links I found today

Ewww to this.

Yum and how adorable to this.

WTF to this. Is anyone really this environmentally conscious?

I want my room like this (scroll down). Too bad I share rooms with a "boy" (ok, not really).

Who keeps voting for this guy? Please stop it.

I'd vote for Colin Firth. Mmm, hmm. Why is he not a choice?

I want to watch this movie.

feeling: loving this mint frappuccino
watching: The Tonight Show
what I should be doing instead of blogging: getting ready for bed. maybe not drinking coffee

cell phone tv

I don't know if I'm behind on the times but I just heard about this yesterday. Apparently, there are now cell phones being made that come with a built-in television. Is it just me or does this sound a little, I don't know, dangerous? I mean, we've all been driving behind or alongside someone who is talking on the phone and nearly causes an accident. I can't even imagine how people are going to be driving while watching tv. I guess it's the same thing as those people who have those tv screens in the car, but the only way I've seen those are really so that the people in the backseat can watch. I wonder if people can watch tv and talk at the same time on these phones. You know if I have one I'll be one of those people saying, "Did you see that?", while on the phone. My mom and I are like that as it is. About a second after a show is over the phone is ringing with my mom asking, "What did you think of Constantine? Who do you think will go home next?" But I digress. I hope I don't sound like I'm all anti-technology because I'm really not but I think people don't pay attention to what they're doing and this will make them more easily distracted. Now they can cause a car accident and be able to watch themselves on the news at the same time.

feeling: lazy
listening to: My Chemical Romance (Helena)
what I should be doing instead of blogging: folding clothes

audio post

Oops, I didn't even mention this because I was being so self conscious of my voice, but that's Alec in the background. He was singing along with Barney. He's obviously too young to pay much attention to tv, but he likes shows where there's singing. Like Barney and The Wiggles. I love Ani's "Song stuck in my head" and I thought of doing that for a while because I ALWAYS have a song in my head. The problem is that it's usually this type of little kid that you'd be singing for a month song. "Fruit salad, yummy, yummy." Ugh. Hmm, I didn't want to type and I'm doing it anyway. . . . . . .

feeling: I hate my voice
watching: Barney (ugh)
what I should be doing instead of blogging: hmm, nothing right now

chip-free

One of my co-worker's daughters was, I wouldn't say chubby, but definately bigger than me. Then all of a sudden I saw her and she looked amazingly fit. I asked my co-worker what her daughter had done and the answer was, "she just stopped eating chips". Wow. My friend Lizette and I were talking about how much weight we could potentially lose if we only stopped eating chips (while sharing a bag of chips). There's always a bunch of cookies, doughnuts and candies at work but I don't have a hard time not eating those. Whenever there's a bag of chips, though, man, we finish that up right away. One Saturday we ate two bags of chips and one bag of popcorn. Really. It doesn't help that my two closest buddies at work suffer from the same addiction. I can eat one of those 99 cent bags of chips for lunch. Sometimes I've even had them for breakfast. Ugh. it sounds so bad but it's true. My lunch of choice chips and a soda. Anyway, we came to the conclusion that the reason we like chips so much is because we like to crunch on stuff. So, we're going to try to keep veggies to snack on since they're just as crunchy. I love fruits and vegetables and I guess if they're around I'll eat those instead. I think we could potentially lose some weight given how we don't eat A LOT of food just really bad food. I don't keep sodas at home because I'll be the only one that drinks them and I'm going to try to not buy a Coke at work. I'll barely be starting today so I'll keep you posted since I have absolutely no will power. I've never been one that is into diets. In fact, I've never really been on a diet in my life. For a while there, I'd go work out with a friend but then we'd go out to eat afterwards. I think I look ok, so I've never worried too much. The things that are sort of motivating me are that reunion party that I wrote about not too long ago and the fact that I weighed myself and I'm weighing more now than when I went into LABOR with Brianna. ARGH! Granted I wasn't very big, but still. Anyway, today is my first chip-free day and I hope I can get through the whole day (hopefully many, many days) this way. My name is Yvett and I am a chip-oholic.


feeling: motivated
listening to: Nine Inch Nails (The Hand that Feeds)
what I should be doing instead of blogging: getting ready for work

the punishment breakfast

Am tired. Very, very tired.

