Deep thoughts...

Sailing along

2009-04-21T18:02:00.000-07:00

The past month has been busy.

School has started back up. 1 class I actually need to graduate (Contemporary Art), 2 classes just to keep health insurance

So a class debrief:

Spanish- fun stuff, professor is a flirt, not getting much out of it, but it should be an easy "A"
Art- it is week 5 and we still haven't received a syllabus. The professor seems lost. He is one of those who says he'll grade based on effort, which translates into he'll play favorites, and he probably doesn't like you.
Women's Studies (yes, it is one of the few classes I could take offered this quarter)- Professor is a cross between trailer trash and a cheerleader. She'll wear slacks and a Marlboro t-shirt that with her stomach hanging out. She is probably 6' with long, blond hair. She starts of class saying "Loves, dears, babes, oooooh I just love you guys. It is so great to see you all here. We need to start the love, I need to feel the love, let's move the desk together and get the love going today."
She also has a marvelous vocabulary- some new words she has taught me thus far:
- Thunkfucked- you had a thought, lost it, so you thunk it, but since you forgot it you are thunkfucked
- Mother shit of anus
- Shitty Mcpity
- Anal mother rectum
- Bitchfuck
- Mother shit
- Anal Fucker
And keep in mind, this is a women's studies class. Does her language portray women in a good light? I'll let you judge.

Work

The principal at my mom's school approached me asking if I would be the lead sub during the state testing. What does that mean? Basically that if a teacher is going to be out on a day we are testing, and the office manager knows it I have first priority to be the sub. It also means I show up everyday and if no teachers are out I get paid to give teachers a bathroom break.

I love that I'm a white boy who knows Spanish. It helps when in the classroom and overhearing kids convos. I really don't want to hear about the "puta" running around campus, or the guy with a really big "pene," or a girl or guy with a really nice "culo."
One gal in a math class I was subbing in last week was telling me that her mom was a big puta and she was planning on following in her footsteps. I asked if I heard what I did and hoped I didn't. Two minutes later she was talking about other "putas" running around campus. I told her I thought we needed to head to the office to discuss professions with the principal and sent her out for being off task, disruptive and foul language.

Summation of my whereabouts

2009-03-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Friday, March 20-
Last final- Spanish Linguistics is over!
Dinner at BJ's with coworkers

Saturday, March 21-
Took off to Seattle with my mom
Hotel had beautiful unobstructed view of Space Needle
Walked down to the Westlake Mall
Rode the monorail down to the Space Needle, then went up in the Space Needle
Dinner at Westlake- Indian Food - saffron rice and chicken masala

Sunday, March 22-
Shopped Pike's Place Market
Pike's Place Market Food Tour - Savor Seattle
- Sampled: 3 kinds of salmon (alderwood, lemon, and salmon jerky), Washington apples and pears, random trail mixes, Triple coconut cream pie at Tom Douglas' restaurant Etta's, clam chowder, seafood bisque, gouda cheese, and more.
Dinner at a Mexican Restaurant in the mall

Monday, March 23-
Breakfast at a restaurant at Pike's Place
Bus ride to Qwest Field and Safeco Parks
Seattle Underground Tour
Dinner at one of Tom Douglas' (Food Network's Top Chef contestant). We ate at Serious Pie, his pizza restaurant. Had a rabbit pizza
Went over to explore Capitol Hill after dark

Tuesday, March 24-
Shopped around Downtown
Back to Ontario

Wednesday, March 25-
Montgomery Gentry Concert over in San Bernardino

Thursday, March 26-
Cleaning and catch up
Lunch date

Friday, March 27-
Last day at the AVID Tutor gig for the year
Lunch with the teachers
Starbucks after with the coworkers - made plans for dinner with the teachers and coworkers in the future

Saturday, March 28-
Costco!

Versatile

2009-03-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

That pretty much describes today. I was requested to sub by the office manager last Monday. It was a roving sub job. She put me up to it because I know the teachers at my mom's school well.

So let's break the day down:
6:45 arrive
7:00 check in at office
7:05 sent to counseling office
7:25 asked to sub for math teacher whom is at a conference and her sub didn't show
7:28 counselor said I am subbing for someone else
7:30 attendance clerk confirms I'm subbing for the math teacher
7:31 open door, greet students, pass out math test, remind them the definition of silence, and they work well
7:55 math sub shows
8:00 I cover for my mom's friend Linda's SST she had to attend. I ask her what the kids are doing in the 2nd period because I was worried she wouldn't be back. She said just listen to announcements. I pressed for more. Finally she said the kids are reading a baseball article. I had them finish reading that when they walked in. Linda was still not back at 8:30. To stall and make sure they understood things because she wasn't back I randomly asked them questions about Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa, what they did, and things mentioned in the articles.

8:45 Linda is still not back. Crap. What to do? Oh. There's book questions about the article. Give the kids 10 minutes to answer them on their own. Still more time? What to do? Let's look over them as a class. Ask class to focus and quiet down. At that time principal and district visitor walk in. Class is quieting, then becomes so silent you could hear a pin drop. I say we're reviewing the questions, read the question aloud, ask for the kids to respond. It goes amazingly well. The 2 kids who are her worst totally carried me because they happen to be baseball fans. They even brought up how McGuire is now being accused of using steroids, to which I asked them what they thought about that. Does that overshadow his good deeds? Then I made a literature connection- CHARACTER! Here are two character flaws. Is this person still reliable? Are they still credible? Good discussion. Kids argued no. I argued the opposite. Was this different because it was real life? Kids argued no. Visitor took copious notes. Linda walked in about 5 minutes into it and she just stood there smiling. Principal and visitor left. I continued asking the questions. When finished I turned it over to Linda. She moved the kids on to the next assignment and told me how great that went.

9:15 sub for crazy 7th grade history - just made sure the kids didn't kill each other as the teacher told me to do
9:30 other 7th grade crazies in Algebra 1... they can be bad kids, but the teacher had them trained. I kept them on task. She asked how my Algebra skills were. Crap. What were they doing? I said I felt confident after she said linear equations. Oh! Y=3X-2, graph. Easy. 4-5 kids asked questions, I walked around and helped them. Told her the kids were wonderful

10:00 sub for Algebra 1 doing fractions and basic algebraic equations. Teacher left me with probably a dozen suspensions. She said if someone is out of their seat, send them out, she is not playing games. 3 girls were sent out. When she came back she said the class was loud and she was unhappy with their disrespect. I snuck out.

10:30 go to Mrs. C's class. She tells me it is easy. She has the low level reading kids and they're working in groups on vocabulary. Just monitor them and guide them along, going back and forth between groups. Easy.

11:00 sub for 8th grade English where the kids were working in their spelling books

11:30 sub for Mrs. C again

12:00 lunch - Linda snuck away to get us breakfast sandwiches at Jack in the Box

12:35 Sub for Mrs. H- nicest lady- worst students. She has the worst 7th grader's taken from the crazy class and transplanted here. Sent 2 gals out, then one threw an eraser at me while standing at the door. Suspended her. Then her boyfriend threw one and I called the office. Nobody picked up. Walked him up to the office when the teacher came back. In the meantime I conducted a lesson on the state of Kentucky. The kids were reading and answering questions on it. We went over those. I told them they had 1 minute after the bell for being loud, she walked in as I was saying that. She said no, 10 minutes. She kept them 10 minutes after school. Poor darlings.

1:15 sub for new math teacher. She said just go over linear equations and I stepped right in on the problem she was demonstrating, worked, worked, worked. Even did 2 homework problems with the kids.

1:45 profuse thank you's from her

2:00 I'm FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

How Can You Be So Heartless?

2009-03-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

I subbed for my mom's friend Linda today. She has one kid named Jerry who is probably ADD and in a class of 34 with about a dozen others like that can be quite a challenge. I know him well. He's an interesting little one.

Today when he came in the classroom he saw me, hugged me, then was begging to be sent to my mom's classroom. I laughed and assured him if he stays in his seat and quiet, we'd get along great.

Five minutes later after attendance the students were engaged in group work. Jerry was still quieting down and trying to get focused. When he came in he was talking about pigs, Big Macs, and Jack in the Box. I never know what he'll say.

Class gets situated and Jerry has to scream out something about Jack in the Box, Whoppers, being hungry, and pigs. A minute later he created a song, and sang, which was absolute brilliance in my opinion sung to the tune of Kanye's "Heartless."

[Chorus]
In the night, I roll up to my Jack in the Box,
hungry as can ever be
wanting a cheeseburger
How could you be so hungry?
Oh... How could you be so hungry?

In the night, I go into the McDonalds
wanting me my Big Mac
Something so juicy, something so tasty
How could you be so hungry?
Oh... How could you be so hungry?

He did this for the different fast food restaurants and I loved it! It was hilarious!

The sweet escape

2009-02-19T20:32:00.000-08:00

Work was fun today. I subbed for my mom who has a sinus infection. It has been developing for 2 weeks, but the past couple days she has been very hoarse, which was a sure sign she'd lose her voice today. She always ends up throwing up because of all the drainage and so spent the day at Kaiser.

Spent the time before school in the teacher's lounge talking about the newly passed state budget with a few teachers. Went to her room and as I was walking in, my mom's friend Linda was cutting through. She told me that we were going to breakfast at Farmer Boys during her prep period. I laughed and said it sounded good. Third period rolls around and Linda strolls through. We take off and spend the next 45 minutes talking about school, AVID, and my tutoring gig for AVID. As we get back from breakfast Linda tells me we won't be hungry at lunch, so we'll have dessert. She said we'll have cookies. She bought a bunch of Valentine's cookies and put them in my mom's refrigerator in her classroom. So lunch rolls around and we talk about the students and I tell her about me pursuing a teaching credential, as well as the CSETs. Talking to her was a breath of fresh air- she gave a different perspective nobody else had on going to a private institution for my credential.

I had an easy day as she was giving the final test for her class and she has GREAT kids. Her 6th period class just adored me and didn't know I was her son. I normally am very down to business and let's move, let's do this, let's do that, you need to be on task, etc. With my mom's students I'm much more lax. My mom told me to be- she said they were good kids (I've subbed for her many times before) and that she always is when she gives a test. She told me to tell them to sharpen pencils, take out notes, and give them plenty of time for that because the test would take almost, but not all period. So it worked out. Being laxed like that let me joke around with her 6th period and let the fact sink in I was my mom's son- they hadn't seen me before (and supposedly most of these kids were 7th graders, who should have run into me last year.)

Progreso

2009-02-13T18:31:00.000-08:00

Estoy muy feliz que finalmente he logrado el punto de fluidez de Español. I'm very excited that I finally feel that I have reached the point of fluency in Spanish. So much so in fact, that I have registered for the CSETs in Spanish. Those are the subject examination tests to become a teacher here in Cali.

Taylor Swift is taking over the world

2009-02-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

I know I said months ago that Taylor Swift was taking over the world. Whoever is behind her (her parents, advertisers, record label, or the mafia), I'm not sure. What I do know is that I heard her on KGGI 99.1 the other day; they're an R&B and rap station. KIIS is now playing her songs, as well as KBIG 104, MYFM. She is on every awards show. Her concert in April at the Staples Center (I think that's the venue) sold out in 2 minutes on Friday.

Why? She has no talent.
If she could carry a tune I may not be worried.
I guess in all honesty it is her youngness, pureness, and appeal to young girls... but is that it?

The power of my iPhone

2009-02-05T13:23:00.000-08:00

Subbed for a language arts class the other day. The students were writing their spelling words on the whiteboard and making sure they were spelled right. One kid decided to write something nasty about another student and his teacher, and held it up for me to see.

I walk over and ask for the whiteboard. He hands it over, then erases part of it.

Too late however. This kid had been misbehaving badly prior (I had him the previous 2 periods). I told him to march to the office and he'd have a suspension to follow. He tries to grab the white board from me, erase it, but it was too late. I snapped the photo on my cell phone for evidence, e-mailed it to the Dean of Students, sent my referral, and he was gone.

Super Bowl

2009-02-01T21:54:00.000-08:00

Can we say awesome?
Great game. Didn't know any of the players as I'm not one who takes great interest in football. I just know there was an awful lot of cheering.
Went to a long time friend (a kid whom I've known since 1st grade) and my parents have been friends with his parents since then.
Beer run. Flirting with my friend's sister in the car.
Yummy food- 7 layer dip, chili (the best I've had), delicious macaroni salad, pulled pork and beef, and lots of dessert.
My mom brought the 7 layer dip and it was gone in the first hour, then 2 people were asking her for the recipe and what was in it.
Talked to the friend about life, his plans, the CBEST, the CSET, fun stuff like that.

Love my boss

2009-01-31T22:46:00.000-08:00

My boss at the tutoring job e-mailed us Friday morning at 8:05 saying we needed to have a meeting Saturday morning. She suggested we make it a breakfast meeting. She asked for suggestions where to eat. I e-mailed her back at 8:07 and suggested Cocos. She e-mailed all of us tutors at 8:09 and said, "Breakfast at my crib at 9a.m. Saturday morning. Pancakes, sausage, freshly squeezed orange juice, and coffee. Be there, or miss out."

So all but 2 of the tutors showed up at her house yesterday. We were all there on time. My boss was in the kitchen, and all of us offered to help, but she insisted we set up her computer, and chug away at the agenda. The biggest issue was a lack of preparedness on the students' part when it comes to having notes, books, or necessary supplies. Basically she said that we need to take off 5+ points for not having that, she's going to make sure all of the teachers demand their students come to class prepared.

Very productive meeting. We started the meeting at 9:05 and by 10a.m. we hit all 5 points on the agenda. Usually 5 points would take us 3-4 hours and we'd have to write everything on the whiteboard, talk back and forth, but this one was a lot more effective. She realized that also.

By 10a.m. we had all been served and busted out our iPhones to talk about our favorite apps. 6 of us have iPhones. I was the 2nd person to get one. My boss has the old model that she bought back in April, then I got mine on the day the new 3Gs were introduced. We're all obsessed with Shazam and Pandora.

Work or the lack thereof...

2009-01-28T21:51:00.000-08:00

The state budget crisis basically sucks. Got my hours cut at the high school tutoring gig. I used to tutor Wednesday and Friday mornings form 7:30-9:30, then 12:30-2:30. That was a nice $80 extra a week. I love the job, love the kids, and the teachers I work with. The program is running out of money. It is a district funded program, but the program grew by 4 sections this year and there just isn't the money to fund tutors. It will be all gone by the end of February. Hours have been cut dramatically as it is. I'm only there Wednesday afternoons and Friday mornings now. Other tutors have had their hours cut 15-20 hours; those whom are there on a much more consistent basis. No tutoring Wednesday or Friday afternoons anymore. I am sad because the kids need us, and on the selfish side it was my spending money. My paychecks from subbing go directly into my savings. My money from tutoring was my spending/eating out money with friends.

Subbing. Well, there hasn't been a lot of that. For a while I was subbing every Tuesday/Thursday at my mom's school for her best friend Linda and another lady whom was out pretty regularly on Tuesdays for health reasons. I subbed nearly every Tuesday/Thursday in December and every Tuesday/Thursday in January the first week the kids were back at school. I knew last week I wouldn't get any sub calls on Tuesday because we came back from a 3 day weekend. I knew that last Thursday the same thing would probably happen. Then this week is parent conferences. The students are out at 11:30 and because teachers are required to be there for the conferences, there were of course no calls because the teachers aren't calling in sick. That's a good thing because it is good for the students, but on my end? Not so much. I am enjoying having days with nothing to do other than homework, or working around the house.

Tuesday I used my time to go to Victoria Gardens and browse. I also went to the gym and did some reading for school. Tomorrow? Disneyland if I don't get a call. I haven't been since July. I would much rather work because Disneyland would be a solo trip.

This is a bit old BUT it makes me happy

2009-01-28T15:59:00.000-08:00

My birthday was January 8 and I had to work that day. I love subbing for friends- they leave me nice notes and more personalized lesson plans.

Found this as I was clearing off stuff from my iPhone.

He's back and banging his head

2009-01-27T19:06:00.000-08:00

Here's one of those conversations with my dad I had this afternoon. It is one of those that makes me want to bang my head against the computer screen.

Dad: What's with the eggs in the refrigerator?
Me: Um... that's where they belong?
Dad: Don't you like eggs?
Me: Sure.
Dad: I thought you needed the eggs.
Me: For what?
Dad: Those egg things.
Me: That's descriptive.
Dad: Those egg things you make.
Me: What do I make? Eggs? What have I made with eggs lately?
Dad: Mexican things. Breakfast things.
Me: What Mexican thing or breakfast thing?
Dad: Isn't this why you bought eggs?
Me: I didn't buy eggs. We usually have eggs on hand. Mom was making cookies the other day.
Dad: So what are the eggs for?
Me: To eat.
Dad: So what are you having for breakfast?
Me: Pepperoni Pizza Hot Pockets usually, or Oatmeal Crisp.
Dad: So you don't need eggs? What are these Mexican things in the refrigerator?
Me: (thinking, trying to figure what Mexican things are in the refrigerator) Tortillas?
Dad: Yes. What are you using those for?
Me: Quesadillas.
Dad: Those have egg in them.
Me: If you do a breakfast quesadilla.
Dad: You're not eating these for breakfast?
Me: No. For lunch. Chicken and cheese.
Dad: So you're not putting egg in them?
Me: No.
Dad: Then how are you making them?
Me: ARE YOU LISTENING? I JUST SAID CHICKEN AND CHEESE QUESADILLAS. NOTICE THE TORTILLAS, THE SHREDDED CHEESE, NOTICE THE CUT UP CHICKEN BREAST IN THE REFRIGERATOR. PUT A TORTILLA ON A PLATE WITH CHEESE, BREAK UP THE CHICKEN AND DROP IT ON, PUT SOME SALSA ON. PUT IT IN THE MICROWAVE FOR A MINUTE OR SO.
Dad: Oh. (goes back to making the chili for dinner)

Scorecard

2008-11-12T21:05:00.000-08:00

I'm a nerd. I love my entertainment news. I love my country music. My cousin and I made a bet- whoever picked the most CMA award winners would have to treat the other to dinner.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR *won*
Kenny Chesney
Would vote for Sugarland, but for whatever reason I think Kenny

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Taylor Swift

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Kenny Chesney

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kellie Pickler

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR *won*
Rascal Flatts (easy, they win it every year)

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR *won*
Sugarland

BEST NEW ARTIST
Lady Antebellum

SINGLE OF THE YEAR: *lost- George Strait*
Stay, Sugarland

ALBUM OF THE YEAR *lost- George Strait*
Carrie Underwood, Carnival Ride

SONG OF THE YEAR: *won*
Jennifer Nettles, Stay

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Josh Turner/Trisha Yearwood or Little Big Town/Sugarland.... choices, choices, choices
I chose "Another Try"

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Don't Blink, Kenny Chesney
(though I think Stay was an awesome video)

BTW, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood are ROTTEN hosts. ROTTEN.
Her outfits are terrible. Carrie has nothing to say.
Brad is just downright annoying.

The awards show is still on, but I've done some online searching to find that I'm doing pretty well in my guessing.

What am I and who am I?

2008-11-02T23:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I like to think of myself as smart, intelligent, and knowledgeable. I like to play around on the computer, I like to drive, eat out with friends, and things like that. I think these are good qualities I possess that make me interesting and a fun guy to be around. I also would like to think that part of that is that I am also like to be that friend known for being extremely reliable and when others don't live up to the same standard I end up hurt or bothered.

Case in point-
Family- I always do so many things like the dishes without being asked and I am always thinking ahead and tackling tasks that need to be done. When people like my dad or mom slack on an issue I become bothered and angered.

Friends-

My friend Steve called 2 weeks ago at 11:30p.m. Thursday night. I was pissy because someone just woke me up, and with myself, sleep is hard to come by. I heard him out and found out his mom was just in a car accident. Without hesitation I drove to Riverside General Hospital and sat by his side until 3:45a.m. comforting him. I would like to think that it is because we are close and good friends there for each other, that I did that. I would want him there if I called him at 11:30p.m. with a problem like that.

Let's discuss one friend whom is one of my best friends. His friendship means the world to me, yet there are 2 issues right now I'm having to iron out with him. I hate to touch it and talk about it because I'm worried that it will hurt our friendship despite the fact our friendship has been through a lot.

One of the issues will go unmentioned. One will be mentioned. I have pet sat for this friend several times. The first time it was for free. The following times he paid me $50-100 depending on how many nights. He would only ask that I feed the dog and make sure he is ok. I did that. I would often do other things like the dishes in the sink and minor tidying up because I'd become bored. That is not meant to exalt me in this discussion where I'm slamming him. It is more to talk about issues leading up to this. I pet sat for him for a night at the end of August. He gave me a supposed $50 American Express gift card that only had $0.23 on it. I tried to use it the night he gave it to me at Starbucks only to have it declined and it wasn't until I was at Express the other day did I discover that. I feel cheated- and I guess adding insult to injury this is at a time when I feel cheated monetarily by other people. I did call and tell him about it and he said he will definitely pay me for that.

A few weeks back I pet sat for 2 nights for him and he promised there would be plenty of food. There was pasta in the fridge and then the morning he was coming back he told me that the money was in a sock drawer to pay me for pet sitting that weekend. Keep in mind I could have used the money because of a few unseen events earlier that weekend. I felt a little gipped and used. He said he would take me out to dinner to thank me, and did he? No. He did tell me how of course I'm that super ultra reliable friend that he can always count on.

He told me Saturday morning after he had a difficult Halloween because of the friends he had over that he was also having problems with. He's always so glad I'm there for him. I get that. I'm always there for him. I'm very reliable.

