Friday, August 12, 2005
Thursday, August 11, 2005
brain freeze
The interviewer sat back in her chair and fired the next question:
“Name two consumer electronics products which have launched in the last three months…” “ummm, let me see here, last three months, hmmm” I tried to delay as I began to feel the panic build – “*&@!” I thought – I should know this…. “Ummm, well there was the….” quick think, think, think, what is hot – Satellite Radio? , no that has been out awhile – “There’s the IPOD SHUFFLE!!!! You wear it around your neck – very very cool!” I blurt out my answer with enthusiasm and then clarify that it wasn’t launched within the time frame but it was a consumer electronic product. Yea! I had done it! - The interviewer stared back in bored anticipation.
“Oh, you wanted two?” “Let’s see there was also the …” “ hmmmm…” “Does it have to be outside of the video game industry,” I asked. “No” she responds. Cool, I think. I should be able to name Video Games that have launched in the last three months. “Let me see… video game product… video game product…” Pictures of Halo 2 flash through my mind … stupid Halo 2 how can that be the only game I remember at a critical moment like this. “Well…” My mind races through visuals of the stores I have visited recently –what did I see??? – DOH! “PSP!!!!” Again, not launched in the last three months but close enough. Crisis adverted.
She smiled politely “I didn’t think you were going to pull that one out…” Yea, I thought. Thank God it wasn’t three.
“Name two consumer electronics products which have launched in the last three months…” “ummm, let me see here, last three months, hmmm” I tried to delay as I began to feel the panic build – “*&@!” I thought – I should know this…. “Ummm, well there was the….” quick think, think, think, what is hot – Satellite Radio? , no that has been out awhile – “There’s the IPOD SHUFFLE!!!! You wear it around your neck – very very cool!” I blurt out my answer with enthusiasm and then clarify that it wasn’t launched within the time frame but it was a consumer electronic product. Yea! I had done it! - The interviewer stared back in bored anticipation.
“Oh, you wanted two?” “Let’s see there was also the …” “ hmmmm…” “Does it have to be outside of the video game industry,” I asked. “No” she responds. Cool, I think. I should be able to name Video Games that have launched in the last three months. “Let me see… video game product… video game product…” Pictures of Halo 2 flash through my mind … stupid Halo 2 how can that be the only game I remember at a critical moment like this. “Well…” My mind races through visuals of the stores I have visited recently –what did I see??? – DOH! “PSP!!!!” Again, not launched in the last three months but close enough. Crisis adverted.
She smiled politely “I didn’t think you were going to pull that one out…” Yea, I thought. Thank God it wasn’t three.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
SURVEY
How many physicists can you name?
Science, in my opinion, is in need of a good PR campaign manager. We all benefit from scientific discoveries yet because nearly everything (and some may argue EVERYTHING) in our lives is influenced by science, it is difficult to identify one specific discovery and give credit where credit is due. Furthermore, if we can’t easily identify the multitude of ways in which science influences our lives (ie. food, shelter, transportation, health, entertainment, computers, etc….) it is easy to understand why we can’t identify the scientists who have made these discoveries either.
Jay Leno has this great segment on his show called “Jay Walking” in which he asks “average” Americans questions of fact relating to history, science, literature – things we should have learned in school. While the answers are often amusing, they point out a very clear fact about our culture – we only remember what we have been conditioned to remember through entertainment and publicity. Case and point, 9 out of 10 Americans when asked to name a person from China will name Yao Ming. I am not knocking the center for the Houston Rockets but come on people.
So… this leads to the question. I am collecting data on how many physicists people can name. Ask your friends, ask your family, ask the guy sitting next to you on the bus. Then let me know… we have 30 days to collect the information!
At the end of the 30 days I will compile the information and share the results back. GOOD LUCK PHYSICISTS!
Science, in my opinion, is in need of a good PR campaign manager. We all benefit from scientific discoveries yet because nearly everything (and some may argue EVERYTHING) in our lives is influenced by science, it is difficult to identify one specific discovery and give credit where credit is due. Furthermore, if we can’t easily identify the multitude of ways in which science influences our lives (ie. food, shelter, transportation, health, entertainment, computers, etc….) it is easy to understand why we can’t identify the scientists who have made these discoveries either.
Jay Leno has this great segment on his show called “Jay Walking” in which he asks “average” Americans questions of fact relating to history, science, literature – things we should have learned in school. While the answers are often amusing, they point out a very clear fact about our culture – we only remember what we have been conditioned to remember through entertainment and publicity. Case and point, 9 out of 10 Americans when asked to name a person from China will name Yao Ming. I am not knocking the center for the Houston Rockets but come on people.
So… this leads to the question. I am collecting data on how many physicists people can name. Ask your friends, ask your family, ask the guy sitting next to you on the bus. Then let me know… we have 30 days to collect the information!
At the end of the 30 days I will compile the information and share the results back. GOOD LUCK PHYSICISTS!
