mo is...

I belong to a couple of social networking sites. I don't do much "social networking" on them, but I do appreciate them for allowing me to keep in better touch with friends that live far away. I'm not very good at calling people and thinking of things to say about myself.

"What's new with you?"
"Ummm, nothing really. Same old thing?"

So, when I think of something funny, or there is a story or anecdote to share, I can text or hop on one of the sites and share it immediately, before I forget it. It may not work for everybody, but it works for me.

Anyhow, these social networking sites have a window at the top that allows you to write exactly what you're doing or feeling at the moment. Something like, "[screen name] is thinking about how much the rain sucks," or "[screen name] currently wants to take a nap." It's very twitter-ish. So, in honor of these funny anecdotes, I am writing this post in tagline style.

Mo has more and more to do and less and less time.

Mo is currently stressed about the quiz she has tonight that she is not prepared for.

Mo is currently studying at work for said test.

Mo is very sorry she missed the Louis XIV/Hot Hot Heat/Editors show last Friday.

Mo has no "romantic" plans for Valentine's Day, and she is okay with it.

Mo is going to be very happy when said quiz, the week, the HSUS petition drive, February, and the class are done.

Mo has finished season 3 of the Gilmore Girls.

The end. : )

new things.

In the spirit of the new year, I'm going to share some discoveries (new things), or things that I recently discovered I like, hence new to me.

First, the Gilmore Girls. Yes, it's a show that's over. And before it was over it was on for years. But, I only recently discovered how much I like it. Just a few episodes while catsitting and I'm hooked! I'm currently finishing season two. As an aside, it's so nice watching tv shows without the commercials. I almost never watch tv (on my actual television), and now that I can watch shows without commercials, I may never watch tv (on my actual television) again. Okay. Back to the show. I love the witty dialog, and all the cultural references. I like how they treat the relationships between people. But, of course, I have my issues with it, too. Like, how it wasn't explained why Lorelie decided not to marry Max (even though it would have been ridiculous if she had). And how she and Luke obviously like each other, and yet, are in complete denial about it. And don't get me started on Rory choosing Jess over Dean. Come on! Jess is just like Tristan-a jerk! Plus, he has no ambition, and he couldn't work hard to save his life. He's a loser. *ahem* end rant. You can see how involved I am.

Second: absinthe. I can't specifically say which brand, though. I was at the Fireside Lounge (another discovery- that place is looking good now) and since the infamous green fairy is legal now, my friend and I decided to try some! I was surprised at how much I liked it. We had the traditional way, (or so the menu said) which was very smooth. I don't like licorice that much, but the taste wasn't overpowering at all- it was complex and blended with so many other things that the licorice didn't jump out and hit you in the face like a jack-in-the-box. I definitely want to go try the St. George Spirits version, although I can't see myself buying it, at $75 a bottle. Ouch.

Third, I really should mention the Fireside. From the outside, it looks like a dive bar. Considering Alameda's bar selection, this is an easy assumption. However, inside it's clean and modern with soothing colors, nice furniture and a loft-like feel. Total surprise. I'm going to say it's the nicest bar on the West end.

Fourth: since I'm on the topic of bars, I'll go with The Hobnob. I've been there many times in the past months and I like it every time. It's friendly, hip but casual, and you can find solid food and drinks there. I've tried (and love) the truffle fries. I've also had artichokes with aioli, and some breakfast items. My memory is a little faulty with the breakfast, but I remember liking whatever my friend and I had. Oh! Also for brunch, they have make-your-own Bloody Mary's. Who doesn't like that?? Plus, that's just the cake of the place... there's frosting, too. You may ask, "what more could there be"? So, readers, I will tell you.

They have games. A bookshelf overflowing with games. Maybe it doesn't sound that interesting to everyone, but I guarantee that anyone can find a game that they enjoy. It was at this hallowed ground that my brother, sister-in-law, and I rediscovered Clue. Yes. Clue. When you were a kid, it was fun, but it's just as interesting as an adult. There's much more strategy that comes into play. And it's much faster. In any case, The Hobnob also has the (always fun) Apples to Apples, and cards, and many other games. I think it's worth checking out.

That's it, for now. Some discoveries. New things. New things for a new year. Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear. : )

newness.

first things first................


HappY NeW YeaR!!!

apologies.



I'm sorry dear, gentle reader(s) (all three of you). I've been neglecting you like the cobweb in the far, upper corner of my bathroom. I've been busy, and watching far too much tv lately. Stupid, stupid tv. Not that there's anything wrong with media and entertainment, but there are only so many hours in the day, and there are so many wonderful things to do. And there are necessary things to do. I've been neglecting those a bit, as well. Unfortunately. Anyhoo, I apologize. Truly, Madly, Deeply. So here's what I've been up to!



