Nov 17 2007
Voting is Underrated!
I come from a state that screwed up royally in the 2000 election – Florida! Gore would have had the election had just a few more apathetic people went out and voted for him. They sure as hell didn’t want Bush, but they were too lazy to vote… then look what happened! We went to war, gas prices rose, the economy is shit, the job market sucks, marshall law COULD be declared, we were attacked in NY, and we have a douchebag ruling our free world!
So, dear friends… I URGE you! Do not be apathetic. If you want to HELP change the hands of government, or even make ME smile… vote! If you live in California, click here to register! It’s fast and easy. If you’ve moved, make sure you reregister. If you have changed your name even.. reregister!
Please do it soon… the primaries MAY be moved to February, and if you are a registered Dem or Repub, you CAN vote in them! If you want to change your party just to vote in the primaries, then reregister! Do whatever you can to make sure that we do not get another moron in the White House! We have some good candidates out there – Clinton & Obama are both doing pretty well on the Dems side. Both really want to help the environment, protect womens’ rights, and get us out of Iraq as soon as possible (with a plan to do it). Please please please, register to vote and VOTE!
Nov 13 2007
Blog Confessional
A. List 6 facts/habits/confessions about yourself.
B. At the end of the post, tag 5 people and post their names, then go to their blogs and leave them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and pointing them your blog.
I was hoping to avoid, but I’ve been tagged. đ Okay… let me try this..
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1. I’ve been terrible at keeping up with friends from back east. I wish I had Keri’s motivation, energy and devotion. I love my friends; but for some reason, I just don’t contact them. I wish I knew why. I didn’t even call James on his birthday, and I feel absolutely terrible about it. I am trying to think of a way to make it up to him, because an apology is not good enough. Ugh. I need to work on this.
2. I am thoroughly disappointed in my career-life… so much so that I have driven home in tears. I feel pigeon-holed into an admin-type lifestyle, when I am capable of so much more! I have been a Town Clerk, Web Designer, Web Design Manager (over 14 designers), an Office Manager, Town Event Planner & Photographer, Town Policy & Procedure Writer, an Art Teacher, and many other things – most without the titles to go along with those duties. I have letters of recommendation from the Broward County Mayor, Town Mayor, Town Manager and Residents, but I can’t seem to land a position in which I can grow & excel. I think something must be wrong with how I am approaching things. I feel a lot of failure here.
3. I tried going back to school for my Masters in Business, but hated it so much. I didn’t want to study, read, do group projects 2 nights a week or even gain any knowledge. I just wanted the freakin’ degree so that I could ask for more money when applying to jobs I don’t really want. It was a very sad attempt at a better financial future. I got A’s in both my classes and never went back. I didn’t want to spend my valuable free time doing something that was making me miserable… especially when deep down, I believe that I’m worth the money now – if only someone would give me a chance to be a manager again!
4. I have an unhealthy attachment to my memories. I think it may be from losing my mom so young, but I am so overly nostalgic. I don’t know anyone who reminisces as much as I do. I always feel like nobody cares about who I am, where I came from and what I’ve done. I feel like hardly anyone wants to hear my stories or see photos from my past. I think to myself, “So, this is what it’s like living just for myself.” It’s pretty lonely. I do have great friends, but they mostly seem interested in the memories they’ve made with me or memories of their past. Hardly anyone asks me about my past or to hear stories from my childhood. I don’t really know why this is. I wonder if I do this too. I might. Sigh.
5. I have always felt somewhat of a loner. I have many friends and have lots of social events, but I still feel lonely. I love playing board games… which (it seems) people begrudgingly play with me since they do like me and want to make me happy. I also love photography, but people get annoyed when I want to stop to photograph things I see that I think are beautiful. I feel like a child in a 30 year old’s body. I have great friends who love to do many of the things I do, but not to the extent that I do… I feel like I’m running a marathon and leaving everyone behind all the time. At 3am, the party is still going in my world, but everyone else has gone home or passed out. Another scenario is at work… I have many people around me who smile or say hi, but hardly anyone invites me to join them for lunch or to walk and talk. I am almost always forgotten when it comes to meetings, birthday celebrations, and the like. It’s so bizarre. I don’t think I’ve pissed anyone off, but I am just not part of anyone’s ‘group’ so I don’t really matter. The rebel in me doesn’t care, but the lonely girl just wants to be included or thought of. It’s such a conflict for someone like me who shows huge (but not overbearing – I hope) amounts of confidence in the workplace and in social situations.