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
umm chilaquiles
My favorite part of working in Mexico is the food! Tortillas, Mole, Guacamole and Tacos unlike anything you can find in the states – I love it all. The problem is that days after I have returned to the white bread and mayonnaise North West, my stomach still craves the flavors of Mexico.
My addiction to Mexican food is so bad that I have been known to arrive at the airport 2 hours early just so I can have one final meal at my favorite Mexico City airport restaurant. This last trip was no exception. Since my flight was in the morning, my last meal in Mexico was Chilaquiles con Pollo. UMMMMM. For those of you who may not have had the opportunity to taste this amazing dish, there is a restaurant in Fremont called El Camino which has started to serve Chilaquiles as part of their Sunday morning brunch menu. Or, if you are more the adventurous type, here is a recipe for you to try.
Ingredients
½ med. Onion peeled and thinly sliced
4 cloves of garlic
1 tsp. salt
16oz shredded chicken (or chicken breast)
2 tsp. canola oil
¼ cup canola oil (for frying)
1 cup chicken broth
10 ripe plum tomatoes
10 corn tortillas
¼ lb shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
4 canned chipotle chilies – plus 2 tbsp. of the sauce from the can
1 cup crema mexicana (sour cream may be substituted)
Steps
Turn the oven to broil and place the tomatoes in an oven-proof casserole. Slide the casserole under the broiler and turn the tomatoes every few minutes until they are black in spots.
Remove the tomatoes from the oven and turn the oven down to 325 degrees. Remove the stems and seeds from the chilies.
Peel and seed the tomatoes and put them along with 2/3 of the onion, the chilies and their sauce, garlic and salt in a food processor.
Heat the oil (2 tsp) in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Puree the tomato mixture.
Add the tomato puree to the hot oil while constantly stirring. Cook and stir for 4 minutes.
The puree will turn a slightly darker color. Add the broth and keep warm.
Assembling the Dish
Heat the remaining oil in a small sauté pan over high heat. Place the tortillas in one stack and cut them into eight wedges.
Fry the tortilla wedges using tongs, until they are just golden and slightly crispy. The tortillas should still be slightly flexible.
Drain the tortillas on a plate lined with paper towels to remove the excess grease. Put a layer of sauce in the bottom of a casserole dish.
Add a single layer of tortilla wedges and then some of the shredded chicken and cheese.
Repeat this process until all of the tortillas, sauce, chicken and cheese are used. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15 minues.
Serve with a few onion slices and a little of the cream mexicana drizzled over the top
Monday, August 08, 2005
mom and dad were right
A camping we will go, a camping we will go, hi ho a dairy oh, a camping we will go …For the last 15 years my idea of roughing it has been a bad night in a cheap hotel. After spending every summer of my childhood in one kind of camping situation or another I had decided as an adult that I was done. No more sleeping on the ground, no more wondering what would constitute as a bathroom, no more days without the pleasure of a hot shower and a strong cup of coffee in the morning. Boy did I miss it!
The itch to spend the night outside has been growing for the past few years. I even borrowed a friend's tent last year in the hopes that maybe just maybe that would be enough to get me back into the swing of things… unfortunately, the tent, sleeping bag and lantern sat in my garage untouched until last weekend!
Friday night I flew into Seattle, after a trip to Mexico City, prepared to hit the woods. After fighting traffic from the airport (and calling everyone I knew to inform them of my plans, and make sure that there would be a search team should I not return) I met my friend Dave and together we loaded up my “gear” and headed to the Olympic Mountains.
First stop: SEATTLE, WA
We made it to the Ferry in time to catch the 7:30 departure to Bremerton or Bainbridge (not sure which - I was too busy trying to learn how to read a map). Not bad, when you consider my flight did not arrive in Seattle until after 5pm. Once on board the Ferry we dove into these awesome sandwiches which Dave had made. I had no idea that you could purchase lettuce pre-shredded. Too Cool!
The Ferry ride was quick and soon we were headed up the highway toward the Hood Canal Bridge. The original plan was to stay at a camp called Deer Something or Other… but by the time we got to the turn off it was getting late so we decided to implement Plan B. Plan B (which was to stay on the beach) soon turned into Plan C, D, and E as campground after campground greeted us with either a full or closed sign. On our third trip through Squim we gave up and bunked down on a patch of grass at the Rainbow’s End RV Park. Not exactly the “getting close to nature” experience we had planned for but nonetheless it provided us with a enough space to pitch the tent and a great story of how we once slept underneath a Shell sign next to the freeway. Having stayed at a Chevron station once when I was “camping” with my family and our van broke down, I felt that sleeping underneath a gas sign and not actually at the gas station was an improvement.
The next morning we packed up the tent in record time and hit the road. The nice lady at the Rainbow’s End wished us well and encouraged us to visit again the next time we were in Squim. Dave responded politely and let me know that we would not be traveling through Squim again any time soon.
