Friday, December 21, 2007

Dear Santa,

I have been a pretty girl girl this year! I have done a lot of good things (just a couple bad things), given to charity, made new friends, become closer with family, and adopted a poor, defenseless puppy and given him a home. ;)

So with that, here's my Christmas list! Don't forget I'm in Houston - remember where you used to bring me toys as a kid? THERE!!! I'm pretty much the same person - just taller and fatter now.

I promise to be good all next year if you bring me all the things on my list this year. Thanks, in advance, Santa Claus!! Love, Mer

1. Turbo Beetle Convertible (yep, still on the list!)

2. A big, fat sapphire cocktail ring

3. Burberry collar and leash for my designer doggie

4. 7 foot tall black TV armoire with a new TV (after all, mine ist he one my parents bought me when I left home in 1994!)

5. Vintage print Gucci bag

6. Brown Escada sunglasses

7. New gym wardrobe

8. World peace and global environmental awareness

9. The man of my dreams at the breakfast table on Christmas morning. :)

Mer-ry Christmas!!

Hi everyone! So I'm heading out to Houston tomorrow for the holidays. I'm looking forward to seeing family, friends, and showing Sheridan my hometown (The Livable Forest...)! He's flying into Hobby Airport, which is the GHETTO, so I hope it doesn't scare him! hahaha

I could bring the Baci ball, but he's just too darn big!! I purposely bought a "purse dog" so that I could travel with him, but it turns out the stupid breeders mated the Maltese with a Standard Poodle (instead of the Toy Poodle), so my giant 18 lb puppy won't fit under the seat, as planned. He'll be in good hands, though, with Prasad (my old roommate, at our old apartment) and Rose, who's house/dogsitting for 6 days! Much thanks to you two, P and M, for taking care of my baby. I know he'll be in great hands!!

Meanwhile, I'm off work until the 2nd of January, so postings could be sporadic. So to all the rest of my friends and family scattered all over the place, I miss you lots and love you tons. Thank you for all your love and support throughout this crazy year - all your friendship means so much to me. Best wishes for a lovely Christmas holiday and a safe, fun New Year's celebration. May 2008 be our best year EVER!

Love, Mer

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Raleigh’s Best Ever Cookies

This recipe is from the Raleigh Junior League cookbook, You’re Invited. I actually won a cookie-baking contest with this one once… true story!! If you have time and the inclination to bake, it’s truly the best cookie I’ve ever had! Enjoy.

My doorguys in my building will be enjoying these cookies tomorrow to thank them for giving my doggie treats, getting me help when I'm locked out of my place, returning items to exes that I don't care to see, and making me feel so safe and secure every night when I go to sleep. :)

Love, Mer

Raleigh’s Best Ever Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
3/4 teaspoon light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (18 ounces) crunchy peanut butter
4 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 (10 ounce) bag M&M’s or Reese’s pieces
1 cup semi sweet chocolate morsels

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine first 9 ingredients and mix well. Mix in oats. Stir in chocolate and candy.
3. Drop by tablespoonfuls, about 2 inches apart, on a greased baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-13 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
5. Transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Yep, More Birthday Celebrations!

At this point, it's just becoming silly. We celebrated the 4th annual 29th birthday *again* this weekend! Drinks, gossip, friends, and some very amusing photos... but the best part was having my Sheridan come to town to meet all my peeps and play house with me for a weekend. :) Thanks to all of you that joined us at Wine Cabana (and then Old Town Saloon for the late-night party) for yet another birthday celly!

Saturday night, Sheridan and I met up with the future in-laws for some dinner at their house and then a cheesy little Christmas parade on the SD Bay Sunday night. I'm so excited to have met a guy with an awesome family - the Halls are great people!!

OK, the birthday is officially done and it's time for Christmas. Houston, here we come!!!

Love, Mer

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

The Extended Birthday Show

So this weekend was a trip up to see Sheridan in SF for my actual birthday on Sunday. We had a beautiful, romantic dinner a deux on Friday night at this sweet little spot called Tiramisu (we would have never found this place if it weren't for the concierge at our hotel - it was adorable!) and met up with Sheridan's friend Brent and his gal pal du noir for drinks and funny stories about Sheridan. I kept thinking that these stories were from high school, or something, but it turns out that they were from a couple of years ago!! I'm glad he has recent stories which include rather silly behavior, too... hahaha We're obviously meant to be together, because I'm the queen of it!

Saturday we had breakfast at a sidewalk cafe, went to Union Square and did some shopping (Sheridan got some awesome shoes that he graciously let me pick out - swoon!), and hit the Yahoo! year end party Saturday night. I've NEVER been to a party so cool in my life - casino, live bands, arcade, indoor ice skating rink, ice sculptures, open bar, food for days... it was an awesome time!! Sunday - slept in, had breakfast with my very old friend Marc, who lives in the city (he spilled some of my embarassing stories!), rode the cable cars down to Fisherman's Wharf and Ghiradelli Square, and roamed around the city until it was time to go home. Parting is always such sweet sorrow, but this week, my honey's coming to visit on Thursday - so it wasn't quite so bad this time!! :)

Anyway, the birthday extended to yesterday - some girlfriends took me for a lovely lunch at Il Fornaio in Del Mar, and this weekend is the birthday soiree at a wine bar with about 20 of my peeps. It's the most extended birthday week ever, but I love it! Thanks to all my friends and family - and Sheridan!!! - for making this year's birthday so full of joy and love. I'm so lucky!

Friday, December 07, 2007

Frisco

Well peeps, I'm headed to San Francisco to celebrate my birthday with Sheridan this weekend - I'm so excited and ready to see my sweetie and have some fun to dull the pain of turning 29 again!! I'll be sure to get back with some pics and potentially... stories. :)

Say a prayer, please, for my friend Nicole, who's watching Baci this weekend. Godspeed, girlfriend!!

And last, but not least, happy shared birthday, Gina!! xoxo

Love, Mer

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Oh Christmas Tree!

So this is the first time in YEARS that I've put up a Christmas tree, and I'm really excited about it! :) My tree turned out gorgeous this year, thanks to a new (well, used - I bought it from Craigslist!) fake tree. I've been doing research to compare the most earth-friendly manner of celebrating this tradition, and I have decided that for me, the fake route is the way to go. Turns out that potted trees are REALLY pricy, and my allergies couldn't handle it anyway. So my new, but used, pre-lit tree is going to be with me for a long time to come to be as 'green' as possible!

What do you think? How lovely are her branches?


Love, Mer

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Nutrition behind "The Secret"

For those of you that know me best, I have eliminated a lot of toxins from my life this year ("energy vampires", caffeine, aspartame, several drugs/ prescriptions, and reduced my animal product intake by at least one half), and I feel like good things are happening as a result!! I'm paying the physical price of beating up my body in my 20s and making some questionable decisions, but I do feel like my new commitment to getting my life on track, making good decisions, and living life healthfully has brought me several great things like love, friendships, and financial security - I feel like if I continue committed to my purpose and living life positively, everything else will fall into place!

In that spirit, this article totally inspired me today. I was researching nutritional supplements to help cure my physical woes and stumbled across it... I hope you get something out of this piece too. Are you a "high vibration" individual? I'm trying!!!

Love, Mer

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With the popularity of "The Secret" rapidly growing in the United States and around the world, there's growing interest in finding ways to maximize results while using the power of intention and Law of Attraction. Few people really know one of the most important secrets to making "The Secret" work: Establishing the right nutrition and dietary habits that clear your nervous system and allow intention to flow. In this article, I'll share some of the best nutritional secrets about The Secret, covering:

1) Foods and substances that interfere with the power of your intention.
2) Foods and substances that enhance the power of your intention.

