Date: 2009-01-23 13:21 Subject: J'ai fame! Security: Public

I'm starving, but I can't go to lunch until the plumber comes.

He's late.

BALLS!

Date: 2008-12-20 15:12 Subject: FINALLY updating! :) Security: Public

This morning, Jorge took me to the Met Opera telecast and I enjoyed myself. I admit I was a little hesitant at first (especially with the length) but it ended up being all around wonderful. I'm totally geared up for the next one!

Afterwards I braved the shopping centers to finish up Christmas shopping. I'm not a fan of going broke this time of year but it always tends to happen. I think next year I'm going to just do a "family gift basket". I'll put it together myself, of course, to ensure the quality of the items. Within the gift basket there will be gift cards for my niece and nephews. This idea would cost half of what I spent this year.

The offices at work are closed until 2009, so I have two weeks to get some winter cleaning done and spend some time on my drawings.

All in all, I've had a *fantastic* 2008. Wonderful people have come into my life socially and professionally, and I've had a creative surge that has been going strong since September. Major progressions in my life have only just begun, and I'm the happiest I've been in a while. After seeing what was possible in 2008, I look even more forward to 2009.

Date: 2008-12-17 23:10 Subject: SNOW PICS!!! Security: Public

Schools in Vegas are closed tomorrow for a snow day. Can you believe it?

We only have weather like this once every 20 years or so. It was definitely a treat.

Pics are posted to my flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27713190@N02/

Date: 2008-12-17 18:08 Subject: Snowstorm. Security: Public

There's a snowstorm in Las Vegas right now. Seriously, a fucking snowstorm, in Las Vegas. Roads have closed and we had to leave work early.

I LOVE it! :)

I'll post pics tomorrow.

Hooray for snow on desert landscaping!!!

Date: 2008-12-11 12:59 Subject: Thursday Security: Public

I'm totally wearing a green shirt today and didn't even plan it!

Date: 2008-11-25 22:26 Subject: Miles Away and Hogwarts things. Security: Public

Madonna's new single has been released and I'm loving the remixes.

To prepare for Tales of Beetle Bard I was hoping to listen to the Deathly Hallows audiobook.  However when I saw that the audiobook was $50 on i-Tunes I declined.

Hope all had a great Tuesday!

Date: 2008-11-24 14:29 Subject: Short week!!! Security: Public

Today's a chill day at work.  In addition to the long weekend, I took Wednesday off from work to help my Ma prepare for Thursday. 

After a great night out on Friday, I took it easy the rest of the weekend.  I felt bad to bail out on a "Thanks-taking" dinner party on Sunday, but I'd be exhausted today had I went.  Instead the boy and I sifted through discount shops where I found a menorah (I've always wanted one) and a giant gold Ganesh for whichever occasion that could come up where Ganesh is appropriate.   

Oh, and I've been oogling this recipe all day:

Sweet Potato and Sage Gratin:

You too can oogle it here:

http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/side-dish/recipe-sweet-potato-and-sage-gratin-018999

Date: 2008-11-21 10:08 Subject: Facebook Security: Public

I'm like totally addicted to Facebook.  Myspace was such a hassle to keep up.  I *heart* Facebook.

Go on... add me! 

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1100624221&ref=profile

Date: 2008-11-19 16:22 Subject: Denim Security: Public

So its no big secret that I'm a total jeans whore.  I like to celebrate an array of different washes and textures, provided that they all meet a certain criteria:

Low- because I have a gut.

Loose- because my thighs are not that of a ten year old girl.

Boot- because the flair balances out the thighs, and who likes tapered anyway?

I've noticed lately that its increasingly hard to find "LLB's" in my size.  Is it because its extremely common?  More than likely.  Happiness is a crisp, comfortable pair of jeans that makes your ass look good.  In my younger days, I wouldn't hesitate to shell out a hundred bucks for a pair of jeans.  Now my limit is around $60.  I usually don't pay more than $40, but if they're special I'll go higher. 

