Shutter Monkey

Mellowdrone

2007-06-13T14:04:00.001-07:00

Upcoming show:

Random

2007-05-01T23:47:00.000-07:00

I've decided to post, although this page has been inactive for long enough that I'll be amazed if anyone still looks. I just feel like sharing things that I love right now. Sharing, caring:

1) Charlotte Gainsbourg - AF607105 may be the new "Comfortably Numb." ok, maybe not, but it's really cool. The whole album is very French-British snap your fingers spoken word pop.

2) Venture Bros. Season 2 on DVD - just so freaking good. Go buy both seasons and you'll understand.

3) "The Salon" - tres neat graphic novel about turn of the century Paris, Modernists AND mystery!

4) A Model Summer - my fun book for the month, basically a more intellectual, realistic "America's Next Top Model" in written form

5) This guy's voice: http://youmakemetouchyourhandsforstupidreasons.ytmnd.com/

6) What I do NOT like - law school finals

Bisous.

Fear

2007-01-25T00:19:00.000-08:00

I’ve lost my fear. I always wondered why, and how, adults are less scared in general than children. Sure, they’re just smarter and aware that monsters might really not exist. But what about just being alone? Hearing strange noises? The unexplained? The answer is boredom.
I realize I’m no longer scared alone because if something strange and bizarre did happen, that might not be so bad. Sure, I might have the shit scared out of me, but adults have come to terms with the passage of time, and everything passes. If I didn’t die of something, which I would have no control over anyway, then it would pass and everything would be cool. Actually, it might just be exciting to see some crazy shit like an alien or chupacabra. Would be a nice conversation piece.
I’m sick of being scared. Tired of being anxious, so I’ve welcomed the thought of something frightening. My fear itself convinced me to believe in monsters and ghosts. Now I almost want something to happen just to confirm my beliefs, rather than a constant, but unsure, disenchantment. I’ve become a blasé adult that doesn’t mind sleeping alone because my boredom has overcome my fear. I kinda want my fear back.

PS I was probably an overly superstitious child. When I would brush my teeth, I'd have to look behind me, because I realized if there was a vampire in the room, I wouldn't be able to see his reflection in the mirror. How's that for over-thinking fiction.

Mellowdrone - Part 2

2006-10-21T03:12:00.000-07:00

Saw mellowdrone again last night. SO GOOD. If you don't have their new album, then you should be sad... until you buy it. I actually met Jon and shook his hand. It was wet (with sweat), but awesome. Used my Dad as an excuse and asked about the make of his guitar. Rock on!

Might see them at Spaceland next Friday.

For posterity:

2006-09-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

Found these in a wallet insert and had to scan them.

Beau's Prom (1996) and my Prom (2000):

Yes, we've been together a while.

I'm so hot.

2006-09-20T14:38:00.001-07:00

Here's my celebrity look-alike chart. Good thing, I'm hot like Eva Mendez. Bad thing, I'm gonna look like Sharon Osbourne.

My Personal Favorite Zoo Photo

2006-08-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

... from the 3 rolls I took at the zoo with my telephoto lens. Half of those shots were of monkeys, and it was hard to choose, but this is my favorite.

I call it "Monkey Tickle" for obvious reasons. I know, I'm sick.

Unspeakable pain of cuteness:

2006-08-25T02:09:00.000-07:00

This is my new FAVORITE photo.

Ye Rustic is the place to be...

2006-08-13T01:32:00.000-07:00

If you are a celebrity looking to "get away from it all" and just drink in the middle of Los Feliz. Keifer Sutherland sightings are a dime a dozen, but...

Last Thursday night I saw the guy who plays the boy in ET... don't even know his name, but recognized him.

THEN, thus Thursday night, around midnight, I leaned over to Beau and whispered while pointing to the booth on our left "That guy looks like Carson Daly in a bad way." Beau looked and we quickly discovered it was indeed Mr. TRL. opps!

RANDOM!

Time

2006-08-07T19:01:00.000-07:00

I've been busy yet not busy. Two weeks till classes start again. Not sure how much longer this blog can survive.

Sausage Jockey!

2006-07-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

A quick update from London, I'm busier here than in LA! We're having an awesome time, leaving for Edinburgh tomorrow for the weekend. I'm even enjoying my classes.

A few things I've learned while here:

1) "Sausage jockey" is an awesome thing to call David Beckham when he screws up.

2) In England, coasters are called "beer mats" and strollers are called "push carts." So literal.

3) I really do have English ancestry -- I tan here! It's a miracle. I burn in California, and somehow get a tan in London. Go figure.

4) Iced tea is "uniquely American" and I'm craving it.

Ok, that's all for now. Miss everyone lots!

Summertime

2006-06-05T19:33:00.000-07:00

First year of law school is said and done. Chicago was awesome. Beau's back from Rome. London is pending.

Just relaxing and spending time with my horde of pets...

VOTE!

2006-05-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

Say one day Beau and I decide to form a husband and wife duo, touring the country with our magical sound. Which do YOU think would be the best album cover? Album titles will also be enjoyed. Fun!

1)

2)

3)

Can you tell I don't want to study Civil Procedure?

Update!

2006-05-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

1) Saw "Stick It," it was awesome. Probably not for everyone, but it was awesome for me.

2) Saw Mellowdrone, who were even more awesome. They played almost the entire album and I rocked out with Jonathan Bates' mom front row and center.

3) Billy Dee Williams is still a has-been. HELLO! (That "hello!" goes out to Matthew.)

4) oh yeah... finals. hm, forgot about those.

