... as I see it

Oops...

2010-07-01T21:58:00.000-07:00

I totally forgot I had a blog!

Speaking Of...

2010-01-22T13:58:00.000-08:00

I'm going to play a fun game and YOU get to... read as I play. You'll figure out the game because you're smart... and if you can't figure it out - then get off my blog.

So it's been VERY stormy... unusually stormy... here in the OC. And you all know how I feel about OC people and rain. I personally love the rain - being from Texas, it's familiar and homey. I will admit that at first I was a little nervous about it, but that lasted, oh until 1 minute after the pouring started. And it's been a blast laughing at people all week who aren't used to it... they even closed down college classes so that the students didn't have to walk in the "pouring rain." PUH-LEASE!! How are these kids going to learn how to take care of themselves? Anyway... so today the rain followed me... literally. I had to go out in the lovely cloudy bliss to run errands for work. I started about 8 miles north of my office. As soon as I parked, it started POURING and little hail balls came from the sky (and of course every facebook status of friends nearby displays "HAIL!!"... with pictures. The hail balls were the size of a pea). I watched and waited for it to let up before walking in the rain. Then I stopped for gas about 3 miles north of my office. For all you non-mathematicians, I drove 5 miles north toward my office... not that that matters. (I've always been incredibly annoying about the details in my story-telling. I've learned to accept it and I encourage you to as well... you'll like me more.) As I'm pumping gas, it started POURING and little hailing again. By the time I left the gas station it stopped. Then I stopped to pick up my lunch right by my office. And as soon as I parked, guess what? Yep, it started POURING and little hailing again. It made me chuckle and want to say aloud "Hi Hail! I JUST saw all your little brothers and sisters up in Mission Viejo! How was your descent?" But I refrained because I remembered they wouldn't be able to answer me and that would get really annoying!

SPEAKING OF hail... when I was in college my 1993 red Pontiac Grand Am got hammered by softball size hail, causing $3000.00 worth of damage. Is that how you say it? $3000.00 worth? It caused damage worth $3000? My insurance company had to pay the body repair shop $3000 to fix it? Which is correct? Oh hail... who cares...

SPEAKING OF my Red Pontiac Grand Am (you're already catching on!)... that thing was a PIECE! At first I thought it was super cool because it looked way better than my 1986 Chevy Nova... but after the 4th alternator in 6 weeks one year, I was over it! I named it Grand-Ma... Get it? Grand-AM... Grand-MA. Because it ran like a Grandma and it was red like a Granny Smith Apple. But then I learned that Granny Smith apples are only green and thank God Grand-Ma wasn't green because then I would have REALLY hated it!

SPEAKING OF Grandmas... I was called a "Bitch" by a Grandma at the grocery store the other day... well, I'm assuming she's a grandma... she was like 80. She ran over me with her cart but stopped while the wheel was still on my foot (she ran it into the shelf which is what stopped it)... and she hung on to the cart. It hurt! So I say patiently "Excuse me, you're on..." Then she sighed loudly and turned her head away from me (but held on to the cart). I kept trying pull my foot out but it wasn't budging. So I say again (with a little less patience) "Umm.. You're on my foot." Nothing. Nada. She just stood there trying to find the beans she was looking for. "Ma'am, you're on my foot!" I say sternly. She then growl-sighed and rolled forward while also rolling her eyes and says, "Bitch!" I didn't say anything. I just sat there with a look of disbelief. I gave Granny the benefit of the doubt while I bent down and gave my foot a little "I care" tlc.

SPEAKING OF TLC (this is fun!)... my old co-worker was on a show on TLC called "This Is Why You're Single." It was kind of like a cheesy intervention show where all of her friends and family waited in a room where she thought she was going to be interviewed. Then they all had to go around and say "______ is why you're single." Then she is supposed to learn from it and go on a blind date the next day and apply what she learned. ISN'T THAT HORRIBLE? What a stupid show.

SPEAKING OF being single... my friend, Megan, is a published author of a book called A Year of Blind Dates. It chronicles her, well... year of blind dates. It's funny, brilliant, honest... a great read! I'm so proud of her! You can order it off of Amazon! Go do it!

SPEAKING OF funny, brilliant, honest and a great read... wasn't this blog post game totally fun?!?!

So.... I'm Back... Maybe... I mean, Kinda...

2010-01-20T09:59:00.001-08:00

It's been like a year... I know. And I understand if you've left me and are never coming back. I mean, I think you're incredibly rude if that's the case (give a girl a chance!)... but I understand. And I know that some of you might be expecting an apology... something like: "I'm so sorry I haven't blogged. It's been (enter a meaningless excuse)." Well, I'm sorry to disappoint. There will be no apology. There are many reasons I have not blogged... I don't feel a need to explain it... and I don't feel a need to apologize for it. And I'm not going to make promises to internet-land that I'll write every day, every week or every month. I know what I WANT to do, and that's that. So, now that we're all on the same page...

I was going to write a blog catching you up on my life since my last post. But, I'm not going to do that either (I know! I'm such a little witch!). Mainly because I don't want to diminish the meaningful happenings over the last year into bullet points. (But I did gain a precious little blue-eyed nephew AND I've fallen {deeply} in love with a man you ALL would just adore). You'll be able to catch up on your own because you're smart like that. Kind of like starting 24 mid-season... It'll take you 2 or 3 episodes, but you'll get it. If it were like LOST on the other hand...

What I will say in today's post is Thank GOD Michelle was sent home on the Bachelor! That girl was out of her mind CRAZY! Like, stalker-crazy. She made me all squirmy every time she talked or glared at the other girls.

I know... trash, right?

You're totally judging me. Now you're really not going to come back!

Well I, Andrea, watch this trashy show. But so does my roommate, Cathi. And in OUR defense, we watch it (only) together and laugh through most of it... especially when they play awesome songs like Jeffrey Osborne's "On the Wings of Love" while soaring through the air in an airplane. (I had to look that up because I kept wanting to write Joe Cocker, but I knew it wasn't his.) We're convinced that the show's producer's are like 70 years old... and they're single, living through the bachelor on his dates... because who else would play "On the Wings of Love" and be such an amnesiac that they forget that they JUST did a helicopter date! (Seriously... there is at least one helicopter in every show!) Oh, we have a whole shpeel conjured up about the behind-the-scenes stuff.

Just like you're all still conjuring up my reasons for leaving Blogland right now... Get over it! I'm back, okay!

Talk About an Eye Roller!

2008-12-20T21:36:00.000-08:00

This is a really horrible commercial. And I shouldn't have to explain why. The last line is my fave.

ps - Thanks, dude, for displaying who the "artist" is throughout the entire commercial. Can't wait to look him up and see what other magic he has for us.

Plea Letter

2008-12-19T14:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Shops of M.V. Manager or whomever this affects the most:

We have a problem. Now, I'm all about solving problems, so I will offer the solution.

The problem: the kiosks, namely the Kiosk Sales People (let's call them the KSP)... you know, the ones up and down every inch of the bottom floor in your mall. You know, the ones who step in front of you, mid-stride, to ask "Can I ask you a question?" And no matter how friendly you say, "Not now, thanks," they continue with something stupid like, "You don't want shiny, luxurious locks?" You know, right?

The solution: Please be a dear and kindly remove them. Please.

Your Valued Customer,
andrea

ps - Could you also do something about the pungent scent that wafts out of Abercrombie and into every nook and cranny in your mall?

It's Raining in the OC

2008-12-17T09:48:00.000-08:00

*This post is long. But, get over it. I promise it's worth reading.

So, it's raining here in the OC. That's very uncommon... very. Now, being a Texas girl, I love it. I love the change, love the gloom, love the sound of the constant rhythm of the water tapping on the wet concrete. Memories of splashing around in puddles flood my mind. I remember huddling with my sister under the plaid umbrella I loved so dearly. I remember pinching the crap out of my finger every time I went to close it. I remember having to play "Heads Up - Seven Up" during recess. I remember Lance Woods cheating every time. I remember my sister falling in the mud as she ran to make the bus. I remember sitting in our suburban at the bus stop while it rained all around us, even though we were only two houses away from the bus stop. Literally, two houses away. I remember our front yard would often flood creating The Petty Lake (we were so clever).

But what I think it absolutely hilarious... like, knee-slapping, side-splitting, bust-a-gut funny (ewww... I just realized how horribly violent that is)... are the people's reactions here. Y'all, it would appear as though a tsunami has hit. Or better yet... Armageddon in the form of raindrops. This morning on the news, the segue into the weather portion went like this: flashes of photos of lightning, people being blown away against forceful winds, palm trees being uprooted, power lines crashing down creating thousands of sparks, with these spoken words, "For all severe weather updates, stay tuned to ABC 7... LA and Orange County's weather leader." Then a brief moment of anxiety-driven tones/beats and "Storm Watch 2008" all but comes to life on the screen before Dallas Raines (yes, that's our weatherman's name) comes on to talk about the severity of this weather. Ok, let's gain some perspective, folks. Severe weather?? Really?! Severe weather??? IT'S RAINING!! I understand that because of the flash of photos you just threw up, it would appear to be severe... but let's be honest, those weren't even photos from LA OR Orange County. IT'S ONLY RAINING! And now Dallas Raines (have to say his full name) is telling us to "stay inside unless we have to go out." Really, Dallas Raines? Stay inside? Why? For fear that a few measly little raindrops will decide to go rogue and form an all-out attack? I don't get it? IT'S JUST RAINING. Oh, also he tells me it's "really cold out there. So bundle up!" IT'S 51*!!!! 51!! Cold is what the mid-west is facing with the below 0 temps. 51 is not cold, it's "colder than we're used to," but it's not cold.

Then, I get on the road with a bunch of these people who have spent the morning on Storm Watch 2008 listening to Dallas Raines. This is already an anxiety-filled town... the last thing they needed this morning was Dallas Raines talking about rain. Again, folks, road rules don't change just because it's raining. Sure, slow down a little... maybe break a little sooner, but what is up with the swerving? Are you swerving around the little puddles? Because you do realize that your car is larger than those puddles? Relax... look at your knuckles... they're snow-white from gripping the steering wheel. Yes, your child can see the rain hitting your car, you don't need to continue to point to it as though it's a blink-or-you'll-miss phenomenon.

And then you hear about the severity of the weather all the livelong day. "Man, it's POURING out there!" No, it's raining. Just raining. Pouring is when you have to pull over because you can't see no matter the speed of your wipers. "This weather makes me want to snuggle with my blanket and watch Love Actually as I sip on hot chocolate." Got nothing cynical to say about that... that sounds nice. "This weather is weird. It's kinda like end-of-the-world weather." Who did you get that idea from? Dallas Raines? IT'S RAINING!! We are not dying! It's only water. It is not infested with an unknown virus. It's just raining. Breathe. It's only rain. This too shall pass.

And it seems as though some people have taken Dallas Raines up on his offer. Because out of the 25 people who work here, 1/5 of them did not come in yesterday or today. "The rain made them sick." Really?! The rain made you sick? What happened? Did you sleep out in the rain all night? And even if you did, do you honestly believe that the rain is what made you sick? Really? I mean, don't you think Seattle-ites (Seattle-ins? what is it?) would be in a constant state of "ill" if RAIN is what makes us sick. Seriously, folks. IT'S JUST RAINING! Oh, but the dear in my office swears the rain gave her a migraine for 2 days. Yes, a 2-day migraine from the rain. (I happen to think it's because of all the chocolate she's been inhaling, but I'm no doctor). So today is her first day back after the rain-induced migraine. She loves details, so at 8:45 am this morning she tells me exactly how she's been treating this headache. First she says, "... even Dallas Raines says this weather can get you sick..." WHOA! Whoa! Whoa! Dallas Raines? Who the hell is this man and why is everyone acting like he's some all-knowing god? He's a weatherman... on the morning news... who explains what the colors on the screen mean and he pushes his hands around thin air to try to show which direction this "storm" is moving. And he READS A PROMPTER! Anyway, back to the 2-day, rain-induced migraine. So Dallas Raines confirms that indeed this is the worst form of migraine to have. So she laid in bed for 2 days straight and took "800mg of IBM every 6 hours." Really?! IBM? Well, honey, that explains your migraine. It's not the rain that caused it... anyone who swallows computers and printers to treat a headache is going to heighten the pain. Welcome back.

