Seriously, I've never cried over a political speech. Politics, yes, but generally when they've done me an injustice. Obama's speech made me cry in a good way - it appealed to my hopeful side, which hasn't seen the light of day much recently.
If you haven't watched the speech, please do so here.
So, who will you vote for in November?
Friday, August 29, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Ratsy & Squidgie
Above: This is Ratsy. She's a bit older than Squidgie. She's the one that got away from us about 20 minutes after we brought her home by located an unfinished portion of the cabinet under our bathroom sink. We thought we were safe having her locked in the bathroom - she's crafty.
Above: Squidgie is younger than Ratsy by a couple months. She still acts like she barely knows how to walk sometimes which is silly and adorable all at the same time. She is smaller than Ratsy - I think that Ratsy steals a lot of the food. She's very timid, possibly because Ratsy bit the crap out of her neck the day that we brought Squidgie home. Though we've tried our best, we have been shitty parents to these rats on the days we brought them both home. Sigh...
Above: Ratsy sniffing the air for the sweet smell of freedom.
Above: Squidgie is training for the 2008 Rat Olympics.
Above: Both rats on top of their cage. They are conspiring against us and plotting to escape.
Above: Ratsy checking out the camera.
Above: This is their cage. Considering their size, they have more living space than we do.
Above: Squidgie is thinking deep thoughts.
Dreams
I had a couple very weird dreams over the weekend. I'm not sure what it means (other than I'd run out of Lexapro and my mind may have been sharper at "recording" them).
Dream 1:
I was following my mom up an escalator in a mall-type setting. She was a lot further ahead of me. Once I got to the top of the escalator, I was in what looked like the Grand Canyon on one of those moving sidewalks. The moving sidewalk was going around and around the Grand Canyon (which was pretty small in the dream) at a pretty fast clip. I remember having to move further to the right because the lane of the moving sidewalk that I was in went right over the cliff. So around and around I went, and soon the sidewalk started slowing down - due to the help of a Ryan Seacrest-type guy who'd been standing near the controls the whole time. My mom was nowhere in sight by this point. Anyway, he got the thing going in the opposite direction so I was heading toward where I'd come from in the first place. Only there was an angry old fart who didn't want me to leave for some reason. It was around that point that I turned into a very bouncy pig and jumped through a tiny window into the land I'd come from [aka "the mall"]. Weird.
Dream 2:
Our pet rats [Ratsy and Squidgie] had moved their cage to the refrigerator (and were apparently doing well in there). I went to check on them and noticed additional rats in the refrigerator cage (behind the vegetable drawer). The first rat I picked up was cream-colored and had the face of a rabbit, minus the ears. We named her "bunny". The second rat I picked up was dark brown-black and we named him "bear". There were two others in the refrigerator cage - Ryan and I each wound up holding three rats in the dream. The magic thing is that our two rats are girls. Perhaps Ratsy and Squidgie had moved their cage to a refrigerator on Isla Nublar!
I had another dream about my coworker, Veronica, and I having to go to some networking event together. However, that's not too exciting since we actually do that kind of stuff for work.
Anyway, my Lexapro has been refilled so I shouldn't have weird dreams as much. Not that they're all bad.
Dream 1:
I was following my mom up an escalator in a mall-type setting. She was a lot further ahead of me. Once I got to the top of the escalator, I was in what looked like the Grand Canyon on one of those moving sidewalks. The moving sidewalk was going around and around the Grand Canyon (which was pretty small in the dream) at a pretty fast clip. I remember having to move further to the right because the lane of the moving sidewalk that I was in went right over the cliff. So around and around I went, and soon the sidewalk started slowing down - due to the help of a Ryan Seacrest-type guy who'd been standing near the controls the whole time. My mom was nowhere in sight by this point. Anyway, he got the thing going in the opposite direction so I was heading toward where I'd come from in the first place. Only there was an angry old fart who didn't want me to leave for some reason. It was around that point that I turned into a very bouncy pig and jumped through a tiny window into the land I'd come from [aka "the mall"]. Weird.
Dream 2:
Our pet rats [Ratsy and Squidgie] had moved their cage to the refrigerator (and were apparently doing well in there). I went to check on them and noticed additional rats in the refrigerator cage (behind the vegetable drawer). The first rat I picked up was cream-colored and had the face of a rabbit, minus the ears. We named her "bunny". The second rat I picked up was dark brown-black and we named him "bear". There were two others in the refrigerator cage - Ryan and I each wound up holding three rats in the dream. The magic thing is that our two rats are girls. Perhaps Ratsy and Squidgie had moved their cage to a refrigerator on Isla Nublar!
