Raquel's Blah, Blah, Blog

Project Read--the slacker version

2008-09-04T21:31:00.010-05:00

Hi. My name is Raquel, and I am a slacker. I read only five books this summer, and I am so mad at myself because I KNOW the reason is due to WATCHING TOO MANY DVDs! Once I start a season, I'm hooked, and then I move on to another interesting show. Oh, those conniving, dirty, manipulative DVDs.

As far as my synopsis of each book, here's the ultra-slacker version.

If I had to choose a book to re-read, it would definitely be Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri, whom I highly recommend. In other words, if she came out with a new book, I would totally pause my DVD in a heartbeat. She is a Pulitzer prize winner for fiction, and her books are about Indian immigrants living in America.

As for the rest of the books, I don't have anything significant to share about them. But really, it's because I have to get back to watching season two of Weeds.

(The graphics above will link you to the Barnes and Noble site, but don't buy it! Get it at your public library!)

Dead giveaway

2008-08-28T09:18:00.012-05:00

To those who commented on my I'm curious post: You're right!

Librarian equals:

Raquel/Boo
Shhhhhh
Serious
Cardigan
Glasses

I tried to be serious for the picture here, but I kept laughing at myself. I don't really shush people. In fact, one time in Germany, a customer asked me to keep my voice down. Apparently, I talk too loud while on the phone and have since learned to close my office door. (Whatever, guy.)

If it does become too loud in the study area, I basically pantomime that their music is blaring from their earphones or kindly suggest the conference room for their group meeting. And that's how I shush, I guess.

I hope you enjoyed this post because I rarely post pics of myself. Today is an exception because two different customers told me I looked like I was 21 and 24 years old. So let's add "young" to the list, shall we?

Boo-yeah. And tomorrow's Friday.

Enough food already

2008-08-23T21:35:00.007-05:00

Cheese danish with strawberries (thanks Gin), velvet cake, and my usual--Hawaiian Wedding CUPcakes.

MY GOD, I need to stop writing about food. But I promised my mom I'd show her how my desserts turned out for the other Chamorro get-together this weekend.

This is the most I will bake this year.

The Chamorros I have met here in Texas are super-nice. When I'm with them, I notice my intonations change, we find connections to each other in some way or another, the food we eat is scrumptious, the children get along, and there is laughter all around.

Ai, ya, yai, these Chamorro parties. You arrive hungry, laugh heartily, eat satisfyingly, and leave happy.

Addition to my humble abode

2008-08-21T23:06:00.006-05:00

I made a major purchase yesterday. And when I say major, it's because I have only the bare essentials for my apartment. And I only buy items for my place after I've thought about it for a loooooong time and ONLY IF I'M FULLY SATISFIED with the item. I have one couch, one recliner, one coffee table, one bed, one TV, one desk, one office chair, one dining set. I also have a gas grill and cooler, but that's because my dad forced me to buy it in Germany when he was visiting. My kitchen cabinets are not stuffed with special platters or fancy cooking gadgets. I eat on crappy dishes but with quality utensils. And okay, to be completely honest, I inherited a 900 pound piano which I desperately need to donate to some church or something.

My place has been described as "minimalist," and I agree 100%. That's how I like it--clutter-free. I like to see vast amounts of carpet/tile when I walk out of a room and into another. I'm not a big fan of colorful curtains, wall deco, or candle holders. Sure, those things are pretty, but I'm just plain lazy to appreciate it fully. But more so, plain lazy to dust them.

Getting back to my major purchase. I bought a PlayStation 2. (Not 3, because excuse me, that's $400! Plus I really don't see the big deal about blue-ray DVDs.)

The urge to own my own console (not to be confused with camisole), began after I played Galaga at my new Chamorro friend's house. They broke out the Namco Museum, and I was re-hooked to the game. I have no interest in purchasing other games, unless of course Contra comes out for PS2.

So who wants to come over for a non-stop fun game of Galaga?

On my 13-inch TV/VCR.

Amateur

2008-08-16T09:48:00.005-05:00

Top to bottom:
chocolate cake w/cool whip, Heath chips, & chocolate pudding layered
shrimp kelaguen
spinach & coconut milk
angel food cake

I don't mind being an amateur cook. Because that way, no one expects miracles from me. And they won't complain that I "dice" my onions too thick, miscount fruit pieces, or add too much lemon and salt.

