, and I'm about to venture downstairs to see if eating anything will sit well today.
Being sick sucks. For the past 33 hours since the wee hours of Saturday morning, I've spent it either in bed or running to the loo. How come when one is hit with some kind of stomach virus thingymagiggy that it always has to happen early in the morning? Don't worry, I'll spare the details. I just haven't been able to hold anything down foodwise and to top it all off, my back has been hurting like a mf.
I'm feeling 100% awake right now, although I know that I'm moving in snail-like increments. I'm feeling hungry, yet I'm too scared to eat. Yesterday, the mere mention of food and the smell of it was enough to make me nauseous. Hubby was on-hand to make sure I had what I needed. He even went out to the grocery store at 1am to fetch me some Freezer Pops! I read somewhere that when kids are sick and can't keep anything down, freezer pops are a good alternative to avoid dehydration. Does this sound familiar to anyone???
As with anyone who is hit with stomach problems, I tried to recall what it was that I ate that would lead me to feel sh*tty these 36 hours. I even thought that it might've been due to our "mailbox excursion" the other day. Let me explain.
On Friday, we finally got our first major snowfall for the winter. I'm guessing that we got about a foot. Despite the weather, we had a whole bunch of errands to run. Throughout the couple hours that we were gone, the weather got progressively worse. Thankfully, we made it home safe and sound. As hubby pulled the Lex into the driveway, turns out that he couldn't because of the buildup of snow. He even tried revving the Lex to bust through the mini mounds, but no such luck. Since it wasn't that cold (23 degrees), I volunteered to shovel a path for him. We both got out and maybe it's because we're neophyte shovelers, it took a while! After some slipping and sliding, pulling in and pulling out, the Lex finally made it in. We hadn't gotten the mail just yet and hubby was just saying that I should overcome my fear of driving in the snow and get in some practice. Fine, fine, I said. When we get home, I'll take my Honda out to the mailbox. Well, after shoveling that path for Lex and with the snow coming down even harder, there was no way that the Honda would even make it out of the driveway.
SO, I suggested my "bright idea" to hubby of walking to get the mail. Now really, the mailbox isn't that far away, but when that snow is falling fiercely sideways and you can't even open your eyes to see, it's a freakin' long way! It seemed "fun" at first to walk and make tracks in the untouched snow, but by the time we got back to the house, I was literally exhausted. I honestly think my body couldn't take it and that's why my body is aching.
In any case, hubby is at church without me, my stomach is growling like crazy, and I'm about to venture downstairs to see if eating anything will sit well today.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Just What I Needed
So the deal with me career-wise is that I've really been feeling that teaching may no longer be my cup of tea anymore. Since our move to Minnesota, I haven't had any opportunities to be in a classroom environment. I have forgotten that feeling of being in front of twenty something lil' pairs of eyes eagerly waiting for you to wow them in some way or another. I have forgotten what it feels like to finally get the attention of that one kid who would rather stare at the wall. I have forgotten how it feels to greet and be greeted by eager 3rd graders on a daily basis. I have forgotten the feeling I'd get when I'd hear my name being called in the hallways or the hugs I'd get from former students passing in the halls. I've almost forgotten that choked up feeling I always get when I see all those endless rehearsals for the Christmas show pay off and my kids on stage are perfectly behaved...almost. I've been missing the classroom so much that I feel that if I were to be thrown into one right now, I wouldn't know what to do. It's been too long.
With that in mind, I've been pondering the other things that I might be able to do with my life. But what? There was this ongoing joke that I had with homegirl Mrs. Sharon that if we were to ever leave the teaching profession, there'd seriously be nothing else we could do 'cuz teaching is all that we've been doing. What other skills do I have besides making lesson plans, grading papers, and giving kids timeouts? (oh yah, and making a difference in a child's life!)
A few ideas have popped into my mind as of late:
1) writing a book
2) being a photographer
3) opening up a filipino store
4) reading specialist
Of course there's more to WANTING to be and doing one of these things. For example, I believe that anyone can write a book. But can anyone write a GOOD book? I'm not confident that my writing skills are quite up to par with something that would be considered marketable. The photography bit...well, that idea is still in its infant stages because of the camera that hubby got for me. I have no real background and knowledge of the art of it, but I hope to learn more and experiment more. Just got a book that I have yet to read and tons of websites that I have yet to browse. Plus, do I even have "the eye" for good pictures? Then there's opening up a filipino store. Perhaps that's a lofty goal, so think on a smaller scale. Even though the Pinoy community isn't as huge as that on the Westside, I believe there's definitely a need. Who knows if it would even fly. I guess I was even thinking something similar to Arkipelago Books. Maybe I could even sell things out of my house...who knows. Ahhh...as far as the reading specialist is concerned, well, what it comes down to is more schooling. Do I really want to subject myself to MORE school? With all of the teacher layoffs happening out here, my chances of being a 1st year teacher doesn't seem too promising. There is, however, a big need for specialists such as reading, speech, and special needs. OR, if I was motivated enough to do it, I could even open up my own reading center. Hmmmmm....what to do, what to do???
As I was organizing my cds together, I came across an unmarked one. I popped it in the cd player and it turned out to be a praise and worship cd for kids. 'Twas probably one of the many cds I used during chapel time at Cornerstone. As I sat and listened to these kid sung songs, I started getting teary-eyed! It totally reminded me of how I used to sing with my kids every week in class. Usually, we had chapel time on Tuesdays and Thursdays that included a "songspiration" time. Each teacher from each class would take turns leading...basically, lead in the pledges and sing a couple of songs. Sometimes, I'd have my own songspiration with my own class. I'd have lil' competitions between the boys and girls, and/or which side of the room could sing louder. My last year teaching was especially fun because my group of kids honestly enjoyed singing. Anyways, I sat there and listened to the cd and all of those feelings I've forgotten about teaching came flooding back. I thought about all of the things I missed about teaching and all of the things that I loved about it, too.
Minnesota is, in my eyes, just a whole different way of life compared to CA. I'm still unsure of the path I'd like take career-wise. I wrack my brain thinking of a possible career change. Just the other day, I came across this in a book,
"Is there a desire you like to pursue, but feel it's too late to start? Is there a goal that you long to fulfil or a dream that still tugs at your heart? Then today is the day to move forward in faith and to follow the callings within. For no matter your age or the time that has passed, it's never too late to begin."