Before heading up to Hurricane Ridge for an easy morning hike, we stopped at Jessie’s Diner for Breakfast. The fact that there were neon beer signs in every window did not sway my decision in any way. Coming from a small town, I love eating where the locals eat. These are the kind of places where people talk to each other between tables and the waitress leaves the coffee pot on your table so that you do not have to wait for a refresher.
Jessie’s special was biscuits with country gravy and sausage and eggs on the side – my favorite! However, being that we would be hiking, I decided to go for the safer scrambled eggs instead. As soon as I opened the menu, I noticed that almost all of items had a red mark next to the names. Usually this would indicate some kind of house special. However, in Jessie’s case this red mark (as defined by the warning label at the bottom of the menu) meant the dish contained eggs which might be undercooked and therefore hazardous to your health. I ordered my eggs cooked hard and continued on with the adventure.
Hurricane Ridge was beautiful! From the top you can see the glaciers on the Olympic Mountains to the south and the Victoria, Canada to the north. Getting to the top is a “easy” 1.8 mile hike up a paved trail. I soon discovered that while I have no trouble on flat surfaces, walking up hill pretty much kicks my butt. Note to self – must work out to build cardio system. Next trip I will be ready!
From Hurricane Ridge the plan was to head to the west side of the Olympics. After looking at the map we determined that it would be best to pick up supplies for dinner in Port Angeles before heading out (there aren’t many towns on the west side.) Like the night before we found ourselves driving from one end of town to the other in a desperate search. Once we decided to give up and head out of town we were rewarded with a Safeway. HURRAY! My old camping instincts kicked in and we purchased tinfoil, salmon, a lemon, an onion and a loaf of sourdough.
Not wanting to again fight the crowds for a camping spot, we chose a “primitive camp” located off of Clear Creek. Perfect. Big trees, the sound of a rambling river, a great spot for the tent and a few logs left from the last campers. SWEEET! We put up the tent and then went for the ritualistic hunt for the perfect marshmallow stick.
The key to a great camping experience is a great camp fire. Fortunately, Dave is a master fire builder and within a matter of minutes he had an awesome fire going, and on one match to boot! Once the first logs had burned down we prepared our tinfoil salmon and placed it near the center of the fire like pros. Our moms would be so proud! The meal was fabulous and the smores that followed were made even better by the wine that accompanied them. Ummm marshmallows and red wine – who knew?
The next day was equally as cool – rainforests, tide pools, crashing waves… and as we headed into Seattle it became clear to me. I like to camp! I like being outdoors, I like cooking on an open fire, I like not having to worry about how I am dressed, I like being on the top of a hill and looking down on world below, I like seeing fuzzy little creatures (not rats) scurrying across the path in front of me, and I like the quiet of not hearing the constant noise of the world. So, I guess this is another one of those instances when my parents were right. Thanks mom and dad for taking me camping when I was a kid. It really is much better then staying in a cheap hotel.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
dear john
Dear John,
I saw you last night for the first time in a while and I regret to say the magic wasn't there.
I've had a crush on you for most of my life, since that first moment when you showed up at the party as geek # 1 in "Sixteen Candles". You stole my heart when you cried in "Say Anything" and when you choose not to sleep with "The Sure Thing" I knew you were the one.
Sure we had our moments... but as you passed through the stages of your life I felt connected with you every step. I may not have been a hired killer at my 10 year class reunion - but I appreciated that your dark side had paid off. And to be honest, the pony tail you wore as you passed through the portal into John Malcovich's brain, was a bit of a stretch. But John, you were the one I kept on my top ten list - through it all.
We both know the last few years have not been satisfying. Putting your name on a $5 bill was a bad idea and I don't know where to start with "American Sweetheart" I never saw you as being so shallow. But when I would doubt where our relationship was headed I would just have to listen to a mix tape and know that some day you would come back to me.
When I heard that you were ready to find love again I was ready to take the plunge with you. Everything seemed right, you and I were again in sync with our lives and I was excited to see how we would enter this new chapter.
But John...you have disappointed me. You sat back and played the victim in the relationship not taking responsibility for your own happiness. John, we have grown accustomed to your dark side, to the philosopher who believes that love may never come but this was too much. The old John was had a glimmer of hope that love would succeed. This time even I was surprised when it did and you seemed genuinely shocked.
Sure it would be nice if we were still in our 20s and able to be toss around relationships like juggling balls. But we are not John, we know the dark side and yet we still want to experience the ride. I was hoping you would take this ride with me... again imitating the stages in life we are traveling through.
Perhaps it is time to find a real life hero to share these experiences with. Good luck John, we'll always have Jeremy Piven to lean on.
I saw you last night for the first time in a while and I regret to say the magic wasn't there.
I've had a crush on you for most of my life, since that first moment when you showed up at the party as geek # 1 in "Sixteen Candles". You stole my heart when you cried in "Say Anything" and when you choose not to sleep with "The Sure Thing" I knew you were the one.
