The Sonia Show

Spaz alert!

Tue, 13 May 2008 22:30:30 GMT

Yeah, so, I'm a spaz.

I just spilled an entire large glass of water all over my desk, soaking my keyboard and ruining my mouse. Eeek! I had to get a new mouse. Also, everyone in the office got to walk by my cube and point and laugh at me.

The bright side, of course, is now my desk is super clean. No dust. I'm getting a clean start.

Cooking with curry

Tue, 13 May 2008 17:13:26 GMT

Yeah, so, I cooked last night. Yay me!

I made yellow curry with tofu, onions, green beans and water chestnuts with brown rice. I think it turned out pretty OK. Next time I will swap out the green beans for snow peas, because the beans were a little too crunchy. Kate came over and had dinner with me. She said it was tasty, but she could just be saying that to be polite.

Good buddy Tiff introduced me to cooking with tofu. It’s really good and super easy. I had no idea. I have a difficult time cooking with meat. I don’t particularly like touching raw meat, especially chicken. Blech. It makes me want to gag. Don't get me wrong. I love to eat meat. I just don't want to touch it when it's raw. The point is it felt great to get in the kitchen and cook something.

OH, I forgot to mention something about the bar night on Friday. There was a man in the bar wearing sweatpants. Sweatpants!!! In a bar!!! On a Friday night!!! Unacceptable! If that man had bought me a drink, I would have thrown it on his sweatpants.

I want to see the new Indiana Jones movie so bad. I think I need to go opening night.

Today is The Man’s birthday. Happy 60^th Birthday, Dad! I hope you like the fancy new ax handle I bought you.

Tarot.com says …

Libra: Your key planet Venus is receiving conflicting instructions even now when she's in practical Taurus, encouraging you to seek and enjoy simple pleasures. But a tense aspect from dark Pluto can complicate your life by luring you beneath the surface and into the mysterious realms of your subconscious mind. Face your fears and bring your buried feelings up to the surface where they won't have as much negative influence over your life.

Cute boys, baby showers and moving day

Mon, 12 May 2008 02:15:02 GMT

Yeah, so, I had a busy, fun weekend.

Friday night, I met up with Tiff, Karen, Nicole and some of Nicole's fellow CNET-ers for dinner at Foley's followed by drinks at some dive bar called Chelsea Place. Very divey. I think they filmed “The Accused” in that bar. Then we went to Tunnel Top. I talked to a cute boy. He declared himself the world's worst Scrabble player, which pretty much makes him the perfect man for me, right? HA!

Saturday, Kate and I headed out to the Big C for my sis and Tony's baby shower. I had a blast visiting with friends and family. Sun, beer, BBQ: What else do you need on a beautiful Saturday afternoon? OH, maybe Tony taking off his shirt and taking on the slip 'n' slide? Quite the “interesting” site.

Sunday was moving day for Kate. Tiff, D, Kate's buddy Colleen and I managed to move just about everything. The bed, chairs, couch, TV: All the heavy stuff. I was super impressed that we five ladies were able to get everything moved without injury. Girl power. Kate's new place in North Beach is awesome! I am very jealous of the amount of space that she has. I was so motivated after helping her set up her place that I came back to my studio and went to crazy rearranging everything. I moved the bookcase to the opposite wall and moved the bed over, which gives me more “living room” space. Well, as much space as you can have in a studio apartment. I moved the TV and the TV stand over to the other wall as well, and moved the DVD case to under the window. It makes the living room space feel much larger and gives it just a little bit of separation from the bed. I think I could get a love seat in the living room space now! Woo-hoo!

I love this studio, but I miss having a separate bedroom and living room. It's very tempting to get into bed and watch TV. That's no good. The bed is for sleeping and, ummmm, other activities. Not TV watching. I think the new set up will put an end to the temptation.

Tiff and I also made a stop at Trader Joe's. I've got some big plans to start doing some actual cooking in this place.

Cult of Pop Culture: HEIDI MONTAG'S STUPIDITY HAS US PRAYING FOR FORGIVENESS THIS WEEK

We should all get down on our knees and pray to God, Buddha, Allah, Vishnu and/or the significant lord of your choosing for Vanilla Ice, Whoopi Goldberg, Hugh Hefner and these other pop culture saviors and sinners in iF's new weekly list of the CULT OF POP CULTURE.

* HILLS star Heidi Montag said that not being friends with costar Lauren Conrad is “kind of like a weight off my shoulders.” Another thing that’s a weight off her shoulders: An absence of a brain.

* Vanilla Ice’s latest single has been leaked onto the Internet. Unfortunately, it’s his wife’s 911 call for domestic abuse. Still, it’s easier to dance to than that song he did for TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II.

* Ashlee Simpson and Fall Out Boy-er Pete Wentz are expected to get hitched this week. Not surprising, Simpson plans to pre-record her vows for the big day.

* Cher says that she dated Tom Cruise in his post-RISKY BUSINESS, pre-COLOR OF MONEY days. In a related story, Cher is a man.