I had another dream about my coworker, Veronica, and I having to go to some networking event together. However, that's not too exciting since we actually do that kind of stuff for work.
Anyway, my Lexapro has been refilled so I shouldn't have weird dreams as much. Not that they're all bad.
Weekend goings on
Ryan and I had a great weekend. It was especially nice for me since I didn't have to work on Friday. I stayed home, read a lot, and slept. Friday night we went to a birthday party for one of Ryan's coworkers. It was nice and Ryan was goofy. All is right in the world.
On Saturday we went to an amazing art show in Long Beach called Sk8ology. Our friends Seth Haak and Jeff McMillan were two of the artists feature in the show. Basically, each of the artists had the space of a skateboard in which to create their own unique piece of art. The results were incredible! The show was a fundraiser for two charities (ISM: A Community Project and Now That You Know) and each of the pieces is up for auction starting at $100. If you're interested, check out the auction website here. Ryan and I both agreed that we should go to more contemporary art shows in the area. Ryan even felt more like creating his own art after the event, which would be beautiful on our walls.
On Sunday we finished watching Season 2 of "Dexter". That show is insane - disturbing, uplifting and comical almost all at once. Now the question is whether we'll order Showtime so that we can watch Dexter on a weekly basis once the new shows start.
We also did more "chore" activities on Sunday - shopping at Costco and doing laundry, primarily. I made potato tacos for dinner - they were delish and very easy (aside from the time it takes to peel, cut, boil and mash the potatoes). We both enjoyed them a lot so I'll have to make more next time.
On Saturday we went to an amazing art show in Long Beach called Sk8ology. Our friends Seth Haak and Jeff McMillan were two of the artists feature in the show. Basically, each of the artists had the space of a skateboard in which to create their own unique piece of art. The results were incredible! The show was a fundraiser for two charities (ISM: A Community Project and Now That You Know) and each of the pieces is up for auction starting at $100. If you're interested, check out the auction website here. Ryan and I both agreed that we should go to more contemporary art shows in the area. Ryan even felt more like creating his own art after the event, which would be beautiful on our walls.
On Sunday we finished watching Season 2 of "Dexter". That show is insane - disturbing, uplifting and comical almost all at once. Now the question is whether we'll order Showtime so that we can watch Dexter on a weekly basis once the new shows start.
We also did more "chore" activities on Sunday - shopping at Costco and doing laundry, primarily. I made potato tacos for dinner - they were delish and very easy (aside from the time it takes to peel, cut, boil and mash the potatoes). We both enjoyed them a lot so I'll have to make more next time.
Busy little bees
It seems like Ryan and I have been busy a lot recently. Personally, we just have a lot of things going on. Professionally, I'm in what I jokingly refer to as "hell month". Not really, I just made up that name. I'm sure that I would call it something far worse if given more time but blogs must be written!
Anyway, the next month - professionally - will be about as fun as I imagine mammograms to be while personally, it should be a lot of fun. Busy, busy, busy! I hope I don't get sick from being run down.
So what do we have going on in the next month? Oh...everything.
So, if you aren't using up all of the hours in your day, would you mind sparing me some? I could use it!
Anyway, the next month - professionally - will be about as fun as I imagine mammograms to be while personally, it should be a lot of fun. Busy, busy, busy! I hope I don't get sick from being run down.
So what do we have going on in the next month? Oh...everything.
- WIGI networking event at Disney Studios
- "Casting Call" (a networking/recruiting event I'm apparently spearheading)
- One-on-one call with the regional Career Services Specialist
- Group call with the regional Career Services Specialist to discuss employer visits
- I have Jury Duty (possibly).
- If I don't have jury duty I have to mock interview college students for a class.
- my parents' anniversary (and possibly more jury duty)
- more mock interviews (there are four or five classes of students to get through)
- Grad Bash, an event I'm overseeing for our upcoming graduates
- camping up near Mountain High for the weekend
- Demo Reel pre-run show
- Portfolio Review
- Christy's birthday
- Alex's birthday
- Melanie's birthday
- Ryan's birthday
- Aaron G.'s birthday
So, if you aren't using up all of the hours in your day, would you mind sparing me some? I could use it!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Amazing life is quiet
Well, the title of this blog is "Cassie & Ryan's amazing life", so I figured I'd better post something. The truth is, the title was me being sarcastic. We're not off climbing the Himalayas or...I don't know...saving feral cats. We're just living and there hasn't been too much exciting that's happened recently. But for those of you die-hard fans, here's a glimpse into our exciting world.