After reading that, I felt inspired. I guess I was just feeling down on myself because this past year and a half has been the only time that I have NOT worked. When I think about it, I've been working, full-time or part-time, since I was 14 years old. Yah, so what if I am unemployed right now...I am 3/4 closer towards earning my Masters in Education. How many other people can say that? I was lucky to have earned the experience that I did and to have worked with a fine group of teachers that I did. If, the big IF, I do choose to pursue writing, photography, or something totally different, it shouldn't matter that I'm 30...hey, J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, became a playwright in his thirties and later had a successful career. Why can't I, eh? (btw: if you haven't already, go see, rent, or buy "Finding Neverland?" Two words besides 'awesome movie'---> Johnny Depp!)
That cd brought back so many memories that I think it was what I needed to help me get refocused on the right path. I started a new class today and realized that I'm only 7 units from completing the program. I also signed up for the PRAXIS II tests (teacher requirement tests) for March, two 2-hours tests that cost a sh*tload for real! Maybe it's because the light at the end of the tunnel is becoming a tad clearer now and maybe it's telling me that teaching is still my calling. Either way, I am going to finish up and come out with a teaching certificate and a Masters degree..how dope is that? I wish I could see where my life is headed. It's all up in the air and in someone else's hands right now. I feel that I have bigger plans ahead of me, but until then, I just have to keep my head up.
Birthday Shout-Out
Just wanted to send some birthday love and hugs to my Pops who turns 63 today- Happy Birthday Dad! Love and miss you much...
So the deal with me career-wise is that I've really been feeling that teaching may no longer be my cup of tea anymore. Since our move to Minnesota, I haven't had any opportunities to be in a classroom environment. I have forgotten that feeling of being in front of twenty something lil' pairs of eyes eagerly waiting for you to wow them in some way or another. I have forgotten what it feels like to finally get the attention of that one kid who would rather stare at the wall. I have forgotten how it feels to greet and be greeted by eager 3rd graders on a daily basis. I have forgotten the feeling I'd get when I'd hear my name being called in the hallways or the hugs I'd get from former students passing in the halls. I've almost forgotten that choked up feeling I always get when I see all those endless rehearsals for the Christmas show pay off and my kids on stage are perfectly behaved...almost. I've been missing the classroom so much that I feel that if I were to be thrown into one right now, I wouldn't know what to do. It's been too long.
With that in mind, I've been pondering the other things that I might be able to do with my life. But what? There was this ongoing joke that I had with homegirl Mrs. Sharon that if we were to ever leave the teaching profession, there'd seriously be nothing else we could do 'cuz teaching is all that we've been doing. What other skills do I have besides making lesson plans, grading papers, and giving kids timeouts? (oh yah, and making a difference in a child's life!)
A few ideas have popped into my mind as of late:
1) writing a book
2) being a photographer
3) opening up a filipino store
4) reading specialist
Of course there's more to WANTING to be and doing one of these things. For example, I believe that anyone can write a book. But can anyone write a GOOD book? I'm not confident that my writing skills are quite up to par with something that would be considered marketable. The photography bit...well, that idea is still in its infant stages because of the camera that hubby got for me. I have no real background and knowledge of the art of it, but I hope to learn more and experiment more. Just got a book that I have yet to read and tons of websites that I have yet to browse. Plus, do I even have "the eye" for good pictures? Then there's opening up a filipino store. Perhaps that's a lofty goal, so think on a smaller scale. Even though the Pinoy community isn't as huge as that on the Westside, I believe there's definitely a need. Who knows if it would even fly. I guess I was even thinking something similar to Arkipelago Books. Maybe I could even sell things out of my house...who knows. Ahhh...as far as the reading specialist is concerned, well, what it comes down to is more schooling. Do I really want to subject myself to MORE school? With all of the teacher layoffs happening out here, my chances of being a 1st year teacher doesn't seem too promising. There is, however, a big need for specialists such as reading, speech, and special needs. OR, if I was motivated enough to do it, I could even open up my own reading center. Hmmmmm....what to do, what to do???
As I was organizing my cds together, I came across an unmarked one. I popped it in the cd player and it turned out to be a praise and worship cd for kids. 'Twas probably one of the many cds I used during chapel time at Cornerstone. As I sat and listened to these kid sung songs, I started getting teary-eyed! It totally reminded me of how I used to sing with my kids every week in class. Usually, we had chapel time on Tuesdays and Thursdays that included a "songspiration" time. Each teacher from each class would take turns leading...basically, lead in the pledges and sing a couple of songs. Sometimes, I'd have my own songspiration with my own class. I'd have lil' competitions between the boys and girls, and/or which side of the room could sing louder. My last year teaching was especially fun because my group of kids honestly enjoyed singing. Anyways, I sat there and listened to the cd and all of those feelings I've forgotten about teaching came flooding back. I thought about all of the things I missed about teaching and all of the things that I loved about it, too.
Minnesota is, in my eyes, just a whole different way of life compared to CA. I'm still unsure of the path I'd like take career-wise. I wrack my brain thinking of a possible career change. Just the other day, I came across this in a book,
"Is there a desire you like to pursue, but feel it's too late to start? Is there a goal that you long to fulfil or a dream that still tugs at your heart? Then today is the day to move forward in faith and to follow the callings within. For no matter your age or the time that has passed, it's never too late to begin."
After reading that, I felt inspired. I guess I was just feeling down on myself because this past year and a half has been the only time that I have NOT worked. When I think about it, I've been working, full-time or part-time, since I was 14 years old. Yah, so what if I am unemployed right now...I am 3/4 closer towards earning my Masters in Education. How many other people can say that? I was lucky to have earned the experience that I did and to have worked with a fine group of teachers that I did. If, the big IF, I do choose to pursue writing, photography, or something totally different, it shouldn't matter that I'm 30...hey, J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, became a playwright in his thirties and later had a successful career. Why can't I, eh? (btw: if you haven't already, go see, rent, or buy "Finding Neverland?" Two words besides 'awesome movie'---> Johnny Depp!)
That cd brought back so many memories that I think it was what I needed to help me get refocused on the right path. I started a new class today and realized that I'm only 7 units from completing the program. I also signed up for the PRAXIS II tests (teacher requirement tests) for March, two 2-hours tests that cost a sh*tload for real! Maybe it's because the light at the end of the tunnel is becoming a tad clearer now and maybe it's telling me that teaching is still my calling. Either way, I am going to finish up and come out with a teaching certificate and a Masters degree..how dope is that? I wish I could see where my life is headed. It's all up in the air and in someone else's hands right now. I feel that I have bigger plans ahead of me, but until then, I just have to keep my head up.
Birthday Shout-Out
Just wanted to send some birthday love and hugs to my Pops who turns 63 today- Happy Birthday Dad! Love and miss you much...
