IN SUMMATION

Due to laziness, lack of motivation and a busy life schedule, blog updating has been sacrificed. I've even missed blogging on the one year anniversary of this blog... (I am slapping my own wrist as I type.)

Please be forewarned young readers, enthusiasm does not accompany this post. I will summarize, the past few months in point form and will endeavour to elaborate at a later date:

- One week LA vacation... not what I expected.
- Celebrating another birth year... not what I expected.
- Adopted a new puppy... not what I expected.
- Started a new show... not what I expected.

So the lesson here would be... not to have any expectations? Not sure I'm liking that lesson.

EST. 1975

The boy is 32! Happy Birthday to a wonderful man!

INFALLIBLE FUNDAMENTALS

In conversation with a coworker, my attention was drawn to a short essay: "ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN" by Robert Fulghum. My coworker and I concurred with Mr. Fulghum.

Veritably, in kindergarten we were given the best talisman to live a life of contentment. Inspired by Fulghum's list, I've edited items on his to reflect my own conclusions for elementary conducts:

"A Kindergarten Application on Modern Principles" by A.N.H. (Influenced by Robert Fulghum's article)

* Share your most special things.
* Be fair.
* Play well with others.
* Always say "Please" and "Thank You".
* Put things back where you found them.
* Take care of other people's things the way you would your own things.
* Clean up your own mess.
* Don't take things that aren't yours.
* Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
* Smiling attracts more friends than frowning.
* Wash your hands.
* Don't be afraid to be silly.
* Flush.
* Wear underwear.
* Everyone needs a time-out every now and then.
* Don't pick your nose in public (this goes for anything else you have to pick).
* Eat your vegetables... it really is good for you.
* Learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some - Live a balanced life.
* Take a nap every afternoon.
* Read a story every day.
* Be a fairy princess... or a cowboy.
* Don't be afraid to try new things.
* Believe in magic and fairy tales.
* When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
* Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.

Imagine what a kinder, gentler, decent world this would be if all bodies (government, corporations and self) adhere to these elementary rules.

SOCIAL CALENDAR FLOOD

I've taken this last week to detoxify.

The two weeks prior to this one, have been a whirlwind of activity... the first week reserved in preparation for my brother's wedding and the second wind storm came packaged as a 5'1 female from SoCal: my cousin Al.

Addressing the first event: It was wonderful to see the first of my two brothers, Mike, getting married. He looked both happy and handsome. Witnessing my youngest brother up at the alter standing beside Mike as his best man was heart stirring and tear jerking.

As expected for special occasions such as this, our extended family poured into town to help Mike and his new wife celebrate their day. I love grand family events, especially the kind where I get to play dress-up. (Of course it's all about me... afterall these are my thoughts on my life... Would you expect anything different?) I wore this bridesmaid, err... brides matron dress and I was HOT... literally, 30° weather HOT. But I did have a fabulous glow about me, mainly due to an extensive morning in hair and make-up... so worthwhile.

My cousins and I organized our own morning make-up preparations. Separate from the wedding party's... I like to use my own people... I'm a diva that way. Our make-up artist does wonders with a brush and face paints. Gin, an addition to the "Newin" girls, was gracious enough to work on our hair; she does wonders with a hairbrush and a blow dryer. All in all, we looked gorgeous (unbiased opinion) and had a wild time getting our glam on.

The "Newin" girls partied into the night! (Some harder than others...)

Now, in reference to hard partiers...

Week two: The tornado that swept into town... Al "Newin". Her week here reminded me of two things: 1. It doesn't matter how many close friends you have, nothing beats family friendships. 2. I am too old to be out and about town every night and still function appropriately at work.

Unfortunately for Al, I had my cranky pants on for her week here... dealing with work personnel (who, to my great gratification, is gone). But we made the best of her short stay up in T.O. packing an event into everyday! An Evening with the new bride and groom -shopping and dinner, Karaoke Night, Spa Night, Club Night... so exhausted just reminiscing about it.

On my one night off, I convinced my cousin Lux to join me in a downtown walk after work... 3 hrs and two pairs of throbbing feet later, we were glad for a chauffeured ride home.

Thankfully, my hiatus was scheduled for the week following my social calendar flood.

I've taken this last week to detoxify.

IDLE MINDS...

... are the devil's playground. For the past month I've had a massive amount of time on my hands at work, allowing me to do extensive research on my new script.

I can say, with great conviction, that I could murder my husband in five ways without suspicion. Although, I do bounce the scenarios and storyline off him... I need to gage his reaction under certain conditions, afterall, believability is still key, even in my fictional world.

I need to start writing a romantic comedy, pronto.

DO YOU REMEMBER...

