Busy Bee

Oh, hello there blog. Miss me lately? :)

Been busy at work actually WORKING. Who knew that some jobs really do require you to work all day and not be online? I never would've guessed! LOL But I think I've fallen into place already and gotten used to my new work routines. One good thing about being busy all the time is my work day goes by quickly for the most part. But since I can't be online much I don't get to do my daily social online updates like I used to. Awwww....I know you all miss it. Right?!?!?! :)

But I'll pop in here and there, on the blog and other sites, whenever I can. This weekend is the Memorial Day weekend so it's a 3 day weekend. Woohoo! Been enjoying it by relaxing. We went out Friday to our usual, Circus, and after that just been chilling at my house. We watched two DVDs Juan picked yesterday (Notorious and Bride Wars), hit the gym and also had a nice dinner at our favorite Farmer Boys. Today we've just been relaxing, might head to the movies later (Terminator Salvation, perhaps). So I've definitely been enjoying the kickback weekend.

I'm finally at a nice, peaceful point again. Work is going well, three weeks into it. I've gotten the hang of most things now while still learning a few stuff along the way. The slightly longer commute on the drive home kinda sucks at times, but oh well. I'm just so grateful I was able to find a good job so quickly in these tough times. Maybe I'll allow myself to splurge just a little soon. I have been thinking about getting a TiVo. :) We'll see.

First Week

The first week at the new job went pretty well. Yeah, I was nervous, especially on the very first day, but little by little I'm learning my new responsibilities and getting used to the changes (new location, slightly longer commute, new people, etc.). I think I've already got everyone's names down, which isn't too difficult this time since we're only about 20 or so people there in the office. Everyone's been pretty cool and friendly, so that's always a big plus. Even as the week ended, I still felt a bit lost at times, trying to figure a few things out, but I know that's normal with any new job. Overall, it was a good start...for me, at least...I hope my bosses and co-workers think so as well. There were a lot of new things I needed to learn/remember, so it just takes me some getting used to. From what I've heard, it took my coworkers a while too...so at least knowing that helps me feel more confident that it's not just me. :)

Right now I'm just chilling at Juan's, enjoying this Sunday. The weekend's gone by way too fast, as is always the case. But I do my best to enjoy ever second of it. Hopefully this coming week goes just as well, if not better, and quicker too. Hopefully the nervous feelings I felt last week aren't around as much now that I have a few days under my belt.

I do feel I'm very lucky to have someone, Juan, that can help calm me down and comfort me and encourage me. There are times when I just tend to overthink things and make myself freak out too much for no reason. He was really helpful in making me feel calm and relax and remember to just take a deep breath and do my best. So if you read this, thank you!

Saturday Quickie

It's three o'clock on this Saturday. I'm sitting here waiting as Juan gets his haircut and then we're going to the gym and a friend's birthday night later on. As of this past Thursday I've technically been between jobs...my last day at my now 'old' job has come and gone and now I start at a new place on Monday morning. Must admit I'm definitely nervous...not that I think I will do bad or anything, just the whole new job, new responsibilities to learn and new people to meet can make me somewhat anxious and nervous. Soon enough I know I'll settle in and get used to the new work routine. It all just takes time. For now just relaxing and enjoying my weekend. We went to see the X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie last night and I really enjoyed it...so go check it out!

Ok enough blogging for now...takes so long doing this from the mobile browser. lol

Last (full) Day At Work

It's finally arrived. My final full day working here. I can't believe it's been almost six years since I started here! Seems like so much has happened since then. Many people have come and gone from this company. We started out doing great, even opening a brand new store, things looked good. But you can never be too sure about the future of things, especially when it comes to businesses. Overall, it's been a nice run for me here. Might not have been the most glamorous job, but I made the best of it. I did my best and met/exceeded expectations on the job. I was able to learn about new music and movies that I might not have discovered otherwise. I was able to work with some cool people (despite my often keeping more to myself lol). And of course, can't forget the free lunches and musical guests we'd often have here in the office! How many companies will give you that! I was so fortunate to have been able to see many artists perform for us, up close and personal, in such a small intimate setting.

