Yappy Hour at Metropawlitan Dog

Please join Baci and me at Yappy Hour on Thursday, September 13th for wine, cheese, prizes, and so that our doggies can wear each other out playing! :) Vicky Mann is the owner of Metropawlitan Dog and is excited about finding new clients. Baci attended training there, and has been groomed a couple of times, and they did a great job with both, and really love Baci (and vice versa)! I hope anyone that's interested with attend with me.

Time: Thursday, September 13th, 7 pm - 8:30 pm

Place: Metropawlitan Dog
811 13th Street
San Diego, CA
619-233-1364
www.metropawlitandog.com

See you there!

Love, Mer (and Baci - woof!)

Public Service Announcement

This is a very important announcement! Please take note!!

Don't forget - Monday is Labor Day. Do you know what that means? Besides having the day off, sleeping in, pool and beach time, and barbecuing with our friends and families... it also means that ladies are no longer permitted to wear white! Tradition says that any white is off limits, but I just put away the white pants, shorts, sundresses, suits, totebag, sunglasses and shoes until Memorial Day. I personally think white blouses and tops are fine year round, though. And winter white? Totally different story - if you want direction regarding this rule, feel free to contact me for advice! ;)

So ladies, don't forget - wear your white clothes this week and weekend while you can (without etiquette-obsessed Southern Belles snickering at you)!

Just wanted to post that friendly reminder...

Love, Mer

p.s. The curse is broken - I saw the Padres win Monday night!!!

Sports Update

Hi guys! Several things in the sports world today.

1. The Astros Manager, Mr. G, got fired today! Booooooooooooooo! I guess in the sports world, you're only as good as your last few months, right? Fickle biz!

2. I'm going to a Padres game tonight - let's see if they win, and if I can break the curse!! Perhaps writing about the curse on The Mer Show helped break the cycle of losses when I'm on Petco Park property... Stay tuned!

3. It's football season again!! WAHOOOOOOOOO!!! I love me some LT and ready for some Chargers football. I can't wait to attend a game or two this season. And the first UT game of the season is this weekend, also. I'm hoping to go to Players, here in San Diego, to watch the game with the Texas Exes and channel my inner Longhorn pride! It's only Arkansas State, so it doesn't really matter, but who cares?? It's football season!

OK, that's it. Love, Mer

Hopeline

Hi guys! Yesterday I was at the Verizon Wireless store exchanging my new KRZR (which sucked by the way; I traded it for an LG Chocolate, which rocks!) and came across something that I'd like to share with my peeps!

Hopeline is a service offered by Verizon Wireless, which collects old wireless, batteries, chargers, and cellular accessories that are recycled and refurbished for the purpose of distributing to domestic violence victims. By providing wireless phones to victims of abuse, Hopeline gives them a link to vital emergency services and support systems. Given that one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime (scary!), it's possible that someone you know and love will experience this type of abuse...

So please!!! Please consider donating your old phones and cellular accessories to this cause. If you go to any Verizon Wireless store with old phones and accessories, from any manufacturer or service provider, they will rehab and recycle your phones to those that REALLY need them! And not only will you be helping those that need your help and care, you'll be disposing of your old phones responsibly and in an environmentally safe manner.

On another note, if you find yourself in a situation where you need help with domestic abuse, and you're a Verizon Wireless subscriber, dial #HOPE anytime, and you'll have an immediate connection with the Domestic Violence Hotline and they will help you take steps toward safety!!

Thanks so much!!!

Love, Mer

Mer's Curse on Petco Park

So ever since I was a kid, I've been a sports fan - baseball, football, basketball, even boxing and especially watching the Olympic games. I was a competitive gymnast until I was 17, a cheerleader for all sports, and a certified Texas football nut. I currently own two football jerseys (one UT, one SD Chargers), one foam finger, several pom poms, and even have the Texas fight song in my iTunes!

Growing up, I went from kindergarten to 12th grade with (and attended the 7th grade Valentine's Day dance) with Eric G, son of the Houston Astros 3rd baseman, Phil G. Being in close proximity to this local athlete (George Foreman and his brood of Georges also lived in my community) made me and all my pals growing up especially interested in watching the Astros. I remember watching Astros games from the time I was about 8 or 9, and am still a fan today. In fact, now Mr. G is the Manager of the Astros and led them to the World Series a couple years ago (or was that last year - I can't remember...)!