Monday, January 17, 2005
Lexus Ordeal
It was bound to happen. The Lex is simply not built for the harsh cold of the winter.
Sunday morning started like any other Sunday with us waking up late and rushing to get ready for service. We were up late the night before with yet another rearranging of our furniture (more about that later) and I swear, I feel like we've taken two steps backward in trying to get our place done. Little by little, yes I know. Service came and went (and not without a rather disturbing message about the wrath of God...but I'd rather not even go there right now...) and our ordeal began as we were headed home.
One thing about Minnesota that I am still trying to get used to are the numerous freeways. You've got to jump on 494 to get to 94E, then head towards Minneapolis on 35E South, then after a couple of miles, make the exchange to 36. And that's just going to church from our place. Y'know, da Bay Area was so much simpler. You had 280 and the 101. All that aside, we had just got onto the onramp of a freeway when the Lex slid out a bit. With the cold and icy roads, I'm already nervous about spinning out and whatnot. I can usually tell by looking at hubby's face whether or not it's time to really worry.
Turns out that the Lex had a flat tire. In a way it was a good thing that we were on the onramp because there was a small shoulder to park the Lex. On the other hand, hella drivers are usually trying to merge with oncoming traffic and are probably not really paying attention to any cars that might be stalled. Hubby goes out to check and yes, indeedy, it was a flat. To make things worse, we had gotten a flat right before our move and replaced it with the spare. We never replaced the other tire. So there we were stuck on the side of the road, hoping and praying that we wouldn't get hit by oncoming traffic.
Let me digress for a moment. Since winter started, there've been so many tips on "winterizing" your vehicle in case of emergency. We've gotten down to throwing a sleeping bag in each of our cars. Just the other day, I was reading yet another article in the paper about the importance of checking the pressure of the tires. Yes, that should be normal in regular maintenance of a car, but oftentimes, the tires simply cannot handle the cold and give out. As we pulled out of the garage that Sunday morning, one of the first thoughts that entered my mind was, "Hmmm...we should've replaced that spare tire already. Watch something happen to our tires today." As fleeting as all of my other "ESP" moments are, it came and went. I swear, I should really start listening to those thoughts sometime!
Hubby got on the phone to see what our insurance could do as far as towing and whatnot. On the first call that he made, the lady told him that it would take about an hour and a half before someone came out to get us. 1 1/2 hours?! Dude...nevermind that we've been having negative weather for the past how many days! ('Course I patted myself on the back for sticking that sleeping bag in the car...y'know, for emergency!) And we really weren't dressed for walking to the next exit...hell, I was wearing heels! What could we do but wait?
As he got off the phone, surprisingly, a truck pulled up behind us. We exchanged looks that both said, "damn, that was fast!" Turned out it was a state patrol guy, not a tow truck. He informed us that we weren't in a very safe area (yah, no sh*t) and offered to wait with us "so you guys don't get hit. 'Cuz if I get hit, it'll be like being nudged by a snowball. I can take the hit, you guys can't." That was nice of him, yah? As traffic zoomed by us, we did feel a bit at ease having his huge truck behind us, but still, the shoulder where the Lex sat was atop an embankment where I could easily see us rolling down had we been hit. Must think good thoughts!
To make a long story short: tow truck came, tow truck drove us in circles, tow truck dropped us in front of tow truck company so that he could pick up another stalled vehicle as we waited (which he would compensate our delay with a gift certificate to Olive Garden!), drove us to Pep Boys only to be turned away because they were booked, and finally drove us to the autocare closer to where we live only to find it was closed. We couldn't very well have tow truck guy drive us all around, but he couldn't very well just leave us stranded somewhere either. We decided that we'd leave the Lex at the closed autocare place and call for someone to pick us up. As tow truck guy unloads the Lex, I walk across the way (in heels and no thermals, mind you...at this point, I have no feeling from my thighs down to my toes. Not good.) to the gas station to get some hot chocolate for us. I also get one for tow truck guy. I gotta give this guy props, though, on the real. He was out and about without a hat, scarf, or jacket. Towing trucks in negative degree weather has got to be the sh*tty end of a deal somewhere, but I know someone's got to do it. Thank God for these people.
Thank God for Mare and Pare DeJesus for being home when we called. Seeing their familiar faces drive up as we tried to defrost in the Lex was enough to make me cheer. After three long hours, we were back home exhausted. I think the cold just overtook my body. But it wasn't but ten minutes later that we were back on the road on our way back to church for a surprise birthday party...but more on that later. I'm definitely feeling the after-effects of yesterday's "ordeal." It seriously could've been worse and thankfully, it wasn't. Still, I'm just glad to be home, safe, and warm.
Is it spring yet??? Three more months and counting.
Birthday Shout-Out
'Twas my Mom's 61st birthday yesterday. She doesn't know it yet, but when I called to wish her a happy birthday, it was from the tow truck. That was when tow truck guy left us sitting there while he went to get another car. Of course I didn't mention that to the answering machine...didn't need to give my Mom anything to worry about, y'know? Will call home in a couple of days for my Dad's birthday...Jan is full of birthdays! After my Pops comes my Lolo; after Lolo is Bina's. Whew! Anyways, birthday love and hugs goes out to my Mom- wish I was there to give you a big hug! Love and miss you!
It was bound to happen. The Lex is simply not built for the harsh cold of the winter.
Sunday morning started like any other Sunday with us waking up late and rushing to get ready for service. We were up late the night before with yet another rearranging of our furniture (more about that later) and I swear, I feel like we've taken two steps backward in trying to get our place done. Little by little, yes I know. Service came and went (and not without a rather disturbing message about the wrath of God...but I'd rather not even go there right now...) and our ordeal began as we were headed home.
One thing about Minnesota that I am still trying to get used to are the numerous freeways. You've got to jump on 494 to get to 94E, then head towards Minneapolis on 35E South, then after a couple of miles, make the exchange to 36. And that's just going to church from our place. Y'know, da Bay Area was so much simpler. You had 280 and the 101. All that aside, we had just got onto the onramp of a freeway when the Lex slid out a bit. With the cold and icy roads, I'm already nervous about spinning out and whatnot. I can usually tell by looking at hubby's face whether or not it's time to really worry.
Turns out that the Lex had a flat tire. In a way it was a good thing that we were on the onramp because there was a small shoulder to park the Lex. On the other hand, hella drivers are usually trying to merge with oncoming traffic and are probably not really paying attention to any cars that might be stalled. Hubby goes out to check and yes, indeedy, it was a flat. To make things worse, we had gotten a flat right before our move and replaced it with the spare. We never replaced the other tire. So there we were stuck on the side of the road, hoping and praying that we wouldn't get hit by oncoming traffic.
