The Adventures of Micaela

Book Review #1

2011-04-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

I have been reading quite a lot lately, for book club and for pleasure, and I felt the irresistible urge to seriously question a series of books I have been reading.

Darkfever, from the Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning

At first, I really liked the series. The main character was named MacKayla!, has a Basque love interest!, and it was about Faeries! And the first book was GREAT! The second book was good. And now the third book is so boring, I am have to peel my eyelids back and pound copious amounts of caffeine to stave off the oppressive wave of sleep descending upon me.

First of all, I understand that when I read a series of books, that there is bound to be some repeat of previous stories. This book had 30 pages of it. THIRTY! That's a third of the book right there! Then there is the main character. I'm all for a character who has to find out more about herself, and in the process make some mistakes. That's the whole point! But in the third book of this series, Faefever, MacKayla goes around whining about pretty much everything, and rehashing things that have happened to her in the past few months. MORE rehashing? Ugh, no thank you. But I hate it when the main character keeps making THE SAME mistakes! What was it that Einstein said about that? Yeah, it makes for a stupid character.

If you can't write a plot, then don't. I just hate it when I feel like I am skimming the book and not missing out on anything because the characters keep repeating themselves. It is as if the author took the last two books' manuscripts, threw them in a bin, and then shuffled the pages back together and said, "Voila! A NEW book!"

That being said, I am still going to try to finish these books. It is a major disappointment for me because the first one was SO GOOD, but I will slug through this one at least. Just to make sure. But if you are going to read books about Faeries, read the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. Now, THOSE are great books!

Catching Up....

2011-03-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

Well, since it HAS been so long since I have last written ANYTHING, I figure a little catching up is in order. As some of you may know from the ever-present Facebook (*1), I have bought a home, got a boyfriend, got a new job, and adopted a dog. In that order. Kinda crazy, huh? So things in my life have been kinda hectic. I figure I better just get all of that out of the way before I move on to other subjects that are bigger and better. (i.e. My Birthday (*2)) So, moving on from here. I am anticipating lots of updates, pictures and stories. I hope you look forward to them as I do!

*1: Is it just me, or does anyone else hate Zuckerberg as much as I do? I mean, how rude can you be to your friends? And don't give me that whole, "Oh, well there are two sides to every story" bull shit, because half the movie was taken from deposition transcripts! So, we find out how brilliant everyone is at Facebook, and then their stupid programs get fouled up every time I log on. FRUSTRATION ABOUNDS! Ugh. I just want to look at other people's pictures; is that too much to ask?

*2: It is officially my birthday soon. Many, many people have wondered aloud to me why I am so excited about my birthday, as I am a grown woman, and getting older usually isn't a good thing. I always tell these people (my mother, usually) that it is the only day of the year that is about Me. And my A-type personality loves it. No one can deny me that. NO ONE!

Oh, Holy God

2011-03-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

Lorna set a fire under my ass. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!!! I know it has been about a year since I last posted. I know that I am a slacker. I know that and more. But here's the dealio: I'M BAAAAA-AAACK! And I will be writing with a few other fantastic women on another project; more details to come. So, this is the first of many more entries to come!!!!

Project 365: Day 5

2010-04-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

I was babysitting the tiny one, and this is the picture she took of me. I kept telling her to move her fingers, but taking the picture is way more exciting for her than the end result.

PS: You may have noticed I missed a day. Whatever. I think I am doing pretty well, and I am trying not to dwell on the negative.

Project 365: Day 3

2010-04-24T16:18:00.001-07:00

OK, I cheated on this one. I MEANT to take a picture of the sushi I ate, but I ate it too fast! My friend, Sarah, took me out for my birthday. Birthday Sushi!! I totally heart Birthday Sushi.

Project 365: Day 2

2010-04-21T21:33:00.001-07:00

Day two of my yoga routine. When I was in college, I used to do yoga quite at bit at the house on 4th St. and I used to go to the gym on Friday nights before a huge night of binge drinking. It helped with the digestion. But it has been many, many moons since I have watched my videos. I decided since I can't really afford a gym membership right now, I might as well as use the stuff I have.

I am sore, and not flexible AT ALL, but I am starting to feel better already! Hopefully this summer won't be full of pants and not shorts!

Project 365: Day 1

2010-04-21T21:30:00.001-07:00

Today, the first day of Project 365, I took a picture of my dinner.

Ever since I moved into my new condo, I have been trying to make dinners at home. I find it very hard to make dinners for just myself for a couple of reasons, but mostly because I usually hate leftovers.

Tonight I made bacon wrapped salmon with mashed potatoes. Everything tastes good with bacon, right?

Project 365

2010-04-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

My friend, and fellow blogger, Lorna started a new scrapbooking project called Project 365. She takes a picture every day and scraps it. I decided I wanted to do this, but I simply can't do another scrapbook! So, I decided maybe, just maybe, it will help me to blog every day.

Or at least once a week.....

Here we go!!!!

New Year, New Home

2010-01-03T11:49:00.001-08:00

Not everyone gets a new house and new carpet for Christmas!!

Mom and Dad and I spent the entire Christmas Weekend cleaning and fixing the condo to be ready for move in. Dad had a cold (which I promptly caught and turned into bronchitis), but he had the carpet ripped out in about a half an hour. Then we spent the rest of the day pulling up staples from the floorboards. We tried to put a new door in - a brand new one that we found in the garage! - but it didn't have any grooves cut into it, and I certainly don't have the tools for it. So that didn't turn out well, but the carpet demo was HUGE, and saved me (Mom & Dad) $300.

More good news: I found computer speakers that I was hoping would be able to hook up to my laptop and blast my iTunes throughout the place. It took me some time to figure it out, but I did it.

And the best good news: Condo association fee is $50 LESS a month than I had anticipated!! That means I bought this place for EXACTLY what I wanted to spend on RENT! How awesome is that? I am pretty pleased with the situation, and I will be even more pleased when I am feeling better and I can actually move my bed into the place so I can sleep there!!

I'm Back. (I Hope!)

2009-12-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

I have spent the past 4 months trying to buy a home. A little condominium on the border of Reno & Sparks, close to a lot of different things, and the perfect size for little 'ole me.

First, I tried looking for an apartment to rent. It was just too expensive for the dumps we saw. In one apartment there was a giant stain on the carpet, and I swear it looked like there had been a dead body!! It was at that point that Dad said that he would give me a hundred dollars a month just so I could live in a better place.

Then my grandpa made the suggestion that I should think about buying a condo or a small place myself. And I thought, well, why not? I can qualify; that's for sure!

So I started the process in the beginning of August. And here I am, getting ready to close on my condo on THURSDAY!!!

Here are some pictures to help you get an idea of how great it is! It isn't much, but it is MINE!!

The Kitchen.

I will have more pictures to come, since I will be starting the moving process next weekend!! Yippie! I hope to keep you all updated on this process, too!

Wow, Miracles Really DO Happen

2009-08-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know from my posts on Facebook, I am currently dating a man. I know, I know. As Em says on Facebook all the time: I am a dating machine. I can't help it. I refuse to give up. I feel like so many others have already given up on me, that I refuse to do it to myself.

Anyway, this guy (I have no nifty nickname for him yet) is great. There for a second I thought this other guy might have been interested in me, and I thought I made it known I was interested in him, but either he didn't get the hint or he was interested in me. Either way, he never made his move, and the new guy did, so c'est la vie.

New guy. Mr. No Nickname. He is not perfect. But he is super interesting. And most importantly, he accepts me (and others!) for who they are. He appreciates the fact that I do not immediately judge people at first glance and only dislike others once they have wronged me, and even then I forgive most of my friends for previous wrongdoings. (You know who you are.)

Doin' Good

2009-07-17T21:18:00.001-07:00

For the first time in a very long time, I am doing well after a breakup. I know I made the right decision, and I am really happy with it. Sure, I get a little sad sometimes when something reminds me of him, but then I just remind myself (sometimes not so gently) that I do not miss him, I just miss what I thought he could have been.

And I think that has been a lot of my problem in my life. I miss a variety of things, but did they ever actually exist? Or is it all a figment of my imagination? Did I imagine that one boyfriend in college really liking me as much as I thought he did? Did I convince myself of that at the time because it was more interesting and (a lot) more fun? Of course, I am willing to admit that there is always a bit of exaggeration in all memories. (That was my focus of my master's comp exams, so of course I know it better than most.) But I have finally came to the conclusion that my biggest disappointments are my own fantasies.

I have blamed Hollywood for quite some time, despite my fascination with everything movie-land. From the time I realized that not ALL girls get the guy, I was in for a world of disappointment. It has only taken me 32 years to realize that world doesn't exist. Except for in my head.

Alas, It Is True

2009-07-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

Odd, seeing this post is right after a picture of us together, but as of today, the dude in the picture below and I are no longer.

I know. It came as a shock to me too when I realized I was happier thinking about us breaking up than staying together. Here's the skinny.

One day last week, yours truly was not feeling so well. I had a headache; I was tired. I was on the phone with Mr. Smarty Pants and he made fun of me one too many times. I requested that he stop making fun of me. He persisted. I explained how I didn't feel well and could he please stop making fun of me. He persisted. I explained that I WAS P.M.S.ING and he needed to stop or I was going to hang up. He replied, "You need to stop being so sensitive. I'm not making fun of you to be mean. I making fun of you to make myself laugh."

Now, this "man" has been married before and had a child with a different woman. He knows the workings of a menstrual cycle. And perhaps the reason he is not with the other two women any longer IS BECAUSE HE IS A MORON WHEN IT COMES TO WOMEN.

So, I was angry. I didn't say anything, nor did I hang up. I let him have his little "funny" attack on me. I politely said good bye and hung up. I calmed down the next day, and I called him to explain why I was upset the day before. I calmly (mind you: this is ALL NEW to Micaela. Micaela doesn't do calm angry. She does Angry angry) told him that it bothered me that he didn't respect my wishes when I asked him to stop making fun of me, and that it made me feel like he didn't like me at all. He laughed and said I had anger issues and that I needed to talk to my therapist about it. Can we say Master Deflector?

Oh, anger issues, huh? He hadn't even SEEN anger issues yet! Had he talked to some of my exes? Some of my friends? Someone who had actually SEEN me angry? No. He just didn't want to talk about it. When I said that we could talk about it later, he said, "No, I don't want to. I only want to talk about fun things."

I, trying my hardest not to scream profusely at him at the top of my lungs, decided I would try to use my new anger-management skills. I thought about it. And I thought about it. And I thought about it some more.

I came to the conclusion that if this person is 40 years old, he will never change. He will always push my buttons when I am "sensitive" even when I request him not to. I also realized I am a communicator and he is not, and that I could not live with someone like that for the rest of my life. I decided that rather than suffer through a grueling three months to see if "we can work it out" I would just break it off now.

The immense sense of satisfaction I got from that realization was profound. I knew I had made the right decision when all of a sudden I felt at ease with everything. Nothing was bothering me. Everything seemed right with the world again. And now I am off to update my online dating profile.

You Asked For It!

2009-06-14T19:00:00.001-07:00

Here is proof that he exists.

Hey, Kids!

2009-06-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

Well, after a very nice and relaxing weekend in Idaho (thanks Mom & Dad!) I am back in Reno. Getting ready to move at the end of July. Where to? Who knows? I am trying not to stress out about finding a place, but thanks (again!) to Mom & Dad, I am now stressed about it. But I am feeling good: I got a couple of boxes from work today and started packing my books. Man! I have a lot of books. But the conclusion I came to is that I always feel better after some cleaning.

