Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Just Stuff

Hi everyone! Well, it's that time of year again - the last couple weeks of the work year when there's really nothing left to do. My openings are filled, my candidates are traveling, and I am really just planning on how to hit the ground running on January 2, 2007.

Meanwhile, you're just going to have to be subjected to my random musings. You ready?

1. As some of might know, I'm heading home to Houston for Christmas on Saturday. This may or not be a total disaster, due to the fact that not one single member of my immediate family has anything in common - I'll keep you posted! Steve is coming with me, though, so he'll dilute some of the anxiety for me. I'll pretty much be introducing Christmas to him, since he's Muslim. My family celebrates more of a Santa-based holiday than a Christ-based holiday, so it shouldn't be too strange for him.

2. Has anyone ever read Meredith Vieira's blog? She's very witty! Check it out: http://meredithtoday.ivillage.com/entertainment/ Today, she wrote about having the name Meredith and some of the nicknames she had to endure growing up. LOVE her for bringing exposure to the name - people have actually heard of it now!! :)

3. Get ready for a seriously personalized blog, people. I just got a digital camera for Christmas! As if you don't already get enough of my BS, now you get to see it in technicolor!

OK, that's it for the day. Hope everyone's super duper today! 6 days left until Santa comes!!!

Love, Mer

Monday, December 18, 2006

San Diego Super Chargers!

To hear the gayest disco NFL football team theme song on the planet, click here:

http://www.chargers.com/assets/002/11568.mp3

But don't get me wrong - I LOVE it!!! And I love me some LT, too... Mer :)

San Diego Super Chargers,
San Diego Chargers!
San Diego Super Chargers,
San Diego Chargers!
Charge!


We're coming your way,
We're gonna dazzle you with our super play.
The time has come,
You know we're shooting for number one.
With thunderbolts and lightning
We'll light up the sky,
We'll give it all we've got, and more
With the Super Charger try!


San Diego Super Chargers,
San Diego Chargers!
San Diego Super Chargers,
San Diego Chargers!
Charge!


We've got a plan,
We're gonna do it for our super fans.
All we seek,
Is the goal line to victory.
We'll ignite you, excite you
With high voltage play.
We won't let up a minute,
We're going all the way - all the way!

San Diego Super Chargers,
San Diego Chargers!
San Diego Super Chargers,
San Diego Chargers!
Charge!
We're coming your way
With the Super Chargers' play.
We're coming at you.
Now we're coming through!


San Diego Super Chargers,
San Diego Chargers!
San Diego Super Chargers,
San Diego Chargers!
Charge!

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Proposed Telephone Etiquette

Hello friends. Today I would like to discuss a very important behavioral issue which seems to have escaped the attention of society – telephone etiquette.

With the advent, ease, and availability of cellular technology, we have so many more ways in which to communicate via phone. Using cell phones, we can call, leave voicemails, text message, page, mobile IM, and even check our email via mobile web. Communication has more options than ever!! And with that, comes more opportunities to misuse this available technology…

I would imagine that every single person you know, even senior citizens and teenagers, have a cell phone. (Except for my great friend Roni Hunter, who just absolutely refuses!) With 300 million people gracing the population of the U.S., wouldn’t you say we probably have about 200 million cell phones in use today? So I have made my case that telephones and communication are a huge part of our existence in the 21st century. Yet, to my knowledge, no one has communicated any clear set of suggested rules to abide by, when it comes to telephone etiquette.

Please allow me to make such suggestions. I have collected input from several trusted advisors and here is our collective suggestive effort:

1. First of all, if you don’t reach someone that you call, if you want a return phone call… leave a message!! Don’t expect that if you don’t leave one, you’ll get a call back. Even if you just leave a “Hey, it’s X, call me. Bye.”! But if you don’t leave a message, you shouldn’t receive a call in response. Period.

2. Respond to communiation the way in which it was relayed. For example, if someone sends you a text message, text back – don’t call back. They probably texted you because they’re not able to speak, for whatever reason. If someone leaves you a message, if there was a specific question, it’s not entirely inappropriate to text back the answer, but it would be best to call back.

