mybook

I should probably mention...

2009-01-24T21:23:00.001-08:00

That I am not blogging here anymore.

I am now over at wordpress:
Here

See you there!

The Change.

2008-12-19T11:45:00.000-08:00

I was only 6 years old when Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in 1995. I didn't really know anything about it; I didn't know anything about the message it was supposed to convey; I didn't know what a "terrorist attack" was. I did know, however, that it shook my mom like I had never seen before.

My maternal grandfather lived just outside the city. While my mother and her father were estranged at the time, it still hit a little too close to home. In a way, I think it's what spurred their reunion just a short time later.

When this song and video came out, I remember watching it once with my mom. Just once. She couldn't stand to watch it or hear it more than that. She absolutely loves the song, but it was just too much. I heard the song off and on for the next few years.

Ten years later, I looked up the song again. It speaks to me more now than it ever has.

As I take more and more classes that challenge my ideas of the state of this nation and this world, I realize more and more that we, as individuals, need to take a stand. It's easy to get frustrated with all the things going on right now: with the recession, with the situations of loved ones, and the list goes on. Things are changing quickly...we need to show the world that it won't change who we are.

That through it all, we have hope for a brighter tomorrow.

If we don't, then we're just another agent in the vicious cycle we call the ways of the world.

Giving Thanks.

2008-11-27T12:05:00.000-08:00

Things I’m thankful for this year (in no particular order):

1. My parents. Over the last two years, it has really hit me exactly how much my parents have sacrificed for me…how hard they have worked to provide for me the things their parents could not. Together, they put my brother and me through private school from the time we were 2 until we finished the 8th grade. They are currently putting me through a 4-year university undergraduate education. My mom went back to school and got her Masters in order to make sure the rest of my family could still function while doing so. My parents have come to my school on two occasions simply because I needed them to. The second time they drove 3 hours to get there, since all of the freeways were closed due to the fires. The sacrifices are endless. When I grow up, I want to be the kind of parent for my kids that my parents are for me.

2. My brother. So I wrote a post a few weeks ago highlighting some of the things I love about my brother. But the list is endless. I love that he always acts so insensitive, but when it comes down to it, he has one of the biggest hearts I know. He knows how to add humor to every event. He knows how to show people he cares without actually saying the words. He gives the best hugs. He knows when something is wrong before almost anyone else. Of course, he understands all the mishaps within our family. He sees the good in everyone, but isn’t afraid to point out when you mess up. I am so lucky to be able to call my brother one of my best friends.

3. My best friend. It has been six years since my best friend and I met in that English Honors class our freshman year. Little did we know that peer editing those essays would lead to the best friendship of our lives. Over the last six years, we have helped each other through all of the fun stuff of growing up. She is the one who understands me when I don’t. The one who can tell all of my stories just as well as I can, and probably better. The one outside the family who has actually become a part of the inner-workings of the family. The one who has no problem asking me all of the tough questions. The one who has no problem leading me to all of the tough answers. The one who I cannot imagine my life without. I cannot imagine anyone else helping me through the rough-me-up-stuff the way she does. Her patience, her understanding, and her love have gotten me where I am today. Every day, I cannot believe that I am so blessed.

4. My older cousin. Growing up, we were not close at all. He is 10 years older than me. He was in high school and I was just a little brat. But as we’ve gotten older, we have become friends. He is one of the most amazing guys I know. He worked his way through school, spending three years at a community college before transferring to UCLA. He is now a sports writer for a local newspaper, covering UCLA and the Dodgers, and anyone else they ask him to cover. He has worked for everything he has ever been able to really call his own, which is a deep contrast from his little sister. He takes it all in stride. He cares deeply about everyone, and even when they treat him poorly, he repeatedly shows that he is the better man. Over the last year, our relationship has deeply changed for the better. When his little sister decided she was going to marry someone that none of us approve of, we needed each other. I was to be the maid of honor, and he was not even asked to be a part of the ceremony. Over the last year, we have both been taken for granted and treated remarkably poorly in the midst of the wedding planning. Without each other, we could have never gotten through it. The wedding is now a month over, but the support and strength of that relationship is still there. We may not have wanted it to happen, but we have surely benefited from its occurrence. Again, I am so blessed to have someone in my family who is not someone I just see at the holidays.

