Winter Wonderland.

"Don't call me past 11pm, It won't Happen again...You can call me at 10:59, but not at 11:00, cause that's my rule now. I'm not your booty call ;)" --Zooey D.

So, for my first winter here in San Francisco, can I just say, I'm a bit dissapointed.

It's freezing. Absolutely freezing. Sunny, with an overwhelming sense of freezing.

I do not like it.

There is one shining moment in this world of frozen toes, fingers, noses..and other things.

My Red Coat. It's a fun, beautiful winter addition to my small wardrobe. Now if only I could find a pair of red heels to match.

***Oh and there is news in the whole lack of cow intake. I must admit that my beef fast has come to a complete halt (end). I blame AB, but whatever.

Really, It was the power of InNOut that eventually did me in.

But, I must admit,what a way to go.

Baby, It's Cold Outside.

Brrr. I'm chilled to the bone. After spending a week in glorious San Diego, I'm back in chilly Seattle for Thanksgiving, It's funny how finicky I am in regards to temperature. I'm too hot in San Diego, longing for a little cold, scarf weather. Now, I'm in the mecca of Scarf Country and longing for the warmth of the Beach.

Good Grief.

It is good being home though. With all that is going on in the Family, I'm happy to be back. Our entire family is in town. From Aunts and Uncles to cousins and Friends, we're in constant socializing mode. Which is very Filipino. It's all about the fellowship and food.

Two of my favorite things that's for sure.

***I would like to give a Sarah Palin update. The girl never fails to give the aching public a sound bite. So thank you Sarah for responding to my call and giving me the Turkey Incident. I couldn't have asked for (or thought of) anything better.***


God Bless You, And God Bless America.

I'm Bringing Sarah Back.

Can I just come out and admit something?

I miss Sarah Palin. Where is she these days?

For all that she is worth, I think she just made the news day a little more brighter. With her Joe-isms, and her Lipstick chatter and all the fun winks and strike-a-poses, how can we survive without her?

I'm not even being a little facetious. I miss Sarah Palin, and I want the world to know.

Bah Humbug!?!

The holiday season is quickly approaching and I find myself lacking severely in the holiday spirit. With the 24 hours of Christmas Music on the brink and a ton of tinsel, trees and turkeys popping up all over the place, I find it hard to avoid.

I'm just so over all the shopping and the buying and the wrapping. The eating, I must admit, I still love. But all the other whohaa...boo to. Ba Humbug.

My grandparents are coming to the house for Christmas. Which is probably a good thing. I don't think I would head back to Seattle if they weren't coming. I'm in the mood for an adventure. I feel like South America is calling me and the holidays are the best time to travel to non-holiday esque places. However, since I was the one who convinced my Grandparents to head out west. I feel like not showing up myself would in fact cause some sort of situation---of epic proportions.


So, I've been running about 4 miles a day for the past week (in the gym, road running is hard---esp when it's dark and freezing). It doesn't really sound like a lot...but let me tell you. It is. A lot. It's good to be working out again. I love the sweat. And yes, I did treat myself to a new Ipod. A shuffle, so it's not that big of a commitment. And it's a RED product, so a portion goes to charity. Totally worth it.

I lived to tell that tale

As this current semester is coming to a close, thus marking my first season on the road a success (I think), I'd like to take a moment to reflect with a series of top ten lists.

For today, a top 10 list of road mishaps

10. The time I lost my car at Santa Cruz...all the trees look the same up there (go slugs)
9. The Parking ticket I got at UCSD...It was not well-signed.
8. The time I hit the pole at my hotel. No damage.
7.The time I lost my correctly spelled banner at SDSU...No shame in Austrailia.
6. The time I sent my license to Stamford. Yeah. That really happened
5. The time I only brought 1 box of semester programs on the road...and 4 summer.
4. My Squeely wheely..and my ability to make as much noise as possible in any given location.
3. The time I got my finger caught in the pop-up, the table or the car door.
2. The speeding ticket I got on the way to Santa Barbara (my first...expensive puppy)
1. The countless times as I crossed the street where boxes feel off the wheely, effectively blocking traffic from all directions.

I do like to turn heads.

Now that is the sign of a true Road Warrior.

"Lord, I was born with a suitcase in my hand...living a life that few could understand. Don't know where I'm going...Don't know where I've been..." Little Big Town

Right now, I'm back for week IV of my San Diego life. It's November and in the 80's. I love it, but must admit, I do (at times) miss my snow flurries and my scarves and my glovies.

I'm fascinated over the fact that I know everything about my second home...errr, hotel here in San Diego. I know that to open the back door you have to slide your card in, lift the door knob up, then pull a little. I know that the parking pass system has changed a bit. I know which staff members to ask for food recommendations...and which to not. I know that the evening desk staff will always help take my boxes to my car, but the morning staffers will. I also know biscuits are available for breakfast on Mon, Wed and Thursday. I love biscuit days.

