Tuesday, December 30, 2008

A first time for everything....

As a general rule I feel like New Year's resolutions are stupid because no one ever keeps them ... including myself, that is, until this past year.

Being the closet genius that I am, I made 3 resolutions that I was pretty certain I could keep.

1. Have more fun
2. This one is between me and my roomie ;)
3. Go to Vegas

Now I definitely had a lot more fun this year, #2 was a go, and my plane on the way back from Zach's wedding stopped over in Vegas and there are slots in that airport so I count that as a 1/2 success.

2008 was a good year in general. Let's face it, after the crappy 2007 I had, anything that didn't land me in an emergency room was an improvement. So, so long 2008! It's been real. I have a feeling 2009 is going to be an awesome year with a lot of new and exciting changes and I'm excited about it.

In the wise words of my personal trainer -- On NYE, Don't do anything I wouldn't do and do everything that I would do.

Happy New Year and HELLOOOOO 2009!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope Santa was good to you all... unless you were bad :)



Santa was good to me ... apparently he wasn't watching too hard this summer and during a recent vacation... As my own gift to myself I am treating myself to a 90 minute massage and spa day at Burke Williams or Spa Fusion (as yet to be determined). I am also going to go up to Tahoe in two weeks for our one year anniversary Tahoe bonanza. Should be a good time.

Now what's up for NYE? Only time will tell ...

Monday, December 22, 2008

its a film, not a porno you pervert

Inspired by my good friend MD, me and the roomie undertook a movie watching adventure and rented the movie Pirates. Now, if you have never heard of this gem I suggest you check it out on Wikipedia. There I learned that this was the highest budget adult film ever... not to mention it is rated R and is carried in Blockbuster and by Netflix. It also just might have the most awful and hilarious acting I've ever seen ... but what did you expect from this high quality "film".


There are so many amazing one-liners and scenes it is hard to give examples so instead I'll say you should all rent it. And you might want to drink while you watch ... I'm just sayin'

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Meet Dallas

Don't ask why but over the last 3 years I have acquired two ponies (okay one pony and one unicorn) at my desk at work. They get molested and put in strange situations on a weekly basis.

Meet Dallas:

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Best Commercial Ever

So I just saw this ad for Amped energy drink on tv and I had to share it with the world because it is amazing.


Does this remind anyone else of their college years??

Monday, November 10, 2008

Wicked

Wicked Pictures, Images and Photos

So I may have already mentioned this, but I am reading Wicked right now in preparation for going to see the Musical with the roomie in January. There is a quote in the front of the book that I really like. I think it has stuck with me because it is something I have always wondered myself.

'Tis very strange Men should be so fond of being thought wickeder than they are.

Any ideas?

Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!!

Seeing as Halloween more often that not falls on a "school night", I have gotten used to dressing up for Halloween more than once. This year Halloween fell on a Friday (woot!). Sticking with tradition I still dressed up twice, once for work and once for the evening of light debauchery.

At work my team got together and decided that we would all dress as burglers at work.

Work Halloween...The Fraud Team as thieves.



Later that night me and the roomie got ready, met H and hit the town!





So a goth chick, a flower child and a flapper walk into a bar ...

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Bzzzz...

Today I drank coffee with caffeine (yesterday I drank decaf so I didn't count it as cheating). I lasted like 48 hours. I suck.

The boss lady has suggested that going into holiday may not be the best time to try quitting coffee especially when you have to be at work at 6:30AM. I agreed. The no coffee rule will be thought out better and resumed as part of new years resolution 2009.

Stay tuned ...

In other news, my biggest loser competition is not going so well on the scale however I have kicked ass in the gym this week. Literally. I let my beloved trainer at 24 know last week that my problem area is well, ass. I have a ghetto booty. I told him I wanted to do nothing but butt work outs this week ... and thus ass week was born. It was painful and fabulous at the same time.

Oh, ass week. Let's just say I feel the burn.

Monday, October 27, 2008

I quit.

Today I have declared that I will quit coffee again. As some may know after getting sick last year I didn't touch the stuff for almost a year. This past March I dated a bad influence who got me back into it ... and my work got an espresso machine that I just can't turn down. But no longer! I'm going to need all the help I can get on that one.

In bigger news (hehe) I have officially started my Biggest Loser competition with my good friend JL. Since we're separated by 3,000 miles we are competing based on trust. Weigh-ins will be Mondays. I need the extra motivation to get my butt in gear. My goal is to not only get back to eating better but also hit the gym 4-5 times a week for the rest of the year. I'm also taking a booze break after Halloween.

