Recently in ME Category

Where have I been?

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As the Cold War Kids' Hospital Beds song implies, I was in the hospital.  It was my first time in the hospital and overall, not a horrible experience thanks to the nice people who worked there.

Unboxing Porn - iPad Reveal

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So, the iPad was finally available on 3-Apr-2010.  We didn't get one even though many of you think we're such Apple Fanatics that we'd buy everything sight unseen.  While we do have 6 iPods, 2 MacBooks, 1 iMac, 1 MacMini, and 1 iPhone, we're pretty good at getting the devices that will best suit our needs. We also gave away 1 iBook to a home that could benefit from it more than us.  We're like an Apple Orphanage sometimes. If we did decide to get the iPad, we'd want the 3G version not available until the end of April 2010.  But, we don't need the iPad...why? Well, no camera, no flash support, no multitasking, and an AT&T 3G bill...no thanks.  I'd rather get a new iPhone or a new MacBook Pro. 

But, here's a funny video going around the interwebz today from Revision 3.  Enjoy!

When Angels are Born

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I did not know her. In fact, our paths never crossed until last week.  And even with that, I still never knew the joy others had in knowing her. You can tell the beauty of a person by the lives they have touched.  She obviously meant a great deal to a lot of people. So how is it that I feel so much empathy towards this stranger today?

Simple...we all will die one day, but her time came too soon. It is the reminder that we are all living a fleeting existence on this planet. We all will leave to the great beyond one day. A place where it will be more peaceful than this world could ever be. But for those left behind, the tragedy of living without that person can feel like the world imploded upon itself in the wake of loss.

But, she knew what a precious gift she could bestow upon the world and never took advantage of that. From the kind words of those who knew her, she was a fighter and she loved through it all. She used humor as her armor. It is a shame this light will no longer shine in mortal form, but she has become an angel and will continue to touch others' lives.

My heart aches for those who personally feel this loss. My heart aches for the pain I too will endure one day when someone so beautiful will be taken from me. I also ache for those who may feel my loss should I be the one to leave too early; however, today is another day that I am alive and have the opportunity to show those around me how much I love them.

It's that kind of day...

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EVER HAVE ONE OF THOSE DAYS?

I'm uber-sleepy
I "very unfavorably" don't like my job at this moment
I wish everything didn't have to be planned for so far in advance
I need instant gratification
I hate planning
I hate being unorganized
I wish I could read more
I wish I was 10-yrs younger sometimes
I wish I was 10-yrs older at other times
I wonder if I'm losing my grasp on reality
I should get more sleep
I need to see into a crystal ball
I think I should stand up for myself more and not be afraid to be truthful
Why doesn't sarcasm translate to written word
Where is my filter when I feel anonymous
What is the nature of these so-called "connections"
How can I read between the lines if there isn't more than 1 line
Can you really take it back once it's been released into the world
I'm supposed to drink coffee black to be healthier
I'm supposed to take the stairs more
I'm supposed to do a lot of things
Can I be invisible
I am no where near perfect and will make lots of stupid errors
I will not learn my lesson
I don't feel remorse often, but I do feel guilty always
It'll all blow over so why am I still talking?

Never mind...I'll zip it now


Fanfic Review - Fourteen

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Body Image Issues
Source: Post Media

FOURTEEN
By,
CrimsonMarie

Author Summary:
High school is brutal.
It's even worse when you're not a size two.
Worse than that? Having a major crush on the biggest, hottest jerk in high school.
Even worse than that? Being paired up with him for a science project.

Twilight / Rated: M / Chapters: 13 / Published: 10-29-09 / Bella & Edward

**SPOILER ALERT**

I will be discussing details within the story, so please don't read on if you haven't read the story or do not wish to see my thoughts on the story.  This the first time I have felt compelled enough to write about a specific fanfiction story I have read.  I think it cut closer to home than I was comfortable with and I needed to expand on my thoughts to purge myself of these concerns.
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I am the laziest blogger on Earth

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Source: Unknown

Seriously, I have all these ideas in my head that I think would be great, but then real life takes over and I never get to any of them to the point where if I DID actually start, I'd be so far behind I won't do it. Such a blogging conundrum.  But I really want to try to be a better, more regular, blogger.

Here are my ideas for regular segments on the blog:
  • Continue my regular entry updates for fanfics - rated, reading now, to-read, etc.
  • Restart my concert reviews (starting with The English Beat/Fishbone show I saw on Friday)
  • Start a new segment for reviewing the fanfics I have finished reading so people actually know WHY I rated them the way I did
  • Start a new segment for highlighting a song a week whether it is for the song itself, its lyrics, or because it spoke to me that week
  • Start a new segment reviewing new music I have bought
  • Restart my SYTYCD blogging when Season 7 starts in May.
Now I don't want to be one of those generic blog sites that all have the same new hipster information.  Really, I didn't start this because I wanted to become famous (although I love seeing that someone has found me).  I blog because I sometimes have thoughts in my head that I want to get out.  I like to just be honest and write about things that speak to me or my passions. 