5. My friends. I absolutely love the group we’ve developed since graduating from high school. Five of us still hang out on a regular basis. We spend our holiday weekends together. We bake cakes at 3 in the morning. We play Cranium, Pictionary, and a mass of other games regularly. We know and love each others' families. We represent 5 different universities. The blend is amazing. My weekends would be nothing without them. I am also extremely thankful for my college friends, the high school friends I still talk to, and all of the other random friends I’ve met along the way. They have helped shape my heart and soul in remarkable ways.

6. The rest of my family. Especially since I left for college, they have become a remarkable support system. I am one of their own, and they couldn’t be more proud of what I’m off doing. Simultaneously, I couldn’t be more proud of them. They’re all amazing people leading amazing lives, even when I don’t always think of it that way. I certainly have my moments of hating the idea of family events, but once I’m there, I couldn’t be more thankful for the family I have.

There are many many more things that I am thankful for every day. We live in a blessed nation, and though things might not always be going the way we would like, it is important to realize just how lucky we are.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

In Every Corner.

2008-11-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

I see you in the spring sky, the blue of which matches your eyes.
I see you in the fall leaves, running and playing around.
I see you in the winter rain, when my eyes match the clouds.
I see you in the summer nights, when I gaze into the sparkling sky like the glimmer in your eye.

I see you when I see a white boy play basketball like no one’s business.
I see you when I see someone pull off the most impossible of spares.
I see you when I see old clips of Mick Foley and The Rock.
I see you when I hear an old Jay-Z or Nelly song.
I see you when I see a Pat & Oscar’s.
I see you when I pass Hooters, as I relive that utter joy on your face the moment you stepped inside.
I see you when I drive the streets of Newport Beach.
I see you when I’m sitting at Red Robin laughing with my friends.
I see you when I see that one of my guy friends cut his face shaving.

I see you when I drive right by your old house on my way to and from school.
I see you when I pass a Mustang on the freeway.
I see you when I’m driving down a curvy road…

I see you in my dreams, smiling that smile that no one can ever forget.
I see you in every corner of my heart and soul, smiling when I can’t.

Congratulations, California.

2008-11-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

In an historical election promoting change and hope for a brighter tomorrow, you voted in favor of systematically denying an entire population of rights that everyone else has. As far as our nation might have come last night, you have proved that in California, we're all for institutionalized prejudice. And still you wonder why the world is going the way it is...why there is so much hate in the world. Why there are wars being fought that cannot be won. Let's take a look at our institutions...and the fact that our "democracy" votes for the systematic denial of rights of human beings.

Meanwhile, you pass bonded propositions that deplete the general fund. Apparently you missed the whole summer debacle where the legislature was in a stalemate over the budget because HEY, WE HAVE NO MONEY. So, the good ol' governor decided that it would be best to deprive all "unnecessary" state employees of their rightful paychecks, and pay them the federal minimum wage of $6.55/hour...threatening thousands more foreclosures and bills gone unpaid in the process.

So when our legislature is at a stand-still for yet another year and our state employees pay for it, remember that you brought this on.

When your cost of tuition goes up because funds are being taken away from education in order to fund all of these projects, remember that your brought this on.

When the price of groceries goes up because you sent our agriculture out of state, remember that you brought this on.

When our taxes go up to pay for the BILLIONS of additional dollars that you decided to approve WHEN WE ALREADY HAVE NO MONEY FOR THIS FISCAL YEAR and fiscal years to come, remember that you brought this on.

Congratulations, California. In an election that will always be remembered for what it proved to the world and the hope it instilled in millions of Americans, we voted for all-around regression and proved that we are just as prejudiced as we were 50 years ago...the focus is just different.

The Guys in My Life (Part 1)

2008-10-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

I am lucky enough to have the most remarkable guys in my life...and I even get to call some of them family.

My brother is one of the biggest influences in my life. He is 18 months older than me. We had some degree of sibling rivalry growing up, but I don't think it was as bad as other cases I have seen, and faded out by late middle school. (The biggest problem we ever had was when my parents had to ban us from wrestling, because once he sat on my chest, and well, that made breathing a little difficult.)