Once you learn this information, you'll instantly discover ways to greatly enhance the effects you get when you apply your intention (or invoke the Law of Attraction). You'll also come to recognize why the great spiritual leaders throughout the world all gravitate towards similar diets that are free of certain substances (such as red meat).

Let's begin by examining those foods and substances that interfere with the power of intention and the Law of Attraction.

Foods and substances that block the power of intentionThe power of intention (i.e. the Law of Attraction) only works when you have a clear, healthy nervous system that's free from distortion. Invoking the power of intention is a lot like broadcasting a message from a radio tower, and your nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves, etc.) are the transmission tissues.
A radio tower only works well when it has sufficient electricity, clarity and symmetry. It also can't be gunked up with interfering signals or overriding disturbances. Your own nervous system is the same -for it to function well, it must be free of distortion and operating at peak performance.

The following items greatly interfere with healthy nervous system function and therefore inhibit your power of intention:

Meat products: All animal-derived foods impair the clarity of intention, and this is especially so if those foods are derived from cruelly-treated animals (like feedlot cattle). This is why so many spiritual leaders around the world refrain from eating meat. It's also why vegetarians are generally more peaceful, spiritually balanced people than heavy meat eaters.

Alcohol and drugs: All recreational drugs (including alcohol) impair healthy nervous system function. Clarity cannot be achieved while under the influence of nicotine, alcohol, meth or street drugs. While there are medicinal uses for some natural drugs (such as medical marijuana), their use still inevitably interferes with clarity and clouds the Law of Attraction, so use them sparingly if at all. On the other hand, there are also natural plant-based medicines that actually enhance clarity when used as part of sacred spiritual journeys. Western society has declared such substances to be illegal drugs, but they are deliberately and consciously used with great care in healing journey experiences in many other parts of the world.

Caffeine: Even caffeine interferes with healthy nervous system function. The onslaught of daily stimulants leaves the body depleted of energy, unable to reach the level of vibration necessary to effectively broadcast intention to the universe.

Television: Watching television fills your mind with false messages, clouding your mind with ideas that distort reality and impair your ability to connect with the universe. Have you ever noticed that the people who watch the most television seem to be unable to attract those things into their lives that they want? It's because television acts like an intention blocking device, draining away your intention energy and filling your head with ideas and beliefs that only serve the interests of corporations and governments.

Processed foods: Processed foods not only lack the nutrition necessary for healthy nervous system function, they're also typically loaded with excitotoxins like MSG, aspartame and yeast extract. These substances damage the functioning of the nervous system, making any practice of the Law of Attraction virtually impossible.

Fragrance products: All fragrance products based on artificial chemicals impair the healthy functioning of the nervous system by dulling the senses and limiting sensory acquity. Achieving success with the power of intention requires eliminating ALL fragrance products from your life. These include most shampoos, laundry detergents, dryer sheets, soaps, perfumes, cosmetics, deodorants, skin creams and other similar products. In each of these categories, there are many alternatives available: Natural products that are either fragrance-free or made from essential oil fragrances only. If you wish to find success in applying the Law of Attraction, it's crucial to get these artificial fragrance chemicals out of your life (and away from your nervous system).

Processed sugar: Sugar greatly impacts the healthy functioning of the nervous system, and refined sugar is a lot like crack in the way it alters (and impairs) brain function. All refined sugars should be avoided, including high-fructose corn syrup (the sweetener in sodas), dextrose, sucrose and others. While you're at it, avoid white bread and refined grains, too, because they're very similar to sugars in the way they impact the nervous system.

Aspartame: This artificial chemical sweetener greatly impairs healthy nervous system function. This is partly because aspartame can chemically break down into trace amounts of formaldehyde, and formaldehyde is an extremely toxic nerve poison. Drinking aspartame is sort of like poisoning your brain with chemical preservatives. That's great if you're trying to embalm yourself, but not so good if you actually plan to use your brain for anything useful.

Things that enhance the power of your intention

Once you're free of the substances interfering with your power of intention, you can move on to enhancing your nervous system health with proper supportive substances. Here are the most important items to consider:

Raw foods: Raw foods really cleanse your nervous system and restore healthy brain function. Drinking raw food juices on a regular basis (freshly made in your own blender, not processed) greatly enhances clarity and the power of intention. Most spiritual leaders around the world follow diets based at least in part on raw foods. Following a raw foods diet for just 30 days will dramatically clear your senses and turn you into a powerful broadcaster of intention.

Vegetarian foods: Avoiding the consumption of meat and dairy products is also an important way to keep your system clear and lend power to your intention. Meat and dairy products stagnate the flow of energy throughout your mind and body, blocking the intention. To get the best results, go completely dairy free (except for raw, unprocessed milk, which qualifies as a raw food) and meat free.

Personal integrity: Acting with integrity multiplies the power of your intention. When you consistently do what you promise, especially in relation to others, you gain power and confidence in your own actions. This translates into significant improvements in the Law of Attraction. People who steal from others, exploit them or harm them are acting outside of personal integrity and typically demonstrate a very poor ability to attract things into their lives that they really want. It's a vicious cycle, too: When they can't attract what they want, they turn to stealing, and this in turn diminishes their ability to attract what they want in the future.

Clean water: Hydration is crucial for good nervous system performance. I will even say that you cannot possibly engage in effective intention exercises when you're in a state of chronic dehydration (as most people are). Drinking plenty of water clears metabolic wastes from your body and even lubricates the nerve cells throughout your body! So drink more water and you'll boost your results.

Microalgae superfoods: These superfoods offer a two-fold benefit: They cleanse the liver (which purifies the blood and improves mental clarity) and they offer natural high-density nutrition from nature. The four I recommend are spiruline, chlorella, blue-green algae and astaxanthin (http://www.nutrex-hawaii.com/). One of the top brands of raw microalgae is E3 Live, which you can find at http://www.e3live.com/index.htm

Healthy oils: Consuming regular quantities of healthy oils and omega-3 fatty acids makes a huge difference on the power and reach of your intention. Eat more chia seeds (http://www.goodcausewellness.com/), avocados, raw coconut oil (http://www.rawfoods.com/) and minimally processed plant-based oils. Fish oils can also be supportive if you choose to eat fish-derived products. Flax seeds serve a similar purpose for those who are vegetarian.

Berries: Eat massive quantities of fresh, raw berries to boost nervous system function and greatly enhance the power of your intention. Berries offer nervous system protection medicines, and they also happen to halt cancer, prevent eye disease, enhance memory and prevent Alzheimer's disease. Be sure to eat a variety of berries so you get all sorts of different colors: Black raspberries, blueberries, red raspberries, strawberries, acai, red currants, wild berries, etc.

There are, of course, many other nutrients and natural substances that can enhance mental function and clarity. Everything from tropical fruits to garden greens provides a strong benefit in boosting the power of your intention.

My personal secret to successPeople tend to look at my own accomplishments as being "remarkable" or highly successful in various ways. They see me as getting many things done in a very short period of time, and they often wonder how I accomplish these things. My greatest secret is that I frequently practice the power of intention (and I have a specific process through which that is practiced), and I avoid all the foods, beverages and personal care products that interfere with the power of intention.

In the past, some people have wondered why I drink no alcohol, use no drugs, drink no coffee, take no medications, etc. People have asked me if I'm a member of some specific religion with pristine dietary practices, but the answer is quite simply that I have arrived at my own spiritual practice and I choose to respect my body and mind as tools for creating a better future. I actually came to this conclusion mostly on my own, and have since found that it is aligned with the spiritual paths found in virtually all world religions. It all makes sense, too: You simply can't be a highly spiritual person if you're consuming angry cow meats and altered dairy fats!