Two Ends of the Celebrity-Sighting Spectrum

2006-04-27T01:26:00.000-07:00

I had lunch today with my old boss, an entertainment attorney in Beverly Hills, at Pane e Vino on Beverly Blvd. Everyone always looks immaculate and somewhat artificial there, but I had yet to see anyone of note. Near the end of lunch it dawned on me that the guy at the next table looked familiar, he was sitting with the owner of the restaurant. I thought "that's a bad-ass looking guy," seriously.

Here are a few hints:

1) He likes to wear capes.
2) He's suave.
3) He's black.

Ding ding! Yessiree, it was none other than Billy Dee Williams! I immediately had to call Paul, because I knew he would appreciate this the most. Billy Dee looked well and very suave indeed. Still, all I could think about was Lando's girlish yelp as he's being sucked into the Sarlacc Pit (thanks, Beau).

Immediately afterward, I went to the Target on La Brea and, while checking out, saw Mila Kunis from "That '70s Show." Strangely, I had seen her at a club like 5 years ago! She gets around. Her voice is quite recognizable but she deserves to be on this site, sorry.

A good day to see two very different celebrities - albeit both has-beens. oh, snap!

Gym-nice-tics!

2006-04-26T00:06:00.000-07:00

I was once a great gymnast. In an age called the "'80s" at a mystical place called "Tumble Cats" in "Columbus, Ohio." But, alas, I grew beyond 5 feet around the age of 12 and my career was over. Seriously, though, I was obsessed with gymnastics. I absolutely loved the feeling of the sport and was beginning to be trained by past Olympians when my parents were like, "All-day practice for how much? No thanks." It was for the best.

In the not so distant past at a place called "college," I practically turned into the UCLA gymnastics team's personal photographer. I travelled with them, created a full-page photo essay on the team, and loved photographing them, perhaps more than I loved competing in the sport itself.

Finally, I must admit I find guilty pleasure in "Bring It On."

Thus, you can imagine my exaltation when I saw an ad for "Stick It." I remember both how badly I wanted to have "stuck it" when I landed on my ass on vault during my first meet. And I loved how the UCLA girls' voices would all overlap as they encouragingly shouted "stick iiit!" when their teammate was about to fly off the bars.

I am excited and I will be seeing the movie should any other closet gymnastics or "Bring It On" fans wish to join me.

Remember, it's not called "Gym-nice-tics." Hardcore.

(Oh, and for the guys, Jeff Bridges plays their coach.)

Good Stuff

2006-04-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

Check Mellowdrone out, they are awesome.

If I can shake off the guilt of going out the week before finals, I'm dying to go to their show in Costa Mesa Thursday May 4. Only $6 and a kick ass album.

Ansel Adams at UCLA

2006-04-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

Sunshine and Siblings

2006-04-09T22:41:00.000-07:00

Andrew visited us this weekend. We had a wonderful, action-packed weekend - from "Slither" to a BBQ on the roof. Aren't siblings wonderful? They're like built-in friends who know everything about you (or occasional enemies who know everything about you).

Here are a few pretty hilarious things only a little brother would discover:

Some guy freaking out on World of Warcraft.

Dubbed GI Joe PSAs.

My Manly Brain

2006-03-17T00:52:00.000-08:00

Your Brain is 46.67% Female, 53.33% Male

Your brain is a healthy mix of male and female

You are both sensitive and savvy

Rational and reasonable, you tend to keep level headed

But you also tend to wear your heart on your sleeve

What Gender Is Your Brain?

My Adventures in Central California

2006-03-13T21:28:00.000-08:00

It all began one crazy night in a small town named Los Feliz. Ok, it didn’t really start there, but that was the origin of my lovely hangover which I got to enjoy the next day during a 5 hour car ride. We drove up to Danville last Friday (just south of San Fran) for a wedding. I missed class on Friday, we got to our destination around 5 pm despite hail (albeit during sunshine and a gay rainbow). The weekend was great, although my oral argument was looming in the distance, that is the next day, Sunday at 3:30. This is the first trip in my life where I HAD to get back home by a certain time by hell or high-water. God knew of this fact and prepared a challenge for me.

We left the wedding around 10 pm Sat. night, happily making our way back to LA. We got about to Fresno when those smart little electronic signs told us that the Grapevine was closed due to snow. Now, I have never heard of this occurring, please tell me if you’ve ever experienced that. We were faced with a decision – gasp! Stay in a Motel 6 (without getting killed in our sleep) and try to make it home before 3 pm in the morning (I still had to put my argument together though) or find an alternate route. The 58 through Bakersfield was also closed due to snow (it was freakin cold). So, we took the 46 to the 101. Beau had the 10 pm – midnight shift and I had the 2 – 6 am shift. Yes, 6 am. It kinda sucked.

But it was also kinda fun in a twisted stuck-in-a-car-with-your-loved-one kind of way. Beau and I laughed the whole time. We ended up planning our first year anniversary trip – a trip up the 101 to Hearst Castle, Solvang, and a night at the Madonna Inn. I always wondered where the Madonna Inn was, seriously. I first thought I was hallucinating when we came upon it, a luscious oasis of kitsch in a desert of hillbilly agriculture.

The moral of the story is that an 8 hour drive when you have mock trial the next day really is NOT that bad, as long as you are with a friend and you listen to Tenacious D. Our next challenge: the Cloud Nine room or the Swiss Chalet room at the Madonna Inn?

What a Difference a Year Makes

2006-03-09T10:05:00.000-08:00

Today I turn 24. That's still pretty young, but I'd like to recap the things that have changed during the past year:

Got married

Lost two grandparents

Began law school

Got a wonderful kitten

I'd say that's enough life changes for one year. I think I've grown enough for now. 24 will be good.

Here's a photo that combines all the aforementioned changes:

It's my grandparent's wedding. They loved cats and my great-grandfather was an attorney.