Now, I know he is going to be asking me to pet sit either this month or next month and I like to do it because I like his dog, it is a nice getaway for a night. The problem is however that I don't feel like it. I feel a little used for my services from the last time. I feel like I didn't get a proper thank you, and no, I don't think I did; even though I was hard to deal with because of issues that were going on with me. I want so bad to say "sorry, I feel used and like I never get a proper thank you. You always go on these trips and get to go to all of these places with friends, yet I seem like the guy, the friend, the ultra reliable one, who is always being used, and always there when someone is in need who is never invited along." When has he asked me to go to Vegas with him? What about go to Phoenix or another place? He seems to have no shortage of other friends to ask to go with him. I am pretty sure he'll be asking me shortly, and I'm worried, yet hoping that I don't let it slip or I can in a nice way say that I don't think that I want to pet sit. And my no would be out of spite and I'm probably say why. Sharp tongue would be getting me in trouble there. Yike.

I had 2 issues in the past week. One was a monetary one (don't worry- I just couldn't use my ATM, but credit would have worked, had the place had a credit terminal). I call him because he lives close by, however, he doesn't offer to come help me. You know what? I have issues there and I'm about to let them be known. I don't feel like I ask for a lot, but I'm always reliable, and you know what? I expect friends to be too- that means being there for me in a time of need.

I just hope my mouth doesn't get ahead of me and I say too much before I think about what I'm saying. I just hope my feeling used/taken advantage of doesn't cost me too much friendship-wise. I truly would be devastated to lose this guy. I just feel/know it is wrong deep down when it is bothering me so much.

Another upset at my college

2008-10-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

I get a call Wednesday about 1:20p.m. from Ms. Dawn in the Spanish Dept. at my college. Ms. Dawn is in charge of the Spanish dept (as far as making sure kids complete the requirements for a degree in Spanish or minor). Ms. Dawn told me that she knows I filled out my paperwork to declare a Spanish minor in March 2008. Here it is October and she is just now getting around to entering it in the computer. ...Surprised she didn't lose the paperwork... She said that she didn't really pay attention to what I said my major was on the declaration form. The problem is I'm a Communications major and that since that is basically not a true department and is a branch of the Liberal Studies Dept. I should have a Spanish major and a minor in something else. I told her that the classes I've taken as a Comm major complement the Spanish (I've taken Anthropology classes on the American Southwest, history of Spanish, etc.) She seemed kind of apprehensive after I said that, then said, well, my problem was I filed the paperwork too late. TOO LATE IS MARCH 2008 AFTER I TOOK MY FIRST UPPER DIVISION SPANISH CLASS. THAT'S TOO LATE.

So basically I'm going to fight that and while it seems like my case trumps her's, we'll see...

I am just thinking how easy it would have been to have finished up last year and taken my degree in Comm, rather than go above and beyond to try to get the Spanish minor. I am upset because of what a Spanish minor means to me. It means that Im bilingual, I can teach Spanish, I can get jobs others can't, and I can travel and try out my Spanish. As of now I'm only 2 classes away. 2!!! ...And to just learn that now. ...And for the paperwork to take so long to be input. ...And to not be told when I originally filed the paperwork is inexcusable.

It goes without saying I am going to put up a fight and rattle some chains. I have meetings with this woman, the Spanish language and Spanish Dept. head. I will have an appointment with the Dean of the Humanities Dept. and the Dean of the college if I don't get results. I just hate how everything at my college is a struggle and this is yet another one... and now my degree is at stake.

7th graders and administration

2008-10-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

I would much prefer to teach/work at the high school level, but I'm embracing the challenges at the middle school level right now. I have subbed for most of the students at my mom's school where I work. The 6th graders have only been in school 2 months and are still being broken in, but most are well behaved. The 8th graders at this point in the year are still ok- not rambunctious and know-it-all's like they will be at the end of the year. The 7th graders however are TERRIBLE.

I have subbed for Mrs. C at my mom's school this year two days in a row. She had what has been dubbed the absolute worst 7th graders. These kids are the absolute lowest- 3 periods of math, 2 periods of English, and then PE. Some have 3 periods of English, 2 periods of math, and PE depending on how low they are and in which subject. Anyways, the kids are terrible. In Mrs. C's class I had about 10 jumping off desks (no joke), 10 yelling, and 10 running around the room. These kids steal and it is so blatantly obvious. The administration turns a blind eye. The teacher is scared to be in her own classroom with these kids.

The 3, 2, 1, schedule as it was dubbed by the principal was his ingenious idea to get all of the students to proficient by the end of the year. It didn't do that last year. Instead it burnt 2 teachers out who had 3 period classes. This year 8 teachers have 3 period classes. The kids are all monsters. In the math classes especially, I don't see anything helping. The students are just so exhausted after the first hour or so of math that they lose focus and the students aren't being taught more math than the regular classes. They are just working at a slower pace.

The 7th graders are all really rotten it turns out. The principal kept it quiet last year that the 6th graders were so bad because he gave them to his best friend, an English teacher, who just turns a blind eye; so word never got out. Now it is turning its head. The teachers are so upset they're asking the principal for a 7th grade assembly to remind students of the rules. The principal says he "doesn't know if we can do that." The teachers have a good idea to put the students in classes that are closer to their level. If they're really that low and badly behaved, put them in a VERY low class, but don't make it a place they want to be. Reintroduce electives like Home Ec that make the kids keep wanting to come back to school and not give up.

Last Thursday I subbed for a new math teacher at my mom's school. The first 2 periods the kids were wonderful (it was a 3 period block, but they have the last block with this teacher at the end of the day). When the kids came back to me in 6th period they all forgot where they sat, they were are loud, yelling, screaming, and refused to take their seats. I got right on the phone to call the office. I called everyone in the office and nobody picked up the phone. Finally I flashed the lights and they said "oh, the teacher wants to teach." I wrote on the whiteboard "anyone out of their seat or talking will automatically be sent out." That's how I handled it- I sent 4 kids to my mom's classroom, 3 to the big mean science teacher, and then one out on a suspension. The class quieted enough for me to take attendance, then since they were so loud I just put the assignment on the overhead because I couldn't talk to explain it to them. Usually kids will come to the desk seeking help, but none of these kids did. Nobody was working. They just don't care. The students were just starting to do problems like 2x-2=10 and so I know many didn't get it. It wasn't worth trying to teach when I had to raise my voice, talk over them, and police to make sure everyone stayed in their seat and didn't kill each other.

I didn't mention this woman's 4th period class had 16 kids with 14 rotten ones. I had to raise my voice and then remind them where they sat on the seating chart, then I said that anyone out of their seat would automatically be sent out. I came up with this policy after they were all running around even after class had started and I took attendance. I sent 3 of the kids who got up out of their seat without permission, and of course they didn't think I was serious, or forgot. At least in this class I was able to isolate the kids enough, then keep things humming along enough to teach the lesson.

The administration all turns a blind eye. The principal turns the other way anytime there is a problem and will not admit there is a problem. The assistant principal is a great guy, but the principal does not get along with him, so he can't dictate or say anything. He told me that he was "glad I survived and thanked me for taking on such a difficult mission" the other day. The dean of discipline is stuck in her office all day disciplining 7th graders and can't ever leave her office.

Mark and Kristen on KOST

2008-10-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

Mark Wallengren and Kristen Cruz are now the morning DJs on KOST 103.5. I heard Sunday night they were launching the new morning show, so I would give it a listen. I had listened during the summer when she was on and the first thought that came to mind was "her voice is terrible." I listened more and have listened this week. My vote is I don't like the woman. Her voice is not in the least bit flattering. She jumps in constantly to inject her opinion. It is all about her... Fireman Matt... 'nuff said. Then I saw her on KTLA this week and she is just as scary looking as she sounds.

I'm still listening to Valentine in the Morning on KBIG and Brian Casey and the Wakeup Bunch on KOLA 99.9 out here in the IE. Brian, Patty, and Fran are great.

Is it coming true?

2008-10-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

I took AP European History in my sophomore year of high school. Fun class. I remember nearing the AP test- probably a week before there was a fire drill. Ms. Ward had just passed out booklets that she had explaining what the EU was when the fire drill happened. She said to take the booklets, to go outside to the football scoreboard, which is where we were supposed to stand. It was one of those long firedrills where the fire chief comes and then rips everyone another for taking so long to evacuate the school and if this were a real fire...

I remember Ms. Ward saying this would be a long fire drill, and that was why we were to bring the booklets along with us. We made ourselves comfy on the grass below the scoreboard and she began talking about the EU, the EU money system, how a country joins, and things of that sort. Then, she said this, which has still stuck with me today...

The U.S. is at the end of being a superpower for reasons like credit problems, rising prices, we're making more foes than friend sin the world, etc. Our economy is going to fall as the EU rises. When the Euro started rising in comparison to the dollar, I remember thinking what Ms. Ward said was true. Ms. Ward said the EU is going to become more and more accepted. She said that the EU is probably going to have to pull the U.S. out of where it is heading. I remember thinking, yeah lady... in 100 years. And now, today, I wonder if this day is sooner than I had thought with all of the credit and housing woes. If this $700 billion bailout doesn't happen I'm pretty sure we'll be in a depression. Will Europe pull us out?

Ms. Ward continued talking and said that this was her theory on how the world would end. She was not particularly religious- she was a non-practicing Episcopalian. She said that the U.S. will surrender to the E.U., China will too because their economy is so dependent on ours, hence everyone would be united together- world peace. Then the stuff that is mentioned in the book of Revelations would happen and that would be the end. I remember Lisa, my good friend, and very Christian friend asked why none of this was in the Bible and how Ms. Ward knew this. Ms. Ward said she didn't, but this was her opinion, but also what she thought based on her study of the E.U.

*** Another random thing from AP Euro since we're on such a happy note and talking about end times... Ms. Ward gave a lesson on the Catholic Church and popes once. She printed off a list of the Pope, their picture, and why they were chosen to power if it was known. I remember Ms. Ward saying what was said in the news after John Paul II died that this next pope (Benedict) was to be a transitional pope, only to be around a few years. Then there would be one final Pope after him... I found that whole idea mindblowing. How did she know all of this?

Well, whether we are end times or not, I wanted to share because I was thinking the other day how everything that Ms. Ward said about a big problem the U.S. is facing now seems to be coming true. Sure, credit, buying things on credit, of course will lead to problems, the housing market, etc. but back in 2003 I was a sophomore in high school and just couldn't imagine that.

I hate doctors, especially my idiot Kaiser doctor

2008-10-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

I have been having a problem since Saturday. It is not a pretty problem. I first noticed the problem Sunday morning, then it got progressively worse. On Tuesday I was fed up and went to Kaiser and saw my idiot doctor. I first protested and asked not to see my doctor when I called Kaiser, but naturally he was the only doctor with an opening.

Ok- so let me give you a little background when I say idiot doctor. I went to the doctor once this summer because I was sick or something and he completely ignored my problem. He instead told me my pulse was really fast and I needed counseling, as well as a vacation. A few days later he had his nurse call to say that I should also get a massage.

Fast forward to Tuesday when I unwillingly go to the doctor for my appointment with this lunatic. My pulse was extremely high yesterday, but he didn't mention anything. No, instead I told him my problem, said it was probably stress related, and told me I needed a massage. Um... a bowel problem and I need a massage? I said I thought the problem wasn't stress related and so after some arguing with him he asked me when I first experienced the problem, then told me I probably don't have e-coli and just "keep on pooping" and eventually things will get better. Some people throw up, but I need to poop was his answer. I realized I was talking to a wall and so once the appointment ended I went to the pharmacy.

At the pharmacy the physician's assistant listened to me and what I said my symptoms were, then recommended that I try some anti-diahrrea medicine, when to take it, and things of that sort. She also said Tylenol should help.

I would complain to membership services, but it would do no good. I did however call to switch doctors because I am tired of this tool that I have and was told that there were no available doctors unless I choose a primary doctor 15-30 miles away. Sure, I'll do that, but when I call for an appointment here in Riverside, I'm sure I'll be told to see this fool.

What I've been up to

2008-09-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

Had a most excellent time in Louisville... here's some of the things I got to do:
- Go to Louisville Sluggers Museum and take the factory tour
- See Thomas Alva Edison's Louisville home
- Go to Schimpffs Confectionery in Jeffersonville KY and got to tour the candy shop
- Go to Dillards (my aunt in Oklahoma always talks about shopping at Dillards- we don't have one in California, but my mom wanted to tell my aunt she had done that)
- Go to Bob Evans to eat- the food was alright and pretty reasonable for the price (I tried tilapia)
- Went to Bardstown KY (a really old, historic city and saw buildings from the 1700s)
- Toured the Maker's Mark Distillery
- DIpped my own bottle of Bourbon
- Drove on the Bourbon Highway
- Went to the Jim Beam Distillery --- notice a trend? haha
- Talked to the wives and men of my dad's Army unit

Subbed several days- I worked everyday last week and am working 2-3 days this week- that's a nice $1,000 or so for me. Had the worst kids in the school- and they're only 7th graders. They were 6th graders last year and rotten then. What are they going to be like next year?

Went to the Irvine Spectrum with a friend

Went to the LA County Fair with my mom and her friend Linda from work. Linda is a nut, but I love her. We grazed our way through there eating just about everything unhealthy.

Went out on a 15 foot boat with my friend Mike yesterday. We went around Balboa, Newport, and Huntington Beach. It was a lot of fun. Got a little burnt. Did some playing in the water.

Bourbon Trail Kentucky

2008-09-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

In Louisville KY/Clarksville Indiana for my dad's Army Reunion. Got to go to Evansville where my dad grew up and see the town, see his cousin and wife, the Louisville Sluggers Factory Tour, all the Victorian houses in the area. Today we hit up Bardstown and saw the many old buildings. To get there we traveled along the Bourbon Trail, and since we were doing that, of course we had to buy souvenirs.

We'll see if this is drank before I get home or not...

I got to hand dip the bottle myself. And my mom, the nondrinker didn't turn me down from buying it. AND I even did the bourbon tasting at the distillery.

SUGARLAND

2008-09-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

ALL I WANNA DO IS LOVE THEM!!!

Love their new CD. Wasn't a fan until I saw them at the LA County Fair the other night. Now? OMG... love the CD.

Jennifer Nettles is just the sexiest little thing- sexy voice, hair, eyes, body, personality; she pretty much has the package.

They started the concert with a new song I hadn't heard, then Settlin', then Baby Girl a few songs later. I think it was the 4th song. By that time everyone was up, standing around, singing. LOVED IT. Stood most of the rest of the show. The new song Joey was awesome. Jennifer busted out her guitar and sang that one. Didn't realize all their popular songs- Settlin', Baby Girl, Something More, Everyday America, All I Wanna Do, Stay, and a bunch of others.

They sound exactly the same in concert as on their CD meaning they are the real thing.

The CD is pretty bluegrassy and has Jennifer's sexy voice... and Kristian's too... LOVE IT...

I got my tan...

2008-08-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

... at least on my back and face...

Today seemed like a nice, restful day. That's really what I planned. Stepho had her first day back at school. My mom had her first day at school with students, and my dad has been back at school for 15 days already. It was going to be a nice day alone watching TV. I wanted to watch The Office on DVD.

Well, I began my day by updating my blog here. I loaded the dishwasher. I figured I'd clean the bathroom while I was at it because I happened to walk in and the mirrors were atrocious. Scrubbed the bathtub and toilet real quick, cleaned the mirrors, and voila. The dogs were hot, so I refilled their pool with some cool water and hosed down the patio. All of this before 10a.m. I started up my hard drive and began to spin The Office on DVD. I'm laying on my bed, in a darkened, room, my laptop on my bed and cued to the show.

Outside I hear a splitting noise and a crash. I look outside and see the chinaberry tree all over. Some branches were on the fence, but the big mother of all branches had tumbled down to the street. Of course I go outside to investigate.

Long story short- it is 105 out, very humid, which is unusual for Cali, and my shirt and shorts are drenched in sweat. I take my shirt off and start cutting and snapping the branches. In about 3-4 hours I have a nice tan going on my back and face; the much coveted summer tan. My chest is still pretty white, however.

And this is my mom's boss

2008-08-25T10:58:00.000-07:00

My mom says in every letter she has ever received from her boss their is a spelling error or some other error.

My mom saw on his calendar back in May that he was going to the Majic Lantern.

In a letter about going back to school the front of the envelope said Avernue for the school's street address instead of Avenue.

Other spelling and punctuation errors:
- Ronnie and his crews' --- it should be Ronnie and his crew
- Williams's inspection--- it should be William's Inspection
- Brechfist will be available--- I guess everyone is going to miss breakfast and skip right to brechfist
- The site Buy-Back-Day, will, be on Friday, August, 22Nd from 8-2. --- let's fix that... The site buy-back day will be on Friday, August 22nd from 8-2.

One of those crazy weeks

2008-08-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

Wednesday my mom, sister, and I rearranged the dining room. We moved the buffet that has sat in the same place my entire life to the other wall, then we moved the computer desk in the living room into the kitchen. That really opened up the living room and the dining room still has quite a bit of space too. YAY! Looks GREAT!

Thursday my mom, sis, and I went to Olive Garden for the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks lunch for $6.95 per person. We ate lots and I had to get dessert- white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. Delish! We got allergy shots and browsed the mall.

Friday I went to Goodwill to drop off old clothes and other things we've found while working on the house. Afterward I hit Best Buy to try to find a gift for my dad. I didn't find anything, but had an idea. I remembered my mom said he liked the TV Miniseries from the 70s "Centennial." A few clicks and taps on my iPhone and I found amazon.com had it, it had just come out on DVD on the 29th of July. I went home and bought it.

In the evening I waxed my mom's car. I got gas in Ontario for $3.87. WOOT!!! Gas is still near $4.00 here. I went to Gameworks with my friends Steve and Mike. They have a Friday night special- unlimited arcade games for $16 from 9p.m.-2a.m. Of course we had to stay the whole time to get our money's worth. Steve and Mike decided to play Air Hockey and both beat me miserably. Watched the men's volleyball and really enjoyed that while there. Seriously, volleyball is one of the few sports I am good at because I am tall. Seriously would like to play on a team. That's the only sport I'd ever want to play on a team. Men's volleyball is hard to find, though. Dallhouser and Rodgers rocked it. Me, not being a night person was tired, did not want to drive all the way home. Gameworks is 30 miles from my house, so I opted to drive the 10 miles back to Steve's place and crash for the night. I was up at 8 and drove home.

I got home and nobody noticed I was gone. They still function without me being here. GASP. My dad got up and made bacon for breakfast for sandwiches and we told him about his gifts. My mom is buying him an iPod when the new models come out next month and my gift will also be coming in a couple days.

We're going to go to Olive Garden for a late lunch/early dinner about 3p.m. to celebrate my dad's birthday. I was thinking of going up to the gym to work out and dropping my dad's car off to get washed and waxed since I have a coupon for the car wash across the street from the gym, but his car is so messy on the inside with paperwork from school, that it is probably not the best idea right now. I also plan to rock out to the Deana Carter and Kid Rock concerts shown on Direct TV.

At 5p.m. I have to take off to go over to my friend John's house to dog sit for the night. I will do that until tomorrow afternoon. Easy night. His dog is easy to care for and I have a nice big 60'' TV to watch. No complaints.

Tomorrow afternoon/evening I am probably meeting Gaby for lunch, bowling, or something else... not sure. We need to talk and catch up on the gossip and drama in each other's lives.

Monday I will probably hang out with John and Monday night he wants to take me to dinner to thank me for dog sitting. I'm looking forward to that.

On Tuesday I'm hoping to start painting my room. I also have an appointment at noon at the day spa to have the facial hair on my chin removed by laser. I'm apprehensive that it might look bad, unnatural, strange to not do my whole face, and things like that. I am tired of suffering with constant razor burn and rashes as hinted in my last post. I'm not doing my whole face- just the chin. We shall see.

Wednesday or Thursday I'm probably going to go to my mom's school to help her.

Kaiser rant

2008-08-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

I hate going to the doctor. Kaiser is terrible. They are extremely slow and always require an appointment regardless of how sick you are. It is as if you have to plan to be sick. Fortunately I am not sick today. I am at kaiser in the waiting room and have been waiting 30 minutes already past my appointment time to see the doctor. And did I mention you are supposed to check in 15 minutes prior to your appointment? I never do- that just means I'd have to wait longer. And did I mention the awful stench in here? The waiting room smells mildewy and moldy. There is a fan going making the problem worse. There are fans on every floor of the building. And did I also mention that I have a doctor who does not listen to my problems or concerns? I am being seen for sensitive skin and razorburn. His answer was to not shave. It took waiting 45 minutes after my scheduled appointment to get this wonderful answer. Am I going to stop shaving just because my skin is irritated easily?is this practical? No. The doctor said I could put vaselline on my face. I said that would cause a lot of pimples and he said it was my choice. I have tried different moisturizers, creams, and razors to no avail.

Oh, and I have a high pulse... the doctor suggested I need counseling. Lmao

sent from my iPhone

Why I love my new car

2008-08-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

I am sure the mileage will go down because I was driving home all freeway/highway the other night after gassing up the car and I typically do city driving. 38.6mpg though... pretty awesome.

Rejection, liars, and things of that sort.

2008-08-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

Rejection hurts. Don't lead me on. Sure we were stupid. Sure boundaries should have been set, but don't lead me on, then brush me away, and expect me to be hurt, and tell me it is just my problem. Don't keep building me up with praise only to tell me down and suddenly take that away- it sure makes me feel rejected.

Be honest with me. I am 1000% honest with you and you know that, so can't we expect the same; a little 50/50? I hate liars. I hate when I can tell you are lying on top of that. Don't expect me to forgive. Trust? Well, it is hard to earn back. It takes time, but the initial thought that I can't trust you hurts and don't think I can trust you in the same way again. You're someone I thought I could trust and trust with me is not an easy thing to earn. It takes time. It takes work. It takes understanding.

Now, now, when I need you the most you just turn away and tell me too bad. Too bad, well, that's rejection again, and it hurts.

I think we both know that I put in 1000% into this, as you did too, in the beginning. Think about all of the things I did for you- the time, effort, money, sacrifices, emotions, our support for each other. Now, when I have a problem, you choose to walk away? Well, it shows what type of person you are. You, you, who say you are there for friends in times of need. You're not.

