This weekend is full of suspense.
Although work has taken up a good chunk of my Saturday, there is a chance that work might swallow up even more days!
The delightful (that's sarcasm) thing is that I just don't know. The boss said the client MAY need us to do stuff on Sunday or Monday. Keep an eye on the blackberry.
So just like that, work has managed to completely straddle my weekend with its hulking shadow. The sword of Demosthenes dangles over me precariously. At least I can hope that it will just be an empty threat. Fingers crossed.
I've had so many pwnages so close together I've become a little numb. Kind of like victims of repeated assault. You just close your eyes and passively let it happen without even struggling. What's the point?
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Toddy, your wife is so fancy
This episode of Giada at Home had me laughing harder than any SNL show I've ever seen. Giada decided to make some of her husband Todd's favorite midwestern dishes from his childhood and in the process, made her in-laws look like boorish unsophisticates.
How? Before making each dish, Giada had Todd's mom explain how she made the dish for Todd as a kid. Never did such well-intentioned plans go so wrong. To wit:
Spanish Rice
Todd's Mom: Todd just loved when I made a box of rice and dumped in ketchup and hamburger meat. We called it Spanish rice.
And then, without meaning to, Giada shows what uncultured hicks they were by make HER version of "Spanish Rice" with pancetta and saffron rice (with no boxes or ketchup of course).
Orange Cake
Todd's Mom: Todd's favorite dessert growing up was orange cake. I just used a Duncan Heinz box cake mix. He loved it.
Giada continues her damning with faint commentary by baking a cake from scratch with lots of fresh orange zest.
I wonder if there's any tension in the kitchen at family get togethers? Does Giada have to keep her face from blanching when Todd's mom asks her to please pass the aerosal cheese whip? Ha ha ha ha.
No, but really, I do like Giada's cooking show and I think she's adorable. Although she looks really wierd when she flashes her toothy grin (not unlike a hot Italian Cheshire cat), it's hard not to like someone who is so obviously genuinely excited and delighted by food. I LOVE food (not love, but LOVE), so anyone who LOVES food is automatically accepted in my book.
And her baby Jade is always on the show and she's tooooooo cute!
How? Before making each dish, Giada had Todd's mom explain how she made the dish for Todd as a kid. Never did such well-intentioned plans go so wrong. To wit:
Spanish Rice
Todd's Mom: Todd just loved when I made a box of rice and dumped in ketchup and hamburger meat. We called it Spanish rice.
And then, without meaning to, Giada shows what uncultured hicks they were by make HER version of "Spanish Rice" with pancetta and saffron rice (with no boxes or ketchup of course).
Orange Cake
Todd's Mom: Todd's favorite dessert growing up was orange cake. I just used a Duncan Heinz box cake mix. He loved it.
Giada continues her damning with faint commentary by baking a cake from scratch with lots of fresh orange zest.
I wonder if there's any tension in the kitchen at family get togethers? Does Giada have to keep her face from blanching when Todd's mom asks her to please pass the aerosal cheese whip? Ha ha ha ha.
No, but really, I do like Giada's cooking show and I think she's adorable. Although she looks really wierd when she flashes her toothy grin (not unlike a hot Italian Cheshire cat), it's hard not to like someone who is so obviously genuinely excited and delighted by food. I LOVE food (not love, but LOVE), so anyone who LOVES food is automatically accepted in my book.
And her baby Jade is always on the show and she's tooooooo cute!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Eat, Pray, Love, Barf
I know I'm violating the timeless tenet--don't knock it until you've tried it. But I just can't help it.
I haven't read the book so beloved by Oprah that she's done 3 shows on it, but I just can't help hating it anyway. Why am I such a hater?
Ironically, every time I see the author, Elizabeth Gilbert, I actually think she comes across as intelligent, sympathetic, articulate, and likeable. But the whole premise of the book just makes me roll my eyes.
