mocha|blue

My The Hunger Games Phase

2012-01-11T00:12:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012!

I think it was back in college (1997-ish) when I've had an epiphany. I was only my way to a lecture with a Baskin Robbins Mocha Blast in hand and I was feeling a bit guilty for my seeming routine to always get a Mocha blast on my way to class. Then I stopped and it dawned on me: I go through phases. That particular slice of time, I was into Mocha Blast. I knew I'd tire of it eventually, but during those days, especially during those lectures, they were my one pleasure. And see, even now, 15+ years later, I do remember those days fondly as my Mocha Blast days.

Just recently was what I call my "vampire phase". Gosh. I had lots of posts about Twilight & True Blood. I am over it now...and i'm thinking I am now in my Hunger Games phase. I have finished the whole series and don't think I've ever loved a series as much. Yes, I thought the Girl with the Dragon Tatoo is GREAT, awesome even, but it was not an easy read. This one was soo un-put-down-able, and I just want to note here..in my journal and acknowledge this phase.

I don't think I do a great job in reviewing books since i'm not a big book person, and so i'll just answer some of the questions they posed at With A Good Book and go with that.

Here are their questions:

Who was your favorite character in The Hunger Games? Why?
While I love Katniss, Peeta has really won me over by the end of the book. I just fall for that kind of character. In Twilight, Edward was supposed to be the epitome of the "perfect man", but I hardly thought so, and his prude-ness was very off-putting. To me, the closest to being perfect in terms of what mean to me is Peeta. And to think that there's really no sex in this book, it's not about that, it's the goodness of his heart that comes across loud in clear in the series

What did you feel was the most emotional moment in book? Which part was the hardest to read?
The deaths were pretty hard, especially Rue - even though we all knew she was going to die, but I did love the part where she sang the song for her, and even more touching was getting the bread from Rue's district

Why do you think fire is an appropriate symbol for Katniss?
She's raw. She's not one you can easily control.

How does Katniss’ early encounter with Peeta affect their relationship after they are chosen as tributes?
She just felt like she owed him her life, due to the bread and why and how on earth can she kill him? There's really no justification in her mind even if it's for the games to see the person who gave her the lifeline to live die.

Did your perception of Peeta change over the course of The Hunger Games? How and why?
Yes and No. Ever since he said he loved her before the games, I just knew he did everything for her. But, because the book seemed to set it up that it was going to be Gale & Katniss, I did end up a bit surprised that I was rooting for Peeta in the end.

Why does Katniss ignore Haymitch’s advice to head directly away from the Cornucopia? Did she do the right thing to fight for equipment?
Wait. Am I mistaken? She was going to go for it...but because she had the split second thought, she ended up only getting the backpack and a small plastic thing, right? Which was why she was cursing Peeta when she saw him going for it and she had to retreat?

Why does Peeta join with the Career Tributes in the beginning of the Games? What does he hope to gain? Why do they accept him when they start hunting as a group?
Of course he wanted to protect her. The Careers on the other hand were a bit stupid to think that he would lead them to her. The question was, what were the careers thinking!?

What did you think of the fact that they changed the rules partway through the games to allow two winners from the same district?
I actually like this part. I think this is what makes this book so compelling. The games are more comparable to Big Brother than it is a football game. The people behind it are real people who end up "falling in love" with the characters on the screen. As an example, in True Blood, in the books, Lafayatte was killed in the end of the first season, but since the actor who played Lafayette turned out to be a fan favorite, I think Alan Ball just could not kill him off. He made a conscious decision to change the course of the series. In a sense, the game makers were seeing that the love story angle was getting them the ratings and the need to prolong it somehow...and it was a brilliant move, for a little while. And then of course, announcing later that the rules have changed yet again. It's just as well.

Overall, I can't say enough about how good this book is, how greatly paced it is and compelling the characters are. I can't wait to see the movie

A Barenaked Ladies Tribute (and my favorite Songs)

2011-09-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

I've been a fan of the Barenaked Ladies since their Gordon days, but admit I've kinda fallen off the wagon since Steven Page left the band. It was only recently, as the kids have re-discovered their music thru my iPad that I've felt a bit nostalgic. They were a pretty great band with lots of good music, and I do want to still love them without Steven, but Kevin is just not a strong a vocalist as Steven was. But with so many albums and so many concerts attended, they remain as one of my favorite bands with songs that get me. ever. single. time.

Here are my favorite BNL songs:

#1 Off The Hook | Maroon

This may be my all time favorite BNL song. I'm not sure if it's because it wasn't one of the hits and therefore, it doesn't feel overplayed (ahem, One Week). I also really love the melody, the play of words, and by gosh, steven can really sing thing. Video is from their Ships N Dips tour.

Notable Lines: The credit card receipts / the dirty sheets / the souvenirs of men who cheat / it all makes sense / with each offense / you wanted to believe him / he could get away with murder one / and you would clean the smoking gun / with every crime / you bought each line / but not this time

#2 What a Good Boy | Gordon
I really really love this song. A very close second. The words just really strike me, and even though for a long time, I was like, 'What the fuck is a hairshirt?', it still a really great song. To me, this is about a person right out of college and thinking about the pressures on them from family to do good, to be good, to be someone. Steven just really nails this song.

See this, one of his Steven's last performances. This one at Massey Hall:

But, Ed I think can also pull it off. See this from a Hard Rock performance.

Notable Lines: we've got these chains / hanging around our necks / people want to strangle us with them / before we take our first breath / afraid of change / afraid of staying the same / when temptation calls / we just look away

#3 Break Your Heart | Born on a Pirate Ship
I don't mean for this post to be all about Steven Page, but, here is yet another great song with his great vocals. It's kind of a break up song that I think is more prevalent - that people don't break up, because they dont' want to break the other person's heart. Here's a good one from the Stunt Tour in 1999.

Notable Lyrics: you arrogant man / what do you think that i am? / my heart will be fine / just stop wasting my time!

#4 Just a Toy | Born on a Pirate Ship
This was another one that is not a hit, but after finding out that the song was about Pinocchio and how one of the other toys must've felt like once Gipetto created Pinocchio, it had loved it. The words are just great.

Notable Lyrics: first there was me / nothing but time / till he came along / you told me you'd always be mine / forever / ever mine / look at his face / somewhat like mine / but look at his nose / you can always be sure when he's lying / forever / ever mine

#5 Call and Answer | Stunt
This is such a lovely song, much to the same vein as Break your heart and What a Good boy, the lyrics are great and really a great duet. My favorite has to be from the Au Naturale tour with Alanis Morisette.

Notable Lyrics: you think / i only think about you when were both in the same room / i'm only here to witness the remain of love exhumed / you think / we're here to play a game of who loves more than whom

#6 Running out of Ink | Barenaked Ladies are Men
Ahh, I love this song! I do love a lot of their upbeat / fast songs, but this one is really cool that I used it for one of my video albums. Here's Steven doing the song in a songwriter's panel.

Notable lyrics: it's bleaker than you think / i'm running out of ink / give a guy a break / this is what it takes / to drive a man to drink

#7 If I had 1,000,000 | Gordon

I actually really really love this song. The only reason it's lower on the list is that it's one of their most famous songs so, it can be a little overdone - but man, this song is great LIVE. BNL uses this song at the end of their concert and each performance is different. This is just one, not the best, by any means, but just to show how cool the song really is.

Notable Lyrics: (it's all good!)...but i really like this part: but not a real green dress, that's cruel

#8 BNL Rap

Ah, this was the reason I've gone to many concerts and am glad it was something my hubby escorted me to. The rap is different each time, but always, always entertaining. this was from Farm Aid, back in 2000. You just have to see it to love it. Here's another one.

Best Puzzle Type Games for this Generation

2011-08-19T23:38:00.000-07:00

I love puzzle games. I was a Tetris queen as a youngster, not because I was great at it (I was ok), but because I loved playing the game. While my love for Tetris has died, my love for the Puzzle type game continued, and here are some of the best ones I've obsessed over the years:

Puzzle Fighter
This was my husband & my obsession for a few years, back in the glory heyday of Playstation 2. I can still hear the background music when I think about this, and the specific glory cries of each character (Sakura was my favorite!) This is a match game, good for 2 players.

It's pretty much in the tetris format where things are dropped down. Premise is simple: Create gems by combining colors together and when the swirly icon comes, it's the detonator and the bigger the gem you detonated, the bigger the shitload of gems to drop on your opponents side. The first one to have their screen fill up with gems loses.

Chuzzle
This one is a PC game, I believe, but it does work well on the iPhone. As my hubby loves puzzle games too, this was one we've wasted too much of each other's time trying to "beat" each other's score. Too bad it's not a game we can play with each other. We were just relegated to giving each other smack talk while the other one plays. (Or we both play on our own phones and see who gets the higher score. We are dorks, we know.)

You start with a screen full of chuzzles and you move the chuzzles in a grid, up-down, left-right, until you line up 3 or more in a row and they detonate. You keep going until it gets harder. As you pass levels, you will get "locked" chuzzles which will not allow you to move a row. FYI, if you run out of moves, you just wait for one of the Chuzzles to roll their eyes and AHA! there's the move I was missing. You die when you run out of moves.

Bejeweled Blitz

My Bejeweled Blitz obsession was not as long as the Chuzzle, but I did still find it very very addicting. I only downloaded it after months of hearing Sarah (of Sarah & Vinnie) talk about kicking ass on that game. My hubby did not quite get into this one, I'm not so sure why...I was all alone with my Bejeweled Blitz love.

If you ever played "Sweet Tooth" in the PC games, this is similar. Like, Chuzzle, you already start with a boardful of jewels. you "swap" the jewels until you make jewels 3 in a row. The more you pop, the more points you get. You die when you run out of moves. I have never reached high levels, I don't think I've locked all of it's secrets, but it's good clean puzzle fun.

Birzzle

You're like, Bir...what!!? Yes, it's a weird name, I think they're trying to go for Bird-puzzle? Haha, regardless of it's funny name, it's my new obsession with the iPad. They try to get you in by giving you the free "lite" version. I finished all 8 levels in one sitting and was wanting more.

The premise of the puzzle is the same. Get three of the same birds in a row to get a power bird, which can have great powers later. The higher the level, the more variation of birds, etc. etc. I can tell this will be one of our go-to games as the kids love it too.

Know of any other Puzzle type game I'm missing? I'd love to know!

Team Food: A Sesame Seed Bagel shout out

2011-08-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

I just want to give a shout out to the sesame seed bagel. Every monday, while it sucks to get out of bed, thinking about the entire week of work ahead of me, there is one shining spot. Every Monday at the office is Bagel Day! We get quite a selection of Panera Bread Bagels (yum!) with all kinds of shears.

The funny part is that within the eagerness of Bagel day is the subset of people called the Sesame Seed Bagel People. I started noticing since if I just end up getting in a bit late, all the sesame seed bagels are gone! So, I started keeping an eye out every Monday for the bagels to come in and... Ka-Bam! I'm maneuvering my way to the kitchen. Lo and behold, all the other SSBP are also in the kitchen! It's like 5 people all toasting the same fuckin' bagel. What is up with that!? They eventually figured it out and added more sesame seed bagels to the pile (it used to be 5% and now, it's like 30%), but it's a bit funny what people will do to food.

Go Team Food!

Replenish Cleaner

2011-08-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

This is interesting! I happened upon this one reading this week's posts on Apartment Therapy regarding cleaning products. The idea is that instead of paying for the "mixed" in cleaning product everyone else is selling - why not pay only for the concentrated version and then add you own water. It helps keep packaging small, you get more for your money, and help the environment.

Replenish! The bottle looks pretty cool, and they have a few scents available.

I haven't tried it yet, but next time I go to whole foods, I will keep an eye out. The biggest question for me now is: will it really clean good?

Boon Bath Fun!

2011-08-12T23:41:00.000-07:00

I'm already a boon fan. I have bought the frog pad for the tub for the kids and I love it. It's really great. It's really just a place for the kids toys, but why not make it fun?

Since my boys are a bit older, I've been out of touch to the next new! cool! toy! but came across this - soo cute! It's called "creatures". Again, they're bath toy, but it's got fun colors and cool creature to create. I hope to see this the next time I go on a Target run. Hah!

Dr. Horrible's: Freeze Ray

2011-08-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

So, it's no secret that I am a big big Neil Patrick Harris fan. He's just so good that when I hear him sing, my love for theatre grows.

This one is from a really good movie slash musical slash he did with Nathan Fillion and Felicia Day. Joss Whedon's Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog. It's a really cute little production. Here's my favorite song on there..

Video is the new Photo Album

2011-08-11T23:00:00.001-07:00

This was one of the first video compilations I've made where I thought: huh, that was a decent job. I mean, really, this iMovie thing really works. As we are now a generation of YouTube viewers...seems to make sense that we resort to videos as a way to reminisce, and remember.

I also can see the evolution of the movies I've made so far. In the beginning, eager to learn all of iMovie's goodness, even had a beginning slide of Joshua's foot. I thought he had the cutest baby feet of all (Ha! As a Mom I should've known all moms would think that of their own baby's feet!), but I totally thought I can carry it through and showcase Josh's foot as he grew older.

YouTube was also still growing as back then we had a 100 mb limit (or was it 20??), and that really hindered the quality of the video. At my own computer, the quality of the video is great, but translated, it's a bit grainy. Oh well!

As I watch this back, it takes me to that time of my life, and see the places we've been, the people we hung out with, the events that have happened, and that's where we're at. It's a video album, a snapshot of that time and I think for the next generation, it'll be the way to compile memories.

Audio: Float On by Modest Mouse

Orla Kiely & The Cabin Upright

2011-08-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

One of the things I dream about in the "when-i-become-successful" variety is being able to travel and jet set around the world! Part of that is having the oh-so-cute-est travel luggage. That perfect luggage is, of course, Orla Kiely. I mean look at this, it's just the awesomest looking thing ever. Now, it must be small enough that it fits the overhead compartment. You won't trust this to be milling around with the rest of the luggages of the checked-in variety. That's because this luggage would be more expensive than anything inside it.

Sigh. I just saw this one at See Jane Work and it's already marked 25% off and I still couldn't afford it. But who am I kidding. I should first wait for the opportunity to travel, no?

The Cutest iPhone SLR!

2011-08-10T22:46:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about having a great gadget like the iPhone 4 is to have even better accessories! My friend has turned me on to Photojojo because of all the cool photography gifts for that photographer (or budding photographer) in your life. For my father in law last Christmas, we got him a thermal cup that looks like an SLR lens. Very very cute!

Now, look at this! It's a cute little SLR lens for your iPhone! Don't you want it? I know I do...

Source Code, A Movie Review

2011-07-29T00:43:00.000-07:00

I just watched this movie twice in the last two days. I really liked it. It's funny because I'm not a big Jake Gyllenhaal fan.

Don't get me wrong, I am not a hater - but for the life of me, I can't think of any movie he had where I really remembered him. I just checked imdb, and he's done love and other drugs (which I will watch this weekend), prince of persia (I did not watch. long hair? sands? ugh.), jarhead (I hear it's good, but I didn't see it), the good girl (another good one, I hear, but I have not seen it yet). Anyway, he wasn't the pull...but in the end, I think he did a really great job. You feel for him and his character.

I really liked it. It sucked me right in the first scene where he's trying to figure out what's going on...It's nicely paced. Michelle did a pretty great job, and I find her very pretty. She was also pretty in that McDreamy rom com, title of which escapes me right now.

I still don't know exactly what a source code is, or the actually technicalities of these "alternate" universe, and for a movie to still be compelling, and easy to follow for such a complicated topic, I think it's worth applauding. It's a great movie, highly recommended.

My Portenzo iPad2 Case

2011-07-27T23:09:00.000-07:00

It took a lot of effort and countless hours of searching the web, looking at video & blog reviews, but I finally have the case that I wanted. The winner is the Portenzo case in Retro. Do I love it? Yes, I do - but it does have it's disadvantages.

First, here are the winning points:

It's incognito. While I love the simple design of the iPad2, I'm not keen on having everyone and their brother knowing I'm lugging one around. I find it perfect for the coffee shop, meetings, and pretty much everywhere you are just waiting around
It's looks like a moleskin notebook. Simple design, with the signature band around it.
It's orange! I love the color of the inside (lime green) and outside. It's the fun of having the simple book design, but still having it's own personality
It's designed around the iPad2 best features: close to sleep, holes for camera, etc.
It's pretty tough, and holds the iPad2 well.

