tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42452615595436401172024-03-13T10:11:28.324-07:00Random Girl: Travel, Food and Life in Los AngelesMercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-31047928170691510802008-12-27T12:36:00.000-08:002008-12-27T12:41:04.861-08:00Wow, that was a long break...!Well, I did plan on coming back...eventually....<div><br /></div><div>Eventually just took longer than I thought, with the trip to Italy and London and you know, stuff. *g*</div><div><br /></div><div>But yes, I'm still here. Alive and well.</div><div>Of course, all my pictures were scattered in the great <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">iBook</span> disaster of 2008, but I promised S that I would at least try to move the peanut butter tart picture, so here I go...</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and Whole Foods stopped selling them. Ha!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hugs</div>Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-29910712118641645742008-03-29T14:52:00.000-07:002008-03-29T15:11:00.509-07:00Don't Drink All The Beer.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_zt_hmna_CzM/R-6901MQU-I/AAAAAAAAAI0/oPMuFIU7_EI/s1600-h/Blog+%231+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_zt_hmna_CzM/R-6901MQU-I/AAAAAAAAAI0/oPMuFIU7_EI/s320/Blog+%231+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183288936479347682" border="0" /></a><br />Yeah, it's almost April. Oh well, at least I came back, you know? I didn't remember the name of my own blog, but I came back. ;)<br /><br />Currently slaving away at work - don't ask. It's not going well. Enough said.<br /><br />We're about 30 days away from the trip to Italy and London...major list making is going on, shopping plans are being plotted, fun is being had! We, naturally, had to go to breakfast to plot this morning.<br /><br />At <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Doughboys</span>. *ahem*<br /><br />Other than that, not much happening. The parental units are out of town...I'm not supposed to drink my Dad's beer. As if. More like dancing in my underwear. ;)<br /><br />Oh, and? My Whole Foods now stocks the Peanut Butter Tart...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yay</span>!Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-65586583419357835222008-02-02T20:52:00.000-08:002008-02-02T20:56:19.684-08:00Hee. 1987!What is better than a Saturday with pie?<br /><br />It would be a Saturday with pie...and the pilot of <span style="font-style: italic;">21 Jump Street</span>!<br /><br />Without a doubt, some of the best (meaning = yikes!) acting ever! That was some fine hair, Johnny.<br /><br />I may have, you know, cracked this week. Just slightly. You should all be scared.Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-37916636517567786112008-01-26T13:28:00.000-08:002008-01-26T13:33:57.712-08:00Saturday = ?Duh. Saturday = peanut butter. Keep up, would you?<br /><br />We took advantage of the dry weather to run around. I got my hair cut and then we went every where. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, we went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">TJ's</span>, Target and Bristol Farms. ;)<br /><br />Very exciting. Ha!<br /><br />In other news, planning is moving full speed ahead on the London/Italy tour. I can not wait. Whee! We're picking hotels in London. Trying to figure out what to do on our free afternoons and evenings. Looking up bakeries and Starbucks. <g> The usual.Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-25179744979482714082008-01-22T06:06:00.000-08:002008-01-22T06:14:37.544-08:00Well, it's 2008...Yes. I fell off the face of the Earth.<br /><br />Ok, actually, I got uber-sick after Chicago (lovely girly germs!) and spent most of Christmas and New Year's wheezing and sleeping.<br /><br />I literally only started feeling better by the time I went to Walt Disney World, which was last week. I think my ear FINALLY cleared on the plane there. Ha!<br /><br />So, to recap:<br />~Went to Chicago. It SNOWED. We went to tea. Ames got really sick and ate cookies.<br />~Baked cookies here. Jack and sugar don't mix.<br />~MaxJET...don't even ask, let's just say this trip to Italy will go on as scheduled and will be fun.<br />~Christmas. Mmm, Pie.<br />~New Year's. <br />~Walt Disney Word - it was cold, but soooo much fun. MICKEY WAFFLES!!!<br /><br />In other news...Portland is in a few weeks! And Italy planning continues. :)Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-30646716554815789692007-12-07T06:14:00.000-08:002007-12-07T06:17:26.078-08:00December? Seriously?Yikes! Next weekend is cookie baking, which means I have to finish shopping AND decorate this weekend.<br /><br />Ah! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, I feel better.