I even went to the gym last night. Now, wahoo you may say. But I saved extra room in my suitcase for my tennis shoes. I'm thinking that as a reward, I should be able to buy new tennis shoes...or at least a new Ipod. It's always a good time for an upgrade (yes, I am denying the current economic conditions)

I'm also incredibly proud over the fact that I can find my way around the city without the use of my GPS system. I can't even do that in the Bay Area. This is an incredible feat, as I tend to be the one who is ridiculously directionally challenged. I know North is right in front of me, West to the Left and East to the Right....and we all know where south is. That's it. (Even when the assumption is incorrect)

I can't believe the holidays are upon us. The entire Tumbaga clan is arriving in Seattle in various batches. I'm excited to see all of them when I return this Friday. Although the circumstances surrounding this family reunion are grim, I'm glad we are able to come together. I'm pretty excited for the holiday season that is approaching. I think that regardless of the struggles we endure during the year, this season can be filled with a sense of closure, of celebration and of change (but not in the Obama amount).

In other news,

Cowless Count: 43 days. Not so bad...especially since I realized Roast Beef in all its delicious glory is nonetheless, beef.

I'm starting to have the same sentimental feelings toward Pigs. I'm avoiding it if at all possible. I had pork chops last week and they were so good, but I was getting bamboozled by the texture...and the picture of Babe running around in my head.


Don't know what's up with me and my meat situation...maybe I'm coming down with something.

I pity the fool. I pity the fool who doesn't VOTE.

We are 24 hours and counting. Change is in the air. I can smell it, I can feel it. I can taste it. Literally. It's amazing how many food chains are offering up free goodies tomorrow just for voting. It goes to show you. Voting Rocks.

I have two recommendations to give as I stand here on my tiny soap box...no wait three...three things:
1. Vote Yes on Prop 2
2. Stop promoting Hate, Vote No on Prop 8
3. Go Obama
The end.


Last night I went to see She and Him in concert at Bimbo's in SF. They were super good. I loved the venue. It was very 1930's esque. Dark, Red, Moody. Perfect for an almost famous band. The show, for both nights they were playing, was sold out. Which was a good sign. I'm assuming a majority of the crowd was their simply to bask in the glory that is Zooey Deschanel. (Which let me tell you...that girl is talented...singer, actor, ambitious lyricist and gorgeous...some gene pools have all the luck). Along with M. Ward (amazing in his own right), they oozed the perfect amount of harmony, lyric and musical bibidibop. I have to say, I liked their CD, but live they are 100 times better. The CD was a raw cut, it was somewhat homey...like they recorded it in their basement, just the two of them. On stage they all glow, with background support and have seem to found their confidence as a duo.

Love it. A hefty two thumbs and two pointer fingers up. Fist bumps all around.

So because of my concert, I left early this morning for my flight to San Diego. And by early, I mean 4:30 am early. My flight wasn't till 6, so I caught a few zzzzzz's in the airport. I arrive in SD, and what am I greeted with? That's right chilly 60 degree weather. I don't even have a coat...or shirts with sleeves for that matter.

As my frostbite begins to set in, I can't help but have an inner whine. This is supposed to be my tropic getaway. My break from the San Francisco Gray. My seemingly vacation like work week.

Nope, not this week. I just bought a coat. Cause tomorrow I don't want to have to worry about potential hypothermic limbs.

Mya Mya Me.

So, I've decided I have the attention span of a Newt. And to be honest, up until 5 minutes ago, I didn't know what a newt was, but after seeing a picture, I reckon it has a very short attention span.

Whenever I work, I have to do like 20 million things at once. First I start an email, then move n to some sort of report, then I create an announcement for the schools I'll be at the next week..all while not finishing anything in a specific order.

It's amazing I get anything done at all, or at least have any form of organizational skills.

And then, man alive if anyone could look into my brain for just a slice of time. It goes a mile a minute. I'm always thinking, always moving on to the next topic, bouncing back to a previous one. Zoning out of conversations as my own inner thoughts interrupt. It's usually a to-do list.

Don't take it personally.

So, it makes me wonder, do I have an Adult on-set of ADD?

I just googled it, and there's an online test you can take to see if you have any signs of ADD.

While being in the midst of work, I of course took it...

And on my test, I got a 54, which apprently means I have a moderate level of ADD.

There you have it.

The world is my Catwalk

"Smooth rides make for boring stories...a little calamity...that's worth talking about."
-Dr. Meredith Grey


This has been one amazing whirlwind of a month. I've been on the road, I've been off the road, I've driven up and down the 101. I've spent a few days in Santa Barbara, a night in the lovely Morro Bay (famous for a large rock) I took a little time to enjoy the views in Venice Beach and Santa Monica. I've learned the correct pronunciation of SLO. I've caught up with a few friends, made some new ones and found a few old. I've seen campuses left and right...I've even woken up to my schpelle bouncing around in my sleepy head....all inclusive we are!

I've been grumpy, I've been more tired then I think I've ever been before...and moments later full of energy. I'm constantly up and down...but all in a good way.

But by far, the best thing I've found on the road...is...the mascot of UC Santa Cruz. That's right. The Banana Slug. It's incredible. It's amazing. It's a banana slug.

Time in my car, is time well spent making phone calls...and rebuilding those relationships I've neglected in the past.

I had a wonderful conversation with a few friends last week, who renewed my spirit. It was one of those moments, even in the midst of our crazy lives, where you realize you can slow down...stop for a moment and it's okay if the world keeps spinning...because you'll jump right back on eventually.

I love it when you allow yourself a chance to breathe. I love it when friends bring that out in you. I love it when they know they need to...and you know it's time to allow them to do so.