Anyway, I've finally let go of the Houston Oilers and committed to the Chargers (hence the LaDanian Tomlinson jersey) and even though the Astros are still my fave baseball team, the Padres are a very close 2nd, and as long as they're not playing the Astros, they ARE my fave!

I have been to probably close to about 20 games in the new Petco Park (it opened in 2004), but every single time I go, they lose. I'm not kidding - I don't think I've ever seen a single game in person when the Padres won! KT and I did sneak into the end of a game once, and they ended up winning in extra innings, but there was no ticket purchased, nor did I even see the 7th inning stretch. Maybe that's the key...

I've sat in nosebleed seats, great seats, been to opening day, and one of the last games of the season; someone even gave me tickets once. And every single time I was there, the Padres have lost. If the Padres were smart, they'd pay me NOT to come! But it totally stinks because I love going to games...

So my goal for the 2007 season is to attend ONE baseball game in Petco Park and watch the Padres win. Do you think it can happen? Stay tuned!!

Love, Mer

H-Town

As I spend my last night of vacation in Houston, I realize, once again, that I have a love/ hate relationship with this city, and Texas, in general. Some of my most favorite people in the world are here, and this is most definitely home. It's one of the few places I can relax in my PJs and honestly feel relaxed - in San Diego, I guess I always feel like I should be on the go, visiting with friends, enjoying the sunshine, exercising, volunteering, or doing something else really productive. Here in Houston right now, it's 95 degrees, raining, and more humid than I ever remember - who wants to do anything besides stay in and watch movies, read, and surf the internet?! It's an environment very prohibitive to fun activities outside, but highly conducive to relaxing!And my childhood home is becoming more familiar and a loving part of my memory as I get older - I guess that's normal, right? Oh yes, and then there's the food (the best in the world, as far I'm concerned - and I really mean that), and the fact that people drive the way everyone should - *fast*!

Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting back to my very naughty doggie, my state of unemployment and search for the perfect job, and seeing one special person, in particular; however, I have had a great visit in Houston. I have eaten until I'm going to pop, visited with my family and friends, watched some great movies, and decompressed from a few very stressful weeks!

A special thanks for the Darbys and Orrs for hosting me for a lovely evening Friday night! I love my boofuls little nephew more than anything... even when he's grouchy! :)

Mer

Congrats Baci!

Congrats to my funny, sweet Baci ball, who graduated from his training class this past Tuesday. Coincidentally, it was also his 6 month birthday, so it was a big day for the little guy. My puppy has become a man, it seems! To celebrate with his buddies in school, he brought doggie donut holes covered in yogurt frosting and sprinkles, and passed them out to the class. That Baci sure is thoughtful to include his buddies!! ;)

For the last 8 weeks, he and I have been attending a great training class at Metropawlitan Dog in East Village (highly recommended to San Diego locals!!) and we have both been learning so much. He's learned how to sit, lay down, stay, drop things from his mouth, back away from trouble, stop at the curbs before crossing the street, and all sorts of other invaluable things. I've learned how to use meat flavored treats to coerce my dog into doing what I want him to do! Realistically, I was the one that needed to be trained, not the furball...

Honestly, so much of how we train dogs seems so similar to how a baby might be taught to behave - I have to keep this stuff in mind! I wonder if boyfriends can be trained the same way, but instead of meat-flavored treats, perhaps sugary ones... what do you think? Kidding! (Sort of...) See the baby with his party hat on to celebrate his birthday and his graduation - isn't he the cutest?

More postings on the way - it's been a hectic week, but I'm starting to feel inspired to write again. Stay tuned (Ruchi)!

Love, Mer xx

Bye Blue Oasis Technologies

So today is my last day with Blue Oasis Technologies - the business is taking a new direction, and my services are no longer needed. I'm taking this chance to take some time off and live off my severance and unemployment benefits to regroup and pursue some personal things that I've been meaning to deal with, get my baby puppy better trained, work on sculpting those perfect legs I've been dreaming about my whole life, and take a couple of planned trips to see my peeps out of state. It should be a nice break!

I'm not sure how this will affect my blog-writing, as most of it is done right here in my office, inspired by the active mind of a busy professional. Now that I'm temporarily no longer a busy professional, will I still be inspired to write? I'll guess we'll see!

There are several things that I'll miss about working here.