Here's a few things I'm not so fond of:

While it's not heavy, it does bring the weight of the iPad2 more.
The "Portenzo" signature at the back of the book is about 30% too big...a slightly less obnoxious one would've pleased me better
There's no real good way to prop the iPad2 for good viewing...I tried, it just kinda flips and flops unless you perfected the angle. I just end up propping it will pillows

Before I found this, I was thinking about getting the Dodo Case, which is local (San Francisco!), but there were a couple of reviews that put the doubt in me, hence, going with this, it's formidable competitor...All in all, it was worth it's 7-week wait time :)

H is for I Am Sam

2011-07-26T00:33:00.000-07:00

You know why groupon or living social actually work? I see this add for discount on Dr. Seuss "limited edition" prints and I was actually tempted to buy it. Really. At a time when we are saving every little bit up, this sort of thing just kinda sucks you in. Hmm...would this be so cool for the kids room? Maybe next time.

The Retro Phone Handset

2011-07-26T00:16:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, it's a Retro Phone Handset!

Apparently, Lenny Kravitz was spotted rockin' one of these bad boys...so, it must be cool, right? right? Haha, I'd love to get one of these, I think they're more ergonomic than the square phones, and it's such a great visual out of the road.

Thoughts on Dexter (Part 1)

2011-03-06T14:33:00.000-08:00

Wow. It's been more than a year since I've updated this blog. Funny how a Facebook account can just get the point across faster...but not when you don't have the friends that share your passion. Where are the Dexter fans?

I've just for the past few weeks watched all the Dexter episodes from start to finish. I've hesitated watching it all this time because I was afraid to see all the gore and the violence. Little did I know, I'd get so invested in the characters, the storyline and everything the way I was with other great shows like Six Feet Under, etc.

It all starts with a really amazing actor. Michael C Hall. Wow. I've loved him in Six Feet Under as David Fisher and I believed him in it. This, as Dexter Morgan, he is so different and true that I can hardly believe it's the same actor playing 2 very different roles. I am in awe.

As I've watched the entire 5 season in just a few weeks, I hope to remember all the nuggets that I've enjoyed in this roller coaster ride.

Random things in Season 1 to comment on:

Debra Morgan started out a bit clunky, I think, in the sense that she wasn't confident in her abilities as a cop. Always asking her brother to help her figure things out.
I loved that in the beginning, Dexter was looking through cold cases to find his victims (not something I'm loving in the more recent episodes).
It was alluded in this season that LaGuerta has a crush on Dexter. Not sure what happened there?
I hated Paul (Rita's ex) - and thought that Dexter banging Paul with the frying pan was one of the funniest things Dexter has ever done. To me, that was one real emotional reaction, which means he must've loved Rita.
I loved the Ice Truck Killer as the first big antagonist for Dexter and how that storyline unfolded the way it did. The pool of blood and Dexter slowly finding out about his birth mother was heartbreaking and intense as could be.
The reveal on Biney was also another really good turn at the end - the realization that he had a brother that was just like him and "Rudy" revealing himself to Deb...
I also really really loved Rita. I know what brought them together was for Dexter to "fit in" but I say that she did bring him a level of humanity. Their scenes in this season were perfect. They didn't say much but I thought they had some good chemistry. It was good acting on MCH's part to show someone who doesn't really know what "love" feels like to sort of have feelings, compassion and even a physical relationship. I thought he brought those to Dexter in a way that made you feel for him. Made you want him to find love and solace in the one person who loved him - even if she didn't really know what he was capable of doing.

Random Things in Season 2:

I hated Lila. I knew she was bad news the minute she laid eyes on Dexter.
I loved Doakes. I mean, I loved that he knew something was "wrong" with Dexter. It did get wild there by the end, but from Season 1 to portions of Season 2, it was just that you're-bad-news-but-I-cant-put-my-finger-on -it look that I loved.
Did I say I hated Lila? I think it bears a second repeating. Ugh. Parading around naked in the shower in the hopes that Dexter would stray. I did like that Dexter was just that socially inept that even that blatant come on did not work on him. She was persistent, though.
I loved Rita this season 2. She showed that she did have a back bone when she broke up with Dexter (because of Lila)
I also loved that this season, you see Dexter really falling for Astor & Cody. As much as a monster as he was, I believed he loved those children. Those little moments of Dexter making pancakes for them for breakfast is what endeared me to Dexter.
Bay Harbor Butcher. Lundy. Deb. Doakes. It's ALL good.
The montage of Dexter confessing to Deb about being the Bay Harbor Butcher was all kinds of awesome.

Will post about the next few seasons next!

Weekend Movie Marathon Reviews

2010-02-01T20:07:00.000-08:00

It was a weekend full of movies for me, and while it's fresh on my mind, here's what I thought:

500 Days of Summer

I enjoyed this movie. It was not as *kilig* (I can't find the right translation, sorry!) as I thought it would be, but it was a very good movie. Here's a few things I was thinking of:

Man, that Joseph Gordon Levitt sure grew up nice. He was perfect in this role. He was a little dorky, a little hot. A guy in love. In a world where it's always the girl geek falling in love with the quarterback, this was a nice change.
Wow. Zooey. is. hot. All the shots of her were absolutely beautiful. I get it. I get why you fall in love with her.
The jumping of timeline sort of confused me. Every time they would flash to what day (of 500) it was, I immediately think: Wait! Wait! Was this pre- or post- break up?
It was also a bit too artsy for me. Did we really need that musical number in there?
3/4 of the way through, I gave up the thought that they would get back together. Duh, they said it in the beginning, it was not a love story. Still - you root for the guy...
I also like that he was an architect. We never get a lot of representation in the movies...

This Is It

I was able to see this in the movies (trying to sneak one in while the kids were asleep) but I went ahead and splurged on a Blu-Ray since I fell for the ole Target $5.00 Gift Card trick. My few thoughts on this:

What can I say, like most of the dancers interviewed in the movie, we grew up on Michael Jackson songs! I remember performing "Billie Jean" with Gel & Jiki for the neighborhood in a contest (Yes, I was Michael, and NO - we lost to a boy who break danced to Bad)
The big reason why I loved this movie was that it had nothing to do with him being Wacko Jacko, it was just about the concert. Like most controversial issues, you have a stand - nothing can persuade you one way or another. This movie was not trying to do that. If you like his songs, you'd love this movie
I also felt a great deal of sadness and loss that this whole production - which looked fantastic would never see the light. All the costumes, all the rehearsals, all the props...
If the movie wanted me to see a version of him that is different from what the tabloids have been showing ,then it did it's job. What I saw was an artist - who still got it.
Man...those are great songs.

Sex and The City

I bought the DVD during Black Friday ($4!!) and have not whipped it out. I thought it was a good time to break it open as the kids were napping and it was a lazy Saturday afternoon. (Full review here) Here are my thoughts as I rewatch this movie:

The scene as just as powerful the second time around. I bawled, of course. The thing that struck me was that it was so believable. You wedding day is so hectic, if I lost my phone. I would not have noticed. I believed how Carrie can get Carried away without meaning to. I believed that Big would falter, if just for a second. It all rang so true (and yet, who among us have been asked to model all these fah-bu-lous dresses and have one given to you?? who among us have walked in an open house to a beautiful yet un-affordable house, turn to our partners and say "I love it!" and be living there the next month? Hah!!)
The Steve-Miranda storyline I still loved the second time around. The scene where Steve confessed....my heart broke. I thought it was great acting. The scene on the bridge...tears!!!
The only thing that seemed out of place - if ever, was the Samantha falling out of love with Smith. I don't get how Samantha would even get to a point where she was just managing Smith's career, and we didn't see that.

Twilight

This was playing on Showtime last night and it was my third time watching it and this time, I had my handy dandy remote control with me. My thoughts as I watch:

What. an. absolute. piece. of. shit. movie. this. is.
Go through my archives - I was fuckin' in love with Robert Pattinson. As I was re-watching this garbage, I do not see it. Edward was not handsome in this move at all. He had horrible reading on his lines! The one that comes to mind was the car scene when he first picked Bella up from the men at Port Angeles. Horrible!! When I read the book, it was dashing the way Edward rescued Bella. This interpretation? Deplorable!!!
When Edward first said "We can't be friends" to Bella at the field trip, I was all, "What? When were we friends!!??" (It makes more sense in the book, but did not translate well on screen...)
Of course, Bella still can't act.
When Edward showed off his glittery body, I laughed. When he swung from tree to tree as he spoke of his "abilities" as a Vampire, I laughed. Every time tell Bella, "You are my life now" I laugh.
I see Jacob on the screen and I *bloop-bloop-bloop* fast forward (after I laugh...)
I counted 3 (three!!!) scenes where Edward was hot: 1) First time in school as a couple - as he walked with Bella in shades 2) The first kissing scene - before the super OA (over acting) flying against the wall part and 3) In the Prom - all parts where he was smiling.

I have not seen New Moon yet, but I already wonder what Twilight would've been like if it had a better director...If only we can see.

Novice Baker Adventure #3: Chocolate Chip Cookies with Almonds

2009-12-30T15:52:00.000-08:00

I made these cookies shortly after trying the cupcakes. Again, I was in my Giada phase, hence, all these Giada recipes.

Chocolate Chip Cookies with Almonds
From Giada De Laurentiis (link to original recipe here)

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees
Combine the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until creamy, about 2 minutes.
Add the flour, almonds, and chocolate chips. Stir until just mixed.
Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough. Place on the cookie sheet. Bake until the tops look dry, about 18 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes on the baking sheets.
Dust with powdered sugar and transfer to a serving plate

My Thoughts:

I didn't realize how expensive Pine nuts were! Giada's recipe calls out for pine nuts, but after a trip to Lucky and finding out a small bag is $5, I decided to use my leftover almonds instead. I thought, when pine nuts go one sale, then I'll try the recipe as it was designed.

I also didn't realize that this recipe didn't have an egg till I read one review mentioning this. The result is a cookie that's more like dry, more chalky. It's actually very good! My dad says it goes great with coffee. I loved dusting it with the powdered sugar, but I have not remade this recipe since I tried it a few months ago.

Overall, it was my first "successful" execution. It tasted good, an it was from scratch. I should definitely try this again.

Novice Baker Adventure #2: Chocolate Chip Walnut Cupcakes

2009-12-26T23:44:00.000-08:00

This next recipe I tried because I had a Giada phase. Her foods always looked so good and easy to make. Plus, I loved chocolate and was very curious about "mascarpone" cheese.

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cupcakes
from Giada De Laurentiis (link to original recipe here)

Cupcakes:

1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips, plus 1/4 cup for garnish
1 (21-ounce) box brownie mix (recommended: Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge)
2 eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water

Frosting:

4 ounces mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
In a small bowl combine the walnuts, 1 cup mini chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of the brownie mix. Toss until all the ingredients are coated. Set aside.
In a large bowl mix together the remaining brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir for 20 seconds until blended.
Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan (cupcake liners will be full).
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until a cake tester inserted into the cupcakes comes out with moist fudgy crumbs.
Cool the cupcakes in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting, about 30 minutes.

For the frosting:

In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the cheeses together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable. Refrigerate the frosting until ready to use.
Spread the frosting on top of the cupcakes and garnish with the remaining mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve at room temperature.

My Thoughts:

I loved the taste of the Mascarpone & Cream Cheese blended together. It is yummy yummy yummy. What I didn't like is that the 3 cups of powdered sugar was just too sweet and took away from the yumminess of the two cheeses blended together. I have a feeling the large amount of powdered sugar is to make this a good frosting on top. But, it was too sweet.

The second time I did this recipe, I look down the amount of powdered sugar and loved the frosting. I love the frosting so much, Josh & I sat by the bowl licking the frosting away. But - this had consequences. It was only good when it is cold. On the other hand, I like my cupcakes warm. Therefore, predicament. If I topped the cupcakes and put them in the fridge, I was going to end up with cold/ thawed cupcakes. If I didn't want to put the cupcakes in the fridge, I'd have to frost the cupcakes at the very last minute.

The other thing i haven't mentioned was that I'm not fond of the packaged brownie mix. Although good, it still tasted like packaged mix - a bit generic. Still, it was a good try.

Other things I learned was that I should mix the nuts / chocolate chips in the brownie mix so that they can remain suspended in the air. Yeah! That was a good tip!

Novice Baker Adventure #1: Cheddar Cheese Cupcake

2009-12-21T07:33:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays Everyone! It's been a while since I last posted - and it was all about vampires. Hah! Can't wait for next summer for True Blood to start back up!

Anyway, one of the ways I spent my time recuperating from TB withdrawal was to bake! (what??) So, I'm no baker. I'm no cook. I don't have any expertise in the kitchen whatsoever so please do not get baking tips from me. But, as a mom, I do want to try...

I think it all started when I had this craving for the cheese cupcake that I've had when I was a kid in Manila. I don't even remember what that bakery was - but it did have these cheese cupcakes. I didn't love them as a kid - but for some reason, I had this craving. So I search the internet high and low for a cheese cupcake recipe and the only promising recipe was from RecipeZaar from someone named Shygirl. Adapted recipe below:
Cheddar Cheese Cupcake
(adapted from Shygirl at RecipeZaar)

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups flour, sifted
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
8 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.
In a medium bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs and orange extract.
Pour in flour mixture in thirds adding 1/2 can of sweetened condensed milk in between (beginning and ending with flour mixture.)
Add in 1/2 cup shredded chedar and blend well.
Fill muffin cups 3/4 full.
Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes.

My Thoughts:
I've made this recipe back in June and at least 3 times so it was pretty good although it's not perfect. The first iteration, I used Velveeta as per Shygirl's original recipe, but I found that I didn't like Velveeta all that much. So, instead, I've been trying to find the right cheese to substitute. I've tried Parmesan & Asiago - but they didn't holding up well after baking - and they get so crispy it was taking away from the moistness of the cake. So for now, I just doubled the cheddar amount.

The cake part turned out well and I actually like it. It's soft, fluffy - but I won't consider it "ultra moist". I brought this at one party - but didn't get any feedback, so aside from my review - I'm not really sure how this recipe stands.

The Men of True Blood

2009-08-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

As we near the end of the second season, I would like to give a shout out to the Men of True Blood. I realize I love them all and they entertain me highly!

Bill Compton, Vampire
As I've probably mentioned before, it was not love at first sight. My first thought was, "Ugh. This is the guy? He's so not handsome and he's kinda old..." But at the end of the episode, I bought it. I loved - fuckin' love - the chemistry between him and Sookie and it was palpable. I loved the fact that we was old fashioned. The fact that he recycled. And that he wanted to mainstream. I wish with all my heart that the make up people (please...someone read my plea!!!) would restore the Bill that I love to his most handsome look (see picture). Bill shouldn't be all powdered up - he looks old that way. Bill shouldn't have man bangs. Come ON!!! Bill shouldn't be high waisted. What? Okay, I get it - he's old school. I guess I can live with it. Every time I see him all high waited like that, I have the urge to pull his fucking pants down. YEAH! What...just me?

Eric Northman, Vampire
Since I have not read the book, I didn't highly anticipate the coming of Eric. And even, when he first arrived on scene sometime in Season 1, I was not impressed at all. Longish hair and sando? Ugh. But then, as soon as he chopped that hair...wait. No, actually, it was a bit before that. I think I started loving him in the one scene where he was in the dungeon with Lafayette and he ate that other guy and was wondering if blood got in his hair, and that he did not kill Lafayette. Then of course, he cuts his hair and his beauty, sorry, sexiness - exudes. Yes, he is the hottest vampire out there. I'm going there. Hotter than wimpy / stalkery Edward Cullen, I'll tell you that (and if you know me, you know I had a few months crushing on Pattinson).

A big part of Eric's appeal is that he is the opposite of Bill and that he is "bad" and that he doesn't care. He is obvious in his pursuit of Bill's human and it's almost like a challenge. He is that part of you that wants the bad boy, the guy you know will just. break. your. heart. and you don't give a fuck.

Jason Stackhouse, Human
I knew from the start that Jason was a beautiful piece of specimen and he's one of those guys that just look so damn good naked. But even then, he is the last one I really fell in love with. I mean, even though he spend almost all of his screen time in the first season naked, it was almost always empty for me. It was like, yeah, yeah, dumb guy fuckin' the next piece of ass. Let's move on to a better storyline!!! I did love the parts in the first season where he became "close" to that one vampire and sort of created this friendship with him. The "V" storyline, I didn't care for, especially those scenes where they were getting high. Meh...but this season, although slow in build up, Jason rocked! From his innocent musings ("Jesus is the first vampire") to his giving in to the pastor's wife to putting a bebe bullet in Steve Newlin's head to hugging the rap out of Bill to being "The God Who Comes", Jason has skyrocketed to being such bad ass, I love it. I love him. I love love love him this season.