I intentionally avoid all substances that intefere with intelligence, clarity or spirituality, and I go to great lengths to cleanse my body using nature's medicines: superfoods, rainforest herbs, raw foods, and so on. By the way, the best cleansing products I've ever found at available at http://www.baselinenutritionals.com/ (look for the Liver Tincture and the cilantro-based anti-mercury tincture).

The secret to my productivity and ability to manifest those things is simply that I'm wholly committed to treating my body and mind as sacred entities. I do not allow myself to be polluted with television, pharmaceuticals, recreational drugs, energy vampire people (like friends who drain away all your energy) or processed foods. The result is that when I focus on something, it manifests relatively quickly (there's still a whole lot of work involved, of course, but that's the nature of getting things done in this physical world). Perhaps there is some other version of the multiverse in which intention is instantly translated into effects, but here in this one we all share, intention often requires practical steps for manifestation. (So don't forget the part about applying effort, too!)

Want a better life? Clean up your energy channels

This is not information I've shared before, but it's probably the most important secret to success that I've ever written about. If you want to make things happen in your life and manifest more wealth, abundance, loving relationships, happiness or whatever, you've got to get serious about cleaning up your "broadcast channels," which means cleaning up your diet, eliminating any substance abuse, avoiding influence from television and so on. It doesn't mean you have to become a hermit and live in the woods somewhere (although that certainly wouldn't hurt on a temporary basis), but you do have to stop living the disconnected life of typical consumers who are addicted to processed foods, alcohol, television, drugs, video gaming and other things.
I don't claim to be perfect in my own habits. I still eat meat when traveling (but never from mammals such as cows or pigs), and my diet isn't as raw as I would like. I also spend way too much time sitting in front of a computer, but that's a necessary choice I've made for engaging in online education and article writing. But like you, I'm always striving to make my diet and lifestyle one step better, and by doing that I'm constantly moving into higher states of vibration that naturally augment the power of my intention.

You can do the same. All it takes is making the commitment and taking on one change at a time until you're completely rid of the toxic influencing factors and fully embracing those things that work to multiply the power of your intention. Before long, you'll find the Law of Attraction working far better than you ever imagined, and you'll really start living the magical life you're attracting through conscious intention.

It's really not complicated, nor even mystical or "new agey." It's just the application of common sense: If you want to create a better future and manifest your desires, you've got to clear you head, get rid of the junk and start nourishing your internal broadcast antenna (your nervous system). Once you do that, you can start to broadcast your intention to the universe, and you'll find that everything you focus on begins to manifest far more quickly.

Speaking of intention, please feel free to share this article with anyone you know who's familiar with "The Secret" and who might benefit from knowing these nutritional tips. You can copy and paste the article in an email, or just send the web address (URL). Spread the word: We need more people with high vibrations in order to overcome all those folks running around with LOW vibration, don't you think? The more high-vibration people we have in the world, the brighter the future will be for us all.

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About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health researcher and author with a strong interest in personal health, the environment and the power of nature to help us all heal He is a prolific writer and has published thousands of articles, interviews, reports and consumer guides, reaching millions of readers with information that is saving lives and improving personal health around the world. Adams is an independent journalist with strong ethics who does not get paid to write articles about any product or company. In 2007, Adams launched EcoLEDs, a manufacturer of mercury-free, energy-efficient LED lighting products that save electricity and help prevent global warming. He also founded an environmentally-friendly online retailer called BetterLifeGoods.com that uses retail profits to help support consumer advocacy programs. He's also the founder of a well known HTML email software company whose 'Email Marketing Director' software currently runs the NewsTarget subscription database. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and regularly pursues cycling, nature photography, Capoeira and Pilates. Known on the 'net as 'the Health Ranger,' Adams shares his ethics, mission statements and personal health statistics at http://www.healthranger.org/

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

About Sagittarius

Since the sun has moved into Sagittarius, I thought I'd share with you guys the astrological profile. Sheridan, this is what you're getting yourself into... I'm a pretty typical one!

Love, Mer






Astrological Profile for Sagitarrius

Element: Fire
Mode: Mutable
Ruler: Jupiter
Color: Purple, Violet

Famous Sagittarians: Woody Allen, Jane Austen, Christina Applegate, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Maria Callas, Eugene Ionesco, John F. Kennedy Jr., Bette Midler, Brad Pitt, Monica Seles, Frank Sinatra, Steven Spielberg, Tina Turner, Mark Twain, Gianni Versace

Strengths: Convivial, enthusiastic, ethical, expansive, fair, generous, idealistic, independent, optimistic, outgoing, spontaneous, tolerant, wise

Weaknesses: Arrogant, dogmatic, excessive, fanatic, flamboyant, irresponsible, ostentatious, reckless, unbound, philandering

Sagittarius is the ninth Sign of the Zodiac. After Libra's first reaching out to others and Scorpio's exploration of the world through emotion, Sagittarius uses knowledge to understand the world. It is the Sign of Philosophy and Religion, and people born under this Sign are the scholars and learners of the Zodiac. They seek the truth and the meaning of life, and they love to explore through knowledge. Higher learning is a major focus of their lives. As the ninth Sign, it also rules the ninth House: the House of Philosophy.

The Sign In Depth

The Astrological Symbol of Sagittarius is the Archer. The Archer is a Centaur, half man and half horse, and it is the only Sign of the Zodiac that is half man and half beast. Centaurs were the great scholars and intellectuals of Greek and Roman myth, but they could also be hotheaded and aggressive. This tradition is maintained in Sagittarians. They are not fixed or opinionated, and they have no set plan or bias but seek to learn things as they come. In this way, Sagittarius exemplifies the Mutable Quality assigned to it. They desire the freedom to do what they want, when they want, and tend to be impulsive and independent. Within the Zodiac, Sagittarius is opposite Gemini, the Sign of Communication. While Gemini likes to learn a little bit about many subjects, Sagittarius tends to be about deeper and more focused learning. They are versatile and progressive, but at times they can be impatient and pushy if things aren't getting done in the way they want. The sign is ruled by the Planet Jupiter. In ancient Roman mythology, Jupiter (and his Greek equivalent, Zeus) was the King of the Gods. Jupiter represents expansion in all its forms, including the mental outreach so prominent in Sagittarians, but it also may invite excess. It is the Planet of Luck, and many people born under the sign do experience good luck. Jupiter rules both Sagittarius and Pisces; The sign is the masculine, or day, aspect of Jupiter and Pisces is the feminine, or night. Both Signs are about thought and outreach, but while Pisces focuses on the higher ideal of a perfect world Sagittarius is more interested in mental exploration as teachers and philosophers. At times they can procrastinate or seem self-indulgent, but they are trustworthy and charming, adaptable to all situations. While they can appear to be extravagant and flashy, they are generally good-humored and generous.

The Element associated with this sign is Fire. Fire Signs are physical: they tend to respond to the world through action, rather than practicality, intellect, or emotion. While they are about action and getting things started, they are not in a hurry like Aries can be. They want to experience life, rather than read about it, and they are outgoing and friendly. Sagittarians are broad-minded and enthusiastic, but they may sometimes seem to have foot-in-mouth disease as they may talk too much or speak before thinking. They are eager and inspirational, experts at getting things started, but they can also seem irresponsible or tactless if they jump in too quickly. They are not pioneers in the sense that Aries is, but they are explorers and interested in mental outreach. Their innate optimism and belief in straightforward dealings with other people can sometimes make them careless or impulsive. Many Sagittarians enjoy travel and spiritual study, and they have daring and adventurous spirits.

