Where's the Stage?

I haven't picked up a guitar in a long long time. I heard this song and fell in love with it, and then thought, "I wonder if I could play this on the guitar..." So, I picked up the guitar, and started strumming away. An hour later, I'm ready to hit the stage! Look out, Jason Mraz.

Home Sweet Home

I've just noticed that there are a couple of things that have become part of my evening routine for the last couple of weeks. I've developed a few little obsessions. I need my fix of each of these every day after I come home from work.


Reruns of Law and Order SVU on USA. Each episode is like a mini-movie. Detectives Benson, Stabler, and Tutuola are so bad-ass.


I love love love sugar snap peas as a little appetizer before dinner. I can eat them forever. They're sweet, and crunchy, and bite size.


My K.N wool socks that Mar got me for Christmas. As soon as I get home from work, I change into my sweats and put on my wool socks. They are uber cozy on my feet.

The Roof! The Roof!

The Roof is LEAKING! After all the snow and rain, our 102 year old school building is really starting to show its wear and tear. The roof in my office leaked, and I came in last Tuesday morning to find plaster and puddles covering the floor in my office. It was so bad that it also leaked all the way down to the basement below me. This Tuesday, I came into the classroom and found everything in my office spewing into my classroom and the whole office sealed off with plastic. Maintenance men have been in and out of the classroom, asking questions, tapping, pounding, blasting the fan during instruction, and pulling things apart. I've had teachers and principals come in and observe me, and I couldn't help but apologize to them for all the mess. Apparently, I've been really patient, and one of the maintenance men gave me a Starbucks gift card as a token of appreciation for my patience. I just think it's his way of saying, "Hang in there. I don't know when we'll have this done."

Hello, LA!

Ardon and I spent this past weekend in LA, where the sun was hot and the breeze was cool--a nice departure from the 4 inches of snow that fell in Seattle the day before we left. Ardon was there for a massive music convention called NAMM. I have no idea what it stands for, but I do know that any and every electronic/instrument/gadget company that has anything to do with music was represented at this convention, which was held at the Anaheim Convention Center. So, while Ardon was working, I was hanging out with Auntie Becca, Bess and Royce. And, of course, like any other trip to LA, I ate my ass off. Here are a couple of my greatest hits from the weekend. I highly recommend all places.



Donahoo's Golden Chicken in Pomona. The skin on the fried chicken has a really thin but crunchy crust. The rolls are buttered to perfection, and the fries are a nice, steaky addition.


Madanzsae Korean BBQ in Lakewood, where you become the chef. We grilled strips of beef, pork, and squid. Tasty and fun.



Pink's Hot Dogs in Los Angeles. Do I even need to say anything about this place?


Millions of Milkshakes, West Hollywood. I had a Snickers/Rolos milkshake--SO GOOD! I also had a sip of Royce's Nutella shake. I think I'll order it next time, because there definitely will be a next time. Also, the people watching is fun, as it's located in the heart of a very colorful nightlife.


Bamboo Bistro in West Covina. The last couple of times Ardon and I have visited LA, we've always had our last meal of the trip here. Filipino buffet. Enough said.

I Should Get Paid.

I was shopping at Metro Market, and came across these little baggies that were selling for $5.99. This is what I did as Christmas presents, but I bet mine tasted better AND were more adorably packaged. Career change, maybe?
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What's Going On, America?

After the shooting in Arizona, this is what Keith Olbermann had to say. It makes me frustrated with our politicians, and sad that politics has come to this point. Politicians should NOT be targets for violence, and civilians should NOT be dying because Republicans and Democrats cannot see eye to eye.

It's the Thought That Counts

"Here's a late Christmas present for you, Miss Picardal."
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