Nikki's World
I'm not wise and I'm not all-knowing, but the things I've experienced and the thingsI've exposed myself to have taught me that the possibilities in life are endless, which is why I truly believe that we can do anything- if we only put our mind to it. |
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Picture this, or rather, hear this: Sung to the tune of "Let's All Do the Hop" you get "Let's All Go Smoke Pot." This is the song I heard playing on KROQ tonight as I drove home from the gas station.
Speaking of the gas station... I put 10.998 gallons of gas in my car tonight. Which is kind of scary when you know that you car officially has a gas capacity of 10.8 gallons. Um, yeah. It's hot in here. I was 45 minutes late to work this morning. I need to start sleeping earlier. Did I mention that it's hot in here? I think I've fried my brain cells. It's time to go to bed. Wednesday, July 30, 2003
My room is a mess. It took less than 24 hours for it to look like it did a week ago. It's pretty amazing when you think about it. But it looks like shit again. How do I do it...?
I'm fucking sleepy.
These E-mode tests are so distracting...
Q: What's your pop star style? A: Deep 'n Soulful You project a cool, intellectual vibe, and your friends and family are probably often impressed (and maybe a little intimidated) when you wax philosophical. You may be a little more serious than most of today's pop stars, but your thoughtful, artistic persona adds a level of mystery and sophistication that your fans are sure to find irresistible. Pop stars like you prefer small, intimate venues to big stadium shows. That's because you really want to connect with people in an authentic way. When it comes to your style, you should veer toward simple and straightforward — you don't want to distract anyone from your music or your meaning. Black turtleneck or sleeveless shell and casual pants? Sounds good. If you want a bit more flash, showcase your personality through a wild pair of shoes, cool coat, or accessories like that to-die-for bracelet. To those who really get you, your basic attire will only make your passionate and profound nature burn more brightly. Tuesday, July 29, 2003
I just watched one of the best episodes of a TV show ever. Tonight's Queer Eye was SOOOO good! First of all, the guy was hot. And I mean HOT. And then he turned out to be so sweet and romantic! And the funniest thing is that he has slight gay tendencies... like that blue mesh button down shirt. LOL! I swear that's something that Brian Kinney would wear. Hahahahahaha.... Oh, but then, he proposes to his girlfriend at the end! It was perfect.
I'm making a new rule right now: whoever proposes to me must watch this episode before they even begin to plan. Ha! Monday, July 28, 2003
I just finished watching Vanilla Sky. All I can say is Oh my God. It was mind boggling. I have the same feeling right now that I did after watching Contact and Moulin Rouge. It's the kind of movie that really makes you question your life and what you see around you. As much as I don't like Tom Cruise and I REALLY don't like Penelope Cruz, this was a good movie. Oh my God... I'm going to have headaches over this one for a while.
Friendster needs more bandwidth. We had thunder and lightning and rain tonight. It lasted for all of half an hour. But that half an hour was a great half hour. My aunt was driving from Staten Island to Manhattan, on the bridge, when the WTC was hit. I think she saw the whole thing happen. That must be a horrible thing to have to live with. And my cousin, Abby, all I'm going to say is that I never want my kids to grow up in New York City. She's a great person, but I can't believe the things she's done and seen by the age of 17.
Can I just say... I'm extremely annoyed right now.
