So THIS is what it feels like to have a life...

I just concluded my first actual eventful weekend that included actual other people doing actual social things. It was an apropos way for me to end my first 5 months up here. And now, oddly, it feels like life has suddenly sped up and I'm just along for the ride.

The workday Friday ended differently than most. In the past, on occasion, I've tagged along with coworkers to happy hour, mostly via a last minute side invite. This week, people were coming to me asking where I was going for happy hour. Odd. Why all the sudden? Well, I wasn't feeling like drinking, so I ended up going home. But, believe you me, I noticed the subtle change that day in the friendliness and acceptance of me by my coworkers.

Saturday, I ran some errands in the morning, found a GREAT aesthetician (yippee!), and met up with Martin, his brother Brian, and some of their pals. We had beers at my place, grabbed some dinner, had more beers, and laughed and laughed and laughed through some great conversation. It was the first time I'd actually had people over just chillin' at my place. We even hung out on the roof...another first for me. It was fun...easy...enjoyable.

Saturday night, I had my first date in SF. (I KNOW!!!) But what made it great was that he came over to hang out with me, Martin, and the others. What a daunting and presumably awkward scenario, right...for a first date? But, it wasn't. He actually was just really great with everyone and Martin later told me that he approves. Ha! MM (Massage Man...he's a massage therapist) was impressive throughout the evening. One of the most easy going 1st dates ever. More on him later.

Sunday morning, I met for the first time, my new personal trainer...James. For an hour, he tortured me, battered me, pushed me, and bruised me...and we laughed the entire time. Ha! We bantered and made fun of each other and abused each other verbally (and he abused me physically). Tough it's a sh$%-load of money, I'm looking forward to these sessions. He won't take any BS from me...that's for sure.

Later, Martin and I hung out getting bloody mary's and a hodge podge trip of public transportation mania ensued for a couple of hours afterward. Then I met up with some coworkers (weird, right? I had almost given up on befriending any of them) and we went to Lucha Vavoom, the Mexican wrestling show. Now, let me clarify...we didn't just GO to Lucha Vavoom. We got dressed up in alter-ego costumes (corsets, see-through tutus, tiny boyshorts, and BOA's!!!...throw in some striped thigh high socks for mine!) and we were quite the scene! We got loaded pre-show at Tortilla Heights and then on to the Fillmore to see the likes of Dirty Sanchez and the Mini's. It was a hoot and we were quite the hit.

After exchanging text messages throughout the day, I had decided to leave the show a little early to meet up with MM later in the evening. Can I just tell you another first? This guy is REALLY NICE. And it's weird. ha! Seriously, though, I don't know if I have met a guy this considerate and just NICE before. I know, most guys think being known as the nice guy is the kiss of death. But, because it's so new to me (yes, I have a history of dating jerks), I actually find it interestingly attractive. Do I find HIM attractive? I'm not so sure yet. But, I like him. And if nothing else, it's been a great couple of dates and hopefully at least a friendship will remain. He asked me out for the 4th of July. Whew...I almost thought I'd be a loner in the city since Martin bailed on me to head down south.

So there you have it. I'm exhausted. But, I've checked off some of those things that I've wanted to DO and ACCOMPLISH since moving up to SF...chill with friends, get in shape, start dating, and befriend coworkers. Kinda crazy that it all came to a apex on the same weekend.

I need a nap...

If you could change something about you...

...what would it be? Not physical. But something about your personality or your behavior that you wish you did differently?

As I start to put myself "out there" and getting into the dating world, I'm feeling trepidacious. I will be the first to admit that dating brings out the worst in me. It's not easy getting my attention or my affection. But once you do, I'm hooked. And then the expectation grows and my crazy over-thinking head starts making assumptions and in the end, I've sabotaged whatever could have been by not allowing things to happen organically and in the right time. Kairos.

I really, really dislike this about myself. I'm not a "go with the flow" type of person. I'm not a "let's see what happens" type of person. I'm not a "dating around" type of person.

So I'm at a crossroads and I see myself as having 2 choices:

1. I either change the worst part of me and fight against it and force a better, healthier person out of it,
OR
2. I don't jump in and I just wait and hope that magically I'll happen upon the man of my dreams, not have to date him, but we'll just know and everything will just fall into place.

