I’ve been fighting off a cold all weekend, so I decided to just lay low and hopefully let the Airborne do its thing. That meant watching lots of Next, Law & Order, and my first Netflix movie–Napolean Dynomite. I also managed to run a million errands, do four loads of laundry, clean out a cabinet containing stuff that hasn’t been touched since I moved into my apartment nine years ago, move my baking blog to it’s new home, and try a new recipe. Speaking of baking, there will be another chance to win a dozen cupcakes or cookies sometime soon, so stay tuned.

In other weekend news, I bought a Cuisinart (it comes with a VHS tape to watch, so funny), Eve is now officially my neighbor, and the new Jdate boy called me just like he said he would and we made a dinner date for Thursday. (He also invited me to a party he is throwing at his parents’ beach house for July 4th, but my body is far from second date bathing suit ready.)

And finally, I have to work tomorrow. Total suckage.

Because my last header image contest was such a huge success (thanks Maria!), I decided to do it again, this time for my baking blog. Here are the details:

Size: 762 x 190 px

Format: gif file

The look: I’m probably going to end up using the same template I’m using for this blog, but with different colors and the new header. And feel free to use any of the baking photos I have on Flickr.

Colors: Totally open.

Text: Nosh With Me and One girl’s love affair with her KitchenAid mixer.

Deadline: Friday, August 4.

Prize: A dozen cookies or cupcakes. If I’m mailing them to you, you’ll probably get cookies as I haven’t yet experimented with mailing cupcakes.

Let me know if you want to enter!

Does anyone know if it’s possible to create a set within a set in Flickr? And if it’s not possible, is there a workaround?
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Has anyone else tried the Pizza Olympiad frozen pizzas from Trader Joe’s? So good! They have kalamata olives, fire roasted red peppers, feta, and mozzarella, and are only three points! My new fave.
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Tonight is my second date with the new Jdate guy. While the restaurant he suggested is close to my neighborhood, it’s not somewhere I would have suggested for a dinner date–it’s more of a late night post-show place. However, I think it’s really cute and sweet that he obviously did some research to find a place to eat in an area he’s not at all familiar with. (He lives by the beach.)
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I saw The Devil Wears Prada. It was good, but the relationship and chemistry between Anne Hathaway’s character and Adrian Grenier’s character was just off.
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Entourage–getting better, but still not as good as previous seasons.
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I’m having another header image contest, so here’s your chance to win some baked goods.
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And finally, if I see that 1-800-DENTIST commercial with the mother-of-the-bride who is freaking out about her teeth one more time, I will scream. It. Is. So. Stupid.

The date was lovely. Dinner was fun. Conversation flowed easily. Found out he was a child actor (oy, only in LA) and has a creative side business doing something he enjoys. He is nice. He opened doors, grabbed the bill, complimented me on my shirt, and asked me out again before we left the restaurant. He likes 80s music, can throw out movie lines like nobody’s business, enjoys improv, and didn’t make fun of me when I made a mess eating a turkey burger. After dinner, he drove me home, walked me to my door, hugged me goodnight, and said he’d call to make plans for another date. And I know he’ll call.

Everything sounds good, right? Except…I keep thinking he’s missing something. Some kind of edge. Here’s to hoping I’ll see it on our next date.

This afternoon, Eve and I will join Marnie in her search for the perfect wedding dress. I may try one on, just for fun. Or not.
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The other day, Deb sent me this article from The Onion titled, I’m Sorry, But I Only Date Men My Friends Are Afraid Might Kill Me, which I could relate to all too much. Have I mentioned I’m going out with the nice Jdate guy who is three years younger than me again? (Btw, he really needs a nickname. Any suggestions?)
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Speaking of Jdates, tomorrow I have two. Date number three with the nice Jdate guy in the afternoon, then drinks with a new Jdate guy in the evening.
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I finally created a menu for my party next weekend–chips and salsa, enchiladas (both cheese and chicken), and roasted corn from Trader Joe’s. Possibly salad as well. Sangria–white and red–to drink. And cupcakes–chocolate with buttercream frosting, vanilla with buttercream or chocolate frosting, and peanut butter with chocolate frosting–for dessert. I decided to do only minis that way everyone can taste each flavor. Yum.
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And finally, it is entirely too hot in LA.