If these turn out to be decently edible, then special thanks to my mom for the tips and tricks.

Tomorrow and Sunday

2008-08-15T23:17:00.004-05:00

It's been a long week at work, and I'm ready for the weekend.

On Saturday, I meet up with some Chamorro families for a bar-be-que; it will be small, but we all know that it will be kind of too much--as in too much food, but I'm not complaining. I will always be a proud participant in any devouring of Chamorro food.

The dishes I made tonight for tomorrow's get-together are chocolate cake, angel food cake, shrimp kelaguen, and a dish of what I think is called Gollai Hagon Suni (spinach, coconut milk, onions, and tumeric), although my Chamorro cookbook, which is "xeroxed," just calls it Spinach with Coconut Milk.

Heart attack food, I know. I'm promising myself to leave the bbq early enough to hit the gym before it closes to work off at least a fourth of what I will have consumed. And FYI, that is the most I'm cooking for the whole year.

On Sunday, I will probably eat leftovers from Saturday. I plan to download some audiobooks onto my iPod and get some reading done--I am watching too many DVDs, which I NEED TO STOP. I've only read three books in the past two months, and that is a painful, painful shame. I need to bring Project Read back to life.

Possible items on the weekend agenda--totally disregard any form of literacy and physical exertion and catch up on my shows.

I'm curious

2008-08-15T00:09:00.003-05:00

What's the first word that comes to mind when you hear this word?

Librarian

Discovery

2008-08-12T22:48:00.005-05:00

Today I received three phone calls while I was on this at the gym. And I discovered something at the end of that workout--I burned more calories than usual! Typically I burn 500 calories while on it, but with the diversions of talking on the phone and trying not to huff and puff AND be badass, I burned 660 calories! I tested it on the bike too. I called my aunt, and I guess I pedaled faster and harder because I burned 40 more calories than usual.

So call me on my cell. Or I'm going to call you, okay?

Here's my gym routine (although not set in stone):
Mon/Wed 8-10 pm
Tue/Thu/Fri 4:45-6:45 pm
Sat/Sun varies

On average I burn 900 calories each time I work out, and I have been really good about eating healthier overall, but I'm still a big girl. Sure, I feel my clothes fitting a teeny-weeny bit looser, but boy, I still have lots of junk in my trunk. And it's already been a year since the gym and I have been together. It has taken me one year to lose 25 pounds. WTF's up with that?! Two pounds per month? That's just so wrong.

I'm thinking I may have a thyroid problem. I plan to read more on hypothyroidism because I think it will make me better understand potential reasons why my progress is not as productive as it should be. Plus I'm going to make an appointment with my doctor. (Ugh, I hate copayments because I can't help feeling that my money was wasted just to hear a diagnosis I already figured out on my own.)

Don't forget to call me (during above times). Especially if you know a lot about hypothyroidism.

And don't worry; I know I'm still badass despite this rant.

Visiting the Vs

2008-08-04T16:28:00.014-05:00

Left to right: Kam, Char, Len, me, Zach, and Terese

I spent this weekend visiting my good friends, Charlei and Len, who live 3.5 hours away. We have kept in touch over the years mostly through email and the few and far between phone calls. We hadn't seen each other since high school graduation--over 16 years ago!

Charlei and Len are two of my most favorite people in the universe. They're true, beautiful, down-to-earth, lovely people who "get" me. My visit was full of laughing so hard that my jaw HURT and eating so much that ... my jaw HURT. My kind of people.

And their two kiddos! Oh my goodness, I simply love them. Kamerin is a joy to be around because she has such good manners and is just so darn pretty. And Zach, oh that Zach--he is a character. I want one just like him, I think. Yeah, I do. His laugh is infectious, his smiles are to-die-for, and his huggability-factor is number one.

Thank you taking such good care of me, Len and Char! I really love you guys!

Sweepstakes for you and me

2008-07-31T22:31:00.007-05:00

Sharing is caring.

My newest favorite thing to do when I'm bored/not busy is to enter sweepstakes. Never mind the piles of unironed clothes in the next room. And vacuuming can wait.

Here's what I've been entering recently. Feel free.