When I was in college and living in a giant house right on 4th St. in Pocatello, I used to clean all the time. One time I gassed myself and my roommate out of the bathroom because I used too many different cleaners at the same time and the window wouldn't open! Another time, the same roommate came home to find me frantically cleaning out the spice cabinet (which in our house, was not a pretty sight). Immediately, she asked, "What's wrong? What happened?" My response: Oh, nothing, just broke up with my boyfriend and the only thing that makes me feel any better is cleaning the shit outta something.

This weekend, Mom and I watched many, many hours of a show called Clean House, which I usually cannot watch because it is on the Style Network, and alas, Dish does not provide that with the basic service. So, I got my fill of the show while I could. I realized while watching this amazing show (which is about a team that goes to people's houses and cleans the clutter out) that other people do not get that same satisfaction that I do of cleaning that I do.

So now I am going through all of my magazines and keeping what I need and recycling the rest. Things I need: pictures of Bono. Pretty much all I have found so far. But even doing that brings such a sense of calm to my mind, that I sometimes wonder why I don't clean all the time? Why don't I do this for a living? I would be really good at sorting through other people's stuff!

Dear Anonymous

2009-05-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

You are exactly the reason I don't like to write about my happiness. People who complain about my complaints I have no beef with. But people who call me an idiot and not cool on my own blog I do have a beef with. If you say nasty things about me when I am complaining, then I can only imagine what you will say about my happiness, and that, my dear, I simply cannot abide.

Hi There! Long Time, No See!

2009-05-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

I have heard it all before.

"You don't blog anymore."

"You aren't writing anymore."

But I have a good excuse. I'm happy!

I know it seems odd, but when I am happy, I can't write about it. I just can't do it. Everything I have to say seems so lame and cute and trite, that writing, well, makes me hate how happy I am.

For some reason, I feel I can express myself better with words only when I am angry. But when I am happy, all I feel like saying is stupid driveling shit that makes me want to puke on any other given day.

For instance, "I like him." Oh, God, I am making myself sick. Who cares? Who honestly cares if I like this guy or not? No one wants to hear me go on and on about how fantastic he is, and what other funny thing he said the other day. No one. And I don't blame you! Not at all! And my friends have to put up with it when I am talking because I adore talking. And I want to make myself puke then, too.

When I am happy and I sound like a teenage girl with a crush, I feel so dumb. I just simply don't know what to do with myself. So, rather than write, I wallow in the cheesy, boring to everyone else but me, lovey-dovey world that I am in right now. Suffice to say, I am happy! And having a good time.

And I won't bother you with it.

For Everyone Else (i.e. THE NON COMPLAINERS)

2009-04-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

To everyone else who reads my blog (which I can hardly count myself in that category anymore!):

I heart you all for the following reasons:

1) You read my blog and think enough (or not enough) of me to comment. How lovely! I complain about something, and you get to respond! What a fantastic world we live in! (And although that sounds VERY sarcastic, it is not meant to be in the slightest.)

2) I have been trying not to be so down & out on the blog lately, and as I was discussing with The Doc last night, I have a very hard time writing when I am happy. I only have something to say when I am sad. When I am happy, I am usually out doing something that does not involve writing anything, such as going to Portland with friends or missing an awesome three day music festival.

3) Your comments make me want to be a better person.

(Who am I kidding? They don't. And they certainly don't make me want to read any children's vampire books any more, either.)

For Heather

2009-04-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

If I prick you (hee hee, I said prick) then you do bleed, as I have seen you do many times BECAUSE WE LIVE TOGETHER, FOO!

I also heart you for the following reasons:

1) IN SPITE OF FORGETTING ABOUT BONO, you saw U2 with me. It is like going to Spain with me. Oh, wait, we did that too.

2) You put up with my blubbering when I need it (which seems like on a daily basis).

3) You put up with pretty much everything I do, from blowing my nose obnoxiously loud to not drinking milk as avidly as you & Mr. Heather do.

4) You have killer puppies.

For Amanda

2009-04-26T20:53:00.001-07:00

I heart you; let me count the ways.

1) You always call me on my shit.
2) You complain about not being mentioned in my blog.
3) You could care less that I could have gotten some from (possibly) my future husband.
4) You are Miss Amanda, soon to be Mrs. Amanda.

And I didn't get very many good pictures from the weekend. Honestly, you saw them on my facebook. Seriously lame.

Seriously Funny Stuff

2009-04-19T21:43:00.001-07:00

This weekend I had a gorgeous, beautiful, fantastic, wonderful time with my friends in Portland. But I missed out something huge. A FREE ticket to Coachella.

Now, some of you may be wondering, what is this Coachella she speaks of? Well, it is a three day music festival (we all know how much I ADORE music festivals!) in the middle of the Southern Californian desert.

Did I mention FREE?

The Doc won tickets on the radio and offered to take me. How great is THAT I ask? Great, I say. And because The Doc knows how upset I am about missing out, he keeps texting me and informing me about how awful it is and how the bands suck. (Paul McCartney? The Cure? Not sucking, I'm sure.)

I just received a text that read: "WTF? This isn't The Cult?" And I seriously laugh out loud. Hard. I love "She Sells Sanctuary" but The Cult is no Cure, but it is awesome that he thinsk of me enough to text me and make me laugh.

Oh, and my friends made me laugh this weekend, too. In particular, Amanda slipping and falling into the pool. Good times.

When it Rains It Pours, Part Deux

2009-03-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

So, my apologies for not writing more lately. I got a new laptop (yeah!) and I have been moving files back and forth. And then I realized just how much music I have on my computer & decided that maybe it was time to just get an external hard drive.

And the other reason I haven't been writing lately is because I have been going on lots of dates. Lots and lots. And second and third dates. With more than one man in particular. Some of you may be wondering, "What if they see this blog and get mad?" In my defense, none of these men have said A WORD about dating exclusively, and honestly, I am still waiting for the other shoe to drop with every single one of them, so I figure I am not going to pin all my hopes and dreams on one single guy just yet. Look at what happened with the last guy.

Let me tell you about Mr. Policeman.

After I balanced my checkbook and realized that I was paying for 90% of all of our dates, I thought to myself, "Is opening doors and having a stable job ALL I am looking for?" The answer to that questions, friends, is a resounding NO!

He walks like a police officer. Maybe that is because the concealed weapon he carries at all times disrupts his swagger. Maybe. At first I thought this was cute, then I realized he has little-man complex.

Let me tell you about Dr. Waterborne Particles. He is smart, witty, also a writer, and loves the same kind of music I do. He also has a stable job and opens doors for me.

Let me tell you about Mr. Masseuse. He is smart, funny, honest, and possesses a very kind and calming personality. He also has a stable job and opens doors for me.

In hindsight, I was blinded by the light (read: a second date with a decent looking man). But I have moved on past that. I decided that the time is right to have a good time. And if I happen to meet someone along the way, then great.

Holy Shit! When It Rains, It POURS!

2009-02-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

I have HUGE news. Big news. Big, big, big.

I went on a second date. And a third. And most likely, a fourth!

Yesp, that's right. I met someone NICE. It's pretty much a miracle. But let me tell you why I think he is so great. (I haven't thought of a clever nickname for him yet, so for now, I will call him...well, I've got nothing.)

1) He opens doors for me. After all the years of opening my own doors, it is super nice to have someone else open my doors.

2) He is semi-normal.
a) He has a job.
b) He doesn't have horns tatooed on his head.
c) We have been out three times, and never once has he asked me to pee on him!
d) He owns a car.
e) He does not live with his parents.

3) We like the same things: Hastings Music Store, Star Wars, sushi, people watching, movies, and BBQ.

4) He calls me when he says he is going to call me. And he calls me even when he says he won't call me. He texts me. He pays attention to what I say.

I realize that is only four things so far, but honestly, that does it for me!

My Smunched Car

2009-02-18T20:41:00.000-08:00

In a few days, I will post pictures of my smunched car. Yes, my car car was hit. By an insured. In my own parking lot.

And it is totalled.

Any suggestions on a new car?

Dating is Interesting

2009-02-17T20:39:00.000-08:00

Well, good date never got back to me. In fact, he flat out snubbed me. I was upset for about a day, and then I decided to move on. I also decided that this was God's way of telling me that I shouldn't date a man with horns tattooed on his head. (Probably a bad sign, but hey, he LOOKED interesting.)

So, after a day of feeling sorry for myself, which I am getting REALLY good at, I decided I am done with dating. I've said it before, and I'll probably say it again, but this time I'm serious.

Or at least I would be if people would stop calling me and asking me out on dates.

I have one on Saturday, one early next week (sushi!) and one to be rescheduled from yesterday. And one of these dates is kinda a second date. A SECOND DATE! Something I haven't had FOR OVER A YEAR!!!! Needless to say, I am very, very excited.

OK, Finally, A Good Date

2009-01-31T14:25:00.001-08:00

Is it true? Is it possible? Could it be? Or is it some elusive Batman/Superman figment of my imagination?

I had a good date. Or was it a dream?

As you may know, I have not been feeling up to my normal chipper self this past week, but I had a date last night. I didn't want to go, as it was at 9:00 pm, and since I had been feeling under the weather, I was trying to decide what to do. But I figured, why not go and get it over with?

But I was trying to stay positive. Look on the bright side. Try not to put this date down before I even meet him just because I had a slew of bad dates before. You know, be the opposite of how I actually feel. I don't know if it worked, or if I had some residual Vicodin-cough syrup in me, but I went on the date with a clear mind.

And he is great. Funny, crass, awesome, well-travelled. Like a man version of ME. (Except he is super laid back.)

Alive and Kickin'

2009-01-30T20:07:00.000-08:00

Well, I made it. After the worst bout of the flu I have ever had to endure, I am alive and kickin'. But barely.

I was in bed for about three days, and Heather took care of me. Well, she tried to take care of me as she also tried to stay healthy herself. I watched many a DVD. And slept. Some blessed soul invented a cough syrup with VICODIN in it. Heaven. I never slept so well in my entire life. So, there IS a bright side to being sick. But gasping for air is never a good time. No wonder I am claustrophobic.

And tonight, in actually a few minutes, I am off for another date. I think I am a sadist.

Never, EVER Listen to a Crazy Lady on a Plane

2009-01-19T17:40:00.000-08:00

On my way home from Idaho at Christmas, I sat next to a nice-looking couple. They might have been around my mom & dad's age, maybe a little younger. I was reading Perfume, and the back cover looked a lot like the back of the book she was reading. She asked me what I was reading; I told her, and she told me what she was reading. Twilight.

This woman (a very nice and enthusiastic woman, indeed) went on and ON about Twilight for oh, probably 20 minutes. I politely listened, and by the end of our conversation, I was convinced I should go out and buy this book immediately. No waiting for my turn on paperbackswap.com!!

She was wrong. Oh, so very, VERY wrong.

I have never, ever read a more trite, boring, uneventful pile of garbage in my entire life, AND I AM AN ENGLISH MAJOR. I have been forced to read all sorts of garbage, and this tops my list.

I know what you are going to say. "But Micaela, these books are meant for young teen and pre-teen girls." Baloney, I say! When I was that old, I was reading Jane Eyre! Don't give me that crap that girls want this kind of romance. What happened to good old fashioned romance? Mr. Darcy or Mr. Rochester, anyone? I would take those two over this Edward fella any day. (Although, I must admit, Edward WAS my favorite character.)

But honestly. Bella? Never has there been a more pathetic, unlovable, ignorant, gullible heroine in the history of fiction. She is so moronic. I just would not be able to give this book to a young girl and hope that she dreams of being Alice Cullen rather than Bella, because Bella is just so easy to BE. She doesn't DO anything except whatever her boyfriend tells her to do. Except when she might get killed. Then she decides to throw caution to the wind, and damn the consequences. Ugh.

