She's a Brain

This is beautiful, hold my hand

Yvonne Hernandez — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 18:20:00 +0000

Well, so much for my blogging more regularly, right?

Monday, LT and I finally went to see "Hannibal Rising." It was okay, but not spectacular (hey, just like the book). Really, I'd only recommend it to hardcore Hannibal fans. The whole movie is basically two hours of him murdering (in painful but creative ways, I must admit) the war criminals who ate his sister. Fair enough.

Monday night was also "Prison Break." I have never laughed so hard in my life as I did when Sara locked Kellerman out of the car. Ordinarily, I'd feel bad because I love his character so much, but - he's evil. Though, I did have this great dream last weekend about making out with Paul Adelstein.

I worked Tuesday and yesterday - not for very long, but I did. Nothing remotely interesting about it, especially yesterday, when I had the worst project ever. I think our accountant's office actually sits around, thinking up Hell Assignments for me. I basically had to go back through four years of phone bills, made all the more confusing because, well, you know how phone companies have to change their name like every year (Sprint became MCI became Sprint again became MCI/Verizon, changed to only Verizon - oh it hurt my head so. Don't get me started on AT&T/Pacific Bell/SBC). I'm not going to the office today, but I'll be back tomorrow. Sigh. At least I'll get a paycheck (albeit a small one) then.

Tuesday night I had to take my brother to school, and he's not there for very long, so in the meantime I hung out with JH. We got yum drinks at Starbucks (chai lattes are my new god) and went to Mervyn's for awhile. It was pretty awesome.

Today, I intend to write. That's it. I realized that if I ever seriously intend to be a writer for a living, and I do, then I should actually write stuff. Crazy how that works out, huh? I need to stop this procrastination shit.

Other bad habits I'm trying to eradicate:

- Soda. I went for a little over a month without any, then started having like one each week - but that will never work for me. I don't do things halfway. Either I quit something (like soda) totally, or I end it up having it at least once a day. So, I'm back on the wagon now. Ugh.

- TV. Okay, television I'm going to have to learn how to manage halfway. I'm just not cool enough to be one of those people who's all, "Oh, I don't watch TV." La-dee-da for you. Anyway, this week I'm watching TV as I normally would, and keeping track of the hours I watch. Then I can go over it and decide what I really need to watch, and what's just crap (more than half of it, I'm sure).

- Bad food. I'm continuing to force myself to have cereal for breakfast instead of sandwiches, etc., which is really hard because milk pretty much grosses me out. I'm having fruit or yogurt for snacks during the day instead of chips and such. I had a major triumph the other night when I had an orange instead of a second cheeseburger. Oh, and it smelled so good!

- Not exercising. I still haven't been doing aerobics - it's so damn boring and I have to rearrange my room to do it - but I have been using the Gazelle everyday. It's got to be better than lounging around on my bed, right?

Okay, something funky and annoying is going on with my cable. I'm listening to the music channel and it sounds all static-y and underwater like. I can't stand static on TV or the radio, or when a radio station goes back and forth between two channels. I mean, it physically bothers me. Am I an alien, or just picky?

Speaking of aliens, I wish I was working more and had enough money to buy "Invasion" on DVD instead of renting it piecemeal from Hollywood Video. It's a great show, but I wish I knew someone else who watched it. When I do buy it, I fully intend to get my mom into it, even if she finds my crush on William Fichtner really funny (actually, so do I). How old do you have to be before you stop having celeb crushes?

I bought some Sunsilk creme ("For poofy hair") on sale (99 cents) at Raley's, hoping it would be a great miracle product - but it doesn't work. I don't know why I always think items out of the clearance bins will be good...

Listen to the sound of the world, then watch it turn

Yvonne Hernandez — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 22:43:00 +0000

Ah... another lovely, lazy day.

Yesterday was quite nice as well. I "slept in" until seven, had breakfast, then got ready to go a few places. Mervyn's had a sale on so I checked it out, and actually found some new clothes. There were some cute things that just didn't work, but I did get two new tops and some underwear, all for only $25 because of the sale, for using my Mervyn's card, and I had a coupon. The cashier really amused me also - she was probably only 20 or so, but kept calling everyone "dear."

Because I just don't have enough accessories (end sarcasm here), I weakened to my impulse and bought two necklaces at Target. They're both super-cute. One has three different-length strands of silver-toned necklaces, and the other is like a silver chain with brightly-colored globes. I looked for the one that reminded me of Lucky Charms that I saw when shopping with JH a couple weeks ago, but they didn't have it. Aw.

In the vein of buying stuff I did actually need, I went to Payless and found two pairs of tennis shoes that are adorable. One is pink and white (they are slightly too big, but I can deal) and the other pair is - wait for it - green and purple. They're less ugly than they sound, and they are super-comfy. Seriously, it's like not wearing shoes at all! I don't even care that they don't match a lot of things. Hey, Ryan Stiles never lets that stop him from wearing crazy shoes. I also looked for a new pair of plain-ish black shoes, but everything I saw was either fugly, too sporty, or pointy. My feet don't do pointy.

I finished my spree with a peach pleasure smoothie from Jamba Juice. Yum. After that, I didn't do anything remotely strenuous with the rest of the day. I cooked this Bertolli frozen meal for dinner - chicken alfredo, which was just divine, and my mom made doughnuts for dessert. I finished "Helter Skelter" and moved on, maybe somewhat appropriately, to ghost stories. By the time I was freaked out, it was time for "The Simpsons," and Friday night is when "Nanny 911" and "Trading Spouses" are on.

Oh, man - yet again, Nanny 911 brought us a same-initial family. They were either the Mills or the Millers, and the kids were Matthew, Madison, Mason and Maxwell. The one kid being named Mason made me laugh, because that name makes me think of two people: 1, The guy Hannibal Lecter convinced to eat his own face; and 2, My godmother's pitbull. Yes, I know a pitbull isn't a person; that's why it's even funnier. Ha, a kid named after a dog! No, not really, but I'm going to pretend that he was.

Today, I slept in even later (7:15) and eventually got out and went to the library, where the librarian and I both got freaked out by this book in the sale section that started playing music by itself. Bum bum buuum! On the drive home, I also scoped out the cafe where there's a poetry reading thing this coming week. There's one tonight at a different place, but I've decided to skip it.

Oh my god - I think our ghostie is back! Seriously. A week or two, my dad and I were eating dinner, and my mom was out. While eating, the dogs start barking and run to the door, and I hear (or thought I did) the door opening and my mom telling them, "Shh!" Neither of us were able to see the door from where we were, so I got up, but... she wasn't there. Her car wasn't even in the driveway. And the same thing - dogs barking, door opening sound, "Shh!" - happened to me today, while I was in the laundry room! Um, not cool?

Reading ghost stories last night reminded me that I want to write a scary story, or book, or movie (I'm not picky). Besides just enjoying writing in the first place, I'm curious as to whether I can actually pull it off. Being a lover of horror movies and scary stories, I know how fine the line is between "actually scary" and "actually hilarious." I do think that most horror benefits from humor at the right moments, but at the wrong time, it just gets silly.

Because of being sick earlier this week, and my natural laziness, it's been quite a few days since I've been on the Gazelle. Oops. I guess I'll force myself to do that while catching up on "Invasion." That show gets better with each episode (though the last one I watched was super disturbing, but I guess murder-suicides and amputations tend to be), so I'm totally bummed that I'm halfway through the only season.

Okay, if I don't end the entry now, I'll just keep talking. And no one wants that. Plus, my dad is baking some oatmeal cookies, and if I keep procrastinating, I won't get in any exercise before I do them, and probably not for the rest of the day, and my new, smaller jeans don't want that.

Once more, make room for just one more

Yvonne Hernandez — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:49:00 +0000

So whatever my sickness was, I guess I recovered pretty quickly. I still felt feverish on Tuesday morning, so I stayed home, but got really restless sitting there, doing nothing. With lack of anything else to do, I decided it was a good day to put away all the Christmas decorations in my room, and put out some more spring-like stuff.

I'm glad I got it done, but it wore me out! Since I was also unofficially "spring cleaning" I had several huge piles of stuff all over, and was doing some gymnastics trying to move around the room. I also brought in the vacuum to get at the carpet in the closet, which left me out of breath. Once I had everything put away again, I totally collapsed in bed. Sick day indeed.

Yesterday I went back to work for a fairly productive half-day, then went to Barnes & Noble to get the book I need to read (Cormac McCarthy's "The Road") for my book club. The meeting is only a couple weeks away, so I know I should start it like now, but I'm all involved in re-reading "Helter Skelter." Anyway... after B&N, I stopped by Hollywood Video so I can continue "Invasion." I also bought two giant Twix bars... mmm. Hot guys and chocolate on Valentine's Day - way better than having a boyfriend (except for the "not having anyone to make out with" part). I did get a cute Valentine card from my parents, and when I went into work this morning, I found a bag of See's milk chocolate hearts from my boss. Aw.

The weather these past couple days has been just incredible. Warm-ish, blue sky, fresh air - definitely the kind of days that make me glad I live here and not anywhere else. It's supposed to start raining again next week, boo. Today, I began an early celebration of my four-day weekend* with the Best Junk Food Lunch Ever, of jalapeno-cream cheese tacquitos and Terra Chips. Chomp.

*That phrase always makes me think of the episode of "The Simpsons" where Homer stays home, for whatever reason, on a Thursday, and Marge comes into the living room with a message from the plant. "They said if you don't show up for work tomorrow, don't bother coming in on Monday," she says. Homer's all, "Whoo hoo! Four day weekend!"

I do have some plans for the weekend, I guess. Since there's a sale, I'll go by Mervyn's tomorrow to see if they actually have some new clothes (but I doubt it). Saturday night, there's a poetry/open mic thing that I may or may not go to - as always, I retain the right to flake. And Monday, LT and I will - as we were supposed to this last Monday when I got sick - see "Hannibal Rising" and hopefully eat something yummy.

I have writers club tonight, and don't have anything prepared - but it is only two. I did pull off a miracle of finishing something in an hour-and-a-half on the afternoon of the last evening meeting - maybe I can do it again. Or maybe I'll dawdle, do nothing, and go tonight being all, "Oops, my bad."

I'm not asking for all your time, a song or two would suit me fine

Yvonne Hernandez — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 03:20:00 +0000

I can't really remember what I did this weekend. I suppose it must have been mostly nothing.