I either throw my net out wide and deep and see what I catch, or I stay on the boat and hope the one, best fish just decides to jump out of the water into my hands. Ha! I still think choice #2 feels better...safer...

I sure hope I don't end up getting hurt...wish me luck...

6.26...of the day...

Word of the day:

chockablock - brought close together; very full

"My small city apartment is chockablock with everything I own and have collected throughout the years."

Fav of the day:

I love Summer for so many reasons...but most especially for the most amazing FRUIT that is in season. I bought the ripest, sweetest, juiciest peaches and made the most delicious dessert last night after dinner. It was a slice of spongy angel food cake, sliced peaches, and I drizzled honey all on top. It as fresh, delicious, sweet, and only 145 calories total. I was a happy, happy camper. I didn't take a picture of it (shucks!), but here's one of peaches to keep you tempted...

6.25...of the day...

Word of the day:

mirthful - gladness or gaiety as shown by or accompanied with laughter

"When I am with my friends catching up on life, I feel mirthful and full."

Fav of the day:

With summer upon us, I'd like to share with you one of my favorite warm-weather daily indulgences...its too hot for chocolate, gelato is too fattening to have every day, but for that perfectly fresh summer kick? Simply Lemonade. This is my favorite brand. It tastes like I've squeezed it myself just now. It's tart and light...and is even better when you add some bubbles (7 up, champagne, soda water...)

So, I raise a glass to you all and say...enjoy!

6.23...of the day...

Word of the day:

capacious - able to contain much; roomy; spacious

"I carry a large, capacious tote bag since moving to SF to handle all the things I'll need throughout the course of the day!"

Fav of the day:

I have a bunch so hold on to your seats...

Michelle Obama - I like her. She rocks. She's smart. Successful. Sassy. She stands by her man and is proud of him. She is still learning and gladly admits to it. She wears affordable dresses on national tv. She seems to be a good mother. And she hasn't let the whole "baby mama" comment get to her in a way that she seems ruffled. She's composed. And she's not a dimwit like Cindy McCain. Yet another reason to vote for Barack. ha!

Will/Twitch/Joshua - maybe it's too early in the season, but I could give a flying hoot about pretty much all the dancers on this season of So You Think You Can Dance...except for Will/Twitch/Joshua aka Witwitshua. I like 'em. They're talented, hard working, have great attitudes...and are sexy! :)

Online Dating - I was totally against this in LA. It just felt so WEIRD to me! But, after hearing that it's really the "thing to do" in SF, and finding out from co-workers that they've had successes, and even reading one of my favorite blogs dedicated to the experience...I got on board the train. And get this: I've actually had a lot of guys contact me! And even a few potential dates in the coming weeks. I may even add a feature to my "...of the day..." for Online Guy of the Day...there are some doozies out there!

Bar Method - I love, love, love this workout! It's low impact, but high results. I already see my body being sculpted. And the time goes by so fast! I really actually look forward to it! It relaxes me! That's a miracle.

I have some grumblings that I'd like to get off my chest as well so here's a brief list:

1. The people on House Hunters (one of my favorite shows, mind you) bug the crap out of me. I hate when they complain about paint color! HELLO! When you buy a house, it's YOURS...you can easily change the freaking paint color! If that's a reason to pass on a house, you're ridiculous!
2. Fox News and their stupid comments like Michelle Obama being Barack's "baby mama" and asking a black reporter if the "fist bump" between the Obamas is what the "brothas" do. Idiots.
3. The high cost of homes in the city of SF. I don't want to live in the East Bay!
4. $75 for gas yesterday
5. $160 for groceries yesterday
6. All the bruhaha about needing 8 hours of sleep...and now even for weight managment! Haven't you heard? Less than that makes it more difficult for you to lose weight! SO, with my 5:30am boot camp, in order for my actual exercise to be effective, I have to also go to bed by 9:00pm each night on top of giving up alcohol and ice cream? This stresses me out!

Insomnia...

I can't sleep. It's too hot. I realize I've already become spoiled. It's 80 degrees in SF and I'm stifled. 4 months ago, living in LA, I would've considered 80 degrees a blessing. I hear its over 100 down there. And smoggy. Yuck. I guess I should be thankful.

