mama's got a new toy + thoughts for my chicken soup

Again, I apologize for the lack of updates. My absences will be an ongoing thing since school and work are a priority, then comes social life, and then blog. I'll try to update as much as possible. But here's a nice update: I bought myself a new toy. It's a CRKT My Tighe 1090 with the outburst assisted opening. It's beautiful.... Here's my purchasing story: I called my local tactical dealer and asked to make an appointment in their store to view their merchandise. I met up with the owner this morning at 9am, we went into his store and I began the viewing. I separated the ones I liked between the ones I didn't like while asking for prices (I'm on a student budget, mind you). I remember it was love as soon as I laid my eyes on the My Tighe and I remember very well that he told me it was $70. Pricey, but I still wanted to think about getting it. So after moving the piles of "I want" around until I had finally narrowed it down to just two; I asked him again for the prices on both. He grabbed the My Tighe, glanced at it then looked at me. I always have my poker face on when I'm purchasing my "toys" and undergarments. I was planning on paying the full $70 for the My Tighe since it was LOVE, but he told me he made a mistake and it was really $50. Hmmm... Crazy, right?? I now just looked at CRKT's direct site and saw My Tighe selling for $89.99 MSRP. Sometimes, I really wonder what influences a person to give me such special treatment. But was this really special treatment or did he really mistakenly say it was $70? I like to think that he mistakenly said $70, but then I'd have to think back to all those other purchasing events such as when I would visit GameStop, I would to get new releases a few days earlier or special rates/discounts on certain games. Also, I noticed the employees would go out of their way to get me whatever I asked for. I'm not a bossy person, so it's not like I'm demanding things. People (mainly those of the opposite sex) would go out of their way to serve me. It's a funny thing. So what's making me wonder about whether or not he gave me special treatment? Well, while he was ringing me up, he asked what I did for a living, my age, what I do for fun, and somehow he coaxed me into talking about my dating life. =/ Whatever, I got my toy. He said he would call me up later next week since I put in an order for a sharp object that emits flame and lights up. I'm thinking he mistakenly said $70... But why would he go out of his way to do a special order on just one item for some lame duck like myself?

Meat Market

I went to the gym around noon the other day and it appears to be more of a meat market than it is a work out center. I see guys scoping out all types of women (race, age, body type, etc.), these men stare at them all, even if they're 60 of age! I'm not kidding you. The other day, I walked into the steam room and there was this man already in it. He looked to be in his mid-30s. As soon as I walked in, "the guy" already started talking to me. It was hard for me to make out what he was saying since he had a thick accent. I asked him if he was from Argentina (which was what it sounded like) but he told me that he's from Mexico. Apparently he took my mistake to be a compliment and smiled proudly while letting me know that other women make that same mistake. He asked what my name was, I told him it was Darla. He said his was Fabian, I think?? His accent is hard to understand. He then asked me if I go dancing often. I told him I was a librarian assistant and I very much like staying at home on Friday nights to read autobiographies about dead people. The questions didn't stop there, he went on to ask if I liked going out for alcohol. I told him the only alcohol I've ever used was when I fell and scraped my knee. I'm not sure if he heard me because he asked me if I wanted to go out to Mandango's that night. I reminded him that I liked staying home. It then got awkward and he didn't say squididly-squat. After a few minutes, I decided that the steam room didn't belong to me at that hour and decided to leave; but to my dismay, he got up first and walked towards the door before I even got up. He turned and said "It's too hot for me, I'm leaving now." I replied back with some bullcrap. Then he said something that I could not understand because he said it with such nervousness in his voice. I replied back with more bullcrap. He said "No, I want to know, that, I, give, ...can I have your number?" He tried to say it with such bravery that left me with no chills. Me: "I don't give it out." Fabian(??): "But I thought we connected." Me: O_O "Sorry, but I'm just not really not interested." (I tried to use NOT a lot) He then left but turned around and said "I see you around?" I never responded. After that encounter with Fabian (??), I was in such a bad mood for the entire day that I yelled at everyone that pissed me off or talked to me about stupid things. I dunno what happened but I came down with the flu later that evening. Must be anger sickness. I'm not going to the gym during that time anymore. It seems more like a pick-up-a-chick than a gym. Stupid guys... Next time, my response will be 16 when they ask for my name. Btw, I never replied rudely to him nor did I sneer at him. I just gave him quick responses in a monotone voice that'll leave him asking no further questions. I'm not that mean ;)