So, let's see if I can drag myself away from reading Twilight fanfic long enough to make these aspirations come true.  =)

Shnookie Nook

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We got a nook

We named it Shnookie

We are already fighting over ownership of Shnookie

Good thing we know how to share (maybe)

How will an eReader change our lives?

Hmmm, let me count the ways...
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Life without Myspace

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myspace.logo.pngToday I did something I thought I'd never do...I deleted my myspace account.  I didn't even really think about it.  I just decided, why do I still keep this account around when I'm never on it?

Now that I have done it, I have small pangs of guilt and sadness over its absence.  Not enough to really regret it, but some to make me nostalgic for years gone by. 

My favorite speech - EVER

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sunscreen.jpg

Everybody's Free (to Wear Sunscreen)

By, Mary Schmich

(Lyrics made famous by Baz Luhrmann)

Lyrics and song -->This way

Steve Jobs - Truly Inspirational

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This is the text of the Commencement address by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, delivered on June 12, 2005.

RIP Jimmie Sakamoto

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On 7-Oct-2009 a little after 9PM West Coast time, my Uncle Jimmie lost his battle with lung cancer.  I have been told that in the end, he died peacefully surrounded by his friends that had become his family for many years.  He was 75-yrs old and the older brother to my Mom, Margie Oshiro. 

He had already determined his afterlife care because he didn't want to burden anyone with the details.  He requested a Memorial Service followed by a burial at sea (spreading his ashes into the ocean). 

WheretheWildThingsAre.jpgI have been very excited about the release of the movie Where The Wild Things Are since I saw the first trailer for it months ago.  The trailer included Arcade Fire's Wake Up and it was so moving I almost cried watching it.  Since then, I have been soaking up everything I can find. Now I wasn't even a fan of the book because I was past childhood when it came out, but the images from the movie were so captivating and so recognizable from the illustrations that I have since become a fan.

I bought the soundtrack to the movie last week without even listening to any of the songs.  However, I did know that Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs was doing it with Carter Burwell (recently of Twilight score fame) so it wasn't like it'd be a huge mystery.  I was blown away from the first listen.  Karen O and the Kids have captured youth, wonder, fear, amazement, excitement, and sometimes worry.

After listening for awhile, I started collecting my favorite songs and my favorite is Worried Shoes. It's very subdued and simple with just a piano in the background and Karen O's broken, tender voice that captures the song's theme.  After looking up the lyrics, I found this song is actually a cover and was originally recorded by Daniel Johnston.  It's a brilliant song.

Lyrics and more after the jump...

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I saw this movie for my birthday the other day and ever since I can't get it out of my head.  It's like it has planted this thought seed inside and I want to dissect it, appreciate it, contemplate it, and revisit it.  I've been trying to figure out why, but in the end it just resonated with me and has earned a spot in my favorite movies list. 

If you have NOT seen it, STOP HERE, and don't read any further because I'm going to discuss it and I don't want to give anything away.  I will strongly suggest you go watch it right now...find a theater, a showing, and don't hesitate. You will love it. 

How many tree rings do you have?

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TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY
I have gained another ring on my tree

Instead of complaining about getting older,
I'd like to embrace my new age.
I want to list things I am grateful for,
things I have learned over the years,
or things I still have yet to accomplish
in the many years I have left.
ONE PER YEAR I HAVE GRACED THIS EARTH
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twitter fail whaleIn a statement from Twitter's blog today:

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Denial of Service Attack

On this otherwise happy Thursday morning, Twitter is the target of a denial of service attack. Attacks such as this are malicious efforts orchestrated to disrupt and make unavailable services such as online banks, credit card payment gateways, and in this case, Twitter for intended customers or users. We are defending against this attack now and will continue to update our status blog as we continue to defend and later investigate.

NOOOO!!?!?!?!  FAIL WHALE TO THE MAX!!


That's Not My Name!

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Hi, my name is Diane.

It's sometimes:
D
Di
Di Di
Dian-E
DO

It's NEVER:
Dian
Dianne
Dihann
Dihan
Diana
Dianna
Deann
Deanna
Deana
Dina
dead-ipod.jpgSo what started as a very normal, typical day in Mrs. Oshimbo Land, has now become a matter of life and death for you, my beloved 120GB iPod.  How did we get here?  Well, we got in the car, we plugged you up with the Monster FM Transmitter, we got angry at how bad Maxwell's new album is, then we rocked out to Florence & The Machines before getting to work.  Then we unplugged you from the Monster FM Transmitter, placed you so softly within your Juicy purse pocket and then released you onto the work desk you spend many hours on.  Then, you allowed me to place headphones in and change artists to Discovery.  But, when I tried to play the LP album, you froze on song one even though you said you were playing.  Then you let me go to song two, but continued to freeze.  It was at that moment I knew you were sick.

