new messenger tags.

This site belongs to a friend of mine! Check it out and get your own FameTag!

Here's mine:

			deafie258 add me msg me

Click Here to get an AIM Status Screen from FameTags.com

abc wall?

rock hard.

rock hard.
Originally uploaded by Deaf258.

From February 13th to 14th, it seemed like Jack Frost had taken a HUGE

constipated shit on Maryland and the rest of New England. Several

inches of frozen snow is everywhere. I could stand on and not sink more

than 1/8th of an inch into the snow!



Yep, rock hard, white, iced-thick snow.

freebie: a magazine subscription.

If you want a free 12-issue subscription to GDUSA, click here!

thrilled.

I finally found a great blogging client for Macs which is free. Since there aren't many Mac software out there that are free for use, please be kind and donate to Larry Borsato's efforts in making Bleezer.

Technorati: bleezer freeware blog

del.icio.us: bleezer freeware blog

Powered by Bleezer

testing out bleezer

I am testing out a new blogging client by Larry at www.bleezer.com.

Technorati: bleezer new+editor

Powered by Bleezer

pepper.

arizona's 25¢

Pick one of the 5 designs to be the future Arizona Quarter! Please vote for the final Arizona state quarter!

a Deaf joke.

Q: Why are there so many Deaf men who happen to be gay?

witch-tittin' it.

It's SO freakin' cold right now! But it is about time I've seen a white, full blanket of snow in Maryland!

The snow is really pretty with the wind blowing. It makes the air look glittery. Also, while I was walking to my appointment and classes, I could see soft tuffs of snow on the trees falling slowly to the ground.

Too bad I'm on my SidekickII! If I had a better digital camera, those shots would look great!

witch-tittin' it.
Originally uploaded by Deaf258.

a candid pic?

a candid pic?
Originally uploaded by Deaf258.

Is it "candid" when you take a self-portrait and you're not trying to

pose? Sometimes I wonder, but what do you think? Could it be possible

or impossible to take a candid self-portrait?

a blogging tool for the mac.

If you are a Mac user and you got a blog, check out Bleezer. Fortunately for you, it's free. Unfortunately for you, it doesn't work with the new Blogger yet. Check back for updates!

sunbasked.

sunbasked.
Originally uploaded by Deaf258.

This is one of my dearest friends, Kirsi. Isn't she adorable?! Some of

you may recognize her as Gnarlydorkette.

a celebration.

a celebration.
Originally uploaded by Deaf258.

Hilary just found out last night that she finally got accepted to

Hofstra University! Neal took all of us out for a celebration for his

daughter getting accepted!



Congrats, Hilary! I'm proud of you! Oxox!



P.S. Don't I look scary?

a celebration.

a celebration.
Originally uploaded by Deaf258.

Hilary just found out last night that she finally got accepted to

Hofstra University! Neal took all of us out for a celebration for his

daughter getting accepted!



Congrats, Hilary! I'm proud of you! Oxox!



P.S. Don't I look scary?

a celebration.

a celebration.
Originally uploaded by Deaf258.

Hilary just found out last night that she finally got accepted to

Hofstra University! Neal took all of us out for a celebration for his

daughter getting accepted!



Congrats, Hilary! I'm proud of you! Oxox!



P.S. Don't I look scary?

stop motion.

I really enjoy watching stop motion short films! This one is created by Tony and Paul. The story is about 2 friends who became enemies. Tony and Paul worked on this video for 2 months! So, enjoy their final product!

a wallpaper.

This reminds me of someone who I love and cherish.

spring cleaning.

It can be such a BIG pain in the ass! But the end result is usually
rewarding. I spent about 15 hours cleaning my old computer files and
burned them to DVDs.

Also, I moved my necessary, daily files to a new 1 GB flashdrive. It's
cheap, I bought it for $20 bucks at Staples! It was supposed to be
around 60 bucks at the regular price. Good deal, huh?!

Soon, I'll be reformatting Neal's desktop computer.. Hope it'll be a
quick one. I have always made it a yearly habit to reformat any
computer I own. It keeps the computer running in tip-top shape and in
better organization. Each time I reformat, I don't add software that
that I don't use or stopped using. It leaves more room for memory.

