I've kind of been on the fence in regard to who I will be supporting in the Democratic primaries. I've gone from Edwards to Clinton to Obama, and back again. Really my main concern has just been getting a Democrat into the White House.
But after watching the New Hampshire debates, I've made up my mind. And I'm pretty excited to actually be excited!
Despite the Obama-Edwards "gang up on Hillary fest" (what was that about?), Hillary proved that she is tough and compassionate - qualities I believe to be essential in a good leader. I also thought she had great, intelligent, believable answers.
But what really sealed the deal for me? Check out this clip:
Could Obama be anymore condescending? She was actually complimenting him, and then he had to make that snide, calculated comment. I was really disappointed in him.
Hillary's response was perfect, though:
"You know, I think this is one of the most serious decisions that the voters of New Hampshire have ever had to make. And I really believe that the most important question is, who is ready to be president on day one?
In 2000 we, unfortunately, ended up with a president who people said they wanted to have a beer with; who said he wanted to be a uniter, not a divider; who said that he had his intuition and he was going to really come into the White House and transform the country. And you know, at least I think there are the majority of Americans who think that was not the right choice."
The best part, Obama's next answer when asked to respond to the focus on him during the Republican debate earlier that night, he said, "Well, you know, I have to admit that I was going back and forth between the Republicans and football."
Oh, so now we can vote for the president we want to watch a football game with. Aw shucks! He's so likable!
GO HILLARY!
And check out this post from a colleague at BlogHer, Morra Aarons, on Why Thirtysomething Women need Hillary Clinton, and Why She Needs Us.
You can find the entire transcript of the debate here.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Happy Birthday to Me. :(
So it was my birthday on Sunday. It was pretty low-key. Just dinner plans with my brother and sister-in-law. But Trip and I were so looking forward, as we were going to Merit Vegetarian (which you would know from previous posts is my new favorite restaurant).
The day was all planned around this meal - we got up and had smoothies for breakfast, went and worked out, and then had a really light lunch - preparing our bellies for the massive feast.
So we get there, and as we're pulling up I notice that all the lights were out. My brother and sister-in-law had arrived before us, but both had left their cells at home, so were sitting waiting to tell us the bad news. Taped to the door was a hand-written sign, "We will be closed on Sunday, January 6th."
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Of course we're STARVING at this point, so I try to think of something yummy in the area. And since we were in Sunnyvale, I thought Dish Dash would be a nice alternative. I used to go there all the time when I worked in Sunnyvale, and haven't been in over 4 months, so was actually looking forward to it as we were driving over there.
But as we pull up, I realized my birthday is doomed.
All the light were out. Closed on Sundays.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
By this time we're STARVING STARVING, and we see that Thai Basil is open, so we go there. Which actually turned out quite nice, but definitely no Dish Dash. And nowhere close to Merit.
Is this a sign of what's to come this year???
The day was all planned around this meal - we got up and had smoothies for breakfast, went and worked out, and then had a really light lunch - preparing our bellies for the massive feast.
So we get there, and as we're pulling up I notice that all the lights were out. My brother and sister-in-law had arrived before us, but both had left their cells at home, so were sitting waiting to tell us the bad news. Taped to the door was a hand-written sign, "We will be closed on Sunday, January 6th."
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Of course we're STARVING at this point, so I try to think of something yummy in the area. And since we were in Sunnyvale, I thought Dish Dash would be a nice alternative. I used to go there all the time when I worked in Sunnyvale, and haven't been in over 4 months, so was actually looking forward to it as we were driving over there.
But as we pull up, I realized my birthday is doomed.
All the light were out. Closed on Sundays.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
By this time we're STARVING STARVING, and we see that Thai Basil is open, so we go there. Which actually turned out quite nice, but definitely no Dish Dash. And nowhere close to Merit.
Is this a sign of what's to come this year???
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Healthy Joy for 2008.
I know, I know. You're sick of all the resolution whohaw of the new year. But it really is a good time to reevaluate one's life and set some goals for yourself. My coworker blogged about the BlogHer 2008 Good Health-a-thon (awesome read!), and it got me thinking. So here are mine:
Eat More Fresh, Organic, and Raw
You probably think this should be easy for a vegetarian, but surprisingly enough, its not. Because there are so many yummy processed veggie meals nowadays, its easy to fall into that rut. Like Gardenburger's Riblets. YUM.
So my goal is to eat fresh fruit or vegetables with each meal, either raw or steamed. Also, my mother-in-law bought us a juicer for Christmas, and carrot and apple juice is my new favorite post-workout snack, so I'm hoping this helps me stay on track even more.