Sagittarians love to have a good time, and they are outgoing and friendly. Many are natural comedians, sometimes exaggerating their adventures to entertain people. Their innate confidence in themselves may make them argumentative or blunt, but they want to learn, not offend. They are high-spirited and enthusiastic, often flirtatious, and tend to enjoy social life immensely.

In their leisure time, Sagittarians' athleticism comes to the forefront. Personal challenge is always appreciated, and they tend to prefer solitary or one-on-one sports that stretch them to the limit, such as skydiving and big game fishing. They tend to be lucky, and may enjoy gambling. Their philosophical side makes them enjoy drama and debate, as well as most other mentally challenging pursuits. In love relationships, Sagittarius is flirtatious and playful.
Sagittarius rules the hips and thighs. People born under the sign may be more susceptible to hip troubles and leg pain than people of other Signs.

The great strength of the Sagittarian is in their philosophical and exploratory nature. It is important to them that they live life to the fullest, experiencing everything they can. Their great love of knowledge and exploration makes them one of the most learned characters of the Zodiac.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Turkey Day Update

Hey guys! I hope all of you had a phenomenal holiday with your friends and families. Mine was my favorite Thanksgiving ever - even better than the infamous year that I served pork tenderloin! ;) As you know, I drove to Phoenix to join Sheridan and his family for a traditional weekend of family, food, and the like. Friday, we all drove up to Sedona and checked that out - it was gorgeous! And I have now indoctrinated another family to the delicious sweet potato souffle (they loved it, of course!) and met the majority of the new man's family - it was a great weekend.

Sheridan's peeps are amazing people and made me feel so incredibly welcome. I know now why he is such an amazing person - he comes by it honestly. I really liked them a lot and he says they think I'm "a keeper", so things went G R E A T! :) If it weren't for getting stopped by the CHP (I sweet talked my way out of ticket - yeah, baby!) and dropping several hundred bucks on 4 new tires (somewhere along the way to Phoenix, I drove over 4 nails!), it would have been a PERFECT weekend!!! It was so amazing to see Sheridan - he makes me so happy!

Oh, and Baci went with me this weekend, too. THAT was interesting!!! I was pretty pleased with the pup's performance - there were no major mishaps like furniture destroyed or poop on the carpet... Just a lot of puppy misbehavior like picking on the other doggie in the house, Daisy, and jumping on furniture that was off limits... Oh yes, and he did pee on Sheridan's mom's foot, but I really do think that was a sign of affection!!! hahaha Baci certainly livened up the party and was great company during the road trip, so I'm glad he came. :)

Anyway, it's back to the grind tomorrow... I hope you all have a great week!!!

Love, Mer

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Sweet Potato Souffle

Quite simply, this is the best holiday recipe EVER. It's a good ole North Carolina recipe from my favorite Southern Belle, Weezie Busby. Every time I make this recipe, I think of her at my house in North Carolina at Christmas dinner, with Dylan (my late kitty) on the back of her chair, staring at her plate of food. I hope Weezie and Dylan are both resting in peace - I miss both of them!

Meanwhile, enjoy Weezie's Sweet Potato Souffle. Sheridan's family is about to learn all about this yummy dish on Thursday! :)

Love, Mer

Sweet Potato Souffle

3 cups YAMS (sliced, boiled, drained, mashed)
1 cup sugar (I use Splenda)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup melted butter or margarine

Mix all ingredients and place in casserole dish. It's best if you mix everything while the potatoes are still hot.

Top with the following:

1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup melted butter or margarine
1 cup chopped nuts (pecans)

Mix together and sprinkle on potatoes. Bake uncovered in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Serves 8-10 people.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

So Thanksgiving is Thursday and it's going to be a crazy week, so I'm not sure if I'll have a chance to post very much. However, I just want to wish all my friends and family a very lovely Thanksgiving - I hope you all have a safe Turkey Day. I'll be in Phoenix with Sheridan (meeting the 2nd set of parents and the brother/ his fiancee - wowsers!) - I can't wait to see him and meet more of his peeps!!

Before I go, I want to share with The Mer Show readers all the things I have to be thankful about this year. You may not care, but HEY, it's my blog, so I can write whatever I want. :)

Things Mer is grateful for at Thanksgiving:

1. Friends and family all over the world, whose support never ceases to overwhelm me and gives me so much strength

2. A stronger, healthier relationship with my mother, father, and brother after a few years of serious drama

3. I have cleaned house of a lot of toxic influences in my life this year

4. I have fallen for a wonderful man who is changing my life every single day for the better

5. My doggie, Baci

6. Last but not least... Weezie's Sweet Potato Souffle and football!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!
Love, Mer

Friday, November 16, 2007

Professional Mission Statement

I went to a professional development event this morning and we went through an exercise to determine our future professional goals and mission statement; this is what I created. Whatcha think? Mer
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I will take action to improve my skills as an HR professional to improve processes and efficacy for recruiting and provide value to the staffing process for my client while using my innate client focus and keen perceptivity of human behavior in order to hire quality technical professionals. Eventually, I will successfully become a top independent recruiting professional in California and nationwide.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Should I Enter?

(Click on image to see full size of post!)

Because I might be the biggest fan of Chick Fil A EVER!!!!! All my Texas and NC peeps know this about me...

Anyone want to help me with my entry? I'm definitely going to tell CFA that I ate a 6 piece nuggets meal for lunch EVERY DAY in college (there was a Chick Fil A in the UT student union) and that when CFA came to San Diego, I ate it 4 times that week and announced the opening on The Mer Show!!! I think I might have a chance...

Ever since I did the master cleanse in May, I haven't been eating my beloved Chick Fil A nuggets (I have heard them equated with crack rock) as much, but I do think about them as lovingly as ever! In fact, I think I'm going to get some right now!! Gotta go!

Love, Mer

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Random Thoughts

Sorry I haven’t been very vocal lately!! I have a great reason, though – most of my extra time during the day is spent communicating with someone really special in my life. I used to use my free time to ponder life, vocalize random thoughts, share random news stories, and spread celebrity gossip. These days, life is very simple - I take care of myself and Baci, I work hard at a job I love, and I spend every other waking moment that I’m not busy talking to Sheridan. And starting soon, I’m going to be traveling quite a bit to see this very important person in my life! How fun is that?

What a year! I could go on and on about that, but anyone that reads this blog probably already knows my goings on. So many changes for me and practically everyone I know! There have been romantic and friendship breakups, new relationships and friendships formed, fires, illnesses, engagements, babies (Nicole's preggers again, everyone!), war deployments, layoffs, moves, and all kinds of crazy stuff. Let’s hope that 2008 brings a sense of stability and contentment to The Mer Show friends and family. I wish you all much success in life, love, and health! I know I’m definitely on the right track and hope that you all are too. A super special electronic hug goes out my girlfriend Shayne – 2008 is going to be your best year yet, my friend. Trust me!!

Anyway, I hope all is well. Love, Mer

p.s. Look at Keith’s new baby, Ian. Isn’t he perfect?



Monday, November 05, 2007

Finley The Monkey

Look at my sweet little nephew, Finley, in his monkey outfit for Halloween. He's getting so big, my little munchkin... Love him!

Proud Auntie Mer

Mistletoe Mercado Gala

So Saturday night was the much anticipated Junior League fundraiser and I had an absolute BLAST. We dressed up in our finest black tie attire, ate, drank, and spent lots of dough in the name of charity. I bought several Christmas presents and bid (and won) on a package including a night's stay at Pala Casino, with dinner included. Who wants to party, eat, and gamble with me at Pala soon? :)

Sheridan accompanied me to the gala and looked absolutely dashing in his tuxedo! Lisa joined us for cocktails and snacks before the party and we all went together. How lucky was Mr. Hall to have two lovely ladies on his arm? Actually, he should be commended for putting up with two silly drunk girls, listening to Justin Timberlake blasted in the car, and getting us home safely. What a guy!!! Thanks for being a lovely escort, Sheridan. You rock!!!