But now she's perplexed. "What do I do with my umbrella now," she asks. "It's really wet and I don't want to keep it closed in case it gets moldy, but you know what they say about opening umbrellas indoors." What are we? 7 years old? As she walks off, umbrella dripping, she turns and says, "Hey, Andrea! What do I do when my car glidroplanes? Or is is skidroplanes? Is it best to brake before or after?" Huh?! Glidroplane? Skidroplane? I don't know. "You know, when your car like glides in the water puddles." HYdroplane... she meant hydroplane. That question totally helped me understand the swerving around the water puddles thing: people here don't know how to drive in the rain. They just don't. And unfortunately, until Dallas Raines tells them how to, they may never.

"Want a Thing-a-ma-bob? I got 20!"

2008-12-10T16:31:00.000-08:00

Twenty (20) things about me that may (or may not) surprise you:

1. i like to read news on news.bbc.co.uk. every day. more than once a day.
2. i'm crazy about fonts. the good ones.
3. i still don't consider myself a california girl. don't know if i ever will.
4. i like country music. but i don't like songs about ticks, the fans or badonkadonks. (i don't even know if i spelled that correctly).
5. i also don't like songs about thongs, cisco! but that's not country.
6. i've read the first few books of the Left Behind series. hahaha. ya... i laughed too.
7. most of my travels occur in my head... in the wishing region of my head. if i had lots of money, they would occur more in reality.
8. my room is messy right now. matter of fact, my car is too. (sorry, mom and dad - it's not you.)
9. i cry - about sad things - about happy things - about average things. it's a way i express. and i don't apologize for it. and it's not a girl thing.
10. i don't think there's anything about me - anything i've done, anything i've said, anything i've felt or feel - that at least one person on this earth does not know. anything. unless i don't know yet.
11. cats are not my favorite.
12. i l-o-v-e writing with an ultra fine point Sharpie pen.
13. i have two (2) friends in my life i would consider my SOULmates.
14. sometimes i whine. i don't like it when i do. in fact, sometimes i punish myself when i do by sending me to my room to sit on my bed and think about a better way to respond. then i apologize to myself and move on.
15. apologizing is healing for me.
16. i have a very, very uncomfortable bed. one time i whined about it.
17. my senior year in high school i was elected "best smile." but then the yearbook came out and the picture they showed under "Best Smile" is HORRIBLE. my eyes are almost closed and my smile look like i'm talking and smiling at the same time. oh, and my eyebrows are like an inch thick.
18. when someone says "where should we eat?" and i say, "it doesn't matter." i really mean, "it doesn't matter." it's not a mind game. promise.
19. i'm eight (8) minutes late to work every day.
20. i have a list of things to do before i die. it's not as morbid as it sounds. some people call them "long-term goals."

I Don't Get It

2008-12-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

"You don't get what?" you're asking. This:

1. When people put window stickers of their families on cars. I especially don't get it when they put each family member's name below the corresponding cartoon-y stick figure with their last name sprawled over the top. And don't get me started on the pets.

2. When people say something like, "It's a shame that nobody has snatched you up yet." Ummm... I don't get it. Who or what exactly did you just shame?

3. The Christmas... excuse me... the Holiday decor at my work. I have 5 events over the next two weeks and somehow I was given the task of making sure all of the clubhouses were decorated this week because "I have good style." And let me remind you that this community is made up of very nice, expensive and classy homes. Sounds fun, right? Well, like 50 bins of decor was dropped off in my office to use. It seriously looks like we all went through our junk drawers and dumped them in these bins. So this is what I have to use... TO DECORATE CLUBHOUSES! I have to. And yesterday, this put me in a bad mood (well, I let it put me in a bad mood) when I had to decorate this HUGE (ginormous) wreath - or as my co-worker would say, "reef." They handed me the wreath along with the "items" to decorate it. These items consisted of: a string of gold beads/leaves long enough to stretch around 1/3 of the wreath, a string of bright red and green jewel-y beads to stretch across another 1/3 and a bunch of little pixie things to just stick around the stupid wreath - some that look like glittered gifts, some that look like flat, gold grapes, some that look like a bouquet of holly... you get the picture. And that's it. That's it??? What the hell am I supposed to do with all this crap? So we have a beautiful room with gorgeous wood floors, huge elaborate chandeliers and a big 'ol tacky wreath hangin on the wall. I don't get it.

4. Why people still come to work when they're sick... coughing on everything, snotting on everything, hacking. I get you're a hard worker and you feel okay enough to work, but now it's two weeks later and we're ALL sick. And then, when someone else decides to stay home, you say proudly, "I still came in when I was sick."

5. Ugg boots. I don't get it. Especially when you wear them with your mini-skirt.

6. Why Kenny Chesney keeps winning Entertainer of the Year at the CMAs. Why?? I don't get it.

7. Why people tell me I look like this when I put on my glasses. I don't get it.

Reminder

2008-11-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

This morning I was watching the news as the chill in the air was coming through my open window on this beautiful autumn morning. I loved it. Then I saw that this weekend the temperatures were going to be 90+. Then I remembered what I wrote last year around this time.

I'm It!

2008-10-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Phil... see!

So, here I go. 7 random/weird facts about me:
1. In the morning when I'm getting ready for work, I love to turn on Good Morning America. Sometimes if it's boring, I'll turn it to the Today show, but I prefer Diane Sawyer and the gang. I learn a lot that first hour of the morning.
2. I only check my work emails 3 times a day. It took awhile to get used to, but I can get so much more done this way... it forces me to be less reactive and my emails become a task, not an interruption. My team knows that if it's an emergency, they need to come to my office or call me because I only get the emails at 9am, 12pm and 4pm. The only exception is when I'm waiting on someone to email me something that I need to do my task.
3. I had kidney surgery years ago and have an 8 inch scar to prove it... a very straight line that goes around my waist.
4. Sometimes when I can't focus at work, I'll play one of those games that's supposed to help your brain. It actually works most of the time, but sometimes it's annoying because I'll see math equations or will be unscrambling words in my head for the rest of the day.
5. I love football season. I love college football (Big 12 especially... go Aggies!) and NFL. I will Tivo a Cowboys game and watch the entire thing by myself. I will cheer out loud, I will talk to the TV, I will get mad if we turnover the ball, and I will be a ball of anxiety if it's a "good" game.
6. "Save the best for last" is a theme I live by... but not on purpose. In everything I do... eating - I like to save the best bite for last; at work - I like to save my favorite project for last; at Disneyland - I like to save the best ride for last; and on and on.
7. Okay. I'm going to admit something... something that very few people know about me. I honestly don't care if you judge me. I LOVE Dancing With the Stars... like, LOVE it! I think it is so entertaining. That's not the embarrassing part (well, maybe a little). Here it is: I am that emotional viewer that the producers strive to entertain. I am so glad there is not some secret live webcam recording me as I watch it... seriously. This week as I was watching it, I became aware of how incredibly nerdy I am. I found myself on the edge of my couch with this ridiculously huge smile on my face, or I'd laugh a loud boisterous laugh as though I'm right there, I'd applaud with excitement and cheer for my favorites... seriously - SO nerdy! I wish I was a star only so I could be on that show. Judge away!

I'm not a rule follower, so I'm not going to tag 7. I'm only going to tag Alissa, Kristyn, Greg and Vanessa. You guys can do it if you want to.

Okay... seriously!

2008-10-03T10:51:00.001-07:00

1. OJ Simpson is on trial
2. We are at war in the Middle East
3. 90210 has just started (again)
4. Bush is president
5. New Kids on the Block just came out with a new album

WHAT YEAR IS THIS?

THAT was awkward

2008-09-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

I've had a couple of awkward moments recently that are worth sharing:

1. A young man (late 20's??) was in front of me in line at the grocery store. He pulled out his wallet to pay and I noticed something fall out of his wallet. He didn't notice, so on my way down to pick it up for him I say, "Oops! You dropped something! Here." As I handed him the dropped item, I noticed it was a condom and I said, "Oh... umm... here. Awkward." What made it more awkward is that he darted out and didn't say anything. Not even "thanks!"

2. One day a while ago I was crying at home; I had to leave so I went to grab tissue to take to the car with me only to find out I was out of tissue. What's the next best thing? Toilet paper. So I take a roll of toilet paper to the car with me and when I was done crying, I stashed it in my glove box. Then a few weeks ago I had a friend in the car with me who was having "tummy issues." She had to make a pit-stop at the drugstore for some Imodium while we were in my car. She took her pill, "tummy issue" was solved and shoved the box in my glove box... and forgot it when she left. Ya... you see where this is going. So the other day I had someone in my car (who I don't know that well). He was helping me fix something in my car and I told him to check the Owner's Manual that was where? In my glove box. I'm sitting in the driver's seat. He opens my glove box and in slow motion I see the box of Imodium fall into his hands, followed by my 1/4 roll of toilet paper. He looks at me, Imodium and toilet paper in hands, confused (rightfully so!) I quickly respond, "oh, the Imodium is not mine and the toilet paper is here because I was crying and I had no tissue... I promise." He just chuckled... I mean, could I sound any more defensive? He lays the items in his lap and then reaches for the Owner's Manual. As he pulls it out, my entire stash of feminine products fall out with it. I look at it all laying at his feet and just say, "Oh. Here. I'll get those." He just sat there as I picked each one off the floor. "Well... this is awkward," I said as I closed the glove box.

See - told you it was worth it!

Be a Fly on My Wall

2008-09-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

I've told you before about how the Communication Manager, Lisa*, at my office always says things wrong. Let me tell you a conversation that occurred yesterday:

Lisa walks in on a meeting my boss and I were having and said, "I feel so frazzered today."
(Translation: "I feel so frazzled today.")
When she was corrected, she said, "Oh. Huh... I've always thought it was frazzered. Oh well."
We chuckle.
Then she says, "I don't know what the deal is; I just can't seem to get my work on."
(Translation: "I can't seem to focus.")
Boss laughs and says: "That's not something I want to hear."
Lisa: "Oh, don't act like you've never been flazzered." She looks at me. "Did i say it right?"
We laugh and correct her as she walks off.
As she's walking off she says, "What does that really mean anyway?"

*to protect her privacy, the name has been changed. ;)

Does this mean I'm stressed?

2008-08-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

So, let's enter my world for a sec: I have a big event in 3 weeks. I'm moving this weekend. I'm visiting my sister for a couple of days this weekend. (Yes, I will be gone during the "move." This is more stressful than it sounds because this means that I MUST get it all done before I leave 'cause I can't do it as we're moving). I had a blowout on sunday. Took my car in the shop on monday to get it fixed where I was told I actually have to get 3 tires. My roommate's car completely died on her yesterday. **Breathe.** As you can see, I'm a little stressed.

Then this happened...

When I'm having a stressful day/week, I make sure that I do things for myself, like get a pedicure, rent a movie, treat myself to a fancy coffee drink. Today I chose the latter. So after work, I get my drink; I get back in my car. Put it in reverse. But wait... it won't go in reverse!! What??!! "NOT NOW," I screamed. Is it stuck? Let me pull harder! OH MY GOSH MY CAR IS STUCK! I can't go backwards! I can't even go forward! What the crap?! I start to panic as I opened my door and grab my keys from the ignition. Huh... where are my keys? They're not in the ignition. OOOOHH... they're sitting quietly on my lap. OOOOHHH... that's why it wouldn't go in reverse. Nice.

