Day 5...
Withdrawal symptoms have temporarily subsided...I've found that the mornings are more mild than the afternoons.  By 3pm, I usually hit a wall and I have to lay down.  Hopefully today, that won't be the case!!

Day 3 of no caffeine....head is pounding... my keyboard keeps singing for me to lick the cubicle.

I might be losing it.

This is Halloween, Halloween

My favorite time of the year, October!! I love that in Southern California, it can be hot, sunny one day, and raining cats and dogs the next.  It's also my birthday month, and this year (going through my quarter-life crisis) I haven't celebrated. 

But most important of all...Halloween.  I love the colors, candy and spirit of this holiday.  Of course, these days, it's an excuse for women to wear nothing, and men to be wreckless animals...American traditions aside... I love the stories, the mystique that surrounds this time of year, every and all things supernatural come alive.  Your imagination runs wild into your darkest and most disturbing thoughts.  When shadows come alive, candlelight is no longer romantic, and when the winds howl you get and eerie shiver down your spine. 

When I was a kid, I always had hoped every year, I would meet a goblin or werewolf or vampire.  Now I feel like they're everywhere (Thanks Stephanie Meyer) The novelty of meeting such creature is no longer enchanting, now it's just...high school.

There is also, the lighter side of Halloween that I enjoy... I can dress my pets up, and it's not animal abuse :)  2011 has been a rough year for myself and my fur-kids, so I decided to be mild with my costumes.  Kiddo just has a "Happy Halloween" t-shirt, and Disney is a pirate! ARGG!!

Musems, art...love

 I know I've been a fairweather blogger, but my days have been filled with excitement!! Aside from enjoying amazing So Cal sunsets, I've been catching up on museum exhibits!

Story of Dionysus,
The Getty Villa, Malibu, CA

Three theatre comedy masks,
The Getty Villa, Malibu, CA

Outside fountain, (from Pompei)
The Getty Villa, Malibu, CA

The Getty Villa, Malibu, CA

The Getty Villa, Malibu, CA

I heard it through the grape-vine
The Getty Villa, Malibu, CA

It was a perfect day in Malibu..80 degrees, clear blue skys

Tim Burton Exhibit
LACMA, Los Angeles, CA

Friends I'd Like to Make

There are some personalities that I automatically am drawn to.  But I've always wondered..."What would it be like to have a friend that.....((fill in the blank))"

SO...if you're an interesting person, and you happen have one or more of the qualities I'm hoping for...please, be my friend!! :)

I would love to know someone that:

-sings in an opera
-has a career in beer tasting...or any type of food/beverage taster in fact
-has an extra appendage (fingers, toes, nipples...I'm not picky)
-can play music by ear (Sunny Choi style)
-is color-blind
-can speak more than 5 languages fluently
-has been to more than 25 different countries
-has competed on the Food Network's Chopped
-is willing to let me drive their '72 Dodge Challenger on an open course
-studied in the Galapagos
-survived on a desert island

....I'm sure I will come up with more...but I hope to meet someone(s) with the above qualities...Please be my friend???

Libra-Tiger

I've never been very conscious of my signs...I know I'm a Libra, and born in the year of the Tiger. I thought it would be interesting if I could find anything on my Libra-Tigerness specifically...low and behold, Google does not let me down:


The most comprehensive "analysis" of my signs was found in a book: The New Astrology, A Unique Synthesis of the World's Two Great Astrological Systems by Suzanne White.









What's been said about my signs that I've found interesting and/or most applicable to me:
"Attractive... seems to perpetually be on the brink of bursting out laughing..."
"Almost incapable of acquiescing to play by the rules"
"She is hotheaded and sometimes foolish"
"Nothing he puts in his hand will be ordinary...can be wicked...but will never be banal"
"Always lends enchantment to romance...rash and argumentative"
"This person wants notoriety in their own circle...in a cosmic way"
"Impulsive charmer...luxuriously efficient"
"Seduces kids like the parental Pied Piper"
"Leader that doesn't like to follow"


One of my favorite Libra-Tigers: Oscar Wilde... I feel almost another level of kinship with him now. "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."


