I'm a Poet, and I Know It.

When I was in high school, I liked creative writing, particular writing poems. Ya know the kind where I poured out my heart and soul. And it was gut wrenching. And everything was dramatic. And I just wanted to die. Yeah, the awesome kind! Well, I don't write poems like I used to. Yes, it is sad. But I still have them to enjoy! Because I wrote them down and saved them, baby. I pulled out my old poetry journal recently. Man, are they painful to read. Meaning they are baaadddd...so much so that they are hilarious!

Here are a few gems just for you.

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Sorrow

Love to me saddens my heart and mind.
It expresses to me of what is not kind.
Love around me is love that is for another.
They don't love me; they love some other.
People who I once loved has turned away.
They left me there with nothing to say.
My soul aches and yearns for a caring hard.
I just want someone who will understand.
I need love like any human being.
I wish I can go blind and stop seeing.
The cruel world has done me great sorrow.
I lay in bed hoping there will be no tomorrow.
I look into tomorrow like a dead end.
It will trap me into becoming his friend.
Then it will turn away, and my heart will ache.
It will leave and go on and care for no one's sake.
I suffered greatly, and it will never be repaid.
I had love and happiness, and I knew it would fade.
What can I do to change they way I think and feel.
If there's such a thing as true love; is it real?
The sorrow is buried deep within my soul.
It won't break free. It won't let go.
Love is like a tree because it will eventually die.
I wish I could only say hello and not say good-bye.

Comment: Wow! I am depressing. I read this to Laura today, and she felt bad for me. Haha! Poor poor teenage Tara...no one loved her apparently.

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Who Are You?

Who are you to me?
You were once an insignificant nobody in my life,
a passerby, a stranger...
You watched as I wondered alone,
searching and seeking for something,
something to complete my life.
You were not easy to find.
I looked everywhere, and
I failed many times,
retrieving to my domain to weep away.
I did not even know when
I found you...
thinking you were just another
little something in my life.
My eyes were blocked by the
blazing sun of despair.
I realized it was you when
I gave up.
How ironic!
You were right here in front of me...
giving me the gift of love.
Who are you to me now?
Everything, the world, and life itself.
Your smile brightens my day.
Your touch leaves me weak with joy.
I never knew love
until I knew you.
I will cherish your gift forever,
holding it close to my heart
and never ever letting go.
Now I finally know who you are.

Comment: This poem was written on June 23, 1997. And it was about Huz! Haha! I wonder if this will embarrass him. Oh, well. My favorite part of this poem is "the blazing sun of despair." I try to say that any chance I get now...no matter the conversation.

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1995

A new year, a new feeling, a new hope. Everything is the same yet there is something that is different. Something that has changed. Breathe in the new air, the fresh clean new air. Look around you. Not only look but experience, feel, smell, taste, hear it. 1995! Sigh! Wow, so many memories yet there is a big future ahead. A future full of hopes, dreams, disappointments, love, hate, and a new...everything. What is there? What is out there for me, you, everyone? Can I live it now? Can I see into it and smile or laugh or frown? 1995 has brought me many new thoughts of the past, present, and future. 1995 will always be cherished like the many other years that changed me and made me what I am today.

Comment: OMG! I wrote that 15 friggin' years ago. That is crazy. I've come a long way...or at least I'd like to think so. I thought this poem was apt since today is New Year's Eve. I'll look into 2010 and smile...or maybe laugh...or maybe frown. I haven't decided yet. Haha.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR, PEEPS!

Avatar Is the Shiznit

Hope everyone had a pleasant holiday. I have been busy spending time with family, cooking, and eating a lot...like non-stop. But I guess that is what the holidays are all about. ;) However, in between bites of food, I went out to watch Avatar with Huz, cuz, and lil bro. It was the highlight of my week. Haha. Jk. (Not really.)

I had been really excited to watch Avatar and was not disappointed. I watched it in 3D, which probably wasn't necessary. I absolutely loved the movie though. The best part was the world created by writer/director James Cameron called Pandora and the blue people that cohabited it called the Na'vi. Everything about the world was...magical from the bizarre plants to the glowing trees to the larger than life animals. The CGI and effects were awesome and just made it feel and look so real.

In the movie, a human, Jake Sully, attempts to infiltrate one tribe on Pandora by using an avatar created with human and Na'vi DNA. He basically gets into a machine, and his mind is somehow connected to his avatar. On his first trip into the forest of Pandora, he gets separated from his crew. The Na'vi knows of these avatars and treats them as hostiles. However, Neytiri comes upon him and believes that he is somehow special. As such, her people allows him to stay with their tribe and learn the ways of the Na'vi. Soon Jake is conflicted about his mission because he has fallen in love with the world and with his teacher, Neytiri.

It is such a beautiful love story. However, freakin' teenagers in the theater ruined parts of the movie for me. They were snickering and making a commotion during the more sentimental parts. Ugh. They were so annoying. I tried to ignore it as best I could.

Anyway, despite all the good stuff in the movie, it did have its tired cliches. The humans were motivated by greed...of course. Pandora is rich with a mineral called unobtainium that sells for millions of dollars an ounce.Then there's the annoying military guy who just wants to destroy Pandora for no apparent reason than to just be the bad guy of the piece. His character was exaggerated almost to the point of the ridiculous.

But honestly, I don't care. The story was simple and probably didn't have much substance. I loved it anyway.

The movie reminded me of FernGully. Do you remember that cartoon movie from way back when? Huz had no idea what I was talking about.

The 3 Sisters Christmas Song

Here is a Christmas song just for you from us. You can sing along here. Merry Christmas, everyone!!

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Have a holly jolly Christmas!
We've been blogging through the year.
We don't know all our readers though,
But have a pint of beer.
Have a holly jolly Christmas!
We'll walk by you on the street.
On this blog we're friends you know
and who cares if we never meet.

Oh ho, friend or foe.
Hanging around the tree.
Somebody cares for you.
It's the sisters three.
Have a holly jolly Christmas!
Thanks for following, my dear.
Oh by golly have a holly jolly Christmas this year!

Cranky Pants

I am usually a very cheery person. Really! But I've noticed recently that I've been a bit cranky. I apologize to the victims of my crankiness. Sorry I snapped at you. I don't know what it is. Maybe that I've been super busy at work or that it's the holidays (ba humbug). Or that people are just pissing me off!

Okay, it's really me. After turning 31, I've become a cranky old lady. Ya know, like the ones who shake their fists at the younguns, yelling unnecessarily loudly and frequently. It's true. I've been sitting out on my porch (screw the snow) and screaming "You crazy kids. Get off my lawn!" to everyone who passes. I get a lot of confused looks, and then I give them my own look that says "I will eff you up!"

I was never a patient person. Along with my youth, I am losing the little patience I have left. Things that used to mildly irritate me, now extremely irritate me.

Like if you want me to do something, you don't need to tell me a hundred times. I know! I heard you the first 99 times.

I'm happy to help you. But I am NOT going to do everything for you. You gotta help yourself. "Help me help you! Help me help you!"

I realize you like to hear the sound of your own voice. But frankly, I don't. So shut the eff up!