Click here for the rest of this week's Cult of Pop Culture

Do you like to party?

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:18:20 GMT

Ain't no party like a Democratic Party cuz a Democratic Party don't stop.

Sigh. I've got Clinton-Obama burnout.

Office strangeness, yoga and wine tasting

Thu, 08 May 2008 18:40:43 GMT

Yeah, so, a coworker just told me that one of the bosses in the office instructed her assistant to turn on her office light when the boss isn’t in the office, so people will think she is in the office.

I suggested that the assistant should order a cardboard cut-out or perhaps one of those love dolls to sit in her chair as well. That’ll fool us.

I didn’t watch “American Idol” last night, but I heard that the Dreaded One got the boot. Not surprising. I heard his rendition of “I Shot the Sheriff” on the radio. It was so terrible that I wanted to shoot a sheriff. It is rare that a song makes me want to kill a law enforcement officer, but yet it happened.

Instead of watching TV, I went to yoga with Kate. I heart yoga. I always feel so great after yoga. My DVR is getting packed. I’m still recording every new episode of “Battlestar Galactica.” I’ve still got five more to watch of season three, then I can start the current season.

In other news, Tony worked out all his divorce court stuff yesterday. Woo-hoo! Congrats to Tony and my sis, they are finally free of lawyers and court dates!

Office buddy Holly dropped off a City College schedule of wine tasting classes for me to choose from. She wants to take one this summer. Can’t say no to that.

Tarot.com says …
Libra: Your feelings are strong now, yet you may choose to keep them to yourself. You might want to show someone special that you do care, but would rather express it through actions instead of language. Keep all channels of communication wide open. Just continue to follow your heart, even if you feel awkward about it.

These are the people in my neighborhood ...

Wed, 07 May 2008 18:46:37 GMT

Yeah, so, around 3 a.m. on Saturday, someone tapped on my window, setting off the Homer alarm. I was too scared to look out the window. Then someone started shaking the gate, followed by more tapping on my window. Then someone took a brick from a nearby planter and started smashing the lock. I grabbed my cell phone, but then I heard a neighbor come out of her apartment, “Larry, what are you doing?” Larry is the older, gay neighbor who has been leaving me CDs and gifts at my doorstep for a few weeks now. He said he locked himself out and I wasn’t acknowledging his window tapping. Hello! It’s 3 a.m., you freakshow! You scared me. I also heard the word “oxycontin.” I’m not sure why he didn’t buzz me. Weirdo.

Yesterday, I came home to a practically illegible lengthy rambling note from Larry saying that he is high on pain meds, is in love with a straight man who occasionally has sex with him, quoted Amy Winehouse and then said something about Anna Nicole Smith. Ummmm, OK.

This morning at 5 a.m. an ambulance and a fire engine showed up at my place and, I believe, hauled off my neighbor. I think he’s really messed up on pain meds, for what I don’t know. I’m kinda afraid of him now. I’m the only single girl in the building and I’m living on the street level. Great.

Oh well, good thing I’ve got Homer to protect me.

So anyway, I got onto the elevator earlier and it was jam-packed with men. I had two ginormous apple in my hands. One of the men said, “Those are some big apples you’ve got there.” “Ummm, yeah … thanks,” I replied. When I got off the elevator, before the door closed I heard the men burst out laughing. I suspect they weren’t really admiring my apples. I think they liked my melons.

I didn’t watch “American Idol” last night. GASP! I went to a movie at the SF International Film Festival instead. I saw “Red Belt,” the new David Mamet movie. Holly and I went to an excellent noodle house in Japantown first, and then we bumped into Deirdre, Charlie and his friends. We all sat together in the balcony at the Sundance Theater. You can drink up there. Woo-hoo! So, I had a nice glass of wine during the movie. As for the movie itself, I didn’t love it as much as Holly, but I didn’t hate it as much as Deirdre. It was slow and it thinks it’s shocking and twisty, but not so much.

Favorite quote of the day: “Yeah, congrats [insert girl’s name here], I hope your vagina can cure depression.” — Michelle

My sister makes me laugh really hard every day.

Tarot.com says …
Libra: Your understanding of what someone says could be somewhat distorted today, for your fantasies can color your thoughts more than usual. It's frustrating if you try to stay in the logical realms, for your imagination needs to have more room for expression now. Give yourself permission to daydream for a while without any need to be productive or practical.

It's all about meme

Tue, 06 May 2008 19:28:32 GMT

Ganked from squeegman

1) What’s the last thing you put in your mouth?
Red, delicious apple

2) Have you ever kissed anyone named Matt?
Nope.

2a) Have you ever kissed anyone named Matilda?
Nope.

3) What does your last text message say?
“Here!” My friend D letting me know that she was outside my apartment and ready to go.

4) What was the last song you listened to?
“Mercy” by Duffy

5) If you hated someone and got put in charge of their funeral music, what would it be?
“Bye, Bye, Bye” by NSync

6) What did you do yesterday?
Walked the Homer, went to work, wrote some press releases, chatted with folks, wrote more press releases, went home, walked the Homer, had a giggle fit over a funny pic that someone sent me, called my sister, watched “Reaper,” “How I Met Your Mother” and “Samantha Who” and dozed off while reading a book in bed.