<br /><br />It's going to be a busy one: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mucho</span> shopping, cleaning...and decorating. Ahem.<br /><br />Not much new to report. Slight driving incident the other day, I now have a nickname in my house...<br />Donald Killer. You can pretty much figure that one out. *sigh*<br />Sniffle.<br /><br />It is Friday yet? <br />Oh. Wait.Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-52705637257852645552007-11-29T06:09:00.000-08:002007-12-07T06:18:07.088-08:00Ah, Gingerbread and Peanut Butter KissesSoon, soon the Christmas Baking will begin! Whee!!!<br /><br />I survived Thanksgiving, only having one slight issue - pulled a muscle or tendon in my leg and spent the next six days limping and swearing. A lot. As the parents made cracks about me pulling up lame.<br /><br />Ahem.<br /><br />But I got to try Sweet Potato pie. And? I'm in LOVE. Yum-o.<br /><br />It's Thursday, the new Friday. This weekend promises to be packed and fun: Christmas Lights, Disneyland, the whole bit.<br /><br />The Mom's birthday is coming up and we're going out to dinner. Whee!<br /><br />And two weeks until the Chicago Cookie Day 2007...the low on Monday is going to be 11. 11 DEGREES! Yikes. I need more layers!!!Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-74158549851514783292007-11-21T06:11:00.000-08:002007-11-21T06:18:06.443-08:00T-Minus 0 Days until Turkey!Almost finished? Are your pies in the oven? Is your turkey defrosting? Didja call Whole Foods for the back-up meal? Ha!<br /><br />First we have the Turkey Trot (gobble!), then we're going to the Aunt and Uncle's house for dinner, which should be entertaining. <br /><br />This weekend will be a whirlwind of...shopping and pampering. Pedicures, massages, South Coast, Thanksgiving Deux...<br /><br />I'm happy to report that the slide show rocked. Check it out:<br /><a href="http://www.charlesphoenix.com">http://www.charlesphoenix.com</a><br />Ha!<br /><br />Hugs to all!Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-91137470092727303392007-11-18T08:27:00.000-08:002007-11-18T08:33:41.725-08:00*sniffle* No, I'm not crying!Ok, I was crying. Ahem.<br /><br />One, <span style="font-style: italic;">Meet the Robinsons</span>. Rent the DVD, buy the movie, get it off Netflix or itunes, whatever. See the movie, it's cute and sappy and cute.<br /><br />I cried.<br /><br />Two, <span style="font-style: italic;">Long May She Reign</span>. Buy the book. Ok, first buy the first three Ellen Emerson White books, then buy the fourth. And read it. It's emotional and powerful. <br /><br />I cried.<br /><br />Preston and Meg forever!<br /><br />Friday? <span style="font-style: italic;">Ratatouille</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Newsies</span>. I'm going to owe Mom big time for this.Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-82160414014033103002007-11-16T06:25:00.000-08:002007-11-16T06:31:56.627-08:00Life Without MochasI'm on day 7 without my beloved mocha. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Grr</span>. If only the syrup didn't have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">HFCS</span> in it! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wah</span>.<br />But I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mightily</span> confusing all the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">baristas</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Snerk</span>.<br /><br />It's Friday. A busy weekend ahead...got to do a little super secret stuff, then the boring grocery shopping.<br /><br />Sunday we're going to to a slide show! No, seriously. We're going to a slide show.<br /><br />We're either really hip, really comfortable in our hobbies or really geeky. Let's go with a mix of all three, OK?<br /><br />Inching closer to Turkey Day - do you have your turkey? Your sweet potatoes? Your PIE???Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-40984145858034860882007-11-10T13:13:00.000-08:002007-11-10T13:18:24.028-08:00Holiday bits and bobsYeah, I don't know what the means, go with it.<br /><br />Whee, another Saturday - and, for the first time in ages, an actual plus to my current job...I have MONDAY OFF!<br /><br />Ahem. Whee!!!<br /><br />In other news, not much happening. A bit of Christmas shopping and a relaxing weekend. I'm all for that! <br /><br />And? It's almost time for PUMPKIN!Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-49777808747639164762007-11-07T06:11:00.000-08:002007-11-07T06:21:17.452-08:00Brrr! Baby, it's COLD outside!I am so in trouble...I'm already freezing and it's not even December. Or Winter. Ahem.<br /><br />Almost two weeks from Turkey Day! Whee! <br /><br />The Mom and I are doing the Turkey Trot in the morning. Yay! Dinner is still under negotiation. Stay tuned. And Friday (aka, Black Friday, which I don't do at all!), we're having Thanksgiving Deux, our version. Hee! There may be Christmas movies and pie involved, I'm just saying.