Probably the stupidest thing I've EVER done... but I'm chalkin it up to stress.

Local News Shame

2008-08-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

The NBC Channel 4 News team in LA makes no excuses for their motive... they don't even try to hide it.

1. They make it clear why they hired the weather girl. 'Cause there's nothing that says, "hey guys, tune in to watch our weather girl," quite like this commercial.

2. They also make it clear why they hired the news team. 'Cause there's nothing that says, "we're a bunch of bad-asses" quite like this commercial.

No wonder ABC news is the most watched here.

Two of a Kind

2008-08-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

You know the One Republic/Timbaland song, Apologize? You know... the one that came out close to a year ago that was really good and then radio began to play it back-to-back, over and over again; they performed it on every Awards Show, Talk Show, Late Night Show that exists? And finally you said "Okay! We get it! It's too late to 'pologize!" You know which one I'm talking about, right?

And you've heard me mention the dear that works in my office. You know, the guy who likes to sing his flavor-of-the-month song over and over again, but he doesn't want to sing it too loud so as to not disturb anyone, so he does the Whisper-singing thing? You know, the whisper-singing thing that's not really whispering and it's not really singing? It's just kinda... annoying, breathy tones? And, you know, this is the same guy who likes to beat his fingers, hands, feet, elbows, WHATEVER he can on the desk, floor, book, monitor, WHATEVER he can to the beat (or close to the beat) of the song. You remember this guy, right?

Ya, these two just met today.

Really?!

2008-08-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

2 days ago - on July 30 - I saw a commercial that had Santa as the main character (who recognized it was summer by wearing a Hawaiian shirt). Really?!

Just Some Random Stuff

2008-07-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

I really like that I live in one of the best climates in the world. It's been PERFECT lately. Love it.
About 4-5 months ago I learned that I'm allergic to certain foods that happen to be in everything (like wheat/gluten and corn, among others). I've avoided blogging about it because I was in the process of accepting that my eating style has completely changed (and grieving that I can't have foods that I want sometimes). I'm now the "picky" eater that is hard to eat out with and I found myself being kinda insecure about it. However, I'm now at a place where I am totally okay with it - mainly because I feel SO much better. But it's changed my mind about food (again!) in general - I eat to fuel my body.
If anyone tells you that you don't really get that wet on Splash Mountain, they're lying. I got drenched. And was dramatic about it.
I learned something new about me this week - well, I knew it about me, but I actually heard it and felt it this week - BREAKTHROUGH. It is in these broken moments when I discover how precious my heart is.
Cathi and I are moving next month... right next door. The new condo is more updated... by like 20 years! And I am SOO excited!

LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Take a Stroll With Me

2008-07-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

Today :

I woke up later than usual.
Listened to church online. Very good.
Completed some domestic duties.
Watched (off and on) an interesting show on National Geographic about Antarctica.
Updated my itunes by importing old cd's while doing the above.
Listened to: Amos Lee, A Fine Frenzy, Ray LaMontagne, Coldplay and Patty Griffin while doing most of the above.
Which obviously put me in a mellow mood.
Cleaned up and got ready for the day. Finally.
To hang out with myself. Lovely.
Once cabin fever set in, I headed to the Spectrum.
I drove slow. Still mellow.
Grabbed a fancy coffee. My treat.
Tried on a few things.
Bought one thing.
Walked into Anthropologie. Immediately inspired.
"i want... i want... i want," I said continuously.
Reminded myself of who I am. Smiled.
I left wishing the store designer to be my friend.
Remembered my friends. Smiled again.
Enjoyed the perfect weather as I strolled to my car.
Drove home. Slowly.
Walked in the empty house. Roommate's out of town.
Turned on the lamp. Simple light is the best.
Made a veggie omelet. Delicious.
Sat on my comfy couch to tell you about my day.
And thanked me for hanging out with me today.
It was a delightful day.

10 Things I Love About You

2008-07-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

I was thinking today about how much I like my roommate, Cathi. So I wrote a Top Ten list in honor of her.

10 Things I Love About Cathi:
1. We have intellectually-stimulating conversations.
2. We have dumb conversations that include phrases like, "it's all volumed."
3. She can laugh at herself.
4. She tries hard not to laugh at me when I fall on by butt at Blockbuster for no reason at all.
5. She can recreate the Love Song Medley scene in Moulin Rouge with me (we both play both parts).
6. She's a great listener.
7. The way she talks about Ned, our plant... well, not technically "our" plant.
8. She doesn't like the pink hue on the walls of our new place either.
9. The way she says "I'm sorry" when I tell her about my bad day.
10. That she's not super giddy, talkative or a ball of energy in the morning.

I Broke the Law

2008-07-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

Today in California is the first day you can't talk on a cell phone while driving unless you are using a handsfree device - like a bluetooth. Ya... I've broken the law a few times today.

And while I'm on it... I don't mean to get technical, but I saw a lady holding up the cord with the phone mic on it while driving... not exactly handsfree. I mean if you hold up the cord, you might as well hold up the phone. I've never understood that.

So You Think You Can... Shut up!

2008-06-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

I enjoy watching So You Think You Can Dance. And while I feel like I need to rationalize that to prove that I'm still cool, I'll refrain. Mary Murphy (in the pic) is a judge on this show and every time she comes on, I have to mute it. Her voice is the most absolutely annoying thing to listen to. As if the shrieking tone isn't enough, she has to yell things like "YOU HAVE JUST BOUGHT YOURSELVES TWO FIRST-CLASS TICKETS ON THE HOT TAMALE TRAIN! WAAAAOOOOOOOO!" All in one breath. And don't get me started on the laugh.

This video though makes me laugh... Mary makes The Soup often (another great show).

What Was That?

2008-06-18T15:42:00.000-07:00

Here is my list of Top Ten worst lyrics... ever. As you read them, remember someone wrote them and said "perfect!" Someone else listened to it and said "yes." And quite possibly a third person heard it and said "I want to record that." And then YOU bought it and sang along. What I'm saying is that multiple people thought it was good before you heard it and cringed. (side note: I'm not saying I hate the song, I just don't like this particular lyric. Some songs I do hate though. ahem... Fergie... ahem)

10. Wake me up before you go go/ Don't leave me hangin on like a yo-yo." Wake Me Up, WHAM!

9. God must have spent a little more time on you. N'Sync (or Backstreet Boys... one of 'em)

8. Fergilicious definition make them boys go loco. Fergilicious, Fergie

7. You're on my heart just like a tattoo/ I'll always have you. Tattoo, Jordin Sparks

6. Whatcha gonna do with all that breast/All that breast inside your shirt. My Humps, BlackEyed Peas

5. Between the red cells and white/ Somethin's not right Sara Beth, Rascall Flatts

4. I don't like cities, but I like New York/ Other places make me feel like a dork. I Love New York, Madonna

3. Let me see that tho-o-ong/ Thong th thong, thong thong. The Thong Song, Cisco (now admit it, you totally sang along)

2. 'Cause my swag is serious/ Somethin heavy like a first-day period. Feedback, Janet Jackson

and the #1 WORST lyric ever. I almost go into a full rage if I hear it:

1. And I miss you like a child misses its blanket. Big Girls Don't Cry, Fergie

What are your least favorite lyrics??

Hey Smart One

2008-06-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't know what to do at the counter along the wall in the restroom with the silver water faucets and big white bowl-like thingys which also contain a lever that once you pull, pink smelly-good stuff comes out... Disneyland (on behalf of Sparkle) has provided you with helpful instructions.

Stop and Stare

2008-06-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when I feel like someone is staring at me too long, I say "What?" in my head... especially when it's strangers.

Today I kept running into this lady at Target who kept staring at me down every single aisle... like STARING. After the 5th time, I exclaim "What?" in my head... but it accidentally came out of my mouth too. I felt like such a jerk.

Happy Birthday, Alissa

2008-06-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

Today my sweet sister turns... one year older! I wish I was with her to celebrate... but I'm not. Instead she is with her incredible husband, Greg, and the cutest little 1 year old boy in the world, Luke... and they are with... drumroll, please... the little peanut inside her belly! That's right, my sister is preggers again! She is nearing the end of her first trimester, so please keep her in your prayers. It's hard to believe that Luke is going to be a big brother! We are all very happy!

Anyway... Alissa, in honor of your birthday - this blog's for you!

When Alissa was a baby, I... was jealous that she had blond hair and that she was a baby and I was a "big girl." (yes i remember that even though i'm only 1 year older.)
I was told that I... potty-trained Alissa. Mom says that I would make her go to the potty when I had to go and "showed" her how to potty. Then when she went, I made sure I was in there to sing the "Hooray for Going Potty" song. I still know it.
One of my favorite things about Alissa from our childhood... was sharing a bed with her... for 16 years!!! Her hands are so soft and every night when she would fall asleep (it seemed like she always fell asleep before me) I used to love to hold her soft hand while I fell asleep. Then as we got older, we would sometimes lay awake for hours talking. And then we would fall asleep and she would spend her time stealing covers, kicking me, hitting me and breathing in my face.
Alissa, I'm sorry... that I was the one that told you about Santa. And for making you lift me in all of our synchronize swimming routines. And for being bossy. And for pulling your hair to the ground for stealing my bubbles. And for hitting you when you wore my scrunchie in the ocean. And for making fun of you when you made your angry face (you know... the one with the tongue). And for discouraging you in times when I should have been encouraging. And for being selfish. And for being judgmental. And for not listening well when we were younger. And for not accepting responsibility. And that I live so far away. And that I didn't say "I'm sorry" enough.
That was funny when... mom would tell us a thousand times to stop talking and go to sleep, then she would finally come in and spank us with our face buried in the pillow pretending to cry when we were really laughing. Dad would tie our hands together when we weren't getting along so we were forced to deal with one another (thanks for passing the toilet paper). When you held your claws in Jason's face and said "you want me to do it to you too?" When you fell down the stairs as you were trying to impress that really serious guy. When your prom date picked you up in that 1985 limo.
I really like that... I have a sister that everyone loves and respects. Seriously! She is one of the sweetest, most gentle persons you will ever meet (but knows how to be feisty). She strives to be the best woman, wife and mom she can be (and succeeds!). I don't know a single soul that does not like my sister. And she is worth every ounce of love that people have for her.
By now, I hope you know... that I can still beat you up. That I really don't know it all. That you are a fantastic mommy! That you are beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! How much I look up to you. That I am always here for you. That I consider you one of my best friends. That I wish we lived closer to one another. That you have a great husband and the sweetest little boy. That you are a great wife. That I love you SO SO SO SO much! Oh, and that I will always beat you in Phase 10 ('cause it's about strategy).

I hope that you have a wonderful birthday and I know that this is going to be a GREAT year for you!!

a letter to my pedicurist

2008-06-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Julie,

Ummm... my toe does not bend that way; it actually hurts. Could you please stop forcing it? Oh, and I'd also appreciate it if you stop laughing when I wince from the pain... it's not funny.

Other than that I am very pleased with my experience with you.

Your faithful customer,
Andrea

Brotherly Love

2008-05-28T22:41:00.001-07:00

My brother, Jason, and I went to Disneyland after work the other day and had a blast. His favorite was the Casey Jr. Circus Train and the churro; my favorite was watching the middle-aged man nonchalantly sing in the Tiki Room and of course the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters:

As you can see, I dominated. And as you can see, I was really intense. Way to go, Space Ranger!

The lines to all the fun rides were way too long. But then Jason informed me that he is more of a "hanger-outer" at D-land anyway, while I seem to be more of a "rider" so we compromised and rode rides with short lines that facilitated his need to "hang out." And we had a photo session while riding The Casey Jr Circus Train and the Dumbo ride:

This is a GREAT picure of Jason. Too bad I look like I'm a freak.

