I lost my best friend

I feel like I lost a part of myself. It's too hard being friends. There is nothing else to say.

At this time, I've decided to take an indefinite leave of absence from the blogosphere. To my loyal readers, I am sorry. I need time to myself. If you like, you can send me a quick email and I'll let you know if and when I start a new blog or re-start this one. Until then, my archives (see right panel) will be here for your entertainment.

Keep in touch and take care,
sMhyla

Lounging at the pool

Lounging at the pool
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

This another one of my fave pics from that day. Needless to say, the Getty Villa is picturesque. If you haven't gone yet, the Getty Villa Museum is something fun and free to do.

Flashback: Rock climbing

A bunch of kids were swarming at the rock climbing gym tonight. It must have been "Kids' Night" or a birthday party. I like the gym when it's fairly empty so that we can climb whichever routes, whenever we want. With hoodlums scampering around, I have to watch out before I get my head hit from above or I run over one of them. Tonight my foot got crushed by a kid, but I managed to hold on without letting my partner fall, surprisingly enough.

Anyhow, I was watching a kid get his first lesson. When he finally reached the top, he was too scared to let go of the rocks so that he can repel down. That moment reminded me of my own first time. Trust is something I had to learn to give and take from climbing. Putting my life in someone's hands. Being responsible for someone else's life. Ok, too much insight now, I know, I know. Here's my first memory of climbing...

After my first time scrambling up the climbing wall, I exclaimed, "Wow, that wasn't so bad."

My climbing buddy/coach responded, "Ok, now do it again, but this time follow one color (AKA a specific route)."

I thought it was too easy to climb up just any rocks. Ever since then, it has been a challenging sport to learn about myself and my climbing buddy.

I got a rock

A gift from my lil bro. Thx.

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Top 3 search words

I've blogged about this in the past, but I can't believe how many people have found my site by searching:

• Free peep show
• Free Costco pictures
• Sharkeez Hermosa burned down

sMhyla does not pose nude

Flashback memory out of the blue...

My boyfriend and I drove down to San Diego for the weekend. My ex-boyfriend (who is a good friend of mine) from college invited us to attend his gallery opening. We mingle while admiring the art. My ex-boyfriend introduced me to someone who was a photographer.

The photographer asked my ex-boyfriend if I would be interested in posing nude. I didn't hear that part of the conversation until my ex said, "She's too bashful. She wouldn't even get naked when we were dating." Ok, he might be exaggerating at this point. Needless to say, I was speechless. I'm sure my boyfriend at the time was not thrilled either.

Google = A dating tool

Boys and Girls are different for each story.

Google story #1:
Boy meets Girl at Sharkeez Hermosa (before the bar burned down to the ground). Boy and Girl keep in touch by email. Boy Googles Girl's name. Girl is posted on a website for a 5K run, which included her age. Girl lied about her age. Oops.

Google story #2:
Girl meets Boy. Boy doesn't want to share his whole name, because "you'll Google me and find out my arrest record." Girl can't tell if Boy is joking. Once Girl gets Boy's last name, Girl does Google Boy's name. When someone tells you not to do something, you do it right?

Google story #3:
Boy and Girl are talking about Google. Boy admitted that he Googled the Girl. Girl is not surprised. With Girl's whole real name, only good things are posted on the internet. Boy brought up that Girl was on the local news channel. Girl is not ashamed of getting a few seconds of fame. However, Girl's 5K times may not be worth bragging about, but at least all the races were for good causes. Maybe good publicity is acceptable.

Have you Googled yourself lately??

I'm in pain- Shoot me.

I've got cramps. This will be my second period for the past decade, since I've switched from the Depo shot to the Seasonale pill. At least with Seasonale, it should only be one period per quarter. Regardless, cramps suck. Did I say that already?

In the past, people asked me, "Isn't it weird to not have a period? Don't you get worried?"

No! Why would I miss cramps? Why would I miss bloating? Why would I miss wearing tampons or pads? The failure rate of the shot is almost nill. There is no chance of forgetting within a 12 week period. I can wake up and not worry about taking a stupid pill.

For those who missed my blog post about the shot/pill, I've got osteopenia. Osteopenia happens before osteoporosis. Research has shown that a long-term effect of using the Depo Provera shot results in a significant loss of calcium, which puts girls like me a risk for osteoporosis. Being Asian doesn't help either. I'm lactose-intolerant as well, so my calcium intake is lower than it should be.

Bottomline: I switched to the pill this year and cramps suck. Hopefully, this won't last too long.

Why am I blogging about this? I'm sharing the pain. I'm venting. I'm not sure if I have other symptoms, but... Boys, watch out for PMS'ing sMhyla. Blah!

Vote for new Flickr feature

I've used some of the neat toys on FlagrantDisregard.com (AKA fd's Toys). Without fd's Toys, I would never have been "Miss August". If you missed it, I'm not posting that one up again.

Anyhow, there is an unofficial poll asking for users to vote for a new feature on Flickr. For those who don't know, Flickr is a website host for posting and sharing pictures (CLICK HERE to see my Flickr site). I upload specific pictures that I use for blogging. I don't post all of my pics there since I don't want to share everything. Flickr is free, but only free for a limited bandwidth. About 1 year ago, a friendly Flickr guy hooked me up with a "Pro" account, but that membership will expire soon. :( Therefore, I voted that Flickr should offer more free picture uploading.

This is your chance to make a difference, CLICK HERE to cast your vote on how to make Flickr a better service.

Uh oh, I'm a BlogPhile

I thought I was simply a blogaholic, but perhaps I'm also a blogphile.

Definitions from BlogPhiles.com:
Blog[a.k.a. blogger -or- blogrolling -or- weblog -or- Web log -or- blogosphere]
A blog is basically a journal that is available on the web. The activity of updating a blog is "blogging" and someone who keeps a blog is a "blogger." Blogs are typically updated daily using software that allows people with little or no technical background to update and maintain the blog. Postings on a blog are almost always arranged in chronological order with the most recent additions featured most prominantly.