Last night I spent five and a half side splitting hours with an old friend, someone who I hadn’t been in contact with in 16 years. No, not a typo… I wrote 16.

It was a two person high school reunion.

I am aware that as a post-modern cynic, I'm supposed to lampoon high school reunions, in any shape, and at all cost, avert re-connecting with people I haven't seen for more than a decade. Honestly, the possibility that the friend I once cherished could have grown into an appallingly bitter adult, did enter my mind. However, the sentimental me, bulldozed the cynical me aside and ran to this reunion with open arms.

Reconnecting with M set forth flashbacks, in brilliant memory-saturated colour. Images of my drama filled fifteenth and sixteenth year swirled about, waiting to be released. The retelling of memories and laughter filled the evening air and nostalgia flowed for a past relived through rose-coloured memories. Luckily, my memories were easier to extract, as I was fortunate enough to have kept my teenage stories, bound between the covers of inexpensive diaries.

The dramatic, life-stopping, whisper-inducing, diary-worthy, occurrences that once generated hours of phone conversations and produced tissues full of tears, were now caricaturized and mocked. Truly, I laughed so earnestly my eyes filled with tears and my stomach muscles ached.

I wished M had kept her diaries; it would have been a very worthwhile read. She had the roller-coaster existence, I was the grounded one.

She and I, for most of our grade ten and eleventh year, were a part of the most cohesive group of high school friends I’ve ever maintained. After M left our high school, the close friendships I developed subsequently sprung from differing cliques. (In my later high school career, I needed an assortment of friends to suit all aspects of my multiple personalities.) M and I did keep in contact after her departure, as promised. However, geography and time eventually ravished the ties that bind. What were left behind are memories of places and incidents, conversations and sentiments, old-lovers and old-friends.

Having grown up in an era without e-mail, cell phones and modern social technology, I never would have thought we’d ever see each other again. As the internet became a part of my daily existence, I did try to search for her through the years, but to no avail. However, Facebook stepped in to intervene (this is the second time it has proven its worth by reconnecting me with worthy long lost friends). It was so wonderful to catch-up with her and to know that she is happy.

'NUFF SAID

5.7km in 1hr, 14 songs on the ipod, 1 adult tricycle coverd in flowers and 1 Urban Asian cowboy.

Need I say more?

EARLY DISMISSAL

Gorgeous weather and an early work dismissal prompted another walk through the downtown streets; from work to Queens Park subway, I completed a distance of 3.5km.

I am loving the atmosphere in the city. The fruit trees in full blossom are a mesmerizing sight and the perfume of spring flowers spread a deliciously enticing smell. After a seemingly long and uninteresting day, sensory stimulating was a welcomed condition.

Behind darkend sunglasses I indulged in my favorite passtime: people watching. Torontonian, on the whole, are quite pleasant looking people.

My route du jour, lead me pass the University. Walking by UofT campus I realized, although I am at least 10yrs their senior, I could easily be mistake for a student. Camouflaged against the backdrop of white earphone wearing, backpack carrying collegiates, I strolled through the grounds reminiscing about my own University days. Where has the time gone.

THE 4TH

"May the 4th be with you!"

No, I am not a Star Wars geek... I do not wear a gold lamé bikini, I do not have any scenes from the series embedded in my memory and I do not spend hours on message boards discussing the virtues and subtext of Lucas' greatest masterpiece.

I just get a big kick from hearing those words, formed in that way, on this exact day!

CITY ROMANCE

Under the dominating death hold of winter, Toronto became a spiritless suitor. As the frost set in, I readily abandoned my relationship with this city. Its wares could no longer woo me. Each day after work, in an effort to avoid the pitiful glares of the beckoning city lights, I ran away as fast as I could, taking comfort in the warm embrace of my home.

However, with warmer temperatures looming, I am destined to fall in love with the city all over again.

In an early bid to rekindling my romance with Toronto, I decided to walk from College & Yonge to Union station, a total of 2.2km. Each block brought reminders of the charm and attraction that this city holds. Its eagerness to embrace an entire hoard of warm-weather-shoe-jockeys onto its walkway was invigorating.

I have resolved to spend more quality time with Toronto. I know I’ve said this before, but this time I really mean it. I am going to make this relationship work for me!

The First AD

It's funny... because it could be TRUE!

FUN TIMES TO FOLLOW

Commencing tomorrow I have my husband to myself for five whole days. It's been stressful around here as of late, therefore we have decided to take this time out to be together... no phones, no friends and no family.

Since we were unable to make our trip out West, we are going to be backyard tourists. We will be attending WE WILL ROCK YOU; we will be going to Collingwood, to Kingston, to Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. We will be out and about in Southern Ontario.