Why would we ever want our young girls to read this? To aspire to be like this? Oh, don't get me wrong. Virginity is a great thing. Abstinence is a wonderful moral to tout. But she doesn't keep her virginity because she wants to. She wants to climb on that sexy-ass vampire faster than you can say "lame vampire book." She can't have sex with him because of ... wait for it .. his rock hard vampire dick.

Seriously.

Did Someone Say Oompa Loompa?

2009-01-07T18:58:00.001-08:00

During a lull in our workday, my coworkers and I engaged in a discussion about bridesmaids dresses. Then we sidetracked on how I am a wedding dress consultant extraordinaire. Then we started talking about dress lengths and short people.

I am talking people 5'3" and under. People like myself.

So, to set the scene: My boss is a huge admirer of the broomstick skirt. She pulls them off very nicely. They flatter her. Me, on the other hand, not so much. I was demonstrating this to my coworkers today.

"I look like a freaking Oompa Loompa in a skirt like that!"

"What, you have green hair and huge, bushy eyebrows?"

"No! I'm short!! And look funny when I dance."

Then I proceeded to strut around on the floor, squatting like a Russian dancer, in order to demonstrate just exactly how short I look in long dresses.

Look at My New Haircut

2009-01-06T22:15:00.000-08:00

I decided I need to do something to start the new year off right. I decided to cut my hair off.

Funny thing is, over Christmas break, Mom and I were lying in her awesome waterbed, watching What Not To Wear, when Mom suggested I cut my hair.

"No, Mom. I have grown this out for a year now. I like being able to pull it back into a pony tail. I know you don't like it, but tough."

Sometimes Mom is right. But shhhh....please don't tell her I said that.

I all of a sudden decided to get my hair cut like Victoria Beckham. OK, it didn't turn out quite like hers, but well, check it out for yourself:

Well, maybe you can't really tell in this picture, but it is super cute. Just take my word for it.

Yes, Yes I Know. (Actually, I Don't)

2009-01-06T22:10:00.000-08:00

I got on my facebook page today (LOVE IT!) and lovely Amanda had posted the following:

Amanda June Costello wrote at 9:51pm
Let me recreate a moment from Amanda and Curtis's house. Amanda is brushing her teeth getting ready for bed when she comes into the bedroom to find Curtis laughing- hard. Amanda asks, "Babe, what's so funny?" Curtis turns slightly to reveal his iPhone and Amanda notices that he is reading a blog she herself had been pursuing only moments before. "Is that Ky's blog?" Amanda asks. Curtis replies, "Why have I not read this before? She is so funny!" Amanda laughs and agrees with him as she gets into bed. Curtis, still standing, is laughing harder now, and says "Okay, one more and then I will go to bed." Fast forward a few minutes. Curtis is now in bed and is laughing quietly. Amanda asks, already knowing the answer, " What's so funny?" Curtis replies "Her... Sometimes she just says and writes things that are pee your pants funny." End scene. Lights out. Good night. We think you rock.

Well, I think you two rock. Let me tell you, sometimes I write on this blog, and I think, "I'm am honestly writing for myself." And well, that's OK! But honestly, I don't how funny it really is until someone tells me, which I LOOOOOOVE! (Imagine me saying that in a really awesome Oprah voice.) But God, this little post on facebook made me SMILE. Thanks, lovelies.

And the cupcakes are coming along swimingly.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

One of New Year's resolutions is to actually keep up with this blog. I swear, people, it's not you, it's me. (Haven't heard THAT one in a while, huh?) But honestly, I am going to try to get into the swing of things.

Not much happened here today. Last night was a supremely disappointing New Year's Eve on my end. For the first time in 31 years, I had a real, bona-fide date for New Year's. And it didn't snow. And he didn't bail. And I didn't bail. And we were bored with the lack of fireworks, both literally and figuratively. (But before my date, I had a totally awesome gift exachange with friends, and I think everyone should exchange gifts AFTER Christmas, because then it makes it that more fun!)

All in all, I have found that he (I am purposefully failing to mention his name) and I, alas, will be much better friends than partners, and although I am more than a little sad about it, I will live.

So, onward, friends, into the great unknown! Resistance is futile.

I Hate Bananas

2008-12-06T21:24:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it is strange to hate a simple thing such as a fruit. However, I have always disliked bananas, for various reasons, and as I grow older, they do not "grow" on me, if you will pardon the pun.

But I DETEST bananas. I especially hate banana flavored things: popsicles, pudding, candy, gum, liquer, pie, etc.

My friends like to mock me for my strange and seemingly un-American distaste for the banana. (Although I do not think bananas are very American.) One day, as I was minding my own business at work, I got an email from a friend. It was entitled "Goodness." When I opened said email, this is what I saw:

Just thought I would share some goodness with you on this fine Friday.

New Orleans 2008: Day Nine

2008-11-06T22:33:00.003-08:00

VooDoo Experience Day Three:

Steph and I definately wanted to have a long day at City Park on Sunday where we could just relax and enjoy the music, all the way up to watching R.E.M. We both agreed that we are getting along in age, and that maybe edgeing our way up to the front of the stage probably wouldn't be such a great idea. So, we started off seeing Tokyo Police Club (but we were a little late) and we made friends with a woman sitting next to us. Everywhere we went we made friends. I thought it was great that people looked at us and thought, "Wow, these two girls are RAD!" Because we are.

So, after Tokyo Police Club, we saw Lupe Fiasco, who wasn't our cup of tea, but whatever. Then we went to see some lame band at the crap stage, just to say that we at least TRIED to watch a band at that stage, but after two seconds, I looked at Steph, and she immediately read my mind: "Please God, let me out of here."

We headed over to the New Orleans stage, where Quintron was playing. Oh sweet baby Jesus, this guy was WEIRD. Like crazy. Not really making music but more making noises with things that may represent instruments in an alternate universe. Of course, Steph dug him. I looked at her with the same look on my face as before, and she succumbed, but not as willingly as I had hoped.

Then we headed over to watch The Blind Boys of Alabama with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band play. Wow! What enthusiasm! And they have won tons of Grammys. I was impressed. And it was so great because there were a bunch of (hot) guys playing frisbee and just hanging out. It was very relaxed and chill.

Then we decided to head back over to commandeer a spot for R.E.M. We watched Dashboard Confessional, who I really, really enjoyed, and Panic! at the Disco, who were OK.

Then. (Drum roll, please):

That's right, R.E.M. We were so happy, it was like we died and gone to heaven. Here's proof:

New Orleans 2008: Day Eight

2008-11-06T22:33:00.001-08:00

Ok, so day eight arrives. I really, really wanted to see Manchester Orchestra, (see crappy picture to the left) so Steph and I made a concerted effort to get down to City Park in time. We almost missed them! They are a pretty cool band from I don't know where (but Steph guessed Manchester) and I really enjoyed their music.

Then we decided to go see Fishbone play because Steph's friend manages their band. So, we go and we are checking out this band, which we thought to be Fishbone. And they are really good! But then they turn out to be Rotary Downs, a local New Orleans band. And they kicked major ass! They said they were playing a bar in the Fenchmen's called d.b.a. later that night, and since Steph and I had no major plans to see Nine Inch Nails, we decided that later we would go down to see them.

Then we watched a couple of other bands play, like The Hot 8 Brass Band and Lil' Wayne. Which was cool because seriously, when is the next time I will EVER see Lil' Wayne? Oh, that's right. Never.

We went home, had some dinner, and I took a nap (I'm OLD, people) and we went to the Frenchmen's. Now, if you don't already know, The Frenchmen's is like what the Quarter used to be: totally kick ass without all the tourists and nudie bars. It is way eclectic and artsy, and there was a ton of stuff to do. We went to this d.b.a. bar, and they had ALL SORTS of imported alcohol there, from beer to wine to absinthe. Let me put it to you this way: the only domestic beer they had was Sierra Nevada. That's it. So we had some drinks, and enjoyed the band a second time around.

New Orleans 2008: Day Seven

2008-11-06T22:32:00.002-08:00

Before we went to VooDoo, Steph and I decided to have lunch at Commander's Palace. According to the locals, the Brennan family is a very influential family in the New Orleans restaraunt industry. And the Brennan's own the Commander's Palace. (The Brennans are the people who invented Bananas Foster.) It is pretty fancy, and you have to dress up, even for lunch. The place was packed, and I was thankful that Steph had the foresight to make reservations.

But the best part is 25 cent martinis and cosmopolitans. I felt like I was living in 1963 and we were drinking our lunch. They had amazing martinis and my food was fantastic. I had the seafood gumbo, New Orleans barbeque shrimp, and bread pudding souffle for dessert. Umm, pure heaven!

Then we went home for some play time with the kiddo before we headed out to the VooDoo Experience.

Then we went to experience the VooDoo Experience.

Let me tell you. This was probably the most amazing music festival I have ever been to. I haven't been to very many, but this was great. There were all sorts of people and bands from everywhere and a tent dedicated all to local music, and another tent dedicated all to brass and jazz bands. So, not only were there bands like Stone Temple Pilots and R.E.M., but we got to see local bands like Rotary Downs and The Vettes, who were also amazingly talented bands.

We started off with a little Wyclef Jean, then we got up close and personal with Erykah Badu (my camera takes horrendous pictures, I know). Then some Reverend Horton Heat (not pictured). And then we caught a little DeVotchka before Stone Temple Pilots (we were pretty far away) and then some Soul Sisters dancing to a DJ.

Where else can you get such an varraying array of music?? But this was just the beginning.

New Orleans 2008: Day Six

2008-11-06T22:32:00.001-08:00

This is the day that will go into my history books as the day that I had the best damn fried chicken I have ever had in my entire life. It was fuckin' good.

For weeks my boss had been telling me I needed to find this place in New Orleans. Betty Sue's Ranch House is what she thought it was called. It was deemed by The Food Network to have the best fried chicken in the nation. Anthony Bourdain ate there and also said it was the best fried chicken he ever had. I was determined to find this place.

We finally figured out it was actually Willie Mae's Scotch House. A couple of Steph's friends met us for lunch there on Thursday. We walked in and were hit with the amazing smell of chicken deep frying. It smelled like ... well, heaven. We sat down, and I ordered a plate of fried chicken with red beans and rice (when in Rome!) and sweet tea.

First the sweet tea arrived, and Adian was all over that. He has an amazingly big sweet tooth. Then, cornbread. Oh holy God, I thought I liked cornbread before, but this was heavenly. I was informed that I needed to save it to put into my red beans, so I patiently waited. (Not really. Aidan and I both were struggling with the wait for our food!) And then, sweet Mother of God, our chicken arrived. Never has anything so succulent ever passed my lips. The grease. The batter. The chicken! And I don't even like chicken that much. Aidan settled down after the chicken arrived and so did I. I was planning on saving a piece for a snack later, but I couldn't wait. I just couldn't do it. By the time we were leaving, the place was packed, and people were waiting outside.

Then we decided to get some pralines for dessert. We went to Loretta's. Where I met Loretta! She chatted with us for a while, and asked Steph's friend (who apparently frequents Loretta's quite often) how his family was, etc. It was such a great friendly, hometown place! I had three pralines: original, chocolate, and peanut butter. The original was my favorite.

By the end of the afternoon, Aidan was pretty tired and ready to go home. As I packed him into his little car seat, I smelled something. Something like fried chicken! I thought maybe he had stuffed a piece into his pocket or his pants. No. We ALL smelled like fried chicken. My purse smelled like fried chicken for DAYS! Aidan's diaper bag smelled like fried chicken. For days. And it bummed me out because I was reminded every time of that heavnely chicken. Oh, how I miss the chicken.