See...I told you I was cranky. In the spirit of Christmas and as a resolution for the new year, I promise I will try to improve my disposition. I will try to remember that patience is a virtue. I will hold my tongue even though I really really want to say something. I will not be violent despite a growing need to hurt someone. Basically, I will shut myself in my house and never leave. You'll thank me later.

P.S. My name Tara means "crabby rock." That explains a lot.

Kettle Corn

We had our departmental holiday dinner last week where we did the white elephant exchange. I was stressed about it because I wanted to make up for my lousy present from last year--a shower radio. Apparently, it wasn't as cool as I thought it was. Also, everyone was doing a lot of trash-talking this year, saying theirs were going to be the best. My one co-worker had ordered her present several weeks in advance and kept talking up her gift. After much debate, I ended up getting the gumball machine, and it was a hit! Yay! And my trash talking co-worker got totally owned because two other people actually had the same gift--a snuggie! Haha. I admit that it's not a bad gag gift, but it was unfortunately very unoriginal. Too bad for her. She'll just have to redeem herself next year and make sure to zip it! ;)

Well, I ended up with the West Bend Crazy Stir popcorn popper. I was at first hesitant to steal it because it's kinda bulky. And I really don't have any room in my kitchen. And I really don't need a popcorn popper or another kitchen appliance for that matter. But I am so glad I got it because I can make kettle corn!

Okay, I have to admit that I am a big fraud. I've never had real kettle corn from a fair or carnival. I only tried it recently pre-made. But the kettle corn I make with my popper is still pretty good.

I just throw in oil, sugar, and kernels and turn it on. In a few minutes, popcorn is popping before my very eyes.

Soon the dome is filled with popcorn. I add a few dashes of salt and get homemade kettle corn in just minutes.

I've already made it four times. Isn't it neat? I really do love stuff like this. It's different, fun, and entertaining. Well, it is for me, at least.

Procrastination Is the Christmas Way

Ah. Christmas is almost upon us. It's the time of year for joy and love. But also a time for major procrastination. Droves of people were planning on hitting the malls and stores this weekend. But what they didn't plan for was...mounds of snow to stop them! A fuggin' blizzard. The biggest one in December...like ever. WTF! Doesn't Mother Nature know that we need to shop!? That Christmas is almost here?

Knowing that we were getting lots of snow today, Huz and I went to Target at 11p last night. A lot of people did the same. Target was friggin' crowded at midnight. Haha. I had to buy my little niece's birthday present, and her party was supposed to be today. Tehe. And I had to pick up giftcards and holiday cards for our staff at work. Done and done.

But we didn't get the most important thing. A shovel!

Instead, we woke up today at 11a and went out in search of one. We tried three places, and each place had run out. Also, at each place and at the exact same time, there were three other people looking for shovels too. Haha. We weren't even the only dummies who waited the last possible minute to buy a shovel.

I'll also like to note that we have lived at our house for three winters, and we still don't have a shovel. How the hell is that possible?

As a last resort, we bought a small flat shovel from Home Depot. It's going to be fun shoveling our cars out tomorrow. Note the sarcasm.

Damnit, why'd we procrastinate!?!

A Nice, Firm Handshake

Yes, it's Tara blogging on a Friday afternoon. You must be thinking "what the heck is going on?" Or you probably didn't notice. I just like to think that you people care. =p Anyway, if you must know, I left work early for an appointment and am now home.

TV in the afternoon sucks, man! There is absolutely nothing to watch. Okay, I lied. I am watching my go-to movie when there is nothing else--You've Got Mail! Otherwise, there is really nothing on TV except for Judge Judy and According to Jim. Ack! So that's why I'm blogging. Haha.

Anyway, to my real topic...handshakes. At my appointment, I shook hands with the strongest woman I've ever met! Okay, not really. But damn, her handshake was like a death grip crushing my finger bones. And she didn't let go for a good five seconds. That is one long and overly firm handshake.

Ever since my undergrad business classes, it has been drilled into my brain that handshakes are important in making a first impression. And to make a good impression, your handshake must be firm.

So I really hate it when women do that soft and flimsy hand-holding thing instead of a real handshake. They would put their fingers (not their whole hand) gently into mine and barely even squeeze. It's just weird. It feels like I should kiss their ring or something.

If I don't get that, I get the kung-fu death grip. Huz was there and even agreed with me. I didn't know what to make of it. Did she not realize how tight her grip was on our hands?

I'm just asking for something in between...a nice, firm handshake. It tells me you mean business. But more importantly, a bad handshake won't be the only thing I remember about you. And you know I won't stop ragging on it. Hehe.

"We Are Individuals!"

This is dedicated to Tina, my twin.

It's our birthday week! (Yes, we get a week.) Woohoo! Two little precious twins were born 31 years ago. (Man, we are old!)

When people find out that I'm a twin, the first thing they always say is "I wish I had a twin!" Usually, I politely smile and nod. But inside I am thinking "yeah, sucks to be you!" Because having a twin is pretty much the awesomest thing ever!

Laura wishes she was our triplet. Honestly, she just wants our remarkably good looks. Haha.

What is it like being a twin? People ask me that all the time. I usually get several other questions like: Does she feel your pain? Can you read each others' mind? Who is the evil twin? The dumbest one is still: Do you guys have the same birthday? Well, yeah...that's the point!

Having a twin is having a built-in best friend who knows you, loves you unconditionally, and is always always there for you. Tina has always been those things to me and more. For the longest time (before we had our own families), she was the first person who supported me, defended me, and cared for me. So I can't help loving the friggin' woman!

Yeah, it's true that I always had to share everything with her, including my birthday and my cake. =p And sometimes people assume we are the same person. Ahem, Laura!! We are individuals damnit! People always buy us the same exact gifts. Ahem, Laura, again. And people always group us together like "we" said something or "we" did something when clearly only one of us had. I don't have to say it again. But when I say "people," I basically mean Laura. (She is a bad bad triplet.)

But it is totally worth it. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Oh, and by the way, if you were wondering, I am the evil twin. Muhahahaha!

Team Jacob

I need to clarify. I'm Team Jacob with short hair, not with the long wig thingee.

I know I am late with my review of New Moon, but I just watched it yesterday. I don't like being the first to watch a movie. I like being the last, okay? =p

Here is my review in three words. I. Heart. Jacob. Laura even admitted that she's Team Jacob, but only when it comes to the Twilight movies. She despises Robert Pattinson. Otherwise, she is Team Edward through and through.

All three of us went to watch New Moon last night. It was definitely fun watching it with both Tina and Laura because we are all huge fans of the books. And it's just fun when we are together. Laura and I were laughing at Bella's bad acting and Jasper's pained look. Tina yelled at us a lot, saying "You are ruining this for me!" I got all giddy when half-naked Jacob came on screen, and Laura laughed at my goofy expressions. Tina asked "Where's Edward?" a lot and "Is Jacob going to be naked in the whole movie?" I had to remind her that was part of the book. Garsh. So all in all, it was a great movie watching experience.