My Points of Annoyance: I just got a vm my mom left on my cell phone last night. "Babe, it's 11:47. You have to wake up early... Blah blah blah..." Does she think I don't know this??????? It's not like I wanted to be out that late. I didn't want to go out at all. But I felt bad not taking Abby out because I know what it's like to be stuck with your parents alone while on vacation. It sucks. I get so annoyed when I get messages like that. She always points out the obvious. Does she think I don't KNOW these things? Fuck. I'm so pissed. And last night when we got home, I told Abby to put the chocolate and things she'd bought on our kitchen table, or else it would eaten by ants overnight. Where does she put it? On the kitchen counter next to the microwave. And yes, when I went downstairs this morning, the whole bag was swarming with ants. It was disgusting. Then I was trying to pack my lunch for today... Abby and I had eaten at The Cheesecake Factory on Saturday night. I only ate a quarter of my pasta because I wasn't hungry (because all I've been doing all week is eating) and then we'd ordered two extra pieces of cheesecake to take home, as well. I was looking forward to finishing my leftovers during lunch today. My leftovers that were part of a dinner for two that cost me $77. And what do I find this morning? The empty containers in the trash can. GRRRRRRRRRRRR. I need really need access to a punching bag. And on top of this, I'm so frustrated that I'm posting this whole blog while I'm at work. I'm being so productive this morning! ECH.
And so I find myself wandering aimlessly around the internet... looking up the most recent earthquakes in Southern California because I have nothing better to do...
I promised Abby I'd take her to Downtown Disney tonight, it being her last night here. (Plus, I felt sorry for her because she was stuck with her parents all week. Some vacation for a 17 year old.) But we didn't get back from our trek into South OC until 9pm. And in our usual fashion we stayed out till midnight, upon which time I still needed to take a shower since I was still covered in sand from Corona Del Mar (my most favorite beach ever!) So I sit here waiting for my hair to dry before I can go to bed... and I have work in seven hours. How can I appropriately express my frustration? Oh yeah. And all I've been doing for the past week is eating. I feel like a beached whale. I need to go to the gym. And I have too many students. Which explains why I, AGAIN, don't have a night free this week until, of course, Friday night. ARRRRRRGH! Abby and I searched for Britney Spears' house last night. We didn't find it. But driving down Sunset at 2am is a challenge. Especially on a Saturday night. God, that traffic was annoying. I have been so bitchy this week... It must be a combination of PMS, returning to LA from one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to, and the fact that I still fucking live with my parents. Oh. And I have officially joined the Friendster cult. I am scared. Please help me by joining with me! LOL... Click here if you want to be my Friendster! Friday, July 25, 2003
I have too many clothes. WAY too many clothes. I have a walk in closet that I could put a twin bed in... and it's overflowing with clothes. And shoes. LOL... Tomorrow's trip to Cabazon must be moderated. As such, here is my shopping list:
1) my mom requested knee-hi's(....) 2) tops for work, specifically a white spaghetti strap tank top (cotton?) that I can wear underneath other shirts and various sweaters for the fall 3) black thong sandals 4) casual dress 5) white sandals with a slight heel...? 6) purses I think that's enough, don't you? FYI- The Ann Taylor Loft is having a 40% off clearance items sale. American Eagle Outfitters is having a 50% off clearance items sale. And Robinsons-May (as much as I don't like the store) is having a great 50% off clearance items, plus an extra 15% off with a coupon, sale. Can you tell what I did tonight? So... Seattle. I went to See Attle. LOL.... that's what my co-worker's nephew said when he was talking about See Attle. Anyway, I learned SOOO much about NAMIC and it's issues and how it runs that I felt like someone dropped a bucket of knowledge on my poor head. It was great! I also got to meet a bunch of our Board of Directors, who I must say, are a bunch of incredibly intelligent, awe-inspiring people. It also inspired me to work harder on my contact with the members. It reminded me of that whole thing with Samahang and the anthems during my last year- how I felt the org wasn't addressing the needs of its members, so much as itself. I think I couldn't have done better than choosing to go to See Attle in my second week of work. Besides which, that city is fucking beautiful. There are trees there! Trees! Whole