Thursday, November 30, 2006

HOLY CRAPOLA BATMAN!!!

::::::::::::::::::PAT O’BRIEN UPDATE::::::::::::::::::

9 hours and counting! I even made myself up today so I’m all purdy and stuff  I can’t wait to see him!

::::::::::::::::::TIME::::::::::::::::::

Is it really November 30? Sheesh – that is just nutz! It’s like I keep blinking and MONTHS pass without me even being aware of it! Crazy I tell you CRAZY! This also means that we’re just about four months away from the Getting Hitched Day! I probably would be happier about it if we had a few more things lined up, but we have to wait until after the New Year to get a few things scheduled. That’s the bad thing about a wedding of 20 people, no one wants to schedule you cuz you’re not spending oooooodles of caish.

::::::::::::::::::WORK::::::::::::::::::

Yesterday was the Dirección de Clientes Especializados annual meeting – which went from 10AM until 7:45PM. I was soooo not happy. In general I was being a big pissy pants because I haven’t slept well, and then on top of that I just in general am not happy about having to work later than I have to, and BEING FORCED to go to dinner. Turned out to be a great time – we left at about 8PM for dinner and got back to the hotel at around 12:30PM. Then I drove home from there.

Dinner was for about 45 people at this old Hacienda just outside of Toluca towards Mexico. It was GORGEOUS I tell you! It’s hard for me to think that an entire family lived there – and that’s it! I guess it was extended family too, but sheesh, the pace was huge! Giant cathedral ceilings – fabulous wood steps and crazy decorative wood EVERYWHERE. Just breathtaking. And the food was very good. We had a carrot cake for desert that I would almost kill for again – it was quite possibly the best carrot cake I’ve ever had in my life!

It was also cool because it will probably be the last time I see a lot of those people before I leave. It was fun just chatting, and actually being able to participate (read: Dominate) a conversation. I think I dreaded those events because I would have to sit there quiet because I couldn’t follow or understand and wasn’t able to communicate. But now, I am! Which feels great! Also cool was telling everyone I was getting hitched – they were so happy for me, it was exciting – lots of toasts and advice and people trying to persuade me to have the wedding here at the CTC :D hahaha – just all around hilariousness.

::::::::::::::::::TRANSFER OF POWER::::::::::::::::::

Tomorrow we have the day off because it is the Presidential Inauguration – Felipe Calderon will officially take office and take the power from Vicente Fox. I hope the transfer of power goes smoothly and no one does anything retarded. For the most part I think people enjoy the long weekend and get out of Dodge…I’m just hoping that everything is calm so I can get to and from the airport OK. I would just have Pat take El Caminante (the bus service) but I don’t think I can stand to wait an extra two to three hours until I see him. It would just drive me crazy!!!

::::::::::::::::::CHRISTMAS FAVORITES::::::::::::::::::

Since I’m on a Christmas Music kick, I thought I’d list some of my all time favorite Albums……here there are in no particular order:

Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers: Once Upon A Christmas – Quite possibly one of my favorite Christmas albums ever! Every song just makes me want to cuddle up by the fire in a cabin in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and sip hot cocoa with a candy cane in it. I remember thinking as a kid that I thought they should be married because they were just too cute and sang so well together. I don’t think they ever were though. I think this also has lots of fuzzy warm memories attached to it because my mom always would play the LP at Christmas time, for as long as I can remember!

Bing Crosby: White Christmas – just an all around classic. The guy’s voice is amazing and tranquil and just full of tradition and spirit. Who else can get away with demanding Christmas as needing to be White, and also spending Christmas in Hawaii (Me’le Kalikimaka) on the same album? And I think his rendition of Jingle Bells (with the Andrews Sisters?) is top notch – one of my all time faves!

Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas – I LOVE THIS ALBUM! I think it was the first Christmas CD I bought myself. In general I think Mariah is awesome (albeit maybe a bit nutzo) and has an amazing set of pipes, and I love the style of these songs – kinda gospely, kinda ballady – but all over amazing. I remember one particular Christmas Tree Hunting trip where on the way home we were listening to the CD, and during one song we tried to count how many times “Jesus” was said (The song is Jesus Oh What A Wonderful Child – very Gospel Revival-y). I think we made it to 200 and gave up….but it was kind of fun! Also attached to this album – memories of missing my long distance boyfriends deployed overseas or stationed across the country while bawling my eyeballs out to the song Miss you Most (At Christmas Time). Also probably my favorite O Holy Night rendition ever (*NSYNC’s acapella version is a close second. Don’t laugh – it’s pretty awesome!).

The Jackson 5: Christmas Album – this is another one of those albums my mom used to play. Love it! This contains favorites with a soulful twist, and Michael Jackson when he was cute, little and still black. It’s nearly impossible to be still while listening to this – and I can honestly say the only Christmas album where I’ve felt the urge to “break it down” – especially in the car. I’m pretty sure all the Mexican’s think I’m crazy!

Vince Guaraldi Trio: A Charlie Brown Christmas – not all the songs on this album are even classic Christmas songs, but I’ve watched the TV show practically every year I’ve been alive and its just one of those collections that are synonymous with the holiday season. And it’s fun and cheery – how can you not like it!?!

OK, I think I’ve killed enough time – still 8.5 hours left to go. I hope everyone has a great day, and I’ll post again on Monday!

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

And that's the way it is

::::::::PAT O'BRIEN COUNTDOWN::::::::

Only two more sleeps until Pat O'Brien gets here! I don't think we'll be doing anything special. Toluca is in the semifinals on Sunday, so if we can get tickets, I think we'll go to that - because when in Rome, do as the Romans - and I'd like him to experience the thrill of Mexican Futból.....but other than that, no plans at all. I think we were so burned out by our trip in July where we crammed 2,000 into three days, that we're making up for it by not doing anything, which is totally cool with me. Besides, the December trip will be another non-relaxing one, with lots of holiday parties and visits and such. Don't get me wrong, I love being with family, its just that its draining, know what I mean????

::::::::WORK::::::::

I have so much work to do – really all i want to do is curl up under my desk and sleep. But, I shant, so I am just mustering up the will to attack it all. I’ve got a plan, and I know I will achieve it, it just may take me a few more cups of coffee.

::::::::COFFEE::::::::

Speaking of coffee – I don’t really like to drink it, and I don’t consider myself a coffee drinker. Really, it tastes OK, but I don’t like the way it makes my pee smell. TMI, I know, but everyone knows it does that. I just want to know how the Joe Heads can live with themselves smelling that every time they go to the bathroom for their entire lives.

Anyway, as I said, I don’t drink much coffee, but I have this week and last for some reason, and now I think I’m addicted. Its not really coffee, but sugar infused mocha cappuccino – gas station style. We’ve got a machine here in the office. I’m glad I dind’t find it before…….because then I might be a Joe Head. It doesn’t help that I am sooooooo stinking tired and need the pick me up, but coffee has got to be safer for your body than red bull, right? I plan on kicking the habit…..as soon as I start getting more sleep!

::::::::CHRISTMAS MUSIC::::::::

Ahhhh – I love Christmas music! And I got news yesterday that Troy burned me a DVD with all my music (including my 500+ song Christmas collection) and sent it to Pat O’Brien! WHooo HOO! That means I’ll have more holiday favorites to enjoy on Thursday! Playing right now….”Holy Shit its Christmas” by Red Peters. It’s a good song, you should check it out. It’s on shuffle right now, so if I’m lucky I’ll get one of the Jackson 5 songs next.

::::::::AND NOW, YOUR MOMENT OF ZEN::::::::

I will leave you with this…..it was posted on Yahoo as TV LAND LISTS “CATCHPHRASES” I’d have to say, I can appreciate them all, but the one that gave me chills when I read it was "Do you believe in miracles?" (Al Michaels, 1980 Winter Olympics). Just made me all tingley incide. It makes me laugh how that phrase can be on the same list as “I’m Rick James, Bitch!”. So, whats your favorite??