As a result of our recent audit at work, the district manager decided to have a punishment breakfast for us. I mean, a reward breakfast. Yes, as a reward for doing a good job we were forced to be at work at 7:30 am (when most everyone wasn't scheduled until 10:00) where the manager cooked breakfast for us and at the same time had a meeting with us. Ugh. I'd rather make my own breakfast. I was trying to not be ungrateful and seem positive (even though today was my short day and I wasn't scheduled to go into work until 1:00 pm). I got there and manager guy was not there yet. We waited. We waited some more. I asked if I could leave and take Brianna to school and was told yes. I took Brianna to school. Went back. Still no breakfast. Sometime around 8:15 the manager got there with his grill or griddle or whatever they're called. He was late because he was "chopping vegetables for the omelets". This same guy had the audacity to send us a memo just a couple of weeks ago about the importance of punctuality. The punishment breakfast was good. We had various types of fruit, bagels with cream cheese, toast, juice, coffee, and of course, omelets. It was all pretty good and throughout the lecture, er, meeting, he was telling us about how important it is to be on time and considerate of others. What? I left the breakfast meeting and when I got home the real punishment started. I had the most upset stomach. This isn't too uncommon for me so I took some imodium and when I dropped Alec off, my grandma gave me a tea made of istafiate (I don't know how to say this in English but I've had it all my life and it ALWAYS works). I got back to work only to find out that all except one had gotten sick. You should've seen the mood at work today. I was the only one that was feeling a little better and the rest took turns running to the bathroom. It was hilarious! Plus, it's not like everyone could go home sick. Needless to say, everyone was upset. A lady customer walked in and asked me, "Why does it smell so much like bacon?" I nearly lost it in a laugh attack. Now I am super sleepy since I've been awake since 5:30. I can't wait to go to sleep.

feeling: sleepy
watching: Dateline or Primetime or one of those
what I should be doing instead of blogging: sleeping

blasphemy

If you're really religious and especially a devout Catholic you should really stop reading now. Seriously.

Rodrigo and I are going to hell. Yesterday I was sitting in the living room watching t.v. and Rodrigo walked in.

Rodrigo: What are you watching?
Me: Vatican Idol
Rodrigo: What? Vatican Idol?
Me: Yeah, they're about to announce the new pope.
Rodrigo: Oh (then he heads to the computer)
Me: Aren't you interested in this?
Rodrigo: Not really.
Me: This is history in the making.
Rodrigo: Well, I'm not Catholic and since when are you so religious?
Me: I'm not. I'm just really obsessed with any sort of reality tv.
(The bells started tolling)
Me: Come on, they're going to say who won.
Rodrigo: Who won? It's not a game, you know. (but comes to the couch with me anyway)
Me: You know what I mean.
Rodrigo: How do they pick the pope anyway?
Me: I don't know.
Rodrigo: Aren't you Catholic?
Me: It's some sort of secret ceremony. No one really knows. I wish they would say it though because I'm imagining all sorts of "rose ceremonies" or "boardrooms" or something like Survivor Pope where they turn off his incense urn thing and vote him off. "The conclave has spoken.....".
Rodrigo: (after laughing at me) You watch way too much tv.
Me: Apparently. They should do some sort of reality show where they follow the Pope around and film his life. (I meant this not as a joke but so that young people could get more into religion. I meant well).
Rodrigo: Yeah, and call it what, My Big Fat Obnoxious Pope?
Me: -gasp-
Both: Bwa ha ha ha

Yes, we're horrible people. I hope I didn't offend you all too much. I started telling him how my grandmother had gone to see the Pope John Paul in Denver when I was little and she brought me back a visor. You know what came next. . .Rodrigo asked, "Did it read "My Grandma went to see the Pope and all I got was this lousy visor"?" I didn't laugh at that one. Ok, not too much. Later at work I was telling my friend Lizette about this conversation and we were both laughing. She knows I don't mean disrespect but we were really just kidding around. What I didn't know was that a fellow co-worker who is kind of a devout Catholic was listening. Oops. I turned around and told her I was sorry. She replied with: That. Was. Not. Funny. Oopsie.

Completely off the subject,
-I have a day off today!
-On the way home from dropping off Brianna at school, I saw an owl on top of a shop and there was a bird standing on his head. Really. I had to do a double take but sure enough, there was owl (which is odd enough to see on it's own) with a bird on top. Hmm. Really odd. Note to self: must get new prescription for glasses.
-I got my air conditioning hooked up today. Yay! Yes, it is warm enough here to be able to use the air conditioner. (highs in the 80's) Plus, I figured I should do it now since I doubt we'll be using the heater anymore and last year I waited until it was really hot and the heating/cooling man was completely booked for more than a week.
-Last but not least, a huge thanks to Vanessa! I ordered some super cute flower pins from her and along with them she sent me a whole bunch of goodies! I wore a black suit with a pink blouse and this pin to work and got lots of compliments. Thanks for all the gifts and thanks for making my banking attire looks less, well, bank-like.
Anyway, Alec is taking a nap and I should be doing some tidying up.