I drove out to his place so that we could have lunch then walk around 3rd Street and the pier. Lunch was delicious. The weather was perfect. The ocean was beautiful. We played air hockey; he won 7-6.

I’m trying to like him. I really am. He’s a great guy. But when he leaned in and kissed me goodbye I felt absolutely nothing. Not a thing. He asked me out again.

Tonight is a date with a new Jdate guy. Stay tuned.

Met the new Jdate guy (he’s from Detroit, so we shall call him Detroit Guy) at The Well which was…closed! After a slight panic that my favorite bar may be closed, (yes the sign on the door says they open at 8:00 on Sundays and it was after 8:00 so I am very concerned), we ended up at El Compadre for dinner and flameless(!)-flaming margaritas. Dinner was fun (food was whatever, drinks were good). Conversation flowed. He’s cute. Has a good job. Had a very different family life growing up. Didn’t finish college. Walked on the street side of the sidewalk. Asked me out again. Kissed me goodnight; and I kissed him back. Called to make sure I made it home okay.

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As always, write a story using at least five of the search phrases. And if you’re a new reader, tell me how you got here. Please.
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And in other news, tomorrow night Detroit Guy is taking me to a cast and crew screening of You, Me and Dupree. Should be fun! And I love me some Matt Dillon.

Detroit Guy (DG) picked me up and we drove out to Universal to attend a cast and crew screening of You, Me and Dupree last night. Interesting side note: After parking the car, he walked back to it and opened the lid to the gas tank. Not the cap itself, just the thing that pops open so you can unscrew the cap. Anyway, he put his keys under the lid, closed it, then walked back to where I was. I looked at him like he was nuts and asked why he did that. He said something about not wanting to carry his keys (yet he had his Blackberry/big cell phone and wallet in his pockets) so I offered to put them in my purse. I had visions of coming back to the car and it being gone. What the hell? Is putting keys there a normal thing?

Okay, back to the date…

Before the movie, we made like tourists and grabbed drinks and an appetizer at Hard Rock (hey, we were at City Walk…our options were limited.) DG introduced me to a guy he works with then we ate, drank, and people watched. Conversation was sort of eh–I just don’t get much intellectual stimulation from him and that is definitely not a good thing.

During the movie, he put his arm around me and held my hand, it was sweet. After the movie, we saw more of his coworkers, then snuck out so we wouldn’t have to chat with them all night and grabbed soft pretzels on the way to the car. He drove me home and I invited him up for a bit of talking and smooching. While upstairs, he was looking at some pictures on my shelf and recognized Eve and Tamara from their pictures on Jdate. So funny. And in case you were wondering, I thought the movie was okay–kinda stupid funny; he thought it was hysterical. And when did Matt Dillon get so old?

It was a fun night and we talked about getting together again. Do I see anything long-term? Probably not. But he’s a fun guy. If I could take certain qualities of Nice Guy and mix them with the chemistry of DG, I’d be all set.

I’m taking Friday off of work so I can bake for my party on Saturday. (I’m going out Friday night so I can’t do it then.) Did I mention my best friend (hi Julie!) is coming up from SD for the night? I’m so excited to introduce her to my friends up here.
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After five years together, my bookclub appears to be folding. I’m sad, but I know that five years is a long time for a book club to stay together.
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In happier news, Maria made me these super cool notecards with my name on them! Anyone with a name with an unusual spelling knows how cool it is to have something with their named spelled properly.
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Does anyone know what the deal is with the kissy woman that walks around Century City and the Westside blowing kisses?
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There’s still time to enter my baking blog header image contest to win a dozen cookies or cupcakes.
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My head is spinning right now. Dating is a lot of work and I don’t think I can take Jdate for much longer. Nice Guy is just, well, nice. Which leads to the question: Do you think chemistry can develop or does it need to be there from the beginning? Anyway, he asked me what my schedule looked like for next week and said he’d call over the weekend to set a concrete date. Why he didn’t just set a date right then, I don’t know. (Yes, I’m going to go out with him again.)

In other dating news, DG and I made plans to watch a video tonight. (Yes, I’m going out with him again too.)
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That’s it for today. I’m a little preoccupied with wondering if maybe my expectations are too high and I’m wanting to meet someone that quite possibly doesn’t exist. Specific physical characteristics have become unimportant and my list of must-haves (which currently includes: kind, smart, makes me laugh, is attractive to me, and will challenge and stimulate me intellectually) keeps shrinking with each birthday. I don’t know what is left to drop next.