Sam Merlotte, Shape Shifter
When Sam first came on screen, my first reaction to him was opposite of every one else. I immediately loved him. I thought, this was the guy for Sookie. Then I soon realize Sam was the "unrequited love" portion of the program and thought, damn it. He's cute! And although I loved him right away, after the Pilot, I was soo into Bill that I really did not want Sookie to end up with Sam which brought him down a notch in my book. Not very fair, I know because as Sam by himself, he's a good guy and a great character. I was iffy about the Tara/Sam hook up, but I also wasn't hot with the Daphne/Sam hook up. I guess I'm not sure I found the right gal for him yet. Haha!!! I'm loving him know especially the last few episodes where he figured out that Maryann is actually after him. The "Fly on the wall" thing was genius and so was the "Smite Me!" Here's hoping he will save the day at the end of this season and get himself a nice decent woman.

Lafayette Reynold / Human

Lafayette is awesome. Although I'm not as much of a fan as some people out there, I do love him and thinks he brings a much needed foil (is that the correct term??) to the current set of heroes. He's brash, he has pizzaz, he's good guy, he's a bad guy. I was glad Alan Ball kept him although I heard from the books (spoiler alert!!) that he was the body in Andy's car. I loved it when he stood up for himself and his being gay in a town where tolerance is sometimes still not prevalent. I'm happy he sees through Eggs (Devil in a Sunday Dress) and was there for Tara. I'm curious to see what pushing V for Eric / Pam will do to him.

True Blood - Season 2 / First Half Review

2009-07-31T22:22:00.000-07:00

How much do I love this show?! Just when I thought I had enough...no, I actually couldn't and love it even more. I'm all caught up and Ep. 6 was awesome. I cannot wait for Sunday.

Bill / Jessica / Hoyt
I love Jessica. When we first glimpse her last season, I was skeptical. I thought: Great. Obviously, this will be the wedge that will break up Bill/Sookie. But, No!! I actually love Jessica and what they are doing to her. I love how she brings out the "papa" in Bill (not that Bill isn't dorky enough, but unless I haven't said it enough time, I love dorky, fathery Bill!) This scene above where Bill makes her take the TruBlood is all sorts of cute. What else could over-cute that? Jessica / Hoyt. I love them. I love the "teen" version of vampire love. I love that they talk all night to the point that Hoyt's mama turned off his cell phone. I love that the first thing Jessica does when she wakes up is to see if Hoyt wrote her a text message.

Eric - Entertainment Weekly's "Hottest" Vampire
EW claims that they can't choose between Team Bill or Team Eric and I must say I can't too. Bill & Sookie are perfect for each other, but there is something so hot about Eric - most especially after his haircut! Like Lina said, he is much taller than Eric, he gets points for that alone - but there's something more. He's powerful, he's evil (??), and yet, he is fair / kind (see Bill, see Lafayette), and he's conniving (come on...Lorena!!) In any case, i'm so happy for this development and hope to see more of him soon.

Fellowship of the Fuckin' Sun
At first, this really bored me. I mean, we all know somethings not right with the Newlins. We all know that Sarah (and / or Steve) would have the hots for Jason. There were even Vegas odds on who (Sarah / Steve) would do and what episode it would happen (FYI - the people who bet Sarah / Episode 6 were all right on!). But! But! This week, it did get interesting! Aihhh!!!! Did Sarah know what Steve was up to? Is she just using Jason? Why is she fuckin' in church!? Did Steve know that Sookie is the telepath? Did Sarah know? Who was the mole? Did they know Jason is Sookie's brother?? They must've...right!? Where does Isabel fit into all of this? Did Eric know this would happen (hence, him bringing Lorena in)? Is having sex with a gay vampire really the "cream de la cream" of sins?!

What the maenad is this!?
Ok. If there's one storyline I am most bored with, it is this. It is so fucking slow. What the hell is Maryanne? What the hell is a maenad!? Who is she after? Why Sam? Why all the freakin' scary orgies!? They freak me out, man!!! If I see that coroner bangin' with black beady eyes again...I will...I willl...I don't know. I just want to know what the freak is going on. Plus, I still couldn't believe Tara would allow Maryanne to live in the house without asking Sookie first. Why didn't she at least call Sookie and say, "Hey, I'm having my new sexy, boyfriend over...is that cool with you?" It just seems so out of character for her.

Bad Bad Bill
Now, this seems to be such the topic in the forums that I'm going to venture an opinion. So, in the flashback from Lorena, we get to see Bill at his worst. Where they actually murdered these two people and Bill didn't seem all to sad about it. In fact, he even gave Lorena a necklace and had sex with her in front of the dying body!!

Everybody seemed to be disturbed over this. I've also read outrageous statement like, "If Alan Ball wants us to be sympathetic to the vampires, why would they make Bill be evil!" "Bill lied to Sookie! He was really really bad!! I don't like him anymore!" OK. Enough. Here's my take. This is an Alan Ball show. Of course it's going to be complicated. Of course, it's not going to be a good v evil. Of course Bill has an evil / dark side. Why do people have the need to make the "hero" free of flaws? Why would Bill being a really really bad vampire 80 years ago make less of what he is today?? That's what we are trying to find out. We want to know what made him reform. What made him break up with Lorena. Bill having that sort of history makes him more interesting to me.

Another thing: Alan Ball is not trying to get you to like vampires. He is not trying to get you to love Bill because he is the "best vampire out there!" There's no "message" that vampire rights = gay rights. Don't feel like you must defend the VRA because you believe in gay rights. It is not the same. Hating all the random killing that Bill has done in his past does not mean you are homophobic! What?!! Yes, go to Televisionwithoutpity and you can see some people actually think this!

Overall...I love Bill. I love Bill/Sookie. I love Eric. I love Eric/Pam. I love Terry and the PTSD care he gave Lafayette. I love Jessica/Hoyt. I love the "vampire" hotel. Not loving Maryanne. Not loving Eggs. Yet. Not sure how to feel about Daphne. Feel bad for Sam.

Tru Blood - Buy it!

2009-07-27T23:10:00.001-07:00

Gel told me about this and immediately we all want to - need to - have it! Hee! I'd love to try this out in our lunchroom to see if anybody will recognize it. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone left in the office enjoys the same TV as I do. Boo!

What About Bill (Compton)?

2009-07-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

The DVDs went by fast and I'm craving for Season 2 episodes. With a low cash flow, I really can't afford HBO - dammit!! Anyway, now that I'm done with Season 1, I'm ready to give my Bill Compton critique.

"Suhkeh"
Somebody just tell me if Stephen just can't pronounce Sookie or is it some sort of authentic interpretation of how one speaks 175 years ago. I love the fact that he's old school, but it's also I think his least desirable quality. It's not just the words, it's the whole "oldies" deameanor. I'm not quite sure how I love it.

Eek! A naked man!
Jason Stackhouse has the most beautiful naked body in TV. Hands down. I'm glad Alan Ball makes it a point of showing this off almost every episode (Admit it! He's got a tight ass and body and whether that body is fuckin' or hallucinatin' or sleepin' or high on V, it's a flawless piece of specimen). That being said, I feel for all of the other naked men on the show. Bill is pudgy in comparison and even to an extent Sam. Sam should have a good body, if he spends a lot of time running like a dog - right? (wrong!) Poor Bill - I think he's bringing up the rear (Hah!) in this department. I love him still, don't get me wrong, but Lina is right, sometimes, he should just keep his clothes on.

Bangs Anyone!?
Ok, Stephen's hairdresser really needs to go back to the pilot episode for some styling tips. In the Pilot, Bill Compton looked hot. His hair although not unruly, was a little ruffled and it added to the danger. Somehow in the course of the season, it felt like Bill was spending a lot of his day time blow drying his bangs to the point that his hair (ahem, bangs) were more even than Sookie's. Come on!

Fang It!
Ok, I hate the fangs. I do. An otherwise sexy Bill turns less sexy hen he's sporting the fangs and I think I know why. Because it's being modeled after the fangs of the snake (like it's retracts in front of the actual set of teeth), when the do who the fangs, the lips pop-out further and normal and this makes the proportions of the face kind of...unproportioned. I know I'm not quite explaining this well, but it's not the reason why I tune in. I wonder if there is appeal to the fangs. I know Twilight doesn't use fangs (and they can also walk in the light, which is very convenient)

Crispy Bill
UGH!!! This is the one scene where I'm very disappointed. I wish the could've done this scene very differently. The scene in question is on the finale of Season 1 when Sookie is in trouble and Bill senses it but couldn't leave because it is daylight. Because of his love, he risked dying by going out into the light and getting burned). The crispy bill is so not attractive. Now i know it's not suuposed to be attractive but I also think that no one comes back to "life" from that. How can hair grow back then they're DEAD? In my interpretation of that scene, Bill works up the nerve and yes, does out into the light - but DIAL it about 3 notches down. He did say that they just "get weak", why not show that? a lot less make up and a lot more acting. I think it can be pulled off where Bill looks like it's so much effort to take every step and his face slowly getting that sunburned look (like when you go to the beach and didn't put on sunscreen). He could be stumbling, pain in his face that he couldn't reach Sookie in time, he could act like he was dying - without the "zombie" make up distracting the viewers from the importance of this scene - which was, no matter how much he loved her, he could NEVER be there when it's day. To me, I can't even concentrate coz I'm glued to the bad make up job!!

Graveyard Sex
Sorry. Not hot. NOT! HOT! AT! ALL! Bill almost looked like the incredible hulk coming out of the ground and the ass shot was not flattering (as said above) and his face covered in mud. Ew. And the thought of all. that. dirt. going into places unwanted. Couldn't he just zipped her back to the bath tub and get it on there? It was only a few paces away! A second in vampire speed! I don't know. I didn't like it.

Wow. That sounded like a lot of complaining on my part! Heh. I'm still on the Bill/Sookie train. And I did try to feel it for Sam/Sookie. I swear I did. I think Sam is kinda hot in his own way, and try as I might, I don't think he's right for Tara either...

Now, I'm kinda lovin' on Eric / Pam. I love Eric's voice. It feels scary and kinda hot. I love Pam as well. We'll see, huh?

True Blood - A review of the First 6 Episodes

2009-07-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

So I burned through 6 episodes in the last few days and I have to take a moment before I forget all my thoughts.

I can truly say now how deep I am into this show. In the first six episodes, laughed, cried, been aghast, squirmed, squeaked, squealed. I've covered my eyes in horror. I've giggled in delight. I just love it when a show is that multi-faceted.

The Dream
The scene above is one of my favorites so far. It was the scene where Bill dreams that Sookie was being choked and it woke him up but because it was not quite sundown, he couldn't get to her. It was powerful. For one who had all these "powers" it was the one thing he couldn't do. The relief and love on his face when he did see she was okay was just too cute. Also, a few moments later with Bill & the Collie (who I'm assuming at this point is Sam) were just standing there was also a nice little scene.

Granny
Another big shocker was of course the scene that led to this in the first place. I knew I should've know it but I didn't - OK? I was going OMFG! OMFG! when the poor granny was on the floor. Come on, she was one of the cooler grannies on TV! Some people were commenting on Sookie's non-reaction, but I beg to differ that some people are like that - that she was just so in shock that she was more numb than anything (which was why the scene with her eating the last of the pie, alone, crying, was powerful to me. To me, that was most believable grieving moment I've seen in a long while).

Bill's Family
OMG - this broke my heart too. When the mayor showed him the picture of his family, I didn't get it at first. I thought that was him as a kid. Then when he was seeing his family on the porch, then later to the bitch who made him a vampire when he refused her advances, I really felt for him and now understood when almost broke down there in the meeting. And hmm..tears of blood?

The Squicky / Squeely
The opening scene of episode three, I don't know what to think. Sookie comes in to Bill's house to give him the contractor names when she finds herself in the midst of all these creepy vampires. It was scary. They were playing with her life and all you see if Bill in the corner chair not doing anything. What the fuck!! If you really loved her, wouldn't you have charged at the others the minute they laid their spooky hands on her? That's what Edward would've done! Then I realize that this is Alan Ball where no character is flawless. Bill wasn't going to be the perfect boyfriend. Bill is still a vampire and he still has his own life where he had these interactions as part of normal. And to think of that was when he was going to feed on Hep D boy right in front of Sookie!!! I didn't know what to think at first. My romantic side cried for him to "do something!!" but I wasn't going to get that. I did think the "She's mine" line to be incredibly hot.

Another sort of moment like this was in the car after Fangtasia wen they were almost going to kiss and the cop pulls them over and (grr!!) ruins the mood. I was getting all pissed that he had to do that. By that, I mean "show his power" to the cop. It ruined the mood! Again, there are a few theories but the one I buy is that he is not perfect and sometimes his ego supersedes romance. Hey, that sounds like human men!

The Supporting Cast
Lafayette - my favorite supporting member. The best part for him so far would be the AIDS Burger scene. Rednecks didn't want to eat the burger he cooked because he was gay and therefore had AIDS. His response - Wham! Bam! and ends it with, "Tip your waitress!" Hee.

Sam - He's weird too - and I don't know if it's the wolf-ness (again, just my theory, but if Twilight had a Jacob, we need a warewolf here too, no?) but he has this weird vibe. And what's up with sleeping with Tara? He reminds me of Felicity's Noel - anybody? A cross between Scott Foley & Colin Farrel. In any case, he is quite cute.

Tara - Sometimes, I think she's overacting with her reactions to Jason. It's SO obvious! But other times, like her interaction with her mom, I think it's so believable. So, there you go! And what's up with the casual sex with Sam?

Jason - I guess he's the prettiest, just not my type, I guess. But he did have a few stupid funny moments. The acting is superb though, he's pulling of dumb really well.

Finally
When I first saw Sam, I immediately liked him and thought for some reason he was the vampire. When Bill came in the bar, my first thought was, "ugh, he's not handsome!" but by the end of the second episode when we see the fantastic chemistry between Anna & Stephen, I was in love. Is it wrong that this is the second vampire character I've crushed on in a year?

...Wait!
I almost forgot to talk about the last scene in eppy 6. I'm not quite sure what to think yet. On the one hand, Sookie running towards Bill and Bill sensing her coming was definitly sorta hot. It was happening and you knew it. The kiss was great. He swooped her and carried her it. That was great. The sex in front of the fireplace...I'm guessing Bill didn't really have a room since he sleeps under the house. I loved that he was torn - he didn't want to hurt her, but...and...she's...all nodding...then....EEEKK!! Blood! Gah! Credits!!

True Blood Vs. Twilight

2009-07-11T22:39:00.001-07:00

It took a little while (damn Netflix queue!) but I was finally able to see the first two episodes of True Blood. Lina has been telling me about this ever since I was "hooked" on the Twilight series (yes, you saw my posts...you know!) but seeing as we've let go of HBO for a while now, I had to wait for the DVDs to come out before I can even watch. I had faith that I was going to like it because 1: My friends said so and 2: It was on HBO - at least I know the quality must be there.

I tried to stay away from news, spoilers and such and even now, just having the first disc...I don't know what's going to happen. I just know I'm tempted to go out to Best Buy tomorrow and get the whole series....

I loved it. Alan Ball is brilliant. I mean, Six Feet Under was total genius already and this is also a brilliant piece of art. What do I love about it? Everything! From the casting, to the opening credits, to the lighting, it was creepy, scary, fun...but because I loved it so much, I can't help but compare the two. So, here goes:

Hot Ass Vampire: Edward Vs. Stephen
This is the draw to the whole thing, right? You gotta have one fuckin' hot vampire or else the whole franchise is dead (hah! pun!). Both Rob Patterson and Stephen Moyer fit the bill perfectly. Both are supposed to have a "timed" quality being they're hundreds of years old, but whereas this just made Edward into a prude, I found Bill to be so sexy. The scene where he couldn't enter Sookie's house because she didn't "invite" him in was hot ("hot" said in a singsong voice). The edge is definitely on Bill's side since 1: I don't feel like a pervert since he's not in high school!! (I know Rob is not, but you know...) 2: He doesn't have a blu-ish tint and powder on his face and 3: He "glamours" at me and I wanna take off my clothes (Haha...)

I partly think that Rob is a big draw to the Twilight crowd whereas Stephen feels like just a part of what makes True Blood great. Let's see what happens when New Moon hits the theaters...

The Herione: Bella Vs. Sookie
So let's talk about the actual hero of both shows: the mortal woman (in love with a vampire). To me, Sookie wins this hands down - for now. I do reserve the right to get irritated with her later on. As I remember it, I did love Bella in the beginning but man, she grated on my nerves especially in the end, especially in the movie. Kristen was an overacting Bella while I thought that Anna Paquin is doing an awesome heroine - one who is not weak, one who doesn't seem to be interested in being a vampire, one who can hold her own against Bill, and one who makes being a virgin actually sexy and sweet, one with an actual story.