Thank God for the MacBook! Neal's PC will breathe a little better! ;)

YES! Finally!

Now I'm a Mac man! No more PC!!!

I'm SOOOOOOO thrilled! Got me a new MacBook for school!

Feels great to rejoin the Apple ranks! ;)

favorite short flick.

I really like this funny, film short. I thought it was genius and brilliant!

favorite app.

I'd say most of the apps I like to use can be found on
PortableApps.com. They now bundled their software into a Portable
Suite. Perfect for people on-the-go who want all their writings,
browsing and pictures in one flash drive.

a new routine.

I'm working on a new routine and hopefully I'll stick to it. No.. I shouldn't say that. I am going to stick to the new routine, period. Because I'm starting school soon. I'm taking 2 online classes along with 3 on-campus courses, so that presents a challenge for me and my timing.

For now, I'll list the kind of classes I signed up for, but will edit the accurate course names later. I'll be taking:
Fitness
Holistic health
Fundamentals of Photography
Information (computer)
Society

I have a few more projects in mind that I wanted to work on, but I need a routine to allow me to work on each project effectively. Overall, I think I'll do great in school as long as I don't get lousy, ADA-inaccessible instructors!

Next Wednesday, I have training and orientation for students doing workstudy this upcoming semester... Then on January 16, I'll be making my book and course supply purchases. With little patience for getting my degree, I start my first day of school on January 30th. The one class I am TOTALLY psyched for is Fundamentals of Photography! I can't wait!!!!

If my calculations are correct, I'll be going to school and work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. I indend to use one day for 2 of my online courses. With the rest of the days off, I intend to keep looking for a part-time job. God only knows how much support I need right now, emotionally and financially! A steady routine = the stability I need everyday.

** wrench falls in **

Oh, F@#%!!!!! For the past 3 days, I have been writing and working on this blog entry. Today, right before I started to write more and edit the contents of this blog post, I got an email from my mom. She just went to the doctor recently and learned some unfortunate news about the family. It seems that my mom, myself and my siblings have inherited Fuchs' Corneal Dystrophy. I'm not going to be in a panicky drama over this, but yes, I'm upset about it. My sight is valuable to me because I am Deaf and see/hear with my own eyes. I hope I'll never have to face and deal with the full effects of Fuchs' Corneal Dystrophy.

** sigh! **

I'm going to close this post for now and send it in. I'll be watching a DVD then will be writing down my plans for tomorrow and this week.

Hope all's well with you!

will youtube listen?

Concerning the following 2 videos, I've sent a complaint to YouTube via their contact service page:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_uMaMXkxJE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q992QnPzpqE

I am very disappointed you would allow these videos to remain posted and online. Those videos are just as offensive as racist videos. Those 2 videos posted are pretty much categorized as Hate videos.

I would like to show you what the similarities are so you'll have a better understanding how offensive it can be:
hearing person mocks and makes fun of Deaf person
white person tease and taunt a black person

YouTube, are you willing to allow such videos mar and scar your reputation with the Deaf community? You want bad press? I hope you guys will do the right thing and take those offensive videos offline!

Sincerely yours,
Philip Mecham

I can only sit back and wonder when they'll listen or do something about it. Only time will tell! And, if other Deaf people sent in the same complaint to YouTube, then, maybe they'll listen and quickly remove the 2 videos.

:: foundation ::

Here's a poem I started to write in 2000, but completed it sometime in 2001. I wanted to make a political statement with a poem, and at the same time, do a different style of writing one. It is almost like alliteration, but it's not. Enjoy!

:: foundation ::

ill awe
artificial honor
hazy opportunities
obtuse cliques
coy exploitations
easily self-inflicted
sordid victims
vicious fibs
fudged proficiency
paralyzed obedience
optimistic employers
eager bastards
bloodsucking freeloaders
fair damnation
discrimination prostitutes
protests subdued
self-subscribing illiteracy
idiot farms
flagrant education
ensuing boredom
brain fatalities
foolish societies
silence continues
comic progress
people ill-tempered
intelligence unattractive
unsought agreements
abandoned aspirations
aimless drones
declassed innocents
of
ill awe!