New Orleans 2008: Day Five

2008-11-06T22:31:00.001-08:00

On Wednesday, Steph and I wanted to do something nice, but she had to work. We decided we would go have a nice lunch at The Rib Room in The Quarter while Nate took Aidan around Tulane Hospital. Apparently, all the women Nate works wanted to get a glimpse of the little man. And of course, Aidan loves to flirt with the ladies, so he was happy to be shown around.

So, I got us all dressed up. A small feat for me! It was pretty hard to get myself ready, and the baby ready, and then to get all of our gear into the car (I was thinking of hiring a Sherpa). Then I had to drive in New Orleans traffic. Whew! But then we got there, and Steph and I had a lovely lunch -- thanks, Louisiana Bar Association, for that great gift certificate!

As we were eating, I looked up, and there was a parade passing by! A random parade! There was no meaning behind it. No protesting. Nothing. Just people getting together, playing music for the enjoyment of others. It was truly a beautiful sight. Alas, none of the pictures turned out. The window was my camera's enemy.

After lunch, the baby and I headed home, where we got into our pajamas and took a well deserved nap. It was a long day!

New Orleans 2008: Day Three & Four

2008-11-04T22:42:00.001-08:00

On my third and fourth days in New Orleans, I was needed to babysit. I thought, "I can take care of a baby for a few days. No problem."

I had no idea. None.

I have no wnicknamed my nephew "Destruct-or!" He is total boy. He pounds things together, throws things on the floor, and smacks things with his open palm, all just to make noise. Yup. He just wants to see what these two things sound like when they hit each other, and then these two things, and boy, oh boy! They make a different sound! Amazing!

Amazing I survived.

I jest. In all honesty, I did pretty well. We played, watched TV, took naps, and ate. It was harder than I thought it would be. For some unknown reason I assumed that Aidan would want to do all the things I wanted to do. He certainly has a mind of his own though! And he did enjoy doing some of the things I wanted, like go for a walk around the neighborhood (boy, her neighborhood LOVES Halloween!) and take a nap. In summary, it was a beautiful way to spend a week of vacation.

New Orleans 2008: Day Two

2008-11-04T22:41:00.001-08:00

On our second day in New Orleans, we decided to grab some breakfast at a local cafe called, aptly enough, The Oak Street Cafe. The place was packed, mostly because there was a Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure the same morning, and all the racers were stopping in for some post-run grub, but we were happy to wait for our food while a little jazz ensemble played for us. I mean, where can you get a jazz ensemble playing for you while you eat your breakfast? New Orleans.

Then Steph and I decided to do a little shopping, but then we didn't really get around to doing much shopping except for at Target, but we did find time to stop at a great little local bookstore called Octavia Books. We had so much fun perusing the store and deciding which fresh, new book we were going to buy!

It was really great to be in New Orleans and have a little tour guide. Travelling to different places is always nice, but when you have a local to weed out all the awful touristy places, it really is a great thing.

OH! And this is also the day we got to see with our own eyes a real second line. A second line is a traditional New Orleans funeral where people come out of their homes and follow the funeral procession, which usually includes a brass or jazz band. It was truly an amazing and beautiful sight, and the thought did cross my mind to take some pictures, but I didn't want to disrespect the dead.

Sometimes I can muster SOME decorum.

For The First Time in My Life...

2008-11-04T22:26:00.001-08:00

I LIVE IN A BLUE STATE!!!!!!!!!!!!

After living in Idaho for 26 of my 31 years, I thought living in a swing state was exciting: party rallies, actual political candiates visiting the state instead of ignoring you because your vote wouldn't even come close to counting. But now, now I live in Nevada. A blue state. It makes me a little teary eyed.

Congrats, Obama, the 44th President of The United States!

New Orleans 2008: Day One

2008-10-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

When I got to New Orleans, Steph already had plans for us! We ordered a quick pizza and then we headed down to the Quarter for a spooky ghost tour!

OK. It wasn't that spooky. Or ghost-y for that matter. But it was a fun way to start off the week! For $20, we got two-for-one drinks at a couple of bars (SURPRISE!) and we got to hear some really cool stories about how New Orleans started and used to be. It was pretty gory and violently graphic. So I loved it!!

Here we are at one of the mandatory drinking stops. Errrr, I mean "bathroom breaks." At least, that is how they described it. Because you know, we ladies can hardly control our bladder for AN HOUR!!! So we have to stop and go to the bathroom. Instead of using the vile facilities, we decided to drink. A PBR for me and a Cuba Libre for Steph. Oddly enough, the bartender didn't know what a Cuba Libre was. (You may not either. Don't feel bad. It's a rum & Coke.) But when you are that close to Cuba, and a bartender in the biggest drinking town I've EVER seen, you might want to catch up on your bar lingo.

This is a picture of Steph and her Bloody Mary. Now, the story on the Bloody Mary: We were "forced" to wait for the tour to start in a bar where we got aforementioned two-for-one drinks. The bartender asked me what we wanted, and I told her I wanted a Cape Cod. She looks at Steph, who says in a HEAVY Southern accent, "Y'all got Zing Zangs?" But it came out like "Y'all got Zing Zaaaaaangs?" And as I turned to see who this stranger was ordering a drink with me, a totally hot guy standing next to us looks at Steph and asks her what Zing Zangs is. She replies, this time with a little less South in her voice, "It's a Bloody Mary mix. And it's fuckin' goooooooood."

Now, I was surprised that this beautiful man was speaking to us, but more surprised that Steph had picked up a Southern accent, but even more surprised that she said fuckin' to a complete stranger.

I seriously laughed about it the entire ghost tour, and I constantly asked her if Zing Zangs was fuckin' good.

A random shot of the French Quarter, or Vieux Carre, as they say in Nawlins. This is where we started our tour.

I had to post this on my blog even if it is a horrible picture. (My camera is getting the boot. It SUCKS!) But I had to post it because our tour guide had this outrageous story of this house that pure evil and vile things happened here, and we were all engrossed in the story, and then all of it turned out to be fake. But Nicholas Cage owns the house now. Seriously scary.

I Literally Just Stepped Off the Plane

2008-10-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

I had to share some pictures of my super adorable baby nephew!!! I had the pleasure of babysitting all last week, and boy, is Tia Ky tired!!!

I'm working on some posts about my glorious week in Nawlins, but I thought this might tide you over for now.

All Right, Already!

2008-10-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

I thought since my friend hadn't posted in a while, that I might be off the hook. I guess not.

So, in honor of all the people who have busted my non-existent balls over the last week: here is the latest in the life of Micaela.

I'm not dating this month. I am too busy. THANK GOD. What with scrapbooking, Apple Hill and a giant trip to New Orleans, I simply don't have the energy to date. And I needed a real break. One that I didn't force upon myself because I was so fed up with men, but a break that I actually looked forward to! And it has been nice.

But I do have a few stories and pictures to share, and they will be forthcoming. Patience is a virtue. One that I do not possess, but one you should.

Update to the Crappy Island

2008-09-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

I was explaining to someone today about my concept of The Island and dating in Reno.

I said, "If Kate tries one more time to make me feel sorry for her and her dilemma between TWO HOT GUYS I will seriously barf. I can't empathize with Kate. I'm more like Hugo: the dude I'm in love with is either dead or will end up that way."

And I thought this person was going to die laughing. And she didn't criticize my comparison. Instead she said, "At least you aren't crazy like Hugo."

Oh, the Joys of Dating

2008-09-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

I went on my 4th date from the previously mentioned dating service. (I was at one time very disappointed in them, but have since learned a few things about their operations, and I am trying to be patient. We'll see. But this date is one of the reasons I was having a hard time staying positive.)

Fourth date and I were to meet at The Stonehouse Cafe, a cute little place with awesome outdoor seating. I couldn't eat too much because later that night I had a date with many a rib at The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off! (Yum! Ribs!) Anyhoo, I got to the cafe right on time and waited for about 5 minutes when my uncle showed up!

OK, my REAL uncle didn't show up, but my date LOOKED EXACTLY LIKE HIM. Just like my uncle does now. Not fifteen years ago. The same. Mind you my uncle is my mother's OLDER brother. He's 56 years old. I'm 31. My age cut-off for my dates is 42. Now, if he would have strolled in looking just like Harrison Ford does right now, no problem. I'm down with some old Han Solo action. NOT old uncle action because, well, that makes me throw up a little in my mouth.

So, here I am, trying really hard not to laugh out loud, thinking, "This isn't this guy's fault that he looks like my uncle! I'm going to try to make the best of it." Then he spoke. And never shut up. "What color are your eyes?" he barked at me. "Brown," I replied. "Show me," he demanded. I lifted up my glasses, in defiance. What? Did he not believe me? Did he think I had color contacts in? I mean, seriously.

"I'm going to get into trouble for saying this, but I am going to say it anyway..." This was his segue into EVERY sentence he spoke. And I soon came to realize that this was his way of apologizing for the next thing to come out of his mouth, which was inevitably rude and obnoxious. In all actuality, he really wasn't sorry he was going to be rude. He just wanted me to know that he KNOWS he is being rude.

"What's wrong with you?" he barked loud enough for people three tables over to hear.

By this point in the conversation, I was done. I was ready to leave. Then he throws this disgusting and vile question at me, and it was all I could to not reply: "You and people like you are the problem. People who think that just because I am pretty, intelligent, and apparently desperate, I should have a boyfriend. But I do not settle. I will not settle. I will not settle to make society happy and to make myself seemingly happy. I will not settle just to make everyone around me more comfortable at parties and happy that 'I finally found someone.' I will not settle just because society thinks I am supposed to."

Instead, I replied, "I'm picky." And left it at that.

Then his phone rang. He answered it. It was his sister. This is how his end of the conversation went: "Oh, hey! What are you doin'? Me? Oh, I'm here in Reno on a date with a cute little redhead...(to me) are you a redhead? (Me: No, I'm brunette) (Him to the phone) oh, sorry, cute little brunette. What? No, she's pretty. She seems smart and she is easy to talk to. She's cool. She's ...What? Oh, she isn't here. Are you being good? You better. Ok, I better get back to my date or I'm gonna scare her off. Be good. Bye." Then to me: "That was my sister. I told her to be good because she has a drinking problem."

All I can think is: "God, please let a spaceship land, abduct me, anally probe me, and leave me for dead, because that will at least be less painful than this conversation."

Stranded on a Crappy Island

2008-08-14T08:48:00.001-07:00

As some of you may know, I am addicted to Lost. I cannot get enough. And this morning, I was thinking that my dating life is much like being stranded on a crappy island.

1) All I want to do is get a decent boyfriend, much like all they want to do is get off the island.

2) Lame ass men = The Others.

3) It LOOKS like there is hope, but every time something good happens, someone goes and fucks it up. (i.e.: a submarine mysteriously appears, and then it gts blown up. Much like I think I am going out with a well-educated man who owns his own home, who actually turns out to be an apartment renter with a cat.)

4) Dating world: every (wo)man for himself. Same on the island. Oh, they may TALK like they are trying to help each other out, but everyone really is only in it for themselves. Just like dating.

5) In other words, dating and being stranded on a deserted island are very much the same: they both suck the hope right out from your soul. But you keep trying, or die trying. Frankly, right now, I would rather be stranded on that crappy island than stranded in this crappy dating world I call Reno.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match

2008-08-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

After a few long weeks of debate, I decided to join a little club you may have heard of. It's name is something along the lines of "It's only a short meal during the middle of the day where you usually eat a sandwich". I am loath to write the whole name of the company because if anyone Googles it, and my blog comes up, my anonymity is blown. You understand.

