Aw yeah baby, I’m officially off probation. Woo hoo! Yup, I finally made it to the 1-year mark with the treehuggers; I look forward to many more months of fun. Yes, I say months and not years or decades, because come on, I’m not that much of an optimist. Gotta keep that shit in check, otherwise I’ll get burned.

Speaking of getting burned, some crazy crap went down recently with my former employer. I got an email last week from a buddy who left in August. Most of the staffers got laid off, and then the remaining employees were instructed to go on a 2-week vacation (figures the company would insist on calling it “vacation” even though it’s totally unpaid) and reconvene later this month (to re-evaluate). The story is that a lead investor pulled out… I guess it’s yet another example of these uncertain times. Save up for the rainy day folks, because just like that, the deluge begins. I haven’t spoken much to my friends who are still there, but some have changed their Linked In status to “looking for a job.” Still, others don’t seem all that stressed. Guess I’ll get the full scoop when a few of them come over for dinner next week.

As for me, the rest of this week is busy. Tomorrow I’m heading to Milpitas for a Photoshop class. I already use Photoshop regularly, but I’m retaking an intro class as a refresher. I’m sure I’m hacking my way through PS now, so I welcome the opportunity to become more legit. On Friday night, John, Bri, and I are going to see Sondheim’s Into the Woods (Thanks Goldstar!). I’ve only seen this production one other time: freshman year at Duke, starring my crush of the moment. The play was what cinched the deal for him: I was just so enthralled with his talent– the singing, the acting, the dancing. I know, I’m such a wannabe everything– athlete, performer, activist, polyglot… Anyway, the play should be fun.

Then Saturday, I’ll be up again at the crack of dawn, working another event. John and Bri plan to participate, but I don’t know if they’re up for a 8-12 mile hike. After all, they haven’t been on my Olympian training schedule, you know? What else? Work, obviously, is going well. My department hired a new 30-something earlier this month, and she seems really cool. I’m going to invite her out for lunch next week, so I can get the full scoop. Hehe, always doing “research.”

Oddly enough, I have noticed the return of my insomnia in recent weeks. Not sure why– the huge work event last Saturday perhaps? I dunno, I’d hope work doesn’t stress me out that much. I’ve also noticed more brain activity later into the night (thinking about work, Chinese class, home improvement, garden improvement, travel plans, etc.) but still. Something has been waking me every day at about 4:30. I end up returning to bed but then I wake up unrested at 7. I don’t know. Whatever the issue, I need to figure it out, because it’s screwing up my efficiency. 🙂

Oh man, it’s finally over. Though I’d only have to endure the horrors of wedding planning once in my life. I was wrong. Turns out, the public affairs department (of which I am a part) at work puts on a yearly volunteer recognition event and last Saturday was the biggest turnout ever with over 200 people. And I was in charge of the caterers. I also dabbled (reluctantly) in decorations, booz, entertainment… I know, totally NOT up my alley. But, I’m happy to report that the event went beautifully. And now we get to repeat the entire arduous process next year. Yay.

In other news, Bubbey is still sifting through our Oregon pictures. Sorry for the delay. Hopefully, they’ll post soon. Meanwhile, my Olympian training schedule continues. As the weather has gotten colder, we’ve slacked a couple days here and there, but for the most part, I’ve got the system down: walking (morning or night), lunch skate, evening swim. Come to me DB…

A bunch of people from high school have been contacting me through Facebook. Damn, I just cannot get over how adult everyone looks. And what’s with the kids?! Holy smokes, they’re sprouting like weeds. Seriously. It’s as if the human race were going extinct, and everyone made a mad dash to procreate. Whatev. I’ll never understand it. Thankfully, John doesn’t either. We prefer to remain in full control of our lives and our lives only. Honestly, who can bother about a whole other entity?

Btw, are you following the politics? Wtf people, Sarah Palin?? Are you fucking kidding me? She’s gaining momentum AND the support of women, “they” say. Who are these women????? John and I watched Michael Moore’s Sicko last week. How utterly depressing. This country is fucked up. Sure, maybe it’s naive to expect that Obama will turn this screwed up joint around. But really, there are two choices: Option A and Option B. You have to choose one, and puhlease, this is not a trick question. My reasons?