In alphabetical order, TV Land's list:
_"Aaay" (Fonzie, "Happy Days")
_"And that's the way it is" (Walter Cronkite, "CBS Evening News")
_"Ask not what your country can do for you ..." (John F. Kennedy)
_"Baby, you're the greatest" (Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden, "The Honeymooners")
_"Bam!" (Emeril Lagasse, "Emeril Live")
_"Book 'em, Danno" (Steve McGarrett, "Hawaii Five-O")
_"Come on down!" (Johnny Olson, "The Price is Right")
_"Danger, Will Robinson" (Robot, "Lost in Space")
_"De plane! De plane!" (Tattoo, "Fantasy Island")
_"Denny Crane" (Denny Crane, "Boston Legal")
_"Do you believe in miracles?" (Al Michaels, 1980 Winter Olympics)
_"D'oh!" (Homer Simpson, "The Simpsons")
_"Don't make me angry ..." (David Banner, "The Incredible Hulk")
_"Dyn-o-mite" (J.J., "Good Times")
_"Elizabeth, I'm coming!" (Fred Sanford, "Sanford and Son")
_"Gee, Mrs. Cleaver ..." (Eddie Haskell, "Leave it to Beaver")
_"God'll get you for that" (Maude, "Maude")
_"Good grief" (Charlie Brown, "Peanuts" specials)
_"Good night, and good luck" (Edward R. Murrow, "See It Now")
_"Good night, John Boy" ("The Waltons")
_"Have you no sense of decency?" (Joseph Welch to Sen. McCarthy)
_"Heh heh" (Beavis and Butt-head, "Beavis and Butthead")
_"Here it is, your moment of Zen" (Jon Stewart, "The Daily Show")
_"Here's Johnny!" (Ed McMahon, "The Tonight Show")
_"Hey now!" (Hank Kingsley, "The Larry Sanders Show")
_"Hey hey hey!" (Dwayne Nelson, "What's Happening!!")
_"Hey hey hey!" (Fat Albert, "Fat Albert")
_"Holy (whatever), Batman!" (Robin, "Batman")
_"Holy crap!" (Frank Barone, "Everybody Loves Raymond")
_"Homey don't play that!" (Homey the Clown, "In Living Color")
_"How sweet it is!" (Jackie Gleason, "The Jackie Gleason Show")
_"How you doin'?" (Joey Tribbiani, "Friends")
_"I can't believe I ate the whole thing" (Alka Seltzer ad)
_"I know nothing!" (Sgt. Schultz, "Hogan's Heroes")
_"I love it when a plan comes together" (Hannibal, "The A-Team")
_"I want my MTV!" (MTV ad)
_"I'm Larry, this is my brother Darryl ..." (Larry, "Newhart")
_"I'm not a crook ..." (Richard Nixon)
_"I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV" (Vicks Formula 44 ad)
_"I'm Rick James, bitch!" (Dave Chappelle as Rick James, "Chappelle's Show")
_"Is that your final answer?" (Regis Philbin, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire")
_"It keeps going and going and going ..." (Energizer Batteries ad)
_"It takes a licking ..." (Timex ad)
_"Jane, you ignorant slut" (Dan Aykroyd to Jane Curtin, "Saturday Night Live")
_"Just one more thing ..." (Columbo, "Columbo")
_"Let's be careful out there" (Sgt. Esterhaus, "Hill Street Blues")
_"Let's get ready to rumble!" (Michael Buffer, various sports events)
_"Live long and prosper" (Spock, "Star Trek")
_"Makin' whoopie" (Bob Eubanks, "The Newlywed Game")
_"Mom always liked you best" (Tommy Smothers, "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour")