7) What did you dream about?
I usually remember my dreams but I don’t remember last night’s dream.

8) Pick a scar on your body - what did you do?
I have a slight scar on my neck where I had my thyroid removed. It used to be kinda gross and awesome. Now, you can barely see it.

9) ?

10) !

11) Last time you cried?
Sunday. Boys are dumb.

12) Who’s your most religious friend?
She’s not my friend, she’s my grandma.

13) Who do you trust with your life?
My parents, my siblings.

14) If you could change your name to anything what would it be?
Sonia Rocks. Although, I’m quite happy with Sonia Mansfield.

15) What would you do if someone told you that you were the most beautiful handsome person in the world and they would do anything to wake up to your face each and every morning?
I would think I was being punk’d and would look for hidden cameras.

16) %

17) Do you trust all of your friends?
The really good ones.

18) Would you move to another state or country to be with the one you love?
Maybe.

19) Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?
Yes, and I'm great at finding the upside to any situation.

20) What are two things you would NOT tolerate in a relationship?
Lying and cheating.

21) Which one of your top friends do you think would make the best prostitute?
I refused to answer that question.

22) Who is the nicest person you know?
My mother. Seriously, she is nice to EVERYONE.

23) What is a goal you would like to accomplish in the near future?
Meet a smart, funny, stable man and go out on a date with him.

28) If you were to wake up from being in a coma for an extended time who would you call?
My sister Michelle. It would go like this: “Oh my god, I just woke up from my coma! What happened on ‘America’s Next Top Model’?”

29) Would you make a good parent?
I doubt it. I’m a great pet owner though and a pretty swell aunt.

30) Where was your default picture taken?
On Live Journal, it’s a Yahoo avatar. On Facebook, my default pic was taken in my old red bedroom back in Concord.

31) Honestly, what’s on your mind right now?
I’m ready for my lunchtime walk right now, but I have to wait another 45 minutes.

32) Who knows you the best?
My sister Michelle.

33) When is the last time you truly liked someone?
As in someone, someone? A special someone? I truly liked someone about a month ago. Now, not so much.

34) What are your plans for the weekend?
I’m helping a friend move, going to my sister’s baby shower, and the usual going out and causing trouble.

37) What’s your favorite saying?
HA! Literally, HA! I say it all the time.

39) Have you ever punched a tree?
No, I’ve never been mad a tree. We usually get along just fine. I don’t mess with them and they don’t mess with me. We have an understanding.

40) Have you ever snuck out of your house/someone in your house?
Of course.

41) How would you describe your relationship with your best friend?
We are related and possibly share a brain.

42) Morning or night person?
Neither. I’m a mid-morning, early afternoon person.

43) Are you there for your friends?
Of course! And they are there for me. They've more than proven themselves recently. Above and beyond the call of duty!

44) Do you like to spend time with people?
It’s my favorite thing to do.

46) Are you a forgiving person?
Yes, I let a lot of shit slide.

47) Would you ever share a girl/boyfriend with your best friend?
What do you mean by share?

48) Have you lost a friend recently?
Yes.

49) Are you talking to someone while doing this? Who?
Nope.

50) Do you want a relationship right now?
Right now? That’s probably not a good idea. However, I would like one tomorrow.

The Bizarro Sonia and Homer

Tue, 06 May 2008 03:29:10 GMT

Yeah, so, during the walk tonight, Homer and I bumped into our doppelganger, Gina and Ace. She's got reddish hair and Ace is a wiener dog, so if we are wearing sunglasses while we walk, I guess I can understand the confusion.

OH, and I found $20 on the street! My luck is changing!

Moving on, movies and Clinton Kelly

Mon, 05 May 2008 17:24:31 GMT

Yeah, so, it was a pretty good weekend until some strange Scrabble player on the East Coast whom I’ve never met decided to e-mail me and tell me that my ex has started dating an East Coast Scrabble player who is 15 years his junior.

I’m not sure why that guy e-mailed me and why he wanted to hurt a total stranger who is working really hard to move on in a healthy way, but mission accomplished. I already went to high school. Not interested in going back. I won’t be sucked into some Scrabble soap opera starring my man-child ex, his new long-distance girlfriend and some guy who just can’t seem to move on.

This unsurprising development explains some of the mean-spirited anonymous comments I’ve been receiving on my blog lately. I’ve been deleting them. I don’t know exactly who is writing these comments, so I can’t respond directly to this person, but I will say right here on the blog that she need not bother. I’m done. Over and out. And, I will continue delete the comments from the blog.

Oh wait, was that little rant childish? My bad.