Prize: $5,000 shopping spree from Sears
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/design_star_2008/text/0,,HGTV_22056_68197,00.html

Prize: Xbox 360 and complete Rock Band package
http://www.mtv.com/sweepstakes/

Prize: $100 Exxon/Mobil Gift Card
http://www.tnt.tv/sweepstakes_alt.jsp?contentId=34798

Prizes: $5,000 shopping spree, 2009 Ford Mustang, see Coldplay in London
http://www.mylifetime.com/fun-games/sweeps

Prize: See the Project Runway finale in NY City
http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/season/5/flyaway_sweepstakes/index.php

What I do is uncheck all the newsletters to avoid getting junk mail. There were two other sweepstakes I entered today for a Wii and a plasma TV, but I will share those later because the info's at work.

Good luck to us!

Cable girl

2008-07-28T20:53:00.003-05:00

I really, really want to get cable for my apartment. It feels as if I'm at my breaking point of calling the cable company and demanding they send over a technician because I NEED CABLE NOW, DAMN IT, PLEASE MISTER! I haven't had cable for six months, you see. And when I go the gym, I leave even more tempted because I get to see SO MANY SHOWS as I sweat my balls off. (I just reread this paragraph, and it sounds kinky, huh? But seriously, it's really about cable--television.)

But then rationale snaps back at me declaring that if I did get cable, I wouldn't leave the house, and I'd use up all my sick leave playing hooky from work to take in all the wonderful shows meant for Americans like me. Plus I'd be stuffing my face with oh-so-yummy snacks.

WTF? Even that paragraph sounds nasty.

I'm ending this post here and grabbing my book. Kay-thanks-bye.

Shoulda used some sunblock

2008-07-24T19:40:00.006-05:00

I'm oddly more tired from the layover at the airport rather than babysitting a two and seven year old for one week. Or could it be that all the energy-depleting-kid-activities have finally caught up with me? Allow me to think I have the stamina for keeping up with two kids please. I slept practically the entire day today only to stumble to the kitchen for hydration and to the bathroom for dehydration.

I miss my family terribly already. I even almost cried while lining up to check in my bags. (Tangent: I had to rid one bottle of King Car Iced Tea because my luggage was over the 50 pound limit. Of course I drank as much of it as I could before tossing it because I am not a fool.)

I wish I had a time machine. Because look.

Why it's all worth it

2008-07-22T01:05:00.002-05:00

Here's Khayleb beating me in War, but I don't care because his giggles are so worth it.

Thanks, Bobski; I love you so much! Happy 7th Birthday too! Pool par-tay!

Weekend in pics

2008-07-21T08:34:00.003-05:00

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

THESE KIDS ARE A HANDFUL.

I'VE CHANGED ABOUT 4856028494 DIAPERS, ANSWERED TO "AUNTIE BOO" 573074180 TIMES, AND SWEAT A BAJILLION JUGS FROM BEING OUTSIDE.

I BETTER'VE LOST WEIGHT IS ALL I'M SAYING.

Friday in pics

2008-07-18T23:55:00.010-05:00

What a wonderful day today.

Girls' Lunch Out: My mom, sisters Zina and Carla, and niece Emma went out for sushi. The sushi I speak of comes close to that of Rotary Sushi on Guam. You know the lanya gachong sauce I'm talking about.

Bike-riding with the kids: This is Khayleb trying to convince me that we should take the tiny "lizard eggs" we saw in this spot back home with us. And Emma is echoing his arguments in her language. Nice try, bubs.

The Ice Cream Truck is a Fascinating Thing: Khayleb had the bubble gum snow cone, and Emma had the Dora ice cream popsicle. Yes, let's sit on the sidewalk to show the neighbors how we eat icey treats before dinner.

Bye for now, Auntie Carla: Team Crazy will miss you.

Thursday in pics

2008-07-17T22:29:00.010-05:00

My sister Carla and nephew Khayleb. Fresh, clean, dry, excited--moments before we entered Universal Studios.

We started off at the Dr. Seuss section and quickly moved on to "big boy" rides for Khayleb.

Khayleb and I rode this motherf*cker--something called Dudley Do-Right something-something Falls. I was secretly hoping he'd chicken out as we approached the front of the line, but the dude went through with it. Soaked were we.

Khayleb, where are you? Auntie Carla, where are you?

Sidewalk Jamz.

Good lord, I'm in desperate need of a shower (and maybe a comb and some make-up) at this point. F.U. Rain and Dudley Do-Right.

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! And Frankenstein!

We returned home to Bubbly Emma--of course with a Dora toy because we didn't take the babygirl to Universal with us. I promise to break the law for you one day, Emms.

