I've always liked commercials more than your average TV watcher. Could be cause I studied marketing, but I remember evaluating commercials waaay before college.
And today, I saw a commercial that showed me a feature on my phone that I didn't even know existed. Granted, I could have read the instructions or researched a little more about my new phone...but why do that when the TV will tell me what to do.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Let's get naked
You'll have to bear with me the next few weeks...I imagine there will be a lot of posts about yoga. I've committed to a 30 day challenge and I'm hoping to stick with it.
Today was the first class I've taken in a long time that I felt genuinely strong throughout the class. There's a confidence and calmness that comes with that strength. It feels AMAZING.
And speaking of strong creatures, I admittedly looked up the proper use of "bear/bare" for this post and the explanation I found made me smile:
“Bare with me” would be an invitation to undress.
I plan to use that some day, don't you worry.
Today was the first class I've taken in a long time that I felt genuinely strong throughout the class. There's a confidence and calmness that comes with that strength. It feels AMAZING.
And speaking of strong creatures, I admittedly looked up the proper use of "bear/bare" for this post and the explanation I found made me smile:
“Bare with me” would be an invitation to undress.
I plan to use that some day, don't you worry.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Yes, I'm 13, get over it
Spent the afternoon playing games and specifically, Settlers of Catan. First of all, I wasn't sure I'd even like this game. At first glance, with its gazillion pieces and medieval-Grapes of Wrath type artwork, it didn't look like my type of game. In the end, it was great. I really enjoyed it.
But that's not my sunshine.
There are goods you have to acquire in the game in order to purchase cities and roads -- which ultimately gain you points to win the game. You can acquire: Wheat, Wood, Sheep, Brick and Ore. (see...doesn't sound overly exciting)
Wood became quite the commodity during the game and everyone seemed to need it.
"Ok, I really need some wood."
"If Aaron would just give up his wood, then I could win."
"Alright, if you give me some wood, I'll give you some sheep."
"No...Charlie gets wood."
I giggled almost every time. It never got old.
But that's not my sunshine.
There are goods you have to acquire in the game in order to purchase cities and roads -- which ultimately gain you points to win the game. You can acquire: Wheat, Wood, Sheep, Brick and Ore. (see...doesn't sound overly exciting)
Wood became quite the commodity during the game and everyone seemed to need it.
"Ok, I really need some wood."
"If Aaron would just give up his wood, then I could win."
"Alright, if you give me some wood, I'll give you some sheep."
"No...Charlie gets wood."
I giggled almost every time. It never got old.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Community
We put in our first Westside Garden this morning, which was exciting for me because I could ride my bike to it.
A few of us stuck around to finish cleaning up and put the last few plants in the ground. A woman in her 70s approached us and mentioned that she had watered the roses that were already there a few times and was so grateful that we were adding to them and creating a garden. We explained who we were and what we do around the city and she was stunned. She couldn't believe we were volunteers.
She reached over and brushed some dirt off of Kenneth's shirt, almost as if she were his grandmother and said, "And I'm sure you guys could use some money." Again, just like a sweet grandmother. We sort of insisted no, but she reached in her wallet and handed us $20 and said, "That's all I can afford, but you guys just made my day. You really did."
A few of us stuck around to finish cleaning up and put the last few plants in the ground. A woman in her 70s approached us and mentioned that she had watered the roses that were already there a few times and was so grateful that we were adding to them and creating a garden. We explained who we were and what we do around the city and she was stunned. She couldn't believe we were volunteers.
She reached over and brushed some dirt off of Kenneth's shirt, almost as if she were his grandmother and said, "And I'm sure you guys could use some money." Again, just like a sweet grandmother. We sort of insisted no, but she reached in her wallet and handed us $20 and said, "That's all I can afford, but you guys just made my day. You really did."
Friday, June 26, 2009
Bob, Jo Jo and Ralph
I love my neighborhood grocery store, Bob's. Even though its a little more expensive than Trader Joe's or Ralph's, I love the convenience and the small town feel it has. I don't know anyone by name, but I see the Deli Man, the Wine Man and the Check Out People so much, they feel like friends.
For the last couple weeks, I noticed one of my favorite items from the deli counter, JoJo Potatoes, was missing. JoJo Potatoes are these little pieces of fried and seasoned heaven. So I chatted with the Deli Man and he promised they'd be back soon.
Today, as I passed the glass case on my way in, I scoped it out for the pieces of heaven. Score! They were there. But my plan was to pick up juice and veggies and get out of there, so I passed them up. On my way back to the cash register, I couldn't resist, and walked straight over to the deli counter.