So anyway, I went to the Cock T’s show on Friday night. Very entertaining. Holly came out Saturday and we cooked up my dad’s freshly caught halibut for lunch and watched “Enchanted.” Super cute! Sunday, I drove out to the Big C and saw “Iron Man” with my mom, Michelle and Tony. I must admit, the movie was really good. Very entertaining, very funny. Robert Downey Jr. is AWESOME. I’m thinking about adding him to my top 5 fantasy Hollywood love slaves.

Sunday evening, I had dinner with good buddy Kate and Alison who just returned from Belize! She brought me back an adorable necklace and a little worry doll that you are supposed to put under your pillow and it takes away your worries. Sweeet. Now I don’t have to take klonopin anymore.

But, here’s the best part of the weekend, after dinner we were walking back to Kate’s place when we saw none other than Clinton Kelly from TLC’s “What Not to Wear”? “What Not to Wear” is one of my favorite shows! Kate was brave enough to walk up to him and tell him what big fans we are of the show and we shook his hand and introduced ourselves. I wish I had been dressed better. My black zip-up hoodie is not the most stylish fashion choice. HA!

OH, by the way, Click here for this week’s Cult of Pop Culture.

Tarot.com says …
Libra: Explore ways to experience pleasure as this New Moon falls in your 8th House of Intimacy. Pay careful attention to what's most important while also making sure that you indulge in sensual delight, such as good food, nice music and massage. But you don't have the luxury of simply sitting back and enjoying it. Plan what's ahead on your path of life, for whatever you do today will impact the weeks ahead.

Cooking, cheering and finding a new happy place

Fri, 02 May 2008 19:45:25 GMT

Yeah, so, I cooked a decent meal for myself last night. I made grilled garlic shrimp with whole wheat pasta. Turned out pretty damn good, if I don’t say so myself.

I went to yoga without Kate on Wednesday night because she’s still on vacation. (Lucky Kate!) After class, I was walking back to my apartment and it was such a beautiful night. I had just spent 90 minutes doing something really good for myself that I love. I was drinking my water and strolling to my place, where a very cute dog is always waiting and is so happy to see me.

For that 10-minute walk, I felt so happy. Maybe that short walk home after yoga is my new happy place. My old happy place doesn’t exist anymore, so I’ve been on the lookout for a new one.

So anyway, tonight I’m venturing out and attending a naughty cheerleading shindig hosted by none other than good buddy Tiff’s squad The Cock Ts. The whole gang will be there and Tiff has promised that there will be single guys for me to talk to. I need to start working out my mingling/flirting muscle. It’s atrophied and weak. I’ve gotten lazy. Working that muscle will be more difficult than ones I work in yoga, but I’m sure I can handle it. Before you know it that muscle will be super strong and I will mingle and flirt with ease.

Tarot.com says …

LIBRA: Today's action-packed Aries Moon is in your 7th House of Companions, presenting you with a bit of relationship action. If you do get into an argument with someone now, you're not likely to be especially fair-minded. Although you don't want to blame anyone for anything, you have a nagging feeling that something is wrong. Set aside whatever is impractical and invisible so you can focus on the real issues at hand.

The force is strong with those dogs

Thu, 01 May 2008 21:40:29 GMT

Thanks be to allebmara for this photo.

I wish Homer could do this. Think of the money I would save on gas! All Homer can do is the jedi mind trick, which he abuses to get extra treats.

The Idols Neil down and Paula screws up

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:14:17 GMT

Yeah, so, I was kinda disturbed by Paula’s “critique” of Jason Castro’s second song on “American Idol” last night when the Dreaded One hadn’t performed his second song yet.

I have no idea what was up with that, but I don’t buy for one second Paula’s excuse that she had mixed up her notes and was reading her thoughts on Rocker David’s performance, especially after she went on to say who great Rocker David was.

The two theories are:

1) Paula watched the dress rehearsal and wrote down her comments, which I find difficult to believe since Paula’s comments are usually incomprehensible, “You have so many colors, blah blah blah [passes out and bangs head on table]”.

2) The show’s producers watch the dress rehearsals and write out comments for Paula in advance, which I also find difficult to believe, because, well, see No. 1.

In other words, I don’t know what to believe. “Idol” producers need to be careful. The ratings are slipping and people are complaining that the producers have favorites (Little David) and that the show is rigged.

So anyway, let’s break it down …

Overall, Neil Diamond night was BORING! Note to “Idol”: This is probably why the ratings are down. Andrew Lloyd Weber? Neil Diamond? Meh.

Let’s start with the Dreaded One. You know what? Paula’s possibly scripted comments about Jason were actually right on. The guy obviously doesn’t give a shit about the show anymore. He’s not really trying. He’s not trying to make the songs his own and his stoner act is getting old. I could care less if this guy got the boot tonight.

Brooke’s first song, “I’m a Believer,” was totally karaoke and lame. The second song, “I am, I said” was better. Classic Brooke singing behind the piano. I think she needs to stay behind the piano. She looks more comfortable there. I still like Brooke, but she’s not going to win this thing. I’m pretty sure we are headed for an all David finale.