Let me digress for a moment. Since winter started, there've been so many tips on "winterizing" your vehicle in case of emergency. We've gotten down to throwing a sleeping bag in each of our cars. Just the other day, I was reading yet another article in the paper about the importance of checking the pressure of the tires. Yes, that should be normal in regular maintenance of a car, but oftentimes, the tires simply cannot handle the cold and give out. As we pulled out of the garage that Sunday morning, one of the first thoughts that entered my mind was, "Hmmm...we should've replaced that spare tire already. Watch something happen to our tires today." As fleeting as all of my other "ESP" moments are, it came and went. I swear, I should really start listening to those thoughts sometime!
Hubby got on the phone to see what our insurance could do as far as towing and whatnot. On the first call that he made, the lady told him that it would take about an hour and a half before someone came out to get us. 1 1/2 hours?! Dude...nevermind that we've been having negative weather for the past how many days! ('Course I patted myself on the back for sticking that sleeping bag in the car...y'know, for emergency!) And we really weren't dressed for walking to the next exit...hell, I was wearing heels! What could we do but wait?
As he got off the phone, surprisingly, a truck pulled up behind us. We exchanged looks that both said, "damn, that was fast!" Turned out it was a state patrol guy, not a tow truck. He informed us that we weren't in a very safe area (yah, no sh*t) and offered to wait with us "so you guys don't get hit. 'Cuz if I get hit, it'll be like being nudged by a snowball. I can take the hit, you guys can't." That was nice of him, yah? As traffic zoomed by us, we did feel a bit at ease having his huge truck behind us, but still, the shoulder where the Lex sat was atop an embankment where I could easily see us rolling down had we been hit. Must think good thoughts!
To make a long story short: tow truck came, tow truck drove us in circles, tow truck dropped us in front of tow truck company so that he could pick up another stalled vehicle as we waited (which he would compensate our delay with a gift certificate to Olive Garden!), drove us to Pep Boys only to be turned away because they were booked, and finally drove us to the autocare closer to where we live only to find it was closed. We couldn't very well have tow truck guy drive us all around, but he couldn't very well just leave us stranded somewhere either. We decided that we'd leave the Lex at the closed autocare place and call for someone to pick us up. As tow truck guy unloads the Lex, I walk across the way (in heels and no thermals, mind you...at this point, I have no feeling from my thighs down to my toes. Not good.) to the gas station to get some hot chocolate for us. I also get one for tow truck guy. I gotta give this guy props, though, on the real. He was out and about without a hat, scarf, or jacket. Towing trucks in negative degree weather has got to be the sh*tty end of a deal somewhere, but I know someone's got to do it. Thank God for these people.
Thank God for Mare and Pare DeJesus for being home when we called. Seeing their familiar faces drive up as we tried to defrost in the Lex was enough to make me cheer. After three long hours, we were back home exhausted. I think the cold just overtook my body. But it wasn't but ten minutes later that we were back on the road on our way back to church for a surprise birthday party...but more on that later. I'm definitely feeling the after-effects of yesterday's "ordeal." It seriously could've been worse and thankfully, it wasn't. Still, I'm just glad to be home, safe, and warm.
Is it spring yet??? Three more months and counting.
Birthday Shout-Out
'Twas my Mom's 61st birthday yesterday. She doesn't know it yet, but when I called to wish her a happy birthday, it was from the tow truck. That was when tow truck guy left us sitting there while he went to get another car. Of course I didn't mention that to the answering machine...didn't need to give my Mom anything to worry about, y'know? Will call home in a couple of days for my Dad's birthday...Jan is full of birthdays! After my Pops comes my Lolo; after Lolo is Bina's. Whew! Anyways, birthday love and hugs goes out to my Mom- wish I was there to give you a big hug! Love and miss you!
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Weather Update
It is now a whopping -6 degrees here with a wind chill of -27. There is, in fact, a wind chill advisory. It's so friggin' cold out here that they are saying that frostbite may occur within 10-15 minutes(?!?!). The temps are practically dropping a couple degrees each hour.
Why would anyone in their right mind WANT to go out in this weather?! I went to our icebox of a garage to start up my car...HOORAY it started!....and we decided to drive around the corner to get the mail. Honestly, it's not that far away, but we had to bundle up anyways. I swear, the way these weather reporters are talking, I'm so reminded of the movie "The Day After Tomorrow."
Anyways, keep warm ya'll...and for those in da Bay and the rest of CA, stay dry. Mother Nature has to let up some time, eh? Keep your fingers crossed.
It is now a whopping -6 degrees here with a wind chill of -27. There is, in fact, a wind chill advisory. It's so friggin' cold out here that they are saying that frostbite may occur within 10-15 minutes(?!?!). The temps are practically dropping a couple degrees each hour.
Why would anyone in their right mind WANT to go out in this weather?! I went to our icebox of a garage to start up my car...HOORAY it started!....and we decided to drive around the corner to get the mail. Honestly, it's not that far away, but we had to bundle up anyways. I swear, the way these weather reporters are talking, I'm so reminded of the movie "The Day After Tomorrow."
Anyways, keep warm ya'll...and for those in da Bay and the rest of CA, stay dry. Mother Nature has to let up some time, eh? Keep your fingers crossed.
I Simply Refuse To...
go outside at all today. No thanks. Currently, it is 4 freakin' degrees out. That's about the warmest it's going to get today. The rest of the forecast calls for a high of zero. ZERO...egads...and a low of - 5. NEGATIVE! On the news, they supposedly reported that today (Thurs) will be one of the coldest days ever, but I just checked on our handy dandy Weatherbug and tomorrow may reach to as cold as - 45. Hell no. To top it all off, we're getting wind, too. I hate that! Can't it just be cold?! Do we honestly need that cuts-you-like-a-knife-and-makes-it-hard-for-you-to-breathe wind, too?
Outside our front door. When I went to get the paper this morning, the cold literally took my breath away.
Yesterday it snowed about a couple of inches. I only know this because it was the first time we ever saw our driveway being plowed. Yeah...our association dues at work! Our walkway in front of our house gets shoveled and sprinkled with salt as well. Apparently it's city ordinance that nothing gets plowed unless it's two or more inches...and that's how I know it snowed about two inches. Of course, you KNOW when there's plowing action going on...'cuz it's so damn loud! Through the early morning hours, you can clearly hear the plow trucks making their rounds. At our last apartment, we lived right off the freeway. 24/7, all you hear is that whooshing sound of cars passing. Here, we live right off the main road. Same thing, but not as annoying and as loud. But when those snow plows pass, not only do we hear them, but the flashing lights atop their trucks are reflected onto our windows and into our bedrooms. Oh yah..we haven't got any curtains yet..just those temporary paper fan folding kinds.