It is funny that both Twilight / Sookie books have characters who can read minds and that they're attracted to the one person who can't. Hmmm.

Adaptation: Big Screen Vs. HBO
It is amazing to me that the quality of shows HBO spits out can easily take the Big Screen. I don't know if I should be crediting the directors here, but True Blood the production is so above and beyond the Twilight movie. I am hoping that with a new director, we can get a better movie in New Moon since although it is geared towards pre-teens, it doesn't mean the movie quality should suck (see Harry Potter for an example). As Alan Ball says in his commentary, why do vampires like contact lenses? Why are they always in a shade of blue? Stop dipping them in a vat of donut powder and you'll be in better shape. Stop overacting.

The One That Loves You: Jacob Vs. Sam
I know there are Team Jacobs out there (My sister is one!) but I always though it was a very uneven playing field. While they portrayed Jacob to be so fucking irritating, they made Edward such an Angel (which really sucks) in comparison that there was no way Bella was going to pick Jacob. Sam - who reminds me of a cuter Colin Farrell - may also be a lost cause. I don't know, I've really only seen him in a few lines, but I do feel for him. I was even rooting for him at first (until I realized how sexy Bill was) but I think that's already a good sign. Let's see where this goes...

The Audience
I remember complaining to Lina about Twilight and how it's missing this, and that, and how it's not giving me what I want and she basically said we were twenty years to old for this shit (not an exact Lina quote - ok?). It was really geared towards the pre-teen and it had to be dummied down for this reason. She told me to watch True Blood - and here I am...a year later it seemd. I feel True Blood is the Vampire show for my generation. There's sex. There's violence. There's gritty-ness. There's chemistry. There's depth of character. There's mystery.

Watch it.

Review of the Second half of Breaking Dawn

2009-01-19T22:11:00.000-08:00

I'm finally done with Breaking Dawn, so here is my review of the second half, also known as Book 3: Bella (the Vampire)

I must preface this by saying I did not want Bella to become one of them. Of all the possible "happy ending" to the Edward and Bella saga, Bella becoming a vampire - to be with Edward forever - I thought was not only silly, it was not creative enough. The interesting dynamic of the two was because one was the hunter, the other - the prey.

So, in Book 1, I was actually optimistic that horny Bella wanted sex so much that she was willing to prolong her human life so she can experience this over and over again. Silly, but I was grasping at straws. I wanted her to prolong her life, so sure, sex away lusty human!

But Meyer had different plans. And yes, I did love Jacob's point of view in Book 2 and at best I was resigned to the fact that I will be reading about Bella the vampire in Book 3. So, I took a little while from reading to adjust to that fact then resumed.

Book 3, I feel is a whole different saga. It's a whole different vibe, a whole different Bella. It felt so detached from the first 3 books. To me, this was more like reading Christopher Pike's The Last Vampire (which I mentioned a few posts ago). The Last Vampire was written to the point of view of the vampire: Sita. It was a good book. So, yeah, I gave this a chance.

For the most part, I was into it. I did think Jacob was cute with Renesmee, and this was all about Renesmee. The whole book focused on how the Cullens were going to be slaughtered by the Volturi because they thought that Renesmee was an immortal child (ugh, I won't even explain ths nonsense - just know that it was a "law" they supposedly broke). So, everything is building up from this. And I am in it. I'm right there with Bella. As a mom, I understand Bella's need to protect her daughter. I feel her pain, her anxiety, the different scenarios running through her head. How does she keep Nessie safe? The steps she took, from getting her the fake birth certificate, to practicing to fight (because she won't give up without a fight!).

Suddenly, it was making sense and for a split second, I thought Meyer was a genius. That was why she set the Volturi up in New Moon. We get to see the fall of the Volturi in the hands of Bella! And why won't she win. Meyer was alluding to it all along: how you can't read her mind, how her shield can protect and project. Even Renesmee has powers! Bella may have had her doubts, but I didn't. I knew the payoff was near...and then came the most anti-climactic ending to a book. EVER.

WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS!!?? After all that...all the reading...all that build up...all that harnessing of her power...the Volturi walks away??? NO. There was no way. No fucking way! You mean to tell me, I had to sit through and read all about these other vampires from God knows where - and their specific powers, mind you - with names and baggages of their own, to have them just walk away? You mean to tell me all the pages reading about how Bella stretched her fabric shield for her not to even use this power to kill Aro? I read paragraphs upon paragraphs of how Bella snuck away to get Jacob & Nessie proper papers so they can run away and be safe then the backpack (where she hid all of this) didn't leave Nessie's back? You mean to tell me after all of that, Meyer whips out a few more unknown vampires the same as Nessie and Aro goes, "Oh well! Sure, I believe you, oh random guy from the south" Let's all pack up eh?

That was not an ending. For what it's worth, that was an introduction to the Jacob / Nessie show. So, I'm confused. Why did Meyer leave it all open ended like that, only to stamp "The End" on the very next page? Why even introduce that the new guy we see - the one to save them all - eye Nessie like he wanted to tap that? Eww! She's a baby!!!

I'm not done. The book may be done, but here are my other nit-picks:

1) Bella resigned to die if Edward dies. I have a big problem with this. Bella, you have a daughter. You don't get to decide that you will die if Edward dies.

2) Renesmee will grow until she looks about 18 then will stop growing and stay the beautiful age of 18 forever. Really, Meyer. How convenient. What do you have against middle aged vampires? There must be some lolo vampires out there...

3) Bella was a super-vampire. Again, how convenient that Bella as a newborn was the best! She didn't even kill anyone (or felt the need to!)...not even stupid strangers like J Jenks. And..AND...she's got the shield thing going on and learned all her powers within a month!

4) Bella super loved being a vampire. Ooh, vampire sex is so much better than human sex. Ooh, vampire kissing is soo much better than human kissing. What-ever! I would rather see her having some remorse to her human life. All the other vampires would've given up everything to be human again...

5) What happened to Renee?? Did she never just try to find out what is up with her daughter? Hello, apparently she was deathly ill!! And, Bella never made an attempt to contact her mother even though she thought she was going to die? She made an effort to spend Christmas with charlie! What, no time to call her own mother to say, Merry Christmas!? What a fluke to name your daughter after her and not care the slightest about her.

6) What happened to the Cullens? In a weird way, even though they were present in the book, I hardly felt them. In Book 3, did we ever hear Rosalie? Did Esme even speak? Where was the sexy debonair Edward? He seemed like a non-entity here.

7) Shape-Shifters?? Ugh, puh-leez.

8) Charlie not wanting to know what's going on with Bella is Meyer's easy way out. It was like she didn't know how to get Charlie involved that won't derail her story, because, really - you, as a dad, would want to know what was going on with your daughter. I just don't buy that he'd look the other way. I would buy him making Bella tell him then leaving it be. Meyer needed Bella to be as pure and not disobeying the law as possible.

9) Saccharin-sweet ending. Bella gets everything she wants: Edward and Jacob. A beautiful daughter. A relationship with her father. An automatic affinity to be vegetarian. A shield. The ability to keep her thoughts private.

Comments, Clarifications & a Review of Breaking Dawn (the First Half)

2009-01-08T21:01:00.000-08:00

So first off I'd like to give props where props were due. It was Lina, of course, who first told me about Twilight. She said it was such an easy read. I remember thinking ...Vampires? I'm not really into scary stuff. What she should asked me right then was, "well, you're not into scary stuff, but are you into hot sexy guys?" The answer would be: Yes.

So, Lina, since you sold me on this, I will also take your advice and Netflix True Blood as soon as it is out on DVD.

Comments & clarifications from my last two reviews:
1) New Jacob - Okay, I know I dissed Taylor as Jacob and even thought that for me, comparing Edward to Jacob was like comparing Lost's Sawyer to Michael. No contest, right? Yes, I was harsh. But now that I'm almost done with the series, I did have a change of heart and now, I do love Jacob as well. I think I love him the same was as Bella does, like a little brother. And because of this, I don't really know if I'm in the "change Jacob" bandwagon. Michael Copon apparently is vying for this job and his blatant self promotion - and porn-like half naked poses - makes me dislike him even more. I now realize I like my Jacob the way he should be; a never aging 16 year old.

2) I whole-heartedly agree with Gel's take on Kristen Stewart's Bella. Bella is supposed to be down-to-earth and funny, and not a frowning totokamus (sorry for the Balki reference. I couldn't find a better word). I hated the perma-frown. Smile, girl. Show us why you're the luckiest girl on the planet! Here's hoping Kristen loosens up in New Moon and just...lets...go.

3) Edward/Robert's performance - Okay, I did get a lot of flack for being too harsh, and wanted to clarify that although I did have my issues...I loved loved loved Robert's Edward. He's the reason to watch Twilight. He makes vampires sexy and a much better actor especially next to Kristen.

On to Breaking Dawn...Spoilers Abound

Book 1: Bella
This book focused on Bella & Edward's wedding and their subsequent honeymoon. It's really just a set-up but I loved it anyway. Instead of the usual running away from the vampires, we get a peek a what it would be like for a human to be with a vampire. The wedding that Bella didn't want but ended up liking....to the "first time"...

It was a "fade to black" moment. I forgot I wasn't reading Mills & Boon (hey, not that I ever read those...), but yeah, of course we don't get a play by play - but if actually worked out because through Bella's eyes, you only feel the glorious portions and not the physical pain that having sex with the undead can cause to your bones...Nevertheless, I enjoyed it.

I loved the small amount of time where they were just in love - but I knew from the first paragraph, that she was going to be pregnant. [Because in the Young-Adult book world, sex = pregnancy. The reality is that you are really only fertile one week at best in a month, but I digress...] I loved the small moments, the little smiles, when they enjoyed each other as they are.

Edward's reaction was almost unforgivable...I know he knew that the spawn would hurt Bella, but as I woman, there is that maternal instinct to love your baby no matter what and hope your partner is there with you no matter what....

I loved it. Just that part alone was better for me than New Moon & Eclipse combined.

Book 2: Jacob
It look a while to adjust that I was reading Jacob's narration instead of Bella's. I would be reading and then I'd stop. Wait. What? Oh...Jacob thought that. But I got the hang of it and, it was great. I was never a big fan of Jacob, but this actually turned things around for me. Because you can see from his point of view, you can feel the hurt of loving someone who doesn't love you back...not that way (and that's really the worst!), the jealousy and anger toward your enemy but your ally also in most ways.

This book picks up where Bella left of. We find Jacob as he finds out that Bella is back. He is apprehensive - how would he feel seeing her as a vampire, or dead? How would he kill the Cullens? And Meyer did a great job at creating his emotion, his pace, as different from Bella's. I felt for him...and that's when I realized how integral he was not just to Bella's life, but to the story as a whole. This was no ordinary love triangle. At this point, Jacob was more interesting than Edward.

Oh how love rules. When Sam, the Alpha male decides to kill Bella's unborn child, I thought: Jacob, hello, you're the Alpha. Be the alpha. He does and we get to see Jacob be there hero this time. A reluctant hero, but a hero still.

And Seth. Love that little kid. Gel emailed me this cute cute pic of a baby siberian husky and think of him as Seth. Out of all the supporting characters, he was one what was just easy to love. (Emmett too for some reason, I loved right away). Do I have to talk about Leah? After all, Meyer took a lot of time discussing her love triangle with Sam and Emily, a woman Sam "imprinted" on ... Anyone? Nah.

But the end of this book got me. Jacob, thinking he got 3 more days with Bella before she gives birth and dies, suddenly panics when the baby wanted to come out now. All of a sudden, he did not have a few days, he did not have a few hours. This was it. This is when she dies, or worse, becomes one of them. It was overwhelming, it was fast, and he gave his blessing to Edward, to save Bella by letting her become a vampire. The anger as he walked away, the hatred to the monster that ended the life of his love. He went to the baby - ready to kill her. Then he saw her.

That last page got me. The symbolism of the balloons being cut as his ties to all that he was - disconnected. Everything he knew and loved and was. None of that mattered because something else has holding him to where he stood. It was Renesmee.

Bravo, Stephanie. That alone made up for everything that I thought I hated about Jacob. Of course, I smack the side of my head, he imprint's on Bella's spawn. This was the finale that made sense. With everything that I hated about the imprinting bullshit, this made sense. This saves the baby from the wolves, and it makes for an interesting story.

Book 3, I'm guessing will be all about Renesmee. Bring it on!!

Review of Eclipse

2009-01-01T23:11:00.000-08:00

So, I'm done with this book and here's my review:

The probably best part about this book (and all others) is that you can't put it down. As much as a lot of the little things irritated me, I couldn't stop. I love me some Edward, and here... I'm beginning to re-like Jacob as well.

Then it gets confusing since although I love the series, a lot of little things bug me that I even wonder why I like it, why I keep reading, why I hunted down a copy of Breaking Dawn on the first day of the year instead of just relaxing. (It was not in the two (2!!!) Targets I went to and eventually bought it at a Barnes & Noble at suggested retail $25!). Today, I called and found a Target that carried it, drove down to Richmond, bought it for $17, then trudged back to Barnes to return the expensive one.

Bugging Item #1: Edward is a Prude!
Even as I read Twilight, (see review below) it was obvious to me that Edward was written as Meyer's perfect man. To me, yes, there's a lot of stuff I loved about the pureness of Edward's love, but come on! Bella's throwing herself at you, give in a little!!! Every time he stops a kiss or a move, I just want to slap him already.

Bugging Item #2: Bella is a whiner!
Wah! I love Jacob, but i'm not in love with him coz I love Edward! Wah, I can't believe Edward is making me stay away from Jacob because he is a warewolf! Wah, I'll get myself into trouble nevertheless! Wah, Jacob is in love with me! Wahhh!!!! Girlfriend, get a grip. Bella is the kind of person who invites drama. Because really, in the real world, if you know the person you don't love is madly in love with you and yet you go out of your way to give him hope (but say you don't give him hope) is cruel. Then, when Edward does not show jealousy, she can't believe it. *sigh* Also, she claims to love her parents to the point of dying for them but yet she want to end her life now so that Edward won't out-young her when she does become a vampire. I know she gives some reasons - but they're not good enough reasons for me.

Bugging Item #3: Classic Novel "Theme"
In New Moon, it was so obvious that they were going to tie in the Romeo & Juliet to the plot of the story. The moment they mention Wuthering Heights, I roll my eyes (to no one in particular, maybe to my dog, but he didn't get it) coz I know that at the end, they're going to tie it into the story. Predictable!!! Come on, should I expect to see Catcher in the Rye to be mentioned in Breaking Dawn?

Bugging Item #4: The I'm-Sorry Phenomenon
It seems to be everywhere in this book! Jacob time and time again does / says something to hurt Bella then calls a day later to apologize and says how much he really is in love with her. Bella does the same for Edward, she'll blatantly goes to La Push even though she knows that there are vampires looking for her and then apologize for it later. Edward apologizes for all the vampires that are now running after them. Bella apologizes to Jacob for all the bad things that were happening. Bella apologizes to Edward (and vice versa) for loving him too much. For a 600 page book, it was too much.

Bugging Item #5: No Character Development
A) I wish Bella was more developed and had more than these two sides: 1) I love Edward 2) I love Jacob. Why can't she be a character who was in love with a vampire but still aspire to be a doctor? Or hell, get accepted to Harvard? Won't it be a more compelling story if she has to find the right balance between loving a monster and still wanting a life / kids? Won't it be interesting to read about (let's say in book 6) for a 30 year old Bella remains to have a relationship with someone who wasn't aging? How about kids? The fact that she's just willing to die right now really bugs me - and her logic...There's none.

B) I wish Edward was more than just a handsome vampire that won't put out. I wish he had other things to say than "I love you Bella" and other things to do than protect her. We get it, he loves her - after that 2,879th time, it get's a little boring. The best part about the book for me was his interaction with Jacob but yet again, nothing seems to faze him. I love Edward and did not want him to be one-dimensional.

C) I wish Jacob didn't make a turn for the whiny wolf that he's become. He's a bit better now and I agree that objectively, he would be the better choice for Bella, but he was just annoying at times there. Again, other than his "coming out" that he loved Bella, there was really nothing else going for him.

But, it was an enjoyable read, and I did love the scene at the tent. Here's hoping Breaking Dawn would be the best book of the series!

Twilight Merch

2009-01-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

This is my second Twilight post. I must be obsessed. Anyway, so I find out that Gel got a "Team Jacob" shirt for Christmas from Jax and it was really cool. It said: Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? And Team Jacob in the back....so I was a little bit jealous so I searched high and low for a good Team Edward (well of course!) shirt for me. In my search, I found some funny ones...some jabs on Team Jacob. My favorites were:

I went to Forks and all I got was this lousy imprint (shown above)

Yes Jacob, your being half naked does bother me.