I wouldn't say New Moon is the best movie in the world. But I really loved it. It followed the book fairly closely. Taylor Lautner is awesome as Jacob Black. I am Team Jacob all the way, baby.

[Spoilers!]

Here are my top ten likes:
10. The effects are so much better this time around.
9. Aro and Jane
8. Bella and Jacob's banter about whom is older (It was in the book. So cute!)
7. Jacob climbing up to Bella's window (Hotness!)
6. The scene where Bella first saw Jacob turn into a werewolf (Awesome!)
5. Mike and Jacob with their palm up in the theater (Haha!)
4. Bella looks really pretty in this movie!
3. Werewolf Jacob
2. Almost-kisses between Bella and Jacob (Sigh.)
1. Half-naked Jacob (for obvious reasons)

Here are my top ten dislikes:
10. Half-naked Jacob (Makes me feel like a dirty dirty old woman.)
9. Bella and Jacob carrying on a normal conversation immediately after Bella friggin' jumped off a cliff! I'd be like "What the hell were you doing, you stupid stupid girl!?"
8. Mike and Jessica (for obvious reasons)
7. Bella telling Jacob that he's buff (Totally forced.)
6. Edward floating in the water next to Bella (Just weird.)
5. Bella and Edward kissing (Horny Bella. Nuff' said.)
4. "Pain." - said by Jane (Why?!)
3. Bella acting the same in every situation - a lot of huffing and puffing. I don't get it.
2. Bella's orgasmic reactions whenever she sees visions of Edward (Get a room!)
1. Bella screaming into her pillow in her sleep - she did it like five times! (Horrible acting.)

This Is for My Homies

Tina and I have two best friends who happen to be cousins--Chris and Vanessa. We've known them since high school. So that would be about fifteen years of happy times. We four were the core. Boyfriends would come and go (and eventually stay and join the group), but the four of us stuck together.

We all went to different colleges. So we made sure to tear it up the summer before. We went everywhere together and had a blast. Like all good things, summer came to an end. Tears were shed. Good-byes were reluctantly said. Then off to college we went. It was hard to keep in touch during school. We were all so busy trying to make friends and to have the full college experience. We saw each other during breaks of course. But they were never long enough.

The early years with Vanessa and Chris were great. But they can't compare to when we all finally came back home! That was the f*$%ing best! Reunited and it feels so good.

The most important thing was...we were legal, baby! Meaning drinking, lots of drinking. But also lots of trips. Because we had money. We were no longer kids and could do whatever we wanted. It was awesome!

We were a really tight group (and still are). Chris even came up with a name for us. It was more of a joke but kinda stuck for several years there. I remember exactly when and how we got our name. We were making fun of Huz's brother and how his group of friends had a name...Cru Luv. Haha. Awesome, isn't it? We had a few laughs at their expense. What? Did they think they were a gang?? Haha.

Then of course we had to have a name for ourselves too! I remember we were swimming in my mom's pool that day. Chris made it up while we were stewing in the hot tub. Our name became Aznsoup. Back then Asians added "Azn" in front of everything. So the name was pretty much perfect.

Soon Tina started having babies, then Vanessa moved to New York, and then Chris and I started grad school. Gone were the days of constant boozing, late nights, and sleepovers. But there was one thing we could count on. That we always came together during the holidays.

However, this year, Vanessa moved thousands of miles away to Hawaii. And because of her, we have to break our tradition. =( Each year for the past seven years, we held a potluck Christmas dinner where we exchanged pollyanna gifts. But for our pollyanna, we had to make our gifts. After all that practice, we had gotten really good at it. We've made ornaments, magnets, artwork, and candles, just to name a few. They were actually really impressive. We are freakin' talented!

Sadly, we won't be doing it this year. Vanessa has forever ruined Christmas 2009 for Aznsoup!!! Wahhh!

But we still love her. =p

Typographic Compositions

So in Typography, I had to take either a poem or a song and take the display text, the body text, and an icon that I could create to go with the song/poem and create 3 compositions. In the first composition, I had to made the icon the most prominent thing. In the second, the display text was the be the most prominent. And in the third, the body text. Of course, I chose a children's poem.

We were allowed to choose any typeface for the display text and for the body text we were only allowed to choose Garamond, Bodoni, Futura, Univers, Meta, or Optima. I chose American Typewriter for my display text because it's very childish and bold. I chose Univers for my body text because it had a nice rhythmic quality that really expressed my poem the best. I illustrated everything myself. I used Adobe Illustrator for all of them.







































































Someone in class said that they recognized my pieces right away. My teacher described these compositions as "Vintage Laura designs: cute, intellegent, and clean!" That really made my day. My teacher said I should write and illustrate children's books, and I was totally excited because that's what I dream to do!

I got an A! :)

You Know What I Mean?!

I read or heard somewhere that people communicate more effectively with strangers than with close friends because, with close friends, people say fewer words to express themselves or don't feel like they have to explain themselves.

My sisters and I are a prime example. We are the worst communicators on the planet. We just assume we all have telepathic abilities, and, when a thought enters into one of our minds, it goes into all. We have found out, on more than one occasion, that that just isn't the case. But we never ever learn our lesson. I don't think we ever will.

However, I do have to admit that sometimes Tina or Laura just have to give me a look, and I totally know what they are saying. That happened this past weekend. Laura looked at me, and I just said "I know." She tried to say more, but it wasn't necessary. Booyah. Yes, I am THAT good.

However, other times, I would stare and stare at them, and they wouldn't friggin' get my message! My mind is saying "Look at me. Understand me now! Why aren't you looking at me goddamnit?" Then later I'll yell at them for not listening!

In the same vain, a lot of times, important information is withheld for whatever reason from one sister...usually Laura. Hehe. Tina and I just assume she knows. Or that the other twin has told her. Or if I tell Tina something, that information will somehow find its way to Laura. However, sometimes it doesn't find its way to Laura. And then Laura is sad.

Last summer, we decided to go to Atlantic City to shop and gamble. Yes, I realize Laura is underage, which is why Tina and I discussed that we should all dress up. Particularly Laura so she could look a little older. Well, she didn't bring a change of clothes! She of course picked an outfit that made her look even younger. Why didn't she know? She kept crying that no one tells her stuff. Boo freakity hoo.

I refuse to admit it is in any way shape or form my fault. We are all victims here. Victims of circumstance. Right? Right? If we communicated effectively, then we might as well be strangers. Strangers!

Okay, fine. Perhaps we should try communicating better. But but but...why can't they just read my mind? It's not that hard. Argh! So frustrating...

Laura's Love Letter

Whenever my friends and I visit each others' rooms, we like to make the visitors create something for us to put up on our walls. Usually we draw each other things or cut out a snowflake, but this time I thought I'd do something different. Instead, I wrote her a love letter. I thought it was pretty silly and wasn't bad considering I wrote it on paper and wasn't able to backspace.

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To the love of my life,

My day is gray and cloudy

so sad and empty 'til I

hear my love; she's so rowdy.

I love your beautiful hair.

At your face, forever I can stare.

Oh, Kirsten, how I love thee.

I stare at thee whilst thou watches Glee.