1. I’m pro-choice. Sure, given my barren womb philosophy, you’d be accurate in calling me pro-abortion in all instances (for myself, that is) but look, the bottom line is: a woman’s body, a woman’s choice. Beyond that, fuck off.
2. I’m a minority woman and newsflash: racism AND sexism still exist. The government should acknowledge this.
3. Global warming is real, and humankind (myself included) plays an integral role in trashing the planet and exacerbating the situation.
4. I want government to provide programs for people who need help.

Of course, who opposes fiscal responsibility? Sure, sometimes money gets squandered and programs don’t work. That doesn’t mean the programs don’t deserve tweaking or re-working. All of you who believe the Republicans are fiscally responsible? Wake up and smell the bacon. How much money is pissing away on this unjust war? And seriously, spare me the self-righteous bullshit. If life were so goddamn precious that you couldn’t possibly terminate a fetus the size of a grain of rice, how then could you possibly justify the death of innocent civilians or the torture (not to mention suspended rights) of alleged “enemy combatants”? They say it’s for our protection, but I don’t feel any safer. In fact, US citizens traveling abroad are even more at risk of attacks than ever before. Ugh. Taxes, schmaxes. Look, either way you’re forking over the dough- be it for an unjust war or for the resulting emotional/physical ailments attributed to a deteriorating environment. Think happy thoughts though.

Boy have I been productive this week. Yup, I’m giving myself a pat on the back. Despite being the web guru at work, I got sucked into some major party planning. You see, my department is public affairs, so we handle press, media, outreach, volunteer/docent programs, web, plus all events. And next month we’re having a volunteer recognition gathering with almost 200 people. Guess who booked the caterer? Yup, yours truly. And you’ll be happy to know that I went with the highest bidder– it was just so clear the dude’s food was gourmet, and he had his shit together. Takes an OCDer to recognize her fellow OCDer, know what I mean? I cannot wait. The menu looks insanely tasty. And of course, I was able to finagle two price cuts. Yup, I’m learning all about the negotiations.

In other news, I launched a digital photo contest. So far so good. No major glitches, thank goodness. And people have submitted some pretty kickass pics, so I’m hopeful.

Outside of work, I’m out most of next week: meeting up with our Shanghai buddies in Oregon. John and I met Jenny and James in Oregon last August also. James is a crazy superstar multi-tasker who participates in the Hood to Coast race every year. Well good for him. Even though I’m an Olympian-in-training, I ain’t that disciplined. Prefer to just float down the river in an inner tube.

We’ve never been to the Eugene and eastward area. My friend Pamela says she doesn’t know what to expect, but she will pack sneakers (usually, she’s a stilettos kind of gal) and forgo the makeup. Huh? Well I’m on a mission to get some decent pics of Bubs and me, so sorry, the make-up has got to come along. (That’s what happens when you have piss-poor, puny lashes). Anyway, the trip will be fun.

I’m enjoying the new travels. Speaking of traveling, I just sent off our passports to get the Chinese visas. For $40 extra, you can have these companies take care of it all: no waiting in lines in downtown SF to process that crap in person. Jesus, have you noticed how shitty the traffic has gotten the last several days? Thanks a lot, you bastard schoolkids! I don’t even want to think about two trips to the stupid consulate, not to mention waiting in the line, blah, blah. Who has the patience? Snoot, snoot. Haha. Whatev. Money well spent. My passports will be back in my hands next week. So worth it.

Yikes, I am dozing off here in front of the computer. Perhaps the heat is getting to me. K. Time for bed. Later folks!

Here’s the thing: I really thrive when my todo list is chock full. I think I’ve always had a fear of being lazy, so when my schedule is hectic and I’m buzzing about, somehow that energizes me. I know it sounds dorky, but getting shit done makes me happy.

This weekend was great. Well, it got off to a rocky start with the play I saw on Friday night with some coworkers. Sure, it was a community production. I wasn’t expecting Broadway or anything, but honestly, it was bad. Really bad. Some solid voices in the musical, but major acoustical kinks and plenty of bad acting and uncoordinated dancing. I was happy to support our coworker who had a small part, but man, I could have gotten two new pieces of clothing for the $20, know what I’m saying? Anyway, Friday was a long day. The play started late, ran long, and then it was like a 50-minute drive home. I didn’t get home til well after midnight. Too damn late for a grandma like me.