Perhaps my dislike is more a function of how I feel toward people who are trying to find themselves through luxurious navel-gazing. There's something immensely unattractive to me about a woman who spends a lot of time and money focusing on making herself feel better when she, by many standards, already lacks for nothing...except inner peace.
It just seems like a fool's errand--to fill up your emptiness by navel-gazing intently. If you're empty inside, doesn't looking within just make you more...empty?
For Gilbert, her navel-gazing was done with a $200,000 book advance so no, it didn't make her empty. It allowed her to write her next book, to stay employed, and unexpectedly to hit the big times...a movie adaptation!
But for the rest of us, who are deluded enough to think such navel-gazing may be the answer to our lack of inner peace...well, we'll just keep on gazing into the void.
I hate snake-oil saleswomen. Always cashing in on the poverty and desperation of others while adding no value to society in the meantime.
I haven't read the book so beloved by Oprah that she's done 3 shows on it, but I just can't help hating it anyway. Why am I such a hater?
Ironically, every time I see the author, Elizabeth Gilbert, I actually think she comes across as intelligent, sympathetic, articulate, and likeable. But the whole premise of the book just makes me roll my eyes.
Perhaps my dislike is more a function of how I feel toward people who are trying to find themselves through luxurious navel-gazing. There's something immensely unattractive to me about a woman who spends a lot of time and money focusing on making herself feel better when she, by many standards, already lacks for nothing...except inner peace.
It just seems like a fool's errand--to fill up your emptiness by navel-gazing intently. If you're empty inside, doesn't looking within just make you more...empty?
For Gilbert, her navel-gazing was done with a $200,000 book advance so no, it didn't make her empty. It allowed her to write her next book, to stay employed, and unexpectedly to hit the big times...a movie adaptation!
But for the rest of us, who are deluded enough to think such navel-gazing may be the answer to our lack of inner peace...well, we'll just keep on gazing into the void.
I hate snake-oil saleswomen. Always cashing in on the poverty and desperation of others while adding no value to society in the meantime.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Preggo Primer
Have you ever wondered what you can or can't say or do to a pregnant woman? I've wondered that many times myself (before I was pregnant). But now that I've been preggo for 7 solid months, perhaps I can shed a little light on this. (Of course, this is just one woman's opinion, not to be seen as a representative sample by any means. The survey pool was 1!)
FAQ (that I used to wonder about)
Is it okay to touch a preggo's belly?
Yes, absolutely. I love when people feel my belly. My only complaint is they don't REALLY feel it. It's all very light touching, as if your belly is one large, fragile eggshell. Go ahead and give it a good push. It's really really hard! Like the washboard abs I never had. Oh the irony.
Is it okay for guys to touch a preggo's belly?
Yes, but only lightly.
What about strangers?
Hell to the no. Strangers should not touch, comment, discuss, stare, etc, unless said stranger is a sweet, older lady.
Do preggos ever get tired of talking about their pregnancy and impending motherhood?
Nope. It's a vast topic of fascination that never gets old. Even now, I find myself saying (to myself) everyday, "What the heck is going on? I can't believe I'm pregnant. What the?!"
Do preggo's get annoyed if I ask when their baby is due (or what the baby's gender will be) for the 5th time?
Nope. I don't expect people to remember little details like that. I frankly don't even know what week I'm in! Unless you are a very very close person (and really, I just mean the spouse), you are allowed to forget and repeatedly ask about any baby-related thing.
Do preggo's get annoyed by unsolicited advice?
Not at all. I love unsolicited advice. How else are you suppose to find out about stuff that you're completely clueless about (which, in my case, is everything because I'm not a voracious baby-book reader and I've never been around babies).
What is a preggo feeling during the pregnancy period?
Let me break this down by tri-mesters:
First trimester--excitement, exhaustion, nausea, and fear of a miscarriage.
Second trimester--excitement, excitement, excitement.
Third trimester--excitement and terror, because your life is about to change drastically and giving birth is commonly agreed to be the most painful experience a person can endure.