3. If trying to reach someone, leave ONLY one message per day until the person calls you back. The recipient GOT the message, we promise. To leave more than one message a day without being called back is stalking, and it’s annoying. Unless your purpose is to stalk and annoy, do not leave multiple messages to the effect of “just trying you again…”! If you want to try and catch someone on the phone one more time, perhaps call and don’t leave another message, knowing that the recipient already has a voicemail, and knows you want to talk – just be patient!

4. Please desist with the calling, not leaving a message, hanging up and calling right back over and over, unless it’s an emergency, or you perceive there might be an emergency. I will answer a call if I see that a person is frantically calling, assuming that it’s extremely important – if it’s not, then you better be prepared for an earful.

5. Oh, and unless you’re a creditor, take your phone off Blocked ID status. Perhaps we are spoiled, but people just don’t like answering calls from callers that do not identify themselves.

6. If you have dialed the wrong number, please excuse yourself and politely get off the phone. Do not hang up – that’s rude!

7. Turn off your phone or onto vibrate during: weddings, funerals, movies, live performances, sports events, business meetings, classes, dates, in places of worship, restrooms, restaurants, libraries, museums, doctor or dentist waiting rooms.

8. Refrain from using your phone in a place where others can't escape your conversation, such as in an elevator or on public transit. And when talking in public, please keep your voice down. Noone wants to hear your fighting with your husband about your finances and business calls should be protective of proprietary information.

9. If you wear one of those silly Bluetooth earpieces or microphone things, please take it off when you’re not using it – noone can tell if you’re talking or not, and it’s confusingly irritating!

Please note that I’m not saying that I am immune to some of these trespasses – I am guilty of some, as well. However, I think these are solid suggestions that will help us communicate more harmoniously as a society. If you agree, then please pass this along, and let’s try to make this world a better place, shall we?

If you have any input to these proposed rules, by all means, let's hear them!

Love, Mer


Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Monday, December 11, 2006

Auntie Roni

Roni Hunter and family are super excited to welcome Wright Thomas Stokes, born December 4th, 2006 to Randy and David Stokes, Roni's sister and brother-in-law in Virginia. Wright's big brother, Hunter, is a cutie pie and a really sweet kid, and is going to be a great big brother. Congratulations, Auntie Roni!

And welcome Wright!

Love, Auntie Mer

MEOW

I stand corrected, people! It appears as though my honey tried to convince me that he wasn't getting me a kitten for Christmas, he actually is!! :) On Saturday, for my birthday, Steve gave me a gift card to Pet People and an IOU for any kitty that I want. YIPPEEEEEE!!!

So as soon as I get home from Houston on the 27th, I'm heading straight for the Humane Society to find the new addition to my family. I can't wait.

Thanks, baby! I'm so excited!!

Love you, Mer xx

Friday, December 08, 2006

The Big Three One

So tomorrow I turn 31 years old. Wow, how did that happen? It seems like I just left Austin a couple of years ago in my Nissan 240 attached to a Uhaul trailer and drove it to Los Angeles in search of something bigger. And you know what - that was TEN years ago! But I'm happier than ever, thanks to hard work in my career, amazing experiences in my personal life, and meeting some unforgettable people along the way.

Anyway, check out my birthday horoscope this year:

December 9th - Your current situation is stellar, thanks to your efforts and those of your lucky stars. Work is on the upswing, your pockets are full and your relationship is blooming (or a prospect is heating up). Bask in the glow.

That sounds promising!

Well, everyone, have a great weekend and happy birthday to Gina, too, with whom I share a birthday on Saturday. Love my Mummy!

Love, Mer

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Dear Santa, Part II

Hi Santa,

I got the memo that the kitten under the Christmas tree isn't going to happen this year. I can't say I'm not a little disappointed, but I guess that opens the opportunity to amend my list, then right??!!! I promise I've been good this year and will be even better next year!!

Will this fit in a stocking?? It's the smallest, cutest car I can find!!!

Love, Mer

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Refreshing!!!