So, my circus act of neighbors was out in full force today. "Elephant Dancer" in #9 just got home about 10 minutes ago and proceeded to walk back and forth across her wood floors with her clogs on...as usual. "American Idol" in #8 was singing on 10 volume all day today...most oddly, he was belting out "I'm Your Lady" by Celine Dion and knew every single word. "Shorty Smokes-A-Lot" in #4 was sitting out on the back stairs just now, making the sensor light turn on flooding my kitchen with blinding brightness and suffocating cigarette smoke.

OH! Did I tell you that I have officially been baptized into SF apartment living? Thursday night, I heard ruckus upstairs in Elephant Dancer's apartment and I was getting pissed! But, it was such an odd noise. So, I muted my tv only to be serenaded by the creaking, rhythmic sound of...well...you know...yeah, you know. And D-A-M-N were they getting it ON! I had to giggle. And then I kinda got grossed out. And then I was annoyed. I've arrived.

American Idol is now singing "End of the Road" by Boys to Men. Seriously, it takes guts to be singing at the top of your lungs for your entire neighborhood to hear...and it's takes some serious stupidity to be doing it at 12:30am. Jerk.

There's a new tenant in my tandem garage space. She moves in next week. Here's the tragedy: her car is stick shift. I don't know how to drive stick...and it is IMPOSSIBLE to share this garage without being able to move each others cars at will. I'm screwed. I hope this isn't the start of a string of bad luck. I know I've had it REALLY good in my preparation to move here and to this day, 4 months later. I knew SOMETHING had to eventually go wrong. Ack. It's just a good excuse for me to dump my car off at my folks' house in SD and give it a go at being carless in SF. Zipcar, here I come!

WHY can't I get to sleep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????!!!!!!!!!!

6.19...of the day...

Word of the day:

cogent - having the power to compel conviction; appealing to the mind or to reason; convincing

"Barack Obama's cogent and passionate presentation of his platform is what won him the nomination."

Fav of the day:

shopping for vacation - once I decided that I was going on vacation and actually picked the destination, I've been consumed with getting my "vacay gear" together.

Here's what I've got so far...

Bikini from Victoria's Secret (and yeah, I'm gonna look THAT good it in too! ha!) I love the color! Plus it's simple, but not too plain.

Cover up by Vix Swimwear (cute, light, free-flowing...me likey!)

The perfect vacay dress by BCBG. It's jersey - easy to pack, easy to wear. It's not form fitting, but still has some sass. And there's something about the cut of the top / tank portion that I really like.

And of course, you've got to have some cute flats to go with it all. These are by Bernardo.

Funk...

I haven't had the best past few days. My weekend was blown due to a bad back. Work has been irritating me this week. I've missed bootcamp every morning. And, this lack of productivity has made me feel...blah. But, I refuse to stay in this funk. Funk, you've had 5 days to bring me down and now I'm over it.

Here's definitely something that makes me happy:

...and even happier:

...and happiest:

I'm booking a vacation...to Zihautanejo, Mexico. Gorgeous! I can't wait to get away for a bit. It will be nice to just sit on the beach, drink fruity, caloric drinks and slather on the sunscreen! *sigh* I am excited!

So there you have it, Funk. You thought you had me...but I'm moving on! :)

Miserable Weekend...

I found out yesterday that Tim Russert suddenly passed away.  I know it sounds odd, but I am devastated.  I didn't expect such a reaction within me...but I was so sad.  I felt such a loss.  I didn't know him personally.  But I watched him every Sunday on "Meet the Press" even more faithfully than I went to church.  I watched him every morning, Monday thru Friday, during the first 1/2 hour of the "Today Show"...one of those "can't miss" rituals for me.  His passion for, his brilliance and depth of knowledge of, and his obvious joy in the American political process was contagious and I can't imagine the rest of this Presidential campaign without him.  You will be missed.  Rest in peace.

