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

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.

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

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.

1. The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Texas)

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

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!!

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

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!

Peter Screws Up

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

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...

Not So Deep Political Thoughts, by Mer

Yesterday, the American public spoke and it was interesting to see what it had to say. I love the political process, and respect everyone's opinion, even if it's different from mine. But I just have to voice my favorite parts about yesterday's results:

Nancy Pelosi of California is set to become the first female speaker of the House of Representatives in history. You GO MAMA!

Minnesota voters send first Muslim to Capitol Hill, Keith Ellison, an African-American state legislator and lawyer. That’s pretty darn cool – I like it.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton coasted to a second Democratic term in New York, winning roughly 70 percent of the vote in a warm-up to a possible run for the White House in 2008. Love me some Hillary!

Former CIA Director Robert Gates will replace Donald M. Rumsfeld as defense secretary, after he stepped down, following a very controversial 6 year reign in that role. Ding dong!

The new automated, touch-screen voting system worked, with some minor glitches. Chelsea Clinton was turned away at a Manhattan polling site because her name did not appear in a book of registered voters – the problem was resolved, however.

As of 11 a.m. PST 11.08.06, Democrats have overtaken the House of Representatives, and the balance of the Senate rests upon the state of Virginia. If there’s a tie, VP Dick Cheney will break the tie… obviously meaning that the Republicans will control the Senate. I like that there’s now a better balance in Washington between the Executive and Legislative bodies! Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be? Checks and balances! Our forefathers would totally dig it.

On a state level, I’m personally pretty bummed that Proposition 86 (cigarette tax to fund health research initiatives) and 87 (funding to explore alternative energy sources) didn’t pass. I want to start thinking of ways that I can contribute to promote better health initiatives and environmental protection. Maybe I'll get Club 2128 to start recycling - it's a start!

Anyway, to those of you that did make your voices heard yesterday, I applaud you.

Happy Wednesday! Love, Mer

In The News Today

Dear Britney,

Have we learned our lesson, darling? No more losers! Well, at least you FINALLY came to your senses. If you need any advice on how to be a fabulous 20-something hot divorcee piece of ass, call me anytime! xx, Mer

Britney Spears divorcing

(CNN) -- It's over for Britney Spears and Kevin Federline. CNN has confirmed that the pop singer, known for hits such as "Oops ... I Did It Again" and "Toxic," is divorcing her husband of two years and one month. Spears and Federline, one of the singer's former backup dancers, married October 6, 2004, according to the divorce papers.

TMZ.com reports that Spears filed legal papers Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, citing "irreconcilable differences." Spears is asking for legal and physical custody of their two children, 1-year-old Sean Preston and 2-month-old Jayden James.

The date of separation was listed as Monday.

Spears, 24, married Federline after a six-month courtship in 2004. In January 2004, she had married childhood friend Jason Alexander in Las Vegas, Nevada. That marriage was annulled after 55 hours.

Federline, 28, previously had a relationship with actress Shar Jackson. The union produced two children, one of whom was born two months before he married Spears. Federline recently released a rap album, "Playing with Fire."

The Spears-Federline marriage has been chronicled in detail in celebrity magazines since the pair tied the knot, with rumors of problems surfacing often.

-----------------------------------------------------

Hehehehehehe Freakin hilarious!!

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (AP) -- Two police officers sued Burger King Corp., claiming they were served hamburgers that had been sprinkled with marijuana.

The lawsuit says Mark Landavazo and Henry Gabaldon, officers for the Isleta Pueblo tribal police, were in uniform and riding in a marked patrol car when they bought meals at the drive-through lane October 8 of a Burger King restaurant in Los Lunas, New Mexico.

The officers ate about half of their burgers before discovering marijuana on the meat, the lawsuit said. They used a field test kit to confirm the substance was pot, then went to a hospital for medical evaluations.

"It gives a whole new meaning to the word 'Whopper,"' the officers' attorney, Sam Bregman, said Monday.

"The idea that these hoodlums would put marijuana into a hamburger and therefore attempt to impair law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs is outrageous."

Three Burger King employees were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and aggravated battery on an officer, a felony. They later were indicted.

The lawsuit, filed Friday in Bernalillo County, alleges personal injury, negligence, battery and violation of fair practices. It seeks unspecified damages along with legal costs.

Officials at Miami-based Burger King declined to comment, citing a company policy against discussing pending litigation.

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/11/07/pot.burgers.ap/index.html

Last Batch of Halloween Photos, I PROMISE!

Election Day 2006

Just wanted to remind everyone that Tuesday is Election Day. I really hope everyone gets out and votes for the candidates and referendums that affect our lives every single day. I personally don't care who or what you vote for, but heartily advocate taking advantage of our civil right to influence the lawmaking process.

(My only request is that for my Texas pals, please get Kinky for me - http://www.kinkyfriedman.com/)!! Pretty please? :)

For all my pals in California, below is the link to the California voters' information guide, which lists the candidates and propositions that will be listed on the ballot, pros and cons of the referendums, candidate stances, and more information. It's really helpful!

http://voterguide.ss.ca.gov/

Also, if you (like me), have issues with your voters' registration, e.g. you moved and didn't update your registration for your new address, you can still vote but have to contact the local elections office to help you change it. You can also obtain information for your polling site, directions, and any other assistance you need. I just called them to change my address and it was very easy and quick. However, if you have never registered, it's too late to do so and you're a big, fat loser. ;)

San Diego
5201 Ruffin Road, Suite I San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 565-5800 www2.sdcounty.ca.gov/rov/Eng/Epolling_query.aspwww.smartvoter.org/ca/sd

For my out of state friends, make sure you do your research and go vote, too. It's important that our generation takes part in shaping our country's political process - not just a bunch of stodgy old dudes in blue shirts and ladies in old lady suits! Let's make our voices heard!!!

Love, Mer

More Halloween Babies

The beautiful Marco, 3, and Mateo, 5

Raleigh, NC

*Happy birthday today, Mateo!*

2 Minute Overview of the Greatest Film on the Planet

CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR SOME SERIOUS AMUSEMENT AND A

TOTAL MOCKERY OF THE BEST MOVIE EVER (requires sound):

http://www.jibjab.com/great_sketch_experiment/video/shawshank

Halloween Babies!

Peepers Lynn Malcolm AKA Ladybug Peeps

Shannon and Finley - grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Emily and Liam

Hayden Kim, ladykiller in orange