-phile or -phil suff.
1) One that loves or has a strong affinity or preference for: audiophile.
2) Loving; having a strong affinity or preference for: Francophile. [New Latin -philus, from Greek -philos, beloved, dear, from philos, beloved, loving.]

Woe is me, the big sister.

I announce to my brothers, "Hey, don't feel like going out tonight."

 

Bro #1 says without a flinch, "That's ok."

 

Bro #2 pipes us in disagreement, "No, we need her to drive us."

 

Bro #1 insists, "Oh yeah...  You have to at least drop off us and pick us up at the bar tonight."

 

I respond, "Oh, I see why you invite me to come out with you guys."

 

Woe is me, the big sister.

 

Later I tell my little brother, "I'm only coming out because you are."

 

Bro #3 exclaimed, "I'm only going out because you guys are."

 

My lil bro turned 21 recently, so I want to hang out, but I think I'm getting too old for this.

 

Woe is me, the big sister.

I'm single again.

In short, that's what it said in an email from a guy.  Hmm...  Why did he make that announcement?  This is out of context, but what if he is:

 

a) A previous boyfriend

b) Someone I used to date

c) Someone who may be interested in me

d) Just a friend

e) An acquaintence

 

Does it even make a difference?  Or I am reading into this too much?  I know this may be insufficient information to make a judgement call.  However, I don't think I would make such an announcement to the world (but that could be because I like to wallow in my own pain).

Busy, busy bee - that's me!

Trying to keep busy.
Finding new things to do.
Needing to keep myself sane.

In the end, this means less blogging for me.

Let the countdown begin

4 days down and 1 to go.  You know what I really want to do?  Nothing.  Simply nothing.  zzz...

Who works at Dreamworks?

Someone Googled me under the keywords of "smhyla engineer".  Someone who works at Dreamworks near Glendale, California.  I wonder who knows me.

 

It's amazing how many people may "know" me, but I don't know them.  Feel free to leave me a quick note and say hi while you're perusing my blog.

Read between the lines

[He and she are hanging out one day as friends, or so she thought...]

He says: Let's exchange massages.

She says: No, I don't like being touched.

[Awkward silence]

He means : I want to touch you and more...

She means: I don't want you touching me.

[During another conversation...]

He says: Have you ever thought about going to a doctor for that?

She says: No, I'm ok with it.

[More awkward silence]

He means: There must be something wrong with you, not me.

She means: I'm affectionate with a boyfriend, which is not you. Persistance is annoying.

Another example that boys and girls can't be friends.

Why Costco pictures??

Why would several different people be searching for "costco pictures" in Yahoo? These people are brought to my blog, because I blogged about costco pictures awhile ago. I doubt these people found what they were looking for.

When I used to search for something on the internet, sometimes I didn't understand why some pages popped up. I learned that blogs usually make it to the top of a search engine because of the updating frequency. Google Search offers some neat features, that I'm not sure if Yahoo and others do. You can click on "cache", so that the exact page with the key words pop up. Google also offers a yellow highlighter so that I can quickly scroll through a document with the keywords highlighted. You learn something new every day and I thought I would share the knowledge.

Now back to the original question: Why search for "costco pictures"?

Old Maids' Club

My roomie and I came up with a brilliant idea.

 

I told her that I'm going to be an old maid.

 

She said, "Me too!"

 

Hmm...

 

Let's form an "Old Maids' Club"!

 

My roomie chimed in, "We can be the founders!!"

 

Hmm...

What are the chances?

What are the chances?
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

Those "pocket 7's" don't look so good anymore. I'm sure someone out in the blogosphere has memorized the probability, but seriously?! I can't recall exactly what happened at this particular game earlier this month, but the "pocket 7's" must have "went all in". Unfortunately, the 3-4 "turned" a gut-shot straight. It's hands like these that amaze me. Yes, I'm a newbie to Texas hold'em. I need to play more...

I'm heading to SD this weekend, and you know that means... Kick my bros' butts at poker.

I'm a statue from the Getty Villa

I'm a statue from the Getty Villa
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

Fun mask at the museum store- I couldn't help myself. It was a little too small for my face though.

BTW, the Getty statues had life-like eye balls- freaky!

Do you think I'm stupid?

I loathe guys who prey on girls with low self-esteem, but fortunately for me, I'm not one of them. I don't fall for bull____ like yours.

You know who you are.

I know who you are.

Leave me alone.

Consider this me being "nice".

I'm dour and sour

dour ( P ) (dr, dour) adj. dour·er, dour·est
Marked by sternness or harshness; forbidding: a dour, self-sacrificing life.
Silently ill-humored; gloomy: the proverbially dour New England Puritan.
Sternly obstinate; unyielding: a dour determination.
Courtesy of Dictionary.com

My friend taught me a new word, which he thought described me. He said, "You've got a veneer of being chatty and happy right now." I didn't realize veneer could be used outside the context of teeth.

His wife chimed in, "But you do seem melancholy."

He disagreed and stated, "No, I think she's dour." She referring to me, that is.

He spelled it for me and I thought it sounded like the word, sour. I looked it up on Dictionary.com, which actually listed dour and sour as synonyms. Interesting.

I asked if it's like depressed or sad. He doesn't think I'm depressed, but rather I'm sad. Last week, my other friend said that a shrink claims there is a difference between depressed and sad. My guy friend asked why I was sad. I came up with an answer, but I'm not sure if it's the truth, or at least the whole truth.

The Getty Villa, Malibu

Getty Villa, Malibu
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

Gorgeous day to be strolling in the old Getty museum in Malibu with my friends.

I won the tickets by calling and calling until I got through. The Getty gave out 300 tickets in 30 minutes. This museum has been "sold out" since last Fall. The timed-tickets are free, but limited. I neglected to tell my friends that it was "Family Day" until we arrived. There were a good number of kids running around and the kid crafts were a dead giveaway. Regardless, it was something nice and different to do. I didn't see everything there, but I left things for me to see next time. I'll probably share one or two more pics from my own camera when I get around to downloading them. My friend forwarded this to me, even though we all should have the same pics on each of our cameras. Nice group shot., especially since it has been a long time.