Sure we had our moments... but as you passed through the stages of your life I felt connected with you every step. I may not have been a hired killer at my 10 year class reunion - but I appreciated that your dark side had paid off. And to be honest, the pony tail you wore as you passed through the portal into John Malcovich's brain, was a bit of a stretch. But John, you were the one I kept on my top ten list - through it all.
We both know the last few years have not been satisfying. Putting your name on a $5 bill was a bad idea and I don't know where to start with "American Sweetheart" I never saw you as being so shallow. But when I would doubt where our relationship was headed I would just have to listen to a mix tape and know that some day you would come back to me.
When I heard that you were ready to find love again I was ready to take the plunge with you. Everything seemed right, you and I were again in sync with our lives and I was excited to see how we would enter this new chapter.
But John...you have disappointed me. You sat back and played the victim in the relationship not taking responsibility for your own happiness. John, we have grown accustomed to your dark side, to the philosopher who believes that love may never come but this was too much. The old John was had a glimmer of hope that love would succeed. This time even I was surprised when it did and you seemed genuinely shocked.
Sure it would be nice if we were still in our 20s and able to be toss around relationships like juggling balls. But we are not John, we know the dark side and yet we still want to experience the ride. I was hoping you would take this ride with me... again imitating the stages in life we are traveling through.
Perhaps it is time to find a real life hero to share these experiences with. Good luck John, we'll always have Jeremy Piven to lean on.
Friday, July 29, 2005
1000 places to see before you die - #3
The Golden Temple in Kyoto, Japan.
Perhaps even more impressive then the temple itself are the temple gardens. While there I was able to watch the gardeners as they meticulously removed ever stray pine needle and leaf from the moss carpets. Picture perfect doesn't even begin to describe this place.
ps - while in Kyoto, be sure to have Blow Fish. Blow Fish is not just an item on the menu, it is a true dinning experience - maybe I'll write on my experiences with Blow Fish in the future - look for... 7 ways to prepare Blow Fish without dying.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
happy anniversary!
One year ago today I decided to get serious about my health and make some much needed changes in my diet and exercise (or lack thereof). Results? I am now 30 lbs lighter and more physically fit then I have probably ever been in my life.
The decision came while I was eating a bowl of pasta - a very very big bowl of pasta. I had just moved out on my own for the first time and was feeling stressed from the changes. On top of that, I had never really been in a position where what I ate was completely dependent upon the decisions I was making. My eating had always been somewhat influenced by roommates or other people in my life. (That may be just an excuse that I gave myself to not have to take responsibility for the weight and the poor choices I was making.) Anyhow, the first couple of weeks on my own I ate one thing - PASTA - and lots of it. Actually, come to think of it I ate two things - pasta and ICE CREAM. After finishing my pasta, I would drive the block and a half to the corner store for one of those "little" containers of Ben & Jerry's which I would proceed to finish off as soon as I got home. If I was being "good" that day I would only eat half of the container and save the rest for the next day. The thing was that because I was feeling like so much of my life was out of control, the fact that my eating was out of control did not register. Just prior to the night on the couch with the bowl of pasta, I had attended a reunion of old co-workers. Dressed all in black I thought I looked great! Unfortunately, the pictures told a different story. Photos of me dancing through the restaurant with the waiter (a different story) revealed that my belly was hanging outside my shirt and over my pants. Uck. While having a belly is not a bad thing, I am a firm believer that despite fashion, it is not a good idea to expose your belly if your belly rolls on its own. So, a week or so later I am sitting on my couch with a salad bowl of pasta (not the single serving salad bowls, the big ones in which you make the salad) eating away and feeling this pain growing in my stomach as I stretch it out to maximum capacity, when it occurs to me - what am I doing?
It is now 12 months later. I no longer eat pasta or bread and ice cream has, for the most part, become a fond memory. I know where the produce aisle is in the grocery store and while most of the time I still walk quickly through without stopping, occasionally I will pick up some fruits and vegetables. I enjoy walking and actually seek opportunities to be active, especially when I am stressed. And, my drivers license shows the correct weight for the first time ever.
The most important thing that I have learned is that life is about choices. This is my one life to spend. I can choose who I am going to be and how I am going to approach each aspect of life. .
The decision came while I was eating a bowl of pasta - a very very big bowl of pasta. I had just moved out on my own for the first time and was feeling stressed from the changes. On top of that, I had never really been in a position where what I ate was completely dependent upon the decisions I was making. My eating had always been somewhat influenced by roommates or other people in my life. (That may be just an excuse that I gave myself to not have to take responsibility for the weight and the poor choices I was making.) Anyhow, the first couple of weeks on my own I ate one thing - PASTA - and lots of it. Actually, come to think of it I ate two things - pasta and ICE CREAM. After finishing my pasta, I would drive the block and a half to the corner store for one of those "little" containers of Ben & Jerry's which I would proceed to finish off as soon as I got home. If I was being "good" that day I would only eat half of the container and save the rest for the next day. The thing was that because I was feeling like so much of my life was out of control, the fact that my eating was out of control did not register. Just prior to the night on the couch with the bowl of pasta, I had attended a reunion of old co-workers. Dressed all in black I thought I looked great! Unfortunately, the pictures told a different story. Photos of me dancing through the restaurant with the waiter (a different story) revealed that my belly was hanging outside my shirt and over my pants. Uck. While having a belly is not a bad thing, I am a firm believer that despite fashion, it is not a good idea to expose your belly if your belly rolls on its own. So, a week or so later I am sitting on my couch with a salad bowl of pasta (not the single serving salad bowls, the big ones in which you make the salad) eating away and feeling this pain growing in my stomach as I stretch it out to maximum capacity, when it occurs to me - what am I doing?