Thankfully, Saturday we got back on track. First, it was our anniversary. I drove Bubs up into the mountains on Skyline Blvd. for brekkies at the famed Alice’s Restaurant. Yes, it’s the subject of that famous song (which I honestly don’t know anything about— my parents were immigrants: I am culturally illiterate, remember?). My eggs benny were mediocre, but John liked his tri-tip sandwich. Next, we grabbed some dessert at a bakery down the street. We sort of went on a wild goose chase trying to find the theater spot, but after we finally arrived and settled in, the production was magnificent. Crazy mad props go to Atmos Theater’s production of Freedomland. Excellent acting, hilarious dialog (about a dysfunctional family even: no happy-go-lucky shit here), and an invigorating hike in a redwood forest. Seriously folks, it doesn’t get better than this. We loved it!

After we got home, we went for a quick swim in the pool– always refreshing on a hot summer day. I went upstairs to shower and change (we were going to make dinner), but by the time I got back downstairs 30 minutes later, Bubbey had finished cooking the entire meal from start to finish! What a wonderful surprise (and relief)! The dude is crazy fast in the kitchen, and dinner was super tasty: parmesan-panko encrusted mahi mahi with sweet corn and string bean almondine as sides. And he didn’t even follow a recipe. Just pulled that shit out his ass. Yup, I got a lot of learning to do in the kitchen! And man, I slept well last night. I think the secret was several glasses of Gewurztraminer. Had crazy dreams but it felt damn good to sleep in.

Today was a little less eventful: another busy day (just how I like them) but mostly errands. The highlight? Bubs busted out his inline skates for the first time in like 4 months, and we went skating at Keynote rink. Was awesome and I am one step closer to breaking in my new skates. I cannot wait until they are fully broken in, because then I will be unstoppable (and definitely ready for that 15+ mile Sunday skate in SF)! The Olympics may be over folks, but I’m just getting started! 🙂

Whew! John and I flew back from Vegas early yesterday morning. De-planing took a bit longer than expected (we were in the very last row), so I didn’t reach the office until quarter til 10. Of course by then, we had already been up for five hours. I scored major props from the office peeps– they couldn’t believe we had caught the 6:30 flight and reported for work without skipping a beat. Yup. That’s what it’s like being an Olympian-in-training. No complaints: just do it.

We’ve kept up the morning walking regimen for a week now. Still going strong. Every time I find myself dragging ass trying to get up in the morning, I just think of Michael Phelps: 30 hours/week in the pool. Sure, he’s not the only one busting ass for the Olympics. I should just as easily think of Dara Torres… regardless, all the athletes inspire me to work harder. That doesn’t mean I think anything is possible when when I put my mind to it, but I guess I’d say many things are attainable through persistence (DB is coming soon!!).

John and I met with a Mandarin teacher this evening. We were thinking about signing up for Chinese classes through one of the local city parks and rec departments, but I wanted to meet the teach before committing. Yes, I’m really picky about expending my energies to learn simplified rather than traditional text. Anyway, I hadn’t spoken Mandarin in ages, so I was really psyched about busting it out. And the teach seemed really nice; I liked her focus on speaking and reading (less on writing). So, John is enrolling in her beginning class and I’ll join her advanced. Class starts in September, and I cannot wait. 90 minutes/week. Should be fun, and we’ll be in top form just in time for our trip to Taiwan in late November. Btw, heads up to my Shanghai peeps: we’re heading back to the old stomping grounds for a few days in early December. I’m a little apprehensive because I think triggering that nostalgia will make us want to move abroad again, but we’ll see how everything goes. It’ll be nice to see my friends again and also look at how the city has changed. Oh and I’m booking massages for every single day. Seriously.

In other news, work is busy. I’m getting ready to launch a photo contest at the end of this week. Meanwhile, the Google maps nuisance continues… Ugh. I won’t even get into it…

In happier thoughts, this Saturday is Bub and I’s 12-year anniversary. Woo hoo! It’s been a long windy road (and a very bumpy one this last year), but we’re doing much better now. And I have a fun weekend planned.

Whew! John and I flew back from Vegas early yesterday morning. De-planing took a bit longer than expected (we were in the very last row), so I didn’t reach the office until quarter til 10. Of course by then, we had already been up for five hours. I scored major props from the office peeps– they couldn’t believe we had caught the 6:30 flight and reported for work without skipping a beat. Yup. That’s what it’s like being an Olympian-in-training. No complaints: just do it.