Thursday night’s date was rescheduled for Monday because DG accepted a late night gig (he works on films) and I had a million and one errands to run. I am so glad we rescheduled as I was able to get so much done last night. I spent two hours driving around in traffic and going to the market (sangria ingredients), Smart & Final (disposable cooking and serving stuff…yeah, high class I know), and Sur La Table (mini cupcake liners) at the Farmers Market. Can you believe I had to drive around the Farmers Market parking lot for twenty minutes in order to find a spot? Craziness.

Today I made about a gazillion cupcakes for my party, cleaned up a bit, then proceeded to fall asleep on the couch until DG called and woke me up. Good thing he did, because I have to leave in a couple hours and haven’t even made it into the shower yet.

I am so tired.

Friday
Took Friday off and baked cupcakes, cupcakes, and more cupcakes. Fell asleep, talked to DG briefly, then met Melanie at Friday Night Live. Big Brothers Big Sisters asked me to help man their booth after services, and it proved to be a fun night. Lots of people came up and asked questions about becoming a Big, and one woman even inquired about signing her kids up to be Littles, so I’d call it a success! And of course, services were interesting (not really my thing) and seeing Melanie was lovely.

Saturday
Hit the market for more stuff for my girls night in party, cleaned up and moved furniture around, then picked Julie up at the train station. We met up with my sister back at my apartment and picked up even more stuff for the party, then came back home and started preparing everything. I don’t know what I would have done without their help–they were amazing, thanks you guys! (And apparently Julie make the most delicious guacamole, which I didn’t eat only because I don’t like avacados.) I had a nice surprise about an hour before the party–while I was in total panic mode, DG called just to say hi and that he was in my neighborhood working on The Lot. It was really cool that he called, I just wish I didn’t have to rush him off the phone.

Back to the party. We had a ton of food–chips, salsa, and guacamole, cheese and chicken enchiladas, Mexican rice, and tons of sangria and wine. I think we plowed through five pitchers of sangria (yum yum yum, thank you Food Network and Henry’s) and a few bottles of wine, including one that Marissa brought called Bitch (see pic to the right). And of course I made cupcakes for dessert and there were enough leftover for everyone to take goodies home.

I do believe the party was a success. Everyone seemed to get along well and conversation (and wine) flowed quite nicely. A few people were bummed we never got around to playing Trivial Pursuit Pop Culture Edition, so I think I see a game night (boys will be allowed this time) in the near future.

Sunday
Slept in then drove Julie to the train station. I just have to say how nice it was to have her here in LA, sans kids and husband (not that I don’t love them too!), and I hope we can do it again sometime. When I got back, I did laundry and put some stuff away. I think I have a date with Netflix right about now.

More pictures can be found here. Many of them are viewable only by Friends & Family so if you believe you fit into either of those categories, email me.

I woke up at 6:00 to my alarm then quickly went back to bed. My throat was killing me and my tonsils were huge and covered in white dots. (Yes, I know that’s gross.) I immediately left a message with my doctor hoping he could get me in for a strep test then went back to sleep.

Half an hour later, DG called. When I sounded half asleep, he apologized profusely, saying he thought I told him I was up at 6:15 everyday. I told him he was right but that I stayed home sick today, and that we would need to reschedule our rescheduled date. He said no problem, told me to enjoy some really bad TV, and to call him to let him know what the doctor says.

So I slept and watched TV for a couple of hours then went to my appointment. My doctor said I have either strep (which is unlikely because a) the rapid test came back negative and b) I have a cough) or another infection related to my mono. Apparently mono never completely goes away, and viruses that won’t bother other people will bother me because of the stupid mono. He did some bloodwork to see if it’s viral or bacterial and until we get the results back on Wednesday, I’m taking antibiotics. But anyway, I called DG on my way back from the doctor to fill him in. Turns out, when he got to work, he was asked to go to Vegas for work tonight and won’t be back until Friday or Saturday. He said he’ll give me a call when he gets back into town and we’ll figure out another day to get together. I’m hoping to see him before my birthday (which is Monday in case you want to buy me a gift), but I doubt that will happen.