In other news, it's now been about three weeks since I gave up the consumption of beef products and I'd just like to show you why. This cow...the oreo cow is what started my insane curiosity with the species. Now, I must admit, it's become more of an obsession then just a mere curiosity. Still insane however.

As I was traveling down the coast of California, I quickly came to the realization that first of all..there are a ton of cows in California...Then, that cows come in all forms, all shapes, all sizes and regardless of how smelly, bug covered they may be, I found a simple joy to them. However, this new dietary restriction came to be because of a dinner I had at a friend's house. Whist awaiting dinner, a pack (a pod...a crew?) of cows come waltzing into the backyard...we feed them apples, we throw carrots to them...we take pictures of the cute one with fluffy ears. I am then told these cows are meat cows...and will be eaten. You may think that, I, at 25 years of age would have of course figured this out beforehand. However, I've never really thought about it.

Then dinner happens. We're served up a large plate of steak...and it was delicious...but there was this inkling...call it a connection making it's way inside of my brain...I see the cows outside in the field...I see the meat on my plate. I remember the cute cow with the fluffy ears.

And I haven't eaten cow since.

I blame this all on my new role as road warrior. It could be that at times the road is lonely. With a dead IPod and a severe lack of radio stations, a girl on the go has a lot of time to think.

I also had quite the self reflection about the life of a bee. I mean, do they know that if they sting someone they will die?

The Fist Bump Heard Round the World

Zach: (excitedly) The Anthropology Journal is publishing our piece on the Coronals suture.

Brennan: Worthy interruption.

(Zach offers his fist to her, she looks confused)

Zach: You're supposed to bump my fist with yours.

Brennan: Why?

Zach: I'm told it's a widely acknowledged gesture of mutual success (Puts his fist down)

---Bones.


So ever since my fist bumping revelation down in San Diego, I have this slight obsession with the whole idea of the fist bump. I, of course, being the 21st century girl that I am did a little google...added on by a little wikipedia and was quite enlightend.

First of all, TIME did a whole article about the fist bump concept right after the Obama's display after winning the nomination.

Author M.J Stephy wrote: "Some claim the act of knuckle-bumping began in the 1970s with NBA players like Baltimore Bullets guard Fred Carter. Others claim the fist bump's national debut occurred off the court, citing the Wonder Twins, minor characters in the 1970s Hanna-Barbera superhero cartoon The Superfriends, who famously touched knuckles and cried "Wonder Twin powers, activate!' before morphing into animals or ice sculptures. One might also credit germaphobics for the fist bump's popularity. Deal or No Deal host Howie Mandel reportedly adopted the gesture as a friendly way to avoid his contestants' germs.

Even the terminology used to describe the manual move is under dispute. On reporting Obama's speech, The New York Times described it stuffily as a "closed-fisted high-five" while Human Events reader racily suggested it was closer to "Hezbollah-style fist-jabbing," (the comment was later removed from the article). One Internet poster even referred to it as "the fist bump of hope." Other terms for the move include "power five," "fist pound," "knuckle bump," "Quarter Pounder" and "dap."

The fist bump's precursor, the low- and high-fives, originated in the 1950s"

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1812102,00.html

I was also surprised to read that after the Obama fist bump, E.D Hill anchor at Fox News called it "A terrorist fist jab"

Everyone's doing it...celebs, politicians, the normal midwesterners and athletes...the fist bump as different as it it...Is clearly not a random act of terrorism.

Live from LAX....(pre-recorded)

All is well I must say with the new job.

I just finished up my first week on the road, and I have to say it went pretty well (minus a lost banner and a slight rental car vs. hotel parking lot concrete pole incident) I spent four days in San Diego and another two in LA. San Diego is quite the place. Not only does it have practically perfect weather, it’s also absolutely gorgeous. The Mexican food is delicious and the beaches are really nice.

To say the least, I enjoyed my time down there. I left SF as a little white girl…now I almost look half Filipino (if you squint a bit and turn your head to an angle.) I love the tan lines…they’re so becoming. I love talking with students and the advisors in the Study Abroad office. It’s so fun getting to know new people and sharing the experience of going abroad.

My last night there, I had the chance to meet up with one of my hometown friends who I’ve known since we were just wee. It’s always good to catch up. We ate some tasty Mexican food and topped it off with some delicious Coronas.

After I finished my school visits (which FYI, came out quite successful…if I do say so myself) I headed up to LA..making great time considering the stereotypical LA traffic. I stopped in Huntington Beach to visit another friend, my roommate in Japan actually. We hadn’t seen each other since I left in May 2007. It was so fun seeing her again and reliving all those crazy Japanese moments.

After two very busy days in LA, I’m now headed back home to my big bed and my washer and dryer. I have two days off before I hit the road again. Ahhh….the travel life.

I do have to say, I had a random meeting with the Ex-Goevenor of California. I was in LAX, waiting for my flight…catching up on expense reports, PerezHilton and watching a little youtube in between. An older man sits next to me, watches what I’m doing and proceeds to ask me the ins and outs of youtube. What I watch, how I watch it and how it gets on there in the first place. I look around…cause to be honest, its bit odd. A few people are kind of glaring…smiling…laughing you may call it. I think they’re just chuckling at the situation.