Syesha needs to go directly to Broadway. She’s not a great singer. She’s a decent singer/actress and she reminded everyone of it again last night. Simon was right when he said she could be in trouble tonight. She’s was rather unremarkable.

Bad Hair Rocker David did his usual rocker thing. The performances were fine. I realize that Bad Hair Rocker is a front-runner, but I still don’t see him as a solo artist. I’m sorry. I just don’t see it.

Little David sang “Sweet Carolina” and “America” and both songs sounded exactly the same to me. Technically fine, but no heart. Also, does anyone else think Little David looks like a monchichi. You decide …

So who’s going home? I really have no idea anymore and, honestly, after last night’s show, I’m kinda too bored to care. However, if I HAD to pick, I would guess that the Dreaded One and Syesha are in the bottom two with Syesha going home.

Tarot.com says …
Libra: You might believe that you are missing something important. It's not that love is less accessible now when sensual Venus visits comfortable Taurus. It's just that you are more sensible about your desires these days. Even if you consider yourself artistic, don't forget to pay attention to more practical concerns, too.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:32:35 GMT

Happy birthday to my mom, a.k.a. the greatest mom ever!

I adore my mom. She's an amazing person who is always there for her children, friends and family. Anyone who knows my mom is a better person for having known her.

I can't wait for her b-day dinner tonight. It's going to be soooooo good.

Give me clarity, Tarot.com

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:41:18 GMT

Tarot.com's Libra horoscope seems very fitting today:

Relationships are more complicated these days and you may be longing for the simplicity of days gone by. Unfortunately, your needs have changed and the current complexity is a result of conflicting desires. Don't struggle to get clarity; it may continue to elude you until the Moon enters intuitive Pisces tomorrow morning.

So, by tomorrow morning I shall have clarity. I can't wait!

Friends don't let friends feed their dog organic dog food

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:44:02 GMT

Yeah, so, organic dog food and Homer don’t mix.

I took Homer for a walk around the park on Saturday with my good buddy Rob. Of course, we walk around the park for 45 minutes or so and Homer seems fine. Then, we start walking up Ashbury and Homer decides to, ummm, leave a disgusting runny mess in front of a shop. Figures.

I went to dinner and a movie with Holly that night and when I got home, Homer had vomited on the kitchen floor. Poor Homer! That organic dog food did not agree with him. It is back to Science Diet for Homer and the organic dog food went to the Free Bench.

Homer is fine now. That’s the last time I let some hippie talk me into anything. HA!

So anyway, Holly and I saw “Harold & Kumar” and it was damn funny. I didn’t love it as much as the first one, but I laughed a lot. We had dinner at Out the Door. So good!

I also had drinks with Terry on Friday night at Aub Zam Zam on Haight and had another two-hour yoga class on Saturday. Thanks to all this yoga, Homer walking and obsession with eating apples, I was able to wear some jeans on Sunday that I have never been able to get into. Nice, right?

I spent Sunday in Concord with my mom and Michelle. It’s my mom’s birthday on Tuesday, so Michelle and I took her to lunch and did some shopping. It was so great to spend the day together. We had Chinese food and then went to Macy’s and got mom some new clothes. Then, we went home and the entire clan (mom, dad, Michelle, Eric & Marlina, grandma and Lorelei) had Chicken Marengo (my fave!) for dinner. My dad caught a halibut in the bay on Sunday and sent me home with a good-sized piece. I invited Holly to come over one night this week and we can cook it up.

By the way, you can click here for this week’s Cult of Pop Culture.

Tarot.com says …
Libra: Even if you aren't always emotionally expressive, you are sincerely interested in the well-being of everyone in your life. Today, however, your feelings can be transformed into little actions, which clearly demonstrate what's in your heart. Let the love shine through in all that you do for others.

Hippies, organic dog food and the case of mistaken identity

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:48:28 GMT

Yeah, so, last night I decided to walk Homer to the pet supply store next to my yoga studio to get him some dog food. I walked in and an older hippie man is just chilling behind the counter.

Me: “Do you have Science Diet?”

Hippie man: “Welllllll, I could order it for you. I mean, if you want to put that kind of stuff into your dog.”

Me: “Ummm, he likes Science Diet.”

Hippie man: “Welllll, I only sell organic dog food here.”

Me: “Of course you do.”

Hippie man: “I mean, Science Diet has all kinds of grains and fillers. It’s not really good for your dog.”

Me: “I see. … But he likes it.” [Long pause.] “Ok, wellllllll, do you have a suggestion of what I should get for a six-year-old wiener dog, who I’m trying to make sure doesn’t get fat?”

Hippie man: “Of course.”

He said “of course,” like “Of course, people come in here all the time and ask for organic dog food that is good for a six-year-old wiener dog that they are trying to make sure doesn’t get fat.”

The hippie man then went on and on about the good stuff in this dog food. So, I bought the organic dog food with the agreement that if Homer doesn’t like, I can return it and he will order Science Diet for me. Honestly, the entire conversation so was fuckin’ Haight.

Hippies!