Bella: Luckier than you since 1989

Jacob Black, I want to La Push you over the Cliff!

Review of Twilight

2008-12-29T21:38:00.000-08:00

I'm late to the party, but here nonetheless. Here is my review of Twilight - the book and the movie. As a mother of two (and one at 6 months!) there's really no time for me to go to the movies, but I'm thankful my hubby let me sneak out of the house for a couple of hours to see this movie.

I'll start with the book. Mind you, I'm only halfway through Eclipse, so please don't tell me what happens. I'm trying to take my time since I devoured the first two books in a week (For a mom of toddlers - that's pretty fast).

[spoilers abound!]

The book is a page turner, that's one thing for sure. It does not drag at all. Okay, I'm loving this. I admit it. I was not into Anne Rice's stuff but I did read (and loved) Christopher Pike's The Last Vampire (I know. No one knows who he is. But I loved every single one of his book when I was a teenager. *sigh* that was ages ago). So the idea of a vampire falling in love with a human is very interesting and Meyers delivers with lots of swoon-worthy moments. There's romance, there's action, there's myth. It's all good. By the end of the baseball scene, when we find out James is out to hunt Bella, I couldn't put it down and was up till 2 am trying to finish the whole thing.

Bella - is a good heroine. I love the fact that she's clumsy, and not breathtakingly beautiful. In the book, Meyer's does a good job of taking you though her thoughts and how she gradually falls in love with Edwards. It was only in New Moon when she begins to grate with her constant talk of wanting to be a vampire.

Edward - I feel like he's written to be the guy a woman will fall in love with. I mean, he's old school. He loves Bella that he'll do anything to protect her. I am kinda in love with him because I picture the hot Rob Pattinson, but to be honest, Edward can be too much. There's a lot (and I mean a lot) of parts where he's confessing his love for Bella and how he aches for her, and longs for her, and particularly the part where he describes his reaction to her when she first meets him...It was a little too much. Men we know don't do that. You'll be lucky if you get an unprompted "I Love You". Bitter much? Hah, maybe.

No matter how you spin it though, kissing someone cold and hard is not hot. It is not sexy. I try to forget Meyer's description so much when she says things like "...and leaned on his cold marble body.." Ew. They do not work at all!! In my head, Edward still feels a little human. Now, on the other hand, a giant hairy warewolf...so not sexy either!! I know there are a lot of Jacob-Bella fans out there, and you know, I did like Jacob pre-wolf, but he was getting kinda arrogant there near the end that it was not pleasant.

The Movie

So I heard the movie sucks. I wanted to see it anyway since (as previously mentioned), I am kinda crushing on Robert Pattinson and was curious to see if he can do a better Edward than the one in my head.

The movie was okay. I only say this because I came it with a very very low expectation. But here are my following thoughts:

I hated the music. I'm sorry.

I thought Bella was a little maarte (over acting) at times there. Like she went to a "facial reaction" school or something. Edward also failed at being sexy. The moments I loved are when he was smiling / flirting with Bella. The was a scene where he was walking with Bella to school and he had sunglasses on. Hot! But as mentioned above, the declaration of love feels a little too much, and in the movie, it felt rushed. Like, hey, we just met and not you're in love with me?! It was unsettling.

Special effects I give a D-. Edward jumping though the trees somehow is giggle-worth than it was swoon-worthy. I mean..I looked silly!!! He was dangling on a branch! Silly! Another scene that was ruined by the effects: the kissing scene. It was a great scene! I actually was feeling the tension / urgency and passion than *wham* he slams on the wall and I stifle a giggle. Geez.

Among the others, Emmett seemed like good casting. I don't know how I feel about Esme. I see her and think of Grey's Anatomy. Jasper...looks weird. Not what I pictured. And Rosalie not as hot as described in the book.

The pacing / atmosphere seemed off. Not sure what could've been done to make it better. I am hoping the next director can somehow make it better with New Moon.

And one more hope for the next movie...less "vampire" looking please. I get that they're supposed to look vampire-y but it they looked like that they would've been outed on day 1! Less make up please!!!!

Okay, that's all. I've run out of things to say. Well, not really but I think I should stop nevertheless. The scene shown above was one of my favorites. I love the cute - less complicated - scenes.

Take Me or Leave Me!

2008-09-01T22:03:00.000-07:00

I squealed in delight when I saw this and would have loved to have seen this live! My love for Neil Patrick Harris and my love for RENT combined, and no, this is not Neil doing Mark, this is Neil doing Joanne!! I know it was done ages ago, but hey, I recently found this on YouTube so it's new to ME! "So be kind, this boy satisfies...." Satisfies indeed.

My Vera Bradley Dilemna

2008-09-01T21:48:00.000-07:00

Vera Bradley! Ah, what can I say? I am hooked. I was just wandering around SF Center and happen to pass by the Vera Bradley store (which was right beside our BBW store) and wandered in. If not for the baby crying to be fed, I would probably still be in there. They have really cool stuff!

At first glance, they may look country-wallet-ish, but they have very nice patterns and very nice selection of handbags! I decided i'm going to get myself some but have been in a confused state the whole day. Should I get their Baby Bag so I can get rid of the Kaiser diaper bag? Should I get it in the new cool pattern "Puccini" or get the ultra cool microfiber version? It's more expensive and harder to clean, but it's so elegant looking. Or, should I get their new Weekender bag. I've been eyeing a LeSportsac one since I couldn't really afford an Orla Kiely one (which is bee-yooouuu-ti-ful). Or should I get something for me - the "handbag" or the "bowler". Not onlu that, I'm debating between three different patterns! I would love a review if you happen to be a proud owner...

I bought their tech case which houses my Blackberry right now and love it. I also got a matching keychain to go with it!
This beautiful photo by the way if from Junglejim's photostream.

Stringer & Avon

2008-08-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching the Season 3 finale of the Wire and I am amazed. This was a brilliant show and it kinda sucks that I'm a few years behind. Now, I read all the accolades and I agree - this may have been the best show on TV. It's a shame it never got an Emmy nod. All the actors were amazing, the writing was impeccable, the direction was flawless.

This scene is the best I've seen. It's between Stringer Bell & Avon Barksdale, their last scene together, where you (the viewer) know that they've just betrayed each other. The scene, it haunts you, it shows you the complexity of their characters and how they're on opposite ends, but they're still brothers. Since I was not spoiled, I didn't really know they were going to kill String...but in this scene, I was already having a really bad feeling. God, if you're not watching the Wire, please go and Netflix it.

To String & Avon, you may have been the bad boys, but I loved you.

Paletas Throwdown!

2008-08-23T22:41:00.000-07:00

I've only recently started watching the Food Network. Being on Maternity during the summer, there's really not much else to watch. It was Gel & Ron who got me into watching Throwdown with Bobby Flay. I like Bobby - and I like this show not because of the actual throwdown component, but because they feature lot of local talent and local yummy foods.

My favorite episode by far is the Paletas challenge. I've eaten ice pops before, sure, but after seeing Irma & Norma's wide variety of paletas - I was instantly craving them - as in, I'd like to fly down to Nashville to taste their creations!

I've been thinking about it and thinking about it. Of course there's no way I'd fly down to Nashville...What else is there to do there?? If I have a job that would take me all around the country, Throwdown would be a must - just to keep tabs on where you should go for everything. So, anyway, I thought - there must be good paletas here in the Bay Area! But I've searched and searched and found really none. If you know of a good one, please do let me know.

But, I'm still craving it. So, luck was on my side when this morning, on our stock-up trip to Costco, I see a max pack of Paletas! I grabbed it. It was good! I'm sure not the best - but enough to satisfy my cravings. I've eaten 3 today. Great. Just when I'm supposed to be trying to get in shape to return to work, I'm looking for ice cream instead. Oh well!

Nathan's Birth Story

2008-06-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

A week before father's day, my hubby asked if I wanted to go to San Jose for BBQ for Father's Day. I said I'd rather stay close to home since I'm so close to my due date and want to be close to the hospital "just in case". We decided to then have everyone come up to our place for the Father's Day BBQ. - but do it on a Saturday instead of Sunday My husband also said in passing, "Won't it be funny if you go into labor on Father's Day, just like you went into labor on Mother's Day the last time?" Who knew?

The BBQ went well. Everyone who say me said I was "ripe" but I shrugged them off since I barely had any contractions yet.

4:50 Sunday morning, my contractions started. It was about 10 minutes apart, but bearable. By 6:0 am, they were growing stronger, but still bearable. I even had breakfast and looked at stuff on Ebay. by 8:00, they were even stronger and I told my hubby that we may need to go to the hospital today. I called the Walnut Creek L&D (Labor & Delivery) and a snotty nurse told me to wait until my contractions are 5 minutes apart for a whole hour. That should've been my clue that this day would not go as planned. Every other time I called L&D, they were very helpful and not at all snotty!

So, I wait. My hubby went to prepare the hospital bag while my mom massaged my back in between contractions. Still it was tinkering between 5 to 8 minutes and I hesitate calling L&D for fear of snotty nurse.

Around 11:30, I realized were were going to an hour of 5 minute contractions. I take a shower and told my hubby to call L&D. After my shower I hop in bed, then realized my hubby was arguing with the person on the other line! Walnut Creek L&D tells us they are overbooked and cannot take us. WHAT!? I was devastated. We specifically picked WC because they have Certified Nurse Midwives instead of NPs and it was an ordeal just transferring care. The paperwork alone to transfer there took a few weeks. Then, we had to go to certain classes. We even did the hospital tour. We figured out where to park, what routes to take, where relatives are going to travel from...and now they're telling me that I have to deliver at a totally different location who does not even have our information??!

I was brimming with tears. No way! I already had a horrible experience the last time! Don't tell me after all of that, we are not getting admitted there?! Hubby looked at me and said, "Is Antioch okay?" I pouted, "No" Then, ridiculously, I said, "The contractions stopped anyway"

Upset, I went to nap it off. Josh needed a nap as well, so we were all in bed.

1:00 pm. A contraction so hard it literally rocked me awake. I gasped and told hubby, "We have to go. NOW! I don't care where" Then right there, my husband made the call and we were on our way.

In the car, we typed up the address but our nav is so old and the facility is so new that it did not register. Fuck it! We'll see the hospital signs! So off we went - with only a vague idea of where this hospital is.

I'm glad my mom was there to hold me while my contractions get harder and longer. I've never felt this much pain in my life. The whole morning I was able to just do breathing through contractions. This time, I was crying out in pain. Literally crying like a little girl. It's a good thing hubby kept calm.

Where the hell is this hospital? It seemed like we've been driving forever. "Are we close!?" I cry . "We're almost there" Hubby said calmly. In the meantime, my mom try massaging me from the seat behind.

We finally get to our exit. My contractions get harder. My cries louder. We follow the H (Hospital) signs. I try holding it in, but I feel like a baby is coming out of me any minute now. "Here it is!" hubby says. I looked and couldn't help but scream, "That's NOT Kaiser! That's a different hospital!!" Contraction again. My mind was struggling. Should we just go in and have our baby there even if that is not my insurance? "I don't think we're going to make it" "We're going to make it. Hold on" He turned to a Rite Aid to ask for directions. I cry. My mom calmly says, "We're going to make it, Nathan is just trying to position himself" This time my cries are so loud it's the kind of cry you do when someone is KILLING you. A hysterical type cry.

What seemed like an iternity, hubby comes back and says it's close. We eventually get to the Hospital. We drive to the ER and both hubby and mommy get me it. A guy tries and helps me to a wheelchair. He asks questions. Hubby answers them. Do you have your drivers liscence? Kaiser card? No. No. But it's a good thing I have my medical record number memorized.

I kept my eyes closed almost the entire time. At this point, almost everything is a blur. I remember them wheeling me to L&D. I remember them asking me all the stupid questions like "What happened with your last pregnancy? How come you ended up with a C-Section?" Also, they asked the crucial question: Do you want to try a VBAC or a C-SEction?" I scream, "I don't know!!! Will someone check me?" I was so frustrated because I felt like the baby is coming out and I'm not sure what stage I'm at! Then suddenly I hear someone say, "I see the baby's head!" then, "You're fully dilated and at 0 station. What do you want to do?" "What is safer?" I ask. "Both can have complications" They say non-commitally. Then a very intense contraction came. "C SECTION!" I yelled out. I just wanted the pain to go away. Ok. They call the emergency c-section crew. I hear paperwork being shuffled. You need to sign a consent form, someone says to me. Sign here. Where's the anesthesiologist? Someone cried. All the sound - was loud, but seemed muffled to me as a blur of activity happens around me. Then in my mind, I remembered my last c-section and panicked that it's going to take long.

Another contraction. I screamed in pain, "I'm pushing!!" It wasn't my choice. My body was doing it. Someone looked and said, "The baby is coming!! Are you ok to try this vaginally? This baby coming right now" I nodded. Then even more of a blur. I had my eyes closed the whole time - just concentrating on holding my husband for dear life. They told me not to scream, to concentrate all the power in the pushing. I don't even know how I was doing. I was just following what I heard. When the said push, I pushed. When they said stop. I stopped. I was sweating like crazy. I hear good cheers all around. You're doing it! Just a few more and he's going to be here! Ok, I hear one of the nurses say, here it is, the ring of fire. Push! ARGH!! It was just as she described it. I felt my vagina was on fire.

Then I heard the doctor say, "You have to open your eyes. You have to see your baby being born." I open my eyes and in the last push, Plop! There it was! My baby. The plopped him right on my stomach and the relief and the pain all went away. I could not believe my eyes. Nathan was here! I barely remembered the placenta coming out, but I did glance at it. The doctor stitched me up and even though that hurt a little, I felt so high, so relieved. Thank God!

The best thing about this experience (ok, not the best, but a perk!) was that after everything was done, I asked the nurse if I can eat. She said, "Of course! You can eat anything." Gleefully, I asked for a cheeseburger. I devoured that thing and I don't think I stopped eating for 2 days straight!

So there. That's Nathan's birth story. Much different from Joshua's but the end is the same. The moment you hold the baby in your arms - everything. All the pain goes away, and it didn't matter if I delivered in a different hospital or that there was much drama, all that mattered is the little bundle of joy in your arms.

I'm Attracted to That Guy

2008-06-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

It dawned on me today that I'm attracted to the same type of guy. that guy. By that guy, I mean the mold of Heath Ledger.

Everyone who knows me knows that I've had a crush on him for the longest time. My heart was crushed at his passing. I've always said my attraction was because of his sexy voice, his shyness and utter un-comfortability at fame, and his acting skills. But I realized that I just think his whole look is hot. And as I think about other celebrity crushes I have...they're all very similarly looking. For example:

Damien Rice. Yes, I was drawn by his songs, his album "9" is all kinds of good! but I also think he's kind of hot! I've done my "phase" of watching his performances. I even felt really bad when he broke of with partner Lisa Hannigan (whose beautiful voice accompanies him on most of his songs in the album "9").
Then there's TK of the Amazing Race. Yes, he looked like a hippie, but I was attracted to him the whole season and was glad that he won. Of course, there's also the fact that he was a good boyfriend to Rachel and did not bicker with her throughout the race.

And finally, Jeremy Davies. He plays Lost's Daniel Faraday, and from the moment he appeared, I was immediately attracted. We don't really know if Daniel is a good guy or a bad buy, but he does have a good heart - and he plays this very well.

So what is the common denominator? Is it the beard? God knows I'm not into beards - but somehow, these men carry them well. I also think gruffness is part of it. I've never been into the clean cut handsome kind...but hmm...I wonder who will be next. I still need to fill the voids on my "list".

Sex and The City Movie Review

2008-05-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

Since I am not working for now, I have today off. I have debated yesterday between seeing this movie alone (since it's a Friday morning! Who is free!?) or eating a India Palace - which I am craving for but is all the way down in Alameda.

Listening to the radio this morning convinced me to go to watch this movie. It was getting good reviews - and there were rumors that it's going to be #1 in the box office this weekend, and there are a lot of places selling tickets out! I even debated, should I Fandago this thing to make sure I have a ticket? Then I chuckled, hell no. It's 11:00 am on a Friday morning! Everyone's at work. There's no way it'll sell out. The last time I watched a movie this early (yesterday, watching Made of Honor) there were literally 3 of us in the theater.

So, I drive. My mouth dropped open as I turn in the parking lot. It was full! And there was a line to get tickets! No fucking way!! I panicked a little. It was the weirdest thing. I was able to get tickets, but man, when I entered the theater, it looked like it was a 9 pm showing with the crown of people already seated! It's fucking 11 am!!! Then, I looked closer and realized why. 90% of the crowd were the senior folk! Ahhh, it all makes sense. Yes, they may be old, but they sure are getting it on! It was like a retirement home decided to go on a field trip and it was to the Hilltop Century 16. I found a seat in between two 80 year old gentlemen (obviously with their dates). It was fine, I thought, if I bawled, then would they even really notice?