1. The Sorrento Food Court downstairs. When I first started working here, I was taking the train to work every day because my Jetta was still in North Carolina (long story) and I had to walk anywhere and everywhere to get what I needed. Thankfully, right below my building is an entire food court of restaurants from Afghan, vegetarian, pizza, Indian, Mexican, Greek food and more, which kept me nourished daily. I'll especially miss the old lady that runs the Greek place that asks if I want "Frenchy fries" with my chicken kebob - she's so cute!

2. My spacious office with all the privacy, storage, and room a girl could ever want. I've written hundreds of blog posts here, made thousands of phone calls, pondered the meaning of life, taken a couple of naps, had a few good cries, lots of laughs, and done a few things in here I can't discuss in a public forum. :)

3. Orchid Nails - another business in the shopping center below my work. They give the best spa pedicures on the planet, and I know I won't drive all the way up here just to get one in the future, so I think I'm going at lunch for one last pedi! This is my hideout when the office got too stressful - downstairs and right into the massage chair.

4. All the nice people I've met up here in Sorrento Valley - from Qualcomm, Claritas, Compuware, Websense, and more. It's made working in an office with 3 people much more enjoyable!

Things I won't miss:

1. The Tejano music coming from the car wash below my office wafting into my ears all day every day.

2. The fighter jets from MCAS Miramar flying about 50 feet over my building every day, scaring me to death!

3. The women from our business neighbors' office on my floor talking to me in the bathroom as I'm trying to do my business. Yes, I'm ordinarily very friendly, but not while sitting on the toilet!

4. The 805! Need I say more? Even if I find a new job in Sorrento Valley, I look forward to a small break from the traffic madness. Hallelujah!

Well, Blue Oasis Technologies, vaya con Dios and thanks for everything.

Love, Mer

Cocktails for Choice - San Diego

For all my pals here in San Diego, I would love to have you join me at Cocktails for Choice - come and support Planned Parenthood's mission while enjoying a glass of wine at the inaugural party at the Wine Cabana in Old Town. The $10 cover includes complimentary appetizers and specials on featured wines will be provided.

The Wine Cabana is conveniently located near the Old Town Trolley Station. Planned Parenthood encourages public transportation use and carpooling.

Thursday, August 23rd, 2007
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

If you'd like to attend this event you can purchase tickets online:

Cocktails for Choice

I hope to see you there! Love, Mer

Funny Monday!

I just came across this and though it was absolutely hilarious - it's so true!!! Enjoy. Love, Mer

Top 10 Rejection Lines Given By Women (and what they actually mean)

10. I think of you as a brother. (You remind me of that inbred banjo-playing geek in "Deliverance.")

9. There's a slight difference in our ages. (You are one jurassic geezer.)

8. I'm not attracted to you in 'that' way. (You are the ugliest dork I've ever laid eyes upon.)

7. My life is too complicated right now. (I don't want you spending the whole night or else you may hear phone calls from all the other guys I'm seeing.)

6. I've got a boyfriend (who's really my male cat and a half gallon of Ben and Jerry's).

5. I don't date men where I work. (Hey, bud, I wouldn't even date you if you were in the same 'solar system', much less the same building.)

4. It's not you, it's me. (It's not me, it's you.)

3. I'm concentrating on my career. (Even something as boring and unfulfilling as my job is better than dating you.)

2. I'm celibate. (I've sworn off only the men like you.)

...and the number 1 rejection line given by women (and what it actually means)

1. Let's be friends. (I want you to stay around so I can tell you in excruciating detail about all the other men I meet. It's that male perspective thing)

Inspiration!

I just signed up to volunteer for Barack Obama's campaign - I truly believe he's going to change the world. I haven't been inspired by a political leader in a very long time, and I'm excited, encouraged, and motivated by what this man has to say.

Don't worry, Hillary, I still love you, but this guy has got what it takes to rally a nation.

Barack Obama for President in 2008!

RAVE! Pandora.com

Wow, this site totally ROCKS! My friend Sheridan, up in Silicon Valley, recommended this to me. Perhaps he's more tied into cool technology being up there, I don't know... but I can't talk highly enough about this site!!!!

So Pandora.com is a free streaming music site that allows you to enter an artist who embodies your favorite kind of music, and electronically matches the sound of that artist and plays similar songs continuously, without commercial or breaks, based on that artist you chose. For example, I entered 'Madonna' and the site has been playing amazing electronic dance song after another and I can't stop dancing in my chair today!! You can create different "stations" based upon different artists; I think I'm going to create a jazz channel based on Dave Brubeck and a country station based on Rascal Flatts and see how those turn out.