<br /><br />In other news, still reading the book. I got so upset (crying, everything), I had to stop on Sunday. I'll report back when I finish. But it's good - Publisher's Weekly named it one of the best of 2007.<br /><br />On the horizon? Christmas Shopping...the Mom's birthday...Bauer Sale...Auntie Em's!<br />And? Cookie Day!!!Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-19611959044669574742007-11-03T11:55:00.000-07:002007-11-03T12:01:13.223-07:00Fall FunI'm trying to be more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bloggy</span> and less...well, cranky. <br /><br />The highlight of Thursday and Friday was eating my lunch backwards. Now get that image of me eating facing the wall...or something much worse...out of your head. I mean backwards - my cereal treat first, grapes second...the exact opposite of how I normally eat. <br /><br />I am <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">soooo</span> bored. That was my HIGHLIGHT! Ahem. And it took me 21 minutes to eat exactly 3/4s-cup of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cinnamon</span> Bunnies. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Snerk</span>.<br /><br />It's Saturday, which is...wait for it...BOOK DAY! WHEE!!! I've been waiting years for this...since 1989, to be exact. I have the book. I have the makings of dinner (peanut butter, duh!) and I have pie. I'm all set. <br /><br />Fall is also key for another reason - pumpkin treats return. Just had a pumpkin muffin top from Bristol Farms. Which was pumpkin-rocking good! Ha!<br /><br />Hugs to all...will update later. :)Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-75020202266522632742007-11-01T06:16:00.000-07:002007-11-01T06:25:15.285-07:00Gobble-Gobble!So, it's November. Since October sucked beyond the telling of it, with the cold and the work crap, I'm kind of glad.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, I'm really glad. I'm going to make an effort to be more positive and not let the soul-sucking...well, suck my soul. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Snerk</span>.<br /><br />Anyway, onward to better things. Many exciting things are in the works around here - days off, Turkey, pie...<br />:)<br /><br />Saturday is "Long May She Reign"-Day, which is kinda like the Harry Potter weekend - only much smaller, doesn't involve going away or getting the book at midnight. Because I got the book last week, a full four days before it was officially published. Ha!<br /><br />Sunday? We're dragging Dad to Disneyland. Ahem. Oh, and that show (whee!) starts again.<br /><br />Saturday, 11/3: Book Day! Starbucks, Pedicures, Shopping, Pie...and READING!!!<br />Sunday, 11/4: AR Day! Disneyland, Olives and Amazing Race!Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-90888707728517149842007-10-20T06:40:00.000-07:002007-10-20T06:51:33.448-07:00Yeah, that was swell.I had such high hopes for this week.<br /><br />~I am almost well. <span style="font-style: italic;">Almost.</span><br />~I am currently employed. <span style="font-style: italic;">Currently.</span><br />~I am going on vacation. <span style="font-style: italic;">Going.</span><br /><br />Of those three statements, two are *yay!* worthy. Which two, I wonder?<br /><br />Sometimes I wonder why I am even surprised at the drama that occurs. Really.Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-41089831312789599772007-10-18T06:18:00.000-07:002007-10-18T06:21:56.085-07:00Fun-o!<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, I'm finally starting to feel better.<br /><br />Yes, finally. <br /><br />Survived my second orientation, which means I'm kind of official - well, unofficially official, I'm not official for another year. Yes, a year. I don't get it either.<br /><br />Not much other news to report, just trying to spread my germs far and wide. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hmm</span>...<br /><br />:)Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-41809089529907529482007-10-12T06:21:00.000-07:002007-10-12T06:27:18.908-07:00Sniffle.Whatever. <br /><br />It's Friday, which means we're doing stuff this weekend (phlegm or no phlegm):<br />~hair cut<br />~coffee<br />~shopping<br />~Disneyland (again)<br />~returning the pants<br /><br />*wheeze*<br />*sigh*<br />*thud*Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-71780576622604564412007-10-09T14:11:00.000-07:002007-10-09T14:22:51.536-07:00The Sick Girl Does Lunch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_zt_hmna_CzM/Rwvw-ZCgw5I/AAAAAAAAAIs/zSsjPtuEU40/s1600-h/Lunch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_zt_hmna_CzM/Rwvw-ZCgw5I/AAAAAAAAAIs/zSsjPtuEU40/s320/Lunch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119450356100678546" border="0" /></a><br />What do you eat when your throat hurts and you're cranky...?