Yes, I am a bit confused. Confused about people, confused about situtations, confused in general. I was always taught to do unto others as you want done unto you. How hard a concept is this? Most of the people in my life are great. Mutual understandings of life and the like, even if there isn't an agreement on the situation there is at least understanding of the other persons take on the situation.
Lately I am seeing more people take and be self destructive than I would care to be around. I have a really hard time seeing people want to intentionally hurt another even if they are hurting. We know you are hurting though you say you aren't, it's okay be mad be hurt, don't be blatantly mean it will get you nowhere, and you know that. Put all of the upset energy into something positive into something that will lead to bettering you as a person, into making your life more meaningful and happy.
The other is the complete lack of thought towards others. When someone has offered something kind, be kind about the situation. When the situations are made that the offerer feels as though he or she has been taken advantage of, the offering stops. It's not a good feeling, it's not a nice feeling it's just not. So lets all stop for a minute and think before we make a selfish act on someone who is giving.
Am I totally off my rocker here, is it so damn hard to think of someone else in situations before thinking of yourself? Better yet is it hard to think of the consequences of actions before acting in an idiotic manner?
Monday's question... please feel free to let me know!!!!

from Lecram, who got it from tisch..........

katie - here are your questions. Envision the interview taking place at a cafe on the streets of Paris.

1. If you had your choice of what you are doing now (job-wise) and what you could be doing what would that be and why?

I would be teaching Elementary level Special Education. It's something that I always wanted to do, but couldn't seem to make myself finish the schooling. I have had the pleasure of volunteering in classrooms and with different groups of physically and mentally challenged kids, and there is NOTHING in this world more awesome than seeing them light up when they finally understand and accomplish a task.

2. If you were given a superpower zap... what would it be and how would you use it?
Super power.... hmmmm. B/S Radar. I would love to know when someone was full of it as it is coming out of their mouths. Then I would be able to speak up about the crap they are pouring on instead of believing it and later thinking of myself as a dip for believing.

3. Describe the most difficult thing you have ever had to do and what has happened since you've done it.

I chose to walk away from my support system of "friends" that I have known for about 8 years at the time. It was hard not having anyone to gush with, anyone to go out and about with, but it was time. They weren't really friends- they were "friends". Since that happened, I have become more aware of the great people I run into, slimmed down my inner circle, and become much more confident of myself.

4. Name one of your "heros" and why is this person your hero?

Not so much 'heros' as they are women I hold in the highest regard. First is my Grandma. She lived through the depression, losing a father and brother very young, taking care of a farm with her sisters and mother, marrying an asshat, raising four successful children on her own, and still being as spunky as ever. Second is DeeAnna, who is the most thoughtful woman I have ever met in my life. She takes care of the world before she even thinks about herself, she is strong, wise, and has the best laugh! Third is my mother. She and I have a love hate relationship most of the time, but she is so strong and loves with her entire heart. I haven't ever met someone with as much passion for life as she has.

5. Red wine or white wine?
It's all about the Pinot Noir! Super yummies! :)

If anyone would like to be interviewed, here's how to keep the meme going:

Leave me a comment saying "Interview me." I will respond by asking you five questions. I get to pick the questions. You will update your weblog with the answers to the questions, and let me know that you answered. If you don't have a blog, but would still like to play, I can send you the questions, and you can answer them in the comments. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Favorite Places to shop

I have my favorite places to browse, to purchase, to waste time. But I think one of my favorites of all time is Trader Joe's.
I skipped over there on my lunch break to pick up what I need for dinner tonight, and a few of my other daily items I adore, and as I was walking through the store I realized how much I enjoy their products, the people that work there, their prices, and even the bags they bag groceries in.
It's so nice to have a friendly low key place to shop.
I know, kinda funny post- but it's the little things that matter, right?

Photos that make me smile

i was scrolling through my photos online the other day, and rand across these and realized how much they make me smile. I've gotta share them! :)




The gang at the Starline on New Years Eve 2006
Jaded Girl, Rachel and my Kiwi singin it up at Toyoko

Jen and I before we went to "Goth Prom"


Rob, Jen and I cheering on the UC Davis Crew teams


SSM and I at Toyoko


Kristina, Chris, Emily and I in Santa Barbara for FOTB 2005


Mike, Kim and I at Old Town


The Norcal gang at Pebble Beach circa 2005


Anna, Dad and I in Virginia City for Anna's 21st


Rob, Jen and I on our Norcal Vinyl install day at the Ogre's casa

Hope you enjoy them! :)

My thoughts.....

Somewhat in a straight line, somewhat circular- but still there......