Our characters are vastly different. He is loud, loves to be the center of attention, and incredibly honest, though it's often interpreted as being crass. He is also a better guitarist than he would ever believe.

I, on the other hand, am rather reserved in most situations, love being a wallflower, and I rarely say exactly what I'm thinking. (And I was ever only a mediocre drummer, at best.)

But most notably, we have very different work ethics, especially when it comes to school. I would argue that he is much more intelligent than I am, but our high school years, and even post-high school years, would not deliver the same message.

He has been out of high school for nearly 4 years now...the friends that he graduated with will be graduating from 4-year universities in the spring. And he...well he's at community college. But it doesn't faze him. He is the first to acknowledge he messed around too much...and he's finally settling down.

More than anything, he wants to make his way to a 4-year university. He's been working hard for over a year to make sure that he can do that by next year. He found a way to make it to England to study abroad earlier this year, and is now paying the bills for it. Recently, he started working while going to school, and is one of the top sellers in the store. He has an idea of where he wants to go, and how he wants to get there.

I'm ever so proud of him for that. We've surely taken different paths, but all the while, he has been one of my greatest role models.

He's one of my best friends. He makes me laugh like no one else. He understands me in ways that no one else can.

I simply don't know what I would do without him.

Tough Questions.

2008-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry about the two week break. You see, between baseball, school, my cousin's upcoming wedding (eek), and a list of other things, writing a post has not been on the top of my list.

Twitter is a much better option at the moment.

Anyway, after a few hard weeks, I've been needing to know that something, anything, is the way it should be.

Last night, I got exactly what I needed from the one person I can always count on--the one person who knows me better than I know myself.

Likewise, she always knows just the right questions to ask.

The one that made me stop in my tracks:

"What's the biggest thing that would make your life better right now?"

...What's your answer?

I make lists in my sleep.

2008-10-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

Reasons to be a Member of Red Sox Nation:

(in no particular order)

1. Kinship. Wherever you go in America, you're bound to run into a Sox fan. I've rarely ran into a bond of strangers like that of RSN.

2. On the rare occasion you run into a non-bandwagon Angel (aka the want-to-be Yankees of the West) fan, glares ensue. You just smile and move on because you know that they are just dealing with an inferiority complex. We may be their biggest rival, but they will never be ours.

3. Upon running into a Yankee fan, glares ensue on both sides. The greatest rivalry in all of sports. There's curses. There's Big Papi's jersey beneath the new Yankee Stadium...and then there's the removal of such, for the Yankees can't risk a curse. Their fans can't handle heartbreak (that's that thing they're feeling as they watch us in the postseason from home. They just don't know it).

4. Fenway Park is one of the two remaining original ball parks...and we don't have any of that "Noise-o-Meter," rally towel, rally monkey (ahem), thunderstick crap. We're all original, and our fans know when to cheer on their own.

5. The Green Monster. Now THAT'S a home run.

6. We've got old guys who play through pain a rookie wouldn't play through. We've got rookies who respect the old guys, understand who they're playing with, and the expectations they must surpass. We've got more heart for this game than most teams out there.

7. April-September is playoff-caliber baseball. October is a whole 'nother story.

8. It's not individuals. It's about the team...and winning. There are no stats. There are no MVPs. There are no All-Stars. There's only a ring at the end of October.

9. There's heartbreak. There's getting swept at home. There's 14-inning losses. There's blowing a lead. There's a ball passing between Buckner's legs, losing the World Series. There's an 86 year curse. We thrive on heartbreak. There's an endless list. There's not good baseball without heartbreak. And the Sox...well, they'll break your heart, and leave you begging for more.

10. There's overwhelming joy. There's coming back from a 0-3 deficit in the '04 ALCS to win 4 against the Yankees. There's Lester's no-no. There's Tek's 4 caught no-no's. There's Dice-K going 18-3. There's Tek taking down A-Rod. There's two rings in 4 years. There's the bloody sock. There's a 12-1 postseason record against the Angels. There's Ellsbury's first ever 3 run single in the postseason against the Angels. There's (dare I say it) Manny's 500. There's Papelbon's celebrations. There's BecKKKKKett. There's rookies hitting in game winning runs. There's walk-off wins. There's Tek chasing guys off 3rd. There's an endless list. If you can make it through the heartbreak, there's sweet, sweet victory. And it never gets old. Never.

