Brother N, Brother N+1...

Since I have more than one brother, I've started numbering them. I'm an engineer, so I want to quantify things (or people, in this case). Pseudonyms or nicknames are usually used to protect the identities of friends and family in my blog. I don't want to give it away easily, even though anyone "smarter than the average bear" who reads my blog can figure it out eventually. I've updated the last two blog posts to reflect the difference between the two brothers. Since I'm sooooooo creative, my lil' bro shall be named brother #3. Numbers are better than the alphabet, right? j/k.

Note: I reserve the right to switch back and forth between pseudonyms and nicknames. So yes, I know that you might experience a brief episode of confusion when reading about my bros. I will try to specify which one in the future, so that one can characterize each one. Even though they may be (fraternal) twins, they are two unique and interesting individuals. My lil' bro is also a character, to say the least. Ha ha.

Doll or blow-up doll?

My brother #1 and I were going to the grocery store to buy stuff for dinner. As I get out of the car, I noticed something odd in the backseat.

Me: Hey, what's a doll doing in the backseat of your car?

Brother #1: Oh, one of my female friends gave it to me when we went to Dave and Busters the other day.

Me: Hmm...

Brother #1: When she gave the doll, she said to me, "You need a girlfriend anyway."

I was cracking up at this point.

Brother #1: And I responded to her with a tinge of sarcasm, "Forget the doll. You might as well give me a blow-up doll."

I broke out in laughter now. Hilarious.

New project: SDAAC

My brother #2 and a few others are setting up a new organization, called San Diego Asian American Club (SDAAC). I applaud people who have the initiative and make the time for creating something new. My humble contribution to their effort will be setting up a blog site and anything needed for it. I spent about 2 hours last night setting it up. It's something that I like to do and I know how to do. Alot of the format will mirror my own blog site, as expected. The idea is that a few core members will regularly update the site with current events as a group blog. The blog hopefully will complement their Yahoo Groups site. By the way, I learned that Yahoo Groups offer more tools than Google Groups- first time I think Yahoo beat Google.

If you want to check out SDAAC and perhaps join their group, go to http://sdaac.blogspot.com. If you're not in San Diego, then perhaps you want to set up your own local chapter of AAC. At the very least, SDAAC appreciates your support by visiting their new sites.

New toy: Hands-free

New toy: Hands-free
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

This is the bluetooth headset that I recently bought to complement my new cell phone (thanks to my bro's recommendation). This is the Motorola H700, which can flip open/close as necessary to extend the battery life as opposed to older models. I love it! Literally, I only have to lift one finger to make or take a phone call. With a touch of a button, I can give a voice command, such as "Call Ghostbusters mobile." Hee hee.

One minor disadvantage is the inability to screen calls, therefore you are answering all calls. Sometimes there is static, but I think it depends on the distance and clearance between the headset and cell phone. The major disadvantage is the lack of a battery indicator. Sometimes it just stops working properly, but maybe it just needed some recharging.

Other than that, I love it. Normally my hands are full, so this works for me. Not that I'm a great multi-tasker, but it's great for talking and driving (even though it's not safe). In case you're interested, this toy costs $120 at Best Buy, or a mere 100 bucks on the internet with no shipping and tax. It costs just as much as my new phone. I wonder how long it will last before it breaks or gets lost. I've already dropped my cell phone at least once so far. Eek.

My first moblog

Another bundle of joy caught on my cameraphone.

smhyla.com in Portugese

smhyla.com in Portugese
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

A random new reader from Portugal found my blog and had it translated in Portuguese. Interesting.

File your taxes for FREE

This doesn't apply for me, but people with less than $50K income can e-file their taxes for free. That equates to saving $39.99 from not buying the TurboTax software. The California state government already offers free e-filing (I got a few seconds of fame on the TV news last year for being a guinea pig in the new state e-filing program). According to the IRS website, there are several websites offering free e-filing. I wonder why $50K is the cut off, since it doesn't seem that low. I wanted to check out these websites, but the firewall on my work laptop blocks those sites. So I went directly to TurboTax and searched for "free". Here is the link if anyone wants to e-file for free: TurboTax on-line for Federal. Only the Federal is free, so they charge you if you include the state tax (that's the catch).

I wonder if the government forces companies like TurboTax to offer their services to be free for lower income people. I doubt TurboTax likes to do things for free. It's great for people like students. I wish I had known about it back then. I wonder if younger people will grow to like it, then when they do have money, they decide it's worth the money. Or maybe I'm thinking too much about this, since the former reason is more likely than the latter.

Only 0.58 posts per day??