Use Organic Beauty Products
So here I am being super cautious as to what I put in my body (no meat, no caffeine, no soda, only organic). But what about what I put on the outside? According to Pharmacopia.net, over 5,000 chemicals are used in personal care products alone. Scary.
The skin, the body's largest organ, is the most typical absorption point of everyday toxins. Up to 60 percent of certain ingredients in body products, such as lotion, cream and bubble bath, will absorb through the skin and into the bloodstream. Then the chemicals will accumulate in target organs, or are metabolized through the system, in some instances over a period of years, according to the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
Unlike the term "natural," products labeled as "organic" are carefully certified and regulated by the USDA. In organic products, synthetic fertilizers and poisonous pesticides are strictly prohibited.
We were at Whole Foods this weekend (of course), and decided to try some organic shampoo (Mainly because Trip said I need to stop spending hundreds of dollars on bumble and kerastase. Sad.). You could get lost in the beauty section there. I'm sure I will be spending lots of time there in the future.
Go to the Gym at Least Three Days a Week
In my 20s, I was a workout fanatic. But then I got a burnt out, and stopped going to the gym altogether. That was about a year ago. On December 1st, my husband and I rejoined the gym, and so far I have kept up my goal of going at least three times a week (more like barely three times a week). Since my commute is hell, I have been going to the gym before work, which breaks up my commute quite nicely. I run for 30 minutes (3 miles), then I do 30 minutes of weights - one set of each machine, for a total of 17 machines. My husband thinks I should break up my muscles groups and do three sets of each, so I may start doing that. I just have to keep getting up early. That's the tricky part.
Streeeeeeeetch More
I am so bad about stretching. And Lord knows I'm wound up tighter than <something clever goes here>. So one of my resolutions is to stretch after every workout, and every night before I go to bed. I started last night, while I sat in front of the TV watching The Biggest Loser (anyone else totally motivated and inspired by the people that go on that show??). I know I should be doing it in a quiet room, using it is time for reflection, but who has the time for that?
Meditate for at Least 5 Minutes Everyday
So, um ya. Obviously I need to make more time for the quiet time. Lately I have been turning off the radio during my commute home, but that probably isn't the best time to let the mind wander off into a meditative state. So I will spend 5 minutes every night, before I get into bed, to just sit and not do anything or think about anything. This is harder than it sounds. Especially with a TV in the bedroom.
Have More Fun!
Trip and I used to be really good at planning little weekend activities. We would plan little day trips to Monterey, MOMA, or even just a day-long bike ride all the time. But then school and work and this crazy commute of mine kind of took over our lives. So my resolution is to plan at least one "Fun" event a month - just the two of us.
So that's about it, I think. Pretty good list of attainable, healthy, life improving resolutions :) What about you? Are you ready to join the 2008 Good Health-a-thon?
Eat More Fresh, Organic, and Raw
You probably think this should be easy for a vegetarian, but surprisingly enough, its not. Because there are so many yummy processed veggie meals nowadays, its easy to fall into that rut. Like Gardenburger's Riblets. YUM.
So my goal is to eat fresh fruit or vegetables with each meal, either raw or steamed. Also, my mother-in-law bought us a juicer for Christmas, and carrot and apple juice is my new favorite post-workout snack, so I'm hoping this helps me stay on track even more.
Use Organic Beauty Products
So here I am being super cautious as to what I put in my body (no meat, no caffeine, no soda, only organic). But what about what I put on the outside? According to Pharmacopia.net, over 5,000 chemicals are used in personal care products alone. Scary.
The skin, the body's largest organ, is the most typical absorption point of everyday toxins. Up to 60 percent of certain ingredients in body products, such as lotion, cream and bubble bath, will absorb through the skin and into the bloodstream. Then the chemicals will accumulate in target organs, or are metabolized through the system, in some instances over a period of years, according to the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
Unlike the term "natural," products labeled as "organic" are carefully certified and regulated by the USDA. In organic products, synthetic fertilizers and poisonous pesticides are strictly prohibited.
We were at Whole Foods this weekend (of course), and decided to try some organic shampoo (Mainly because Trip said I need to stop spending hundreds of dollars on bumble and kerastase. Sad.). You could get lost in the beauty section there. I'm sure I will be spending lots of time there in the future.