Exhausted. Bedtime. I'm so proud of Khayleb because he wasn't fearful of the scarier rides. Which kid shall I force to rub my feet?

See Emma PRETENDING to sleep?

Getting ready

2008-07-15T09:46:00.004-05:00

I leave my apartment in about 20 minutes to head to the airport. When I leave my belongings for an extended period of time, I make sure I've:

-eaten/thrown out all perishable foods from my fridge
-unplugged all appliances
-turned off the a/c
-hid my jewelry and laptop
-folded my blanket

I think that's all. I have my passport, I shaved, I've got a good panty on, and I'm ready to go now. See you in Florida later today.

Temporarily bruised

2008-07-11T21:06:00.005-05:00

When I read my post from yesterday, its incoherence bothers me. So allow me to move it down a few notches by sharing how I feel right at this moment; it'll make me feel better when I look at my blog, plus I am feeling a little poetic right now.

My heart skipped a beat this morning,
Alive with giddiness throughout the day.
Forward twelve hours; my heart bruises.
The inbox can be so very hurtful
Without meaning to.
Life goes on, and
I know that my bruises heal.

Another birthday, another day

2008-07-10T21:05:00.004-05:00

Thank you to my birthday wishers.

Dad
Mom
Zina
Tyrone
Carla
Candy
Zack
Roxanne
Khayleb
Emma
Marsha
Dulce
Josie
Jesse
Hank
Sonia A.

Today was simply another day for me. I went to work, to the gym, and then home where I had myself a turkey pastrami sandwich and a fresh papaya. And washed it down with cold water--ooooh, I love my water.

I wired my brain to celebrate my birthday on July 15th because that is the day I visit the familia again in Florida. My visit will be a little over a week and doubly special because my two favorite little Filipinos will be there. Damn it, I miss these Pinoys.

Frick, I'm super-excited! Mom, Gin, and Car, you DON'T need to cook for me. Just join me in cannon-balling into the pool! That would totally freak out the kiddies, and I would die laughing.

Writing sucks now

2008-07-08T23:19:00.006-05:00

So I have to write a self-assessment for work. Tedious, but it must be done. It's time for many in the federal government to summon persuasive writing skills to prove that he/she is deserving of a pay raise. Gone are the good ol' days of seniority and automatic pay increases--now you must prove how you've contributed to the mission. Bleh.

Part of me just wants to take a picture of the library and say, "Here, this is what I've done." Shouldn't that speak volumes? (Pun intended.)

Part of me just wants to print a shiny report listing the entire collection of the library with a super-neon post-it smacked on top reading "Bam! The system's cleaned up now!" with a little hand-drawn gang sign or something.

Part of me just wants to forward copies of all the emails asking me to write reports, justify budgets, and develop plans--all done before the deadline.

Part of me just wants to spew out the increase in circulation stats.

Part of me wants to have all of the customers write a note stating how much the library has helped them, and WTF would they do without us?!

Sigh. Writing blows.

Writing works

2008-07-05T09:23:00.004-05:00

I sent an email recently to guampdn.com stating that the pop-up ad that appears when I open their page annoys me to NO END. I "threatened" I'd use kuam.com for Guam news if they didn't remove the annoying ad.

They must've listened. Because now--NO POP-UP!

I'd like to think it was me, but who knows.

::::::::::

I had an awful experience with Chili's customer service a couple of weeks ago. So awful that I wrote to them expressing my utter dissatisfaction.

To win back my patronage, they sent me a $15 gift certificate.

Which I then used to devour their Cajun Ribeye.

::::::::::

What's been working in your favor lately?

RIP GC

2008-06-23T23:26:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite genius guys died yesterday. You made me laugh and think, George Carlin.

I loved your appropriate use of cuss words in your books and performances.

Wind girl wind by Hank Terlaje!

2008-06-22T00:23:00.005-05:00

I've known Hank since he was like, seven. He and my brother Tyrone have been best friends since then.

Yay for you, Hank and Trade Roots!

Soundly falling to sleep

2008-06-20T23:34:00.003-05:00

In 1986, I used to fall asleep with Poison's Talk Dirty to Me playing on my walkman.

Gawwwwwd.

'Night.

Not yet into the groove

2008-06-10T20:21:00.003-05:00

Working, blows.

After 20 days of leave, I returned to work today.

Working, blows.