Distilled Four Times

A Tumblr Reblog: What's Underneath the Drunken Shell?

2011-02-20T23:57:00.000-08:00

As honest as honesty goes: [...] The thing with shells, they grow to protect something tender inside. I get tougher on the outside not because I don’t care; it’s because I care too much. I’m not hopeless; I’m too hopeful. I’m not apathetic; I feel almost everything because I’ve been down, I’ve been there, and I still struggle.It might not be the “cool” stance to take but that’s who I am. If you

Taking Care on One's Self

2011-02-11T05:41:00.000-08:00

"[...] there haven't been many moments in my life when I've been able to sit back, relax, and forget. Tonight was one of them. It was bliss. For a stolen evening, I was [me] again. Eating good food, enjoying good company, pretending I didn't have a care in the world. One thing I've learned is that the harder your life gets, the gentler you have to be with yourself when you finally get some

Another Original Work Posted

2010-12-29T17:13:00.000-08:00

Last month, I've told you about sharing some of my original writings with you here (see this post). I've just added another one to the list called "Remaining Innocence". Sometime I wonder whether I should tell people ahead of time what the story is about because I intentionally make them vague. However, I think it's better to leave it to your intrepretation and get out of your way. However, if

Happy Digital Christmas

2010-12-22T16:32:00.000-08:00

This video is awesome (thanks to my friend, Liz). I found a few social media things referenced in this video that I actually use: Google GMail Instant Messaging Twitter Foursquare Facebook Amazon YouTube What about you? Hope you enjoyed the video. Happy Holidays!

I Have the Best Kids - Relatively Speaking

2010-12-15T17:16:00.000-08:00

This year has been a bit difficult for me. Work has been demanding and so has my personal life. I was having a hard time getting in to the Christmas spirit due to the ever-growing list of things I need to do plus the challenge of not having enough funds to buy presents. I was getting depressed and feeling a bit like a failure as a mother. Last night, my kids did such an awesome job cleaning up

Nineteen-Forty-Four Loko

2010-12-09T00:10:00.000-08:00

The oncoming death of Four Loko got you jittery? Not into ludicrous abominations like alcoholic whipped cream? Fear not, friends. The great minds at The Whiskey Monologues have a solution for you: Introducing the Nineteen-Fourty-Four Loko. It’s got caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, and you make it yourself! It doesn’t come in nasty flavors or brightly colored cans, it only comes in Awesome.

Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday 120110

2010-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Driving Tours of America Edition Technically, this not a Weekend Wednesday post because it doesn't really give suggestions for things to do in Los Angeles for the upcoming weekend. However, I'm sharing great ideas for possible DRIVING TOUR vacations you might want to take next year. I know it's a bit early for summer vacation with the Christmas holiday just around the corner. But, I've always

I Do Care, Just In Case You're Wondering

2010-11-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

In our lives, there are so many times that we give up so much. So much we sacrifice. So much we let go. Yet despite the sadness, we also know the certainty that what we’ve lost, what we’ve given up are exactly the same things that are needed to lay the foundation for the future. Our lives are never about us. It’s always about the people that will live on after us, the ones that will come long

Negroni

2010-11-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

You don't know what Campari is? Well, here is something to get you started on the way to becoming friends with it. Fancy and time consuming - serve in a chilled cocktail glass (or martini glass) 1 1/2 ounces London dry gin 3/4 ounce Campari3/4 ounce Italian vermouth Shake well with cracked ice then carefully strain in to the glass. Garnish with a twist of orange peel. Casual and quick (when I’

Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday 111710

2010-11-17T18:01:00.000-08:00

Harry Potter Edition #1 Sorry guys and gals. Since Harry Potter is opening with a midnight showing tomorrow, that’s all I can really think about. If you’re a fan of the books and movies, here are some things that will help you fully celebrate the beginning of the end this weekend. Watch the Official Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 Trailer 2 in HD Visit Whimsic Alley - a magical

Sharing Some Original Work

2010-11-11T22:29:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, I frequently write fictional short stories or poems all over the inter webs. I decided to park some of those stories here so you can get a chance to sample my work. I've posted my first sample here. You can also find a list of them as I add more on the sidebar to the right, under the heading "Original Fiction". My work is usually dark and sometimes filthy. I'll leave the

Can I Geek Out for a Moment?