So yeah, I'll miss this place. And not just me, but many of the people that loved shopping at our stores, or even just browsing around and hanging out, which in itself could be fun. The future of the brick and mortar music store is uncertain. I hope that down the road it still remains, in one way or another, because there's just something about going to a store on a new release day and seeing what's out that can't be replaced by some clicks and scrolls on a web site.

Tomorrow is my official last day. I'm guessing I probably just come in for part of the day until I get my official paperwork, then I should be free to go. I don't deal with goodbyes so well. Always feels really awkward to me for some reason. I never know what to say. But at least I won't be the only one leaving tomorrow, so it's not like I'll stand out too much.

We have a little pizza lunch gathering today in one of the rooms here, I believe just for our dept, about a dozen or so people. Should be nice. A little awkward maybe since it's a celebration on the last full day for some of us. So it's a nice sentiment, but I just never really know what to say to people. Also, since I already have a job lined up, I feel a bit bad bringing it up to others that may not be so fortunate yet.

So we'll see how this day goes. Doing some small final cleaning up of my desk (and computer desktop), though I already did most of it little by little since I found out I had two months left back in February. There's really nothing much left for me to do, even in terms of actual work. It's all a matter of waiting now.

One door is closing while I head on to the next . . .

(Oh and about the image that accompanies this post...it's sort of an inside joke between Juan & I. hehe)

Dark Angel Summer

I got home this past Monday to a hot and stuffy room. I opened up the window and blinds to let some fresh air in. Being in that room, lights off and feeling hot, reminded me so much of the summer days. More specifically it reminded me of last summer, when I'd come home after work and relax in my room, a few clothes shed, cold drink at my side, fan running and watching my DVDs. That was the "Dark Angel summer." hehe I watched all my DVDs for that show during those hot summer nights when I didn't feel like doing much. (This was before I joined the gym.) Those were some nice relaxing times! :)

[ I originally wrote this post through my cell phone. Turns out that because my phone sends long texts as seperate parts, it was posted as seperate entries as well. lol So now I know, from now on, to keep my text message posts short & sweet. lol]

Texting Test

I think I'm finally able to text in my blog posts on my cheap little cell phone. This is a test. If you can see this post then it worked! Yay!

Two More Weeks

Where did this week go!? Despite having some slow days, the week overall seemed to go by fast. It's already Thursday afternoon...my "Friday" for this work week! I decided to use one final "personal day" off from work tomorrow. I don't have any solid plans set up yet, but I just really wanted to take a day. Plus, the workload has been pretty light lately, which is understandable considering our company is closing soon. Just two more weeks from today until my last day here! Scary! I've been able to relax a bit more lately now that I don't have to worry about the job hunting, which is good. But I know that as soon as that weekend comes, right before I start my new job, I'll probably be feeling a bit of stress. But it's the "good stress"! I'm the type of person that tends to overthink things, overplan and maybe worry a bit too much, especially if it's a significant change in my life like this new job! I get so used to my daily, weekly, monthly and yearly routines
...that whenever something new gets thrown into the mix, I need time to fully adjust. I'm sure that as long as I put my all into this new job, I should be fine. I know I'm a capable person, a quick learner and good problem solver. Those qualities weren't on my resumes just for filler, ya know! :)


I know that some of my coworkers still don't have a new job lined up, so I feel bad for them. I was having a tough time getting "noticed" by employers, too. Seems like now, more than ever, it really is about who you know...connections...when it comes to looking for a job. I just hope that eventually everyone is able to find something new. These are all good people. Eventhough I might not have always been the social type when it comes to work, I'll still miss seeing all these familiar friendly faces. Lately I find myself thinking back to the last almost six years I've been here. The people that have come and gone, the many fun in-office performances, the cool music I got to discover, the company picnics, the promo giveaways. Good times! It's been such a fun, casual work environment, and I loved that. I think I was spoiled in some ways, because chances are I probably will never find another workplace like this. :)