Deli man smiled and said, "I knew you'd be back."
For the last couple weeks, I noticed one of my favorite items from the deli counter, JoJo Potatoes, was missing. JoJo Potatoes are these little pieces of fried and seasoned heaven. So I chatted with the Deli Man and he promised they'd be back soon.
Today, as I passed the glass case on my way in, I scoped it out for the pieces of heaven. Score! They were there. But my plan was to pick up juice and veggies and get out of there, so I passed them up. On my way back to the cash register, I couldn't resist, and walked straight over to the deli counter.
Deli man smiled and said, "I knew you'd be back."
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Don't Stop Til You Get Enough
Went to a friend's event tonight after a sort of stressful and overwhelming day. I thought the glass of wine would be the antidote to my day, but alas, it was the Michael Jackson montage of songs and the crowd shaking their butts that truly made my day.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
I asked her for Adidas and she bought me Zips!
Love the iTunes Shuffle.
There's always a random song that comes up and makes your day.
Today: Parents Just Don't Understand -- DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
Ladies and Gentlemen, I knew every word to this song...STILL. And I'm not talking here and there and mumbling over parts. I stood in my room trying to hang pictures on my wall and realized that I had just recited the entire song, word for word.
Man, I loved that song in middle school. I played that crap out of that tape.
There's always a random song that comes up and makes your day.
Today: Parents Just Don't Understand -- DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
Ladies and Gentlemen, I knew every word to this song...STILL. And I'm not talking here and there and mumbling over parts. I stood in my room trying to hang pictures on my wall and realized that I had just recited the entire song, word for word.
Man, I loved that song in middle school. I played that crap out of that tape.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Breaking through
My yoga teacher usually has a quote he begins and ends his classes with. Today it was:
“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” -- Rumi
He further explained that through yoga you open your body and start to remove those barriers and become more like a curious child excited about all the little joys of life. Even if only during class or immediately after. But every class you take, you slowly remove these barriers and catch yourself similar to that child -- "Mom, what's this? Ooooh, look at that! And this?! What is this? Mom, how does this work? Wow..did you see that?"
It's amazing how much that curious joy hides itself sometimes and I love being reminded to reach for it again.
At the end of the class during the deep relaxation, the guy in front of me starting snoring extremely loud. But we're all serious yogis, clearly, and we wouldn't dare laugh. I concentrated on my breath and almost couldn't hear the gurgling anymore. But then someone giggled. At first, I smiled a little and then remembered my breath. Moments later, another snicker. I couldn't help it...we both laughed together, but were able to quiet quickly and sort of laugh silently. I swear I could FEEL everyone else in the room smiling a little bit.
“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” -- Rumi
He further explained that through yoga you open your body and start to remove those barriers and become more like a curious child excited about all the little joys of life. Even if only during class or immediately after. But every class you take, you slowly remove these barriers and catch yourself similar to that child -- "Mom, what's this? Ooooh, look at that! And this?! What is this? Mom, how does this work? Wow..did you see that?"
It's amazing how much that curious joy hides itself sometimes and I love being reminded to reach for it again.
At the end of the class during the deep relaxation, the guy in front of me starting snoring extremely loud. But we're all serious yogis, clearly, and we wouldn't dare laugh. I concentrated on my breath and almost couldn't hear the gurgling anymore. But then someone giggled. At first, I smiled a little and then remembered my breath. Moments later, another snicker. I couldn't help it...we both laughed together, but were able to quiet quickly and sort of laugh silently. I swear I could FEEL everyone else in the room smiling a little bit.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Hey you!
Had to do a super clean of my room tonight because I'm getting new carpet tomorrow. I was overwhelmed at first. Having to go through everything, put it into boxes, etc. Feels like I'm packing up to move.
But in shuffling things around, you always find surprises. I found a sign I made for picking up a friend from the airport. It reminded me that I LOVE when people have signs and I will be making them much more often for people. That's a promise.
But in shuffling things around, you always find surprises. I found a sign I made for picking up a friend from the airport. It reminded me that I LOVE when people have signs and I will be making them much more often for people. That's a promise.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
On the Waterfront
The first day of summer always deserves a tall beer at a picnic table on the beach.
So that's what I did today.
Fabulous.
So that's what I did today.
Fabulous.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Convenience has its price sometimes...