I KNOW for sure that I put a lot of pressure on myself to be thinner, more organized, more thoughtful, a better cook, more professionally successful, and generally, a better person in a million different ways. Perhaps that's why I just found myself on anxiety meds recently!! HAHAHA

But this new article puts things in perspective nicely, so I thought I'd share it with you guys.

Love, Mer

Is Virtue Overrated? Stop working so hard at being good!

Sure, being virtuous is seen as a positive attribute, but it can also take the fun and sparkle out of life by making you fret about your imperfections. Here, Veronique Vienne shares her list of the seven deadly virtues -- and how to overcome them -- all from her latest book of life lessons, The Art of Being a Woman . Born and raised in Paris, Vienne is also the best-selling author of the now-classic The Art of Doing Nothing.

1. Assuming that one is never too thin or too rich

If we didn't feel obliged to become a better person, we'd buy more steamy novels than self-help books, so there would be practically no risk of anyone's trying to become too skinny, punctual, compassionate, or wealthy overnight. And best-dressed socialites would be considered way too thin and too rich.

2. Constantly raising the bar

People should be encouraged to set professional goals and strive to reach them, but the bigger your paycheck gets, the later you'll have to work. Figure that with every promotion, you'll lose about 15 minutes a day with each of your kids. And too much talk around the dinner table about "making the numbers" will definitely have an adverse effect on your libido. Truth be told, earning money is relatively easy; the challenge is earning just enough to enjoy the life you make with it.

3. Having what it takes

Step back from time to time in order to see the big picture and perhaps come across brand-new perceptions. If you're a type A personality, pretend to be a type B: Deliberately stop to smell the electricity in the air before a storm, for instance. Make eye contact with a baby, or watch the twitching whiskers of a sleeping cat.

4. Wasting no time

A sure way to become chronically frustrated is to put excessive value on every God-sent instant. So instead of waiting passively for the next screw-up to disrupt your tight schedule, preemptively misspend precious minutes. Every so often, stare mindlessly out your window, refold the dish towels in the linen closet, or, when no one is looking, tap your fingernails dramatically, in mock exasperation.

5. Being organized

There's something strangely liberating about losing stuff. It often happens when you should be rushing out of the house to get to an appointment. You find yourself rummaging through your coat pockets, the kitchen drawer, and the medicine cabinet in search of...your grocery list? Cough drops? You already forgot! Revel in your disorganization. It slows down the relentless ticking of the clock.

6. Being goal-oriented

Always getting what you want can deprive you of serenity. For example, you go to the mall with the idea of buying the latest toaster. After shopping for an hour, you burn out and decide you've got way too much stuff already. Going home empty-handed, you feel elated. You -- instant wisdom! -- realize that you're already happy with what you have.

7. Being righteous

Perfectionism is overrated. That said, it's better to be a good person riddled with self-criticisms than to be someone who flaunts her imperfections, such as padding her resume like personal trophies. Believing in progress is better than being the type who presumes that her flaws are above the fray. Foolish optimism is not a deadly virtue.

-------------------------------------------------------------
From The Art of Being a Woman. Copyright © 2006 by Veronique Vienne. Published by Clarkson Potter/Random House.

Monday, December 04, 2006

LOOKY what I got today!!!

My boyfriend surprised me today with 30 perfect, lavender birthday roses. Personally delivered to my office, no less!! :) What a sweet way to celebrate my last week of being 30, before the big 3-1 hits on Saturday. Thank you, Ahmed!

In other observations, we only have 21 days of Christmas shopping left people! Nat, I'm ready for the 2nd annual champagne and Christmas-shopping-a-thon on the 16th. Christmas shopping is much easier with a little buzz, for sure. All of you out there - I highly recommend it!!

Last year we did (if I remember correctly) champagne at the house before we left, shopping, lunch and more drinks at Cheesecake Factory, more shopping, switched locations and did more shopping, hit happy hour at Outback for drinks and apps, then more shopping, then to a Christmas party. Sounds crazy, but I got every single bit of my shopping done on one day. This year, I'm creating a spreadsheet to make the process even more streamlined. I'm all over it!!!