We’ve kept up the morning walking regimen for a week now. Still going strong. Every time I find myself dragging ass trying to get up in the morning, I just think of Michael Phelps: 30 hours/week in the pool. Sure, he’s not the only one busting ass for the Olympics. I should just as easily think of Dara Torres… regardless, all the athletes inspire me to work harder. That doesn’t mean I think anything is possible when when I put my mind to it, but I guess I’d say many things are attainable through persistence (DB is coming soon!!).

John and I met with a Mandarin teacher this evening. We were thinking about signing up for Chinese classes through one of the local city parks and rec departments, but I wanted to meet the teach before committing. Yes, I’m really picky about expending my energies to learn simplified rather than traditional text. Anyway, I hadn’t spoken Mandarin in ages, so I was really psyched about busting it out. And the teach seemed really nice; I liked her focus on speaking and reading (less on writing). So, John is enrolling in her beginning class and I’ll join her advanced. Class starts in September, and I cannot wait. 90 minutes/week. Should be fun, and we’ll be in top form just in time for our trip to Taiwan in late November. Btw, heads up to my Shanghai peeps: we’re heading back to the old stomping grounds for a few days in early December. I’m a little apprehensive because I think triggering that nostalgia will make us want to move abroad again, but we’ll see how everything goes. It’ll be nice to see my friends again and also look at how the city has changed. Oh and I’m booking massages for every single day. Seriously.

In other news, work is busy. I’m getting ready to launch a photo contest at the end of this week. Meanwhile, the Google maps nuisance continues… Ugh. I won’t even get into it…

In happier thoughts, this Saturday is Bub and I’s 12-year anniversary. Woo hoo! It’s been a long windy road (and a very bumpy one this last year), but we’re doing much better now. And I have a fun weekend planned.

Holy crap, are you folks watching the Olympics? My frickin’ god, these people are disciplined. Not just the competing athletes (Jesus, is Phelps unreal or what??!) but shit, did you see the opening ceremony? Machine-like precision. That’s it: enough complaining out of me. I’m on it: the pursuit of perfection starts now. It’s so evidently possible.

This week I started a new program. John and I are on Day 3 of waking up early for a morning walk (30-45 minutes) with the pups. And I’m lining up my fall schedule man: Chinese class, swimming, skating, bicycling, web training… who has time for sleep? Hell, if everyday people can freakin’ earn their MBAs and JDs while working full time and raising kids, I can certainly boost my efficiency.

So John is officially back at work. I had my qualms, but so far so good. He made an awesome dinner Monday night. My friend Tina was totally impressed: said for me to shut up from now on — no more complaining about Bubbey. But shit, I’m not about to stand by and get one-upped by the hubby. It’s a new era. So on Tuesday, I checked out a cute mom-and-pop grocery store after work (crazy fresh produce for cheap!!) and I even made dinner: veg black bean sloppy joes. Thank goodness for Rachel Ray. Can you believe I actually got it all done in 30 minutes? Honestly, it was a lot of hustle, but that’s gonna be the story of my life now. Struggle and hustle.

I’m also aiming for longer pool time now. Did you know the swimmers spend like 30 hours/week in the pool? I think I should be able to handle an hour of doggie paddling. I’m such a wussy pants.

What else. Oh, John and I are heading to Vegas this weekend. Yup, we impulsive like that. Our friends are going, and we’re going to meet up, because I’m too cheap to buy the Friday night flights. Gotta love United Efares promos. Flying out Sat and returning early morning Monday. Shaves like $100-$200 off per ticket! Waking up early ain’t gonna be a problem for me anymore. Yeah, I’m disciplined like that. Ha.

Bernie Mac is dead. Wtf? Dude was only 50 years old! Bummer.

I had dinner Wednesday night with my childhood friend and her new hubby. They followed an ideal path to marriage, meaning they bypassed all the usual consumerist hoopla. They decided to marry, had a small family-only wedding a month later, done. Short, sweet, and simple. Not that I hated my wedding or anything… I was really pleased with how it all turned out, but it was a lot of stress.