It is now 12 months later. I no longer eat pasta or bread and ice cream has, for the most part, become a fond memory. I know where the produce aisle is in the grocery store and while most of the time I still walk quickly through without stopping, occasionally I will pick up some fruits and vegetables. I enjoy walking and actually seek opportunities to be active, especially when I am stressed. And, my drivers license shows the correct weight for the first time ever.
The most important thing that I have learned is that life is about choices. This is my one life to spend. I can choose who I am going to be and how I am going to approach each aspect of life. .
Monday, July 25, 2005
yes virgina, there is summer in seattle
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One day in the middle of April, after 180 straight days of rain and at the point in which I am convinced there has never been a day in which the sun actually made an appearance in Seattle, I will look at this photo and hopefully remember ... ahh yes, summer does eventually arrive in Seattle and when it does it is marvelous!
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Friday, July 22, 2005
is "deferred success" failure?
The Professional Association of Teachers, in England, is voting this week to replace F (fail) with the designation Deferred Success. The rationale behind the proposal is that repeated instances of failure set students up for … well… failure. It is true that the letter F has gained significant power in our society as a mark of ones ability. However, to shy away from the reality that everyone is not going succeed in academic achievements is unrealistic, and takes our attention away from the real problem which is that we do not have a good system for providing both the academic minded and the non-academic minded student with the education they need to succeed in life.
As an adult I know there are people who are significantly more intelligent with a higher aptitude to higher education then I. At the same time, there is also a group which is less inclined to succeed in academic pursuits. The fact that for the most part we are all educated together in the same classes sets up the scenario for students to fail at an early age. While I can’t advocate a system whereby students are separated out early based on their test scores, I do feel we need to expand the definition of education to provide opportunities for success rather then deferring it indefinitely. Certainly one area in which we could accomplish this is by ensuring that our schools receive enough funding to offer so called “electives” in addition to the basics. If we want to keep our students motivated and wanting to learn we have to provide them with opportunities to be passionate about learning. For many students, this passion may not come from math, science or literature. These students may find this passion in music, art, shop or language. Imagine a scenario in which a student discovers that he or she is a brilliant carpenter while in the school system. This student would have the opportunity to truly explore this area of study in a supported environment (much like the science student) while at the same time also being exposed to the “basic” skills he/she will need to be successful in life.
It sounds simple and cliché but it all comes down to MONEY. That our elementary and secondary teachers are paid less than a manager at a fast food restaurant is atrocious. That there are charity events held to collect school supplies similar to food drives, is a ridiculous. Our economy is build on commerce. Commerce is dependent upon buying power. Buying power is dependent upon earnings. Earnings are dependent upon skills – are you getting the picture. I am not here to preach “no child left behind” blah blah blah, but if we do not fix the ills of our education system we are going to end up in a society which will not have the financial diversification to support the level of domestic commerce necessary to keep all of us corporate types employed.
Unfortunately, we cannot wait for deferred success, we are already failing.
As an adult I know there are people who are significantly more intelligent with a higher aptitude to higher education then I. At the same time, there is also a group which is less inclined to succeed in academic pursuits. The fact that for the most part we are all educated together in the same classes sets up the scenario for students to fail at an early age. While I can’t advocate a system whereby students are separated out early based on their test scores, I do feel we need to expand the definition of education to provide opportunities for success rather then deferring it indefinitely. Certainly one area in which we could accomplish this is by ensuring that our schools receive enough funding to offer so called “electives” in addition to the basics. If we want to keep our students motivated and wanting to learn we have to provide them with opportunities to be passionate about learning. For many students, this passion may not come from math, science or literature. These students may find this passion in music, art, shop or language. Imagine a scenario in which a student discovers that he or she is a brilliant carpenter while in the school system. This student would have the opportunity to truly explore this area of study in a supported environment (much like the science student) while at the same time also being exposed to the “basic” skills he/she will need to be successful in life.
It sounds simple and cliché but it all comes down to MONEY. That our elementary and secondary teachers are paid less than a manager at a fast food restaurant is atrocious. That there are charity events held to collect school supplies similar to food drives, is a ridiculous. Our economy is build on commerce. Commerce is dependent upon buying power. Buying power is dependent upon earnings. Earnings are dependent upon skills – are you getting the picture. I am not here to preach “no child left behind” blah blah blah, but if we do not fix the ills of our education system we are going to end up in a society which will not have the financial diversification to support the level of domestic commerce necessary to keep all of us corporate types employed.
