The More You Know...

Have you ever forgotten to remove a tag on a new clothing item? If you're like me, you've at least forgotten about that sticker on your jeans; The long one with the size printed out.

Today I saw a woman at the bus stop with a santa hat on, with the tag still attached. Being the good person that I am, I asked if she realized this was the case. She informed me that she was aware. In fact, apparently this is some sort of new fashion statement. She said she felt that wearing baggy pants was disrespectful to others, so she had opted to go for the tag trend.

So, I'm to understand that the new fad is to advertise the price of your bling, even if said bling consists of nothing more than a furry santa hat???

My first thought was, "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard." Then I thought "Not only am I confused by a fashion statement, but I have to be informed of it by someone who's older than I." Ouch.

Luckily, it turns out that I should have stuck with the first thought, and ignored the second one. This woman's next statement was, "I'm surprised you even saw the tag; I've been trying to hide it."

Hide it??? So, the goal of this fashion trend is for people to not know you're participating. Huh.

Changes For The Better

New Year's Resolutions:

1. Floss!!!!
2. Clean my disaster of an apartment.
3. Keep it that way.
4. Less alcohol = Fewer hangovers
5. Exercise.
6. Beauty treatment schedule.
7. Return phone calls.

Running on Empty

So, Sean has posted my url on his website! Fantastic...but this poses a bit of a problem. I feel compelled to write new things on my site! (Maybe that was his plan all along...). Well, I can't think of a single thing to write about, which is crazy, because there are always things to write about, right??

If you have any good ideas, please feel free to leave a comment. Otherwise, someone buy me this book!

Overheard

"I don't understand why my sister insists on making anything from scratch for Thanksgiving. It doesn't make that much of a difference in how things taste."

Shoot me in the face right now. Do it.

Questionable Past

The other night Nick was telling me about how easy it is to find someone's email address by simply putting their name into a Google search. Basically, as long as your name and email address are on a website somewhere, it will show up in the search results. To illustrate, he did a Google search for "kim mangan" (with quotes).

At the time, I was in the kitchen making dinner, so I asked him to read off some of the results that might pertain to me. Apparently, rather than dinner, I should have been making a drink.

"There's some stuff about a girl with your name who plays on a softball team in Ohio."
"Here's a link for your Amazon.com wishlist."
"Your Flickr page."
"A link for some chick who works for Anheuser Busch."
"A website for the Thespian troupe you were a part of in school."
"Free Asian Sex Gallery."
"Seriously. It says "kim mangan kent wa" under the website."

Apparently my name and the name of the town where I went to school are now included in spam headers! Have you ever gotten a bit of spam in your inbox which includes a bunch of random phrases? Take the next example, also listed in the Google search:

free diving equipment ... contest cheat. hovertechnics hovercrafts for sale. cancer in bowels. kim mangan kent wa. jefferson county west virginia tax assessor. 1985 Suzuki SP600

Back on Track

A lot has happened since my last post.

I quit my job.

I acquired a learners permit, so that I could help drive on a long road trip.

I took a road trip with Nick to see my Mother, Stepfather, little brother and sister, 1 set of grandparents, and Nick's sister. We also saw the Redwood forest, Crater Lake, and Dave Matthews.

I got a new job.

While You Were Sleeping

This morning I pulled up the NY Times website, and read two front-page articles:

The Food and Drug Administration today approved over-the-counter sales of the “morning-after” contraceptive pill to women 18 and older.

The International Astronomical Union set new guidelines that downsized the solar system from nine planets to eight.

How long have I been in bed?????

Movin' On

Final Draft:

To Whom It May Concern:

Effective immediately, I am resigning my employment at ***** ***** Company.

In recent months I have realized that my immediate work environment does not reflect the respect and dignity that I always hear so much about; Respect and dignity that I feel I deserve.

I have never felt so disrespected in a work environment, much less by a supervisor. To be given the impression that her superiors are in support of such unprofessional behavior is an extreme disappointment.

After four years, this is not an easy step to take, but I feel that it is time to move on.

First Draft:

EFFFFF YOOOOO.

Geekin' Out

Christina Aguilera's new album comes out today! Gah!!!!

Baybee!

Baybee!
Originally uploaded by pastry_child.

I'd say that went well.

