Highlight of the Week:
Ordering my Blackberry Storm at 12:30 am on Saturday... 30 minutes into the first day I could upgrade to a new phone. I got the online price of $100, minus $50 in upgrade credits, but I still had to pay $50 in taxes, so the total cost was just over $98. But I'm very excited to be able to use the Internet and just have a different phone in general. I did say good-bye to my old phone last night though, setting its alarm clock for the last time... sniff sniff.
Lowlight of the Week:
Things starting to break around the apartment. The knob on one of the windows appears to have snapped, but at least we can still twist it to open and close the window slats. The worst thing that happened was the drawer holding the kitchen utensils fell apart. But on the plus side, I fixed it (at least for now) by deconstructing it and making new holes for the nails. I was quite proud after I finished.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Reading
I love to read. Lately though (like, since I began college, 6 years ago), my "pleasure" reading has dropped drastically. Oh, I read a lot of magazines on the toi-let, but where my nightly routine pre-college used to be reading a book for 30-60 minutes before bed, it is now occupied by TV, movies, the Internet, and Sudoku.
I probably only read 3-4 books a year now, which is quite sad. Part of the slowness may be due to me reading more than one book at once. I NEVER used to do this. I actually have four books opened now, with two that I am currently reading. I had been reading The Appeal, by John Grisham, but stopped reading it when I started Pride and Prejudice and Zombies in late June. I have been continually reading Victor Klemperer's 1933-1941 diary for about the past year and half now. I just started 1937. The other book I have open is Sprezzatura, 50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World. I am about halfway through, but have not read it for quite some time now.
One positive in my reading habits the last few years is that I am reading more non-fiction works. I have more WWII and history books on my shelf waiting to be read. In the past, I was not all that interested in learning anything outside of school, but since leaving a learning environment, I can't see any harm in continuing to educate myself.
I also have gotten into downloading books from the LA Library (http://audiobooks.lapl.org) and listening to them on my commute. I have listened to quite a few books this way, which probably amps up my total list of books "read" per year to closer to 10.
Looking at the evidence, it seems my independence and technology are to blame for my failing reading habits. I used to sit down with a book in my spare time in front of the TV, outside on a summer day, or at night in bed. Now that I have the world at my fingertips, I have neglected my reading some. I should hope by the end of the year, I will have all four of these books finished... and have since journeyed on to another world of words.
I probably only read 3-4 books a year now, which is quite sad. Part of the slowness may be due to me reading more than one book at once. I NEVER used to do this. I actually have four books opened now, with two that I am currently reading. I had been reading The Appeal, by John Grisham, but stopped reading it when I started Pride and Prejudice and Zombies in late June. I have been continually reading Victor Klemperer's 1933-1941 diary for about the past year and half now. I just started 1937. The other book I have open is Sprezzatura, 50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World. I am about halfway through, but have not read it for quite some time now.
One positive in my reading habits the last few years is that I am reading more non-fiction works. I have more WWII and history books on my shelf waiting to be read. In the past, I was not all that interested in learning anything outside of school, but since leaving a learning environment, I can't see any harm in continuing to educate myself.
I also have gotten into downloading books from the LA Library (http://audiobooks.lapl.org) and listening to them on my commute. I have listened to quite a few books this way, which probably amps up my total list of books "read" per year to closer to 10.
Looking at the evidence, it seems my independence and technology are to blame for my failing reading habits. I used to sit down with a book in my spare time in front of the TV, outside on a summer day, or at night in bed. Now that I have the world at my fingertips, I have neglected my reading some. I should hope by the end of the year, I will have all four of these books finished... and have since journeyed on to another world of words.
Monday, July 27, 2009
July 20-26
Highlight of the Week: Nothing I can think of at this time. Nothing really momentous happen this week, or even stands out. Average week!
Low-light of the Week: The inexplicable horror that is Chase Bank. They basically reversed a fraud credit I had to my account 5 months after it happened and do not believe that I did not make the charges. I don't want to talk about it anymore, so that's all I have to say on that matter.
Low-light of the Week: The inexplicable horror that is Chase Bank. They basically reversed a fraud credit I had to my account 5 months after it happened and do not believe that I did not make the charges. I don't want to talk about it anymore, so that's all I have to say on that matter.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
A strange "message"
Yesterday I bought two black plums at the store because they were on sale for $0.49/lb. I ended up paying 39 cents for both of them. I ate the first plum, but decided I didn't like it. Most of the friendlies at work had already left for the day, so I threw the other plum into the trash can beneath my desk (still in the plastic wrap from the grocery section).
So this morning, I round the corner of my cubicle and see the plum sitting on my desk, with a huge bite taken out of it. Needless to say, I was grossed out and a little creeped out!
I think whoever it was (probably the janitor), was trying to teach me a lesson not to waste food. However, I don't think it is a big deal for me to throw away a 20 cent plum, and I don't appreciate the janitor (or anyone) trying to teach me a lesson in a disgusting and weird manner.
So this morning, I round the corner of my cubicle and see the plum sitting on my desk, with a huge bite taken out of it. Needless to say, I was grossed out and a little creeped out!
I think whoever it was (probably the janitor), was trying to teach me a lesson not to waste food. However, I don't think it is a big deal for me to throw away a 20 cent plum, and I don't appreciate the janitor (or anyone) trying to teach me a lesson in a disgusting and weird manner.
Monday, July 20, 2009
July 13-19
Highlight of the Week: Dodger game with Ashley, which was my birthday present. The first Dodger game I've been to in almost 2 years and the first as a true fan (sort of). The Dodgers were playing the Astros, who now have Ivan Rodriguez, but he didn't end up playing until the 9th, when he struck out and lost the game for the Astros. :( Poor Pudge. But yay, Dodgers win!