I've been to a few late night convenient stores in my time. And lately, they've all had pretty unfriendly, uninterested, i'll-talk-on-my-phone-while-you're-buying-something, kind of guys.
Tonight, complete opposite. I was in serious need of some Cheez-Its and stopped at my local 7-11.
I don't think I could have had a nicer man at the counter.
Thank you Mr. Whitehaired 7-11 man. You made my night.
Tonight, complete opposite. I was in serious need of some Cheez-Its and stopped at my local 7-11.
I don't think I could have had a nicer man at the counter.
Thank you Mr. Whitehaired 7-11 man. You made my night.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Schooled.
Today, I had an immediate learning session with Adobe Illustrator. I've been slowly learning the program, on a need to know basis, but today was a crash course.
Learning is fun. Nerd alert, or not. It is. I love the empowerment of feeling like you don't have a clue and seconds later feeling like you rule the world of Adobe.
I'm still eons away from grasping it all...but was reminded today that I love learning.
Learning is fun. Nerd alert, or not. It is. I love the empowerment of feeling like you don't have a clue and seconds later feeling like you rule the world of Adobe.
I'm still eons away from grasping it all...but was reminded today that I love learning.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Next time you pay $3.50 for roasted corn...
I realize I've mentioned corn on the cob an unusually frequent amount of times. But I'm not gonna lie, I LOVE it.
In the midst of all this discussion and argument over how to eat your corn -- today, I stepped out of my comfort zone. I ate it in rows. And then I even took a bite from one end and moved carelessly to the other end.
It was freeing. It probably shouldn't have been...but it was. I highly recommend it.
In the midst of all this discussion and argument over how to eat your corn -- today, I stepped out of my comfort zone. I ate it in rows. And then I even took a bite from one end and moved carelessly to the other end.
It was freeing. It probably shouldn't have been...but it was. I highly recommend it.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Chung King Rd
Went into a bar in Chinatown tonight at like 6pm. And it felt a little like walking right into China...perhaps with a weird mid-western flare. There were three old Chinese men sitting at the bar, drinking Bud Light and hitting on the bartender.
We ordered Tsing Tao (ya know, to feel authentic) and then stepped back outside into reality.
Another example of why LA gets kudos every once in awhile.
We ordered Tsing Tao (ya know, to feel authentic) and then stepped back outside into reality.
Another example of why LA gets kudos every once in awhile.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Bounce, swoooosh...."What tha?"
Quickly running into a grocery store to find a toy is a thing of the past. The toy isle is sort of long gone.
I remember, as a kid, walking through every isle of the grocery store with my mom and asking when I was allowed to go the toy isle. I also remember trying to bounce bouncy balls from the toy isle OVER to the next isle and waiting to see if you could hear a reaction from the other side.
Today, I ran in to Vons thinking I'd grab something quickly and be done. But all the toys are now spread out on little displays throughout each and every isle. So in order to assess the best toy to buy, you'd have to peruse every single one. At first, I thought...annoooying. But then I realized, I LOVE going down every isle in the grocery store. There's something about the colors and the mass organization of things. You get stuck in there, sort of in a trance.
Bouncy balls, however, are recently hard to find.
I remember, as a kid, walking through every isle of the grocery store with my mom and asking when I was allowed to go the toy isle. I also remember trying to bounce bouncy balls from the toy isle OVER to the next isle and waiting to see if you could hear a reaction from the other side.
Today, I ran in to Vons thinking I'd grab something quickly and be done. But all the toys are now spread out on little displays throughout each and every isle. So in order to assess the best toy to buy, you'd have to peruse every single one. At first, I thought...annoooying. But then I realized, I LOVE going down every isle in the grocery store. There's something about the colors and the mass organization of things. You get stuck in there, sort of in a trance.
Bouncy balls, however, are recently hard to find.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Cheese Whiz and other delicacies
In the past week or so, a conversation of differences has seemed to monopolize many of my conversations with friends. The following discrepancies have come up:
Velveta + Salsa + Microwave = Queso Dip or Texas Cheese
Eating corn on the cob -- in rows or in rounds?
Have you heard of Viennie Weenies?
While getting dressed -- sock, shoe, sock shoe OR sock, sock, shoe, shoe?
Where's THE Panhandle? -- Texas or Florida?
Asparagus Pee -- Yes or No?
Regardless of silly "this or that" questions, my friends are truly a funny bunch. I was listening to the wit and the banter fly around the room and caught myself cringing that my neighbors might bang on the wall and tell us to shut up. But then I realized there aren't many groups of people that have this much fun telling silly stories and laughing late on a Sunday evening.
