OMG OMG OMG! Everwood: Season 2 is finally coming out on DVD. I’m so pre-ordering it right now.

Now a meme…
Comment to this post and I will give you 5 subjects/things I associate you with. Then post this in your LJ and elaborate on the subjects given.

Sarah gave me the following:

1. Gossip Girl

My favorite show of the moment (though sadly I’m a few episodes behind). I’m addicted to teen dramas and GG fits the bill perfectly. What’s not to love about gorgeous Upper East Siders, their relationship dramas and overly extravagant lifestyles? Nothing, I tell you. Blair is my favorite character by far. Her insecurities (about Serena, her mom, boys, etc) make her self-obsessed, stubborn and sometimes cruel but I find her to be a fiercely loyal and incredibly compelling and flawed character. Not to mention that she’s got great style! I became (and still am) obsessed with headbands and colored tights because of her. No, I’m not kidding.

As far as my shipping preferences on this show, I’m pretty traditional. I ADORE Blair and Chuck (they are smoking together). And I also like Dan and Serena. I don’t know why either. I like Serena well enough as an individual character but I have to admit that Dan kinda sucks. But for some reason, I find them really sweet together.

Anyway, I’m so happy this show was renewed for next season — I just need to get cracking and get caught up.

2. Teen Dramas

Ah, yes. Sarah knows me well. Teen dramas are my favorite kind of TV show. I love them. I’m drawn to them. I can’t help it. It all started back when 90210 premiered. I was only 11 so I wasn’t supposed to watch it since it wasn’t exactly age-appropriate but I did anyway. I loved the West Beverly crew and I had a huge crush on Brandon. I remember buying BOP magazine each month because they used to have so many “posters” of Jason Priestley. Hee.

Then in high school when the WB launched, it was like they created a network for ME! The WB gave me Buffy, Dawson’s Creek (my most favorite show ever, if you don’t know), Felicity, Roswell, One Tree Hill and Gilmore Girls to name a few. Sure, I watch and enjoy procedurals and dramas like CSI, 24, and Prison Break but I’m not as invested in (and as obsessed with) the storylines and characters as I am with my teen dramas. There’s just something about them.

3. Diesel

My little baby puppy. Ok, I have to admit that when Rob originally wanted to get a dog, I didn’t want to get one. I didn’t want the responsibility. But Rob had his heart set on it so I agreed. He found Diesel through a registered AKC breeder and we went to visit him one weekend in May 07 and my heart just melted. I love him so much.

4. Pacey/Joey

My OTP forever and ever. (One True Pairing ) I don’t know if I’ll ever love another TV couple as much as I love Pacey and Joey. Their journey took me by surprise and I loved watching every minute of it — their sarcastic banter (all of season 1), their genuine friendship (dance lessons, driving lessons, the B&B), and finally their romance (“I remember everything” dance, Pacey buying Joey a wall, sailing away on True Love). Even now, 6 years after Dawson’s Creek has gone off the air, I still pop in my DVDs to watch my favorite moments or visit Pages of True Love to get my fanfic fix. I don’t think I’ll ever change.

5. California

I’ve lived in beautiful California my entire life. I was born and raised in sunny Southern CA (in a sleepy town called Cerritos, to be exact). I moved up to the Bay Area for college where I ended up staying for 11+ years. And now I’m back in Orange County (no, my life is nothing like The OC). I feel very lucky to have experienced different parts of the state and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

That was fun!

But those are little things…

I mean, who knew iTunes could load in a few seconds? I didn’t. And who knew I could have more than 2 programs running without slowing down the whole machine? NOT ME. So performance-wise, it’s been pretty freaking amazing. It’s also really really good-looking (is that a quote from Zoolander?) — the aluminum body is sleek yet sturdy and the 17 inch display is crisp and gorgeous.

The best thing is the fantastic deal I got on it since it’s an “old” model (as “old” as a MBP can be when it has a 2.5 GHz processor, 4GB RAM, and 320 gb hard drive). When I was at the Apple store in Costa Mesa last week, I had no idea that a new 17 inch model was going to hit the stores in another week. All they had on display were the old ones. After testing out the computer and pacing around the store for almost an hour, I finally decided to take the plunge. I located a sales associate only to be told that they didn’t have any in stock yet. *sad* I didn’t realize at the time that he thought I was asking about the to-be-released model.