Two other things happened last night on the walk:

First, some guy was driving around in his mini-truck, blaring “Take Me Home” by Phil Collins on his car stereo. Seriously?!? Phil Colliins?!? That guy needs to turn that shit down. He should be ashamed on himself.

Second, I met yet another person in the neighborhood who confused Homer and I for this other woman and her wiener dog named Ace. This has been a reoccurring thing in my hood. On four separate occasions, Homer and I have been mistaken for this woman whose name I can’t remember and Ace. I guess people see red hair and wiener dog and that’s it.

Anyway, after apologizing for the case of mistaken identity, this nice man, who has a half-dachshund named Biscuit, invited Homer and I to a small dog walk at Ocean Beach that apparently happens every Saturday morning. He also told me that there is a dachshund meet-up once a month at a nearby park. I figure it might be a good way to meet some fellow (maybe single!) dog lovers.

So anyway, tonight, my old Examiner cubemate Terry is coming out to the Haight for a drink. That should be entertaining. Good ol’ Terry. That guy makes me laugh so hard.

Saturday night, my newly single friend Holly and I are planning an evening of dinner, many drinks and movie and we can’t decide between “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” or “Harold & Kumar.” Decisions, decisions.

Sunday, I’m heading out to the Big C to see the family. Michelle is so pregnant that she can’t paint her toenails and she needs me to help a sista out. I think I can handle painting some toes. I just painted mine last night and they look fab-u-lous!

Tarot.com says …

Libra: It's challenging enough for you to keep up with your fantasies today so don't bother trying to bring others along on your ride. Instead, concentrate on creative endeavors. You can burn off some of your excess energy by doing something that is enjoyable, especially if you make life beautiful in the process.

Was it opposite night on 'American Idol'?

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:50:09 GMT

Yeah, so, opposite night continued on "American Idol" last night.

The two singers that were my favorites on Tuesday night were in the bottom two. I've never seen a bottom two less deserving of being there than Syesha and Carly. They easily had the strongest performances on Tuesday night. Don't get me wrong, there were other weeks that those two deserved to be in the bottom two. Hell, there were weeks they deserved to go home, but not this week. Brooke and Jason should buy a lotto ticket this week, because they are super lucky.

So anyway, buh-bye, Carly.

Kate and I went to yoga last night. We are going to stick with the Wednesday class. We enjoyed that. I'm so happy to have a yoga buddy!

Tarot.com says ...
Libra: An elevated sense of self-esteem could motivate you to ask for a raise or a date that might very well be overdue. But your demands for money or love could be unrealistic. Your tendency now is to overextend by pushing past socially acceptable limits. Don't get greedy or even those things that are within reach could be denied.

Phantom Menace and American Idol

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:41:07 GMT

Yeah, so, it was opposite night on “American Idol.” Singers that I’m usually indifferent to were my favorites of the night, while the singers I usually enjoy stunk up the stage.

The final six took on the songs of Andrew Lloyd Weber, and I was surprised by how good Carly and Syesha were. Syesha, in particular, was obviously in her element, although she hit a few bum notes … not that anyone noticed. And, even though she got a little McScreamy in the middle and flubbed a lyric, Carly rocked “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

I have to wonder though, why didn’t Rocker David, Brooke or the Dreaded One take Weber’s songs and make them their own like they usually do? Instead, they performed them straight up, and, well that didn’t work out so well for Brooke and the Dreaded One. Come on, even Little David took a song from “Phantom of the Opera” and made it all pop ballad-y.

Rocker David was pretty good, but I would have preferred to see him rock it up, but oh well. I loved that Weber told him to sing the song more sultry, but it appears that David confused sultry with sleepy. Didn’t he look like he was going to nod off in the middle of his performance?

And Brooke, poor, sweet, nice Brooke. She was waaaay out of her element here. She’s Carly Simon. She’s Carole King. She’s not Broadway. Her performance last night was, well, not so great. I didn’t care that she started over. As usual, Paula reminded everyone that she is a brain-dead retard after chastised Brooke for starting over, when a month or so ago, when Brooke did the same thing while singing “Every Breath You Take” on the piano, Paula applauded her for it. Like I said: Retard.

So, I suspect the bottom two will be the Dreaded One and Brooke with Brooke going home. I like Brooke. I think she’s great, but I think we all know she was never going to win this thing.

Tarot.com says …

Libra: Relationships can be the primary source of pleasure now, yet they may put pressure on other areas of your life, such as your career. Your ruling planet Venus, in your 7th House of Partners, is being stressed by aggressive Mars, provoking headstrong action. Taking a more philosophical approach can ease the stress on you and everyone else involved.

Well, that's random

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:01:35 GMT

Random thoughts alert!

Yeah, so, today, I discovered that The Roots are coming to town in June. I’m very pleased about that. I heart The Roots and I’ve always wanted to see them live. Joy!

Office buddy Stacey keeps singing this song to me. It’s her take on “Jukebox Hero,” but she keeps singing “Douche box hero.” It really doesn’t have any other lyrics than that, but it does make me laugh out loud every time she sings it.