Go Way. Sleeping.
Originally uploaded by pastry_child.

Email from my Mother:

*sigh*

*Heavy sigh*

I shoulda known.

*sigh*

Daniel says he isn't surprised.

*sigh*

Does your hair grow fast?

Now how you gonna color it?

Markers?

Paint?

Body Paint???

*sigh*

Open Forum

Girls with buzz cuts.

Discuss.

Only Slightly Behind Schedule

See pictures from the Australia trip here.

For JV

Love you!

Adventure By Way of Email

Sent : Friday, June 16, 2006 1:13 AM
Subject : Not sure what day it is...

So, apparently I'm 17 hours ahead of you! Annoying to realize that my direct deposit wouldn't go through until nearly Saturday, when usually it's available Friday morning! Ah well...I guess I can wait for gift shopping. ;>

Who knew that there would be such a language barrier here! I'm still having issues with ordering coffee...Apparently coffee with cream is termed "white"...Which contrasts with black, so I guess it makes sense...At starbucks I get my usual americano with room, but they don't offer half and half here, so it's milk only...Lame. I find it strangely refreshing to only have seen 2 Starbucks location since arriving in Sydney. And trust me, I've been around the city a bit by now!

Today Nick and I went to and area called The Rocks, which is what I would think of as "old Sydney"...Very cool architecture and neat back alleys, courtyards, etc. Went by the Opera House as well, where we met a very nice gentleman who told us all that we needed to do while in the city...As well as a little history lesson. ;>

Alright...Time running out!
Love you, Kimmi
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Sent : Friday, June 16, 2006 7:07 PM
Subject : Hullo!

Hello again!

So, internet access is on a new phase...Still learning a lot here! The business center at the hotel has access, but you have to prepay for a card, and the minutes are used up in 5 minute increments, so you end up losing time if you don't use all of it in one sitting! The first time we logged on, there were 15 or so minutes left, but when we logged back on yesterday, there were only 6 minutes available! Very strange...So we're using internet cafe's instead...sortof. The internet cafe's here consist of 7-11's with computers set up...Though for all I know at this point, it may be free! The guy seemed confused when I asked to use the internet...Apparently you just sit down and use the computer around here!

I've been told that I don't have much of an American accent...I wonder if the common thought is that most Americans speak with a southern accent...Though Nick didn't get the same comment. Of course, in the states I do get people who can't figure out where I'm from because of my "strange" speech patterns! ;> Ah well, I enjoy being unique!

Don't think I mentioned in previous email, Nick and I visited the Royal Botanic Gardens the first day we were here...Gorgeous...And the strangest things..."Flying foxes"...Basically HUGE bats, that hang from the trees around the park...They look like huge "pods" from far away...But then a bird will fly up and disturb them, and a huge cloud of bats will start flying to other trees...Creepy, but interesting.

We also went to this great little toy shop while in The Rocks yesterday...They mainly focus on puppets...The entire store was underground, and all brick walls...Very old world style...And puppets hanging all over the place! It was crazy, but by far one the coolest shops I've seen...I was fighting the urge to take pictures...It made me feel like a kid! There were some really neat, very LARGE, life-sized puppets that were quite old and from all over the world.

Today we're checking out the warf, and planning for the Chinese Gardens as well as Hyde Park... Later during our trip, we want to take a ferry out to Manly, which is a resort-ish area with lots of sand beaches and good restaurants - reviews to come!

At some point we may visit a place called the Minus5 Bar...A martini bar completely made of ice! Seriously..The bar, benches, even the martini glasses are made of ice! There's a $30AU cover, which includes one free drink, as well as heavy coats, hats and gloves for your stay...And apparently you're only allowed to stay for 30 minutes at a time! Crazy! I'm sure that's something that Michelle will want to do as well, so we'll probably wait until next week when she's arrived.

I'm taking lots of good pictures!
Love you! Kimmi
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Sent : Saturday, June 17, 2006 10:39 PM
Subject : I just want an effing cup of coffee!

Hello again!