My Elvis Has Died!

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RIP Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009)


The Story of Oshimbo

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RossDianeDopplegangers.JPGI have been watching a lot of movies lately that make me feel emotional about love: Finding love, messing up love, growing old with the one you love, losing love, losing loved ones, etc.  Because of this, I thought I'd tell the story of how I became an Oshimbo.

(If you were wondering, Oshimbo is a combination of both our last names.  We jokingly said we'd be like Mayor Villaraigosa of Los Angeles who made a new last name when he and his wife married; however, ours was a silly name and not one I wanted officially on documents.  I do like it for websites though) 

twitter-logo.jpgI am sure other people wonder the same thing because some days I wonder, "How in the world did that person find my twitter account and what made them hit the FOLLOW button?"

I'm not a celebrity, I'm not a "genre" twitter account, I'm not an expert at anything, nor am I super funny, perverse, or witty.  Yet, I have almost 200 people who are currently following me.  There have been more, but obviously they figured out I am a fraud and stopped following, but for the ones that stay...why?
nomnomnomlolcats.jpg
www.mrs.oshimbo.com...can we talk?

I realize that when I created you, you actually expected that we'd have some kind of meaningful relationship filled with hours upon hours of heartfelt conversations.  However, I believe I duped you into believing that was my MO.  You see, while I have every intention of meeting you half way in this relationship, for some reason, I just get too distracted to remember you. 

I know, don't cry, it's not you, it's me.
me pic_purple hair
Hi Everyone.  I am a horrible blogger (*hangs head in shame*).  How will I ever actually switch to this web page if I never actually use it?  Actually, I haven't updated my public site, www.itsnotamonkey.com either.  Well, I have a problem.  Why update that old page when I'll then have to transfer it over to this page?  But, at the same time, why should I update this page, when it's not public yet because it's pretty boring looking? 

Good Samaritans

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Good SamaritanToday is Valentine's Day.

We exchanged presents, we ate a great dinner, and we saw the ballet (I'll write about that later). But, the greatest gift we received is the help from a stranger. We got a flat tire at dinner and left it for after the ballet.

Now Ross is changing it, but was having problems getting the lugnuts off. This kid stopped, when everyone else just drove past us, and offered to help. He stayed and helped until Ross said he could leave.

Now that is the spirit of St. Valentine!!! To love unconditionally and to show mercy for your fellow man!!

I don't know this kid, but I thank him! Happy Valentine's Day to you!!!

Friday Afternoon Pick-Me-Up

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John Mayer

Lately it seems that every Friday afternoon I feel beat down by life, work, people, etc.  This feeling usually makes me want to either go home and sleep or go out and find something to make me forget the past 40+ Hour work week. 

But something happened yesterday making me change my perspective on my situation.  I had the feeling when my husband said, "Hey, just listen to the words."

He set my iPod to a song and hit play.  I had heard the song a million times before and he in fact used to have it on his myspace page as the only song for months (driving everyone crazy).  He used to say it worked for him, but I guess I needed to feel that same exhaustion and oppressive helplessness to actually HEAR the words for the first time. 

Kenny Crucial

I don't know when we started noticing this guy, but one day we just did.  First it was, "Hey, there's that guy again".  Then it was, "Wow, there's that guy AGAIN!"  Next it was, "Who is that guy and why do we see him so much? Maybe I should take his picture?"  We thought maybe he was a reporter because he was always alone, but he was always in the front row and never took any pictures or looked like he was writing anything down, so we discounted that theory.  Finally, one time at The Earl, we overheard someone say, "Hey Kenny...", and I was like, AHA, HE HAS A NAME.  Ever since then, we have had this urge to talk to him because we see him at so many of the same concerts we're at, but we never do. 

I can't give up my addiction

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Vampire Knight Logo.gifVampire Knight YukiZero.png


To whom it may concern,

I have an addiction...

Yes.  I admit it.  I am addicted to Vampire Knight.  If you have never heard of it, I'd completely understand why.  Before Sept 2008, neither had I, but that fateful day at the Atlanta Anime Weekend, I watched 1-Hr of the anime because  I love vampires, and it had vampire in the title.  It only took about 10-Min from when I started watching the cartoon to realize, I MUST KNOW EVERYTHING THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT VAMPIRE KNIGHT AND I MUST KNOW IT NOW!!!! 

200 Random Things About ME

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I saw this done once on another blog (Joey Moggie) and I had to do it.  I first added it to my Myspace page, but now it has made it to this page instead.