Lost Season 2 Countdown

We finished watching the bootleg copy of the first 9 episodes from Season 2 of Lost. Our TiVo only saved the last 3 recent episodes. I think the season finale is this Wednesday night. I'm way behind on second season and I can't wait for the re-runs or the DVD set to be released, so I broke down, but I heard that I could download it from iTunes. One of my friends gave me an iTunes gift card 2 Christmases ago, but I don't download music. I learned that the gift card expires in 2 years, so I have to use it this year.

25 episodes for Season 2
- 4 episodes on TiVo
- 9 episodes on DVD
12 more episodes to purchase
x $1.99 per episodes on iTunes (equivalent to paying full price for the season on DVD)
$24 total cost
$25 gift card value, so I'm covered- woo hoo!

Price for my happiness: Priceless

Depressed or sad, 'tis the

Depressed or sad, 'tis the question.

Postcard of the day

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Dude, you suck.

It hasn't been released yet, but Verizon is coming out with a new Razr that is Vcast-capable and uses a microSD card. Darn it, I just bought my phone. Leave it to fast product evolution.

My brother has a cooler phone than mine, which has the memory card slot. His phone serves as a MP3 player. His phone can read his text messages aloud too. When I found out about that feature, I sent him a text message so that his phone said aloud, "Dude, you suck." Ha ha.

There's one feature that my old phone had: Call screening, which allows you to listen to a message while someone leaves it, but I can answer it if I wanted to. This always confused people, who would say, "Did I call your home phone?" Nope, but from then on he/she knew my trick. My brother left me a message saying, "sMhyla, pick up the phone, if you're listening, pick up the phone!" Ha ha.

Simple pleasure: Popcorn

That's what I realized the other day.  My friend "B", didn't have a microwave.  When she was recovering from a recent surgery, her colleagues bought her a microwave and some microwaveable soups.  Our other friend "T", gave her individual bags of popcorn.

 

"B" exclaimed, "This is my first bag of popcorn that I've popped in a looooonnnngggg time."

 

I ask, "What did you do before?  Use one of those Jiffy Pop things on the stove top?"

 

I don't usually eat microwaveable food, but the microwave is useful for reheating food and popcorn.  Popcorn is such a quick, easy, and healthy snack (without the extra butter, of course).  Great thing to snack on while watching a flick.  Ah, the simple pleasures in life.

MIA from blogosphere

I've been busy hanging out with friends.  I'm too tired to post tonight (again), but no worries- I'm still alive (in the blogosphere).  Yesterday was my first day to quit coffee (again).  Therefore, I'm tired all day and night until my body adjusts to the lack of caffeine.  I think I need a break.  zzz...

Blogaholic by night only

Engineer by day. This explains why I have been updating after work hours. Plus why I've posted 4-5 times in one night. This may be alot to read, but I try to break it up into small paragraphs.

Based on my handy dandy site meter, most people peruse my blog during the day, which I have mentioned in the past. The beginning of the week is the most popular, specifically Mondays. If I blog by night, then my readers have something to read in the morning. One previous reader shared that he had bookmarked a bunch of blogs, including mine, via FireFox and read them all in the morning. Geez, my blog is like a newspaper.

Guy to Girl: "Got a light??"

My answer is: No, I don't smoke.

We've been sitting at the table across from them for the past 2 hours. Did they see me light up a cigarette? Of course, we were surrounded by other tables of smokers. For some crazy reason, he decided to ask me, the one person without a cig.

I overheard the other guy at the table exclaim, "I don't smoke, but I have a lighter."

Right. He says that, but what he actually means is: "I have a lighter, so I can go up to girls and offer it to them."

My female friend offers, "The guy just wants to talk to you."

I respond, "Does he seriously think a non-smoker would be interested in a smoker? It's not the first time I've heard that line. Can't guys come up with something more thoughtful or original?"

You may think I'm harsh. Tonight I wished that California would extend the law to ban smoking everywhere. You smokers out there in the blogosphere might be gasping (for fresh air) right now, but I don't like inhaling your pollution. I have a few friends who smoke, but that's all they will ever be. I don't date smokers. My female friend chimes in, "If I wanted to date a smoker, I can just lick an ashtray." Good point.

What is wrong with smoking?

• Bad for health
• Waste of money
• Cause for teeth yellowing
• Premature aging
• No effect on me, besides gasping for fresh air
• Don't want to stand outside in the cold for a smoke (I don't how smokers survive during the winter, but at least it doesn't snow in California)
• I've got other evils that are more enjoyable and affordable, i.e. drinking and shopping
• Do I need to list more reasons?

I apologize to all the smokers if you have been offended here. Go ahead and smoke, but it's simply not for me. I laugh at the ad on the cigarette box: "Smoking kills." Like that will stop someone. Let me know if I'm too harsh, but I do think I'm being honest and realistic.

Big Bro (AKA HR) is watching

During the Women MBA dinner meeting last week, I met some new people, including an HR person. Somehow, Googling came up. I had heard that HR does a background check on candidates, which includes a Google search. This lady confirmed it. Wow. She even checks My Space since "It tells me about their character". Double wow. I'm not a My Space freak, but I am a blogaholic. Hmm...

I may have to shut down this site. I don't bad mouth my company, but I also don't want a company to determine my character from this blog. Sure, every reader is judging when they peruse a blog, but normally who cares. Well, I care, especially when HR is involved. I do plan on quitting this blog someday. Perhaps I'll start another one where it's more anonymous. I don't want to lose my loyal readers. I have to think about how to transition smoothly by weeding out an unwanted few, such as flamers and trolls. I already have another blog (or two) set up for a more professional theme. Hmm...

Note to self: Share other Google story.