Unfortunately, we cannot wait for deferred success, we are already failing.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
1000 places to see before you die - #2
50 non-essential pieces of information
The following is a list of 50 things you probably don't need to know about me. I did not create the list, but I did steal it (which is actually now 51 things you don't need to know)!
1. Your name spelled backwards: assilem
2. Where were your parents born? California
3. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer? iTunes
4. What's your favorite restaurant? Depends on the mood – El Gaucho or a burger at Red Door, tapas at Tango, Thai food in Freemont, La Valantine in Mexico City... I could go on...
5. Last time you swam in a pool? Last weekend
6. Have you ever been in a school play? Yes – Sound of Music
7. How many kids do you want? Not sure, I guess I will know when they come.
8. Type of music you dislike most? Rap
9. Are you registered to vote? yes
10. Do you have cable? yes
11. Have you ever ridden on a moped? No
12. Ever prank call anybody? Yes before caller ID
13. Ever get a parking ticket? yes
14. Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving? Maybe, more likely to bungee jump.
15. Furthest place you ever traveled? Southern Argentina
16. Do you have a garden? No, I can’t even maintain house plants.
17. What's your favorite comic strip? The defunct Calvin and Hobbes.
18. Do you really know all the words to your national anthem? Yes
19. Bath or Shower, morning or night? Morning shower… at night I prefer a soothing bubble bath.
20. Best movie you've seen in the past month? Not sure
21. Favorite pizza topping? Pepperoni
22. Chips or popcorn? chips
23. What color lipstick do you usually wear? Fosil by Aveda
24. Have you ever smoked peanut shells? No
25. Have you ever been in a beauty pageant? No
26. Orange Juice or apple? Cranberry
27. Who was the last person you went out to dinner with and where did you dine? Not the last place, but recently went to La Rustica in West Seattle – YUMMM
28. Favorite type chocolate bar? Snickers
29. When was the last time you voted at the polls? 2004
30. Last time you ate a homegrown tomato? Last Summer
31. Have you ever won a trophy? Yes
32. Are you a good cook? When I have to, which is rarely, I am a decent cook.
33. Do you know how to pump your own gas? Yes
34. Ever order an article from an infomercial? No
35. Sprite or 7-up? Diet 7-up but, only when I am sick
36. Have you ever had to wear a uniform to work? Yes, railroad overalls
37. Last thing you bought at a pharmacy? FUSE softdrink.
39. Would you prefer being a millionaire or find true love? Love
40. Do you believe in love at first sight? Yes, but only after the fact
41. Ever call a 1-900 number? No
42. Can ex's be friends? Yes
43. Who was the last person you visited in a hospital? My grandfather
44. Did you have a lot of hair when you were a baby? No
45. What message is on your answering machine? “If you are leaving a message for Eduardo, he has moved on .” (I never actually met Eduardo, he had moved on before I got his old phone number)
46. What's your all time favorite Saturday Night Live Character? Church Lady
47. What was the name of your first pet? dog named Bowser, cat named Sam
48. What is in your purse? wallet, lipstick, pressed powder, cell phone, pen, Ipod, two sets of keys, my security badge, passport, and shades.
49. Favorite thing to do before bedtime? Read
50. What is one thing you are grateful for today? Everything
1. Your name spelled backwards: assilem
2. Where were your parents born? California
3. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer? iTunes
4. What's your favorite restaurant? Depends on the mood – El Gaucho or a burger at Red Door, tapas at Tango, Thai food in Freemont, La Valantine in Mexico City... I could go on...
5. Last time you swam in a pool? Last weekend
6. Have you ever been in a school play? Yes – Sound of Music
7. How many kids do you want? Not sure, I guess I will know when they come.
8. Type of music you dislike most? Rap
9. Are you registered to vote? yes
10. Do you have cable? yes
11. Have you ever ridden on a moped? No
12. Ever prank call anybody? Yes before caller ID
13. Ever get a parking ticket? yes
14. Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving? Maybe, more likely to bungee jump.
15. Furthest place you ever traveled? Southern Argentina
16. Do you have a garden? No, I can’t even maintain house plants.
17. What's your favorite comic strip? The defunct Calvin and Hobbes.
18. Do you really know all the words to your national anthem? Yes
19. Bath or Shower, morning or night? Morning shower… at night I prefer a soothing bubble bath.
20. Best movie you've seen in the past month? Not sure
21. Favorite pizza topping? Pepperoni
22. Chips or popcorn? chips
23. What color lipstick do you usually wear? Fosil by Aveda
24. Have you ever smoked peanut shells? No
25. Have you ever been in a beauty pageant? No
26. Orange Juice or apple? Cranberry
27. Who was the last person you went out to dinner with and where did you dine? Not the last place, but recently went to La Rustica in West Seattle – YUMMM