Nibbler Update

2006-02-13T20:27:00.000-08:00

You can imagine Nibbler's glee when I brought these meat nuggets home (in case you can't tell, it's a "new improved nugget shape"):

We spoiled him with dry food for a bit which explains his little paunch (he claims it's just fur).

In other news, he has a bizarre hatred for the printer, although not as deep as that which he harbors for the DVD player...

This should make you laugh out loud...

2006-02-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

...If not, something might be wrong with you.

Perspective

2006-01-31T21:06:00.000-08:00

I've had two dreams now in my life where I've been so incredibly distraught by the fact that I can't be with either 1) Robert Smith or 2) Johnny Depp. As in realistically have a long term relationship with them. They are the saddest dreams I've ever had, they just ruin my day. That doesn't seem right, that that's what my subconscious really cares about.

(P.S. I love you Beau!)

I'm Such an Adult

2006-01-29T23:05:00.000-08:00

I'm so mature (please disregard the photo below this post). I just bought a new Queen sized bed, went mattress shopping, and bought special frames at an actual frame store.

I feel almost decadent looking at this queen bed. It's ginormous. I'm gonna miss Beau at night.

Ok, here's a survey. Beau likes California King sized beds. I say California Kings are absurd and only for spouses who dislike each other so much that they avoid any possible contact with each other at night while maintaining the "facade" of marriage. (Disclaimer: I know that's not a fact, Beau's parents have a Cal. King, but they are big people. I just think that's a possible reason.)

Cal. King: good or bad? Discuss.

Disarmed by cuteness

2006-01-29T16:23:00.000-08:00

This photo makes me speechless...

I miss you.

2006-01-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

I can’t stop thinking about you. Dreaming about you. Hypothesizing what you would say if you were here, if you only knew. Being tricked into thinking you are still here when you are not.

Everything reminds me of you. I want to hold on to pieces of you, pieces that are already fading and disseminating. I have pictures, which only make me feel worse. Make me feel worse because they represent times I cannot remember. I am tiny, and you have a look of love on your face. You’ve loved me for so long, even when I didn’t realize it. I hadn’t realized how much I rely on your silent support and implied unconditional love. I still do I guess, I just don’t know how. I want to send you an email. I want to get a reply. I want to send pictures, see pictures. I want you to enjoy all the things I know you loved here. I don’t want them to go away. I didn’t want you to go away, not yet. It’s never going to feel right and no one can understand. Empathize, but not understand. You made me feel more important and special than anyone could. Everything I did was right and now I don’t know where to go. I know it’s not going to pass. I keep thinking there is something I can do to change things. But there’s not. You’re gone and that’s it, I just have to learn to feel this new feeling. It’s always in the back of my heart, constant, a calm love combined with an angry longing.

I miss my grandparents.

"Friendship is Rare"

2006-01-17T20:11:00.000-08:00

Yes, the D had it right with that one. I had a wonderful weekend, a dream weekend I dare say. Having not seen any friends (family does not count) since the beginning of finals, I vowed to hunt down anyone I could and have fun with them.

I succeeded. This weekend I saw not one, not two, not ten, but FOURTEEN friends! How's that for efficient fun time? Dinner on Friday, Getty Villa trip Saturday morning, club Saturday night, and shopping Sunday. ahh. memories. Now, it's back to reading.

P.S. I also got these shoes. On sale. Damn, it was a good weekend.

And no, this is not turning into a shoe blog, I swear.

Mmm, obsession... Part 2

2006-01-16T20:19:00.000-08:00

I cannot help myself! They are just too cool. They are my dream boots. And comfortable. Boots obsession part 2, here I come!

I'm Baaack

2006-01-09T17:47:00.000-08:00

Back from 3 weeks of ignoring everything, which was wonderful! Now, I have piles of law school reading to do. Waah. I wanna go back to Florida.

Speaking of which, here are some pics!

Pop!

2005-12-16T03:26:00.000-08:00

This cute website makes you want to explode!!

Merry Christmas to All!

2005-12-14T23:16:00.000-08:00

I am feeling the slow tinge of relief and joy that is winter break. It's slowly coming closer. I'm surviving my finals... Not so sure about the grades, but time goes on and I just keep taking the exams they hand me. Three down, two to go. Done next Tues and then I will be surround by friends and family. And presents. And alcohol. Hmmm, that became a naughty Christmas.

Anywho, our little tree would like to wish you happy holidays!

All is well in the world...

2005-12-04T19:40:00.000-08:00

Ok, you can stop feeling so very sorry for me because I found my boots!!

I'd like to give a special shout out to my sister-in-law and her mad internet research skillz. I finally found them at a store in the Beverly Center, their last pair!! Only bummer is, if I had ordered the right size in the first place from the other website, I woulda saved $80. Ouch! It's ok, it's Christmas right? I'm happy.

Although, not as happy as I'll be on December 20, the day of my last final.
**Disclaimer: I'd like to apologize in advance to all my friends who will NOT be seeing me during the next 3 weeks. I must hole up in my apartment and lock down. According to a study plan a second year made for us, if we study 10 HOURS a day, we'll statistically get a passing grade. Since I'm already 20 hours behind schedule, I don't think I'm gonna buy into that. Anyway, I want to see you all but I've just really got to focus right now! Happy Holidays, see you on the other side (of law school finals)!

Is it late or early?

2005-12-02T04:28:00.000-08:00

That's all. Just a question. A 4:30 am, not tired at all, have to get up in 3 hours question.

2005-12-01T19:35:00.000-08:00

What I like to call Nibbs when he lays with all his limbs under his body:

Mr. Trunk
Kitty Loaf
The unmovable pet
Rollable pet – fun for kids!
Log o’ fur
Thanksgiving kitty
Turtle boy
Kitty got too hungry one day and ate all his own limbs

K, not the last one, but I think it’s funny. Personally, I like Mr. Trunk. Trunks are funny and it’s a funny word. Hm, am I avoiding studying by doing anything but?