If you know Jason at all - you will appreciate the awesomeness of him here.

At first my favorite part of this was his eyes; now I think I'm going to go with the tongue.

We're so chill... well, he looks like he has a string pulling up his lip.

The Dumbo Ride is so scary!

Aww...

Love you, Jason! (even though I don't think you ever read this...)

First Time for Everything

2008-05-26T00:07:00.001-07:00

This is my nephew,Luke, during his first trip to Disneyland about a month ago. We were watching the parade and he was SOO freaking cute... he didn't know what to do with all the big floats and dancers. This was my favorite pic - he was clapping.

And this was him right after he took a nap with me...
another favorite.

That Did NOT Just Happen...

2008-05-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

That is what I was saying to myself over and over in my head for about 15 minutes in a dressing room on Saturday. The reality is - it DID just happen. Now that I have (somewhat) recovered, I will share with you.

On Saturday I had some "Andrea-time" (which is very fun, by the way) and decided to stop in at a little boutique. I stepped behind the dressing room curtain in the middle of the store to try on some clothes. As I was stepping into a pair of pants, I lost my balance and had to step back to catch myself. I'm not sure what happened next; I think I stepped onto my jeans, or my belt, or my shoes (maybe all three). All I know is that I tripped, falling backwards, through the curtains and ended up sprawled out. On the storeroom floor. In just my bra and underwear. And I mean I was sprawled! I screamed on my down which attracted more attention. I saw at least six pairs of eyes looking at me... one of which was a male. Nobody knew what to do except gasp, say "oh my god" over and over and/or quietly giggle. I sat, no I layed sprawled not knowing what to do. The store manager started walking toward me and said "Are you okay?" (she was trying her best to hide a smile, bless her heart). I thought in that moment that standing was the worst thing I could do being that I was NAKED and didn't want to attract more attention... so I quickly scooted/crab-crawled back behind the curtains. I regret that decision - the scooting part. Then I sat in the stool in the dressing room for the next 15 minutes with my face in my hands. Once I had the courage, I stepped out, waved, bought a few items and walked out with my head held high. At least I had on cute panties.

I've Got Nothin

2008-05-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

There have been no posts because I've been busy... and uninspired. But I think I'm uninspired because I'm busy. I had an event last weekend that 25,000+ people attended. It was fun... for the participants... but for the planner (me) it was stressful. Especially considering we were expecting 12,000ish. So, ALL of my creative energy went into that event and the next big one I'm working on. I'm still exhausted. And I need to be inspired. Then I will post a "real" post. For now, I've got nothin.

ps- I actually have really good pictures from when I went to Alaska, but I can't find my dang USB cord. I will find it or buy a new one... ugh, one more thing to do.

I've Been Thinking...

2008-04-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

- My room is a DISASTER. It should be seriously recorded in the Book of Disasters. I don't think it's EVER looked like this... EVER. I have my excuses, but I won't bore you with those. And I would take a picture to prove it, but I have too much pride. It will be spotless before this weekend.

- In case you don't know, American Idol's Jason Castro is from my hometown of Rockwall, TX and grew up in the same church I did. I don't remember him (he's a bit younger too), but his family came out here over Easter and had lunch with my family (minus me)... they remembered each other. Then Jason (my brother) got to go to the results show a couple of weeks ago as one of his "friends." Yes, he was on tv. I wasn't invited and I pouted for a little bit. SO, keep voting for him not only because he's really talented, but also because he's a great guy - great character... and then you can say "I know someone who knows the new American Idol." And then you'll be cool.

- I just saw this guy I work with trip outside. He didn't fall, just tripped off the curb. and it was really funny. Yes, I laughed; no I'm not insensitive. I just like to chuckle at anything that's obviously overlooked. Now he's "singing" the guitar runs of Led Zeppelin... so annoying... I'm not laughing.

- I really like my roommate, Cathi. Because of our schedules, I sometimes go days without really seeing her, but then I do and I like it.

- Saying goodbye to this little guy's face is always really hard. Sad. I had such a blast with him when he and my sister visited. He is growing so much and is SO smart. I can tell he's going to be really funny too... he likes making people laugh. I miss him.

- I got a Disneyland Pass last month!! Yay! My dad bought it for me which was very sweet. I've already gone 4 times since I've had it. If you would like to go, there is about an 82% chance that I would like to join you.

- I think one of the worst pains ever is a hang-nail. Ouch!

- I was speaking with a friend who has recently been through a really tough time. She's in the "stage" of healing where it just hurts and there's nothing she can do about it. I have been through my own heartaches and healing processes, so she asked "what do you think is the most important part to healing?" Good question... and it may differ with everyone, but this is what I've learned (and am continuously learning): I think the most important thing is to just let myself hurt. Every part of my nature tries to convince me that feeling hurt, anger, sadness, confusion, etc is "bad" so I do whatever I can to "feel" happy and positive, meanwhile I'm burying my pain under the fakeness (just pretend that's a word). I have to expose the wound, let it sting as it's cleaned before it can even begin to heal... sometimes I have to expose it over and over. My suggestion? Let yourself be present with your pain - equally in head and in heart. Just be. Your heart will get rid of it when it's ready... it may not be in your timing and it may force you to deal with more, but you won't feel like this forever if you actually deal with it. Accept the fact that you're living with pain for right now, be intentional about listening to your heart and allow yourself to feel the pain. Repeat. Oh, one more thing! Find people in your life that can be present in your pain with you and let them love you there.

- What is up with spam? I hate it. I have an email address that I give out to places when I think they may sell it to others so I expect that inbox to be flooded with spam. I have another email address, however, that I ONLY give out to people with whom I will be corresponding with. So why am I starting to suddenly get spam there? It's so frustrating!

- Sometimes I wonder if I have a sign on my car that says "Your are welcome to pull out in front of me!"

- Now the guy I work with is whisper-singing Beat It... as if we can't all hear him. If he doesn't stop soon, I'm gonna beat him.

House of Many Colors

2008-04-07T09:36:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I house-sit for people while they're on vacation. It's a great way to earn a little extra cash while taking care of dogs, watering plants, checking the mail, picking tomatoes or any other random thing they have me do. Most recently I stayed at what I call "The House of Many Colors." I had to share them (the colors) with you. (Keep in mind that their youngest child is a senior in high school and is the only one still living with mom and dad.)

DOWNSTAIRS
Entry Way and Den - Medium Tan
Formal Dining - Dark Purple
1/2 Bath - Lavendar
Kitchen - Burnt Red
Living Room - Burnt Red and White
Bedroom 1 - Olive Green (w/ Teal bedding)

Not too bad, right? But wait...

UPSTAIRS
Hallway - Light Tan w/ Dark Clay accents
Master Bedroom - Olive Green
Master Bath - Olive Green with Tan accents
Laundry Room - Pure Eggshell White
Office - Periwinkle
Bedroom 2 - Princess Purple
Bedroom 3 - Donald Duck Blue
TV Room - 80's Downtown Miami Art Deco Teal
Bathroom - I couldn't tell you because I was blinded when I walked in. Seriously. I think it had a florescent green tone... but I honestly couldn't tell you.

(ps - I changed my settings so you don't have to have a google account to comment, but you do have to enter in the handy-dandy secret security code. So, comment away!)

I Have Some Big News

2008-04-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

I didn't want to say anything until it was confirmed, but... I'M MOVING from California to HERE!!!!!!!!!!! Yay! More details to come!!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE you all!

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY LUKE!!

2008-03-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Luke! I can't believe that you are already a year old. I hope your day is so special. I wish I could look into your big brown eyes everyday and tell you how loved you are by me (I'll settle for the computer cameras though!) I pray daily that you know and believe your loved and valued by many, most importantly your Heavenly Father; and I pray that that belief will allow you to experience so much joy, growth and security throughout your life. We are going to have SO much fun on our visits to see each other (I can't wait for our one-on-one times where we build forts, jump on the bed and load up on sugar... but we won't tell mommy). I love you so much... I think I'm the proudest aunt that exists! Can't wait to see you soon!!

Just 6 weeks old!

One of my favorite things in the world!

Another one of my favorite things in the world!

Look how smart you are!

And how BIG you are!

I LOVE YOU!

Don't Have a Cow!

2008-03-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

I read this post from my friend Courtney's blog and it reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend recently. My friend is a vegetarian for "moral reasons." (FYI - the intent of this post is to entertain you; I will not give my opinion on the beef-making process.)

I was telling my friend that some of my favorite memories were at my Granddad's ranch. There was so much space (about 100 acres): the forest area was beautiful, the ponds were fun to look for water moccasins, riding around on 4-wheelers was fun with my siblings (Billy used to scare the s%!* out of me on those), walking to the edge of the property to see if we could find prancing deer, peeing my pants because I couldn't make it all the way back to the house and I was too embarrassed to go in front of my brothers, climbing trees, accidentally stepping in "cow patties," my grandma's attempt at singing to wake us up, going on the tractor with my granddad to feed the cows at 5:30am- it was all great fun. Being sensitive to my friend's feelings, I left out the fact that we loved to go fishing and that my uncle taught us how to shoot rifles and shotguns out there.

So my friend asks, "did you ride horses?" Ummmm... the thing is, my grandad didn't have horses; he raised cows - the very thing she is VEHEMENTLY against! How do I say this? Oh well, no matter what, she will be offended. "Actually he didn't really have horses." Please don't ask! Please don't ask!
"Oh. But you had cows?"
Crap... "Ya! They just kind of hung out all day. I even got to watch one give birth," I say to try to steer the conversation.
"What did he do with the cows?" She's no dummy... she knows where this is going. I just gotta say it.
I nervously answered, "My granddad took really good care of the cows throughout their entire life. He fed them good food, let them graze his grass all day, let them just lie around and "moo." Then when it was time for them to move on, he would sell them so that they could make really good beef and stuff because they were taken care of so well."
With small tears in her eyes she replies, "Andrea, you don't have to skirt around it. Just say, 'My granddad fattened up cows so he could make money as they were sent off to the slaughterhouse to die for no purpose but feed people things they think they need."
"Well, geez... if that's how you want to think about it..."

Dear Spider

2008-03-11T11:57:00.001-07:00

Dear spider,

I think it is amazing that you know how to build a beautiful, nearly invisible web; and it amazes me that this web is meant to capture those insects dumb enough to fly or crawl into it so that you can enjoy torturing them as you wrap them in a tight woven blanket, keep them sitting there, helpless, for all the insect world to point at and say, "look at that idiot... walked right into it." Then you devour it... I'm not judging - this actually makes me respect you... fear you, even.

I'm not sure if you've figured this out yet, but when a human walks through it, we don't get stuck. Now, maybe you enjoy watching us flail about as we struggle to get your invisible, sticky "strings" off of us while still making sure you are not on us, but I'm sure it pisses you off that we have ruined your beautifully designed architecture and quite possibly, your meal. I messed up your design last night as I was walking to my door and this morning as I was leaving. I know; I see that you tried to move it to a different place so I wouldn't mess it up again, but remember that it is invisible to the naked human eye. So, I have a suggestion so that we both win. Could you weave this up a few feet in front of it?