I did buy my first Christmas gift online this morning, however - a little somethin' somethin' for my lovely girlfriend Kerry Loughlin. Congratulations, Ker - you're the first person from my list this year to get Christmas attention. :)

K, I'm done with my diatribe now. Have a great week, everyone!

Love, Mer

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Two Things

Hi guys! How is it Thursday already? The last few days have FLOWN by! Wow...

1. A Marine jet just crashed less than 5 miles from my office today. The Miramar Air Station is the next exit south from Blue Oasis Technologies and jets fly over my office all day, every day. It's sort of cool, partly annoying, and quite scary! I have a fear from childhood (from living near the airport and in the flight path) that I'm going to get squooshed on the ground by a crashing plane someday, so this pretty much scared the crap outta me today: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15973584/

2. There's a cool article on MSNBC on Christmas movies that most of us haven't seen. I personally want to check some of these out this season. Thought I'd share it with my peeps!

You’ve seen: “A Christmas Carol” (1951)
Try: “Scrooge” (1970)

You’ve seen: “Bad Santa” (2003)
Try: “The Ice Harvest” (2005)

You’ve seen: “The Family Stone” (2005)
Try: “Some Girls” (1988)

You’ve seen: “A Christmas Story” (1983)
Try: “Christmas Evil” (1980)

You’ve seen: “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” (1964)
Try: “Santa Claus” (1959)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15938708/

LOVE, MER

Monday, November 27, 2006

Review: Dixie Chicks, Taking The Long Way

Wow, what a CD. But then again, why wouldn't I identify with three strong, outspoken, environmentally conscious, politically rebellious, well-dressed girls from Texas? :) LOVE THEM! Can't wait to see 'Shut Up and Sing' - the documentary about the Chick's accidental catapulsion into the political limelight, due to Natalie Maine's negative remarks about sharing their home state with our president. Gotta love the First Amendment...

Anyway, the CD is great. Lyrics are thought-provoking, music is beautiful, and I believe these ladies just get better with age. I think if I ever met those girls, they and I would be BFF.

Kerry, let's pick a song for our next Karaoke adventure from this disc! I'm thinking 'Lubbock or Leave It'... It's about a girl that left Texas in search of something bigger. My theme song, perhaps?

Anyway, check it out! Love, Mer

Operation Fatass

OK, people, I've got a great reason and goal to lose the Thanksgiving fat that is clinging for dear life to my thunder thighs - my 31st birthday on December 9th. So I'm really hoping to drop about 5-8 pounds in two weeks and need to get my ass in gear. Right now, since I have a terrible crick (sp?) in my neck (due to ??), I'm going to have to rely on my diet, versus crazy workouts.

Hopefully I'll be back in the gym in the next couple of days, but meanwhile, just came across this three day Thanksgiving Detox Diet that I thought I'd share with you guys.

Tonight is broiled fish with brown rice and steamed broccoli, but I'll start with this tomorrow morning. And God help me, but NO WINE until my birthday (that's going to cut A LOT of calories). Please, people, send me encouraging vibes!!

Hope you find this helpful!! Love, Mer

THREE DAY THANKSGIVING DETOX DIET

If your Thanksgiving plate resembled a family-style buffet doused in lard laden gravy, worry not. This 72-hr detox plan is the perfect recipe to combat the Thanksgiving weight-gain disaster. Garnish with 8-10 cups of water and a daily multivitamin and dive in. Your stuffing will skedaddle and you'll be back in your skinny jeans in no time!

Day One


BREAKFAST

Vegetable Omelet with Toast: One omelet made with one whole egg and two egg whites, and stuffed with vegetables (try spinach, onions, tomato, mushrooms or zucchini sautéed in 1 teaspoon olive oil). Cook omelet in a nonstick pan or coat a regular pan with cooking spray. Serve with one slice of high-fiber bread (any brand that has 2 grams fiber and no more than 90 calories per slice). Optional coffee or tea (plain or with skim milk, no sugar)

LUNCH

Soup and Salad: One bowl of minestrone, black bean, or lentil soup (approximately 2 cups or 300 calories of any prepared brand with nutritional information, such as Healthy Choice, Amy's Organic, Campbell's Healthy Request). Eat with a mini whole-wheat pita (any brand, 70 calories), and a green salad tossed with one tablespoon of low-fat dressing (or 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and a small dash of olive oil).