A coworker saw me looking at jeans online and said that I'm crazy not to buy Paige jeans, the only brand of jeans she'll buy.  Knowing her high end ways, I hesitantly looked them up and found them to be $189 and for the boys with the figure of a sickly young girl.  

I'll find that special pair again, one day. 

Date: 2008-11-19 15:16 Subject: From Equality California Security: Public Mood: hopeful

Today-

California Supreme Court Grants Review
in Prop 8 Legal Challenges

Court to Determine Constitutionality of Prop 8

Today the California Supreme Court granted review in the legal challenges to Proposition 8, which passed by a narrow margin of 52 percent on November 4. In an order issued today, the Court agreed to hear the case and set an expedited briefing schedule. The Court also denied an immediate stay.

On November 5, 2008, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit challenging the validity of Proposition 8 in the California Supreme Court on behalf of six couples and Equality California. The City of San Francisco, joined by the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, and Santa Clara County, filed a similar challenge, as did a private attorney in Los Angeles.

The lawsuits allege that, on its face, Proposition 8 is an improper revision rather than an amendment of the California Constitution because, in its very title, which was “Eliminates the right to marry for same-sex couples,” the initiative eliminated an existing right only for a targeted minority. If permitted to stand, Proposition 8 would be the first time an initiative has successfully been used to change the California Constitution to take way an existing right only for a particular group. Such a change would defeat the very purpose of a constitution and fundamentally alter the role of the courts in protecting minority rights. According to the California Constitution, such a serious revision of our state Constitution cannot be enacted through a simple majority vote, but must first be approved by two-thirds of the Legislature.

Since the three lawsuits submitted on November 5, three other lawsuits challenging Proposition 8 have been filed. In a petition filed on November 14, 2008, leading African American, Latino, and Asian American groups argued that Proposition 8 threatens the equal protection rights of all Californians.

On November 17, 2008, the California Council of Churches and other religious leaders and faith organizations representing millions of members statewide, also filed a petition asserting that Proposition 8 poses a severe threat to the guarantee of equal protection for all, and was not enacted through the constitutionally required process for such a dramatic change to the California Constitution. On the same day, prominent California women’s rights organizations filed a petition asking the Court to invalidate Proposition 8 because of its potentially disastrous implications for women and other groups that face discrimination.

In May of 2008, the California Supreme Court held that barring same-sex couples from marriage violates the equal protection clause of the California Constitution and violates the fundamental right to marry. Proposition 8 would completely eliminate the right to marry only for same-sex couples. No other initiative has ever successfully changed the California Constitution to take away a right only from a targeted minority group.

Over the past 100 years, the California Supreme Court has heard nine cases challenging either legislative enactments or initiatives as invalid revisions of the California Constitution. In three of those cases, the Court invalidated those measures.

Date: 2008-11-17 10:14 Subject: Prop 8 fight Security: Public

There was some confusion in regards to Vegas’s events. The GLBT center advertised a rally at 2:00 pm in a shopping center but did not also announce the 10:30 am city hall protest. The 10:30 am protest had a mere 70 people in front of city hall, but it looked like we got more support than opposition from the cars passing by. We think the small turnout was because the center claimed to “not know” about the 10:30 event (you know, the national one) and said that the only event was theirs. However, on the positive side there were more than 1,500 people that showed up to the second rally with the guest appearance of Wanda Sykes.

Unfortunately I was unable to attend the second rally and I must say I'm disappointed with the City Hall turnout. However, I'm thrilled that at least 1,500 Las Vegans got off their asses to support a cause.

I've been combing through the local newspapers for any coverage and still can't find any.

Date: 2008-11-12 16:53 Subject: Brief update Security: Public

I've totally been slacking on my posts. I've been keeping busy in and outside of work and that's a good thing. The trip to San Francisco was a much needed break that helped me regain sight of my goals and keep me motivated. Madonna was on Saturday and of course it was everything I've expected and more. I've also had the pleasure of making new friends which is always something to celebrate. I really draw my energy from people. I promise to do a meaty post soon. :)