Thanks and enjoy my front porch!
Andrea

My Rolling Eyes

2008-03-04T12:12:00.000-08:00

A few posts ago, I made a list of things that never fail to make me smile. Here is a list of 22 things that never fail to make my eyes roll:

1. Cheesy pick up lines
2. When someone tells me how I should/shouldn't feel
3. When someone says "we need to get you married."
4. When someone learns I live in Orange county and asks, "do you know any of the real housewives of Orange County?"
5. When someone learns I'm from Texas and they say something that they think sounds "redneck" in a stupid Texas accent.
6. When vocalists talk in their songs (ahem... Fergie)
7. Kanye West

8. Arrogance (see #7)

9. When girl's say "I'm a princess!"

10. When someone talks to me like I'm 12.

11. Local news
12. Dirty jokes
13. People who insist on one-upping anyone and everyone.
14. When Randy says, "so, yo dawg, yo dawg. listen up. listen up..." on American Idol
15. When a co-worker throws someone else under the bus to avoid taking responsibility for something not getting done.
16. When I go running and people try to scare me as they drive by.
17. When I go running and I smile and say "hi" to the runner/walker I'm passing and they look away.
18. When someone interrupts and says "Sorry to interrupt, but..." I'd rather you say "I'm going to interrupt."
19. My dad's "3-legged Pig" joke. Seriously... don't ask him to tell it in front of me.
20. When people use God as an excuse to not make a decision (there's a lot more to this one that I'm not going to get into).
21. When girls say "I've always been better friends with guys. I just don't like girls," as though it's a strength.
22. When something is in my eye

Tagged... again

2008-02-25T09:59:00.000-08:00

I was tagged, so here you go:

10 years ago:
I was a freshman at Texas A&M University (whoop!) 10 years ago! I can't believe it was really that long ago. The spring semester of my freshman year is when I met those who would be and are still among my best friends. These friendships are what made my college years what they were - seriously some of the best days of my life. I have the best memories with these friends of living together, going to football games, studying at Sweet Eugene's, going on small weekend trips, laughing so hard, devising our next prank on Pat's house, staying up until 3am just talking. We were (and are) there for each other to celebrate with and to cry with. I LOVED those days!

Things on my to-do list today:
Finish the field layout for a big event I'm planning in a few weeks
Prepare the agenda for a meeting with my committee this afternoon
Organize/clean my desk
Meet my friend at the gym to work out
Make dinner and eat it
Do my taxes
Put away my clean clothes
(ugh... Mondays are so boring!)

What would I do if I was suddenly became a Billionaire?
This is hard for me to imagine. I know I would give a large chunk to my friend who is moving to Madagascar, Africa to do some mission work. I would buy a house, invest some, quit my job and travel a bunch (and I would pay for friends to travel with me). I would give to my church and other ministries - especially international ministries that deal with human trafficking.

Three of my bad habits:
1. Clenching my jaw
2. Letting my room get messy when I'm busy
3. Forgetting to get my oil changed (the oil man yelled at me yesterday for this)

Five jobs I have had:
1. Event Planner
2. Product Development Director
3. Office Manager
4. Administrator
5. Nanny

Five things people don't know about me:
1. I have come to really enjoy time with myself - Saturday mornings are my favorite.
2. When I was little I was called Annie - some of my family still calls me this.
3. I am an "actor" in kid's videos that are sold to churches around the world. I've been recognized in strange places which is really creepy. And, no, you will never see these videos.
4. I have become really good at saying 'no' and not feeling bad about it - SO freeing. I used to say yes to everything... and them complain about how busy I was or how much I hated doing what I agreed to do.
5. I have been in 19 weddings (i know) and had a friend that began writing a script entitled "Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride" that was loosely based on this part of my life. When "27 Dresses" came out, he stopped writing it indefinitely.

Now I'll tag 5 people: Allie, Alissa, Courtney W, Julie, Shawna

I'm so freaking smart...

2008-02-20T11:40:00.000-08:00

But not as smart as Cathi. She was 6 seconds faster than me. dang.

In 2m 36s

Click here to Play

Can you beat me?

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things 1

2008-02-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

These are a few of my favorite things right now... in no particular order. If I was rich and had a tv show, I would give these to you. But I'm not.

1. NARS lipgloss in Greek Holiday - PERFECT color

2. These flowers my sister got me for my birthday - they're gracing my kitchen table

3. Trader Joe's Goat Cheese Pizza - YUMMY! I crave this all the time.

4. Aveida Hand Relief

5. The iphone - even though I don't have one... yet.

I Do NOT!

2008-02-14T18:27:00.000-08:00

Okay... I do NOT look like Winnie Cooper...

And I do NOT look like Tina Fey...

And if anyone tells me that again, I will hit them.

Things that Never Fail to Make Me Smile

2008-02-11T17:45:00.000-08:00

(I got the idea for this post on someone else's blog... I just can't remember who it was. So, if it was you, you're more than welcome to take the credit.)

Here are just 34 things that never fail to make me smile (in random order):

1. My nephew, Luke.
2. Joel McHale on The Soup
3. Watching Natalie perform
4. A surprise letter in the mail.
5. When a friend gets pregnant/has a baby, gets engaged/gets married
6. Watching someone discover something new, especially about themselves
7. The Office
8. Crabby old ladies at the Trader Joe's (a whole foods market for you not on the west coast) by my house.
9. Sweet old men at the Trader Joe's by my house.
10. Figuring out clues from Lost
11. A kiss on the forehead.
12. When someone decides to let down their guard with me.
13. When someone lets me be vulnerable with them even though I'm scared.
14. When I feel pride for who I have become... and am still learning to be.
15. The love I feel for my friends and family.
16. The love I feel from my friends and family.
17. When I'm told I'm funny.
18. When someone falls and is not hurt (even if it's me).
19. When I hear a parent tell their child "I'm so proud of you."
20. Sunny days
21. Falling asleep to rain
22. Finishing a good book
23. A long, quiet morning (with coffee)
24. When I sense God's very real presence
25. When I hear a good song that reminds me of my childhood... like, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
26. When I hear a stupid song that reminds me of my childhood... like, "Tonight I Celebrate My Love" (did my mom know that we were memorizing the words w/o knowing the meaning???)
27. When I was a nanny and a child would correct me by reminding me of a lesson I had just taught them.
28. When I'm carded
29. Dreaming of my future
30. When my house is clean (even though I hate the process)
31. When I wake up and remember it's Saturday and I don't have to get up and go to work
32. Going to the beach
33. Stewie and Peter on The Family Guy
34. Alan's puns

What makes you smile?

Instructions

2008-02-04T21:31:00.000-08:00

I promise I will be updating soon.

In the meantime, please go to my sister's blog to see how stinkin cute my nephew is.

Which LOST Character Are You?

2008-01-21T09:09:00.000-08:00

I'm excited for Lost to start in a couple of weeks. I took a quiz to find out what character I was most like, and well... this is what came up.

Find out Which Lost Character Are You at LiquidGeneration.com!

I have no idea how this is the description that came to be based on the answers I gave... seriously NO idea.
1. I'm not as tough as Kate
2. I'm not as hot as Kate
3. I'm not a pathological liar
4. Yes, deep down in my heart I am a good person... like most people.

I'm a fighter like Kate - but they don't even mention that. I think this quiz is BS is all I'm saying... but I recommend you take it and let us know who you are like. Just don't let it determine who you are... you could be disappointed.

Overheard

2008-01-17T19:09:00.000-08:00

Today I overheard the following conversation:

Woman A: "What do you want to eat for lunch?"
Woman B: " I don't know. What do you feel like?"
Woman A: "Maybe a sandwich from Pacific Whey? Does that sound good??"
Woman B: "Hmmm... I don't know. I really have a craving for something.......... I just don't know what."

Ummm... doesn't that just mean she's hungry?

Confession

2008-01-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I'm driving and I'm following directions, I confuse my lefts and my rights.

The good news is that I always end up figuring out my mistake... sometimes before I even make it!

There. I said it.

A Letter to a Celebrity

2008-01-10T17:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Tyra,

You are really annoying.

I will admit though that America's Next Top Model would not be the same without you. And I think you have good intentions... I like that about you.

Have a great day,

Andrea

side note - if any of you readers are a mommy, my sister has a question for you at her blog. Could you help her please?

My Daily Entertainment

2008-01-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

I am a grammar/vocabulary freak... it's one of few things that I'm anal about. I'm not saying I'm better than anyone else, I'm just saying mistakes in this area stand out at me even when I make them. Typically I don't correct people - I give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they just messed up. However, I work with someone that is clearly not as anal as I am and has a hard time in this area. I've started correcting her because she says it's okay to... and I gently let her know. But inside I am sometimes DYING laughing... it's so entertaining (in the nicest way possible). Here are a few things she says regularly:

Futuristically - meaning: thinking ahead
It's a Christmas reef - instead of wreath
"He totally threw a conipshit" - instead of conniption fit
"I've already aten" - instead of eaten
"After I got my hair did..." - instead of done
Tooken - instead of 'taken' or 'took' (and when i tried to explain the correction, she didn't know what "past tense" meant)
"He's very family-orientated" - instead of -oriented
It's a Good Samariman - instead of Samaritan
Anytime she sees "misc." she reads it as "mystic" (no lie!)
(*) is an astridge - instead of asterisk
She recently said "Why is this the first year they're doing a cackus?" - instead of a caucus (and we had to tell her that caucuses have existed for decades!)
She can't wait to see the movie, Entonement - instead of Atonement
Tastistic - instead of statistic
I don't even know how to spell how she says "wheel barrow"
She just started eating bre-fast - instead of breakfast
She always says stuff like "I've been trippin on the internet and came across..." or "hey, wanna bust a lunch?"
I must mention that she consistently calls me "homey" "sista" "dude" "girlfriend" "g"

Again, she says these all the time - over and over - correcting doesn't work. Here's the best part of all: her job title is Communications Manager. Yep!

Let me also add: she's great and I like her as a person.

My Year in Review

2007-12-09T18:16:00.000-08:00

As the close of the year approaches, I am forced to think back at everything I experienced this year:

A new job that I really like where I have put on several small events, 3 medium events, 4 large events and 1 Biggie-sized event.
A new nephew that is the most adorable thing out there.
The loss of a dear friend
A new roommate who is beyond great to live with.
Met a man with whom I experienced a great deal of love.
A heartbreak where I experienced a great deal of pain.
A wonderful reunion with many childhood and lifelong friends.

Celebrating with 5 friends who had their first child, 2 friends who had their second and 3 friends (so far!) who will have their first in 2008.
Celebrating with 2 friends who got married!
Spent several days with friends from out of town.
Climbed a tree 105 ft up then jumped off a platform onto a trapeze.
Intense jaw pain coupled with migraines for the first time ever. (Had nothing to do with the jump)
Successfully ended counseling after a long, hard, but very-worth-it process!

This might be the best year of my life so far... not because of any one of these particular circumstances, and maybe that's why it was so great. I learned this year that my circumstances don't define my satisfaction, happiness and contentment in life or myself. It's what I spent so many years searching for and finally realized that being content in who I am is seriously all I need. I am able to experience the fullness of the joy and love that come from circumstances, while also embracing the fullness of pain that comes. The difference is that I am no longer scared of the pain... I don't like the feeling... but I have accepted that this is part of life and it's okay and I'm okay, so why not embrace it? It's strange to still feel content even when circumstances hurt. I think one of the most (maybe, THE most) beautiful things God offers in life is to love others and let them love me through the pain, and rejoice with others and let them rejoice with me through the triumphs - and I got to do a lot of that this year! So, here is to a New Year that is guaranteed to be full of joy and pain... the next step to a beautiful journey!

I Didn't Think It Could Happen...

2007-12-03T22:32:00.000-08:00

But it did - he just can't stop getting cuter.

I had to post this because I seriously might have the cutest nephew in the world and this picture proves it. And I don't have to be biased to see it... I just happen to be biased... which makes it even better!

Oh... he's standing all the time now too. Check out my sister's blog to hear/see more.

January '09 or Bust!

2007-11-28T14:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of things I would like to do by January 2009 in no particular order. If anybody would like to help me complete them, I welcome your company (well, depending on who you are). Oh, and I'm sure I'll have more to add:

- white water rafting

- get my jaw fixed*

- go camping in the Sequoias

- go to Carmel, Ca

- go to London

- plan a reunion with college friends

- get a Mac

- get a better camera and take more pictures

- write more

- get a new mattress that's a lot more comfy

- visit my friend in Alaska when the baby arrives

- go to Napa

- learn more

- love better

*This one is a priority. I have an update, I just don't feel like writing about it right now. I will at some point.