Screw you!

Some days seem so organized, yet so unproductive

2008-07-28T12:18:00.001-07:00

Here's a look at my day so far:

Called Ticketmaster for a ticket refund for tickets we bought my mom for Mother's Day. The concert was canceled and we were told to call for a refund. Refund will be issued.
Time spent on phone: 45 minutes

E-mailed and called the man who sold me my car about why I haven't received any payment information on it. The first payment is due in 2 weeks. The man does not work today.
Time spent: 5 minutes

Tried to divulge information from my dad to plan a trip to Indiana/Kentucky to see the guys in his army unit. No car rental or hotel booked yet.
Time spent: all morning

Cleaned the kitchen (loaded dishwasher and wiped down the stove)
Time spent: 10 minutes

Still need to:

Burn my iTunes library onto CD for a friend
Estimated time: 4 hours

Go to Smart & Final for popcicles
cost $20.00

the gym
what I have to show: nothing, the internal pain

Target for a case for my iPhone
cost $25.00-$30.00

I guess for what I am going to do I'll have my bank statement in a few days to show for all the money I spent.

How can you not love Miley?

2008-07-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

Her lyrics are just so cute- she is so pure and wholesome. She has no DUI's, she has had no traffic accidents, and she hasn't been out all night partying out on the town. She comes from a loving home and it doesn't seem to get much more country and down home than Billy Ray Cyrus. Her songs are so true- "7 things I hate about you," and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has felt the pressure when I messed up when I met someone new as she does in "See You Again." She sings about real life issues.

Hopefully this never happens!

Other "deep" country thoughts

2008-07-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

"Home" by Blake Shelton sounds like a whining hillbilly. Leave that one to Michael Buble.

Equally as bad is girlfriend Miranda Lambert's song "Gunpowder and Lead"- knew there was a reason or two I didn't like her- the whiney voice and secondly she thinks she is capable of taking on any man. I just don't find that hot. The image of a woman going home to load her shotgun, standing by the door and lighting a cigarette is just not hot. She reminds me of a man. Nasty. Next thing she'll be out plowing the fields with her man.

I can't forget about my dear Taylor Swift. Taylor, dear, what were you thinking on the CMA Awards? Vocal abilities? Whining ability, yes. Trying to sing at 10 different ranges- not attractive for a supposed talented singer. I can do just as well, I think. Her whining and range problem is a perpetual problem in all of her songs. I am tired of it. She seems to have more boy problems than anyone I know. And the boy out fit? The boy Taylor Swift? Yes. I saw the jeans and the hoodie- I'm confused about the outfit. Because you didn't say no I turned into a boy? I also noticed Taylor still has that hella annoying duck waddle when she walks. And the rain in the end? Get out of the rain, stupid! It looked like stage desperation as opposed to talent. Personally I think she "should've said no" to performing at the awards show and singing that song.

Toby Keith- "She Never Cried in Front of Me"- Anything Toby does goes on the bad list. "Beer For My Horses" or "Angry American" were just too much.

I am not having a "good time" listening to Alan Jackson's "Good Time." Is there some rule that just because Alan Jackson has been around in country music so long that his song has to be played 2-3 times every hour? The video bothers me- the whole reporter thing- since when is a country line dance "breaking news?" Secondly, the reporters in that song are terrible and Jackson does terrible PR promoting his record when he is in such a hurry to leave the scene. I think having real reporters could have added a dimension of reality.

"Come on Over" by Jessica Simpson, hun, your career is over; once you left Nick it was done. In fact, it was done prior to that. Your records were never successful and your droning voice doesn't help. Sorry Joe.

Now who in country gets props?

Josh Turner and Trisha Yearwood in "Another Try"
Trisha is always classy, has an amazing voice, and her duet with Josh is really neat, especially since their voices are so different. This is just so much more appealing than the droning "Long Black Train."

Josh Gracin- "We Weren't Crazy"
Nice story, modern country, great voice.

Montgomery Gentry- "Back When I Knew It All"
In your face, two very different voices, the genuine country sound

Luke Bryan- "Country Man"
Fun, upbeat, and who else could make salt curing a ham and other things country men do sound so cool? Great voice.

Jimmy Wayne- "So Do You Believe Me Now?"
Good sound, a little mainstream sounding, but it surprises me to admit Jimmy Wayne actually has a good hit.

Lady Antebelum- "Looking For a Good Time"
The lead singer has a great voice and the girl in the band's vocals provide an interesting sound.

Suddenly running over your girlfriend became romantic

2008-07-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

I was listening to Christy McLeap on KFROG this afternoon. This gal has a few screws loose. She seems very sadistic. She was talking about how romantic the new Bucky Covington song "I'll Walk" was. Romantic? I wanted, and probably should have picked up my cell phone to call and tell her I disagreed.

Sappy? Yes. Romantic? No. Whiney and grating on the nerves? Yes. Pitiful? Yes.

So here we have the big questions to ponder...
Since when did a girlfriend getting run over because she wanted to leave you because she was upset with you become romantic?
Is your girlfriend getting run over romantic?
Is the fact she might not be able to walk the same romantic?
Is being an idiot romantic? Shouldn't your senses, Mr. Bucky Covington have stepped in and realized the dangers of your girlfriend out walking at night, all alone? Isn't that romantic? All alone, in the dark, at night? Shouldn't you have been the voice of reason when your girlfriend was upset and not listened to avoid ending up in this romantic mess?
Is a fight romantic?
Is driving to the hospital to see your mangled girlfriend romantic?

Here's the lyrics...:

We were 18, it was prom night.
We had our first big fight.
She said "Pull this car over".
I did and then I told her, "I don't know what you are crying for".
I grabbed her hand, as she reached for the door.

She said, I'll walk.
Let go of my hand.
Right now I'm hurt, and you don't understand.
So just be quiet.
And later we will talk.
Just leave, don't worry.
I'll walk.

It was a dark night, a black dress.
Driver never saw her, around the bend.
I never will forget the call, or driving to the hospital
when they said her legs still wouldn't move.
I cried, when I walked into her room.
"I'll walk
Please come and hold my hand
Right now I hurt
And I don't understand
Let's just be quiet
And later we can talk
Please stay, don't worry
I'll walk"

I held her hand through everything
The weeks and months of therapy
And I held her hand and asked her to be my bride
She's dreamed from a little girl
To have her daddy bring her down the aisle
So from her wheelchair she looks up at him and smiles
and says. . .

"I'll walk
Please hold my hand
I know that this will hurt
I know you understand
Please, Daddy don't cry
This is already hard
Let's go, don't worry
I'll walk"

All I'm saying is please don't run me over and call it romantic!

B to the U to the S to the Y

2008-07-16T17:09:00.001-07:00

That spells BUSY.
That's what I've been.
So what have I done?

- I have been dealing with family stuff.

- I bought a car. Pictures can be found on my myspace.

Me loves my new car. Waiting for so long definitely helped build the anticipation. I have saved every paycheck since I started working to buy this car. That's 3 years of paychecks!!! I still owe about $1,200 on it, but am going to work hard to pay it off ASAP. I had to finance $7,500 to get the college student rebate. I plan to pay $6,300 of that off in the next 2-3 months. The $1,200 will come when I get back to working on a more consistent basis. It was hard for me to buy it, especially when I'm so frugal with money, and the thought of having a payment. It was a $20,000 car that I got for $16,700 OUT THE DOOR (including taxes) after rebates.

I got a great deal though- tint added for free, the Bluetooth handsfree phone system, and a no key ignition. You turn a dial to start the car and the "key" is a keypad like you'd have on your keychain to open and lock the doors. It has a built in Bluetooth system so I can talk without an annoying earpiece. The Bluetooth system is neat, but the voice training has been annoying. Since when did "home" sound like "Iris?" I called my aunt a couple times because I told the phone to call home and it thought I said Iris. Same situation for words like Brad and Chad. I just need to enunciate more and reprogram the car. Think I have the system figured out- the volume button was the main culprit.

This is what the key for my car looks like- except it has a Nissan logo

- I've been struggling, taking a linguistics class. I guess I'm doing ok. My grade on the midterm was a 91.5%. That is well earned after several hours of reading, practicing, and struggling. Part of my problem is my allergies, so my voice is more nasalized and the words sound like they're coming from my nose rather than my voicebox.

- I have been helping my parents house hunt.

- I have been mourning the marriage of Mariah Carey to Nick Cannon

- I've been hanging out with my friend Gaby. She is a riot and so fun. We never have time to hang out because of her work schedule, but this summer we have made it a priority to see each other. We have gone out to lunch at the Mexican Kitchen twice this summer. We met each other back in elementary school, hated each other, she teased me in a nice way in 9th grade, then when we started working together we became great friends. She is one of the few friends who knows everything about me and I know everything about her.

- I made a demo tape in Spanish and English so I can apply to be a radio station traffic reporter. My friend John used his computer expertise to help me out.

- I have been doing sit ups- 100 a day, that's my goal. 6 pack is somewhat noticeable.

- I bought an iPhone. There were significant sacrifices to be made including giving my dad my old iPod and buying a battery for it for him, among other things.

- I have been playing around with iMovie on my Mac and learned to make an movie using old photos.

- Now I'm saving up for rims for the car. I am completely out of money. Dang. I haven't subbed in almost a month because it is summer, so I won't have a paycheck until October.

- I got a speeding ticket, which I don't think I deserved because there was no way I could have been going that fast after just turning on the street. My mom was in the car and can vouch for me. The police didn't even flash his radar gun at me. Now I have to do traffic school so the ticket won't end up on my record. I have never got a ticket before. Dang.

- I went to Disneyland with 2 of my cousins the other day. OMG. It was fun hanging with my cousins and catching up in their lives, but I loathe that Disneyland is so crowded and so expensive. A 1 day ticket was $91.00!!! I bought an annual pass for $129. My cousin was interesting though. I hadn't seen her in a year or so due to family disagreements. Throughout the whole day she told me I was anorexic and needed a good meal. She kept asking me if I was hungry and wanted an ice cream or to go eat. I kept looking at her thinking Chayna, you need a good meal, not me. You're 5'5'', 105lbs, and you lost 30 pounds recently. Please, don't tell me I need a good meal. You look emaciated.

- I feel I have lost a part of my masculinity. I went tanning today. There was a special at a place ($5.00) and I was without a friend and it was kind of like "why not?" Let's see what the hype is about. Went and am still as pale. They say it takes 24 hours to kick in. We shall see. Actually I'm not that worried about my masculinity. Who cares what others think? I'm from California- land of fake chests, breasts, and botox. Besides, I know plenty of guys who do that. It is the California thing to do. We gotta look our best!

Funny bumperstickers

2008-07-01T22:17:00.001-07:00

On the verge of buying a car

2008-06-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

...and I feel nervous. I have dealt strictly on the internet with several dealers. I have done my homework and fought for $14,995 for the price of the car I want. 2 dealers will offer it at that price. One is the dealer we bought my mom's car at and I like. I am just worried/nervous they'll add hidden fees. The car should come out to $16,500 after tax and license. To have it cost more would put it out of my range. I'm worried we're going to have to fight and they'll try to pull something on me. I'm sticking firmly though to my decision- give it to me at this price or else. I've waited months already and can wait longer.

Long time no post

2008-06-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

I've been BUSY!!!

I subbed 4 days last week and had 3 finals at school. I subbed at my mom's school each of those 4 days. It was fun stuff, especially PE. I love subbing for PE because it is such an easy task. It was a bit warm out, but I got to work on my tan. I got nice and tan. My legs could use some more sun, but I was pretty white before. I made $500 last week. Not bad. Most of the days I wasn't planning to sub until I got calls from the office manager at my mom's school begging me to come in because there was a shortage of subs each day.

My finals went well. My grades should look like this:
Spanish 101: A- (though I'm sure it'll be a "B" because the teacher's grading is shady)
Women's Studies: A-
Media and Politics: B+
I got at least a "B" on the latter 2 finals. The "B+" in Media is ok. I am not going to complain.
The B's unfortunately bring down my GPA. I am wanting to get at least a 3.5 overall GPA before I graduate. It is a 3.41 right now I believe. I'm not sure if a 3.5 is possible, but one can hope and try.

I sat through a 3 hour graduation for my 2nd cousin on Sunday at CSUSB. Isn't it a shame that my second cousins are my age? HAHA. The president does not know when to shut his mouth. He rattled on and on. The first hour of the graduation was nothing short of an advertisement for the campus. That's not what a graduation is about. It is about celebrating the students and their accomplishments. Then as each kid crossed the stage he took at least 10 seconds to stop and talk to them. It did help to get photos of my cousin as she went across the stage, but 3 hours for a graduation for 300 kids? Everyone was so restless and most left after their kids name was called.

Yesterday my cousin who graduated, her boyfriend, and my cousin Chayna went to Disneyland. It was so crowded. I renewed my annual pass however. I just bought the basic one with 165 blockout dates for $129. It was cheaper to buy an annual pass though where I can come back at least once more and it is paid for. It is now $91 for a 1 day park hopper pass at Disneyland. Parking was $15. Going once more will pay for my pass.

The day was quite fun though despite the crowds and only getting on 4 rides. We got to talk, catch up on family gossip, and stuff like that. My cousin Chayna kept saying over and over how I look anorexic. NO!!!! I DON'T. She says I look like I lost 40 pounds since she last saw me. She obviously doesn't know what 40 extra pounds looks like. Let me set the record straight- I used to weigh about 160 at most. I had a 34'' waist. I started going to the gym and toning up. In the past year I've gone from a 34'' waist to a 30'' waist. I now weigh 145 pounds. I was not fat before.

So what do I have planned in the near future? Buy an iPhone. I love my Macbook Pro, my Apple Router, my Airtunes that broadcasts music wirelessly through the house. I love the Apple logo. I'm becoming an Apple brand whore. I have already sat money aside to buy the phone and will probably be there on the day the phone goes on sale waiting in line to get mine. Yes. Sad. I know. How do I justify buying one? I am worth it. I rarely spend money on myself, but this one time I'm treating myself and going all out.

Buy a car. I have quite a large sum of money sat aside for a car. With gas at $4.60 a gallon I'm looking for something small and fuel efficient. The small part doesn't go over well with my mom, but she won't be driving the car. I'm looking at a Honda Civic or Mazda 3. I LOVE the Mazda 3 and it is much more comfortable than the Civic, but the new redesigned 2009 model does not go on sale until November unfortunately. A local Nissan dealer is clearing out 2008 Altima Hybrids that retail for $25,000 for $20,000. That is very tempting as it is a bigger and more fuel efficient car. Fuel efficiency in the era of $5.00 gasoline is important to me. I would have to take out up to $5,000 on the loan for that, whereas I should be able to pay the Civic off almost completely. The Altima is actually more fuel efficient than the Civic. Decisions. Choices.

Is Mariah Carey playing ball the cutest thing you've ever seen?

2008-05-30T00:19:00.001-07:00

More memories of my grandma

2008-05-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

I've been jogging my memory since I made my last post about grandma for more memories:

She used to sit in her chair in the kitchen- and only she could sit in it.

She used to sit in her chair rock my sister and I singing "to market, to market to buy a fat hog" or "this little piggy"

I remember grandma used to sit in her chair in the kitchen and Steph and I would run around for her to catch us, then she'd pull us up over her legs and blow on our backs.

Grandma always wanted to be sure Steph and I didn't have gaposis.

We used to sit outside on the brown swing and my grandma would sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

We would often sit outside on the swing around 10:30 in the morning and watch the cars go by on her street and wait for the mailman

Grandma would also sing the following songs:
Why Haven't I Heard From You- Reba McEntire
Ocean Front Property- George Strait
All My Exes Live in Texas- George Strait
Achey Breaky Heart- Billy Ray Cyrus
Pretty Little Adrianna- Vince Gill
Just Another Woman in Love- Anne Murray
Passionate Kisses- Mary Chapin Carpenter
Born Country & Mountain Music- Alabama
She's in Love With A Boy- Trisha Yearwood
Queen of Hearts- Juice Newton
Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses- Kathy Mattea
My Kind of Girl- Collin Raye

Grandma always played country music when my sister and I got to her house in the mornings. She'd claim it helps us sleep and she'd walk through the house singing it. Her other justification was she had to because otherwise when she'd go square dancing she wouldn't know the dances.

She'd listen to KFROG for the birthday wheel at 6:40a.m. for Scott and Bo, The Frogmen, to call out her birthdate so she could call in and win. She never won.

I remember my grandma complaining when Earl Pitts came on KFROG about 7:40 every morning and he'd ask "you know what makes me sick?" and she'd say something along the lines of he's always sick, and then turn him off.

The truck's name was Jenny. Jenny always needed oil or a tune up. Every morning before she'd take my sister and I to school, she'd go out and check that Jenny had enough oil. EVERY MORNING.

If the truck was acting up, it needed a tune up. I recall many Thursdays when she'd go bowling, then leave the car with Mert at S&S Garage for a tune up.

I remember her leaving for bowling at 8:30a.m. on Thursdays and me watching her pull out of the driveway in her truck, then running up through the house to get to the kitchen window to see if I beat her truck. Often, I did.

Grandma would only wear jeans going across the street. She'd claim she has to get dressed up to go everywhere because otherwise she'd see someone she knew if she were dressed down and would be embarrassed to be dressed down. She always saw someone she knew when she was dressed down.

I remember my grandma used to like to watch KTLA in the mornings to see the "teddy bear lady," Jennifer York, the helicopter traffic reporter who decorated the copter with teddy bears viewers sent in.

I remember we used to watch Jillian Barberie on Good Day LA and my grandma always commented on her different outfits and liking to tune in for that.

I remember my grandma used to always tell us we should go to the bathroom, take a book, read with our books on the stool, then she'd come in and check us. If we didn't have a big BM (bowel movement), she'd tell us we need to try harder, then say we could wipe. Then when my parents would come, both her and my grandpa were eager to tell my parents that we did or didn't go to the bathroom that day.

I remember my grandma always liked to ride the exercise bike in her bedroom in the evenings. If she was in pain during the day, she said she was going to ride the bike in her room for 45 minutes. She would often read while she did that. I remember the bike had a feature that let the handlebars go forward and backward and she'd often push them forward and backward when she was on it.

Mr. Rogers always used to sing "won't you please, please won't you be my neighbor?" Grandma's response was always no. She doesn't want a man wearing sweater vests to be her neighbor or a crazy man who has to change his shoes when he enters a room.

Grandma cut coupons religiously. I remember she'd have a huge envelope full and when I'd go to the commissary with her, we'd pull the carts aside before we got in line to go through and see what she bought that was on sale. I also remember going through the big coupon bin at the commissary and rarely finding anything.

I remember packing groceries in the back of the truck at the commissary as she'd stand and watch and tell me to pack the heavy things on the outside so nothing would fly away.

She would tip the baggers who bagged and took the groceries out to the car at the commissary $1.00, then she'd complain on the way home if they bagged the groceries badly or didn't put them in the truck right that she shouldn't have tipped them.

Grandma bought Super Lotto tickets on Whensdee and Sardee nights. She'd then write down the numbers on a piece of paper to check her tickets, then call us at home to give us the lotto numbers at about 8p.m. on those nights.

Grandma loved to play Fantasy 5 lotto on Tuesdays and often won $20 or free tickets. If you matched 2 lotto numbers you got a free ticket for the next night.

Grandma used to love to talk to Goldie over at the liquor store or the tall guy with blue eyes.

Grandma was always buying 3 lotto scratchers- Big Spin or any new game that was out. She would scratch a ticket, then my sister and I would.

Taking chances

2008-05-18T10:12:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I feel like I'm limiting myself by being afraid to take chances.
Sometimes I am worried about the effects of the outcome more than anything.
Sometimes fear of the unknown scares me more than anything.

2008-05-16T20:16:00.000-07:00

Carrie Underwood rant

2008-04-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

Continuing on the country music trend rant, I wanted to mention how I can't stand Carrie Underwood.

First, she came from American Idol- it doesn't strike me like she put a bunch of effort into her singing career prior as compared to other idols take Daughtry for an example. Daughtry was working in the music industry prior, was in a band, and did Carrie? No. So, really, I feel like she hasn't paid her dues as an artist.

Second, her songs are often whaling and droning about god knows what. I can't stand her whiney voice in "Jesus Take The Wheel" or "Don't Forget To Remember Me." Her new song "All American Girl" has so many uuuuuhs and oooooohs and owwws and other annoying vocals that make the song just sound bad and unnatural. She has such a screechy voice in her song "So Small" it is like nails on a chalkboard.

Third, I don't want to hear her Bible loving messages in all of her songs- "Jesus Take The Wheel" where Jesus pulls that car to the side of the road. Personally I wish it crashed and then she wouldn't have been there to sing the song. Then "Don't Forget to Remember Me" is a pretty easy song to forget.

Personally to me she doesn't seem like the All-American girl she proclaims in her song. Would an "All American Girl" have dug her keys into the side of his pretty little souped up 4 wheel drive, carved her name into his leather seats, took a Louisville slugger to both headlights, slashed a hole in all 4 tires? I think not. Seems rather unchristian.

What is so likeable about her? I just don't get it. To me she comes off as an arrogant frat girl who suddenly came to fame and screams I am wanna be diva, but I'm so pure and wholesome nobody will call me that like Mariah. I'm just little pure, wholesome Carrie Underwood from Oklahoma. She's just a bunch of "Wasted" talent if you ask me.

When I think Taylor Swift I'm going to think of

2008-04-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

I was watching a rerun of the CMA Awards tonight.

Taylor Swift was performing and here's what my dad said about her:

"Lady, your boots are too big for you."
"She looks like she could smoke a cigarette and drink a beer at the same time."
All of this came when she looked rather angry in her performance of the song "Picture to Burn."

On Ashton Shepard "She has a voice like someone is beating a fish with a hammer"

Where I feel like I made a difference

2008-04-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

Today I subbed for my mom's friend, the math teacher in the room next to her.

After a rocky start to the day with the really bad class, the day improved.