I’m sure Rob detected my sad face because he asked if I wanted to check the Apple store at the Irvine Spectrum. Well, of course I did! Now I was on a mission. I called first so we wouldn’t waste our time and when I asked about the 17 inch MBP, the sales associate said they would be available at the end of the following week. But before I could thank him and hang up, he did the MOST AWESOME THING EVER and told me that the current 17 inch MBP’s they had in store were on promotion for $1599 ($900 off the regular price of $2499!). I asked what time they closed and we headed over there.

After an initial scare with a sales associate who didn’t know about the promotion, I finally found someone who knew what I was talking about and all of a sudden, I was forking over my credit card. All in all, I saved $1100 because I also used my company’s 8% corporate discount.

Diesel would like to introduce you to his mommy’s new favorite toy…

SQUEE.

So things started out well enough — I installed WordPress to a test site and I even managed to convert all my old entries. SCORE!

BUT THEN. This is when I could kick myself. I decided that none of the default WP themes would work for my site and I was too lazy to learn how to create a theme myself so I went tooling around the net for one that I liked. All of a sudden, pop-ups started coming out of nowhere and a freaking toolbar hijacked my browser. NOT COOL. I freaked out, screamed for Rob to help me, and he ran some anti-virus/spyware programs. ARGH. %$#@!*&%$

My laptop’s doing much better (thanks to the hubs) but this little episode has made me want a new laptop even more. Preferably a MacBook. Because it’s pretty (only kidding, kind of). I’ve had my Dell for 6 years now and it’s served me well but I think it’s about time… hmmm.

Anyway, I’m not sure when I’m going to officially switch my blog over to WP. I still haven’t found a theme I like… and I’m not about to go looking for one again. *sigh*

So… I’m doing so badly at blogging this year. My days seem to be flying by so quickly nowadays (it gets worse and worse every year)… but a real life update is long overdue!

I had a tooth extraction this afternoon… and now that the anesthesia has worn off, I’m in so much pain. *whimper* I’m such a baby.

The hard drive on my laptop is continuing to make really annoying loud huffing noises. Anyone have any experience with this? My prediction is that this is not going to end well. So I’ve been frantically backing up all my data on my external hard drive. As much as I would love to get a shiny new laptop, I so don’t have it in my budget right now. Please don’t die on me. Please don’t die on me.

Wedding planning is… going. We now officially have a DJ for the reception and a classical guitarist for the ceremony (mmm, live music, yay!). And we’ve finally started our registry. But it is FAR from being completed. It’s actually a lot more work that I thought. It’s not just walking through the store and scanning this and that! (Though that’s totally fun too, lol). Rob and I have a mish-mash of cheap-o kitchen tools and accessories so we’re in need of some quality items. But it’s been tough because we have to research the products and factor in functionality, style, cost, etc. So. Much. Work. But so far, the biggest wedding nightmare has been the GUEST LIST. Compiling those names and addresses and making sure everything is correct is kind of a pain. I just ordered our “Save the Date” postcards so I’m hoping to finish the guest list this week. *crosses fingers*

Speaking of weddings, our old roomie, Jimmy, got married this past weekend. Awww. Here’s a picture of Jimmy and me and one of Rob and Eleen (the bride, obviously)…

 

Please excuse my shiny, round face.

And I have to share a picture of the yummy cupcake bar that they had instead of a traditional wedding cake.

All the cupcakes were made by one of Eleen’s bridesmaids and let me tell you, they were SCRUMPTIOUS. Mmmm. Such a cute idea.

Hmmm. Seeing that picture of me above is making me re-consider the whole “no bangs” look. (I don’t think I ever mentioned it here but back in July, I decided to grow my bangs out because they require so much maintenance). I look ROUND. That’s not quite the look I was going for. ARGH.

Anyway, I’m so, so excited for this week because I only have 2 days of work! Rob and I heading down to LA on Wednesday for a tasting with our wedding caterer. YUM. Can’t wait.

Hope everyone has a good week!

My hard drive is making really loud noises. Should I be worried?

I just realized that I’m about 5 episodes behind on Grey’s and 6 behind with Ugly Betty. That’s what happens when you watch 5 shows on Thursday nights. Oops. So with the lack of new TV lately, you’d think I’d be catching up, right? Nope. Because ABC has decided not to offer all the episodes for viewing on their website like they did last season. Only the most recent 5 or so episodes are available. I have to wait for them to actually rerun. And I’m way too lazy too download the shows the “other” way. But I guess that’s ok since it leaves me time to watch some of the mid-season replacements…