Wish me luck!

Friday, October 24, 2008

So Sexy it Hurts

In honor of me getting my computer back this afternoon I will grace you with 4 minutes of sexy. Just can't get enough of Josh Turner's voice... and that smile! It is so sexy it hurts.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

I'm Alive

It has been awhile since I've posted and I have some juicy things to write about but sadly my lap top decided to commit suicide over the weekend and is now spending some quality time with the Geek Squad at Best Buy. This leaves me with few opportunities to post as work is ridiculously busy and I have no time at all even breathe let alone play on blogger.

I am kind of torn about the whole no computer thing. On one hand its gotten me to read more of my current book "Wicked" (which everyone should read). But on the other hand, I feel so out of the loop. How did we survive before Internet?

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Another one bites the dust....

Last Thursday I took off on quite the adventure. I traveled back to the east coast to do some leaf peeping, some college days reminiscing, accomplish some goals and most importantly to attend Zach and Karen's wedding.

Now, I have to take a moment to briefly discuss my 2008 goals. I had 3. One was to have more fun, which I have been overly successful at keeping. The other two were created while in South Lake Tahoe back in January with the roomie (the specifics of which will remain confidential). This tangent is only important because during that trip we befriended our Hard Rock Cafe waiter and even hung out with him at the bar the second night. I saw our HRC friend in the airport on my layover on the way to CT and little did I know that it foreshadowed the events to follow. Got to love it when things come full circle.

The leafs were peeped, the reminiscing with both coastie friends and shannon & joel was fantastic, goals were most certainly met in a swift manner (go team), the wedding was beautiful, and the reception was drunken and fun fun fun. It was so great to finally meet Karen and it is always fun to see Zach. CONGRATULATIONS!

Some photos ...





Friday, October 3, 2008

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Bowling Champion

Okay, I lied. I kind of suck at bowling.

Last night me and the roomie went bowling on a quasi-double date. So Grease era, I know. Despite considering cancellation due to tiredness earlier in the day I actually had a lot of fun. They are good company for certain.

I also got challenged (ok fine, I did the challenging) to a DDR dance off and totally dominated.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Matt Damon on Sarah Palin

There are some priceless quotes in this one.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Fan Appreciation Day

Today I went to the last Giants game of the season with Marisa, Jimmy & Rob. It was great and we were all evenly hungover which made for a level playing field. I, sadly, did not win a flat screen TV or a brand new car but I did catch one of the signed balls that the players threw into the stands after the game. Be impressed because I was sitting all the way up in section 323 and fought some lady for it.

$5 to the person who can identify the signature below because I sure can't...



I also must mention that I made my goal of breaking my baseball game attending record from last year. I went to 23 games (A's and Giants) this year. I am a super fan!

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Baseball Photo Highlights 2008





Saturday, September 27, 2008

Git 'Er Done

If you know me well or have been reading this blog you know that I am kind of into all things country. A few years ago (NOV2004) I was out with 209 at little black dress night at a club in Mohegan Sun Casino. I was not sober. As we were leaving J$ pointed to 3 guys in cowboy hats and tight jeans and told me there were cowboys in the club. I got over excited, marched over to them and said "what do you think you're rodeo cowboys or something?". They said "well, actually, yes. We are." Cue slight embarrassment.

It turned out they were with the PBR (see www.pbrnow.com) rodeo and were riding at Mohegan Sun all weekend. Sean Willingham, one of the cowboys, offered to set aside his 4 family/friends tickets for me so we could come see them the next night. I was in heaven. The next day the tickets were actually there and we went and partied with them that night. We then were invited again to go the next day and partied again. It was amazing and I've been talking about that weekend for years.

Now, the PBR has come to the Bay Area and the roomie and Heather have decided to humor me and attend the rodeo tonight. I texted Sean (yes, I still had his number) and asked if he wanted to hang after the show. He, of course, didn't remember me but is always down to party....

The story/pictures to follow....

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

So we went to the show and it was fabulous. Lord knows the roomie and Heather enjoyed themselves. There were some scary parts and I have to say, knowing the one on the bull makes it 10 times scarier to watch. Luckily no one got that badly hurt.

After the riding the guys came around to sign autographs and we told Sean who we were and he invited us to the after part at the Hilton hotel bar at the Oakland Airport. Apparently folks in Oakland don't take kindly to Cowboys. Go figure.

Had a blast. Would do it again. Anytime.

The scene. Welcome to the PBR ya'll!

Ross Coleman rides the bull. Check out that air!

The cowboys signing autographs

Reunited and it feels so good. Meet my old friend Sean Willingham.