feeling: really good
listening to: Garbage (Why do You Love me)
what I should be doing istead of blogging: sweeping

birthday gifts

Theoretically with what Rodrigo earns and with what I earn, it seems that we should have a whole lot more money left over than what we do. In keeping with my psycho list-making, I've been listing everything that I've been spending for the last couple of months. EVERYTHING. I wanted to see exactly where the money goes. I knew I'd find out that I spend too much on eating out. That wasn't a big surprise. I also knew that I use a lot of money getting things for the kids. That, on the other hand, can't be helped. There is always something that the kids need, from clothes to shoes to diapers and toiletries. Those are just things that I have to buy. No question. The one thing I was surprised about was how much I'm spending on birthday parties. Not for my own children but for other kids. Now, I'm not trying to sound like a birthday grinch or anything. I also don't feel obligated to get gifts. I'm just surprised at the cost. I had no idea but once you put it on paper, it really adds up. Brianna's kindergarten class has birthday parties and they all invite each other. We've gone to all the parties so far and it's not like you can show up without a present. It also seems that everyone has a birthday around March & April. Maybe I should stop going to Target to get the kids' gifts. Everytime I'm in there I always end up buying stuff I don't really need. My co-workers suggested I make little craft gifts like bracelets for the girls. But, come on, six year old kids don't really want crafts unless they're going to be making them. What they want is toys and their parents want clothes. I hope I don't sound ungrateful. I mean, I'm really glad Brianna gets along with her friends. Are kids more social now? I mean I remember when I was that age we all invited our family to our parties and maybe a couple of friends. Not the whole classroom. Plus, you can't go to some of the parties and not others. Oh well, I shouldn't even complain. It would be sad if there were no parties to go to. *Sigh*

feeling: mmmm, coffee
-I also spend too much on coffee-
watching: The Tonight Show
what I should be doing instead of blogging: sleeping

electronic devices

I've always been insane when it comes to listing and journaling. I have various journals filled with all sorts of lists. I used to be REALLY into MTV and back before TRL, there was the Top 20 Countdown. I kept a journal where I'd list the songs each week, then at the end of summer countdown and the end of year countdown. I had a Real World/Road Rules journal. I'd list the locations, the cast and for Road Rules I'd list the missions or jobs and locations. I also had an awards show journal where I listed all the nominees for various awards shows like The Grammy's and Academy Awards, their catergories, then highlighted the winners. Yes, I'm crazy like that. The last insane list I made was during the last soccer World Cup. I'd list the dates, the teams, highlight the winner and on to the semifinals, etc, etc.
I don't really have time to list insane things like that anymore (or make crazy spreadsheets) but last night when I read today's Monday Madness I just knew I had to participate. Here it is:

Let's Go Digital!

From the time you get up in the morning until the time you go to bed at night, how many different digital/electronic devices do you use on any given day? Please consider listing them, as it would be interesting to see what everyone comes up with!

...and an optional random question, because I just cleaned my mouse...
How often do you clean your mouse?

(When I wake up)
1. Alarm clock
2. Bedroom light
3. Closet light
4. Bathroom light
5. kitchen light
6. dining room light
7. Brianna's room light
8. Alec's room lamp
9. Alec's room light
10. Iron
11. Refrigerator
12. Microwave
13. Toaster
14. TV (I wanted to check the weather report)
15. blowdryer
16. curling iron
17. computer
18. printer
(Out the door)
19. car (Rodrigo says I have to include this because of all the computers used to run it.)
20. car stereo
21. air conditioner
22. cell phone
(at work)
23. time clock
24. cash vault (electronically protected and I have to enter a code)
25. computer
26. printer/validator
27. scanner for checks and deposits
28. money order/cashiers check machine
29. machine to print temporary checks
30. money counting machine
31. cash dispenser
32. tubes for the canisters (I helped for a little while in the motor bank)
33. another computer (to verify signatures)
34. phone
(off to take Alec to the pediatrician)
35. ATM
36. scale
37. digital thermometer
-again everything used in car plus cell phone-
(dropping off a prescription)
38. drive-through carrier
(at home)
39. another computer
40. tv
41. telephone (wireless and with V.O.I.P. service)
42. freezer
43. electric range
44. electric oven
45. microwave
I FORGOT THIS ONE THIS MORNING: 46. coffee maker
47. washer
48. dryer
50. light in the laundry area
51. living room light

Wow. That's a lot already and I'm sure I missed some. Things like the various lights, I've used more than once but haven't listed them. It's barely a little after 5pm so I'm sure I'll use more. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. I'm sure everyone else uses just as many. Hmm, interesting.