I'm glad my weekend is almost here. As I mentioned, I don't have any real plans yet, but I'm sure we'll figure something out. Last weekend was fun! It was Juan's 29th birthday weekend. So on Friday we went out to Circus and had a great time with some friends. The following afternoon we headed out to the Hollywood area, for a change. We rarely go out there. We hit the gym, visited the Walk of Fame area, had a nice dinner at CPK and then did some shopping at the Target. It was fun hanging out in that Walk of Fame area. We dressed up a bit more than we normally would and were taking pictures, just like the tourists. And just like the tourists, we even got harrassed by one of the "costumed people" there on the sidewalk. Some Charlie Chaplin guy pretty much threw himself into one of our photos and then took of his hat and asked for "a buck or two." Just to get rid of him, I threw in a buck. Then he looks at me with those beedy little eyes and holds up two fingers, to tell me he wants $2. Bastard! You said "a buck or two"...not "has to be two"! Ugggh. I just threw it in so he'd leave. lol So yeah...watch out for 'em. :)

That night, as we were paying at the Target store, I noticed two guys that were in a checkout line next to ours. They were holding a big bag of dog food and a big pack of toilet paper, among other things. As they got closer to us (one aisle beside us) I made brief eye contact with one of them. As soon as I saw those very distinguishable eyes and facial features, I knew I recognized him. Or rather, I knew he looked like someone. I took out my cell phone and typed into it, "kyle xy behind you", then showed it to Juan. Had I said it was Matt Dallas, he wouldn't know who I was talking about, that's why I went with his character's name instead. lol He turned around and then confirmed that it was him. At that moment I got excited. Up til then I just figured it looked like him but couldn't be him, because I never recognize people! A couple minutes later Juan overheard him say a few words and then gave me final confirmation that it really was him, because he recognized the voice from the TV show. I would've loved to be able to go up to him, say how much I liked his show (which I genuinely did, having watched it from day one til the final episode), and maybe even taken a picture. We'd left the brand new camera I'd picked out for Juan's birthday in the car, but even just a cell cam pic would've been nice. But Matt was paying for his stuff, doing his shopping, we thought it'd be too rude to bug him at that point. Had he just been walking down a aisle in the store and we bumped into each other...then maybe. It was fun seeing a celebrity I like though. I wonder what I'd do if I ever saw Sarah Michelle Gellar, my Buffy!

Oh and I finally got to see Slumdog Millionaire on Sunday. We watched it together in the morning, after having an early lunch, before hitting the gym. It really lived up to it's hype, such a good movie! And I loved the music. Might have to look into the soundtrack. :)

F My Life

We all have days where things just don't go our way. Something crappy, embarrassing, awkward or just plain strange happens to us. Often we try to just forget about those moments and move on. But why forget, when you can save them forever over at fmylife.com!? :)

I don't know what percentage of the entries on that site are real, but it doesn't matter. Some of them are quite funny! I spent a good few minutes reading through a bunch of them. If anything, next time you have a bad moment, you can just look at some of those entries and say, "could've been worse!"

Employed (Again)

Heard the good news?! I got a new job! I finally feel like a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders!

Ever since that day in January, the Friday when half of the offices department's were laid off, shortly after we returned from our fun Vancouver trip, I've been a bit stressed and worried about what would happen next. Eventually, toward the end of February it became official that our company was going to be closing. They gave me a 2 month notice, with my last day to be at the end of April. That gave me at least two months to look for a new job. So all of March I was feeling especially nervous and stressed. The job market is tough right now. Seems like for every job opening there are hundreds of people applying! When I went on a job interview a few days ago, they literally had several interviews all going on at the same time. The hiring lady would go from person to person, checking up on each of us as we were doing different parts of the initial testing/screening processes.

Not knowing what my job future held also forced me to go on a tight budget. All my "wants" would have to be put on hold and I only allowed myself to purchase any "needs". Do you know how tough it was for me to see a new release DVD I really wanted (for example, Wonder Woman) and have to just walk away from it. Now I know what an addiction feels like. "Just say NO to DVDs." lol I also had to limit my outings a bit due to the money thing, but also because I was often feeling a bit bummed about the job thing and not really in much of a party mood. The whole car incident with Juan allowed me to spend more time at his place, which was actually a nice thing for me. Being with him, I was more relaxed, comfortable, happy and just able to forget my worries for those moments. And all this also made me a bit more distant from people. Because I wasn't going online as much as I used to (so I could use that time to focus on job hunts) and I wasn't really going out as much.