I remember today, at least, but it wasn't so great. I dragged myself to work this morning, and stayed only half an hour because I was feeling sick to my stomach. I came home, crashed on my bed for a couple hours, and that feeling went away - only to be replaced by a fever that has yet to completely subside. It's better than it was, but I'm still feeling pretty cozy, even without my usual winter accessories of a sweater, and two pairs of socks.

I was (am) totally bummed about being sick, because LT and I were going to see "Hannibal Rising" tonight. I've been a Thomas Harris fan forever, so I wouldn't miss it in any case - but seeing Dominic West (squeal!) in the preview really won me over.

FX keeps showing previews for a new show, "The Riches," that starts in March. I'm not entirely sure what it's about (except for rich people, obviously). I wasn't that impressed by the commercials, which aren't nearly as fun as the ones they had for "Dirt," but awhile ago I saw one that featured Minnie Driver. Okay, I'm in.

I haven't kept up with "Dirt," unfortunately. It's one of those things where I missed a week and... once I got too behind, I just didn't want to bother going back. I'll wait for a marathon, or the DVD.

On the job front, I've decided not to take the tutoring job I was offered. Yes, the pay-per-hour is good, but there are only four hours a week. That is, four hours that actually count towards your check; the two two-hour sessions each week, but any other prep work/grading done outside of that isn't taken into consideration. Um, stupidest idea ever?

Also, I really need to be firm about not taking jobs I'm not interested in. Every time I do, I only end up being unhappy. Every job has its negative points, but I want something where I'm not feeling harassed every day when I wake up and get ready. I'm starting to get that feeling now about being back at the office. I feel guilty about it, because their hiring me for special projects has gotten me out of a hole of complete brokeness, but I'm beginning to remember why I left in the first place. Hence, my new aggressiveness in job hunting. Well, as aggressive as I ever get, anyway.

Okay, I'm sitting here trying to find an amusing way to end the entry, and I see a pretty disturbing commercial. This guy is standing at the top of an apartment building (or condos?), ready to jump, ranting about reality TV and not knowing his neighbors, and some dude in a Volkswagen drives down the street and is all "Hey! Dude! Three 'V-Dubs' for under $17,000!" And this is enough for Suicidal Guy to climb down peacefully. Um... yeah. They should have some kind of disclaimer - "Cheap cars not good subsitute for therapy."

I love commercial disclaimers, especially stupid ones. Like the deodorant one where the lady does a fancy dive from her balcony to get into her dress without leaving white marks. Come on, who would actually try that?

I also like dumb warning labels on foods. "This product will be hot when heated." Seriously? I mean, really? I was hoping it'd still be frozen on the inside, so I can chip my tooth on it or something. Hey, Hot Pockets don't have a dealy on their box saying, "This product will be frozen when frozen." I smell a lawsuit coming on!

What I wouldn't give...

Yvonne Hernandez — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 06:23:00 +0000

... for 24 full, consecutive hours, where I could be absolutely alone, and have nothing to do! I've been busier lately, and while most of it has been nice, I'm the kind of person who needs downtime so I can recharge.

Today, for instance, was as busy as I thought it'd be, if not more so. Observez-vous (Disclaimer: That was probably not real French):

6:30 Wake up
8:30 Arrive at work
(work)
11:30 Leave for interview
11:55 Have interview
12:30 Have lunch, window shop, and visit a friend
1:30 Another "interview"
2:15 Grocery shopping
3:00 Prepare food for party, do various chores, have a snack
4:30 Shower again, get dressed and ready again
5:30 Leave for birthday party
6:10 Arrive at party, somehow before the birthday girl herself
(fun stuff)
9:15 Leave party
10:00 Get home
10:23 Blog
11:00 Pass out (probably)

And there you go! While not every day of mine is like this (I would go certifiably crazy in about a week), I'm still feeling kind of "Argh!" I do know people who keep pretty much this busy all the time, and I so don't get how they do it. Maybe I'm just lazy, but there are times when I just need to daydream, or read, or (wait for it) watch TV.

While tomorrow isn't as action-packed, I've still got things to do. Books are due back at the library (I finished three out of four, anyway - I suppose I'll renew the one I haven't started yet), I need gas in my car*, and I have a whole binder full of junk from the tutoring place to look through.

I know the program will be good once it gets rolling, but there's a bunch of annoying things to do beforehand. Annoying things that will cost me money, such as a LiveScan fingerprinting (can't they just look at the old one and see I don't have a record? I haven't committed any crimes since last year, promise!), and a TB test. I have to find a place to get a TB test, since I don't have Kaiser anymore. Damn, I miss having free/cheap health stuff.

*I hate my gas gauge. On the ride to DM's house tonight, it kept going back and forth between, like, 1/3 of a tank, and 1/8 of a tank. And on my way home, it dropped nearly to the E and the gas light came on. I don't think the car could actually be using that much gas (cause if it did, there would probably be a huge black hole in the sky... oh, wait...)

Anyway, on to fun subjects: DM's party was pretty amusing. It was more of a family-type thing, with a bunch of kids running around. I'd say I miss having those in my family, but I really don't. My friends' wacky families - funny. My own wacky family - just too wacky. I finally got to meet DM's boyfriend, and we introduced a couple more people to 'Apples to Apples.' I think I'll have that game buried with me when I die, ha ha.

Other cool thing: Today I got my bracelet kit from Make the Connection, a website/organization that is working to educate people on the connection between HPV and cervical cancer. I ordered the free kit from their website sometime this last fall or summer, but they received so many requests that they ran out, and only recently started fulfilling "orders" again. You may be able to get one of these, so check it out - and barring that, just read the website, which seems to have some pretty thorough and important information.

I think I will try to sleep now.

Why do you waste my time, is the answer to the question on your mind

Yvonne Hernandez — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 05:19:00 +0000

How great was Monday night's episode of "Prison Break?" First, Sara went crazy and tried to kill Kellerman, which was kinda hot, and then Sara and Michael made out, which was totally hot. I can't wait for the episode when they finally do it. I'm such a 16-year-old that way.

On Tuesday, I went to work for a pretty short day, then went grocery shopping. I got stuff for orzo salad: orzo, bell pepper, broccoli, yellow squash, pumpkin seeds, garlic olive oil... mmm. I made it yesterday, but messed up in that I tried to cook all the pasta in a too-small pot, so it got too sticky, and it needed more spices. I also bought a couple of frozen skiller meals: Stouffer's garlic chicken pasta (definitely not as tasty as the Bird's Eye brand), and Bertolli's chicken alfredo. I can't wait to try that one.

Yesterday, my mom and I went to see "The Messengers." We had the entire theater to ourselves, which was pretty much the creepiest part of the whole thing. Really, the movie was like a cross between "The Grudge," "The Birds," and every stupid TV movie where the family is annoying because a teenager did something dumb in the past. It wasn't a terrible flick to sit through, but a disappointment nonetheless. At least Dylan McDermott is a hottie.

And last night, I went to an art exhibition at the building where my writers club hold its meetings. There are shows there about every month or so, and I've always meant to go to one, but I made it a point to go last night because the paintings are so beautiful. I got to meet the artist and talk to him for a minute. Most of his work is landscapes and other scenery stuff, and I guess he works on the smaller paintings onsite, and does the large ones from photographs. That must be so nice to be able to go somewhere beautiful and then recreate it on canvas.

It was funny... there were some other art students there, of all ages, who had some work on display in the gallery. One of them was an 11-year-old girl who had two drawings up, and was embarrassed because her mom made her take a picture standing in front of them.

With the bosses out for the week, I was able to make it to yet another writers club meeting this morning. We had a group of five, including the poet lady who cracks me up. She's having a novel published, and brought her galleys to show us. It was so neat to see them, and, to me, inspiring. I want that in my future so badly!

I took my brother to school tonight, and since was only there for an hour, I spent some time browsing around Target. There were so many pieces of jewelry that I almost bought. I love the 80s-style stuff that's coming out - bright colors, pastels, preppy-looking bracelets and necklaces and headbands. Like I was telling JH when we recently went to Mervyn's and Target, the headbands are cute, but it's a trend that I don't know if I'm ready for quite yet. Headbands are just way easier to deal with when you have straight hair, which I unfortunately do not. Boo.

Tomorrow, I'm a busy little bee. I'm going to the office in the morning, and then I have two interviews in the afternoon. Well, one interview, and one kinda-interview with the tutoring company I worked for last year. They have an open spot at an elementary school in Antioch and the new regional director got in touch with me about it. I was quite blunt about my searching for a more substantial job (the tutoring would only be four hours a week), but he says the program will only last five or six weeks. Being oddly unconfident (is that a word? it is now) about my ability to land something else in that time, I'm probably going to take it.

And tomorrow evening, I'm going to DM's birthday party. Mostly a family thing, but a couple of the other girls are going. I signed up to take a veggie plate, so I'll have to remember to hit up Raley's on my way home. I can't decide whether I should just buy something they already have put together, or do my own thing. I was thinking celery, baby carrots, broccoli, bell pepper, and of course ranch dressing. Unless I find some magical platter that contains everything I want, I'll probably put one together myself. Mmm, ranch dressing.

On that note (okay, ranch dressing has nothing to do with it), I'm going to go remove my badly chipped, purple nail polish. I don't know where this week went.

Strike me down, bless my heart, your face was always fairer

Yvonne Hernandez — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 01:24:00 +0000

So, the Superbowl is over for another year (and yes, I finally did figure out who was playing). The only part of it I saw was the halftime show, which seemed pretty rockin. Anyway, to backtrack (as I tend to):

Thursday, I went to work, and got home at a pretty decent time. Decent enough for me to produce my four pages for writer's club in about two hours (including printing time - my HP is such a slug). There were only four of us, but it was very pleasant. There's also some new artwork up in the building that is just beautiful.

After work on Friday, I went by Raley's to buy some groceries. I don't know what's up with that store, but all of a sudden there's a bunch of cute guys working there. I'm pretty much okay with that. I also stopped by Hollywood Video to start on season four of "The Shield" (I've only watched the season premiere so far, but I'm liking Glenn Close a lot more than I thought I would), and to continue "Invasion" (weird, but good - I might buy this someday, I think my mom would like it a lot).