It was a pretty good day and one where I felt like I made a difference. The 2 pre-algebra classes were working on using the distance formula (Distance=Speed x Time or D=Velocity / Time). A lot of kids, perhaps due to apathy toward the subject weren't trying and thought me, being the sub would give them the easy way out and tell them the answer. Me? Do that? No. Never.

When a kid asked for help, I enthusiastically came over and asked them where they were having trouble. The kids told me and then sat blank wanting me to do the work for them. I said, "well, look, you have speed and distance given, now tell me what is missing." "Ok, so you are trying to find time, so what do you do?" The kids would ask inquisitively "multiply?" I'd ask the kids to explain why and walk me through the steps. They did and they'd come up with the right answer.

You know what? I could have taken the easy way out, but then I'd have felt bad for gipping them, but also not giving them the opportunity to prove they new how to do it.

A day and a half

2008-04-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

It was a long day to say the least- here's a synopsis:

- My Spanish teacher yelled at me in front of the class for about 5 minutes because she randomly changed topics, called on me for an answer, and I had no idea. She told me how I never pay attention, how I never understand, and things like that... all in Spanish

- After my Spanish class I trek 1/2 mile to the parking lot and discover parking services around my car as well as the police. I ask if something is wrong, further observe the scene, and notice that someone with a Ford Escort, which was a stick shift forgot to set their parking brake and rolled into my car. There was no damage to their car, but there were some paint blemishes and scratches to my car- which probably won't be repaired since there was not enough damage to tell the insurance company about. My big tank! Their car hit my back right bumper at the side. I was upset at first because the first things that came to my mind were there might be a lot of damage, insurance will go up, and this is just my luck. I quickly realized though, that it was not my fault. I was not at fault. I decided to look at it in a funny way. I was not the idiot. My car has an automatic transmission and therefore I don't have to worry about setting my parking brake. It could have been worse. I spent 45 minutes of my lunch standing around with the university police and therefore didn't get to enjoy a nice 1 hour, sit down lunch at a restaurant. Instead my lunch was a Diet Pepsi and Doritos.

- There is a local news website called instantriverside.com. They were giving away tickets to Stagecoach, the 3 day country music festival out in Indio AND I WON!!! Last year Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, and a whole bunch of others attended. This year the Eagles, Trisha Yearwood, Tim McGraw, Gretchen Wilson, and a bunch of others are attending. I am going to get to see Rascal Flatts, The Judds, Dierks Bentley, Taylor Swift, Bucky Covington, Dwight Yoakam, and a bunch of others. So that made a bad day better!

Now I get to find a friend to go with me to Stagecoach. I'm going to either ask my cousin, my friend John, or someone else... not sure yet.

Women's Studies Syllabus

2008-04-06T15:38:00.000-07:00

I need Women's Studies- Gender Issues for a Global Woman, to graduate. The teacher is a middle aged, hispanic woman. She seems to be a little funny... case in point, her syllabus under course guidelines...

"Aaaaww... your teacup shitzu is so cute, and I know you want to show it off; I would carry mine in my purse like you want to. Please don't bring it to class in your purse, though. You can show me in pictures, however, when walking to or from class, or during my office hours. The same goes for your pet dog, cat, chipmunk, or elephant. They are just too cute, especially with the furry collars! They cry though, and my lectures aren't crying worthy. If they cry, I cry."

Spring Break

2008-03-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

What a marvelous 2 week event. I was blessed to have 2 teachers this quarter who decided to give us our finals a week early, so I had no finals during finals week.

Here is what I've done so far:
- Subbed a couple days
- went to LA with friends for dinner and a night on the town
- spent the night at a friend's house and played computer games
- went to lunch at Olive Garden with my parents
- went bowling with my friends and played 6 games- my best score was 130
- watched lots of "Law and Order"
- found a new DSL provider for us since we're tired of Earthlink- now it is just a matter of calling and setting up the service
- Took my car in for service; forgot to get an oil change, though
- went to the dentist and had no cavities
- switched banks- ALTURA SUCKS
- today I'm going to weed whack since my dad can't do it anymore since the motions hurt his back

Fantasy LA anchor teams

2008-03-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

I love to watch local LA news. I have grown up watching many of the anchors. I was bored the other day and created my own fantasy news teams for each LA station. This minimizes the slutty news anchors like Mia Lee and actually brings together strong anchors I think that would be able to bring in good ratings and would be in each station's best interest. I'll start with

KCBS 2
5-7a.m.
Suzanne Rico, Rick Chambers, Vera Jiminez, Henry Dicarlo

11a.m.
Laura Diaz, Kent Shocknek, Henry Dicarlo

5:00p.m. and 11:00p.m.
Paul Magers, Pat Harvey, Johnny Mountain, Gary Miller

6:00p.m.
Laura Diaz, Kent Shocknek, Johnny Mountain, Jim Hill

Weekend 5 and 11p.m.
Sharon Tay, Juan Fernandez, Jackie Johnson, Steve Hartman

Weekend 6p.m.
Mia Lee, Glen Walker, Jackie Johnson, Jim Hill

Commentary- who knew Kent Shocknek was on 2 in the morning? With how few people watch, I moved Rick Chambers on just to change it up and perhaps give Kent a bigger slot where people may be tuning in and realize hey, he is on 2 now. He has been on CBS for 5 years and still nobody tunes in in the mornings. Laura Diaz is old and frumpy. Her news delivery is poor. Laura should not be their top anchor woman. KCBS would be smart to bring Pat Harvey over from 9 (their sister station) and pair her with Paul Magers. I don't think Jim Hill has much of a personality and not a lot of on air chemistry with any of the anchors, but I find Gary Miller interacts better with them.

KCAL 9
12p.m.
Ann Martin, David Gonzales, Kaj Goldberg

2:00p.m.
Ann Martin, David Gonzales, Kaj Goldberg

3:00p.m.
Ann Martin, Kaj Goldberg

4:00p.m. and 9:00p.m.
Harold Greene, Sylvia Lopez, Josh Rubenstein, Jim Hill

8:00p.m. and 10:00p.m.
Sandra Mitchell, Mark Coogan, Josh Rubenstein, John Ireland

Weekend 8 and 10p.m.
Sharon Tay, Juan Fernandez, Jackie Johnson, Steve Hartman

Weekend 9p.m.
Mia Lee, Glen Walker, Jackie Johnson, Steve Hartman

As much as I like Ann Martin and Harold Greene together, maybe just because I've grown up watching them and they have grown on me. Whatever the case may be, I don't see them bringing in ratings. I moved Ann to middays to replace Mia Lee, which can only help KCAL with credibility and a well known figure in LA news. Sandra Mitchell would become KCAL'S main anchor woman. She has really grown into the anchor position I believe on CBS at 11a.m. I would pair her with Paul Magers, but she is not as well known as Pat Harvey. I have met her in person, and she is just as sweet on camera, as off btw. Marc Coogan would be brought back to the anchor chair because he is better known than Glen Walker. Marc Coogan anchored with Tritia Toyota for a while on KCBS when he went over there from KABC. KCAL's ratings keep declining because the news directors and managers are into boobs and cheap talent on that station.

I haven't watched KCAL 9 news at 8, 9, or 10p.m. regularly since Kerry Kilbride and Pat Harvey anchored together a couple years back. I don't like Glen Walker at all and he is all over there. Jackie Johnson is just annoying. I used to watch KCAL news every night, but I haven't in about 2 years. I think they should really consider moving better anchors into place and I would watch. Marc Coogan, Harold Greene, Kent Shocknek would be good pairings in the evening on KCAL.

KNBC 4

5:00-7:00a.m.
Mary Parks, Robert Kovacik, Pablo Pereira, Paul Johnson

11:00a.m. and 6:00p.m.
Kim Baldonado, Chuck Henry, Pablo Pereira

5:00p.m. and 11:00p.m.
Paul Moyer, Colleen Williams, Fritz Coleman, Fred Roggin

Weekend a.m.
Chris Schauble, Jennifer Bjorklund, Carl Bell, Mario Solis

Weekend p.m.
Beverly White, Furnell Chatman, Elita Lorezca, Bill Seward

I think Mary Parks used to anchor on KNBC. I think I recall that. I much prefer Robert Kovacik in the morning to Chris Schauble. I can't stand Chris' raspy and booming voice, or his cutesy comments/ad libs. KNBC's morning ratings have dropped. This anchor team I believe shows authority and experience over the current Schauble/Bjorklund team, which just looks too young. Kim Baldonado is a good anchor and should be more than just a weekend anchor, so she gets the 11 and 6p.m. slots. That moves Ana Garcia to work solely on KNBC's investigative unit, which could help KNBC in ratings in that they would have a better and stronger investigative unit with reporters focused solely on that. Ana Garcia has won many awards for that. She is a frumpy looking anchor, like her heart is not in the job. I don't like Elita Lorezca, the new babe on KNBC mornings because she just doesn't seem like a perfect fit and doesn't have the bubbly personality Rachel Boesing did.

KTLA
5:00a.m.-7:00a.m.
Eric Spillman, Cher Calvin, Mark Kriski, Sam Rubin

7:00a.m.-9:00a.m.
Frank Buckley, Michaela Pereira, Mark Kriski, Sam Rubin, Ginger Chan

9:00a.m.
Michaela Pereira, Cher Calvin, Jessica Holmes

10:00p.m.
Emmett Miller, Lynette Romero, Lu Parker, Brett Miller, Ross King

Weekend p.m.
Leila Feinstein, Walter Richards, Damon Andrews

Where to start? Eric Spillman is an OK anchor, probably the best one KTLA has for mornings until a replacement is found. Frank Buckley has fit perfectly into the KTLA morning show. He has the personality needed, he is warm, he opens up about his family, which is needed on the morning show. Michaela is perfect and seems like the mother of the show keeping everyone in line. Ginger Chan definitely knows a lot more about traffic and has a somewhat better voice than Jessica Holmes who came to LA from Miami and does not know the LA freeway system and does not do breaking news improvizing well, or have much to say in her little brain. Lynette Romero is a much stronger anchor than Leila Feinstein and has a much better voice. She should be the main anchor with Emmett Miller. Brett Miller, the former NFL player who is now on KTLA weekends would be moved to weekday sports because he is much more watchable than Damon Andrews. Damon has so many cutesy analogies for everything you often think "huh?" what is he saying? Leila can do weather and anchor on the weekends, plus fill in on sports as needed, which was what she was when she came to KTLA. She is not main anchor material.

KABC
5:00-7:00a.m.
Phillip Palmer, Kathy Vara, Scott Reiff, Jane Monreal, Garth Kemp

11:00a.m.
Phillip Palmer, Leslie Miller, Garth Kemp

4:00p.m., 6:00p.m., and 11:00p.m.
Marc Brown, Michelle Tuzee, Dallas Raines, Denise Dador, John Hartung

5:00p.m.
David Ono, Ellen Leyva, Dallas Raines, Denise Dador, John Hartung

Weekend a.m.
John Gregory, Lisa Hernandez, Danny Romero, Rob Fukuzaki

Weekend p.m.
Gene Gleeson, Adrienne Alpert, Indra Petersons, Curt Sandoval

FOr the mostpart, the teams would remain the same. KABC is consistently strong in ratings. Their anchor teams are well known. I would really only reduce Rob Fukuzaki, their hyper weekday sports guy to weekends. I'd move weekender John Hartung into the main sports job because he is more watchable than Curt or Rob. He also has a more authoritative figure. I'd switch the weekend afternoon anchor team because I can't stand to watch Leslie Sykes who just seems so impersonable and Micah Ohlman's over the top news reading and improvizations are terrible. They're a train wreck.

KTTV 11

5:00a.m.-7:00a.m.
Tony McEwing, Jean Martirez, Lisa Breckenridge, Rick Dickert

7:00-10:00a.m.
Steve Edwards, Jillian Barberie Reynolds, Dorothy Lucey, Rick Dickert

10p.m.
Carlos Amezcua, Gina Silva, Mark Thompson, Rick Garcia

Weekend a.m.

Weekend p.m.
Jeff Michael, Susan Hirasuna, Amy Murphy, Liz Habib

KCOP 13
11p.m.
Christine Devine, Phil Shuman, Maria Quiban, Rick Garcia

Weekend p.m.
Michael Brownlee, Lauren Sanchez, Amy Murphy, Liz Habib

Commentary on 11 and 13: I can't stand Christine Devine; she has little to no personality. Moving her to 13 could only help 13 in their ratings over Lauren Sanchez. Gina Silva seems to have enough experience and does well filling in anchoring, she could easily rise to the main anchor position on 11. I don't think moving her there would hurt 11's ratings at 10p.m. They are number 1 and Carlos has only helped their ratings. Phil Shuman is a good solid anchor, who deserves a weekday position. Mark Thompson is annoying, but well known, so I'll keep him on 11 and leave Maria Quiban who is pretty hot, and not bad, on 13.

Memories of my grandpa

2008-03-12T12:43:00.001-07:00

I have written about memories of my grandma, so now I'm doing my grandpa

- He had sayings like "woo doggies"
- I remember going to his house almost every Saturday, often while my parents were out shopping
- If it was Saturday, he never had the TV on
- He always had KFWB News 98 on and would listen to the Dodger game on the radio
- He always carried large bills in his wallet ($20, 50, 100)
- Anytime I asked for money, I got it
- He only paid bills by check
- My grandpa ALWAYS wore dress shoes- I don't think he had a pair of tennis shoes or sneakers
- My grandpa always bought shoes a size smaller than he really was and would complain his feet hurt
- His shoes had to be perfect and very polished
- He always went to the credit union on Monday mornings
- He always wore plaid type buttondown shirts (not like fleece)
- He drove a late 80s white Cadillac
- For birthday's, even though it may have been my birthday he couldn't not buy my sister a gift. I remember my birthday from 1st grade when he bought me some toy I can't recall and my sister a Little Red Riding Hood cape.
- I remember playing bartender for him and getting him drinks
- During the days at my grandma's house my grandpa would sit downstairs in the rumpus room
- Like my grandma, grandpa pronounced Saturday Saredee, Tuesdee, Wensdee, etc.
- I remember when my grandpa used to drive me to school he would ask if I wanted to go flying instead. I always said no because I was afraid of missing school; now I wonder if I had said yes, what we would have done
- I remember my grandpa never wore his seatbelt when he would drive. My grandma would always go out to the car to say goodbye to him, would buckle him in, then he'd always take the seatbelt off once he got into the canyon.
- I remember one SIP day when I was in maybe 1st grade I was going to spend the day with my grandpa, after he picked me up at grandma's. Our plans were somewhat ruined- we were going to play with a choo choo train he bought me, but someone broke into his house the night before, so he spent the day working repairing the door
- I remember my grandpa always talked to EVERYBODY. He would take my sister or me to school and have to stop to talk to the parents picking their kids up, the noon aides, and more
- I remember the taste of my grandpa's meatloaf and spaghetti- he didn't cook a lot that I recall, but when he did he was a great cook... too bad we don't have those recipes today. They're lost and gone forever
- I remember my grandpa always had juice of some sort, Diet Coke for my parents, and a couple cans of Budweiser, the Stater Brothers 18 pack of eggs, and bacon
- My grandpa would always fry me bacon when I visited him at his house
- My grandpa had a lot of cast iron skillets
- I always thought my grandpa had sort of a strange, hunched over walk
- I never remember my grandpa listening to music
- There are only 2-3 times I remember playing his guitar- once when my uncle visited him at home, another when Uncle Charlie visited, and then once when my sister and I were alone.
- The guitar sat in the dining area right behind his chair.
- My grandpa was always insistent he got to sit in his chair at the kitchen table closest to the kitchen
- I remember my grandpa kept a stack of bills all the time on his table in a holder
- I remember the tacky green couch and chair my grandpa had
- I remember my grandpa had an organ, but I don't recall him playing it- I do remember the Saturday he got it tuned up to play
- I remember my grandpa had really neat cursive
- I remember he, like my grandma bought birthday cards for every occasion
- He always cleaned his nails and made sure they were clean- he kept them a little long
- He drove very slow compared to my grandma
- I remember every Saturday morning he would call his brothers and sisters in Indiana, then report to everyone on what is going on with them
- I remember one Saturday morning after I spent the night I got to sit in the den with him as he called his brothers and sisters, he put them on speakerphone and I got to talk too
- I remember when his sisters and brothers came out to visit and all the photos they took of my grandpa and I... I remember thinking to myself what do people do if they take pictures and someone is accidentally in the shot they don't know, then do they name the people and give them a fake name? haha
- I remember my grandpa never explicitly said he had a twin sister, but they had the same birthday
- My grandpa never talked about his childhood or adulthood- he only talked about ROHR, having to go to ROHR, etc. etc.
- I remember going shoe shopping with him once, we went as a family, and we went to Sears. He was in a wheelchair at this time and he didn't want to sit in it, but my dad said he was going to and my dad could push him and do rotten things to him. I remember pushing him in it
- I remember my grandpa always talked about what he read in the paper, he would tell me what time his paper person got to his house, how he would go out and get the paper- the paper person usually arrived around 5:30a.m. and was a woman
- He always talked about Mr. and Mrs. Wolff across the street from him
- I remember my grandpa would often walk over to the fence and talk to the Wolff's and sometimes I got to go
- It seemed like my grandpa was always picking up their mail and newspapers when they were on vacation, which when I was little seemed like quite a bit
- My grandpa got up at about 5-5:30a.m. and would go to bed about 9p.m.
- He would always mail his bills from my grandma's house
- I remember my grandpa drawing for my sister and I- he would draw donkeys and was really good at it
- I remember my grandpa buying me a lunch pail in first grade because I didn't think we were allowed to bring our lunch in paper bags. It was an insulated Barney lunch pail. It could have been a purse because it had a long strap to carry it
- I remember sitting with my grandma and him at the table in the kitchen playing Go Fish and Old Maid
- I remember taking walks up and down the driveway at my grandma's house with him
- I remember him pushing my sister and I in the wheelbarrow when we were really young
- I remember when my grandma and him would argue my grandma would get a loud, shreiky voice, and call him Don
- Their arguments were infrequent and were always over monotonous things
- My grandpa's socks always matched his shirts
- My grandpa always combed his hair and would probably do that 10-15 times a day

RANDOM THINGS I REMEMBER ABOUT MY GRANDMA WHILE THINKING ABOUT THIS
- When one of her cats would meow for food and she wasn't feeding them, she'd call them "dumb dorey" and she'd get her shreiky voice and say "I'm not feeding you now dumb dorey," "you have food, go eat it"
- she always used to say "horse feathers" and I remember watching Winnie the Pooh, Tigger said horses don't have feathers, so I would argue with my grandma who said that they did
- When my sis and I were say, 7 and under, my grandma wanted to be sure we had our daily bowel movements. They were called BMs. She would tell us to go in the bathroom and take a book and go into the bathroom and read. Then we would have to call her after we did it so she could check. Then she'd say we were ok to flush. Then she and my grandpa would report to my parents that my sis or me had our daily BMs. My parents couldn't have cared less- they figured we'd go when we need to, but found it funny how grandma and grandpa were obsessed with this.

Timeout

2008-03-07T14:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I subbed for 6th graders at my mom's school. I had them for 3 periods. I do not like 6th graders, 7th, or 8th graders for that matter. I am subbing for this age level because my mom's school district is K-8, so high schoolers aren't an option. I do my best though- I'm firm on the kids like I would be with any other grade level. I also make sure to adjust how I talk around them etc. just because middle schoolers are different than high school kids. Not that I'd say anything bad, but it comes down to reasoning. High schoolers you can reason with, whereas middle schoolers have to be more forced, so I adjust my wording appropriately.

Anyways, I had the kids for 3 periods- 2 periods of math and 1 of science. There was one gal up wandering around, then she got an attitude with me a total of 3 times. The 2nd period I had her, she tried to tell me how to take attendance. My policy is if you're not in your assigned seat according to the seating chart, you are marked absent. She wanted to sit by her friend and not in her seat, so I marked her absent. She then was up talking and distracting everyone once we got down to work. I told her she better get to work or I'm sending her out. She said no, everyone else was causing problems. She told me she would cry on my shoulder. Finally I had enough and I said go to room 4. She told me she can't go to room 4 because it is the counseling center. I said well, they'd be more than happy to see you. She said no- there is probably no room there. I said they'll talk to you. I said go to room 4 now. She then said the teacher in room 4 was on prep. I told her that was pretty funny because I know for a fact that teacher's prep was 2nd period. She asked how I knew and I said something tells me that she has a class right now. I got on the phone and called my mom saying she would have a visitor. The class was wondering how I knew all this information and I said it was MY MOM'S CLASSROOM. Room 4 is my mom. They were all shocked. The girl went over to my mom's class and my mom met her at the door and said she heard that she was giving her son a hard time. The girl said no and it was everyone else in the class. My mom had a desk for her, sat her down there, and made her get to work. I caught the girl outside after school and she told me how mean I am and how mean my mom was to her. My mom just said that she heard she was giving me a hard time. We're mean teachers- the mean streak runs in the family.

I need a door girl

2008-03-01T09:55:00.001-08:00

Have you seen this new video for Mariah Carey's new video "Touch My Body?" It is HOT. I was watching this video and I think I need a door girl like Mariah to answer the door in what little she wears, just like in this video. She could also do secretarial stuff like answering my cell phone for me.

BTW the song is VERY catchy. And who else could sing about youtube and make it sound sexy?

KKGO

2008-02-24T10:10:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness KKGO got rid of Robin Banks in the morning. I avoided listening to KKGO because of her. All she could do was laugh. She never had anything intelligent to say. She really got on my nerves

I'm still mad KKGO got rid of Todd Baker. He was so fun to listen to in the afternoons.

Shawn Parr might not be a bad fit in the afternoon to replace Todd. He would certainly be better than Paul Freeman who has those annoying canned voices, laughs, and cheers he uses to announce something or congratulate someone. That makes KKGO seem so small market and he just doesn't do an afternoon drive show well.