The rest of my misery is trivial in comparison, but I've been having issues with my back that have made normal activity such a chore.  Thus I missed out on a much anticipated hike this morning, the North Beach festival this afternoon, and a meeting a coworker for a pint at a dive bar this evening.  All I can do is stay at home, drug myself up on pain meds, and lay on my hardwood floor for some relief.  This must be what it feels like to be Steve Nash during a basketball game.  (except he actually manages to get stuff done inspite of the pain)

I have a crap load of laundry to do and I don't want to lug it down to the laundrymat to do it.

I feel bloated.

I need to change my bedsheets for the laundry...but the thought of pulling off my duvet cover and then putting it back on after cleaning makes me want to roll up into the fetal position and whimper away the night.

After a week of freakishly gorgeous weather, it was overcast, foggy, and windy today.  

I still haven't received my tax rebate check.

I have a long-ass to do list going, getting longer by the day...and I have no motivation to do any of it.  Can it wait until next weekend?

Nothing good is on tv and I didn't "stock up" my dvr with shows this week to watch.  Grrrr!!!

I'm going to put on my baggiest sweats, tie back my hair, make some tea, crawl under the covers, and watch tv for the rest of the weekend. 

I'm entitled every now and again to be miserable.  Don't judge.

The Greatest Comeback in NBA Playoffs History?

A Celtics comeback from a 24-point deficit to take a 3-1 lead in the NBA finals against the Lakers is like...honey on my lips!!!

Paul Pierce's expression here is like a man possessed...and it's true, the Celtics were possessed with the DETERMINATION to win! It was amazing!

Ok, so I wasn't gonna watch the finals. The Spurs were out. The Lakers in. I hate the Lakers. I have no reason to watch. When I was a kid, my sister LOVED the Lakers and I in turn loved everything opposite. Thus, I rooted for the Celtics...for no other reason than to piss my sister off (yes, I'm the youngest). This season I grew to have a real fondness for them because 1)I'm a KG fan and have always wanted for him to get a championship (next on the list, Steve Nash), 2)I've always liked Paul Pierce and liken him to my boys on the Spurs in the sense that he's stayed loyal to his one team throughout his career even though he could've gone elsewhere, 3)I like Ray Allen (he's weird looking, but I find him sexy...go figure...I can never really explain sex appeal), and 4)my favorite sports writer and number one "I-wish-we-were-BFF's" Bill Simmons is a Boston guy and he loves the Celtics. And now, because I'm obsessed with seeing the Lakers lose, I've been screaming and yelling for the green & white throughout the finals. And BOY did they come through last night! WHOOOO!!!

Now, here's one thing that I've been considering: I hate the Lakers. We've made this point. I hate them because they're spoiled crybabies who misbehave and are pompous beyond belief. They're so wanna-be Hollywood...and have always been. This team is the worst: Luke Walton (yuck!), Jordan Farmar (yuck!), all the guys who's names I can't pronounce (yuck!), Lamar Odom (yuck), and worst of all, Kobe. I despise him. ("No means no"...get that through your arrogant head, your rock-hard heart, and past that smug smile of yours!)

I think these are legitimate reasons for hating this team. Which got me thinking...what does that say about all my friends who are obsessed with the Lakers (and I have a lot of them)? I mean, I love the Spurs because they are GOOD guys who CARE about the game and TEAM and they deserve to win. The Lakers are none of those things. But, some of my closest friends are die-hard fans. How do they stand behind a guy like Kobe and cheer for him with such fervor and passion? How can they stand it? Don't get my wrong...my friends are good, quality peeps. But, it's just something I don't get.

It's weird being a sports fan...it brings out the best and the worst in a person...but I love it!

6.11...of the day...

Word of the day:

hubbub - excited fuss or tumult of a crowd

"I could hear the commotion so I decided to walk over to the Creative department to see what the hubbub was all about!"

Fav of the day:

Well, today I actually have two. Since I just wrote about the almond-flavored champagne served at my hair salon, I'd like to introduce you to heaven in bubbles. It's light, fruity, and not as tart or even bitter as champagne can sometimes be (though I LOVE champagne!) It's a little sweet...so 1...ok, maybe 2 glasses are enough.

Today was a particularly slow day at work and I found myself surfing the web more than the usual. This always gets me into trouble because I inevitably find about 10 things I want to purchase immediately. However, since I'm in my "savings" bet with Martin, I've controlled myself. But here's the dress I would've bought if I could: Diane von Furstenburg (it's silk so it's a lot dressier and shnazzier than it looks!) I so want it!