Oh, the last question. I only only have optical mice so I don't clean them out but I clean the top. I wiped them clean last time on Wednesday. (I know because I had the day off and was "disinfecting" everything.

feeling: smart
watching: evening news
what I should be doing instead of blogging: finishing making dinner

that's sooooo funny

One of the moms at my daughter's school doesn't laugh. I swear. I think there's a Seinfeld episode about this but it is absolutely true. I have never heard her laugh. I went to get Brianna after school yesterday and this lady was standing around with another group of moms. One of the moms was telling a story and the rest of them were laughing. Except for one. She kept saying "That's soooo funny," and "That's hilarious". Not even a snicker. I picked up Brianna and went home. Later that evening we went back to school for a PTA meeting and kindergarten spring program and the lady was there again. I hadn't noticed but when we were leaving I heard someone say "That is hysterical". I turned around and it was her again talking to a group of parents. We were on our way out but then I had to laugh. I guess she's in the PTA since her son is not in kindergarten and so I'll see her there. Now my goal is to make this lady laugh.

feeling: silly
listening to: Franz Ferdinand - I don't know the name of the song
what I should be doing instead of blogging: getting ready for work

britney

A few weeks ago Rodrigo's buddy, Brian, went to California for spring break. When he came back he told his friends that he'd seen Britney Spears at club. She was supposedly partying and drinking. When Rodrigo told me this I said there was no way because she's pregnant. He reminded me how these were just rumors and told me that Brian had even taken a picture. Here is the picture that Brian emailed. (Brian is the guy on the right)

Anyway, I had a problem believing this because he happened to email the pic to Rodrigo on April 1st. Only he never did say that it was a joke. Now, I know Brian and that is definately him in the picture. It also looks like Britney. So, now that Britney finally confirmed that she is pregnant I"ve been really thinking about this picture. Could she really have been out drinking while pregnant? I mean, she must've known by this time since all the tabloids "knew" by that time. This picture was taken the last week of March. Another thing is that I kind of feel sorry for her. When most people announce that they will have a baby most everyone congratulates them and feels happy for them. With Britney everyone just thinks about how her husband Kevin is a weasel and is being a parasite off of her. Oh well. I hope all goes well for them. Especially for that baby.

feeling: hmm, coffee!
listening to: Garbage (Cherry Lips)
what I should be doing instead of blogging: paying bills

reunion anxiety

I've previously mentioned that I am extremely old and we had our 10 year high school reunion LAST YEAR! I wasn't able to go but I saw a few of the pictures that were taken. One of my fellow '94 graduates started up a Yahoo group and asked us to join last fall. I joined and haven't been really active in the messaging. I like looking through the pictures and see what everyone is up to so I decided to send the members an invitation to go into my OFOTO account and look through pics. In the email I sent them, I wrote the following, ". . . neither Rodrigo (my "not-the-husband") nor I are in most of the pictures. This is not done on purpose but we're always the ones taking the pictures and/or being the silly one trying to get the baby to look at the camera. Don't worry, though, for those of you who knew me in high school, I haven't changed much (pretty sad, really) and I definately act the same."
Ever since then I've been really worrying that I look totally different and that when I actually do see these people they'll think "I thought she said she hadn't changed much." I mean, we've all run into someone who we hadn't seen in a while and thought, "Wow, what happened to him/her?" I don't want to be that person. I started freaking out and wanted to know someone's opinion. I considered calling my high school boyfriend and setting up a lunch meeting or something. That way he could say, "You haven't changed a bit!". Then I decided against that because 1.His wife probably wouldn't appreciate it and 2.I never put myself into any situation that could potentially be edited into something that looks bad and aired on Cheaters. I called my mom and asked her if she thought if I'd changed a lot since high school and she said I looked like I'd had kids. Then she had to go. WHAT?! What does that mean? Does it mean that I gained a lot of weight? Always look really tired? Finally grew boobs? I decided to go with the latter so that I wouldn't be torturing myself.
There was really only one thing I could do. I tried on my senior prom dress and hurray, it fit! Then I found an old prom picture and noticed that it definately does not fit the same. Here are my junior and senior prom pictures (minus high school boyfriend/prom date since I'm sure he doesn't want his picture posted all over the place). First is my junior prom. . . . .