I cried last night.

2008-09-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

...hard.

What scares me is that I don't think I know why.

Certainly I had no reason, considering my wonderful weekend, and my successful raffle win (wii).

...What scares me more is that I might know.

But what scares me most is admitting it.

What Can We DO?

2008-09-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

Every time I hear this song, it grips my heart.

I get to thinking about someone I knew who committed suicide.

I think about the FIVE people who went to or worked at my high school who committed suicide in just the 4 years I was there.

I think about the several people I know who threatened.

I remember the trips to teachers I trusted...to counselors who let me down.

I remember the late night phone calls...and text messages when we couldn't be heard.

But it still happens. And sometimes, there isn't anything that can be done.

But many times...there is.

We can look more. We can listen more. We can love more.

We can treat someone to lunch.

We can simply smile as we pass by.

"Small things" touch lives more than we will ever know.

What "small things" have you done lately?

What I'm DOing: Assisting Invisible Children

2008-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

[This post is a part of Mandy's DOing series over at Just a Girl.]

In 2003, three young guys from San Diego, CA traveled to Uganda to make a film. These guys returned broken by what they saw…but came back with incredible footage about night commuters and child soldiers.

Once word about this film spread, a movement began, and the non-profit Invisible Children was established.

But what does this have to do with me?

Last winter, I took an international human rights class, where we discussed issues from China to Mexico to Uganda to right here in the good ol’ United States. This was one of the classes that forever changed me…changed my heart.

Sure, I knew of the tragedies happening around the world. But this class put a whole new perspective on things. It also introduced me to Invisible Children.

One day in class, we watched this video:

That night, I was looking into the club on campus. I was talking to the president to see what I could do. I bought 4 of the DVDs to help support those suffering in Northern Uganda. And I prayed. Possibly harder than I have ever prayed.

For the next few months, I took midnight walks in the park. I went to the zen garden and prayed with everything in me. And I gave my time and energy to helping the club (even to the point where I was in tears because I thought the cookies I made to sell at a festival were going to be ruined).

But that was just the beginning for my relationship with Invisible Children. This year, I’m participating in Schools 4 Schools, where our school raises money for a school in Northern Uganda. (You can check out the program here and follow us here). Our goal is to raise $20,000…and send a few to Uganda to help out.

Hopefully, we can help those suffering in Northern Uganda…and help locally as well. By reaching out to the community here first, we can better reach out to those thousands of miles away.

And I couldn’t be more excited.

Are You Addicted to Your Crackberry?

2008-09-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Last night, I was lying in bed, in the dark, and watching the news relay this story:

"A new survey found that about 35 percent of professionals would pick their PDAs over their spouses if they had to choose. A surprising 87 percent take their personal digital assistants into their bedrooms, and 84 percent check them just before going to bed and as soon as they wake up, according to a work-life survey from Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. Another 85 percent say they look at their PDAs in the middle of the night."

Chicago Sun

I had gone to bed at about 10:30. But I was still awake after 11...and for a good half hour after this story aired.

Can you guess what was keeping me awake?

....
...
..
.

Can you?

Yep, my Blackberry.

I had told myself that I would stop texting as soon as I laid down, for I was really tired from running around ALL day.

But it didn't happen. Instead, I spent a good 45 minutes texting. About nothing important. I spent that time checking facebook, even though that's what I had just finished doing when I went to bed in the first place.

There was no reason to be doing any of it. I thought that the survey results were just about the most ridiculous thing I had heard all day (aside from Kurt Cobain's daughter having a suicide-themed sweet 16).

Yet, I still texted away. Without even thinking about it.

And though I may not choose my Blackberry over a spouse, it certainly affects my relationships. I pull it out no matter who I'm with.

What would I do if I just couldn't Google something right on the spot?

What if I couldn't twitter at any given moment?

...My relationships would be in a much better place.

I would be in a much better place.

So let's hear it. Are you addicted?

Spreadsheets and Calendars Galore!

2008-09-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

During my first year in college, I ate out a lot. A LOT.

I gained some weight, but nothing that was too big of a deal.

My main concern, heading into my second year, is the money.