Then the man goes, “Type in Jerry Brown…lets see what we can come up with” So, of course I do, proclaiming at the same time that it’s probably going to get a lot of videos…the name’s common. We scroll down a bit, and he’s like…”hey, that’s me.” I think he’s joking…until we start watching it and turns out Jerry Brown is the Ex-Governor and the current Mayor of Oakland. Who knew?!? Apparently everyone but me…because after Jerry boarded the plane, a lady sitting next to us leaned over and gave me the lowdown.

Anyways, he was totally bummed because first of all Obama has his own youtube channel and secondly none of his videos were getting very many hits. I believe he used the term “pathetic”

For what it’s worth, I also tried to explain to him what SNL is and why some lady named Tina Fey (pretending to be Sarah Palin) was getting so many hits.

I don’t think he ever caught on.

So, I can see the moon from my house...does that qualify me to be an astronaut?

I got burned, baby, burned. Literally burned. To a crisp. I'm not one of those OC babies...no I'm from Seattle, we aren't used to the big glowing ball in the sky....and it bit me in the bud today.

But San Diego is gorgeous. I can see why so many people like it.

My trip so far has been good. I got to the car rental place and had a choice between a mini van...and a Jeep something or other...Regardless of the model, it's large, and ridiculously hard to park...or maneuver in general. My 5'3 self looks like a midget it the thing. But it is a nice ride.

Whilst I was visiting one of my San Diego schools, I found myself caught in the midst of a Fraternity feud. In reality, it seemed to be more of a simple misunderstanding of sorts. I have no idea what the tiff was about, however it did involve fists, flying skateboards and lots of yelling. I was sitting at my table, taking a quick glance at my crackberry and all of a sudden, red shirts are being throw in the air, sorority girls are ducking for cover and I of course, am glued to the action. When all was said and done, the men (and I use that term quite lightly) fist bumped, shook hands and parted ways. It was quite possibly the oddest fight I've ever witnessed. Only on a college campus would this happen. Man, I miss college.

It does make me wonder though...maybe Obama had it right with the fist bump. I mean it caused such a ruckas, but what if the fist bump really is the wave of the future?

What if all those countries around the world put down their weapons, threw away their bombs, retired their armies and gave up their preconceived notions and instead gave their foes a little fist bump.

I think it could work. I mean the fist bump is quite the picker upper. I'm serious, having a bad day? Fist bump. Sad about the future. Fist bump. Upset over the current state of the Economy...John McCain give up a little fist bump. I don't know about you, but the whole notion brings a smile to my face and definitely makes my day a little brighter.

You know what else makes my day a little bit brighter? It's Bones night...and there's nothing better then a little Brennen and a lotta Booth to help soothe my sunburn blues. I can't wait to find my Knight in shining FBI standard issue armor.

Travel Day One

I’d first like to say that this blog is coming to you live from the flap of an air sickness bag I’m writing as I eagerly await our arrival into Sunny (well, now moonly) San Diego. I’m also trying to distract myself from the lady sitting next to me who is as my mother would say, “Chewing her gum like a cow.”

I never realized until this very moment that loud gum chewers are a pet peeve of mine. I have this urge to shove my hand into her mouth and steal the gum from her very snapping teeth. Some may call it an anger management issue, I blame it on the migraine I’m suffering from.

However, as a disclaimer, I do have to admit, that on occasion, I have myself chewed, snapped, made loud obscene noises with my gum. I’m not proud of it, but we can’t all be perfect. (I apologize to anyone out there that too defines this as an annoying habit)

So, my business trip is off to a fabulous start, scratch that: a great start, no: a pretty okay start…well, off to a start. My taxi arrived 45 minutes early…and I was worried it would pull a no show. It’s amazing that I was even packed by then. I was just sitting down to rewatch the Tina Fey/Amy Pohler SNL skit and I hear a honk outside my window. Low and behold, down below is a Saudi Arabian man and his bright yellow taxi.

As I scramble to gather my four carryons (yes four…and I made it all the way onto the plane, thank you very much) I realize, I have no idea what I’ve brought, or forgotten. I never got to perform my last minute supply check. I guess I’ll find out tomorrow.

I do at least know I have all 200 of my interest cards for the schools. They set off the X-Rays during my security check. There’s nothing like having someone flip through those puppies looking for some sort of electronic activation button.

Nope, just little green cards and a slim rubber band. I wanted to ask them if they (or anyone they knew would) be interested in studying abroad and willing to fill one out. I have a goal to get them all completed this week…why not use every moment to promote?

Anyways, the Taxi man greets me and lets me know that he has picked up someone from this very house many, many times. I smile, in my head thinking “45 minutes early…don’t expect to be coming back to this house for a very, very long time.”

Oakland Airport is literally a 15 (maybe 10) minute drive from my house, so I’m there early. I’m through security in 8 minutes top…and of course the waiting begins.

I wonder, if you add all the waiting periods in our lives…at the bank, in the grocery store line, ordering a sandwich from Subway…how much time we really would have wasted? I’d assume a good two-thirds of our lives are spent waiting for something.

Oh man, we are quickly approaching San Diego airport. The lady is still chewing. My brain is still pounding…good lord, bring on tomorrow…and Point Loma!

I'm not meant to be "other people"

"Brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want something badly enough. They are there to keep out the other people."