And bawl I did. I love this movie. I haven't cried this much in a movie theater since Stepmom, and that was just tears. There were moments when my whole body cried, you know, the very unattractive cry where your face turns weird because of the emotion?

SPOILER ALERT!!!

The first real cry came when Carries finds out Big wasn't coming and said she needed to get out of there. At the same time, Big realizes that was a mistake and turns back. They meet in the street and the reaction from Carrie, and even Charlotte as they attack Big - I cried like I was the one in that situation - the frustration, the emotion, it was all so real.

There were lots of cries in the movie, but as always, the story that gets to me is Steve & Miranda. I can't help it, I love them together, and their story...sigh. I think Gel's review was spot on, they didn't make Steve out to be a "bad guy". Yes, we know it's wrong, but at the same time, life isn't like a fairy tale and people do make mistakes, and in the real life - you either move forward or go your own separate ways. I like the fact that they didn't take the "you go girl" road on here. It was heartbreaking. I cried at Steve's remose, I bawled when they met again at the Brooklyn bridge.

Charlotte, always the optimist, but always in the shadows, I think took a more backseat role in this movie, nevertheless, I give props to Kristin Davis since there's two Charlotte scenes that made me bawl. One, as previously mentioned, when they confronted Big in the street, and second in the scene outside the restaurant where she finally told Big off. I really felt what she meant - in that out of everyone, she rooted for him, defended him...

Samantha, i thought, also took a backseat role in this movie, and aside from the comic / sex relief, I didn't really care much that she wasn't in love with Smith anymore. And you know, I liked them as a couple during the series.

I also thought that the JHud side story was -hmm- filler-ish. Like, yeah, they just needed another person to show Carrie what Love is. I didn't feel much connection with her and Carrie, but oh well. Oh and yeah, like Gel says, "renting" a purse, it not cheap and in the end - you don't have anything to show for it!! I don't believe Carrie would not have known that there is such a thing. Come on, she lives fashion! And if you are unemployed, I'm sorry, you don't have the mony to rent a purse. Hello, you buy a non-label one at a Target and call it a day.

But aside from all of that, I loved the movie. I loved that Carrie took a portion of the responsibility for the wedding that wasn't and showed a side of her that's...normal. Wearing a no-label wedding suit to City Hall, and showing that she actually really loved Big and not jut for the money.

It was good. It was very very good.

Breaksk8 can Dance!

2008-03-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

Violet loves these dancing shows and last time I was at their place, we were watching America's Best Dance Crew, and despite my usual apathy to dance - I was really impressed! Impressed to the point that I kinda wished I was a good dancer! Ha! No really...is it too late for me?

Anyway, from the episode I watched, I was most impressed with this: Breaksk8 with Beat It

Josiah Leming sings Grace Kelly

2008-02-20T16:50:00.000-08:00

This was my favorite of the American Idol auditions. To clarify, my favorite audition. I'm not that upset Josiah didn't make it through to Hollywood - poor kid, but I was blown away by this performance.

Goodbye Loves

2008-01-26T20:54:00.001-08:00

Wow. This week has been kind of a shocker. First, I find out that Heath Ledger has passed. What!? I couldn't believe it at first. I mean, I was just thinking last week how of all celebrities, he's been consistently on my list. I just think he is so handsome, and talented. God, at 28 too, he was just a boy. And what about his little girl? I tear up at the thought of a two year old losing her dad. It's very sad.

Secondly, I find out that after 12+ years in Broadway, RENT will shut down it's doors in June. What!? I couldn't believe it too! RENT is a NY tradition for me. I know I've seen it countless of times and even my aunt has told me that I should go watch something different - but RENT has been so close to my heart that every time we visit the big city - we have to have to line up for lotto! We have to have to wait at the stage door! It's so sad. I won't even get to see it one last time before they close. But even if I won't see it live on Broadway anymore, it will forever be in my heart.

No day but today...

Sprout Rant

2008-01-09T20:45:00.003-08:00

My son loves Thomas the Tank Engine. In fact, he likes anything that moves. He loves cars, trains, planes...Anyway, because he loves Thomas, we now watch it on Sprout. It was fun at first since it was nice to see him dance when the song comes on and point to the trains as say "Ta-Ta" (Thomas). But it's been a few months and I. am. done. with. this. shit.

Everytime it comes on, I find new things to rant about: These trains are the most idiotic trains on the planet! They keep crashing onto things! Geez, they're so spoiled - how many coats of paint does on train need? If I hear these tank engines complain one more time, I'm going to be cross! Sr Toppem Hatt is soo stupid!!! Where does he get the money to fix all the broken rails, caves, bridges that the engines crash into??

Ok, that's just Thomas. Don't even get me started on the other idiotc shows on the channel. I hate Dragon Tales! I hate Noddy! I hate Jay Jay the Jet Plane! I hate Zaboomafoo! I hate Jakers with a passion! I hate Caillou! Do I like any show there? Not really. I'm really just doing it for Josh. Sometimes, I cheat and change the channel to a rerun of Friends. Haha! My hubby has a thing for Nina (Goodnight Show) though. I find it amusing. Alright, I think i'm done with my rant.

Kidrobot - Dunny 4

2007-12-26T22:11:00.000-08:00

I know I'm not a kid anymore, and I've heard of Kidrobot before, but up until I've bough a bunch of these for the team for Christmas, I never though about it much.

They're very cool. I like the Dunny series. The one I got was the pink one - I hope I don't get addicted and try to collect them all.

Cheesecake Dilemna

2007-12-22T21:51:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking about food all fucking day long! Ugh, I can't stop it. I can't help my fat ass from expanding and expanding. I know I have an excuse for stuffing my pie hole with...not pie, but other yummy things, but still, I want to stop it!!!

I've decided to bring cheesecake to the Christmas Dinner (instead of my usual Lumpiang Shanghai - ordered, not made from scratch. please.) but now the dilemna is what cheesecake to get! I love the Oreo Cheesecake - I've had that a number of times - but should I venture with something new like this White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle? It looks yummy? Or should I get both?? Really...What should I do?

Other things I'm craving that's weird (since I normally don't care for these): Chipotle tacos & Razzmatazz from Jamba Juice. God help me.

I'm...Hurley?

2007-12-09T22:47:00.000-08:00

Let me preface this by saying it was Lina who strong armed me into being on Facebook. Relenting after numerous threats (Yeah, Lina, threats!) I realize I do find it quite entertaining. I love games and I love taking quizzes. Gosh, I'm a dork. The quizzes as silly and if your really try you can guide your answers so you get the answer you want.

Which brings me to this post - I took a "Which Lost character are you?" quiz and am quite taken aback that I'm Hurley! I don't feel like a Hurley at all. Oh, what do I know...

Confrontation - Valjean / Javert

2007-11-20T22:35:00.000-08:00

I had a huge grin on my face watching this clip from the How I Met Your Mother gang. Well, really it's Jason & Neil. God, I love Neil, he's so awesome. He's perfect as Javert! Go on, watch it!!

The Invisible

2007-10-26T21:49:00.001-07:00

My flight back from Chicago, this was the movie we were forced to watch. Ugh. The moment I saw Justin Chatwin's face, I wanted to puke. I don't know what it is about him - I had an immediate dislike. Of course, the story is about this "handsome" privileged kid who gets killed by the school bully (Margarita Leviava). Ugh. The school bully is of course (as is typical for all movies like this) a pretty but misunderstood tough gal. Of course, she has a crap of a dad that does not care for her or her younger brother. Of course, she loves her younger brother. Of course, they're poor and she's just trying to survive.

I hated them both at first sight. I hate the rich-handsome-good-guy with the poor-pretty-bad-girl combo. It's just so cliche. I know we are supposed to hate the girl in the beginning, but like Nick, as we journey with him to find out what happened to him, we are supposed to love her in the end. In the end, it wasn't her fault really, it was her boyfriend - because he was the one who turned her in to the cops in the first place. What the fuck? I know it's all confusing, I was confused too. But please do not watch this movie.

Funny thing though: As much as I hated both of them, as much as I seethed when they finally "connected", as much as I hated the whole storyline, I was crying in the end. What the fuck is wrong with me? This same thing happened when we watched Bridge to Tarabithia. (premise: good shy boy with larger than life girl - another combo I hate. She - takes him out of his shell. In the end (spoiler)(spoiler), and I was bawling) My hubby was very amused.

Bag Love #3: Mango Bag

2007-10-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

This bag is a small leather bag. It's the size of a clutch but with a strap. I can only really stuff my wallet, cell phone, camera & a lipstick in it, but it's really really cool.

It's a MNG Mango bag, my only one. Given to me by Gel, it's one of my favorite small bags. I love it's color. It's not the typical brown leather, the brown is so light it's almost mango colored. The "worn" leather is soft to the touch. It's good for work as well as a night out in the town - coz...yeah, I go out a lot. (heh. that was sarcasm, in case it did not translate.)

Whip It Good!

2007-10-09T22:36:00.002-07:00

I randomly heard the Dazz Band's Let It Whip on the radio. Then I realized I loved that song. It's one of those songs that makes me smile (and want to dance!) when I hear it. It was also the song that Sean played in Felicity during Season 2's "True Colors" episode when they were painting Noel's apartment. I loved that scene as well, it's one of my favorites in the entire series. It's a rare scene of Scott Speedman dancing. Ooh la la. Oh, by the way, you won't find this song on the DVD's. It's weird. it's like, they did not have enough money to pay for the rights and therefore used a different song instead. Tsk. Tsk.

Favorite Mitch Hedberg Material

2007-10-05T22:30:00.000-07:00

Though about Mitch Hedberg today. God, he was so good. Here are my favorite Mitch Materials:

"When someone hands you a flyer, it's like they're saying - here, you throw this away. "

“An escalator can never break. It can only become stairs. You would never seen an Escalator temporarily out of order sign, just Escaloaor temporarily stairs. Sorry for the convenience.”

“The depressing thing about tennis is that no matter how much I play, I’ll never be as good a a wall. I played a wall once. They’re fuckin' relentless.”

"I think foosball is a combination of soccer and shish kabobs. "

"This guy asked me if I wanted a frozen banana and I said, "No ... but I would like a regular banana later, so ... yeah.""

"This shirt is Dry Clean only, therefore, it's dirty"

"I want to be a race car passenger--just a guy who bugs the driver. "Say, man, can I turn on the radio? You should slow down. Why we gotta keep going in circles? Can I stick my feet out the window? Man, you really like Tide.""

"I wear v-neck shirts, this is a v-neck I got on. My neck is so fragile man, I can't wear a regular neck shirt, it hurts. And I especially hate turtlenecks. Wearing a turtleneck is like being strangled by a really weak guy, all day. Like if you wear a turtleneck and a backpack
it's like a weak midget is trying to bring you down."

My Beesley Shirt

2007-10-03T21:13:00.001-07:00

I've watched this episode (The Dundies) so many times but it was only last night when I noticed that Pam is wearing my shirt! Ha! It's an Express shirt that I bought so I can look more "work appropriate". I guess I can see Pam buying her clothes at Express. Hee, still cool.

Fossil Accessories

2007-10-01T20:59:00.001-07:00

On a lighter note, I love the new line of Fossil accessories. The colors are beautiful and the pattern are unique. I'd like to get this necklace on the left, but it's a whopping $65.00. There are matching rings as well, those may be more affordable. Gel says they're trying to be like Kenneth Cole (which has the best jewelry line right now as far as we're concerned). In a way, I agree, but so what. I've gotten compliments from the ones that I have...so good job, Fossil. Hurry up and be on sale so I can get a few more.

Random Raider Thoughts

2007-09-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

Out of all the professional team sports, my favorite to watch is football. I love the game. It's not as boring as baseball (sorry, baseball fans), and not as fast-paced as basketball. I feel like with football, the plays chosen actually make a difference between winning and losing. But even if I do love the game, I hardly ever watch anymore. Why? I am a sore loser. If my team loses, my whole day is ruined. I get all upset. Why go through that every week? But hey hey hey...Oakland won today! Wheee!

Oh, and Lane Kiffin - the head coach, is only 31. God, he's like...my age! Good for him, I guess. I hope he's the one to turn this team around. We need to start winning again. Maybe then, I'll watch more football.

Office Love

2007-09-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

I love the Office. I just love it so much. So, being such a huge fan, it's been a great office-filled week for me.

To get all caught up for today's premiere, we've marathon-ed Seasons 2 & 3 the past week. Lina & I were even on the same wavelength as she was marathon-ing the same disc as I am - so in the morning when I get in the office, we talk about the past episodes. She hated Creed, by the way. With a passion. But we both kind of cried at the season 3 finale. I thought Jenna's acting was superb and that final scene, she sold it.

Even though I'm a Jam shipper, I love the office for more than just the office romance. It's funny! Watching the episodes, I would laugh out loud at just the most random things. Michael having a crush on Ryan. Funny! Michael doing the Chris Rock bit. Uncomfortble and funny at the same time! Michael wearing a woman's power suit. Hee!

Now, The Office is on the cover of this week's Entertainment Weekly! I'm so happy their finally getting this recognition. Weee!!! The one I have is with Dwight & Angela.

And speaking of Dwight. Here's my good friend Lee with his "good friend" Rainn. Does this mean I'm like one degree away from being good friends with Rainn? I'm soo giddy! Lee, make it happen!

Hot House

2007-09-26T22:12:00.001-07:00

I don't really know why...but I'm so attracted to House. He is so on my list. Count one more for the bad guys, I guess. Wilson is the "good" guy. He is nice. He's a good doctor. He cares about his patients. He cares about House. He does "what is fair". He is kind. He is very handsome. He does nothing for me. Heh. I like him - as a friend. Haha...(sorry, I'm laughing at my own joke). What is so attractive about a guy who is rude, uncaring, malicious? I don't know, but I give props to Hugh Laurie.

It was a good season opener. I love scenes with House & Wilson, especially when Wilson does not take crap from House. The kidnapping of the guitar was fun, as well as the kidnapping of his patient. I'm also looking forward to the next few episodes as House finds his team. Should be a good season.

Heroes

2007-09-25T22:33:00.001-07:00

Premiere Week continues! Today, I saw Chuck (new show) and Heroes. I enjoyed Chuck a lot so I guess I'll tune in again last week.

I was ambivalent about getting hooked again this season, but I like it! Maybe there being no Ally Larter screen time helped. She was my least favorite character. I'm especially happy with two new castmates: Kristen Bell. I'm very curious to see if she'll do well in a non-Veronica-Mars type role. The other is David Anders. I loved him as Sark in Alias. I remember Joanna cringing when I told her I thought he was attractive. Haha. So far, I'm enjoying him as Kensei. The new mystery is intriguing as well. Should be a good season.

Legendary

2007-09-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

It's premiere week! for me it starts with the How I Met Your Mother. I really enjoyed Season 2 - and i hope season 3 will be much better. Aside from the Office this is the only real comedy that I really liked. Plus, the hero is an architect! The last architect seen in a comedy (or TV in general) was Two Guys, A Girl & A Pizza Place...am I right? Or is David Duchovny playing one in Californiacation? Hmm...either way, we don't get a good representation in the industry. We don't say words like "anaphylactic seizure". We don't get our missions from faux garbage cans. We don't analyze weird stains from crime scenes, pour some liquid on it and find out it's blood. In short, we are boring. The most exciting news I found out today is that we are having a catered lunch next staff meeting because it's someone's ten year anniversary. Haha, I challenge someone to write an episode around that!

Anyway, the season opener was actually not legendary, but I was happy to see everyone back. Boy, they all look great in this photo. And lastly, it looks like we'll see the continuation of the slap bet.

Shu Uemura Lipstick

2007-09-23T23:06:00.000-07:00

I'm not much of a make-up expert, but I do want to say that I recently discovered the shu uemura lipstick and I love it. It feels like a moisturizing lipstick - if that's even a term. If you tend to put a lip balm after you apply your lipstick because your lips are chappy, then this is the lipstick for you! Goody!

The Emmys

2007-09-17T22:46:00.001-07:00

I finally finished watching the Emmy's. Sad to say, a lot of my favorites did not win. Boo! Of course, I wanted Steve, Rainn & Jenna to win in their respective categories, and none of them won (but it was cute when Steven & Jon "gave" the award to their friend Steve Cah-rell). I also wanted Hugh Laurie to win but was prepared for James Gandolfini to take it...but James Spader? Ugh.

But even if my favorites did not win, it was still a fairly enjoyable show. My favorite was the "Don't Forget The Lyrics" bit where Rainn & Kanye did a rap-off. Watch it here. Hee, cute!