Orange County isn't exactly a low cost of living place, so eating out nearly every night cost me a good chunk of change...an amount that could have saved me a lot of stress during the summer, as I should have had much more money remaining for the summer.

So this summer, I've created a plan to cut down on my spending...and simultaneously lead a healthier life.

There will be spreadsheet budgets and calendars of when I can go out to eat.

There will be a rough schedule of when to go home to save money on gas.

There will be grocery lists so I can't claim I don't have anything else to eat.

There will be calendars incorporating times to go the gym, times to study, and times to relax so maybe I can finally get a grip on all of my stress-induced ailments.

I've had all summer to think about this, and oh my golly, I'm excited!

All of the lists, calendars, and spreadsheets are exactly what I need.

My roommates thought I was crazy with all of my lists last year.

Oh, they have no idea of the possibilities!

Don't Just Live There, DO SOMETHING.

2008-09-03T19:15:00.000-07:00

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alt=width="500" height="147"alt="Do Something"/>

This month is a month of change over just a girl.

And I must say, I am SO excited about it.

Among many things (some of which have not even been revealed yet), Mandy has set up an amazing month, where bloggers talk about how they are working within their own communities to make a difference...to create change in the world around them.

I am honored to be a part of it, and am so excited to read about what different bloggers are doing around the world.

Go check out mandythompson.com and get involved!

Carpinteria On My Mind.

2008-09-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

It's been a week since I posted. I seem to have been rather busy, though I don't remember exactly why.

I did, however, just get back from a three day camping trip up in Central California, right on the beach.

Spending three days with my closest friends...quite the treat. Sure, I spend most of my days with them. But three days straight...well that gave me just what I needed.

You see, I've kind of been all over the place lately, and it's really started to affect a lot of things in my life.

So this trip came at the perfect time...though it was certainly far from perfect.

Tide pooling, beach volleyball, campfires, walks along the beach at sunset, and four of my closest friends.

How could I not feel better?

What do you do when you just need to relax?

Ode to Weinerschnitzel.

2008-08-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I love thee, dear Weinerschnitzel.

Your dogs dipped in batter are such a joy--
and those fun sized minis are an extra delight.

You serve Pepsi instead of Coke
Then top it off with Tastee-Freeze shakes.

Your chili cheese fries are delicious;
You even wrap then in a tortilla when I feel adventurous.

But most impressively, you defy customs and the law.
"You want a receipt? You were supposed to ask at the speaker,
Didn't you know?"

Oh, how I love thee, dear Weinerschnitzel.
And how you deny me the right to a receipt.

If I was someone else, would this all fall apart?

2008-08-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

I've worked my butt off for years to try to make some things work.

I make myself available. I leave my phone on 24/7. It's always charged enough. "Don't hesitate to call...no matter the time!" I'm rarely unplugged.

I give...to the point where I can't give any more. I've drained my resources.

I've drained my energy.

I've drained my heart.

I try. I rationalize for other people. They don't mean to. Such and such got in the way.

You know what, though? I'm tired of making excuses that aren't mine to make.

There is no reason to hide behind all that.

I'm ready for a change.

Lukewarm Sentiment.

2008-08-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm tired of lukewarm friendships.

You know the kind.

The ones that are only there when one person wants them to be. The ones that are only there when certain other people aren't in the picture.

The ones where one person is used...abused, even.

I'm tired of getting walked all over.

I'm tired of pouring out my heart for nothing in return.

I'm tired of the pendulum swing.

I am probably just as guilty as others...and I'm tired of that too.

Rock Band: Making People Think They Can Play Instruments Since 2007

2008-08-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

Last night, I spent 5 hours playing Rock Band at a friend's house. It was my first time playing this game in any form. I've managed to make it this far without ever even touching a Guitar Hero guitar.

We couldn't get anyone to "sing," so we all took turns between the drums and guitar. By the end of the night, we were on our way to becoming "easy" rock stars.

It is a fun game. It's more involved than Guitar Hero, so more people can amuse themselves at the same time instead of sitting around waiting for someone to hand over the "guitar."

Harmonix did a good job at creating a game that involves several people not trying to kill each other.

But more accurately, they did a marvelous job in convincing people that they should pursue music.

Just because you can match red to red does not make you a drummer.