SNACK

Afternoon Snack: One skim milk cappuccino or latte (optional teaspoon sugar or Splenda) or 8 ounces nonfat, flavored yogurt (any brand 120 calories or less).

DINNER

Sweet Wild Salmon: Mix together 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce and 1 tablespoon honey. Drizzle over a 6-ounce wild salmon fillet and broil for 10-15 minutes, basting every few minutes. Serve over a large mound of arugula leaves, with 1 cup steamed broccoli.

Day Two

BREAKFAST

Cereal with Fruit: 150 calories of any high fiber (five grams or more) cereal (i.e., Kashi Go Lean, Nature's Path Flax Plus, Barbara's Grain Shop, All Bran, Fiber One). Serve with 1 cup skim milk or low-fat soymilk, and ½ sliced banana or ½ cup berries. Optional coffee or tea (plain or with skim milk, no sugar)

LUNCH

Turkey/Cheese Sandwich: Toast two pieces of reduced-calorie whole-wheat bread (no more than 60 calories per slice). Layer one slice of bread with 1 teaspoon reduced-fat mayonnaise, unlimited spicy mustard, 2 ounces smoked turkey (or lean ham) and one slice of low-fat cheese. Top with a thick slice of tomato, onion and the remaining slice of bread. Handful of baby carrots and unlimited celery.

SNACK
1/4 cup of pistachio nuts in the shell + 1 cup of green tea

DINNER
Steak & Veggies: Green tossed salad with 2 tablespoons low-cal dressing. One 6-ounce fillet mignon or sirloin (trimmed of fat, with optional 2 tablespoons ketchup or steak sauce) served with 1 cup steamed vegetables.

Day Three

BREAKFAST

Cottage Cheese with Grapefruit: ½ grapefruit with 1 cup nonfat or 1% reduced fat cottage cheese (or 1 cup non-fat, flavored yogurt) topped with 2 tablespoons wheat germ.

LUNCH

Bauer's Power Salad: Unlimited lettuce and raw vegetables (tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, mushrooms, etc.) mixed with 2-3 tablespoons of low-fat dressing (or unlimited balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon olive oil) and topped with one of the following: 4 ounces grilled wild salmon; 6 ounces grilled chicken breast, turkey breast, tofu, or ham; Plus, the option to add a 1/2 cup of either chick peas, black beans or low-fat cheese.

SNACK

One apple + one Laughing Cow Light cheese triangle.

DINNER

Chinese Take Out: Order steamed seafood, tofu or chicken and vegetable entrée (such as steamed chicken and broccoli). Request garlic or ginger sauce on the side, and order a small container of steamed brown rice.

Pile your plate with the steamed entrée and flavor it with 1 Tablespoon of the sauce and unlimited low-sodium soy sauce. Eat it with ½ cup brown rice.

Friday, November 24, 2006

Thanksgiving Update

Hey guys! Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Mine was fantastic! Here are the highlights:

1. My dinner on Thursday for Steve and Dave went off perfectly, except for a little ill-timed rice. I was very proud of my culinary performance and the boys stuffed themselves silly. We went bowling with friends afterward, and neither Steve nor I did our best, but we had a great time. All in all, Thanksgiving was exactly what I imagined!! :)

2. Lunch Friday with Steve's family went great - it was a house full of cats and great people. Only mishaps were the turkey that caught on fire (it was a Hollywood moment - hilarious, but turned out ok) which charbroiled my sweet potato souffle that was also in the oven. I just scraped off the charbroiled nut layer, applied a new one, and it was good as new. Oddly enough, so was the turkey! Mandy, Steve's sister, was a beautiful host and I think she and I will be good friends someday.

3. What the F*** happened to my Longhorns today on the football field? Ouch. I'm not talking about it anymore. So don't bring it up. Thanks.

4. On the way home to San Diego (from the OC) with Steve and his mom, I let it slip that I have a MALE roommate. OOPS!! That went over like a fart in church. Or mosque, I guess... Anyway, you get the point - Steve's conservative mama didn't dig it. Can someone put a muzzle on me, please? Thanks.