However, this little program maybe the answer to many of my dilemmas. No longer will I have to suffer through dates who aren't serious about being in a relationship. No longer will I have to worry about the dreaded children conversation. No longer will I have to worry about "getting to know" the men before the first date.

Who knows. Possibly I have shot myself in the foot. I might have made the biggest mistake of my life. I might be setting myself up for only more heartache. However, my motto, if I ever had one is: "At least I can say I tried it."

Happy Birthday, Aidan

2008-07-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

I went to Emmett for a short little weekend trip. Mom and Dad had just returned from their European Vacation (OK, they went to the Basque Country and to Madrid, but still, that's in Europe!) and Steph, Nate, and Aidan were going to Idaho to visit. I had to see the family.

When I got there late Friday night, we decided to go to The Gem Lounge. Friends of the family bought the place and have remodeled, so it is super beautiful now. We enjoyed ourselves. Maybe a little too much.

Yes, I am two-fisting. I regretted it the next day.

The next day, was Aidan's birthday party. He had cake. Watch the video. It's adorable!

I got to see a lot of familar faces, and some not so familar, like new additions to my bunch of girlfriends' families: And I got to watch Aidan do some of his favorite things:

1) Play with the hose.2) Play with Aitxetxe.

3) Smile.

I seriously had a lot of fun with my little buddy. I hope everyone who was there had as much fun as I did!!

Recomendations

2008-07-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

A few of you have expressed an interest in my opinion on the books I have read and the movies I have seen this year. In order to help you, I decided to remove the links to the books and movies that I did not care for. This is not to say that you might not enjoy them, but rather I had a strong dislike for them, or was bored, or was disinterested 5 mintues into it.

That being said, Enjoy!!

My List of Demands

2008-07-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

Here I am, thinking of intelligent and more productive ways of meeting new people (men, specifically). This is always in the back of my mind: where am I going to meet ANYONE if not online? Then, as I was working, a woman came on the radio and said to "make a list and envision where that kind of person would hang out at. Then go to that place."

I thought, "I have a list! I should update it again." It seems so simple. We'll see. I'm quite the pessimist right now when it comes to men. I guess what I am working on right now is just trying to be nicer and more approachable to strangers, men and women alike, because I want to put forth a friendly persona. I have to practice that.

Here's the new list.

1) He must be pun-ny. I have no idea why, but stupid lame puns make me laugh. Hard. Don't ask me why; it just is.

2) He must have decent looks. Do I care if He is not of the "correct" height to weight ratio? Shit no, because then I would be a hypocrite. But I must be attracted to Him. My barf reflexes are not that great.

3) He must have passion. And I don't mean He has to be passionate toward me, just that we share the same passions (or some of the same passions). Life, music (not JUST Bono), movies, books. He has to enjoy going to the movies and watching movies. He has to like movies. He must like to read something, even if it is magazines or the newspaper. Never do I want to hear out of His mouth, "You're always reading. Why don't you spend more time with Me?"

4) He must appreciate me for who I am. Duh, right? Well, I may think so, but most of the men I have dated seem to think that I should be thankful for the small amount of time and attention they give me. Think again, assholes.

5) He must be funny, in addition to pun-ny. And He has to appreciate my humor as well. Never do I want to hear these words ever again: "You're not as funny as you think you are, Micaela." Because then I will be forced to reply, "Well, dumb ass, you have a horrible sense of humor. How's this for funny: GET LOST." He might not like that.

6) He must be smart. At least as smart as I am.

8) He must travel well. In other words, travel well with me. I like to travel. Nay, I LOVE to travel. And while on this last trip to New Orleans, I realized that my future partner must be able to travel well with me. Surprisingly, most of my exes have possessed this quality, but it still must be on the list as a must have.

9) He must be aware of certain social niceties. Such as, after two dates and He is still interested in me, He must be aware socially enough to realize that I will not wait around for Him to call me, and that He must put forth an effort for me to actually realize He is interested.

10) He must like to/want to hang out with my friends. And vice versa.

Happy 4th of July!!

2008-07-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

Since we had such a wonderful time last year at the Lake, we decided to go again this year. however, we did not check the weather reports or think that maybe since the entire state of California is on fire, that maybe, quite possibly, it would be smoky.

This is the one picture I got of the fireworks. My roommates got WAAAAAAY better pictures, and when I get copies, I will share them with you.

I hope you all had a lovely 4th of July!

OK, Universe, I Hear You!

2008-06-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

Today I realized that the universe may be telling me something. Well, this thought was triggered by someone asking me, "I wonder what the universe is telling you?"

I replied, somewhat flippantly, "It's telling me to chill the hell out."

Then I laughed and screamed, "OK, universe, I hear you!"

So, I made myself a pact. I will chill the hell out. I will no longer worry about being alone forever. (This will prove to be impossible, but something that I can work on forever. Eternity. Infinity. Plus one.) I will do what I want, when I want. I will read more books. I will play more video games. I will write more blogs. (About what, I am not sure, but I will cross that bridge when I get to it.) I will play more. I will save up for my Prius.

I will worry less.

In other words: Universe, LAY OFF! I get it. Now, leave me alone and go bug some other super hip girl.

The Year of Yes: Date #7

2008-06-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

OK, OK, many of you are probably wondering why I went on another date when I said I was taking a break. I will explain. But seriously. Date #7 solidified by reasoning behind why I am taking said break. Freak.

I had emailed Freak (I could come up with a more clever nickname, but this one just sums it all up in one simple word, and I think it appropriate) a month ago. I never got a response. Whatever. It happens all the time.

Then I got an email last Saturday morning. Here is an excerpt:

"I feel awkward approaching you after such a long period of time but I really do have a good excuse. And if all good relationships are predicated on trust then I will hope that you will trust me when I give it to you. But if you want it (the explanation) you will have to email me back to get it. But I will say this much; just because it looked like I was active on Match at or around the time you contacted me doesn't mean I was. Please email me back. I am very interested in seeing if we have more in common than a love of humor (I really am a riot to be around when I got my comedy mojo game on)."

I responded: "OK, I'll bite. What's the deal? And I don't like to do the whole, let's email forever thing."

He replied that he didn't either, and we exchanged phone numbers, and set up a date.

Freak was freaky. To put it mildly.

1) He is a vegetarian because he doesn't want to hurt any kind of animal if not absolutely necessary. OK. Sounds good to me.

BUT

2) He likes "his" women to be submissive in bed. And he likes to abuse them. OK, so you won't eat a steak, but you will beat your girlfriend?

Like I said, he's a Freak.

So I got home and emailed him my normal polite response to any freaky date I have: Hey, nice to have met you, but we won't make a good match. (Read: Hey freakzaoid, lose my number, wish I would have never met you, and I wish I would have never wasted a perfectly good Saturday night hanging out with the likes of you, asshole.)

He responded with THIS little tidbit:

"I honestly, sincerely thank you for giving me an out, its hard when you are a considerate person and don't know how to tell people no, (that's what got me into that last situation, should have kicked her to the curb the first day I met her.) I tried to provide an out to you as well with some of my behaviors, I'm an actor at heart and all of life is a stage. By the way, I don't know how many women you've been with (I assume none) but you can't believe how many women are REALLY into being dominated. I am speaking from direct experience. I don't want to argue this with you, or belabor the point, but I know I am right about this. "

FREAK! Seriously, thank you for giving YOU an out? Did you not read the email message I sent you that said LOSE MY NUMBER, ASSHOLE? Did you not hear me when I said I had to go home because it was time for bed? Who says that on a first date who is interested in YOU? No one, that's who. And what does me being with other women have ANYTHING to do with how you like to dominate women in the bedroom? And since when is this kosher first-date topics of conversation?

Good God, what a freak.

People Who Are Waiting in Line for an Obligatory Cockpunch

2008-06-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

1) The dude who hit the elderly man in Hartford, CT and left him paralyzed in the road and

2) all the people who stood on the sidewalk WATCHING and not doing anything.

3) Rush, Bill, etc.

4) The guy who invented conservipedia. A quote from my sister after I asked her what it was: "They [the conservatives] thought wikipedia was too liberal so they started another one for conservatives. Did they not realize that you can add your own shit to wikipedia, thus making it less liberal than you believe it to be? The whole friggin point of wikipedia? Christ almighty." God love my sister.

5) The lady (and others like her) who talk on their cell phone while in a public restroom. I have a friend who told me this is a particular problem in men's rooms. But seriously, as I am using the restroom, I do NOT want to hear about how Sandy's dad isn't doing well and whether or not Jessica should date that guy or not.

6) Flakes. I hate flakes. Why disappoint me later when you can just disappoint me now?

Things That Make Me Happy: A Running List

2008-06-03T22:11:00.001-07:00

1) Realizing after some 10-odd years that The X-Files is STILL a fantastic show.

Even though I stopped watching when Duchovny left the show (because as we all know, the shows where Mulder and Scully are apart kinda suck), I was convinced by friends and the upcoming movie premier to catch up on what I missed.

I missed the last two seasons of a kick ass show.

In college, I used to have The X-Files parties. Every Sunday, my girlfriends and I would convene at my apartment and we would turn off all the lights and watch the show. (Obviously, these were the days before the DVR, another thing that makes me happy.) We would sit quietly and only speak during the commercials. If the phone rang, I would pick it and slam it down, as Amanda once learned the hard way. During one season finale, I had a huge party and imbibed in a little too much red wine and passed out before the ending of the show. I missed the entire last episode and had to wait a whole summer to watch it. I caught the episode in Spain, but I understood as much of it there as I did in my drunken stupor. Ah, those were the days.

But when Mulder wasn't going to be a part of the show, I couldn't watch. I couldn't condone what Duchovny was doing! The horror. Leaving me to wonder what will happen to Scully, all alone. Who will save her when she goes to far to prove Mulder wrong? Who will tease her when she has a crush on a random vampire (played by a smoking hot Luke Wilson?) Who, my dear readers, will Scully flirt with in her Scully way? I couldn't bear the thought.

By the time Duchovny decided to come back to the show, I had already missed one season and couldn't get back into it to finish the series.

Now with the invention of Netflix (yet another thing that makes me happy) I can watch whatever TV show I want. And I do.

I simply can't get enough of it. Very rarely do I yearn to watch more of a TV show like I do The X-Files. I wait for my lunch to roll around so I can watch an episode. I don't go out to buy my lunch; I eat whatever is in the fridge so I don't waste precious minutes of my TV-watching hour. I start and wonder if somehow I can watch the rest of the episodes at my desk without anyone noticing.

I yearn for the day Mulder comes back on the show, but for now, I am happy watching one of the things that makes me happy.

R.E.M.

2008-06-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

This was my first R.E.M. concert, and I have to say, I was simply amazed. I know R.E.M. is a huge rock band, and now I know why they deserve to be.

They put on an amazing show, and here are some of the pictures of our fantastic day & night in Berkeley.

Tracy and I as we are leaving Reno.

In Amoeba Records with the new R.E.M. CD, Accelerate.

Why, hello, lovely cup of wine.

Our view.

Modest Mouse! I danced to "Dance Hall" & "Dashboard" like a mad woman.

I am waiting patiently for R.E.M.

A Little Hiatus

2008-06-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have decided to take a break from Internet dating.

I know, I know, you are all wondering why I would do such a thing, considering how successful it has been!!

But seriously. I have come to the realization that all of the rejection that online dating entails is really getting to me emotionally and physically, and frankly it is starting to affect my true friendships as well as my work.

