Happy New Year!

Is it really almost 2009? Oh my goodness! Well, I probably won't be blogging for a few days (off from work until Monday, 1/5), so I'll post my good wishes for the New Year now.

Have a safe and Happy New Year's celebration everyone. See you next year!

Let It (Stop) Snow (ing)!

Okay, admittedly I'm messing up a classic wintery Christmas song, but I'm really NOT the Grinch. I love Christmas. I just think a light dusting of holiday snow is fine. Just not the type that makes slippery mountains of ice and causes major traffic problems. Just a bit of moderation, that's all I'm asking. So, chances are, I won't have any time to write here until after the upcoming holiday week. So, best wishes to all of you and your families and a very heartfelt MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Happy Birthday!

A very happy birthday to my mother-in-law (mine is on Monday). We're having a Chinese dinner for her tomorrow and then she'll get her traditional Harvey Wallbanger cake. I'm so glad it's Friday! Have a good weekend everyone.

Okay, take a deep breath...

Hey, I survived the first set of holidays (i.e. Thanksgiving) with flying colors! Seeing the family was great, but I was glad to have one day (Sunday) when I didn't set an alarm clock to be somewhere. Now we have a short break until the Christmas travel and holidays begin. Sandwiched in between are my birthday and my mother-in-law's. This is why my better half and I have a wall calendar--otherwise we'd never know if we were coming or going.

Hope everyone had a great Turkey day and remember to breathe before this next holiday rush begins.

Being Busy...

Sorry I haven't written much lately here. The holidays are quickly approaching, and I'm finding myself with a list of things to do and not much time to do them. Including Christmas cards, buying presents, coordinating where we will be during the holidays, etc.

If you're in the same boat as me, I wish you Good Luck and also suggest you watch a funny movie now and then to keep you from going too loony during this slightly nutty time of year.

And now a thought from Iron Man...

Haven't posted for awhile, but thanks to Netflix, I saw a really great movie the other day called "Iron Man" which is based on the Marvel comic character created by the great Stan Lee. Robert Downey, Jr. was terrific as Iron Man, a.k.a. Tony Stark. So to match my mood today, I'm listing one of the quotes here. It isn't often you get a superhero movie with a sense of humor to boot.

Christine Everheart: "You've been called the Da Vinci of our time. What do you say to that?"

Tony Stark: "Absolutely ridiculous. I don't paint. "

(More witty dialogue here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371746/quotes).

I hope everyone is having a good week...and Happy Veterans Day.

An Amazing Moment in History

Yes, the title seems like it's larger than life. And I mean it. This country has a new leader, who will bring hope and unity to so many far and wide. Here is a link to the text of his historic acceptance speech. We have finally broken the "color barrier" and I can only hope our next step is to have a woman in the White House in my lifetime.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96624326&ft=1&f=1001

God Bless everyone.

It's Raining Again...

Yes, it's Monday and I have that Supertramp song in my head. It's just circling around in there. Luckily I do like that song, and we do need the rain in northern CA.

A Bit of Chinese Wisdom

"The spontaneous gifts of Heaven are of high va]ue; but the strength of perseverance gains the prize. "

From: http://www.asiaing.com/108-chinese-proverbs.html

(Or a nobler translation of a Crazy Monday at work, LOL). Here's hoping that Tuesday will be a bit more calm...

Loads of Fun Weekend

Between juggling laundry, DirecTV satellite guy, house repair guy and one moment alone? Party on, dudes! (OK, it won't be THAT bad, but didn't that sound interesting?)

Have a good weekend everyone!

Just a little political humor

OK, I have voted for the 2008 presidential election with my absentee mail-in ballot. But in order not to upset anyone, I won't say who I voted for. Anyway, here's my attitude right now. Irreverent, yes. But inaccurate, probably not. Today, I tend to agree with the late, great comedian George Carlin and a couple of his quotes, listed below.

"Well, if crime fighters fight crime and fire fighters fight fire, what do freedom fighters fight? They never mention that part to us, do they?"