Why Does Santa Forsake Me?

2005-11-28T23:05:00.000-08:00

Alas, I discovered today that I will not be receiving those glorious boots previously posted. No, it was not meant to be. In the time that it took me to return them and try to get a new size, they were sold out and now, on the website, there is a sad declaration that "This item no longer available." I will see people walking down the street with them and say, "Damn you, I saw those first, I just picked the wrong size and shipping took too long and my mom was gonna pay for them!" Ok, maybe I'll just say "damn you." Waaahhh. Also, I ordered a shirt that neither my landlord nor the store can account for; it disappeared. It was a thermal with thumbholes, a necessity for this winter season. I was given a refund since only my exact size and color was sold out. Why, shopping gods, why??

My Kitty is So Cute I Can't Stand It

2005-11-28T00:56:00.000-08:00

Nibbler keeps me sane, what a good distraction. He's tuckered out from his weekend of adventure in Irvine. He accompanied us to my family's house for Thanksgiving. He was very good during the car ride, even calmly sitting in my lap. He was spoiled with my mom's pet food, eventually made friends with Chester and Brownie, and loved exploring the great outdoors!

Chop Chop

2005-11-21T22:34:00.000-08:00

I can't think

2005-11-15T03:45:00.000-08:00

It's 3:30 am and I've screwed myself. I think I've effectively begun a sleeping pattern of 4 pm - 8 pm and then 4 am - 8 am. Is that healthy? I'm not excited about having civil procedure in less than 5 hours. I constantly feel tired, but then when I can sleep, when I'm supposed to sleep, at night, I can't. I just wrote a crap paper that's due tomorrow. How does it happen that the crappiest is always worth the most. I HATE revising, once it's down, if it's not perfect, I may as well pretend I did nothing for the past 7 hours. Crap... I'm gonna be tired once I fall asleep. That doesn't even make sense. See you in a few hours Mr. Sunshine! How I hate you.

Look! I'm on TV!

2005-11-08T16:33:00.000-08:00

I'm a star now.

Here's my "talk to me, Tyra" look.

Here's my "that guy's a loser" look.

When did that happen?

2005-11-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

Haha! I'm older than you, Ceity. Apparently, I'm actually five years older at heart than my actual age.

You Are 28 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Vote Next Tuesday

2005-10-31T16:50:00.000-08:00

Please vote No on Propostion 73 next Tuesday. Go out and do it, it's free.

http://noonproposition73.com/

Olfactory sluggishness

2005-10-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

My Snapple cap just told me that slugs have 4 noses.

That's just gross.

Another reason to hate slugs.

Although, I don't mind snails. Go figure. Guess I'm just not one for gastrodopal nudity.

(P.S. I just read a case from 1932 that used the word "bunghole." Apparently, the removal of a bung cap is "an unusual, extraordinary, and improbably occurance." Haha! Need... more... sleep..)

Mmm, obsession...

2005-10-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

I am so Esited about these boots! Haven't had such an obsession for a while. If only it were Christmas and I could actually wear them... Alas, I must wait for my parents to "give" them to me since I have no money of my own. I shall dream until the day we are together my sweets. Ok, I sound insane.

But seriously, I can just see these with a cool skirt and funky tights. Please fit and look as cool in person! They will soon arive from UrbanOutfitters.com (I saw them before and happened to find them on the site, I swear) and I will "try" them on before passing them on to my mom to give back to me for Xmas. mwhahaha!

Unrelated Thoughts

2005-10-10T16:35:00.000-07:00

My classmates are full of nonsensical legalese and malapropisms. Trying to sound impressive never sounded so sad. So desperate.

I was falling asleep last night and I realized I didn’t want to be anywhere else at that moment. We had just spent the weekend in Vegas, a whirlwind trip of drinking and socializing. But when I snuggled into bed next to Beau, I could hear helicopters lightly roaring outside, see a few city lights twinkling in the darkness through my blinds, but I heard Beau breathing deeply and Nibbler then nestled into the crook of my legs and I’ve never felt so safe. So at peace, like a little flower in a giant concrete jungle.

I’ve reached a new level of fatigue. Napping in my car is something I never thought I could do. Usually, I need all circumstances to be perfect in order to snooze – position, air flow, privacy, time… But I just slept in my car for an hour between classes in my school’s parking garage. I laid the driver’s seat back and let NPR lull me into sweet public sleep. And it was good.

Guess I Should Have Narrowed My Search...

2005-09-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

Found this on LexisNexis recently while searching for parental liability and underage drinking.

John Doe v. Mary Moe (P.S. That's gonna be my DJ name)

"While engaged in consensual sexual intercourse, plaintiff was lying on his back while defendant was on top of him. Defendant unilaterally decided to unlock her legs and place her feet on either side of plaintiff's abdomen. When defendant changed her position, she did not think about the possibility of injury to plaintiff. Shortly after taking this new position, defendant landed awkwardly on plaintiff, thereby causing him to suffer a penile fracture. The appellate court held that there were no comprehensive legal rules to regulate consensual sexual behavior and there were no commonly accepted customs or values that determined parameters for the intensely private and widely diverse forms of such behavior. In the absence of a consensus of community values or customs defining normal consensual sexual conduct, a jury or judge could not be expected to resolve a claim that certain consensual sexual conduct was undertaken without reasonable care. Therefore, no duty of reasonable care was owed by defendant. The appellate court further held that the record did not depict conduct that could be categorized as wanton or reckless. Thus, the action was properly dismissed."

