Expanding my knowledge in Photoshop

Because I'm really lame.

Our friend, Erin, has inspired me to write this post. Thanks!

Last night I was toying around with Photoshop - taking a normal photo and enhancing it to it's full potential using the high dynamic range imaging (HDRI) technique seen here on Erin's blog. As much as I hate to admit this to Erin, but his photos are very inspiring. There, I said it.

On Monday, A co-worker of mine during lunch had suggested that we should take a Photoshop class together. Now that sounds like a fantastic idea.

Hola, I'm Dora Kailee

Lately, Kailee has taken an interest in learning Spanish (a la Dora the Explorer). According to her teacher and speech pathologist, Kailee has been teaching her fellow classmates to label colors in Spanish. It really blew me away. My reaction to the teacher: "Oh, you must be mistaken. My daughter is the Filipino girl in the classroom who kicks other children in the face." But it was infact true. I found out this morning when I asked her to recite colors and random words in Spanish for me.

So today, I've been doing some research on Spanish books for children to give her a headstart. Who knows? It's quiet possible she will have Spanish as subject in the future. And living in San Diego, minutes from the Mexican border, it's definitely beneficial and fun too.

During my search, I came across a book called Learn Spanish with Grace! The Catholic Approach to Learning Spanish on Amazon.com. Wha? If I approach it any other way, will the Lord disapprove? Not quiet sure how other religions approach the language. But I'm Catholic. And the way they market this book has summoned feelings of guilt.

My search didn't end there - I found other sources as well. Flashcards, educational games, and basic phrases/words online. Pretty neat ideas.

Does anyone know how to say "I love the internet" in Spanish?

Because I do.

Losers can't be choosers

I signed a package today at work for one of the engineers. I notice the FedEx guy gave me the craziest look. So in return, I gave him a whats-your-problem look. You know. When you raise a brow and automatically one side of your upper lip slightly lifts to the right; a disgusted look; a look like someone had pissed in your cereal.

"Did you go to *bleep* high school?" he asked.

"Ahh. Yes, I did. Now I think I remember you."

"I knew you looked really familiar. You know Megan *bleep*?"

"Um, vaguely."

"Well, we're married now and we have a two and half year old daughter."

"Wow. Didn't you have shorter hair? Weren't you bald?"

"Yup, that was me. I always had my hair short because I joined the military after school."

"Good for you."

The conversation went on for about a minute.

When he left, memories of high school all came back to me. That's when I realized who Megan was. We were friends. They were high school sweethearts. Always making out in the hallways. Hands glued to each other's ass pockets. High on love. Nothing came between them. Not even breathing space.

You may be surprised that I remember all this. I have indeed a very good memory. Ask my husband.

The sad truth is, I've always lived vicariously through other people's love lives in high school. Always envied the passion. The googly-eyed exchanges. Always had bestfriends that had boyfriends. Very cute boyfriends. Yes, plural. If not many at one time, than one after the next.

I, on the other hand, always seemed to attract guys that were either socially inept (creepy loners) or just fucking losers. Maybe because I was at their comfort level -- a loser myself. Nevertheless, there were a lot of losers. Lack of options, I suppose.

Besides, having a boyfriend in high school was more of a trend; a way to fit in more than it was anything. It was like having a Coach purse that fucked you.

Flickroo

Just added a Flickr to my blog. If you're a loyal reader and notice that all my old photos are missing, it's true. They're all gone. I have two Flickr accounts now. One personal and one exclusively for this website (right sidebar). Unfortunately, I can no longer display my personal account. You can ask me for the address or add me as a friend to view non-public albums. Here's my first test photo I uploaded:

Mexico?

I've been thinking of taking a whole week off next month during Kailee's spring break. I really think we can use the vacation. And since we've postponed our Japan trip this year, I'm hoping to atleast cross the border to eat some hot dogs wrapped in bacon. Mexico Road Trip? Lobster? Beach? Friends? Sounds like fun. Even if it's only 2 days. We should really plan. Because I sure can lay out in the sun and eat dollar carnitas all week long.