- philip (c) 2007

poor utahn peeps.

While I'm enjoying the 70-something° weather here in Maryland, my Utah friends have been witch-tittin' it at around 24°! I'll tell you, the weather's pretty odd in the past year here! We'll see how it goes for 2007!

winter sky.

0068780-R1-026-11A
Originally uploaded by Deaf258.

I love this shot I took of the trees and sky of Maryland.

the end and the beginning.

10.. 9.. 8.. 7.. 6.. 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1..

Yappy Hew Near 7002!

More to be added later!

it sucked.

I was going to write a long entry and email to post here for Christmas,
but...

Christmas sucked. Badly.

So, I'm going to bed early. Goodnight!

what am i?

You are The Fool

The Fool is the card of infinite possibilities. The bag on the staff indicates that he has all he need to do or be anything he wants, he has only to stop and unpack. He is on his way to a brand new beginning. But the card carries a little bark of warning as well. Stop daydreaming and fantasising and watch your step, lest you fall and end up looking the fool.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

fixing something.

The comments pages are on the fray. Hope to get them fixed by tonight!

new hat.

Neal and his 2 daughters got me a new hat and sweater with zipper for
Hanukkah.

I really like the hat! It's a reminiscence of Arizona with all the hot
weather during Spring and Summer!

a christmas present.

Finally! I got the supersampler camera for Christmas!

Every year, my brothers and sisters do this gift exchange. So, I'm
giving many thanks to one of my sister-in-laws!

:) :) :) :) :) :) :)

wish granted: a fisheye camera.

It was a pleasant surprise when I answered the door to find out I got a
Fedex delivery from Mipperjean!

Thanks, Missy! I'm forever in your debt!

Tags: camera, lomography

a firefox favorite: gbutts

I totally fell in love with GButts! It is a Firefox Add-on or Extension
that adds a drop-down menu of buttons to many services and features
provided by Google.

https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/3576/

a speed test.

I thought my cable connection was 512kb. Boy, was I wrong!

updated signature.

For quite a while, this was my email signature:

"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks
out."

- Walter Winchell

Now, I am using this new quote as a signature:

"It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

- Eleanor Roosevelt

deep thought.

I have seen this quote a few times before. I decided to post a brief entry about it.

Sometimes when you try too hard to get something, you won't be happy. Usually, you have to let things happen naturally and enjoy life, then you'll be truly happy.

delicious italian cake.

Neal and I went to Trader Joe's for dinner 2 nights ago. We wanted to
get a quick sandwish or wrap before we went to a joint Deaf
organizations' Happy Hour fundraiser.

While we were at Trader Joe's, and after we picked our choice of food to
eat, we went to the food sample serving area. We found someone working
the table and asked if we could get our food microwaved bec it is so
cold outside. The worker reminded us that they aren't supposed to warm
up food for customers, but sensed our urgency and went ahead anyways. I
noticed a tray with slices of some kind of bread with diced fruit in
them. I tried a sample...

Mmmmmmh! It tasted really good!

While our food was getting heated up in the microwave, I asked about the
price of the type of bread. I forgot how much exactly it was. I can't
find the receipt, but I know it was somewhere between 6 to 7 dollars.

There was a big stack of the fruit bread in boxes. I noticed the boxes
came in 2 colors. I asked the salesperson what's the difference. The
darker colored boxes are raisins with candied fruit bits, and the
lighter colored boxes have cranberries instead with candied fruit bits.
Based on the salesperson's suggestion, I made my choice and grabbed it.

» insert classic zelda sfx «

Huzzah!! I bought a package of Trader Joe's Cranberry Panettone!

lomography fisheye camera

I've had my eye on this camera for quite some time. I think I will get this within the next 2 months for my Photography class at CCBC. Amazon is selling it right now for $36.60 with free shipping! It's times like this that I wish I was employed! :(
link...

tags: [lomography] [cameras]

via Wists: link

cat humor.

a nice surprise.

