¿Usted Sabe Lo que Significo?

Been looking at my website stats, and it looks like I’ve got readers from all over. To make things a little easier for these readers from all over the world, I’m offering up yanowhatimean in several languages. It’s a trip! It’s really helping me brush up on my Spanish. Click on the links to translate my whole blog to each language. I’ve given a sample for each one. Thanks to Rick for the links!

Ok, I know…I’m procrastinating.

English

Today, me, Tony, Dan and Paul went to Buca di Beppo for lunch. A new one opened right across the street from where I work, and today was the grand opening. I am so seriously stuffed right now, I think I may explode. That, and I need a post-lunch nap. I’m REALLY sleepy! But the food was definitely good. We all shared some Chicken Vesuvio and meat tortelini. My belly sings, I’m so full!!! We had a family style meal, and the servings were huge for the four of us. We couldn’t say no to anything, so we had an appetizer, a HUGE salad, our entrees and dessert. I don’t even have to have dinner now. I think I’m all good for the rest of the day. All I need now is a nap! How can I work under these conditions? Today, I’m DEFINITELY going to work out! All this good eating can’t be good for me…and I need to fit in that dress!

Spanish

Hoy, yo, Tony, Dan y Paul fueron a Buca di Beppo para el almuerzo. Un nuevo se abrió a la derecha a través de la calle de donde trabajo, y era hoy la abertura magnífica. Ahora me rellenan tan seriamente, yo pienso que puedo estallar. Eso, y yo necesitamos una siesta del poste-almuerzo. ¡Soy REALMENTE soñoliento! Pero el alimento era definitivamente bueno. Nosotros todo el compartido algún pollo Vesuvio y tortelini de la carne. ¡Mi vientre canta, yo es tan lleno!!! Teníamos una comida del estilo de la familia, y las porciones eran enormes para los cuatro de nosotros. No podríamos decir no cualquier cosa, así que comíamos un aperitivo, una ensalada ENORME, nuestras entradas y el postre. Incluso no tengo que cenar ahora. Pienso que soy todo bueno para el resto del día. ¡Toda lo que necesito ahora es una siesta! ¿Cómo puedo trabajar bajo estas condiciones? ¡Hoy, voy DEFINITIVAMENTE a resolverme! ¡El todo este buen comer no puede ser bueno para mí… y necesito caber en ese vestido!

French

Aujourd’hui, moi, Tony, Dan et Paul sont allés chez Buca di Beppo pour le déjeuner. Un neuf s’est ouvert bien à travers la rue d’où je travaille, et était aujourd’hui l’ouverture grande. Je tellement suis sérieusement bourré en ce moment, je pense que je puis éclater. Cela, et moi avons besoin d’un petit somme de poteau-déjeuner. Je suis VRAIMENT somnolent! Mais la nourriture était certainement bonne. Nous tout partagé un certain poulet Vesuvio et un tortelini de viande. Mon ventre chante, je suis si plein!!! Nous avons eu un repas de modèle de famille, et les portions étaient énormes pour les quatre de nous. Nous ne pourrions pas ne dire non à n’importe quoi, ainsi nous avons pris un apéritif, une salade ÉNORME, nos entrées et dessert. Je ne dois pas même dîner maintenant. Je pense que je suis tout bon pour le reste du jour. Tout que j’ai besoin est maintenant un petit somme! Comment est-ce que je puis travailler dans ces conditions? Aujourd’hui, je vais CERTAINEMENT établir! Tout ce bon manger ne peut pas être bon pour moi… et je dois m’adapter dans cette robe!

Italian

Oggi, me, Tony, Dan e Paul sono andato a Buca di Beppo per pranzo. Un nuovo si è aperto a destra attraverso la via da dove lavoro ed oggi era la grande apertura. Sono farcito così seriamente ora, io penso che possa esplodere. Quello ed io hanno bisogno di un pelo del alberino-pranzo. Sono REALMENTE sleepy! Ma l’alimento era definitivamente buono. Noi tutto compartecipe un certo pollo Vesuvio e tortelini della carne. La mia pancia canta, io sono così piena!!! Abbiamo avuti un pasto di stile della famiglia ed i servings erano enormi per i quattro di noi. Non potremmo non dire no a qualche cosa, in modo da abbiamo mangiati un antipasto, un’insalata ENORME, le nostre entrate ed il dessert. Neppure non devo avere pranzo ora. Penso che sia tutto il buono per il resto del giorno. Tutto che abbia bisogno di ora è un pelo! Come posso lavorare in queste circostanze? Oggi, DEFINITIVAMENTE sto andando risolvere! Tutto questo buon consumo non può essere buono per me… e devo adattare in quel vestito!