mountains of trees! Trees that aren't planted! It was like heaven. And the places I stayed in and visited and saw, it was crazy beautiful. (Interlude: there's a song playing in the background that I'm trying to remember what movie it's from and it's bugging me that I can't remember.) The weather was perfect too- so much nicer than the weather we're having here! And I have to say THANK YOU to Sam and Mike for taking me out to dinner on Tuesday and for driving me around and for showing me their AWESOME home! You guys are awe-inspiring too! Oh, and thanks for showing me the pictures of your trip to Europe. You guys really know how to quietly encourage a girl! Oh, and did you know that Seattle is the home of Nordstrom? Their headquarters were literally across the street from my hotel (the WESTIN!). And two blocks further down is the largest Nordstrom Rack you will ever see. Four floors of stuff. One floor just for shoes. I walked in for less than 30 minutes and walked out with two pairs of sandals and a bag. My boss calls it power shopping. LOL! ...Speaking of which, I think I've perfected the art of power shopping. Today I walked into the Ann Taylor Loft for only 20 minutes and walked out with two pairs of pants, two skirts, a pair of pedal pushers, and a button-down linen top. Geez... and I'm still going shopping tomorrow?! Maybe it's the PMS... It is that time again... Anyway, I'm so tired right now and I actually just finished cleaning up my room- again!- so I guess I should head to bed. I have that feeling that there's so much I need to be doing and I keep putting it off. God, it's like I'm back in school again. My head feels like it's swimming and I can't carry a thought for more than two seconds... Oh, and my desire to move out is not waning. I've decided that it's not just my parents that drive me nuts. I go nuts just from being in the L.A./O.C. area. As soon as I stepped off my airplane last night I was in a crappy mood. And it hasn't gone away. Poor Abigail had to put up with me all day. Sorry Abby! Or maybe this is the PMS too... Geez. Since when do I get so hormonal? Tuesday, July 22, 2003
I'm exhausted.
My to do list for tomorrow (which is in eight minutes): shower fix glasses bank pack drop off car clean room lunch leave for airport by 1pm I don't think all that is possible considering my alarm is set for 9am. I'm fucking tired. I was ready to drop an hour ago. *yawn* Shit. I almost feel like I have mono or something... Monday, July 21, 2003
Administrative Assistant | CA - Orange County
Low: 20,979 Average: 33,636 High: 39,468 Total Compensation: 41,455 United States National Average Low: 21,836 Average: 35,011 High: 41,081 Cost-of-Living: A renter's COL for this area would be 41,821. This cost-of-living is 6,811 greater than the National norm of 35,011. Cost-of-living reflects the demand and supply of goods and services. Salary differences reflect the demand and supply for labor. This tidbit of information reveals why I can't afford to move out on my own. Grrrrrr. I feel like I'm living in hell. Both literally and metaphysically. Sunday, July 20, 2003
It's hot and uncomfortable in here. I really need to get away for a while. And be on my own! Ugh. Damn crowded houses. Saturday, July 19, 2003
By all rights there should be a big hole in my wall right now. The only saving grace is that I have way too many clothes. Which I now have to put back on their hangers after having punched the fucking hell out of them. I really need a punching bag in this house. Or better yet. I need to fucking move out of this house.
It's not about the fact that I was on my computer, in the middle of looking up information on my next student, who's house I have to be at in 30 min, when they shut off the power again. It's about the fact that I specifically asked my parents to TELL me before they shut it off again so that I could turn off my computer first. Because I explained to them that my computer is not working well. And that I just had to spend eight hours one night fixing the entire damn thing so I wouldn't have to go out and buy a new one- which I do not have the money for right now. It's about respect and the fact that I feel like I'm getting NONE while living in this house. Which is why they're getting very little back in return. And it's about the fact that this little thing made me so fucking furious that I'm literally shaking right now and about to go back into my closet and start trying to put more holes in my wall. I AM SO PISSED OFF. I can't go to my student's house like this. And I'm already running late because of it. And my shoulder hurts because of how hard I hit the wall and I have red marks on my palms from my fingernails cutting into them. ARGH. God damnit. I need to move out of this house to save my sanity.