Warning: I'm Going to Complain

2007-11-19T21:24:00.000-08:00

If you've seen me lately and I look tired, it's because I am.

If you've eaten with me lately and it looks like I'm not eating right, it's because I'm not.

If you've been with me lately and it looks like I hold my face often, it's because I am.

If you've seen me yawn lately and it looks like I want to cry, it's because I do.

If I've spoken with you lately and it looks like I'm in pain, it's because I am.

Here's the thing: my jaw hurts badly. I've had problems with it for the past few years, but in the last 2 - 3 months, it's gotten progressively worse. It keeps me up at night, my shoulders and neck are in constant pain, I'm averaging about 2 migraines a week (some make me puke), I can't talk right because it hurts, I can't even open 1/2 inch so eating a sandwich has become impossible, the crunchiness of vegetables is unbearable, yawning feels like someone is stabbing knives in my jaw, my ear and my temple, I can't even freaking sing in the car! I just want to cry. :(

I've tried everything... nothing works. So, I'm going to see a specialist... hopefully it's repairable. For now, I just needed to complain. Thanks for listening.

Fall?

2007-11-15T11:28:00.000-08:00

After 5 years of living in "sunny" California, this is one thing I have learned: When fall comes and it starts to get cold, don't get excited about the weather until the second time it gets cold because it always gets hot at least one more time.

A week ago I had on a jacket and a cute scarf with a huge smile on my face because fall was finally here. Today I have on a sleeveless shirt and jeans and I'm still hot.

A Little Piece Inside

2007-11-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

I'm not the girl that things happen for. I don't mean that in a depressing or ungrateful way... things just don't happen for me. One of my best friends and I were at Disneyland recently, watching the parade. Things happen for her. We were discussing that if a "cast member" (D-land staff for those of you not familiar with the term) came up to us and said "we need you two in the parade," she would end up as Tinkerbell... the one that leads the parade atop a magnificent float. The one who every little kid looks up at and waves back, confident that Tinkerbell was only waving at them. I, on the other hand, would end up being the dancing fork in the Beauty and the Beast section; or I would be the back end of a two person donkey costume - with my back hunched over and my hair and sweat falling on my face while I walk for a mile without waving because I have to hold on to the person who is the front end of the donkey, a slightly better role. I know I have a choice here - to be envious or to be thankful that I am in the parade at all.

Here's something that did happen for me though - friendships. This doesn't happen for everyone the way it happened for me and I don't know why I was chosen to get this in life, but man I know I have some of the best friends (this includes family) in the world. Through them I experience so much love, so much joy, so much heartache, so much depth, so much genuine laughter, so much security, so much fullness in life! I have friends who I can be completely myself with, completely honest with and a complete dork with. They challenge me to love deeply and freely; they let me cry hard and go on angry rants knowing it will lead to healing. I have friends who I know love me and whom I love... no matter the distance, no matter the surrounding circumstances, no matter the "life stage." I will forever be grateful that this happened for me. Because of this, I am the happiest dancing fork/donkey's butt in the parade.

On My Bedside Table

2007-11-04T21:43:00.000-08:00

This morning I finished this book. I really liked it... so much so that I kept searching the end to make sure it really was the end. I wanted it to keep going. I think there's a movie coming out this month based on this novel.

This evening I started this book. I hear it's good... and it's interesting so far.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Another Grocery Store Run In

2007-10-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

So today I ran by the grocery store to pick up a few things for an event that's this weekend. As I'm walking with my cart toward the cash register to pay, a man (33 -36ish years old?) approached me and asks if I could help him with something.

He says quietly, "Can you help me pick out some flowers for me to give to a woman. I just want to let her know that I think she is beautiful."
Being the romantic that I am, I agree.
I ask all kinds of questions, "Are you dating her?"
"No."
"Does she know you?"
"No. Not really."
"Are these flowers a means to ask her out?" (if so... barf. I'm romantic... not cheesy!)
"No. I just want to tell her that I think she's beautiful. Really that's it. I'm just not good at the picking out part."
I think I made some dumb joke that went something like "picking out the flowers or picking out the beautiful woman?" I can't remember what I said but it didn't get a laugh... not even from me. I quickly change the subject - flowers.
So, I tell him to go with the pretty autumn-colored gerber daisies. Not too many as to overwhelm her, but more than one. And gerbers are cute and sweet... not a hugely romantic flower that could potentially scare her away. Yes, I analyzed the flowers. So he (we) picked out 5.

We get in line together... I let him go in front of me because he only had 5 gerber daisies and I had a cart full of things. He pays but continues to chat with me, so we ended up walking out together.
As we're crossing the parking lot I say, "Well, good luck with the flowers. I think she'll love them."
He replies, "Here. I want you to have them." He begins to hand them to me.
Very confused, I say "What? No! I like them but you should give them to her." ("her" never had a name.)
He smiles and chuckles and said, "I think you're beautiful and I was picking them out for you the entire time. I just wanted you to have what you liked."
I must admit, part of me wanted to roll my eyes and say "Gross! This was so cheesy!"
But... I couldn't help but smile. This was one of the sweetest, most sincere gestures ever. "Wow. Thank you. I don't know what to say... I'm very flattered. Thank you."
"Well, I couldn't pass up the opportunity."
I, of course, quickly lighten it up and start rambling about my confusion... I basically retold the entire walk to my car to him as if he hadn't been there. I'm such a dork.
He then says, "It was very nice to me you, ???"
"Andrea." I reply.
"Andrea, very nice to meet you. I'm Brandon. I'm going to go inside now to get my shopping done." He smiled the entire time he spoke.
"Okay. Have fun! Maybe you'll find another beautiful woman in there," I jokingly yell to him as he walks away.
He turns around, smiles and says, "I think you're it. I've never done it before and I doubt I'll do it again. I was shaking the entire time."
He pauses.
"Bye, Andrea."
"Oh, bye Brandon. Have a great day."

And that was it.

So now I have 5 gerber daisies sitting in a little vase on my desk. And every time I look at them... I smile.

Ugh...

2007-10-24T23:32:00.001-07:00

My apartment was white. Now it looks tan.
My eyes were white. Now they're red. And they burn.
My car was gray. Now it's gray with a beige coating.
The air was clear. Now it has gray and tan flurries floating everywhere.
Streets were clean. Now there is a pile of ash against every curb.
My lungs were whatever color lungs are. Now they are black.

Here's why:

Yep... this is the air I'm forced to breathe. This photo was not doctored... it was taken on the freeway by my house. You are not seeing fog or clouds. You're seeing smoke and ash... a thick haze - constantly! You know it's bad when you can look directly at the sun in the middle of the day and the only thing that affects your eyes are the ash flurries.

All I want to do is step outside where it is 56 degrees with a clear blue sky and a bright sun and take a deep breath.

We're Surrounded!!

2007-10-23T22:28:00.000-07:00

First of all, thanks for all of your emails, phone calls and prayers. I'm sorry if I haven't gotten back to you yet. I'm okay. My family's okay. And there is no extreme danger right now.

But it is crazy here! Crazy! I can't explain in words what it's like. At first I didn't believe it would get this bad (even made light of it)... but it did. The Orange County (arson) fire is very close to my house, now closer to my parent's. We can also now see the San Diego fire making its way north to us... it's a huge blaze in the distance. I came to my parent's house tonight to be sure they were okay. I couldn't believe what I was seeing as I was driving toward their house. So, I got out and snapped some pictures with my mom. These pictures were taken about a block from their house. Keep in mind that they don't capture the intensity of this fire at all!

Several friends have been evacuated and if it keeps up, my parents will most likely have to as well. The good news is that the winds have died down, so it's more likely that they won't. I've had one friend who lost his home in this fire. The damage it's done is just unbelievable.

It seems that everyone is in a state of shock right now; it's all people talk about and think about. It's sad really. However, as cynical as I am about the OC, it's been cool to see the community pull together in this. Some of the rescue centers are full, so people are even opening up their homes to complete strangers. Seriously, thank God this isn't worse than it is. It's definitely horrible to lose a home, I'm sure, but at least the people have remained unharmed. Please continue to keep us all in your prayers.

Ring of Fire

2007-10-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

In case you don't watch the news and don't talk to those who do, I just wanted you to know that LA and Orange County are burning down as I speak. One wildfire is only about 5 miles from my house. We're okay though. The smoke smells, my eyes burn and you can see flying ash. And there are hurricane force winds which makes the fires difficult to contain. Yikes!

UPDATE: Now there is a fire in Ladera Ranch... a small city where I work. The fire is less than 1 mile from my office. We'll be fine. But the OC residents are FREAKING out right now. Firefighters are guarding the residential areas and don't forsee any structural damage. Maybe I'll get some outdoor seating at lunch today! :)

NEWEST UPDATE: Now I'm on fire.

My Blog is Oh-So Fun!

2007-10-17T13:01:00.001-07:00

In case you haven't noticed, if you look to the right, I have some cool new features on my blog:

1. I have a weekly poll. Please check it out and vote.
2. I have a weekly photo. These will be random... some personal, some not.
3. I have an "I Dreamt Last Night..." section. This, I assure you, will be interesting - sometimes. Sometimes it will be quite funny. Other times it could bore you to tears.

Please enjoy my blog.

Oh, and it won't always be blue... I can only be blue for so long. I'm looking into other things.

Elizabeth Taylor's Wisdom

2007-10-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

This is how I'm going to answer the "marriage" question at my 10 year reunion next week.
(I promise that this is worth the entire 22 seconds!)

A Fine Frenzy

2007-10-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

Please listen (and watch... but most importantly, listen) because this is really good. It's a good song to cry with.

Love the music.
Love the voice.
Love the lyrics.
Love the emotion.
Love it all.

Men and Details

2007-10-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

My friend, Alan, left a magazine at my house a couple of days ago. The magazine is called Details and it's to men what InStyle is to women.

I picked it up tonight to read an article and was thumbing through the pages to get to the actual article, only I couldn't stop thumbing because it smelled delicious. Like a beautiful man.

There must be several advertisements for cologne, but I wouldn't know because I'm not reading... I'm just thumbing... and sniffing.

Mistaken Identity

2007-09-30T23:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight I went to the grocery store to pick up a few things (side note: I like grocery shopping at night because it's always so much less crowded). As the checker was scanning my items, a guy walked up behind me... he looked about 23 years old. Out of nowhere he says "oh god!" in a very disapproving way. I looked at him to see what he was talking about and I noticed him looking at me. I gave him a small grin... his response was sighing loudly and rolling his eyes. I was definitely caught off guard and didn't know what he had against me seeing as we were almost done checking out, so I just continued to pay and tried not to think about it.

Then he says loudly, "I hated you in high school."
I looked at him trying to figure out who he was. I didn't know him... I went to high school 2000 miles away. So I say, "what?" to be sure I heard him correctly.
"I hated you in high school," he says even louder without looking at me.
Pause. The checker looks at me as if I should respond.
As I gathered my bags I say, "I'm sure you are justified in your hate toward the girl you think that I am, however, I went to high school in Texas and graduated at least 4 years before you."
He looked at me and his face turned bright red. "I'm so sorry. Oh my gosh... I completely thought you were someone else. I'm so sorry."
I smiled and told him not to worry about it. As I walked off I heard the checker say, "that was probably the funniest thing I've ever witnessed in this job."

I don't know who the girl is he apparently still hates so much, but I think it would be funny to witness the interaction that would take place if he really did run into her. Poor guy... there was a lot of built up hostility there.