But now that I have a new job lined up, I feel so much more relieved! It's like a huge dark nagging cloud over my head has been whisked away! Sure, I know I'll be nervous once I start my new job in May. I always get a bit nervous during these types of big changes in my life. But I also know that eventually I'll settle in, get the hang of it, and then do great at the new place! For now, I can breathe again. I can feel more relaxed. I can allow myself a few treats (but not TOO much...shouldn't count all my chickens before they fully hatched hehe). I can finally feel some sense of calmness and normalcy again. There are a few other things I need to get to in my life, personal matters, but my main worry has been cleared for now.

And major thanks to you, Juan, for helping me get through this. Your support and encouragement meant a lot to me! You helped keep me together so I wouldn't lose my focus, and I really appreciate it!

Ride Share Bonding

It's kind of funny how bad things can often work out better than you imagined. All it takes is a little positive thinking and looking at life through the bright side of it all. It's going on almost three weeks now since the weekend of our "(mini)series of unfortunate events." If you don't know what I'm talking about, in a nutshell: my car was broken into, some of our stuff was stolen, and Juan's car was crashed into (while parked) by a drunk driver the very next day. Since then we've replaced the things that were taken and his car has been in the shop, it will hopefully be ready at some point in the coming couple of weeks.

Not having a car, for someone who works full time and often has personal errands to run, can be quite a burden. But being the supportive couple that we are, we worked it out so that on the weekends we use my car to run our errands and during the week on certain days I'll give him a ride to/from work and on others he carpools with his sister. He's also borrowed my car one day, when he to drive during the work day, so I was dropped off and picked up from work...which was qutie nice! hehe In retun for my helping him out, he's been treating me to a few lunches when we go out or helping me out by preparing my lunches for work when I spend the night.

We've even been going to the gym together a few days after work during the week, which we normally wouldn't do since he'd usually go earlier in the evening and I would go later in the evening. The cool thing is that I've still managed to do the things I would normally do, without really having to drive any more than usual. I even still watch my TV shows. I just record them on his DVR and watch them the following morning as he's getting ready. But my favorite part is that I've gotten to spend a lot more time with him lately, and it's been so nice. :) Especially going through job hunts and interviews, it's nice to be able to meet with him on some days to help calm my nerves and talk about what's been going on in the "hunt."

So yeah, while it does suck about his car having to be in the shop for so long, we're just looking at the bright side of it all. Nobody was hurt and as a result we've been having fun spending more time together during the week. Once the dust settles and we're back to some sort of old routine again, I'm really going to miss those ridesharing mornings & evenings! :) And hey, I'm even going to miss the Oprah episodes I've joined him in watching at the end of the day! hehe

Andy Hallett, R.I.P.

Sad day in the Whedonverse. Andy Hallett, who played the flashy, loveable, singing demon, Lorne, on the Buffy The Vampire Slayer spinoff, Angel, has passed away. :(

Via E! Online:

Andy Hallett, who starred as Lorne ("the Host") on the TV series Angel, died of heart failure last night [March 29th] at age 33, according to his longtime agent and friend Pat Brady. The actor passed away at Cedars-Sinai Hospital after a five-year battle with heart disease, with his father Dave Hallett by his side.

Hallett, from the Cape Cod village of Osterville, Mass., appeared on more than 70 episodes of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer spinoff, Angel, between 2000 and 2004. The accomplished actor was also a musician and sang two songs ("Lady Marmalade" and "It's Not Easy Being Green") on the Angel: Live Fast, Die Never soundtrack, released in 2005.

Andy has spent his post-Angel years working on his music career, playing shows around the country. He had been admitted to the hospital three or four times in the past few years for his heart condition, according to Pat.

The Secret Ingredient Is...