Ashley and I also determined that the Astros are where all the players who are on their way out of the league go: Pudge (making about $11 million less than he was last year), Darin Erstad (Former Angels great in the early 2000s), and LaTroy Hawkins (74 years old).
So the Lowlight of the Week will be James Loney and Andre Ethier not playing until the 8th and 9th innings (Loney is my favorite player and Ethier is probably #3 or 4... I was also wearing his shirt). Juan Pierre did get to play, but unfortunately he took Ethier's position and not Manny's. boo. Also, Mannywood is lame. It is basically a rumpled banner tacted to wall in left field. It's also lame for the Mannywood-ers to boo Carlos Lee and chant "Lee Sucks" while he is fielding.
Ashley and I also determined that the Astros are where all the players who are on their way out of the league go: Pudge (making about $11 million less than he was last year), Darin Erstad (Former Angels great in the early 2000s), and LaTroy Hawkins (74 years old).
So the Lowlight of the Week will be James Loney and Andre Ethier not playing until the 8th and 9th innings (Loney is my favorite player and Ethier is probably #3 or 4... I was also wearing his shirt). Juan Pierre did get to play, but unfortunately he took Ethier's position and not Manny's. boo. Also, Mannywood is lame. It is basically a rumpled banner tacted to wall in left field. It's also lame for the Mannywood-ers to boo Carlos Lee and chant "Lee Sucks" while he is fielding.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
July 6-12
I forgot again, so here it is, a little late:
Highlight of the week: Mini-birthday party on Friday, which consisted of lunch in Santa Monica and painting some pottery at Color Me Mine. I am excited to see how my mug turned out! Thanks Julie, Melissa, and Trevor for a fun time!
Lowlight of the week: Return of the hot weather. I just can't stand it. However, I'm thankful it held off for this long, as last year, it was 90+ in late May and this year, we had those beautiful 60-70 degree days all throughout June.
At this time, I would like to take some time for a mini-rant about the Michael Jackson memorial service. Seeing as how the state of California is $26 billion dollars in debt, laying people off left and right, and handing out IOUs, I am outraged that L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wants the city to pick up the tab for MJ's $1.4 million memorial service.
"This is a world-class city, and we provide fire and police protection. Period. The idea that we would charge the family for a funeral is nonsensical," Villaraigosa said. So my family can expect a check in the mail signed by Villaraigosa when I kick it? I am just astounded that he is willing to stick his neck out for someone who is just an entertainer and had plenty of money to pay for his own city-wide memorial service.
Especially after Villaraigosa raised such a fuss over the Lakers championship parade. As much as I dislike the Lakers and did not approve of such a high budget for their parade (also when the city has another NBA team), I understand that the Lakers support Los Angeles as a city and that is just what you do after a championship. This is not what should happen when an entertainer who has not released new material in years and is most recently known for a child molestation trial dies.
Highlight of the week: Mini-birthday party on Friday, which consisted of lunch in Santa Monica and painting some pottery at Color Me Mine. I am excited to see how my mug turned out! Thanks Julie, Melissa, and Trevor for a fun time!
Lowlight of the week: Return of the hot weather. I just can't stand it. However, I'm thankful it held off for this long, as last year, it was 90+ in late May and this year, we had those beautiful 60-70 degree days all throughout June.
At this time, I would like to take some time for a mini-rant about the Michael Jackson memorial service. Seeing as how the state of California is $26 billion dollars in debt, laying people off left and right, and handing out IOUs, I am outraged that L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wants the city to pick up the tab for MJ's $1.4 million memorial service.
"This is a world-class city, and we provide fire and police protection. Period. The idea that we would charge the family for a funeral is nonsensical," Villaraigosa said. So my family can expect a check in the mail signed by Villaraigosa when I kick it? I am just astounded that he is willing to stick his neck out for someone who is just an entertainer and had plenty of money to pay for his own city-wide memorial service.
Especially after Villaraigosa raised such a fuss over the Lakers championship parade. As much as I dislike the Lakers and did not approve of such a high budget for their parade (also when the city has another NBA team), I understand that the Lakers support Los Angeles as a city and that is just what you do after a championship. This is not what should happen when an entertainer who has not released new material in years and is most recently known for a child molestation trial dies.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Steroids in Baseball
Just heard on the radio that Manny Ramirez is about to pass Mickey Mantle in career homeruns. The announcer said Manny is "quite a hitter."
Often, I hear people in the media blasting steriod users when the news first comes out and then talking about how this generation of baseball watchers don't really care about steroids, and only those in the media really care (that comes directly from a recent PTI). In the same breath, they will then say things like "regardless of [fill in the blank]'s steroid use, he is still an amazing athlete and few could achieve what he did."
Please, pick a side! Because of the steroid use, we really don't know if Manny could have hit all those homers. Maybe, maybe not. But he was using a performance enhancing drug, which means his performance was enhanced. That includes HRs. So please, enough with the "I care about steroid use..." I honestly don't think many people do (those that we hear from, those in the media), so just come out and say it!
Often, I hear people in the media blasting steriod users when the news first comes out and then talking about how this generation of baseball watchers don't really care about steroids, and only those in the media really care (that comes directly from a recent PTI). In the same breath, they will then say things like "regardless of [fill in the blank]'s steroid use, he is still an amazing athlete and few could achieve what he did."
Please, pick a side! Because of the steroid use, we really don't know if Manny could have hit all those homers. Maybe, maybe not. But he was using a performance enhancing drug, which means his performance was enhanced. That includes HRs. So please, enough with the "I care about steroid use..." I honestly don't think many people do (those that we hear from, those in the media), so just come out and say it!
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