FUN TIMES TO FOLLOW!

MY NEXT BREATH

I'm in bed infected with the cold virus and am spending a lot of time with the television on. For the past four days the news has been inundated with sadness, death and misery.

Two news events weigh heavily on my heart.

The first, the death of fourth grader John Pham, the child killed in a Brampton school bus accident. The pain visible on his parents face is heartbreaking. (Why aren't there seatbelts on school buses?)

The second, the Virginia Tech Massacre, where some Asshole has taking his life’s pain and frustration violently out on others.

Watching this latter event unfold before me on the tube, I face my own frustration and pain. As more information unravels about the mass murderer, it is obvious that the event was premeditated and his intention was to massacre and inflict pain on as many people as the bullets allow. It is disheartening to me how a person can let anger and hatred intensify to a point where it creates feeling of righteousness, power and moral superiority; where it becomes justifiable to alter and seize the lives of others.

It’s extremely troubling to witness a person who permits anguish and despair to consume them, allowing their burden to result in a horrific infliction on humanity. I struggle to empathize with a person so desperate with life that they can not see light beyond the shadows.

We all suffer through life, but it is up to us to pick ourselves up at the moment of great despair and move on; for it is our greatest attribute as human beings to acknowledge the issue, accept the outcome and adapt to our surroundings.

Negativity has such a detrimental effect on life. Thoughts of anger and sorrow flood my own head eliciting various responses occasionally. However, I choose to stand firm in my positive life affirmation. I will not let thoughts dictated by anger become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I have recently taken action in my life to block out negativity and negative elements. I am better for it. I am fully aware that I can not change horrific events and can not control the actions of others, but I can control how I feel, what I do and how I project my own thoughts into the world. I will not live my life influenced by other’s defeatist doctrine.

I wake up thankful for every breath that propels me to the next.

VACATION PLANS, ALTERED

David and I were contemplating a one-week getaway mid April. We were going to Alberta: Banff, Lake Louise and Lethbridge.... YES, Lethbridge... What? You've never heard of it? You don't know what you're missing.

In great anticipation for the trip, I had everything researched, every day planned and every minute mapped out.

Alas, strenuating circumstances arise and it appears the pause button has been pushed on our vacation plans. (Heavy sigh...)

I am now concentrating my research effort on developing the method and means for coercing LIFE into cooperating with my agenda. It's going to be a long and expensive endeavour. I'm going to need funding. Any backers??

LIGHTNING IS FUN

I seemed to have been the only person thrilled by this morning's lightning show. It was definitely not appreciated by our cast and crew, as lightning struck the set parking lot today, causing immense problems. While most members were praying for the electrically charged sky to hurry past, I found myself reverted back to childish aspirations...

I was hoping for a black out. I wanted an early work dismissal.

It's a dreary rainy Monday. Can you blame me for wanting to be back at home, under the covers of my soft warm bed?

ABOUT FACE

Facebook has stolen my precious blogging time.

Initially, I thought I was too mature (a nicer word for old) to be on this site. After all, it’s demographic is 17 to 25 year olds, and I am growing further and further away from the intended target age, as my younger brothers repeatedly remind me. However, having logged on, I was inundated with friend requests… those whom I worked with and, much to my surprise, a large number of people I knew in high school.

Being on Facebook was like having a mini high school reunion. I was transported back thirteen years, reconnecting with people who otherwise would not be a part of my life. It gave me permission to be apart of that high school community again. Nostalgia quickly took over and I found myself searching through my friend’s “friend list” looking for people from my past. I’d spend hours reading people’s profile and wall messages, browsing through their photos, satisfying my voyeuristic compulsion. I felt great affection and detachment towards my old friends.

So much time has gone by. I don't speak to anyone I went to high school with (until Facebook). The Memories of these “friends” live in the recesses of my mind, brought to light, only as a triggered reflex to a present image or incident. At times I look at them and yearn only to remember them as teenagers, un-aged by time, marriage and children.

I am not the type of person who would go to my high school reunion. I wouldn’t want to sit and reminisce about a past life, and I do not care to prove my worth by embellishing my life’s stories to old friends who have become complete strangers.

One-up-man-ship is rampant on Facebook. It’s evident even in the accumulation of friends. I, in my infinite rebellion, have rejected and deleted people on my friends list that I have not messaged or do not care to think about. Initially, I let some in because I was drunk on Facebook enthusiasm. But now I refuse to participate. I am NOT a Facebook whore, padding my list in an attempt to appear popular. In fact, if I could I’d delete more people, but frustratingly, some I must keep for political reason.

However, despite my negative skew on reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances, there are a few that I am surprisingly glad to be in touch with and it’s fantastic to know that they are doing well.