1. Friendship is more important than sex any day of the week
2. Treat people as you wish to be treated
3. Think before you speak, you never know what you are going to say that may effect another in a bad way
4. Confide in those you trust, and only in those you trust
5. Take a step back and analyze before jumping feet first into any project
6. An eye roll can say so much more than words
7. Talking louder than and/or cutting people off is NOT okay
8. Tell the people you love that you love them

Rice-a Roni.........

Well, the trip was awesome. Just what the doctor ordered for Fish Stick and I. It is always very nice to get out of town, but the crisp air, fog and beautiful architecture of San Francisco was killer!

The drive down:
We took off Friday afternoon. Fish Stick took me on a route I haven't ever been on. Madera to Firebaugh to I-5 up to San Francisco. It was beautiful driving through the valley. Drives like that make me realize how I couldn't live anywhere else. I love the rows of grapes, the farmhouses, the smells (yes cows are counted in that LOL), tractors kicking up dust, people planting crops. It is beautiful, serene. The drive was nice, super windy, but nice, until we hit the Bay Bridge. In all of my trips down south I haven't ever seen cars smooshed together like that before. It took us a good long while, some fun tunes on the radio and a few cigarettes later we were through the toll. (BTW- $4 to cross the bridge). Once we were over the bridge our hotel was off of the 2nd or 3rd exit on the freeway.

Getting to the hotel:
So the Tenderloin of San Francisco is worse than driving in downtown Fresno. One way streets, no turning- you will only be able to travel up and back. LOL no turning, no parking, nothing- it was cracking me up! We sorta missed the street we needed to turn on, and ended up driving so far in one direction, just to be able to turn around. Needless to say- I was very happy I wasn't driving! It blows me away how people just walk out in front of cars, cars drive like nut cases, and buses and delivery trucks do whatever in the hell they please! We got to the hotel, asked them to park the car- and didn't have to see it again until we left Sunday morning! :)

Friday evening in the city:
The hotel we stayed at was great. The staff was so helpful and friendly, and our room- though not big was very clean and more than adequate for our stay. The elevator, however scared the crap outta me- it "ker-chunked" every time it was at the requested floor. Yikes! :) We check in, and are called a married couple- which made me laugh. Get up to our room, and I decide to take a shower before we scout out a place to eat. Note to self: old hotel are awesome, old hotels need to work on the water temperature control. It was either as cold as the bay- or so hot I coulda fried my eyebrows off. I didn't quite figure it out....... the entire weekend. So we start walking looking for a place to eat. We passed by many restaurants, nothing seemed to strike our fancy. We are approaching a street corner, look up and see "Vietnamese"- okay lets go! We found an amazing place! We were the only non-Asian people in the restaurant. Everything we ate was out of this world. And with our leftovers- Fish Stick pillaged a fork in the name of Jaded. We did however eat the entire meal with chopsticks- and managed quite well! A stop off at a market and back to the hotel for a couple of drinks and some much needed sleep.

Saturday:
Woke up early to no sunshine. Keep in mind we had tickets to a Giants game. It was super drizzly- to the point of me not being able to wear my glasses (needed windshield wipers for them!) We walked down to a coffee shop in Union Square and had coffee and a bagel. I was awestruck on our walk with the buildings, the people, the hustle and bustle- it's all so amazing! The neatest thing was seeing the Cable Cars turning around on their wooden circle deal. I had no idea they were turned around by hand- super cool. We had our coffee, people watched and walked to catch a bus to North Shore. Taking a bus through China town on a Saturday morning is funny- bus packed- as soon as we entered China town- bus almost totally empty! Lots of street vendors, farmers market type places and people! The buildings were beautiful down there! Get to North Shore walk around, make a pit stop at a store and off we go again.
We picked up an F-Line electric bus which was AWESOME! Rode that back down to Market and 2nd and started our stroll to the ball park.

At&T park:
Though very beautiful, very small. But, the view of the bay is awesome! The rivalry between Giants and Dodger fans is nuts. People, it's a game. nuff said. The hot dog was great, the weather was cold and had beer not cost as much as babies on the black market, I might have had one of those too. We walked around, Fish stick took a bunch of pictures, it was a nice time. Yes the Giants lost, but all in all- awesome time! :) We found Generik at the game, and met up with him afterwards out in front of the park.

