Friday, January 30, 2009

Goodbye liquid sunshine

In which I am trying to be a quitter




I used to drink Coca~Cola but quit because I didn't want to be reliant on the caffeine. The headache sucked but after a week, I was fine. Yesterday, I had a Coke at lunch and for some reason it didn't taste as sweet as I remembered. Which proved that I don't miss it. But I was doing some math the last night and figured out that what I switched to has more calories and sugar than the soda pop did. Just not caffeine. Lemonade. Sweet nectar. Also very good with vodka. *I'm just saying* I have decided today is the last lemonade day. If I want some in the future. I will make my own. Using Splenda instead of sugar. I found so much more then plain lemonade on their recipes. The yum. And no calories. Because people. Do the math with me. 8 ounces of lemonade (Minute Maid) has 220 calories. *all from sugar, I am sure* Now. I drink about two 32 ounce fountain drinks a day! So, 64 divided by 8 equals 8. Eight servings a day at 220 calories a day equals a grand total of 1760 calories!!! Is that right? That can't be right. Can it? I don't know people. I wasn't a math major.

Monday, January 26, 2009

First Rock Concert in 15 years

In which Kennewick, WA rocked!!!!!




I think a rock concert is a right of passage to any young rocker. I remember my first show. I was 12 and I received Ozzy tickets to take one friend with me for my birthday. The show was in Seattle and I had the time of my young life. Of course, I am more of a VH1-er these days, I still rock from time to time.*wink* My son and nephew are huge Disturbed fans. My brother and I decided to take them to a live show. Their first one EVAR! Yeah! *said with horns up!


Ready to rock

Thursday, January 22, 2009

I got Obama for my Birthday

I had yet another birthday this year. Yesterday to be exact. There has been a debate in my family. *Sparked mainly by myself as a child* I believed I should get two birthdays because of the international time difference on the day of my birth. I was born in Seoul, S.Korea on the 21st of January. In the U.S.A it was the 20th. Therefore, I somehow rationalized that I should be entitled to 2 birthdays. My dad, now retired Army, was stationed at the real MASH 4077. You all know MASH, right? I found some pictures on this great site about Camp Mosier. *Which is where my family was stationed when I was born* He had awesome pictures of the camp in 1972, just three years prior to my birth. See them here. I thought to myself, "Leftcoastgirlie, (because that's how I talk to myself) you should put actual pics of when you were there." But then I thought. "That requires finding the pictures. Scanning them. Uploading them to my flickr and using the html and posting them to the blog. *sigh* I am just too lazy for all that." Here's the main part of the-day-I-was-born-story. Mom was in ambulance from Camp Mosier to Seoul and a bunch of locals hitched a ride on the back so they could get into the city. I came home a couple days later. My mom took me to Rosie bar. Rosie stood on a chair and looks down at baby me. She said "That no Korean baby!" My mom responded, "I hope not. Her dad is a G.I."

What did I get for my birthday, you ask? My nephew gave me an unicorn. Which I promptly named Morgana. My mom gave me a black sweater. My kids gave a a black shirt with skulls on it so I can wear it to my brother's birthday gift. You know. The angry white boys with Mommy issues concert. Or Disturbed. My son also said his gift to me was Obama being President since he was sworn in on my Korean birthday. So, after 34 years. I finally got 2 birthdays. But then I got IBM ThinkPad from Goblinbox! Because she is the AWESOMEST EVAR!! I took it home touched for hours. It didn't even complain that we didn't have sex. It's my new boyfriend.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Yes! We can. We did. We Will.

In which I am hopeful....

I won't say much. Here is the link for the text of the speech that made me cry.
Click hereor just read on...






'Time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit'
Text of Obama's speech for his inauguration as 44th president

WASHINGTON - The text of Barack Obama's speech for his inauguration as the 44th president of the United States, as prepared for delivery:

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them— that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence— the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive ... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.

Monday, January 19, 2009

It is coming

In which I explain...