When is a sandwich not JUST a sandwich? When it's made with the secret ingredient, of course. What is it? Haven't you heard? The secret ingredient is...LOVE. :)

A couple summers ago, we went to the beach one day with a few of our friends, and Juan & I were in charge of taking some sandwiches and a few drinks in a cooler. We prepared the sandwiches beforehand, placing each in an individual sandwich bag. As we were eating them on the beach, they told us the sandwiches were good. Of course, we hadn't really done anything extra special to them, just the typical ingredients (meat, cheese, tomatoes, etc.). But Juan, in response to the compliments on our sandwiches, then said, "The secret ingredient is love." :) So that got a good little laugh. hehe

Ever since then, there've been several instances when a situation comes up that reminds me of that phrase. And right now, as I type this, I'm actually having a sandwich for lunch. It was one that Juan prepared for me this morning. I spent the night at his place, to give him a ride this morning, and so he was nice enough to prepare me a lunch so I don't have to buy one (since I'm trying to save). He even included some chips and a yogurt for desert. :) I know it's just your typical type of sandwich that I'm eating, but it actually does taste better to me. Why? Because of the secret ingredient of course...

Jay Brannan Can't Have It All

So, my good close friend *, Jay Brannan, has come out with a new music video. It's for his song, "Can't Have It All". I just saw it right now for the first time and I really love it. I've loved the song and it's cool to see a video to it now. Whenever I hear the song it takes me back to seeing him perform live, because I believe it might've been the one he actually opened the night with the last time I went to see him. :) So here it is...with lyrics right after...



(* by "good close friend" I mean in my imagination lol)

CAN'T HAVE IT ALL
music and lyrics by Jay Brannan

applying moisturizer in the microwave window
for the tenth time, he shouldve called me an hour ago
would he be here with flowers if i lived in arizona?

they say theres no love left in the big cities, its kinda true
i guess youll find me coming soon to a small town near you
ill sell my guitar so i can by myself a tractor

fuck this, this cant be my life
i moisturized ten times tonight
why cant i sit down and write,
bring this question to light?

chorus
do you want a lover, or do you want a life?
one hand or the other, the butter or the bread knife?
do you choose winter, spring, summer, or fall?
its driving me crazy that i cant have it all

if these walls could talk, theyd probably cry out for mercy
til im outlined in chalk, ill be romantically thirsty
so i drink and drink from the proverbial time sink

fuck this, this cant be my life
tears flowing in full force tonight
why cant i sit down and write,
bring this question to light?

chorus

do we hold the future, or does it come in peace?
and if its in my hands, are you sure it should be in brittle hands like these?
life, love, and the pursuit of all the things they promised me
can i have all of the above? are the best things in life truly free?

chorus

© 2008 great depression publishing

For full HQ version visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AV5XzKjz2Y

More Jay Brannan Videos: www.youtube.com/user/jaybrannan

His Official Page: www.jaybranan.com

I Saw TRS' Alex

I think I just saw Alex Albrecht, from The Totally Rad Show & Diggnation, two of my favorite podcasts! If you have no idea who he is or what the podcasts are about, then be sure to check them out. Just click on their names in the previous sentences. And if you've no idea what a podcast is...shame, shame, shame on you!

Anyhow, I saw him about half an hour ago, he was in front of me at the ATM while I waited patiently behind him for my turn. I didn't recognize him at first, until I really paid attention and even then I was only about 80% sure it could be him. I usually SUCK at recognizing people. So I just stood there until he was done and walked right past me on his way back to his car in the parking lot. As I was walking back to my car a few minutes later (to get some envelopes that I needed to drop in the mail box), I saw him driving away in a black BMW. At that point I was then about 99% sure it was him, since I remembered him discussing his new car at some point in the podcasts.

So yeah, that was my own little celebrity sighting. Or...would he be considered a full-on celebrity? Well, to me and his fans & followers I'm sure he is. hehe Also, I'm pretty sure I've probably seen a bunch of other actors or otherwise famous people walking past me here in L.A., especially where I currently work since the SAG offices are here, but I just never notice them. A simple hat or sunglasses is often enough to sneak past me. hehe But it was actually quite cool seeing Alex, especially since The Totally Rad Show (TRS) is my favorite podcast! Listening to Alex, Dan & Jeff on that show brings back so many memories of my youth, plus they cover a lot of the entertainment stuff that I'm into.