"These days many politicians are demanding change. Just like homeless people."

(from http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/funnyquotes/a/george-carlin.htm )

I hope everyone's having a good week. Hang in there, the election's over next month...

Benjamin Button Movie Trailer

I just finished reading F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and I am really looking forward to when the movie starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett will be released in December. It looks like a memorable story, and it's already generated early Oscar buzz for Brad Pitt's dynamic performance. Here's the link to it. Enjoy!

http://www.pittwatch.com/trailer-the-curious-case-of-benjamin-button/

It's A Blustery Friday

Wow, the wind has been fierce today...and ironically the sun is also shining. The weather got cold in a hurry. Hope everyone's day has been good and here comes the weekend! Here's wishing you all a good couple of days off.

Dabbling in a new medium...

...of sorts actually. Still short-story writing, but now writing about another show besides Star Trek. Kind of under wraps at the moment, since I'm still experimenting with it. But it is encouraging that I'm trying to think "outside the box" for now. Anyway, it's a good start to a new week!

Stay Dry!

Especially to those in northern California, as we are getting some (much needed) rain and will continue to get it until Saturday night. Drive safely and have a good weekend everyone!

Remembering Paul Newman (1925-2008)

I read this weekend that Paul Newman, the great acting icon and philanthropist, passed away from a long battle with lung cancer. My sincere condolences to his family. He had an exemplary life and gave to so many. Oe of my favorite quotes from him is displayed below. God Bless and God Speed, Mr. Newman. We'll miss you.

"Every time I get a script it's a matter of trying to know what I could do with it. I see colors, imagery. It has to have a smell. It's like falling in love. You can't give a reason why."

Star Trek Art

Thought I'd share the Enterprise cast print that we bought at the Star Trek Las Vegas Convention last month. A wonderful souvenir from our trip. (Pun fully intended... for Trek fans, LOL). FYI: The print is by Keith Paul. Please do not take this image, it is here merely to share with fellow sci-fi fans. But check out more really cool sci-fi stuff to buy at:
http://www.lightspeedfineart.com/

A New Poem!

I'm pleased to say that my writer's block has gone away and I'm starting to write again. I have Mr. David Cook (2008's American Idol winner) to thank, since his singing has inspired me. My dear friend Kathleen has posted my poem (with my permission) on her blog and written a wonderful introduction of her own. Here is the link if you would like to read it:

http://theselovelies.com/?p=188

Remembering a Great-Uncle

Got some sad news from my mom last night that my Great-Uncle Ralph had passed away. He was suffering from advanced Alzheimer's Disease, so now he is at peace and no longer in pain. Godspeed, Uncle Ralph. It was a privilege knowing you.

The Boys of Enterprise!

(c) Photos 8/8/08 by Christine S.Y. Noland.

STLV Con #1

OK, where do I start? There were so many great things that happened at the Star Trek Convention from 8/6 to 8/10 in Las Vegas, NV. I'm putting together a journal of everything, but this may take awhile, since I have 22 pages of notes, LOL.

But--I do have to mention that it was a thrill meeting Brent Spiner (Data of ST: TNG) and Connor Trinneer (Trip of ST: ENT) especially. Those moments really made me smile.

More later!

Off to Vegas!

Hi all,

We will be gone on vacation until Monday, August 11th so I won't be posting until at least Tuesday the 12th. Hopefully I'll have some cool stories to share then. (And I get to meet some of my favorite Star Trek actors plus being able to be a kid for 6 days!)

Until next week!

A Lovely Wedding

We just got back from the nice wedding of S's cousins, A & T. We had a great time visiting the family, the only downside was that it was 101 degrees outside in Pasadena, where the wedding took place. But otherwise, I'm glad we went to spend time with the family. Now we have one week before we get ready to go on our Vegas vacation. On to Star Trek and good golfing very soon. (Boy, our Buick is getting a good work out with distance driving lately! I won't even get into what gas is costing these days...aaack!)