Now KKGO needs to move someone into Shawn Parr's morning spot that actually knows how to host a morning show.

KKGO's lineup should look like this:
5-10a.m. - new morning drive person
10a.m.-2p.m. Tonya Campos
2-7p.m. - Shawn Parr and Nora Wells
7p.m.-12a.m.- Paul Freeman

Apparently I'm anorexic

2008-02-19T15:07:00.000-08:00

I saw a cousin I hadn't seen in about a year last week when we out. She came up to me when she saw me and hugged me, told me how skinny I was; then burst out crying. She was saying how sorry she felt for me that I was anorexic. I said I'm not. I've just been working out.

At a recent family gathering 1 aunt and another relative have told me how they have noticed how much weight I've lost.

The allergy shot nurse keeps asking me how much weight I've lost, how I am probably stressed, not eating, and losing weight.

A family friend Kim, whose husband used to own the hardware store has told me several times recently how I've lost so much weight.

My boss at the high school keeps wondering how I'm losing all of this weight.

Most people thought maybe I wasn't buying as baggy clothes, which is true. I'm a large in mens at max. If I can, I am wearing medium. I have discovered Levi 514s (skinny, straight leg) look nice on me. My waist size has gone from a 34 to a 30. IT IS BECAUSE OF EXERCISE. LET ME GET THAT CLEAR. PLEASE. I do not starve myself. I am a 30x32 in jeans and am proud to say it- working out at the gym has paid off. All of this has given me excuses to go out and buy new clothes I don't need, but want.

The truth is I've been exercising. I'm still 150lbs and 6'2.'' I haven't lost weight. I may be growing. My weight has been more or less redistributed. My arms are a lot bigger than they were, which you can notice. My chest is becoming more solid and my shoulders are becoming more muscular. I wasn't fat to begin with, in fact I was often told I was not big enough. HAHA.

I still eat burgers, fries, steaks, potatoes, whatever is thrown at me. Not a problem- it is delicious by the way. I do try to eat healthier, but am I going to forego the fries at a restaurant? No. I have cut my soda consumption however because the dentist said I should. I still have coke when I go out. Vitamin Water and Crystal Light are my new favorites.

But I just want to set the record straight, I am not anorexic or emaciated.

Awesome day

2008-02-19T14:55:00.000-08:00

My mommy is sick today. She has a cold, but it is developing into something worse. She fears fluid is building up in her lungs. Being a certificated substitute, she called in sick and requested me as a sub. She went to the doctor and is there right now.

She called in at 9p.m. last night and less than a minute later I had a call asking me to sub for her. I accepted.

My mom even personalized her lesson plans- she started off "Dear Sonshine," ... and then ended with "have a great day! Love, Mom xoxoxoxo" She gave me her room keys, lesson plans, and papers to copy for the lesson.

I got up at 5:45, made breakfast, got dressed, and did my hair. I watched the news and browsed the net for a few minutes. At 6:15a.m. I left. Got to her school at 7:00a.m. on the dot. It was a nice drive. It was foggy, but I love that weather.

I arrived, signed in, made my photocopies, and was ready to roll. Class started at 7:30 and the kids got off at 11:30 because that is the normal Tuesday schedule. My mom has GREAT kids- seriously, no problems at all. It was so quiet in 3 of her classes, you could hear a pen drop. My prep was last period and I got to write my essay for Spanish. No homework now, score!

I left at 11:45, got paid for being there a full day; and was off to spend money.

Went to Burger King for some chicken tenders I had been craving, then hit up the outlet mall. I got $50 in new designer underwear... haha... can't believe I'm admitting that. It was $5.00 a pair versus $20 elsewhere. I also bought some new black jeans with a brown wash in my size for $9.99 at Aeropostale. I got a pair of low rise, dark blue jeans at Abercrombie & Fitch for $19.99. That was my first purchase at Abercrombie. Now I feel all cool, trendy, and in. I was considering going all out and buying a pink polo and popping the collar, then getting a new pair of sandals- then I'd really be in. That might too much of an extreme change at once.

I was out of the outlet mall (that is 38 football fields long) within an hour. I got home at 2:30. I still have a full day ahead of me! HECK YES!

Some stories from my new job

2008-02-09T09:23:00.000-08:00

Some recent substitute experiences:

I got up at 5:45 to go sub. I was at a different school than my mom- another middle school. My mom had to be at school at 7 and I had to be there at 7:30, so I let her off and took the car. I had a half day assignment. I was subbing for PE. I was told to go out to the locker room and just hang out. The first thing I noticed walking in was a sign on the door that said "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem" in reference to the Kenny Chesney song. The teacher was playing country music and signing along. It was pretty funny. We talked about how we both like country music and KKGO (GoCountry 105). Then I told him about going the college I go to. When the other PE teacher came, he said now it was time for breakfast and they brought out cereal bowls, cereal, and milk and offered me breakfast.

After the 1st period, the guy asked me if I want to be the regular PE male sub whenever they need a sub in PE. The district requires if it is a male PE teacher or male PE class that there is a male teacher. He said they have a hard time finding guys to sub for PE. I find that somewhat hard to believe- it was easy!

Overall subbing was very easy. I had duty outside every period to make sure the kids get into the locker room. The kids had to run 3 laps around the field and I marked their names down each time they went around. Easy day. I was done at 10:30.

A recent Thursday:
I had just about the worst day of substituting thus far. I had really small classes, but the lowest performing kids at the middle school. They were a handful. I had a class of 8 with 4 troublemakers, a class of 12 with 6 troublemakers. I ended up separating the kids and giving them new seats for the day. I had to walk around constantly to remind them to be quiet or to work on their assignment. I subbed for a language arts class. I had most of these kids 2 periods because they have a double block of English because they need extra help in it. It was a LONG day!!! Let's leave it at that!!! I had a bad headache by the middle of the day and no Tylenol. I drove my mom's car. I let her off at school and continued on to the school I was subbing at. My mom doesn't keep Tylenol in her car; but I do mine. I have dental floss, Tylenol, lotion, hand sanitizer, and just about everything else I'd need.

Subbing for PE again at that same school I mentioned above:

I subbed for PE again today. It went well and I met a lot of other subs- one of my mom's former students about 15 years ago and a former home economics teacher from Texas/Arkansas. One sub had subbed for my mom many times before and she was nice to talk to- she was also a PE sub today. The PE teachers were very friendly again. The only problem was I had 2 terrible classes. The first was just bad 7th graders. The 2nd class was 50 special ed students. My dad teaches special ed and says 1 regular student is the equivalent to 3 in special ed. It was wild. It was like there were 150 of them. Just telling them to run around the field they took off in 10 different directions and I was a lot more visual in my directions this time telling them to go in a circle and motioning the direction and walking in that direction.

I love subbing for PE- make me mad and run a lap. No, I don't care you just ran 3; you aren't behaving, so take a lap.

Being compensated

2008-01-17T18:05:00.000-08:00

Money is a sensitive subject I know, which is why I haven't brought the issue up to my dad or mom. I am just in the planning stages and thinking this idea out, which is why I'm blogging about it. It is one of my "deep thoughts..." that needs a solution.

I sometimes get gas for my car 1-2 times a week. It is no secret that my parents pay for my gas because of all I do for them. The thing is though, I always have to wait for my dad's ATM card or him to go with me to get gas. Sometimes that means waiting until 8p.m. Wednesday night.

My parents don't make me pay a cent- the money I make from work is being put toward several things. Money for a car, money for a house, and spending money when I go out with friends (3-4 nights a week lately). My parents buy my clothes, don't make me pay rent, and I get $20 a week for lunch money; which is why I feel awkward asking for this or breaching this subject as I don't want to appear too greedy or like I am asking for too much.

I often run errands for my parents. Last night my dad called when I was at Borders asking me to bring home butter, paper cups, trash bags, and jelly. That was around $30 and it will be sometime next month when I'm reimbursed because my dad always insists on waiting until the beginning of the month to pay me because him and my mom only get paid once a month. I am already owed $20 for another trip to the store earlier this month and $50 for an unexpected gas fill up on January 6. Part of the reason I am never paid back until long after the event has passed is because my parents don't keep copious amounts of cash on them. To be reimbursed will mean me hounding my dad, asking to be reimbursed, demanding a check, and me having to go to the bank to deposit it. It isn't the easiest thing to corral him into paying.

I would like 1 of 3 things. The first to have my parents transfer in a predetermined amount to my checking account each month for me- say $150 to $200. That way I don't have to spend any of my money to pay for things like the unexpected gas trip when I am low and I don't have dad's ATM, or can't go to the gas station with him. The money will cover things like when dad needs me to run to the store for groceries. The money could be used for my many gas trips that I already make with my dad so I am not having to wait on him to go get gas and inconveniencing him.

The second would be to have access to my parents bank account via an ATM card. Let me calm your fears and say I am responsible and would only buy things I need like gas, groceries when my dad asks, and things like that. I see where this is controversial because they have significantly more in their bank account than I do and some may think I would run wild. Secondly, if the card were lost or stolen it would be a risk- I've never lost my ATM or credit card. However having an extra ATM card around increases the possibility. I don't completely embrace this idea either since there is pressure of having a lot of money in my pocket and the thought of carrying around another card.

The third option would be to have my parents write me a check monthly and I deposit it into my account- in essence the first option, but without the work on my parent's end. It may be a little extra hassle for them to write me a check at the beginning of the month and me to deposit it, but I could see this becoming more routine and would alleviate the need for me to hound my dad to go to the gas station.

I am not sure how to approach this subject with my parents because money is a sensitive issue. How do I approach this? I can't really think of a good time other than maybe sitting down at dinner saying I spent _X_ for _X_ and it took a toll on my bank account, then I didn't have enough money for _X_. I don't feel comfortable talking to my dad about this when we're alone in the car. I don't feel comfortable talking with him about this at all since he is less receptive to parting with money than my mom. Until recently he wouldn't let me have his ATM card for 10 minutes to run up to the gas station, whereas my mom has let me have hers for this for years. My mom would probably support any of the three.

I feel bad in doing this because my parents do so much and to me this makes me sound greedy. I think it is a good solution however because it won't mean me spending my money to pay for things my parents have agreed to pay for. I am not asking for additional money from my parents, just to cover things they already pay for.

I made dinner

2008-01-13T20:23:00.000-08:00

I love to cook and prior to this past quarter I would make dinner once a week or so. I hadn't made dinner in a while, so figured I would tonight.

I had a lot of choices- chicken, top sirloin, hamburger were the meats I could deal with. I chose chicken. I wanted something quick, so I decided on baked chicken. It was good and had a lot of flavor. I used a flour coating with paprika, pepper, Lawry's seasoning sauce, and salt. I also opted to make rice with a can of cream of chicken soup stirred in as opposed to the must-have with chicken. That must have is mashed potatoes. The chicken was great and the flavor could be found throughout the chicken, not just on the skin. I also made corn.

No, my intent was not to make you salivate, but with that description, I don't know how I could have avoided that. My point is one of two things- I made something we don't usually have (the rice and the GOOD chicken). Second, my sister got mad and became defensive when I criticized my dad's chicken for lacking flavor. Third, she complained even before she tried anything I made how she will hate it. And she must have; she may have taken a bite out of the chicken and ate almost no rice, which is because I poured the soup in it. The chicken wasn't much different than usual, other than it had much needed spices. My sister also complained that the corn tasted like water. I put it in the microwave for 6 minutes with salt and butter like my dad does. I can't judge, but I can assume it turned out alright since nobody else had any complaints. It hurts that my sister put me and my cooking down like that.

I plan to do a lot more cooking in the near future; and a lot of it I don't plan on my sister liking.

Trying to get me to stay

2008-01-12T15:38:00.000-08:00

I work at my old high school and love it for many reasons. I like the kids I tutor, the teachers I work with, the laid back atmosphere, my coworkers like Gaby, and that by working there now it may make it easier to possibly get a teaching job there. I shouldn't have problems getting a teaching job since I have connections since my parents are teachers.

The thing I hate that is as of late overshadowing my job- THE PAY. It is $10.00 an hour. When I graduated high school 3 years ago, $10 was good considering minimum wage was $6.75. Minimum wage is now $8.50. I have never received a raise. The school district and 2 idiot board members voted against a pay raise for tutors that would have raised our hourly pay to $12-15 an hour based on college units and experience. Last year every person in the district EXCEPT TUTORS got a 6.6% raise. Tutors in the district next to us and less than a mile down the road make $15 an hour. Another district in the area just raised tutors salaries from $9.75 to $10.75.

I am 3 years into my college career and could easily find a better job paying a lot more. I could make $14.50 an hour being a campus supervisor at a school (only need a high school diploma), $11.75-$14.75 being an instructional assistant (only need 2 years of college) or I could go out of the educational realm completely. All of these above jobs would work around my school schedule because they have morning or afternoon hours. If I work for more than 4 hours a day at either, I get health and retirement benefits as opposed to no benefits with my current job. I could get other tutoring jobs for private companies (think Sylvan) and make $15 an hour or better.

I could be a bank teller, despite the fact I loathe math, but could make $10.00 or so an hour to start and there is plenty of room for advancement. I could apply to be a checker at the grocery store and make $14 an hour or so and they have a nice benefits package. There is also room for advancement there. There are a bunch of other things I could do with my talents too.

Money is the biggest issue. I feel slighted by the school district for not receiving a raise. I know that I deserve a raise... 3 years... more experience? I am saving money for many things right now including a car, vacations this summer (Chicago with friends, perhaps a trip to Vegas or two), and a house. I only wish I could afford a house payment right now where I could get in on this housing slump. I don't have to work, but like to work to keep busy. My job is purely for keeping me busy and spending money. I guess I'm to the point where I'm greedier and want more money. Part of me is wanting to branch out and try new things. I am going to start subbing in my mom's school district this month as a matter of fact to try new things and make $125 a day. I really just want to experience other things though, things that pay more.

My boss was talking to me the other day and she adores me. I can do no wrong. I made it a point to tell her months back that I was seriously considering leaving the high school. She said she understood, respected that, said she'd love to write me a letter of recommendation, and asked if there was anything she could do to get me to stay. Among the things thrown around included giving me "extra" hours- like if a kid needs extra help in 1st period I can come in early to help him. Other things included making me lead tutor. I already do the job of the lead tutor since I have been there for 3 years I know all the ins and outs. Those aren't real incentives, but she can't really do much more- it all lies in the hands of the district, and so she can try to get me to stay, but it is going to be hard.

On drinking

2008-01-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

I turn 21 tomorrow, so I'll be able to drink. Will I? That remains to be seen... haha... I'll let you guess whether or not I will.

Anyways, tonight we had my birthday dinner since I chose a real expensive Spanish restaurant to go out to and their paella was the special tonight. For dessert I ordered an apple tart basically. It was cooked in rum and brandy. Most of the desserts were made in some sort of alcohol. The sundae sauce was made out of sangria if that is an indication. The flan was made out of a caramel and brandy sauce. The apple tart was DELICIOUS. It was the perfect amount of caramel and apple. The sauce was really light. As we're sitting there looking at the dessert menu, my sister comments everything is going to be made out of alcohol and now my mom, dad, and I would be drunk and Steph was sitting there priding herself in remaining alcohol free and sober. My mom explained to her that the alcohol was simply for flavoring and is burnt off in the cooking. Sis didn't buy it. So I sat there enjoying my delicious alcoholic dessert and rubbing it in her face. It was awesome.

As we're going out to the car sis throws a fit (whining, complaining, and near tears) saying how she doesn't want to drive with a drunk. Everyone reassures her, but she still throws a fit. I was able to stay in the lines on the road coming home, and even managed to drive on the freeway, so I don't think I was that intoxicated.

Sis is so anti-drinking in general. I'm going to the casino with my mom tomorrow and one of the reasons my sister won't go is because people drink there.

When we go to a restaurant, especially TGI Fridays where alcohol is served, they have a huge bar, and an extensive drink menu placed on every table she throws a fit. She asks why people drink, says how disgusting it is, and says how she wants to be like Carrie Nation and go in and bust all the beer bottles and everything. THIS HAPPENS EVERYTIME WE GO SOMEWHERE LIKE THIS. It gets old.

I tell her to just tolerate people drinking, you don't have to hang around them, it is their personal choice, it is relaxing for some, and just stay away if you disagree; nobody said you have to be there at the bar with them.

My mom bought a couple cans of beer recently for beer battered shrimp, beer biscuits, and things of that sort. My sister nearly had a heart attack and went off about how people shouldn't drink and still, to this day complains the cans of beer are sitting there in the refrigerator.

It really is annoying after since she says the same thing over and over. I hate people who drink. Drinking is yucky. Who knows where she got this stance. I am not worried. If people choose to drink, that is their choice.

I actually think we need alcohol because it can make anybody pretty, it can make white people dance, and lots of other fun stuff.

Writing this whole post has really worked me up. I need a drink to loosen up, I think.

Here's to me turning 21!

Gas

2008-01-04T22:03:00.000-08:00

I drive 300-500 miles per week. I live 10 miles from my college, 3 miles from work, so if I go to work each day and school I'm doing easily close to 40 miles. You have to factor in other days I have allergy shots, I go hang out with friends, I have to make a trip to the grocery store, things like that. When you add it all up it is close to 300-500 miles.

I kept a record of everytime I filled up the gas tank in 2007 because I have an aunt in Indiana who always encourages me to keep records of this stuff (as if it is important or something). She told me to do it to at least see how much I drive, see how much I spent on gas, and stuff like that. This woman keeps records each month of the cost of her phone bill, gas, electric, water, and gas for the car. Obsessive? I think. Unnecessary? I think. Anyways, to appease her I did it.

Here are the results:
Miles driven: about 20,000 in 2007
Lowest amount paid for gas: 2/1/2007 for $2.37
Highest paid: 5/15/2007 for $3.49 per gallon

So how much did I spend on gas in 2007?
$2,431.10

I do have a big, full sized car with a big, bad V8. I usually average 24-30 miles per gallon on the highway and 18 or so in the city. This year I have done a lot more freeway driving because of my going out.

My whereabouts lately...

2008-01-04T20:34:00.000-08:00

Haven't really talked about my life lately, so here is a rundown of what I've been up to.

Spent my first week of Christmas break working at the high school and hanging out with friends.

Spent Christmas Eve at home with the family where we had dinner, then at 9p.m. I went over to my friend John's house to hang out and exchange Christmas gifts. We watched "Remington Steele." HAHA... fun times.

Christmas Day we opened up presents (that's a first) considering we always opened up gifts on Christmas Eve every year I can recall. My mom however, didn't want to feel like Christmas was just any other day since we had a small 4 foot Christmas tree and other things this year that didn't make it entirely feel like Christmas.
At 10a.m. Christmas Day we were invited over to my aunt and uncle's house in San Bernardino. It was great. We ate, talked, opened presents, and played football.

Spent the days after Christmas break helping my parents file a lawsuit against the architect designing our house. We've been in this with the architect 2 1/2 years. TOO LONG. That took a lot of time and investigating.

Spent time backing up my old Dell so I could get my new Mac, which I got on Tuesday. Not sure I like it so far. It is so much different and is definitely going to be a learning experience. I was just tired of problem after problem with Dell. Spent today backing up my Dell.

Being Mr. Organized and Mr. Ahead of the Game I began looking at Spring Break ideas like the Bajamas or a cruise. It is pretty reasonable since my Spring Break is prior to the big travel and Spring Break getaways, but I don't have any friends who would be able to go that have the same break. I also worked with my friends to plan a trip to Chicago this summer. YAY! I have always wanted to go to Chicago to see the tall buildings, architecture, and everything.

My 21st birthday is rolling around. In fact, it will be here Tuesday. I spent time planning the day. Breakfast at IHOP, lunch at TGI Fridays (and we'll be in time for drinks during happy hour- we'll see if my mom will buy me a drink... hehehe... my parents don't drink at all and my sister is very against it), and then dinner at an expensive, upscale Spanish (not Mexican) restaurant. I have always wanted to try Spanish food, so I'm looking forward to it. Due to limited funds due to school staring back up for my sister and I, money for the lawyer, car repairs, and stuff of that sort it will most likely just be dinner at the Spanish restaurant and I'll be content.

Now that I'm almost 21, I think a trip to Vegas is in order. Again, that is being pushed into February because of limited funds on my end- not my parents. I bought my laptop, which was a big portion of my spending money. My parents aren't gamblers, so they have no want to go to Vegas. That means a trip to Vegas with friends which I'm trying to coordinate. I'm also trying to save for- who knew it is nearly $100 to see the Blue Man Group? Then $120 or so per night for a hotel, $75 or so miscellanenous spending, and then money for the slots? It is about $500 I'm planning. Right now it looks like my friends Kelly and Jason will go with me. My sister is giving my parents bad ideas about me like I'm just going for the showgirls, to drink, and get drunk. She is far from the truth- I'm going for a relaxing vacation, to spend time at the spa (just kidding), have a drink by the pool, play a slot machine or two, but the biggie on that list is to see the Blue Man Group and hang out with my friends.

Happy New Year!!!

2007-12-31T16:30:00.001-08:00

2007 can easily be summed up as one of my best years.

I started off 2007 a little depressed because of family stuff with my aunt and grandma. I was also depressed because I felt so alone at school. It wasn't that I tried to make friends- I had done everything I could to make friends.

My relationships with friends have actually become better this year. I think a lot of it had to do with the firing of one of my coworkers. Everyone could suddenly be theirselves. Gaby and I, one of my best friend's, who I also work with became a lot better friends. We were good friends before and a lot alike, but in the past few months our friendship has become a whole lot stronger. We now make it a point to try and meet up at least once a week for dinner or snacks. My relationships with my friends Steve, Mike, and John have also grown stronger. Who knew that computer games would unite us? We had sort of drifted away after high school because we're going to 4 different colleges, but Mike transferred to a local college and suddenly Steve, Mike, and I found ourselves hanging out 4-5 nights a week. This lead to my parents questioning my whereabouts a lot and the random going out late at night with friends, but it is not like I was doing bad things. Steve is just the nicest guy and I love that he helps me with any of my computer problems. The same can be said for John.