And fat, you feel really really fat. You are super-grateful for any encouraging words your friends may say about your (fat) appearance.
FAQ (that I used to wonder about)
Is it okay to touch a preggo's belly?
Yes, absolutely. I love when people feel my belly. My only complaint is they don't REALLY feel it. It's all very light touching, as if your belly is one large, fragile eggshell. Go ahead and give it a good push. It's really really hard! Like the washboard abs I never had. Oh the irony.
Is it okay for guys to touch a preggo's belly?
Yes, but only lightly.
What about strangers?
Hell to the no. Strangers should not touch, comment, discuss, stare, etc, unless said stranger is a sweet, older lady.
Do preggos ever get tired of talking about their pregnancy and impending motherhood?
Nope. It's a vast topic of fascination that never gets old. Even now, I find myself saying (to myself) everyday, "What the heck is going on? I can't believe I'm pregnant. What the?!"
Do preggo's get annoyed if I ask when their baby is due (or what the baby's gender will be) for the 5th time?
Nope. I don't expect people to remember little details like that. I frankly don't even know what week I'm in! Unless you are a very very close person (and really, I just mean the spouse), you are allowed to forget and repeatedly ask about any baby-related thing.
Do preggo's get annoyed by unsolicited advice?
Not at all. I love unsolicited advice. How else are you suppose to find out about stuff that you're completely clueless about (which, in my case, is everything because I'm not a voracious baby-book reader and I've never been around babies).
What is a preggo feeling during the pregnancy period?
Let me break this down by tri-mesters:
First trimester--excitement, exhaustion, nausea, and fear of a miscarriage.
Second trimester--excitement, excitement, excitement.
Third trimester--excitement and terror, because your life is about to change drastically and giving birth is commonly agreed to be the most painful experience a person can endure.
And fat, you feel really really fat. You are super-grateful for any encouraging words your friends may say about your (fat) appearance.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The Stranger in Our Midst
Me: I wonder what parts of your personality the baby will have. Will it be mostly you and slightly mitigated by some of me?
Spouse: You know the kid might have a completely different personality than the both of us, right?
Me: *shocked look* What?! What do you mean?! He's our kid!
Spouse: You know genetics has nothing to do with personality right?
Me: *puzzled look*
Spouse: *patient condescending look* Like twins...they have identical genes...
Me: *lightbulb look*...but different personalities...oh yeah...
Me: *disturbed look*
Spouse: You know the kid might have a completely different personality than the both of us, right?
Me: *shocked look* What?! What do you mean?! He's our kid!
Spouse: You know genetics has nothing to do with personality right?
Me: *puzzled look*
Spouse: *patient condescending look* Like twins...they have identical genes...
Me: *lightbulb look*...but different personalities...oh yeah...
Me: *disturbed look*
Monday, May 17, 2010
A Tip Top Tam Time
The corporate law gods smiled down on me this weekend and I FINALLY got to hang out with Tammy and do what we had planned to do months ago--eat fried chicken sandwiches at Bakesale Betty's!
The first time we tried, Tammy cancelled cuz she stubbed her toe and broke it!
The second time we tried, I had to cancel to work all Saturday.
The third time we tried, I also had to cancel to work all Saturday.
The fourth time we tried, WE DID IT!!!! And here are the pics to prove it. (Fourth time's the charm?)
Mmmm...it doesn't get better than fried chicken and pickled cole slaw. Tammy came prepared with her own saracha and garlic-infused mayo (which I sadly forgot to try!)--yes, those little containers are from her, not from the restaurant! Notice also, the dee-licious, fresh-squeezed, zingy lemon slush drink.
And of course, we (okay, really, I) had to have dessert. As a preggo, dessert has become mandatory with every meal. Fresh strawberries and whipped cream on buttery, flaky shortcake. Aka, heaven.
And as if fantastic food and great company wasn't enough, I spotted something I've been coveting ever since moving to the east bay--a (really good) knitting store close to where I live!!!!!! Um, I know where I'm going to spend the majority of my maternity leave time.