Simple concept:  Think of XX# of random things about you.  It could relate to your personality, your hobbies, your achievements, your pet peeves, etc.  I think some people think they aren't that interesting, but I disagree.  It's our individuality and quirkiness that makes us fascinating.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5


I will attempt to do an unscientific, not in the least very technical comparison of a TZ1 and TZ5.


NYC Was Awesome

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Play by Play of our trip to NYC:


11-July-2007: Arrived at LaGuardia at 1100am. Got to Park Central Hotel at 12pm, but couldn't get to our rooms until 4pm. Checked in our bags and then walked to the Guggenheim Museum. We went through Central Park to get to the museum. It was only 44 block away (YIKES), and it was HOT! Stopped to eat in the park at the Boathouse and visited Alice's statue (Alice in Wonderland). Got to the museum and it was under construction so we couldn't see Frank Lloyd Wright's famous architecture. The rotunda was amazing (kind of gave us vertigo). Spent about 1.5hrs in the museum. There was a lot of WEIRD art there. I like modern art, but some of this was almost pointless. We decided to take the subway back to the hotel. Good thing because it poured on us. Ate at the famous Carnegie Deli where we shared a Woody Allen (cornbeef/pastrami on rye). It was as big as my head, and could have fed 4 people. Also had NY famous cheesecake. YUMMY! Finally checked into the hotel and later met the fam for dinner. That night around 11pm, we took the subway to Nolita (North of Little Italy) to find this bar called Sweet and Viscous because Interpol was having a record release party. Got to hang with Sam and Paul from Interpol, along with Chef Mario Battali. So that made 3 celebrities in 1 day! Got back around 3am and went to sleep.


12-July-2007: Got up early and had breakfast in some small French cafe that only had Italian waiters. Then walked to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). It was AMAZING! We saw Picasso, Van Gogh, Degas, Rothko, Matisse, Warhol, Pollack, etc. Got lots of pictures. Spent probably 3-4hrs there. We saw Joan Rivers at the museum. That's celebrity 4 in 2 days. Ate a gyro from a street vendor and felt like a real new yorker. Later that night we went to Devin's show. She was in 4 numbers. It was actually pretty boring because there was too much talking and not enough dancing. Devin was awesome though! Went to eat at this real French restaurant. Got back by 1am.


13-July-2007: Left the hotel by 730am. Got my Mom and fam to take the subway to the Empire State Building. What a wonderful view. So pretty. Then we went to Battery Park to take the ferry to Statue of Liberty. It was pretty crowded and that made me grumpy. Dev, Ross, and I took silly pictures with Lady Liberty. We didn't go to Ellis Island because we were all tired. Got back to the hotel and met up again at 7pm because we were going to see A Chrous Line on Broadway. I loved it so much. I can sing every word. We saw Bill Paxton at the theater (he's in Big Love right now). That's celebrity 5. Afterwards, we went walking around Times Square on our way to this Japanese restaurant listed in the playbill book. It was soooooooo good. Met my finicky father's approval. That night, Ross and I took one of those bike taxis back to the hotel. Man those guys work hard for $10.


14-July-2007: Getting really tired by now. We slept in and met at 10am at Starbucks. My Dad went on his own because he wanted to see Central Park and a museum. The rest of us went SHOPPING! We went to Macy's, Canal Street, SOHO, and Nolita. We ate in Little Italy at this place called Sal's. Food in NY is soooo good. Everything we had was better than anything in GA. Got back around 6pm and rested for awhile. Devin, Ross, and I went out while the parents packed (early flight for them). We walked down 5th avenue to the most awesomely fantastic place in NYC. It was the APPLE store with the huge glass cube and floating apple sign. There was a clear spiral staircase into the store. In it, there were these strange dancers doing tango around the stairs. I was filming them, but the staff made me stop. I got 30-sec worth. We then went to the meatpacking district to get into this place known for cool music and food. Well, turns out you have to be 21 to get in. We didn't get in. I know, I turn 21 next month! J/K. We ate and went back to Times Square to do some souvenir shopping. Dropped Devin off after 1am. They had to leave for the airport by 5:30am and Devin hadn't started packing yet.


15-July-2007: Last Day in the BIG APPLE. Got up around 10am and got ready/packed for 12pm checkout. Went to eat our last meal and spent a lot of time at Starbucks while Ross finished his homework. We went to the Museum of Natural History. Parts look exactly like Night at The Museum. The dinosaurs were awesome. But, my favorite section was of course the monkeys and apes. We also saw history of Asian people and history of Mexican people. Had to leave for the airport at 6pm. Our plane left 1.5hrs late and got back to ATL after midnight.


I didn't think I'd love NYC as much as I did. It had great food, easy transportation, and, surprisingly very nice people. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

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