Friday
I took my car to Connell Chevrolet to see if they could fix it. My Aveo was making a noise. I can't describe it to you so I won't bother. Anyway, they figured out what was wrong (belt tensioner) but didn't have time to fix it that day. Since we didn't want to be car-less over the weekend, and the problem wasn't crucial, we picked the car back up that evening.
Saturday
We went to a friend/coworker's wedding reception. The wedding itself was on Friday at 4:30pm so neither of us was able to make it. The reception itself was wonderful, though. It was for my coworker, Laura, and her partner, Karla. Yes, two ladies. I know some people don't approve of that but, hey, this is my blog. The reception was very emotional. Laura and Karla have been together for many years and were previously "Domestic Partners", the highest status they could claim as lesbians. Seeing the two of them able to marry and gain all of the rights that everyone in our country should be granted was a beautiful thing. I cried more at their reception than I did at my wedding (perhaps because I didn't really have time to think at my wedding). It was beautiful and they deserve each other and the ability to legally be wed.
Then we went to a party at Will & Trish's to celebrate their birthdays. Fun, fun, fun! You never know who will show up. Somebody made some great veggie lasagna - shout out to that person! Oh, and the chocolate chip cookies were awesome too!
Monday
I went to Baja Fresh for lunch and ordered the Diablo Grilled Shrimp Burrito without cheese. They made me a Cabo Shrimp Burrito with cheese. I asked them to remake the thing "Diablo-style" without the cheese. I don't want cheese, people! They weren't too happy about that and I think that they added some spice to it. Oh well - it was good.
Ryan and I went to Panera Bread for dinner. I ordered Garden Vegetable Soup and a Caesar Salad with no cheese. They gave me a Caesar salad with cheese and no dressing. I DON'T WANT CHEESE! I was very irritated, especially since I didn't find out until I was home. I should have called their hotline and told them I was allergic to cheese.
Tuesday
Ryan went to a SIGGRAPH course about visual effects (I think). And I went to a really long and boring and tedious department meeting. Except for the new MS Office Suite, there's nothing I hate more than a tediously boring meeting. I wanted to claw out my eyes.
I found a cool bottle of wine at Target (called VOGA Pinot Grigio, I believe). I like wine and I loved the bottle, so I got it. Once Ryan got home we watched a few episodes of "Flight of the Conchords", which is a really good TV show. If you haven't seen it, you should. It reminds me of Ryan and me (our senses of humor). Good stuff!
Wednesday (today)
I took my car back to the dealership this morning. Ryan dropped me off at work on his motorcycle (I'm so cool showing up at work in my motorcycle helmet). I led a very productive meeting about an event my department is hosting for graduates. Yay!
And the service guy from the dealership called and told me that the problem with my car wasn't the drive belt tensioner or the drive belt but may be a different belt, belt tensioner, or a "bad pulley". Wait...back up the truck...there are PULLEYS in car engines?! Doesn't that seem a bit 17th century for a high-powered piece of machinery? I mean, it's not a Corvette but come on!
Anyway, they loaned me an '07 Impala. Pretty nice car but it's huuuuuuuuuuuge compared to the Aveo. I'm sure I'll figure it out by the time I have to return it.
And that is our last few days. Pretty exciting, no?
Friday
I took my car to Connell Chevrolet to see if they could fix it. My Aveo was making a noise. I can't describe it to you so I won't bother. Anyway, they figured out what was wrong (belt tensioner) but didn't have time to fix it that day. Since we didn't want to be car-less over the weekend, and the problem wasn't crucial, we picked the car back up that evening.
Saturday
We went to a friend/coworker's wedding reception. The wedding itself was on Friday at 4:30pm so neither of us was able to make it. The reception itself was wonderful, though. It was for my coworker, Laura, and her partner, Karla. Yes, two ladies. I know some people don't approve of that but, hey, this is my blog. The reception was very emotional. Laura and Karla have been together for many years and were previously "Domestic Partners", the highest status they could claim as lesbians. Seeing the two of them able to marry and gain all of the rights that everyone in our country should be granted was a beautiful thing. I cried more at their reception than I did at my wedding (perhaps because I didn't really have time to think at my wedding). It was beautiful and they deserve each other and the ability to legally be wed.
Then we went to a party at Will & Trish's to celebrate their birthdays. Fun, fun, fun! You never know who will show up. Somebody made some great veggie lasagna - shout out to that person! Oh, and the chocolate chip cookies were awesome too!