I haven't had alot going on this weekend. I did the normal stuff. Played a little. watched a few *not-so-good* movies. Cleaned the house and did laundry. Question... When did I become the oldest 33 year old I know? I will be moving within a months time which causes a whole new anxiety level for me. I am, by nature, a creature of habit. I am not comfortable with change. Srsly. It freaks me out. I have complain and try to hold on to the old as long as I can. I do, however, like to move. Or I did. Until this year. Don't get me wrong. I do not like packing, heavy lifting and unpacking. But I do like new locations. I grew up a military brat, that's the only explanation I can offer for my personal oxymoron. I like moving somewhere new, but hate change. Ugh! The inner turmoil. I already have the place. It's just a matter of paperwork. I always tell myself. "I will pack now. Label everything. That way when I get in the new place. It's a snap to unpack." That's what I say. I lie. I will, inevitably, wait until the last minute, run to the local grocery, buy as many hefty bags as I can, throw my shit possessions inside and figure out the mess when I can. You know. Later. The population of the town I am moving to is 3,451. Or at least it was in June of 2007. I got the information from the internet. So you know it is true partially true. I graduated from the high school in that town. I feel good about my kids going to school there. I *heart* small town schools. Big schools you can get lost in. I hope my kids like it there. I plan on staying at my job. I like these people. And I'm comfortable here. We'll see how it all plays out. No one knows the future. Except. Maybe. Miss Cleo.






*Curtsy and I'm out*

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Gluttony

In which I admit my excesses in rainbow, sugary, goodness....


I have now changed the sweet rewards my M&M Genie. She now delivers skittles. How's that for nonconformity?! However, I didn't think the consequences through. My tongue is getting some kind of sugar coating that may or may not be eroding the top 3 surface layers. I ask the genie one question prior to the dispensing of fruity goodness. "Am I AWESOME?". Each time I get negative or vague answers. Such as "Not Sure". Then I need to sooth my ego with the candy that is provided. It's is a vicious cycle. I bet I have had 103 skittles. All before noon. I keep having this internal struggle. Me vs. me. Every time I hit the button I repeat the following phrase:
"Last Time" It's never the last time. I believe the green M&M, with blond plastic hair, has some sort of mind control on me. Strange enough. I don't think they taste anything like what a rainbow would taste.


In other news....

I bought "The Road to Wrestle Mania" tickets. 4 of them. I get them Early from Ticketmaster because I get a code from my local rock station which gives me pre-sale ticket purchasing power. *insert maniacal laugh* Remember how I said I bought 4 tickets. Who is going? My oldest brother, my oldest nephew, my son, my daughter and myself. Turns out, I forgot half my kids. *For those of you that were told there would be no math in blogging or those running to catch the short bus..That means I was supposed to get 5 tickets.* I didn't get my daughter a ticket. I know. I am expecting my "Mother of the Year award" any day. So, I had to add another ticket and get 5 seats together. Which meant releasing my tickets to be purchased by some other fan or mother that has to go because the young males love it but she has flashbacks of the DDT being done on her repeatedly by her brother and his friends. Even when she hid under the bed, they came in her room and drug her out by her ankles to inflict more pain while pretending to be Jake "The Snake" Roberts. In the year 1988. But. It's alright because she got even. She was younger and smaller then the boys. When they played Hide and seek, in the trailer park *in South Carolina*, she could run right under the clothes lines. They could not. In the dark, the boys couldn't see the lines. She ran right under them with a boy chasing close behind. Smed (the boy doing the chasing) was literally clotheslined. And she laughed. Hard. Ok. ok. It was me. Eventually I am going to pull the couch on the front porch and fully claim my redneck-ness!


*curtsy and I'm out*

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

The red dots cometh

In which I get excited about dots..


The Blog mapThe USA is getting covered in red dots! That makes me so happy. I cannot even tell you. I know, it's sooo not interesting. (My grammar teacher would be appalled) I had labeled the little widget "The map that apparently never changes". It is changing. Slowly. Which makes me unusually excited. Just thought I would share. I usually seem to twitter everything. Thought I'd, you know, blog it instead. Oh Happy Day!
*sings and dances*





*curtsy and I am out*

Monday, January 12, 2009

I sucketh

In which I realize how much I suck for not blogging......




Here's the thing. It's been 10 whole days since I last blogged and I keep thinking, " What am I going to write about?" Which then makes me realize how lame I really am. So, you will have to bare with me on this little blog-o-journey. Not sure where it will take us.

We finally opened our Secret Santa gifts last friday at work. There was a mini-blizzard in December and a bunch of us are Sissy la-la's that worked from home. Friday was the first time since December 12th we were all in the office. Considering that we only have a total of 13 employees (including the bosses) it should not have been quite so hard. But alas, it was. I can tell you. I missed my people's when they worked from home and if I didn't have 3 kids (that were not in school due to snow and winter break) I would've worked from home because I happen to be a Great Big Sissy La-la. About 3 people guessed me as their Secret Santa. Because why... I do not know. But I was Tyler's S.S. What did you get, LCG? I am so glad you asked. I received a fortune teller that gives me candy. It's just like a Magic 8 ball only completely different. My Secret Santa was Matt!