I feel like a Libra-Tiger is in a constant state of conflict and contradiction. Always hesitant and unable to make life-altering decisions (very much like me). But the last, most important piece of my personality:
Libran Tiger has a unique kind of brooding style that will often last until they get their own way or get bored whichever is the quicker. This weak spot in their character can make them appear a little immature.

My First Therapy Dog Visit

"While conventional wisdom has always affirmed the value of animals in promoting human well-being, only recently has their therapeutic role in medicine become the focus of dedicated research. Therapeutic modalities that use animals as a tool for improving the physical, emotional, cognitive and/or social functioning of humans are called animal-assisted interventions (AAI), and are classified into: animal-assisted activities (AAA); animal-assisted therapy (AAT); and service animal programs (SAP).

The aim of this review is to analyze the papers published between 2001 and 2010 in the most influential medical journals dealing with AAI, and discuss their findings in the light of what may be of interest for internal medicine and rehabilitation. A total of 35 articles met the strict inclusion criteria for this review: 18 papers dealing with AAA, 8 with AAT, and 9 with SAP.

The therapeutic outcomes associated with AAA are: enhancement of socialization; reduction of stress, anxiety and loneliness; improvement in mood and general well-being; and development of leisure/recreation skills. Regarding AAT, horses are often used as a complementary strategy to facilitate the normalization of muscle tone and improve motor skills in children with cerebral palsy and persons with lower limb spasticity. Finally, most SAP utilize dogs, that assist people with various disabilities in performing everyday activities, thus reducing their dependence on other persons. Further studies are needed to better define the fields and programs for the therapeutic use of animals and to increase their utilization in medicine, as a promising, complementary and natural means to improve both functional autonomy and quality of life." from abstract, PMID:21659977

It's no secret, the therapeutic benefits of being owned by a dog, but when I was able to share my love and time with those that need it most...I was changed.

My collie, Disney and I have recently passed our CGC test and have been on probation for the OCSPCA PAWS Program: a pet-assisted therapy program that visit several facilities (from senior living to family shelters for abuse victims) throughout Orange County.   From the moment I adopted her, 6 months ago, I knew this is something she would be fantastic at.  Disney is a calm, gentle, affectionate girl, and what we call "bomb-proof".

The other day, we had our first visit at a rehabilitation center that serves those with functional disabilities, whether they're birth defects or medical or accidental situations.   Walking up to the front door, I knew not what to expect.  I was nervous, and unsure how Disney would react if someone pulled her hair, ran over her tail with a wheelchair or screamed at her.  Trying to control my nerves, as to not transfer them to her, I concentrate on my breathing, in and out slowly.  *Inhale*hold*Exhale* 

Inside a common room, I walk in with 5 other dog-handler teams.  The room has about 15 patients, most in wheelchairs, and many unable to communicate.  Immediately, there's a buzz of energy I can't explain, like waking the kids on Christmas morning.  I latch myself with a more seasoned team, and follow their lead.  The patients notice Disney right away, and try to get our attention.  Disney had no problem approaching wheelchairs, she somehow knew right away to put her long snout under someone's hand.  The patients that were able, ran their fingers through her hair, and were so excited to meet someone her (not us, just her).   She walked slowly, making sure to give everyone a good sniff, even if they weren't too interested in us.  More than once, her tail was run over and/or stepped on...no overreaction whatsoever.  There were a couple patients that wouldn't stop yelling or crying, and she walked right up to one and licked their hand, as if to reassure them that whatever it was, it's going to be okay.

The nerves subside, we've made our rounds, conversed with patients, small talk with the orderlies, it's time to leave.  I was so proud to share the love and affection I receive from Disney everyday.  Seeing her so calm and happy in such an environment, nearly brought tears to my eyes.   The PAWS team depart, and we make our way to a coffee shop to chat. 