I have grown bored of Facebook. I have returned from my blogging hiatus renewed and refreshed!

M.I.A.

Can't write... Facebooking. More on that later... must get back to Facebook. Am wasting precious Facbooking time writing this post.

Oh, did I mentioned I just recently joined Facebook?

THE CURIO(US) TRANSFORMATION

Delivered to my home, last Saturday, were two pieces of grown up furniture.

1. A Large leather sectional
2. A Curio cabinet

I sit on the sectional staring at the curio, wondering when I became so grown up.

NHU LOVE

The most wonderful of all things in life, I believe, is the discovery of another human being with whom one's relationship has a glowing depth, beauty, and joy as the years increase. This inner progressiveness of love between two human beings is a most marvelous thing, it cannot be found by looking for it or by passionately wishing for it. It is a sort of Divine accident.
~ Sir Hugh Walpoe

Nhu-An and Jorge, congratulations on your engagement!

SOAPBOX DIATRIBE PT.II

Dear Faithful Readers,

Prepare yourselves for an onry oration. Subject: Valentine's Day (of course).

I have never been fanatical about V-Day. I do not harbour bitter irate resentment towards this day because of some deep psychologically scarring event from my past. In fact, I've received my fair share of hearts, chocolates and flowers. However, I have made a conscious decision, at nineteen, to ignore the holiday.

It's not because I'm hostile and madden by the outpouring of people's romantic displays. I'm all for whatever helps folks spread more love in the world. But I feel that capitalizing on this movement tarnishes its effect.

The significance and pressure of the holiday was ingrained in our prepubescent hearts and minds, before we become cognisant of the freedom surrounding love, society swooped in and took our minds hostage and brainwashed us with all the formalities surrounding love. Must buy, must receive, must state in the most opulent fashion: LOVE.

It's the concept behind the holiday, the idea that love doesn’t count unless it’s grand, expensive and romantic. It's the perfect commercial cash grab: Romance by Guilt.

In addition, I refuse to support a psychologically damaging holiday, where one is left to feel unimportant and unloved.

1. Elementary School: the one with the least Valentine's card from classmates equals unloved?
2. Junior/High School: the one without the heart-o-grams/flower-o-grams equals unloved?
3. Adulthood: the one not struck by Cupid's arrow equals unloved?

Love gifts should not validate our existence. Our ability to give love freely validates our existence.

I believe in hugs, kisses and kind gestures on a daily basis. I partake in the romance of small simple acts and whispered words of adoration at the most unexpected moments. I believe in saying "I Love You" often and to everyone whom I care for.

If we need a holiday to remind us to love others... should we be loved?

WHITE MATTERS

“Some people have an edge up on others in their ability to tell lies,” says Adrian Raine, a psychologist at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. “They are better wired for the complex computations involved in sophisticated lies.”

He found that pathological liars have on average more white matter in their prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that is active during lying, and less grey matter than people who are not serial fibbers. White matter enables quick, complex thinking while grey matter mediates inhibitions. These are the first biological differences to be discovered between pathological liars and the general population.

Hypocrites, Manipulators and Liars. Game on.

I've witnessed your antics, I've observed your strategies, I've noted your tell-tale signs and I say "Game On!"

Physically, I may appear agreeable and demure, but mentally, I am feisty and potent. I am on the defensive and am two steps ahead, blocking your every move. Rest assured, I will only use my faculties for the greater good. However, you won't like playing by my rules because I play for keeps.

Game On.

PROGNOSTICATING CRITTERS

Happy Groundhog Day, everybody!

Ontario's own Albino Groundhog, Wierton Willy predicts promises a prompt spring.

However, the fortunate forecast is not just for overjoyed Ontarians. This year there appears to be a consecutive consensus for warmer weather throughout Eastern and Central Canada (plus Pennsylvania), confirmed by Willy's critter cousins: Manitoba Merv, Shubenacadie Sam, of the Nova Scotian Shubenacadies and Punxsutawney Phil, of the Pennsylvania Punxsutawnies.

Weather woodchucks, what a wonder!
*

FOR M&A

“Laughter is the shock absorber that eases the blows of life.”

GET MY VISA, STAT!

The cold and bitterness of winter has brought the need for crucial retail therapy. It is not enough that I window-shop and throw covetous glances at store displays. I MUST PURCHASE.

I am not in need of anything in particular. I just want to wrap the old me with new nonessentials. I want to be asked, "Would you like the receipt in the bag?" I want to power walk around the mall with bundles dangling from my arms.

"My moniker is Gypsy In My Soul, and I am a Shopaholic."

ALPHA FEMALE, ME?

It's a girl thing.