My cowboy/rodeo loving converts. Go team!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Lasagna - Take Deux

So last night I tried out lasagna baking for the second time and it turned out WAY better. I used the same amount of sauce but a smaller pan so it was full of sauce and ground beef. I also used amazing noodles that cook while the lasanga cooks which saved me a lot of time.



And this time I took photos! So the photo isn't the most flattering but trust me it was delicious! Now I understand why making lasagna is so easy. Next I will have to add some more ingredients and experiment that way. Who knew I was such a culinary mastermind (ha)

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Happy Birthday to ME!

So I am 25 now. The Robin Williams stand-up and party last night was super fun and I wanted to give a BIG thank you to everyone who came out and/or wished me a happy birthday!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Macys Passport Fashion Show - Gala Night

For the second year in a row I got the privilege of attending the Macys Passport Fashion Show! This year Maraya and Melissa joined me to help my good friend Douglas out and volunteer (he was the volunteer coordinator). Because we worked two shifts (Gift Bags & VIP Check In) we got to attend the show & auction last night and it was awesome! Someone bought Keith Harding painting (and some other perks) for $19,000!! It was insane.

The show it's self was fun and full of energy just like last year. Several celebrities and fun surprises. Also, the underwear runway was spectacular as always :)

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As promised here are a few photos from the show. Enjoy!







Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Quarter-life Crisis

As I am just 3 days away from 25 (aaahhhh!) I can relate to the following. I saw this and I loved it so enjoy!

Being Twenty-something - they call it the "Quarter-life Crisis. It is when you stop going along with the crowd and start realizing that there are many things about yourself that you didn't know and may not like.

You start feeling insecure and wonder where you will be in a year or two, but then get scared because you barely know where you are now.

You start realizing that people are selfish and that, maybe, those friends that you thought you were so close to aren't exactly the greatest people you have ever met, and the people you have lost touch with are some of the most important ones.

What you don't recognize is that they are realizing that too, and aren't really cold, catty, mean or insincere, but that they are as confused as you.

You look at your job ... and it is not even close to what you thought you would be doing, or maybe you are looking for a job and realizing that you are going to have to start at the bottom and that scares you.

Your opinions have gotten stronger. You see what others are doing and find yourself judging more than usual because suddenly you realize that you have certain boundaries in your life and are constantly adding things to your list of what is acceptable and what isn't.

One minute, you are insecure and then the next, secure. You laugh and cry with the greatest force of your life. You feel alone and scared and confused. Suddenly, change is the enemy and you try and cling on to the past with dear life, but soon realize that the past is drifting further and further away, and there is nothing to do but stay where you are or move forward.

You get your heart broken and wonder how someone you loved could do such damage to you. Or you lie in bed and wonder why you can't meet anyone decent enough that you want to get to know better. Or maybe you love someone but love someone else too and cannot figure out why you are doing this because you know that you aren't a bad person. One night stands and random hook ups start to look cheap. Getting wasted and acting like an idiot don't seem as fun.

You go through the same emotions and questions over and over, and talk with your friends about the same topics because you cannot seem to make a decision. You worry about loans, money, the future and making a life for yourself... and while winning the race would be great, right now you'd just like to be a contender!

What you may not realize is that everyone reading this relates to it. We are in our best of times and our worst of times, trying as hard as we can to figure this whole thing out.

Monday, September 15, 2008

209 Reunion #4 - Portland, OR

Some photos from my trip to Portland with 209 :)

Night on the town in Portland


Posing in the Wilson's garden


Frolicking on the Coast....






Mmmmm Dairy Queen :)


Back in SF me and Jess made friends...


Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Peace Out Bay Area!

I'm off to Portland for the long weekend. Thank god ... I needed a vacation sooooooo bad.

Some highlights...
Friday - Spa Day!
Saturday - Wineries and trip to the Beach


...photos to come...

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Welcome to September

First and foremost I cannot believe it is already September. I know I've been saying that every month but its no less true. Where did 2008 go??

As my birthday month should be, September is booked solid with vacations, house guests, events and birthdays ... and I'm excited about it.

Here is an events preview:

9/4-9/8 - Portland
9/7 - Luke's Birthday
9/8-9/11 - Jess in SF
9/11 - I get my stitches out!
9/13 - A's v. Rangers game w/ Grandfar
9/15-9/18 - Macy's Fashion Wk Volunteering/Attending
9/19 - Bliss Spa Day w/ Maraya
9/21 - My 25th Birthday! (and the first day of Fall)
9/27 - Cal Academy Preview Grand Opening!
9/28 - Giants v. Dodgers - Fan Appreciation Day


...coming soon.... Adventures in Portland and my first spray tan experience

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Male Appreciation

Do yourself a favor and watch Gerard Butler in P.S. I Love You singing "Galway Girl" ... trust me.