Icerocket trend analysis
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

A secret admirer used this website called Icerocket to find me. Interesting site. Here's the trend analysis for how often I post (see above). You can see that I took a break in this past month, which brought down my average. I can't believe that I only post 0.58 per day, too low. However, I've been posting only 1-3 per day instead of 5 per day like last year when I was in school. So this will be my second post today. I'm heading to SD this weekend for my mom's bday, so I'll be busy playing poker and what not with my bros. Maybe I'll be able to blog about my winnings later. Wish me luck.

Recent keywords searches

Here are some of the keywords that random people used in search engines, which led them to my site in the past week...

From Google Analytics:

• flag quiz blog
• ipod nano unrecognized usb device (see, other people had the same problem!!)
• lost, tv show
• "number of countries visited" statistics
• child chopsticks

From Sitemeter:

• sick leave
• wedding crashers quotes "i hate dating"
• porto potty
• smhyla
• weboggle cheater
• visine sick wedding crashers
• peep show
• los angeles firemen minimum-height requirement (newest keyword today)

Read to kids on Dr. Seuss's Bday

Wanna know what I'm doing next Thursday, on March 2nd??  With other kind folks, I'm going to read books to kids.  Why?  It's Dr. Seuss's birthday and "Read Across America" Day.  Our company adopted a local elementary school, so we've decided this is one way to support our community.  The children are our future, needless to say.  However, Dr. Seuss says is better...

"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild,

to pick up a book and read to a child."

-Dr. Seuss

 

What are you doing on March 2nd?  If you live near me and you know me personally, maybe you want to volunteer with me (hint hint)...  If not, maybe you can do the same thing at a school near you.  If you have a kid, read a Dr. Seuss book to them on March 2nd (and every day of the year).

Starbucks-free countdown

Yup, today is the second morning that I have skipped my Starbucks fix.  No severe withdrawals or headaches yet, some tiredness or lack of pep.  I still get some caffeine from "green tea with lemon", but it's a free tea bag at work.  I save myself about 5 bucks per day, or 10 bucks so far.  I have quit coffee in the past, if you didn't already know.  One of my best friends made a bet with me, where he gave up something in return.  For the most part, I have gone caffeine-free for 1 year and 4 months.  I'm not quitting 100%, since I will indulge in a Coke or green tea once in awhile.  I just want to stop going to Starbucks every morning.  2 days and counting...

 

TGIF.  I need to go home and take a nap, zzz...

Picky eater, I was

I was a picky eater like most kids.  My mom would make us stay at the table until we finished our food.  For example, I didn't used to like egg yolk of a boiled egg, but I do now.  I like most foods now.  I don't know why, but maybe I've outgrown being picky.

 

My mom told me this story a few years ago: When I came home after elementary school, I tried to hide my sandwich in the kitchen garbage.  I don't know why I didn't throw it away when I was at school.  Not a smart little girl was I, huh?

 

One of my friends asked me what I don't like since she offered to cook dinner this time.  Off the top of my head, in no particular order:

• horseradish (which is contained in grey poupon mustard, shrimp cocktail sauce, and wasabi)
• raw onions (tastes gross and I don't need bad breath, but grilled/sauteed is delectable)
• bittermelon (She asked what's that?  I answered, "melon that is bitter and gross.")

There might be a few other things on the list.  What's your distaste?

Pretty in pink, 310-XXX-BABE

Pretty in pink
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

My new cameraphone, ooh la la. Who would have ever thought I'd actually like pink one day? Hopefully, I'll like it for 2 whole years (due to the stupid contract). Now I can moblog, woo hoo.

My new digits are fairly easy to remember. Without giving it away totally, 310-XXX-ABCD. A friend suggested that I give this number when guys ask me at a club (not that I ever actually do of course), XXX-BABE. Ha ha.

Happy Hump Day!

Q: Which day is the most popular day to call in sick?

A: Wednesday (Happy Hump Day!)

No, I did not call in sick today, but it reminded me of this article that someone sent to me awhile ago...

15 Excuses for Calling in Sick
Rosemary Haefner, Senior Career Adviser for CareerBuilder.com

It's 6 a.m. and you are about to throw the alarm clock out the window. It's too cold out, you're tired, you had one glass of wine too many last night, you've really got to clean your house, and, most importantly, you haven't had some real bonding time with your couch lately.

"Just call in," you tell yourself. "They can get by one day without me."

So, in your best sick voice, you leave a near-death sounding message for your boss and throw in a cough just to make it believable. Ferris Bueller has nothing on you!

The art of playing hooky CareerBuilder.com recently took a look at employees who call in sick with bogus excuses. Forty-three percent of workers said they called in sick when they felt well at least once during the last year, up from 35 percent in the 2004 survey.