So the neighbors will have to deal.
(Until, of course, all my friends move in to our complex and we start working on Singles, The Sequel.)
Velveta + Salsa + Microwave = Queso Dip or Texas Cheese
Eating corn on the cob -- in rows or in rounds?
Have you heard of Viennie Weenies?
While getting dressed -- sock, shoe, sock shoe OR sock, sock, shoe, shoe?
Where's THE Panhandle? -- Texas or Florida?
Asparagus Pee -- Yes or No?
Regardless of silly "this or that" questions, my friends are truly a funny bunch. I was listening to the wit and the banter fly around the room and caught myself cringing that my neighbors might bang on the wall and tell us to shut up. But then I realized there aren't many groups of people that have this much fun telling silly stories and laughing late on a Sunday evening.
So the neighbors will have to deal.
(Until, of course, all my friends move in to our complex and we start working on Singles, The Sequel.)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Dear Future Husband,
Can we have roommates?
I realize we'll need privacy and it's not that I don't love you enough to solely spend time with YOU...but...I really like being able to get ready for a night out and compare outfits with my roommate.
Ya know, share belts and shoes and ask if I should wear the silver bracelet or the gold earrings. It's sort of irreplaceable.
We'll chat later about it. Can't wait for BBQ nights, frequent flier miles and dance parties in our living room.
Kisses and kisses and kisses,
Rebecca
I realize we'll need privacy and it's not that I don't love you enough to solely spend time with YOU...but...I really like being able to get ready for a night out and compare outfits with my roommate.
Ya know, share belts and shoes and ask if I should wear the silver bracelet or the gold earrings. It's sort of irreplaceable.
We'll chat later about it. Can't wait for BBQ nights, frequent flier miles and dance parties in our living room.
Kisses and kisses and kisses,
Rebecca
Friday, June 12, 2009
The stuff teenage movies are made of
It stinks when people leave. But it usually means there's a cake or a party or yummy homemade sushi and frolicking in the ocean.
Tonight, a friend spent her last night in LA sipping champagne and rocking some serious karaoke at a friend's house. The night ended with all of us taking the hop, skip and a jump journey to the ocean and splashing, giggling and pushing each other in the waves.
I stepped back for a moment and realized we ARE the lucky few. Not everyone gets to prance around in the sand on a typical Friday night.
Tonight, a friend spent her last night in LA sipping champagne and rocking some serious karaoke at a friend's house. The night ended with all of us taking the hop, skip and a jump journey to the ocean and splashing, giggling and pushing each other in the waves.
I stepped back for a moment and realized we ARE the lucky few. Not everyone gets to prance around in the sand on a typical Friday night.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Row row row your boat...
I took an IndoRow class tonight and kept peering over at the clock on the machine next to me to compare. The guy next to me was this huge black man with triceps the size of my fist.
My split time was consistently faster than his and I couldn't help but smile with pride.
My split time was consistently faster than his and I couldn't help but smile with pride.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
I need to learn to lie
I have the hardest time giving a fake number when asked by a random boy. I need to learn to say, "No, you can't have my number" instead of feeling bad and just giving them the real thing.
Today's chain of TWELVE text messages:
Hi!
Rebecca?
Hey Cutiey!
It's Jerry from Hollywood.
Rebecca how old are you?
Babe lets hangout sometime. Will be soo fun ur a kool girl. XOXO
To which I responded:
I'm not interested...sorry.
To which he immediately texted back:
U don't even know me. Try 2 know person before u say ur not interested...U don't realize how kool I am.
(Thanks for the advice, dude.)
I tried to explain that I was responding because I didn't want to completely ignore someone...trying to just be honest and upfront.
He responded:
If u gonna tro me off...too bad 4 u...bye.
Today's chain of TWELVE text messages:
Hi!
Rebecca?
Hey Cutiey!
It's Jerry from Hollywood.
Rebecca how old are you?
Babe lets hangout sometime. Will be soo fun ur a kool girl. XOXO
To which I responded:
I'm not interested...sorry.
To which he immediately texted back:
U don't even know me. Try 2 know person before u say ur not interested...U don't realize how kool I am.
(Thanks for the advice, dude.)
I tried to explain that I was responding because I didn't want to completely ignore someone...trying to just be honest and upfront.
He responded:
If u gonna tro me off...too bad 4 u...bye.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Does this make me look fat?