I use to love taking all those silly questionnaires in YM, Cosmo and Seventeen magazines.

Now I can do it online when I'm bored at work. Here's my result from two.

Me?

You Are an Alpha Female

Powerful, confident, and successful - you are definitely a dominant force. You control social and dating situations. It's clear that you're always in charge.

Your Power Color Is Gold

You're dependable and hard working. You never miss a deadline - and you're never late. You have a clear sense of right and wrong. You're very detail oriented. You get frustrated when your friends are sloppy - or when they don't follow through. You're on top of things, and you wish that everyone else was!

Are You an Alpha Female?

What's Your Power Color?

BRING BACK SPRING

Two weeks is just about all I can stand of winter. I want the warmer weather back!

What happened to global warming?

What a tease. Flirting with us the way it did in December, showing us all the forbidden pleasures it possessed, letting us think we had a chance with it's warm wintery goodness and then snatching it away from us... leaving us all with fridgid blue balls... er, umm... that is if we had any.

In any case, here are some spring flowers to help you bring a little spring your way. I took these at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, last May.

THEY'RE NOT HICKIES

For the past week, I live with these hateful hives on my neck. I attempt to conceal them with scarves and turtlenecks, but they peek out from behind their veil to brazenly mock me.

Coworkers are starting to wonder and comment on my kerchief du jour. They think I'm hiding love-bites. (sigh) Alas, the pinkness on my neck bears a less scandalous tale.

To be honest, I'm not sure how the hives came to be. I have my theories, but no concrete evidence.

Theory #1 - Strawberry smoothies.
In David’s and my quest to eat healthier, he has been making smoothies for us in the mornings. Lately, (by request) there's a heavier dose of strawberries in mine. YUMMM... I mean... Hmmm?

Theory #2 - Vitamin E Facial Moisturizer, with SPF 15.
In my quest for softer and wrinkle free skin. I've started using a new moisturizer on my face... I've been using it for weeks... but have recently lathered its silky goodness on my neck. After all, no one wants to own a crepe-paper neck. EWWW... I mean... Hmmm?

Theory #3 - Sawdust, paint fumes and a slew of toxins.
Set building is in full gear to make a Monday shooting deadline at work. All toxins confined inside the building, as old man winter makes it impossible to open doors for air circulation. ECCKK... I mean... Hmmm?

Theory #4 - The Ravage of Winter.
The temperature drops and snow nestles permanently on the ground. Cold air on skin… BRRR... I mean... Hmmm?

Theory #5 - Stress, Lack of Sleep.
Can't get to sleep. Fear of Atcra strike shutting down the industry. Plagued with coworker nightmares.... or nightmarish coworkers... or both. UGH... I mean... Hmmm?

Any one, or a combination of these theories might be the culprit.

Whatever is making me breakout is keeping me from a good night's rest, a decent ensemble and a regular blogging schedule! Hmmm!

Hmmm, indeed!

WOKEN BY GUILT

I am plagued with kissing dreams.

NOT the wonderful salacious dreams about participating in a game of tonsil hockey with Paul Walker or Max Greenfield. (The kind of dreams where, should you awake before the fantasy finishes, you pray for the Sandman to transport you back to dreamland.) No, rather I am afflicted with coworker kissing dreams. (The kind of dream where, should you see said coworker the very next day, you pray for memory block or turn red with utter embarrassment.)

Last night, while involved in a make out dream with my hot coworker, I was startled awake by profound guilt.

I told David, he laughed.

I should have prayed for the Sandman.

TRAFFIC HELL

Today I spent a total of 6 1/2hrs sitting in traffic.

7:30AM-10:30AM (HOME-WORK)
Weather conditions: Ice pellets and slick roads.

5:00-8:30PM (WORK-HOME)
Hwy Accident: Tractor Trailer roll over resulting in liquid oxygen spillage all West end Northbound routes JAMMED. 1hr to move 5km on Hwy 400.

Weather conditions: slippery, slushy streets.

No long bloggs today... I'm drained. I just wanted to commiserate over today's painful driving conditions with my fellow GTA drivers.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!

For your belated Birthday viewing pleasure! Happy 28th!

EMPLOYMENT ROLLERCOASTER

Returning to work on Monday, I failed to predict my adventures on the employment roller coaster.

The excitement of starting a new series with a familiar crew quickly dissipated with the news of an ACTRA strike.

The TV Series and Films that have not signed agreements to proceed with the Actor's union before the strike deadline are paralyzed. A few BIG Hollywood features have abandoned the city, in search of calmer waters. However, an olive branch has been extended to shows that have made it under the wire, such as the one I am working on, Actra offers CONTINUANCE LETTERS.