Just because you can reach your pinky down that "holy" orange button does not make you a guitarist.

Congratulations, Harmonix, on instilling false hope into a new generation looking for their own version of Project Mayhem.

My brother is a Muppet.

2008-08-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

I'm convinced of it.

In other news, here are some random facts about me:

1. I am missing a tooth. Partly as a result, I have had braces twice. OY.

2. My teeth are also incredibly small--so much so that I am supposed to be contemplating having gum surgery.

3. Enough with the teeth talk. I eat tic tacs in even numbers. Please don't eat odd numbers in front of me.

4. Ears creep me out.

5. Sometimes I think I was raised in the wrong part of the country (Boston or the South seem more fitting), but I can't really imagine myself anywhere but California right now.

6. My dog is one of the best things in my world. There is no denying that she is a member of our family. She shares characteristics with all of us.

7. I can't really picture myself doing anything but being in school for the rest of my life.

Cleaning out my closet.

2008-08-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

Today I started cleaning my room. It's one of those things that headed into summer, I was oh-so-excited to do. Then once summer got here and the Southern California heat set into my brick house, I convinced myself it was far too hot to attempt such things.

However, last week, I noticed something: a pesky spider web hanging between the chains on my ceiling fan. Uh oh.

To top it all off, one of my good friends from college is coming to visit my hometown in two days. It all adds up to a desperate need to clean.

It started well. I got more done in an hour than I typically do in the first hour of such cleaning. But I have reached a fork in the road.

I don't know what to do with all my crap now.

I have a trash bag. I have a donation bag. I have another trash bag. But, it just doesn't seem to be enough. I have a good sized room...and not enough space for all of this.

See, one of the things I love about living on campus is that it doesn't allow me to clutter very much (I am a genetically predisposed pack-rat). The problem is...what doesn't clutter at school clutters at home.

This brings me to my predicament. I could clean out my closet...get rid of all of the things I don't need anymore. But the time limit is kind of a deterrent. I could spend all day on it tomorrow (minus the hour or so getting my braces off!), but other parts of the house could use a wipe down too.

All of this got me to thinking...what about my metaphorical closet? I'm sure that needs some cleaning out too. All of this clutter is getting dangerous. But in all of my time off, I don't feel like I have the time to deal with it.

But the question is, when will I?

It looks like I'm just gonna have to suck it up and start that deep cleaning.

Just a little something.

2008-08-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

This is something I wrote about a year and a half ago. It's one of my favorites.

This afternoon, I stopped by my orthodontist office to pay the bill. As I was pulling in, a woman and her daughter followed me closely, and the mother honked, which I originally thought was directed towards me, but I wasn't really worried about it.

As I got out of my car, and walked toward the entrance, I noticed that this girl insisted on being at least 25 feet ahead of her mother at all times. She insisted on having a hateful demeanor, and looked at me with the thought of "What the **** are you doing here?"

I looked at her mom, and my heart began to ache. I was walking closer to this woman than her own daughter was. At no time, whether my mom and I are on good or bad graces, do I walk that far away from her. I always walk right beside my mom, not one step ahead nor behind.

Of course, one shouldn't expect this girl to hold the door open for either one of us. She walked right in there, closing the door behind her. At this point, I was only 3 feet behind her, and her mom 3 feet behind me. Naturally, I held the door open for this woman.

She smiled, and then apologized to me if I thought that she was honking at me. She was honking at the squirrel in the road. I said I understood and that I wasn't worried about it at all. I told her to have a good afternoon, and went on my way. A smile and a kind word was all it took.

But I still wish that I would have said more. I wanted to apologize:

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for all the times your daughter has treated you like this. I'm sorry for every time she has denied that you're her mother. I'm sorry for every time she has insisted that she is better than you. I'm sorry for every time she has taken for granted all of the things you provide for her on a daily basis. I'm sorry for every time she has yelled at you simply because you asked how her day was. I'm sorry for all of the things she does behind your back. I'm sorry for everything your daughter does to make you feel inadequate. One day, she'll realize what she did. She'll realize that she was truly blessed to have you as her mother. Until then, stay strong."

But most of all, I am sorry for the things I listed above that I have done. At no time has my mom ever really been a bad mother. She's given me her all and made me her world. And still, in my adolescent ignorance, I insist that I know better than she does.