28. Favorite type chocolate bar? Snickers
29. When was the last time you voted at the polls? 2004
30. Last time you ate a homegrown tomato? Last Summer
31. Have you ever won a trophy? Yes
32. Are you a good cook? When I have to, which is rarely, I am a decent cook.
33. Do you know how to pump your own gas? Yes
34. Ever order an article from an infomercial? No
35. Sprite or 7-up? Diet 7-up but, only when I am sick
36. Have you ever had to wear a uniform to work? Yes, railroad overalls
37. Last thing you bought at a pharmacy? FUSE softdrink.
39. Would you prefer being a millionaire or find true love? Love
40. Do you believe in love at first sight? Yes, but only after the fact
41. Ever call a 1-900 number? No
42. Can ex's be friends? Yes
43. Who was the last person you visited in a hospital? My grandfather
44. Did you have a lot of hair when you were a baby? No
45. What message is on your answering machine? “If you are leaving a message for Eduardo, he has moved on .” (I never actually met Eduardo, he had moved on before I got his old phone number)
46. What's your all time favorite Saturday Night Live Character? Church Lady
47. What was the name of your first pet? dog named Bowser, cat named Sam
48. What is in your purse? wallet, lipstick, pressed powder, cell phone, pen, Ipod, two sets of keys, my security badge, passport, and shades.
49. Favorite thing to do before bedtime? Read
50. What is one thing you are grateful for today? Everything
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
capisco l'italiano
I have been studying Spanish off and on for most of my adult life. Unfortunately, my commitment level has never been very high and as a result while my comprehension is good, my ability to speak freely is limited (unless there is tequila involved.)
I think the reason for this is that Spanish has never been a choice for me. In high school and college it was a requirement for graduation and throughout my working career it has been a necessity in order to conduct business. So, while I understood the need to learn the language it has not been a passion.
Enter Italian. Now this is a language I can get behind. The only reason for me to learn this language is to be able to speak with people in Italy. And, while I have learned the correct translation for Game Boy “Il Game Boy”, there is no chance that I will be doing anything even remotely related to work with this language.
In my first lesson I have learned how to say – I speak a little Italian – which is true. I can say that one sentence. The good news is that being Latin based, the root of the word in Italian is very similar to Spanish so all of those years studying Spanish are not lost in this new endeavor.
My goal is to be able to comprehend simple conversations and be able to speak enough to understand directions, order at a restaurant and of course… buy shoes. I envision a scene in which I am sitting in a small café ordering a cappuccino and admiring my new Giuseppe Zanotti heels. Ahh yes! Italian is the language for me.
I think the reason for this is that Spanish has never been a choice for me. In high school and college it was a requirement for graduation and throughout my working career it has been a necessity in order to conduct business. So, while I understood the need to learn the language it has not been a passion.
Enter Italian. Now this is a language I can get behind. The only reason for me to learn this language is to be able to speak with people in Italy. And, while I have learned the correct translation for Game Boy “Il Game Boy”, there is no chance that I will be doing anything even remotely related to work with this language.
In my first lesson I have learned how to say – I speak a little Italian – which is true. I can say that one sentence. The good news is that being Latin based, the root of the word in Italian is very similar to Spanish so all of those years studying Spanish are not lost in this new endeavor.
My goal is to be able to comprehend simple conversations and be able to speak enough to understand directions, order at a restaurant and of course… buy shoes. I envision a scene in which I am sitting in a small café ordering a cappuccino and admiring my new Giuseppe Zanotti heels. Ahh yes! Italian is the language for me.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
home sweet home
Growing up I never understood why my parents would choose to live in such a remote location as Scott Valley . After all, it is not as though the area offered great shopping opportunities or easy access to an international airport ( a 6 hour drive is not easy access). And while, I agree that the views of the surrounding mountains are beautiful, it was impossible to understand how truly spectacular they are as a child waking up to them every morning.
This weekend I started to understand.
This small valley in Northern California is a hidden oasis in a world that seems to have lost control of time. None of the aspects of life that make me cringe exist in this small town. There are no traffic delays, unless of course you get stuck behind a cattle drive, there are not even any traffic lights. There are no lines to wait in, no hunting for parking and you don’t have to lock your car or even take out the keys when you are just running into the store for a carton of milk. And the view, the view is spectacular. The streets are lined with trees and dotted with majestic old homes, most in need of repair but still grand. The mountains surround the valley as if mother nature herself were wrapping her protective arms around the small community. The air has a constant smell of freshly cut hay, and the water that comes out of the tap is as cool and crisp as it would be if you hiked up the hill to the stream from which it originates. Everyone smiles and says hello on the street or waves at you as they pass in their pickup trucks. Church is cancelled on Sunday if there is a community event planned. Pancake breakfast is served in the park and bake sale treats include homemade (not from mix) brownies, cookies and blackberry pies. It takes five years to finish painting a house and when you are done, you start over again. The softball field has thick grass growing in right field and hand painted signs of local businesses along the fence. And, even though you moved away over a decade ago, people still greet you by name and ask about life in the city.