I'm in awe by these people.  Selfless, kind, compassionate, wise...I could go on, and on.  I look forward to my next visit, and I can't wait to learn more from my fellow dog-therapy teammates. 

I'm getting pretty at this archery thing!

Me time

Sometimes you just gotta walk outside the office and sit on the grass

Operation Get it Tight for Vegas

So I have a girls' trip to Vegas in about 3 weeks....my goal is to lose 10 lbs by then.

Day 1-3: I'm going on a liquid fast to detox my body, so I can get ready to eat healthier and shrink my stomach a bit.  Since I do want to work out here and there during my detox, I'm not going to completely just do lemonade.  I'll be having smoothies so I can get some protein and the energy needed to go on a run.

Starting today, I've had 2 cups of detox tea, and 1 of my favorite smoothies: Naked Juice!!

After work, I'll go on a little run and do some Bas Rutten MMA all around work-out. It's literally the best work-out I've ever done in less than 30 minutes!!

I prefer liberty with danger to peace with slavery.  ~Author Unknown



On the 4th, we all love beer, bbq and fireworks...but never forget the men, women, families, pets, etc that gave their lives for your beer, bbq and fireworks.




I love that I live 10 minutes from one of funnest beaches in the world, Huntington Beach, CA ;)

Here's to matrimony, the high sea for which no compass has yet been invented!

Holy matrimony has always been a hard concept to swallow for me.  I personally have a difficult time grasping the institution of marriage, but I do love a good wedding :)

A friend's wedding was a quiet, simple ceremony and reception.  Both lovebirds are teachers, met at school and are now heading back to law school together, making the beautiful UCLA campus the best place to celebrate their public union.  Kerckhoff Hall was the perfect backdrop, with the Hogwarts-esque architecture, gave an air of prestige.  The patio was decorated with red rose petals and the music of Frank Sinatra and Sade filled the air.

Though I'm a cynic and don't foresee a marriage in my future, I love to see two people find love and celebrate their commitment to each other.  Love is the simplest idea, and the most complicated and terrifying emotion.   Weddings are the perfect celebration of life, hope and love.  It's a way for everyone participating to lose themselves with the dream of love and the fantasy of "happily ever after".  I love that.  I love seeing the joy and hope in everyone's eyes, it's lovely celebrate life when the world can be such a dark place.

What's better than a bikini fashion show?

Fashion and Design for a good cause

I attended the Billabong Design for Humanity, benefiting VH1's Save the Music Foundation last night (what a mouthful).  Wow! What an amazing event!  I've never been before, but I'm a "lifer" now!

The event was in the Paramount back lot, set in a New York-esque type of scene.  Tall buildings, stoops, and beautiful people everywhere. 

I was so excited to be there, and the music was great, the atmosphere was warm and fun.  Luckily, I befriended the bartender, and got pretty much all my drinks for free :) 

My favorite piece of art at their silent auction.

During the fashion show...lovely models, standing over a sea of people.

The above referenced sea of people.

Cop'd a photo with Ty Pennington from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Super nice guy for letting us interrupt his convo for a photo.

My friend Hannah came to see this band, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros.

I'd never heard of them, but they're quite good.  They're famous for their song Home

  Video below.

There was a street artist, and throughout the night he made this beautiful panel.  It was auctioned off, we were lucky to snag a photo with it!

Towards the end of the night, we just danced, danced, danced.  With strangers, with each other...it was lovely.

We got into the mood by doin' some photoshoots on the stoops of NYC, and on their red carpet.  We definitely missed out on the Skull Candy photo booth, but we had a great time!

Justice?

Is this justice?  To be held prisoner for 18 years, bearing children...your captor goes to prison for 431 years...you know he's not going to live that long right?

Poor Jaycee Dugard. 

Kindess has no limits

I recently registered to walk for the National Kidney Foundation which supports research, early detection, education and even transplantation among many other amazing things.  I set a modest goal of $200 since it's such tough times, I didn't expect many to donate...