_"Never assume ..." (Felix Unger, "The Odd Couple")
_"Nip it!" (Barney Fife, "The Andy Griffith Show")
_"No soup for you!" (The Soup Nazi, "Seinfeld")
_"Norm!" ("Cheers")
_"Now cut that out!" (Jack Benny, "The Jack Benny Program")
_"Oh, my God! They killed Kenny!" (Stan and Kyle, "South Park")
_"Oh, my nose!" (Marcia Brady, "The Brady Bunch")
_"One small step for man ..." (Neil Armstrong)
_"Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?" (Grey Poupon ad)
_"Read my lips: No new taxes!" (George H.W. Bush)
_"Resistance is futile" (Picard as Borg, "Star Trek: The Next Generation")
_"Say good night, Gracie" (George Burns, "The Burns & Allen Show")
_"Schwing!" ( Mike Myers and Dana Carvey as Wayne and Garth, "Saturday Night Live")
_"Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy" (Lloyd Bentsen to Dan Quayle)
_"Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids" (Trix cereal ad)
_"Smile, you're on `Candid Camera'" ("Candid Camera")
_"Sock it to me" ("Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In")
_"Space, the final frontier ..." (Capt. Kirk, "Star Trek")
_"Stifle!" (Archie Bunker, "All in the Family")
_"Suit up!" (Barney Stinson, "How I Met Your Mother")
_"Tastes great! Less filling!" (Miller Lite beer ad)
_"Tell me what you don't like about yourself" (Dr. McNamara and Dr. Troy, "Nip/Tuck")
_"That's hot" (Paris Hilton, "The Simple Life")
_"The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat" (Jim McKay, "ABC's Wide World of Sports")
_"The tribe has spoken" (Jeff Probst, "Survivor")
_"The truth is out there" (Fox Mulder, "The X-Files")
_"This is the city ..." (Sgt. Joe Friday, "Dragnet")
_"Time to make the donuts" ("Dunkin' Donuts" ad)
_"Two thumbs up" (Siskel & Ebert, "Siskel & Ebert")
_"Up your nose with a rubber hose" (Vinnie Barbarino, "Welcome Back, Kotter")
_"We are two wild and crazy guys!" (Steve Martin and Dan Aykroyd as Czech playboys, "Saturday Night Live")
_"Welcome to the O.C., bitch" (Luke, "The O.C.")
_"Well, isn't that special?" (Dana Carvey as the Church Lady, "Saturday Night Live")
_"We've got a really big show!" (Ed Sullivan, "The Ed Sullivan Show")
_"Whassup?" (Budweiser ad)
_"What you see is what you get!" (Geraldine, "The Flip Wilson Show")
_"Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" (Arnold Drummond, "Diff'rent Strokes")
_"Where's the beef?" (Wendy's ad)
_"Who loves you, baby?" (Kojak, "Kojak")
_"Would you believe?" (Maxwell Smart, "Get Smart")
_"Yabba dabba do!" (Fred Flintstone, "The Flintstones")
_"Yada, yada, yada" ("Seinfeld")
_"Yeah, that's the ticket" (Jon Lovitz as the pathological liar, "Saturday Night Live")
_"You eeeediot!" (Ren, "Ren & Stimpy")
_"You look mahvelous!" ( Billy Crystal as Fernando, "Saturday Night Live")
_"You rang?" (Lurch, "The Addams Family")
_"You're fired!" (Donald Trump, "The Apprentice")
_"You've got spunk ..." (Lou Grant, "The Mary Taylor Moore Show")