One Tree Hill
Only 3 episodes in and it’s been SO. GOOD. Seriously. I was a little wary of the 4-year jump but I’m over it. I LOVE that Skills is getting more screen time. He’s the BEST. But why does Mouth get his own storyline (which I HATE, by the way)?! There was a time when I liked him… up until everything that came out of his mouth (heh) sounded like it came straight from an after-school special. Grr. As far as the main characters, Brooke and Peyton are totally rocking this season (I am so happy about their return to best-friendship — AND they’re living together!), Lucas is still Mr. Goody Two-Shoes (and I actually don’t mind “his” Lindsey), and I continue to adore Nathan/Haley despite their completely unrealistic storyline (Nathan as a first round draft pick with a shoe deal? COME ON). But honestly, the best part of season 5 so far is Jamie! He’s so cute and a pretty darn good actor to boot! Awww. So yeah, so far, so good. The ONE thing I’m a bit worried about is the nanny… it just feels like they’re setting her and Nathan up for some sort of “affair,” which I would HATE. Anyway, good times.

Speaking of OTH, the cast was doing some sort of mall tour yesterday and guess who was here in San Francisco?! JAMES LAFFERTY. He was at Macy’s in Union Square. If I wasn’t sick, I probably would have thought about going. Maybe.

Cashmere Mafia
I have to admit I watched this show for 2 reasons — 1) I love Lucy Liu, and 2) I miss Sex and the City. So I tuned in to the pilot. And let me tell you, this is no SatC. I was so disappointed. But I did learn that I just do not like Bonnie Sommerville. Totally irrational, I know. Now I’m waiting for Lipstick Jungle. Based on the promos, it looks like the superior show anyhow.

The Sarah Connor Chronicles also premiered, which Rob actually recorded, but when we tried to watch it, I just couldn’t pay attention. Oh well, I don’t really need another show to watch anyway.

Now I’m off to go medicate some more… :/

Before I take off, I want to apologize to Alie and Kelly because I completely spaced and forgot to go to the post office to mail your holiday cards. They’re going to end up as Happy New Year cards. :/

Anyway, I’ll be back in the Bay Area by the end of the week and I’ll post more then.

I don’t need a new laptop but if I did, I would totally get this SONY Vaio in raspberry red. Who says computers can’t be fashion statements?

And because I’m totally bored right now… a girly meme I stole from Nicola…

01. Do you have on a lot of make-up?
Not really… I have my “work make-up” on still, which basically consists of a neutral eyeshadow, blush, lipgloss, powder and mascara.
02. How much do you put on?
Just enough so it looks like I have a bit of color but not so much that I look like a clown.
03. How long does it take you to get ready?
To get showered, dressed, and made up… it takes me about an hour.
04. Do you put on a lot of lipgloss?
Yes, I looooove lipgloss.
05. Does your lipgloss smell good?
My CO Bigelow peppermint lipgloss smells good. I got it as a stocking stuffer from someone at work and it is heavenly. It also has amazing shine, which is a big plus. Otherwise, I use MAC and Chanel lipglosses and while they have gorgeous colors, they don’t really smell yummy.
06. Do you carry a purse?
Of course. I trade off between a Kate Spade messenger bag and a HYPE small doctor bag as my every day ones.
07. What color is it?
Both of them are black. Boring, I know, but it goes with everything!
09. Do you have a Coach bag?
Yes, I have 4. I’m turning out to be a bit of a bag whore.
10. Do you have a Louis Vuitton bag?
No. And I don’t plan on investing in one. I’m not crazy about them at all.
11. How many purses/handbags do you have?
I have about 10 that I rotate based on my outfit. I’m a dork.
12. Do you like to wear nail polish?
Not really on my hands because it chips so easily. But I love nail polish on my toes. It makes me feel preeeetttyyy.
13. How often do you get your nails done?
I’ve only been to a salon/spa three times to get my nails done. I wish I had the budget to go more often. It’s fun to pamper myself!
14. Do you like manicures?
Yes, see above.
15. What about pedicures?
Pedicures are even better than manicures in my book.
16. Do you have a usual nail salon you go to?
No. I only went to Tru Spa twice because I had gift cards but other than that, I don’t frequent a specific salon.
17. Where do you get your hair cut?
Diva International.
18. Do you dye your hair?
No. I’ve never had it done. My hair is pretty much jet black and I like it. I have toyed with the idea of highlights… but I don’t think I’d actually do it.
19. Do you straighten your hair?
No, my hair is naturally straight anyway.
20. Do you have many pairs of shoes?
I’m actually not a shoe person so I just have the basics (black pumps, brown pumps, sneakers, flip flops, strappy gold heels for going out, etc).
21. What are your favorite shoes?
My red-striped Adidas tennis shoes. They’re the most comfortable shoes EVER.
23. Do you wear heels everywhere?
Only to work every day because our dress code calls for it.
24. Can you walk in heels and not fall over?
Of course. But I really wish heels were more comfortable. It’s hard work walking in them for 8+ hours a day!
25. Where do you buy your clothes?
Mostly Nordstrom, Banana Republic and GAP.
26. Do you go shopping every week?
Pretty much, yes. There’s an outdoor mall right near my apartment that has a movie theatre and restaurants so Rob and I are there a lot anyway. Does online shopping count too? Because then I go (window) shopping EVERY DAY. Heh.
27. What’s your favorite store?
Right now it would be a tie between Nordstrom (clothes, makeup, shoes!) and Target (everything else!).
28. How much do you usually spend?
It depends on what I’m buying…
29. Have you ever been in Dior?
Once when I was in Thailand 2 winters ago. Not really a fan of anything Dior except their accessories/jewelry.
30. Do you follow fashion trends?
Sometimes… ? Occasionally I’ll pick up on a trend (like the long necklaces and the metallics from this past winter) that I’ll try to incorporate into my outfits but otherwise I find it really hard to reconcile high fashion trends with my lifestyle.
31. Do you have a pair of huge sunglasses?
Huge sunglasses make me look like a fly. Not attractive.
35. How many pairs of earrings do you have?
TONS. I’m an earring whore.
36. Do you wear hoop earrings?
Surprisingly no. I’m more partial to studs or long, chandelier earrings.
37. Do you have a lot of skirts?
Yes, I loooove skirts. I’m such a girl. I prefer skirts to shorts because they help me hide my big hips!
39. Do you get your eyebrows done?
No… but I should since I have no idea how to groom them myself.
40. Can you apply mascara without opening your mouth?
HEH! I never thought about that… I guess, no.
41. Do you wear a lot of eyeliner?
No, because I have the hardest time putting it on! Pencils are so hard for me to use. MAC recently came out with Fluidlines (kind of like a liquid liner that requires a brush to apply) and these have been a lot easier to use. I still don’t have the steadiest hand, though.
44. Do you do pilates or yoga?
I’ve tried and enjoyed both. Now, if only I could keep going to classes regularly…
45. Do you have a lot of magazines?
Yes. *ashamed* It used to be ridiculous but I’ve cut waaaay back on my subscriptions. I still have a HUGE pile under my desk that I need to purge.