Go to the Gym at Least Three Days a Week
In my 20s, I was a workout fanatic. But then I got a burnt out, and stopped going to the gym altogether. That was about a year ago. On December 1st, my husband and I rejoined the gym, and so far I have kept up my goal of going at least three times a week (more like barely three times a week). Since my commute is hell, I have been going to the gym before work, which breaks up my commute quite nicely. I run for 30 minutes (3 miles), then I do 30 minutes of weights - one set of each machine, for a total of 17 machines. My husband thinks I should break up my muscles groups and do three sets of each, so I may start doing that. I just have to keep getting up early. That's the tricky part.
Streeeeeeeetch More
I am so bad about stretching. And Lord knows I'm wound up tighter than <something clever goes here>. So one of my resolutions is to stretch after every workout, and every night before I go to bed. I started last night, while I sat in front of the TV watching The Biggest Loser (anyone else totally motivated and inspired by the people that go on that show??). I know I should be doing it in a quiet room, using it is time for reflection, but who has the time for that?
Meditate for at Least 5 Minutes Everyday
So, um ya. Obviously I need to make more time for the quiet time. Lately I have been turning off the radio during my commute home, but that probably isn't the best time to let the mind wander off into a meditative state. So I will spend 5 minutes every night, before I get into bed, to just sit and not do anything or think about anything. This is harder than it sounds. Especially with a TV in the bedroom.
Have More Fun!
Trip and I used to be really good at planning little weekend activities. We would plan little day trips to Monterey, MOMA, or even just a day-long bike ride all the time. But then school and work and this crazy commute of mine kind of took over our lives. So my resolution is to plan at least one "Fun" event a month - just the two of us.
So that's about it, I think. Pretty good list of attainable, healthy, life improving resolutions :) What about you? Are you ready to join the 2008 Good Health-a-thon?
Monday, December 31, 2007
Happy Happy Joy Joy!
I just wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe New Years Eve! I'm looking forward to a new, fabulous year for all of us!
I feel that you are justified in looking into the future with true assurance, because you have a mode of living in which we find the joy of life and the joy of work harmoniously combined. Added to this is the spirit of ambition which pervades your very being, and seems to make the day's work like a happy child at play.
-Albert Einstein
I feel that you are justified in looking into the future with true assurance, because you have a mode of living in which we find the joy of life and the joy of work harmoniously combined. Added to this is the spirit of ambition which pervades your very being, and seems to make the day's work like a happy child at play.
-Albert Einstein
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Christmas Thank Yous.
Sorry, my last post was pretty depressing, I know. I woke up in a much better mood today, so I'll change gears.
Need to write out thank you cards for all those holiday gifts? I know I do. How about these from greener grass design (another one of my favorite websites):
There are two each of "Thank You", "Gracias" and "Merci" - all with beautiful modern designs.
Let them know you really meant it when you said "I love it!".
Need to write out thank you cards for all those holiday gifts? I know I do. How about these from greener grass design (another one of my favorite websites):
There are two each of "Thank You", "Gracias" and "Merci" - all with beautiful modern designs.
Let them know you really meant it when you said "I love it!".
Saturday, December 29, 2007
I'm Sad.
Last night we tried to save a cat that was obviously hit by a car. A friend called, in tears, having seen the cat while driving to meet us for dinner. What made her stop was the breath she saw coming out of the cat.
We met our friend, and put a towel over the cat while we waited for animal control. We talked to the cat, tried to be calming and let him/her know that help was on the way. We could tell he/she was in a really bad shape, though.
Help took too long. My husband carried her in the towel and we drove to the nearest emergency animal hospital. We got there and my husband brought the cat into the hospital, none of us saying what we were sure had happened on the car ride over. The technician did it for us. Unfortunately, the kitty didn't make it.
We cried, but told each other that at least the kitty's final moments were in a warm car with loving people.
I can't even imagine what the owners are going through. I hate whoever did this - I can't believe they didn't stop. I wonder if the kitty received care earlier, if he/she would have made it.
Farewell sweet kitty. We tried. We really did.
We met our friend, and put a towel over the cat while we waited for animal control. We talked to the cat, tried to be calming and let him/her know that help was on the way. We could tell he/she was in a really bad shape, though.
Help took too long. My husband carried her in the towel and we drove to the nearest emergency animal hospital. We got there and my husband brought the cat into the hospital, none of us saying what we were sure had happened on the car ride over. The technician did it for us. Unfortunately, the kitty didn't make it.
We cried, but told each other that at least the kitty's final moments were in a warm car with loving people.
I can't even imagine what the owners are going through. I hate whoever did this - I can't believe they didn't stop. I wonder if the kitty received care earlier, if he/she would have made it.
Farewell sweet kitty. We tried. We really did.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Obese Sleeping Boy and Drunk Rude Boy Go To The Movies.