Saturday was nice, both weather and activity-wise. JH and I went to lunch at Chili's, and had supposedly different salads (they looked so much alike! I had the new mesquite chicken salad, which was delish and fresh, but huge and messy). We did some shopping at Old Navy, where I bought these socks that were so obviously designed for me - pink, argyle, hearts. It was like god himself talking to me, through a pair of socks (yeah, going to hell, I know).

We also looked at Mervyn's but neither of us bought anything. They still have all the same clothes they've had since Thanksgiving or thereabouts! Lack of merchandise was definitely not a problem at Target, though I was good and only bought necessities. Being good is no fun. In the evening, between making my recipes for girls day (zucchini squares, and flan), I played cards with the family, and semi-watched "Cops."

Despite my fears that I was terribly late (I was running 10 minutes behind my planned schedule), I was actually the first one at MB's house. It was good times, though a couple of girls weren't able to make it. We had quite a crowd as it was - seven girls altogether, and CC showed up later on. Apples and Apples went on for hours, but that's definitely not a bad thing. We also had a few Valentines-related games that were pretty amusing. One of them was that we could not use the words "chocolate" or "hella." It was hella hard! Seriously!

With everyone's contributions, we had a brilliant lunch. My zucchini squares were, I'm pleased to say, very well received. MB made a salad and heated this Stouffer's chicken alfredo, which I totally want to be my last meal - Stouffer's food is so great. LS brought chow mein, which ruled because it had broccoli and was fresh (I mostly stay away from chow mein, it usually looks weird and ugly). For desserts, DM brought brownies and a red velvet cake with pink frosting, and I presented my flan - eventually. I don't know if I overcooked it slightly, or if it was just too cold, but it did not want to budge out of its bowl. But then it did, and people started to eat it, and it tasted good.

The flan also got me what I think is the biggest compliment ever. I'm always glad to hear any flattering remarks about my food, but MB's grandma - a little, old Italian lady - told me it was the "best flan she'd tasted in her whole life." Aw!

Half the girls left around either 2 or 3-ish o'clock, leaving me, MB, LS and CC. Who knows how we got started on it, but we started talking about high school and our old classmates, and all the goodness and badness involving those things. It was so much fun. CC and his fiance were having Superbowl stuff going on back at their house, so MB and I went over there. I followed her, which is a good thing because I totally mis-remembered where his house was.

There was snacking (chips and various dips, ribs that were so tasty and falling off the bone tender, mmm!), the halftime show, "Gay, Straight or Taken," and later on we got to playing the TV edition of SceneIt. Naturally, being a couch potato, I was totally kicking ass. This also reminded me that I still have yet to use my own TV SceneIt, oops. I'm still lusting after the HBO supplemental pack - someday, someday...

I almost didn't go to work today, but I forced myself, and actually had a pretty easygoing day. There was one project that annoyed me: transcribing stuff from some audio files. They were only five minutes each, but it took me some time to figure out that it's so much easier to listen to a few/several words, stop the file, then type it - than it is to try to type everything as you listen, then go back and re-listen to fix mistakes. My bosses are going to be out of the office all week, so unless TH comes up with a bunch of stuff, I won't be there too often this week. Tomorrow I'll probably do a half day, but after that I don't really know. At least I'll be able to do the morning writers club meeting on Thursday.

Right now, I have some major munchies. Potato chips in the kitchen, chocolate in my room - oh, I sense imminent diet disaster, ha. Oh, I had my first soda in three weeks yesterday. It was diet, zero calories, but I don't know if it had caffeine or not. It's not really caffeine that I'm intending to quit, but it's been nice to not feel like zombie if I don't have a soda with lunch.

I don't know if that, or my new exercise regimen (if you could call it that, we all know I'm not strict with myself), has been improving my sleep lately. I'm dreaming again, though I haven't written many of them down. I had some interesting ones last night that I think were inspired by my conversations with friends about high school. In one of the dreams, there was this huge party at my house, full of people from school, but then I got annoyed or upset about something, so I was telling everyone they had to leave, and I was really scared that they wouldn't. I don't think that really needs in-depth interpretation, huh?

Tonight: "Prison Break," aka my reason for living, and I'll undoubtedly be forced to watch "Nanny 911" or whichever one that is. I bought some appetizers at Raley's on Friday, and I'm afraid I might be tempted to make and eat them tonight instead of making it tomorrow night's dinner. Appetizers for dinner is a highly underrated concept, but goodness knows I'm doing my part to change that. What about you?

They won't come back, you know it's always the same

Yvonne Hernandez — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 21:59:00 +0000

Oh, Gavin. Why this lady when I was single the whole time?

In the "Now I've seen everything" category:

Late last week, I was driving home on a back road, and there was a man there riding his horse. They were on the very edge of the road, but as I got closer, the guy walks the horse into an empty field - not, as I first think, just to move out of the way of traffic, but to answer his cell phone.

I've seen drivers on phones, even bicyclists on phones, but before then I hadn't seen a horseback rider on a phone. Now I've seen everything!

Except maybe a scuba diver on phone while underwater, but that would be really disturbing.

Where do we go from here, stop dreaming about that shiny gun

Yvonne Hernandez — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 16:29:00 +0000

Last night I had a little (okay, huge) tantrum/pity party. Not exactly an auspicious way to end January (where the hell did the month go, anyway?). I'm over it. As soon as I get over myself, we'll be all good.

I was making a shopping list last night, for a couple recipes (zucchini squares, flan) I'm making on Sunday, and I realized: I have no idea what teams are playing at the Superbowl. We all know I'm a sports dum-dum, but usually, I at least know who's going to show up. I only tune in for the commercials, and tight football pants. Hee.

There's more to say, but I'm out of time.

Sweetheart, stay close to me and make me understand

Yvonne Hernandez — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 02:41:00 +0000

OK, the stupid "You should want construction workers to whistle at you" commercial is not NutriSystem, as I erroneously remembered, but 24 Hour Fitness. For awhile they had those annoying cheerleaders, and now they have some Latin girl with a bad attitude who made the speech I was complaining about. Anyway, now that that's cleared up.

I was good and did my exercise last night, though I almost had to punch myself in the face to do it - and pretty much cancelled it out when I had a piece of caramel-applie pie (mmm) during "Supernanny." Man, that's a terrible, sucks-your-brains-out show. Last night's episode was particularly annoying because it was one of those families where they all had names starting with the same letter*, in this case S. The parents were Shane and Suzanne; the kids were Seth and Shawn. And you know what their last name was? Hanes (or Haines). So, the dad is named Shane Hanes? That's as bad as when people name their kid Rob Roberts or John Johnson or something.

*Such families always make me think of "Flowers in the Attic." Oh, those wacky, incestuous Dollangangers/Foxworths.

Back on the exercise topic... after only about a week-and-a-half of doing it regularly, I'm already having to work longer/harder to get the same feeling afterward. I don't work out till I'm out of breath or anything (as if) but I enjoy getting that mild exercise high.

Unfortunately, I haven't done much aerobics since putting the Gazelle in my room. Like I was telling LT the other day: it's easy to ignore the step, all hidden under the bed and such, whereas the Gazelle sits like a big, awkward lump in front of my bookshelf. I can't ignore it. I see it and I think: I'm either going to have to use you, or dust you. And I don't like to dust.

From the commercials for "Bridge to Terabithia," it looks like a fantasy movie. I know I read the book (back in the sixth grade), but I don't remember it being fantasy. I guess thirteen years (ugh! am I that much older) will do that to your memory. I remember not caring for it, and that I only read it because 1. I think we had to, and 2. It was (for reasons I totally forget) controversial, a commonly banned book. I love banned books. I want to write a banned book one day.

You know what else I'd like to do? Be involved in making a movie. I had a dream last night (the first I've been able to remember enough to write down all month) where I was auditioning for a role in a horror movie about zombies. Not exactly my dream part, but it was definitely a reminder that I miss my (albeit brief) acting days. I wish I'd held onto my book from a screenwriting class I took, because I've been fooling around with the idea of writing one. I was driving home from work today and it popped in my head: Road trip movie! Or maybe I just want to go on a road trip myself, I'm not sure which.

Oh, while having Chinese food yesterday, I got a fortune that reads, "You will travel to many exotic places in the next few years." My first thought: "Like where? Cost Plus World Market? Target's Global Bazaar?" It's kind of funny in a sad way. I really don't travel much. That's something that definitely needs to change when I become financially stable.

I can see inside myself and all the things that you were trying to hide

Yvonne Hernandez — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 03:01:00 +0000

I guess I haven't really been that busy, but it feels like I have.

Also, I take back what I said in the last entry about my best night of sleep. Saturday night, I totally wussed out at like 9:30, and woke up the next morning at 8:00. It was pretty awesome.

But before that happened:

Friday

I went to work, and finished a dread assignment quite quickly and easily. Score. After that it was lunch at Nation's, which is just always good. Not only the food (I had a bacon cheeseburger, fries, and treated myself to a vanilla shake) but I just like the ambiance of the place. I had some time to kill before I needed to get to the movie theater, so I went to this neat 99-cent store I like, and Target after that.

I found this pretty cell phone charm at the 99-cent store that looks like giant pink diamonds... and promptly broke it while putting it back in my purse today (I guess that's why it was 99 cents?). I found a few more neat things, including a DVD of some old, classic cartoons I remember seeing as a kid... and, naturally, when I tried to watch it, it wouldn't work. Once again: That's why it only cost 99 cents.

At Target, I miraculously only bought one thing: This super-cute ruffled Xhiliration purse that I have been coveting for a couple weeks.

I saw "Smokin' Aces" and was fairly well entertained, though somewhat disappointed. I can't really explain why - it should have worked (funny at the right spots, great actors, interesting story) but it didn't. I did enjoy the company of a group of nearby cute guys, especially the one who laughed every time I did (that is, whenever something stupid happened, mostly during previews). Oh god, they showed a trailer for some movie by the director (I think?) of the "Saw" movies, about a lady ventriloquist whose tongue was cut out for whatever reason, and now her dolls are killing people. Um, yeah, I don't do evil doll movies.

Saturday

Luckily, I got the chance to work a bit at LL's store, to make up for some of my Friday spending. I was actually only at her shop for awhile, and spent a couple of hours at a nearby store... definitely not looking to do that again, even if I were asked to, which I doubt. They had an evil cash register, and I messed up all the transactions I did, except for one (strangely enough, the first one I did). Luckily there were only three more people who bought things. Besides my frustration over not getting stuff right, I have never been fond of the owner/manager/whatever of that particular store. To sum it up: She's a bitch. But anyway.