Voter Registration Rally

This past Saturday, I attended the Voter Registration Rally held on the South Steps of the Capitol. I was muy excited since the Secretary of State, Debra Bowen was going to be the guest speaker. Several weeks ago, she was in the Middle East trying to make voting for our soldiers easier. I've always wondered how soldiers voted during election time when they were stationed away from their precinct. The Rally was not as interesting as I was expecting. I was really disappointment with the low turnout. Since nothing much was going on except for performances by rappers, singer, and choir groups I decided to leave and go back when Debra Bowen was scheduled to speak. Well, I came back a little too late and she had already given her speech and left. Major disappointment on my part, since I really wanted the opportunity to meet/see her. =( I think I saw the Mayoral candidate, Kevin Johnson while leaving, but I wasn't sure since he wasn't surrounded by a bunch of bodyguards. I should have asked for a picture anyway, but I was feeling a bit self-conscious and didn't want to do it alone. The friend I was with didn't want to be in the picture since he was wearing a headband. geez... I did take a some pictures. Although, it was nothing exciting. This time I checked my camera settings so the pictures turned out great! No need to even photoshop. =D This was the set up of the breast cancer awareness event on the west steps of the Capitol. Here is the south steps where the Voter Registration Rally was held. See? Small, insignificant gathering. =/ Most of the pictures I took are more scenic views of the Capitol building since it still takes my breath away. Pretty... This was the gathering... There was a group sitting under the shade to the right of this picture. Irregardless, the crowd was still small. Depressing, isn't it? I was also sad that there were no McCain/Palin booths at the event. There was only an Obama/Biden booth. I was disappointed with that. I feel that since this event was made to encourage more people to register and vote, there ought to be a vast array of booths to help answer questions, promote more voters, etc. etc. This made the event look very biased... I was happy that there was a booth displaying the League of Women Voters. I chatted with the nice lady at the booth for a little while and grabbed some pamphlets then I wondered off to the back of the Capitol. With monuments like these, it's no wonder it makes me proud to be born in "Kahleefonyah." XD I had never seen the back of the Capitol until Saturday. =O I left the event after 4pm and decided to check out the boutiques on J st. Downtown has some neat little shops. I met up with my two little sisters and two little cousins and we walked around J and K street just checking out the shops. I didn't purchase anything in the little boutiques, but I did in a nifty little Antique shop called Nina's ... something. The name just slipped my mind. The shop was difficult to navigate, but everything was quasi-organized. I found a jewelry box in pristine condition. I see a little sad face on the jewelry box. It knows that the person who purchased it still avidly plays on her Wii and Xbox; also decorates her room with monster trucks, Harry Potter posters, and cat pictures in her bright pink bedroom and she collects knives and daggers. Poor jewelry box, it can already tell that I don't really wear jewelry. bwahhaah! The jewelry box is a bit small, but it was only $8! Not bad since it's now my first jewelry box. =D Drum roll, please! I am about to present the the best thing I have ever purchased. I actually haggled the price down to $10 since it was a little bit banged up and rusty. Chinese Checkers!!! I have never owned one. I actually learned how to play Chinese Checkers 2 years ago on Club House for the Nintendo DS. Yes, I know. I'm a weirdo for not knowing how to play it until recently despite the fact that I'm half Chinese. Whatever, I'm American-born, so I have an excuse to not know. hehee. The other side of this Chinese Checkers is actually regular Checkers. I've been playing that game since I was 6 years old. My first opponent was my popa. I hope my next community event will be much better. I should head back to that antique shop for some glass dolls. They would look great on my bookshelf with their creepy stare. hehehee Sigh, Mermaid just got on a plane heading to Vegas. I wish I was going with her. =(