Randy Pausch

Oddly enough, I didn't find this quote in the Professor's book, nor did I find it online or on someone's facebook or even after a good google. I first heard this quote on, get this, General Hospital. Now, I haven't watched a soap since my high school run of Passions and Days (ok...and Sunset Beach) but I'm working from home today and welcomed the much needed background noise.

I, too, thought it strange that the soap would be quoting this author during a fight about love or adultery or some sort of misguided sexual encounter, but who am I to judge. It is a good quote.

I've been meaning to read the book, "The Last Lecture" and if it wasn't so expensive at Borders or so popular at the Library, I would have done so by now. From what I've glimpsed at so far, it seems to be quite the little inspiration. I like this brick wall quote because it's true...and it lacks the stereotypical "new door opening" image. It makes sense of the road blocks, the very definite and seemingly overwhelming lack of success that can come early in one's career. I've said it before, I hated those struggles. Who wants to go through all that, especially when you see those around you achieving success so easily (at least at face value).

I had a huge "woe is me" attitude right out of college. I didn't know what I was doing, where I was going, or what I would grow to become...but in the midst of all that doubt, I knew I was where I was supposed to be.

How easy is it to say that now...three years later.

My career is far from over...heck I have a good 40 years before I can even think of retirement. I guess I should look at that as a good thing. I have 40 years to make something of myself. After three, I must say, I haven't done so bad thus far.

"Better to fail spectacularly than do something mediocre."

"So I invite the media to grow a pair. And if you can't, I will lend you mine."

An NBC transcript of "SNL's" opening sketch:

FEY AS PALIN: "Good evening, my fellow Americans. I was so excited when I was told Senator Clinton and I would be addressing you tonight."

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "And I was told I would be addressing you alone."

FEY AS PALIN: "Now I know it must be a little bit strange for all of you to see the two of us together. What with me being John McCain's running mate."

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "And me being a fervent supporter of Senator Barack Obama -- as evidenced by this button."

FEY AS PALIN: "But tonight we are crossing party lines to address the now very ugly role that sexism is playing in the campaign."

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "An issue which I am frankly surprised to hear people suddenly care about."

FEY AS PALIN: "You know, Hillary and I don't agree on everything..."

POEHLER AS CLINTON: (OVERLAPPING) "Anything. I believe that diplomacy should be the cornerstone of any foreign policy."

FEY AS PALIN: "And I can see Russia from my house."

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "I believe global warming is caused by man."

FEY AS PALIN: "And I believe it's just God hugging us closer."

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "I don't agree with the Bush Doctrine."

FEY AS PALIN: "I don't know what that is."

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "But Sarah, one thing we can agree on is that sexism can never be allowed to permeate an American election."

FEY AS PALIN: "So please, stop photoshopping my head on sexy bikini pictures."

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "And stop saying I have cankles."

FEY AS PALIN: "Don't refer to me as a 'MILF.'"

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "And don't refer to me as a [flurge]. I Googled what it stands for and I do not like it."

FEY AS PALIN: "So we ask reporters and commentators, stop using words that diminish us, like 'pretty,' 'attractive,' 'beautiful.'"

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "'Harpy,' 'shrew' and 'boner shrinker.'"

FEY AS PALIN: "While our politics may differ, my friend and I are both very tough ladies. You know it reminds me of a joke we tell in Alaska..."What's the difference...

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "Lipstick."

FEY AS PALIN: "...between a hockey mom..."

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "Lipstick."

FEY AS PALIN: "...and a pitbull?"

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "Lipstick."

FEY AS PALIN(AFTER A BEAT): "Lipstick. Just look at how far we've come. Hillary Clinton, who came so close to the White House. And me, Sarah Palin, who is even closer. Can you believe it, Hillary?"

POEHLER AS CLINTON: (AFTER A PAUSE)"I can not."

FEY AS PALIN: "It's truly amazing and I think women everywhere can agree, that no matter your politics, it's time for a woman to make it to the White House."

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "No. Mine! It's supposed to be mine! I need to say something. I didn't want a woman to be President. I wanted to be President and I just happen to be a woman. And I don't want to hear you compare your road to the White House to my road to the White House. I scratched and clawed through mud and barbed wire and you just glided in on a dog sled wearing your pageant sash and your Tina Fey glasses."

FEY AS PALIN:
"What an amazing time we live in. To think that just two years ago, I was a small town mayor of Alaska's crystal meth capitol. And now I am just one heartbeat away from being President of the United States. It just goes to show that anyone can be President."

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "Anyone."

FEY AS PALIN: "All you have to do is want it."

POEHLER AS CLINTON: (LAUGHS) "Yeah, you know, Sarah, looking back, if I could change one thing, I should have wanted it more." (RIPS OFF PIECE OF PODIUM)

FEY AS PALIN: "So in the next six weeks, I invite the media to be vigilant for sexist behavior."

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "Although it is never sexist to question female politicians credentials. Please ask this one about dinosaurs. So I invite the media to grow a pair. And if you can't, I will lend you mine."

FEY AS PALIN: And as we say in Alaska...

POEHLER AS CLINTON: "We say it everywhere..."

FEY/POEHLER: "Live from New York, It's Saturday Night!!!

Let the Games Begin.

"It appears that the website has become alive. This happens to computers and robots sometimes. Am I scared of a stupid computer? Please. The computer should be scared of me. I have been salesman of the month for 13 of the last 12 months. You heard me right. I did so well last February that Corporate gave me two plaques in lieu of a pay raise."