Learning to be financial responsible

I helped my lil bro sign up for his first credit card today. I hope he will have a better start than I did. My credit is good, but I only became more responsible in the past few years. At least, my bro doesn't have to worry about a student loan or rent. Although my tuition was fully covered by scholarships/grants, I took out loans so that I could afford the dorm. After my first year at college, I couldn't return home. Let's just say that I get along much better with my family when I'm out of the house.

I don't recall the credit limit or %APR for my first credit card. The current offer at our credit union seemed reasonable. I didn't shop around for him since I had already done my homework for myself. The minimum $1,000 credit line at 12.9% APR for a student reward card seems like a good deal, especially since the %APR can be as low as 5.9% after building good credit. However, a college student with a part-time job could fall into trouble since $1,000 is a big chunk of change at that point in one's life.

As the eldest, I didn't have any big bro or sis to look after me. I have learned things on the way and have been lucky so far, if luck has anything to do with it. Sometimes I wish someone had taken me around to visit the different colleges so that I could make the best decision. Sometimes I wish someone had given me some guidance on my education and career path. Regardless, I've turned out ok (so far, I think). I've paid for my own way since college, so I can't stand spoiled kids, needless to say. A colleague mentioned that his highschool daughter is going on a scuba diving trip in Fiji soon. What?!?! I never went anywhere when I was in highschool, not that I am bitter or anything. Sure, I should be happy for others, but gimme a break. I'm not jealous per se, but talk about being spoiled. I need to have my own job and support myself. I don't think I can ever give up working, even if/when I have kids (but that would be up for negotiation when the time comes).

Well, I digress. I love being the big sis, who can bully her lil brothers- oops, I mean "teach them the way". I'm sure they think I'm overbearing, but I love (note the "L" word) them and would do anything for them. I hope I can help them whenever they need it, no matter what.

My bday on Google Calendar

Recently, I noticed that profile shots can be added for yourself and your friends in Gmail's address book or in Google Talk. Another delightful surprise on Gmail (email by Google) is the Google Calendar. Will free Google ever replace paid programs, like Lotus Notes and Microsoft Outlook?

Anyhow, I added my birthday to the public Google Calendar, so any of my friends (or secret admirers) can look up my birthday. However, I used my real name. It doesn't track how old I turn each year, so I don't mind. I wish it would integrate a way for my friends to add their own birthdays to my calendar. Reminders would be helpful as well. This is my wish list just in case Google's web spiders find my blog site.

My mom is worth $141,228

My mom is worth $141,228
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

Mothers don't get paid enough as it is, but www.salary.com thinks otherwise. The salary calculator takes into account the numerous jobs a mother juggles, i.e. housekeeper, cool, counselor, etc. With 4 children, my mom gets more than the national average due to our home location. I'm sure my mother would love to retire if she was truly raking in that much dough.

• National Low = $75K
• National Median = $134K
• National High = $192K

Happy Mommy's Day!
But every day should be her day...

Another Revlon Run/Walk

Revlon Run/Walk 2006
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

Thanks to everyone for their support. It's not too late to sponsor, so CLICK HERE.

This Saturday morning was the most pleasant day in the past 4-5 years when I've done this fundraiser, since it's usually hot and miserable this time of the year at the LA Coliseum. Even though I jogged it last year (my first time ever), I decided to walk the 5K (3.1 miles) this time. Most of my family joined it this year, minus my lil' bro since he's in school. I walked with friends and coworkers.

For some reason, I started doing this philanthropy event about 5 years ago. I didn't know anyone with breast cancer, until this Saturday. A friend of a friend and I started hanging out recently. She invited to me to go to a local bar on Friday, but I declined since the 5K started early. She just happen to be participating in the Revlon too- her first time. I learned that she had suffered breast cancer at my present age. She's not much older than me. Wow. Walking the 5K gave us an opportunity to get to know eachother. You never know who you will meet next. Now I have a good reason (and a friend) for doing the Revlon Run/Walk

Don't judge me

To whom it may concern:

You only know what I write in this blog. You think I'm a raging party animal because I had a party with a beer keg and red cups. Well, I thought I was saving myself time and space considering it would be hard to fit that much beverage in my fridge. For 30+ guests, a keg usually makes sense. You think this is a random party for losers, but actually the purpose of the event was a social time for our MBA alumni. This is not a bunch of 21 year olds getting crazy. This was a tame party of smart people around a table playing poker. Poker is a reason for the alumni to hang out since our MBA graduation, which intended to be a networking event.

So, I didn't share all the details from my night. Hosting the event was more stressful than I expected. I lost money on the deal and learned some lessons, which I thought I would share. Next time, I'd rather be the person showing up than throwing it. I usually like to play poker with my brothers, but not strangers. I usually like to party with my friends, not strangers. Even sophisticated and/or smart people are allowed to party once in awhile. There is no specific instruction prohibiting alcohol with antiobiotics. Lastly, judging someone (especially a stranger) is not the way to get on their good side.

Antibiotics + Beer = Hives??

I've confirmed this hypothesis at least twice. After a 6-pack of Amstel light on Halloween last year, my skin turned red. This was different from the other times when I got hives. This had never happened before, but I did suspect that my antiobiotics at the time may have been a factor.

I am on antibiotics again since my doctor supsects that my recent sickness is a sinus infection. My doctor did not say that the alcohol is not permitted with my antiobiotics, but wanted me to "give myself a chance" to recover. I did stop drinking, until I hosted poker night at my house last night. How can I not have a sip (or 2 cups) from the keg of Amstel Light that I ordered? I suppose I could have ordered crap beer.

As a break from poker, I made a pit stop due to the excess fluid intake. Not to give you a visual, but I pulled down my jeans and was surprised to find my legs red. Uh oh. I inspected the skin on my face and arms more closely under the bright light in the bathroom. Yup, I've got hives again. It wasn't too bad because no one else really noticed unless I pointed it out. It looks like I had some sun that day, but my skin is not like that of a white person.