The most popular motivator for missing work: good, old-fashioned rest. Almost 23 percent of workers said they just wanted to relax and catch up on sleep. Seventeen percent said they just didn't feel like going in, 16 percent attributed it to a doctor's appointment, and 9 percent said they had to catch up on housework and run personal errands.

Three-day weekend or mid-week break?
Thirty-eight percent of workers said they viewed sick days as equivalent to vacation days. The most popular day for calling in sick when feeling well was Wednesday, with 27 percent of workers getting over the mid-week hump by fabricating an excuse. While extended weekend absences were also popular, with 26 percent of workers calling in sick on Monday and 14 percent on Friday, those partaking may have put themselves at more risk of scrutiny.

Your boss is no fool.
Sixty-three percent of hiring managers said they are more suspicious of employees calling in sick on a Monday or Friday. The survey also revealed that some hiring managers were less tolerant of workers playing hooky, with almost one-fourth stating they fired an employee for missing work without a legitimate reason. While the definition of a sick day has evolved, with more employers including mental health and special circumstances in the description, workers should be mindful of company policies and their responsibilities as an employee.

"I was abducted by aliens..."
When asked to share the most unusual excuses workers gave for missing work, hiring managers shared some of their favorite examples:

• "I'm too drunk to drive to work."
• "I accidentally flushed my keys down the toilet."
• "I had to help deliver a baby on my way to work." (Employee was not in the medical profession.)
• "I accidentally drove through the automatic garage door before it opened."
• "My boyfriend's snake got loose and I'm afraid to leave the bedroom until he gets home."
• "I'm too fat to get into my work pants."
• "God didn't wake me." (Employee didn't believe in alarm clocks and thought a higher power would wake her when she was ready.)
• "I cut my fingernails too short, they're bleeding and I have to go to the doctor."
• "The ghosts in my house kept me up all night."
• "I forgot I was getting married today."
• "My cow bit me."
• "My son accidentally fell asleep next to wet cement in our backyard. His foot fell in and we can't get it out."
• "I was watching a guy fixing a septic pump, fell in the hole and hurt myself."
• "I was walking my dog and slipped on a toad in my driveway and hurt my back."
• "My house lock jammed, and I'm locked in."

Rosemary Haefner is the Vice President of Human Resources for CareerBuilder.com. She is an expert in recruitment trends and tactics, job seeker behavior, workplace issues, employee attitudes and HR initiatives.

Copyright 2006 CareerBuilder.com.

Fix old car or buy new car?

I was running late as usual this morning. I get into my car and start the engine, or at least I try to. The ignition would make a noise, but it couldn't turn over. Crap. I was going to be really late for work today. I knew it wasn't the timing belt or battery based on previous experiences. I kept trying to start my car and then decided to step on the gas, even though I shouldn't have to. It started!! I drove my car straight to a nearby Pepboys, as suggested my a coworker friend. Thank goodness that Starbucks was 1 block away. After 8 hours and $$, my car was happy with:

• a new fuel filter
• a valve adjustment
• a new ignition coil
• a new spark plugs
• a new axel (separate issue due to the lowering of my car, another story)
• an oil change (might as well get everything done)
• an alignment check (ditto)
• a brake check (ditto)

Someone said, "Why don't you get a new car?" First of all, this is normal wear and tear, otherwise my Honda Civic has treated me well. My car was overdue for a major tune-up anyway. It cost me ~$625 today (a little more than 1 monthly payment for a new car), but not enough to justify buying a whole new car at $40K. I want a new car, but I don't want the monthly payments. Why do I have to be so practical??

$240 for ONE pair of jeans?!?!

True Religion jeans
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

We went window shopping at some shops in Manhattan Beach on Sunday. It was my first time to step into a True Religion Jeans store. The store was setup like a bar where customers sit at stools while ordering jeans (instead of beer). All the jeans were hung up behind the counter. I guess the company's selling point is customer service, but I don't want to pester a sales person, "Can I see that? Can I get another one? Let me try that one." I'm accustomed to self-service until I can't find it myself.

Now back to the stools... With my new cameraphone, I snapped a shot of the top of leather seats (see above). It's a picture of their logo: A happy buddha with a guitar. Hmm... I don't think buddha would be happy if I sat on his face. That's exactly the first thought that came to mind, I'm not kidding. However, buddha must be happy when customers spend $170-240 for ONE pair of jeans. Don't get me wrong, I like to spend money, but not that much. I thought $70-80 for a pair of A&F jeans was too much, but that's my limit. I know it's hard to find a good pair of jeans, but the jeans must fit me and my wallet.