At least I had a nice lunch at Nature's Bounty, and took home a container of pesto pasta for dinner (I was actually driving away as I remembered I'd left it in LL's fridge, parallel parked very badly, and ran back in to get it).

But my real triumph of the day: Finally obtaining the first season of "Prison Break" on DVD. My life is complete. Or at least until season two comes out on DVD, anyway.

Sunday

Still feeling all kinds of wound up, even after super-hours of sleep, I spent like the first half of the day indulging myself with spa-type dealies. At the 99-cent store on Friday, I found this great pack of Freeman Beauty stuff - a clay mask, some body scrub, a foot scrub and foot lotion. It was all very nice and relaxing. I also finished watching some DVDs I rented - I completed season 3 of "The Shield" and started "Invasion."

Monday, er, today

I worked about a half-day, then had lunch with LT (Chinese food, mmm) and we went to see "Volver." Good film - really funny, though it covered some hella deep subjects. Though I've been more ineterested in foreign films lately, I think this is the first I've seen by Almodovar. I know I had a movie or two of his on my Netflix queue, but my free trial ran out before I got to them. My bad. Hollywood Video's foreign selection is actually looking pretty decent lately - I should check that out further sometime.

Other stuff

Saturday evening, I found out that one of the members in my writer's club passed away a couple weeks ago. He hasn't been to any meetings since December, so I guess he was sick (his wife e-mailed us but didn't say the cause of death, and I thought it would probably be rude to e-mail her back and ask). His stories were always really funny, and I'm glad that he sent me a copy of my favorite one when he sent me a Christmas card.

There's this commercial that annoys me, but I forget what it's for - I think for one of the diet things (possibly NutriSystem?), where the woman is all "It's so great to be thin now, because construction workers whistle at me now when I walk by!" Oh my god, whenever I hear that, I want to barf. Yeah, you should aspire to be skinny so that random pervs on the street will harass you! It reminds me of that terrible Jenny Craig commercial where Kirstie Alley was all flattered at some dude whistling at her in a dark alley. Ugh. Stab. Hate. Anyway.

Last night I watched a little bit of the SAG awards. I caught the part where Ashton Kutcher was giving a speech, and he started it out by saying something like, "I'd like to say a speech written by... uh, the teleprompter guy." It was pretty funny. I have no patience for awards shows, so I'm not even sure who won what.

Well, I'm (literally) in the middle of piles of laundry, and I have to finish that, do the dishes, and get in my exercise before "Prison Break" starts in exactly 59 minutes, so I think I will!

Don't act like you're above me, just look at your shoes

Yvonne Hernandez — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:23:00 +0000

Last night was the best night of sleep I've had in awhile. I woke up once when Pepe was fussing, then he left, then I fell back asleep and didn't wake up until 7:00 (I went to bed at just after 10). I don't know what's been up with me, but I've been falling asleep so early. I've been nodding off during 9:00 TV shows... come on, I'm not that old!

Speaking of TV, Monday was the return of "Prison Break," an event I have personally been waiting for since November. Yay for Mahone not being dead (I knew it!) and for killing that evil/annoying blond guy. And boy, are Kellerman, Michael and Linc on the worst road trip ever (more so now that Terrence Steadman is actually dead).

In the real world... Monday morning, LT and I finally managed to make it to Panera early enough for souffles. Yummy! We also went to Peet's, then Target, and then I went home and did stuff that I can't accurately remember. I blame it on my lack of caffeine for the past four days (I quit soda, again, we'll see for how long. Knowing me I'll have the monkey back on my back by Lent).

Tuesday and yesterday I went to work, and had some vaguely annoying moments. First there was an almost database disaster, but then it got magically fixed. Then yesterday, I had to take apart these posters I made in order to scan the newspaper ads I'd glued on. This would have been easy with one of those bendy posters, but no, I was working with foam board. Have you ever tried to cut into one of those things? Not recommended, especially if you are not fond of fibers covering your freshly vacuumed carpet. Argh!

Also, tomorrow I have to call up hella people (okay, ten, but I did this last year and these folks are super slippery) and get their tax info. I also have to have this done tomorrow. I just love last minute assignments.

Yesterday afternoon was pretty good. After work I stopped by Raley's to get a semi-decent lunch (Asian chicken salad, and some Spicy Thai Kettle Chips, mmm) and by Hollywood Video to return stuff ("Snakes on a Plane" - worst 90 minutes of my life, "Employee of the Month" - actually amusing) and to get new stuff. More season 3 of "The Shield" and I'm starting "Invasion" (yes, because of Mahone, shut up).

I went to my first morning writer's club meeting in a couple months, after scrambling to write three pages last night, and really enjoyed it. I guess the last few meetings have been pretty sparse, but today we had six people. The leader of the group asked me a question that has made me wonder why I'm having such a hard time with the story I'm writing "for" the night meetings (Evie, her drunk mama, cop daddy and serial killer almost-daddy) and not with my day meeting story (Katrina, her boring boyfriend, and her prison inmate boyfriend). I don't have more than the usual emotional attachments to either of these stories. The best I can come up with is that I know the ending to one of them (Evie) and I don't like it, and I don't know the ending to the other (though I have my suspicions). Eh, what you gonna do.

Tomorrow, I have work, and I plan on having a nice afternoon of lunch and a movie. I don't know what I'm going to eat, but I'm totally going to be seeing "Smokin' Aces," because it stars my future husband Jeremy Piven. This is just one of way too many movies I plan on seeing in theatres this year. I think in 2006 I saw either 13 or 14 movies at the theater - this year I'm aiming for 20. Pretty ambitious, and expensive, but I think I'm up to the challenge.

Pretty girls, they are persuasive

Yvonne Hernandez — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 19:57:00 +0000

I like waking up early on Sundays, just so I can leisurely read the paper (well, the few sections of it I bother with) and relax. I certainly don't need, or like, to wake up at 4:45 AM with no reason, to get this done.

I tried to fall back asleep by watching an old episode of "The Twilight Zone," but unfortunately it was the one with the evil ventriloquist's dummy. Yeah, I'm not sleeping tonight either.

Insult to injury: After I read the paper, I got in the shower, intending to relax under the steam... instead I got about five minutes of lukewarm water, and then almost got turned into an ice cube. Not cool (actually, it was too cool, if you want to get technical about it). I guess the strong winds last night blew out the pilot light, which my dad didn't turn back on until about 7:00. Some days it does not pay to be an early bird.

But other than my arctic adventures, things have been okay. I had an annoying day on Thursday for too many reasons that would seem really insignificant if I went into them now, so I won't. Things improved around dinnertime, when I made dinner - this frozen Cajun chicken pasta stuff (nice and spicy), and a salad. Lettuce (mixed greens, and... butter leaf?), bell pepper, raspberries, feta cheese, almonds, and a garlic balsamic dressing. It was okay - not spectacular, but it grew on me. I don't think I'll make it for the next girls day like I was planning to, though.

Thursday was also my first time back at writer's club since early December, so it was nice to go. I'm going to go this Thursday's morning meeting, if I can. I have some projects coming up that I can work on at home, so hopefully I can pull it off.

Friday was a better day all-around. I went into work for just a couple hours to do stuff I had to do there, then brought The Hugest Spreadsheet Ever back home to finish. That project alone probably took 8 hours - seriously, it's that big.

The Bath and Body Works semi-annual sale is ending today, so I stopped by on Friday to look over the rest of the stuff. Everything looked pretty well picked over, and I am trying to budget (hard as that may be for you to believe, hehe), so I only bought a few things: A present for a friend, this really soft eye mask (my leopard print one went kaput) for $5, and a Botanical Nutrients (shampoo, conditioner) sample for just $1. Not bad.

Besides that, and putting gas in my car, the only other money I spent this weekend was at Hollywood Video. I'm on season 3 of "The Shield," and I also picked up (against my better judgment) "Snakes on a Plane" and "Employee of the Month." Yeah, I know it's Jessica Simpson, but it's also Dane Cook. I cannot resist cute, funny guys.

And you already know what my morning was like - so let's end the post here in a nice, little (okay, kind of rambling) circle.

Looking like a born again, living like a heretic

Yvonne Hernandez — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 01:48:00 +0000

So, that job possibility that I thought might be a telemarketing thing, is a telemarketing thing. Bummer. Thanks, but no.

On either Saturday or Sunday, I tried to placate my boredom with shopping... but couldn't find anything I wanted! I had a coupon dealy for Mervyn's, but they still have the same stuff they've had for weeks. I also went to Cost Plus (aka the best, most fun store ever), and walked out without buying a thing (pretty much unheard of for me regarding that store). The only thing I did buy that day was an iced chai from Peet's. Mmm, iced things.

I had been thinking about going to Michael's, to buy stuff for Valentine's cards, but thought I should check out my own stash first. Good thing, as I had a lot more on hand than I thought I did. Though the cards I made would never be mistaken for anything professional, I think they came out pretty cute. I glued some small Valentines to a regular blank card, then decked them out with stickers and sequins, and also did some fabric on the edges. I'm really pleased with some of them, not so fond of the others - I think I might scan my favorite ones and post them (but only after they've been given away as cards).

After a way-too-long period of inactivity, I've started doing aerobics again. I'm not pushing myself too hard, just to the point where I get a slight exercise high. I also had my brother move the Gazelle into my room yesterday. It's not as small as I remembered, and I have to do some creative moving around when I want to use it (or my aerobic step for that matter). And while getting a CD from my bookshelf this morning, I totally jabbed my elbow on it (the gazelle). Ouch much?

I have been having the wackiest dreams lately, and writing none of them down. So much for resolutions. The only one I remember now is being a deputy trainee for the sheriff's department, and directing traffic on the road behind LMC. Oh, and I had another dream about making out with Jay Karnes. A girl could get used to this.

I went to Raley's yesterday and bought the ingredients for the yum salad my boss made awhile back. If it doesn't come out good, I'll punch someone. I don't know who - maybe one of the cute bagboys at Raley's, just to get their attention - but believe me, a beatdown will take place.

I'm totally ready for this week to be over. Alas, I've got work tomorrow, then some job recruitment/seminar dealy in the afternoon (that I have a suspicion will be a big bore, and annoying). I was hoping to not have to go into the office on Friday, but I probably will, unless I can miraculously complete everything tomorrow before I leave... doubtful.