Pinky the Mean Kitty

2005-09-23T22:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Paul. I haven't laughed so hard I cried in a long time.

Fore!

2005-09-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

I'm learning! Not too bad for my first time on the course... I tried to remember some of the tips I got during our lesson in Jamaica. The Los Feliz 9 wasn't quite as picturesque as Montego Bay, but damn is it cheap!

Afterward: Had a celeb sighting while having lunch at Figaro after golf. Sat near the "companion" girl Inara from Firefly/Serenity. Dang is she skinny, and taller than I thought. Very pretty, but looked tired.

My Cat Wants to be Filed...

2005-09-18T00:14:00.000-07:00

...under C for "cute" ( oh, and "cat").

Grr... no one likes filing, even Nibbs.
(None of these pics were staged, Nibbler did them all by his weird self).

I Need Adventure

2005-09-08T21:58:00.000-07:00

Does it mean something that I want to do ALL of these "Daredevil Trips?"

Except parasailing and rafting, cause you just look dorky...

Wee Little Family

2005-09-07T23:03:00.000-07:00

These are freakin awesome. I'm gonna tote my family of five around in one when I grow up. Better get used to ducking, Beau!

Seriously, they remind me of the gypsy house in some old movie... Wizard of Oz maybe? Before she leaves Kansas...

That's Not Cool...

2005-09-06T23:58:00.000-07:00

God, I'm bored. Please no more cases! It's midnight!

Forgot to post this...

2005-09-03T00:08:00.000-07:00

Mary: Whoa, (looking up at Beau's floppy 'do) your hair looks like "Flock of Seagulls."

Beau: How can it look like a flock of seagulls??!

Mary: hahahaha!

Fun Things

2005-08-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

Here are some things I love:

I can't take it, he's too cute.

No, I don't just love beer, I love hanging out with my friends and viewing the damage after poker night.

Turtle guards the escape hatch that Nibbler created in our screen door.

Ok, ok, an Update

2005-08-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

Woo! A new post! Hope you're as excited as me. I've found a moment between classes and case briefs. Law school so far is great, I have to say. Not great in the this-makes-me-so-happy-and-free kind of way. More as great as school can be.

1) Short commute! Much better than my 5 mile, 40 minute drive to Beverly Hills.
2) Professosr are nice! Go figure, I feel like I can talk to them.
3) Nice people, but not too nice. I can talk to them if I want, but no one is trying to be my best friend. That sounds mean, but it's not.
4) I've learned more in the past week than I have the whole last year. The material so far is actually really interesting and somewhat understandable, especially once the prof. enlightens us.
5) I have a smidgen of free time, more that what I thought I'd have, which was none. I've been able to surf the internet during the day (hence this post) and actually go out to dinner once in a while. Good lord, I even worked out yesterday at the school gym! We'll see if I'm singing the same tune 10 weeks into the semester when reading has snowballed and the exam is around the corner...

Thus far, I feel like I've made the right decision. Southwestern is a beautiful place. Anyone who wants to meet me for lunch should do so and I can give you a tour! Of course, I've experienced all the requisite feelings of being somewhere new. Last week I felt childlike, like my mom left me at preschool and I wasn't ready. But I'm quickly maturing into an actual law student.

Caption that Photo!

2005-08-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

"Friends Forever"
Originally uploaded by faerymkh.

Cuz it's only the first day of school and I still have time for shenanigans like this.

Quizzical Future

2005-08-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

The future of my quiz is uncertain what with law school and all. I'll see if I have time, and it will be irregular. So, you'll get surprise quizzes from now on rather than your old reliable Thursday fix. woo!

SUV hump

2005-08-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

SUV hump
Originally uploaded by faerymkh.

Remember this Paul?

Disclaimer: The reference to Paul and the reference to "hump" are totally unrelated.

Final Days of Summer

2005-08-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to go to the beach just because for about 2 years now. Yeah, yeah, we went to Jamaica and all that, but I mean a classic, spontaneous trip to the beach in Southern CA. Finally, today Beau and I went to Santa Monica and spent the day with the sand and surf. This was my final day to really do something like this before "law school lock down" as I like to call it. We got up at a decent time, packed a picnic, put on our swimsuits, and traveled to the sea.

Tuesdays are the day to go. Barely anyone there, easy parking, and prime real estate at the shore. We laid out our blankets and put up our umbrella just south of the pier and relaxed for about 2 hours. California beaches are like nothing else, the sun beats down on you but the cool misty breeze creates a field around you that keeps you constantly comfortable. Being the albino that I am, I lathered on the sunscreen and hid under the umbrella, occasionally letting a limb peek out. Of course, I paid for what small solar contact I had since I am now burned on the back of my knees of all places.

The water was ice cold, but we walked along the shore for a bit, following a line of flayed clam shells that looked so amazingly like butterfly wings. They were all the colors of the rainbow, variegated, and looked as if they were in flight along the length of the tide. The strangest thing was that, as we were collecting a few unique specimens, we spotted a real butterfly wing in the wet sand.

The day just felt healthy. I need to do it more often. But, for now, it's school and hard work. The beach will always be there.

It's Barely NOT Thursday

2005-08-12T00:30:00.000-07:00

1) What's your favorite website?
2) How many times have you seen the sunrise?
3) Would you eat those Fear Factor things for money, lots of money?
4) Name something in the near future you aren't looking forward to.
5) Who's the sexiest comic book character?
6) Do you enjoy boating?
7) What's the most practical class you took in college?

Manifestation of Boredom

2005-08-11T23:46:00.001-07:00

Nibbler reels at the sight of my newly purchased first-year law books. Look away, Matt!