I was baking 3 kinds of cookies today when Neal came home from work. He walked in the kitchen and we chatted for a bit while I set the dough on the coockie sheet. He was playing with Pepper, then asked me to close my eyes for a minute. So, I shut my eyes.

He tapped me on the shoulder and I opened up my eyes. He held up a box with a small fiber optic Christmas tree in it.

I didn't have Christmas things or decorations around the apartment. Neal felt bad that he and his family will celebrate their Jewish traditions and holidays this month, and I won't be celebrating Christmas. Now the little tree is sitting in the corner of the living/dining room area.

I'm really touched. It really meant a lot what he did for me today! I wonder if he understood what that meant to me..

Anyway.. Happy Hannukah (spell? I'm gonna check dictionary for this one), Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, y'all!

Testing Blogger.com

The damn blogger service won't work 3 times already.

a favorite anime.

For as long as I could remember, Grave of the Fireflies is the only anime that made me cry. It was very thought-provoking and heart-wrenching. I'd recommend this movie to everyone.

Blockbuster Online - Grave of the Fireflies on DVD

women with raging testosterones.

Rosie O'Donnell might be going too far, too quick with her recent spat with Kelly Ripa about Kelly's comment towards Clay Aiken. Wow. And, Kelly's comment towards Clay were pretty harsh.

Whether Kelly meant that comment as homophobic or not, I have to wonder if the only phobia she has is towards germs. Why else is she the Tide spokeperson?? Kelly's response about flu and cold season makes perfect sense. Although, she should have kept her tongue in cheek, because, as the saying goes, "If you have nothing good to say at all, don't say it."

And, poor Clay. I'll bet Clay didn't expect this would happen to him. He should have kept his hands to himself unless he is "really close, best friends" with Kelly Ripa. Then, it would have made sense for him to cover Kelly's mouth. Thank goodness, Clay had clever help from Tori Spelling to lighten the mood of the controversy!

Really. I think people, especially a select group of women with abnormal amounts of testosterone, really need to lighten up and back off.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2672565&page=1

wacky haiku.

By MadHaiku:

just in time for thanksgiving...
a new cooking show:
"eat, drink, puke with rachael ray"
she's so glamorous!

personality colors test.

I love taking personality colors tests! I learn more about myself everytime! I think everyone else should make it a habit to play a few personality colors quizzes or tests once in a while!

Here's my result from this test:

You Chose:TYPE 5
High Sensation Seeking

High Sensation Seeking (HSS) means that you really enjoy high-energy, thrill-seeking kinds of activities. You seldom follow the crowd. Your idea of a good time is a thrilling emotional experience that challenges you to the max. Because you seek out high-energy experiences, other people probably think of you as a risk-taker. The people in your life may admire you as an avant-guard, leading-edge kind of individual who is likely to be tuned into new trends ahead of the curve. People are drawn to your adventurous spirit.

Find out more about your personality here!

spam poison?

I've used it in the past, and wasn't sure if it really works. Won't hurt to try posting it again!

ten on tuesday.

Every Tuesday, check here for 10 on Tuesday's latest meme! Here's this week's meme:

10 Things You Love to Eat During the Holidays

1. Molasses Ginger Cookies.
2. Ganache on fresh fruit pieces.
3. Warm Neiman Marcus cookies.
4. Homemade vanilla bean ice cream.
5. Homemade apple pie with cream.
6. Fruitcake and milk.
7. Homemade cheesecakes.
8. Caramel covered apple slices.
9. Turkey meat on legs and wings.
10. Cooked grated carrots with bacon bits.

free rental

Check out redbox to pick up a free movie rental! I like renting new releases from Redbox because it's only a buck per night! One drawback though, it's due the next day by 7 pm. So, you better plan on watching what you rent! Ya don't want the moolah go to waste, huh?? ;)

YOU MUST READ: Issue with Forwarded Emails

I am trying to be nice. I am gonna do a soft, short and sweet rant. I am sick and tired of getting forwarded emails from family and friends who don't know how to use the [Bcc:] feature! So, I typed out this email and sent it via [Bcc:] to everyone's email addresses I could find in those forwarded emails. Read the following:

Hello everyone!