Anyway, we had a nice dinner. Her hubby is a cognitive psychology professor who studies decision-making. I know, I was immediately intrigued: if he studies the process of making decisions, he must be uber decisive, right? How great is that? But when I asked, he said something about being rational. I exclaimed that I am both decisive and rational (I know, I’m so modest), and then he countered that actually, the qualities are opposites. Say what? Technically, you can’t be both decisive and rational. I was totally perplexed but didn’t necessarily want to harp on the details… I would research this further once I got home. So my conclusion is that the common definition of decisiveness is different from the scientific decision. Scientifically, being decisive means selecting/choosing swiftly, almost intuitively, without pause. In the day to day, I consider someone decisive if she’s able to make a decision after reviewing her options. I’m probably butchering the subject matter here (I liken it to my computer-illiterate neighbors referring to desktop icons as “picture squares” or something). Duh, get with the program right?

Anyway, I always have interesting discussions with my friend. Like years ago, she shared her outrage with Alanis Morrisette’s song Ironic. She, and many others, insisted that the instances were not ironic. I suppose a few are not technically correct, but hell, most all of them? Sure seem close enough for a dumbo like me (I certainly wouldn’t go so far as to label Alanis “Mrs. Malapropism”). Then again, I’m not an English major either. Shrug.

Hello from the East Coast! I flew out Tuesday morning on Virgin Airlines, of all airlines. Most of you know, I haven’t had the best opinion of Virgin. A few years ago, there was that whole urinals debacle that really rubbed me the wrong way. And of course there was the constant selling of sex that annoyed me as well (I know, they are named Virgin. Hello!). But several of my friends and coworkers praised the new Virgin flights out of SFO: new planes, good customer service, and really great rates– $160 each way to DC! How could I resist? I believe in change: people can change and companies can change… I figured this opportunity was worth a try.

Now that I have made it safely to the other side, I have to say, the flight did not disappoint. The new plane was nice– loaded with power outlets, USB charging ports, cushy seats, adjustable headrests, the works. And the superior cabin pressure control in new planes makes all the difference: no popping ears! Sure, Virgin still tries to nickel and dime with the movies and food, but the touchscreen music jukebox seriously rocks. And I’m not even that into music. But I was listening to all kinds of stuff: Rhianna, Kanye, Dixie Chicks, Sara Bareilles, Depeche Mode… a whole mix. I had a grand time.

Unfortunately, the $160 return leg sold out before I could book it, so I’ll be on AirTran going through Milwaukee on Saturday night. Yup, bottom of the barrel is going to suck. But I’m frugal like that and frankly, flying on crap will only make me appreciate luxury even more. Haha, the mental games I play.

So my parents picked me up at Dulles on Tuesday night, and immediately, I was reminded of marital annoyance and irritation. At the parking kiosk, the machine ate our ticket and then my parents kept bickering (loudly too!). Mom kept reading the screen instructions: “‘Please remove your ticket!’ It says, ‘Please remove your ticket!'” But the ticket was eaten! Dad and I kept explaining that the machine was broken, and around and around we went in circles. It was a horrible, cacophonous show. I hadn’t been on the ground more than ten minutes and already they were starting this up. Ugh.

John and I are coming up on 12 years together, and I am definitely noticing signs of strain and fatigue. Never thought we’d become like “those people.” Ah, the naivete and ignorance of youth! I see now how things really do change, whether you want them to or not… And sometimes in my anger and frustration, I tell myself I’m done: I want to live alone in complete individual freedom, to wallow in selfishness. I feel almost certain. Almost.

And then I think of our good times: I look at old pictures; I recall our long conversations late into the night; I think of all our exciting travels and adventures. Who else could put up with me on a bus to Beijing for 21 hours (and with James Bond movies playing continuously at nightclub decibel levels!). I think of our individual struggles that we have overcome because of the love and support of each other. I think of how he loved me even when I felt depressed and abominably ugly. I think of how, because of him, I have changed for the better and become less rigid, less belligerent, more easy-going, more patient, and more tolerant (Some of you may disagree, but I said “less” and “more,” so it’s relative!).

I also think of how he has changed for the better and grown more responsible, more aware, more feminist, and more proactive because of me. And I realize that ultimately, these recent frustrations are still just bumps in the road. And witnessing silly fights like the parking kiosk incident is yet another reminder of what not to do and how not to behave in my own relationship.

Life really is a lot of work. But just as I learned from my stylish friend Pamela, looking good requires a lot of effort. Similarly, being happy is a lot of damn work. And as someone who’s never been averse to work, I’m resolving to be even more industrious: the ant who works throughout the summer makes it through the winter.