And… DONE. That killed some time.

Hurricane Katrina. I can’t watch the news anymore because all the images just make me want to cry. Stupid nature. If anyone wants to help, The Red Cross is taking donations. Every little bit helps.

The CD/DVD drive on my laptop no longer wants to play CDs. WTF. And of course it chooses now when I want to rip my new Death Cab for Cutie CD. Stupid thing. It only reads DVDs now apparently. That’s fantastic. My laptop is only a couple of years old too. GRRR. ARGH.

Emily VanCamp and Chris Pratt are DATING?!? Since when? Holy cow. I won’t be able to watch them interact on Everwood the same way anymore. It’ll be too weird thinking of them as siblings when I know the actors are DATING. They’re messing with my head.

So You Thing You Can Dance is starting to disappoint. The routines have horrible choreography (and some cringe-worthy music) and the dancers don’t seem all that into it anymore. I don’t really think any of the finalists are very good (*cough*Snow*cough*), to be honest. Is that mean? I do enjoy Ryan and Melody, though — Ryan because he can do cool breakdance moves (HOW can he breakdance on his head and not break his neck?!) and Melody because I love her lyrical dance style (plus she’s filipino!).

Ahh, it’s finally summer in the Bay Area. I’ve never understood why our summer is September/October. Whatever, I can still wear tank tops and flips for another few weeks!

I may be going on vacation to Australia (!!!) with my dad after Christmas. SQUEE. I really really really hope we manage to pull this trip together. I’ve always wanted to go to Australia. *sigh*

It’s almost midnight and I’m stuffing my face with Rocky Road ice cream. YUM. Is it any wonder why I don’t lose any weight? Heh.

That’s it for now… only 1.5 days left of work then 3 DAY WEEKEND. YES.

So yay, I’m in LA. It was my first time flying down here on JetBlue. I’m not quite sure if I liked it or not. Sure, they have a TV at each seat but when the channels are “unavailable” for most of the trip due to “natural airplane movement” then I don’t know if it’s even worth it. I tried to watch an episode of Law & Order: SVU but gave up after the channel went dead for about the 5th time. At least they have a great variety of snack choices. It was pretty cool to have a chocolate biscotti instead of peanuts during the flight.

Anyway. Off to bed…