We spent the whole time rubbing our oily cheeks against their super expensive cashmere and angora yarns--oohing and aahhing. Sorry knit store! But they're so soft. So so so soft. Yeah, we kinda turned into Lenny in Of Mice and Men.
Check out these beautiful natural yarns. Made my hands shake and itch for some size 13 needles.
Love these nubby textures and deep colors. (Just ignore the fact that these kinda look like dreadlocks).
And cute-as-a-button buttons!
The best part is they have classes and free drop-in help. I can FINALLY ask somehow how to finish my half-abandoned projects!
And because it was a beautiful day and we both went to Cal, we just had to take a stroll on campus. We noticed this huge billboard of Cal students and, because we're shallow lookists, spent about a half hour looking for hot guys and girls. Yeah, some things never change.
Btw, Jen, if you're reading this--Is this a pic of your sister Carol?! (The top asian chick, second to the left). But she didn't go to Cal, did she? She has a twin somewhere!
The first time we tried, Tammy cancelled cuz she stubbed her toe and broke it!
The second time we tried, I had to cancel to work all Saturday.
The third time we tried, I also had to cancel to work all Saturday.
The fourth time we tried, WE DID IT!!!! And here are the pics to prove it. (Fourth time's the charm?)
Mmmm...it doesn't get better than fried chicken and pickled cole slaw. Tammy came prepared with her own saracha and garlic-infused mayo (which I sadly forgot to try!)--yes, those little containers are from her, not from the restaurant! Notice also, the dee-licious, fresh-squeezed, zingy lemon slush drink.
And of course, we (okay, really, I) had to have dessert. As a preggo, dessert has become mandatory with every meal. Fresh strawberries and whipped cream on buttery, flaky shortcake. Aka, heaven.
And as if fantastic food and great company wasn't enough, I spotted something I've been coveting ever since moving to the east bay--a (really good) knitting store close to where I live!!!!!! Um, I know where I'm going to spend the majority of my maternity leave time.
We spent the whole time rubbing our oily cheeks against their super expensive cashmere and angora yarns--oohing and aahhing. Sorry knit store! But they're so soft. So so so soft. Yeah, we kinda turned into Lenny in Of Mice and Men.
Check out these beautiful natural yarns. Made my hands shake and itch for some size 13 needles.
Love these nubby textures and deep colors. (Just ignore the fact that these kinda look like dreadlocks).
And cute-as-a-button buttons!
The best part is they have classes and free drop-in help. I can FINALLY ask somehow how to finish my half-abandoned projects!
And because it was a beautiful day and we both went to Cal, we just had to take a stroll on campus. We noticed this huge billboard of Cal students and, because we're shallow lookists, spent about a half hour looking for hot guys and girls. Yeah, some things never change.
Btw, Jen, if you're reading this--Is this a pic of your sister Carol?! (The top asian chick, second to the left). But she didn't go to Cal, did she? She has a twin somewhere!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Preggo? No Preggo?
Now that I'm in my 7th month, it's harder to play my favorite guessing game, "Preggo? No Preggo?" wherein yours truly tries to dress in a way that makes others question whether she's pregnant, or just fat.
I don't know why I get perverse pleasure in hiding my belly, but it's fun to see how long I can go before my coworkers actually realize I'm pregnant.
This jacket is always good at covering up the massive belly bump:
And wearing all black is also a great shrinking trick:
As a result, I'm in my last trimester and some people still just think I've gained a bit of weight! But, as you can see, the belly is ginormous now. I'll never stop being in awe at how the right clothing can hide so so much!
So now that I'm in the final stretch, I've been pleasantly shocked at how easy pregnancy has been. It's like a non-event. Other than giving up jogging (and caffeine and cold medicine when I'm sick) it really hasn't intruded much on my life. It's just like having a beer-gut I imagine. And in fact, when I look in the mirror, I reminded of this old pastor I used to know who had one of those bellies that hung over his belt.