Born: Glasgow, Scottland
Age: 38
Height: 6'2"
You've seen him in: Tomb Raider, 300, P.S. I Love You

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Dark Knight

This is very belated but over a week ago now I finally got to see the Dark Knight. I know, I know, I realize it has been out for a month at least but since everyone in the universe had seen it I had to wait on my good friend MD to get back from the islands so I had a movie buddy.

Overall the movie was pretty awesome and as predicted Heath Ledger was fantastic. They were right when they said the Joker was dark. It was borderline disturbing to see Heath Ledger perform this dark and creepy role knowing that it indirectly killed him. Let us not forget Christian Bale who was fabulous as always minus is strangely low voice when in batman costume that was almost distracting.


Heath Ledger definitely stole the show and although he was fantastic I prefer to remember him by his less creepy roles ... RIP

Tuesday is the new Monday

I hope this morning is not a foreshadow of bad things to come because this morning I left my bus pass, building and office access cards, AND my house keys at home.

I'm an idiot.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

***Spa Week***

That's right folks. My favorite holiday is coming up. I just got the email this morning and have already booked the following at Bliss Spa as a happy almost birthday gift to myself...

45 MIN Oxygen Blast and Task Mask
45 MIN Signature Bliss Massage


For those of you who do not know about Spa Week go visit www.spaweek.org immediately. Spots and good times fill up quick so be speedy!

The Countdown Begins...

Ahhhh! I'm so excited. All my travel plans are set and all I have to do is sit back relax (and work out like crazy) for 2 and 6 weeks.

2 weeks from today I will be hanging with the ladies of Club 209 in Portland, Oregon

6 weeks from today I will be flying into CT to attend Zach's wedding and hanging with the boys ... and taking a trip to NYC to play with Mika & Joel! :)

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Oh Shit Summer is OVER?!

A couple weeks ago I started noticing that it was dark when I left for work. Keep in mind that I have to be at work at 6:30AM so it's not THAT strange but in the summer it is usually surprisingly sunshine-y at 6AM. Last night we had a very very low-key farewell dinner for the baby sister who is going back to college on Thursday. That's when it hit me ... summer is coming to an end!

The good news is that September in SanFran is one of the greatest months of all (and not only because it contains my birthday). It is usually warm and sunny and I think it's God's way of making up for the oddly cold July and August we always tend to have. Love the fog! Also in September I am really looking forward to my Portland vacation (15 days and counting!) because I get to check a state off my list AND hang with my favorite people in the world -- Club 209. I also get to bring J$ home with me to SF and someone can finally meet all my SF friends and see my new apartment, etc.

Other Random Thoughts/Updates....
- I'm turning 25 in a month. When do I get to start having an existential crisis?
- I am going to join my travel buddy Melissa in all her SF museum adventures because I've always wanted to do that stuff. See her blog on my list for details
- Whiskeytown 2009 one year countdown starts today. I am scared and excited ... and plan on drinking more water, bringing more advil, and wearing more sunscreen this time around. I don't know what hurt more last year: the 3rd degree sunburns or the outrageous double shot jagerbomb hangovers me and the roomie had.
- The hotel and flight to CT in October is officially booked. Zach's wedding here I come ... I still can't believe he's getting married. I'm super excited to meet the bride to be (finally!) and see all the CGA boys :)

Friday, August 15, 2008

Oooooh Online Shopping

So on Tuesday morning I went a little crazy and spent $300 at Nordstrom.com because they were having a sale on some dresses and I am on the prowl for the perfect dress to wear to Zach's wedding in October (see below). I've been joking that buying and returning things from Nordstrom is my new hobby, but I swear this will only be my second time! I am really hoping these work because they are all adorable.

Later that day I was inspired by a friend and bought a webcam. I'm not sure if this has been mentioned but I am a global nomad and it runs in the family. Emily (sister) moved to China back in March and we chat on Skype and I can see her but she can't see me (I'm starting to think I might NEED a Mac someday). That will all change soon. Now I'll be able to video chat with both sisters and several friends. Oh the joys of technology.

I get both my orders today!!! I am excited :)


*******UPDATE********

I am returning the black and white one and I MIGHT be keeping the pink and black one. We'll see. As for the camera. It is great however it just so happens to not work when connecting to the one person's computer I want it to connect with. Not fun. It's also kinda bad quality. I think I might need to exchange it ...