BUT.... and it's a big one:

"Canadian and U.S. producer associations have urged their members not to sign the continuance letters on offer from ACTRA. The letters promise producers no disruption by ACTRA picket lines if they guarantee performers a 5% wage increase.

John Barrack, chief negotiator for the Canadian Film and Television Production Assn., representing English-language Canadian producers, on Thursday said that ACTRA's continuance letters were "unlawful," and will provoke a legal battle in the event of an industry shutdown."

While most shows in production have chosen to sign the letter, regardless of it's legality. Our parent company has advised us against this action.

What does it all mean? Unemployment line waits with open arms.

However, at the eleventh hour... (yesterday, as we all prepared our good-bye speeches) with the realization that a production shut down for our show = BUDGET INCREASES, "The powers that be" have thrown caution to the wind and placed pen to paper.

We proceed with caution. Should the letters be deemed illegal in court, production of all major cinematic and television greatness in this province and possibly across the nation comes to an end.

Pending court date: January 24th.

********

A major silver lining in this whole mess: The short delay in our Production has afforded my dear friend Alison the time needed to join the show as our shiny new Assistant Production Coordinator.

(Please stand by while I dance around the room......)

The concept for this has taken months to engineer, with disappointment and finally with GREAT PAYOFF! (Always willing to go to the Mats for you Ali B.) I love it when a plan comes together.

LESS ABOUT YOU

Him: "You can't lay like that, you're choking me."

Me: "But I'm comfortable."

Him: "I'm not. Move over."

Me: "When are you going to learn, this marriage is less about you and more about me."

Did you know, recent scientific studies have found that sharing a bed makes men temporarily stupid.

125 ME

1. I was born in Saigon, a city that no longer exists
2. I am Buddhist by birth and by choice
3. I am the eldest of three siblings and the only girl
4. I’ve never lived alone
5. I am a writer, a director, and a voyeur (and a production Accountaant to pay the bills)
   
6. I like sleeping with my head under the covers
7. I occasionally feel like a sixteen year old and I never feel like a thirty-two year old
8. I met my husband in high school
9. I am poet like my mom and an essayist like my dad
10. I am the happiest when I am vacationing
11. I am an over thinker
12. In junior high, two friends and I made up boyfriends for ourselves... mine was called, Matt Preston
13. I backpacked through five European countries and one principality in two months when I was 22
14. Some days I have an overwhelming sense of fear and dread…but I think I hide it well with a smile
15. I am my grandma’s favorite
    
16. I have a tested I.Q of 143
17. I was a mean to boys who professed their love/infatuation to me in school
    
18. My husband and I sleep with separate blankets because I cocoon myself in my covers leaving very little for him... UPDATE (05/02/08): He refuse to let me have my own blanket, insisting that I learn to share.
    
19. I am 5'0 and take up 3/4 of the bed
20. I have very low tolerance for stupid people
21. My favourite flowers are Gardenias
22. I have very good work ethics, inherited from my mom
23. I own shoes that I don’t remember buying
24. I’ve been to a NEW KIDS concert… twice in one day
25. I typically enjoy the company of men or non-girly women
26. I sometimes cross that fine line between assertive and aggressive
27. I don’t shave my legs during the winter
28. I am afraid of dark water
29. I don’t like chocolate
30. I’ve do not drink coffee. The smell makes me nauseous. I drink tea, without sugar or milk
31. I love to read
32. I underline passages in books that inspire me
33. When I was younger I wanted to be a spy
    
34. I think my dog is a reincarnation of someone I knew
35. I’m always “fashionably” late
36. The first boy I ever frenched kissed was named Colin
37. House cleaning makes me angry
38. I love to laugh
39. I was school patrol captain in grade four and let the power go to my head
40. I dance in the shower
41. I enjoy fruity things: drinks, ice cream, men
42. I use to be a bank teller and would spy on the account activities of people I knew
43. Jasmine is my favorite scent
    
44. I think farts are funny
45. I am a perfectionist; I demand it in myself and in others around me
46. I have two deep dark secrets that I refuse to share
47. I wanted to name our dog, Pepper or Poet, but my husband named her Misha UPDATE (05/02/08): We adopted another dog, I named her POET!!!
    