<br /><br />A cup of Cold Care Tea with Brown Sugar (the honey was weird.).<br /><br />A Choco-Walla Odwalla Bar...that you stopped to buy on the way home because you wanted one that much.<br /><br />A peanut butter cookie.<br /><br />Snerk.Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-67844666049118582432007-10-09T06:22:00.000-07:002007-10-09T06:25:57.907-07:00Wheeze...sputter...Ewww. Sicko-girl is not having fun.<br />Enough about that. *sniffle*<br /><br />The weekend was a blast, loved Ames telling us she had a melt down "because she didn't have a nap..."<br /><br />Ahem.<br /><br />*sniffle*<br />This is getting annoying.Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-37067083453770325622007-10-05T06:17:00.000-07:002007-10-05T06:24:45.634-07:00Yawn. One week down, an unknown number to go.Yup, it's finally Friday. Whee. *thud*<br /><br />You know, like 4-solid hours of sleep would be so nice right now. Yawn.<br /><br />Weekend Plans...<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Saturday, 10/6</span>: Eyes, Bristol Farms, See's, Starbucks, Wild Oats, Ralphs...how mundane!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sunday, 10/7</span>: Brunch, Starbucks, Downtown Disney, Disneyland...whee, Halloween!<br /><br />Other than that, just working on Italy and Portland plans...ha!Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-3676882292299519132007-10-04T06:18:00.000-07:002007-10-04T06:22:02.356-07:00Faux FridayOk, I so want to believe that Thursday is the new Friday, but I'm having issues.<br /><br />Mainly with the whole "still got to get up at 5:00am tomorrow, which I wouldn't have to do it it *really* was Friday"-thing. <br />Ahem.<br />Have I mentioned that I'm literal?<br /><br />Since today is Thursday, it is a good day...no students around! Quiet day, whee!<br /><br />Is it 5pm yet?Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-91275358711531937462007-10-02T06:18:00.000-07:002007-10-02T06:23:49.975-07:00Day One, Version 2.0So today was my first official day.<br /><br />I had a safety orientation. FYI, you should scrub your hands for at least two renditions of "Happy Birthday" - either sung to yourself or out-loud, your choice. <br /><br />Then I went to Human Resources, who had nothing for me to sign or look at. Payroll was equally stumped as to why I was there with my forms of ID.<br /><br />I'm not sure if I should be worried. Thoughts?<br /><br />In other news....<br />~That problem is slowly clearing itself up. SLOWLY. Grrr.<br />~The Chicago clan will be in town this weekend, Whee!<br />~Portland!Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-41733874209585698712007-09-28T20:11:00.000-07:002007-09-28T20:16:28.731-07:00Uh, Ok.So, I just bought a ticket to London (it's our stopping off point for both the Rome and Venice flights...)...<br />For a lot of money, I might add.<br /><br />But my question is, since I requested the *fruit plate* (stop laughing, right now!), how much fruit do I get for that much money???<br /><br />I can't stop snickering. *ahem*<br /><a href="http://www.maxjet.com/"><br />MaxJet</a>Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-58732697137086908452007-09-28T06:16:00.000-07:002007-09-28T06:23:01.356-07:00A Whirlwind of Nothingness<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Yay</span>, I made it through another week. Monday will mark my official first day at work, which I suppose is a good thing. ;)<br /><br />Many good things in the works, but I'm afraid it's kind of boring and quiet for now. There are four (4!) trips in the next 8 months, which is cool-o. Last weekend the Mom and I walked to the Farmer's Market - try the scones from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sconeage</span>, they rock! Next weekend we're going to Disneyland to check out the pumpkin-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ness</span>. <br /><br />But, for now? Quiet.<br /><br />Saturday: $, Coffee, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pedis</span>, Bristol, Wild Oats, Market<br />Sunday: Newport BeachMercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245261559543640117.post-82104659845819162042007-09-17T06:21:00.000-07:002007-09-17T06:25:57.077-07:00Meg!!!Yeah, I am so not talking about the Aunt. Ha!<br /><br />I am super excited, one of my favorite author's ever (!) is releasing a new book...a fourth book in a trilogy I read as a child/teen. Then rediscovered as an adult.<br /><br />And hunted ebay for, ha! Whee! <br /><br />Check it out!<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312367678?ie=UTF8&tag=ellemewhi-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312367678">Long May She Reign</a><br /><br />Hugs to all...<br />Joan Jett rocks. Ha!Mercedeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09487759720168823053noreply@blogger.com0