My neighbor Amanda probably had more fun than anyone there - see photo. She's so adorable!

It was a great night benefitting the Junior League's charitable works, but more than anything, it was a great night. Just wanted to share...

Love, Mer

Friday, November 02, 2007

Guest Blogger - P. Daddy

So I have a new addition to the blog - I have invited several guest writers to be a part of my new series of postings by my friends and loyal subscribers. I look forward to introducing new points of view to this literary debacle known as The Mer Show, and hope you enjoy it too!

Today, I'm proud to introduce Petri, who happens to be my ex brother-in-law, the father of my favorite nephew, husband to my close friend Shannon (and ex sissy-in-law), and simply a cool dude. I hope you enjoy his thoughts on Alanis Morrisette's hit single, "Isn't It Ironic".

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Almost nothing Alanis Morissette referenced in her song "Isn't it Ironic" actually qualifies as irony. "An old man turned ninety-eight, he won the lottery and died the next day. It's a death row pardon two minutes too late. And isn't it ironic...don't you think." No Alanis, I don't. These things are not ironic - they just suck.

That her song contains almost no examples of irony is indeed ironic. Here is some guidance as to what truly can be characterized as irony:

Dramatic Irony - A situation in which the audience knows something about present or future circumstances that the character does not know

Definition of Verbal Irony - A contradiction of expectation between what is said and what is meant

Definition of Situational Irony - A contradiction of expectation between what might be expected and what actually occurs often connected to a fatalistic or pessimistic view of life


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Maybe the song should be called "Isn't it a Bummer?" instead. What do you think?

Thanks, Petri, for being my first guest writer on The Mer Show. You rock!!

Love, Mer

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Mistletoe Mercado, Friday through Sunday

The Junior League of San Diego is holding its annual shopping fundraiser, Mistletoe Mercado, this coming Friday-Sunday (Nov 2-4). In order to respond to the community’s most immediate need, we will be accepting monetary donations for fire victims and proceeds of the event will be directed toward wildfire relief funds as well as our focus on education & nutrition for families.

The event showcases *select* vendors with quality merchandise just in time for the holidays. Other special events include happy hour on Friday, book signings of children’s books on Saturday, and Santa, children’s crafts & entertainment on Sunday, so tell your friends & family and come together! To the left is a complimentary admission ticket to the event (dates and times are on the ticket as well as listed below). Click on image and print the larger version, and you're good to go!!

When: Friday-Sunday, Nov 2-4 (Fri 10-8, Sat 10-5, Sun 10-5) – parking is free on Friday!
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, Activity Center
What: Unique jewelry, children’s apparel, women’s apparel and accessories, holiday gifts, gourmet foods, luxury pet supplies, home decor, raffles, etc.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Happy Halloween!

Love, Baci Romo

How's Your Belly?

Mine isn't my problem area (that would be my thunder thighs!), but I notice that as I get older, my waistline is becoming less defined. I thought this was an interesting article that I'd share with you guys on how to cut that pesky ab flab (it's more helpful than just "quit eating Twinkies and start running)!

How appropriate on Halloween, right? Leave it to Mer! ;)

Love, Mer

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The Best Way to Beat Belly Flab
By Mindy Berry
Studies show that ab fat is dangerous to your health. Here's how food, exercise, and even body confidence can help you lose it for good -- and lower your health risks.

The Facts on Fat

All fat is not created equal. Abdominal fat, particularly the visceral fat stored deep inside, is much more dangerous than the flab on your hips, butt, or thighs. The reason: Location, location, location. Think of it this way: Your liver and pancreas are like stately apartment buildings -- they're efficient, well-oiled machines that have been there forever. Belly fat is like the loud, disruptive neighbor who buys the building next door and turns it into an all-night dance club and lets the whole place go to seed. Before you know it, there goes the neighborhood.

But this toxic fat doesn't have to take up permanent residence next to these vital organs. Groundbreaking research shows that exercise may be the key to blasting it off your belly. Results of a 20-week study at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, found that women who exercised and dieted reduced abdominal fat-cell size by about 18 percent; women who only counted calories lost weight but didn't reduce fat-cell size. Generally, the greater the fat-cell size, the greater the amount of abdominal fat. The good news: When you start working out and watching what you eat, toxic abdominal fat may be the first fat you shed, says Donald Hensrud, MD, an associate professor of nutrition at the Mayo Clinic.

To fight flab effectively, it helps to understand exactly what you're targeting. Here's what lies beneath:

Subcutaneous fat is right under your skin. It's commonly found in your thighs, butt, and abdomen. "When our hunter-gatherer ancestors would eat all summer preparing for the winter famine, their bodies would store fat there before using it up," says Kylie Kavanagh, a researcher at Wake Forest University. But this fat isn't necessary -- or healthy -- today. It's also significantly more dangerous when it's in your abdomen, because it can adversely affect your internal organs.

Muscle is the next layer down. More muscle means you burn calories faster, which helps with weight loss. And since it's denser and more compact than fat, muscle gives you a strong, lean look. So build it up, baby!

Visceral or "toxic" fat: Found deep in your abdomen, this is the true troublemaker. Visceral fat has access to your portal circulation, the highway of blood vessels around your organs, and it likes to hop on. This can affect your liver's ability to manage cholesterol, increasing your risk of heart disease, says Pamela Peeke, MD, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Maryland, author of Body for Life for Women and a FITNESS advisory board member. "Not only that, but visceral fat causes insulin -- the hormone responsible for storing fat -- to become less effective, making you more susceptible to diabetes," Dr. Peeke says. Studies have also linked excess visceral fat to an increased risk of breast cancer, although experts do not fully understand the connection.

Bad Habits That Make Your Belly Bigger

Now that you've got a clear picture of the enemy within, it's time to fight back -- and win. That means getting rid of as much abdominal fat as possible, no matter which type it is. "Subcutaneous or visceral, all fat in the abdomen can have negative effects on your health," says Dr. Hensrud. "It's important to target both."

The lifestyle choices you make every day directly influence the size of your tummy -- and we're not just talking about food. So...

Stop being quite so happy at happy hour.
If you drink in moderation -- no more than one cocktail a day -- the calories from the alcohol will likely burn off. But when you overdo it, they end up turning into fat in your abdomen. Experts say this is because alcohol inhibits fat-burning in the stomach, although no one fully understands how or why. As a result, calories from alcohol are more likely to become part of your visceral fat layer, making the possibility of developing a beer (or margarita or wine) gut all too real.

Stop lighting up.
Like alcohol, nicotine prevents fat-burning in the abdomen. So smokers are likely to have a greater amount of visceral fat than nonsmokers do, even if they're not overweight, says Dr. Hensrud. "Studies have found that smokers tend to have a lower body-mass index than nonsmokers do, but the dangerous abdominal fat they often carry cancels out any positive effects."

Stop eating trans fats.
According to a new study, these artery-clogging fats are more likely to go straight to your belly than other types. Wake Forest University researchers fed monkeys the same amount of calories, but one group got some of its fat from trans fats and the other got all of its fat from heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The monkeys on the trans-fats diet gained nearly four times as much weight and had 30 percent more fat in their abdomens than the primates who ate the healthy fat. "One theory is that the body doesn't know what to do with this man-made fat, and the abdomen is a quick place to store it," says lead researcher Kavanagh. "Another idea is that trans fats interfere with insulin and its job to distribute fat throughout the body." The American Heart Association recommends eating as little trans fats as possible -- less than two grams a day. Easy ways to do that:

Read the ingredients list on snack foods labeled "0 grams trans fats." One serving of these products may contain 0.49 grams of this unhealthy fat. "The higher that partially hydrogenated oils are on the ingredients list, the more likely it is that a product has close to 0.5 gram of trans fats a serving," says Lona Sandon, RD, an American Dietetic Association spokesperson in Dallas. So dole out just one portion of crackers or cookies and then put the box away.