I was thinking that MN got off the hook this winter without having any major snowfall. On the real, it hasn't even gotten THAT cold...for MN standards, anyways. Locals were worried that MN may lose the reputation for being "that cold ass state" during this time of the year and "having snow for half the freakin' year." But I spoke too soon. Supposedly we're going to be "dumped" on with a sh*tload of snow within the coming weeks...and all the cross country skiers and snowboarders cheer.
House Update
We're getting somewhere with all the mess, YET we're not getting anywhere. Things are being put in its place, YET things are being put out of place. If ya'll remember the pic I posted of my mango colored library, it was so nice and neat. Now, it's strewn with boxes that I'm attempting to sort through. Yes, yes, the mess is only temporary, but MnM can only take so much kalat!
The living room/dining room is painted, although, not completely. When you come in through the garage and look directly to your left, it's all done. But if you look to your right, um, well, how about you just don't for now. I gotta say, it looks NICE! With our new living room furniture, new side tables and lamps, and with all the tarp off the carpet, it's really starting to come together.
Our dining room area.
Isn't this lamp cute? Two words: Target rocks.
Guest bathroom with palm tree theme.
Master bathroom with garden tub.
I've always wanted a double sink bathroom! Ignore the non-matching bathrugs.
More pics to come later!
Birthday Shout-Outs
- Just wanted to send some birthday love and hugs to the soon-to-be Mrs. Lily. She turns 26 today! I met this cool chick at Cornerstone and when she was hired for the new 3rd grade position, I was called to mentor her. She "inherited" my "cozy and intimate" (aka: hella small and stuffy!) classroom while I got the former computer lab (aka: hella big and cool!)We became fast friends and being neighbors with her was just plain fun. After I left Cornerstone, my classroom was up for grabs once again. Lo and behold, Lily "inherited" it. I gotta say, it's just one of the nicest classrooms in the entire school! Girlfriend is tying the knot this July- I'm so excited! Keeping my fingers crossed, I hope to make it to her special day. Happy Birthday, Lily! =)
- To my SpiderMan-loving nephew, Nico...he turns 4 today! I'm so proud of this lil' man...he's beginning to talk much more now AND in fluent sentences. Every time I talk to him, he always says, "I miss you, Ninang." But more than that, it's the WAY he says it that just melts my heart. He has the most animated facial expressions I've seen in a kid and not to be the bragging auntie/Ninang, he could be an actor! LOL! Times like this, I miss home and wish that I could be there to celebrate his special day. He's really grown a lot and before you know it, he's going to entering kindergarten! Wow...I feel old now. Anyways...Happy Happy 4th Birthday, Nico! Uncle Doh and Ninang miss and love you very much! =)
*Went to Mickey D's yesterday to get my niece and nephew gift certificates..does anyone do that anymore? Anyways, there's a new promotion that says, "Buy a quarter pounder and get the second one for yesterday's temperature at noon." Yesterday's temp was 20 degrees, hence, 20 cents. So what happens if we're hit with negative temps? Free burger, baby! LOL!*
go outside at all today. No thanks. Currently, it is 4 freakin' degrees out. That's about the warmest it's going to get today. The rest of the forecast calls for a high of zero. ZERO...egads...and a low of - 5. NEGATIVE! On the news, they supposedly reported that today (Thurs) will be one of the coldest days ever, but I just checked on our handy dandy Weatherbug and tomorrow may reach to as cold as - 45. Hell no. To top it all off, we're getting wind, too. I hate that! Can't it just be cold?! Do we honestly need that cuts-you-like-a-knife-and-makes-it-hard-for-you-to-breathe wind, too?
Outside our front door. When I went to get the paper this morning, the cold literally took my breath away.
Yesterday it snowed about a couple of inches. I only know this because it was the first time we ever saw our driveway being plowed. Yeah...our association dues at work! Our walkway in front of our house gets shoveled and sprinkled with salt as well. Apparently it's city ordinance that nothing gets plowed unless it's two or more inches...and that's how I know it snowed about two inches. Of course, you KNOW when there's plowing action going on...'cuz it's so damn loud! Through the early morning hours, you can clearly hear the plow trucks making their rounds. At our last apartment, we lived right off the freeway. 24/7, all you hear is that whooshing sound of cars passing. Here, we live right off the main road. Same thing, but not as annoying and as loud. But when those snow plows pass, not only do we hear them, but the flashing lights atop their trucks are reflected onto our windows and into our bedrooms. Oh yah..we haven't got any curtains yet..just those temporary paper fan folding kinds.
I was thinking that MN got off the hook this winter without having any major snowfall. On the real, it hasn't even gotten THAT cold...for MN standards, anyways. Locals were worried that MN may lose the reputation for being "that cold ass state" during this time of the year and "having snow for half the freakin' year." But I spoke too soon. Supposedly we're going to be "dumped" on with a sh*tload of snow within the coming weeks...and all the cross country skiers and snowboarders cheer.
House Update
We're getting somewhere with all the mess, YET we're not getting anywhere. Things are being put in its place, YET things are being put out of place. If ya'll remember the pic I posted of my mango colored library, it was so nice and neat. Now, it's strewn with boxes that I'm attempting to sort through. Yes, yes, the mess is only temporary, but MnM can only take so much kalat!
The living room/dining room is painted, although, not completely. When you come in through the garage and look directly to your left, it's all done. But if you look to your right, um, well, how about you just don't for now. I gotta say, it looks NICE! With our new living room furniture, new side tables and lamps, and with all the tarp off the carpet, it's really starting to come together.
Our dining room area.
Isn't this lamp cute? Two words: Target rocks.
Guest bathroom with palm tree theme.
Master bathroom with garden tub.
I've always wanted a double sink bathroom! Ignore the non-matching bathrugs.
More pics to come later!