School has been alright. It was definitely full of challenges from the classes I was taking. I was certainly not fit for Sports Journalism. My exhaustive schedules at school also proved difficult. One only has to look at previous blogs where I talk about my schedules and Steph's schedule to see how crazy my days are. I had other battles to fight at my college like credit for my internship. It was a battle that began just looking for a professor to assign coursework, but worked its way up to the chancellors office. School is a constant fight, sometimes it makes me stronger. My tenacity however continues to be strong. I know if I want something, I must fight for it.

My grades continue to improve. I have a 3.402 overall GPA right now, which has gone up .18 since January when the last grades came out. I had a 3.89 GPA last quarter- it would have been a 4.0 if my college didn't give you 3.6 instead of 4 points for an A.

My relationship with family continues to improve. My parents continue to support me both emotionally and financially. My relationship with extended family like my cousin Danielle and dad's sister-in-law's family has improved. I love that I can stay in contact through the internet with my cousins in Oklahoma, which is awesome and through blogs and instant messenger can continue to find out about each other. None of my relationships have been bad with them, but let's just say we continue to become closer. That's really the case.

There are so many other aspects in life I could talk about, and really want to, but this is getting lengthy.

Overall 2007 has been a great year. Here's to a great 2008!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

If you say shopping for me, let's go shopping for ME

2007-12-31T16:26:00.001-08:00

When you say we're going shopping for me- let's go shopping for me. Just because we go to Gottschalks and we pass the women's department does not mean you have to stop. Sure, it might be nice for me to let you and 99% of the time I do, but then the shopping trip turns out to be for you and not me. And you wonder why I don't want to go shopping with you... do I really want to stand around all day while you go through every aisle and every rack trying on clothes? No.

If I want to go somewhere like Target and you decide to go along, don't ask to go to The Avenue afterward. I went out with one specific mission in mind- Target. If there's something you want at Target, then by all means, come along.

If I say I'm going out somewhere or dad and I are going somewhere like to the grocery store on Sundays, get ready to go when we are getting ready and don't play naive or wait until the last minute. Go water grandma's place on your own time. And you wonder why I hate waiting around for you? Who gives a rats about whether or not we can save gas by driving together? 2 miles roundtrip isn't going to make a huge difference. Don't give me a guilt trip about that and why we should go together.

If I say I want to go somewhere, don't interrogate me and ask me why I'm going there. If I say I'm going to Target, out with friends, don't ask specifics. Sure, it may be your right to know as a parent. But I'm over 18. Lay off on the whole clingy thing.

People who make me mad

2007-12-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

This idiot right here thought it would be a fun idea to play chicken with my big, full size car with a V8 engine and walk down the center of the parking lot making me wait for her to find her old Oldsmobile. She walked down the center of the parking lot for at least 2 minutes.

This idiot and his wife right here in this Honda Civic decided to go around my car while I was waiting patiently to make a right turn out of the parking lot. She was too busy stuffing her face with Del Taco and her husband was too busy eating his fries also. I honked at the ugly old hag, then flashed my lights to show my disapproval. The idiot just waved a fry at me.

Crybaby at dinner

2007-12-18T09:44:00.000-08:00

We went to Knotts Berry Farm on Saturday. That is my favorite amusement park. After Knotts we went to dinner at Pollys, a restaurant my mom went to with her friend Linda that they liked. It was a little family restaurant/bakery. My sister annoyed me so many ways at the restaurant.

First, I noticed as I have before she doesn't talk loud enough for any waiter or waitress to hear her. She also can't look them in the eye- she tilts her head down- and this is not the first time, this is everytime. She also says "I guess I'll have," which is really annoying in my mind- shouldn't you "know" what you want? It is not as if my sister does not know etiquette- my mom is a home ec teacher and taught her!

Anyways, the waitress told my sister that they were out of chicken strips. My sister looked down like she was going to cry. The lady asked if she wanted to see a menu. My sister said yes and then complained to my mom, dad, and I that she was hungry and only likes chicken strips.

My sister eats so little- her list of doesn't likes is much longer than her list of likes. What does she like? Tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, chicken strips, fried chicken, French dip, mashed potatoes, and a few other things. She doesn't like any breakfast food, Mexican food, steak, baked potatoes, anything with hamburger, hot dogs, eggs, and the list goes on. It is such a mess going out to eat with her.

My mom said she was really sorry, but there was nothing that could be done, so she better find something else. My sister then proceeded to cry and whine about how she only likes chicken and she didn't want to come to this restaurant, and so on. My mom told her to get up, go to the bathroom, and come back when she has settled down. My sister came back and ordered the roasted turkey. It came with gravy. My sister told the waitress as she sat the food down that she didn't want the gravy. The waitress took it back and brought my sister some without gravy. Then Steph threw another fit when there was stuffing on the plate. Steph complained she didn't like the fries. She did eat her apple sauce. I was just appauled at her. I'm glad my mom didn't put up with her. I am glad that my sister did have to try something else and did eat the turkey after my mom said we weren't leaving until she did. It was just so embarrassing and unneessary. Grow up!

Today my sister made me mad again because she is clueless on how to take a call. She calls me sometimes when I'm at school or work over little things. The other day someone called about a free estimate on windows. My sister called me to tell me that. I said ok- that's nice- did you really need to call me for this? Why is this important? She said I don't know, they called. Today Dell called about my computer. She left a message that said "sent 12-13, call extension 5337393." No phone number to call- just an extension. That was all she wrote down and that's supposed to tell me everything. Then she called me and told me that like I was supposed to write down all this stuff right there, but when she didn't write everything down completely, how was I supposed to know.

What a way to relax... I mean study

2007-12-10T21:07:00.001-08:00

So let me take a moment to set the mood:
- 4 scentless candles burning above my TV
- under 2 warm and velvety blankets on my bed
- 1 giant overstuffed pillow to lean up against
- a cinnamon air freshener to spice up the room and get you into the Christmassy mood
- Jim Brickman CD playing in the background
- a mug of extra marshmallow hot chocolate
- Spanish notes scattered about my lovely queen size bed

While the above might sound romantic minus the Spanish notes, it is certainly not the way to study. In fact it relaxed me so much, it put me to sleep... and I have a final in 14 hours... I'm not going to sweat it. It's Spanish, it'll be facil.

100 things about me

2007-12-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

1. it takes me at least an hour to fall asleep each night- my mind wanders
2. when i turn off the car, the radio has to be on #1 or 5 on fm1
3. i like green ink pens a lot
4. i have only had 1 chicken pot pie in my life- my aunt in nor cal fed me one
5. i have to have cheese on a hamburger
6. i love cars
7. it takes me 30 minutes or so to brush my teeth- i kill 2 birds with 1 stone by channel surfing at the same time
8. i might have a slight shoe fetish... don't ask how many pairs of shoes i own... i now have no problem splurging money for brand name shoes
9. i sing in the car regardless whether or not i am alone
10. if i drive, i sing
11. i am becoming better at speaking my mind and telling people what i really think
12. i am becoming slightly attached to my cell phone- not by choice
13. i like country, pop, rock, rap, and just about everything else
14. i like to argue about pointless issues
15. intelligent conversations are good too
16. i don't text message
17. i can't stand to do nothing- i feel so unproductive
18. i am told i am a big flirt
19. i make everyday an adventure
20. i hate going to the gas station and bank
21. i hate that my employer does not have direct deposit
22. i don't like tv dinners
23. i like to cook
24. i should eat more fruit
25. i am convinced laziness is a disease
26. i am not sure i could function without my computer
27. i will go the extra mile for any friend or family
28. i don't let people take advantage of me
29. i have a hard time forgiving
30. i hate when people don't listen to my ideas
31. i am good at keeping secrets... i have a few of my own... haha
32. i want to go into journalism or education
33. i hate the new york yankees
34. i hate bad punctuation and grammar (i apologize for lower case, but my caps lock is broken- thanks dell)
35. i will never buy a dell computer again.
36. i love long walks outside in the dark through the neighborhood
37. i don't think i'm good at making out
38. cat eye glasses are very sexy on a woman
39. i have a good memory
40. dr.pepper is my beverage of choice
41. i like to travel
42. i want to go to vegas for my 21st birthday
43. i am a worrier
44. i don't like britney spears- period. never have. never will. she is not hot. christina aguleria is much better and less trashy
45. i love browns and blues
46. i have thought about getting my pilot's license
47. i like to talk, but hate my voice
48. i can't see myself for being stuck in 1 job my entire life- i want to be a journalist, flight attendant, teacher, traffic reporter both airborne and in studio
49. i don't like to wear shorts
50. i wear socks and slippers to bed
51. i sleep like a flamingo with 1 leg down and the other leg brought up into my chest
52. i could never sleep on my stomach... can you say painful?
53. i am constantly told i have a big attitude at work, you know what? i do. deal.
54. i have been told i am very photogenic
55. i hate my eyebrows
56. i like to take pictures
57. i tend to analyze every situation- it comes with being a worrier
58. quiero ser bilingue en espanol
59. i don't trust people easily
60. those who i do trust know everything about me (and i mean everything)
61. i am a very random guy
62. i want to visit the pyramids in egypt and the mayan ruins
63. i want to go to mexico y espana
64. i watch the news for at least 2 hours a day
65. i have a lot to say, but am scared at times
66. i have a size 13 foot
67. in elementary school in 3rd and 4th grade, there was a time when i went through a shoe size a month
68. my grandma called me babe as a kid
69. i still respond to that
70. i hate my first name
71. i hate my voice
72. i am constantly worrying and obsessing over money- even though i have enough
73. i like to save my money for big, extravagant things
74. i'd have done a lot of things different
75. i could live in my car- i have lots of munchies like cheez-its, granola bars, dehydrated pineapple, a dozen or so water bottles, lots of jackets in my trunk, a blanket, dental floss, pens, pencils, and paper
76. i am obsessive when it comes to flossing my teeth
77. vacuuming is the one chore i hate- i think the dust makes my hand itch, but also having to go over the same area over and over is not fun
78. i tend to bottle up my emotions and hide them from the world
79. i love retro furniture
80. i love retro clothing from the 50s, 60s, and 70s also
81. sometimes i freeze up on tests
82. i wish i had more close friends
83. i hate my big toe
84. i love sweets and junk food... cookies are my favorite (homemade of course!)
85. i beg your pardon, i never promised you a rose garden
86. i love steak and potatoes- fruits and vegetables... what are those?
87. i drive at least 300 miles a week
88. i call idiot drivers "poopoo heads" among other names
89. i try to limit my candy intake
90. i am a good listener
91. i have only been carded once
92. i think my sister is really annoying
93. i think i'm pretty close to perfect... haha
94. i have worn retainers for the past 6 years
95. i always try to step on cracks when i walk on pavement ---- yes, even though grandma told me it would break my mother's back. it hasn't yet
96. i hate going to the gym, but go to feel like i've done something
97. i have done a lot of things i won't admit... only my closest friends know
98. i own an ipod, but i really don't use my ipod- i love the radio. i love the dj's, the variety, and traffic reports... nerdy, i know
99. i like the ktla morning show... with the exception of jessica holmes
100. i love onions- it is good on burgers, in chili, sandwiches, on animal style fries at in-n-out

KOST AND OTHER CC Cuts

2007-12-02T20:51:00.000-08:00

Just read online Mike Sakellarides who has been at KOST since they went on air 25 years ago was let go. Sean Andre on HOT 92 JAMZ was let go. Mike Nolan, KFI in the sky, and KOST traffic reporter was let go. That means no airborne traffic anymore on KFI or KOST. Dang. I really liked him and I like the airborne traffic. It just adds the cool factor. Little known fact... ok... maybe not so little, but I wanted to be an airborne traffic reporter when I was little.

I also read that they got rid of 2 other airborne traffic reporters Mike Baez (Taylor), Barbara Brooks (who flies with Mike Nolan), Jim Curran, Walt Darocha (Jackson), Alan LaGreen, and Sharon Reardon. That is insane!!! KOST certainly won't be the same.

I am sure this paves the way for more irritating traffic reporters like Viviana Vigil, Heather Sinclair, Suzie Jessup, Nora Wells, Diana Olaya and a whole bunch of others. Viviana Vigil really has the worst voice I've heard and you can definitely tell English is her second language.

Sometimes I think my dad is blind...

2007-12-01T11:31:00.001-08:00

I leave notes for everything... always important things... like when I need money. I left this note on his coffee maker the other day reminding him I needed a $100 check for new retainers for my teeth. He missed that note. How can he? My purpose of putting it on the coffee pot was he makes his own coffee every morning, so he'd open up the lid to put the new filter in and see the note. He still missed it.

Kim Amidon out at KOST 103.5

2007-11-30T18:00:00.000-08:00

Heard that on KRTH 101 this morning of all things. I can't believe Kim Amidon is gone from the Mark and Kim show. I was fortunate to get to go to a Breakfast With Mark and Kim event this year at the CBS Studios in LA.

I hope another station reunites Mark and Kim. Gary Bryan joked he would let her join his show. YUCK. Gary and Kim. Can't stand him.

Now, I'm no longer a KOST listener. Mark and Kim are a morning fixture in Los Angeles. When I think KOST, I think Mark and Kim, then Love Songs on the KOST. Breaking up Mark and Kim paves the way for other drastic changs at KOST, and I don't like that. Something tells me the future changes are for the worst mainly because it centers around money. Mark and Kim deserve everything they made- they were ratings powerhouses. I haven't been listening as religiously lately because of the holiday music. When it is 80 degrees outside, I just can't get in the mood for Christmas music. I can assure you that I will not be going back to KOST. I will be listening to KBIG/KOLA in the morning; KKGO (GoCountry) during the midday; KKGO, KFRG (only for traffic), KOLA, and KBIG in the afternoon, and when I am in the car at night it will be KRTH Nights with Christina Kelly.

Speaking of Mark and Kim, I loved their jokes. I loved how they would poke fun at each other. I felt like I knew them, even though I hadn't met them until this year. They seem so easy to get along with. They weren't overbearing like some personalities in the morning and they were just so friendly.

I'm going to go to Valentine and Irma on KBIG (even though they are owned by Clear Channel) in the mornings now. I will also listen to KOLA 99.9 for Brian Casey and the Wakeup Bunch because it is local and they are not owned by Clear Channel.

Gee, I'm here... that makes me feel good

2007-11-27T16:22:00.000-08:00

Been home sick all day. Sis home too. Dad has called twice asking how I was feeling. Sis picked up the phone both times. First time she picked up the phone and said "I don't know where brother is" and proceeded to go into the front room and tell my dad I wasn't home. My dad went in a panic and my sister said my "car is still here, but I'm not." Gee woman, are you really that dumb? Really? Yes. You are. Let's see, if I'm not feeling good, where might I be... laying down maybe... in my bedroom...?

Second time my dad called he was on his way home and asked how I felt. My sister told my dad that she doesn't know because I was lazy, laid around all day and didn't talk to her. My dad asked how I felt and she said she didn't care- I wasn't home. She walked in my room and didn't see me, walked into the living room, saw me sprawled out on one of the couches in clear view of her, then tells my dad my car is there, but I'm not. I didn't bother saying anything. In my mind I'm just thinking how stupid she is, but how rude she was. I can't believe the pest.

A lack of respect/Simplistic conversations

2007-11-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

I have been sick with tonsillitis and have spent the past several days in bed. Caught up on sleep? I think so. Last night, I felt terrible when I was coming back from the doctor. I had not eaten in over 7 hours and wanted rice with a can of cream of chicken soup stirred in. I was very dehydrated in addition; thankfully the doctor didn't insist on injecting an IV into me for that. I called my sister at home and the conversation went a little something like this:

Sis: Bobey (a variation of dumb according to her)
Me: Hi- I'm starving. Can you have mom make me white rice with a can of cream of chicken soup?
Sis: Congratulations.
Me: No- I haven't eaten or drank anything in hours. I'm starving
Sis: Felicidades. Aaaaaaaaw my little pato bobo (in Spanish it translates to dumb duck) is hungry.
Me: I hope this means it'll be ready by the time I get home.

First, all of the sarcasm ticks me off. I can be quite sarcastic myself, but I have made several attempts to be as nice as I can to my sister and cut the sarcasm. This means me not calling her names, yet she still insists on calling me all of these pet names I hate. Usually I would tolerate her calling me these names because it has gone on for years, but is it necessary? She is 18 now. Does she still have to talk like she is 2 or 3 years old? Whenever I call her or she calls me she answers the phone with one of these cutesy names. I have already told her I'm not going to call her names in an effort to be civil toward her. She still persists. Next time though, when she calls me I plan to rat her out right there on the phone. Hopefully she is in a public place and I can embarrass her enough. I plan to yell into the phone telling her how I hate that she acts so immature and calls me all of these pet names. I'm not her boyfriend and I'd hope she'd have better names for her "Imaginary Boytoy." Ask me about Imaginary Boytoy- that's another story for another time.

Story #2
The other night we had dinner out together as a family. Sister has such limited interests and often can't contribute to meaningful conversations at the dinner table. The other night she brought up a conversation we've had many times before. "Dad, do you think Obama or Hilary will win?" My dad went and laid everything out on the table giving his explanation of neither. Then after about a minute, my sister got upset and bored at what my dad said because my dad brought in some Republican candidates who are doing pretty well in the polls right now. My sister either didn't want to hear it, or she couldn't contribute to the conversation, so she said, "why don't we just vote for JFK? He'd definitely win." Now, maybe this just ticked me off because she couldn't handle the realities of what my dad was saying... or here is my theory (honestly, because I don't think my sister is as well versed in politics as I am or my dad, for that matter). Anyways, it just bugged me since we went from what could be an intelligible conversation to something that was so unrealistic and out of the question.

I would have gladly contributed to the conversation and presented what I think Clinton and Obama has working for and against them. I would have also, like my dad did brought in. It would have made my sister mad. I would have brought up some things in Obama's past that could have an effect on him like he admitted in high school experimenting with drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Up until the start of his campaign for president he smoked, but now is kicking the habit. I would have brought up that some people like that Clinton is a woman, but many others dislike that fact and went into the reasons... My candidate of choice from the Republican side I would have brought up is Romney because my sister detests him.

I know not to talk about politics with my sister- not that I'll become upset. I can see both sides of an issue. I think it is best to face realities- it is possible the next president may be a Republican. I do however, when I am with my sister and she brings up politics put on KFI AM 640, more stimulating talk radio. They're a very extreme conservative talk station. 95% of the time I disagree with their views, but I don't mind hearing the other side of things and why these (idiots) feel the way they do. But also, when I do talk politics with her I present myself as Conservative as possible and always explain why I feel that way (even if I don't) but I try to present the other perspective. I have told her already that I endorse Romney for president (if you really want to know who I'm supporting, ask me), but I try to play the other side of the fence. I said he is a good, religious guy, I've talked about how he is good with economic issues because he was able to make the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake profitable, which is a good thing. All my sister can say is he doesn't have a true religion, and sometimes religion is bad. All George Bush does is pray.

Hoppy and Toady, Nora and Todd, Shawn and Robin

2007-11-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

I avoid KFROG at all costs in the morning and afternoon. I only listen to them because they do traffic every 10 minutes, and let's face it- I need my traffic reports.

I don't like Hoppy and Toady on KFROG 95.1. They are not funny. They take hick to new extremes. Half of the time Hoppy is messing up, saying the wrong things, comes off as a prick, and he just sounds so gosh darn ignorant. I know that I can turn them on at 8, 15, 23, and so on past each hour and get my traffic. That's the only real reason I listen to them in the afternoon.

I listen to Todd Baker in the afternoon on KKGO (GoCountry105). He is funny and the format of his show is so different than other afternoon shows. He has fun, interesting segments like the "daily uplifter," "police blotter," and "LA's most wanted." His only problem on his show is the traffic reporter- Nora Wells. She is involved in most of these segments. She is so annoying- her voice for one. Second, she says the same thing over and over; when the daily uplifter comes on, she says "ooh, I hope it fits me," or "we all need to be uplifted." She is so redundant. She doesn't seem to have many brains, which bothers me to no end. I like intelligent people. I am getting to the point where when she comes on I turn. They need a better traffic reporter like Arianna Ortiz, Claire Beverly, or some other woman who has a few brains.

In the morning Shawn Parr is awesome on GoCountry. I love how during the traffic reports he says that at this exit on the freeway they have a Jack in the Box, a Dennys, or some other place. He is so random and has so much energy. While Shawn Parr is awesome, Robin Banks is not. Robin has the worst laugh. She tends to laugh at everything. She never has much to say. Sure, the traffic reporters are not the main show, but at least have something halfway intelligent to say. By the way, looking at her pic on gocountry's website I've determined that she is not hot, and I'm tired of hearing about her breast augmentation already.

KNOTTS BERRY FARM!!!

2007-11-05T20:45:00.000-08:00

My friend Gaby and I chaperoned a trip to Knotts Berry Farm for the kids we tutor. We didn't have to ride the bus, so I drove... here's some highlights from the trip. This was seriously one of the best nights I've had in a long time. We had tons of great conversation, lots of alone time (relatively speaking- we were in line with others, but just her and I), and of course the rides. We got on 10 rides... all the roller coasters we wanted and more. Gaby is one of my best friends and we don't get enough time alone together to talk and catch up, so this event was AWESOME.

Friday was condom day in my human reproduction class- the teacher went condom crazy and gave out hanfuls to everyone. I don't need them and so put them on my front seat with the plan of throwing them out. When she got in my car, I said to her "let me move my condoms" and she began laughing hysterically and said how she was not sure she wanted to ride with me anymore since I may have all these dirty things lined up. Then she went on about her being a girl, me being a guy, stuff happens when you're alone like in a car. Cars are the perfect place for something bad to happen. That was a good source of laughter for 10 minutes and we both talked about how we're a bit inexperienced with those... hahaha.... It was awesome, she was taking them out unrolling them and saying she'd never felt one before. She was asking if I'd ever used one, stuff like that. For the record NO... there's been no need.