Make your own muffins -- or cake or cookies. The baked goods sold at convenience stores and coffee-and-doughnut shops are likely full of trans fats, says Ellie Krieger, RD, host of Healthy Appetite on the Food Network. When you bake your own, using healthy ingredients such as canola oil and fresh fruit, you eliminate these fats.

Hold the fried foods. "It's not necessarily the oil that's unhealthy, but that the frying process changes the chemical structure of it, leading to an excess of trans fats," explains Sandon. Unless a restaurant boasts that it's serving trans-fat-free foods -- as do Wendy's, KFC, and Arby's -- you can assume you're getting a substantial side of it with those onion rings.

Smart Habits That Will Slim Your Stomach

Start working out.
Regular heart-pumping exercise is one of the most effective ways to get fat off your middle. "Diet alone may reduce your weight, but it probably won't change your body's shape the way exercise can," says Tongjian You, PhD, now an assistant professor in exercise and nutrition sciences at SUNY Buffalo and lead researcher for the groundbreaking Wake Forest study on fat-cell size. "Abdominal fat may be more active and responsive to exercise than fat in other areas," he says. So get moving!

Start eating healthy fats.
To lose flab around your middle, you don't have to cut every bit of fat out of your diet. The key is to get about 30 percent of your daily calories from fat, primarily heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which could help you live longer (plus, you'll be less likely to crave the unhealthy kinds). New research from the Harvard Nurses' Health Study found that women who ate a diet rich in healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts, slashed their risk of heart disease -- the number-one killer of women -- by as much as 33 percent. Try adding some almonds to your afternoon yogurt and cook with olive oil as often as possible.

Start getting at least seven hours of shut-eye a night.
James Gangwisch, PhD, a researcher at Columbia University Medical Center, has the most compelling lights-out research we've heard. In his review of thousands of women, he found that those who slept five hours a night were almost twice as likely to be obese as women who got seven hours. Studies show that lack of sleep can make you hungrier -- it knocks the appetite-regulating hormones leptin and ghrelin out of whack, so you crave sweet, salty snacks. And it can increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which may be associated with abdominal fat.

Start playing your cards right.
"Think of your genes as the hand you're dealt in a game of poker," says Dr. Hensrud. "It may not be as good as you'd like, but it's how you play that matters." This is particularly true if you're apple shaped (meaning that you store fat around your abdomen) rather than pear shaped (fat goes to your hips and thighs first). "For optimal health, we should all eat less junk food, exercise regularly, drink in moderation, and not smoke," says Dr. Hensrud. "But these steps are even more important for people who are apple shaped, because they are at increased risk of diabetes and heart disease." By staying at a healthy weight and keeping your waist size well under 35 inches earlier in life, you're setting yourself up to stay trim as you get older, when your risk for developing many diseases increases.

Start loving your body.
Research shows that when women feel bad about their weight and themselves, they're more likely to give up on their diet goals and eat too much. So do things that make you feel good -- and that are good for you. Take a walk. Treat yourself to a massage. Before you know it, that extra ab flab will be nothing but a fleeting memory.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, March 2007.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Excuse moi?

I was reading the MSN music news today and there's a link to check out Britney's new CD, and I decided to be open-minded about it and check it out. And people, it's actually really good!! So you probably have to like trance-y electronic dance music to really dig it, but as The Mer Show readers well know, I DO. Most of the lyrics are atrocious, hyper-sexualized "get naked, get naked, take it off, take it off", and generally make no sense (she meows in one song), but the beats are so good, it doesn't matter to me.

Anyway, if you're feeling adventurous today, I recommend that you check out the really entertaining train wreck: http://music.msn.com/music/newthisweek?GT1=7702

Love, Mer

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

New Pics of the Pup

A picture says a thousand words, so there's not much I need to say about this little animal who makes my life happier every single day!

Enjoy! Love, Mer










Tuesday, October 23, 2007

SD Update

So as I sit in my apartment, transfixed on my television and watching the conflagrations that are destroying my beautiful city, I just can't seem to process the fact that this is all happening about 15 miles away from me! The fires just seem to be growing and growing, and don't seem to be able to get contained. I guess the weather is part of the problem - it's dry, hot, and the wind is blowing like crazy (in one location, 70+mph!)... Hopefully the winds die down and stop facilitating the growth of these fires!! Some rain might be nice - Houston, New Orleans, could you please send us some???

For any SD peeps that might be reading this, please drop me a line if I can help you with a safe place to stay, or if you need help with your pet - Baci and I would be glad to help. Otherwise, someone just sent me a list of places that are offering free boarding:

VCA Hillcrest Animal Hospital

Phone: 619-299-7387

Fax: 619-299-7396

http://www.VCAHillcrest.com

246 West Washington Street

San Diego, CA 92103


VCA Angel Animal Hospital

Phone: 619-291-0042

Fax: 619-291-0239

http://www.VCAAngel.com

3537 30th Street

San Diego, CA 92104


VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Ctr.

Phone: 619-299-2400

Fax: 619-299-0413

http://www.VCAEmergency.com

2317 Hotel Circle South

San Diego, CA 92108


VCA Main Street Animal Hospital

Phone: 619-232-7401

Fax: 619-232-7034

http://www.VCAMainStreet.com

2773 Main Street

San Diego, CA 92113


VCA West Bernardo Animal Hospital

Phone: 858-485-7570

Fax: 858-485-5781

http://www.VCAWestBernardo.com

11605 Duenda Road, Suite D

San Diego, CA 92127


I dropped off some things at Qualcomm last night and am just about to help Urban Kitchen deliver about 300 sandwiches to Escondido High School, a Red Cross evacuation spot. I can't encourage all of my pals in SD enough (who aren't adversely affected by this tragedy) to use your time and energy to help out our neighbors. For places to volunteer, please check out these opportunities:

1) 2-1-1 is seeking volunteers to help in the next 72 hours to take calls and/or fill other roles at 2-1-1 should that be needed. Shifts are about four hours and training is available. If interested, email Meg Storer at mstorer@211sandiego.orgwith your name, phone number where you can be reached, your email address, and the dates/times that work best with your schedule. A 2-1-1 person will contact you directly once you send that information.


2) Individuals who wish to volunteer can go to the Red Cross Spontaneous Volunteer Center at Horizon Christian Fellowship, 5331 Mt. Alifan Drive (one block south of Balboa and Genesee) in the Clairemont area. Center hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. until further notice. Individuals can also call and leave contact information at 858-309-1261. Over 600 new volunteers were processed through the center Monday so you should probably call first. PLEASE DO NOT GO DIRECTLY TO ANY OF THE EVACUATION SITES, they are not staffed to accept new volunteers at this time as they help evacuees.


3) Visit the Red Cross and Volunteer San Diego websites for updates and more ways to help. www.sdarc.org and www.volunteersandiego.org


Gotta go. Please continue to keep the fire victims in your thoughts!! Mer

Monday, October 22, 2007

San Diego is on Fire

So I'm sure that most of you have seen on the news that there are wildfires raging across San Diego right now. Fortunately, I live right on the coast in downtown San Diego and am very safe, but there are many people here that are not as lucky. I'm actually quite concerned about some friends of mine who live up north and in the way of danger. I tried calling them, but can't reach them. Say a prayer for my friends, please.