Your beautiful lips of rose petal red.

I stroke thou lips whilst thou in bed.

Oh, Kirsten, how I love thee.

I only wish thou would notice me.

Her wondrous blue-green eyes that sparkle.

I passionately sketch them in charc(-o)le.

I leave traces of my hair in her food.

Doing this lightens my mood

knowing that a part of me

is inside thee

used as protein

for thou energy.

Oh, Kirsten, how I love thee.

With Obsession,

You Secret Admirer xoxo

White Elephant

Every year, my department hosts a holiday dinner where everyone joins in a pollyanna exchange. However, we do the white elephant version where participants can steal gifts from others. I had never done a white elephant exchange before I started working at my firm. So my first year, I bought a french press--nothing too impressive. Actually, only one of my co-workers had participated in white elephant exchanges before. Turns out that gag gifts are a regular part of it. Everyone brought regular gifts like me. But that one guy bought a gag gift. And our boss ended up with it, a men's jewelry box. Haha. It was hilarious because no one would steal it from him and he kept complaining all night, in a half joking half serious way.

Now a lot of people join in on the gag part of the pollyanna. But I don't. It's too much pressure. What if my gift just isn't funny? What if the wrong person gets my gift? Too many things can go wrong. So year after year I've stuck with the regular gifts, for example, a sake set. Then last year I got a gift that I thought was totally normal. I didn't know it'll turn out to be a joke later. =p I bought a shower radio. Sounds normal, right? People like shower radios, right? Okay, so I didn't think it through.

Anyway, while picking their gifts, people were discussing and guessing who bought the best gag gift and the best normal gift. Suddenly, my boss turned to me and said that he thought my gift would be the best gift. What? Why me? I thought of my dinky shower radio sitting there in the pile. Oh, great.

Then of course, he ended up picking my gift, not realizing it was mine. Several people at the table were Jewish, including my boss. And I friggin' wrapped my gift in Santa Claus wrapping. He of course didn't pass the chance to make fun of that. How politically incorrect of me. Whoops.

Then he opened it...probably fully believing that my gift was going to be awesome. He looked at it and was like "WTF, a shower radio. Really?" That happened last year, and I still haven't heard the end of it. Although he has admitted that he uses it every morning. I tried to get him to admit that my gift changed his life, but he won't. Tehe.

Now it's that time of year again. And the pressure is on! I don't know what to get this year. Help! I want to redeem myself. I thought of getting a gag gift. I was at Urban Outfitters yesterday and saw a board game called Kosherland. Could be funny...or could be very offensive. I was thinking of getting a bubble gum machine too. I think that'll be cute. I could see that in people's offices or at their desk. I don't know. But I gotta get something good.

Lady Gaga's Monster Ball

I saw Lady Gaga in concert, and it was...interesting. Actually that's an understatement. She is a pretty peculiar woman. Her style is famously unique. As are her music, videos, and performances...and what I learned that night, her fans.

I went with my co-worker and asked her what I should wear to the concert. She wasn't planning on wearing anything special. Because we were going straight from work, she said she was going to wear whatever she wore to work that day. So I did the same.

Boy, did I ever feel out of place! We realized our mistake once we got to the venue. We saw young girls all hooched out. They were wearing super short skirts with 5-inch heels. We saw lots of sequence, skin tight dresses, and teeny tiny shorts all night. Never mind that it was the middle of winter.

Then picture me. In my long sleeve blue cardigan, scarf, black tights and uggs. Add that to the fact that we were more mature when most of the audience. Okay, older! You happy? People probably thought I took a wrong turn on my way to a teacher's conference. (No offense, Tina.)

The concert started at 7:30p, but Lady Gaga didn't come out until 9:45p. So I did a lot of people watching. Our seats were right by the entrance and the walkway where we could see everyone coming and going. I have to say, that was the best part. We also saw girls dressed like Lady Gaga. The whole nine. Someone actually wore the red lace dress that Lady Gaga wore to the VMAs. That was impressive. There were also platinum blond wigs, sunglasses, body suits...and tiny hats! I secretly wished I had one. Why didn't I think of that!?

The show finally started, and there was a whole lot of screaming going on. I almost went deaf. The show was definitely entertaining. She didn't lip sync, which is commendable since the days of Britney Spears and Ashley Simpson. And she even danced the entire time. Her transitions between songs and outfit changes were again interesting. At one time, a video of her was projected on the stage. In the video, she was posing in a beautiful gown. Next to her was a girl vomiting all over her. They kept replaying it, and it made me want to vomit. Ack.

Besides the gag reflex, I was dancing and having a good time. Then I noticed a guy dancing right next to me. He was a tall black guy in heels, a body suit, tiny shorts, and fish net stockings. He didn't hold anything back! He was dancing to the left and then to the right. He went down and then up. He did kicks and almost friggin' kicked me in the face. His high-heel boot was literally a couple inches from my face. He was an amazing dancer though. I had to force myself to look away and actually watch the show.

I forgot to bring my camera. I only had my blackberry. This is the best picture I could get. =p

Thanks and Slaps

I do not have a post in mind.
So instead I'm going to rhyme
And tell you what you've missed.
Read on and do not resist.

I gave many thanks and slaps last week
while eating a bird minus the beak.
Hours before I was cooking away,
The meal was soon over to my dismay.

Next was shopping on a black night.
We continued on until it was light.
I purchased a pretty Kate Spade tote,
And Tina bought a J. Crew coat.

We started off with steps full of spring.
Then poor lil' Laura didn't get a thing.
By the end, I wobbled, and Laura did weep.
Huz woke up when I went to sleep.

Then movies, leftovers, shopping, and more fun.
Before I knew it, the weekend was done.
Sunday I flew to Austin for work.
At least I got room service as a perk.

I also got pumpkin lattes with foam.
But I still couldn't wait to get home.
But the airline canceled my late flight.
And I was miserable because of my plight.

I was exhausted and in a haze.
I missed a bunch of work in those three days.
So I've been toiling away to catch up,
Drinking coffee cup after cup.

But I did take a break to watch Top Chef.
Fortunately, my favorite chefs are left!
Lots to blog about but no words are down.
Please forgive me, I've been out of town.

I'll try not to be away again for so long.
Hopefully this makes up for the wrong.
See now there's a post that's new!
Lots of love from this blog to you.

Logo Designs!

So this was the super hard assignment I was talking about a few post earlier. I had to take a horoscope sign and a sign from the Chinese zodiac to create a business name. I took the libra from the horoscope and a rabbit from the Chinese zodiac and create Noble Bunny. Then I was to use this name and turn it into 4 possible companies. Then create 5 b/w logos for each of these companies and choose 1 of the best ones to turn into color. We had to make an identity for each of these companies and a company scale. Our goal was to depict the scale and style of each company in our logos.

Noble Bunny Music Productions

Noble Bunny Bar & Club

Noble Bunny Toddler Toy Company

Noble Bunny Pet Services (Don't ask me what they do.)

Well, these were seriously the hardest thing I've ever worked on. I've never worked on logos before.