6. Last… the one I dread to type… I am actually scared of having a future regret of not having kids. I don’t want kids, I don’t think babies are particularly cute, I don’t like to wake up all night (or early), I love to travel and spend money on photography and going to new places. I love sleeping and not having any obligations to children (other than my cats), and I love being “free” from that type of financial responsibility too. I don’t even have money for a condo, let alone to send a kid to college one day! I just hope that I don’t regret it. Right now, I am so happy with my choice not to have kids. I know they enrich people’s lives, but I just don’t ‘crave’ them nor can I afford them. I can barely afford my damn bills. My fear is that I’ll be 45 and then freak out and wish I could have a child, but be physically unable to have one. I hope that never happens, but I am afraid of that possible regret.
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Okay, I tag Missy, Megan, Josef, John & Liz
Nov 09 2007
Tagged by Erica
Erica tagged everybody!!! So, I’ll do the same… go for it!
Whatâs the first thing you do when waking up in the morning?
Snooze the alarm and feed the cats
Do you prefer a shower or bath?
Shower
How many times a day do you brush your teeth?
2
How often do you find yourself thinking about your ex?
I am friends with most of my ex’s, so somewhat often
What kind of cell phone do you have?
Nokia Music Phone (purple / white)
What would you do with a 10 bill you found on the ground?
Look around to see if anyone was looking for it, if not, I’d buy lunch.
What would you do with your significant other if you knew today was your last day with them?
That’s so sad.. I’d make him breakfast, go hiking with him, have a hot romp session, and lay in his arms talking with him
Have you said âI love youâ today?
Yes
Whatâs one thing you actually remember about kindergarten?
Having to change in a classroom full of boys to go swimming. Ugh.
Are you closer with your mom or dad?
Mom (until she died), now: dad
Do you prefer the tanning bed or the sun?
Sun
Is chocolate really better than sex?
No, but it is damn good
Whatâs 2 of your favorite movies?
Moulin Rouge & Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Whatâs the last thing you think about before going to sleep at night?
I’m so happy… I wish I could sleep in too! Oh, and where’d Dagan go?
What would you do if your best friend jumped on your ex the day after you two split?
My best friends would NEVER do that to me!
Does your life seem to revolve around drama?
No way
How do you calm down when your extremely angry?
Close my eyes, breathe and then write about it
Do long distance relationships actually work out?
Not without commitment first, and still not often
Ever thought you met âThe Oneâ?
Yes
What are 2 of your favorite places to eat?
El Morfi and Good Earth
3 of your favorite places to shop?
Target, Amazon.com & Best Buy
Do you currently have a job?
Yes, and I hate it right now. I want to do something more enjoyable!
Which would you preferâŚbe rich and miserable, or poor and extremely happy?
Happiness, no matter what!
Whatâs one of your favorite TV shows?
Futurama
What did you want to be when you âgrow upâ?
Translator
Do you know who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
Yeah, but I don’t care
Would you want a house at the beach or in the mountains?
Mountains
Which would you rather haveâŚa huge walk in shower or a jacuzzi bath tub?
Jacuzzi
Do you look up or at your feet when you walk?
Up
Whatâs your favorite ice cream?
Mint Cookies & Cream by Breyers
Do you like StarbucksâŚor are they just overpriced?
Overpriced!
Are you a prep or a jeans-and-t-shirt type of person?
Jeans and t-shirt
What color are your eyes?
Brown
Do you have glasses or contacts?
Neither
Is it love at first sight or lust?
Usually lust
Which do you wantâŚa big extravagant wedding or a quiet intimate ceremony?