I experienced the requisite panic once the book store clerk had helped me lug them to my car and I forked over $830 for them... (Don't let your jaw drop too far, they should be for the whole year). Questions such as "hmm, I hope I'm making the right decision, why am I doing this to myself?" and "Why are the study guides as fat as the case books?" rose to mind. At first glance, all these look like tomes full of the bureaucratic fine print you never want to read. I felt numb.

There are many reasons I want to go to law school, some obvious, some personal. I'm not going to list them. But, I know on the first day of class, my studious self will get academically excited and I'll be on a path to rigor and reward, which is ok by me. This is stuff that surrounds and controls us, and most people know nothing about it, I want to know and I'm going to find out -- for better or for worse beginning August 22nd.

Polaroid Fun

2005-08-10T21:40:00.000-07:00

I call this "Nibbler Encounters the Triscuits."

Help

2005-08-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

Save Griffith Park!

Caption that Photo!

2005-08-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

Smelling walnuts.
Originally uploaded by faerymkh.

Two turn tables and a gravestone.

2005-08-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

Two turn tables and a gravestone.
Originally uploaded by faerymkh.

Doo Dee Doo

2005-08-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

Here weee goooo:

1) What's your favorite color pen, other than black or blue?
2) What's your favorite album cover?
3) Do you consider yourself a pack rat?
4) What is a pack rat? How is that related to the Rat Pack? hmmm...
5) Do you love or hate Vegas?
6) Who do you miss right now? (significant others excluded)
7) Do you watch airplane movies when offered, even if they stink?

Ohio Fun!!

2005-08-02T22:31:00.000-07:00

"Talk to the Hand"

Having fun in Downtown Columbus, outside of where I grew up. For more pics, see my Flickr site.

I Got Rocked at the Hall of Fame

2005-08-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I spent last week in Ohio. Last Tuesday we went to Cleveland and got more of a rocking than we bargained for at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was a bit scary, but more of an adventure than anything. We were the last people out of the theatre because we HAD to see Led Zeppelin be inducted. Zeppelin rocked too hard. We felt a slow shaking and then heard a low rumbling. At first, we were like, "Great, the earthquakes followed us to Ohio...". But no... it was just hurricane force winds tearing off the bottom of the theatre suspended over Lake Eerie at the moment we were in it. Kinda cool.

Otherwise, it was a wonderful trip. I really love Ohio and I think Beau does now too. Every time I go back, I learn more, things I never knew while living there (mainly because I was under 10). Beau experienced crazy lightening storms, a real basement, and fireflies all for the first time.

It was a bit sad, nonetheless. I do not know when I will go back there (or why). Also, it may have been the last time I'll be at my grandparents house (which holds so many memories) ever. That thought really saddens me, like if that house is unavailable, my Ohio is gone.

It is a beautiful place. Sometimes it looked like the Amazon, all jungly and green. The air feels differenet. Worthington is a wonderful town. While strolling through German Village (a true old settlement of Germans and hometown to Jeff Smith and other artists), we found some apartment listings for places way cooler than ours and at prices so much lower my brain stopped working and I could not comprehend. Beau said he was open to moving there one day. Maybe I'll take him up on it and create new Ohio memories...

Cat Scratch Fever

2005-07-21T23:54:00.000-07:00

Will probably miss next week...

2005-07-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

I'm going back to Ohio on Saturday, one more time! This will be a happy trip though, since I'm dragging Beau and my sister-in-law along to see where my brother and I grew up. We have lots of plans for the week, enjoying the humid, firefly filled midwest. So, not sure when I'll be able to post again...

1) What guilty pleasure TV show do you most enjoy (John, we know yours already).
2) What's your favorite cleaning solution (i.e. Comet, Windex, etc.)
3) Do you like sandwhiches understuffed or overstuffed?
4) What other country could you go to and get by decently in terms of speaking?
5) Name something good about this heat.
6) What is your favorite month?
7) Do you have a "bed time?"

Time for a Change

2005-07-17T22:50:00.000-07:00

Short!

Caption that Photo!

2005-07-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

Visitor
Originally uploaded by faerymkh.

Another game, but don't forget about the quiz below!

Quizy McQuizerson

2005-07-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hi all.

1) How often do you use your turn signals?
2) Should cats ever be declawed?
3) Are you sleepy right now?
4) What artistic ability do you wish you had?
5) What are you most proud of?
6) Did kids ever make fun of your name in school? If so, what were you called?
7) Was this a slow or fast week?

Panic is Setting In

2005-07-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

Well, not quite, but my mind is beginning to race as law school looms nearer and nearer in my future (as in one month away). I received my registration materials from Southwestern and, looking at the classes, I actually got excited about studying again. I just hate all the possibilities that are bouncing around in my head -- being on USC's waitlist was just a matter of fact for a while, but now I'm getting panicky, asking pointless questions -- what if I had studied a bit more for the LSAT, what if I took a different test, what if I don't get a good enough job after law school because of that. I'm slipping back into my high school mindset of one minor thing having a snowball effect on my entire life. I don't think I'd be the greatest law student to live, but I do think I deserve a shot at USC and it pisses me off that singular scores and things that I can't control determine my future. I worked so hard at UCLA and I know what I can do. I keep telling myself that wherever I am, I'll be fine -- I'll succeed and be happy, but what if I'm not satisfied, what if the past creates a future I don't want?

Finally!!

2005-07-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

I cannot wait to get this DVD, which I have been waiting years for. I have twisted childhood memories of this film and, damn, would Johnny Depp's tears taste yummy.

Oh baby.

Growing Kitty

2005-07-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

Nibbler's outgrowing his nook.

Growing Kitty
Originally uploaded by faerymkh.

I Almost Forgot!

2005-07-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

And I've gotta leave soon, so think Mary, think...