5. Hey Ahmed! Ana behibek more than I need stretchy pants after Thanksgiving! xx

Anyway, love all you guys and hope you're great!! Love, Mer

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

The Mer Thanksgiving Show

Well, it's finally begun to turn to Fall - today is a high of 65, which is nice given that it was 80 yesterday. I love it when the seasons change - I finally feel like it's time for the holidays!

And with that, HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYBODY!!! I hope you have a fantastic holiday filled with lots of food, love, and great memories.

I am spending Thanksgiving with Steve's family this year, but we're celebrating on Friday, due to some scheduling conflicts with his sister, who is hosting the festivities up in Orange County. It should be very fun! I know that his mom was planning to serve rack of lamb, which I don't eat (I don't eat cute animals - we'll discuss that later), but since she found out that I don't eat it, it should be interesting to see what is prepared! Speaking of rack, I bought a cute but conservative short sleeve turtleneck for the occasion, so mine doesn't offend the conservative faction of the Zied family. I hope I pull off "the girl you take home to mom" look!

Meanwhile, Steve and I are staying home on Thursday and having a friend over to join us for food and football (and for me - lots of wine). I've put together quite a little feast for us:

Pampered Chef's Turkey Cranberry Wreath (appetizer to keep the boys out of the kitchen)
Parmesan Turkey Cutlets
Green Bean Casserole
Pine Nut Rice
Sweet Potato Souffle (the famous holiday dish!)
Sauteed Squash
Dinner Rolls
And I've put Steve in charge of dessert, so that should be an interesting surprise!

Anyway, I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday! Love, Mer

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RONI!

To my amazing friend and big sister by heart, Roni -

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Late...

For those of you that don't know Roni, she has this freakish talent for remembering EVERYONE'S birthdays. She probably even knows YOURS, even though she may not have met you. I'm serious - it's amazing.

Anyway, it especially SUCKS that I forgot her birthday, out of all my friends and family. Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, Mer!

But better late than never, please allow me to make a very special happy birthday wish to you, Ramonda Dee!

I LOVE YOU!!! Mer

So THAT'S my problem? Makes Sense Now.

Top 10 Party Colleges
Article provided by The Princeton Review

When it's time to take a break from the books, the students at these colleges definitely know how to cut loose and let the good times roll. According to The Princeton Review's annual survey of 115,000 college students at the Best 361 Colleges, raising the roof is par for the course at these top ten party schools.

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the "huge" party scene at UT Austin. "From the Greek houses [and] off-campus houses" to the "football games and other sporting events," students say if "you are looking for a party there is likely one happening." Beyond campus is the capital of Texas, a city that "never sleeps. If you can't find anything to do in Austin, you're crazy."

See, people... now I have an excuse. I was formally trained as a party girl by the finest party university in the land. I'm so proud!!

TEXAS FIGHT!

Love, Mer

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Finley Update



Yep... still the cutest baby EVER!





Auntie Mer

Heart

Finley!























And The Winner Was...

EMMITT SMITH!

I have to say... I was quite surprised, because Mario is clearly the better dancer, but I guess Emmitt's fan's just came out and voted more than Mario's. I love it - a normal guy with absolutely NO kind of training in the past WHATSOEVER, who truly learned how to dance throughout the span of the show. He was very entertaining, that's for sure!!

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

For Rob - What is American Thanksgiving?

So my girlfriend, Lauren, has gone and fallen in love with a bloody Brit! He is coming to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with her family, and is a little bit puzzled as to what this holiday actually IS… Lauren said he thinks it’s just an excuse for us “fat Americans” to eat more!! Although he’s partially correct, I decided to educate him (and all my crazy blog subscribers) to the real meaning of American Thanksgiving.