48. I have Psychic dreams, I dreamed about my husband before I knew him
49. I am extremely calm under pressure
50. Barcelona and San Francisco are my two favourite cities
51. The lyrics, not the beat, dictate whether I like a song
52. I prefer savory to sweet
53. I prefer grape juice to wine
54. I hope to raise intellectually sharp-witted children
55. I hardly drink
56. When I drink, I prefer champagne and Vodka drinks, never beer
57. I secretly wished that I had a British accent
58. Manners matter to me, it's important to be polite to people
59. When I was fifteen, a member of the duo Bros kissed me and told me I was gorgeous (I have the picture to prove it)
60. I hate cheese fondue, but endured it for six Christmases with my in-laws, until my husband informed my mother in-law
61. I've shoplifted stickers when I was eight and got caught
62. I’ve never tried smoking (anything)
63. I think ladybugs are lucky
64. I’ve flown off my ten-speed bike scraping my face along a stranger’s driveway (I have the scars to prove it)
65. I’ve broken my right arm doing #64
66. I'm extremely superstitious
67. I could change a diaper at eight years old
68. People who play acoustic guitar and sing impress me
    
69. I carry a change purse
70. I worked for a day in a bagel shop and burnt all my fingers
71. I use to hide in my closet when I cried
72. The musical RENT forced me to enroll in film school instead of law school
73. My parents have finally forgiven me for not going to law school (even though their money was wasted on LSAT prep study and the Law school applications)
74. I talk very, very loudly when something matters to me
75. I am opinionated, and quite vocal about those opinions
76. I love a good love story
77. I didn’t cry when I got married, but my husband did
78. Photography was my first artistic love
79. I played the violin and the piano… I don't anymore
    
80. I have a weird phobia about washing lettuce
81. I wanted to be a Behavioral Scientist. Psychology, criminology, and sociology facinate me. I was a Psych major in first year University. I took two Criminology courses, where the most important thing I learned was to never call anyone a "goof" in jail... that word has dire consequences
    
82. I am a dreamer and a realist
83. I have a tattoo on my left ankle, I'd like another one on my right ankle
84. My favourite gemstone is a sapphire
85. I am an amateur gemologist; I think all women should have a basic knowledge of gems. My mother taught me how to evaluate diamonds; I taught her diamonds are a relatively common and worthless gem.
    
86. Tyler Hamilton was my first crush. I was six. I went to his house, knocked on the door and ran away
87. I always dream, and I always dream in colour
88. I wish I were fluent in seven languages (Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese). I am only fluent in two (English and Vietnamese) (I have basic comprehension of French and Spanish)
    
89. I am fascinated by etymology – word origins intrigue me
90. I enjoy learning
91. I'm a fast talker
92. I have exquisite (read expensive) taste
93. I know a little bit about a lot of things (trivial knowledge, my specialty)
    
94. Thunderstorms delight me
95. I hide from my elderly neighbour, who attempts to teach/speak to me in Spanish
96. When I am in between jobs, I go to my University Alma matre and audit classes (without the professor's knowledge)
97. Teleporting would be my first super power, duplication would be my second
    
98. I love eating soup, all kinds of soup
99. Ethan Hawke was my longest celebrity crush (age 13 to 29)
100. At nine, I rode my bike to my teacher's house and was disappointed by her lifestyle. I thought teachers lived glamorously
     
101. I eavesdrop on conversations around me
102. At night, I like looking into people's open window
103. I'd like bigger breasts, but am afraid of plastic surgery
104. My favorite specialty foods are raw oysters, lobster, crab legs, fois gras, artichokes, olives, avocados, rambutan, mangos and sweet potato
105. I am a humanitarian
106. I love dirty talk during sex
107. My favourite number is 25
108. I never turn down sushi
109. Inconsequential things I am good at: shopping, eating, baking cupcakes, navigating, silkscreening, whistling through a blade of grass, and flying kites
     
110. I believe in Karma
     
111. I love Grover from Seasame Street and Gonzo from The Muppets seeing them puts me heart at ease
112. I have extreme hostility towards Birkenstocks and Crocs
113. I have one earlobe pierced, the other one has closed. One day I'll be brave enough to re-pierce it.
114. I love garlic, raw and cooked
115. I think it's tragic that people are afraid to sing or dance, everyone should sing even if they are tone deaf and dance even if they don't have rhythm.
     
116. Toe sucking makes me cringe
117. I am petrified of rodents, especially rats
118. I am a great packer
119. Public toilets give me anxiety, I always hover over the bowl without touching anything and use my feet to flush
120. I change the buttons on my clothes for fun, interest and originality
121. I can spend hours skipping rocks
122. I enjoy road trips, I enjoy driving
     
123. I swear loads when I drive, I try not to swear elsewhere... I use kid appropriate profanity instead
124. I obsessively wear sunblock, I use nothing less than 30spf... I prefer 60spf. If it didn't look stupid, I'd carry a parasol
     
125. I can be brutally honest, don’t ask if you don’t want to know the truth
     

THEY'RE HANDS NOT WANDS

I woke up this morning intent on pounding out an outline for a short story I have swirling around my head… but the momentum seems to have faded. I fight with writer’s block.