1) Have you ever stolen anything, even in the slightest?
2) Stay in or go out? Generally.
3) Do germs and grime gross you out or have you ever really thought about nasty bacteria, etc. living AMONG us!
4) Did you like War of the Worlds? Have you or will you see it?
5) What are you doing tonight?
6) Are you sleepiest right before bed or right after getting up?
7) What hair color do you wish you had?

I am Now Afraid of Copyrights

2005-07-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

So I had to call the Copyright Office today in D.C. and the bureaucracy was quite frightening. I was inquiring about an affidavit we sent for a client over a year ago (I wasn't even working here yet) requesting changes to a copyright which were apparently never made. So I call, trying to sound like I know what I'm talking about and I can't even explain what I need. The lady's like "Did you file a CA form, what is the name of the document?" I'm like, "Must... formulate some... response." All I had was the client's name, some of their songs and a light grasp of the situation. Basically, I got no where and I won't be able to get my boss to talk to the Copyright Office since he has an aversion to doing things himself.

The moral of the story: I was interested in copyrights, but now I'm a bit wary. Looking through this client's file, I found a response letter from the CO Office, which had a little sticker on it with a barcode! They must barcode and track the rats in their office... Be afraid, be very afraid.

Electronic Pet Deaths

2005-07-05T14:39:00.000-07:00

This is too hilarious!

How would you like "I will always remember how you always pooed right after I fed you!!" on your gravestone?

It'd be pretty good if you were a Tamagotchi... My little brother bought me one over the weekend and it's somewhat entertaining. But I'm not sure I could muster up enough sorrow to post a gravestone for my probably soon-to-be-deceased e-pet.

Cinespia = Fun!

2005-07-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

Beau and I took his little bros to Cinespia on Saturday night and if you haven't gone, it's well worth it! It's quite fun to be jammed in a cemetery watching a movie with hundreds of people. Who knew? No, really, we had a great time.

Every Saturday, they have screenings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The cemetery is surprisingly large and I'd like to go back and wonder the small mausoleums. Last Saturday, we were lucky enough to catch Pee Wee's Big Adventure, one of my all time favorite movies, and get a call from Paul Reubens himself before the showing, thanking everyone for coming! It was the perfect movie for a cold summer night in a graveyard -- fun but a little creepy! That movie brings back such a mix of childhood emotions for me, it's so well done. Somehow between Burton and Pee Wee there's a sense of innocent fun mixed with foreboding fear -- exactly what childhood feels like sometimes.

If you do go, be prepared. There was a huge line to get in (somehow spiraling from the inside out, which took some time to figure out), then you have to stake a claim on the lawn. Bring chairs and sweaters! We're ready to go back, this time with wine and cheese!

Another Thursday

2005-06-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

And I have a free moment, so...

1) What calms you down?
2) Do you enjoy flying (on a plane)?
3) Will life only get better or is it all downhill from here?
4) What was the coolest house/fort/environment you created as a child?
5) What would happen if a zombie bit a vampire? vice versa?
6) Are you doing any kind of summer activity this weekend?
7) Do you check yourself out in mirrors as you walk by?

Cloudy Kitty Thoughts

2005-06-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

The Scenario:
Promptly at 6:30 am, Nibbler jumps up on the bed, attempts to nurse my ear, and I place a pillow over my head. Still, he snuggles near and starts to purr. I cuddle with him and pet him. But, I’m still not mostly awake...

I’ve collected some of the half asleep thoughts I’ve had as I scratch his ears and stroke his back. Don’t ask where they came from, I have no idea:

- Nibbler would be a good stylist.
- I wonder if Nibbler has a myspace profile.
- Get a job.
- Did he just fall in the toilet?
- What’s that smell? (sniffs Nibbler’s paws). Hmm, must be Beau.

Ok, I made that last one up, but the others I’ve thought and then thought, what the heck did I just think?? The wonders of the groggy mind.

What's that sound?!

2005-06-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

What's that sound?!
Originally uploaded by faerymkh.

I've come up with another fun communal activity, Caption that Photo!

I look somewhat frightened in this pic and I don't know why. Come up with explanations/captions and you'll win... uh, something!

Where's Nibbler?

2005-06-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

Where's Nibbler?
Originally uploaded by faerymkh.

Hammertime!

2005-06-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

I just spoke to MC Hammer! How cool is that? To see how thrilling this is, check out Ping Pong Ching Chong's post about it. To quote her, "Sadly, that was the highlight of my year" (working here). I transferred him to our estate attorney, an elderly Chicagoian (?) with those old school large, square-rimmed black glasses. This is the subsequent interchange:

Me: Ok Bill, there's MC Hammer! (yelling to office down the way)
Bill: What do I call him? (to no one in particular)
Chuck: I don't know. MC?
Me: No, Hammer! (That's what he says on his voicemail).
Bill: Hello? Why hello MC.

sigh...

Good Ol' Quiz

2005-06-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

Since last week's sharing session didn't seem to be a resounding hit, I will revert to the quiz format that we all know and love...

1)How many times do you hit snooze in the morning?
2)What do you really want to be doing right now?
3)What noise do you hate? (Did I ask that already?)
4)What state do you want to visit that you've never been to before?
5)Do labels matter to you (not necessarily due to status symbolism, but personal reasons)?
6)Do you enjoy writing?
7)Have you ever done it in a public place?

Whaa...??

2005-06-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

Just to make things exciting, I'm changing up the whole quiz bit this week...

Some things you may not know about Mary:

1) The left side of my jaw was once stuck for 2 months
2) My right collarbone has been broken
3) I have a phobia of sloths
4) I once ran home from elementary school to change my shoes
5) I greatly enjoy filling out forms
6) My one birthmark is on the back of my head (according to my mom)
7) I'm afraid of the dark

Now it's your turn! Tell me some things I may not know about you.