Birthday Shout-Outs
- Just wanted to send some birthday love and hugs to the soon-to-be Mrs. Lily. She turns 26 today! I met this cool chick at Cornerstone and when she was hired for the new 3rd grade position, I was called to mentor her. She "inherited" my "cozy and intimate" (aka: hella small and stuffy!) classroom while I got the former computer lab (aka: hella big and cool!)We became fast friends and being neighbors with her was just plain fun. After I left Cornerstone, my classroom was up for grabs once again. Lo and behold, Lily "inherited" it. I gotta say, it's just one of the nicest classrooms in the entire school! Girlfriend is tying the knot this July- I'm so excited! Keeping my fingers crossed, I hope to make it to her special day. Happy Birthday, Lily! =)
- To my SpiderMan-loving nephew, Nico...he turns 4 today! I'm so proud of this lil' man...he's beginning to talk much more now AND in fluent sentences. Every time I talk to him, he always says, "I miss you, Ninang." But more than that, it's the WAY he says it that just melts my heart. He has the most animated facial expressions I've seen in a kid and not to be the bragging auntie/Ninang, he could be an actor! LOL! Times like this, I miss home and wish that I could be there to celebrate his special day. He's really grown a lot and before you know it, he's going to entering kindergarten! Wow...I feel old now. Anyways...Happy Happy 4th Birthday, Nico! Uncle Doh and Ninang miss and love you very much! =)
*Went to Mickey D's yesterday to get my niece and nephew gift certificates..does anyone do that anymore? Anyways, there's a new promotion that says, "Buy a quarter pounder and get the second one for yesterday's temperature at noon." Yesterday's temp was 20 degrees, hence, 20 cents. So what happens if we're hit with negative temps? Free burger, baby! LOL!*
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Did Anyone See....
- the moaning Mini-Me on the new season of Surreal Life?
HILARIOUS, yet sorta creepy...Click the link and watch The Surreal Life Sneek Peek.
- the bachelor who fainted on last night's The Bachelorette?
Honestly, that was the sole reason why I was glued to watching this! Hubby and I were trying to guess which dork it was going to be. 'Twasn't too hard..they kept panning to this one guy with the thick ole eyebrows. First, he kinda rolled his eyes upward...then, he was shown rubbing his temples...then, he hit the floor. Poor guy. Was totally humiliated on national television. Then to make it all worse, he didn't get a rose. Now if he did, would it have been a mercy pick? Yah, we think so, too.
- Strange Love: Flavor Flav's attempts to woo his Brigitte.
The title couldn't be more fitting. Looks totally scripted. Although I say that I won't watch it, truth is, I'm a tad curious to see what happens.
- I Love the 90's: Part Deux.
Yay! I'm so excited! It doesn't start until Monday, January 17th, but the preview that takes place in the famous 90210's Peach Pit is a total crackup. Check out what's to come. VH1
MnM is either a reality tv or VH-1 junkie...or both. Any thoughts?
*And deep down, you know you're down like me! LOL!*
- the moaning Mini-Me on the new season of Surreal Life?
HILARIOUS, yet sorta creepy...Click the link and watch The Surreal Life Sneek Peek.
- the bachelor who fainted on last night's The Bachelorette?
Honestly, that was the sole reason why I was glued to watching this! Hubby and I were trying to guess which dork it was going to be. 'Twasn't too hard..they kept panning to this one guy with the thick ole eyebrows. First, he kinda rolled his eyes upward...then, he was shown rubbing his temples...then, he hit the floor. Poor guy. Was totally humiliated on national television. Then to make it all worse, he didn't get a rose. Now if he did, would it have been a mercy pick? Yah, we think so, too.
- Strange Love: Flavor Flav's attempts to woo his Brigitte.
The title couldn't be more fitting. Looks totally scripted. Although I say that I won't watch it, truth is, I'm a tad curious to see what happens.
- I Love the 90's: Part Deux.
Yay! I'm so excited! It doesn't start until Monday, January 17th, but the preview that takes place in the famous 90210's Peach Pit is a total crackup. Check out what's to come. VH1
MnM is either a reality tv or VH-1 junkie...or both. Any thoughts?
*And deep down, you know you're down like me! LOL!*
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Sometimes I don't even know why I bother to read the newspaper everyday. Sure, it's good to stay current with what's going on in the world, but honestly, it's just too damn depressing.
Take the tsunami, for example. I liken the tsunami coverage to the September 11 attacks. As devastating and emotionally gut-wrenching it is to watch it, I'm drawn like a moth to a flame. I can't seem to get enough. Why do I even subject myself to such tragedy? I want to know the latest, but at the same time, I'm always left with an unspeakable sadness. I simply cannot fathom the continuing death toll. As of today's paper, the death count in Indonesia is up to 143,000 and rising.
On Mrs. Voodoo's blog, there's this link to all these tsunami clips taken by amateur videographers, mostly tourists on vacation, that eerily captured Mother Nature's wrath. I watched each one in horror. Video after video, it's the same thing- hundreds caught by surprise by the waves, cries of terror, desperate attempts to save the lives of loved ones and themselves, and devastation everywhere. There were a couple that I had to watch a couple of times, to actually see that wall of water rush towards the shore. One video was taken from a hotel room on an upper floor. The outside is beautifully surrounded by plush palm trees when all of a sudden there is confusion everywhere as so many people are swept up by the water. The videographer even takes a closeup shot of a guy hugging a palm tree, holding on for dear life. As if that moment wasn't terrifying enough, the horror continues as the water recedes back into the ocean, taking all the people with it. Even as they desperately tried, they couldn't do a damn thing to save themselves.
My heart goes out to all those killed, injured, and affected. I refuse to even imagine what it would've been like to be in their shoes. I was at Borders the other day and picked up an issue of the latest Time magazine. In it, the pictures speak a thousand words. It's already sad enough that this huge natural disaster happened in the first place, but to have it happen in a third world country, whose main economic source of livelihood is tourism, is like putting salt in a wound. Plus, search & recovery is such a daunting task because many of the places that need the most help are almost impossible for emergency relief forces to get to. The tsunami hit on Dec. 26th. Bodies are continuing to wash ashore. There was a story of a Red Cross worker who stated that he's had enough. Most of the bodies they are now finding are so decomposed and unidentifiable that as they try and recover them, body parts simply separate off the bodies. Even more are being found in the rubble of all the destruction. It all sounds like a terrible B-movie horror flick, but it's straight up reality.
I am deathly afraid of water and there is a good reason for that. When I was about 7 or 8 years old, a whole bunch of my cousins went on a camping trip. I remember everyone splashing around having fun. My uncle, younger cousin, and I went out in a small boat to what I recall as the deep part of the lake. He gave my lil' cousin a small inflatable pillow. He told her to hold it to her chest, jump in the lake, and start kicking her legs. She did so easily and start swimming around the boat. Well, shoot, looks and sound easy enough, right? WRONG! I did as my uncle instructed, but somehow as I jumped into the lake, the inflatable pillow got knocked from my grasp and I remember sinking deeper and deeper as the boat became smaller and smaller. I honestly don't know how long I was under, but that whole experience has traumatized me for life. I will only go into water as long as I can touch and see the bottom...like a swimming pool. Even if I am at the beach, I will only allow myself to wade up to my knees. Oh yah...plus, I've seen Jaws way too many times.