The stress from the poker game could also be the root cause, but I doubt it. Could it be a mere coincidence that I break out in hives when I'm drinking beer while on antibiotics again? You can argue that I shouldn't be drinking and deserve it, but the prescription label says nothing about "no alcohol". I searched the internet high and low, but didn't find any connection between antiobiotics, alcohol, and hives. I've taken this brand of antiobiotics (Biaxin XL Pac, AKA clarithromycin) at least one other time, but I can't recall if it's the same one I took on Halloween. My action item: To find out when I used the same antiobiotics in the past.

King Keg sucks

Expensive lesson of the day: I paid WAY TOO MUCH for the keg (actually, it was a half-keg). A guy at the poker party said that it should have been 80 bucks, not 180 bucks. This would mean that I paid more than half. It's my own fault for not shopping around. My guy friend said we can order kegs from a grocery store, but we have to pick it up. I had heard that once before, but I didn't think I would get raped on the price by that much. I had my guy friend call the store and the employee claimed that their beer is "fresh". Bull shit (excuse my French)- I basically paid 100 bucks plus 10 for the tip for delivery. I was so mad at myself last night.

Don't go to King King located off Rosecrans/405 in Hawthorne, unless you like overpaying. I don't understand how they stay in business- perhaps due to uneducated consumers, like me. Their website claims: "So for the best service, the best selection and the best prices." That's a load of BS.

This is my my public service announcement:
King Keg SUCKS.

---------------------------------------
Update after some research for competitive pricing:

$119 Half-keg of Amstel Light (not domestic beer) at Ralphs
$9 for bags Ice (price held constant)
+ 8.25% Tax
$139 Total at Ralphs grocery store not including delivery and a small deposit for the pump, with a 3-day lead time
vs.
$183 Total at King Keg including delivery, keg bucket and pump and no deposit, plus 10 buck tip, with ~24 hour notice
<$44 overpaid>

This is not as bad as originally thought, considering that it would be hard to find a guy with a truck who would be willing (and strong enough) to pick up and return the keg for me, carry it all up to the 3rd Floor, and set it all up. I suppose if you order a keg last minute and don't have a guy/truck and a keg bucket, then $44 might actually be worth it.

A keg of Amstel Light including delivery tip = $193
8 large pizzas from Paisanos (best pizza parlour in Hermosa, btw) = $110
Cookies = $6
Total for a fun poker party = Priceless

But I have to admit that I didn't break even since there were a bunch of no-shows, even there were some "surprise" guests. I have enough leftover pizza and beer to throw another party on Mother's Day, woo hoo. Lesson of the day: Underestimate the guest count.

Beer keg = 105 Cups

I am proud to say that I ordered my first keg. It may seem to be a trivial accomplishment, but that's not so simple for girls. First lesson: When people say "keg", usually it's really a "half-keg". In case you don't know, there is 13.5 gallons in 1 keg. For 16 oz cups, this means 105 cups. For a party of 30 people, then the average serving will be 3.5 cups per person. I'm doing the math since I am hosting a poker party. Can't run out of beer, you know.

One dilemma I faced was picking which beer will make 30 people happy. I like Amstel Light and I'm the host, so I picked Amstel Light. There were some other good beers, but it cost more. I can't stand Bud Light or other domestic beers even though it's 50 bucks cheaper. I didn't do much shopping around, since the first place I called gave good customer service in explaining the above details PLUS free delivery is included. If you have bought a keg before, does $183 sound reasonable for non-domestic beer? That includes everything, tap, ice, bucket, etc. Oh well, King Keg makes it so easy.

TGIF.

Wanna see me sweat??

I'm doing it again. Revlon Run/Walk for breast cancer is tomorrow, THIS Saturday, only one day left.

We appreciate any support:
a) any mula you can spare
b) walking or jogging with us
c) cheering for us
d) volunteering
e) all of the above.

Click for more info: http://www.revlonrunwalk.com

Thanks in advance for your support!

Dating pet peeves

• Random guy gets pissed if the girl doesn't accept and return his flirting (boy, does that temper turn me on now!)
• Guy "friend" makes the moves on a girl, despite her obvious signs of "no thank you" (talk about being uncomfortable, plus new doubt about the "friendship")
• Random guy uses a classic pick-up line instead saying something thoughtful (but once in awhile a unique and funny one can be tolerated in the right atmosphere or a couple of drinks)
• ...

This will be a living post as more dating pet peeves pop up...

"Lost" Marathon Part 2

Yup, my obsession has resumed. I thought I'd have to wait until the Fall, but my friend picked up a bootleg copy of the second season of "Lost" in Malaysia. I've been waiting for this moment. We watched the first disc, or 4 episodes. It's different from the first season, which I was forewarned, but it's still interesting.

The funny thing is the bootleg copy is fairly real-looking. The 3 discs come in a box set that looks genuine. All the commericals were deleted (I'm sure someone in Malaysia has TiVo or a competitor). The 8 bucks seems worth it. However, another friend exclaimed, "That's expensive!" Maybe in Malaysia, but the US retail price for the first season on DVD = $59.99 plus tax... You do the math.

We have TV, but I can't be bothered to schedule my life around a weekly show. We have TiVo, but I can't be bother to flip it on. However, I have an affinity toward DVDs for movies and particular TV shows. Someone asked me, "What do you do if you don't watch TV?" If you don't know the answer, then you don't know me. I'd rather be at a computer, blogging. Duh.

Women MBAs

Last night, I attended a kick-off dinner for the National Association of Women MBAs (formerly known as Graduate Women in Business). Recently, a group of women from my b-school took the initiative to start up a local chapter. When I happen to find out about the event on my b-school website, I figured I'd check it out.

Unfortunately, I was late due to the typical traffic in LA. Google Maps estimated right under 30 minutes for me to get to Santa Monica. There should be an option to calculate in a fudge factor due to LA traffic- oh let's say, 30x2=60 minutes would be more accurate. I didn't have any time to mingle before getting seated for dinner. I was surprised and overwhelmed with the considerable number of women there, especially since I didn't know many of them.