Let's think about this in another way:
3 A&F jeans = 1 True Religion jeans

We live in a $1.1 Million home

We live in a $1.1M home
Originally uploaded by smhyla.
A friend told me about Zillow. We entered our address, which in turn revealed the estimated value of our home and that of our all neighbors. However, it's probably outdated or not accurate since my landlord hasn't had the house appraised since the upgrades/renovation. I wonder what the original value was when it was first built. Other friends informed me that the selling price of a house is public knowledge, available at the City Hall, but I'm not that curious. This is public knowledge: Real estate is crazy in Cali.

Zillow stats for current home:

• Home type = Condo
• BR = 3
• BA = 4 (but actually) 3.5
• Zestimate = $1,067,164
• Home = 2,065 sq ft
• Lot = 1,686 sq ft
• Year built = 1980
• Date sold = --

Zillow stats for previous home (a few blocks south of me in Hermosa):

• Home type = Single
• BR = 4
• BA = 4 (but actually 3.5)
• Zestimate = $1,480,254
• Home = 3,401 sq ft
• Lot = 2,500 sq ft
• Year built = 1989
• Date sold = 09/28/04 (I moved out 05/01/04)

Note: I know my late landlord of this previous home had originally purchased it 10 years ago for $550K and the asking price was $1.325 Million in 2004. The new owner has renovated since 2004, so I can believe that it's worth at least $1.5 Million today.

First camera phone shot

Wish you were here
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

That was the sunset yesterday while walking on the Strand at Manhattan Beach Pier. I didn't realize my new cameraphone wasn't set on the highest resolution. Darn. But it still serves as a good wallpaper for my cellphone. Not a bad place to live, eh? If only the water was as warm as that in the Caribbean.

She keeps talking and talking.

My friend told me this story, so I may miss some details...

One day, a father brought his daughter to the doctor. The father thought something was wrong with his daughter. The doctor asked, "What are her symptoms?" The father answered, "She keeps talking and talking." The doctor gave the daughter a full check-up. The doctor looked the father straight in the eye and said, "Your daughter is fine. She's a girl."

When I heard this story, I cracked up. I asked my friend, "How old is the daughter?" Five. I asked, "How old is the father?" Maybe in his forties? My last question: "Is this his only child?" Yes. I cracked up again. On a serious note, I did offer that maybe the father thought his daughter had ADHD. My brother chimed in, "No. He just doesn't understand girls." I wondered how the mother was- where was she during the doctor's visit? Regardless, it's a funny story.

My "Lost" marathon weekend

Lost Jack (AKA Matthew Fox)
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

One of my best friends let me borrow his new DVD set for the TV series, called "Lost". I've heard people say it was good, but I had no idea. Now I am addicted. I normally don't care for TV shows that much, but "Lost" is like a long drawn out movie, where each episode keeps you on your toes. Not my typical comedy, but I like action/drama too. All I want to do this weekend is watch episode after episode.

I'm not sure if I will be able to finish watching Season 1 this weekend with my other best friend since we both have to be present. It's a 3 day weekend for me, but not for everyone. No work for me tomorrow, woo hoo. I definately want to finish watching soon since the TV show airs on Wednesday nights. However, I've already missed more than half of the second season, so I, myself, might be "lost" for a bit. I'll have to get the second season on DVD next year.

Before I forget, Jack (AKA Matthew Fox) is HOT!!!! I love his character. If only he was lost in Hermosa Beach. Ha ha. My friend said she has spotted him here in the South Bay a few years ago, but he's married. Darn. Oh well, I can live in a fantasy... Jack and I have a "date" on Wednesday night, j/k. But you guys know what I'll be doing on Wednesday nights- first time in a long time, I'll be a couch potatoe. At least, we've got TiVo, just in case I miss our "date" OR if I want re-live it over and over, ha ha.

Text message playback

For this post, please pardon my French, but this story is word for word, except names were excluded to protect the idiot.

At 12:05 am, I received a call from a boy out of the blue. I didn't even want to answer the call, but my other friend insisted. When I answered the phone, he asked like he always does, "What's up?" To no surprise, he was out at a local bar. I simply responded that I was busy doing this or that, staying in from the rain. So that was the end of that random call- or so I thought. Unfortunately for me, a string of text messages ensued later into the rainy night.

At 12:24 am, his text message: Want to get together later?

My response: For what, may I ask?

At 12:29 am, he wrote: Whatever

My response was NOTHING. I wanted to tell this stupid guy off, but I decided "silence is golden". If you have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all- right? This is a rule I hardly ever follow, but I tried this time. That took alot of will power, believe me.

At 12:38 am, he wrote: I am not really drinking as usual just thought to stop by for a sec

My response: No thx.

At 12:56 am, he wrote: Come on lets get naked and fuck!!

My response: Fuck yourself, [his name].

At 1:01 am, he wrote: Too late I already found someone else

My response: I am sorry...