*I started volunteering for the Humane Society for a very worthy cause. The HSUS is trying to put an initiative on the ballot in 2008 to give farmed animals (for meat) enough room in their cages to turn around and spread their wings or stretch their limbs. Specifically, the legislation covers hens, breeding sows and calves. See? It's a good cause. Legislation like this (banning breeding sow crates) has already passed in 3 other states (Arizona, Florida and Oregon) and the European Union, and Arizona has also banned veal crates. If you like animals, or believe in treating any creature humanely, or care about your food, you should support this measure. It is for the good of our health, animals, small farmers and the environment. Unless you are absolutely against the initiative/ballot process, there is no reason why you should not find your nearest Humane California volunteer immediately and sign their petition! We need 650,000 signatures by the middle of February 2008. (This does only apply to registered voters in the state of California, though). For more information (and some horrific pictures and the truth, click here).



Next, I have to say HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! A truly American holiday, and one that my family loves to celebrate. Well, we love to celebrate anything that allows us to get together to eat, drink and be merry. Who doesn't? I'll share a recipe that I made for this recent holiday soon. In any case, it was a great weekend. Two paid days off- who wouldn't like that?? I spent some time with my brother and sister-in-law who I love dearly. They don't live that far away (southern California), but (selfishly) it's not close enough for me. Although I sometimes get annoyed at (read: jealous of) their relationship, I would love it if they lived in the bay area and I could see them every week.



I also went to a baby shower for perhaps the cutest pregnant couple I have ever seen. I can't wait to see the baby when it arrives in this world. Mark my words, it is going to be one cute baby! And speaking of "babes" (it's a poor segueway) I saw not one, but two exes this weekend. One was unplanned and didn't go so well. It's a recent split and it wasn't a particularly nice one. There is still attraction there and I am still torn between calling him (the weak thing to do, since I said I wouldn't do it any more) and being strong, and calling him the asshole that he is. Luckily I was strong this time. Asshole. Grrr.



The other ex was planned and went very well. The relationship was a long time ago, after all, and there's nothing in the way of our being friends. So we met for drinks, talked, hung out. I was nervous about it, but (thankfully) I didn't drink too much and start babbling like an idiot. I tend to do that. It's an issue.



Moving on, I have two very exciting things to share. First: I'm curing olives! Weee! I saw them at the SF Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market at the Knoll farm stall and had to get them. It's a challenge and an adventure and we'll see how it goes. I googled recipes and decided on the one from Hedonia since I didn't want to use lye. Right now I'm about to switch from water to brine. I'm very excited to see how it turns out!



Second: I bought a plane ticket to Europe! That's right, I'm leavin' on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again. Only, I do know when I'll be coming back. A month after I leave. A whole month of traveling in Europe! Weee! My dear parents decided they wanted to rent a house in the Provence region of France, and they invited their offspring to join them for a week. Since I had an excuse, I decided to splurge a little. I'll talk about this later, but suffice to say, I am definitely looking forward to next June. I can't wait!!



*sigh* That's it. So what have you been up to? : D

Perspective.



For some reason, Halloween this year made me reflective. It made me think about where and how I was last year, as opposed to now.



Last year, I was so hopeful. I was hopeful about a boy, about some new friendships, about my job, my new apartment and about the life I had started to carve out here, in the bay area. I wasn’t making much money, and my relationship with my family wasn’t so great, but I was having fun. I was excited. I was thinking that my move back home was a good thing, the right thing to have done.



Life was a little simpler, then. Everything was new, and I didn’t have many expectations. I was simply enjoying the flow of the river and waiting to see where it would take me. Of course, sometimes that same river required a delicate touch and a good map. Small town rules, politics and social spheres can be difficult to navigate, and easy to entangle and entrap a person.



Where the river has taken me was certainly unexpected. Life is more difficult, more complicated, in that I have to choose what I hold on to, and what I let go. What is worth it? Who is worth it? I hate that I have to make that decision. I hate that the water is murky and muddied, when once it was clear.


Some of the hopes that I had last year fizzled away, and some were crushed. There are new questions, and some old questions that were never answered. There have been beautiful, lazy days of cruising in the placid waters, and there have been some rough rapids. The river is an interesting ride, to say the least.

breakfast of champions.




a.k.a. a sunny-side up egg and baguette toast. Since there have been a few cold days in the last two weeks, I've been wanting something warm, filling and comforting for breakfast. Plus, eggs keep me full until lunch, instead of leaving me with a growling stomach at 10:30.


Everybody needs a little comfort sometimes.

summer bounty.





Isn't it pretty?