The female to male ratio was decent in my b-school classes, but I didn't keep in touch with many of them. When I forwarded the info by email, I realized that I didn't know that many women with MBAs. Anyhow, the women at the event were quite friendly. This will be a good way to network and meet other people. At our table, most of us had graduated last summer. We all admitted, "I don't know what to do with my time now." One girl exclaimed, "I'm learning how to cook now!" Another lady mentioned that she had started doing yoga, which I also had done in January. I'm still trying to figure out how to be constructive with my newfound time.

Supposedly, this was an auspicious day. I didn't realize until last night that the first meeting was purposely timed right near Mother's Day. In addition, our b-school just launched a program for a MBA by day, which is targeted at stay-at-home moms. This makes sense- women who have time on their hands while their kid(s) is/are busy at school. A very, very interesting concept in my mind, I must say. That same morning, NPR had a broadcast talking about Women MBAs as well. I heard some business magazine also had released an article on the same topic.

Anyhow, I ended up forking over the 40 bucks for the annual membership, so hopefully this group will be worthwhile. We shall see...

No blog ghosts for me, thanks

CYA. This is an acronym I learned awhile ago. Why don't I blog much about boys in my life? Well, this blog is like a journal, right? I reveal my inner thoughts and secrets, right? Of course, I only let you read what I want you to read. My readers are composed of boys and girls, some who know me, some who don't or at least not yet. This includes boys from the past, present, and future- similar to the "ghost of the past, present, and future".

I don't want to have to edit my blog for a future boyfriend (whoever that may be), especially jealous ones. Vice-versa, I don't want to know what he has done in the past with chicks. Despite my brutal honesty here, I do make an attempt to be sensitive, believe it or not. Of course, I break my own rules occassionally. In general, my love life (assuming one exists, that is) is "for my eyes only".

Wow, these cliches are flowing out like water today!

I'm gonna be an old maid

A new reader asked, "Why no bf? gf?"

Good question, but quite a forward question, especially the last one. I've decided to answer this one on my blog.

I am not in a committed relationship, not that I don't want one. I do want one, but "it takes two to tango". I haven't met anyone new who has made me "head over heels" recently, if you will. I've met a few guys here and there, but it hasn't work out for a reason or two, which will remain to be unsaid. Needless to say, I'm very picky. "There are plenty of fish in the sea", but I rarely meet anyone I like. It's hard to give myself fully to one person, meaning my mind is elsewhere. If you know me or have put 2 + 2 together from clues in my blog over time, then you know what I mean.

I'm afraid I will be end up as an old maid or a spinster. I know I'm still young but it doesn't help when I'm constantly asked by friends and strangers, "So.... When are you getting married? When are you going to have kids? Blah Blah." Some people are too forward or nosey or I don't know what. I take steps: boyfriend, fiancee, husband, and then kids. As I have mentioned in the past, I can hardly take care of myself, much less another person. I like kids, but not right now- that's what friends (with kids) are for. Lastly, I'm attracted to men, but thanks for asking.

I figured this question has popped in the minds of some of my other readers, thus this blog post.

Sharkeez Hermosa burned down!

My roomie sent me an IM saying, "What to do with no Sharkeez?"

 

I respond, "Huh?"

 

Then he sends me the following link, CLICK HERE.

 

This news article ranks at the top of the "Most Popular Stories" on NBC4.TV, believe it or not.

 

This explains why several fire trucks were blocking the road around the Hermosa Pier this morning when I picked up my Starbucks coffee.

 

I called my friend in London who used to live in Hermosa, but several of his friends had already told him the sad news.  He exclaimed, "It's like a death in the family."

 

Don't know if it's arson or not yet.  I wonder if they will rebuild it, since it's such a hot spot.  Stay tuned...

 

 

Google your soulmate??

When I thought Google can't possibly come up with new and refreshing ideas, here comes Soulmate Search via Google Romance.  Even Google is toying around in online dating- where is this world coming to??  Even though Google Romance was released on April Fool's Day, I think it's real, but I haven't personally posted a profile ( CLICK HERE to read the press release).  Although several friends have, I have not yet succumbed to signing up for online dating through Match.com, MillionaireMatch.com, MySpace.com, etc.  If someone takes the time and heart to check it out, let me know how if you find romance via Google.

 

PS.  I want to work for Google.

Brian Bent, RIP

I just went to my high school reunion last summer.  I thought I'd see everyone at the next one.  Unfortunately, I just found out someone I knew recently passed away.  Odd thing is that I found out by word of mouth through My Space.  Besides rallying a group for a riot, My Space has proven to be helpful in propagating news.

 

If you knew Brian Bent, you can read the nice things people are saying about him and also see some great pics of his family, including his surviving son.  CLICK HERE for his tribute page on My Space.

Another hilarious t-shirt

Another hilarious t-shirt
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

I didn't get it, until he showed me his guns.

I was voted DD

Tonight, I tagged along with my bros and their friends to hit the Gaslamp District. As we were driving to downtown, I announced, "You know what, I think I'm not going to drink tonight." My 2 brothers and their friend gasped and started laughing. Apparently, they had already voted that I was going to be DD (designated driver) tonight. I was not part of the decision-making process. Needless to say, it was nice of me to volunteer.

I did end up having 1 pint of beer tonight at the first bar. I guess I shouldn't be suprised that Hoegaarden White was among the 100+ beers on tap at the Yard House. Even though I was DD, I figured I deserved a pint if this Belgium beer was on tap. This beer brought back good memories from my recent trip to London where I first experienced this beer that doesn't taste like a beer. I can now re-live that moment in any Yard House (San Diego, Long Beach, Newport Beach). Even if you don't like beer, the Hoegaarden White is quite refreshing.