Had a meeting with the Mayor of Beverly Hills today and she told us we could use this quote as long as we gave her credit.
In reference to always feeling good, no matter how fat you get, she said she buys jewelry to keep her happy because you never grow out of it.
"One broach fits all."
In reference to always feeling good, no matter how fat you get, she said she buys jewelry to keep her happy because you never grow out of it.
"One broach fits all."
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Writing on the Wall
The shower at my parents house has sliding glass doors and within moments of starting the shower, the doors steam up and make for a perfect canvas.
I used to stand in the shower practicing my signature and pretend I was signing checks or important papers. At some point, the canvas transitioned into a place to keep my secrets. Mostly about boys. I'd write the name of my latest crush and then it was so easy to erase and no one would ever know.
I still, every time I'm home, write a boy's name while I'm waiting for my conditioner to work. I also can't help adding curly Q's and fancy underlines and smiley faces. Because that's what girls do when they write boys names. Duh.
I used to stand in the shower practicing my signature and pretend I was signing checks or important papers. At some point, the canvas transitioned into a place to keep my secrets. Mostly about boys. I'd write the name of my latest crush and then it was so easy to erase and no one would ever know.
I still, every time I'm home, write a boy's name while I'm waiting for my conditioner to work. I also can't help adding curly Q's and fancy underlines and smiley faces. Because that's what girls do when they write boys names. Duh.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Style Points
I've been known to sacrifice points and winning for being able to place the perfect word on a Scrabble board. The little (um, HUGE) competitive voice that sometimes makes a fool of me is apparently silent in Scrabble.
And today's word...HAIKU.
I mean, come on.
And today's word...HAIKU.
I mean, come on.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Palm Hill Drive
Went for a run in the neighborhood I grew up in and made an effort to pass by all of my old friends' houses. Some of the families are still there, some have moved on. My intention wasn't to make any stops...just wanted to pass by, remember a moment in time, and keep moving.
Passing each house was like watching pieces of a re-run of my life...some of the memories were so vivid.
The weirdest part is how big I felt. Literally. It was as if I was a giant and I could step on the houses and jump over the ponds. My neighborhood felt like a teeny square block, not the miles and miles of dirt roads I remembered.
Passing each house was like watching pieces of a re-run of my life...some of the memories were so vivid.
The weirdest part is how big I felt. Literally. It was as if I was a giant and I could step on the houses and jump over the ponds. My neighborhood felt like a teeny square block, not the miles and miles of dirt roads I remembered.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Rain, Rain Don't Go Away
A Dunkin' Donuts coffee, a sudden lightning storm and people with great accents and southern charm.
A trio I've been craving for a long time now and was perfectly satisfied today.
A trio I've been craving for a long time now and was perfectly satisfied today.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Pulling the California Card
Showing your CA ID to non-Californians makes you very illustrious. I usually get comments like...
"Ooohh, Califoooornia. Cool." or "Wow, you're from California?!"
Secretly, in my head, I'm thinking, "If you only knew. I spend more time in traffic than I do in the shower. It's crowded, it's loud, its...its..."
But after I see their curiosity and there sort of jealousy, my thoughts immediately change to, "Yea, that's right. I live in Los Angeles. It's freaking incredible."
Most times.
(P.S. -- A friend reminded me of THIS VIDEO that says it so well.)
"Ooohh, Califoooornia. Cool." or "Wow, you're from California?!"
Secretly, in my head, I'm thinking, "If you only knew. I spend more time in traffic than I do in the shower. It's crowded, it's loud, its...its..."
But after I see their curiosity and there sort of jealousy, my thoughts immediately change to, "Yea, that's right. I live in Los Angeles. It's freaking incredible."
Most times.
(P.S. -- A friend reminded me of THIS VIDEO that says it so well.)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Thanks for sharing
One of my favorite things about explaining little moments in my life is how many people now share THEIR sunshine moments with me.
I get a random text or email every once in awhile with a quick anecdote and it couldn't make me happier.
I get a random text or email every once in awhile with a quick anecdote and it couldn't make me happier.
Monday, June 1, 2009
I was almost run over...
...by a 3ft tall, sweet blonde girl. She was eying her options in the cookie isle, pushing her miniature shopping cart, while I was picking the perfect avocado.
Everyone escaped unharmed and I couldn't help but remember how cool it was to do grown up things when you're 3ft tall.
Everyone escaped unharmed and I couldn't help but remember how cool it was to do grown up things when you're 3ft tall.
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