I am always cold. I freeze easily... or used to. The weather was cold when we arrived, but I warmed up and shed my hoodie by 9:00p.m. That is very unusual for me.

I don't usually scream on rides, but Gaby told me to. I did. She got a big kick out of that. I do scream like a girl. I was amused that Gaby giggles on the rides. It is too funny. She doesn't scream. She giggles. She's special.

While in line for Silver Bullet, there was a guy and his girlfriend making out and really getting into it. His hand was up her shirt- you could see everything including her belly button and bra. He was playing with her breasts. She was a hot girl, I'll admit, I didn't mind the show, but Gaby did. She told me how disgusting that was. We're not students- we're tutors, so technically we have more power over these kids and I did look a good 5 years older than he did. I decided to exert my authority and went up to them and said "aaaaaaaaaaaahem... this is a school function, so try to keep it PG." The guy looked at me obviously embarrassed and didn't say anything. I think his girlfriend was more embarrassed. They did stop.

We got to talk about everything in lines and the lines were long enough we got plenty of talking in. We talked about work, school, family, friends, life, and more.

I enjoyed singing in the car to every song. Gaby likes my singing or so she says. My rule is if you're in my car, you have to hear me sing. I have no problem belting out in song. I do a dang good job, if I do say so myself... "I hope you know, I hope you know that this has nothing to do with you, it's personal myself and I we've got some straightening out to do and I'm going to miss you like a child misses their blanket cuz I've got to get a move on with my life..." you get the picture... I'll sing anything including Fergie's "Big Girl's Don't Cry."

I didn't get to bed until 4:00a.m. even though the park closed at 1:00a.m. No. Don't get any dirty ideas. Between 1 and 2a.m. Gaby and I drove home. Between 2:00-2:30 I was in the Jack in the Box drive through getting a big cheeseburger. From 2:30-3:30 I was talking with my mom about her bad experience with her school on that field trip. I didn't see her at all that night even though we were on the same field trip. Then I had to bathe and get ready for bed between 3:30 and 4 cuz I can't go to bed dirty.

Excited for a long day

2007-11-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

I will be up at 6:30a.m. tommorow. No surprise there. I have class at 9:00a.m. 30 miles south of me. The class ends at 12. I plan to treat myself to a relaxing lunch wherever I go.... go in... sit down... relax... breathe... reflect. I have class from 2:00-5:00p.m.

At 5p.m. I'm going to RUSH to the high school. I am picking up one of my best friends, Gaby. We're going to chaperone the Knotts Berry Farm field trip for all the students in the program I tutor for. I'm looking forward to the car ride with her, talking, getting to catch up, stuff like that, me singing at the top of my lungs to the songs on the radio, Gaby laughing, and just talking about random stuff. I really want to talk since we haven't had much real alone time since we met for lunch in July to talk.

We hope to be at Knotts by 6:30. We're going to eat with the teachers we work with. It'll be awesome. Then after dinner we'll have 5 hours or so to kill riding some rides. All the roller coasters that spin, go upside down, give you that sense of vertigo, you know the deal. We're going to hang out with Mrs. F who we work with and go on rides together. I'm excited, hopefully Mrs. F won't chicken out on the rides.

The night ends at 1:00a.m. I'm sure we'll be hungry, so that'll mean a late night snack somewhere. We'll probably get home about 2:00a.m. Then, knowing me I'll be up at 9:00a.m. or so the next day.

I was Crankin' That Soula Boy at work today

2007-10-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

Yes, it was a bet between my coworker and the rest of the students. I was suckered into it, so spent this weekend practicing. It was sooooooooo fun, embarrassing, and yet a mess at the same time.

This was soooo organized and this teacher has a lot more skill than I do... haha... even after I practiced with the instructional video

Now for the video...

Sometimes

2007-10-27T19:45:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I have the hardest time telling people something that should be so easy or not a big deal.

Sometimes it is easier to stand up for other people, rather than yourself.

Sometimes I feel guilty for somethings I shouldn't.

Sometimes I feel guilty for not saying what I should.

Sometimes I worry that I worry too much about other people's feelings.

Work

2007-10-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

Work has been fun the past couple days...

I haven't been in the classroom tutoring this week. I've been out doing administrative stuff and showing the coordinator of the program how everything is done. I was originally not looking forward to it, but it is a nice easy break from the classroom. The training someone to do stuff I already know how to do is monotonous and boring.

On Monday the coordinator treated me to lunch at Del Taco for helping her.

On Monday time cards were also due and I got a little "extra" time for helping the coordinator on Monday. Try 9 instead of 6 hours. Yay!

On Tuesday a freshman got an "A" on his math test. Apparently math is his worst subject and he failed it several times in middle school. Now let me go into a little background. I know who the kid was and his mom since I'd seen them at the gym many times. She is one of those woman who comes off looking really arrogant with her nose stuck up a mile in the air and looks like she could take on any man or woman who comes near her. She would give me mean stares at the gym before I started tutoring her son, then she would say hello when I saw her at the gym. Anyways, the reason I bring up the fact she looks so unfriendly is that yesterday she brought in cookies for all of us tutors. Two of us sat down basically with a group of 4 kids, including her son, who is in the same math class and helped them go over everything. That was the first time anything like that has happened.

On Saturday I am hopeful that my coworker Gaby and I can have lunch. I love our little lunch dates as we call them. We try to get together at least once a month to have lunch. We haven't had lunch together since July because she works close to 60 hours a week, goes to school full time, and so basically has no life. I love sitting, talking, catching up, all the random stuff, so I'm looking forward to it.

Talked to grandma

2007-10-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

I miss grandma being down the street from me. At times it was a burden to stop in and see her or I wouldn't want to because we did it everyday. I miss that now. I haven't seen her in 1 1/2 years or so since someone took her away.

I decided I had a few minutes while driving down the road today, so I gave her a call. I hadn't talked to her in almost 2 months. Everytime mom calls I am doing something else and tell her I'll call later, but never do. So I called and we chatted. Told her about school, work, my internship, and how I'm so busy. It was so nice to talk to her. I did most of the talking, but she seemed receptive and asked questions about everything. I told her I got an internship, which is where I get college credit and real world experience doing this stuff. Her next question was where I was working and what I'm doing there. It was so nice to have her question me and seem genuinely interested. She seemed really happy to hear that I was doing so well. She of course asked the same question over and over what grade I'm in and what classes I'm taking. She can ask that question 10 times in a phone call. It is all good though. I think she asks because yes, she is forgetful, but that she is amazed I'm in college.

She was asking her usual also- how's the weather, Steph, mom, dad, her house, the cat, the bird, etc. etc.

Just thought I'd blog cuz this made my day.

Continuing on with Steph

2007-10-16T19:03:00.001-07:00

Last post I promise unless something comes up that strikes my fancy.

Tonight we sat down to dinner and I told everyone about my day. I had a run-in with the principal where I work because I was causing problems again. Anyways, I am telling my story about the principal and his response; in the middle Brat interrupts and says "oh I hate that guy too" and went off telling how at the school site council meetings last year the principal always sat by her, and how she didn't like that. I don't recall it being her turn to speak. It wasn't. I never did finish my story, but that was someting that just ticked me off. It happens all the time so I'm used to it. Usually mom calls her out on this, but not this time. I just stopped telling my story and when Steph was done with hers I said, "thank you for your wonderful story we have heard 50 times before- we hear it every time I mention the principal." She said, "well I hate the guy," and she got defensive saying she had a right to tell the story. I just reminded her that I started telling about my day before her rude interruption.

This also happens when I mention just about any other thing associated with work. I say in Mrs. X's class this happened today. Steph had Mrs. X as a teacher, so Steph proceeds to jump in and say stuff like "I bet Mrs. X got really upset. She probably threw the kid out of class. I can't imagine Mrs. X doing that... etc. etc. etc." Goodness, it is my story I'm telling, not her's. It was my day, not her's. She can sit patiently and listen, ask questions AFTER I told about my dang adventure at work.

This happens a lot of other times when maybe I'll be telling a story or telling about my day and Steph was a part of it. I can't tell the full story because someone jumps in, dominates, and interrupts and then gives their version. It is not a matter of her not getting attention, it is a matter of her needing to be respectful. She gets plenty of attention. More than me in most cases I'd say because I am independent. I am a self starter. I am trustworthy. I know how to get the job done whatever it may be.

This happens all the time and I call her out on it every time. It is a matter of respect. Something she doesn't have. I know to just back off and calm down; I do when this happens. I just give a friendly reminder and leave it at that. But dang her. It pisses me off she is so ignorant, stupid, disrespectful.

Maybe she wants to be the center of attention, but it's about respect.

A comparison of schedules

2007-10-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

Because I feel the need to put myself on a pedestal... here's a typical week for me

Monday
6:30- get up, get dressed and ready for work, do dishes, watch news
7:30- go to work
1:30- go to school
2:00-5:00- go to school
5:30- get home and eat dinner
6:30- gym
7:30 to 10:00- homework

Tuesday
6:30 get up, get dressed and ready, do dishes, watch news, clean kitchen
7:30-2:30- work
2:30-3:30- clean around house (bathroom, hall, etc.)
4:00-5:00- school
5:30- get home and eat dinner
6:30- gym
10:00- bed

Wednesday
6:30- get up, play around on computer, watch news
7:30- drive 30 miles to internship
8:30-1:30- internship
1:30-2:00- drive to school
2:00-5:00- class
5:30- get home and eat dinner
5:30-10:00 homework

Thursday
7:10- wake up, play around on computer, watch news
7:30- drive 30 miles to internship
8:30-1:30- internship
1:30-2:00- drive home
2:00-3:30- clean and work around the house
3:30-5:30- allergy shots and dinner
10:00- bed

Friday
6:30- get up, get dressed, play around on computer, watch news
8:20- drive to MSJC for class
9:00-11:50- class
11:50-2:00- lunch and free time
2:00-5:00- class
5:00-bed- hang out with friends

Saturday and Sunday
RELAX, hang out with friends, gym

Let's look at Steph's schedule

Monday/Wednesday/Friday
5:40- get up
6:00- leave for train
6:30-7:45- commute to school via train and bus
9:00-4:00- classes with 3, 1 hour breaks during the day
4:00-5:30- go home on train
5:30- get home and eat dinner
5:30-11:30 or later- sitting in front of TV, computer

Tuesday/Thursday
11:00a.m. or later- get up
11:00a.m.-9:30p.m. sit, eat, play on computer, watch tv
9:30p.m.- there is a mad dash to do homework
11:30p.m. or so- bed

Weekends
10:00-11:00a.m.- Wake upsome homework
2:00a.m. or later- bed

No gym, yet my dad offers to take her, no driving everywhere, no cleaning. I check on Steph all the time just to see what she isn't doing and she is always sitting there in front of the computer doing timewasting stuff and playing around. In matter of fact, whenever I call home to ask what she has done during the day, and she's more than glad to tell me NOTHING. Add to this the fact that she has to be told to go to bed, brush her teeth, and stuff like that. Add to this the fact that she never wants to go out with the family or do anything family related like going shopping as a family, Disneyland, Knotts, stuff like that. Fun stuff, no? Problem? Yes. I think so.

Kind of a rant about how I feel I am feeling

2007-10-12T13:37:00.001-07:00

I can pretty much do what I want at home and there is no problem. I am not out doing bad things or anything, so don't worry; that's not where this is going. I love my cell phone in that I can call my parents spur of the moment and say I'm running out to do this or that with friends. I love my friends and their random calls. I hate that it seems to inconvenience everyone else or they want to try and keep tabs on me. I'm 20 for goodness sakes. I am very trustworthy and dependable. I know that a lot of this however is brought on by Steph- her not having a license, car, stuff like that, so they may need someone to shuttle her. Also, just the general parental worry. It bothers me. They have a right to know to an extent, but I'm 20; nearly 21.

If I want to go out after school with friends I don't want to call home and tell mommy and daddy where I'm going. I do; usually there is no problem, but they don't like this whole spur of the moment thing. Oh well, I don't care. I need the spontaneity to keep my sanity.

If I want to go out at 10:00p.m. on a school night to play video games with friends, let me do that. Don't give me an awkward stare and question whether it is too late. I think I'm over 18 and can be held accountable for my actions. I know if I go out late, I'll be paying the price for that in the morning and I'm fine with that. I understand 10p.m. sounds suspicious like I may be going out to meet a girl for you get the picture; but remember my friends are college students, they don't keep normal schedules unlike me. I am not going out and drinking at a frat party or something and meeting girls there. Cuz you know I'm a big partier afterall (sarcasm). Remember, my parents taught me well.

I have so much freedom, yet I feel bound. I am at the point where I don't care if I call or tell everyone where I'm going at a certain time. I do have a pretty calendar to begin with... things happen... stuff like that.

All of this does not change who I am. I'm still the responsible caring person; I know because I still live at home I have to deal with some of the worry etc. that comes with that. But I still maintain about a 3.7GPA every quarter, I take a full load of courses, I work part time, I do so much around the house (clean the bathroom weekly, my room, load the dishwasher daily, clean the hallway weekly, and so please don't give me the I'm not resposible excuse). Worry about my sister; the lazy twit who does nothing. NOT A DARN THING. She sits in her room all day reading, watching tv, and playing on the computer. I don't. I have a life. I have friends. I have high expectations for myself. As I said, high expectations... so don't worry about me messing up my life. Be releived knowing that I have a cell phone to call you if something were to happen. Be happy in knowing that there is a 99.9% chance nothing will happen. Be happy in the fact I am a good son and do all of this stuff. I don't want to be bound by a phone or calendar to call home, or that awkward stare about going out so late to mommy and daddy after a long day at work and/or school and say I'm going out to unwind with friends.

Here is a breakdown of my schedule this quarter:
- Intern 10 hours a week, 2 days a week
- Work 12 hours a week, 2 days a week
- Go to school about 10 hours a week, then add additional study time to that (so 15 or so)
- Sleep 35-40 hours a week
- some days I go to school and work, some days intern and work...

I'm busy and I need time to relax is my point.

Week in review 3

2007-10-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday
Went to a friend's house and we played computer games Saturday night.

Sunday
I stayed home for the mostpart. I went to the gym and grocery store.

Monday
Work was soooooo fun. Lots of good conversation with one of my coworkers and best friend's. We were pretty much alone all day grading notebooks, so we got to talk alot and catch up in each other's lives. It is not something we get to do often since she works about 50 hours a week and goes to school full time. I got asked to be lead tutor again at work. I said no, but I am sure I'll end up doing it. Went to school Monday afternoon- got home at 5:30. I hate getting home so late; it makes me feel like I have no evening and time to rest. It is like the evening is gone before I even get home... and it is only 5:30... ok.... laugh.

Tuesday
Went to work again. One of the classes I tutor evaluated all of us tutors. We were graded on a 1-5 scale, where we needed improvement, and our strengths. I had good scores and comments overall... mostly 4s and 5s. My comments were almost all positive like the kids like the fact I don't take their attitude. They like that I am hard on them and I don't take whining or complaining. Some also hated that about me, but oh well. The worst comment I got was that I need to stop smiling. I smile too much and some people find it scary. I also got a comment that someone was unhappy I don't know calculus.

I also had to follow a student around named Nacho. He is a football player and he is not doing his work in his science class. His teacher asked that I go into the class with him, take notes, make sure he stays on task, show him what to take notes on, help him, etc. He enjoyed having me there. He actually did his work. I was hard on him and I said you're going to do this work because now I'm in on it, your mom is in on it, your teachers, so I don't think you want to deal with all this pressure. We also got him a new seat in the class. Good stuff. He sits up by the teacher now based on my recommendation. Nacho has no clue I was the one who suggested it. Haha

Wednesday
Started my political internship. It was mainly boring stuff for the first 3 hours- reading manuals, signing papers. Then the last hour I filed press releases into a 3 inch binder. Again, boring, but oh well. I got to leave an hour early and still got credit. Good deal.

Thursday
Internship again... got to learn to sign the signature of the person I am working for. Also heard funny stories of people who regularly call the office. Got allergy shots with the family. Ate at the Mexican Kitchen for dinner. Yum. I love their cheese enchiladas.

Friday

Went to my community college class and turned in my take home test. Went to work to fill out my timecard. Then I sat down and ate at Jack in the Box as opposed to going through the drive through. Was driving to school and the battery voltage light was low. I knew this battery was dying a long time ago. My dad refused to believe me. It died. In the parking lot at school. I went to class, called my dad at school, told him to meet me when I got out of school with a battery for my car. He did. Took him an hour to put it in. Grrr. Me was not happy. My dad for some reason thinks a battery will last forever, but any other thing like tires if there is even slight wear he gets worried.

Week in review --- Round 2

2007-09-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK WAS CRAZY!!!!

Saturday: We celebrated Steph's birthday at TGI Fridays. It was good. I had the potato skins appetizer, theh bruschetta chicken, and Cinnabon cheesecake. Saturday night I went over to my friend's house to have him reinstall Windows on my computer.

Sunday: Went grocery shopping with my dad and got a much needed haircut. Then I went back over to my friend's house to have install Microsoft Office since he offered and so it was fun hanging out. We hung out most of the day.

Monday: I took the day off work. I NEEDED TO. I had so much going on, I needed a day to get caught up. I had a dentist appointment with the orthodontist. He basically said I need to have my jaw broken if I want to fix the whole bite issue I have. My top teeth lie directly on top of my bottom, which shouldn't be the case and was fixed with the braces. The idiot orthodontist at Hospitality Dental failed to monitor my mouth closely enough and so now to correct the problem would mean the need to have my jaw broken and going back into braces. NO.

Tuesday: I went back to work. I had taken off since last Wednesday. My coworker who everyone was having issues with was fired. She didn't go out without a fight and is trying to create problems now. It was a good day overall at work.

Tuesday night I hung out with my friend Steve who fixed my computer the other night. We watched Reaper on the CW. I got home at about 11p.m.

Wednesday: Went to work, but left early. Came home and tried to make a decision on the internship. I couldn't get in contact with the person at the high ranking official's office. I delayed making a decision. Wednesday night I stayed home and chatted online with friends.

Thursday: Went to work from 7:50-10:50. I left early again. Then I came home and sat up a new router for our computers to get on the internet wirelessly. YAY. It didn't work, so I called Steve since he is into all this technical stuff. He told me to bring the router over, he configured it, did all the dirty work, and then we hung out for a couple hours. I left, went and got allergy shots, then had dinner with dad and Steph at Burger King. Got gas for $2.79 at Food4Less and got a call from Steve at that time asking if I wanted to come over and play a new computer game he got. I said sure. Drove back over to his house- 30 miles away or 40-45 minutes. I brought lots of snacks- Chips Ahoy, ice cream, stuff like that. We played until 11:00p.m. and I was getting very tired since I've been getting so little sleep. Got home at 11:45p.m. and went right to bed.

Friday: Got up at 8:00a.m. this morning and went to MJSC for my music class. I like that class- the kids in it are nice- lots of boyfriends and girlfriends taking the class together. There is an older guy Randy in the class who says he can hook me up with a job at UPS after I graduate if I want. Definitely going to get to know him better for that. We got out early because the teacher decided to make our test a take home test. We got out at 11:00a.m. instead of 11:50.

I used that extra time to rush to UCR to pick up my parking permit, went home, fiddled with the router, decided to take the political internship mainly because it is closer to home and I am never home as it is. I ate lunch, showered, then turned right around to go back to UCR for my first class at 2:00p.m.

Just got out of my first class- human sexuality and reproduction. It sounds like a lot of work. Typical lower division lots of work class. There are 3 tests, 6 quizzes, random attendance checks for points, 1 big final project, points for attending the discussion every week. Ugh.

I have an hour break until my Spanish class. YAY!!! I don't like the fact the class is from 4-5p.m., but oh well. It is alright. I like the professor- I have had him for the past 3 quarters, so I know him well. He is an easy grader. He likes me. We're cool like that. I think I'm going to try and get a letter of recommendation from him at the end of this quarter. Don't think he gets many requests, but he is my professor I know the best, but his English is very limited. We'll see.

I just hate the fact of having a late class (anything after 3) and getting home later than everyone else in the family. This is going to mean me changing my eating schedule a little. We usually eat dinner at 4:30 at home, so I want dinner at 4:30. I am going to have to wait until at least 5:30. I may try to eat lunch later to deal with that. I want lunch at 11:00a.m. though, so maybe lots of unhealthy snacks in between.

This weekend will be consist of calming down, sorting through everything, getting back into school mode, sleeping, and buying a day planner.

2 incredible opportunities

2007-09-24T14:00:00.001-07:00

I want some advice- I've thought about it and am at a crossroads.

I interviewed last spring for an internship with a high ranking state official with a lot of power in Washington. I got the internship. If I could get a letter of recommendation with their name on it, I'd be set I think. It would mainly be doing office stuff- helping around the office, writing letters, responding to citizens in the area about problems they are having.

So why take this internship and why to not? The name of the official on a letter of recommendation for me... closer to home... 30 minutes away as opposed to an hour with the one below. The office seems really uptight and not so laid back. If I want to go into government, public relations, etc. this is a good start.

I interviewed at the beginning of this month for an internship with a newspaper. It sounds like an incredible experience because I can get experience working at a newspaper, have my name PUBLISHED, learning to shoot, report, and write stories working with reporters. Getting to go in the field and interview.

So why take this internship and why not? Great experiences working at a newspaper, which would help if I do end up pursuing journalism. The downside is that I'd be commuting 60 miles each week 2 days a week and it is an hour away. The position is basically an entry level reporter- not a beat reporter. I would be doing community pieces- interviewing various figures in the community like sports person of the week and get to cover news stories.

Both would be 10-12 hours a week and both would be unpaid.

I need to make a decision TODAY. School starts Thursday and I'm going to have to run around and take care of all the paperwork in the coming days.