Something in the middle
Whatâs the most expensive thing you own?
Prius
Whatâs the most youâve ever spent on a pair of jeans?
$60
What color are your bedroom walls?
Purple & Green
Do you ever actually make your bed?
Yes, every day
How many pillows do you have to sleep with?
3
Do you prefer to sleep alone or with someone?
With John & the kitties
Nov 08 2007
Slit Wrists
Tonight, Bobby came over to pick up Raziel (who’s been over visiting for a few days). Raziel is a very difficult cat to capture when he knows a cat carrier is involved. He HATES car rides and carriers. So, after a few escapes from John, Bobby & myself, we finally got him into the carrier. Sadly, all of us were left a bit bloody. I think Bobby got the deepest cut, but I certainly got the most disturbing cut. I have two slices on my left wrist that hurt pretty damn bad. I love Raziel, but damn he’s got claws! Bobby doesn’t really want to bring him over as often because of this issue, but I still hope to see him over here again in a few months. I love having the kids visit đ
In other news, John, Ryan & I had a great visit to San Diego this past weekend. The zoo was wonderful, and I got so many great pics of the Meercats! I should have them up soon, so check out the photo section!
Well, it’s midnight, and I should head to bed soon. I am doing the Waggler tomorrow (newsletter) and have a lot going on this weekend. I could use a good night’s rest.
Nov 03 2007
Zooooooooooooooooo
Halloween was great! Went to a party at Lyse’s and there were great costumes! See some pix here! 
Sadly, I had to work on Thursday, so we couldn’t stay out too late. It was great to see everyone!
Today is now Friday. Halloween has come and gone, but it was really fun. I wonder what I’ll be next year… I’d like to be Snow White! Anyhow, tonight, John & I have been cleaning a bit and watching Arrested Development Season 2. I love this show!!!
Tomorrow, John, Ryan & I are going to the San Diego Zoo! I am so excited. I love the zoo! We’re then heading out to wander the gas lamp district for dinner. Bobby is cat sitting. He’ll be taking Dante & Raziel home with him too. We love having them over to visit! They are such wonderful kitties!
On Sunday, John & I are going to the Wild Animal Park. Ryan has to work, so he won’t be joining us sadly. Have a great night! I’ll post zoo pix as soon as I can!
Oct 29 2007
Halloween is Here… and There
Halloween began early this year with lots of parties! On Friday, John, Josef & I drove down to Lomita to Sarah, Casey & Emily’s Pirate Party! Josef & I dressed up for the occasion. It was so much fun! We ate pizza, had some drinks and treats, watched Goonies & Pirates of the Caribbean, chatted, then played Piratology. Megan, Jenette, Missy, & John were also there. I tried Captain Morgan’s Tattoo… it was really yummy!
On Saturday, I slept in, pretty damn late, then I worked on my Halloween layout. Do you like it? John & I played DDR for a bit, before we got showers and I got ready for Lacey’s Birthday & Halloween party. Josef came over at 6pm, and we left around 7pm. It took me awhile longer to get ready than expected. I seem to be allergic to white face make-up (it burned my skin) so I used eye shadow instead.
John wasn’t able to make the party, so Josef & I drove out to San Bernadino, chatting about life, work, love and stupidity. We got to Lacey’s in exactly an hour! Mike, Steve, Ryan, Ricki & Erik were already there. Bobby showed up shortly after, then Karla came by for a bit too. We spent the night drinking, laughing, playing karaoke 80s and 90s on the PS2, and chatting! It was so much fun!
Sunday was a nice day too! I slept in a bit, then worked on some css for my site layouts. Josef came over for a bit, then I worked on editing pix. John & I ended up going to dinner at El Morfi tonight. Lyse & I were gonna have dinner, but she had something come up. El Morfi is so gooooooood!
This week should be good and busy! John & I are gonna start working out in the mornings! We have Bar Trivia on Tues night, Halloween is on Wednesday (party at Lyse’s), Thursday is my monthly massage and Friday is a night in! Sounds good to me!