Post Game:
Generik took Fish Stick and I to his local dive to have a few cocktails. The place was awesome- packed as it wasn't too far from the park, but we had a great time. I do believe pictures will be posted of that at some point in time! LOL We all chatted for quite sometime, and realized that Mrs. Generik would be waiting for her Mister, so we grabbed a cab and said we would call them in about 30 minutes to meet up for dinner. We ended up at this great Hoffbrau called Tommy's Playce. (I think) Food was amazing, drinks put me on my ass! The conversation was wonderful- Generik you and your wife are AMAZING people! I had so much fun. Then we all walked back down the street to our hotel, said our goodbye's and good night's and promised that we will all meet up sometime very soon together.

Sunday:
Woke up, took a shower and start packing everything up. I put something in my purse and realize that my wallet is G-O-N-E gone. Fantastic! I freak out, because well, my wallet is gone. Fish Stick tells me it's gotta be at the restaurant we were at the night before. So I give them a call, they said they would be open at 10 and to come by and look for it. So we walk down to have some food- all I wanted was coffee and to throw up. As we are walking, two lesbian hookers are screaming at one another- one was upset that the other seemed to be enjoying servicing a man.........
I believe this was referred to as "street theater". Excellent. We have breakfast at this cute little hole in the wall place, and walk over to the Hoffbrau. I called, the guy came down to let me in. I walked over to the table we were at, felt around for a few and there it was. THANK GOD!!!! Everything was that much better! :)
We headed back to the hotel, loaded up the car and headed out.

The trip was awesome, and the fact that I had my own fish stick tour guide made it that much better- thanks sweets it was so fun.
Mr. and Mrs. Generik- you two rock, I can't wait to spend more time with you! :)

Things I learned about the city:

The bum's are rather nice.
The best places to go are local
Check your damn purse every time you pick it up
Wash feet before bed when wearing sandals
Always carry sweatshirt with you
XXX rated movies sales and "Chinese Massage" Places make me laugh

Fish Stick should have pictures up soon! :)

Going on an adventure!

I am so very excited- not like that is anything new in my life or on this blog, but it is definitely a new kinda deal for me! This weekend I am going on a sort-of impromptu mini vacation to the beautiful city of San Francisco, California. Now, to most Californians this isn't such a big deal- okay so you're going to the city.... have fun? - but I haven't ever been to San Francisco as an adult. The last time I visited I was 14 years old, on a school field trip to a German Restaurant and a kick ass science museum. So, yeah I'm pretty stoked. It's interesting how our perceptions of places change as we age, and the fact that I am venturing someplace I haven't seen in 10 years, make it just that much more awesome!
Have a couple of things planned, one of which being to see a few people from the city while in town. Two of those- being Mr. and Mr.s Generik! I had the pleasure of meeting the Mr. during the Rogue festival, and can't wait to meet his other half! :)



The other killer thing, I am going to a Giants game! Oh yeah, in the new park, oh yeah! (I love me some baseball!) SSM and I were talking about baseball one day (talk about a baseball fan!), and how when I was younger I was going to marry Will Clark- that's right he was my studly piece of man meat! LOL I later fell for different cuties of the MLB persuasion, but my all time favorite- Matt Williams! I have a ball from a game at Candlestick that someday I would love for him to sign! :)
So this is what is on my agenda for the weekend, and because of being excited- this has been the longest week ever!!!!!!
So yeah, hopefully there will be pictures to post when I'm back! :)

Pickles..........................

These are my favorite pickles ever. So crunchy, so sour- mmmmmmmmmm good stuff.
This week I have been housesitting for my folks while they are on a wonderful vacation with another couple. I went to the grocery store, and forgot to pick up a jar of this wonderful treat, but found a brand different, but still kosher in the cupboards at the folks house.
Stuck it in the fridge to get nice and cold........
First pickle out of the jar...............
the pickle isn't crunchy. What in the world is a pickle good for if not for the crunch? So here I sit, in a big almost empty house with a jar of cold, not so crunchy kosher dill pickles........
*sigh*

The first BBQ of the year

Although there are no pictures to document the fun we had, (I borrowed this one from google.com ) it was awesome.
Friends came, I cooked- yes I am now almost a "grill masta", we laughed we drank we had a great time! The weather couldn't have been more perfect. I am a huge fan of charcoal BBQ's, the smell, the taste when the meat is all done- all of that. I love it! :)
We had chicken, spare ribs, veggie burgers, apple chicken sausages, pilaf, salad, fruit salad, beer, more beer, vodka, water, ice tea....... yeah
So if you were invited but couldn't make it- shame on you! :P You'll just have to be at the next one. If you made it- thanks a million for coming, I love just sitting in the backyard kicking back with laughs!
SSM, thanks for all your help sweets- you rock, and yes I know that you know that! :)