I got a solid A+ on this assignment. My professor announced that if anyone got an A then they really deserved it because he graded very hard and mostly everyone got Bs. He told me personally that my designs were almost perfect and that I really am getting how to simplify designs, which is what designers have most trouble with. He said I really captured the identity of my companies and that this work is definitely top 3 of both his classes! Eek!

I hold these designs dearest to my heart because I put my heart and soul into them as well as blood and sweat. Mmm.. don't you just love the visual.

Black Friday Adventures and Misadventures

The 3 Sisters joined the ranks a few Black Fridays ago. But we had a plan to avoid the crowds, which we followed every year. That plan involved a small neighborhood mall and the morning sale at H&M. I basically got my entire winter wardrobe there for 25% off. Our Black Fridays were usually laid back, non-hectic, and quiet. It was awesome.

Then this year, H&M changed their sale. Shoppers could still get 25% before 10am but only on ONE friggin' item! Why in the world would anyone wake up that early to save like $5? Are they crazy? There was no way we were going to do that.

On Wednesday, I immediately text Tina and Laura that "Black Friday is officially canceled!" I included a sad face, which meant I was serious. Our tradition was going to be laid to rest. H&M had ruined Black Friday...which is almost like ruining Christmas!

After sending that text off and getting a response of outrage from Laura, I somehow came up with what I thought was a brilliant idea. I found out that the new outlet malls in our area started their sales at midnight. A couple sales were even 25-50% off the entire store. You can't beat that, right? I excitedly told Tina and Laura that Black Friday was back on.

Laura's response was "Do I have to wrestle some bitches?" Haha. I couldn't imagine the place being that crowded at midnight. I was so sure that it was a great idea. I even convinced other members of my family to join us.

Off we went at 11pm on Thanksgiving. I was thinking we'd get there in a half hour, get some Starbucks, wait around until stores opened at midnight and be done at 3am and in bed by 4am...no biggie. It was Black Friday tied in a very neat and pretty bow.

Then a mile from the mall, we hit traffic. Bahh!! That was when I realized that this brilliant idea of mine wasn't very original. Everybody in the friggin' state knew about it and was heading there at the same time.

This was very unlike me. The trip was unplanned, and I was unprepared. Big mistake.

We sat in traffic for a good 45 minutes, moving a foot every few minutes. The place was so crowded that we couldn't even park at the mall. We had to park at some random parking lot a half mile away. After we parked, we had to walk down this dark, unlit road.

While trekking on this scary road where we could barely see in front of us, I exclaimed, "This is like an adventure, guys!" No response. "Right, right?" No response. I guess they agreed with me.

Walking in the freezing cold woke us up, and we were ready to shop. We finally got to the mall around 1am. The place was packed. Hello, masses!

Maybe we did have to wrestle some bitches.

The stores were so crowded. People were elbow to elbow. Clothes were in heaping piles. We had to weave in and out to get anywhere. Afraid we'd lose someone, we adopted the buddy system. Basically, you just heard us screaming, "Where's my partner? Where's my partner?"

Yeah, it wasn't perfect.

If I saw something I liked, I just grabbed it and hoped for the best. There just wasn't any time to try anything on. The lines were super long. For some stores like Coach and Kenneth Cole, we had to wait in line outside only to find more lines in the inside. WTF!

We were practically running from store to store. If everyone in our group were done at a store, we'd scream "Abort, abort!" and run out. Okay, that only happened once.

We cursed H&M randomly throughout the night/morning. Because of H&M, we had to deal with the crowds, long lines, and a giant mall with dozens of stores. Damn H&M! You did this to us!!

We were finally done around 5:30a. Body parts ached. Feet hurt. But we still had to walk a half mile back to our car! The walk back was definitely not as adventurous.

The worst thing is that Laura didn't buy anything at all! She was crying by the end of it. She didn't even get to wrestle some bitches. Poor Laura.

I, on the other hand, bought a handful of things. But it still probably wasn't worth it. After driving everyone home, I finally went to bed at 7:40a. Woke up at 2pm with a pounding headache. Awesome.

Font Spread

In typography, we were given the assignment to create a spread for three fonts of different classes. I chose to do Garamond, Bodoni, and Futura. He gave us the information on each font and we were to take that and make a 6-page spread that organized this information along with the creator's name, the date it was created, and include the entire alphabet in each font in regular, italic, bold, and bold italic. We were to also to create a design that showed the font and the specific characteristics of each, while also adding the folio (or page numbers).

Each of these designs were created to be in a book so they are supposed to be folded down the center. I got an A- I think. I don't exactly remember. :) Enjoy!

Die, Chivalry, Die!

Something happened not too long ago, and it's been bugging me. I've debated it with Huz. And I've concluded that either way, I'm a bitch.

At a recent get-together at my friend's house, I was trying to open a wine bottle with one of those fancy openers. I'm no expert, but I know how to open a bottle of wine. I've done it many times. I just don't use the fancy ones often. We only have the cheap kind at home.

Anyway, I was working at uncorking the wine bottle when this guy (friend of a friend) practically runs up to me and asks me if he can open it for me. I was totally offended. My reaction then and still is that he thought I was incompetent. And that he felt he had to rescue a dumb girl. I was kinda pissed and still am.

I told Huz my feeling about this when we got home. He didn't agree with my response. He said the guy was just trying to be nice. But I don't think so! Maybe it was the way the guy asked me. The look on his face that said "You're an idiot." Or how he swooped in to save the day. Puhlease. I didn't need his help. I would have appreciated it more if he just gave me a helpful tip, like I should take the foil off first or hold onto the wine opener a certain way. I didn't appreciate that this stranger just assumed that I needed him to take over.

I didn't. I had it!

Huz is so sure that he was trying to be chivalrous. I don't agree. To make his point, Huz asked me if I'll be angry if a guy tried to hold the door for me. I said of course not. The difference is that this hypothetical guy isn't holding the door for me because he thinks it's too heavy and I can't do it myself. He's just trying to be nice. I hold the door for people all the time.

So it's not the same! I'm not trying to kill chivalry. I just don't like a man assuming a woman can't do something. If I were a man, would that guy jump in and try to do it? Or would he leave me alone and let me handle it? I am guessing the latter.

So in conclusion, I'm a feminist bitch. But still I'm right.

When You Know You've Been Designing Too Long

Recently, I've been doing an excessive amount of design work for my classes and I've gone a little nuts. What drove me to write this post was something that happened not 5 minutes ago. I was surfing the web and I accidentally clicked something weird in my web browser, so I wanted to go back and I automatically hit Control+Z... This, sadly, was not the beginning of my craziness.

Last week, I got the most challenging assignment I ever got in the history of my college career. I had to make logo designs– 20 of them. I worked for hours and hours on that project and soon, it began to haunt me. I was trying to sleep one night, and I was having a little trouble. I wasn't fully conscious but I couldn't fall completely into sleep. It took me a little to realize it was because I was dreaming about fonts. Fonts, for goodness sake! I felt like I was tripping on acid. Fonts (particularly Helvetica) were swirling around in that noggin of mine. As I was falling asleep, I felt like I was a font. My eyes were half open and I compared the shape of my arm to the shape of Helvetica Rounded. This odd thought was so jarring, it woke me up and I was so weirded out! Plus, why in the world did I have to be some boring font like Helvetica anyway! Gawd!