Then my senior prom (which is the dress that I tried on) . . . .

Ouch. I'm curvier than in high school and I even think I'm shorter. How does that happen? One of my friends told me that we all probably gained some weight or our body has changed because of kids, marriage, or whatever the person's situation is. She said that I shouldn't worry about having a different body shape but about not looking old. Oh great, now I'm going to be obsessing over wrinkles. I think what I should've done in the first place was tell everyone that I am now about 1,000 lbs and have to be weighed on a commercial scale and lifted by a crane. Also, that I went through some sort of time travel experiment that made me age rapidly. That way, they'd be expecting a really huge old-looking person. When they saw me it would be a pleasant surprise and I could just explain it off by saying that I got help from Richard Simmons and facials or something. Oh no, I think I'm getting a little too "Romy & Michelle". Anyway, I'll keep you all posted on the reunion barbecue that's planned for later this summer. Luckily, I think it won't involve me having to wear a swimsuit. Have a good day.

feeling: not as cute
listening to: Led Zeppelin (Ramble On)
what I should be doing instead of blogging: folding clothes

wish list

I wish. . . . . . .

1. I had more free time.
2. I didn't always feel like I live at work.
3. I was more organized.
4. I could buy a whole new wardrobe.
5. I could stay home and take care of the kids all the time.
6. I had a maid.
7. I wouldn't have to spend so much money on gasoline.
8. I had participated on a project like the Collective Souls journal..
9. I didn't have so many problems with Blogger.<-- Ok, forget this one. I fixed it by changing the template. Heh, heh.
10. I knew how to design a web page and could make my own banners and buttons.
11. I could learn to say "no" to people. (I currently have a Mary Kay
stalker).
12. I could start a diet or exercise program and actually do it rather than just plan it.
13. I wouldn't have to worry about money and know that the kids had their education taken care of.
14. I was more focused and not get so easily distracted.
15. I was having a better day.

feeling: there's soooo much to do
watching: The Wiggles
what I should be doing instead of blogging: cleaning

stuck in an elevator

There is a lady I work with that is ALWAYS late back from lunch. Always. Every day. We all mind since we all sort if take turns for lunch and not all leave until some others get back. She always takes one of first lunches and comes back about 20 minutes late. She always has great excuses but my favorite so far has been, "I went to The Lancer's Club and on the way back I was stuck in an elevator." She said that she was coming down and the elevator broke so that they kept going back up and down for 20 minutes. This was really novel since her husband is an elevator salesman. I told her she should get her husband to sell them a new one but she didn't think it was funny. The week before Easter she was out on vacation and we all used that excuse. All week the rest of that were left were late at one occasion or another mostly due to traffic. We'd call in and say "I'm stuck in an elevator!" Even our boss got into it. It's been kind of hard to stop saying it now that she's back and we've been whispering it (since she's been late several times already). Today it totally slipped from me, though. I was stuck in traffic and was about five minutes late. I didn't know she was there and said that I was stuck in an elevator. Just then I saw her coming up the stairs. She gave me the worst look and hasn't talked to me all day. Whew. I thought of apologizing but then again just like she expects us to believe all her incredible stories, she should believe it coming from me. Ha.

feeling: warm
listening to: Incubus (Stellar)
what I should be doing instead of blogging: having lunch

silk

I have only recently discovered the wonder that is soy milk. I know, I'm kind of old to barely be trying this, but I've really only had either whole or 2% milk my entire life. I have personally stayed away from milk entirely for the past psshhh, I don't even know how many years. The only time I drank it was when I was pregnant. Everytime I drank milk, I'd feel, I don't know, gassy (sorry, but that's the best way I can explain it). Every once in a while, I'd try to drink some and could not even finish a cup. We always have it at home, though for Rodrigo and the kids. A little more than a month ago, Alec had a stomach thing and the pediatrician told us to not give him regular milk for a while but to try soy milk instead. I'd never tried it honestly because of the color. I was afraid that I wouldn't like the taste. One day I finally tasted it and I *loved* the taste. Plus, I didn't feel at all like I feel after having milk. The kind we're buying now is Silk and after reading the nutritional value, there was just no way I couldn't buy it. I know I'm late to start drinking soy and I'm probably preaching to the converted but I'm just so pleased. I'm so glad that Brianna likes it too. Her favorite kind is the chocolate kind. Anyway, enough about milk. Good night.

feeling: happy
listening to: My latest ITunes download: Audioslave (Be Yourself)
what I should be doing instead of blogging: changing my clocks