----Dwight Schrute

Tomorrow I head to Sunny San Diego for the first of many work trips. And whilst I feel as if I have a good grasp on what I'm doing, I can't help but have an underlying feeling (or fear) that in actuality...I do not.

What I do have going for me, (and no...not just that award winning smile...) but confidence...albeit a completely naive form of confidence, but one that does exist. I believe in myself, and I believe in my organization...so regardless, I figure as long as I bring that to the table, I should be able to make it though 94% of any situation I ever find myself in. Right?

If not, well, then...any job openings in the bay area?

This weekend has been a bit of a bust. It was of course, a gorgeous San Francisco weekend...one that I spent a majority of on the beach here in Alameda. I've been studying up on all the programs we offer...and like always it inspires me to travel again...more often...all the time if I could. Today it was Argentina, yesterday South Africa and tomorrow quite possibly be Ghana...or Croatia...or Greece(again). But this weekend was all about adventures in Alameda.

Yesterday I was lounging on my yoga mat (which to be quite honest, has only been used for yoga once...) minding my own business, memorizing my catalog and watching the people stroll by on their way to the ferry landing.

A young couple walks past me and heads to one of the many picnic tables. I say hello, they do as well. It's clear that this couple is not married, quite possibly in the early stages of their relationship. I go back to reading about Argentina.

As I begin the section on Argentinian Tango Dancing, I hear the unmistakable sound of someone throwing up. I look and it is the male half of this young couple. In between lurches, all you hear is a male "Sorry" and an even quieter female, "that's okay...puke over there" This literally goes on for about 10 minutes before I decide its time to peace out.

I don't know about anyone else out there...but I'm not quite sure what I'd do on a date that ended with projectile vomiting.


I should have stayed longer to observe, however all I could think of that he probably has some sort of contagious bird flu and I have a business trip on Monday and I clearly cannot become sick.

I do hope she gives him a second chance though. I really do.

Launch Party 2008

"Okay. Today is the big day that I am heading to New York to attend a party, with sushi and important people. On an unrelated note, if anyone has an anecdote, that is not boring and easy to memorize please drop by my office before I leave. Thank you." ----Michael Scott

It's official. The San Francisco Office is open! We had our big reception a few nights ago and it went incredibly well. The big whigs flew in from CT and after a day of meetings, the platters of food were set out, the flowers were arranged, the smiles were on and wine was flowing.

What more could you ask for?

Here's to a long and healthy life San Francisco.

Fighting the other bad C-Word

Cancer survivors Lance Armstrong and Elizabeth Edwards kicked off the program with statistics: Cancer kills 550,000 Americans and six million people worldwide each year.

"That's the equivalent of 9/11 every two days," Armstrong said.

"If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell." ~Lance Armstrong


I love it when the networks come together, dismiss the competition, and not worry about ratings or advertising. And they do it for a comment cause. Cancer is an illness that has been a part of just about everyones lives. It seems that everyone has either suffered from cancer, known someone who has suffered from cancer or has lost a friend or family member to the disease.

It's a terrible disease, one that needs to be cured. I have a hard time understanding cancer. I don't know why, but cancer makes me angry. It's so stupid. There's no reason for it. There's no purpose for making someone so sick, for placing a fear in them so great, for terrorizing them and their families.

It makes you wonder why God allows disease like this in the world. I know, I know...without struggle we'd have no joy. You can't have one without the other...Or something like that...

Still, I believe we, as the US could place so much more effort and money into Cancer research.



Cancer is a word, not a sentence. ~John Diamond

H -double O-T

And we are here -- we are here because we love this country too much to let the next four years look just like the last eight.

And next week, we'll also hear about those occasions when he's broken with his party as evidence that he can deliver the change that we need. But the record's clear: John McCain has voted with George Bush 90 percent of the time. Senator McCain likes to talk about judgment, but, really, what does it say about your judgment when you think George Bush has been right more than 90 percent of the time? I don't know about you, but I am not ready to take a 10 percent chance on change.

And now is the time to keep the promise of equal pay for an equal day's work, because I want my daughters to have the exact same opportunities as your sons.



I wasn't ever the biggest Obama support...heck I obviously supported the other Democratic Candidate. But after last night's speech, my views of Obama have changed. He has a power and essence to him that America needs. He can stand up and wow a crowd like Kennedy could. Do I think his experience lacks? Yes. Do I think he can do the job of reinventing America in the eyes of the rest of the world? Yes. Do I think he can beat John McCain and Sarah Palin? Gosh I hope so.


In other news, We are on the brink of a three day weekend (cue Olympic Sized music). And although it's the last three day holiday for awhile, I'm very excited. I did decide today that if I ever became President of the US, I would definitely put into act a law giving Americans more time off...hello...most Europeans get like 8 week paid holidays. Europe survives, I'm sure the US would too.


It's incredibly hot here in SF right now and I just spent like two hours in Office Depot comparing name tags and post it notes and gel pens.

I don't know why I find that store so fascinating.