Making Hot pockets

2007-09-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder what would happen if you didn't use that special covering when making a Hot Pocket? Would it not turn out right? Would it not cook? What would happen? I am going to be daring and try...

and so I tried... and it cooks. I sort of figured it would. But it doesn't cook up like I like them. It came out of the microwave with a more moist crust. I like my crust to have a little crisp though, so I tend to cook the Hot Pockets an extra 20-30 seconds and now I know that it can only be done with the annoying cover the Hot Pockets come with. Now I know.

My week

2007-09-22T15:17:00.001-07:00

I really want to start updating my blog since I have a lot to say, so I think I'll start with a weekly update about what I did each week. We'll see how that goes.

Monday: Went to work. All started off well. A coworker and I had some personality conflicts. I didn't want to deal with her, so I took off early after giving her a piece of my mind. She didn't like what I had to say, but I don't care. Just because there is "lead" in your job title doesn't mean anything to me. It doesn't mean you can get out of doing everything everyone else does like clocking in and out. The problem has been dealt with somewhat and will be in the coming days. It's sad that I'm the only one of my coworkers who had the balls to say anything about it. I was told several times from the coworker this week I am on bitch mode. I am, bring it on, bitch.

Had a dentist appointment. I hate the dentist, but survived. No cavities, but I do need to see another orthodontist on Monday since the dentist thinks I have a lot of tooth crowding. NO BRACES AGAIN. I REFUSE.

Tuesday: Went to work again, the gym, and some other stuff.

Wednesday: Had a lunch date with a good friend. We had Chipotle and hung out. Also got approved to substitute and had 18 calls Wednesday night to substitute.

Thursday: Got my sub ID badge, helped my mom's friend at her school, then had a date Thursday night with someone I recently met. Went to Chevy's Mexican Restaurant, talked, then walked around the mall afterwards talking. It went great- good conversation and it was continuous.

Friday: Had my music class from 9-12p.m. at Mt. San Jacinto College. I love the drive down there on the freeway- it is 30 miles away. I can get there in 23 minutes and you're constantly moving, so the drive goes by fast. Whereas when I'm going to UCR, which is about 10 miles away here in town I go through 14 stop signs, several stop lights, and it can take 25 minutes or more. Then I came home and dealt with Dell Tech Support and spent 7 hours on the phone. I was not a happy camper. Last night was karaoke night with friends from high school. That was tooooooooooooooooooooooooo fun.

Steph missed her train home from school yesterday. Oh well... she did make it home...

Saturday: Today we're celebrating my Steph's birthday because she's not feeling as sick today. She has been sick for the past 2 weeks or so. She is 18. That's scary.

Current grumbles

2007-08-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

I loathe my sister. That's putting it nicely. The thing acts so immature. She doesn't think about others. She is so childish in comparison to me. I don't mean that in that she is playful. I mean she acts like a child. She is so hard to have a conversation with because she has no interests. I hate how the thing has to wake everyone up in the house at 5:30a.m. to announce she needs to get to the train station.

Moving on...

I am currently wondering about work...

I have had several job offers recently... to tutor at my mom's school... to sub in my mom's school district... to work at Kohls... to work as a bilingual aide. Kohls is crossed off the list since I don't want to work in retail. I don't want to tutor at my mom's school... though the pay might be better, I don't want to be permanently attached to my mom. I could be a bilingual aide, but that doesn't really interest me; although I could put my Spanish to good use. I did accept a position to sub in my mom's school district 2 days a week. That will give me time to make some extra money... about $150 more a week!!! I'll get to sub for my mom and her friends... good stuff. Plus, I will probably use some Spanish since her district is 98% hispanic.

I could sub more days and that is where the dilemma lies... do I want to continue tutoring at the high school...? I have been told many times "I'm doing a kick ass job and am so helpful." I definitely like the praise because, who doesn't like feeling like a god who can do no wrong? I just feel worn down there- not worn down in the sense that they're working me really hard. I just feel worn down in that every other person in the district got a 6% raise. The only people who didn't were tutors. Now EVERY person makes more in the district than tutors. The cafeteria ladies get $12 an hour. A tutor vs. cafeteria lady... both are important... don't get me wrong... but I feel academics is a little more important. I could apply for any other district job like cafeteria worker, campus supervisor, etc. and get more money. I love working with the kids- particularly high school level. I am giving 110% like I always do, but have never received a raise. I've seen in neighboring districts tutors are now getting $13-15 an hour... am I? No.

I made it a point at our meeting at work last week to say I wanted less duties. I said no to being a lead tutor because no extra pay was involved and I already did the duties of the lead tutor... they don't call me a god for nothing. So I was asked to do a lot of things and I said unless I'm getting paid more, no. The coordinator said she understands I'm busy and in my senior year, so said it was no big deal. However it is taking 3 people to pick up the tasks I used to do. So-be-it. I must sound greedy, but I feel like I can do less and get paid for it, why not?

I don't want to leave the high school I don't think because my best friends are my coworkers. I love them all to death. Love, love love. They're all great people and they care for the kids just as much as I do. They're my age and I need interaction with people my age. I also want money. I want to feel rewarded with money. I just don't know... I kind of want to stay at the high school because I'm comfortable- know all the teachers, students, etc. etc. It would probably make it easier if I tried to get a job there after I graduate.

I don't know if it is I'm afraid to try something new, step out of my comfort zone, fail, lose friends, lose connections, making less money, stuff like that. Maybe I need to explore this post some more when I have time to write about jobs I've considered applying for lately, etc. etc. Maybe get some support... ideas... feedback...

One thing I don't like about subbing is that I won't know a lot of people in the school I'm at and so it makes it harder to build relationships, connections, etc. etc.

I don't know... this post was kind of typed of fast and convoluded, but I wanted to flush out some ideas in my head.

Cat eye glasses...

2007-08-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

I miss her in the morning!!!

My trip to Mississippi

2007-08-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

Downtown New Orleans

House in 9th Ward and church with the soggy carpet in 9th ward

Picture of me flying over Mississippi

Bottomless and topless dancer sign on Bourbon Street

Never got around to telling about my trip to Mississippi to see my best friend, so here it goes.

July 31

Leave Ontario at 8a.m. and have a nice flight to Oklahoma. I talked to the guy next to me who was from my area. Had a 2 hour stopover there, so I enjoyed Sonic (which we don't have in Cali). Then I got on the plane and flew down to Houston. The Houston airport was HUGE. I had to walk about 1/2 mile, go up 3 escalators, and take a tram to change terminals to get to my flight. As I walk into the other terminal I hear that my flight to Mississippi was delayed 30 minutes. 30 minutes turned into 45, 45 turned into 2 hours. We were delayed 2 1/2 hours because the plane was coming from Dallas and was grounded in Dallas due to the weather. Made it to Mississippi at 11p.m. instead of 9p.m.

August 1

Went to the Jackson Zoo with my friend and his girlfriend's family. Small in comparison to any zoos I've been to. I also think there were more plastic animals than real animals.

August 2

Went to New Orleans with my friend and his mom. It was a 2 1/2 hour drive. It was fun to get to talk and catch up in the car. New Orleans was so amazing. A mile away from downtown or so it looked so unkempt. Grass needed mowing, buildings in need of repair from Katrina still. Got to see (AND EXPERIENCE) Bourbon Street. Lots of porn shops, lingerie shops, shops offering lap dances, bars, entertainment, it was interesting. I'm keeping quiet about all that went on. HAHA.

Also got to see the 9th ward. My goodness. It was amazing. We walked in a church that had been destroyed from the flood waters and 2 years later the carpet was STILL wet. STILL. I could see where the levee was and everything else. Some houses were swept off their foundations, others were badly damaged by the water. It was amazing to see that people live in such impoverished conditions- it is just something I don't see everyday. People were living in the houses that were damaged by the floods and still had the markings that the houses had been searched after Katrina.

August 3

Went flying with my friend, his dad, and sister. It was mucho fun. I like flying in the smaller planes as opposed to the large planes because you're closer to the ground and can see soooooo much. It was fun that we could all talk to each other through our headphones. I felt like a copilot. Heh.

August 4

Went kayaking down the Okatoma River in Mississippi. It was a manmade river and was only 2-3 feet deep in some places. My kayak overturned a couple times trying to avoid people who took a canoe and were scared of going down the waterfalls, so they'd stand in the driver and step down the waterfall area. (They were small 3-4 feet waterfalls).

August 5

Went fishing, didn't have much luck. The fish were biting, but not catching. I tried. My friend only caught 1 fish. His dad didn't catch any either. We talked, played lots of Phase 10, and ate that evening.

August 6

Left Jackson Ms. at 6:40a.m., went to the other Houston airport, caught my flight to Oklahoma. Met a longtime friend and neighbor in the Oklahoma airport... what are the chances of that?! Also got to meet up with my cousin Amber, which was fun. I think this was the first time we saw each other in 2 years or so. So we got to talk and catch up on all the family drama, my sister, random memories, and other fun family stuff. I enjoyed it. Then the fun ended and I had to come back to California and the hot icky dry heat.

Sad times in LA News

2007-08-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

Hal Fishman, who has been at KTLA for 47 years died this morning at 3:00a.m. He was their primary anchor for the 10p.m. news. He was definitely a legend in LA TV. I liked his style and how he was so straight to the news, but also he challenged the viewers and others. I loved his commentaries and would often toon in just to hear him. I hope that KTLA can find a good replacement, even though there is no replacing him. It was announced last Tuesday he had colon cancer, which spread to his liver, then today to wake up to hear he died was sad.

Also, Rachel Boesing left KNBC 4 to pursue hosting gigs. I will miss her a lot. I will probably start watching KABC 7 in the morning. I am not a fan of Chris Schauble and Jennifer Bjorklund. I watched Today in LA for Rachel. Loved her sexy cat eye glasses, her voice, her style, her perkiness, and intelligence. I hope that Rachel resurfaces in LA TV soon.

Happy 4th of July

2007-07-04T13:25:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!!

It is supposed to be 110 here in Riverside today. YUCK!!! It is kind of overcast right now and is 101 at 1:25p.m. It still has the potential to make 110.

We're going to barbecue steaks and go see fireworks tonight.

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In other news I'm taking an icky class at UCR. I'm taking Political Anthropology. It is just busy work so it should be ok. I am a week ahead in reading, so its all good. I just hate that the class is sooo boring and it is 3 hours on Tuesday and Thursday. I will be a trekker and make it through it though.

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I'm also excited to go to Mississippi at the end of July to see my best friend. I have about a 6 hour layover in Oklahoma coming back, so that should be cool. I'll find something to do. I am excited that I'm going to get to go to New Orleans, the gulf coast, and a whole bunch of other places. YAY!

Happy 4th of July

2007-07-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!!

It is supposed to be 110 here in Riverside today. YUCK!!! It is kind of overcast right now and is 101 at 1:25p.m. It still has the potential to make 110.

We're going to barbecue steaks and go see fireworks tonight.

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Mad at everyone

2007-06-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have one of those days where you're just in a funk or something and you are mad at everyone?

I woke up this morning knowing that I'd have to go to my mom's school today to help her. It was not my idea of fun, but I went unwillingly. It wasn't too bad, but I was in a relatively good mood even though my patience was thin. We went to Walmart after we left my mom's school because my mom just got an i-Pod and wanted a case for it. I went unwillingly again. I HATE WALMART for sooooo many reasons, so I went in in a huff and began pushing my mom's buttons so we could leave as quickly as possible. Quickly meant in under 15 minutes, not 55.

My dad however has been making me mad today over stupid things. For one he is talking to me like I am a baby at times. My dad is questioning me about stupid stuff, like why I won't go to the gym... "I don't want to" was not a good enough justification for him. I don't know what it is, but little things like that are ticking me off today.

I'm mad at my sister for being the laziest thing on earth. NO EXAGGERATION. She does nothing, yet I am home less than she is and do 10x the work. Lazy.

I'm mad at friends... I'm mad at people who won't call me back or call me like they say they will. I'm mad that we're losing contact with each other. I'm mad at friends playing stupid. I'm mad at friends who I guess aren't living up to my expectations.

I'm mad at UCR. UCR as far as I'm concerned. It is a big person; a big bully. I don't like it. I'm mad that they chose to start summer school this week. I'm mad they don't offer classes I need when I need them. I don't like that everyone is so impersonal there. I don't like the feeling when you walk on campus. I don't like anything about it.

Am I coming off as arrogant or a snob or just pissed off? Whatever, I really don't care. It's just been one of those days... a Monday. Maybe as my dad says, this is just building character. Hah.

My sister graduated

2007-06-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

She graduated yesterday and I can't believe it. I don't think she is ready for the real world. I also can't believe things are going to change... she's no longer in high school. She will be going to college. I won't be driving her to school anymore. I refuse.

Anyways, the ceremony was alright. It was 95 degrees and we were in the school football stadium. There was a slight breeze at times, which helped. I arrived 2 hours early with my cousin Danielle to get good seats. They were good front row seats. We sat around talking about random school and family stuff. Then my dad and mom arrived about 4:10. The ceremony began at 5. My aunt and uncle (on my dad's side) arrived about 5:15. They were coming from LA and hit traffic.

The ceremony was short. 643 seniors and all their names were read and all the graduation speeches in an hour and 21 minutes. It was kind of sad to be in the stands where we were so far from the graduates. Also, we were in the direct sunlight, so not sure we got great pictures. We'll buy the pictures of her walking across the stage and getting her diploma.

We went to TGI Fridays with the family afterward. We sat around eating and talking for over 2 hours. It was quite fun and good to catch up on family stuff and just talking.

9:34

2007-06-15T16:36:00.001-07:00

That is the magic time. As of 9:34 this morning, I have been on summer break!!! 3 FULL MONTHS OF FREEDOM!!!

Look at what my coworkers made me wear...

2007-06-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

I felt gangsta... hah.

Sleep and family

2007-06-02T11:14:00.001-07:00

I am not one to go out every night. I'm not one to have an odd sleep pattern. I am USUALLY in bed at 10:30 or so and up at 6:00a.m. I'm usually up by 8 on weekends. I'm surprised I'm actually doing alright and am not ran down. I'm grouchy when I'm tired. I haven't been lately, which is surprising...

This quarter has been soooooo different. Every Friday night I go to Gameworks to play arcade games with my friends from 10:00-12:00a.m. It is usually about 1:00a.m. before I get to bed these nights. I've gone out with coworkers and other random friends to eat, shop, and other stuff. Usually I get home between 10:30 and 11:30 when I go out with them. It's been fun. But this is so out of character for me to go out 5-6 nights a week. It is not like I'm doing stuff I shouldn't.

Last weekend I went out Saturday night to a dance with a coworker. Got home at 1:30a.m. and bed about 2a.m. Then of course I went to Gameworks on the Friday before. The Thursday night I was actually home- I remember having a bad headache. The Wednesday I was up at 3:15a.m. to go to see Mark and Kim. I got I think 5 hours of sleep the night before. I remember being out the Tuesday night.

I have gone out EVERY night this week with the exception of Monday. Tuesday night I had to be at a play for school. I got home at 11:00p.m. from that and slept sooo soundly until 6:00a.m.. Wednesday night I was planning on staying home. A coworker called to remind me we were going to a mall 30 miles away to go shopping and get t-shirts made. It was 11:00p.m. before I got home. It was 11:30 before I got to bed and I was up at 6:00a.m.. Thursday night I had to go to a baseball game for school and write story on it. We got to tour the stadium and interview some players. It was 12:00a.m. before I left the stadium. I went to bed at 1:00a.m. and woke up at 6:30a.m.

Last night I HAD EVERY intention of staying home, but my friends I've been going to Gameworks with invited me to see a play at one of the colleges, since one of our friends was in it. THE PLAY SUCKED. I was gone from 7p.m.-2:00a.m. My cousin designed the makeup for the play. There was the play, then afterward we went out to eat. My cousin tagged along with my group of friends and we ate at IHOP. We aired dirty laundry on each other. It was quite fun. We talked at IHOP until 1:30a.m., when I knew for my sake I had to call it a night. It was 2:30 before I got to bed by the way. I was up at 9, so I did get 6 1/2 hours, which is more than I can say I've got lately.

As for family, they're now teasing me that they don't know me. I am only home to eat or sleep. Tuesday and Wednesday night I've left home about 6 or 7p.m. I get home from school about 5. Thursday night I wasn't home at all. Friday night I wasn't planning on going out, but did and left at 7p.m. I was only home 2 hours. My parents brought up the fact how they never see me anymore and how I should stay around to get to know them.
Tonight I plan to stay home. Yes. Indeed.

Breakfast with Mark and Kim... I love them!!!

2007-05-25T23:43:00.001-07:00

Took a while for me to type this up, but Wednesday was a great day...

On Tuesday morning I heard on Kost as I was running Steph to school to e-mail the station if you want to attend a breakfast with the morning DJs Mark & Kim on Wednesday morning. I listen to Mark & Kim every morning and they were at the new CBS/KCAL broadcast center. I figured that would be a once in a lifetime thing to see, so I shot them an e-mail. I want to go into journalism/broadcasting, so I couldn't pass up the possibility of getting to do this. I got a call at 3p.m. on Tuesday saying I won and am invited to go. Told my parents and there was some jealousy.

Anyways, I went to bed at 9 Tuesday night, fell asleep by 10, and was up at 3:30a.m. I figured out I could have slept another 45 minutes, but because of all the freeway construction I played it safe. Anyways, I got to the CBS studios at 5:45, 15 minutes early. I was the 2nd person to arrive. Went to the conference room and soon enough people started showing. Surprisingly it was people my age for the mostpart- a junior who goes to CSUF, her friend, and another girl who I recognize cuz I've seen her enough at Disneyland (I think that's sad when I've gone enough, I know the employees on a certain ride). I thought the target age of Mark and Kim's audience was 25-44 or something like that. There were about 10-15 of us. Mark and Kim did their radio show and came back and forth while all of us were in the conference room. They talked to us and made random smalltalk. They served bagels, muffins (good muffins at that), grapes, strawberries, and a bunch of other fruit. I was kind of expecting eggs, sausage, and whatnot, but it was neat and it was nice that they fed us, so I had no complaints.

At 6:10, they asked us to go into the broadcast center with Mark and Kim because we were going to be on TV. They had us line up behind Mark and Kim who were sitting at the news desk and they talked back and forth to the anchors. I was behind Mark's head the first time. The 2nd time around we were on air from 6:50-7:00a.m. when Suzanne and Kent were talking to Mark and Kim. I was behind Kim this time, so everyone could see me. I was on TV today... yay!!!

CLICK TO SEE ME ON TV--- IT IS THE LAST 2 LINKS ON THE RIGHT OF THE PAGE.

At 7:00a.m. Suzanne Rico came out and talked to Mark and Kim on their radio show and talked to the guests (us). She was sooooooooo sweet. She really was. She was full of energy and just the sweetest lady. I will admit, seeing her on TV at times, I got a different vibe, but she really was so sweet. She wanted to take us all, show us the anchor desk, the weather green screen, the control room, EVERYTHING. She did. We got to see her do her Early Show cut-in for the weather, traffic, and news. Vera Jiminez, the traffic reporter was just as sweet and showed us how she does the traffic and all the technology that she has now that they are in HD. We also saw the KCAL 9 studios.

I saw Kent Shocknek in the hall, Jaime Garza walking to and from his desk, new reporter Dave Malkoff, Rick Chambers, Randy Paige, and Dave Gonzalez (all anchors and reporters who I've watched for many years). After seeing those people and getting to walk around, we came back to see Mark and Kim, they had KOST goodie bags for us with t-shirts etc. (very cool), and CBS also did commemorating their new studios. Very cool also.While sitting there I also got to see Jackie Johnson and Sandra Mitchell. Sandra Mitchell was also just as sweet as can be. She seems like she is on camera, but this just confirmed it. It was amazing to see all the work Mark and Kim are doing during the breaks operating the computers and stuff like that... it was just crazy!!!

By this time it was 10:00a.m. and time to leave, but it was so cool. YAY!!! It was so worth getting up at 3:30a.m. I'd do it again if I could. It was just amazing. I'm mainly just describing who I saw because people who read this blog probably know the names more than anything, but the technology was incredible. The control room and all the computers, all the desks for the news writers, the HD studio, the SIZE of the new studio for KCAL and KCBS both are about 5,000 square feet. All the technology for the traffic- it sometimes changes as Vera does her traffic reporters. The feeds she gets will say traffic is moving at 65mph in an area, then suddenly 35, so it changes as she was on air. All of the cameras at KCBS/KCAL are now remote control and so nobody is operating them, which was an incredible thought all in its own. Got to see the teleprompters in motion and how sometimes they go really fast, and other times really slow. It was crazy. Something I may get to read one day... heh... we can hope. Totally worth missing a day of work... 3.5 hours to go to this...

Puff, The Magic Dragon

2007-05-25T12:14:00.001-07:00

RULES:
1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!

To show everyone my broad musical interests...

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?Kryptonite- 3 Doors Down

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?Words of Love- Buddy Holly

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY? Fast Car- Tracy Chapman

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE? Don't Take The Girl- Tim McGraw

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?Down in Mississippi (Up to No Good)- Sugarland (That's a good motto!)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?He Aint Heavy, He's My Brother - The Hollies

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?How Forever Feels- Kenny Chesney

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?Carlene- Phil Vassar

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BESTIE?Big Man's World- Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?Foolish Little Girl- The Shirelles

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?Have a Nice Day- BonJovi

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?Soul and Inspiration- The Righteous Brothers

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?Dilemma- Nelly and Kelly Rowland (How true!)

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?Beauty School Dropout- Frankie Avalon (I'm disturbed they think of me this way)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?Ready to Run- The Dixie Chicks (Isn't this the video they run away from their wedding in?)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?The Happening- The Supremes

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?Surfer Girl- The Beach Boys

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?I'm In a Hurry (And Don't Know Why)- Alabama

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?How Do You Get That Lonely- Blaine Larson

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?Let's Live For Today- The Grassroots

WHAT WILL BE THE SUBJECT WHEN YOU REPOST?Puff, The Magic Dragon- Peter, Paul, and Mary