In my attempts to complete a story I'm working on, for writer's club tomorrow night, I have produced nothing... except poetry, strangely enough, considering I haven't written a poem since my high school days. Since my silly, depressed, romantic, pathetic high school days. Figure that one out. Really, what's up with me not being able to finish stuff?

We had taco salad for dinner, and I ate too much, just because it was so good. I hope I finish being uncomfortably full soon. I have to do the dishes, some laundry, tidy up my poems for tomorrow night (hey, it's the only thing I got), and get in my exercise before "American Idol." What can I say, I'm a sucker for the first few episodes with all the bad singers.

My favorite from last night - definitely the Amish dude. He wasn't nervous, he explained, because he had never seen the show and didn't know the hosts (but then how did he know about the audition?). He was a pretty bad singer, and did some psycho-sounding song that I can't even remember how it went. Also, what is up with Paula Abdul clearly being drunk? She always looks sleepy, about to fall off of her chair, and can't even come up with the energy to defend contestants from Simon's nastier insults.

Man, am I jonesing for "Prison Break" to return... five more days! Not like I'm counting or anything. And I totally haven't been reading recaps on TV Without Pity to get my Scofield fix. And my Mahone fix. And... I need a life.

You are a superstar and I pushed you way too far

Yvonne Hernandez — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 21:33:00 +0000

I forgot to note this yesterday - though I really meant to post it earlier this week, before it happened, but anyway:

I mentioned awhile back how "The Sopranos" was coming to A&E, and I wished that "The Wire" would find a similar home. Well, this last Wednesday (same day as "The Sopranos" started on A&E, interestingly), "The Wire" started on BET.

Unlike the editing that Tony & Co. will undoubtedly be going through, I don't think too much of "The Wire" will be lost in translation. Sure, they'll have to change some language, perhaps some violence, and McNulty's drunken sexcapades, but I think it will remain pretty well intact. And if what I read was right, the episodes will be allotted ninety minutes; none of that "squished into a commercial filled hour" crap. So - as the saying goes - check your local listings*.

*I hate when commercials tell me that. I don't want to check my listings, which is generally a pain in the ass. I want you to tell me when I am supposed to tune in. Eh, what you gonna do.

Also: I think this officially makes BET the coolest channel ever, as they already have all the old episodes of "In Living Color."

Without you all I do is sit and think about you

Yvonne Hernandez — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 23:09:00 +0000

I have had a busy week, which is why I didn't post... but I totally meant to, as blogging more is one of my resolutions or whatever.

I've been working in the office all week, and I've still been applying elsewhere. I did get a callback yesterday about one of them, but it sounds like it might be some telemarketing dealy. The guy is supposed to call back to talk more about it, and if it is, I'm so not there. I don't even like calling people who would expect me to, ha ha.

Most of my projects in the last few days have involved almost nothing but typing, and/or stupid databases that are evil and don't like to work. One of them (a typing thing) I'm working on at home today, as it is hogmongous and will take forever to finish, and more hours on my timesheet equals goodness. Mama needs a new everything! Actually, only shoes. All of mine are old (two years at least). I need to check out the sales at Payless. (I am too obessed with more important girly accessories, like purses and lipgloss, to spend any significant amount on shoes.)

Wednesday was my longest day by far this week. I went to LT's mom's shop in the morning to help out. She hadn't been in since just before Christmas, and there was a lot of stuff to take down and change around. I stayed a few hours, then went to the office where I was all alone (sniff) for a few more hours. I worked on a stupid, evil database while listening to KWOD online, which was pretty amusing because the DJ (Rubin) was making fun of some dork who'd left disparaging comments about the station on their MySpace page.

After I left the office, I went to Boss M's house for a meeting with him and one of his friends about a big project they're working on. I'm just glad that I really have everything that I can do, done - I'm just kind of waiting on everyone else to get their shit together. After the meeting we went and had dinner (Mexican food - wah - but I had a very yummy, very cold pina colada). I eventually got home, washed dishes, and totally crashed at 9:30. I'm old.

Thursday was somewhat a reversal of Wednesday - I went to the office in the morning, and went to the shop after lunch. It was fun, I got to put together a chandlier - while sitting in the store window, no less. I want a chandelier even more now than I did before. All the little crystals were in a box, and I had to attach them to the holes in the tiers of the chandelier. After staring at a computer for however-many-hours straight, it was nice to do something "real" with my hands.

Yesterday was just miserable weather-wise. It was some dealy where the actual temperature was not that cold, but the wind chill made you feel frozen. I had to put gas in my car before driving to the office, and I swear my fingers got frozen in the pumping position. Not fun. I was going to do something after work, like shopping, but I couldn't even bear the thought of any unnecessary trips between my car and warm places, so I just went home.

I'm feeling very crafty right now. I'd like to make some greeting cards, but I don't have many supplies left. Michael's has some cute kits, but I'd to make some that are more personalized too. I might go next week and pick up some stuff to make Valentines cards for friends.

I'm also feeling the urge to cook. It's yet another one of my resolutions (cook more). What I am really craving right now is this salad my boss made a couple months ago - mixed greens, bell peppers, berries, nuts, some vinagrette (sp?) dressing... and I don't remember if there was any blue cheese in it, but I think it would rock. I've also been inspired to make tea sandwiches, by the lady who runs a tea shop in downtown Antioch. A couple days ago I got to try the pesto sandwich - it was so good. I don't think I'll have the patience to make any sandwiches that have chicken/meat/whatever, since they have to* be really finely chopped or ground.

*Okay, I guess they don't have to, but if I'm going to try making tea sandwiches I figure I might as well try to make them authentic. Yay for no crusts!

Tonight, we have a couple of movies** from Hollywood Video to watch. One is some Japanese horror film (ugh) recommended by my uncle and his girlfriend, and the other is "The Night Listener" which looks as if it might be pretty good, nice and creepy. I hope we watch both tonight so I can return them tomorrow, and at the same time pick up some season 3 of "The Shield." I don't know when the new season starts, but they've shown a couple commercials on FX lately. Good old Shane and Mackey standing in a graveyard (what else is new?). I have at least two, possibly three, seasons to catch up on before then, oops.

**Proof #73 I am a total nerd: In my planner, I've written down the opening dates of movies I want to see.

Speaking of FX, I did watch the first episode of "Dirt," but forgot to watch the second one this week - oops. I don't know if they'll show it again before the new one on Tuesday, but I'm not too heavily invested in the show yet. It seems pretty slick, but not very deep - enjoyable trash. I was jazzed to see Laura Allen (Lily on "The 4400" - we barely knew ye) as a hot, slutty actress. And I have to hand it to Courteney Cox - she has never looked more gorgeous. How does one obtain Perfect Hollywood Hair? I would like some please.

I would also like to use labeling in posts, but it just takes forever to upload when I do that... and I'm not a patient girl... sorry posts, you shall remain nakey.

You may be my lucky star, but I'm the luckiest by far

Yvonne Hernandez — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 05:54:00 +0000

Mmm, I can smell snickerdoodles from the kitchen. My mom bought one of those tubs of cookie dough, but the stuff doesn't even need to cooked and shaped - it came in layers of pre-shaped cookies. Wow, that's really... lazy. But hey, I'm pretty much down for anything that will get food in my mouth faster.

I haven't done too much this weekend (hardly news, I'm sure). I did some cleaning, and went through the growing stack of binders and notebooks next to my computer. I was able to condense a lot of stuff, and move some things into the closet. Today, I did some laundry, put gas in my car* and gave my resume a nice update. It quite needed it.

*There's this intriguing guy who works at the gas station I always go to (you know, unless I go to the other one). He looks youngish, but has completely gray hair - kind of like that one dude from "American Idol," but Gas Station Guy is not as - how should I say? - homely looking.

Anyway, besides the whole young-with-gray-hair thing, I think he (GSG, not Taylor Hicks) is flirting with me. I can't really tell, because he never says anything other than "What do you need?", "Sure, you got it," and "Have a nice day." With most people, the difference between polite and flirty is usually pretty obvious. With this guy, not so much.

Further notes on this:

1. I know you'd think otherwise, considering I just wrote a two paragraphs about him, but I don't have a crush on this guy.

2. I really hope that neither he, nor someone who would recognize him by reading this, is reading this.

To abruptly change the subject to someone I do have a crush on, I was watching a new episode of "Degrassi: The Next Generation" on Friday afternoon, and was suddenly struck with the realization that Jake Epstein has become, well, hot. He's a lot younger than most of my usual celeb crushes, but at least he's legal (he turns 19 in about a week). I LOLed when his his character, Craig, blamed his ditzy girlfriend for the cocaine his rooomate Ellie found in his room. Now, I think it's a total "Duh" that cocaine is bad for anyone in general, but couldn't it be a lot worse for someone who's bipolar (albeit medicated)? Oh, that boy will never learn.

I am, at this very moment, sampling one of the snickerdoodles. Hmm, it's no Quigley, but it will do.

I'm so excited... I'm joining a local book club! If nothing else, it will force me to read more new books this year (just one of my resolutions, the list of which I have decided not to post because it is trite and silly). Our first meeting won't be for awhile, but that gives me time to buy the book (Cormac McCarthy's "The Road") and read it.

Tomorrow, besides some job-hunting stuff, I'm finally taking hella stuff to the Goodwill, and having lunch and coffee with LT. It'll be a nice start to a hopefully good week. I have an afternoon (as in vaguely dinnertime-ish) meeting on Wednesday with Boss M and another dude regarding this huge project I'm helping with, which is kind of stalled. Hopefully, at this meeting, I won't have to try on uncomfortably snug overalls (don't ask, don't ask...)

Falling apart, falling behind, falling to pieces

Yvonne Hernandez — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 18:15:00 +0000

I worked this week, and that's pretty much it. Good thing, too, because I am broke (and I don't mean "I'm down to my last $40" - I mean broke-ass broke) and will need the semi-decent paycheck I'll get next Friday. According the various bosses, I will in fact be needed for quite a few different projects for the rest of this month. Okie dokie.

Okay, down to business: John tagged me a few-couple days ago, so here it is: Five Things You Don't Know About Me. And because I talk about myself so damn much, I have really had to wrack my brain for these things...