My parents are coming to town tomorrow and I think we are heading off to Napa. Nothing like a glass of wine at an amazing winery. In honor of our upcoming trip, I'd like to share my favorite wine sipping background music:

She and Him, Volume 1

The album is short...too short in my opinion, but creates a seemingly time warp collaboration between Zooey Deschanel(she) and M. Ward (him)

Now I've discovered a new reason to love San Francisco: The sheer number of musicians that come to play. I just bought tickets to go see She and Him in November. And they were only 20 bucks. God, I love this city.

The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants Suits....

"If we can send 50 women into space. Then we will one day launch a woman into the White House."

It's been a couple of months since the Primaries had ended, even longer since the adventure of the Indy Race, but with the DNC convention in full swing, I have to admit, it's stirred that excitement again.

I don't think I've ever been this attached to a convention. I've always watched them, but never felt fully invested. To say I was a bit excited to hear Hillary Clinton speak again, would be a slight understatement. And I have to say that last night she, like no other politician before her, once again inspired me. She made me proud to be a democrat, proud to be an American and proud to be a woman in the 21st Century.

Being part of this process was such an amazing experience. Never before have we had two candidates that in their very being promoted change. Both Obama and Hillary inspired a new generation the importance of their vote. Each taught us the struggles we still have to face regarding race and gender.

"You never gave in. You never gave up. And together we made history."


In the midst of what could have been a political debacle, Hillary rallied the Democratic Party and firmly supported Obama as "her candidate" in a way that I commend. There was no sign of a sore loser or any sense of insincerity. The delegates were on their feet for most of the speech. Cheering her on and like her or not...supporting her every comment.

In what could be the best speech of her political career, Hillary did what she had to do. Bring on 2016...

"No Way, No How, No McCain"

Barack the Vote...

This has been one whirlwind of a month. From traveling around Northern California to spending two weeks in Stamford, CT and finally a last minute trip to Seattle. I love the travel lifestyle, but man I need a night in my own big bed.

I had a great time on the East Coast. It had been like seven years since I'd been to NYC, and I loved it just as much the second time around. There's such an air about NY that I just click with. I don't know if I'd ever move there on a whim, but if I were to ever get a job there, I wouldn't think twice.

The days were long, but we did have the chance to take in some sights. We went to Boston for a day (must go back), took 250 Foreign Exchange students on a tour of NYC (the Empire State Building will haunt my dreams) and spent another day in the midst of an Au Pair orientation (Totally could pass for one). Not to mention meetings with all of the other organizations and company divisons.

The weekend was super fun. I had the chance to meet up with an old friend living in Brooklyn, ate at some amazing burger place and even caught a matinee of the Broadway show, "Mary Poppins" Which was pretty darn fitting since I compared myself to the practically perfect nanny a few posts down.

There was a little bit of work involved as well. We had a ton of meetings and training sessions on the new database (which I kept calling Mothra) and spent three days working with the college field staff. I learned the meaning of ROI, B to B and a plethora of other marketing terms I'd forgotten about.

Talk about baptism by fire. It was a good two weeks...a long to weeks albeit, but definitely worth it.

Right now I'm sitting in the Sea-Tac airport, getting ready to fly back to Oakland and as I sit and wait for my delayed flight, I'm watching the Democratic National Convention.

Man, I wish I was there. It would totally have been like the mecca to my political year. Everyone in the audience is super excited and cheering and having a grand ole time. Maybe I'll save up for 2012...you never know.

Tonight Hillary Clinton is speaking to rally her 18 million voters into voting for Obama. I've heard quite a few people say they will not vote for him, and at times I have a hard time feeling 100% supportive of him. I'm all about change, but enough of the promises...Bring on the proof.

I do have to admit, Obama is growing on me...a little more each day.

Fear delivered on a Silver Platter

Right before I left Indy, I was emailing with my best friend about the lives we live and the decisions we make. And in the midst of all the chatter, I said to her, "We'll never have an extraordinary life story without doing things that genuinely scare us."

I'd heard people say things like that before, but I'd never truly understood the power in fear. I know with adventure comes fear, and with fear comes growth. All things new tend to mean having to risk all that you know, for a chance to experience life and to become the person you grew up imagining.

Moving to SF placed a fear so giant in me that I almost turned it down, but in the end (obviously) took on the challenge. So far, so good.

We'll see how it goes! Bring on the adventure.




"No city invites the heart to come to life as San Francisco does. Arrival in San Francisco is an experience in living" - William Saroyan

Time to the Out...Adult On the Loose

"I've heard that it's possible to grow up - I've just never met anyone who's actually done it. Without parents to defy, we break the rules we make for ourselves. We throw tantrums when things don't go our way, we whisper secrets with our best friends in the dark, we look for comfort where we can find it, and we hope .. against all logic, against all experience. Like children, we never give up hope. " Meridith Grey, Grey's Anatomy

I went to my office for the first time last week and in one foul swoop, I felt like adulthood had descended on me.

Holy crap.

Picture this with me: I make my way into the lobby, Lisa is meeting me downstairs because the building and all of its security will not allow me inside without the proper identification. She hands me my offical key card,which neither of us know how to use, but we manage. Entering the elevator I feel a bit of a rush...this is no church building. As we exit, it hit's me, I'm on the 22nd floor of 425 Market St. in the heart of the financial district.

What?! How'd that happen?

I'm introduced to the main receptionist (yes,we have one of those) and Lisa takes me around the floor. There's a kitchen with at least a bazillion types of various coffee packets and a dishwasher, an authentic mail room, and a conference room to die for. It's a maze of a place, and I'll be amazed if I can find my actual office ever again.