Right now there are about 12 fires burning that are threatening most of North San Diego and my office is going to be closed for the next couple of days. After a mellow weekend, I was pretty ready to get back to work and be productive, so I was a little bummed to be at home again today. Baci is driving me crazy - he's in puppy mode this morning, peeing on things, stealing my pens and running from me, barking at the front door, etc. etc. etc. If I didn't put him in his crate a few minutes ago, I would have eventually committed dog-icide!!!!

Anyway, I'll be at home over the next couple of days, but am advised to stay off my cell. Send me funny emails, k? :)

Love, Mer

p.s. OH, and I fell off the wagon Saturday and am eating again. I'm a big, fat loser for not finishing what I started, but for some reason, the lemonade was just *repulsive* to me this time and I couldn't drink it!!! So without that nourishment, I just couldn't make it. But I do feel like I cleaned out a bit, and look less bloated. And I'm not craving meat or caffeine, so at least I broke myself of those habits!! :)

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Master Cleanse, Part Deux

Well peeps, it’s that time of year again! The master cleanse is calling my name and I am answering the call. It’s going to be a very different experience this time, I believe. Shayne just went through the process for the 2nd time, so I sort of know what to expect from her experience. I think it’s going to be a little bit better knowing what to expect this time, but who knows?

The purpose of my cleansing is not to lose weight (although it IS a benefit), but to clean out my system from all the bad stuff I put in it… caffeine (although I drink much less these days), sweetener (ditto), meat, hormones, alcohol, and other toxins. I have been sick a lot this last couple of months, and my allergies have been torturing me, so I hope that cleaning out my body and starting anew will kickstart my immune system and keep me healthy throughout the holidays.

And I do have to admit that looking fabulous for the upcoming Junior League gala, my 32nd birthday, and through the holidays is going to be a huge benefit, too… hehehe

Tonight is the “last supper” before the cleanse and I plan to make it a good one! Lots of wine and cheese and all my favorite things! I will drink the tea before I go to bed, and in the morning, it’s 240 hours of cleansing…

Wish me luck!!!

Love, Mer

Monday, October 08, 2007

Exciting Announcement!

Well, friends and family, I have very good news. After 2.5 years of living with my awesome roommate, Prasad, I have rented a new one bedroom condo and am moving out on my own again. It’s been a great 2.5 years with Prasad – he’s been the best roommate I’ve ever had, hands down – but it’s just time for me to live on my own again. As you know from past postings, Shayne has moved out of San Diego – on to bigger and better things – and I have rented her condo. It’s a lovely space, and before she left, put in new carpet and had it painted, so it’s like a brand new place!

I'll still be living in the same building, but just moving from one apartment to another. I'll still have access to all the goodies that come with living in my building - the huge pool and barbecue/ party area on the 10th floor, the jacuzzi, gym, door guys - but NOW I have a parking spot. Hallelujah!! (Take THAT, meter maid bitches - Lady Marmalade has a home now and is sheltered from your putrid yellow envelopes!)

And I'll be able to hang out on the couch in my undies, eat ice cream and watch chick flicks ALL I WANT! I can leave dishes in the sink and clothes in the dryer without feeling bad, eat crappy food without anyone in the world knowing, live without worrying about Jasmine eating all of mine and Baci’s food, sleep with the bedroom door open, and basically do whatever I want, whenever I want. Yea!!!

I know that Baci is going to miss his girlfriend, Jasmine, but I’ll do my best to keep him in good company.

Anyway, just wanted to let you guys know the good news. Have a great week!

Love, Mer

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Movie Review: Superbad

Wow. This movie is supremely FOUL, but if you know me, I have absolutely no problem with that – in fact, I sort of enjoy it. :) But holy mother of Pete, Superbad was hilarious!

This flick follows one day in the life of a trio of really geeky friends who are about to graduate from high school in 2 weeks. It’s basically The Girl Next Door meets Dazed and Confused meets 40 Year Old Virgin. I’m not going to ruin the movie, because I highly recommend seeing it, but be prepared for some very clever, yet very wet, humor! I love it when a movie catches me off guard with its plot and dialogue and this one definitely did. One major theme in the flick is the male reproductive member, so if you have a problem with hearing about it repetitvely throughout the 1.5 hour run time, don’t bother seeing it. Otherwise, go see it this weekend and report back to me on Monday.

Have a great weekend! Go Horns, beat those scandalous Sooners! Love, Mer

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

The Mer Show Turns One

Happy anniversary to me! One year ago, I started keeping track of my demented and unremarkable thoughts, my crazy life events, and communicating with my long distance friends through The Mer Show. It's been so much fun and I hope that some of you have enjoyed it too...

Highlights through the year include:

*Introducing Baci to the world
*Getting laid off from Blue Oasis Technologies
*Fasting for 10 days (the Master Cleanse)
*Buying Lady Marmalade
*Getting towed twice in one year and lamenting scores of parking tickets
*Britney got divorced, Paris got arrested, and Mario won Dancing With The Stars
*Making new friends and losing some others
*Saving Davis the cat!
*I finally saw the Padres win at Petco Park
*I committed to the Chargers, the spinning bike, Barack Obama, and living as vegetarian as possible
*Watching my gorgeous nephew Finley grow into a little boy

It's certainly been interesting! Thanks for tuning into The Mer Show, and let's hope that the next year is just as exciting, but the most successful one ever for me and all of my friends and family.

Love, Mer

Monday, October 01, 2007

F Towing Companies

How do I hate thee, tow truck businesses... let me count the ways!

You take our cars away surreptitiously and scare the crap out of us thinking that our cars are stolen, then make us pay you $300+ just for the opportunity to regain what is rightfully ours anyway. You drive around with your big, bulky trucks and prey on good people that likely have legitimate reasons for having our cars in the wrong place at the right time. And most of the time, when you STEAL our cars away from us, you end up damaging our property. One of you actually wrote on my windshield once with permanent marker once and the jerk that stole my car this weekend actually left a light on in my car, draining my battery so low that it shorted out my entire electrical system! Poor Lady Marmalade is at the car doctor today getting a complete therapeutic treatment after getting so badly abused on Saturday night... This makes me extremely upset (and broke)!


How do you jerks live with yourselves? Do you hang out with meter maids at night, drinking beers, and laughing about whose day you ruined? Do you brainstorm about ways to screw over good people or damage our cars? Do you eat babies for breakfast to find the inner hate necessary to perform this job? You’ve obviously never had your car yanked from your possession and experienced the utter frustration of paying every single fee that could possibly exist just to get your car back… because if you had, you wouldn’t be able to sleep at night!

Tow truck drivers… I HATE YOU!

No love, Mer

Thursday, September 27, 2007

The Onion - Good Stuff!

For those of you not familiar with The Onion, this is a satirical publication started in Madison, Wisconsin about 20 years ago. It features satirical articles written about current events, both real and imaginary, editorials, interviews, and media. If you’re ever having a really boring day, I totally recommend reading through The Onion website (I think the print editions are only offered in a few locations around the country, likely with large college populations). It’s very intelligent humor and cracks me up all day long! Without doubt, my favorite pieces are the columns by Smoove B (http://www.theonion.com/content/columnists/view/smoove) - Smoove is the BEST!


*Warning* - some material on The Onion is totally irreverant, sometimes a little sacreligious, always a little weird, and potentially offensive to some people, so be sure to remove the stick from your ass before reading!