I think I finally have this coffee thing figured out. A "flat white" is probably the closest thing I'm going to get to drip with cream, outside of the hotel. We ordered breakfast to our room yesterday, and there was a pot of drip coffee with a pitcher of milk...The milk was steamed, which I found a little strange at first, but it was actually kindof nice. Today we went to a pancake house for breakfast...Quite good. I ordered coffee with milk...A "flat white", which is basically the equivalent of a small latte. When we arrived at our table, the hostess asked us if we would like coffee, a latte, cappucino, etc. I asked for an Americano, and she informed me that such a thing wasn't possible, as everything is percolated. I then asked for a flat white, and later realized, that if they can make lattes and cappucinos, why couldn't they make an Americano??? I'm actually wondering if she thought I was asking for American style coffee, which would be a normal drip (I'm guessing, as usual...).

Spoke with Jeni yesterday...She and Brian arrived in Sydney yesterday morning, and we'll get together tomorrow for a late breakfast...I'm actually quite interested to run some questions by Brian when I see him! ;>

Nick and I have learned the benefits of charging hotel services to your room...We had a buffet breakfast, in house, the first morning we were here. We've also charged internet cards and room service to the room directly. Yesterday when we arrived back to the room in the afternoon, there was a selection of sparkling and still waters, as well as a fresh fruit bowl, on the desk...Wondering if that has anything to do with the amount we have shelled out in the hotel...Nick has helped set up computer systems for restaurants before, and he said that there are "hospitality" programs available, which would send a notification to the front desk depending on your spending levels, so they can then in turn "reward" you. Interesting...I guess we'll end up paying for all of our services in the end anyway, so why not take advantage of charging to the room???

Today we went to a place called Luna Park, which is an amusement park which has been in existence since the '30's...Not too crowded, and very cool artwork! Loving the shopping! I'm not much for shopping usually, but between the exchange rates and the seemingly permanent sales, I'm doing quite well...Kim - You're going to absolutely wet yourself when you see some of these shoes I've purchased!!!!

Love you all! Kimmi
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Sent : Sunday, June 18, 2006 8:47 PM
Subject : we got out!

Nick and I are at Brian's dad's place right now...Free internet - woot! We took the train to an area called Concord West, where the house is. It's so nice to be in a residential area, outside of the city. Brian's sister, Jennifer (ha!) gave me a very informative lecture on coffee...Quite helpful!

With the walk across the bridge, I got a good amount of sun yesterday...Some color on my face and more freckles on my arms! ;> We're learning exactly what is meant by "diamond light" and the reason for the high incidents of skin cancer here...The sun is very bright...All year round! Last night the clouds rolled in, and today it's been sprinkling a bit...The first clouds we've seen since leaving Seattle! We noticed right away that a good majority of the cafes and restaurants don't have much for indoor seating...But they have outdoor heat lamps...Makes sense...Who would want to sit outside in this weather - even if it's cold!

Tomorrow we're meeting back up with everyone on our side of town to take a seafood lunch cruise...And Wednesday is the wedding...Thursday Nick and Michelle are talking about going skydiving...Nick wanted to do that, but I'm afraid of heights, so I suggested that he take Michelle, since she's a bit crazy...And I'm planning to go to the hotel spa! It's a 5 star hotel by AU standards, so seems like the thing to do! ;> The shuttle for skydiving picks them up at 7am, and they should be back by 1pm, so that still gives plenty of time for the group to do some downtown excursions...

Michelle just arrived this morning, and will be leaving for Melbourne with Brian's sister on Friday morning, so unfortunately she won't have much time for siteseeing in Sydney....So, now that Nick and I know what's up with the city, we can play tourguide!

Love you! Kimmi
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Sent : Tuesday, June 20, 2006 10:15 PM
Subject : Winter Solstice....Summer Solstice!

Today is the big day for Brian and Jeni! We just finished the ceremony and now the alcohol is free-flowing. ;> Jeni asked me to sign the marriage certificate, which was quite the honor...Michelle and I were the bridesmaids...My first wedding! I was able to play "bride's assistant" while Jeni was preparing...I couldn't believe how many face brushes I was holding at one time! ;> Really, it was a lovely ceremony...It was held in Brian's dad's backyard, on a brick patio with a fountain nearby...A bird even graced us with song during the vows...

Yesterday Brian's dad took everyone on the seafood lunch cruise, which sailed the perimeter of the entire harbor. Later in the evening when Nick and I went out to dinner, I still felt like I was on a boat!