One can only go on so many dates without success before one goes bat-shit crazy. I have gone bat-shit crazy. At least I am intelligent enough to realize that if someone were to institutionalize me, they wouldn't be wrong.

Although the Year of Yes would work for some people, those people are not me. I just simply cannot keep putting myself out there for the rejection that is waiting for me. Right now, my mind needs a break.

But keep posted. I will still be doing things. Just not a lot of dating things. Have a wonderful day, and remember how important all the relationships in your life are, not just the ones you had once or the ones you wish you had.

The Year of Yes: Date #6

2008-05-26T23:30:00.001-07:00

Mr. Geologist and I went on a date that was a long time coming. We had been chatting for a few weeks now, but he works as a geologist in the Mexican desert, and is home for 10 day stints. This weekend was one of them, so we decided to go out Saturday night.

He asked me where I wanted to go, but I told him that I didn't care. I'm here in Reno all the time, and if he wanted to go someplace in particular, I had no problem with that. (Besides, I am always looking for new places to Yelp about.)

He chose Italian, 7:30. I arrived at said destination looking quite beautiful. Really, it isn't often I leave the house saying to myself, "Damn! I look GOOD!" Anyway, I arrived, looking mighty fine, and a man comes out of the restaraunt and introduces himself as Mr. Geologist. I did a double take.

It was the infamous bait and switch.

He looked NOTHING like his picture. NOTHING.

Honestly, he looks a lot like my brother-in-law, and while Nater is quite handsome, I have a hard time not thinking of him as my kid sister's husband. I.e. YOUNG.

Mr. Geologist brought an excellent bottle of wine, which I appreciated, and was great. The food was amazing and the service was fun and lively. (See review on Yelp.com) Dinner was nice.

I thought to myself, "I can get over the fact that he looks like a baby. Beggars can't be choosers."

So, that night I went home and found an email sitting in my inbox: I had a great time; we should do this again sometime; maybe next time I can cook and we can watch a movie; etc. etc. I replied that I had a great time too and was looking forward to seeing him again.

The next day, another email: "I'm free anytime this week, just let me know." I emailed him to tell him that Monday night I was free for dinner and a movie. This was Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon I called to talk to him and to confirm for Monday night.

I haven't heard back from him since the email I got from him Sunday morning.

Seriously, I am starting to wonder if every man I date gets some exotic flesh-eating disease and can't call me. Their fingers are rotting off; that is the only explanation I can come up with. Why else would they take the time and trouble to invite me over if they aren't going to make good on their word? It isn't that hard to just not email me at all.

The Year of Yes: Date #5

2008-05-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

Well, date number five was unexpected. I thought he was a little young for me (he's 23) and I was very wary of that. But he seems very nice and pretty normal and he likes his family. I only spent an hour with him, so I couldn't get a lot from the date, but I didn't run away screaming like I have in the past with other dates.

I have date #6 tomorrow, so we'll see. More to come soon.

Tracy's Indiana Jones Costume Party

2008-05-22T12:50:00.001-07:00

Everyone knows I heart Indy. Here's proof.

Marion, Indy, and Monkey

The Indiana Family

Dinner Date Indy (aka Tux Indy)

Since when was Caesar part of Indiana Jones?

I can never win at this game!

Happy Birthday Tracy!!!

Year of Yes: Potential Date #5

2008-05-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

We went to Mother's Day brunch. The waiter was cute. I was feeling courageous. I left my phone number with, Nick, the waiter. He probably will not call me, but I feel good about the fact that I hardly even felt nervous about leaving my phone number. Courageous or stupid, I don't know.

It's Not THAT Year of Yes

2008-05-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

I go to my match.com account, and it said that someone had winked at me.

Then I realize it is a WOMAN?!?!

It clearly states that I am only interested in men.

Then I look closer at the pictures. This is a 51 year old Asian man. I think. His/her first language is not English as he/she cannot even decide which sex he/she is!

In the pictures he/she looks like a man, but never does he/she state that he/she is a man. (I never realized how many times I use pronouns!!)

Honestly, it is NOT that Year of Yes.

I may be desperate, but not desperate enough to switch teams.

Yet.

Things That Were Hilarious, But Not So Much Now That I Think About It

2008-05-06T21:21:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a complete and total blast. Amanda decided for her 30th birthday (was I not supposed to mention that, Amanda?) she and Curtis would go on a trip. And she would invite some of her closest friends. I think at one point the invite list included her third grade teacher and her cousin's friend's dog, once removed.

Amanda told me of this weekend adventure when I visited her at Christmas. I was in. An entire weekend of drinking with my college buddies? Twist my arm.

So this was the weekend. We went. We saw. We conquered. And by conquered, I mean we conquered the keg. 'Til I was ready to burst!

Here are a few pictures to show you what an amazing time we had. We stayed at McMenamin's Edgefield in Troutdale, OR. (Which is synonymous for "terrible service" in some foreign languages, such as French and Zulu.)

But, to the title of my entry. Things that were hilarious, but are not so much now.

1) Matt: "It wasn't the menage a trois so much, but really the diarrhea."

2) Micaela: "The only thing I am naturally good at is being rad."
3) Curtis: "Ninety, ninety, ninety, ninety. Ninety." "Ninety." And then a few seconds later, "Ninety."

OK, never mind, they really are hilarious now, too. I truly had a fantastic time; I only offended once during the weekend (that I know of) and I hope that everyone else had a fantastic time doing whatever it was that they were doing!!!

The Year of Yes: Dates 4.1 & 4.2

2008-04-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

So, I went out with The Doctor on Sunday. Twice. Yes, twice.

First we had breakfast. Nothing thrilling there except for the conversation and the coffee. Why did it never occur to me to date a stand up comedian? Oh, perhaps because I was always afraid that I am not funny enough because of previously mentioned dopeheads telling me I am not funny.

I digress.

Then we went to a book sale, where I proceeded to smell the books. What? Why does everyone look at me like that? I can't help it if my nose and I have a close and intimate relationship with books and their scent. Besides, ask anyone, I love how certain things smell.

Yes, The Doctor thought I was crazy. Whatever, he's the psychologist.

Then we went to the Reno Earth Day Celebration. The Doctor had to leave early, so I stayed with friends. But before he left, he invited me to have dinner at his place that night. (Hence, the third date.)

He can cook. And he's intelligent, and damn if he doesn't make me laugh. And we have the same political views, which is a nice change for once.

My Birthday Party: The Year of Excuses

2008-04-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a random sampling of the various excuses I heard at my birthday party:

#1) I have e coli.

#2) I'm sorry I'm late, I just got laid. (Rub it in, why don't you?)

#3) We're going to see an Iron Maiden tribute band called The Iron Madiens.

#4) I'm sorry you were NEVER the werewolf, but at least I didn't kill you!

#5) Sorry I didn't make it, I forgot.

Evs. (That's Australian for WHATEVER!) Here are the pictures to prove that we had fun in spite of the excuses.

PS: My button says: "Zombies. The other dead meat." Heather got it for me. Love it!

We roasted marshmallows. How fun is THAT?

NOW I Care If I Am Older

2008-04-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

It's the day after. I feel like a train hit me (thanks, Amy!) and I am starting to feel like 31.

Whatever, more parties to come. Pictures to follow!

It's My Birthday!!!!!

2008-04-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

Oh, how do love thee, my sweet, sweet birthday? Let me count the ways:

1) I get to do whatever I want, and if someone gives me crap, I scream, "IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!"

2) I get the day off from work.

3) It's all about ME! (I tried to get God to prevent other people from being born on my birthday. It didn't work.)

4) I get presents.

5) I don't even care if I am a year older (today) because it is my birthday. (Tomorrow we will discuss how I DO care about getting older.)

Oh, and To Rub It In

2008-04-07T17:41:00.003-07:00

Tracy and I are going to see R.E.M. and Modest Mouse in Berkeley!!!!!!!!!

Yes, we ARE that cool.

And Ani is on Thursday!

The Year of Yes: Date #4

2008-04-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that is April already and I have only been on four dates. Not that I am complaining, because after the whole Vic fiasco of Ought Eight, I thought I might never get out there again. But then I met The Doctor. (I've been watching a lot of Doctor Who lately. Sue me.)

The Doctor is super cool. He's older, but I think I might need older. He's super smart and super funny, and (thank GOD!) he's good-looking.

We met at Starbucks for a little coffee date, walked around for a while and enjoyed the incredible spring sunshine and had a really nice conversation. I really enjoyed his company.

Not that I should get my hopes up. But I think we will probably go out again. YIPPIE!

I'm back!

Happy 100th Post!

2008-04-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

I was going to post a fun little dinner I made (fish tacos) in honor of my 100th blog, but Tracy sent me this article, and I had to share it.

I need to move.

Why are there so many more single men on the west coast than on the east coast? (As least I am living on the right coast!)

Honestly, though, there might be a ton of single men in southern California, but I think SOME of those men CHOOSE to be single. You know, the players. And I am not moving to New Orleans (Sorry, Steph!) But Boise might be the ticket.

So, yes Tracy, I am ready to move to Long Beach. To Boise. To LA, Las Vegas, Phoenix. Hell, anywhere but here. (At least I don't live in NYC where there are 210,000+ more women than men.

The Best Thing to Come Out of This Weekend

2008-03-31T19:14:00.001-07:00

is this picture.

No, but seriously kids. I had a great time this weekend, listening to some great bands with my friends. And getting hit on left and right. Sometimes a girl just needs to be flirted with.

And maybe a little too many Jack and Cokes?

This is Some Serious Fun!!!

2008-03-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

This is a seven seat bike. I rode on one all night in downtown Reno, and I am telling you right now, it is the most fun I have EVER had in Reno. Hands down. Fun.

I don't know much about the bike. Or where Pete got it. He said he got it from some guy in Amsterdam. One person steers and pedals (it has a steering wheel) and the other six people hold onto the middle and pedal. I was riding backwards, and it was a strange sensation. And he had a speaker set up in it and a kind of strobe light thing. But we were like rock stars -- I'm talking BONO status -- downtown. People were honkin' and yellin' and asking for rides. Pete was cool enough to give some people rides, and he was cool enough to spin some cookies! Oh, man, it was like a little piece of Disneyland. I haven't giggled that much in ages.

I didn't want to go out with random strangers. I wasn't in the mood to meet new people. I wanted to hang out at home. But I forced myself to go, and look at the great time I had.

And I didn't think about being lonely once.

Happy Easter, Day of My Birth, 31 Years Ago!

2008-03-21T16:06:00.000-07:00

I am one of the lucky people who were born on a rotating holiday. (What do we call those holidays that are never on the same day every year? You know, the ones that throw us off and make the OCD people of the world freak out?)

Those poor kids born on Christmas. Or The 4th of July. No, holidays like Easter, which happens to be the holiday I was born on, are totally excellent. Holidays like Thanksgiving. Or being born on the 13th. Maybe, just maybe, your birthday will fall on that holiday once again! We are the lucky of the lucky! Sometimes we get to share our birthday with a cool holiday (and if we are lucky an extra day off)!

I always wondered if Mom lied to me about being born on Easter. I mean, in the Catholic church, Easter is IT. Easter is more important that Christmas and The Ascension combined. I never wanted to know if Mom lied about it.

But she didn't lie. I Googled it. I was born on Easter, but my birthday has never been on Easter since. Every year, I wait patiently for the calendar to come out and show me if my birthday is on Easter.

My birthday won't be on Easter again until 2039. I'll be 62.

I can't wait for my 62nd birthday. I am going to party like a rock star.

If I make it that far.