There are a ton of movies I want to see: “Baby Mama” and “Harold & Kumar” come out this weekend. I must bully someone into seeing at least one of them with me. I also want to see “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” which Kate and Alison say is hilarious.

My gay old neighbor dropped off another CD for me last night. He’s all about giving me stuff to make me happy ever since (cue dramatic music) that night he heard me crying. He’s very thoughtful. The CD is Ayo and some Christina Aguilera. I put in on my work computer so I can enjoy it here in my cube. What a nice man!

Just in case you were wondering (and I bet you were), the whole wheat-crust pizza I made last night turned out pretty damn tasty, if I don’t say so myself.

Good buddy Kate and I have plans to go to yoga tomorrow night, but I might go tonight as well. Yoga = Happy Sonia.

I became very concerned with this family of ducks that was hanging out in the fountain in front of our building today. The building managers were out their trying to scoop up the mama duck and her ducklings (No dad around. Shocker! Even the ducks have to put up with DBDs.) and put them in a box. I warned them that by doing that they would just scare the mama duck away and they’d be responsible for making orphans of those ducklings. The property managers have to remove the ducks, because the babies get sucked into the fountain!!! Of course, Animal Control wouldn’t come out. Jerkstores. I suggested they call the Lindsay Wildlife Museum. They may not come and get the ducks or move them, but they would have a good idea what to do. Now, it looks like the duck family has left the fountain, because the fountain is back on. Crisis averted … for now.

Tarot.com says …

Libra: You may not be willing to put up with any nonsense at work today. Your emotional fuse is short and your reaction to other people's shortcomings could be swift. Keep in mind that your impatience with others might be a result of your own frustration. Expressing what's in your heart will probably feel great in the moment, but could disrupt your routine. Decide in advance if it will be worth it.

Walk Hard

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:23:35 GMT

Yeah, so, it was a pretty decent weekend. I tried to keep busy and motivated.

Friday night, office buddy Holly and I (and Homer, of course) walked over to D’s place for some homemade pizza. Mmmmm. We stopped at a bookstore and I bought a copy of “It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken.” I read it quite a bit this weekend. It’s motivating me to do the things I need to do to take care of myself.

Saturday, I took a two-hour yoga class. It was fantastic. I’m convinced that my family, friends and yoga will help heal my broken heart in no time. Later, I walked to Little Star Pizza and met up with good buddies Kate and Alison. Then they came over and we watched “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.” Funny movie. Not as funny as I thought it would be, but it had a couple of good laughs in it.

Sunday, I took Homer for a long walk through Golden Gate Park. There is a section of the park that is totally overrun with homeless and hippes. It’s not pleasant and I think I will avoid that part of the park from now on. Lots of stinky hippie and homeless smells, plus big dogs running around off leash and looking at Homer like he’s a chew toy. Also, the homeless and the hippies always have something to say to me even though I’m walking with an iPod on and I’m clearly not going to stop and chat or give them money or my dog.

Sunday night, Holly and I had dinner over at my coworker Stacey and her girlfriend Cynthia’s place in Glen Park. What a great place – way up on a hill with a spectacular view of the city. We had homemade spaghetti and meatballs (soooo good!), a couple glasses of wine and played Apples to Apples. They are good people. I was happy to be there.

Lest you think I’ve been pigging out and finding comfort in food, I’ve been eating tons of fruit and veggies, doing yoga and walking, walking and walking. I’m positive I have lost weight, but I still haven’t bought a scale to confirm it. So anyway, tonight, I think I’m going to make some homemade pizza for myself. I know it will be delicious.

Click here for this week’s Cult of Pop Culture list.

Tarot.com says …
Libra: There is a hard path in front of you, yet you can do what's necessary and still live your life in your own special way, even if this looks easy to others. Now, more than ever, your discipline can combine with a solid work ethic to stage a significant payoff. Don't think about cashing in your chips just yet. Rewards will follow if you just keep plodding along.

Thanks, you guys

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:54:19 GMT

Yeah, so, I just want to thank everyone for their super kind emails, chats and phone calls during the past week. It’s been a difficult week, but during a time that could be so lonely, I feel so loved.

Of course, my friends and family have rallied around me. But, I have also been receiving support and strength from some unexpected places. Co-workers have been checking in. A neighbor in my building was walking by my apartment the night of the breakup and heard me crying. The next day, he left a little Buddha statue and a note, telling me that I can always talk to him if I need a friend. I’ve received some supportive emails from some people that were surprising to say the least. I am so grateful for those emails.

I’m eating many apples a day. I have no idea why. I’m back into yoga (downward facing Sonia). I’ve got plans for pretty much every night. Everyone is inviting me (and Homer!) over for dinner. Last night, Homer and I walked over to Tiff and Dan’s place for a little Mexican fiesta. I must say, Homer was quite smitten with Dan. I think Homer wants Dan to be his new male role model. HA! Got some plans to check out some movies at the SF International Film Festival. Got some concert plans in the mix. I’m keeping busy.