I'd like to take a few minutes of your time. You'll find out why I have your email address.

Four of my family and friends sent me several forwarded emails with loaded with attached email addresses. If you got this email, it is because your address was also listed!

Not to worry and thank goodness for YOU, I am not a spammer and I do not work for advertisement in pornography, sexual medical advisement centers, drugs or other junk companies.

I feel this this is my civil duty to inform you the following -

Keep in mind that I say this with much love and respect.. and a lot of patience.

If you love, respect and cherish your family and friends, PLEASE stop using [To:] for listing your family and friends' email addresses whenever you forward emails! Learn to use [Bcc:] and use it faithfully and religiously! [Bcc:] stands for Blind Carbon Copy. When you send out emails via [Bcc:], everyone will NOT see other people's email addresses! Only the sender's. If you use [To:], you only want to use your own email address. If you add other email addresses in [To:], you are exposing your family and friends' addresses to potential strangers when the forwarded email arrives its destinations several times. Where is the privacy?!?

If you got a forwarded email and before you forward it again, PLEASE erase any listed emails FIRST, those people would appreciate your support and help in respecting their privacy. Your family and friends would appreciate NOT having to scrooooooooooooooooooooooooooooll down past all the former recipients' and senders' email addresses and forwarded subjects and inset lines sometimes with double and repeated posting of the email's contents all the way down and a few more clicks of the mouse scrolling to the bottom to get the point of the message. (annoyed loss of breath) Get my point?

If you already practice using [Bcc:] and cleaning your forwarded emails by cropping out unnecessary contents and former recipients' and senders' email addresses before you send it out... THANK YOU with the bottom of my heart! Well, your family and friends will THANK YOU tremendously, too!

It will reduce the spread of unwanted spam and virus.

I'm happy to be here to help you understand the joys of using [Bcc:]!

Happy Holidays!
Philip

P.S. Please forward this email to your family and friends, I am sure they would appreciate to learn of [Bcc:]. Before you do that, erase the senders' or my email addresses from this email! thanks again!

P.P.S. I rarely use this email account, so I probably cannot reply.

pilates and diet

I was reading on the Craigslist forums, and found a discussion group where a person was complaining of a bad back as a result from surgery. Several people made suggestions on exercises. One of them said a few words about checking out the Winsdor Pilates, "Perhaps this exercise would work?"

I immediately replied with the following:

I have had a weak, bad back for quite a number of years.

I got fed up with feeling depressed, sore and fat. My depression often gets so bad to the point where it was disabling me, rendering me a hermit, always living indoors away from family and friends. I started taking Pilates over a year ago, and it was tough and hard. I kept at it and wasn't easy for me.

Now, it has been a year and a half, and I am so GLAD I took Pilates! My back problems have reduced maybe 80% less than before. I don't get that painful twinge in my lower back anymore. I have more energy, better posture and happier attitude.

I've been on diets and exercise programs before. Nothing worked. I was quickly gaining what I have lost and some extra. Ugh!

After starting Pilates, I went from 239 lbs to 214 lbs in 18 months and the weight STAYED OFF! Just be consistent with your Pilates routine, eat whole wheat products, more fruits/vegetables, proteins and drink lots and lots of water. Changing the way you eat is your own decision. Don't immediately force yourself on a diet, or you'll feel overwhelmed and give up. My changes in diet happened v e r y  s l o w l y. I made one or two adjustments here and there. It does make a difference! I still eat fattening foods, but ate in good moderation. Don't forget to follow the recommended serving size!

After exercising for long enough, I noticed my cravings for my favorite soda and sweets have gotten less and less. :D In the end, the changes in eating habits along with my exercises have helped me overcome most of my depression issues.

I haven't given up my sweets and soda yet! ;) Gotta have my chocolate fix!

Anyway, Pilates won't work unless you really want it to work. If you gave up on it, that means you don't want it badly enough. You have to really want it badly enough to make a positive difference in your health!

bitch mood.