A few seconds later, I completed my text message: For her.

At 1:11 am, he wrote: Hahah! I know right

At this point, I stopped responding to this nonsense.

Michael Jackson in person!

We spotted Michael Jackson!
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

Yes, he was performing live at the house party in Hermosa Beach during the Superbowl half-time. Special performance of Thriller. Another random guy tried to compete with Michael, but he didn't have a white glove (or the dancing feet for the moonwalk)... This was a crazy house party, but we weren't in the mood. This is as crazy as the pictures get.

I'm gonna get a wine belly?

Not that I count calories, but I was curious since I've been drinking wine every night recently, so I googled it. I fear about getting a "wine belly". This university website provides a calorie list for all the common alcoholic drinks. Here are some numbers for my drinks of choice:

• 99 calories for 12.0 oz Amstel Light beer
• 70 calories for 4.0 oz red wine (80 cal on another website)
• 180 calories for 8.0 oz gin and tonic (perhaps I'll stick to wine)
• 228 calories for 12.0 oz Smirnoff Ice (not my fave, but look at that cal count! AKA alcopop, interesting word)
• 105 calories for 250 mL coke (they couldn't keep the volumetric units constant, could they?)
• 72 calories for 250 mL unsweetened orange juice (I wonder what if it's sweetened?)

Another tidbit of random info: a college student consumes 4 drinks on average at a party, so those alcopops can add up quick- as much as 1,000 calories in one sitting, which beats getting a Big Mac meal from McD's. Alot of people, including me, grab a bite to eat after hitting the bars, so the calories keep stacking. Eating afterwards helps prevent/reduce hangovers for me. I shudder at the thought at how much I have consumed sometimes. Lately, I've been staying at home to save money, but I guess calories too.

The university website claimed that the infamous "beer belly" does not come so much from the calorie intake itself, but rather the effects of alcohol on the body's metabolism. Hmm... I guess I need to start working out again. Or I can give up wine. Yeah right, as if that was a real option.

"Talk nerdy to me"

Bumper sticker crazy
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

That's the best sticker on that bumper (click on the picture for a close-up, look above the license plate). Much more unique line than "Talk dirty to me". I spotted this random car at the In-N-Out parking lot one day, so I had to take a picture. On a side note, my next cell phone needs to have a camera, so that I can moblog (mobile blog). What would compel a person to deface their own car with stupid stickers?! For example, if and when it happens, I don't even want to proudly show off "my kid is an honor student". On the other hand, I might have to reconsider, "Talk nerdy to me". Ha ha.

Beware: Circle of Friends

Circle of Friends
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

Once upon a time, there was a house party. Friends of friends joined, so not everyone knew eachother. Of course, people met eachother, including the girls- lets call them A-Z. Some friendships are demonstrated through a network diagram (see above). Note: X is not part of the circle of friends. Now the scene curtains draw open...

J meets X and start chatting.
K joins them for a moment.
X notices that B is hanging out with a guy.
X says something not-so-nice about B.
K responds with an innocent smile, "B is actually a really nice girl."**
X turns red and shuts up.

Now the scene curtains draw close.

Lesson learned: Don't talk smack at a party, especially when you haven't identified the circle(s) of friends.

Even though I wasn't part of this drama, I laughed when I found out about it. This blog post is based on a true story, but the identities have been protected. Sorry, Michiel, I couldn't come up with enough fake names, so I used the alphabet again, but not in alphabetical order this time. The alphabet worked better for the network diagram too. BTW, I'm a visual person.

**Props to K for such a classy response!!

Mini golf course = the company lawn

On the way to Flemings' Steak House tonight, we walked passed a building with a company lawn. After a double-take, I noticed that the company lawn doubled as a minature golf course. Hmm... It must be an up-scale business here. "Hey, Charles (fake name, but sounds proper), instead of taking a 10 minute break at the watercooler, let's hit some balls outside on our nicely manicured green." I didn't actually say that aloud, but in my dreams I did. We also noticed a gym through the windows of the first floor. I'm not a golfer, but here's another idea or two for the next time someone asks how to improve our work/life balance.

Anyhow, I wanted to capture the mini golf course on film (or virtual film, AKA digital). However, I was having a hard time keeping my hand still for a low-light shot with a long shutter time. My friend offered his service to snap a non-blurry shot, right first time. Anyhow, see my blurry shot below and then his non-blurry shot. He said to me, "You drink coffee." Show off!

Blurry (my pic)


Not blurry (his pic)

Note: The javascript code for the image to switch upon mouse hovering didn't work in Blogger, like it did for my old blog in Xanga. If anyone in the blogosphere knows the html code for that trick, send it to me by email or leave it in the comment. Thx.

What's a tulip??

