Happy Un-Valentine's Day

I've never really been too fond of February 14th. A lot of people take advantage of this day to shower their loved ones with gifts and tell them how much he/she loves them.

I remember those days in elementary school when classmates would leave Valentine cards on my desk. I felt extra special when the card came with candy hearts. But then there were those times when I didn't receive any candy, which made me feel like I wasn't worthy. :(

The fact of the matter is that this day is a reminder for single folks--like myself--that we don't have a significant other; therefore, it's a day that we'd all soon like to forget!! I really wish people would treat it just like any other day. I think the quote below sums it up best:

My Top 5 List

I was recently thinking about Letterman's Top 10 list and decided to come up with my own special list. Here's my Top 5 List of Cuties! They are in no particular order.



1) Michael Vartan. As "Agent Michael Vaughn" in "Alias", he was the cutie who helped get rid of the bad guys. I can't recall ever missing an episode of this show. I mean, who wouldn't be mesmerized by those cute dimples and green eyes?! I so much wanted to be "Agent Sydney Bristow" because she ended up with "Vaughn," who was the "good guy." Btw, MV actually did date his co-star, Jennifer Garner. We all know who she ended up with in real-life: another cutie! I first noticed MV when he played Drew Barrymore's teacher/love interest in "Never Been Kissed." He can now be seen on "Big Shots", which has been dubbed as a "Sex in the City" for guys.







2) Carter Oosterhouse. I first saw this tall, dark and good-looking carpenter on "Trading Spaces." He's been featured in some commercials and is also the spokesman for Nautica Voyage cologne. I wonder if he'd ever be willing to travel to Nor Cal to do some remodeling. He now has his own show on the HGTV network, aptly titled "Carter Can." Carter definitely does it well and yes, he does know his stuff! :)











3) Martin Henderson. He's the Australian cutie in those new Cadillac commercials, in which he's driving through a tunnel late at night. He's also appeared in numerous other films, such as "A Piece of My Heart" and "Smokin' Aces". Incidentally, Martin was a very close friend of Heath Ledger's, may Heath rest in peace.








4) Eduardo Verastegui. Looking into his green eyes just makes you want to melt! In 2007, he starred and produced his first independent movie called "Bella." He used to be in a Latin singing group several years ago (and no, it wasn't Menudo! Incidentally, that was the group Ricky Martin was in, and yes, I had a small crush on him too, back in the day!) and then became an actor, mostly appearing in telenovelas. His first big break was in the movie "Chasing Papi", in which he played "Papi."








5) Rob Marciano. This meteorologist has been diligently working for CNN for quite some time. He may not be on the air all the time, but I think he deserves some recognition.











Honorable mention goes to Jonathan Knight, formerly of the singing group NKOTB. This hazel-eyed cutie has been out of the limelight, off-and-on, for about 14 years. His last known TV appearance was on "Oprah" in 2001, where he discussed his problems with panic attacks, which was the main reason for him leaving the group in 1994. This "New Kid"--I mean man--is almost 40, but he doesn't look a day over 25! Just recently, there has been some talk that the "Kids" are finally reuniting and working on a new CD. If this is true, I am so there! :)





I'm sure I'll come up with another list of cuties that "People" magazine should use to nominate for the "Most Sexiest Man"! :)

A Night Not to Remember

I thought it would be nice to get a few friends together for a night out in the town. The whole purpose of the night was to catch up over dinner at "the Bear." Then after dinner, we planned on heading over to "Mr. Cutie's" café to hear some music by a local artist, who was an alum from our high school. I called my friend Jen to give her the details only to find out that she wasn't going to make it because her grandmother had just passed away that morning. A few hours later, my friend Heather called me to say that she had caught a cold and didn't feel well to make the drive up. Finally, my niece called to cancel too because she didn't want to make the 30 minute drive in the rain. That only left my friend Angelica, who hadn't canceled!

Angelica and I both arrived at the same time. I told her that the others couldn't make it and that I was grateful that she had made it. In spite of having to wait 30 mins. to be seated, we had a nice dinner and good conversation. Usually this restaurant is packed with people around dinner time, but I suppose that since it was raining and cold, no one wanted to go out. Needless to say, we finished dinner in about 1.5 hours. We still had 45 mins. left until the concert, so we took our time walking over to the next block and towards "Mr. QT's" café.

When we got to "QT's" place, there were already a bunch of people there. The place is really small and there's very limited seating. We were sort of hesitant to go in at first, but as soon as the musician's father went inside, I said a quick "hello" to him and followed him inside. Coincidentally, the musician's father is my doctor! As we entered, there was literally no where to sit, so Angelica and I picked a corner to stand against. At one point, I sort of felt out of place being there and I think she did too. I think I felt this way because this isn't typically my scene.