I am however, starting to grow terrified at (a) the impending actual birth and (b) the reality of having to take care of a very demanding fragile human.
And also, I'm a tad shocked at how my baby will likely look. Just today I found a picture of my hubby when he was a baby, and...well, I'm still adjusting to it. The baby version of him is just so uncanny...he looks like him, just imprinted on a soft pudgy face. It's so trippy...like some genetic optical illusion.
I don't know why I get perverse pleasure in hiding my belly, but it's fun to see how long I can go before my coworkers actually realize I'm pregnant.
This jacket is always good at covering up the massive belly bump:
And wearing all black is also a great shrinking trick:
As a result, I'm in my last trimester and some people still just think I've gained a bit of weight! But, as you can see, the belly is ginormous now. I'll never stop being in awe at how the right clothing can hide so so much!
So now that I'm in the final stretch, I've been pleasantly shocked at how easy pregnancy has been. It's like a non-event. Other than giving up jogging (and caffeine and cold medicine when I'm sick) it really hasn't intruded much on my life. It's just like having a beer-gut I imagine. And in fact, when I look in the mirror, I reminded of this old pastor I used to know who had one of those bellies that hung over his belt.
I am however, starting to grow terrified at (a) the impending actual birth and (b) the reality of having to take care of a very demanding fragile human.
And also, I'm a tad shocked at how my baby will likely look. Just today I found a picture of my hubby when he was a baby, and...well, I'm still adjusting to it. The baby version of him is just so uncanny...he looks like him, just imprinted on a soft pudgy face. It's so trippy...like some genetic optical illusion.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Pwnage #3--The Tsunami Strikes
This pwnage was so deep and devastating I haven’t even been able to blog about it until a full week after. It started mid-week, crescendo-ed to a frenzy on Saturday, and slowly ebbed out to sea sometime on Friday of the next week.
I’m still suffering from PTSD.
I especially resented the Saturday pwnage since the assignment came literally, Friday night at 11:30 pm and was due Saturday night. And, of course, it was the equivalent of at least 3 days’ work crammed into one (read: I was stressed out of my mind). Towards the end of Saturday I had devolved into a pile of bitter primordial goop, muttering curses to myself under my breath every 10 seconds like a mentally deranged person with tourettes. Not pretty.
Although I know that many litigation associates work much longer hours than I do, it’s really not the same. As a corporate associate, as I’ve emphasized many a time to my litigating counterparts, YOU CAN’T PREDICT WHAT’S COMING. There are no schedules, no fixed court deadlines, absolutely no way to plan. That makes everything at least 10 times more miserable and a lose-lose situation almost every time.
Take any given Saturday. If I DON’T plan anything, I may discover that I actually HAD time and COULD’VE done something. If I DO plan something, I may discover that I have to cancel.
You just can’t win. Either way, you’re going to kick yourself. How do people live like this?!?!
I’m still suffering from PTSD.
I especially resented the Saturday pwnage since the assignment came literally, Friday night at 11:30 pm and was due Saturday night. And, of course, it was the equivalent of at least 3 days’ work crammed into one (read: I was stressed out of my mind). Towards the end of Saturday I had devolved into a pile of bitter primordial goop, muttering curses to myself under my breath every 10 seconds like a mentally deranged person with tourettes. Not pretty.
Although I know that many litigation associates work much longer hours than I do, it’s really not the same. As a corporate associate, as I’ve emphasized many a time to my litigating counterparts, YOU CAN’T PREDICT WHAT’S COMING. There are no schedules, no fixed court deadlines, absolutely no way to plan. That makes everything at least 10 times more miserable and a lose-lose situation almost every time.
Take any given Saturday. If I DON’T plan anything, I may discover that I actually HAD time and COULD’VE done something. If I DO plan something, I may discover that I have to cancel.
You just can’t win. Either way, you’re going to kick yourself. How do people live like this?!?!
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