Another time, not too long ago, (I was fully awake this time) I found myself designing in my head. It's like if you play Tetris or Sims too long, you start playing it in your head subconciously. Well I was friggin' designing in my head! I saw the mouse and I was drawing things with it and moving things around and using various tools. Weird, huh?

And that's a trip into the crazy mind of Laura. Hope you enjoyed!

P.S. I will post the fruits of my labor (my 20 logo designs) soon after this post.

Would You Date You?

I was listening to my usual morning show on the radio when the question "Would you date you?" came up. I thought that was an interesting question. So let's tackle that, people. Gimme your answers.

My answer is a resounding NO. Generally, I don't think two people who are exactly alike should be together. I just don't think it would work out. So me and me would not make a good couple. Here is what would happen:

Tara would meet Tara. She'll think "Wow, Tara is awesome. She's funny, outgoing, and HOT!" Then, Tara would ask Tara out on a date. Naturally, Tara would accept. Then months later, Tara's "good" qualities would become completely grating. Tara is too talkative and wouldn't shut up. Tara would become too smothery. They would fight constantly and try to yell over the other. Then they'd break up. Tara would never in her lifetime get over Tara because Tara is awesome!

Side note: I have never written my name that many times in one paragraph before. My name is starting to look and sound weird.

There are just things I do that would irritate even me. I can be really honest...okay, blunt. I can be whiny as hell. I can be really ADD...in middle of conversations. I can be excessively mushy to a point that make people want to vomit. So yeah, I don't think I can date me. There can only be one Tara in my life.

I don't know how Huz puts up with it. Hehe. He is a good man.

Yesterday, I asked Huz in all seriousness, "isn't it cute how obsessed I am with you?" He said, "Uh-huh." He loves it!!

Blah Blah Blah

I had an interesting conversation with Laura the other day. She was telling me a story about something that happened between her friend and her. This is how it went, almost word for word:

Laura: Then she said blah blah blah. Then I said blah blah blah And blah blah blah!!

Tara: Okay, then what happened.

Laura: Then she said blah blah blah!!

Tara: Wow.

Laura: Yeah, then I was like blah blah blah!!!

Tara: Tell me more.

Laura: I said blah blah blah!

Isn't she the best story teller ever?

She's told me other stories in this same fashion. I'm not even kidding. I have to guess what each "blah blah blah" really means. After these conversations, I'm like can't you give me actual details. Argh!

I have to guess from her tone whether I should be appalled, angry, shocked, sad, happy or whatever. Haha.

I always look forward to these conversations. They are so blah blah blah!! You know what I mean?

I'm a Purist

I don't like ketchup. There, I said it. It's not that I dislike the taste of ketchup. I just prefer not to add it to everything I eat. I always tell people that I'm a purist. Well, only when it comes to food anyway.

I don't put ketchup on my fries or burgers or fried chicken or anything really. Okay, I make an exception once in a while, but not often. I know, I'm a big weirdo. But I like food the way it was intended. I want to taste my food, not the ketchup slathered on top. I am actually disgusted when people put ketchup on their cheesesteaks. They are good as is. How can you ruin it with ketchup? Patooey.

Wikipedia describes a purist as "one who desires that an item remain true to its essence and free from adulterating or diluting influences." That's me...a purist. I like the essence of my food untainted, thank you very much.

Essence...yum. Can't get enough essence, ya know what I mean?

Artie from Glee

Kevin McHale who plays Artie in Glee initially auditioned for the role of Finn. I was surprised when I heard that because I didn't think he had the look. He fit perfectly as Artie--a nerdy, skinny kid who happens to be in a wheelchair. I couldn't imagine him as a football jock and the most popular guy in school. Then I found out the awesomest thing ever!

McHale used to be in a boy band called NLT (Not Like Them). Bahhhhh!!

Holy crap! He has the mangs (man bangs), tight shirt, skinny jeans. Definitely boy band material. And can I say, he looks pretty darn cute too. I mean he is adorable as Artie. But still! He looks totally different. It's so weird! He doesn't look skinny at all. He actually looks kinda buff. I was so surprised when I saw pictures of him in NLT.

So I can see now why he auditioned for Finn's role. Makes sense.P.S. I do realize that he is only 21, okay? I'm just making an observation. ;)

P.P.S. Loved Artie's solo, Dancing with Myself. His voice was surprising...in a good way.

The Uggs Controversy

When Uggs first became popular, I didn't get it. Uggs are hideous boots. They are these giant, odd-shaped things. I didn't see their appeal. It was made worse by the fact that little teeny boppers everywhere were wearing them. They wore Ugg boots all year round, sometimes with tiny shorts or miniskirts in the summer. Why, I don't know.

I had no desire to buy a pair of Ugg boots. I viewed them as a young fad. I openly judged people who wore them. Ack, I thought. Laura completely agreed with me on this. She doesn't like Ugg boots either.

Then something changed. I think I've changed my mind. I'm a big ol' hypocrite!!

My one friend has been trying to convince me that Uggs are great, not for fashion but for comfort. I voiced my skepticism, but the stubborn woman won't be deterred. She told me that I should try them.

I finally gave in. I tried them. And I think I am going to buy a pair. They are really comfortable and warm. I can throw them on with leggings, jeans or sweats. I am all about comfort and casual, and these definitely fit the bill. I'm going to the mall on Sunday to try them on again and make my decision. Eek. I have been boycotting them for so long. I don't know what happened. I did the same thing with leggings and now wear them all the time.

Laura doesn't like the turn of events. She's trying to convince me out of them. Hehe. She thinks they are too young for me. She will forever think of me as an old lady. I'll show her. I can't wait to rock my Uggs!

P.S. I should mention that I am always behind the curve when it comes to fashion. I have to let it stew for a while before I jump in. I am weird like that. =p

My Huge Noggin

The other day, I was at the Gap. I saw one of those cute hats with the flappy ears. So I tried it on, but it didn't fit. I thought it might be a size small. I looked at the tag. Turns out it was M/L...for men. Bahhh!!

I have a humongous noggin. I already knew that. Don't know why I was that surprised when I saw the size. I guess I am in denial.

When Huz and I rented mopeds in Oahu, I had to get a helmet. The rental guy was soooo nice because he thought my head was a medium. Why thank you, sir. I gave him a skeptical look. He noticed but told me to try the medium anyway. Of course, it didn't friggin' fit. So he gave me a large. Keep in mind that they don't differentiate between women's and men's.

I put it on. And I was convinced that large was my size because come on, how could I be any bigger than that? So I told the guy it was good. I kept it on while we were filling out paperwork. After wearing it for a few minutes, I turned to Huz and whispered that I may need to try the XL helmet. Huz told me to just change it. So I sheepishly told the guy that I need to go up a size. He gave me this look of "WTF, lady, is your head really THAT big?" So he handed me the XL helmet. Then he said in all seriousness, I don't have anything larger than XL. Really?? I would die if I had to wear an XXL. I'll force my head into that XL even if it kills me.