German

Heute gingen ich, Tony, Dan und Paul zu Buca di Beppo für das Mittagessen. Ein Neues öffnete sich nach rechts über der Straße von, der ich arbeite, und war heute die großartige Öffnung. Ich werde so ernsthaft im Augenblick, ich denke angefüllt, daß ich explodieren kann. Das und ich benötigen ein Pfosten-Mittagessenhaar. Ich bin WIRKLICH sleepy! Aber die Nahrung war definitiv gut. Wir alles geteilt irgendeinem Huhn Vesuvio und Fleischtortelini. Mein Bauch singt, ich sind so voll!!! Wir hatten eine Familienartmahlzeit, und die Umhüllungen waren für die vier von uns sehr groß. Wir könnten nicht zu nichts nicht sagen, also aßen wir einen Aperitif, einen SEHR GROSSEN Salat, unsere Zutritte und Nachtisch. Ich nicht sogar muß jetzt zu Abend essen. Ich denke, daß ich für den Rest des Tages ganz gut bin. Alles, das ich ist benötige jetzt, ein Haar! Wie kann ich unter diesen Bedingungen arbeiten? Heute werde ich DEFINITIV ausarbeiten! Dieses ganzes gute Essen kann nicht für mich gut sein… und ich muß in dieses Kleid passen!

Chat Crack

Just when I thought I’d lessen my Internet time, I get addicted to another chat. Damn you, OZ! Damn you people that chat in there! Chat is like crack to me. And I’m a crack baby addicted to it. That’s ok. I was starting to get concerned with the amount of sleep I was getting. More than 6 hours a day was really freaking me out. I was starting to dream all the time. Now that I’m back to the 3-4 hours of sleep I’m feeling a little more at ease. *snicker* What the hell am I doing?

Today, I SWEAR I’m going to get some cleaning done in my room.

Yesterday was a GORGEOUS day in Chicago. The temperature peaked at about 74 degrees. What a wonderful day to drive in to work. Didn’t even need a jacket! THe sky was blue, the breeze was warm…it just made me want to….stay inside and chat.

Did anyone watch the Miss America pageant? I had it on for background noise and as soon as I saw them parading around in their fluffy white outfits I held back my puke and tuned it out.

Got a new manager at the office, (yes, ANOTHER ONE) and this one is actually my REAL manager. Gone are the days when I have to go to 5 different managers to ask a question or get something done. Me and Sam went to lunch with our new manager, and he was really cool. Education is key with him, and I’m not going to deny the fact that I need to know more about what I’m doing. He listened to our gripes and opinions about how things have been running for us lately, and he really paid attention to that we had to say. I’m having a good feeling about this one. Hopefully there are some changes made, because I can’t keep on doing what I’m doing with work without some form of structure. Eventually I’ll crack! And he gets extra points for buying us lunch.

Meet My Flowergirl

Here’s my flowergirl Nina. She’s the cutest thing ever!

The Oscars are tonight, should be interesting. Here’s my predictions:

Best Picture
CHICAGO (Miramax)

Achievement in Directing
Martin Scorsese for GANGS OF NEW YORK (Miramax)

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Jack Nicholson in ABOUT SCHMIDT (New Line)

Best Supporting Actor
Chris Cooper in ADAPTATION (Sony Pictures Releasing)

Best Actress in a Leading Role
Renée Zellweger in CHICAGO (Miramax)

Best Supporting Actress
Catherine Zeta-Jones in CHICAGO (Miramax)

Life is Good

OK, so things are getting so good, it’s almost scary.