Copy Cat...

Reece Witherspoon copied my haircut. Damn her...she looks better with it than I do!!!!!!!!!!

I think I'm gonna go even shorter. It's been 6 weeks and it's grown out a lot. I've got some seriously black roots (I know that I should be thankful that my roots aren't gray...but my natural hair color is so black that when my highlights start growing out, it's pretty obvious!). Time for a trip to see the Divine Miss Lisa at Descent. (I love that place...they serve the BEST almond-flavored champagne...sounds suspect, I know. But it's delish!)

Things I've Been Enjoying Lately...

• Reading magazines. I turn off the tv and open up the mags to catch up.
• Blogging. And Blog stalking (I love reading other people's blogs. There are so many interesting people out there!)
• Watching the Lakers lose Game 1 and 2. Keep it up, Celtics!
• Frozen yogurt...but not the trendy Pinkberry kind...the old school kind...vanilla and chocolate swirl...
• Leaving 10 minutes earlier for work in the morning. It's a relief not to feel rushed.
• Bar Method. I was scared to try it, but it's a really intense workout.
• Socializing with my coworkers. It took some time, but I'm coming around.
• Walking. I started walking everywhere when I first moved. Then I got lazy and started driving (just in time for the gas prices to rise!). But now, I'm back to walking...it's relaxing
• The chiropractor. I've gone 5 times now. I'm addicted.
• Not cooking...I really should cook more, but lately, I've just not been in the mood. And I'm ok with that!
• Having my own fridge at work...and having work stock it with beers (I do not lie. I have the best job ever! :) )
• Cheesy pop ballads..."Helpless When She Smiles" by Backstreet Boys is a personal favorite right now. Don't judge.
• Soda. I usually NEVER drink soda. But, it's been warm these days, and nice iced coke is so refreshing sometimes!
• Being extra nice to people who are rude and irritating towards me. It's my superiority complex!
• Jon & Kate Plus 8 - I want kids, don't get me wrong. But dang, parenthood sure does look hard. Still, this show is adorable.

6.10...of the day...

Word of the day:

surfeit - an excess amount or supply; overindulgence as in with food and drink

"I realized that on my last trip to the market I bought a surfeit of groceries...more than I could possibly consume on my own!"

Fav of the day:

sauvignon blanc - I am not much of a wine drinker. In fact, until recently, I really did not have a taste for it at all. But, moving up to SF, and being among wine aficianados and wanna-be sommoliers everywhere I turned, I realized I needed to get on the wine train. Glass after glass with my dinners out, I came to find that my favorite varietal is Sauv Blanc. I like this Nobilo one. It's inexpensive and can be found easily at my local grocery store. Crisp, light, fruity...and yes, I drink it over ice (like the novice that I am...I like it COLD!). In fact, I think I'll open a bottle tonight...to have a glass with leftover pizza!

6.9...of the day...

Word of the day:

raconteur - one who excels in telling stories and anecdotes

"With his Jersey accent and animated hand movements, my friend Dave is an elite raconteur!"

Fav of the day:

I love this outfit. Alexander Wang dress (yeah, that's a dress, not 2 pieces...cool, huh?) and L.A.M.B. shoes.

Oh, How I Love Thee...

I love him. It's no secret. He had a doozy last night...had me laughing out loud in bed...

This used to be his claim-to-fame:

But, look what he pulled out of his bag o' tricks last night...

Conan...you've found the key to my heart...hilarity...thanks for making my night...

Working Girl

Working in "Corporate America" during an economic downturn (aka recession) is a challenge. People don't trust each other...they certainly don't trust their companies. There's so much posturing, and politics, and backstabbing...every move you make and word you say can effect you and your position within the company. It's exhausting. But honestly? It's exhilerating too. Maybe it's because in my role in HR, I'm probably one of the last to have to worry about losing my job. I feel fairly secure (knock on wood). But, it's more than that.