So Take A Look At Me Now

2007-09-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

My blog needed a makeover, so I gave it one! It's blue.

I also added a few features, so take a look around. And who knows? There may be new surprises all the time!

A Game of Telephone

2007-09-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

When my old roommate, Kathlee, moved to LA, she left a few things to "store" at my place because she didn't need them with her... however we get to conveniently use them. She left things like a kitchen table, a refrigerator, a cable modem, a microwave and a few other things. So the other day I get a voicemail from her and I hear her say, "Sorry for the late notice, but I need to come by tomorrow and pick up my table." I was a little bummed because I had a friend coming in town and I didn't want an empty dining room. But, it's her table and she's entitled to it. So I call her back and we chatted for awhile and again I hear her say, "I'll be by tomorrow around 1pm to pick up my table. So sorry for the late notice."
The next day I went shopping for a new table and put a table and chairs on hold because I didn't have a truck to take them home with. However, when I got home that night I found a really sweet note from Kathlee on top of her KITCHEN TABLE. I thought, "how sweet! She decided to leave it because she saw the beautiful bowl that looks so great on it, and the mirror that hangs on the back wall is the perfect backdrop for this table."
I checked my email that night before I went to bed, but my internet wouldn't connect. I tried to discover what the problem was and realized that our modem was missing. What? Why would our modem disappear? Then I realized... OOOhh... Kathlee must have taken our modem, not our table. Now how in the world did I confuse modem and table is beyond me.
The next morning as my new roommate, Cathi, and I were getting ready this exchange took place:

Andrea: "hey, I think I misunderstood Kathlee. She didn't take our table..."
Cathi interrupts: "She took our cable?"
Maybe it was the inflection in her voice, but this still has me laughing to tears. I didn't understand how I confused "table" and "modem" until then. Later that day I was at Target and was laughing out loud so hard while thinking about it, that I had to hold my phone up to my ear so that people would think that I was laughing at someone on the phone. I'm such a dork. BUT, c'mon... who calls a modem, cable???

What I Wish I Could Send

2007-09-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

Dear woman at the restaraunt,

The reason why you're two year old daughter hit you was because everytime she tried to walk to the other side of the booth you would strong arm her against the wall and shout "NO!" No offense, but I would hit you too.

The reason why she couldn't answer you when you persistently asked, "why did you hit me? why did you hit me?" is because she's two and you clearly haven't shown her how to use her words.

The reason she was crying was because her mommy was really mean to her and she didn't understand why you were so disapproving... all she wanted to do was sit on the other side of you. I wouldn't tell you why I was crying either - you were scary.

Finally, the reason she couldn't "stop crying and sit like a lady" is because she is TWO... she's not a lady. And thankfully she doesn't know how to shut off her emotions. Keep it up though, and she'll learn quickly to hide them.

I hope I was able to answer the questions that your precious daughter could not.

andrea

My Drive to Work This Morning

2007-09-06T09:24:00.001-07:00

My 25 minute drive to work every morning is quite eventful. Here is what I noticed about my drive today:

- 5 cars pulled out in front of me (3 of them got the thumbs up)
- I hit at least 12 red lights
- Witnessed 3 people run red lights
- I passed 8 coffee shops, 6 of which are Starbucks
- Saw 1 car in the car pool lane with only 1 person in the car (and there wasn't even traffic)
- 5 cars annoyingly blocked an intersection
- 1 fire engine passed with siren blaring
- Was puzzled by 1 driver brushing his teeth
- Laughed at 1 driver who sneezed (I don't know why I laughed)

And the best part about my drive to work this morning was the music. I'm stuck with the radio because my ipod was stolen and my cd player suddenly doesn't work. I get tired of all the morning talk, so I ended up on Kost 103.5 - the "love song" station. I would normally never admit that I have a preset to this station, but I LOVED the morning music today! Everytime a new song came on, I would go "YESSS!" and sing along. It defintely kept me smiling during my morning commute. Here is the list of songs I got to sing along to on my way to work:

1. "Rock With You" Michael Jackson
2. "Manic Monday" The Bangles
3. "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" Whitney Houston
4. "Someday We'll Be Together" Diana Ross & The Supremes
5. "Fire & Rain" Babyface (it's odd to me that Babyface covered one of James Taylor's greatest hits... James is much better.)

Is your morning commute as eventful as mine?

Another One Bites the Dust

2007-09-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

My friend, Angel, has just joined in the great fun of blogging. You'll be sure to discover some of the best material ever read on her site for a few reasons. A) she's SUPER funny B) she was an English teacher and C) she has a precious family. So check her out! Oh... and I lived with her for three years in college so she has to be cool.

Huh?

2007-08-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

Ummmm... poor girl.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON!!

2007-08-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

This is my brother, Jason, and today he turns 30. So, I wanted to take this time to wish him a very happy birthday! He is a great brother and a great friend... always has been. I've always felt so proud to call him my brother.

My favorite qualities in him:
- He's super funny
- He's a great example of a man with strong character and integrity
- He's real
- He's a great friend to his friends
- He has an incredibly gentle heart
- His depth

My favorite memories with him:
- Taking pictures of each other when we were very young pretending like we were in the middle of something. The best pictures were of him pretending like he was a quarterback. I can't find it to post... sorry.
- Playing catch in the backyard
- Playing football with the neighbors in the front yard
- When we went to a Rangers game on a whim one summer when I was still in high school and he was in college. We bought tickets that were 12 rows behind the dugout and the Rangers were shut out by the Yankees, 22-0. We stayed for the entire game and ended up directly behind the dugout. No fair weather fans here!
- Listening and singing along to 80's love songs. It cracks us up everytime. I call him whenever I hear "Tonight I Celebrate My Love." That one makes us laugh that hardest.
- Our LATE night, deep conversations... we still have them every once in awhile.
- When he moved here about a year ago. I was more that thrilled!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON! I can't wait to share more memories with you in the many years to come!
I love you!!!

My Office

2007-08-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

Things I love about my office:
1. I have my own and it's a large, spacious room.
2. The colors are very warm and I get to decorate it the way I want.
3. My office is in the back so it's usually the last place people go.
4. I have 2 windows: Out of 1 I can see trees and cars that pass or people that walk by, the other I can see a big field and trees.
5. I have a really big door.
6. It's in a clubhouse, so I'm surrounded by beautiful landscape and 2 pools.
7. I can park right outside; I don't have to shuttle in. (I had to do that at my last job... I know)
8. We get to control the temperature now.

Things I strongly dislike about my office:
1. It shares a wall with a men's public restroom and I can hear everything.

On the Brink

2007-08-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get the feeling that you are on the brink of something big? It may not be big in the "big" sense, but it feels big to you. In fact, it feels so big that once you are able to wrap your mind and heart around it, it seems that it could be revolutionary for you.

Well, I'm in that place.

It's something that I recognized a few years ago, but in just the past few weeks I have become intensely aware of this thing in me... and I finally started to get it. It's absolutely terrifying (hence, the vagueness), but I'm beginning to see the other side of this so-called "brink."

And there I find hope.

And We Wonder What's Happening to Younger Generations

2007-08-09T14:24:00.001-07:00

I was in a kid's clothing department at a store yesterday and overheard this conversation: (Note: Sierra is maybe 7 years old.)

Mom: Sierra, Oh my gosh! Look at these True Religion jeans. Oh, how cute!
Sierra: Oh wow!
Mom: You've GOT to try them on! They're only $120. Oh look! Look at all those cute Juicy outfits on the back wall. Look Sierra! Oh how cute!
Sierra: Oh ya! Look at the pink one! That's so cute, Mom.
Mom (in a screeching high pitch): Oh, Sierra, you are going to be the coolest one at school! I'm so excited!

Umm... sad.

Apparantly I was Tagged

2007-08-06T17:05:00.000-07:00

The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their 8 things) and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

So here are the 8 random facts about Andrea:

1. I have 3 separate journals... each for different things. And I keep them fairly hidden because I caught someone reading it once.

2. One of my guilty pleasures is: The Simple Life. I think it's really funny. I actually don't feel guilty about it, so I'll just call it a pleasure.

3. I think I have the cutest nephew alive.

See... Told ya!

4. I have a thing for pens... I love a good pen.

5. My two favorite qualities in my favorite person: authenticity and accepting

6.I've never seen The Princess Bride. It seems that to some people, that's a really big deal.

7. Sometimes I make myself laugh out loud when I sing really loud in the car. Doesn't stop me from doing it though.

8. I'm told I roll my eyes all the time... not in a snobby way, but in an expressive way.

Okay... that's it! I'm going to tag Alissa, Shawna and Cathi.

I'm Just Thinkin'

2007-08-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share some random things going on in my head and/or heart:

I really want it to rain. I know all my friends in TX are tired of it, but I'll trade you for a week!
I have some really great friends... friends that let me just be who I am no matter what that may look like... they don't try to change me... they let me just be. I think this is a very sweet gift in life that I never want to take for granted.
I think it's strange how some people think that being at work means that they work. Seriously... I'm sometimes amazed at the thought of how much could actually get done in a day if everyone actually worked.
I want to be better at Spanish so I can talk to my friends, Walter and Jose, at work. They are so sweet, they're some of the hardest workers I know and they try so hard to speak to me in English (they do really well!)... but I feel terrible when they apologize because they said something wrong or can't remember a word. I've asked Walter to teach me a new word or phrase everyday.
I know a lot of people say this... I actually mean it too... I really want to travel more.
I guess I can do or can imitate funny voices because the 6th person in less than 5 months just told me that I should do voice-overs for animations. Maybe I'll make a voice-over reel and send it to all the big wigs in animation movie land. Then I could make lots of money and travel with all of my wonderful friends to Spanish speaking countries where it rains and siestas are okay. Aw... you get it?
I've been thinking a lot about a certain fear that exists within me. I feel the need to come up with something clever and poetic to share with you about it so that I can remain in my head and think I'm dealing with it. But, instead I think I'm just going to let myself accept that this is a part of me today. This is hard for me - to live in the present. I'd rather talk about it than actually feel it... but it's only by letting myself accept it and embrace it (for now) that I will ever be able to release it. And I'd rather this... no matter how difficult it is... than to remain numb and nurture this fear within.

Thanks for listening.

And another...

2007-07-16T23:10:00.000-07:00

My wonderful friend whom I miss terribly has recently joined Blogland. Click here to check out Kristyn and the entire Holleman clan!

So Sad...

2007-07-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

My video ipod was stolen out of my car. Nothing else... just that.

It makes me sad... and angry... and saying things to myself like "it's okay, it's just a thing" isn't helping right now. So, I'm just going to be sad and angry for a bit and I'm okay with that.

I'm Back

2007-07-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

But more importantly, my sister and her husband have joined the blogging world! Check them out!

I'll post more later... I'm waiting on pictures.

Look... I'm Sorry!

2007-07-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

I've been extremely busy lately and haven't had the time to update! And the little time that I do have, posting a blog hasn't been priority. As soon as my event is over on the 4th, I will update... Promise!

My Dad

2007-06-18T22:37:00.001-07:00

Today my dad had surgery to remove his thyroid along with a mass larger than the size of a softball... in his neck! Gross, I know. He's doing great! It looks like he had his throat slit in a gang fight, but I'm sure it will heal nicely.

After today, here's one thing I know:
I love my dad on morphine.

Gross!

2007-06-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday as I was pulling into a parking lot I saw a man running. And I thought "he looked naked." Then he turned the corner and started running toward my parking spot and I thought "Oh gosh. He is naked!" Then immediately said something out loud like "Gross. Eww. Sick. Why?" Then I saw 2 police turn a corner and run after him behind the shopping center. I don't know what ended up happening and I was okay with not checking it out. I had seen enough.

It's not everyday I see a naked man running around. I know I'd be fine not seeing him again... ever.