Alright...I should go take more photos of the reception!
Love you, Kimmi
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Sent : Thursday, June 22, 2006 5:13 PM

My massage yesterday was fantastic! Even the receptionist commented at how relaxed I looked. Nick said when I arrived back at the room I looked like I was doped up and ready to fall over! ;>

Nick was going to go skydiving yesterday while I was at my appointment, but the session was cancelled due to the weather...It finally started raining the day before, and hadn't let up until last night. They rescheduled his trip for today, and it's nice and sunny again, so I'm sure I'll be hearing all about his jump in a few hours.

Last night we all (me, Nick, Jeni, Brian, Brian's dad and his girlfriend, and Michelle) went to a place called Minus5. It's an ice bar! The entire bar is made of ice, from the seats to the glasses that you drink out of! It was about -11C when we were there...Though the temperature does fluctuate slightly, from what I gather. It was quite the experience...And of course, no one had a camera! Ah well...

Michelle and I went to the Hard Rock Cafe yesterday...I'd never been to one, but Michelle collects the souvenir glasses wherever she goes...I felt like such a tourist in there! ;>

Love you all! Kimmi
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Sent : Tuesday, June 27, 2006 11:32 AM
Subject : Back Home

Wanted to let you know we made it home safely. We left Sydney at 9pm on Sunday evening, and arrived in Seattle at 945pm on Sunday! Time changes are so funny...

So, the day before we left, we went to a wildlife park where I was able to pet a koala and a wallaby! So cool! One of the staff members told me that the wallabies are hand raised by the staff. When they're born, someone takes them home for 8 months to raise them, so they're very friendly. I also saw a 4 meter crocodile! Crazy. There are wild parakeets in Australia, of which I saw many...Friendly little guys...They came right up to my camera!

The last day we were there, we took a ferry to Manly, a fairly close destination which has sandy beaches...It was a gorgeous day for it...I even shot some nice pictures of surfers.

Good to be home!

Off To Travel The World!

I'm out for a couple of weeks, so posting will be sporadic, at best. But, is it really ever any other way???

Going to Sydney, Australia for 2 weeks, with a day layover in Honolulu on the way, and the possibility of a night in New Zealand as well.

Lots of pictures and stories to come -- Not to mention the ridiculous amount of self portraits that are sure to be taken...

Relaxed And In Great Lighting

Great Lighting
Originally uploaded by pastry_child.

Nick and I went camping at the beach a few weeks back. Here is one of our signature self-portraits.

I've given up believing that someone else will eventually update my website.

What have I been up to, you may ask yourselves! Well, most recently, I've been researching frozen macaroni and cheese. I have yet to find one that's as good as what I make from scratch, but I must say, Amy's macaroni and cheese with organic pasta is pretty damn good; As good as the picture indicates, I would say.

New Discovery.

Bad Combination:

1. Bowling

2. Reading Glasses

Lightbulb Moment

I spent some time yesterday evening thinking about people from my past - Mostly all of the jackasses that I've dated. I don't mean guys who turned into jackasses, but more the ones that were all along and I just didn't see it. In all of this reminiscing I came to the conclusion that the one thing they all had in common was that they shared traits with my father. I'm not saying that I think my dad is a jackass. Just, well, my father is the guy that most dads warn their daughters about.

Mornings Are Dangerous

This was taken about 10 minutes ago. I'm still wearing the helmet.

Kept To Myself

You should stop wearing those pants. They're just awful.

Good Friends

Good Friends
Originally uploaded by pastry_child.

My good friend Kim brought these to me at work yesterday!

Cricket Likes the Cheap Stuff

Cricket Likes the Cheap Stuff
Originally uploaded by pastry_child.

Devil Kitty!!!

Devil Kitty!!!
Originally uploaded by pastry_child.

For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.

For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.
Originally uploaded by pastry_child.

Blogging Rampage!

I haven't posted in a while!!!! I'm posting now! A rampage of photos, comin' up!

Ode To Joy And The Yummy Coffee You Make For Me In The Mornings.

Still Life Without Tongues
Originally uploaded by pastry_child.

You're so nice. I like you a lot. My friends like you too. That's neat because I never have to worry about defending us. Some of my friends, even though they like you, say that you should stop setting the bar so high with all the nice things you do, like bringing me coffee in the morning. I just tell them to shut-up.