To achieve this awesome technology, Pandora has been working on the Music Genome Project for several years. The project has utilized 50 musician-analysts that have been listening to all genres of music across all generations, one song at a time, studying and collecting musical details of every song such as melody, harmony, instrumentation, rhythm, vocals, lyrics ... and many more. That allows them to electronically compare songs and group them into comparable genres. How cool is that?!

Anyway, for those of you that listen to streaming music to ease the boredom of a desk job, you should check this out! I hope you like it. And thanks for sharing, Sheridan!

Love, Mer

Deep Thoughts From The Gym

So it’s officially been one year since I got on a health kick and got myself back into the gym after a few years of hiatus – last August was when I started my membership with Gold’s Gym. I’m proud of myself for sticking with my goal to shape up and reestablish healthy exercise habits. I am officially 10 pounds lighter than I was this time last year and I think with my new habits firmly in place now, I should be able to keep that off. I’ve been an on and off gym-goer ever since I was in high school, so by now I’m pretty well familiar with the goings-on in a typical gym. I’ve always wanted to compile my thoughts on being a gym dweller, and with the advent of The Mer Show, I now have that opportunity! So here goes...

First of all, one of my favorite things to do at the gym is to observe the regulars. I like watching them and trying to determine their purpose – is it to stand around and look pretty, attracting the opposite sex? To genuinely work up a sweat? Make their muscles big and billowy so that other dudes respect them? Do they not have anything better to do, so the gym sounds good? (I confess – sometimes that’s me!) I like trying to figure out their story. Like is the little blonde bimbo a college student? Stripper? Bored on a Tuesday night? What does the guy with all the tattoos do for a living? Waiter? Musician? Trader Joe’s bagger while he writes his screenplay? I like to give the regulars names. In the past I named two girls that followed each other around the gym giggling Amber and Jerri, for the girls on the first season of Survivor; the buff black guy in my spinning class Walter (Payton); the skinny, tall white gay guy in my Body Pump class Eugene, because he’s such an awkward dork. Then there’s Meathead, Rockabilly, Heather, Smoothie King, and more…

I have a lot of pet peeves in the gym. What is with girls that wear jewelry such as bracelets and dangly earrings? Is that necessary? And I can’t stand dudes that wear really overpowering cologne to hide the fact that they’re wearing no deodorant – gross! And when people leave a machine all wet and sweaty without wiping it down? There have been times I really had to stop myself from assertively approaching people. When people mouth the lyrics to the song on their MP3 player or the gym stereo, I’m not sure whether to giggle and watch or what… it’s such a train wreck!

One thing that really freaks me out is overweight group fitness instructors. Does that mean that if I attend their class, it’s not going to work? I mean, surely they exercise more than I do – if they teach a couple of classes per week and still have a belly roll or fat arms, is their class worth my time? I guess it’s not realistic that every instructor is going to have a perfect body, but subconsciously, I freak out a little bit if my instructors don't. On the other hand, how about those 50 and 60 somethings who look positively AMAZING?! There’s a 60 something lady in my spinning class on Saturday mornings who looks like a million bucks. She inspires me to get my booty in there and cycle!!

Now trainers… these are an interesting lot. Why do all of them give me the creeps? Most of them are in amazing shape, but they’re all so… creepy! Many of them stand around leering at the gym-goers and I’m not sure if they’re browsing us for potential business, potential dates, or just bored. There’s one at my gym now that sits at his little desk and flirts with girls as we walk by, and I watch him leering at people throughout our workouts. I just to work the front desk of a gym when I lived in Malibu in 1997 and the trainers used to talk about their clients all the time. It was enough to inspire me to never hire a trainer – pay someone $50/hr to gossip about my saddlebags and how much better I would look if I just got lipo and implants… NO thanks!

I’m not even going to get started about locker room etiquette. And I’ve never even been in a men’s locker room (shiver)!

And lastly, to my spinning instructor on the occasional Friday morning when I get up early enough… The Smiths, Morrissey, and Nine Inch Nails is not motivating music to make me want to work out, OK? I mean all three bands are amazing, but not at 8:00 a.m. while sweating my ass off! How about a little dance/ house music, cheesy pop, rock, disco, or something with some energy? That would be greeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaat... thanks!

So is it just me that finds the gym such an interesting study in sociology? How about you guys? Got any funny stories or introspective observations?

Love, Mer