A male colleague was sharing his Valentine's experience with us over lunch today. His wife told him that she does not like roses, but she does like flowers. Ok, so he asked her what kind of flowers does she like. Tulips. He thought to himself, "What's a tulip? Now I have to find out what a tulip is. Great." I started laughing at him, but I guess this is something you just learn, there is no flower class in highschool or college. Anyhow, he continued his story...

Subsequently, he made a trip to the florist and said point-blank, "I need some tulips." He didn't know what he was asking for. Thankfully, he came to the right place. The florist gave him some options, so he selected some pink tulips. When he returned to pick up the bouquet, he ran into his neighbor. His neighbor was picking up carnations for his wife.

When he gave the tulips to his wife, he mentioned that he saw the neighbor who was getting carnations. His wife says, "Carnations are for funerals. Whatever you do, never get me carnations." I personally wouldn't want carnations either. I know that carnations are cheap, but I didn't know the relation to death. Of course, I haven't been to many funerals either. The wife is from France, so maybe it's a culture thing? I'll pay more attention at the next occassion.

Primary lesson learned: He learned what a tulip was.
Secondary lesson learned: Tulip = Good, Carnation = Bad.

Wine, wine, wine

Wine, wine, wine
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

On average, I have a glass of red wine each night. Not an alcoholic according to the on-line AA quiz. We were finishing up some bottles that were opened up on different days, when I realized that the nightstand didn't look so classy (see picture). Ha ha.

Notice my cool table lamp? It's a touch lamp- so I can turn it on/off with 3 levels of lighting without knocking it over when I'm half-awake (or half-asleep). However, the maid somehow knocked it over and broke the first one last month. I loved it so much, that I re-ordered it on Target.com. You should get one too.

Today, someone greeted me, "Happy Singles Awareness Day!!" That was funny until I was aware that I was single.

Cupid Baby MIA

Happy V-day, Brian!
I mean, Happy B-day, Brian!

It's so easy to remember your birthday.

Where in the world is Brian?? You can't be gallivanting across the continents without sharing some pictures to make us jealous of your 10-month vacation! I don't even know which beach you are lounging on or which mountain you're climbing by now. Where's your new blog, mister? When you read this, show us a sign that you're having too much fun. For those of us trapped in cubicle-ville like yours truly, we need to live vicariously through you! Hope you're ok.

PS. When you finally create your blog, don't forget the countdown timer for your return (or a countup timer for how much fun you're having).

Special candy for you...

Special candy heart
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

Courtesy of an e-candy maker, originally posted by the Generator Blog.

Happy V-day (or as happy as it can be).
Every day should be valentines, duh.

PS. I hate some Hallmark holidays.

Save $$$ on digital gifts

digital photography + creativity = thoughtful gifts

 

Here are some discount codes for KodakGallery.com:

• "smooches20" for 20% off gifts, expires Feb 15th (hurry up!)
• "mini25" for 25% off mini photobooks, expires Feb 20th
• "calsave" for 50% off calendars (best deal yet), expires Feb 25th

For xmas, I bought a bunch of calendars as gifts for my best friends.  That 50% discount would have been nice.

For example, $20 x 5 = $100 total

$100 x 50% = $50 in savings

That boils down to $10 per calendar, great deal.

Memory recall: V-day

Ten years ago on February 4th, my boyfriend at the time knocked on my bedroom door at my college dorm. I opened the door to find him with some red roses.

With a smile, I asked , "What are these for?"

He responded, "For Valentine's Day."

I said, "Valentine's is on the 14th."

Oops.

Candy hearts, yuck!

The last statement is hilarious...

Your Candy Heart Says "Get Real"

You're a bit of a cynic when it comes to love. You don't lose your head, and hardly anyone penetrates your heart. Your ideal Valentine's Day date: is all about the person you're seeing (with no mentions of v-day!) Your flirting style: honest and even slightly sarcastic What turns you off: romantic expectations and "greeting card" holidays Why you're hot: you don't just play hard to get - you are hard to get

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

Blogging break

I'm not in the mood for blogging.  I need to catch up on my sleep and other things in my life, so I've decided to take a break from blogging.  Will be on the DL for an undetermined length of time.  Sorry.

Nano iPod software MIA

I bought a Nano iPod last year. My work laptop got upgraded from Win2000 to WinXP, so everything got wiped off. I've re-installed everything except for my iPod software, because it's nowhere to be found in my bedroom or at my work desk. There aren't many hiding spots, so I'm going nuts trying to find it. I found the CD for my Mini iPod, but that didn't work. I borrowed my dad's CD for the regular iPod, but that didn't work either. I asked my friend since she has a Nano iPod too, but she doesn't know where her CD is either. I checked Apple.com and downloaded something, but it didn't work. In general, my laptop can't recognize my Nano iPod (unrecognized USB device). I suppose my last resort is to call Apple, but they will probably charge me up the wazoo. Perhaps my coworker will let me borrow his daughter's CD. It's not a big deal per se, but listening to the same few songs can be a drag.