Just because I'm not asleep yet:
I love my new job so far. My end-of-the-first-week report... The building- It's beautiful! It's across the street from South Coast Plaza and right next door to the Orange County Performing Arts Center. On the other side of my building is a HUGE 24 Hour Fitness Sport. And did I mention all the restaurants and eateries nearby? My bank is even a three minute walk away! The office- Our office is nicely decorated and located on the 12th floor- and it's a corner office with floor to ceiling windows, no less. My desk is right next to two of these windows. =) I've got my own brand new computer and newly ordered desk accessories. Our kitchen is fully stocked with a fridge/freezer that doesn't smell, silverware and dinnerware from Crate & Barrell (it's printed on the bottom okay?!), a TV that has cable, and magically self-cleaning dishes. LOL. And its even fully equipped with working office equipment! It's like working in heaven! Especially compared to my last office... Oh! And the best thing: it's got FREE parking!!! And I have a 90% less chance of getting mugged on my way to my car at night! The co-workers- They are awesome! They're supportive and funny and helpful and know how to work hard and play hard! They even support the fact that I have so many extra-curricular things going on. (AND they even want to come to my BHGH fundraiser! And they said they'd even pay! Can you tell how impressed I am by this knowledge? Although, once they find out how much it costs I'm not too sure they'll still want to... Hahaha!) We get along really well, especially for only knowing each other for five days... LOL. Even Marsha mentioned that it seemed like I'd been there longer than a week already... The job- Let's just say that I'm actually looking forward to waking up at 6:30 in the morning and getting to work early! A lot of it is busy work, but it's busy work that has a purpose. I have the chance to travel (I'm going to Seattle on Tuesday! Hello! Oh, and there's a chance I might be going to New York in September). I get to network with a BUNCH of people who work in the entertainment/media industry at the executive level. And I get an inside look at how a non-profit is run. Oh, and I got exactly the salary I asked for... and after having been shown the annual budget I realized I could have asked for more- and probably gotten it too!!! Argh. LOL... I'm so greedy . So, yes, so far I love my new job!
I don't remember where I was supposed to go... I just know that when I went online tonight there were more than two sites I wanted to look at. I remembered one of them. I'm so out of it.
Oh. And I have no time to do anything anymore. Why do I do this to myself??? Everyday after work this week I had somewhere I needed to be. And next week I won't even be here. And I'm sure by the time the week after next rolls around I'll have to be somewhere after each of those work days too. We took another four and a half hour lunch today. It was Grace's last day so we went to have lunch at Splashes, which is in the Surf and Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach. It's on the beach. Literally. But I got car sick afterward from being stuck in traffic in a stuffy car (for an hour!!!) while trying to call Tennessee on my boss' cell phone, trying to get the ad specs info we needed to mail out by 4:45pm today. We didn't even get back to our office until 4:15pm. Talk about a busy afternoon! Lol... Anyway, we were also talking about 9/11 while we were in the car on the way back. It turns out my co-workers were in New York on that day. I don't know if it was the food, the drive, or the conversation that made me feel more sick. When we got back to the office I was literally shaking. I had to keep making fists to stop my hands from shaking. And it didn't stop until an hour after I'd left... and only then, I think, because I immediately got on the phone while I was stuck in traffic to make all my personal calls. I can truthfully say that it was the first time being stuck in traffic made me calm down. And I didn't feel mostly normal until I got to Marie's and was able to lie down for an hour. (Thank God for Marie and the great mom-and-pop restaurants in her area! She took me to Rizzo's pizzeria tonight. It was yummy and cheap! I paid less than $10 for our combined dinners!) My fucking parents keep resetting the power to our house without telling me first. It's killing my computer and my external hard drive. As if I don't already have enough problems with them. I haven't even been able to use my external hard drive for a week now! And every time I close Outlook I get an error message. Damnit. I just need a new computer. And I need to move out! Thursday, July 17, 2003
Okay, so I found something to do. According to thespark.com's Death Test, I'm going to die on:
at the age of 73 years old On that date you will most likely die from: Cancer (36%) Heart Attack (10%) Alien Abduction (9%) Alcoholism (7%) Third Degree Burns (6%) Loneliness (6%) Believe it or not, I actually believe that... Well, except for the alien part.