2010-11-09T14:07:00.001-08:00

Can I Geek Out for a Moment?Originally uploaded by DrSilverI've been wanting to post this and brag for a couple of days but I've been sick over the weekend so just got the chance to hang it today. Joe Hill, one of my favorite authors, is now following me on Twitter and is kind enough to send me a book for donating to his Movember challenge. For a book geek like me, this is the equivalent of

Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday 110310

2010-11-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted a Weekend Wednesday (last one was in February) but here's a suggestion for this Sunday. It's a little bit different but it's more true to the kind of freaky things I like. Mental Head Circus It's a bit hard to explain but the following words are usually used to describe this show: vaudeville circus, devious cabaret, dance, humor and bawdy allure. Need

Kir Royale

2010-10-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

Apéritif served in a champagne flute 1 part creme de cassis (a sweet red blackcurrant flavored liqueur) 4 parts Champagne or Cremant de Bourgogne Pour cassis in the flute then gently pour the champagne on top. Just like with any kind of cooking, you need to use the best ingredients to get the best taste. I suggest using Massenez Creme de Cassis de Dijon and Veuve Ambal Cremant de Bourgogne. The

This is Ridiculous!

2010-08-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

Okay - I'm revising the order of my 2010 Summer Reading List. I can't seem to get psyched-up about Stephen King's new book. And, he's my favorite author! I could be just jonesing for other things right now. I've read 19 books since I've finished The Passage when I should've been reading Under the Dome. With that said, maybe I need a new tactic. So, in an attempt to make better progress, here's

Summer 2010 Reading List (Maybe Even Fall)

2010-07-09T16:42:00.001-07:00

Summer 2010 Reading List (Maybe Even Fall) Originally uploaded by DrSilverI'm a bit ambitious with my reading list this summer. Considering how busy I am, I doubt if I can really tackle all of these by the end of August. Realistically, I think I can finish by October-November. We'll see. Here's the list (in order of when I will read them): The Magicians by Lev Grossman (done) The Passage by

Introspection #1

2010-07-05T18:44:00.000-07:00

Life will never make sense to any us if we try to look at the whole picture. We were never intended to see the whole thing until the very end of life, when it wouldn’t be of any use to us. For some, they don’t even get that privilege and expire without the knowledge of what’s it all about. No matter how far back we stand from the picture or try to imagine what’s in the future, we don’t have the

Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday - 021710

2010-02-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Hour Edition Here's a nice roundup of places you can hit Thursday, Friday and Saturday this weekend for cheap drinks, cheap food, and great times. Make sure to bring friends! 9th Hour Happy Hour on Thursday Hit this one on Thursday afternoon. This week might be a short work-week but the amount of work you're expected to crank out is ridiculous. Need something to get you through til

Cupcakes and Coffee

2010-01-11T01:31:00.000-08:00

Red velvet cupcakes and french-pressed coffee to be exact, but who wants to give away everything right with the title? I’ve been asked by several people for the recipe I used for my Christmas Red Velvet Cupcakes so I thought I’d write about it here. Well, while considering how I should proceed with the article, I decided to indulge on the remaining petite delicacies along with a well-deserved

I Couldn't Sleep...

2009-10-30T18:46:00.001-07:00

I Couldn't Sleep... Originally uploaded by DrSilver Of all the photos I took the last time I was in St. Louis, this is the one I really like. The funny thing - this was a random shot I took from inside my hotel room. I was having a hard time falling asleep so I started to chat with a friend on the phone. While sitting on the hotel room floor, leaning against the bed, I was inspired to take a

What’s been on My Mind?

2009-10-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

I know I’ve been terrible with keeping up my blog. Unfortunately, things have been quite hectic the last few weeks. I did, however, manage to finish a short story (a very short one) couple of weeks ago and was a bit surprised with the responses I’ve received. Without having to explain myself (and please don’t ask me), I posted this short story under a pseudonym that is special to me. The story

My Gourmet Grilled Cheese

2009-09-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I forgot to post a Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday item yesterday. The holiday threw me off schedule and I completely forgot it was Wednesday yesterday. In any case, I thought it would be good to shake things up a little bit so I'm trying something different this time.I am a very fortunate person because we have a GREAT dining center at work. Last week, I ordered a gourmet grilled

Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday - 090209

2009-09-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Let's Dance EditionI'm looking forward to the fall season of So You Think You Can Dance starting next week, so my head is full of leaps, twirls, jazz hands, high kicks and booty shaking. In honor of my love for dance and all sorts of body movements, let's see what's going on in the world of dance this weekend.iConnect at the Ford AmpitheatreYou know, hip hop dancing is not really what you think

Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday – 082609

2009-08-26T23:26:00.000-07:00

Let’s Go to Japan Edition I’m on a Los Angeles walking tour fever this month. I won’t bore you to death with the details of the Little Tokyo Walking Tour here but I will mention a couple of other LA spots where you can enhance your Japanese experience. UCLA Hannah Carter Japanese Garden This estate donated to the University of California in 1965 is located about one mile north of the UCLA

Sorry No Weekend Wednesday Post Today

2009-08-19T23:02:00.001-07:00

I've had a tremendously challenging week (even though it's just Wednesday). Lots of changes ahead, work is piling up, hitting deadlines, school's starting, and a whole lot of other excuses. When you're stressed and emotions are high, that's when you should take time out. Unfortunately, getting ready for the weekend requires a lot of work, which requires a lot of time that I don't really have.

Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday - 081209

2009-08-13T00:57:00.000-07:00

A Walking Tour of Historic Downtown LA – Photographic Focus(500) Days of Summer Edition Since I've been dribbling about (500) Days of Summer continuously over the past few days, I'm going to continue with that theme and get it out of my system. The movie is set and shot in downtown Los Angeles, and it

Falling in Love with Breaking Your Heart

2009-08-08T19:09:00.001-07:00

(500) Days of Summer [Theatrical Release]I saw (500) Days of Summer last night and it was way better than I expected (and I was expecting a lot). This movie made me fall in love all over again—in love with Los Angeles, in love with architecture, photography, the Smiths, movie musical dance numbers, and just falling in love and breaking your heart. And, if you’re not already in awe of Joseph

Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday - 0800509

2009-08-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

HUNTINGTON BEACH!!!Kayaking the Huntington HarbourStart your day right with a little bit of exercise and sight-seeing. Huntington Harbour has very mild waters so it’s really easy to paddle even for a beginner. If you’ve never kayaked before, this is a great place to start. HB has five man-made islands and you can see local homes (opulent homes with large boats parked on their private docks). You

So Let Me Explain

2009-08-03T00:04:00.000-07:00

I'm not really willfully neglectful. I swear! There's so much I want to write here and talk about. But, as my blog title infers, I over-think things and I end up not writing anything. When I don't think I have a coherent train of thought or I haven't resolved an internal conflict, I can't get myself to just put it out here.So what gives on the Wednesday Weekend's then? That one, I can honestly

Recyling the PopSci Way

2009-07-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I'm a closet geek. I'm very busy with work (and other work) right now but I needed some downtime so I indulged in much geekery this morning. Here's two interesting articles that you should peek.Growing tissues with your TV? It's a bit SkyNet to me but a great way to recyle. Click here to read the article.Talking about recyling - here's taking it to the extreme. Interested in

Airport Codes Quiz

2009-07-10T22:33:00.000-07:00

I'm not quite sure that getting a high score on this quiz is a good thing. The average score is 46% and I'm about twice that percentage. If you're going to take the quiz, let me know how you do.Airport CodesScore: 86% (12 out of 14)

Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday - 070809

2009-07-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

Music Edition 1I love listening to live music so I’m sure this is going to be a focus for a lot of my Wednesday Weekends. The best part - there’s a ton of summer music events going on so I’m just in time to get you started. Let’s call this edition #1 and go from there, okay.Local Bands at scissors.paper.rock salonGet your weekend jump-started on Thursday nights this summer with free music in an

I'm Still Here

2009-07-07T23:56:00.000-07:00

I've been a bad blogger. I've neglected posting here and I haven't even done a Weekend Wednesday for several weeks now. Well, I promise to post one tomorrow and, since I've been a bad girl, I have a lot of crazy thoughts running around in my head that I can post here (after I scrub 'em squeaky clean). Stay tuned and I'll let you know when Weekend Wednesday for this week is up.

Mexico Vacation - Photos and Narratives

2009-06-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I was too lazy to post photos and really blog about my vacation in Playa del Carmen last week. I've finally posted the photos at Flickr and if you're interested in seeing the daily narrative for what I did, check out my Twitter feed (read from the bottom up for the correct sequence). I'll post more details about the vacation later this week.

Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday - 061009

2009-06-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Mexican Experience in L.A. EditionSince I’m on vacation, I’m a bit lazy with my post today. There is one good thing with my laziness though – all the references below come from Trazzler which is a great social networking tool. Check it out and see how you can use it.“Nursing Your Hangover w/ Chilaquiles from Tacos Delta in Los Angeles” – by Tracie Boom“Revering Hot Sauce at Holy Guacamole in

Vacation Bliss ROI

2009-06-07T16:53:00.001-07:00

It's Sunday afternoon. I'm enjoying the 2pm lull at the beach, sitting under the shade of coconut trees with a beautiful, refreshing breeze blowing. My kids are swimming and I've just finished taking some photos. Just how I want my vacation to be. I'm listening to some slow Ray Charles right now and I'm preoccupied with sharpening my spiritual saw. I am so thankful for all the graces I have in my

Calistoga Trip Summer of 2008

2009-06-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

I've finally decided to upload my photos to Flickr from last year's trip to Calistoga. Here are some of the pix but head on over to my Flickr "Calistoga '08" to see all of them. Be kind - these are completely unedited shots, straight out of the camera.I probably won't be able to post any new entries for a couple of days. We're leaving for Playa del Carmen tomorrow (woohoo!!) so I'll be a bit

Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday – 060309

2009-06-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

Since I’m going on vacation this Friday to Mexico, my Weekend Wednesday post is a bit boring but useful today. Here are a few museums you can visit for free.FINE ARTSHuntington Library, Art Galleries and Botanical GardensGet lost in the gardens for free on the first Thursday of every month. However, there are no more tickets available for tomorrow, June 4. Make sure to request for your free

Summer Reading List 2009

2009-05-31T20:43:00.001-07:00

First part of summer anyway. Would need more books to fill up the rest of July and August. Here's the list (from the bottom):How to Be an Explorer of the World (Keri Smith)Other People's Love Letters (edited by Bill Shapiro)Drood (Dan Simmons)Heart-Shaped Box (Joe Hill)Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith)20th Century Ghosts (Joe Hill)Disquiet (Julia Leigh)

Dance with Me

2009-05-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

Back from oblivion - after a few weeks of intense work, I'm finally getting some good news. I'm going on vacation next weekend so I'm totally excited. Don't worry, I promise to keep up with my posts. Also, I got really, really good news on Thursday about future opportunities (can't talk about it here though). So in honor of these two great "things to look forward to", come dance with me.Here's

Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday - 051309

2009-05-13T00:16:00.000-07:00

Echo Park Neighborhood EditionVisit an Actual Vinyl StoreGo to Origami Vinyl where they have racks and racks of vinyl’s and other kitschy stuff, like old-school, high-end record players and home-made shirts & tote bags. Origami is also a local record label so they get in-store performances in the store and they’re very aware of the local music scene around Echo Park and Silver Lake. Located at

Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday – 050609

2009-05-06T03:15:00.000-07:00

Mothers' Day EditionLebowski Fest LA 2009May 7-8, 2009Festival starts with the movie part on May 7 at the Wiltern Theatre. On May 8, the festival continues at Cal Bowl in Lakewood with games, costumes and, of course, bowling.Afternoon Tea at Gordon Ramsay at the LondonEveryday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PMThe London West Hollywood HotelSplurge on your mom by inviting her to a proper British afternoon

No "Weekend Wednesday" Post This Week

2009-05-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

I didn't post a "Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday" this week. My weekend is already completely booked for my daughter's birthday so I don't really know what's going outside of that. We always do a month-long celebration for her (which started on April 24 this year) but we are completely at her beck-and-call during her actual birthday weekend. She also shares a birthday with my dad but the poor

Productivity Tip – Doing Your Monthly Planning

2009-04-27T00:08:00.000-07:00

Schedule some time this week to do your May monthly planning. Here are some of the things you should be looking at to block off time on your calendar:PersonalUpcoming birthdays and anniversary for upcoming month and the month after thatEvents you need to attend or trips to takeFriends & family members you want to see or talk with in MayPersonal goalsSchool homework and projectsHome projects and

Get Ready for the Weekend Wednesday - 042209

2009-04-22T17:59:00.000-07:00

Every week, I will post suggestions to get you out of the house and exploring the SoCal area. If you have suggestions for a particular week, let me know and I will include it.Events2009 Newport Beach Film FestivalThursday, April 23 through April 30, 2009“Set in beautiful Newport Beach, a few blocks away from spectacular coastline and less than an hour from Hollywood, the Festival will host

I've Officially Moved Here

2009-04-20T01:04:00.000-07:00

So I'm officially using this as my new blog site. The old site is still up and will still probably post there once in a while, but I will be posting all my mindless blah's here on a more regular basis. Hope you follow along and participate in any discussions by posting your comments. Ask questions, request for topics or just laugh along.

If You're on the Interwebs, Then You Better Know This

2009-04-18T01:30:00.000-07:00

I don't think you should be allowed to use the internet if you don't have at least an elementary idea of how it was developed. Lucky for those who lack the curiousity, an animated film has been created just for your information. Please watch this short but very informative clip from picol.

Been Neglecting My Musical Interests

2009-04-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

I haven't been listening to good music for a while (long story and very boring). My kids have been exposing me to really interesting things in the last couple of years and, yeah, they're good - some are even great (particularly Rilo Kiley and Whispertown 2000). But, as we all know, music gets embedded in your soul only if you discover it on your own.I'm still very grateful that I have people that

Dancing Honey Bees

2009-04-03T23:01:00.000-07:00

I promised Sara this would be my first post in my new blog. That was almost 6 months ago so this is a bit outdated. In any case, I still love it because it has to do with things I like - dancing, ice cream, science and, of course, crumping boys in honey bee costumes. Who can resist that? Enjoy.