We enter her office first, small, cozy, big windows. I look down, woah, 22 floors is really high up. She then shows me to the office I'll be sharing. It's absolutely massive. There are four desks, huge windows and art. My breath is literally caught in my throat and I can't help but laugh.

You have got to be joking me....I am definitely not in Kansas anymore Toto...or Indy for that matter.

The view is to die for. We didn't get the bay, but we got all of Market St. and downtown. It's gorgeous. I tried each of the desks out, of course opting for one near the windows. With the sun slightly in my eyes and the bounce of my new office chair, I take it all in.

As the euphoria (and slight dizziness) wears office, reality hits.

This office cannot have come cheap. We are going to have to work really hard to pay for this. That means results, that means I must be good at my job. That means responsibility. And sadly, that means no more Perez Hilton.

But, I'm up for the challenge.

The first time I came to San Francisco and was walking up and down Market St. I thought to myself, this is where I always imagined I'd be. Not SF literally, but in the midst of a big city, working in a high rise building, coffee in hand, laptop by my side.

And now here I am...well minus the Starbucks...those puppies are expensive.

Hot Pockets Anyone???? Where's IFSA when I need them?!

Gas Check: 4.54-4.71

Today is a cause for celebration:

I finally have 99.7 % of my belongings out of their boxes and into their respective homes (aka under the bed) I haven't hid anything under my bed since high school. It made me feel so youthful...and cramped.

That is where the party ends.

I love the room, love the house, I love the location. I really do. The set up is great, it's the perfect size, however I had all these hopes for the room. A new desk, a black bookshelf from IKEA, a mobile hot tub. None of which included putting my tv on a rubbermaid tote, laying my computer on the floor or stuffing every last item of clothing in a small three-stack. However as my credit card came out...adulthood took over. And by that, I mean the little voice that is financial independence. It hit me as I was planning on getting my car tested for smog. Moving is expensive. California is expensive. Smog tests are bloody expensive.

And lame-o. Now, I'm all about saving the earth Captain Planet style, but by golly make it affordable.


Here's what else I've noticed when it comes to money:
-It certainly does not grow on trees....1 point Mom and Dad
-Everything requires money. Even the bridge I crossed to get to the airport
-It should really say "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of a Debt free Society."
-I think I'll be eating more hot pockets then ever before
-The age old question "If I had a million dollars" is setting you up for failure
-The necessities of life should be free...free food, free shoes, free clothes, free gas.
-I have none...and I live in a neighborhood where clearly I'm in the minority. I'd kill for the IFSA parking lot right now.

So, instead of buying groceries or a tv stand, I'm sitting here, because sitting here is free and free is the wave of the future.

(Cue American flags, Politicians and Pomp music.)

The Past, the Present...Now on to an Amazing Future.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Welcome to the real world. tada.
So I decided that it was time to blog again. Ahh, it reminds me of college, a time when life is much much eaiser.Now, two years later I have yet to find the dream job and once again feel ambuished by the unknown.Its so not cool.
Posted by Michelle at 2:04 PM 0 comments


This was my very last post, in my very last blog over a year ago. SO much has happened since then that looking back, I find myself floored by the realm of change. In the past year here is the 30 seconds or less run down on what's happened in this little thing called life:

1. Got my first dream Job-Moved to Indianapolis
2. Got my second dream Job-Moved to San Francisco

That's right folks: A whole lot of moving and shakin' going on. But I guess that's what our 20's are for right?

Looking back, I'm actually thankful for the struggles I had early on. Not only does it make success even that much more gratifying, but I wouldn't have had the life experiences that have shaped me without getting lost for a bit.

Let me set the scene:

2005: an eager Coug graduate, still wiping the Pullman dew off my brow, attending my first professional conference and confident that I'd go home at the end of the week with at least a trillion offers.

Reality: zero offers, tired feet and a hangover from the receptions that lasted into the wee hours.
Well, scrap that. On to Pre-School teacher extrodinare. Maybe I was destined to teach.

Reality: maybe I was not. I have to say, working with kids everyday is one of the most humbling experiences. You are literally watching their minds grow, and helping them see things for the first time in their lives. But then they fight, and they cry and they roll around and sing and dance when it's supposed to be nap time...Check please.

2006: Let's start the year off with a bang and apply to teach English in Japan...Come on, all the cool kids are doing it.

Reality: An amazing, challenging, rewarding, mind boggling, gut wrenching, tongue-twisting, life-changing, thought provoking, self-wallowing, heart-making, first-timing, lost & finding, laughing and giggling, whining and dining year.

(I have Memoirs of a Geisha to thank)

2007: Let's try this little thing called NAFSA again. I was going to give it one more go. I knew I had found my niche and with a little bit of patience, my time would come....holla and I was right.

Reality: An unofficial job offer that eventually fell through, a little more experience and the frustration of sitting by the phone...hoping it would ring...and what do you know...Just when my mom told me I needed to have a back up plan, the phone rang, the job offer came and I was on my way to flat Indianapolis.

2008: Call me Mary Poppins, but the weather's changing and oh what does that mean...yes....another move.

So here I am, three years wiser, not at all richer, but so much happier...let the SF good times roll.