Well...I went beyond my goal in less than 24hours!  Even though it's "only" $210, it brought me to tears.  Even in these tough times, my dear friends and even acquaintances found it within them to donate.  I'm just blown away.

This disease has plagued my family for such a long time.  I am so grateful to be able to do something about it.  So this is my thank you to my friends and family...be strong.

On repeat.
Keane: Somewhere Only We Know

I forgot all about this song until Darren Criss' character, Blaine sang it on Glee :)

Happy Mother's Day!

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.  ~Author Unknown

Behind the Music: Cub & Kitten

So the story behind this video, is that...there is none.  These fictional characters were made-up on the fly, dialogue was all improv and the editing was done in one night.  This is us putting something together that was kinda funny, for no reason, with no story.  But from what I hear, people liked it :)

Happy Birthday, Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn is my namesake :) Happy 82nd birthday to her, wherever she is.

My computer at home and at work has been down, and I've been unable to post anything :-(  that is until I discovered the Blogger app!!

We're back in business to some capacity!  What I've been dying to share is my new tadpoles!!  They were just wee little eggs laid about 10 days ago... we have 2 African Dwarf Frogs (ADF) at work and they had babies!

Portobello and red pepper sammich with a salad....quite tasty.

Pizza w/Yukon Gold Potatoes & Carmalized onions

This is my friend's recipe...and it's damn delicious... Please try!!  (Pics coming soon!!)

Makes one 12 inch pizza that
Ingredients:
1 package of pizza dough (we used Trader Joe's) removed from your fridge and let sit for 20 min
1 to 2 large or 2-3 small yukon gold potatoes
1 small to medium onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup (or more) of daiya mozarella cheese
1 small bag of arugula rinsed
olive oil
salt

First preheat your oven to 350 degrees. If you have a pizza stone pop it in the oven to let it preheat as well. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. With a mandolin or sharp knife slice your yukon potatoes into about 1/8 inch rounds (aka pretty thin). Toss the potatoes and garlic in about 2 tablespoons olive oil on the parchment paper, sprinkle with salt, and put into the oven for 20 min flipping them over at the halfway point.

While the potatoes are roasting, halve and thinly slice the onion. Put them in a small skillet on the stove set to med-med/high heat with a splash of olive oil. You want to caramelize the onions so stir them every so often until they turn a glistening brown. Once done remove them from the heat.

Flour your working surface and roll out your pizza dough into a 12 inch circle. Once the potatoes are done cooking take them and the pizza stone out of the oven. Transfer the dough onto the pizza dough and brush the dough with a little olive oil. Lay out the onions evenly on top of the dough and cover them with the potatoes in one even layer making sure to get the garlic pieces from the baking sheet as well (those are tasty!). Finally top the potatoes with the daiya cheese (use as much or as little as you want).

Cook the pizza for 10-12 minutes. Ours took 12 maybe a couple more cause our oven sucks. When you remove the pizza from the oven top it with the arugula and dig in!

Being sick has been quite annoying.  It seems every other week, I'm down with a fever and unable to do anything.  Yesterday, I was in bed all day with a fever that barely broke last night.  Today, I came back to work only to be sent home again.

With me, I've taken all kinds of paperwork with me.  Notes from our retreat, board meeting, lab orders, reimbursements...It's going to be a long Friday.


So now that I'm sick, I'm unable to do my blood tests and my 24-hour urine collection...again.  I want to be fit, and healthy so when the committee reviews the results, there will be no doubt that I am fit for donation.  Nothing hurts me more than putting our lives (mine and my aunt's) in other peoples' hands, and just.... waiting.  I appreciate that they are taking my well-being so seriously, but I feel that my aunt's health should have more priority at the moment.  She will eventually die if she doesn't get this kidney, and I will continue living with a "what-if" that will forever haunt me.