Seriously, This Guy Is A Douche

2008-03-19T23:04:00.000-07:00

I went on my Match.com profile. Vic has been on his profile within the last 24 hours. Oh, he has time to check out new girls, but not me.

Seriously. My feelings are hurt. What a douchebag.

Really, Vic? Really.

2008-03-15T10:21:00.001-07:00

Here was email from Thursday, March 13th, in the AM.

"  So, are we still on for this weekend?  It's Heather's
birthday and I promised a friend I would help them move,
but I would love to work seeing you in somehow.  Any
free time for little'ole me? Let me know.  Talk to you
soon,
   Ky"

This was his response:

"I forgot my brother and niece are here for this weekend.
We'll probably be in Tahoe for most of the weekend, but
I'll try to hit you up next week, if that works for you."

Wha, wha, WHAT?!  You'll TRY?  We made plans for this weekend, and you don't
even have the decency to CALL me to tell me that your plans have changed? 
No, that won't work for me.  I haven't seen you in TWO WEEKS! What happened?

This was my (in my humble opinion, polite) response:

Ok, I don't want to seem bitchy or needy or anything, but I really like you and I really would like to spend more time with you. However, it truly seems as if you are way too busy to be dating right now. I have been trying really hard not to be too demanding of your time because I know you are busy and have homework, etc., but I just feel like if you were truly as interested as you say you are, then you would make more of an effort. I know you have said you are interested in me, but I would really rather you just tell me you aren't interested (if that is the case), rather than me sitting here wondering what is going on. I don't mean to put you on the spot, but this is just super frustrating for me. I understand that you are really busy, but a phone call, email, or text message once in a while would go a long way to make me not feel like I am wasting my time.

To which I have received NO reply. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Not even a "Hey, I'm not that into you." I mean, really? What the hell did I do to deserve this?

Is there no hope? Is there no decency in the world? Am I going to have to move out of this hell hole in order to find SOMEONE who will at least give the honesty I am asking for and tell me he is not interested?

God, help me.

The Year of Yes: Back On

2008-03-13T22:31:00.001-07:00

What? No time for me? Again?

Year of Yes.

Game on.

The Year of Yes: Date 3.4

2008-03-08T12:52:00.000-08:00

I think my Year of Yes is coming to an end. I know, it's only March, and I am already thinking about calling an end to it. Here are my reasons, which I find very reasonable:

1) No one new has asked me out in two months. I've even emailed five guys 13 days ago. Not one single response. But I'm OK with that because

2) I really like Vic. Really, really, really like him! He's fun, smart, funny, and terribly cute. He may not understand the superiority of soccer compared to American football, but he understands my unnatural fear of rats & why San Francisco is better than L.A. (Although, "I love L.A.!") And he likes me! He shares my love for movies, food & general laziness. He doesn't hate U2. He may not love Bono, but he certainly appreciates my devotion.

Honestly, I think sometimes we are both like, "He (she) likes me? Really!?! I'm so stinkin' lucky!" It is just the way he looks at me sometimes.

I have my doubts and apprehensions, though: I am still Micaela. Things for me are always too good to be true. He's super busy (which I am dealing with as best I can), and for some reason I can't shake this feeling that there is another woman. I don't feel that way because of anything he has said, but only my own subconscious fears rising. No idea why, just a general apprehension. I'll get over it eventually. But for now, I'm just pretty happy that things are going moderately well for my Year of Yes!

U23D

2008-03-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

I don't know why, but I waited a week to see U23D. (Oh, wait, I know why: because I wanted to be THE ONLY ONE IN THE THEATER!!!!! So I could freak out, obviously.)

Heather, Tracy and I went out for some breakfast for dinner and then to the movie theater, where I tried to wait patiently for MY BOYFRIEND to come on screen. FINALLY, the movie started and I was totally amazed! The 3D effects were totally cool, and it really seemed like it was 3D! And the sounds was good. I clapped at the end of each song, just in case Bono could hear me. Just in case.

I love you, Bono. And The Edge. And Adam & Lar-Bear, too!!!

The Year of Yes: Date 3.3

2008-02-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

Ok, Ok, enough of the pseudonyms. His real name is Vic. Victor. And I like him. A lot.

It's just that he is so busy during the week (and I, unfortunately, am not) that we only get to spend time together on the weekends. And apparently most of his weekends are full of plans, too.

It is just hard for me to be like, whatever, he won't forget me. He'll still want to call me in three weeks. I do leave some sort of impression.

Yesterday he did tell me that he would try to call me on Sunday when he gets back from Vegas. Because, as he said, "It's like, 'Hey, had a really great time. See you in three weeks,' is a jackass move." And I said, "I don't think you are a jackass. I think this sucks, but I don't think you are a jackass."

So, I guess there is hope.

I keep telling myself: Plenty of women have gone through worse. So I don't get to see him for three weeks. I lived without him for 30 years, right? It's not that big of a deal.

What doesn't kill me will only make me stronger.

Blech, someone slap the cheese out of me please!

The Year of Yes: Date 3.2

2008-02-17T16:55:00.000-08:00

OK, OK, so I know I haven't posted anything recently. After going through a hellish week at work, I was quite looking forward to my next date with "Alex". I really needed a break and a quiet, relaxing time.

We went to Olive Garden. (YUM! Breadsticks!) Went to a movie. (Juno. Go see it if you haven't already.) And to a casino. (Silver Legacy, etc.) We had a blast. I know we had a good time because when I looked at my watch, it was 5:00am and I wasn't even tired. Nor was I so wasted I had no idea what was going on.

So, needless to say, My Year of Yes is going just fine.

Now, if work would just shape up, I would be in a super-duper fantastic mood!

Happy Mardi Gras

2008-02-06T19:03:00.001-08:00

If this isn't the happiest baby in New Orleans, I don't know who is.

Just look at that stinkin' happy face.

I wub my little nubbers.

Concert Number 1 of the Year

2008-02-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

As mentioned in an earlier post, I went to see the Foo Fighters on Friday night. I went with Paul (my boss' husband); their friend Gilbert; and Jordan, Cheryl & Paul's son. I felt so cool as I was the only girl! When we got there, I noticed that the male to female ratio was at least 100:1. It was crazy!

I didn't even have to wait in line to the bathroom. When has that every happened at a concert?

I have never been a big Foo Fighters fan, but they put on a pretty amazing rock show; one I was happy to have gone to. They rock, and have really great songs. I was very surprised.

Against Me! put on a great little set, too. Overall, it was a thrilling experience. And the next day I went out and bought me the newest Foo CD I could find.

The Year of Yes: Date 3.1

2008-02-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

So I went on my second date with "Alex" tonight. Even though it is Super Bowl Sunday. Even though it was (is!!!) snowing like mad outside. We still made it to The Macaroni Grill for dinner tonight.

I really like him. (Mental note: Do NOT get your hopes up!)

He is sweet, kind, funny, good looking. All of the things I am looking for.

Our date tonight was a short one, but nice. Short because of various things to do tomorrow morning (Him: school. Me: work.) And I am very comfortable around him, which is a refreshing change from some of the dates I have been on.

The Year of Yes is coming along nicely......

The Year of Yes: Date #3

2008-02-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

At first I thought this date was doomed. Alex (that is his own made up pseudonym, so I thought I would just use it) asked me to meet for dinner on Friday. I got - at the last minute - a free ticket to go see the Foo Fighters. I asked Alex to reschedule for coffee on Saturday or dinner next week. He obliged by saying he would meet me for coffee on Saturday. How did 2 pm at Java Jungle sound? Perfect.

I got up and did some errands (bought some CDs) and was at Java Jungle about 5 minutes early. It is my doom to be early for everything I do. I order my cup of Mexican coffee (YUMMERS!) and sat down to read the Reno News and Review as I waited for Alex to show up.

I'm perusing the paper, and what do I come across? A review of Randy's shitty ass band, Correction. And the News & Review said they were GOOD!?!? And there was a picture of him and everything (I felt better knowing he looked more like the crackhead he is). I was so angry that I slammed the paper shut, cursed under my breath (What? There were children present!) and looked up in disgust.

Right into Alex's eyes.

I immediately felt awful. He was cute! And he must certainly thought I was pissed at him. NO! Stay cool. Stay cool. Calm. Think Zen thoughts. He walking over here. Smile. Not through gritted teeth. Randy? Randy who?

"Hi! You must be Alex."

"Yes." We shake hands. "I'm going to totally butcher your name."

"That's OK. Everyone does."

And then we proceeded to have an exceptionally nice and totally cool coffee date.

We are having dinner tonight after the Super Bowl.

Happy Birthday to Me

2008-01-29T22:09:00.001-08:00

OK, so as everyone knows, my birthday is kind of a big deal. I start talking about it, oh I don't know... This is January, so about 3 1/2 months in advance. But this is super exciting!

When I came home from scrapbooking tonight, Heather told me that she saw Ani DiFranco on the sign at Lawlor Events Center. I decided to look her up and see when she is coming to town. ON MY BIRTHDAY! Yep!

So, I ran through the list:

1) I saw Tori Amos on my birthday in San Jose with Tracy.

2) I saw U2 on my birthday in San Jose with Heather.

3) And now I get to see Ani on my birthday here in Reno!

Year of Yes: Date #2

2008-01-27T09:52:00.000-08:00

I met The Writer online (of course, where else do I meet all of my dates???) and we seemed to have quite a bit in common. He's a writer. I can write. (I kid, I kid. I consider myself to be a writer. What do you think all this blogging is?!)

No, really, it was kind of strange. We both really like movies and music, but not exactly the same ones. Although we can get on board with each other's likes. It's not like his favorite movies are porn. He called me on Friday night and we talked for about an hour and a half, which surprised me. We made a date for Saturday.

We met at the wine bar at the Sienna, which was fantastic. I had a flight of wine, which was yummy, and my only complaint was that they didn't have any Spanish wines for me to choose from. But whatever. The Writer seemed extremely nervous. Like unbelievably so. I did my best to make him relax. Then of course, some drunk guy tries to but in on our conversation and start hitting on me. (Thanks drunk guy for making me seem so attractive!!!) He had already made reservations to Lexie's upstairs, which I thought was great and showed forethought, which most of my dates lack. In abundance. We had an amazing dinner. He walked me to my car. Asked that I call him when I got home to make sure I made it safe.

The Writer is normal. Out of this world normal.

If he asks, I will go out again. Looks like the Year of Yes is coming along!

I'm a Featured Yelper!

2008-01-27T09:42:00.001-08:00

I decided (by Tracy's request) to join Yelp Reno, which is a rating/review website for restaurants, bars, shopping, everything! And today I went to review some things, and I was a featured Yelper!!

I am super pleased about it. I never get awarded anything, except bad dates, and this is really cool.

Anyway, Yelp used to be only in major cities, and now they are branching out to smaller markets, so check it out to see if they have one for YOUR city and join the Yelpers!

PS: Then I navigated away from the page, and my picture was gone, so they must cycle through often, but I was there, dammit!

The Year of Yes: My First No???

2008-01-26T10:35:00.000-08:00

Well, when I started my Year of Yes, I did put some ground rules down: 1) No married men, and 2) No YES! if he asked me while he was propositioning or groping me.

So, here comes my first No.

I get an email from a guy online who doesn't really knock my socks off, but it is the year of yes, so whatever. I read his profile and it says 1) he is MARRIED (separated, but married) and 2) he wants kids, and if the girl he dates doesn't want kids, then he is not interested.

I emailed him back a nice little note saying that I do not date married men, even if they are in the midst of a divorce, and that I probably don't want to have any kids of my own in the future. (I did not mention I was up for adoption, etc., which I am.) He emailed me back and said that they weren't even in the middle of a divorce, just a separation!, it didn't matter if he was still married, his wife doesn't live there, they both agreed to date other people, and that he still wanted to meet me.