Hard Fall = Hard Laugh

2007-06-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today I watched a 30-ish year old man walk out of Starbucks. Drink in hand. Ray bans in place. Diesel Jeans fit just right. And the I-think-I'm-so-hot-and-everyone-is-watching-me-right-now-and-thinks-the-same-thing attitude that explains his "type." As I watched him walk away I was thinking how that attitude and world view is such a turn off, and suddenly...

HE FELL HARD!

He missed the curb and fell straight on his stomach... in the middle of an empty parking spot, then stood up as fast as he could and walked away as though nothing happened, leaving the now empty coffee cup lying on the pavement. I couldn't stop laughing and neither could anyone else in the area.

Do you laugh when you see someone fall?

Wanna know...

2007-06-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

What's been going on in my world lately? Here you go:

- Finished reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (A-)

- Halfway through reading Plan B by Anne Lamott (so far I like her first one, Traveling Mercies, better)

- Went to an indoor shooting range with a few friends where I shot: a 22 (boring), a 45 (scary), a 9mm(perfect), a 9 mm rifle (awkward) and a 12-gauge shotgun (ouch! but VERY enjoyable).

- Purchased 3 new albums - Patty Griffin, Brandi Carlile and Miranda Lambert. So far Patty's is my favorite. But the others are great too.

- Called my sister to tell her Happy Birthday!

- Kathlee moved out - sad! Cathi moved in - glad!

- Going to Palm Springs this weekend and I'm SO excited!

How Rude!

2007-05-23T17:26:00.000-07:00

I think one of the rudest things I see people do is leave their shopping carts wherever they feel like it. To me, it literally screams "I am too important and too good to place my cart in the cart-lot where it belongs"... and I HATE self-entitlement. I watched a woman today struggle for 3 minutes to be sure the cart she was leaving in between 2 cars would stay balanced and not roll off or hit one of the cars. She could have walked the cart to the cart-lot (which was only 3 spaces over), walked back to her car and start driving off in that amount of time.

Later I went to pull into a parking space only to discover that a cart was sitting in the middle of the space! So rude! Then when my shopping was complete, I went to pull OUT of my spot only to find out that I couldn't pull out because there was a line of about 20 carts behind me and the poor kid was off collecting others that people were too important to put where they belong.

He shouts "I'm sorry!"

I almost shouted back "No, I'm sorry. People are so rude for not putting them where they go... and now you're stuck cleaning up their mess."

Instead I just said to myself "Just think of it as... job security."

Tuesday's Tribute (on Thursday) - Luke

2007-05-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

How precious is my nephew, Luke?! He is now 7 weeks old... man, time flies! I got to visit Alissa, Greg and Luke last week for a few days in Tyler, TX and I LOVED getting to know him! I held him every chance I got... I even loved changing his little diapers. He's one of the most content babies I've ever known - hardly ever cries! I'm so proud of Alissa and Greg - you wouldn't ever know they're first time parents! Leaving him was so difficult; it's hard when the reality of what I'm missing hits!

So sweet! He loves his arms by his face!

This was my favorite... holding him while he sleeps.

Yay! I got to see some of his first smiles! Check out his
dimple... love it!

I miss him so much!

Thursday's Thought - Walls

2007-05-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

Walls are built to keep everything out and anything in. I think this is why we sometimes build them around our heart. When we do, we are able to keep out any pain, anger, sadness, rejection, heartache - you know, the "bad" stuff that might come our way. This is good, right... I mean, isn't this the point? Well, when you think about it... by building walls we also keep away all the "good" stuff too - all love, joy, acceptance, happiness, fulfillment, peace, etc. Not only this, but we've now trapped in the "bad" stuff that came before the walls did... after all, they provided the tools to build it in the first place.

So it seems that by building these walls, though we may be able to avoid pain, we avoid so much LIFE! I wonder what would happen if we chose the journey that gives us the tools to break down these walls. Maybe we would learn to accept anything that comes our way, even if it includes pain. I wonder if we didn't have these walls, if we would be able to not live in fear of the "bad" stuff. I wonder if then, these realities - the pain and the joy, the heartache and the love, the stifled and the freedom... will remind us we're alive! And just maybe we will be able to let go of our tendency to control reality and rest in the freedom that allows us to just... be.

Tuesday's Tribute - Alan

2007-05-01T18:05:00.000-07:00

I decided to pay a special tribute to someone or something every Tuesday.

This Tuesday's Tribute is for one of my favorite people in all the land: Alan.

Let me tell you a little bit about Alan. If I had to describe Alan in only three words, they would be: Loyal, Witty and Intelligent. He has a very unique life story - one worth knowing. He is an "aspiring writer," but I know he's going to make a living at it one day - he is incredibly gifted. He's one of the wittiest people you'll ever come across... extremely funny! I like making him laugh because a) he has a great laugh and b) he's a tough audience in that he only laughs if it really is funny. He's one of my favorite people to people-watch with and he hates grammar mistakes as much as I do. He's exceptionally authentic (which is a quality I value in anybody). My life is definitely richer with him in it.

Let's take a look at my sweet friend:

Blonde Alan... so hot.

Our sunglass ad.

I posted this one especially for him.

And this is my absolute favorite picture of Alan... it's so him.

Love you, Alan!

The Oakland Craze

2007-04-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

This is hilarious! I love Bubb Rubb!

The Best Invention

2007-04-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday someone asked me what I thought the best invention was. At first I said the internet - for obvious reasons. I quickly changed my answer, "Wait, no! The computer! 'Cause without the computer you wouldn't have internet plus you get all the other handy things." The more I thought about it, I realized that without electricity you wouldn't have a computer and so on. I decided to stick with the computer before I spun around too much in my circle of thought.

But then I got a massage last night. And I decided that that was the best invention ever - a massage. And I'm stickin with that one!

What do you think the best invention is?

This made me laugh my Ask off

2007-04-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

Click here to hear a 3 year old's warning to monsters

Mistakes that make me sad

2007-04-12T22:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight I made a terrible mistake. I was craving kettle corn, so I popped some. With great anticipation, I extended my arm toward the bowl and picked up a few fingers-ful of the warm, fresh corn (have you ever tried to just eat one at a time? doesn't work.) At first bite, I thought "hmm... that wasn't very sweet." So I reached in again expecting a burst of sweet-and-salty deliciousness... and again, it wasn't what I wanted.

I realized I popped regular popcorn... this realization quickly led to a pout from my bottom lip.

My favorite part of the day

2007-04-09T17:21:00.000-07:00

At my job, in the absence of our "front desk girl," I may have to deal with a resident who walks into our office (which is in a clubhouse) now and then. I often have many ridiculously time-wasting conversations. So here is what happened today:

Resident walks in with her 4 year old son. Andrea rises from her chair in her office where she was focusing intently on the task at hand and makes her way towards the resident to welcome her. (It is important to note that Andrea's office is in the VERY back of the clubhouse.) As she moves into the lobby, the following conversation occurs:

Andrea: Hi, How are you?
Resident: Hi, yes. We have swimming lessons today at this clubhouse. Is that at the pool?
Andrea (inwardly): I'm gonna go ahead and let you figure that one out.
Andrea (outwardly): Umm... yes, it is.
Resident: Great, thanks! Come on Hunter. I guess it is at the pool.

Time wasted!

I'M AN AUNT!!!

2007-03-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

My sister and her husband (Alissa and Greg) had their baby - Luke Gregory Melton! He was born on Wednesday at 3:30 and weighs 8lbs, 1 oz and is 20 3/4 inches long - BIG baby (he was originally due on April 1)! I was in California still and was an emotional wreck because all I wanted to do was be with my sister (I have an event this weekend I have to be at). She had a very difficult labor and was in alot of pain (almost 24 hours in the hospital before he was born). He wouldn't move even though she was contracting every 3 minutes for 45 sec to 1 min. So they finally induced before she got drugs in her body which I guess was just horrifying! She was finally able to sleep some after they finally got drugs in her poor body. The greatest thing was that my mom called me while she pushed so I could hear it all. His cry was so beautiful... and she says all the pain was worth it as soon as she saw him! Though I was sad I wasn't physically there I was so glad to be there over the phone. He's beautiful and healthy and has the cutest dimple! I'm going out in a month to help her out (we're all taking turns!) so I'm sure I'll have more pictures!

The Best Dream Ever... as I see it

2007-03-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

Last night there were these awful and dangerous people running after me . I was running away from them really fast so they wouldn't kidnap me... I didn't know why they wanted me but something in me knew I had something they wanted. Suddenly, from around the corner Jack Bauer appeared on a shiny black horse (full speed) with a gun drawn at the people chasing me. He called my name and then grabbed me and mounted me on the horse with him and we took off. He took me home (which, by the way, was a much nicer house than I have now).

"Jack, how did you know where to find me?" I asked.

"CTU has been tracking you, Andrea. I've personally been waiting for this day." he replied.

Then we kissed in my living room.

About 10 minutes after my alarm went off I said out loud, "I just kissed Jack Bauer." And had a really good laugh.

Andrea Petty look-a-like

2007-03-09T22:44:00.000-08:00

Okay... occasionally I have been told that I look like Jessica Simpson. I have never thought I looked like her at all, and I don't really like her public persona (that's all I know though) so I've never wanted to look like her. But then today somebody sent me this picture... and I actually had a freak out. Even my mom got confused and thought that I sent her a picture of me - she didn't realize this picture isn't of her own daughter! The funniest part about this particular picture is that the caption under the picture (it wouldn't transfer over) said: "Jessica Simpson is so plain these days." Ha ha ha ha!

Cold office... warm body

2007-03-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

I think there is some American law that says that every office space must be extremely cold so as to provide one more reason to make employees want to bolt. Our office is always cold. The temperature is set at 72, but our thermostat is in a ventless room that houses our printer, copier, computer server, and other heat generating electronics; naturally it's several degrees warmer in there. So, while our electronics remain comfortable, we FREEZE! To prove to you how cold it is, I put a pic of a man, uh... Joe, who works with me in the office. I have a space heater by my feet and another space heater that oscillates throughout my office to keep me warm. But it's still not enough. So today, in a last ditch effort, I brought my heating pad to work with me. Yes, my heating pad with a sweet 1973 looking slip cover (orange, maroon, yellow floral pattern) - it's awesome. And I'm finally warm! I look like a complete idiot because every 10 mins I'm moving my heating pad to a new location on my body that suddenly shouts "Over here! I'm cold!" So, I obey and place grandma's heating pad on that location. I am warm; I am happy; and I have prevailed once again over their attempt to make me uncomfortable.

The Big Mystery

2007-03-08T09:40:00.000-08:00

So, I come to work this morning at 8:20 (a little later than usual)... either way, I'm usually the last one here before our receptionist arrives at 8:30. However, today I am all alone - and I have no clue why. Where is everyone? Is it a holiday that I didn't know about? no. Was there a meeting that I forgot? nope. For the last hour I've been trying to look for clues. It appears my boss,Sue, was here earlier because her computer is turned on. Joi and Tanya's computers are off so they haven't been here. Nobody's car is here so it's not like they all left together for a Starbucks run. I kinda feel left out... but I don't know from what. What do I do? Oh... our receptionist just walked in. He doesn't know anything either. So now it's me and Jeff... which fortunately makes me feel safer. I must get back to playing detective. I'll keep you updated (as if you really care). If you never hear from me again... dial 911.

Welcome to the 21st Century!!

2007-03-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

I have finally entered the 21st Century. For the last 2 years I have not had cable, which means that I've had "bunny ears" to help me get only fuzzy pictures of the major stations (abc, nbc, fox - the rest were not clear enough to watch). Well, yesterday we gave in and got cable installed and I am so excited! I don't know what to keep the channel on! I went from 3 choices to over 100! Maybe in 2020 I'll get TiVo!