I think it's nice that we're so comfortable together. Unfortunately I still have to draw the line with farting in front of you, even though you try to encourage me by saying that I'll be more comfortable if I just get it over with already.

I like that I can be goofy around you, and you think it's funny, and not stupid. I can say "Maaaarrryyyyyy", and you get it. We both like to play Scrabble! Remember a few weeks ago, when we were cracking jokes about Scrabble, and we figured out that we both have the scores memorized for each letter? It was amusing at the time, but please don't tell anyone, okay?

Anyway, I should get going. Y'know how your friends always comment that I don't actually work when I'm at the office? Yeah.

Zee Cake

Zee Cake
Originally uploaded by pastry_child.

Here we see a bittersweet chocolate cake with semisweet chocolate truffles and silk rose pedals. Coffee, anyone?

Snow Dancing

Snow Dancer
Originally uploaded by pastry_child.

Went snowshoeing across a frozen lake last weekend, and lived to tell the tale!

Now With Less Tongue!!!

Cheese
Originally uploaded by pastry_child.

Accountability and The Art of Preventative Maintenance

I remember being warned that my pants would someday shrink, but I didn't expect it to be isolated to the hips and thighs area.

I've always hovered around the 120-125lb range, but when I went to my yearly checkup two months ago, I weighed in at 135. I wasn't terribly concerned about it at the time, because I wasn't "enjoying" the "benefits" of weight gain yet. Yet. In just the last 2 week, some of my pants don't fit right anymore.

Okay, let's recap: 2 months ago I weight 135, and my pants still fit fine. Now they don't fit. Therefore...one can deduce that I weigh MORE than 135. Ugh. By Hollywood standards, I am officially a heifer, and should be taken out back to be put out of my misery.

Now, before you all roll your eyes and start a "Fatty VS Skinny 2006" riot, I know that I'm totally healthy. I recognize that I look great, but the tight clothes bit is really bothering me. I don't want to wake up in 10 years, with an "office ass", feeling like it's too late to do something about it. By then I will be considering letting someone send me to the glue factory. (Hmmm....glue. I bet if I went on a glue diet, I would lose weight!)

This is where the preventative maintenance and accountability part comes in. I'm asking my readers to hold me accountable to start MOOOVING (ha!). I don't have lofty goals yet. I just want to start doing some crunches and maybe lunges in the evening. So, what I ask of you, my loyal audience, is to send me a quick email daily, weekly, whatever, to check in and make sure that I'm moving on a regular basis. (and I don't mean chair shimmies - get off your ASS, Kim!)

My pants and I will greatly appreciate it.

Need. No, want. No....NEED.

Anyone who gets paid to window shop is alright in my book. This is one of my favorite websites. This is the new thing that I want from said website. Hey! YOU. It's almost Valentine's Day! I know I said the holiday wasn't a big deal, but I want this.

Deja Vu???

Disclaimer: No, I'm not trying to copy this post.

Saturday morning I'm dreaming that I'm brushing my teeth. I spit a huge bubbly wad of saliva all over my pillow.

Through New Eyes.

I finally broke down and figured out how to program my coffee brewer to run in the mornings. I've always avoided the option, because I'm a bit of a coffee purist - especially when it comes to freshly ground beans.

I've since learned that perspective is vastly different at 6 am. Besides, it's really neat to turn the alarm off and hear gurgling and hissing coming from the kitchen! Another benefit to coffee before work? I'm noticing things on my commute that I've never paid attention to before! There are some really neat stores that I have been passing for *3* years...I should really get around to checking them out sometime...

Speaking of Blowjobs....And Then Not...

I'm wearing a new shirt that has horizontal stripes. I look damn good in it. This is my way of telling the fashion world to "suck it".

In other news, I've been reminded of how amazing it can be to have someone make coffee for you in the morning and bring it to you in bed before work. Thank you, Wonderful Coffee Maker Person! (This is the part that isn't about blowjobs.)

bush_bj
Originally uploaded by pastry_child.

Email Of The Day: Water Intake

Is your pee clear yet?

Grasshoppa say 'Only when one can drink what come out, can one be confident about putting enough in'

Conversation Pieces Take a New Turn

http://www.showercurtainart.com/thumbpage.html