The XL helmet fit perfectly. I was glad I ended up changing it. It was a lot more comfortable. But I looked silly as hell. Didn't help that the back of the black helmet had a large white tape with the letters XL in bold black letters. How embarrassing. Huz thought it was hilarious though. Hmph.

With that helmet on, my head looked like a grapefruit on a toothpick.

Yeah, I have a giant head. But I need it to fit my enormous brain. =p

For Business, Not Pleasure

I have been a bad blogger this week. Bad blogger bad. Because I have been traveling...and also because I was lazy. Hehe.

I sometimes travel for work. I was in Los Angeles yesterday. But I usually only stay for a day. So I don't really have time to do anything except eat, prepare for hearing, attend hearing, eat some more, and then travel home. I don't mind traveling. As long as it's not like every week. It's nice to get out of the office once in a while.

There are a lot of great things that come with traveling. Such as nice hotels, free food, new cities. But those are not my favorite things about traveling. Don't get me wrong. Those are nice perks. But my favorite thing is something simple. Something probably unexpected. The showers. Nice hotels always have those awesome shower heads that are perfectly pressurized. Taking showers in hotels are relaxing and soothing...kinda like a massage.

I realize just now that that may have sounded dirty. Well, it wasn't! Get your mind out of the gutter!

My second favorite thing is Starbucks Cafe Mocha. Hmmm...yum. They cost about $4.50, which is completely outrageous. But not so bad when I am not paying for it. I have to get it at least once when I am traveling. It completes me.

My mom asked me not too long ago if I've been to every city in the US yet. Uh, Mom, there is like a million cities in the US. Okay, maybe not a million. But there are a lot! It'll be impossible. I've only been to a few. Here is the list of cities I've been to on my travels:

Arlington, VA
Austin, TX
Boston, MA
Bridgeport, CT
Dallas, TX
Freehold, NJ
Los Angeles,CA
Miami, FL
New York, NY
Oakland, CA
Palm Beach, FL
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
San Jose, CA
Seattle, WA
Trenton, NJ
Wilmington, DE

See, that's not that many. My favorite place to travel to is San Francisco. That city is great. I usually get a hotel right at Union Square. It's the best. I took Huz with me once. We loved the city and wanted to move there. But then our family may kill us. And I want to live.

It's nice to dream though.

I guess I can settle for one-day trips as long as I can take showers and drink Cafe Mochas. Not at the same time though.

My Teenage 4-Year-Old

The other night as my daughters and I were lying in bed. Carmen, my first born, was reading us a story. My younger vicarious daughter, Rachel, says, "Mommy." (Pausing like she wanted to announce something and wanted my full attention.) I say, "Yes, Rachel." She announces, "My name is Macy. For real, my name is Macy." Appalled I say, "Okay...what does that mean?" Rachel says, "You can call me Macy." She left me sputtering, but I counter with, "No, your name is Rachel." And fortunately that was that.

But it left me wondering what will she be like when she's older and a difficult teenager, because mark my words, I know without a doubt she will be a difficult teenager. One day, she'll come home outfitted in black, in her usual gothwear, and she'll announce with all seriousness, "Tina...(because by this time, she'll no longer acknowledge me as a maternal figure)...I will no longer answer to the common name Rachel. From now on I am reborn in darkness as Achlys. I expect you to honor my wishes." And again she'll leave me sputtering, but my words will go unheeded. Sigh... If only I were kidding...

Update: Rachel just told me again, "My name is Macy. No seriously, my name is Macy." I am so awestruck. First that she even remembered and that...that...what is up with that?!? She's only four!!!

Bad Boys with Layers

I was watching Glee a couple weeks ago--the episode where Noah sang "Sweet Caroline."


After watching his solo, I immediately texted Laura, "I am in love with the mohawk dude on Glee." She responded, "You love bad boys with layers." OMG, I totally do! She knows me so well. There's something about a bad boy. But give me a complicated bad boy, and I am there.

When I was watching Veronica Mars, I was completely enamored with Logan Echolls even before there was LoVe. At first I hated him because he was just plain mean. And then I learned more about him--that there was more to him than meets the eye. I began to soften but didn't know why. Then when I saw them kiss, I was practically giddy from excitement. He is the quintessential bad boy with layers. Love him.

On the other hand, I don't like pretty boys at all. Do you know what I mean by a "pretty boy"? Finn in Glee is a pretty boy and kinda looks like Chris Klein who is definitely a pretty boy. Duncan from Veronica Mars was more pretty than cute. Meh and meh. I just don't see it. The mohawk dude is way cuter. He just has to fix the hair. Who's with me? Anyone?

I made a comment to Huz that I don't like pretty boys. He feigned shock and said, "But I'm a pretty boy." Right, honey, right.

So what do you think? Bad boys or pretty boys?

Asian Slaw

Every time I discover and cook something new that turns out delish, I can't help feeling proud of myself. Like I did it! I am awesome. I am a good wife. Huz actually ate something different and healthy today. Rejoice!

I made this yummy Asian-y coleslaw for dinner yesterday, which I found on allrecipes.com and tweaked a bit. And like I said, I was all proud of myself. Tehe. Go me.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:
1 package ramen noodles, crushed
10 ounces cashew or almond pieces (I used raw almonds, which gave it more crunch.)
1 (16 ounce) package shredded coleslaw mix
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions:
1. In a preheated 350-degree oven, toast the crushed noodles and nuts for 10-15 minutes (stirring twice) until golden brown.
2. In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw, green onions, toasted ramen noodles and nuts.
3. To prepare the dressing, whisk together the sugar, oil, vinegar and soy sauce. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss and serve.

Please Do Not Pet the Turtles

I was at an aquarium once and saw cute little turtles swimming in a small pool. I reached in to touch them. I looked up to see an employee giving me a stern look. Then I immediately noticed the sign next to the pool "Please Do Not Pet the Turtles." Oopsy. Well, don't be like me! Heed my warning. See how I segued there. Clever, I know.

As some of you may know, I am a turtle lover and owner. I love my turtle, Wasabi, and he loves me too. ;) But I DO NOT recommend keeping turtles as pets, especially the small ones.

You can buy cute tiny red-ear sliders in any chinatown for a couple dollars. But do not be fooled into buying one!

First of all, selling turtles less than four inches in diameter is illegal. The ban was enacted in 1975 because apparently kids were putting the tiny turtles in their mouths. You may not know this but turtles carry salmonella. Yum.

I read this article recently titled "Pet Turtles Sickened Children in 34 States." They said that a couple teenagers thought swimming with their pet turtles was a good idea. Really?! Needless to say, they got real sick. So if just for that reason, don't buy turtles as pets.

Additionally, these tiny turtles don't stay tiny. People forget that they grow. And I mean big. Female red-ear sliders can grow up to 13 inches! That is friggin' huge. Lucky for me, I have a male turtle who can only grow up to 9 inches. Yeah, that isn't small either.