After work, I headed out to the Wolves game with the gang from work (and Claudine, too). AHL games are so much more fun the NHL ones. The Wolves games have this family atmosphere, and I love watching the kids having a great time. These people are the REAL fans. And it was a great game. We played against the Rochester Americans, and we won in overtime. No big fights, though. *sigh* But there WERE about 7 sticks broken during the course of the game, which I found pretty unusual. Also got some neat pics of the Calder Cup, because you know, we’re the 2002 champs. Here’s some pics…


Afterwards, we went to Jamie’s party at Cherry Red, and I saw a LOT of people I haven’t seen in a while. Sometimes, I really miss my days a U of I. Those were seriously the best days of my life. As stressed as I was with school and relationships during those times, I made friends that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. Everytime we see each other, even though it’s been months, or years, it’s the same. And when we all get in the same room together? Watch out! It’s a party. And Yano becomes a hugging monster.

So me, Claudine and Fatima headed out to the party. And seriously, I think when the three of us go out to a party, we’re like a traveling circus show. ‘The Feliciano sisters! They’re all here!’ Maybe we should do some back flips when we enter the room or something. But it was a great time. Gel was spinnin’ in the back, and the music was good. The dancing was good. I was feeling good. And I didn’t even drink (alas, the designated driver). But it was a good night. Great friends, good music, great dancing. Life is good.

Good Thoughts in Bad Times

You know, the past couple weeks have been rough. With traveling, what’s going on with the country, being homesick, having issues with people, the wedding, etc. it’s been pretty tough. But over the last week or so, things have been looking up. Aside from my bout with food poisoning earlier in the week, things have really been looking up. After a nice weekend with my sisters and Dave and seeing old friends, I got a lot of rest in Vegas thanks to the bug, and I won money. Money’s always a good thing nowadays.

But one of the happiest things is that Dave got his residency. For months Dave’s been doing interviews all around the US trying to get a residency spot. But we’ve been wanting to stay in Chicago. And yesterday was the day that he found out which hospital took him, and it’s in Chicago! That was a wonderful sigh of relief for the both of us. I really wasn’t looking forward to living in New Hampshire or St. Louis. I really wanted to stay home with my friends and my family. So whoo hoo! Chicago, you’re stuck with me!

Dave also wants to take a year in California to do an internship. At first I was hesitant about the idea, because I really didn’t want to leave home, but now that I know that we’re going to be in Chicago, California looks pretty good. So for his first year we’re going to be in California, then the next 3 he’ll be in Loyola. However, California isn’t a sure thing yet. But it would be cool, I admit it. It’s not like I don’t KNOW anyone in California. I’ve got a couple friends that live there, and a couple friends from school who’ve moved there, so I know I won’t be lonely. Should be an interesting experience. Now if only Dave will let me lug my comic book collection along with me…don’t think I can part with that.

So things are looking up. Talked to work, and they said they can probably keep me on while I’m away, since I travel so much anyway. That would be really nice. Wouldn’t want to have to look for a job I’d only be keeping for a year.

Things are almost so good, I’m afraid to be happy, because its one of those ‘too-good-to-be true’ things. But I’ll let it ride, and see what happens.

Vegas was a good time. I won money, and I got a free plane ticket. There were some good times. My favorite pic is the last one. All around Vegas are what I call the ’smackers’. They hand out porn, and the smack the porn against their hands before they hand it out to you. The last pic is my version of the smacker.


War, HUH! What Is It Good For?!?

Took the red-eye home, and got in at about 6 this morning. The United flight I was on was overbooked since there was so much snow in Denver, so they were offering free flights to anyone giving up their seats. There was a flight leaving on American at the same time, so they booked me on that one and I got a free flight. Add that on to the $110 dollars that I won during my 2 hour stint at the roulette table and it was a pretty lucky day. Coming home from Vegas, there was $369 dollars in my pocket (interesting number, eh?) which made my total winnings about $220. Other than the stomach flu, Vegas was good to me!

And now I’m back to reality. It’s always hard to keep up with the news when you’re traveling. But I was able to watch a bit of news yesterday.