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Weeds

I've been having a very marijuana filled weekend for someone who doesn't smoke pot.

Yesterday on the advice of a friend (and because I was being disgustingly lazy) I watched half of the first season of Weeds. I am currently, once again in bed, watching the second half. I kind of love it. Before now I had only seen one episode and I wasn't that impressed but I think it helps to start from the beginning. I am officially a fan now!

On Saturday night I went out and saw Pineapple Express with Luke. It was pretty hilarious. We did out part by drinking in the theater and it is probably safe to say half the audience was baked out of their minds. I kind of love James Franco right now. I recommend this one to anyone and everyone. It is not your average stoner flick ... it is a million times better!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

New Find!

I just was poking around and found this awesome blog with great recipes to fuel my inner chef. I've been in to cooking new things lately. I'm on an Italian kick so far - first spaghetti carbonara, then lasagna - so maybe I'll get some new ideas.

http://therecipegirl.blogspot.com/

My friends (and especially the roommate) should get excited!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Domestic Goddess

This weekend I played happy house wife to myself. Saturday morning I woke up and we got the new vacuum out of the car. It is amazing! I can't believe I'm excited about a vacuum but it just works so well! My carpet has never been so debris free :)

I cleaned my house, my room, changed my sheets and BAKED A LASAGNA! Yeah that's right. And it turned out good!

I wish I had a photo of the real thing ... what is below is as close as I can get. I shit you not, it looked that good. I will definitely take a photo next time.



This coming weekend I hear we might be going blackberry picking. If it all works out you'll be seeing some fun photos... and I'm baking a pie! Get excited.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Stand-Up

So I just got home from seeing Kevin Nealon do stand up with B and family. Despite currently suffering from bubonic plague (okay, being dramatic) I had a blast. He was pretty funny but the woman before him probably was the best for me.....and the company was pretty great too.

I definitely want to see more comedy :)

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Booked!

This past weekend I booked my travels for the rest of the year. It has been about 3 months since my last trip and I'm itching for some adventure.

9/4-9/8 - Portland, OR 209 Reunion Part IV
9/8-9/11 - Jess in SF (woot!)
10/9-10-13 - Connecticut for Zach's Wedding

I can't wait!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Happy Birthday Herman!

On this past Saturday night I was dragged kicking and screaming to a nightclub called Temple. I was under the impression that I am not a nightclub kind of girl. Turns out I have just been to shitty nightclubs. I had a blast!



We got bottle service for the birthday boy. The music was great, and the company was fabulous as alwasy.



The decor was awesome too :)

Good times!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

So we meant to go to the gym.....

But for some reason we thought it would be a good idea to get our errands done first. Me and the roomie completely intended on working out today. Instead we went to IHOP for bfast, looked at puppies at PetCo, went to Marshalls, spent 2 hours and $250 (together) at Target. We now own a new vacum cleaner. Oh the excitement! Then we returned things at Nordstrom and bought her a new Mac!

6.5 hours and $2,500 later we're back home, still in our gym clothes eating cheeseburgers and Kraft mac and cheese.

Shopping burns calories right? Good effort!

Friday, July 25, 2008

I've Gone Country!

In all honesty I went country about 11 years ago. I thank (or blame depending on who you ask) it on my carpool driver from freshman year in high school. Something about that twang just makes me happy.

Since then I have had my share of country adventures from attending and hanging with famous rodeo cowboys at Mohegan Sun to spending New Years in Nashville to riding mechanical bulls in a shady bars in Virginia and last but not least to magical nights of line dancing and trouble at Fremont's own, The Saddlerack. Luckily my friends have long ago given in to the awesome that is country music and are happy to humor me.

Tonight I'm going to the Toby Keith & Montgomery Gentry concert at the Shoreline. The roomie was supposed to attend but she had to take a last minute trip south so my trusty friend Luke (aka the only person I know who can be bribed to attend a Toby Keith concert) is coming with me!

Sure to be a rockin' time!

Photos to come....

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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

All the cool kids are doing it ....

So I figured I would take a stab at pouring my heart out to random strangers. Not usually my style but about 6 months ago (while tipsy in South Lake Tahoe with the roomie) I resolved to make 2008 a year of change and to try new things. That night we met some lovely SoCal firemen and it has been a wild ride ever since.

If you're lucky you'll hear some wild travel adventures, random ramblings and general stories of JagerBomb fueled stupidity.

That being said I can get a little random so bear with me and enjoy!