I almost don't know what to do with myself right now. I've been running around all day long and now I've got nothing to do except go to sleep! Today's schedule of events:
8:30am-6:15pm work, Costa Mesa 6:15pm-6:45pm dinner, Costa Mesa 7pm-8:45pm Boys Hope Girls Hope meeting, Irvine 8:45pm-9:30pm speed up the 405 freeway to Santa Monica, at 90 miles per hour 9:30pm-9:45pm appointment with Noriko 9:45pm-10:30pm speed back home presently- type Huh, I think I'm tired. And I'm being annoyed by my mother. Wednesday, July 16, 2003
The temptation to move to an apartment is getting stronger... But the plan! I had a plan! I keep looking for apt listings... Soon it's going to turn into going to see them in person... argh!!!
The funniest thing happened on the way home tonight. I was stopped at a red light and I had all my windows down- because it was so friggin hot today, and it still is inside this dumb house! Anyway, I admit I was sort of preening, because I was playing with my hair, which I always do while I drive. Then all of a sudden, I hear "Hi, how's it going?" Usually I ignore things like this, but I glanced over and who did I see? Some cute old man sitting in the passenger seat of the car next to me. I swear he was like 70 or 80! LOL. He and I made small talk then he was all, "Have a good night! Drive safely!" when the light turned green. Hahahaha... it was just the funniest thing! I have a new student. He is very cool. I like him- and his mom. Tuesday, July 15, 2003
I have that feeling right now of being so tired that I'm actually asleep while I'm awake. You know when you're so tired that you can't concentrate on anything and you feel like you're just kind of floating? Yeah. That's me right now. It's a very trippy feeling and one I haven't had since I was in school. But it's combined with a bit of a stomach ache, which just makes me feel EH.
Ugh, it's bedtime.
Interesting notion: Women with a Ph.D. are twice as likely to be interested in a one-night stand than those with only a Bachelor's degree.
I like my new job. But I'm too sleepy to talk about it. Monday, July 14, 2003
My first day of work:
Watch someone go through her computer Have breakfast Go through the computer Have a three hour lunch Do two hours of work I think I like this office. LOL. Oh, and the trip to South Coast Plaza after work helped too. =)
Okay, I just had to post this: my new office is literally right next door to a 24 Hour Fitness Sport. And within one mile, there are one hundred GOOD restaurants. And my archery school is only ten minutes away. I'm going to love this.
I just got back from watching The Producers. It was incredibly funny. I was laughing so hard I was crying! They do a very good job of keeping the actual storyline from you until you get there, unless you do some research before you go. But it was a good thing in this case, because everything takes you by surprise and you start falling out of your seat with laughter. The only bad part was that I felt the show climaxed at the end of the first act and then the second act just kind of wavered up and down until it ended. I still bought the sheet music book, though. I think it was for nostalgia's sake... I used to always buy the sheet music to musicals that I saw. The music was very fitting to the show, but there was no one song that I think could stand on it's own. Which is a good thing for the musical, because everything flowed well, but not that good of a thing for the music writers. Anyway, I would still recommend it. And I would even go see it again. And for those of you who are wondering... here's my one hint as to the plot: they sell a T-shirt in the lobby that says "keep it gay" on it.
My first day of work starts in eight and a half hours! Sunday, July 13, 2003
I'm about an inch away from moving out. Did you know that rent in the Costa Mesa area is actually affordable... if you don't have other bills to pay!
I've been spending way too many late nights out recently. My sleeping pattern is all messed up!