Tonight after work I’m picking up a copy of “It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken: The Smart Girl’s Break-Up Buddy,” which is written by the same folks who did “He’s Just Not That Into You.” That book is awesome, so I believe this latest book will be most helpful.

Tarot.com says …
Libra: Your moods may be all over the map today with the Moon in your sign, but things are likely getting better now day-by-day. You must get through these next few days of focused planning and practical thinking, even if you'd rather take a more flexible approach to life. Rewards may not show up right away, but they will come if you apply yourself diligently.

Always look on the bright side of a breakup

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:07:44 GMT

Yeah, so, breakups are the best diet. I’m rockin’ a top today that I haven’t worn in a while. Yay me!

Speaking of Yay, so long “OMG I’m like totally racist” Kristy on “American Idol.” Unfortunately, my girl Brooke was in the bottom two. Don’t like that.

Tarot.com says …
Libra: Your thoughts sink beneath the apparent surface of relationship interactions as you think about your unexpressed needs and how they motivate you. Paradoxically, everything may seem simple when you realize exactly what you desire. But nothing is quite as easy as it seems and going after your heart's desire can be more complex than you wish.

2000Kate continues!

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:26:21 GMT

Congrats to good buddy Kate who landed herself a most awesome dog-friendly apartment in North Beach in SF! The property owner is my property owner, Marvin, so I know Kate is getting a great place.

Maybe I should send him another cookie bouquet!

Carey on, American Idol

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:20:01 GMT

Yeah, so, I didn’t sit down and write about “American Idol” last night, because good buddy Kate and I started a yoga class.

It was a hardcore class that totally kicked our butts, but it was so good for us. I was so rusty. It was good to be back. I know after a few more classes we will get stronger and make it through the class without feeling like we are going to faint. HA!

I did watch “Idol” last night, so I figured I would write up a little thing about it this morning.

I have to say that Bad Hair Rocker David, whose hair is looking better these days, totally ruled Mariah Carey night. His rocked up take on “You’ll Always Be My Baby” is going on my iPod.

I enjoyed the dreaded one’s bongo-ed “I Don’t Want to Cry.” I still think he is Jack Johnson-lite, but it was still good.

Syesha is the one singer most likely to suffer from comparisons to Mariah and I thought she did a good job. Picking a song that a lot of people don’t know is risky. It’s good because people won’t be as likely to compare her, but if she doesn’t knock it out of the park then people won’t remember her. I think she did a pretty decent job, but I think Syesha comes across as phony and she just doesn’t do it for me. I won’t be surprised to see her in the bottom three.

Little David sang technically well, but I’m just bored by him now. Good singer, but he doesn’t sing anything I want to listen to.

Speaking of boring, “OMG I’m like totally racist Kristy” induced many yawns. I don’t remember what she sang, but I’m pretty sure she performed last night.

I’m tired of the judges talking about Carly’s potential every week. She’s had more than enough opportunities to pick the right song and fuckin’ step it up and be the star that the judges keep saying she should be. I think she gets too screamy for me.

Oh Brooke. I heart Brooke. I think she started off really strong with her piano-ized “Hero,” but then she hit some wrong notes, got flustered and started rushing. This could put her in the bottom three always. I know Brooke isn’t going to win this thing. I think a David vs. David finale is the most likely scenario. However, I still love Brooke and I think she had a good idea in there. I think a different song might have helped. I would love to hear a stripped down, piano or acoustic version of “Somebody.” I bet that would be pretty damn cool.

FYI: I read on EW.com that Hot Aussie was going to sing a bluesy version of “Visions of Love.” Damn! I bet that would have been fuckin’ awesome!

Who’s going home? I think Syesha, Brooke and Kristy will be in the bottom three and this might finally be the week that we are rid of Kristy. She was sooooo boring. She didn’t country-up the song enough to get the usual retards who vote for her to the phones.

Tarot.com says …
Libra: It may appear that you are going about your life as usual, taking care of everyone else first. But something is cooking within the privacy of your own mind now as you consider how to better nurture yourself. Don't be afraid of making a decision to express your needs more freely, even if you cannot act on it for a few more days.

The road to recovery

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:06:39 GMT

Yeah, so, I’m working pretty hard to take care of myself and deal with everything in a healthy way.

I have un-boyfriended the apartment a little. I have signed up for a yoga class for tonight. Good buddy Kate is going to take it with me. Tomorrow night is good buddy Micaela's b-day so I will be dining in The Creek. Thursday night, Miss Tiff is having me over for dinner. I feel very blessed to have such awesome people looking out for me.

This weekend I’m going to change my bed karma and buy a new comforter cover and new sheets. Changing the bed karma = very important.

Tarot.com says …

Libra: It's time to take a long look in the mirror, but there's no need to be overly critical about yourself. It's simple: if you don't like what you see, make a concrete plan and then put your ideas into motion. If you are at a loss and don't know what to do next, seek expert advice, but don't expect your adviser to sweet talk you. They will tell it like it is -- and you wouldn't want it any other way.