1. I type really fast. As in, 104 WPM fast! Seriously - I just took an official test at a local employment place this morning. 104 words per minute, no errors. I knew I was fast, but I didn't think I was that fast. My last official test was two or three years ago, and I scored 65 WPM then (though, I was hampered by one of those dumb programs that will not let you backspace).

My typing speed was a source of both embarrassment and pride in high school. In junior year, I took some computer/business class where we spent like two months typing until our hands fell off. Our scores were posted, and I think I was always the highest one. I did not mind at all when this got the attention of the super hot freshman computer instructor in the classroom next door. Tee hee.

2. I used to be obsessive-compulsive. I know that sounds so trendy, but it is true. In high school, I often had to go back to my locker a few (or several) times just to make sure I locked it. And a few years ago, in stressful times, I would wake up in the middle of the night and have to walk around the house to make sure all the doors were locked before I could go back to sleep.

Whew, am I glad I don't do that stuff anymore. But I still have to put on my right sock before my left (and my right shoe before my left), or else things don't feel right all day. Is that the same type of thing? Oh well.

3. I've never smoked a cigarette. "What?" You're saying. "That's impossible. Everyone has tried smoking at least once." Well, not me - though I've gotten plenty of secondhand from this pretty freaky phenomena, where all cigarette smoke will float towards me. Doesn't matter which way the wind is going - it will change, just to get near me. Most people don't believe this until they see it, but as you can imagine, I'm not that fond of testing the theory.

4. I can't blow bubbles with bubblegum. I don't think I've ever even done it on accident. Sure, it's kind of a rude talent, but interesting and (sometimes) sexy. I also can't roll my tongue, which I think most people can - are these two things related somehow?

5. I love love love hosting parties/social events. I know I usually come off as a loner, but I greatly enjoy being a hostess. Getting all my favorite people together, making (or most likely buying, heh heh) yummy food and drinks, and choosing the right entertainment (whether music, movies, or board games) - it's something I just don't do often enough. Hey, that will be my New Year's resolution - throw more parties! Wanna come?

Okay, enough about me... what about you? I hereby tag: Amy, Bobby, Socal Sweetie, Patrick, and - though he doesn't have a typical "It's all about me!" blog - I'd love to know more about The Watcher.

You go to jail, I'll go your bond

Yvonne Hernandez — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:59:00 +0000

I slept really good last night, which was awesome because I was hella tired. And my sinuses hurt. It was not cool. I only woke up once, about half an hour before my alarm was set to go off, and fell right back asleep.

I had two dreams that were connected, but I'm not sure how. It started with me writing in a new journal I'd bought - the pages were made from recycled envelopes, and many of them still had the pockets, and there were all kinds of neat papers and letters tucked inside, from people all over the world.

Some other stuff happens that I forgot, and then I'm hanging out with two online friends, and one real-life friend. The RL friend tells me that the other two need to borrow some money to pay for a seminar they want to go to. I get annoyed because I don't have much money, and my friend is really pressuring me. The three of us take a walk somewhere, and I talk to one of the online friends, a guy, privately. "How much money do you need?" I ask, "Because I don't get paid until next Friday."

He says that the seminar is already paid for, that he never asked Real Friend to ask me for money. I confront Real Friend, who completely freaks out, and starts screaming and trying to splash me with her blood (she has some huge sore on her back that starts bleeding uncontrollably - so gross, I know). Some security guards from a nearby club hold her back.

I need to analyze that one seriously. I don't do in-depth interpretations of my own dreams very often.

I bought a weekly planner from Target that I think is going to work great for me. It's cute (lavender on the outside, tan inside, with different-colored pages inside) and was only $4. You can't beat that. I also got a keepsake box for $1. It's pink leopard print, with a lime green lid that has a pink-leopard print heart on it. (I also added some stickers.) I'm going to keep the stuff from my personalized collage (ticket stubs, pictures of friends, greeting cards, and the like) that was on my wall, in the box. I just had way too many pushpins up there... so many that I lost a couple while removing everything this afternoon, oops. I'm sure I'll find them later on, in bare feet naturally.

Not much else to say right now... I am feeling pretty optimistic about this year, though. I figure, since 2007 ends in a 7, and 7 is one of my lucky numbers, that has to be good... right?

Also, I'm going to stop sitting around on my ass so much. That would probably help in getting things done.

We're not playing a game anymore, you don't have to be so defensive

Yvonne Hernandez — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 22:27:00 +0000

I really meant to do my post yesterday, like I said I would, but then I didn't. Whoops, my bad. And sadly, I don't even remember what I did do yesterday that distracted me from it. I can only remember the evening time:

- I half-way watched the end of "Ghost" while making dinner, which was pasta (vermicelli) with linguica, bell pepper, tomato, and lots of garlic. Mmm.

- I started to watch "Sleepy Hollow," (why is Johnny Depp the most beautiful man ever?) but then my mom and I watched the last three episodes of "Sleeper Cell - American Terror," and ate creme brulee.

- My dad accidentally filled the living room with smoke while making a fire. The smoke detectors were not as amused as I was.

Anyway, the real reason for this post: I'm jumping on the "Best of 2006" lists bandwagon...

6 Best Movies of '06

"Running Scared" A bit too flashy, and probably the most violent movie I've ever seen, but it was a lot of fun. Paul Walker was hot and a badass, but still got upstaged by his screen wife Vera Farmiga, who was hot, badass, and blew away two pedophiles. There's a lady you don't want to mess with.

"Inside Man" Denzel Washington, Clive Owen and Jodie Foster lead the cast of a not-so-typical bank robbery film. Exciting, tense, and funny at just the right moments.

"The Omen" One of the few horror movie remakes that works, just because it sticks so closely to the plot and mood of the original. Julia Stiles' usual whiny performance actually works in this film, and Liev Schreiber is great as the tormented dad of the Antichrist.

"Clerks II" No, not as funny as the first one - but what is? It was good to hang out with Dante and Randall again, though the best performance came from Trevor Fehrman, as the creepy and naive Elias, another worker at the Mooby's restaurant. One word: Pillowpants.

"The Departed" Jack Nicholson being crazy, and Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon being impossibly duplicitous - what could be better? Oh, and Vera Farmiga is also in this one! Unsettling and totally watchable.

"The Last King of Scotland" If Forest Whitaker doesn't win every award possible for his portrayal of Ugandan 'president' Idi Amin, then I shall dub Hollywood Officially Braindead. Hella deep, with great performances all around.

Honorable Mentions: "Deja Vu" (Denzel again, with some intriguing time travel stuff), "Catch a Fire" (Tim Robbins being quietly evil), "The Illusionist" (Edward Norton as a magician under investigation for a scandalous 'trick' - Paul Giamatti also stars)

6 Best TV Shows of '06

"The 4400" The third season of USA's sci-fi fare has been the best yet, due in no small part to the sudden growth spurt of Baby Isabelle from, like, two to twenty. Unfortunately, we had to lose her mom, Lily, to get Grownup Isabelle - who turned out to be really dangerous to basically everyone, not the least of whom were NTAC agents Tom and Diana, who had way too much job stress this year, and Shawn (ditto), new leader of the 4400's.

"Brotherhood" Showtime gave us this drama about two brothers, one a politician and the other a gangster, and their family in Providence, Rhode Island. Kind of reminded me of HBO's "The Wire" - slower-paced than most TV, but ultimately and leading up to a shocking season finale.

"Dexter" Also from Showtime - Michael C. Hall (HBO's "Six Feet Under") stars as Dexter Morgan, a forensic investigator (specialty - blood spatter) who, in his spare time, kills serial killers (there are apparently lots of them in Miami). Great subdued performance by Hall, and dark humor, make the show really great.

"Prison Break" The first season got Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) and his wrongfully-imprisoned brother Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell), and a few other prisoners, outside the walls; the second season has them trying to get safely to Panama. No easy task, with FBI Agent Alex Mahone (William Fichtner) after the guys, and Secret Service agent Paul Kellerman (Paul Adelstein) going after Sara Tancredi (Sarah Wayne Callies), hoping to get Michael through her. Oh, and a couple of Fox River CO's, and every cop in America. Tense, funny, lots of eye candy - this show has it all. Fans might have to make the occasional leap of faith (Sara saves herself from drowning by pulling out a tub-stopper with her teeth, what?) but are never left feeling insulted.

"Weeds" Suburbanite widow Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker) steps-up her marijuana business, with help from her secret DEA-Agent husband Peter (Martin Donovan). Elsewhere, bitchy Celia Rhodes (Elizabeth Perkins) runs for, and wins, a seat on City Council, booting out her longtime nemesis Doug (Kevin Nealon) - and then has an affair with him. Absolutely hilarious, irreverent TV.

"The Wire" The fourth season of HBO's crime drama, set in Baltimore, continues to court the police, drug dealers, and city hall, but also takes us somewhere new: the city's troubled public school system ($54 million dollars in debt? Ouch). Performances by the authentic cast of young kids are thought-provoking and heart-breaking.

Honorable Mentions: "Big Love" (who knew polygamy was funny?), "Entourage" (this show, about four friends in Hollywood, just gets better each year), and "Rescue Me" (Firefighters have never been so controversial before).

3 Best Albums of '06

(What, only three, you ask? My music collection is not nearly as updated as it should be, I know.)

Nina Gordon "Bleeding Heart Graffiti" Where her first album needed time to grow on you, this one is instantly addictive - fun, thoughtful, sexy, and smart, not unlike Ms. Gordon herself.

The Killers "Sam's Town" Before this album, I really hated the Killers. A friend played the album for me (I don't listen to radio, and had never even heard "When You Were Young" before), and I bought it myself that very week. Cool, almost 1980s sound.

The New Pornographers "Twin Cinema" They can do no wrong, I tell you, NO WRONG. Doesn't rock as hard as "Mass Romantic" or "Electric Version," but very pretty and catchy.

Best Blog Readers of '06

Duh, you guys! Have a great New Years Eve!

It's been this way since Christmas day, dazzled and doused in gin

Yvonne Hernandez — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 05:23:00 +0000

I should have asked Santa for a new desk chair. The one I have is basically intolerable, regardless of how I sit, or if I use pillows or blankets to cushion it.

Really - if my biggest problem is an uncomfortable chair - I should be so lucky, huh?