2nd Saturday Art Walk

I am lagging on my blog. I'll try to make sure this won't happen again. October 11, which was the second Saturday of the month, I attended my second Art Walk. But this one wasn't as fun as the one I had gone to in September. Funny thing is that I went with the group that I would describe as "really fun!" but I honestly didn't enjoy this event as much as I thought I would. I didn't even see any art! >=( The only good thing about that particular night was running into my old boss. It was soo good to see her again! She looks the same after having two gorgeous half Vietnamese and half Laotian baby girls. Horay for mixed people! I'm being a little bit biased since I'm mixed. So on to 2nd Saturday, once I met up with my groupies at Peet's Coffee, we hit up Streets of London Pub on J and 18th. They got their drinks on while I sat around yakking away. Do you see the funny thing about this picture??? The ball of the beanie is on another guy's thigh? haha!!! ...fine, i'll take my head out of the dirty gutter. >=( Stupid Rich. He always ruin my pictures... I can't be too mad at him since I ruined this picture too. >_< I like yellow.... O_O Phil looks like he's making fun of my Asian eyes. Those last two pictures were taken at Starbucks after we left Streets of London Pub. It was just too crowded! Afterwards, we left downtown Sacramento to hit up a bar with karaoke! I didn't sing. I was too busy getting my "lame thing" on. XD I'm aware of the fact that this isn't a real blog since all I have are pictures... But like I said, I didn't really enjoy this particular 2nd Saturday Art Walk event so I have nothing to say about it. I think it's also the last Art Walk of the year. I have to apologize for the pictures being of such bad quality. I didn't check my camera settings before taking pictures. I'm also too lazy to photoshop the pictures. But at least I took the time to upload 'em! This is a rather sloppy post, but I don't feel too bad about it. hehee Now I gotta do some reading for my Modern Middle East class. =)

Dentist Visit

I've been bad! I have not blogged since my last post of my local Walmart bathroom. I've been busy with school and sleep. Did I ever mention how much of a lazy bum I am? So last Friday, I made a trip to see my dentist regarding my cavity. I know, it's horrible! A grown girl in her early 20s with a cavity? I swear, I brush, floss, scrap, and gurgle with mouthwash every night, apparently, it wasn't enough. The assistance told me that I would need to floss and rinse after every meal and stay away from sweets. Good grief. Might as well deprive me of all food. -__- Here are some fun pictures I took while waiting for the stupid assistance to set everything up. The assistant was actually my brother. The other times he assisted on me, he was rather rough. I remember he wouldn't wipe away my drool and slobber. Other times he would just jab things into the back of my throat. Jerk. Well this visit, he was much more gentle, which was weird. While waiting for the dentist, both he and I discussed politics and how low the dow was (-600 points!!!). 1) Freshly sanitized tools for picking my cavity. =D 2) X-rays of my teeth. 3) Me 30 minutes after. As you can see, the left side of my face is still numb and paralyzed. I went to Nugget for some fresh produce and the worker gave me some cheese for tasting and I kept drooling due to the medicine. He ended up making me purchase a huge wad of that particular cheese since he thought I loved it. haha funny. Btw, the cheese tasted okay once I got all of my taste buds back. Yes, very interesting Friday. -___-;

My unusual Walmart visit

Several nights ago, I made a quick run to my local Walmart. When I entered the parking lot, the very first thing I noticed were the mass amount of luxury vehicles sitting comfortably in front of Walmart. I don't believe I have ever seen that many luxury cars parked in a Walmart center. It was a surprise to me. So I parked my car in between my homies, Benz and Saab, and made my way across the lot to the Walmart entrance. As I trot my way along, I was taking count of how many luxury vehicles I had walked past (yes, I was that intrigue with this unusual event). Then I pass by some guy, who looked to be around my age, sitting in the trunk of his Mazda.