It wasn't until recent years that I've learned how much my family means to me.  Up until recently, there was nothing I would just give my life up for.  Now, I know, I'd suffer a thousand deaths before my family feels pain...well some family members (we can't like them all that much can we?)

If I could wish on a shooting star, find a 4-leaf clover, throw a coin into a wishing well...all I'd ask for on this Earth Day/Good Friday...is by the end of the summer, to be able to donate and save my aunt.

Now listening to: GLEE - Get it Right

Yes, Leona.  We've all been there, love.

What's even better is that this is the official song for Final Fantasy XIII, and I love the trailer! I'm a huge nerd for graphics, and cgi.  This is top notch.

Young lady.  Beautiful voice.  Perfection.
Adele, you sing to my soul.

Her new album 21 is amazing

Pain motivates me...others' pain...

So, I'm back into MMA training.  Currently, I work with the guys 3x a week, and do yoga and gym on the offsetting days.

As I was at the gym today, after my sparring session...I was watching two ladies work out.  Both Asian, one chubbier, the other skinnier.  The chubby Asian, let's call her "Fluffy" and the skinny one "Screech".  Fluffy is over there doing some leg lifts, and Screech is completely appalled at the gym equipment and it's sanitation.  Apparently both are going through some sort of boot-camp w/my sparring trainer's partner. 

So as I'm warming up, watching Fluffy and Screech out and about...the trainer goes to Fluffy and has her to do some squats.  Now squats aren't my favorite either, but I can do them without a fuss.  Ol' Fluffy over here is turning a shade of pinkish-red that I think I've only sFluffy very aware of where her trainer is at all times, making sure his back is always turned when she's resting.   Screech is doing some ab-work on the floor.  She makes a high pitched squeal that...I've probably only heard on some sort of Predators show on National Geographic, I wasn't aware humans could make that sound. 

Now, I'm no spring chicken, nor am I in my best form.  However... watching these two in what seems to be immense pain and agony, it motivates me to push myself harder...to be better.  I probably had one of the best work-outs of my life thanks to Fluffy and Screech.  I hope to see them again...

Online Dating

This article from CNN regarding online dating...so true...Though, I've never tried it...it's things like this that steer me clear from virtual courtship.

I was thinking...I should cut my hair again....but...how should it look??  These are my hairstyles for the past 2 years...what do you think?

Nice and long, during fall of 2009...ish. 

Blondish/golden at the end, dark chocolate color on top.

Then I chopped it late 2009/early 2010

Short in the back, longer in the front, red panels on a violet/burgandy.

Summer 2010

As it grew out, I had it colored back to dark brown with heavy blond highlights.

Then later Summer of 2010, I colored chunks of platinum blond in the front and the sides, the rest was colored dark dark brown.  The layers were super choppy so if I put my hair back, it looked really short.

 Fall of 2010, I colored all the platinum blond to PURPLE (hands down still my favorite) and the rest of my hair was colored black.  It looked blue under fluorescent lights, but in natural lighting it was purple :)

But alas, purple does fade.  So now, my hair is back to black, and I have longer bangs. 

What's my best look? Should I keep the bangs?  Color them purple? Decisions, decisions...

Remember when working out was easy?  yea I don't either.  First day back on the mat today, and I'm 90% sure I died a little bit.  At least I didn't throw up :)  Coach said he was impressed, but I think he said that to make me feel better.

How you suffered for your sanity...

Of all the versions of this song, I LOVE Julio Iglesias' version the most (yes Enrique's father).  And of course, Vincent Van Gough's work is phe-nom.

  This video covers it all- Happiness... it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. - Vincent Van Gough

 

The Oatmeal - Annoying Facebookers

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile

My boy, Monty...always the light of my life.  He always did something that cracked me up.  Miss him so dearly.


Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

  My grandma.  This woman had an incredible life.  There were legends in our family of her exploits as an opium dealer for the Americans in Vietnam.  I also heard she killed someone, but we wont get into that.  She was our matriarch and quite eccentric.   If I could go back in time, I'd love to meet my grandma at 25 :)