All pix are up from this weekend. Click here to view albums! Scroll all the way down for most recently added albums. Also, don’t forget to register to post comments!
Oct 22 2007
Welcome Autumn
This weekend started off pretty harsh, but turned out wonderful. On Friday, I left work early because I was miserable and felt like quitting. I was sick to my stomach with stress and anxiety. I went to the American Cancer Society straight from work and signed up to volunteer. They will call me for orientation soon.
Once I got home, I started prepping for the Autumn Party (putting up new photos on the wall, decorating and straightening up). When John got home, I started feeling better. We stayed in and watched TV, talked and cuddled.
On Saturday, we woke up at 10:30am and got ready to have lunch with my dad at Billy’s Deli. I then went for a mani/pedi/eyebrow wax. After that, I wandered over to the mall to buy gifts for friends (birthdays and early Christmas). John picked me up outside the mall and drove us to Ralph’s to buy groceries for the party.
Once home, we cleaned up some more and started making our pot luck items. Ryan showed up early and helped prep. The rest of the guests starting arriving just after 7pm. We began eating after 8:30pm, and the food was great! I want to thank all of our friends who came for making / bring food and supplies and for being there with us to celebrate the autumn in such a fun, social way! John & I had such a great time!!! After hours of great conversations, we played Twister, DDR and Taboo. Missy kicks ass at Twister, John rules the dance-floor on DDR and Taboo is anyone’s game… except Esella & mine. Haha. It was a really fun night. I hope to have pix up soon.
Sunday began a bit too early for my liking, but it was worth it. Bobby, Sam, Josef & I met up with Megan & Jeanette in Santa Monica to see Control (a movie about the life of Ian Curtis of Joy Division). It was excellent – thoroughly depressing too! We all walked out of there with a hint of depression lingering in our heads and hearts. What torment, what a life… it sure hurts to grow up, some people just don’t make it. Sad.
After the movie, I dropped Bobby, Sam & Josef off, petted Dante for a bit and then ran some errands. Once home, I updated my resume and posted it on Monster. I really want to get into Public Speaking – raising awareness for Breast Cancer and Environmental Issues. I think it’s time for a change. I hope I can find my door. Sully, Mike, help me find my door!!!
Oct 14 2007
Happy as a House Cat
This weekend, John & I cleaned and organized the apartment. We are not done, but we are getting close. It looks great! He worked in the kitchen while I put my crap away from all over the dining and living room. I also decorated for the Autumn Party! I realized I need a lot more decor, but can’t afford it this year. Oh well.
This Friday was the last Fright Night for some time. Noah may bring it back in 2009. It was fun, but soggy. I hung out with Sarah, Casey & Josef most of the night. There were so many people, and almost everyone was inside due to the rain. It was really cramped. Sarah made cupcakes, and they were soooo good! None of us stayed too late, as we were all tired from the day. Sarah & Casey drove me back to my car so I wouldn’t have to deal with the rain or any crazy locals.
Once I got home, I worked on some photo editing for a bit.
On Saturday, John & I slept in a bit, then got up to start cleaning.
Today, Sunday, will be another day of cleaning. We’re going to tackle the computer room. Wish us luck!
Oct 12 2007
What Happened to Last Weekend?
I have been meaning to recap last weekend, but I’ve been so busy this week that I haven’t had time.
It’s already Friday, Oct 12th. Tonight is Fright Night (the very last).
So, last weekend… on Friday, John & I walked to Foxy’s Diner after work, then came home and watched movies (So I Married an Ax Murderer & Shaun of the Dead).
On Saturday, we woke up rather early to get ready for the day. We went to the mall, and I bought an Alice in Wonderland velvet zip-up from the Disney Store, then headed down to Disney to meet up with my dad for lunch and wander the park. It was so crowded, we only got on one ride: Buzz Lightyear.
After Disney, John & I went to Irvine for the Alice Cooper / QueensrĂżche show. Heaven & Hell was headlining, but we didn’t stay for them. QueensrĂżche was really good, but no stage show this time. Alice was great as always! Lyse & a friend of hers were there for the show as well.