It's hot in my room. I love my cousins. We just sat around in a room all night talking and it was fun. And again I realized that I haven't done that with them in a VERY long time, either. Sal's supposed to bring guys for me and Tracy's roommate during Tracy's party next week. LOL. We claimed dibs on the single ones... Hahahaha! Saturday, July 12, 2003
I'm starting to think that I took on too much again... Damn. Why do I always do that??? Events in my life right now:
New job Tutor- I've got four students right now!!! I've never had four students at the same time before. Boys Hope Girls Hope Junior Board of Directors, vice chair... I think. Volunteer at the Aquarium of the Pacific Possibly join Friends of READ/OC- a fundraising chapter for a local literacy program My newfound social life Oh! And archery, which I've missed the last couple of weeks... And I even dropped an activity, too! As I sat around an IHOP table with Jackie, Garrett, and Emerson at 2am last night, I realized that while I was at my last job I only saw each of them about three times. That was three times in almost a year!!! I used to spend almost every day with Jackie and I used to see Garrett at least twice a week. That realization only made me affirm my decision to switch jobs even more. I hadn't seen most of my friends at all while I was working at my old job. The only person I spent real quality time with was Marie- and Bubbles for the first few months I was there. And while Garrett and I were standing (or leaning, in my case... I was very tipsy after my ONE drink and he makes a nice solid support) around in a cloud of smoke (cigarette and, uh, other stuff that some people were incredibly brave to pull out) on top of a building in West Hollywood, he and I were talking about keeping in touch with friends. He said that it's very easy for him to drop a friend, especially if they go out of town, because it's not really a friendship if you don't make the effort to contact each other on a regular basis. I can definitely see his point there... For example, a friend of ours recently went to study abroad. The only time we talk to her is when we randomly see her online, and only sometimes even then. How do you call it a real friendship if you don't make it a point to contact each other every now and then? But then, I wouldn't say I've completely dropped a friend because of that... they just sort of get put on a back burner. I don't ever "drop" a friend unless something really bad has happened between us, and not always even then. Anyway, it was basically a conversation that pointed out that I'd let most of my friendships slide over the past year- and for what? A job? That is such a stupid thing to lose a friend over. The funnier thing was... we were having this conversation while being slightly drunk. And it was interspersed with things like, "Dude, check out that girl's boobs. That's either one expensive push-up or she's got some silicone in her." and "Dang, check out surfer cowboy over there," with his frosted tips and goatee and a plaid cowboy shirt on. LOL. The people in West Hollywood are always interesting to see, to say the least! Oh, and Garrett- you really are a flirt when you're drunk, you know that! :-P
I did it again and I swore I wouldn't. I just got home and I have no idea how I made it since I spent half the drive with my eyes closed. Good Lord, those freeway interchanges are the worst too... I swore I was gonna drive over an edge.
Happy birthday Bernie! You're old now! LOL. Don't go to Cafe Formosa on Santa Monica. It has no meaning in existing, except for being a "historic building." West Hollywood has way too many hot gay guys walking around at 3am. I love West L.A. because no matter what time of day or night it is, there's always people around. I'm a weak sauce now. I had one cosmopolitan and it had me good and dizzy for the entire night. Gross. Thursday, July 10, 2003
Oh Lordy... LOL. I'm definitely sleep deprived, as evidenced by my earlier posts today.
There are so many things that come to me during the day that I want to write in here, but by the time I get home I've either forgotten them or I'm not inspired to write about them anymore. What's with this Friendster thing? Sheesh. Has anyone else noticed that the counter on my main page has disappeared? Or is it just my firewall being stupid? Can someone please let me know whether I'm the only one who's noticed this. If it really has disappeared, though, I'm going to be very sad. I'm not sure who this reflects worse on, me or the movie industry, but Finding Nemo is the best movie I've seen this summer. It had a plot, a great storyline, humor, excitement, a moral, and it made you look at something from an unusual point of view- a fish's. Sadly, this movie is followed not too closely by The Italian Job and then Legally Blonde 2, but only because it was a Reese Witherspoon movie. It's definitely been a summer movie bust, so far. But Disney has really stepped up their animated movies since Atlantis came out. The Disney animated movies may very well survive... minus the great music of the past. Alan Menken was a genius and it's been proven so far that he can NOT be replaced. I've taken to watching CSPAN. I don't even know how to comment on that. Thoughts keep flying through my head, but I'm so tired that I can't catch them before they go away. Hence, the stupidity of my recent posts. I was reading through some of the stuff I wrote while I was still in school and I have to say that I actually had some intelligent things to say at times. Oh boy, it's definitely bedtime.