We spent the rest of the night at On Broadway, which I have confirmed over and over as my favorite club of all time. I have yet to find another club of it's caliber. The variety in music within the 5 different rooms cannot be matched elsewhere. There is Club Pure in Vegas, but nothing in Los Angeles that I know of. I love the privelege of being on a guest list which saves us the astronomical cover charge of $20. Even though I was essentially sober, dancing is easy in that atmosphere. If you like to dance and you happen to be in San Diego, On Broadway is worth checking out.

Got an extra toothbrush?

For some people, this might be considered an awkward question. However, my personal hygiene standard does not go out the window when I stay over at someone's house. Of course, packing a toothbrush would be the smart thing to do, but sometimes stayovers are not always planned. The thought of morning breath is dispicable, much less the thought of cavities, tartar, etc. considering the investment in my teeth so far. Sure, skipping one night of brushing might be ok once in awhile, but a toothbrush is simple enough to provide.

I usually purchase a 6-pack of toothbrushes at Costco. Toothbrushes are not cheap, or at least not the ones that I use. When I have overnight guests, I kindly offer a toothbrush. My dentist and orthodontist always give me free toothbrush sets, so I've got some spares in my car. Call me "prepared" or call me "too lazy to clean out my car"- either way it's the same to me.

When I started dating someone new awhile ago, I didn't want to stay over since I didn't have a toothbrush. He didn't have any extra toothbrushes. Despite his offer, sharing his toothbrush was not an option either. After some deliberate consideration, I mentioned that I had some toothbrushes in my car. He gave me an odd look, as if to say, "Why do you have extra toothbrushes in your car?? You seem to be a bit too prepared." I didn't think it was odd until this very moment.

Is it really odd to have extra toothbrushes for myself or for guests? Here's another food for thought: Is it ok to share toothbrushes?

Americans celebrate 5/5

Let's just say that I'm glad that Cinco de Mayo is only once per year. I got back from Mexico yesterday evening, just in time to see my friends for a little bit before I run off back south to San Diego. I probably should have stayed down there and saved myself 5 hours of communting, but I haven't seen much of my friends since I've been gallavanting across the globe lately. At least, I'm carpooling with my bro today. I haven't been home in 1 month, so I can't say no to a free ride.

My roomie recounted this text messaging string to me last night.

Boy txt msg: So.... are you celebrating Cinco de Mayo?

Girl txt msg: I'm not Mexican.

Boy txt msg: You're not Irish or Catholic either, but you celebrate St. Patty's Day and Mardi Gras.

Touche!

Unbeknownst to many people, Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo. It's a "Hallmark" holiday, if you will, in order to increase sales for beer and tequila. I was just in Mexico yesterday and I can tell you first hand that there was no sign of any Cinco de Mayo celebration. A friend supposedly found some reason on Google for this silly holiday, but I still think it's just another day for Americans to get wasted.

Conversation recall: skin color

White* boy picks up Filipino* girl (a friend) at the subway stop in Brooklyn.

Filipino girl: I realized I was in a different part of the city when I was the only non-black* person at the end of a particular subway line.

White boy: Your skin color is almost black.

Filipino girl's jaw drops. Silence. Both exit the car.

Filipino girl: You know you shouldn't say that to a Filipino person. You know they have a complex about being light-skinned.

Not sure if this conversation was more disturbing for the Filipino girl or the White boy or someone else who could have heard this conversation.

*You may use a better PC word here of your choice, if you prefer.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Although it may not be a real holiday,
Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I speak my mind

For my regular readers, you know that I speak my mind. For people who know me outside of the blogosphere, you know that statements continues to hold true, even though it gets me in trouble sometimes (ok, most of the time ). However, I must say that I do "censor" my own material. I publish what I want to be heard or don't mind being heard, albeit some of it shocking even to myself. Overall, I'm brutally honest or at least try to be. A broad part of "me" is on display in the blogosphere, if you wish, but certain things are kept to myself. People will judge me, like most people do in this world. Why do I blog about this and that? Because I simply think it's interesting. If you don't like, find another blog- it is MY blog. Of course, I welcome your opinion, but there's a limit.

Why do I bring this boring topic up, you may ask. Well, someone judges me that I blog about this and that, so I must be ________ (use adjective, not a bad word, but still not a quite positive adjective). Are you serious?! I could have a blog about wines, sports, kids, whatever, but I've decided to write about myself- something I know or I think I know. Give me a good reason why an anonymous person is worth listening to? I've got many anonymous readers, so why you? Why are you special? I can turn this around- I'm an pseudo-anonymous writer (with a pseudonym), so why me? Why read my blog? This is not a special note to one specific person. Ok, perhaps I'm rambling now, but again this is my e-space to rant and rave.

Tengo caliente

That's one thing I was told not to say. My highschool Spanish teacher warned us that this idiomatic phrase meant something else. Now I cannot remember how to say, "I'm hot." Maybe "Estoy caliente." Regardless, I get a kick out of it.

I tell friends that I'm heading to Mexico today for work. They exclaim, "Wow." Sadly enough, I respond, "My customer is not in Cancun."

I arrived at the hotel late tonight after driving about 8 hours with a dinner break in between. Someone told me last minute that I needed my passport for the business visa, which added at least another hour to my commute. I had to go home (north) and then turn around (south). Seeing how much I spent on gas this morning, the company will be charged for my miles in this case.

It's not too bad here. The pool looks inviting... I didn't bring my swimsuit and then my colleague warned me not to go in my birthday suit. Duh.

The air conditioning in my room was not turned on (yet). I feel like I'm baking in an oven. It's not that bad, but it's definately warmer than LA or SD. It's about 60F in SD/LA, while 70F in Mexico right now. I joke around that my temp range varies between +/- 2.5 degrees, but I think it's true since the difference between high and low in Hermosa is 3 degrees. Mexico's temperatures don't seem so constant. Tomorrow the low is 53F (not bad, right?), but the high is 91F (ouch). Thank goodness we should be indoors most of the time except when we take a lunch break.