Do I have "If you are rude, inconsiderate, and obnoxious then please come sit right next to me" tattooed on my forehead?
Let me explain. Mr. Johnson and I had a wonderful idea to go to the movies today. We've had quite the whirlwind last few days: his mother arriving from Charlotte on Thursday, La Fondue for his birthday Friday, a holiday dinner party at a friend's Saturday, driving to Sacramento to see my mom's church choir perform Sunday, my parents arriving at our house Monday for Christmas Eve dinner at Merit Vegetarian - everyone loved it! - and a two-hour Christmas light lookin' drive, and then hosting Christmas dinner for nine at our house (I got tired just typing all that out). So we were ready for a little alone time. We went and worked out first (after all the booze and sugar of the past five days, I had to get my butt up and do something), and then went to the movie theater to see Juno.
We got there fairly early but all the middle seats were already taken except for the last row - which we never sit in, but decided to try out.
Bad idea.
Apparently if you are 16 and ghetto and want to sneak beer into the theater, you sit in the last row. Which is exactly what two gentlemen did.
The loud talking started during the previews, which really annoyed me because I love previews. But then the obese one (in no means do I say this in a derogatory way. Just trying to paint a clear picture here, folks) of the two fell asleep like ten minutes into the movie, which I thought was promising. I was wrong. The rude one did not fall asleep and talked, laughed at inappropriate times, sent texts, threw popcorn at some friends in the row in front, and drank his beer throughout. Why go to a movie if you are going to talk and send text messages throughout? I don't get that. Can someone please explain that to me?
And Mr. Johnson brought another great point. Of all the movies that are out right now, why would a 16 year-old ghetto ass kid go to see Juno???? I can't even begin to wrap my head around that one, but whatever.
We've had some good experience ignoring annoying people the last few weeks due to an extremely inconsiderate neighbor (that's a WHOLE other story), so I am happy to say that after letting the blood boil for a few minutes, we were able to ignore Rude Drunk Boy and enjoy the movie, which I do recommend. It made me laugh. It made me cry. I loved it.
At the end, Obese Sleeping Boy woke up and asked Rude Drunk Boy to recap the movie. I am not kidding. To which Rude Drunk Boy said, "It was good, a 'quarky' (not a typo) kind of movie".
Wha- HUH?
This is the future of America, folks.
Let me explain. Mr. Johnson and I had a wonderful idea to go to the movies today. We've had quite the whirlwind last few days: his mother arriving from Charlotte on Thursday, La Fondue for his birthday Friday, a holiday dinner party at a friend's Saturday, driving to Sacramento to see my mom's church choir perform Sunday, my parents arriving at our house Monday for Christmas Eve dinner at Merit Vegetarian - everyone loved it! - and a two-hour Christmas light lookin' drive, and then hosting Christmas dinner for nine at our house (I got tired just typing all that out). So we were ready for a little alone time. We went and worked out first (after all the booze and sugar of the past five days, I had to get my butt up and do something), and then went to the movie theater to see Juno.
We got there fairly early but all the middle seats were already taken except for the last row - which we never sit in, but decided to try out.
Bad idea.
Apparently if you are 16 and ghetto and want to sneak beer into the theater, you sit in the last row. Which is exactly what two gentlemen did.
The loud talking started during the previews, which really annoyed me because I love previews. But then the obese one (in no means do I say this in a derogatory way. Just trying to paint a clear picture here, folks) of the two fell asleep like ten minutes into the movie, which I thought was promising. I was wrong. The rude one did not fall asleep and talked, laughed at inappropriate times, sent texts, threw popcorn at some friends in the row in front, and drank his beer throughout. Why go to a movie if you are going to talk and send text messages throughout? I don't get that. Can someone please explain that to me?
And Mr. Johnson brought another great point. Of all the movies that are out right now, why would a 16 year-old ghetto ass kid go to see Juno???? I can't even begin to wrap my head around that one, but whatever.
We've had some good experience ignoring annoying people the last few weeks due to an extremely inconsiderate neighbor (that's a WHOLE other story), so I am happy to say that after letting the blood boil for a few minutes, we were able to ignore Rude Drunk Boy and enjoy the movie, which I do recommend. It made me laugh. It made me cry. I loved it.
At the end, Obese Sleeping Boy woke up and asked Rude Drunk Boy to recap the movie. I am not kidding. To which Rude Drunk Boy said, "It was good, a 'quarky' (not a typo) kind of movie".
Wha- HUH?
This is the future of America, folks.
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