Thought for the Day

"A cynic is only a frustrated optimist"

Just my 2 cents for the day. These words aren't mine, but can be found here:

http://www.chinese-fortune-cookie.com/funny-fortune-cookie-sayings.html

Stay Cool

Yup, it's hot enough to fry an egg out on the pavement! It's a "lovely" 100 degrees plus outside. Stay hydrated everyone and keep the A/C going as much as possible. Happy Wednesday! (Hang in there, only two more days until the weekend).

Profiles in Courage

With all of the horrible wildfires burning in Northern California right now, two lines of dialogue come to mind from the movie "Ladder 49" (about firefighters). I'd like to share them with you.

"People are always asking me how is it that firefighters run into a burning building when everyone else is running out. Courage is the answer. "

Indeed. These men and women are amazing. Please join me in saying a prayer for their safety and a thank you for all they do--and risk--each day when they go to work. I hope all the fires are contained soon with no loss of life or homes.

A Busy Weekend

On Saturday...bought a wedding gift for our cousins, A & T, who are getting married next month. Then had a great anniversary dinner at Red Lobster. Sunday...went to see "Kung Fu Panda" with my mom, C, and then went to P & D's for Father's Day dinner and visit. Whew! Did I get it all? (And in between all these events...did lots of laundry!) I'm exhausted and it's the START of the week. And did I mention it's still blazing hot weather out?

Hmmm...

Let's see, today my fortune cookie said "You have a keen sense of humor and bring out the best in others." Sometimes that's true, but sometimes I just have a strange sense of humor and still manage not to drive my friends away." (Also, have I mentioned the weather's hot AGAIN? Which explains my new self "picture"--I'm trying to stay hydrated).

I do agree that this week I have had to keep my sense of humor intact and I'm also looking forward to this Saturday, since it's my wedding anniversary. 5 years! Pretty cool.

A Gift

“Make happy those who are near, and those who are far will come”

-Chinese Proverb

I saw this quote and thought it fitting since I'm getting back in touch with some dear friends. I will have lunch with M this Sat and catch up with her. It's been a few years...but I still feel connected. So it's not just proximity space that keeps friendships going, but if you are truly linked with someone it doesn't matter how much time goes by in between visits.

Looking for the right path...

“To talk much and arrive nowhere is the same as climbing a tree to catch a fish”

-Chinese Proverb

Someone very dear in my life is going through a spiritual journey, but he needs to be careful of alienating his loved ones in the process. As many are saying right now: he needs to "walk the walk and not just talk the talk." My prayers are with him that he finds his way.

The Paperwork Mountain

Well, I did get some rest this holiday weekend. Read a little...watched a mini Star Trek Enterprise marathon on the Sci-Fi Channel (I was too lazy to get out my DVD's, LOL) and saw the beginning of The Andromeda Strain mini-series. Also saw Indy Jones 4 at the movie theater with my mom (which was really cool, BTW). Then...I got back to work and saw my desk. Aaaaack. Must look around for a shovel (or machete) to clear a path. Wish me luck!

Memorial Day Weekend

During this time, I'm not only going to enjoy a long weekend (Monday is a day off, yay), but also remember people in my family. Both those individuals still here and those who have passed on, in the spirit of respect for those who have represented our country. My late grandfather, V, served in World War II and my uncle, D, and my father-in-law, P, were in the Air Force.

I salute everyone for their efforts and send a special prayer out to all the U.S. troops still fighting this awful war in the Middle East. God Bless you and may you all come safely home to your loved ones.

Girl Power!

Forgot to add on my last post that 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi just won the title of Dancing with the Stars champion! (But I do have to say that her gold medal is a lot prettier than the blindingly shiny silver disco ball trophy from the show).

Kristi rules! (and so do figure skaters...)

Awesome-O!

Our land line phone is fixed! YAY (and a quick nod to South Park in the post title...).

'Nuff said.

A Moment of Tranquility

"One step at a time is good walking."

-Chinese Proverb

Obviously, things are a little calmer today, thank goodness. And thanks for the prayers, SongKat. We appreciate them so much.