I had Wasabi since he was tiny...like maybe an inch and a half big. My friend gave him to me knowing my love for turtles. I readily accepted but did not realize the hassle. He came in this cute little aquarium. Soon he got too big for that. I had to move him to a 2.5-gallon tank and then a 10-gallon tank. Fast forward 9 years and several hundred dollars later. Wasabi is now living in a 25-gallon tank, and that is probably too small for him. But any bigger, and I wouldn't know where to put the tank.

I probably don't have to mention this. But turtles poop. A lot. And you have to clean that crap. Pun intended.

I don't recommend pet turtles because I love turtles. People who don't will undoubtly get sick of the hassle and the poop and get rid of their turtles. That's really why I am so adamant about this! Oh, and of course children are getting sick, people! Save the children!

Mean Dad

For some reason, Huz wants to be a mean dad. I am guessing he thinks it's the only way to prevent wild teenagers. Haha!

Once in a while he would tell me that he wants our future kids to be scared of him. His words, not mine. I usually let it go and just laugh. But when he said it again yesterday, I finally gave it to him straight. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body. Our kids would more likely crack up than shake in their little booties at Huz.

I'm like when have you yelled at anyone...like ever? He didn't have an answer to that one. He doesn't even yell when we argue. Then I asked him if he's ever even yelled at customer service on the phone. He responded that he never has. That was a revelation! I can't even count how many times I've done it. Hehe. Maybe I'm the bitch. I don't know.

I remember one time I let him call Verizon to correct a billing error. And you know what happened? Huz only got some of our money back! I didn't really think of it at the time. I just chalked it up to Verizon being dicks, but now I know that Huz didn't stick it to them like he should have. I would have given them a piece of my mind, and it wouldn't have been pretty. However, Huz on the other hand is just too nice.

He got the point. But he wouldn't back down from his vision of being a scary dad. So he came up with a plan. He'll jump out of closets to scare them or spook them in other ways. That'll teach them. Ooookkkaayy.

Then Huz thought of an even better idea, or at least he thought so. He'll do what the dad in Arrested Development did and hire a one-armed man to teach his kids a lesson. For example, in the episode, the kids were getting rowdy in the car and won't quiet down. So the one-armed man jumps in front of the car, and his prosthetic arm falls off, completely freaking the kids out who thought it was a real arm. While the kids are screaming in the car, the guy tells them that's what they get for not listening to their father and keeping quiet in the car. Haha! Anyway, Huz said he would do that.

I guess that works...

The Pocahontas Incident of '96

When I was a 2nd grader, something happened to me that affected the rest of my life. When did this happen? Halloween, 1996. I'll never forget it! Never!

Halloween was fast approaching and I was super excited to don my adorable Pocahontas costume for my school's annual costume contest. In the auditorium, the principle was announcing the plans for the blessed event. I heard that we were to wear our costumes on Thursday and we would have pizza on Friday. I wondered why we would have pizza on a different day but I brushed it aside. I was determined to win this year.

So on Thursday, just as the principle asked, I became Pocahontas, the Native American Princess. I stepped onto the bus, proud and mighty, knowing my costume this year was awesome. But something stopped me in my tracks. Everyone on the bus was wearing our regular uniform. Sure, I'm not embarrassed to admit I shed a tear or two just then. Fine, I shed more than that.. Fine! I was balling, okay! An older boy took me to the principle. She called my Mom in right away to drop off my uniform. It was mortifying.

And ever since this traumatic experience, when there's a day that I'm supposed to wear something other than my regular clothes, I ask double if that day is the correct day. Sigh, and that's my telling of 'The Pocahontas Incident of '96.'

Paranormal Explained

Because today is Halloween, I felt it was only fitting that my topic be Halloween related.

Huz told me of a phenomenon where a person who is sleeping awakes to find themselves paralyzed. Huz says that he's experienced it before. Chinese people believe that, when that occurs, you have been possessed by a ghost or a ghost is sitting on your chest. Freaky, right? I had never experienced that before until a couple years ago. I was in bed alone, and Huz had already left for work. Then I saw a figure enter the room. I thought it was Huz and wanted to call his name, but I couldn't. The figure just stood there. I tried really hard to move but couldn't either. While this was happening, I realized that the figure couldn't have been Huz because he had already left for work. Later I woke up and was kinda freaked out. I totally forgot about it until I read this article.

The article provides medical explanations about certain purported paranormal experiences. What I experienced is called sleep paralysis, which occurs when there’s a disconnect between mind and body while people are going in or coming out of REM sleep. You can't move because you're really asleep. That doesn't seem very scary at all.

The article also explained this other weird thing that happened to Huz. We stayed at a cabin in the middle of nowhere one time. Don't ask me why. It was a terrible idea. Anyway, Huz wakes up in the middle of the night and really has to pee. The only bathroom is downstairs. He walks down and passes the living room. There he sees a little girl reading a book. (Mysterious little girls are always creepy!) He looks again, and the girl disappears. He of course thinks it must have been his imagination, so he continues to the bathroom. On his way back up the stairs, he hears voices. At this point, he bolts up the stairs and back to our room.

Huz actually kept that story quiet the entire trip. He knew I would probably want to leave immediately if he told me. Smart man. He told my friend and me the story right when we got into the car to go back home. However, my friend had a perfectly good explanation for the voices. She said that two other people on vacation with us had stayed up all night talking. Oooohhh! Haha!

But what about that little girl in the living room. According to the article, people who are tired are more susceptible to these visions. It’s a trick of the eye that may trigger a momentary welling up of a mental image. Makes sense, I suppose.

So really...there's nothing scary here. You're welcome.

Access Denied!

The absolute worse thing has happened!! I can't access my blog or any other blog for that matter at work. If I try, I get this abrupt page that says "Access Denied." I knew this was bound to happen, but I just didn't want to admit it to myself.

It all started about a month ago when people were complaining that the Internet was slow at work. After some investigation by IT, they figured out that there was limited bandwidth as a result of people accessing streaming media. The word "Facebook" was thrown around as well. As a solution, my firm cut off access to streaming media and for some reason online photo albums like Picasa. I learned to deal with it. But I wondered why the hell were people still allowed to use Facebook. I knew people who leave Facebook open all day long. And you know that Facebook is constantly reloading to get status updates and crap like that.

I was just waiting for the day to come that Facebook was no longer accessible. That day had come this week.

I laughed in those people's faces. Ha Ha, I said.

The following day, I tried to go on my blog. And access was denied!! Turns out that along with Facebook, we could no longer visit any social networking sites or personal websites! Ahhh! The woe that is me.

That means I can't comment back to people during the day. Worst of all, when I am bored I can't check my favorite blogs. It's probably for the best. But I don't have to like it.

P.S. On an unrelated note, which I didn't think deserved a whole blog post, I read that Miley Cyrus was voted the worst influence in an internet poll by tweens and teenagers. Haha! Maybe because she made fun of Chinese people. She deserves it. What an idiot. And her song "Party in the USA" is fuggin' crap. Yeah, I said it. It doesn't even make any sense.

P.P.S. What do you think about the word "fuggin'"? I like it.