What I love about this environment is the strategy, the knack for figuring "it" out what it takes to cut it. I like the puzzle, the maze, manuevering through and around people's agendas, their needs, their egos. And frankly...I'm good at it. For all that I loved about working at Ignited in that family atmosphere, what I didn't have, and what I relish here is that I feel challenged every day. And I feel accomplished. I kick off my heels (today: Enzo gladiators sandals) at the end of the day and feel good. I guess that's what success is. And I don't apologize for it.

6.5...of the day...

Word of the day:

tremulous - affected with fear or timidity; trembling

"I don't watch scary movies at home alone as I know it will make me tremulous."

Fav of the day:

Jeni's Ice Cream (http://jenisicecream.com) - gourmet ice cream out of Columbus, OH. Ok, this stuff is NOT cheap. And the shipping alone is ridiculous. BUT, it is soooo good and the flavors are out of this world! Maker's Mark Butter Pecan, Cherry Lambic Sorbet, Pistachio & Honey, Salty Caramel, and my personal favorite, Pear Riesling. So, so goooood! It's worth it to treat yourself...if only on that rare occasion that you can splurge on ice cream...say, instead of rent. ha! (or, you can plan an ice cream party at work and put it on your corporate Amex! :) )

6.4...of the day...

Word of the day:

tawdry - cheap and gaudy

"The dress at Bloomingdales was expensive but looked tawdry."

Fav of the day:

My neighborhood, Russian Hill.

Where else can you get views of Coit Tower, Lombard Street, the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, be within blocks of North Beach, Nob Hill, Fisherman's Wharf, the Presidio, find hidden staircases and all kinds of neat gems, AND the best restaurants in town?

Russian Hill...how I love thee...

View of Coit Tower from Hyde Street

Lombard Street (from the bottom)

Alcatraz from Filbert & Hyde

He Did It!

I can not believe how far we've come. As a campaign, as a country.

The High Cost of Being a Woman

Martin and I are engaging in some friendly competition in regard to our finances starting this month. In order to help motivate each other, we've decided to have a contest determining who can save the most (% wise) over the next 6 months. We'll check in at the end of each month to compare progress. It's a funny little game as the motivation behind it is that we both want to save money. We laugh at the friendly competition, the rivalary of it, but the truth is that it's just a way for us to be accountable to one another. We haven't even determined what the prize would be for the winner!

As we begin this, and as I've laid out my budget for the next 2 months, I'm frustrated at all the things I "have" to spend money on (and this does not include monthly costs and bills). I'm realizing that it's much more expensive to be a woman in today's society than it is to be a man. Not to get all "Hillary" on you (I wonder if that will be a term embraced by society moving forward, describing any time a woman defends her struggle of being a woman...), but my haircut will cost 10-100 times more than Martin's (depending on if he shaves his own head or pays someone $10 to do it!). Then there's mani/pedi's (I can hold off doing it once a month...but not much longer than that!), waxing, hair coloring, cost of beauty products (makeup, moisturizers, skin care products)...none of which Martin needs to worry about.

I'm not giving up hope that I can win this thing. But man, it's not cheap being a woman!

6.3...of the day...

Word of the day:

malaise - a vague feeling of bodily discomfort, as at the beginning of an illness

"I wondered if my malaise was caused by fatigue, stress, or sleeping with the window open."

Fav of the day:

Oscar Meyer turkey bacon - Who isn't in love with bacon? It makes everything better! Turkey bacon is all that is great about bacon, but at only 35 calories/strip! I fried some up, patted off the oil, and made a turkey, swiss, and bacon sandwich on a whole wheat pita for dinner last night. Top that off with some Popchips (another fav...sooooo good), and I was set! Yum!

6.2...of the day...

Word of the day:

congregation - the act of collecting in one body or mass

"The congregation of coworkers around the watercooler creates an air of comaraderie."

Fav of the day:

Cover Girl LashBlast Mascara - I love this stuff. It doesn't feel dry or clumpy or crumbly like other mascaras. The applicator is awesome and it goes on really well, depositing a lot of color with each swipe! The very black really opens your eyes up.

6.1...of the day...

Word of the day:

adverse - acting in an opposite direction

"My goal this month is to display behaviors adverse to those I've displayed in May."

Fav of the day:

Union Street Festival - the first of the SF street festivals to go green; great selection of vendors/artists showing off incredible talent; phenomenal food options; a whole lot of fun!