Bag Love #2: Manhattan Portage

2007-09-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

This bag will forever be to me my first ever cool bag. I've lugged this all around Berkeley. It has weathered through countless Bart & Bus rides. It has seen many nights at Wurster Hall studios. It has gone through lots of coffee stains and muffin crumbs from Strada. It has been tossed, It has been thrown. It has been loved.

I love this bag. I've loved it the minute I saw it at the Urban Outfitters on Brancroft. I purchased it full price. Yikes! Yes, a whopping $40, which to a college student, was a lot.

Now, I honor you, Manhattan Portage Cornell messenger bag - in grey. I hope you enjoyed being with me as much as I have lugging you around, because honestly, after a couple of hours, you fucking hurt my shoulder. Just Kidding. I love you.

Bon Voyage Helen!

2007-09-13T22:25:00.001-07:00

Helen leaves for Hong Kong today, and we are all sad.

Helen, I want you to know how awesome you are. You are one of the most beautiful people I know. You are! Not only are your beautiful on the outside (smile so infectious) but you have the kindest heart. As you start this next chapter of your life, remember that we are all here missing you but also happy that you are now doing something for yourself. You are following your heart, your dreams, your gut, your future.

May all your dreams come true, whether big or small, because you deserve it all.

It's Not Porn, It's HBO

2007-09-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

First reaction? Hmm, okay. I kind of liked it and I think I will continue to watch, but it did not wow me like other HBO shows have. I think I will give this one a chance though because the topic intrigues me.

The show revolves mainly around three couple. An older couple with three kids and their relationship is at the point where even though they love each other very much, they are not having sex. The second is a couple dealing with infertility, having had a year of trying to get pregnant with no good results. The third is a young engaged couple. All three are interesting in their own way and some scenes are very relatable, if that's a word. Anyway, I'll give it a few more episodes.

The arguments that I've seen for and against the show is that although there is a lot of sex, it's the un-sexy sex. I think that is the point of the show. Not all sex is supposed to arouse you or titilate you. Not all sex happens with really attractive people. Sometimes, it's just that.

A little warning though - even though the sex is not all that sexy, it is very graphic, so I don't suggest watching it with your dad (or mom, or pastor). Trust me on this.

Sexy Justin

2007-09-12T22:46:00.000-07:00

I just caught the tail end of Justin's HBO Special Futuresex / Loveshow. I must say that even though I've never really been attracted to him, never had him on my List, objectively, he is very very nice to look at. Mmmmm.

Bag Love #1: Girl Messenger

2007-09-09T11:56:00.001-07:00

I love bags! I especially like weird funky bags. And in honor of my love for bags, I'm starting a series of Bag-Love posts, showing of my favorites.

This messenger bag was given to me by Jiki and I love the girl on the flap. This is obviously a women's bag since I can't think of any reason why a guy would have a bag with a girl on it.

It's big enough to fit a letter pad so I tend to use it on days when I know I need to carry a lot of stuff.

On Pop Culture and the Internet (a rant)

2007-09-05T21:47:00.001-07:00

Lately, I've been complaining to people that I'm feeling old. I've thought about this a lot and pondered if it's because I have a baby now? Is that why I'm feeling old? But what I've realized is that it is not the baby, and I'm not feeling "old" necessarily. I am just feeling the generation gap between me and the younger people.

The crazy thing is, the age difference is not a lot. The youngest person in my team right now is 22...so, not even a 10 year difference. The difference is not the age, it's about the internet. In the past 12 years, we've gone through quite a bit of change with the way we use the internet. When I was in college, the Chat Rooms were huge. I admit, I got sucked in - ended up "friends" from all over world. All lies though, coz who tells the truth in those things?

After that came the message boards (Forums, if you will). I am part of this generation. I read a lot of message boards - my faves are on the sidebare here --> (For anything Rent-related, go to Compulsive Bowlers, For anything TV-related, Television Without Pity is the best.)

Then I started getting invites for LiveJournal, early version of the blog. Friendster came right after that, unfortunately this was the loser version of MySpace. Now, MySpace is so big, it's a generation! I may very well be the last person not to have a MySpace page.

Ok, now my point. With everyone now spending more time on the internet, it's totally a different culture. Losers like myself who are Pop-culture freaks (mostly TV-lovin' geeks) are now kind of a rare breed. I felt this emptiness the most after Lina left. We used to schedule time to talk about Lost. Yes, block out a half an hour to discuss the last episode. Now apparently, I am the last of my kind. Now, if I say "puffy shirt", all I get are a bunch on blank stares. Is it really too much to ask to have someone at work I can fucking talk to about things I care about?

Really, is it too much to ask for someone:
-Who knows the right way to say "How you doin'"?
-Who can spend countless work hours with me plotting the demise of Lost's Michael, because he was the only one we were willing to give up?
-Who knows what I mean when I say "there's a deer just outside eating fruit from the orchard"
-Who would appreciate the fact that I got chummy with TAR's hot hot Oswald?
-Who would spend all day laughing at how awful Clive Owen's King Arthur was but appreciate the fact the he's still hot.
-Who I can compare my "List" with?
-Who can recite by heart the bit that ends with "I told you that bitch crazy!"
-Who would call me at work while in a diner in LA to tell me that Scott Speedman is a few tables down and proceed to plot on how she would work the nerve to take a picture?
-Who thinks the Office is the funniest thing on TV right now
-Who know Aiden is the perfect boyfiend - and Carrie is a fool!!!
-Who rooted for American Idol's Constantine Maroulis only (and only) because he used to play Rent's Roger in a touring company
-Who loves Rome & Six Feet Under as much as I did?
-Who would plan with me our next NYC trip in time for TARcon?

Really...Is that too much to ask?

Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Shampy & Condy

2007-09-03T23:36:00.001-07:00

I just started using Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Shampoo and conditioner and I must say I'm very pleased with it. I've been trying on different shampoos for a while, inlcuding Sebastian, Infusium, Pantene...I've had stints where I thought all shampoos are the same, why buy the expensive one?, and I usually pick whatever brand was on sale at Target. Then, I would have stints (usually after a haircut) where the stylist would pressure me into buying whatever expensive product they have and I usually give in and regret it later when I don't feel the shampoo working.

This time I was debating between going with everyone's favorite brand Fakkai and Kiehls, but the outrageous prices at BBW & Sephora made try this. I'm very happy with it, which means I'll stick it out for a while. I have yet to try Dave's brand of choice: Biosilk. Maybe next time, Dave. Maybe next time.

Moca Simpson

2007-09-01T23:01:00.001-07:00

Taking a cue from Smokedog, I decided to Simpsonize myself. Pretty fun! I'm cool as a Simpson - haha!!! Come on, do it...and email me your photo. Here's the link: Simpsonize Me

Recycling, It's not for Everyone.

2007-09-01T20:40:00.001-07:00

I'm a postin' machine! Let's see how long I can keep this going.

So apparently, in Florida they do not recycle. That was Lina's bit of info for me yesterday. Can you believe that? If they want to recycle, they have to drive 40 minutes out of town to the nearest recycling center! What? Recycling is so much a part of life here in California that I think we do not even think about it. When I have a can, I automatically dump it on our recycle bin. Next time I fill my blue bin, I will think of you, Florida peeps.

Catch and Release

2007-09-01T11:40:00.001-07:00

I've procrastinated watching this for the longest time. I don't even know why I netflixed it. Maybe it was because I like Kevin Smith and thought it was a romantic comedy so why not? Well, you know when you use netflix, if you are hanging on to a movie, no other movies are coming in your mailbox....so it was time.

ok, it sucked. It sucked so so bad, where do I start? Let's start with Jennifer Garner...so over acting in this movie. The scene where she was in the bathtub while this other guy was having sex with the waitress, her facial expressions were too exaggerated. Girl, you are not in theater - we can zoom in to see you face. Secondly, she changes from smiling to crying at the drop of a hat. What the fuck?

Now, Mr. Handsome here (Timothy Olyphant?) disgusts me. Why do I hate handsome guys? I don't get it, but either way...not buying him. Lizette, he reminds me of Michael (our handsome librarian) in Rebuilding Together as he stands / poses coz he know the chicks are watching him, not really doing any painting or working whatsoever. The whole movie for me he was just trying to look cute.

Chemistry? There was none. Tim was too busy trying to look handsome for the camera and Jen was too busy interspersing between her winning smile and her dramatic pout.

Plot B: Kevin trying to commit suicide and "the other friend" secretly in love with Jen both did not have any good resolutions. You can cut that whole side story and we would not miss a thing.

Thumbs way down.

4 Lunches and a Boo Doll

2007-08-31T20:13:00.001-07:00

It has been a good month for me. I know I complaint a lot, but that's just for fun. I've been kind of low on funds considering the amount of lunches I've been doing lately. But what's a little money compared to good company? Almost every week (or more than one in a given week) I've spent time with people leaving, who I will miss dearly, to people I haven't seen in a while, who I've missed sorely.

Last week I had lunch with Helen & Lizette, which sad to say was probably our last lunch together (no! Let's have lunch one more time before you leave, Helen...call me!!!), but it had also been a while since the three of us hooked up and I had the best time. It brought back memories of how much we really enjoyed each other's company.

Today, we had lunch with the Juice Guys - Sam & Dave (or Dave & Sam), different company, but same great time. Dave is one of those guys that can make you laugh so hard you are crying. I miss that. It's also kind of fascinating that even with the passing of time, people do remain the same, and you can pick back right where you left off. And yes Sam, I do remember the Boo Doll Ebay Sales days. Those were good times.

Here's our pics...only Jo was not paying attention:

God Bless You...God!

2007-08-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

Alright. I know this is the second Big Brother post in a row...so FUCKING what!? I'm a 30 year old mom with no life, this is it for me.

N-E-way...Hamster Time is my favorite BB live feed site. I don't bother paying for live feeds not because I'm not a loser, but because I can get the Cliffnotes version here. I may go crazy if I have to sit though in real time watching Eric flirt his way into Jessica's heart or watching Jameka & Amber pray to God. With Hamster Time, I can take a quick peek and know who is nominated, who got the veto or know what is happening this very moment, thanks to the people who do pay for the feeds and spend their waking hours narrating what's going on. Yes, people seem to do this for fun - God Bless the Internet!

"God Bless you...God." though, said with the utmost sincerity / heartfelt emotion, with tears in her eyes may be my all-time favorite phrase that came out of Big Brother, courtesy of Amber.

I am fascinated by the whole America's Player aspect, because with the last task ("kiss Jess") it feels like "America" is a giddy 13 year old girl playing SIMS, giggling at she prompts the guy kiss the girl. And ew, Eric is so excited about his task that he almost butchers it (see tag line from Hamster Time this week). He must be getting to me though, because I've posted about Eric twice now...and you know...it is a thin line between love and hate. If I end up falling for him, I mean it...come and stab my eyes out.

Please Make Him Stop

2007-08-23T21:40:00.000-07:00

Oh my fuckin' God. Eric is so annoying. I had the Showtime BBAD (Big Brother After Dark) on in the background whilst I do my email (and other shit on the internet) and I hear Eric ramble on and on and on and on (and on and on) about Jen and Jessica and "relationships" and fucking STOP!!!! My head is about to explode. He would not even stop for a breath. God! He already looks so much like the nerd trying to be the cool guy trying to land the hot chick and he thinks he's successfully getting the girl when he so...yech. Makes me sick. Gah...Carla...I now really truly understand why you hate him. Sigh.

The Bourne Ultimatum...and the Touraeg 2

2007-08-19T22:12:00.000-07:00

I really really enjoyed this movie! First of all, I enjoyed the fact that we were able to watch a movie in the first place. Second of all, this one did not disappoint. From the start this sucks you right in and I think it's really a feat for Matt Damon to make me actually love him. He's not one of my favorite actors generally but he sold me on Jason Bourne. The Bourne Series was the turning point in my Matt love. I believe him, I'm rooting for him, and even though a lot of the stuff that happens to him are so unbelievable I cheer every time he kicks some ass or I'm loving the fact that he's still alive.

There's a few really awsome chases: one early on involving the writer who was being followed because he knows too much and Jason was guiding him on the phone like a puppet to make sure that the CIA won't find him. It was gripping. Another one involved Jason running, jumping off roofs, and crashing through windows, all to save Nikki (Julia Stiles) from the assasin trying to kill her. The one on one combat was awsome, and i'm not one for violence, people. Then there's the car chase through manhattan involving the VW Touraeg 2. Squeee! As a VW Toureag (not Touraeg 2 though) owner, it's thrilling to see my little baby on screen kickin' ass! I know it's product placement, but it was done very tastefully. It was not overkill, the Touraeg was already badly beaten up from the getgo and yet it was soo thrilling. My hubby, party pooper as usual, had to comment, "Hmm, how come the airbag did not deploy?" Haha.
Overall, it was very satisfying. Awsome job. Watch this movie. This is my favorite so far. Yes, loved it more than Transormers.

Here's the Touraeg below - What a beauty!:

I Love Anthropologie

2007-08-18T22:45:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say that I love love love Anthropologie! They have like the best. clothes. ever. sigh...just too darned expensive (hmm, is this a posting trend?). Every time I go, I head over to the sale rack, coz that's really the only way I can afford this shit. Last time I went, as i fitted clothes in the fitting rooms, I overhear the two loud women next door talkng about men and clothes (two subjects we women like to talk about). The one girl asked how the shirt looked on her, the other girls said she looked fabulous and asked how much the shirt was. Girl one says $175. Girl two says, "that's reasonable.." I sigh as I looked down at my pile of $29.99 shirts. Must be nice to be rich.

Le Compagnie De Provence Marseille

2007-08-18T22:14:00.000-07:00

I love these. Ok, I admit i haven't tried any and I'm judging by looks alone, but the bottles look so pretty. I want them all over my house. The company is called La Compagnie De Provence Marseille and they have luxury soaps, candles and other good stuff. The foam bath (shown) is a whopping $21. Yikes!

A Bad Premonition

2007-08-12T23:31:00.000-07:00

It's been a whole week since I watched this on DVD, but the sour taste has not left my mouth. This picture of Sanda is so telling of the movie itself. It's ugly, distraught & frustrating.

5 minutes into the movie, my hubby turned to me and said, this sucks, and went to sleep. And for the remainder, I had to sit through this all by myself. As I watch, a mental debate is running through my head: Why finish it? It sucks. But, you're already invested time into it! Don't you want to know what the answer to the mystery? But it's so. fucking. slow...(pause)...fine. i'll watch it. fucking curiousity - kills the cat every time.

The worst part for me is Sandra herself. Aside from While You Were Sleeping, I don't really like her, and i almost hate most of her characters. This movie made it glaringly obvious that she cannot act. At least, i'm not buying it. There's a scene in the movie where she wakes up to find her husband alive for the second time, so she goes in the shower while he's in it, hugs him from behind and just holding on because she did not know whether she's going to wake up again and he's dead - but the hug looked so empty. I did not feel that she loved him or even cared. She's like an "empty vase" (haha. a Friends reference). She felt so disconnected from everyone else in the movie - even her kids!!! I did not feel that she loved her children! She sucks big time.

Please save yourself the rental and not watch this film. The reslution - the answer to the whole mysetry - is even lame. She was the reason he died! (oops. spoiler) In trying to save him, she drove him to the exact scene of the accident. You know what? Made me hate the character even more. geez, poor huband - should've gone ahead on cheated on her sorry ass. (oops. another spoiler). That's it. End of Rant.

Not the Rabbit

2007-08-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

This is an odd invention. No, it's not what you think it is silly. It's a banana case. A what? A banana case. Are people really worried about the condition of their banana when they get to their destination that they'd buy a banana shaped case just to protect it?

This case is also geared towards the "perfect" banana shape & size. Because what if you got a very small banana? Kay, I know you got those! What if your banana is extra long? [Maybe the ribs accomodate for this]. What if your banana is huge or fat? What if your banana is extra bendy and won't follow the shape of this case? Not all bananas are Chiquitas!

In any case, you can get this nifty gadget at Compact Impact for $6 a bunker, or $25 for the set (so you can case up a banana for every day of the week!!). Just make sure that when you do use it, you're putting the banana IN it.

Big Brother 8 - Yes, I am Watching It

2007-08-01T23:03:00.000-07:00

Carla, this post is for you! Since I am outing myself again this year, I will take you down with me!!

Yes, I love Big Brother this year, just like every year I guess. It is just so trashy, but awsomely so. This pic is of Dustin, the closest I'll have to getting a crush this year. He's gay - because all cool and handsome guys are. sigh. But, yes, even my gay TV boyfreind this past episode was bad - when tempted with cash and prizes, he caved!