Welcome to the Weekend

Not a whole lot of plans for Saturday and Sunday. Just going out to a "lunner" (lunch & dinner combo) with G, K, S, and of course C for Mother's Day tomorrow. Besides that, just will probably hang out with my iPod and doing some fun writing. And get some SLEEP!!

Crazy Drivers

Here's a great George Carlin quote I found that sums up my thought for the day:

"Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?"

People constantly try to go 80 MPH behind me during my commute to and from work (on a 55 MPH highway, I might add). Do they really need to get to K-Mart 20 seconds faster? It makes you wonder...

Happy Friday everyone and may you have a safe commute home.

A Dollar and a Dream

This was the title of a recent episode of one of our favorite TV shows "Without a Trace." It dealt with a lottery winner and the reaction of her friends to the new money. But there was a twist in the story and showed how desperation and greed factored in.

So, I guess my question is, does money like that really change people from being basically decent to someone we don't even recognize? It may seem like a simple question now--we all would most likely say that money wouldn't change us. But can we really say that for sure? There might have been a grain of truth in this fictional--but insightful--story. What do you think? Agree or Disagree with this train of thought?

A Chinese Proverb

"Only he that has traveled the road knows where the holes are deep."

I am Chinese-American (although New England & Illinois by family and Irish by marriage), so I had to throw out a little bit of "culture" to start the week. I hope your week goes well--and may you not be as clumsy as I sometimes am! LOL

Mr. Spock Rules!

OK, so here's my daily fix of Star Trek. I just found out the legendary Mr. Leonard Nimoy (who played Mr. Spock in the original series for my non-Trekker readers) will be at the Official Convention in Vegas in August. I may not get to meet him in person, but at least I'll see and hear him during his on-stage appearance. All is right in the world of sci-fi fandom.

Biological vs. Adopted

There was an interesting discussion thread on the website: http://www.pittwatch.com/ (which is a site with Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie news) about their family. They have one "biological" child and three "adopted" children, and the topic focused on the media's preoccupation with what some cruelly call "real" kids vs. "not." Here's my 2 cents. Being an adopted child myself, I never felt like I was loved any less than my brother, G, who was a "biological" child. In fact, I always felt that my parents, R & C, got to "choose" me, so I felt special. To me, I have no sense of being "pure blood" because I think families are created by love. This might be a cliche, but it's true: anyone can have a child, but not everyone can be a parent. And G and I were lucky to have good parents. Once again, it just shows how ignorant the media can be. (By the way, whenever I reference someone, I'll be using a first initial instead of their name to protect their privacy.) Thanks for listening to my rant about this. I'll go get a sugar-free chocolate cookie now and calm down a bit. LOL

Awesome Star Trek News

Cool! I just found out that Brent Spiner (Commander Data on ST: TNG) will be at the official Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas in August! He joins a terrific list of guests including Avery Brooks (Captain Benjamin Sisko), Nichelle Nichols (Lieutenant Uhura), and Connor Trinneer (Commander "Trip" Tucker)--who is one of my favorites. It's going to be a memorable vacation indeed. My better half gets to play golf, and I get to be a sci-fi fan.

Movies to See

Our most recent movie recommendations. You may not laugh uncontrollably, but they will at least put a smile on your face and give you a giggle or two.

Over the Hedge
Music and Lyrics

Sorry, have to give a quick plug here. Thanks, Netflix! (and also to Uncle Ed & Aunt Kay for the terrific gift of a subscription last Christmas).

A New Beginning!

Hello all,

Well, I had to change my webpage location since I now have a new (monthly) car payment to feed! My poor old Ford Escort "died" a horrible transmission death, so now I have a shiny Chevy Cobalt to get me around instead. I'm thankful to the web since I'm really bad at writing longhand in a journal book and I type much faster. And sometimes, you just have to write your thoughts down, even if they'r rambling or don't make too much sense. More random stuff to be written later! But this is a good start. Thanks to my friend Liz, who told me about this site in the first place. It just might be a great avenue of therapy!