Today is my official last day at DL and I'm still at home sick. The good thing is that I get to spend some time with my new kitties. These girls are so sweet! They just love grooming each other.
Today was Lemonhead's B-day and unfortunately I could not join the festivities because I was stuck at home sick. It looks like I got the flu again...yuck! Lucky for me someone had a camera phone so I felt like I was there in a way...too bad I couldn't taste the cake from here too. Happy Birthday Lemonhead!
Saying goodbye is real difficult for me, especially when you work with such a fabulous group of people. Today the DL group threw me the most amazing "going away" bash ever. It was all very emotional for me. I've become very attached to everyone in this group so it's going to be difficult for me to not have them around on a daily basis. Thank you everyone at DL for making my time there so amazing!
Today Pablo returned home from his trip to Orlando, FL with his buddies Zach and Joel. As you could see from the picture above, Pablo enjoyed the Florida weather by getting some R&R by the pool. That silly monkey!
Even though I've been living in L.A. most of my life today I saw the mall on Hollywood and Highland for the first time. My bro and I worked a party there at one of the restaurants. Can't wait to come back to that mall for some serious shopping!
Today we added two new members to our family. Their names are Lily and Sadie. They're 4 months old and super sweet. Although they were shy at the beginning, they're starting to warm up to us.
This Mongolian BBQ restaurant is so yummy! We went there for dinner and later caught a movie with our buddy Brian. Thanks to Brian for the restaurant suggestion.
This fire has clearly become uncontrollable. The flames have spread all the way toward Simi Valley and it's raining ashes outside. The air quality is disgusting as you can see from the picture above.
Looks like the brush fire flames are spreading in Porter Ranch. I took this picture from the Best Buy/Wal-Mart/Toys-R-Us shopping center. Those poor houses out there are real close to the flames and the fact that winds are still pretty strong is not helping matters.
Today was a good day, not only was the sunset amazing, but I also accepted a job offer as a Human Factors Engineer. Yay! It's going to be sad leaving DL but I guess all good things must come to an end.
Brian and I went on a photo shoot to Vasquez today and got some awesome shots. It was a real beautiful day for taking pictures since the sky was so clear.
We had a surprise "Happy Brithday/Wedding Shower/Going Away" party for Nishaat today at work. It was cool because we were able to plan it and put it all together without her having a clue about it. It was the least we could do to show Nishaat how much she's meant to us. That girl has helped with EVERYTHING, it's going to be a big loss when she's gone. I wish her the all the best in the future. Seen above: Tiff, Janice, Nishaat, Shabnam, and Joy.
Pablo and Myriam are back from Kansas and they brought back these yummy candies for all of us to enjoy. A special thanks to Myriam for putting up with Pablo for the past week.
Another Henna Mission accomplished. Yesterday I worked another Henna party out in L.A. This party was a bit different from those I've done so far since this one was held outdoors. Their theme was "Rave" so there were plenty of glow-in-the-dark accessories and the kids seems to enjoy themselves a lot. Picture above: Linda drawing a henna dragon on some kid.
I've found another Tee website to start ordering from [Y-Que]. They've got some hilarious prints to choose from, not to mention the great selection of refrigerator magnets like those found in the picture above. Special thanks to Dave "The Lawn Inspector."
Wow this movie was freaky! It doesn't help that it's based on a real story. It's best to watch this in the theatre since the sound quality is so great. That's what really made this movie...music and sound effects. I must admit it's going to be difficult not be paranoid about 3 am for a while.
So now that we have the green screen all set up we could start recording our video shots at work. The new software we got is great since it's got a teleprompter function as well. The video/recording studio is turning out nicely. I sure wish the "video queens" were here to see it, they'd be proud.
Well this was interesting to see. Whoever designed the Taco Bell drive thru wasn't very bright. Not only do you have to reach passed the passengers seat to get your food but you also have to look out for crossing pedestrians as you drive off. This design is hilarious!
Ok so I'm at McD's getting a "healthy" McBreakfast when I notice the label on the Hi-C orange drink. Who in their right mind would put something like this on their label?? It just doesn't seem very smart. Must be the result of yet another legal battle.
There are way too many bad drivers in L.A.! Yesterday a girl was hit by an SUV right in front of school while she was crossing the street using a crosswalk. That's sad! I hope she made it. There are way too many idiots driving SUVs these days! I myself almost got whipped out by an SUV while walking home one day last year.
After a long weekend of moving my brother and Rose are finally in their new place. I think the toughest part was my brother's salt water aquarium and coral tank. I think it'll be a while before all components of the aquarium are plugged in. They're beautiful aquariums though!