The big "scandal" now is how much monetary aid each country is giving. It's become a competition that just sickens me. But what surprised me was that the amounts that are being spouted out are only "promises" of what each country will give. Of course each country cannot afford to give huge lump sums of millions at one time, but chances are, what ends up being donated is never the full amount as originally promised. Now, other countries who were hit by natural disasters or who are currently facing war, poverty, and starvation are complaining that while they continue to wait for help promised to them earlier, they are afraid that the world's focus has shifted away from them and that they'll never get the necessary funds and supplies. They're probably right. What's the right thing to do here? If only there was a way that all the power countries could help all those in need. If only those with the loot weren't so "stingy" with their money...share the love, peoples. If only there wasn't so much war, poverty, sickness, etc, etc, etc. If only...if only.
How about on the home front. Just here in MN, there have been so many accidents and deaths due to the icy conditions that the winter has brought. The other day, just around the corner from our house as a matter of fact, a father was driving his 3-year to preschool when his car was sudddenly slammed into from behind by an empty schoolbus. Although properly strapped, the child died. Three years old. Another incident involved an 60ish year-old man who had just picked up his wife from a nursing home. Every day he visits her and after lunch, they go for a short drive. They never made it back. Turns out that the car had gotten stuck in the snow and he decided to go for help. He left his wife in the car. As he was walking, he was so overcome by the cold that he collapsed. He died from hypothermia, as his wife did in the car waiting for him.
All of these tragic stories are so sad. The tsunami was absolutely mindblowing. In moments like these, many begin to question God. Why would He allow such devastation? Why would He allow a 3-year old to lose his life? Why would He allow such a major natural disaster to take so many lives? Why is there war? Why is there disease? Why is there this..why is there that? I don't know. There are those who would argue and insist that He wasn't there during any of this. I refuse to believe that. We may not understand and we may question, but we should never lose faith. In the aftermath of all that's happened, we may not think there is anything we can do, but there is. We can definitely donate some money, but more than that, we can offer up our prayers. Don't just pray for those recently killed, don't just pray for the those affected by the tsunami, but pray for all of the people around the world who need it.
Whether or not I open the paper tomorrow or the next day, there will always be something or someone that needs my prayer. Does it matter that I don't personally know the people I am praying for? Absolutely not. Tomorrow's news may bring even more sorrowful tidings of some place or another, but the silver lining of it all is that elsewhere, there are happier moments to rejoice in as well.
Count your blessings ya'll and be thankful for everything and everyone in your life. And don't forget to say your prayers 'cuz prayer is a powerful, powerful thing.
Take the tsunami, for example. I liken the tsunami coverage to the September 11 attacks. As devastating and emotionally gut-wrenching it is to watch it, I'm drawn like a moth to a flame. I can't seem to get enough. Why do I even subject myself to such tragedy? I want to know the latest, but at the same time, I'm always left with an unspeakable sadness. I simply cannot fathom the continuing death toll. As of today's paper, the death count in Indonesia is up to 143,000 and rising.
On Mrs. Voodoo's blog, there's this link to all these tsunami clips taken by amateur videographers, mostly tourists on vacation, that eerily captured Mother Nature's wrath. I watched each one in horror. Video after video, it's the same thing- hundreds caught by surprise by the waves, cries of terror, desperate attempts to save the lives of loved ones and themselves, and devastation everywhere. There were a couple that I had to watch a couple of times, to actually see that wall of water rush towards the shore. One video was taken from a hotel room on an upper floor. The outside is beautifully surrounded by plush palm trees when all of a sudden there is confusion everywhere as so many people are swept up by the water. The videographer even takes a closeup shot of a guy hugging a palm tree, holding on for dear life. As if that moment wasn't terrifying enough, the horror continues as the water recedes back into the ocean, taking all the people with it. Even as they desperately tried, they couldn't do a damn thing to save themselves.
My heart goes out to all those killed, injured, and affected. I refuse to even imagine what it would've been like to be in their shoes. I was at Borders the other day and picked up an issue of the latest Time magazine. In it, the pictures speak a thousand words. It's already sad enough that this huge natural disaster happened in the first place, but to have it happen in a third world country, whose main economic source of livelihood is tourism, is like putting salt in a wound. Plus, search & recovery is such a daunting task because many of the places that need the most help are almost impossible for emergency relief forces to get to. The tsunami hit on Dec. 26th. Bodies are continuing to wash ashore. There was a story of a Red Cross worker who stated that he's had enough. Most of the bodies they are now finding are so decomposed and unidentifiable that as they try and recover them, body parts simply separate off the bodies. Even more are being found in the rubble of all the destruction. It all sounds like a terrible B-movie horror flick, but it's straight up reality.
I am deathly afraid of water and there is a good reason for that. When I was about 7 or 8 years old, a whole bunch of my cousins went on a camping trip. I remember everyone splashing around having fun. My uncle, younger cousin, and I went out in a small boat to what I recall as the deep part of the lake. He gave my lil' cousin a small inflatable pillow. He told her to hold it to her chest, jump in the lake, and start kicking her legs. She did so easily and start swimming around the boat. Well, shoot, looks and sound easy enough, right? WRONG! I did as my uncle instructed, but somehow as I jumped into the lake, the inflatable pillow got knocked from my grasp and I remember sinking deeper and deeper as the boat became smaller and smaller. I honestly don't know how long I was under, but that whole experience has traumatized me for life. I will only go into water as long as I can touch and see the bottom...like a swimming pool. Even if I am at the beach, I will only allow myself to wade up to my knees. Oh yah...plus, I've seen Jaws way too many times.
The big "scandal" now is how much monetary aid each country is giving. It's become a competition that just sickens me. But what surprised me was that the amounts that are being spouted out are only "promises" of what each country will give. Of course each country cannot afford to give huge lump sums of millions at one time, but chances are, what ends up being donated is never the full amount as originally promised. Now, other countries who were hit by natural disasters or who are currently facing war, poverty, and starvation are complaining that while they continue to wait for help promised to them earlier, they are afraid that the world's focus has shifted away from them and that they'll never get the necessary funds and supplies. They're probably right. What's the right thing to do here? If only there was a way that all the power countries could help all those in need. If only those with the loot weren't so "stingy" with their money...share the love, peoples. If only there wasn't so much war, poverty, sickness, etc, etc, etc. If only...if only.