I was too much of a wuss to attempt Day After Christmas Shopping on Tuesday, but did venture out on Wednesday for the beginning of the Bath and Body Works sale. I got so much great, girly stuff:

- Bottle of the 'Sensual Amber' lotion
- Apparently, the last two Tutti Dolci items in the store (I guess they're ending that line? Wah!) - lemon meringue and creme brulee lotion. They smell really tasty, especially the CB, and the lemon smells like a yellow Starburst!
- Antibacterial hand soaps... 3 for $10, sweet
- Hot pink makeup bag (Goldie) that says "Makeup, Make out"... it's too cute
- Tiny bottle of the soon-to-be released Midnight Pomegranate lotion... yum!
- And, because I spent over $25, I got a denim tote bag for $5 (regular price $15)

Not like I really needed a new bag, but there you go. And you will be proud (okay, probably indifferent) that I went through my purses the same day, and I'm going to give away the ones I don't use. Mostly novelty ones, like the bustier, and the Chinese takeout box one.

I also went by Target afterwards, and bought some new Burt's Bees makeup. It's this night cream that smells so good - like fresh apples. I want to eat it whenever I open the jar, which is often. I lusted over the season one of "Prison Break," but didn't have the funds at the time... but guess what I'm planning to buy this coming week? Bwahaha... yeah I'll stop.

A funny thing happened on the way to work on Thursday morning. I was about a block away from my house, and preparing to make a right turn on red. I was looking over to the left, waiting for a break in the traffic coming from that direction, and see a guy in the next lane giving me the weirdest look. I eventually realize that it's because I am singing (quite enthusiastically I may add... happiness over having car speakers again, after a week of silence). I was mildly embarrassed, and drove away as soon as it was possible to do so.

I wasn't at work too long - the office was dead, there was nothing to do, what can I say? So I left, went to Mervyn's, and shopped my little heart out. Two tops, two bras (yes, you needed to know that), and... oh, that was it. Clothes are still expensive, even on sale.

Today was also quite awesome. I managed to get a souffle at Panera (spinach and bacon), and later I went out with JH. We went to visit LS at her office, and she introduced us to the Buckhorn Grill in Walnut Creek. I had a tri-tip sandwich, which I guess is their specialty, and it was so delicious! Good flavor, and really tender - I find most steak sandwiches to be too hard, but this one wasn't.

My mom and I have been catching up on "Sleeper Cell: American Terror." Good lord, what a great show. Lately, I've been all about TV that keeps you nervous the whole time, and SC definitely delivers. Though, my mom and I get some laughs over Darwyn's new case agent, because he looks a lot like Mark Dannon, the weather guy on KRON. We only have three episodes left to watch, and that will undoubtedly be accomplished over the long weekend.

I've been seeing some previews for a movie called "Catch and Release," starring Timothy Olyphant, Kevin Smith, and... prepare yourself for a real letdown... Jennifer Garner. Ugh. She's just one of those actors that annoy me for no real reason. Her presence, and the fact that it's a romantic comedy (ew) automatically puts this on my "Rent only" list. Though, with Timothy Olyphant there, it is awfully tempting... I think he's just gorgeous, especially his smile. Ooh!

Also, he usually has a creepy-but-sexy vibe going on. He could play a serial killer (actually he did, in "Scream 2") and I'd still dig him. But, I probably have issues.

Well, my last post for the year will be tomorrow. I'll list some of my favorite stuff from 2006, even though I'm not sure how the year is already over. I don't remember 2005 being such a whirlwind (admittedly, I don't remember that year much at all). Let's hope 2007 is not so fast and forgettable.

Now we're headed downhill so fast, picking up speed

Yvonne Hernandez — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 21:48:00 +0000

I have a lot to blog - nothing more than lists of the various stuff I've bought in the past few days, but still - but my dad and I are taking Pepe to the vet in a little while. Since the cold weather began, he has been incredibly itchy and scratchy (and no, it's not fleas) so we're going to see if they can give him any special lotions or whatnot to soothe his skin.

But, I wanted to check in so I could post this Z-list, copied from Rebecca, who was nice enough to name me in her list as a blog to check out.

The list, Started by Mack, latest addition from Jeremy Latham, continued by Miss604:

Creative Think, Soloride, Movie Marketing Madness, Blog Till You Drop!, Get Shouty!, One Reader at a Time, Critical Fluff, The New PR, Own Your Brand!, OTOInsights, bizandbuzz, Work, in Plain English, Buzz Canuck, New Millenium PR, Pardon My French, Troy Worman’s Blog, The Instigator Blog, AENDirect, Diva Marketing, Marketing Hipster, The Marketing Minute, Funny Business, The Frager Factor, Mindblob, Open The Dialogue, Word Sell, Note to CMO:, That’s Great Marketing!, Shotgun Marketing Blog, BrandSizzle, bizsolutionsplus, Customers Rock!, Being Peter Kim, Pow! Right Between The Eyes! Andy Nulman’s Blog About Surprise, Billions With Zero Knowledge, Working at Home on the Internet, MapleLeaf 2.0, darrenbarefoot.com, Two Hat Marketing, The Engaging Brand, The Branding Blog, CrapHammer, Drew’s Marketing Minute, Golden Practices, Viaspire, Tell Ten Friends, Flooring the Consumer, Kinetic Ideas, Unconventional Thinking, Buzzoodle, Conversation Agent, The Copywriting Maven, Hee-Haw Marketing, Scott Burkett’s Pothole on the Infobahn, Multi-Cult Classics, Logic + Emotion, Branding & Marketing, Popcorn n Roses, On Influence & Automation, Bullshitobserver, Servant of Chaos, converstations, eSoup, Presentation Zen, Dmitry Linkov, aialone, John Wagner, Nick Rice, CKs Blog, Design Sojourn, Frozen Puck, The Sartorialist, Small Surfaces, Africa Unchained, Perspective, gDiapers, Marketing Nirvana, Bob Sutton, ¡Hola! Oi! Hi!, Shut Up and Drink the Kool-Aid!, Women, Art, Life: Weaving It All Together, Community Guy, Social Media on the fly, Jeremy Latham’s Blog, SMogger Social Media Blog, Masey.com, Miss 604, Breebop, audihertz, Joel Burslem, 2Bit Studios, Witty Banter, This Years Girl, Chillaxin, Maktaaq, Bus Blog, Everything is Connected, GusGreeper, Canucks Outsider

And as for my addition to the list, a few of my favorite blogs (in no particular order; well, mostly alphabetical):

Her Own Eyes, In These Shoes?, Planet Claire, Pop culture Gadabout, SkullBolt, Truth, Beauty, Love and Elisa, Are You Up to the Test?

Trains will pass through here someday and take you away

Yvonne Hernandez — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 22:07:00 +0000

It's been (more than) a few days since I've blogged, hasn't it? First: Merry (late) ChristmaHannaKwanzaa!

Because I get totally lost when I try to update this in a manner other than chronological, here's what I've been up to.

Last Wednesday

- I worked, which was mostly a bore, though I got to take a field trip of sorts to some lawyer's office, so they could copy stuff. I could have gotten it done faster at my own office, but there you go. I had to park in this scary (as in tiny lot), where I had to back out right onto a (usually) busy street, but there was a nice lull in traffic at the time. Thanks for looking out, Traffic God!

- I went to Olive Garden with LS and JH for dinner - so good! I had the asiago chicken (though I couldn't pronounce "asiago" for the life of me, even though I hadn't had anything to drink yet - I think the waiter's sexy accent got me flustered), and some drink called a Cherry Frizzante, which was either wine or champagne that had this cherry jello-tasting stuff at the bottom. Yummy!

I always forget until we do it, that hanging out with those two always does me a world of good. We had lots of laughs, shared tiramisu for dessert (yummy, but weirdly squishy), and exchanged gifts back at JH's house. I'm glad they liked what I got them, because they gave me awesome things - JH gave me a Bath and Body Works gift card (I know where I'm going after work tomorrow!), and LS gave me this really CUTE cherry caboodle, a yummy (as in scent, not taste) soap, chocolates (already eaten) and a Regal gift card... yay movies!

Thursday

- I worked, then came back home in the early afternoon to meet up with my mom and godmother. We went to lunch at Chili's (blackberry lemonade rules) and stopped by Pieces of a Dream. I love that store and all the cute crafty things they sell, but what I love even more is the lady who runs it - she is so sweet. She gave me some hot cider, which was delish, especially because it was cold and rainy outside. Brr. I found a cute little decoration that said "You're splendid!" that I bought for LT's mom, to thank her for letting me work in her store and all.

Oh, and my godmother got me some of the Twisted Peppermint stuff from the Bath & Body Works 'Temptations' line - the shimmer body lotion, and the 3-in-1 body wash, shampoo, and bubble bath. I think it would be neat-o if it was also a toothpaste - it is minty fresh after all.

Friday

- With a full day off, and my grandpa's Christmas gift in hand, I went to Fashion Bug to get some nice clothes. I got a pair of pinstripe pants, the right size of black jeans that I had before, a blue paisley shirt with some blue lace at the collar, and a super-cute brown shirt with stars. I forgot how expensive FB is - I spent all my gift money and then some.

- I picked up LT, and the two of us stopped by his mom's store so I could give her her present, and we went to Nature's Bounty for lunch. This is the first time I've been there during the week, and I found it disappointingly full of annoying people, such as the family who had the obnoxious, bratty little girl, and the teenage daughter(s) of someone who works there. They were loud and whiny, even for high school kids, and they had this weird boy with them who was randomly carrying around a car steering wheel. WTF?

- We headed for Peet's, and meant to go to Target after that, but called the shopping portion of it off when some bizarre traffic turned a ten minute drive into over HALF AN HOUR of stop-and-go. Hello, Traffic God, little help? Eh, I wasn't really down with dealing with Crazy Christmas Target Shoppers anyway.

- Because I have no social life, I spent Friday evening finally watching the "Dexter" finale. As someone on either MySpace or IMDB said, "Most fulfilling season finale ever!" Though they left plenty for us to wonder about in season two, they did resolve the whole Ice Truck Killer thing. I don't know, I'll kind of miss Rudy/Biney, as actor Christian Camargo is totally my type (tall, lean, dark-haired... meow).

Saturday

- In between cleaning and washing laundry, I watched some season six episodes of "Oz," mostly because I dreamed about Terry Kinney (Tim McManus on "Oz") the night before. It was something where I was on a scavenger hunt, and I was finding all the clues like right after he did. I finally caught up to him, and was trying to convince him that we should work as a team. Did I mention he was wearing tight leather pants at the time?