Several moments passed and Angelica asks me if my crush was here. I don't see him anywhere. About 30 minutes pass and guess who shows up? Yes, it's "Mr. Cutie"! My heart literally began doing somersaults. Oh, but wait! He's NOT alone! :( I see this 20-something (25, perhaps?) brunette right behind him. They literally walked right past us and then made their way right behind us, behind the cash register! At one point, "Mr. Cutie" must have gone to the other side of the café or into his office because I then noticed the 20-something brunette was standing by herself beside the side entrance. I think she felt like an outsider and I got the feeling that this could've been their first date. About 15 mins. later, I asked Angelica if she wanted to leave now and she agreed. As we walked towards the side entrance, the 20-something brunette was blocking our path, but pleasantly moved out of our way. As we walked several feet away, I jokingly told Angelica that I should have said something like, "Get out of our way, "Bee-atch"! ;) She laughed!

My friend gave me her honest opinion, yet tried consoling me at the same time. She said, "That girl looks a little too young, like she's about 23." She then added, "You don't want someone preppy..." As we made our way further, I said to her, "Well, it's not like that girl has a ring on her finger," meaning that they're probably not in a committed relationship. What is it with older guys who only prefer to date younger women?

Lately, I have found myself attracted to what I think is the "perfect" guy, only to soon find out that he is no longer available. :( Not too long ago, I used to be only attracted to younger guys (I never found myself attracted to a guy that was 7 yrs. or more younger). However, I soon found out that younger guys are just way too immature and they really don't know what they want out of life. Then "Mr. Cutie" comes along, who is close to my age (he's about 40), who's had a successful career and has everything going for him, including stability in his life, only to find out that he's seeing someone. :( I've really tried to stay positive and thought that I could possibly have a chance with this guy, but now I know that it'll probably never happen.

I used to have a poor self-image of myself in my teens and 20s. On top of that, I was extremely shy and I know that this has always gotten in the way of what I wanted most in life. Now that I'm older, I feel a bit more confident and am no longer scared as I once was. However, I often don't take the initiative or go after what I really want, so I lose out on many opportunities.

I'm not "throwing in the towel" just yet. My main focus right now will be on myself. I'm no longer going to worry about having feelings for some guy that I know I'll never have a chance with. I'm just going to leave everything up to God. If I'm meant to have someone special in my life, then I'll embrace it. And if it's not meant to be, then I'll learn to accept it. Being single has many disadvantages, but it also has its advantages. To quote the title of Jen Schefft's book, "Better Single Than Sorry."

Sign on the dotted line

I just received the contract for my article. I thought I'd be receiving this 20 page document to sign when in fact it was just a simple letter stating the obvious. I'm supposed to be receiving payment within two months after the manuscript deadline. YEAH because I can really use the $$! I think someone needs to pinch me because I still can't believe this is really happening! I just have to remind myself that I am a new writer, who is just getting started and who still has a lot to learn about writing! Though, never in a million years would I have thought that a magazine would want to publish my article! I'm practicing my autograph just in case anyone wants one!

On Wednesday, I spent my entire lunch with a nice, "older" gentleman. No, it wasn't my crush, but it was with a tutor at my school, who patiently helped me with my annoying and neverending Math homework. I really and truly wanted to attend the Chamber of Commerce luncheon where "Mr. Cutie" (or "QT") was going to be recognized at as one of the new BOD (Board of Directors), but it just didn't happen. I'm hopeful that there will be another opportunity to run into him soon.

Speaking of opportunities, I guess I spoke too soon! I just read in my local newspaper that there's going to be a benefit concert at "Mr. Cutie's" POB (place of business) next weekend! A former alum of my high school, who has made a name for himself in the folk music world, will be performing. He's trying to raise $$ for the purchase of solar panels, a battery and inverter that he'll be delivering to a village in West Africa next month. Ultimately, he'd like to set up a non-profit music school there. Coincidentally, I saw this musician and former resident just before Xmas, at Longs. I looked up and found myself making eye contact with this former h.s. alum, from afar. He saw me and probably thought, "She looks familiar." Did I mention that his father is my doctor? Yes, it's a small world! Anyway, I wish I would've said something to him, but I didn't. Maybe he could've introduced me to "Mr. Cutie"! My strategic plan is to call up my friend, who was this musician's classmate, and see if she wants to go with me. If she can't go, I think I can try coaxing my other friend. ;) The event is FREE!

A good friend of mine sent me the following e-mail. Too funny!

HUMOR FOR LEXOPHILES (LOVERS OF WORDS):

I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.

Police were called to a day care where a 3-yr-old was resisting a rest.

Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.

The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference.

The butcher backed up into the meat grinder & got a little behind in his
work.

To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

When fish are in schools, they sometimes take debate.

The short fortune teller, who escaped from prison, was a small medium at large.

A thief, who stole a calendar got, 12 months.