Secret santa finally fulfilled



I put the monster trampoline back together and screwed the posts back together. Because the wind apparently can pick up and throw a 200 pound object. Score one for the wind. On the ready, LCG.

A new quirk appeared in "Christine". (My car) When I turn the headlight switch in the on position, the windshield wipers come on and do not go off. Now, I get to look like a jackass all the time. That's fantastic! I don't care. I own it! Like I totally mean for my wipers to be on. I stare at people like I cannot believe they don't have theirs on! Throws them off. *giggle*

My birthday is coming up. Not really stressing this one. I only stress on the 5's. 25 was a big one. 30 was a big one. I'm sure next year will be a big one. You get it.... So. Yeah. I am 29 again. Or 34. Whatever! I'm such a bad liar!

What else? Oh! I watched a movie (lots of them but one I'm telling you about.) Twilight. We're watching the movie. (By we, I mean, My older brother, our mom and myself.) They said things like... "I think this is geared toward 16 year old girls" and "I don't see what the hype is around this movie". I sat there silently. When it was over my brother said " I cannot believe I wasted 2 hours of my life on that turd!" I smiled a little and put my head down. He said. "O.M.G!! You liked it didn't you?" Of course, I had to defend myself and say, "I did! It was a great love story. I would totally love Edward! Ok. So. I do love him! He's got the quiet, inner turmoil thing going and he is completely devoted to her. (I can't remember her name.)It's set in Forks. Right here in Washington! Aaaaand they left it open for a sequel!" Silence. I realized then, I was tragically, lame. And yet, I admit, shamelessly on the interweb.

And finally. This morning there was an award assembly schedule at the grade school where my daughter was to be awarded the "Super Eagle" for being an outstanding example of Eagle (the school mascot) pride. She was so surprised, she didn't hear her name called. She walked up and accepted her award and waited on stage (so to speak) until they were all told to sit down. After applause, of course. Then she received yet another award. The "Eagle Feather" for excellence in problem solving and respect. She was just beaming with pride. I was too.

My girl is the AWESOMEST

Friday, January 2, 2009

Do over day

In which I have a day....


New Year's Day was super easy! We rotate holidays. There is 4 techs at my job. And I haven't had to work a holiday in a while so, my name was drawn for New Year's Day. At first, I was bummed because that meant I really couldn't go out on the eve of the New Year. I do not function great when intoxicated the day before. I was invited to go to Matt's but could not because of the whole I-have-to-work thing. So I went home and played Guitar Hero for like 5 hours. Because, yes, I AM that big of a dork! It was sooo much fun though. Guitar Hero makes me feel like a rockstar!

At work, I took like, 8 calls. SRSLY. It was so dead. Just Victor and myself in the office. We didn't even turn the lights on. He watched movies on his Ipod Touch and I watched movies too. I am not ashamed to admit, I watched senseless comedies. (Drillbit Taylor being one of them) Really. It wasn't that bad. *I mean the day. Not the movie.*
I got off at 6 and went home. Watched the idiot box for a while. Went to bed.

I woke a few minutes late. Ok. 30. Looked outside and said "O.M.G. It's snowing. Again!" That's good. We need new snow. We just got rid of the 2 feet we had. No. No. It's not good. I just took the chains off the car. Gah! I should have left early. As I said though, I woke up late. I had to shower. As I didn't have one the day before. No make up again. I am getting lazy. I went out at 8:40 to start and sweep off the car. Got in to drive to work. Gas light is on. Crap! I forgot to stop on the way home last night. I went to the Conoco and put the 5 dollars cash, I had in my pocket, in the tank. Arrived to work, after sliding through 2 intersections, 2 minutes past 9. Clocked in late and started bringing up the programs I use. I thought to myself, "is my leg getting wet?" Looked down and sure enough, it was! Have you ever thought, "I should've taken a picture so people could see what I was talking about"? Well, I should have. I looked down and there was, literally, a puddle of water under my keyboard. I lifted it up and water poured out of the keyboard. Of course I announced, "There is water in my keyboard"!!! My supervisor, Matt and the receptionist, Gena came to my desk. We all examined the ceiling for any watermarks but found none. Then, I realized, there was a small amount of water under my monitor as well. Tried to find a USB keyboard because for some reason, there is not a PS2 connection on my tower. None to be found in the office. Matt tried to drain the rest of the water from the keyboard and blow in dry with condensed air. I plugged it back in and said I want a do-over day because this one sucks!"

Fear not, Left Coast Girlie! The day will get better. If not... There will be another one tomorrow.





*Curtsy and I'm out"