That last post was just atrocious. I'm not going to fix it just because it's so bad. Shows you how well I can type when I'm freaking sleepy!
That last post was just atrocious. I'm not going to fix it just because it's so bad. Shows you how well I can type when I'm freaking sleepy!
Too sleepy... I was rudely awaken by a phone call after only getting four and a half hours of sleep. Nicely, though, it was someone from my new job calling to make travel arrangements for the Seattle trip. I'll be leaving on July 21 and coming on the 25th. Not bad for a company sponsored trip... And I guess it means I'm not working on Tues or Fri because we'll be on a plane during the middle of the day...
Ugh, the only bad thing will be getting used to normal sleeping patterns again. I have to be in Costa Mesa by 8:30am starting Monday. Eeek! That's early! Wednesday, July 09, 2003
Hired. It almost seemed too easy...
I'm now the new Executive Assistant to the VP of NAMIC, a non-profit organization that works to promote diversity in the telecommunications industry. I'll be working at their national headquarters in Costa Mesa, providing support to the President, VP, and their 16 chapters across the U.S. Wow... that's a lot of work... Bonus: travel! I'm going to Seattle on July 23-24 for their Board of Directors meeting. But for now, it's off to Marie's party. It's Backwards Night! =) Tuesday, July 08, 2003
ARGH. Fuck. I hate it when i do that. I just lost another post. Damnit. GRRRRR.
My computer isn't going to last much longer. I think reformatting just saved it from an early death, but I only give it another year or so. I am such a nerd. It can be very disgusting at times... LOL. Monday, July 07, 2003
Grrr! I just found out that my 3 year warranty on this computer expired on June 22. All of two weeks ago! Damnit. Because I need a new battery and now I actually have to pay for it... Eh. Maybe I don't really need a battery. Who needs a portable laptop anyway? They're overrated.
I found the cheapest way to get a new computer: reformat! LOL I seriously thought my laptop was about to die on me, so I spent the last five hours reformatting. It wasn't too bad, except the prep work took about two hours and then the reinstalling is still going on... But it's worth it. I feel like my computer is brand new. And best of all it's actually running at normal speed now! Woohoo!
Once it becomes a more decent time of day I will compare Burke Williams and Glen Ivy Day Spa. Oh geez... I'm so sleepy and I'm definitely not thinking straight anymore. Nite! Saturday, July 05, 2003
I love it! By some miracle my junk email address has stopped receiving 90% of it's SPAM! I don't know if the server finally put filters on or if all my "please remove me, you bastard" emails finally went through...
It's going to be a hot day. Should I go down to my favorite beach and try out my new (50% off at Kohl's) bathing suit? =) Friday, July 04, 2003
I think I've killed my E drive. It makes this funny high pitched whine whenever it's on now... Maybe it's because I didn't unplug it for year(s) at a time... Oops.