Return of the fruit flies

When you let it rot, the fruit flies will come.

On another day in Long Beach, our kitchen was filled with fruit flies again. I thought maybe our place was loved by fruit flies, especially since my roomies preferred to keep all the screenless windows open. As I am preparing food in the kitchen, I noticed the fruit flies were gathering around a particular cabinet and near the ceiling. I open the cabinet and a swarm of fruit flies came out. There was a plastic grocery bag on the top shelf, so I had to climb up onto the counter. The bag contained rotting bananas. I found the culprit. So I tried closing the bag and capturing the flying bugs, then disposed of it. I'm 99.9% sure that I didn't throw my bananas on the top shelf where little old me can't even reach. I hate it when roomies put stuff out of my reach. This was not a pleasant surprise. Thankfully, we haven't had too much bug trouble in Hermosa.

Attack of the fruit flies

Where there is fruit, there are fruit flies.

The picture below reminded me of some fruit fly stories from 4 years ago when I lived in Belmont Heights, a nice part of Long Beach.

One day, I came home to find our kitchen infested with fruit flies. I couldn't find the source until I noticed my roomie's plant. The fruit flies were swarming all over it. Odd. Without hestitation, it became an outdoor plant. When I mentioned it to my roomie, I learned that it was actually a pineapple plant. Honestly, I didn't realize it since it was buried in the soil, so I could only see the leaves. Hmm... I wonder if it was simply rotten or fruit flies love pineapple plants.

It's a baby pineapple!

Baby Pineapple
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

Some things come in small and cute packages, how sweet! I've never see one before. I would have missed that little thing if my friend hadn't pointed it out as we passed through the grocery store. I'll have to buy one next time so that I can taste it. It would be an adorable decoration or center piece during a hawaiian-theme party or luau. I wonder if it naturally grows like that or it was genetically engineered.

I'm disappointed

I know that nothing is private anymore, but some people should keep some things in confidence. I am not the most private person, but some particular things should not be shared with the other people. I share alot, but there is some truth to "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say it all." I know it's naive to think all people can be nice, but I thought I was giving this person a chance, but apparently I was wrong about that person. Actually, someone had warned me about this person's character, or the lack thereof, but I didn't listen, so it's my own fault. I know that I'm being vague here, but I'm sure you can guess what I'm talking about. In light of this, I don't associate with people who have nothing nice to say. I am not completely shocked, but rather I am disappointed.

Porto-potty at party

Porto-potty at party
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

What a smart idea. These guys sure know how to throw a party.

It's a small world after all...

Instead of using my normal pseudonyms of Boy-A and Girl-A, I have been inspired by newest favorite DVD, Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

John and Jane had gone on a couple of dates, but John wasn't so good about returning her phone calls in a timely manner. Jane found out that he had been sick recently, specifically a high fever. One day, Jane offered to drop off some soup and fluids. Jane had been an angel and called him several times to see how he was doing. The next day, John was in Urgent Care again. The doctor suspected he had mono, so they gave him medicine and then sent him home. Jane had called John a couple of times, but he wasn't feeling well to be going out. Jane wasn't so sure about the John fella.

Anyhow, Jane went out to a local party with her friends. Jane wasn't feeling so well, so Jane and her friend decided to leave the party. While walking down the staircase to the exit, Jane ran into John, to her shock. Jane said, "sMhyla, it's John. John, remember sMhyla?" I looked at John and then at Jane. I had met John only one time in the past, over one month ago. I said, "This is mono-John?" I looked at each of them and then said, "This is sick-John?" The only thing John could muster up was, "Well, they don't know if it's mono." I offered that I had asked Jane, "Where's John?", so Jane told me that he was sick.

Apparently, John was too sick to call Jane back that day, but not too sick to attend a party. Like I've said before, "It's a small world after all in the South Bay." Needless to say, John was not comfortable during this situation. Silence. I reminded Jane, "Shouldn't we be going?" I did most of the talking during this crossing, but not many words words were exchanged at that point. Not even sure if we had even said good bye. The rest was a blur. Don't get me wrong, Jane and I were 100% sober, so things were quite clear at that moment. All I know is that made the decision easy for Jane, time to move on.

Warning: Grumpy (AKA me)

Warning: Grumpy
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

My colleague gave me this post-it note set from Disneyland. Quite appropriate sometimes, if not all the time. I should post this on my door, but I can't decide if the second or third warning is the funniest. Either way, read the fine print at the bottom and consider yourself warned. Ha ha.