Huh? You want me to be your "It was just a break" girlfriend?

Oh, and he propositioned me in the email, too. He said, "I'd certainly enjoy getting to know you regardless of these issues, though perhaps they would lead us to more of a friends (with benefits, if we wanted?) sort of relationship."

Wha, wha, WHAT?

So, he broke both of my rules in one fail swoop, and I had to say no.

However, I do have Date #2 coming up tonight. I am even actually excited about it!

The Year of Yes: Date #1

2008-01-21T17:03:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of me. On my date. OK, maybe it is a little exaggerated, but it pretty much sums up my feelings about the date overall.

Mr. Boring (I shall refrain from using his real name) was moderately good-looking. A little on the short side (no where NEAR his self-proclaimed 5'7") with no job. And no real desire to get a job. Which is fine by me, as long as you can provide for yourself, because I am NOT paying for dinners, movies, and drinks. But BOR-RING!

Who-hee. Seriously. The only time I wasn't bored was when I was talking. And when he was talking he was trying to discuss architecture. I don't know the first thing about architecture. I know that buildings exist and that some of them are really famous: The Louvre, The Guggenheim, The Effiel Tower, The Basilica. Other than that, I know nothing. I nodded politely but asked no questions, so as not to lead him on to think I was interested in this topic in any way. However, he did not get the hint.

He texted me today to tell me that he was really glad we had a good time and that it was nice that we had so many things in common.

The only things we have in common are we speak the same language and are online dating.

I sent him a polite but firm email stating that while I appreciated dinner, I did not think we made a very good match, specifically in the personality department. I wished him luck on his future search. Mind you, we had discussed the possibility of not wanting to see each other after the first date. We had even discussed our individual styles of rejecting said date if we did not want to continue the process.

His reply:

Hi Micaela,

That's fine, I understand what you mean. Honestly, it's kind of become an expectation, based on recent experience, that people aren't really willing to give someone much of a chance when it comes to dating. And, that's too bad, because in my case they literally have no idea what they missed out on. Anyways, I'll wish you the best as well. Take care.........

(Mr. Boring)

Apparently, I am too bitchy to date this one.

Good Reads!

2008-01-12T15:25:00.001-08:00

My friend, Holli, who also blogs (see sidebar) wrote about this great website, www.goodreads.com.
I immediately had to join because I want to track the books I want to read and have read.

You should check out this website, and when you do, link me up! We can be reading buddies!

If you see my list, it is obviously a very long work in progress. But I can't wait to organize it!!

Happy Reading!

*Post Script: Tracy mentioned that she uses librarything.com

Eight Things Meme

2008-01-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

Tracy did this meme and I decided that I would do as she wished and do it as well.

8 Things I am Passionate About
Life
U2 / Bono
Myself
Friends and family
Food (mostly eating it but sometimes making it)
Reading
Writing
Scrapbooking

8 Things I Want to Do Before I Die
See a U2 concert in Ireland
Get married to a wonderful man
Go to Mardis Gras in New Orleans
Take my nephew to Disneyworld
Become a Jedi
Write my memoir
Buy a Prius
Travel

8 Things I Say Often
"He's such a douche."
"F**ck."
"F**ck that noise."
"Jesus, Mary, and Joseph."
"That's what I'm talking about."
"I love you, Bono!"
"Thank you for calling Cheryl Latham State Farm. This is Micaela."
"What's UP?"

8 Books I Have Read Recently
(see sidebar)
The Year of Yes - by Maria Dahvana Hadley
The seven Dresden books- by Jim Butcher
(And since that is kind of cheating...)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - by J.K. Rowling
The Pillars of the Earth - by Ken Follett

8 Songs I Could Listen to Over and Over
"One" - U2
"Missed the Boat" - Modest Mouse
"One Tree Hill" - U2
"Pretty Girl" - Ani DiFranco
"Never There" - Cake
"Could've Been" - Frank Jordan
"Icky Thump" - White Stripes
"Raspberry Swirl" - Tori Amos

8 Things That Attract Me To My Best Friends
Loyalty
Humor
Same taste in things (music, books, cigarettes)
Aura of kindness
Dependability
Conversation (the fact that I can go on a road trip with any of them and never lack anything to say or discuss)
They laugh at my stupid jokes
Respect for others
Looks (Oh, just kidding!)

8 People Who Should Totally Do This Meme
Emily
And 7 other people I can't think of who I think should do it, but won't

Yes!; Or The Funniest Book I Have Read in Quite Some Time

2008-01-08T22:02:00.000-08:00

Rarely does a book make me laugh out loud. But I am telling you, my new pretend best friend, Maria, made me laugh my ass off.

She wrote the book I could only dream of writing.

I want to tell my embarrassing stories of my horrible dating experiences, but somehow I have shut them out of my memory. Maria on the other hand, wallows in the craziness that are her dates. For instance, she literally had a man ask her to bite his penis.

Yes. Bite his penis. They were in a Starbucks.

And I was immediately reminded of Pee Man.

(Maria also has nicknames for her dates. Although I think hers was to ensure a sense of anonymity, rather than her actually forgetting the man's name and just giving him a witty name, like Pee Man.)

The greatest theme of the book was the fact that in all the crazy dating she was doing, she actually had an opportunity to see good qualities in all of these men. OK. Most of these men. She really learned to have an open heart as well as an open mind. And I think that is what I, and many other women, can take away from this memoir. That throughout all the craziness that is this world, there is a lot of good (and a lot of bad) and that we better just make the best out of it.

Now, she didn't write a trite memoir. It was seriously funny; this is just what I got out of it. All in all, it was simply brilliant.

Aidan's First Santa Picture

2008-01-05T21:59:00.000-08:00

I know it isn't a very good quality picture, but my baby nephew is seriously one of the cutest, happiest babies alive! Look at that happy smile, tellin' Santa what he wants for Christmas.

I mentioned to Steph that she was a good mom for finding a Santa with a real beard and an awesome background, but she said Santa was grumpy. I said, he doesn't look like it in the picture, but maybe that is because my nephew is the cutest darn thing ever!

Update: Year of Yes

2008-01-05T21:49:00.000-08:00

Apparently, my Year of Yes is looking to be promising. On New Year's Day, Tracy & I discussed why the Year 2008 had a much more positive feeling than last year. We could name a few reasons why, but honestly, I can't put my finger on it, I just feel better about it.

And almost immediately, people started saying, "Well, there's this guy. He's not perfect, but..." Now, I have waited patiently for someone to set me up on a bona fide blind date. (My mom & dad met on a blind date, so I have faith...) But I ended up waiting and waiting. But all of a sudden...

Now, none of them have called me. Maybe they won't. But who cares? It is my Year of Yes. I'll do what I want.

Apparently, what I want consists of sleeping 12 1/2 hours, watching 4 movies, shoveling snow, and cleaning the house. All in one day. It was a nice Yes! day for me.

Let it SNOW!

2008-01-05T11:13:00.001-08:00

For the last couple of days, all anyone could talk about here in Reno is "the epic storm of the century". Meaning a blizzard.

Since I have moved to Reno, I have been snowed in twice. Unfortunately for me, both have been on New Year's Eve. But this year, the storm came a few days later, (unfortunately on a Friday night, so no work off for me!), and here are a few pictures to show you the view from my front door. One from last night and one from this morning.
And now, off I go to shovel snow. My work out for the day.

The First Post of the Year

2008-01-01T16:58:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, New Year's. I love you because you represent a new start, a fresh begining, and a day off from work to recover from the LONG night of partying the night before.

OK, I didn't party that hard, but I did stay up until 4:30am, and woke up at 7:30. That's rough on the ol' 30-year-old.

And I was on TV. I'm famous.

The Year of YES!

2007-12-30T22:10:00.000-08:00

During my wonderful Christmas vacation, I spent some time with my friends. And as always, they all have a lot to say, but something Amanda said I took to heart.

Amanda and I have (had?) a lot in common: we are both young, beautiful, vivacious women who really don't take a lot of shit. Especially from men. And we both have a difficult time finding men because of our general attitude towards life. However, Amanda found a man. A cute man. An awesome man. (I love Curtis, if you couldn't tell.)

Anyway, Amanda had mentioned to me before that I needed to read The Year of Yes, by Maria Dahvana Headley. I wasn't ready to listen to the suggestion at the time , but this time was different. I went to the library (which is literally NEXT DOOR -- how cool is THAT?) and borrowed the book. It wasn't checked out, which I thought was a sign from fate. And it was a memoir -- my emphasis in grad school. It wasn't a self-help book. It was a memoir! How exciting.

Although I am reading another book, and I rarely read more than one book at a time unless forced by the university to do so, I read the first few pages of the book and was immediately enthralled. The premise of the memoir is our beloved author decides to date everyone who asks her out, because she is tired of complaining that she is single. Sound familiar?

Yes, but I do say yes to everyone who asks me. That is part of MY problem. I can't get anyone normal to ask me out. Only freaks can read the invisible sign on my forehead that reads: ASK ME OUT. I AM SINGLE.

Once I read the first few pages, I decided that 2008 is going to be MY Year of Yes. I am going to go out with everyone who asks me, but I am not going to focus my energies on the Internet dating sites, which obviously are not working. But I am going to focus on being positive and outgoing. And do the things I want to do. If I so happen to want to watch TV on a Friday night, then I will, and I will not feel guilty about it, nor will I feel like a loser because I am alone on a Friday. I won't be alone every Friday. I have friends who like to spend time with me, sometimes on Fridays. I am going to say YES to Micaela. And although that sounds totally selfish, I figure, what better time to spend on me than now, when I am single? When I do find that man (which sometimes I doubt I ever will) life will be so different that I won't have time to spend on just me. So, why not spend some me time with myself, say YES to Micaela, and maybe, just possibly, that perfect man will come along and not be too put off by my awesome personality that somehow intimidates men, or just plain pisses them off.

So, a New Year's toast: To Micaela and her Year of Yes!!

A Little Christmas Craft

2007-12-26T21:21:00.000-08:00

Every time I go home, I try to make some time to see all my friends from high school and college. Some of us even did both together. This Christmas, Amanda graciously allowed us to come to her house if we all brought an appetizer and some wine.

She even set up a little craft project for us to try.

While perusing my blog, Amanda took a gander at my friend Holli's blog. Holli had made the cutest felt nativity set and Amanda decided to give it a try. But it gave her an idea for a project: we could make our own felt Christmas tree ornaments!

This is what I came up with Miss Amanda's direction:

My beautiful Christmas tree.

OK, OK, it's pretty imperfect. But it's MY imperfections, and I love it.

The Bestest Pre-Christmas Present

2007-12-26T21:12:00.000-08:00

Heather asked me one day what I wanted for Christmas. I told her that I wanted the movie Superbad, mainly because that shit was FUNNY. And I wanted to relive the hilarity that is the movie.

Then I saw in an ad in the paper what I really wanted: an iPod alarm clock.

I doth covet the iPod alarm clock.

But I told Heather that I would rather have the movie instead. However, she surprised me with BOTH!!!

I was so exited to wake up to whatever music I wanted, I had to take pictures of it so I can share it with my dear readers.

The first morning I listened to one of my new favorite bands, Idaho, and the next morning I listened to one of the best albums of 2007, Into the Wild (Music from the Major Motion Picture). Eddie Vedder rocks my world. Tomorrow morning, another of my best of 2007, We Were Dead before the Ship Even Sank, by Modest Mouse. No more crazy morning DJs for me!!

A view of my nightstand from my bed.