A thief fell & broke his leg in wet cement. He became a hardened criminal.

When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U.C.L.A.

The dead batteries were given out free of charge.

A dentist & a manicurist fought tooth and nail.

A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.

A will is a dead giveaway.

Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

A backward poet writes inverse.

In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.

A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.

If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.

Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft & I'll show you A-flat miner.

The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.

A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France, resulted in Linoleum Blownapart.

You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

A calendar's days are numbered.

A lot of money is tainted: 'taint yours, and 'taint mine.

A boiled egg is hard to beat.

He had a photographic memory, which was never developed.

Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.

When you've seen one shopping center, you've seen a mall.

When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.

Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.

Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.

Acupuncture: a jab well done.

Math: friend or foe?

School started again and so far I'm feeling overwhelmed with my math class. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I've never been great in math and I know I never will be. They say that everyone has strengths and weaknesses and my strength is English. It's like I have this mental block when it comes to math. I just had to dish out $$ to buy a graphing calculator, which I absolutely won't have any use for after I complete all my Math courses (I have one more left after this one). My instructor briefly went over on how to use this calculator for our homework assignments, but I didn't have mine with me at the time. I can pretty much work any sort of gadget, but I'm oblivious when it comes to this calculator. The manual that came with it isn't any help either. On the bright side, my three other classes are a breeze: a Pilates class (which I've taken before), a four week Counseling class, and Political Science, which seems rather interesting. Again, I just want to PASS my math class with a credit, which I opted to take instead of a grade since this course isn't transferable. I have to take this math course in order to advance to the next one, which is transferable.

In other news, Julie the editor sent me an e-mail to confirm that they'll be including my article in the May issue. She said that the contract is in the mail. I still can't believe that my article is getting published! I just hope that the person I profiled in this article is very happy with what I've written. :) I've already got some ideas for my next two articles, which I'd like to write when I have more time. I know, I know. I have to make time! One of those ideas includes my next subject (see below)!

And lastly, I found out that my town is having a luncheon to induct the new Board of Directors for the CofC. It turns out that "Mr. Cutie" is one of those newly elected directors and he's going to be there! However, you have to pay to go to this luncheon and I was told that the tickets are sold out, but that I could get on the waiting list. I figure it may be worth it to attend so I know what's happening in my community. Besides, maybe this will finally be the opportunity that I get to talk to "Mr. Cutie"! ;) Then again, I might "chicken out" at the last minute and not attend the luncheon at all. :(

Good news!

I recently e-mailed the Editor of the publication {the same one where I had applied to in Nov.} that I had submitted my profile story to and asked her if she had read the story. This was her reply:

"Yes and it's a great start! I gave it to the Managing Editor and we'll get back to you when we can. Right now things are crazy, but yes, I'm going to put it in the May issue. So it may be a little while before we get back to you again, but I'm happy with what you sent. Great job!"

I am SO ecstatic! If I understood and read the e-mail correctly, I'm getting my FIRST article published! :) I have to go out and celebrate! :)

So I went to go pay for my schooling, parking, and books today. I was told that I owed $36, so as I went to pay for it, the clerk told me that my scholarship was taking care of it. I told her that I still hadn't received my parking permit, which I so desperately need. The clerk said that they mailed it to me today. Why does the school wait until the last minute to do this? I don't think I should have to pay any additional money when I've already paid for it! She told me that if I didn't receive the permit by the first day of class, which is this Monday, then I'll need to go to the Campus Police and let them know my situation. Ughhhhh!! The things I have to deal with in order to get a good education.

Speaking of education, I just found out my grades & am very pleased with myself. I received a "C" in Food & Nutrition, a "B" in Philosophy, and (drumroll, please) an "A" in Journalism (Magazine Writing)! This also deserves a celebration! ;)

I went by "Mr. Cutie's" POB this afternoon, but I didn't see him around, so I didn't bother going in. :( I could have used some hot cocoa, but I know there's going to be another opportunity to go in & say hello, SOON! :)

Storm Watch: A bad start to the New Year

Around this time every year, my area experiences terrible weather. Today has been no exception! It has rained all night and all day, and I've seen trees down and many areas closed due to the flooding. We're due for a series of 3 major storms with hurricane force winds, which aren't typical around here. One storm has already passed and we're expecting two more this weekend. Thank God my neighborhood has been spared from any flooding.

I went in to work for a few hours today and as I listened to my co-workers' radios and/or their Internet radio connection [I have yet to get a phone or computer of my very own, after having been at my job for 1 1/2 years!], I was thinking, "Gosh, God must really be mad at us for something we did or didn't do!" When I was younger, I used to be a "worry wart" and all rainstorms and thunderstorms would have scared the living daylights out of me. Now that I'm older, it doesn't scare me as much.

I do pray that nothing really bad happens to my loved ones, myself, or my community.