Rose and my bro are moving into their new place this week so we've been helping out in the afternoons. It's really starting to shape up. Moving is always a drag but once things have found their place it's a good feeling.
I can't believe what's happened to New Orleans the past few days. It's so difficult to see how much people there are suffering especially since I was there only a year ago. I wish there was something I could do to help. I wish I could take time to volunteer. I guess the only thing I could do from here is make a donation.
Went out to lunch with some buddies from work again. It's nice to get out and do things once in a while especially since I've been feeling so tense lately. I think we've made Acapulco our regular place since we've been there a few times this summer.
This accident thing has been a real hassle. Between trying to get a rental car, going to physical therapy, and trying to get answers on the progress of the claim it's just been exhausting. I sure hope all of this is over soon so I could go back to where I was. I saw this car the other day and can’t imagine why someone would drive around with a bunch of stuffed animals on their front dash. WTF!
So here's a picture of my pretty new car after the accident...yes, accident! I've only had it for 5 days and now it looks like this. Talk about bad luck! I ended up sandwiched between a Mercedes and a VW Bug. Turns out the Bug didn't notice the Mercedes and I were completely stopped so he rammed into the back of my car while going over 45mph. The impact caused my vehicle to hit the Mercedes in front. Thank god I was wearing my seat belt and was able to walk away alive. Tomorrow I see a doctor regarding the chest, neck and back pain I've developed as a result of the impact. *sigh*
Pablo just returned from a trip to Seattle with my buddy Joel and his wife. It looks like he had tons of fun. Check out his travel blog for more pictures.
Today I became the owner of a brand new Mazda 3s and I'm lovin' it. Wow, talk about a great car! I'm excited! Here's a picture of Rose proving that the trunk is large enough to hold a body...lol.
Looks like the Biology department at school was having fun with colored chalk. This is why I insist on carrying a camera everywhere I go...you never know what you're going to run into.
Today I test drove a Mazda 3 and fell in love with it. The worst part about checking out cars is dealing with the paperwork just to get a quote. I got so bored waiting to get information that I kept myself busy by photographing the reflection of my legs on the table mirror. The car was great though...I think we may have to get one.
Today we saw "Sky High" since there was nothing else playing this weekend. It was an ok movie. I think the boys enjoyed the arcade a little more than the movie.
Hip-Hip-Hooray! The thesis defense is over and I've passed! What a relief. Now all that's left is to revise my thesis and turn it in by Friday. Once that's done, I'm home free! Dang I'm feeling good right now! Big thanks to everyone at DL for taking me out to lunch, showering me with cute gifts, and for all of your support through this entire process. You guys are the greatest!
So Dooms-Day is coming up...yes, that's right, my thesis defense. I'm so nervous! I can't wait until it's all over with! I swear I don't know how Jess kept it together through hers. I'm nauseous, and a complete wreck...and it's still 1.5 days away. Argh, I hate feeling like this.
Happy 23rd to Rose! We took her to the Hard Rock Cafe', had a great dinner, enjoyed the Sound of Music, and did some shopping. I hope she enjoyed it as much as I did.
We had such an awesome time yesterday at Janice's housewarming party. She's got the loveliest home I've seen in a while, and the 50" TV isn't bad either. It was great seeing some old co-workers and just catching up on things. I can't wait until our next event. Thanks to Janice and her husband Andrew for inviting us into their lovely home. Seen above: Miriam and her husband, Lourdes, Shabnam and her husband
Today we had lunch with Jason and his wife Liz. It was so great to see them again! Those two have got to be the most amazing people ever. After loosing almost everything they owned they still have a great positive outlook on life, it's really amazing. After attending a friend's wedding they'll be headed toward Connecticut. I wish them all the best!
So after being cooped up at home working on my thesis for the past 4 days, Rose finally got me out of the house. We went to the local farmer's market to get some yummy food and do a little shopping. It was nice to get some fresh air.
So the new GUI is finally done. Poor Lemonhead, he's slaved these past few months to get this done and now it is. Yay for him! Next week he's taking a well deserved vacation.
This reminds me that I need to make time this summer to volunteer with Heal the Bay. I volunteered once when I was younger and got a great feeling out of cleaning up those beaches. It's sad to see the beaches so polluted the way they are these days.
Thanks to Brian for suggesting the Rose Bowl for the 4th of July fireworks show. It was awesome! I've never seen so many fireworks at once before. Too bad the pre-show was a bore. It was still worth the $10/per person.