Anyway, The Onion appears to be going mainstream - I actually saw an Onion article on CNN today. The disclaimer was hilarious – "Editor's note: This may look like a real news story, but it's NOT. It is from the The Onion, a humor publication that calls itself "America's finest news source." CNN may beg to differ, but we do enjoy a good laugh, and hope you will enjoy a weekly selection of their satire.” I guess that some people just wouldn’t ‘get it’ without the disclaimer, but still, it’s so funny to have to explain SATIRE! Hahaha

Anyway, this is the article that was listed on CNN today. I hope you enjoy it! Love, Mer

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POLOKWANE, South Africa (The Onion) -- After three rainy seasons together, a black rhinoceros and a parasite-eating tickbird are beginning to suspect that their symbiotic relationship has fallen into a rut, the couple reported Sunday.

The rhino and tickbird pass another morning on the African savannah not saying one word to each other.

"We're really symbiotic -- almost too symbiotic," the rhino said. "It's just gotten so predictable lately that I'm starting to wonder, 'Is this all there is?'"
First meeting at a local watering hole in 2004, both creatures immediately saw themselves as natural for one other and, in the words of the rhino, felt something "new, gratifying, and mutually beneficial." Within hours, the tickbird had moved into the rhino's habitat and set up house on his thick hide.



But as time went on, it slowly dawned on the couple that their partnership was perhaps merely one of convenience.



"I admit, when we first got together, I was a total mess," the rhino said. "She really helped me clean up my act. But we've been together so long now that I always know exactly what she's going to do next."



Devouring horsefly larvae embedded in her 3,000-pound partner's back, the tickbird seemed to agree that there was little fire left in their symbiotic relationship. At worst, she said, it feels like she and the rhino have been trapped in the same dead-end symbiosis for "countless millions of years."



"We just go through the motions, and there's hardly any communication," the tickbird said. "And we do it the exact same way every time. I get on top and take the parasites off while he just lays there."



"Feed off the embedded ticks on his hide, chirp when the predators come. Feed off the embedded ticks on his hide, chirp when the predators come. Where's the passion, the heat?" the tickbird continued.



The tickbird also accused the rhino of trying to make her "feel small."



"He doesn't realize everything I do for him," the tickbird said. "If it wasn't for my 'incessant squawking,' as he calls it, he would be shot by poachers before he even saw them coming."



Both creatures separately expressed envy of their neighbors, a plover and crocodile, who "never seem to have the problems we do," the rhino said.



"That crocodile appreciates having his teeth cleaned, and he makes sure she knows," the tickbird said. "Look at that big grin."



The rhino said that he often feels like a victim of her nitpicking.



"I might look tough, but I have feelings," the rhino said. "I give her plenty to eat and a great place to perch, but it feels like she's constantly pecking an open wound. Ugh, why can't we just be friends with mutualistic benefits?"



The frustration has caused the pair to act out in passive-aggressive ways. The rhino will frequently charge without warning, jarring the tickbird from her perch. Meanwhile, the tickbird often deliberately embarrasses her partner by speculating aloud about a symbiotic relationship with a cape buffalo or zebra, often within earshot of those species.



According to a nearby elephant, this sense of stagnancy commonly occurs in symbiotic partnerships across sub-Saharan Africa.



"The rhino and tickbird may have evolved physiologically to meet each other's needs, but it's clear they haven't evolved emotionally," the elephant said. "They need to recognize that in order to go forward. The rhino's loud snorting is very alienating. And obviously the tickbird is projecting her own feelings of inadequacy when she criticizes the rhino for being a typical Diceros bicornis."



For all their friction, both creatures conceded that they weren't sure they could actually live without each other.



"I don't know why we stay together," the rhino said. "I guess we're just creatures of instinctual habit."




Tuesday, September 25, 2007

TV Week

So most of you know that my New Year’s resolution the last couple of years has been to watch more television. WELL, I sure have accomplished it! And for those of us that love TV, this is a great week!! It’s the first of the new season for all my favorite shows!!

So last night started The Bachelor and Dancing With the Stars (yes, I’m a chick) and you *know* I was watching! So this year, I’m not really excited about any of the dancers that are on DWTS – there’s noone that inspires me like Heather Mills or makes me sweat like Mario Whatshisface… But it does appear that there will be some good dancing. And since the annoying cohost, Samantha Harris, just had a baby yesterday, at least we don’t have to put up with her annoying non-sequitur comments; But it doesn’t matter – the show is still enough fun to keep me watching every week. And Maxsim Chmerkovskiy alone is a good enough reason to watch – those hips make me crazy! Meow!

I know you’re dying to hear my pre-season prediction for the winner this year, and that is… Wayne Newton. Yep – Wayne Newton… he’s an entertainer and will probably make the ballroom dances look good. All the girls are either the uncoordinated type or the hip hop dancing type, and the guys are all talking heads or super athletes with muscles too big to really look good. I could be wrong, but this is my conjecture.

OK, regarding The Bachelor, the hot business owner from Austin... YUM! Where was THAT guy when I was there? Geez?! I’m not even into that blond, all-American type, but he’s really hot. And the accent? I guess I’m just a southern girl, but it really hits my soft spot (and mama loves the TX boys). I would NEVER compete for a guy, much less on national TV, but if I had known that this guy was the bachelor, I might have been persuaded. hehe

But seriously, what is with these girls that go on this show and just act like morons? There was the girl last night that showed him her webbed feet in the hopes that she would make a good impression (she certainly made an impression, but I’m not sure it was good); the girl that showed him her “human pretzel” impression; the one that changed into a bikini, jumped in the pool, then asked him to take his pants off and join her; and of course, the girl that got way too drunk and couldn’t talk, then pulled out her chicken filet (fake boobie) and confessed sloppily she was trying to look bigger breasted. Or the girls doing the booty shaking lap dances for him in black tie attire? I’m sure I’ve pulled some doozies before too, but never on national television while competing for a super hottie!

Anyway, the first episode was good one – I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. Tonight is the new SVU – yea! – and Thursday starts Private Practice and Grey’s Anatomy as well as My Name is Earl. Wooo hooooo! It’s going to be a very exciting week for this newly committed couch potato.

Anyway, hope you all have a good one, too. Love, Mer

Monday, September 24, 2007

Happy Monday

OK, the head is now clear after a fun weekend getaway to Austin. Well, not clear, as my brain cells are swimming in alcohol and I'm seriously lacking sleep, but getting away for a weekend was just what the doctor ordered! Getting back to Texas and seeing D is always so eye opening - I have so much food for thought upon getting back home!!

We never made it to the game Saturday, but watched it on D's giant plasma, so I think it was probably better than going to the game. We went to Whole Foods Market and got tons of food, plopped on his version of the Life Sucker 4000, and ate and drank ourselves silly. Some friends came over to join us and we were up til dark:30 drinking, hanging out, and playing Guitar Hero (more on that to come).

By the way, the Whole Foods in Austin was something like you wouldn't believe! Of course, it's their flagship store, as Whole Foods is based in Austin. The hot food bar was like a Vegas buffet, their cheese section was more extensive than anything I've ever seen, the wine selection was to die for, and the seating area had a stream running through it; it even has a kids playground to keep the little ones happy. It was unbelievable - even though our WF just got remodeled, it seems like a dump now...

And Guitar Hero... OK, this game is like crack. I've never really been into video games, but this was so unbelievably fun, I can't even tell you. So you have this little fake guitar that you use as the controller and basically play along with the songs. For every note you hit, you get X points. It doesn't work like a real guitar, so you don't actually have to know how to play it. There are buttons that you hit on the guitar that correspond with the screen, and show you which note to hit. It's really fun, the music is totally 80s hair band rock (which is a riot), the graphics are hilariously cool, and if you have 2 guitars, you can play against each other. If you get a chance to play it, you must - it's awesome!!!

Anyway, I hope you all had a great weekend too and have another great week.

Love, Mer