So we’re at war. I’ve got so many mixed feelings about it. My gut tells me it’s wrong. It scares me that there are so few people I know who really support the war. Like others, I see what they are hoping to accomplish. But is this the right way? It makes me really uneasy that so few other countries support us. France? Russia? We don’t want to be on their bad sides. And it’s not even countries supporting us, it’s how much we’re becoming unpopular with other countries. Protests in Australia, Tony Blair is getting VERY unpopular in Britain right now, the Pope speaks out in favor of those under attack, working outside of the United Nations, etc. We’re not getting too many popularity points. But terrorism must be stopped, and people like Hussein and Bin Ladin must be taken out of power. Though, are we going about it the right way? Are we just inviting another terrorist attack on American soil?

No one close to me has been sent out. But I know people who are out there, or who are going to be sent out there. People with familes, babies, loved ones. People who made a choice to go out there. And these are people I respect and look up to. It’s hard to think of, volunteering to go and fight a war that most of the world doesn’t support, and that most people at home don’t understand, leaving a good job and family that loves you. I pray for their safety, and I count the days until they come home again.

We’ll see what happens…

So here’s a little something for the people out there, the ordinary people, who become everyday heroes, risking their lives fighting for freedom. It’s from one of my favorite musicals, Les Miserables…

“Bring Him Home”

God on high
Hear my prayer
In my need
You have always been there
He is young
He’s afraid
Let him rest
Heaven blessed.
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home.

Bring him peace
Bring him joy
He is young
He is only a boy.
You can take
You can give
Let him be
Let him live.

Bring him home
Bring him home.

Feeling Better, Taking a Chance

Not much time to post.

Feeling better.

Had a muffin.

Then some cookies.

Then I took a chance and had some potato salad, an Italian sandwich and some sun chips. I know I’m not supposed to have oily or creamy foods, but I couldn’t help myself!

The tummy is grumbling, but I WILL NOT LET IT BEAT ME!

Sick in Vegas

So I woke up yesterday, and I thought I was hungover. Then I thought I wasn’t really drunk the night before, so it COULDN’T have been a hangover. But my stomach was killing me, and I felt really warm. Stopped by Krispy Kreme to get some breakfast, and when I got to the convention, I could only eat half of one. I wasn’t hungry. And I was FREEZING in the convention hall. My fingers were turning blue. I couldn’t eat anything. I felt like throwing up the whole time.

So right now Vegas isn’t too much fun. I’m thinking I’ve got stomach flu or something. I actually went to bed at 10 yesterday! Argh….THIS SUCKS!!!

No Fun on St. Patty’s

Went gambling yesterday. First, we went to O’Shea’s to see what kinda of St. Patty’s day celebration they were having. The place was totally dead! We were thinking that there’d be a party in there! We walked around the strip for a bit and played in a couple casinos. I pretty much did slots, since I’m TRYING not to gamble. However, in the Flamingo there was an empty seat at the Roulette table, and I couldn’t say no. And I was on FIRE! Well, on fire for me. So I walked away with $100 in winnings. I was tempted to play more, but I knew I had to stop. Anyway, here’s pics from yesterday.


Vegas, Baby, Vegas!

Well, I’ve got 8 minutes to type upt this post, so I’ll make it quick. My head is still reeling from the best meal I’ve had all year (Seared Ahi Tuna with Ginger Sushi Rice and Sake Butter Cream Sauce). OMG. I don’t even remember the name of the palce, but it’s in the Venetian. And my room KICKS ASS. Remember how I complained in Salt Lake about my hotel not having free shampoo? Well….they’ve got (runs to check bathroom)….shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shower cap, a full bar of soap, a bath, a separate shower, two sinks with gold fixtures, a fax machine, two tv’s, a little set of stairs splitting the living area from the sleeping area, 2 bathrobes…etc….this place is pretty swanky! I’ll post up pictures tomorrow!

The tradeshow today was pretty boring. We’re not in a good spot, so we didn’t get any really good leads. Shows like this are kinda tough when the big dogs of the company are in attendance. I’m always on my toes. And I can be assured that I will get yelled at at least once. But I’ve gotten a tough skin from it. It doesn’t hurt anymore! I was also on the phone with one of our guys from Chicago for about an hour and a half, trying to fix up my machine. I wasn’t in the office last weeks, so I didn’t get the latest updates. My machine was totally fucked. Actually, it still is. But oh well, no use crying over it now!!

All right…I’m off to gamble! (not much, of course, I’ve got a wedding to save up for!)