I Want: Buffy Maquettes

What I wouldn't give to be able to have these three Buffy "tooned up" maquettes (which I believe is just a fancy french word for a small model/sculpture). Buffy, Glory & Evil Willow. Love it! But my tight budget days continue so can't do! Will just have to be happy looking at the pretty pictures. hehe Still...at about over $80 or so each, I don't think I'd be getting them even if I could afford to spend the money! Just a bit too much for me, the casual collector. :)

Quick Thoughts

I haven't blogged as much these past few days. Funny thing is, I've actually had a lot on my mind that I'd normally want to write down. But for now, I think it's best I just focus (or try my best to) on other more important things. Such as...you know...where I'll be working at in the near future! :-/

I was thinking back this morning to what I'd call "happier times." January of 2008, in particular, when we took a trip to Madrid. There really weren't many things to worry about at the time for both of us, if I remember correctly. So it was a good feeling. Peaceful. And a fun time going on a beautiful and forever memorable trip. These days, I can still have fun if I want, but I can never shake off that nagging reminder in the back of my mind that things are topsy turvy right now. And not just for me personally, but for many people out there, both here in the U.S. and abroad.

We all just keep on going, living life, taking those "can't help but smile" moments as we can get them. In the end, I think what matters most are the people you love. And those are truly the ones that'll always be around, no matter what the times may be like. A warm embrace, a gentle kiss, a hand to hold...things that'll never cost you a penny from the special people in your life.

I may take little breaks from this blog in the coming weeks. But hopefully soon I can get back to my random silliness. :)

Housewife

I was listening to my iPod at work, and Jay Brannan's song "Housewife" came on. As I listened to the lyrics...

"...I wanna be a housewife,
what's so wrong with that?
I wanna be a housewife, yeah,
and that's just where I'm at..."

...I couldn't help but wonder, seriously, would that be so bad? To be a housewife, that is. To stay home, take care of the house, do the laundry, run grocery errands and have a nice dinner waiting for my love to return from work? Honestly, I'm starting to think I'd quite like that.

*Sigh*

Two Month Notice

It's finally starting to hit me, the reality of it all. I am losing my current job in two months. :( It was something that was pretty much coming for a while now, but there was never an end date. Now that there is, it's much more scarier. I guess I should try and see the positive side of it, that at least I'm being given a decent amount of notice so I can try to plan accordingly. Still, doesn't make it any easier knowing that I have to look for a new job during a time when jobs seem to be more and more scarce.

We found out about all this last Friday. We got the final word at an office meeting Friday afternoon. I told myself that this weekend would just be for me to relax, have a nice time with my bf and friends, forget all my worries and just let myself have a nice time. And I succeeded. I did have a great weekend. But of course, as usual, it went by too fast. Now I'm back at work, Monday morning. I'm grateful to have a job for two more months at least, but it still doesn't make it any easier having to come back to work after a nice weekend.

So now it's time to start getting serious about planning for what's to come. Time to start brushing up those resumes, putting my name, my experience and my skills out there, hoping that somebody will take notice.

Budgets Suck!

With all the stuff that's been going on lately, it's no surprise that many people have been trying to prioritize their spending. Going on budgets, saving money, cancelling subscriptions to things they really don't need...and so on.

I have also been trying my best to cut down spending. I'm not going all out and saving every penny, though. But I have been trying to cut back on a few things. Specifically...my love for collecting DVDs. hehe Though, truth be told, there haven't been any big releases in the past few weeks that I want really bad. So that's helped me be strong and not buy them. lol And I have tons of DVDs already to keep me entertained. The past couple weeks I've been watching the "24" DVDs (season 5). I'm almost done with it and then I'll move on to the sixth season, which fortunately I already own. :)

This coming Tuesday though...DC Animation's latest DVD comes out! As much as I love Marvel, DC's animated DVDs have, in my opinion, surpassed Marvel's animated DVDs by quite a lot! So when the "Wonder Woman" animated DVD movie comes out next Tuesday, March 3, I don't think I can resist! Hell, after the bad news we got at work this week, I deserve a little treat! ;)

Joss Whedon Q&A

Via TV Guide: http://www.tvguide.com/News/VIDEO-Whedon-Gellar-1003385.aspx

Listen up children, Papa Whedon has a few things to say!