Monthly Self-Portrait: Post-allergic reaction

Story to follow shortly.

Movie Review: 300

Last weekend, Leo, his co-workers, his boss, and I watched 300. The movie was based off a novel by Frank Miller about the epic Battle of Thermoplyae, so if you happen to be a history buff, keep in open mind that this was based off a novel, not your history books. The guys apparently weren't too impressed. The problem was that it lacked story. A lot of it. And for the ladies: BEWARE. This movie is filled with a high volume of testosterone. Probably the man-liest movie I ever watched in my entire life. I could seriously feel balls growing between my legs and the urge to crush empty beer cans over my forehead like I was at a Monster Truck rally. (Not like I have any complaints watching sweaty half naked men fight in armored crotch guards, but some women prefer romance and butterflies and they need to know what they're getting themselves into before watching this movie.) However, in a cinematic perspective, this movie is awesome. The picture, the sound, the cast. Absolutely brilliant.

Overall Rating: ***1/2

It was a very porn-like experience

I realized I haven't been open about a lot of things on my blog. So my friends who probably read this think I'm a bore. It's probably true. I don't lead a fun filled life, nor do I care if you find it entertaining. And for the two of you who do care, here's a list of whats been happening in the past few days...er weeks.

- The Jeep's transmission was too expensive to fix. Our solution was to buy a new car. Saved by the tax return money.

- Our washer/dryer commited suicide. So we got a new one. It was old anyway and came with the house we bought.

- I take Yoga on Wednesdays and Sundays. And step aerobics on Saturdays. I do cardio and weights on Fridays. The real motive behind this post was to actually gloat about how nice my ass fits into my slacks and jeans. I had a few of my slacks hemmed to fit my newly trimmed waistline, so my ass actually looks bigger than it really is. I've been trying to be really good about this. Trying to eat whatever the fuck I want while balancing a good workout.

- I've been having major heart palpatations, again. I should be back on the heart monitor. Yesterday, I went to the doctors to have an EKG performed on me. I had to take my shirt and bra off and lay back on the bed. It was really awkward because the medical assistant chick (pretty girl) who was performing the study, was seriously my age. I've never had another girl fondle my breast like that. It was like a really cheesy porno scene. A scene so fitting for a porn, I couldn't rub a funky smirk off my face. All she needed to say was, "So, you say your headaches are making your vision blurry? Take off your shirt and let me examine your breast to make sure." I quickly scanned the room for any hidden cameras. Making sure no one was secretly profitting off of my visit. Are you getting aroused yet?

- Went to a salon and had my hair colored to a brighter brown. Now I seriously look Latina. Before I had my hair dyed, people thought I was Mexican. Now I really look like one. Now if only I could cook like one, we would have homemade tamales every week.

- I've been really excited about paying my bills. Do I sound like a lunatic? Well, I promised myself if I can pay three credit cards off and my car loan, I can pull out a loan for school.

- I recently went to court for a speeding ticket. After this experience, all I can say is: if you get caught speeding, there is really no explaination or excuse. Save yourself the time. I know this firsthand because I was scolded by the judge for trying to explain myself. Because apparently telling a judge that you are an economical gas saving tree-hugger who drives in neutral going down a hill will NOT save your ass from a ticket. Yeah, if the Global Warming Card won't sway the verdict, I'm sure he's heard every story in the book.

She gets it from her mother

This morning while dressing Kailee for school, she looked at her naked body and said, "I think I'm getting fat."

It makes me wonder if she's serious or just likes to imitate me when I look at myself in the mirror.

Right about now, Leo is probably reading this, rolling his eyes back, and saying: oh great, not you too.

The worst is yet to come.

First yoga experience

Last night, I took a yoga class for the first time at the gym. It amazed me how incredibly uncoordinated I am. It was like balancing with two left feet. Finding my center was even challenging. My eyes kept wandering across the room like 40 year-old at porn convention. I was too occupied watching everyone else contort themselves into retarded pretzels. Mid-way through the class, I was beginning to find my rhythm. Balancing, breathing, becoming retarded. I found peace.

*Namaste*