This girl really gave me perspective today. Thank you, heartless pre-teen.

Blog Rules and Boston.

2008-08-06T15:30:00.000-07:00

Alright, so it has been almost 3 months now since I decided to make this thing out of boredom. One would think that when the summer started, I would have come back to it. Apparently I'm not one to do sensible things. I have broken one of the primary blog rules already, and for this, I am sorry. I think this time I'll give it a real shot.

Now it is time to share one of my favorite things in the world.

That's right, the Boston Red Sox.

A fun fact about me:
When I was about 4-6 years old, I had the infamous Boston accent. I had never been, and still have yet to go, to Boston, or anywhere on the east coast for that matter. But I seemed to know I would end up there one day, and eventually, it will happen.

About a year later, at 7, I read about the Curse of the Great Bambino for the first time. And so my longing for the Sox to win the Series began. My obsession has reached new heights in recent years, this year being the worst.

In fact, sometimes, I have to force myself away from the TV (when the games are actually on--it's not easy being a Boston fan on the west coast) to still have a social life.

I am blessed enough to have seen the Sox play ball three times. However, my ultimate dream is...to end up here:

Where is the one place you have dreamed of going?

Ahem...

2008-05-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to do this for awhile. But to be honest, the reason I didn't: I couldn't think of a title.

This morning a good friend and I were discussing facebook and myspace, and "mybook" came up. Thus, this blog is born.

Now, I could ramble on and on about myself as an introduction. However, I would hate reading that, and well, you must too.

Alas, a survey is in store. It's just so much better for "someone else" to ask me boring questions than to answer boring questions without having being asked.

Without further adieu:

1. What was the highlight of your week?
So far, I think it was lunch with a good friend. Some days, we all just need some assurance from someone. However, my brother comes home on Friday, so that will soon take over this honor.

2. Whose car were you in last?
Nory's, the aforementioned good friend.

3. When is the next time you will kiss someone?
I really don't know. I would rather not concern myself with such questions, actually.

4. What color shirt are you wearing?
Green long sleeves with a pink tank.

5. How long is your hair?
About shoulder length.

6. Are you good looking?
I'm good at looking, yes.

7. Last movie you watched?
Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay. It was better than the first.

8. Who were you with?
My parents. My dad and I took my mom to see it for Mother's Day. There is no better way to celebrate the day than with weed and sex. No sir.

9. Last thing you ate?
An IceBreaker Sour. Does that count?

10. Last thing you drank?
Upside-down caramel machiatto with one pump mocha from Starbucks.

11. When was the last time you had your heart broken?
The summer right before my senior year in high school. My best friend at the time and I parted in a not-so-pleasant way.

12. Who came over last?
A good friend that I grew up with that now attends the same college as me.

13. Are you happy right now?
Yes indeed.

14. What did you say last?
"Yeah, I know."

15. Where is your phone?
Right beside my laptop. Yes, I am an addict.

16. What color are your eyes?
Blue.

17. Are you left-handed?
No sir.

18. Spell your name without vowels:
Mrs

19. Do you have any pets?
I have a dog named Tomasa. She's my baby. I'm also taking care of a friend's fish while she is going to school in Utah.

20. Favorite Vacation?
Orlando in 2006.

21. What do you dislike currently?
That I have allowed myself to procrastinate so greatly.

22. What are you listening to?
Nothing. Someone walked in the room, so I deemed it rude to keep my music going, but exceedingly rude to plug in headphones. However, I was in the middle of "A Different World" by Bucky Covington.

23. If you could have one thing right now what would it be?
My research paper completed. Anyone willing to do it for me?

24. What is your favorite scent?
Rain, a bonfire, the ocean.

25. Who makes you happiest?
My closest friends and my family. And of course, my dog.

26. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Sleeping, actually. 'Twas a miracle.

27. When is your birthday?
December 30

28. Who has the same phone as you?
No one I know has the exact same phone, as the appearance varies slightly by carrier. So, anyone who has a Blackberry Pearl and has Sprint.