I'm in a bitch mood today.

I'm tired of having to get permission to love someone unconditionally.

a poem.

Do not stand by my grave and weep
by Mary E. Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep:
I am not there.  I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the softly falling snow,
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the field of ripening grain.

I am in the morning hush,
I am in the grateful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight.
I am the starshine of the night.

I am in the flowers that bloom.
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing.
I am in each lovely thing.

So do not stand by my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I did not die.

dessert at centerstage

Neal, Gerri and I went to see a Russian play, "The Three Sisters" in Baltimore. I had the honor to meet two actors, Wawa Snipe and Willy Conley. Wawa was there to watch the play. Willy is in the play. His wife and her friend were also there. It was great making friends with new faces!

Anyway, Neal, Gerri and I had a quick dinner before the play started. I bought dessert and got this some kind of chocolate covered, layered cake with a slight taste of mocha with molasses or maple. I have no idea what it is called! Never seen such dessert before! If you know, please let me know!

Junk Face OUT! Junk Face OUT!

Last weekend, I got into a heated debate with this guy who I am sort of dating. We talked about the crisis at Gallaudet University. He goes, "Oh, my friend said that the protest is going on, and one of the reasons the students are upset is maybe because the new president is 'not Deaf enough'!" I asked who this friend of his, and he emphasized that it was this Deaf ASL teacher at Mesa Community College, who also personally knows Jane Fernandes! Ugh! I went off on him in a bitch-rant. I'm SO disgusted with ASL teachers who are ignorant or stay hidden in their little shells, never updating their own signing skills and professional knowledge of the current ASL/Deaf issues or trends.. I re-educated him about the real facts going on at Gallaudet.

Two nights ago, I got a hold of my sister in Utah. We were catching up with what's going on with her and what's going on with me. Then, somehow, the topic about Gallaudet came up. She said that she heard about the protest, and thought it was about Jane K. Fernandes being "not Deaf enough". Ugh! I explained to her what was going on and the real reasons for the protests. My sister didn't know those stories. So, now she knows the truth!

I just spoke with my best friend in Portland early this morning. He teased me lightly about Gallaudet. And I went off on a heated rant, then he said that a lot of hearing people still thinks it has to do with "not Deaf enough".. Now he knows the real story.

I'm shocked to see how much f**king damage I. King Jordan and Jane K. Fernandes has done to the Deaf community. Their lies has already impacted Oregon, Utah and Arizona! The crooked king and his fat dog set us back 50 years in my opinion!

Junk Face needs to be taken to the pound!

new firefox.

Time to upgrade!

last night.

Soon, I'll be doing a vlog and post it up here tonight. It'll be about my visit to Gallaudet.

It was also great to see old friends there! :)

Unfortunately, I couldn't do the fire show... But, I did meet Billy and Allan who are also part of spinning! Now, as far as I know, 5 Deafies are spinners!

this Saturday?

Will I be doing a fire show at Gallaudet University this Saturday? Only the lawyers know! ;)

Gotta play it safe!

If approved, I'll do a 5 minute show for donations. Funds collected will be given to FSSA for their daily needs.

Cross your fingers, peeps!

may Glenn rest in peace.

ksl.com - Utah's Online Source for Local News & Information Head-on Collision on I-215 Leaves Two Dead

Salt Lake Tribune - Collision on I-215 kills two, sends two more to hospital

I know Glenn Williams, Mitch Moyers and Adam Shewell.. It was a sad day when I found out the sweet, short guy Glenn was killed. I really feel and my heart goes out to Laurie Moyers, Jennifer Shewell and their children! Most of all to Glenn's family.

Glenn is an AWESOME guy who tried to change his life for the better to keep his family together.

sleepytime.

Aww, Pepper is such a kid! He was hyper, ball of boundless energy all day. Then, now, he's all worn out and fell asleep in the middle of the floor with a doggy bone in his mouth.

Cute! Cute! Cute!

That little son of a bitch knows he can get away with a lot for just being cute!

USB flash drive?