VIP = Very Important Products

For some reason, I feel like compiling a list of products that I can't live without...

Hair:

• Matrix Biolage Color Care Therapie shampoo and conditioner
• KMS Amp Volume alcohol free styling foam
• Bead Head TIGI Hard Head hard hold hairspray

Body (especially legs):

• Gillette Satin Care foaming gel and razor for that nice shave
• Jergens Age-Defying Moisturizer for that silky feeling
• Dove moisturizing bar soap, anything else dries me out

Face:

• Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser to remove make-up before going to bed
• Neutrogrena Healthy Skin face lotion with SPF15 and alpha-hydroxy acid
• Neutrogena Pore Refining Cream a daily moisturizer with SPF15, retinol and alpha-hydroxy acid
• MAC make-up products, especially Studio Fix with brush #150

Most of these products can be found at my fave store, Target, except for the make-up at either Macy's or Nordstrom's. What's your VIP? Even if you're a guy, there must be something that you prefer to use...

Free game: Flag Quiz

"TGIF," says Mr. Froggy.

"Ribbit, ribbit," says Mr. Rubber Froggy (right cheek)
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

I don't feel like blogging about anything in particular at the moment, but I did want to tell everyone, "Have a nice weekend." Perhaps Mr. Froggy can help us count down the hours or at least bring a smile to your face today. It's the small things that bring happiness sometimes.

Story Part I

Over the past year, I have made some friends in the blogosphere. For the first time last year, I met one of them in person since he seemed harmless and was new to the area. Our discussions revolved around blogging, to no surprise. One day, we were chatting about "loyal readers", AKA "top stalkers secret admirers". He was at the top of the list, since he read my blog, among others, like a newspaper every morning. Unlike most, he actually would leave me comments, so it wasn't really stalking.

The rest of my Top Stalkers Secret Admirers usually never leave me a comment, which could be considered stalking, albeit harmless or passive. I mentioned some of the usernames to his friend, which sparked a discussion. Some of their friends read my site. Based on the username, I thought it was a boy. I found out it was a girl, not a boy. He also told me that she hates me. "Why would she hate me?," I asked innocently. I never had met this girl, she lives on the other side of the country (according to my handy-dandy site meter). Apparently, she liked him, but the feeling was not mutual. Honestly, he was only a friend to me, but we had a falling out one time, so now we are no longer friends. To this day, she continues to read my site daily, sometimes multiple times in a day while she's at work.

Hate is a strong word. I can be wrong, but I won't know unless she speaks up. In the grand scheme of life, it doesn't really matter, but it makes for an interesting story. She will be reading this post too. Doesn't it suck to read about yourself? This is my blog and I can write what I want. I'm not revealing anything distinguishable- no names, no company name, no address. You may ask: Why I am blogging about this? Read Story Part II.

Happy Bday, Pete!!!

I might not remember on the day of, but I don't totally forget. I'm only a few weeks late, right? Not sure if you already partied it up in the UK, but we'll have to celebrate this weekend. I wanted to post your picture in honor of your birthday, but I couldn't find a recent one. Of course, you have been gone since last May'ish, so we'll have to make up for that this weekend. Woo hoo!

Happy Birthday, Pete!

Note: Another blog posted by a simple email- so quick AND painless.

What is my "type"??

I'm amazed when I meet someone who can hold a decent conversation with me. Honestly, I get bored easily. Sure, there can be an instant attraction, but I usually lose interest soon after a few words are spoken. There needs be more than just "looks". What is it exactly that I am looking for? I can't pinpoint it, but it's there. Words cannot express it, or at least my own words fail to do so at this moment. There are very few guys that I like. None of them the same. In a recent conversation, I admitted that I don't have a "type". If you look at the people I've dated, there isn't much in common. I just like them.

Some girls I know look for things like $$ or looks. I hope to not be in the poor house, but money is not that important. I make my own money, so I don't care if a guy is rich or not. As for looks, there is something superficial when two people meet. However, there must be something more than that in order to sustain a relationship. I would say a minimum intelligence would be necessary, since I want someone to be able to keep up with me. I don't need to see IQ results or anything, even though I did ask one boyfriend to take one (we were competitive). On that note, I just got my EQ results back, which I will save for another blog post.

I don't know where I am going with this... This was something on my mind tonight. I guess only time will tell.

Poll of the Day

Do you know "Big Blog Brother" is watching you? Are you being tracked on this blog site and others?
	Yes, I know what a site meter is.
	Maybe, nothing is private anymore.
	No way, I can't be anti-stalked!
	Huh, what's tracking?
Free polls from Pollhost.com