How about on the home front. Just here in MN, there have been so many accidents and deaths due to the icy conditions that the winter has brought. The other day, just around the corner from our house as a matter of fact, a father was driving his 3-year to preschool when his car was sudddenly slammed into from behind by an empty schoolbus. Although properly strapped, the child died. Three years old. Another incident involved an 60ish year-old man who had just picked up his wife from a nursing home. Every day he visits her and after lunch, they go for a short drive. They never made it back. Turns out that the car had gotten stuck in the snow and he decided to go for help. He left his wife in the car. As he was walking, he was so overcome by the cold that he collapsed. He died from hypothermia, as his wife did in the car waiting for him.
All of these tragic stories are so sad. The tsunami was absolutely mindblowing. In moments like these, many begin to question God. Why would He allow such devastation? Why would He allow a 3-year old to lose his life? Why would He allow such a major natural disaster to take so many lives? Why is there war? Why is there disease? Why is there this..why is there that? I don't know. There are those who would argue and insist that He wasn't there during any of this. I refuse to believe that. We may not understand and we may question, but we should never lose faith. In the aftermath of all that's happened, we may not think there is anything we can do, but there is. We can definitely donate some money, but more than that, we can offer up our prayers. Don't just pray for those recently killed, don't just pray for the those affected by the tsunami, but pray for all of the people around the world who need it.
Whether or not I open the paper tomorrow or the next day, there will always be something or someone that needs my prayer. Does it matter that I don't personally know the people I am praying for? Absolutely not. Tomorrow's news may bring even more sorrowful tidings of some place or another, but the silver lining of it all is that elsewhere, there are happier moments to rejoice in as well.
Count your blessings ya'll and be thankful for everything and everyone in your life. And don't forget to say your prayers 'cuz prayer is a powerful, powerful thing.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Belated New Year Wishes
2004 has come and gone. Wow. What a year! Because most of the new year has been focused on unpacking (still!) and arranging (and rearranging!) furniture, I have yet to do my reflection on the year that's passed. There's simply too much to list as far as "significant moments" are concerned. All I know is that everything that happens, happens for a reason. We may not know what those reasons may be, but we are where we are supposed to be. 2004 had its share of good times and bad, but it's now time to look ahead to bigger and better things, yes?
So how did we spend New Year's Eve? Well, hubby and I decided to paint. Our third bedroom in our house was originally supposed to be a bedroom for guests or for when hubby's girls would come visit us from CA. I can say that the top floor of our place was halfway decently done. Everything had its place, somewhat- hubby's office, guest bedroom, master bedroom, and library. We situated the library into the loft area outside the master bedroom. As I mentioned before, hubby got me this bomb bookcase from IKEA that practically takes up the entire side of one wall. After painstakingly building it and pulling our muscles to just lift it up, it was done. The same day after it was built, I had stayed up until 3:30ish in the morning just unpacking my books and putting them in their place.
The day before New Year's, hubby and I were discussing how our place was coming along. He had this idea that the loft area would make a great place for a theater. Picture it, if you will. A couch/futon and floor pillows on one side and the tv and/or future plasma on the wall directly in front of it; to your left will be our Blockbuster-esque DVD collection and hubby's countless cd collection; surround sound set-up to enhance the movie experience, and a small table to hold the popcorn and snacks. MnM, being the visual learner that she is, could NOT picture it. LOL! Hubby had to resort to drawing it out and after studying it a bit, I liked the idea. SO...that meant that we'd not only have to take my books OUT, but also move the humongous IKEA bookcase to the guest bedroom...WHICH, btw, would be the new location for my library.
The Paint Reveal: Behr's Florida Mango
*if I could've named it, it would've been Mitchell's Mango...as in ice cream!*
MnM working on the edges...and getting lightheaded goin' up and down on the ladder!
Hubby working hard.
The final product: MnM's library! Doesn't the black bookcase against the mango colored wall look cool?! And yes, it's all categorized by genre. Notice if you will the third square in the top row...SF Giants bobbleheads! WERD! Still to come, our panoramic puzzle of the Golden Gate Bridge overlooking San Francisco downtown.
Toasting the night away...on $5.99 sparkling wine!
Happy 2005, ya'll! Here's to new beginnings! love and peace...
2004 has come and gone. Wow. What a year! Because most of the new year has been focused on unpacking (still!) and arranging (and rearranging!) furniture, I have yet to do my reflection on the year that's passed. There's simply too much to list as far as "significant moments" are concerned. All I know is that everything that happens, happens for a reason. We may not know what those reasons may be, but we are where we are supposed to be. 2004 had its share of good times and bad, but it's now time to look ahead to bigger and better things, yes?
So how did we spend New Year's Eve? Well, hubby and I decided to paint. Our third bedroom in our house was originally supposed to be a bedroom for guests or for when hubby's girls would come visit us from CA. I can say that the top floor of our place was halfway decently done. Everything had its place, somewhat- hubby's office, guest bedroom, master bedroom, and library. We situated the library into the loft area outside the master bedroom. As I mentioned before, hubby got me this bomb bookcase from IKEA that practically takes up the entire side of one wall. After painstakingly building it and pulling our muscles to just lift it up, it was done. The same day after it was built, I had stayed up until 3:30ish in the morning just unpacking my books and putting them in their place.
The day before New Year's, hubby and I were discussing how our place was coming along. He had this idea that the loft area would make a great place for a theater. Picture it, if you will. A couch/futon and floor pillows on one side and the tv and/or future plasma on the wall directly in front of it; to your left will be our Blockbuster-esque DVD collection and hubby's countless cd collection; surround sound set-up to enhance the movie experience, and a small table to hold the popcorn and snacks. MnM, being the visual learner that she is, could NOT picture it. LOL! Hubby had to resort to drawing it out and after studying it a bit, I liked the idea. SO...that meant that we'd not only have to take my books OUT, but also move the humongous IKEA bookcase to the guest bedroom...WHICH, btw, would be the new location for my library.
The Paint Reveal: Behr's Florida Mango
*if I could've named it, it would've been Mitchell's Mango...as in ice cream!*
MnM working on the edges...and getting lightheaded goin' up and down on the ladder!
Hubby working hard.
The final product: MnM's library! Doesn't the black bookcase against the mango colored wall look cool?! And yes, it's all categorized by genre. Notice if you will the third square in the top row...SF Giants bobbleheads! WERD! Still to come, our panoramic puzzle of the Golden Gate Bridge overlooking San Francisco downtown.
Toasting the night away...on $5.99 sparkling wine!
Happy 2005, ya'll! Here's to new beginnings! love and peace...
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