The life that I have chosen for myself is nearly 180 degrees from that in which I was raised. But, it is nice to know that when I am ready I can return home and be welcomed back like an adventurer returning from the new world.
This weekend I started to understand.
This small valley in Northern California is a hidden oasis in a world that seems to have lost control of time. None of the aspects of life that make me cringe exist in this small town. There are no traffic delays, unless of course you get stuck behind a cattle drive, there are not even any traffic lights. There are no lines to wait in, no hunting for parking and you don’t have to lock your car or even take out the keys when you are just running into the store for a carton of milk. And the view, the view is spectacular. The streets are lined with trees and dotted with majestic old homes, most in need of repair but still grand. The mountains surround the valley as if mother nature herself were wrapping her protective arms around the small community. The air has a constant smell of freshly cut hay, and the water that comes out of the tap is as cool and crisp as it would be if you hiked up the hill to the stream from which it originates. Everyone smiles and says hello on the street or waves at you as they pass in their pickup trucks. Church is cancelled on Sunday if there is a community event planned. Pancake breakfast is served in the park and bake sale treats include homemade (not from mix) brownies, cookies and blackberry pies. It takes five years to finish painting a house and when you are done, you start over again. The softball field has thick grass growing in right field and hand painted signs of local businesses along the fence. And, even though you moved away over a decade ago, people still greet you by name and ask about life in the city.
The life that I have chosen for myself is nearly 180 degrees from that in which I was raised. But, it is nice to know that when I am ready I can return home and be welcomed back like an adventurer returning from the new world.
give me that old time country music
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Thursday, July 14, 2005
no more gum ...
20 years ago this summer I had my braces removed! I remember the feeling of my newly freed teeth and how relieved I was to be over with that part of my life. I truly believed that once my braces were removed my life would be perfect ... and it has been pretty good!
Speed forward. Today I sat in a dentist chair and had braces put back on my teeth. Apparently, a few of the techniques and procedures used in the dark ages of orthodontics were not the great ideas we thought the were.
It's not all bad. This time around there is a lot less pain, and my vanity is also being supported by my checkbook which means - goodbye wires, hello plastic!
o ha la! I guess no more gum for awhile!
Speed forward. Today I sat in a dentist chair and had braces put back on my teeth. Apparently, a few of the techniques and procedures used in the dark ages of orthodontics were not the great ideas we thought the were.
It's not all bad. This time around there is a lot less pain, and my vanity is also being supported by my checkbook which means - goodbye wires, hello plastic!
o ha la! I guess no more gum for awhile!
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
sleeping outside in a bag as a kid ….
it seems like the best thing that I ever did....
Growing up one of my favorite summer activities was sleeping outside with my best friend. Looking back, I am not sure how often this adventure took place but I do remember with great clarity the way the air smelled like freshly cut hay and thunderstorms, the way the sky lit up with more stars than can be seen in every city in the world combined, and the silence of a small town at night.
When I went away to college, my friend and I spent our first night sleeping outside. Although most people would qualify my college town as being a small town, I remember the noise from the traffic, the sounds of the neighbors, and the buzz of the street lights as being deafening. Unfortunately, I think that was the last time I slept outside. While I have frequently considered pulling out the blankets and pillows onto the deck on a warm summer night – it just doesn’t seem to hold the same magic.
Last night I spoke with my niece on the phone. She too is growing up in a small town and enjoying all of the freedoms of summer. As we talked about my upcoming visit, she shared her excitement in having a “camp out” in the backyard – maybe even a sleep over. I think I’ll join her under the stars. We’ll head to our “camp” about 9pm, tell stories until 10 and then around 11:30 I am guessing it will be time to head inside, just like when I was a kid.
I can’t wait !
Growing up one of my favorite summer activities was sleeping outside with my best friend. Looking back, I am not sure how often this adventure took place but I do remember with great clarity the way the air smelled like freshly cut hay and thunderstorms, the way the sky lit up with more stars than can be seen in every city in the world combined, and the silence of a small town at night.
When I went away to college, my friend and I spent our first night sleeping outside. Although most people would qualify my college town as being a small town, I remember the noise from the traffic, the sounds of the neighbors, and the buzz of the street lights as being deafening. Unfortunately, I think that was the last time I slept outside. While I have frequently considered pulling out the blankets and pillows onto the deck on a warm summer night – it just doesn’t seem to hold the same magic.
Last night I spoke with my niece on the phone. She too is growing up in a small town and enjoying all of the freedoms of summer. As we talked about my upcoming visit, she shared her excitement in having a “camp out” in the backyard – maybe even a sleep over. I think I’ll join her under the stars. We’ll head to our “camp” about 9pm, tell stories until 10 and then around 11:30 I am guessing it will be time to head inside, just like when I was a kid.
I can’t wait !
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