I've finally posted my resume- and got the link to work. You can find it linked from the bio page. It's not the greatest layout, but it's the best you're going to get since I've already spent WAY too much time on it. My html skills have disappeared. I've missed listening to my Rockapella. I really need a better computer. More gripes about my mother: she complains entirely too much. And the thing that bothers me even more than the fact that she's always complaining is the fact that she never does anything about it! If you're going to spend that much energy complaining about something you may as well redirect that energy into something useful and actually fix the problem. Sheesh. Oh! One last thing... Check out this site for Boys Hope Girls Hope. It's a non-profit org that I've recently begun working with. I think I'm going to be working (volunteering) as the Vice Chair for their Junior Board, but we've got to talk that over during our next meeting. Boys Hope Girls Hope is a great group of people who work to provide a home for promising at-risk kids. Here's a bit of something from one of their info pamplets: Boys Hope Girls Hope's incredible program is 100% free to the parents of at-risk but academically capable kids. We provide our children with a full scholarship to a happy life. Boys Hope Girls Hope is entirely privately funded by the donations of generous individuals, foundations, and corporations. We receive no government funding whatsoever allowing us to create homes that are non-institutional homes that feel like home. Put simply, we offer HOPE: -A safe, loving HOME in a good neighborhood. -The OPPORTUNITY to learn unobstructed, to succeed unhindered, and to dream unafraid. -The chance to be raised by professional PARENTS, skilled and compassionate, whose sole job is to care and care completely 24 hours a day. -The means to receive a high-quality, private EDUCATION, complete with tutoring, after-school activities, and solid, serious preparation for college. Boys Hope Girls Hope of California is a residential program for at-risk youth designed to comprehensively nurture children and provide for their total well-being. Boys Hope Girls Hope seeks out children who are caught in the cyles of neglect, abuse, poverty, and despair and are seeking a way out- bright kids who are sinking beneath the weight of their troubled lives. What we offer is a long-term, family-style home through high school staffed with loving house parents, a private education, and a chance to succeed where before the trials of life had prevented it. Our kids are determined, dedicated and capable, and proud to be a part of our unique, yet simple program. The benefits of this incredible program are impressive and unequalled. Since 1991, 100% of our high school graduates have gone on to college. Currently, we at Boys Hope Girls Hope are the proud caregivers of twelve thriving elementary, junior high, and high school students, seven successful college students, and two flourishing college graduates. Our program truly works. It is the best alternative available to the troubled foster care and juvenile justice systems. We believe we have found the model approach. That really long introduction doesn't even begin to explain the program. If you have any questions or are interested in getting invovled, or even want to join the Junior Board(!), please contact me! I'll be glad to help! Wednesday, July 02, 2003
Jumbled lyrics for Alive -POD Every day is a new day I'm thankful for every breath I take I won't take it for granted... I feel so alive I visited the Natural History Museum today... more because Marie really wanted to go than any interest I had in seeing the place. But I have to admit that it was pretty interesting and very informative. I learned all about Machu Picchu and then we went through the history of California, with our particular focus on the history of Los Angeles. For instance, did you know that in the early 1900's people were petitioning for California to be a dry state? That's right- no alcohol. Whoa. I'm sure all those gold miners who now had nothing to do were not very happy about that. And did you also know that the very first three story building in Los Angeles was the Pico House, location unknown. One thing that bugged me about this museum is that they do not do a very good job in labeling their items and pictures on display- especially in the older sections of the museum. Oh, and the marine life exhibit on the top floor is incredibly creepy, especially when you're the only ones in there about five minutes before closing. Marie and I were getting those erie feelings of being locked up in the building overnight with the dinosaurs, so we hightailed it through that exhibit. Funny observation of the day: we spent over two hours in the Machu Picchu exhibit, half an hour going through the history of the U.S. and California, and ten minutes in the rest of the museum. My self-inflicted lessons on the American government seemed to have stalled. How is it that even though I have no job, I'm still just as busy? It's like the realization of the quote "life goes on." Oh, and when I win the lotto, I'm going to spend all my time working for non-profits. And I'm going to be so busy and so happy it's going to make me sick. Irony of ironies: I quit my job because I was no longer interested in working in finance, among other things. So what happens today? I am contacted by PrimeAmerica (whom I despise) and American Express Financial Advising, both of whom are "very interested in talking to me." Hah! Give me a non-profit and I will be happy.  |