I will my fingers to relay a stream of magical brilliance onto the keyboard… ...waiting… ... ...still waiting....

Nothing.

“WE'RE HANDS, NOT WANDS!!!” They shout at my disappointment.

I am mentally bruised and battered. Left in solitude to regenerate lost brain cells. I look to the dog for sympathy, but the only time that dog shows any interest in how I’m doing is when I break for a snack.

*BREAK*

I sit and eat my favorite ghetto dessert/meal, sugared butter toast, while staring at the blank page before me.

Nothing.

So in lieu of script writing, I do what comes natural: I eat and blog.

BLK PEPPER SOUP

Last night, hunger defeated sleep and insisted I stagger into the kitchen and concoct a "midnight snack" (literally).

In my daze, I foraged through the cabinets and found a can of tomato soup: easy, warm and satisfying. My culinary pursuit was moving along masterfully, until I heavy-handedly added the pepper (an equivalent of 3 heaping table spoons).

Flavour: Pungently spicy pepper with a hint of tomato

Verdict: Unpalatable

Lessons: Do not cook when groggy AND Do not attempt to eat culinary mistakes.

This meal provoked bizarre and disconcerting dreams about: 1.decaying tuna fish in my high school locker 2. Senior high school Lodge trip with eerie Stephen King sensation 3. Biding old high school mates farewell, carried out by an adult recognition that I will NEVER see these people again.

NOT INTERESTED

I'm in a list making mood.

On today's list: WORDS THAT I AM NOT PRETENTIOUS ENOUGH TO USE

tergiversation (tuhr-jiv-uhr-SAY-shuhn), n.
1. to change repeatedly one's attitude or opinions with respect to a cause, subject.
2. falsification by means of vague or ambiguous language.

Tergiversation comes from Latin tergiversatus, past participle of tergiversari, "to turn one's back, to shift," from tergum, "back" + versare, frequentative of vertere, "to turn." The verb form is tergiversate.

bloviate (BLOH-vee-ayt), intransitive v.
to speak or write at length in a pompous or boastful manner.

fecund (FEE-kuhnd; FEK-uhnd), adj.
1. Capable of producing offspring or vegetation; fruitful; prolific.
2. Intellectually productive or inventive.

Fecund comes from Latin fecundus, "fruitful, prolific." The noun form is fecundity.

tintinnabulation (tin-tih-nab-yuh-LAY-shuhn), n.
a tinkling sound, as of a bell or bells.

diaphanous (dy-AF-uh-nuhs), adj.
1. Of such fine texture as to allow light to pass through; translucent or transparent.
2. Vague; insubstantial.

Diaphanous ultimately derives from Greek diaphanes, "showing through," from diaphainein, "to show through, to be transparent," from dia-, "though" + phainein, "to show, to appear." It is related to phantom, something apparently sensed but having no physical reality.

lissom (LISS-uhm), adj. (also lissome)
1. Limber; supple; flexible.
2. Light and quick in action; nimble; agile; active.

punctilio (punk-TIL-ee-oh), n.
1. A fine point of exactness in conduct, ceremony, or procedure.
2. Strictness or exactness in the observance of formalities; as, "the punctilios of a public ceremony."

Punctilio comes from Obsolete Italian punctiglio, from Spanish puntillo, diminutive of punto, "point," from Latin punctum, from pungere, "to prick."

supernumerary (soo-puhr-NOO-muh-rair-ee; -NYOO-), n.
1. A supernumerary person or thing.
2. An actor without a speaking part, as a walk-on or an extra in a crowd scene.

adj.
1. Exceeding the stated, standard, or prescribed number.
2. Exceeding what is necessary or desired; superfluous.

Supernumerary is from Latin supernumerarius, from super, "over" + numerus, "number."

NEW YEAR'S CHALLENGE

A. Learn to speak pirate
B. Learn rest of the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne
C. Learn to play air guitar, air drums air saxaphone and air cello
D. Learn to tap shuffle

E. Start all conversations with double entendre
F. Start a conga line
G. Start maneuvering downtown through underground passages only
H. Start adding Egg Nog to all recipes
I. Start an angry mob
J. Start awkward moments

K. Be Guitar Hero II champion (after perfecting art of air guitar)
L. Be friends with bran
M. Be a one woman band
N. Be cool with knowledge that parents still have romantic nights
O. Be an honest liar.... umm... storyteller.
P. Be a bigger smart-ass

LOOKING FIFTY AT SIXTY

My Mother, the New Year's Baby! Born six decades ago on January 1st and still looks youthful and marvelous.

Happy Birthday Mamacita!

Thank you for the designer genes. (YES, it does always have to be about me... my blog, my thoughts, my life!) :p