Friday, November 24, 2006

OH, and I forgot...

After everyone left Keith and I were chillin before I headed up to bed, and we were watching an old Woody Woodpecker episode, circa 1964 ish. That shizzy is pretty hilarious.

Especially funny - the name of the villian - which I shall hereby use at every available opportunity.

The name?

Dirty McNasty.

Every time I say it out loud it just makes me laugh.

And a good time was had by all.....

Wow – my post was rather whiney yesterday, wasn’t it? Oh well – I’m back to normal now and in a rather joyous mood. Our dinner last night was a success – everyone seemed to enjoy the food – so much so that we don’t have much for leftovers….just a bit of mashed potatoes and some turkey. Oh, and lots of pies and cakes that people brought with them. It was pretty cool to be able to celebrate an American tradition with all our Mexican friends – they seemed genuinely excited to be able to experience it as well – everyone said it was a first for them! All in all, we had 12 people over, and managed to all fit at one long table (well, two tables put together). Conversation was good, beer and wine was a’flowing – and it was just a great night. Keith did a great job cooking – the food was delish. I was just happy to be able to entertain – I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it.

Oh, and just in case your wondering, I did not score any Pillsbury biscuits or croissants, but I did find some good little bread thingys at Wal-Mart, and they were rather tasty.

So, now it officially starts the Holiday season. Last year I was rather depressed, so I didn’t even listen much to Christmas music at all, but I am already all revved up for it this year. I’ve had Christmas music on at work and in the car, and hopefully I’ll get my tree all set up tonight as well. Christmas decorating always brings up another college memory for me:

1998 - 445 S. Fifth Avenue – I can’t remember if it was the weekend after Thanksgiving, or sometime later….but Danica and I bought one of those mini-barrels of Budweiser (no, not a pony keg, but the little cute tiny barrel – or big can if you will). We threw on Santa hats (or at least I did) decorated the house, and drank the whole stinkin thing! If I recall correctly we had a pretty good buzz going on there – and the house looked fantastic. It must have been the weekend after Thanksgiving because none of our other roommates were around…..I’ll have to look through my pics, because I think I took a couple…….

Not much for weekend plans in store – decorating and cleaning because Pat O’Brien will be here Thursday (YIPPIE!!!!). We may head to Puebla tomorrow morning for a Rugby Tournament….but that is yet to be officially determined. Hope everyone out there has a fantastic weekend!

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving Part Deaux

I’ve been feeling relatively sorry for myself all day – as happens once and a while, but particularly when there is a family celebration that I am missing, or a holiday comes around. You’d think I’d be happy for the huge meal we are going to share with our friends, but instead I’m bitching and moaning how I can’t find stinkin Pilsbury biscuits to cook for dinner – cursing Mexico and cursing the fact that I can’t celebrate the way I would like and with whom I would like. God forbid an entire country and culture not bend backwards to provide Me with the kind of American Holiday I want……

Now that I have made an attempt to really think about what makes me so angry and upset about it all, it turns out that its a pretty selfish (and ridiculous) reason. Yes, its because I miss many people and want to be surrounded by people that I love. But I think another major contributing factor is that people are still having fun and celebrating and living just fine without me. I know its irrational and really normal people wouldn't think this way.....but it feels like "Eh, we don't need you around to live life and enjoy and have a good time - you're not THAT important". I guess thats the part that really makes me crabby. I just feel so lonely and left out, even though I'm here surrounded by family and quasi-family/friends.

Anyway, when I was browsing the web, looking for articles to read while I am procrastinating, and I came across this article: TROOPS ABROAD PROUD TO SERVE ON HOLIDAY

Shame on me for being so self centered.

I can find most of the foods that make my holiday special. I have a brother here to hug and friends to laugh and share with. I can say I will eat my meal without worrying about getting shot….heck, I even get to leave work a little bit early in order to help with some of the dinner preparations. There are many troops out there who won’t get to mark this holiday with anything special, who have to work around the clock, and yet they are still Thankful for their lives, and for the freedom they are protecting.

Maybe they bitch every once and a while too, but compared to me, I think they are entitled to it. Makes me feel pretty silly for my little pity party….and has definitely shined some ever so necessary perspective into my sheltered little life.

Feliz Día del Acción de Gracias

WOW – it feels like Thanksgiving here! Its FREEZING! And when I say freezing, I mean below 32°…..at least it was last night. YIKES! I’ve been sleeping with 5 blankets (plus my heating blankie) and the heater on most of the night, and I still wake up and its 56 degrees. ACK! No wonder why the kitties are trying to cuddle under the covers with me!

It reminds me of when I was in college, and Eunice and I were trying to be frugal after our first electric bill of the winter. Baseboard heaters with giant windows don’t allow for energy savings, let me tell ya. Anyway, we had the great idea that we wouldn’t turn on the heat until we could see our breath. I remember us inside the apartment studying with full winter gear - gloves, scarves and hats on……I don’t think that lasted too long. Once we told our parents what we were doing they graciously offered to help pay the heating bill. I think they were concerned that we might die from pneumonia. Although it was awful at the time, looking back on it now it makes me chuckle. Ahhh – the good ol’ days!