29. Last time you went swimming in a pool?
Last summer sometime, I'm sure.

30. Do you read your horoscope?
Very rarely.

31. Where was the last place you bought something?
Starbucks.

32. How do you feel about your hair right now?
It's a little frizzy, but otherwise, I'm not too upset with it.

33. Do you bite your nails?
Nope.

34. Do you have any expensive jewelery?
Yes.

35. Do you have any expensive jewelery?
Is this in any way different from the last question? Am I missing something?

36. Myspace or facebook?
I'm a facebook junkie.

37. How fast have you driven a car?
Highest is 114 mph, I believe...

38. Have you ever smoked?
No sir. I do find it quite the disgusting habit.

39. What was or is your favorite subject in school?
Currently, criminology. Psychology is usually the subject of choice (seeing as it is my major and all...), but this professor has killed it for the quarter.

40. Do you have Verizon?
Not for mobile service.

41. What type of boy or girl do you usually fall for?
I don't think there has been a "type."

42. Do you have any hidden talents?
Is being able to touch your nose with your tongue a "talent"?

43. Favorite Song?
"Mine All Mine" by Chuck Wicks and "Country Man" by Luke Bryan.

44. Do you like to sing at all?
Oh, I love it. I'm just not very good.

45. Dream Job?
Criminal psychologist.

46. Where does most of your family live?
Good ol' So Cal.

47. Are you an only child or do you have siblings?
One older brother.

48. Would you consider yourself to be spoiled?
Very much.

49. What was the first thing you thought when you woke up?
I don't have the time to study...

50. Do you drink?
No.

51. Know any other languages?
I know a little French, but it's no where near sufficient anymore.

52. Ever write a coded message?
I have.

53. Have you ever been IN a wedding?
One.

54. Do you have any children?
None that I am aware of.

55. Did you take a nap today?
Yes, in lecture...

56. Who has the same birthday as you?
Davy Jones of the Monkees. Yes indeed.

57. Ever met anyone famous before?
Yep.

58. Do you want to be famous one day?
No, thanks.

59. Any Pet Peeves?
Many. Please don't throw away food in my bedroom wastebasket. Thank you.

60. Are you multitasking right now?
Nope. I'm being pretty anti-social.

61. Do you like Britany Spears?
No.

62. What is your least favorite chore?
Doing the dishes. It makes me feel dirty.

63. Last place you drove your car?
To a local shopping center to get some dinner.

64. Ever been out of the country?
Mexico twice.

65. Where were you born?
So Cal.

66. Could you handle being in the military?
I really don't think so. I have the utmost respect for those who can.

67. What is your average cell phone bill?
I have no idea. I'm not the one who pays it. I told you...I'm spoiled.

68. Who are you thinking about right now?
No one in particular. Mostly just wondering when I will talk to some good friends again.

69. When was the last time you laughed REALLY hard?
Last weekend.

70. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Around 30...

71. Are your toes always painted?
Hardly ever.

72. How many piercings do you have?
1.333. My left ear has no problems staying open. My right ear disagrees with this method.

73. What are you doing today?
So far, I have gone to lunch, gone to two classes, and wasted some valuable time.

74. Have you ever been gambling?
Yes, once. I lost $24.

75. When is the last time you updated your page?
Well...today.

76. Do you like rollercoasters?
I love them.

77. Have you ever been to disneyland or world?
Both. One of the (many) great things about my school is it is 10 minutes from Disneyland (assuming you don't hit any traffic). And the great thing about home is I'm still only 45 minutes from Disneyland.

78. Do you have a favorite cartoon character?
I tend to favor Eeyore and Dory.

79. Last thing you cooked?
You must be joking.

80. How's the weather?
Pleasant. Sunny with a bit of a breeze.

81. Do you e-mail?
Mostly just for school. Most of my contact is via facebook or myspace, but I'm certainly open to e-mail.

82. What's the stupidest thing you ever did with your cell phone?
I think dropping it in the toilet is at the top of the list.

83. Last time you were sick?
Around Easter.

84. What states have you lived in?
California.

85. Do you wish you could move?
Occasionally. But for now, there are plenty of things to keep me here.

87. What is your dream car?
I don't really have one. I heart my Volkswagen.

88. Have you ever wanted someone you cant have?
Yes.

89. If you could be anywhere right now where would it be?
In San Diego, with my best friend.

90. Are you happy with your life?
I really am.