So ROB, Thanksgiving is a legal holiday observed on the fourth Thursday in November. It’s mainly a celebration of domestic life, centered upon family and friends, and YES, it is usually accompanied by a great feast. Thanksgiving menus usually include turkey, bread-crumb stuffing, cranberry sauce, squash, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. These foods recall the rustic virtues of the Pilgrims. And GOD FORBID you serve anything different – people in America DO NOT LIKE IT if you don’t serve turkey on what many have dubbed “Turkey Day”. I learned that the very, very hard way one year by serving a beautifully-broiled pork tenderloin instead of the traditional bird. BAD IDEA!

I digress…

So you ask “who are these bloody Pilgrims, of which you speak”? Good question! They’re the separatists that left England in the 16th and 17th century to escape religious persecution, immigrated to America, and settled in the northeastern area of the U.S., which is now called New England. They were the first European settlers in the country.

So this holiday originated as a way to give thanks for all that we have here in America, due to the brave immigration of our settlers. It’s really turned into a holiday designed to gather with family and friends, share our appreciation for each other, watch (American) football, and start the Christmas season’s shopping the day after. So don’t ask questions – just eat A LOT, drink A LOT (you’ll be with Lauren), be merry, and you’ll fit right in!

Lots of love, Mer

Monday, November 13, 2006

Weekend Update

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I did! :) I worked on Operation Fatass - four pounds down, 7 to go by December 9th! I also saw a great movie - Little Miss Sunshine (totally recommend it!), went out a couple of times downtown (photo to the left is from Thursday night), and spent some QT with my sweetie .


Last night Steve and I were watching Family Guy - one of my new favorite shows - and saw that it finally happened! Peter royally screwed up the intro. Check it out, it's pretty funny!


In other sad news, my team lost this weekend, squeching any hope that we'd win consecutive national football championships. That's okay, though - our freshman quarterback, who has kicked ass so far this season, has three more years to play, so we should be getting better and better over the next three years. GO HORNS!!


Lastly, for those of that have also been worried about Davis, the naughty cat who killed all those bats and had to spend 6 months in quarantine, he's been saved!! People all over the country have made donations so his humans are now able to keep him in quarantine for the required time, versus having to put him down. Since I donated, I was invited to the 'welcome back home' party, but it's a little too far to travel. But I'm happy he's safe and sound!

Yes, I promise that next year's New Year's resolution will be to READ more, versus watch more TV, but I still have about 6 weeks of being a TV fiend. :)

Love, Mer

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Dancing With the Stars

So this past year’s New Year’s resolution was to watch more television. Yes, I know that sounds odd, and perhaps this year’s will be to read more, or something more productive. But last year I was trying to settle my 30 year old ass down and quit going out so often, spending so much cash on cocktails and food, and perhaps let my body rest for a change… And BOY DID I ACCOMPLISH THAT!

And of my fave new shows that keeps my booty glued to the couch every Tuesday is Dancing With The Stars. LOVE IT!

So last night was the semi finals and we are now down to two contestants – Emmitt Smith and Mario Lopez. Dallas Cowboys football star with surprising finesse or a handsome Latin hunk that knows how to shake his bon bon. Hmmm… almost as delicious as a caramel skinned, shaved headed Egyptian with a smile that makes the ladies weak in the knees! Almost…

Anyway, I digress. Who’s it going to be? Emmitt or Mario? Mario is clearly the more talented dancer, but he has this quality about you that reminds you of an old boyfriend you rather forget… you know, like someone that you just know is going to end up pissing you off, but is so cute, it was worth it. And Emmitt – he isn’t as talented of a dancer, but he’s so debonair and endearingly entertaining. He just has a very elegant ease about his performing. Perhaps that’s from years of performing on the field at Texas Stadium. (Sidenote - did you know I wanted to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader when I grew up?)

Anyway, stay tuned for the update on the winner next Thursday!! I know you’re on the edge of your seat, right?

Mer

For Sheridan

Hey Sheridan, thanks for my super cool Google t-shirt. I love it!

For those of you that don't know Sheridan, when I was at SMS.ac, I hired him from Google to come work for us as a recruiter, and promptly got myself fired with my big mouth. He has since left, too, and is back at Google. Thank God! He's an AWESOME recruiter, I've learned a lot from him, and he has also become a really cool pal.

Thanks again, Sheridan! This one's for you...