We’ve got all the goods for a nice dinner tonight – about 12 peeps or so will be coming. I was bummed because I couldn’t make my mom’s famous Strawberry Pretzel Dessert. Apparently Pretzels aren’t big sellers here, because we couldn’t find any. Weird, eh?

Well, I hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving Day / weekend. It feels weird to be working on this day, but I can still be thankful, right?

I’m thankful for:
Pat O’Brien
My Family – and the family I will officially aquire in a few months
My true friends who have stuck by me through thick and thin
My new friends who are my Mexican Family
My brother who has kept me more or less sane this past year
My fluffy fuzzy warm and oh so cute kitties
Food on my table and a roof over my head
My feeble Spanish skilz
The Internet, which has kept me connected to the people I love while I’ve been so far away

With all the trials and tribulations, ups and downs, and all over general craziness I’ve faced over the past year, its not the crappy stuff I recall - but rather the love and support I’ve received – and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Hugs and Love to you all!

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Yeah, I know.

I’ve been MIA. Just lots of things going on and not much desire to write much. You know, my typical “return to Mexico” feelings.

::::::::::::GOODBYE BO::::::::::::

A couple things, first, and belated I know, is a farewell to Bo. A cyber buddy made this layout, and I really wanted to share with everyone. You can visit her blog at http://jencaputo.typepad.com/jen_caputo/



It was a bummer losing that game on Saturday, but what can you do. We went to Caliente with a few friends to watch it – intense, but just bumming’ just the same.

::::::::::::WEEKEND FUN::::::::::::

Monday was Revolution Day here, so we didn’t have to work, which is always cool.
So Sunday we headed to Valle de Bravo to visit our friend Ofo & Juan – Ofo’s family has a fantabulous condo, smack dab next to this beautiful waterfall. I didn’t want to go at first, because I had about a million things to do, but I thought it would be a good chance for me to actually get away and relax a little bit – so we did, and I’m glad we did. It was just kinda fun to drink, cook and laugh with friends. We left early in the morning on Monday to get back so I could take care of things, but it was a relaxing day nonetheless.

::::::::::::REPATRIATION::::::::::::

The interviews I had while in the US went very well – I have been offered an informal position, but am kind of waiting on the other one so I can compare jobs and take the best overall offer. I think I’d be happy in either position, and I know that I could succeed and have potential to move up in the company, it all kind of depends on the big picture – salary, benefits, 401K, etc. Since you silly peeps in the US don’t work Thursday & Friday, I’ll have to wait until next week to get those details.

Also relayed to me was the potential of me coming back earlier than I expected. I was planning on Mid Feburary, but it looks like some people maybe wanting me back in January. That is going to increase my workload significantly, but I think I can probably swing it if I keep pretty busy at work, come in on weekends, and stay until 10:00PM each night. No problem man. Easy breezy lemon squeezy.

::::::::::::PINCHE CARRO ISSUES::::::::::::

I love my little car. But its such a PITA when I don’t have it. I dropped it off last night at the Taller (mechanic shop) for a new brake job. Hopefully it will be done sometime today so I can use it tomorrow. Oh yeah, and just so you know, the sound of metal scrapping across metal on your brakes is never a good sound. And to me, its like nails on chalkboards. And I always feel like that means the brakes are going to give out at any second. Not a good thing to be thinking about as your going 85mph down a mountain.

So, because of my car issues I have to car pool to Mexico City today, and probably take a bus back. Ick. I’m so not loving public transportation. I’d rather be alone in my car. Anyway, hopefully its done today, so Keith can pick it up and I can have it for tomorrow morning.

Speaking of tomorrow….

::::::::::::HAPPY TURKEY DAY::::::::::::

Keith and I picked up a bird Monday afternoon (no, not a live one, it’s dead and frozen just like in the US), and will be hosting a small Thanksgiving dinner at our home. I feel kind of bad making Keith stay home and cook all day, but I have to go to this stinking class all week and I won’t be home until late. I think I may leave a few hours early though – to beat traffic in DF and to try to make it home before all the turkey is gone!

Anyway, everyone have a fun and safe and stuffed Thanksgiving – and make sure to be thankful for all the blessings you have in your life! I know I’ll be counting the kagillion that I have :)