We also have a token cryer - Amber! I love it, she cries every single fucking episode. It's AWESOME! You know what's great about her crying too, is that she's not crying in a nice demure cry. It's an ugly, kid-not-getting-his-candy cry. Her face gets all jacked up, her eyes turns to slits....hee. awesome. And she cries about the simplest things! She was bawling because Dustin took the prizes and therefore she saw "a side" of him thst she did not like. TV gold.

Then there's the father / daughter tension: Will they or won't they...reconcile (why? what were you thinking???). He's getting on my nerves, and so does she!

There's the romance - between Danielle and Nick, but i can't really get into because I think Nick is so fucking ugly. I'm coming out to say it: I hate beefcakes. yeck. Plus, with his mustache (another turn off) and soul patch, he's looking like a buff kevin richardson. NOT GOOD.

We also have Jen - who is in a category all by herself. She cried the very first day because she thought the picture of her looked ugly. Haha. She was seriously upset. Hee. She also wear persnalized Jen hirts like: JENSA Member, or JENTH degree...loving her yet? She's is so bad and annoying that i'm kind of rooting for her. She's a typical "Jen" - For those of you who watch BB and know a Jen in your life, you will relate. haha.

There's the religious people - yes, like Jameka who took a peson off the block because she thought it was God's will for her to do it. Really. God's will!!

So, Carla...being the only other person I know who watches this...are you with me?

Rehab All Star

2007-07-29T22:17:00.000-07:00

Just fit for the times, neighborhoodies , your place to get personalized (cool) shirts, have a new shirt concept: "Rehab All Stars" Haha. If i'm going to get one, I'd choose between Lindsey Lohan or Mel Gibson

Transformers

2007-07-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

So we played hooky last Wednesday and went to see Transformers. I really enjoyed it - it was a couple hours of action entertainment. But if I may, I did have a few issues with the movie:
1) The crowd at the climactic fight scene betwen the good & bad. Okay, so it's a Monday morning in busy Times Square. You are out by the street with your coffee walking to work. then - zoom! Pow! Fuck - it's a robot!! You scream! You run! ...right? So how come half an hour into the fight scene, people are still on the fucking streets acting all chaotic and surprised (still) as Prime & Megatron duke it out.
2) Really, Prime - you think with all the damage & destruction done there wasn't a single human harmed?
3) It was too freakin' fast. I couldn't distinguish an autobot from a decepticon! My solution, have all the autobots be brightly colored and all the decepticons be black and white...what? no? ok fine.
But yeah...I loved the movie.

The Animal AKA How I Love my Dyson

2007-07-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

For years, I've had people tell me to go get a Dyson! Dyson is so awesome! Dyson is so great! For years i've listened but did not do anything about it. It's freakin' expensive. But with a one year old running around and Blue shedding all over the place, it was about time.
All of you who told me to get a Dyson - you are right. I love this! I feel the power with every push of the Vac. I feel all of Blue's hairs being sucked right in and that makes me happy. I love how easy it is to pull out the extender and suck out all the corners. I love all the little gadgets it came with. I love the Zorb thingies and they make my carpet smell good. My only tiny complaint? The stair gadget is still a little hard to use. Oh well, it's still awesome.

Eleanor Grosch Flats

2007-06-28T21:49:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, for the love of shoes! I haven't thought about Keds since high school but as I was wandering around Macy's I saw a few really cool flats from Eleanor Grosch. I love em and for only $30, it is very affordable! The only thing I need to decide is which one I should get!

See Kai Run

2007-06-16T18:06:00.001-07:00

Ok, I must say something. Ii's been a while since I last blogged and I want to talk about these wonderful pair of shoes we got for Josh. It's a brand called See Kai Run based of Seattle - but I bought it at Pippen Hill - a rockin' baby store in Alameda. Not only are these so stylish, the soles are oh so soft, perfect for babies feet! The problem most infant shoes have is that they're either ugly (Robeez) or hard to put in (Stride rite)..but these...these are faahhbulous!!

Jam Love

2007-04-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to deny it anymore. I love the Office and I love the JAM! That's Jim & Pam of course. The show itself is very good. Steve as Michael Scott...he's great and that Boss is one of a kind (but you also know he's "that guy" in your office.). But I just started watching jamalamadingdong71's videos on YouTube (Please just go search her name or type in Jim Pam Story because my link is not working right now) and it brought back all these scenes! She took every scene of them from the beginning and combined them into 10 minute watchable shows. You'll be hooked. I kinda wish there's a person like her to combine all my favorite scenes from all my favorite shows. I'm not complaining though.

Oh, the Method o-Mop

2007-04-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

I'm so into Method products these days, I don'y even know what really triggered it. I mean, it's not like this is my first time to see these products. I pass them by each time I go to target. I always mean to try their hand soaps but have this sense of loyalty to Bath & Body Works. I mean to try their laundry detergent but seem to always pick up the Tide (or dreft) last minute. The time I saw Omop - I woyld've totally bought it, but I already have a damn swifter (yeck). Oh well, I guess I'll have to get this when my swifter "goes missing".

Watch Rome!

2007-03-09T19:04:00.000-08:00

Rome is such a good show I struggle to find the right words to let you know how good it is. I love both Pullo and Vorenus in different week and each week Lina & I compare how much we love these guys.

This last week, Pullo's wife is prenant and another woman (Gaia) is vying for Pullo's um, I wouldn't say affection, but nevertheless, she wants him (she wanted Vorenus too, that slut!) and didn't care by what means to get him. The previews for next week looks like she'll do something horrifying to Eirene's baby (sniff!!!!) and that'll be very hard for me to watch.

By the way, there's no such thing as censors to Rome. The amount of sex on this show is - a lot. This last episode alone had the following "love" scenes:
1) Octavia & Agrippa - two lovers engaged in forbidden love
2) Atia & Antony - being watched by her grown son Octavian
3) Pullo "punishing" Gaia for being rude to his wife
4)Vorena the Elder in bed with a man who is just using her

Poor Vorena...her first love is turning out to be fake. Poor Atia, watching the man she love marry her daughter because her son ordered it. Poor Octavia, marrying her mom's lover when she's in love with Marcus Agrippa - who she can't marry because he is not of noble birth. And poor Eirene...Want to know what happens next? Watch Rome this Sunday at 6.

It's not a little birdie, they're my keys!

2007-02-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

Most days as I pick my son up from daycare, he falls asleep in the car ride home. I'm always careful as I park my car that I do not make too much noise as I don't want to wake him up. He gets cranky that way. But as hard as I try, my damn keys bump into the car and jangles loudly. Jangles with a capital J - that is, if jangles is even a word. With the car key in, all the others sway and the car moves. They hit me on the leg (ow!), they jostle into each other, they slam into the dash, and I can only use my right hand to hold them in place for a little bit.

Long introduction, but that was the segue into this cute little felted keycase from rare device. It's like a little poncho for your keys so even if they smash into you (as often keys do), you'll feel a soft hmmm instead of a sharp ow! Heh.

The Ultimate Break Up Song

2007-02-02T19:45:00.000-08:00

I know I just did a Damien Rice post a while ago, but i can't help it. I really love this album, and I think I love this song the best. I love when a song makes you go through a range of emotions, like it can be the soundtrack to your life. Go on, click on it and let me know if I'm delusional. The fact that he looks kinda like Heath Ledger - a plus. God, I'm shallow. Anyway. While I like the acoustic version, the studio versionrocks too. Enjoy!

It's not a tivo unless it's a Tivo

2007-01-25T18:34:00.000-08:00

It's been a little while since I last posted. So for the next few posts, it'll be more of a back post.

Last month our Tivo started to die. It started to pause and stutter and then a screen of black. No!!! I loved my Tivo. I thought maybe if we restarted and reboot, it would be better. And it was, but just for a little while and then it would do it again. Finally, we decided to call DirecTV for a new box.

Our new box came and lo and behold: It's NOT a Tivo!!! It's a lame DirecTv version of Tivo. Now, let me tell you, this version does not even begin to rival Tivo. This version does not make the tivo sound when you select things. It's has a more complicated menu and it took us a month just to figure out how to record a series and know how to prioritize what shows should be record before another. There's no button I can press to know why a certain program was not recorded. When I fast forward and stop, it does not go back a few second so I have to be deadly accurate when I ff.

DirecTV got greedy and felt like they did not need Tivo and now I hear that Tivo is partnering up with Comcast. Lucky them.

Joshua & Lorenzo

2006-12-08T22:14:00.000-08:00

Today was the MBH Kids Christmas Party! It was Joshua's first so we all went. I found out the it was the first time my hubby has been in MBH in the 6 years I've worked there. Oops, didn't mean to ban him!

Anyway, this is a pic of Joshua and his friend Lorenzo - Lina's baby. We were able to nab Santa's chair the minute it freed up. Click click went the cameras as we tried to "pose" them. Heh heh, I think they were confused as to who the other person was, and why we deemed them "friends" and forced them into uncomfortable poses for our own pleasure. This was probably for us then it is for them. At 6 months, they don't even know what Santa means. But they will never be this old again (and this agreeable), so here's to our memories of Christmas 2006.

Merry Fucking Christmas!

2006-12-08T22:08:00.000-08:00

Heh. I thought this was pretty cool. You know, in a jaded kind of way. I mean, who really likes giving christmas cards? It's just something you really have to do. To be nice. Now, if I only have the guts to send this out....

Anyway, get it at O Plus D. You'll find a lot of other naughty things in there!

Cool Belt Buckle by Zipp

2006-11-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

Wow! I love love love these belt buckles. They're made out of sturdy fused glass and they're awsome. They're classy & retro at the same time. You can wear it casually or classy and it will work. Get it at Elsewares...Where else?

Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier

2006-11-26T09:54:00.000-08:00

I've posted about a few slings / carriers here before, but I do want to post about the sling that I ended up getting: The Baby Bjorn original carrier.

This is on the high end price-wise, but I must say I love it. Josh loves being in it too. He loves being close to me and most of the time falls asleep on my chest. I also get a lot of stuff done because my hands are free. The construction is sturdy - I feel very secure in it. And now that he's older, he can actually face out and see the world!

Over the weekend, we threw a baby shower for Deb (who is due in two weeks!!), and Shirley who's about 4 months & I were talking about slings. She says she can't understand why some are $40 and others are $80 when they all kinda look the same. I really don't know. Lina uses a snugli and she seems perfectly happy with it. So, I guess I just really liked this for it's look.

Damien Rice's 9 Crimes

2006-11-25T22:57:00.000-08:00

Since I'm on a roll, I thought I'd post again because you'll never know what I get the free time to write again. Boy, kids change your life indeedy!

So, on to Damien Rice. This song (9 Crimes) came on the radio on my way home from the Y. Yes, you heard me right. I heard this song on my way home and it's one of those songs that hit you at the right time, right emotion. I loved it right away. Now, I've heard of Damien Rice before, but this was the first I actually really liked. And when I actually saw his face...I thought to myself, hey, he kinda looks like Heath Ledger on his unshaven / unkempt phase - which i loved, by the way. So I guess it was inevitable, I will like the guy. Now, please if anybody can just tell me what the following verse means:

Give my gun away when it's loaded
Is that alright with you?
If you don't shoot it, how am I supposed to hold it?
Is that alright with you?

By the way, he's coming to Oakland on December 6 at the Paramount.

United 93

2006-11-25T22:13:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I last posted, and there's a lot to say! First of all, Happy Thanksgiving! Now on to this post.

I've been putting off watching this movie for a while because I know that once I see it, I will get very emotional and most likely will have red eyes by the end of it. But I did see it, and compelled to post about it, albeit weeks later.

I loved the movie. It was a simple but good story. It didn't need a fancy movie star. I didn't need fancy special effects. For this movie, the actual events was great enough a story to hold it's own. I mean, I remember waking up on 9/11 a little after 6 am to the radio alarm and there it was. It was hazy at first, people didn't know what was happening, but something was happening. I woke up after the first tower got hit, but before the second tower. So, as the day went on and you hear about a plane crashing somewhere in an open field, it doesn't hit you right away. Everyone was focused on the Twin Towers. But after the dust settled and news came out that the reason United 93 crashed because the people made sure the terrorist didn't get to their destination even if it meant dying, you feel like there are some good people out there. Angels they are.

The casting was great. I liked the fact that the actors are not so famous that you can concentrate on them as characters instead of actors. I liked the pacing. It seemed like it was in real time and yet it was all happening to fast (and slow) that you can't take your eyes off the screen. The music was just enough to evoke the right emotion. Overall, it didn't feel sensational. There was no political agenda - just one good movie.

Ted Mosby, Architect

2006-10-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

When I saw the title for last night's episode of How I Met Your Mother, I gave a little squee! First of all, I love the show. Second of all, it's a show about kids who recently graduated / in a entry-level job, and there's not a lot of that on the air. Thirdly, Ted's an Architect! Whoo hoo, was to represent.

Now, there are other shows who have a main cast member as an architect. In Two Guys, A Girl & A Pizza place, one of the "guys" was an architect - but really, even though they're architects, we never really see past them carrying a blueprint, or wearing a hardhat. Last night's episode was all about Ted being an architect!

The premise of the episode was that Ted & Robin had their first fight ever because Ted was complaining about drama at work and Robin was bored about Ted whining about it. Which let to Ted to believe that his job is boring. [hee. is our job boring?? probably.] Cue Barney telling him to use his being an architect so score some chicks and introduce himself as, "Ted Mosby, Architect" Haha...so cute! And it does work because when the chicks at the bar learn he's an architect, the utter a phrase I thought I'd never hear on National television: "You're an architect? Architects are Hot!" [I giggle as I type] Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode and kudos to the writers for making such a "boring" topic funny and interesting!

Watch How I Met Your Mother monday nights on CBS.

MUJI cardboard speakers

2006-10-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

The MoMA Store always have cool stuff. In fact, all museum gift shops always have cool stuff - but look at these compact, carboard speakers. Not only are they cute, they can be folded away when not in use. Check out the cool line of MUJI stuff at the online store as well.

Could I be wearing any more buttons!?

2006-10-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

Ha! Friends' buttons! I'll wear that - espicially "Pivot!" one of my favorite Friends line ever! Get these buttons from Glarkware - the place to get TV-inspired shirts and stuff. Be Aware that this is an NON Item (Now or Never). Darn. I just realized that this item has already closed.

Hmm...other Friends notable quotables:
"Fafanapoli!"
"Moo Point"
"But it hurts my Joey's Apple!"
"My Sandwich"
"Oh. My. God." (Janice)
"It Tastes Like Feet"
"They Don't Know We know They know We know"

My Grey's Anatomy Rant

2006-09-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

I've been resisting the urge to post about Grey's Anatomy for a while now because I know I'm in the minority when it comes to the Mer/McD-ship but hell, I am gonna!

First of all, I must say that Mer lost me about halfway last season. The whole sleeping with George made me realize that Meredith is such a self-centered bitch (sorry), and she's the kind of girl who only thinks of herself. She doesn't care about George. I don't feel like she cares about Izzie as well. I mean, yes, sometimes its "her turn to look after Izzie" but a true friend does not moan and while about her lost panties while her friend lying on the floor mourning her dead boyfriend!

Second, writers, come on! Come on!! Just when we have Derek finally have the guts to break it off with Addison - and for him to admit that this was his fault - out comes McSteamy from the shower (oh so freakin' hot, by the way), thereby McD walking out with a smug look on his face. Jackass. Soo easy for him! I think he writers really want us to love him again.

I'm just jaded, I think. I can't feel the *swoon* that everyone is feeling because 1: I can't forgive Meredith for being selfish and 2: I can't forgive Derek for playing with 2 women - even though one may have deserved it. Well, it's just me. My hubby is soo on Derek's side.

Yolo Colorhouse

2006-09-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been thinking about repainting the baby's room. The latest edition of Domino has inspired me to go with something bold: Tangerine & Khaki! Yes, it's not the usual baby blue boy color and it's not pastel. The only thing for me to do now is...actually do it! In my mind it'll look beautiful, but I know there will be opposition.

Anyway, while browsing through stuff, I saw Yolo Colorhouse - and it looks great! One thing I like is their poster sized color swatch. It's a good way to actually see if you like the color before you buy it!

Invent your Scent!

2006-09-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

I've never been much into perfumes or colognes. The only bottle of perfume I've ever owned was Ck One (and I think I bought it more because it looked cool than because I liked the scent). I do like the Body Shop's Invent Your Scent Collection. It has 9 different scents which you can mix and match depending on your mood. Figure out which combination you like best? You can then buy those scents in a bigger (1 fl. oz.) bottle. My favorite combination? Beleaf & Citrella, with Minteva & Citrella a close second.