Earlobe Nursing

2005-06-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

Earlobe Nursing
Originally uploaded by faerymkh.

I told you!

Notice

2005-06-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

Try not to cry, but there will be no quiz tomorrow. I'm leaving town till Sunday. If you need something to read, ponder the post below.

"It Was a Wednesday"

2005-05-31T12:23:00.000-07:00

Am I the only one who has noticed the recent influx of ambiguous statements and trendy multiple-meaning slogans on t-shirts, bags, cars, etc? The quote above is from a t-shirt on-line. Why are these cool? Why?? Perhaps people want to be mysterious or these strange statements are funny in some way. People seriously need to stop wearing garments that proclaim "Because I can" or "C is for Crunk." These lame shirts are one step away from the kitsch that is "One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor" and other tourist t-shirt wit. I blame Urban Outfitters, despite my own patronage of the store, for introducing t-shirts such as "Idaho? No, U-daho" and those "Everyone loves a ____ Girl" tees. The situation has gotten out of hand.

This site has an entire contest devoted to discovering the best meaningless slogans for t-shirts. What is the criteria for this? Most ambiguous? Most lame? I think the latter. Some day, we will all be wearing shirts with gems such as "i love music." and "Words mean things." You see someone in a shirt like this and you think, "Oooo, where did he get that, he is SO funny and fresh. I want my own meaningless-yet-somehow-there-is-hidden-meaning t-shirt!!" People are going to begin relying on these masterful pieces of wit pulled out of someone's ass for their own self-expression. At least come up with it yourself and say it, instead of wearing it. For how long can "It Was a Wednesday" remain entertaining?

*Disclaimer* This post does not serve as a dis for anyone who prefers, has bought, or admires such attire. Nor do the views expressed in this post preclude my ability to frequent said purveyors of merchandise or purchase said attire at any place, date or time.
I think I'm ready for law school.

Force Post

2005-05-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

At least this quiz deal keeps me posting once a week. I just haven't been interested in posting lately, not that I've been particularly busy (I've had half the week off) but I just keep telling blogger I'm not in the mood, I "have a headache" so to speak.

So...

1) Are high five's cool or cheesy?
2) How many magazines do you subscribe to?
3) What geographical area do you prefer (ie ocean, mountain, etc.)?
4) What's your favorite Shakespeare play?
5) What am I doing this weekend? If you get something right, I'll give you a hug.
6) What formal dance would you like to learn?
7) When/where do you "space out?"

Encore Une Fois

2005-05-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

1) What was your favorite sport to play when you were little?
2) What body part would you pierce, if forced to?
3) What do you do when you are bored?
4) Do you enjoy libraries?
5) What would you install in your backyard (if you had one) for enjoyment/entertainment?
6) What quality do you envy in others?
7) What color are your eyes?

Bonus! Courtesy of Ceity: When taking a shower, which body part do you wash first?

Knitting with Kitty

2005-05-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

Nibbler keeps the stereotype alive.

Yay time!

2005-05-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have a moment to post now. My boss is leaving for Italy this weekend (for 3 weeks) and is currently in a pre-vacation frenzy.

1) What are you excited about doing this weekend?
2) Are these quizzes essentially narcissistic or do you believe they draw everyone closer with the sharing of information and deep, dark secrets?
3) Do fart jokes make you laugh?
4) If you could have any animal as a pet, and reasonably take care of it (i.e. don't say rhino or something smartass), what would you want?
5) Do you think adults should have "big people sleepovers?" And I'm not talking about drinking or having sex all night, but playing innocent games and watching movies, etc.
6) How corrupt do you think you are?
7) Do you have names picked out for future children (and you don't have to share them cause we don't want to have any awkward, baby name stealing situations, do we?).

My Commercial Mind

2005-05-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

So I'm driving home yesterday and I see a guy sitting at a bus stop wearing a black and white striped shirt and black pants. I think, "Oh look, a Foot Locker employee." After a few seconds of sitting at the red light, I realize he may be an actual referee, the odds of which are far more likely.

I don't know how exactly, but that thought process just seems wrong, twisted and backwards....

Things that I like and you should too

2005-05-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

Here's an amalgamation of things I am currently enjoying:

Tegan & Sara's new album is SO good! I was going to buy it, but then my trusty genetic link came in handy and I burned it from my brother who had already spent his cash. Ha!

You should support Sante D'or. It's where our kitty came from. I inquired about filling their empty "animal photographer volunteer" spot!

Kenya was posted by Mr. Ceity, but I enjoy it so much that I stole it! Their feline rocking is hypnotic...

I like Fred Flare, but I need to return the aviators I just bought as they are just too large for my face, and you know they must be big for me to admit that...

I can't wait for Conan on the 12! Will Ferrell and Louis XIV! Woo!

Ok, ok, back to work...

You say it’s Friday? Where did my quiz go?

2005-05-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

Wow, for some reason, I did not realize yesterday was Thursday until today (if that makes sense), and I’ve even been brainstorming questions (which I now forget). Opps! In other news, I executed a surprise attack on the USC law school admissions office yesterday, dropped off “additional materials,” and tried to break through the fortress that is their bureaucracy to get important people to see my face, but to not much avail. I’ve also signed up for the craptastic LSAT again. I’ve consistently been late to work this week, coming in at the crack of 10:15 at times… My system is all whacked out.

1) What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
2) Do you subscibe to the Toys R Us motto “I don’t want to grow up?”
3) What’s the last really bad movie you saw?
4) What frustrates you most at work?
5) When do you feel most beautiful/handsome?
6) What was your first car? When did you get it? Were you happy to have anything or sad about its crapiness?
7) What’s your porn name (you know, first pet + first street). Mine’s Marmalade Park! Sexy!