I want this USB drive!

about macaroni grill.

I mentioned earlier that Neal took me to Macaroni Grill just outside of Baltimore for my birthday. I was talking to my mom on AIM during the drive to the restaurant. My mother joked this is the "Gourmet McDonald's" restaurant. I don't know what she was getting at!

Anyway.. Neal was treating me to a birthday dinner. When we got our sodas served, we ordered:

Me:
Mozzarella Fritta
Fried mozzarella with a zesty pizzaiola sauce and basil pesto.

Pollo Magro "Skinny Chicken"
Grilled chicken breast served over steamed spinach with fresh tomatoes, red onions, fat-free feta cheese and honey balsamic vinaigrette. Approximately 5 fat grams.

Tiramisu
An Italian tradition of ladyfingers dipped in espresso liqueur, then layered between rich mascarpone cream.

Neal:
Mama's Trio
Three Italian favorites on one plate. Lasagna, Chicken Cannelloni and Chicken Parmesan.

Smothered Chocolate Cake
Topped with warm homemade chocolate ganache. (Chopped pecans topping is standard, but he ordered it without nuts.)

Instead of eating Mama's Trio, he would rather have:
Penne Rustica
Imported penne pasta with shrimp, grilled chicken and smoked prosciutto baked under a golden crust of Parmesan cheese.

By the way, it was my first time to try Tiramisu! Not bad, but I felt they used TOO much whipped creme that killed the overall flavor. I'm gonna try making a homemade one and see if I could make it better than Macaroni Grill's.

for my birthday..

First, I want to say, "Thank YOU!" to everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday!

I also wanted to say, "Thank YOU again!" to 6 people: Mom & Dad, Braedi, Neal, and Larry & Kt!

Mom & Dad: some money that went to food ( I was starving! I could have bought this camera if I wasn't so hungry! :P ) and fare for the Metro. Once I get a job, I'll treat myself with that camera I wanted. Thanks, Mom & Dad!

Braedi: a handmade card about cats in a shape of a cat. Thanks, my cute, lil' niece! I'm gonna have to make something for you.. ILY!

Neal: thank you for the dinner at Macaroni Grill on my birthday! I want you to know that you meant a lot to me. You're an inspiration! ILY2!

Larry & Kt: thanks for the Willow DVD! When it arrived in the mail, Neal was teasing me about me wanting movies like "Willow". Heh! That DVD made me ツ! From one movie buff to a couple of movie buffs, THANKS!

All of you guys are great! Xoxo!

a sunbathing puppy.

Last Sunday, Neal, Jennifer and I went to Paws On Parade event in Reistertown, MD. Naturally, we took Pepper along with us.

It started at 10 am and ended at 2 pm. We arrived about 12:25 pm. We got out the car and started to walk to the booths. Pepper was getting agitated, making whining sounds and lurching forward. It was very overwhelming and a shock for Pepper because it was his first time being in a large crowd of people with dogs.

*high pitched barking*

We got him microchipped and found out it was free of charge from Humane Society. Whoohoo! We walked back to the booths, spent a couple hours looking at the tables, introducing Pepper to the diverse crowd of people and dogs.

*high pitched barking*

Neal saw one booth selling portraits, so he ordered 3 photos. It was a challenge to get Pepper to hold still. After all, he's only 4 ½ months old! The portraits wouldn't be ready for an hour.

*high pitched barking*

We went to take a long walk. Pepper was being a brat, trying to follow me everywhere. I feel bad because Pepper see more of me than Neal everyday. Naturally, Pepper would follow me around. We decided that Jennifer and I walk quickly ahead, leaving Neal and Pepper behind so Pepper can learn to walk with Neal. It was frustrating the Hell out of Neal. Poor guy!

*high pitched barking* Omg, Pepper... Shut the HELL up!

Pepper keeps woofing and barking at every dog that passed him. Some of them were dressed up. My favorite one is a german shepherd dog in a police outfit. That was so cute!