He calls out to me. "Aye yo, would you like to buy some sunglasses? Versace, Gucci, Vuitton, Coach, Fendi, Baby Phat..."

His list of (most likely, fake) designer goods were rather long. I told him I wasn't interested and continued to make my way along while he was still naming off the brands of sunglasses.

Then he yells out, "How about a black man?"

I stopped dead in my tracks, spun around to face him with a look of confusion on my face. I walked towards him, slowly (I was already pretty far from him since I have this habit of speed-walking), with a dumbfounded expression on my face. Once I was at a safe distance from him that was enough for me to speak without yelling and far enough to run away if the need arises, I politely told him, "No thank you. I can only afford to feed myself, so I cannot buy a black man from you tonight."

Smirking with cleverness from my (stupid) response, I turned to walk my usual fast pace walk, he shouts after me, "I know you don't got a black man at home. You gon need one real soon."

Ignoring him, I continued to walk. I forget to say my usual "hello" to the customer service rep that stands at the entry door since I was too busy thinking about what he just said. Why am I going to need a black man “real soon”? Let alone, why do I need a man? That was unusual. Anyway... I reEaaaAAAaallllly had to pee. So I hit the banos and saw the MOST DISGUSTING BATHROOM EVER!!!!

I have never seen Walmart's bathroom THAT dirty. Yes, it is usually dirty, but not as dirty as it was that night. All the toilets had "stuff" in it, in which someone(s) did not flush. So I go to the far end stalls on the left to check which looked cleanest and settled on the second stall on the far left. I flushed the nasty "stuff" and use triple-multiple seat coverings and squat as I did my business. No way in HECK am I going to place my bare bottom on that filthy seat, regardless of how many toilet seat coverings I had packed on. With the bathroom looking as trashy as ever, I noticed that the bathroom smelled rather pleasant. Like... spices and pine nuts and happy raccoons. As I pondered that, I looked up and saw a huge red net sack with pine cones in them. Yes, very decorative for such a filthy bathroom. At least it didn’t smell like shit.

As I was finishing up my business (I drink a lot of liquids, so I usually pee for that long), I hear two ladies walk in and exclaiming about how filthy the bathroom was. So yes, the bathroom was filthy and it wasn't just me and my clean standards judging Walmart. Something’s up at Walmart.

I walked out of the stalls and did my hand washing routine for 30 seconds and one of the ladies is looking into the first stall on the right.

She sees me looking at her and shouts “Come see this!”

Shrugging, I walk over to her show-and-tell. She uses her middle finger and points to the left side of the toilet. There on the floor besides the toilet were a huge-mongo amount of toilet paper, but sitting proudly on top of that huge-mongo amount of toilet paper was…

… a huge ball of toilet paper covered in brownish-green goo.

There goes my dinner. I ended up barfing in the sink. Thank goodness the sink was automatic because it washed away the evidence I had for dinner (I eat too much junk food). Seriously, what was wrong with this bathroom that night? I checked the cleaning schedule and saw that it was cleaned at least 3 hours from the time I was using it. I thanked the lady and walked out of the bathroom while she exclaims over the cleaning schedule.

That was unusual. I’ve never seen that bathroom in that state. I’m glad it didn’t stink! Well, my visit to Walmart ended as a happy one. I picked up the items that fell under my shopping list: witch hazel, toothpaste, mouth rinse, bikini wax, baby oil, reese’s whopper, loti-… wait a minute. What is this? Ensure? Ensure on sale?! Holy moly! Is it close to it’s expiration date? No. Well then. Better stock up on that good stuff! YUM.

So my Walmart visit was rather unusual, don't you think?