Not sure if I'll be able to fall asleep tonight with the AC blaring. At least, it's not too humid like in other parts of SEA (South East Asia). I recall stepping out of the car in Thailand and start dripping before I hit the hotel lobby. At least, the hotel room doesn't smell like mold like that in the Singapore airport when I stayed for a layover. It could be worse...

This should be the last trip for awhile. I don't mind traveling except for the fact that I'm still sick. zzz...

Time to start carpooling!

I remember when it was cheaper than $1.19 per gal. At least my bro lives near me so that we can carpool.

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My Dream House

My Dream House
Originally uploaded by smhyla.

Ok, it's not perfect, but this is my feeble attempt at trying SketchUp software by Google (purchased by Google actually). This is a great tool for 3D drawing that anyone with a computer and an imagination can use. For all those virtual artists out there in the blogosphere, what can you sketch up? Examples on the SketchUp website include the Taj Mahal.

The big question is: What is Google not doing? What's next, Google??

Sick as a dog again

When I returned to the office last week, everyone was sick. I think I brought it with me to New Jersey. I haven't been able to get rid of it and think I've gotten worse. I decided to stay in bed today and get some rest since I have another business trip tomorrow. The thought of being in a car for a couple hours to drive to Mexico does not sound appealing. I'll be hacking all the way. I probably have used all my sick days by now. I wonder how someone came up with 5 sick days per year. Some people simply don't get sick, but 5 sounds so low. That's about once per quarter. However, if there were special days for allergies, then maybe 5 sick days make sense. Time for me to go back to la-la land. zzz...

Fine print for credit cards

Ok, I'll admit that I didn't read the fine print of the credit card agreement, but who does? Anyhow, I have learned at least one big difference between some credit cards (cc). Citibank starts accumulating interest immediately at 3% of 36% APR for the foreign purchase on top of the normal APR, while American Express (AMEX) is fee-free (no change in APR). With AMEX, what you pay is what you pay. I believe there is a difference in exchange rate as well, but I didn't drill that far down. Anyhow, this is another piece of information to help me down-select my credit cards.

I have a modest number of cards, but I heard that 2 is the magic number. A friend of mine was stuck b/c he/she had reached the limit. Your credit score will be better with low balances on 2 diferent cards as opposed to hitting the max on one card.

Getting back to being ripped off... Ah, yes, Citibank sucks. Unfortunately, not everyone took AMEX, so I was forced to use the Citi Mastercard. When I was in China Town of New York, the Thai restaurant only accepted cash or AMEX. Unforunately, I did "leave home without it" that night. Perhaps the US will move forward to smart cards like the UK and France. Less fraud, more security- why not? Cost and infrastructure are my bets. I'd be ok with sticking a memory chip under my skin (this topic deserves it's own blog post in the near future). I wonder what the fine print is for that, hmm...

20K Milestone, woo hoo!

My sitemeter has recorded 20,000 hits since I started blogging on Christmas 2004 (and "no", this does not include my own hits). My archives for this blog goes back through October 2005, but I had used Xanga before Blogger. If my memory serves me right, the average blog life span is 1 year. I want to say that I'm here in the blogosphere for the long haul, but I'm not sure if I will stick with this username. I did start a new blog under other names, including my real name in case I want to do anything professionally. Decisions, decisions, decisions...

For the glass-half-empty readers, this is not necessarily bragging. Being obsessive about my sitemeter encourages to me continue. Somewhere in the black hole (AKA the blogosphere), someone is listening to my rants and raves. I mostly get constructive feedback from my secret admirers, but some flammers pop up once in a blue moon. All in all, blogging has been a constructive outlet to share, ponder, and ________ (you fill in the blank). Hopefully, I will be around to see another 20K. Time for me to hit the sack, since I'm still sick. Need to rest before leaving for another business trip (Mexico, but my customer isn't based in Cancun- darn it!).

Dirty in the Big Apple

I mentioned that there was alot of trash to some New Yorkers (friends of a friend). One guy asked asked me point blank, "Well, is there anything good about NYC?" Silence. I couldn't really come up with anything in response to that confrontational attitude. My New Yorker friend admitted that he didn't understand why people called New York "a dirty city" until he moved to San Diego (my hometown, in case you didn't know). He figured that there are simply more people in New York, so there will be more trash. I think it's the city's culture on top of the frequency of garbage pick-up day.

Honestly, I realized that I should have taken a picture of what I mean. If you're from NYC, you'll think nothing of it. If you're not from there, then you might think I'm exaggerating. Instead of trash bins on the sidewalk for garbage collection, there are mounds of plastic bags overflowing with trash. I guess passer-bys add to the "collection", but don't care if it spills over to the street.

Moreover, graffitti adorned any space possible in NYC. Of course, there is graffitti in San Diego, but not to the same extent. New York reminds me of Paris. If you're French, sorry. I call it as I see it. I'll try to think of some good points about the Big Apple in the meanwhile...

Wamoola-4-Schools Program

I just learned of a great way to support your local schools. Washington Mutual Bank is offering a reward program where a donation is made for every dollar you spend on your WaMu debit/credit card. Of course, I prefer to earn the reward for myself, but that is not an option. The next best person who should earn it will be the kids. If you use WaMu banks and have 1 minute to sign up, log into your account and/or go to this website, https://www.wamoolaforschools.com. It's easy and took about 1 minute.

You can sponsor any school of your choice, or you can pick the same one as me: Kelly Elementary School in Compton, CA. I figure that one needs it more than Coronado High School where I grew up. WaMu also posts how much each school has earned in the program to date, which I find interesting.

This is a nice way to passively support education for kids (hint hint). For more active volunteering, I will start participating in the "Reading to Kids" program in Los Angeles. Let me know if you can spend the 2nd Saturday morning per month reading to elementary school kids. These are great ways to give back to the community. I'm on a volunteering kick right now, if you haven't noticed.

PS. Revlon Run/Walk for breast cancer (study) is in less than 2 weeks, in case anyone wants to sponsor me... CLICK HERE.