People started cleaning and packing up the booths. Neal went back to the portrait booth, and they still haven't developed Pepper's pictures yet! I went ahead to the car and took Pepper with me, just to give Neal a break. I sat in the car with the door open, laid Pepper out. He looked like he was sunbathing! Aww, so cute! I just had to take a picture!

It was taking too long. I got out the car with Pepper and went back to the booth. They were still waiting for the photos, but didn't take long when they finally printed them out. We walked back to the car.

*sigh!* *more barking.*

After we got in and buckled up, I turned to Neal and asked, "Aren't you just glad we didn't bring Pepper with us to Fells Point Festival last week??" Neal glared at me with wide eyes, and took a deep breath, "Oh my God! YES!"

Then we went home, stopping by a fast food for a quick dinner. Whew! What a day! At least, it was good for Pepper to try to break in and develop his social skills!

federal p.o.v.?

I want to save this link to Federal Support for Gallaudet University for later reference and educational use.

Thanks to Jordan and Jane, the quality of education isn't up to par with the national average! What a waste of buttloads of money and emotional payouts!

Save Gallaudet or get the F**K out!

who coined this?

I was reading across various blogs which were covering the news, events, hot topics at/about/from the protest that blossomed from Gallaudet University.

From reading the comments, I wondered who coined the phrase - "JUCK FANE!"?

Know what? I can top that! ;)

Try,

"JUNK FACE!"

spare some change?

261432341_8bbd8a9e4c.jpg">
This reminds me of the ongoing situation at Gallaudet. Sometimes money doesn't bring change that is necessary, people do!

2 minutes ago.

For those who didn't know. My 33rd birthday ended 2 minutes ago!

:]

pepper.

Here's Pepper asleep on my leg!

Whew. He was being a brat for hours tonight, and now, it seems that he has winded down.

Earlier today, I was talking with 2 friends on AIM, trying decide whether or not I should go to Gallaudet University to show my support. One friend had plans which was cool with me and the other took too damn long to answer my IMs. So, I ended up staying home to work on some projects. I was also too tired.

After all, there's still Gallaudet's Homecoming next Saturday. I'll be going for sure with my spinning poi!

good luck in threes.

I've always thought 3 was my favorite number.

I'll be 33 in 3 days, and today is Friday the 13th. So, it should be a good birthday and a beginning of a good year for me.

Here I am, sitting in Owing Mills' AMC with Hilary and Jennifer, waiting for a movie to start. The 3 of us are going to see The Grudge 2 for my birthday!

Whoops! Movie's startin'!

Thanks, girls! Xoxo!

okay. busy. real busy.

PAH! It looks like my SK2 can send email and pics with little or no problems!

I've been so busy trying to reorganize myself, my emotions and my priorities. I've got a long list of things to do and checking each one off. One of them is to redo the blog and website. I plan on adding another section or two, but again, it takes a lot of my time. A few other things to do are to organize my papers in my bedroom and finish some craft projects. One friend keeps reminding me that I need to stop thinking about the end result and focus on the "here and now".

Speaking of projects, wanna buy a wallet made out of duct tape? If so, what color? It's 20 bucks with free S & H!

And, if I could only find a decent job, I'd be less stressed out!

working on my sk2

It was almost 3 months since I've been struggling with my SK2's camera feature. I couldn't email or post any pics I've taken!

Now, I'm testing to see if this post will go through or not.

wishlist links

Froogle: Unsorted
Amazon: Cameras & Supplies
Amazon: Books & Movies
Amazon: Clothes

exactly what I meant.

A while ago, someone posted a comment (adding link later) on my blog claiming and assuming I was ranting about Jane Fernandes being "not deaf enough". Well, as Ridor and P.I. put it perfectly with the stats, check this link: http://www.ridorlive.com/?p=1920

According to her past work and administrating track record, Jane Fernandes was NEVER qualified to be the new president of Gallaudet University!

She and her sourpuss face need to GO!

more on my wishlist.

I want to add this art by Cassie Haynes in a frame to my wishlist.

You rock, Cassie!

wishlist addition.

Cyber-shot® DSC-R1 Digital Cameraspacer is going on my wishlist!

quiz plug.

Take The Ewan McGregor Test!