- I had way too many bagels, but they were so good. My piece du resistance (or whatever) was when I baked one of the cheese bagels, and topped it with garlic, onion, tomato, and parmesan cheese.

Sunday aka Christmas Eve

- My grandmother came over in the afternoon, and everyone else had Mexican food (chili verde, rice, beans, tortillas), and I had a quesadilla. Yes, I'm picky that way.

- I had a very unwelcome visit from the PMS monster, which could not be averted since I hadn't yet received my Christmas chocolate, so I hid in my room as much as possible. I read Jackie Collins, read ghost stories, and played "Bespelled" for way too long - best online game ever, especially when the library inevitably goes up in flames. I always crack up at the pitiful look on the wizard's face.

Monday aka Christmas aka yesterday

- Everyone slept in for a new Christmas morning record (7:45) and opened presents. Hella loot:

* Ginormous Mervyn's gift card (as in monetary, not actual gift card size - though, a novelty oversized gift card would be awesome) from my parents
* Chocolates in these cute martini foil wrappers, Choxie (you know, ch-ch-ch-chocolate with moxie!), and a See's gift card - so much for dieting?
* Adorable pink and purple muffin-shaped soaps that are almost too pretty to use, but I will!
* Kool-Aid lipsmackers
* Cute Santa mask, and a corn husk mouse (no, really) for my collection
* "The Job" on DVD - before Denis Leary was a dysfunctional firefighter on "Rescue Me" he was a dysfunctional cop on "The Job." I don't remember this show much, but I remember it was funny, and I'm looking forward to watching it again.
* Key-shaped keychain watch, from my sis
* Since I mentioned how I coveted the one LT got at my office Christmas party, my parents got me one of the giant apples that's covered in caramel and chocolate and almonds! Again - dieting, what?
* Too many cute things to remember from EC! Notebook, yum body sprays, and some pink grapefruit body butter which is the best smelling thing I've ever... you know, smelled.

- Family eventually showed up, and the PMS monster is gone for another month, so I enjoyed myself. Dinner was a brilliant ham, some rolls, and then Mexican food again (tamales - I tried one, which was good but I could have done without the olive - rice and beans again, wah). Dessert was pumpkin pie from Costco, which is always a good idea.

- I washed dishes for ten years, and watched the new game show "1 vs. 100" with my mom. The show is hosted by Bob Saget, and actually cool - one person answers questions, with a "mob" of 100 opposite them. If the person gets it right, they get to go on, winning X amount of money for each mob member that got it wrong. If the person gets it wrong, the mob gets their money split evenly among themselves. Hard to explain in writing, but I want to be on this show! As I told my mom, I really do think (erroneously or not) that I'm smarter than any other 100 people.

I've been more into game shows lately. I'm a fan of "Deal or No Deal," and my mom and I have also started watching "Identity," hosted by Penn (from Penn and Teller). The contestant has to guess the identities (as in their occupation, or random other things) of twelve strangers. I want to date the cute Asian guy who was on last week (his identity: virgin). He was wearing this hot, nerdy argyle sweater. I'm there.

The rest of my week

I wasn't up to dealing with any post-Christmas crowds in the shop this morning, but maybe tomorrow I will. The semi-annual sale starts at B&BW, and with my gift card, I could really clean up (literally and figuratively). Mervyn's is always having sales now, so I may go this week, or wait on that. I'm not going to have too much work to do this week, but I will be there on Thursday at the very least.

LT and I are supposed to do something on New Year's Eve, but no definite plans yet... he wanted to meet up somewhere near where he worked, but I'm wary of doing much traveling on NYE. So I'm hoping to hang out somewhere closer to home, or even at home. I don't need a big party - just junk food and friendly people!

A place where words are spoken you will never hear

Yvonne Hernandez — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 23:14:00 +0000

I got two more Christmas cards today! I love Christmas cards. In fact, I like receiving basically anything in the mail, except for bills. MB and I had an amusing conversation about that on... Saturday morning? Or Sunday?

As I think I mentioned, I worked in LT's mom's store for awhile on Saturday. We had a lot of customers - or rather visitors, and not too many sales. Bummer. But she's a really nice, funny, lady, and I like just hanging out. And I did eat at Nature's Bounty again. This time I got some pasta pesto - so good. It had a lot of garlic, but it only made me want more.

I don't know what else I did over the weekend - probably nothing.

Monday, I had a job interview that I think went pretty well. I'm planning on giving them a call tmorrow to say thanks (again) and try to get an idea on when they'll make a decision. I did not want to get optimistic about this one, but I think it's probably too late. Sure, optimism can sometimes (often?) lead to disappointments, but I'd rather have that positivity in my life than be down all the time.

I've been plugging away on my various projects at work. I had a few days where I was getting a lot done, and now I've hit stop signs on a couple things. I need info about One Thing to do Another Thing, but the person who I thought could help me on One Thing totally rebuffed* me. I may have to go above their head on this one. I don't mind doing that, especially in this case, where I've never met them and they're so darn rude.

*Rebuffed is one of my favorite words... it's used in "Clueless," the best movie ever, and it also makes me think of this neat, illustrated kid's dictionary I had as a kid. This girl was walking her pet skunk, and her friends were running away from her. A thought bubble floats out of her head: "Why am I being rebuffed?" I cracked up at this every time. I wish I still had that book.

Various fun activities are coming up:

- Tonight, dinner with LS and JH
- Tomorrow, lunch with my mom and godmother
- Friday (possible), lunch with LT
- Monday (duh Christmas!)

I'm not a big fan of this entry. It seems boring.

I watched the "Nip/Tuck" season finale yesterday (speaking of boring things?). It will always be one of my favorite shows, but this season was lacking something. The finale did have its moments, definitely, and the ending looks intriguing. If there's another season, it might have Drs. Troy and McNamara opening a practice in Hollywood... I kind of liked Miami, but I guess there's only so many drug lords you can feed to alligators and get away with it. Oh, and if there is a new season, and its chock full of 70s music again, I will stop watching.

I haven't watched the "Dexter" season finale yet. I'm scared. I also haven't watched any more episodes of "Sleeper Cell: American Terror" yet. Eh, that's what Christmas weekend is for, right?

I got a super-generous Christmas gift from my grandpa, and I'm kind of debating on what to use it for. My options as I see them:

- Get a tattoo, and my ears pierced
- New clothes
- Take a class at LMC in the spring
- Take a short-term course at the Pittsburg Adult Ed Center
- Save it to pay my taxes in the spring (Uncle Sam is going to own my ass, and I am not looking forward to this at all)

I will probably be going with option #2 here. I want to spend my own hard earned money on a tattoo, not someone else's (and I still haven't decided what I want). As far as classes go, I'd rather have a job secured before getting my head back in school. Taxes? Eh, I'll worry about that when I get to it.

I do need new clothes. I want at least one more pair of nice pants (I have only one - I did have a really nice pair of black jeans, but they are now two sizes too big), another pair of jeans, and a couple of nice interview and/or job shirts. Maybe shoes, because I haven't bought any in the last year and a half or so.

It's been super cold these last few days, and I don't appreciate it. Especially all the ice on my windshield in the morning. That means waiting oh so (im)patiently for the defroster, which wastes the precious (that is, gasoline... and why is it going up again?) It feels nice outside right now, though, and it's supposed to start raining, which is for some reason less cold.

I thought I had something funny and/or clever to say, but I guess I didn't. Sorry about that.

Don't you bring me no sunshine today

Yvonne Hernandez — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 17:54:00 +0000

I finally finished my Christmas shopping yesterday! The bosses weren't at the office, so the rest of us decided we wouldn't be, either. So, I went to Barnes and Noble and got my last two gifts (and something for myself - I'm a bad girl, I know, but it was hella percent off).

And last night was the company Christmas party - very amusing. LT and I were the second group there, after Boss M and his wife. We sat at the bar for awhile, where I had a cosmo that was way too srong. This was about 6:00, and I guess it didn't help that I'd last eaten about noon. The yummy appetizers we got helped me return from Tipsyland. There was chicken chipotle chimichangas, some kind of delicious chicken on a skewer, and artichoke fritters. Mmm! It was funny, one of the waiters was my friend KA's ex-boyfriend.

The party was a good size - about 30 people, from my company, the construction company owned by Boss M's son, and a few people from their family. M's son and his wife have a month old baby they brought, and he is so cute and so tiny! He was really good, too - though the party got a bit loud at times, I think he slept nearly the whole time and I didn't hear him cry once.

Dinner was also delish. On the buffet: Two different salads, rolls, rice pilaf (which I usually don't like, but this one ruled), stuffed chicken with a hollandaise-y sauce (this supposedly included crab, which I couldn't taste, and was fabulous), and some pork that looked good but I didn't try. For dessert, there were a few different things: Fruit tarts, a chocolate mousse, and something else I can't remember. I had the chocolate mousse, which was just rich and yum... and had a sugar-coated cranberry on top, it was so pretty.

The gift exchange took up most of the party, and was pretty fun. There was a wide variety of stuff. Some people stayed in the range of $15, as we were supposed to, and some people went all out. There was a CD player, some massaging chair cushion that played MP3's (WTF?), a coffee maker, some nice dishes, tools, this ginormous apple that was all covered in caramel and chocolate and almonds (I super-coveted this apple, which LT ended up with at the end of the night), and more.

When I went up on my turn to choose, you know what the gift I opened was? One book called "Do Penguins Have Knees?" and was full of other stupid questions (and, presumably, stupid answers) and a set of self-help tapes, clearly from the 80s... and one of the tapes was missing! I traded this quickly, and, at the end, went home with a coconut bath set (gel, salts, lotion, and a pouf).

When Boss J was opening something (I think a car emergency kit), he was a bit tipsy, and was rambling on reading all the different things it contained. And he ended his monologue with, "...and a partridge in a FUCKING PEAR TREE!" I have never laughed so hard in my life.

In other work news:

- I'm going to work with LT's mom at her store again today. I am excited about this, if for no other reason than that I'll have "Nature's Bounty" for lunch again.

- I have an interview on Monday! I don't want to jinx it so I won't say a lot, but they seem eager to hire someone (I applied Thursday night and they called me Friday morning) and I intend to be my most charming (yeah, which is not so much) and employable on Monday.