Once Alice was done, we headed to Hollywood to catch the last Gertie Fox show. John & I went to Koji’s first for a drink and to say hi to Vanessa. Gertie Fox was fun, but we didn’t stick around for the after party. We went home and passed out.
Sunday was also a busy day. I woke up, went to a timeshare presentation, then headed over to Megan & Maria’s to hang out and meet MacGuyver (Megan’s kitten). He was so tiny, cute and black! I had fun playing with him. We made pizza and watched High Spirits. It was a great, relaxing afternoon.
At about 4:45pm, I headed home, did a few chores, then headed to Gavin’s to meet up with he and Lyse for the Shins’ concert. It was a great show. I was pretty damn close to the front too, so I took a few pix, which I’ll post eventually.
It was a fun weekend!
Sep 29 2007
Two Things Meme
Two Names You Go By
1. Arielle
2. Arie
Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:
1. Pirates Long-Sleeve Shirt
2. Blue Jeans
Two Things You Would have in a Relationship:
1. Trust
2. Passion
Two of Your Favorite Things to do:
1. Relax with John & Kitties
2. Travel and Explore the World (starting with California)
Two Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment:
1. Lunch
2. Enough money to buy a house and art studio
Two pets you had/have:
1. Cats
2. Bird (at my dad’s house)
Two things you did last night:
1. Had dinner with John
2. Watched Futurama with Josef
Two things you ate today:
1. Cereal
2. Nothing
Two people you Last Talked To:
1. John
2. Liz’s voicemail
Two longest car rides:
1. Fort Lauderdale, FL to Los Angeles, CA
2. Fort Lauderdale, FL to Cherry Hill, NJ
Two Favorite Holidays:
1. Halloween
2. Christmas/New Years
Two favorite beverages:
1. Orange Juice (with pulp)
2. Iced Tea
Sep 25 2007
Weekend Recap
After staying up really late on Friday night, I tried to sleep in on Saturday. For some reason, I just couldn’t do it. I got up by 10:00am, then stayed in bed til almost 10:30am. I made breakfast and lounged on the couch. John & I didn’t do much that day. It rained all day. We wanted to go hiking in Malibu. We wanted to go to Six Flags. All we could do is stay home and watch TV / Movies.
In the evening, when we fully realized we weren’t going anywhere, we decided to make cupcakes and watch The Thirteenth Floor (I love that movie). We stayed up pretty late that night, relaxing and playing on our computers. I edited photos. My albums are coming along nicely on my new photo site. I’ll post the link in another week or so.
On Sunday, I really wanted to give “sleeping in” another shot. Sadly, Sandy decided we had slept long enough and did a flying leap from the window-sill to my stomach while I was in a very deep state of sleep. I woke up yelling and in a slight panic. I was so pissed off. I refused to get out of bed to feed her, so John did. I couldn’t go back to sleep after that. Meh.
Ryan showed up at our place at 1pm, and he & I went to the LA Zoo to chat and wander for a few hours. He then came back over and we watched parts of Trading Places and Super Troopers before John & I headed down to Disneyland for the evening. It’s Halloween Time at Disney, so Nightmare is back at the Haunted Mansion and Main Street USA is decorated with Jack-O-Lanterns. In just a few hours, we were able to ride the Tower of Terror, Thunder Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones and the Matterhorn. We ate at this really good Mexican place near Big Thunder. They give you lots of food!!!! We made it home before midnight and I was still wired from the day, so I was up til about 1am.
Back to work yesterday… busy, tired, blah blah blah
Sep 22 2007
Rain Rain – Here to Stay? Come Again in a few days!
It’s raining! It rained out the wedding I photographed tonight… and it’s still raining now. It will rain til about 3pm tomorrow too (ruining my hike perhaps); however, the rain is really needed here. I wish it would thunder and lightening too! I love the sound of rain. I just don’t like when it rains too much (like in FL). It doesn’t rain enough here in Los Angeles. It is beautiful when it does.