Monday
I went to Baja Fresh for lunch and ordered the Diablo Grilled Shrimp Burrito without cheese. They made me a Cabo Shrimp Burrito with cheese. I asked them to remake the thing "Diablo-style" without the cheese. I don't want cheese, people! They weren't too happy about that and I think that they added some spice to it. Oh well - it was good.
Ryan and I went to Panera Bread for dinner. I ordered Garden Vegetable Soup and a Caesar Salad with no cheese. They gave me a Caesar salad with cheese and no dressing. I DON'T WANT CHEESE! I was very irritated, especially since I didn't find out until I was home. I should have called their hotline and told them I was allergic to cheese.
Tuesday
Ryan went to a SIGGRAPH course about visual effects (I think). And I went to a really long and boring and tedious department meeting. Except for the new MS Office Suite, there's nothing I hate more than a tediously boring meeting. I wanted to claw out my eyes.
I found a cool bottle of wine at Target (called VOGA Pinot Grigio, I believe). I like wine and I loved the bottle, so I got it. Once Ryan got home we watched a few episodes of "Flight of the Conchords", which is a really good TV show. If you haven't seen it, you should. It reminds me of Ryan and me (our senses of humor). Good stuff!
Wednesday (today)
I took my car back to the dealership this morning. Ryan dropped me off at work on his motorcycle (I'm so cool showing up at work in my motorcycle helmet). I led a very productive meeting about an event my department is hosting for graduates. Yay!
And the service guy from the dealership called and told me that the problem with my car wasn't the drive belt tensioner or the drive belt but may be a different belt, belt tensioner, or a "bad pulley". Wait...back up the truck...there are PULLEYS in car engines?! Doesn't that seem a bit 17th century for a high-powered piece of machinery? I mean, it's not a Corvette but come on!
Anyway, they loaned me an '07 Impala. Pretty nice car but it's huuuuuuuuuuuge compared to the Aveo. I'm sure I'll figure it out by the time I have to return it.
And that is our last few days. Pretty exciting, no?
For the love of...
"Why, Microsoft? Why?!?"
Actually, what I've been saying to my work computer since last Thursday morning is much less repeatable than the quote above. Those of you who have the new Microsoft Office Suite may know what I'm talking about. Those of you who don't.........don't "upgrade"! It'll ruin your life and make you mentally insane.
I just don't get it. Word has been the same (for all intents and purposes) since I was about 13. That's many a year. Everything's been the same. But now, all of a sudden, Microsoft felt the need to spruce things up. Well, hell, Microsoft - you just cost my company gajillions. I have things to finish and a short time to complete them. How am I supposed to do that when I can't figure out the stupid "menus" that aren't really menus anymore. I searched for 15 minutes on Friday trying to figure out where the "Change Case" feature went.
Granted, the new version of the Office Suite is much prettier. If that's all you care about, by all means, buy the software. But as far as usability - forget about it! They've changed all the menus around. They have this new master button, which flashes color randomly, that houses "save", "print", and many other commands that used to be under the FILE menu. No more FILE menu, can you believe it??
Overall, I think Word is the biggest pain in the butt since the overhaul. Maybe that's because it's the one that I use the most. I do like the new calendar look in Outlook and there is some better functionality in Excel. But it's definitely not worth the wasted time spent looking for features that are no longer familiar.
Actually, what I've been saying to my work computer since last Thursday morning is much less repeatable than the quote above. Those of you who have the new Microsoft Office Suite may know what I'm talking about. Those of you who don't.........don't "upgrade"! It'll ruin your life and make you mentally insane.
I just don't get it. Word has been the same (for all intents and purposes) since I was about 13. That's many a year. Everything's been the same. But now, all of a sudden, Microsoft felt the need to spruce things up. Well, hell, Microsoft - you just cost my company gajillions. I have things to finish and a short time to complete them. How am I supposed to do that when I can't figure out the stupid "menus" that aren't really menus anymore. I searched for 15 minutes on Friday trying to figure out where the "Change Case" feature went.
Granted, the new version of the Office Suite is much prettier. If that's all you care about, by all means, buy the software. But as far as usability - forget about it! They've changed all the menus around. They have this new master button, which flashes color randomly, that houses "save", "print", and many other commands that used to be under the FILE menu. No more FILE menu, can you believe it??
Overall, I think Word is the biggest pain in the butt since the overhaul. Maybe that's because it's the one that I use the most. I do like the new calendar look in Outlook and there is some better functionality in Excel. But it's definitely not worth the wasted time spent looking for features that are no longer familiar.
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