I’m beginning to wonder if perhaps DG and I aren’t supposed to have a third date.

I am feeling so much better–antibiotics are an amazing thing! And thanks so much for all of your get well soon wishes, they were much appreciated!
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I haven’t heard a peep from Nice Guy since he called me last week. Then again, I haven’t called him either.

DG is still out of town. He IMd me and we chatted briefly the night he got in and he’s supposed to call me when he gets back. We shall see.
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I am so making these tonight.
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Last night I watched Murderball, a documentary about the U.S. Olympic wheelchair rugby team. Holy crap, these guys are insane athletes and they play full-contact rugby. Incredible movie, definitely check it out.
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Entourage is getting better, no? I am sooooo glad that Dom is gone. Ugh.

In other TV news, while I was home sick I took to watching really horrible shows, including the Real World/Road Rules Challenge (I don’t even know who most of the people are), The Hills, and this really odd show on MTV called Why Can’t I Be You. And I secretly enjoyed it. What’s your secret TV guilty pleasure?
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For all my fellow 8-5ers out there, this is hysterical.
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And finally, to loyal reader Leslie/Erin, since you keep writing on your blog about how much you dislike my “vapid ass blog,” why do you continue to read it? Because well, no one’s forcing you.

Friday
This heat is making me lazy. I stayed home and watched TV and talked on the phone all night. My friend Ann-Marie called and said she had a bridal shower baking gig for me–I am so excited! Now I just need to get some business cards designed. Any volunteers?

Saturday
I slept in, ran errands, then trekked out to the hot Valley for a day of pampering. It was 120 degrees in Chatsworth. Insanely hot. Following my mani/pedi and hair cut and color, I came home and relaxed for a bit before getting ready for my date with DG. We had originally planned to get together around 8:00, which turned into 9:00, which turned into 9:15. I later found out he was working nights while he was out of town so his sleep schedule was all out of whack and he was lagging yesterday. Anyway, we went for a late sushi dinner then hung out at my apartment for a while. Dinner was a lot of fun. DG makes me laugh, is quite easy on the eyes, and while we have some silences, they’re never awkward, at least not to me.

Also, while we were hanging out, I asked DG if I could possibly bribe him to go to IKEA with me (he has a large SUV and I want to buy a desk). He responded by saying of course he would go, and a bribe is not necessary. I thought that was sweet. He also mentioned he had his first red velvet cupcake recently and that he loved it. I think I’m going to bake him a batch as soon as temperature outside is lower than that of my oven.

Sunday
Woke up way too early and picked up my Little. We had planned on going to the Santa Monica Pier, but when I picked her up around 11:00 it was hot and humid and lightening outside. I figured the pier wasn’t the best idea so we ended up at the Beverly Center instead. Food court, Wet Seal, and dozens of pictures of ourselves at the Apple store later, we hit Cold Stones then I took her home.

Now I’m going to take a short nap because I got to sleep really late last night and want to be awake to celebrate my birthday tomorrow.

My birthday started in typical Hilary fashion. I slept through my alarm (after going to sleep at 8:30 last night due to staying up late on Saturday with DG, who by the way, did not call yesterday like he said he would), thus forcing me to rush around like a crazy person in the morning, resulting in dropping my thrice used toothbrush in the toilet. Fortunately, I made it to work sans additional catastrophes, and will begin celebrating my 32nd birthday during lunch with my coworkers. Tonight is dinner and drinks with a bunch of girlfriends and my sister. Should be a fun day!

Dinner last night was a lot of fun even though the restaurant felt like a sauna. It was wonderful getting together with my friends, I got some totally awesome, although completely unnecessary gifts (including, but by no means limited to, a super cool corkscrew which means I won’t have to borrow one from my neigbor who has taken to opening his door naked), had dinner and lovely conversation, and drank some yummy flaming (with flame!) margaritas with salt, on the rocks. Thanks to everyone for coming out to celebrate with me, it meant a lot and I had a blast!

You go on three dates with a lovely and amazing girl. On the third date, you stay at her apartment until the wee hours of the morning. When you leave, you say you’ll call her later that day, but don’t. Her birthday is the following day. Do you: a) Call her to wish her a happy birthday; b) IM her to wish her a happy birthday; c) both of the above; d) neither of the above, please explain.

On hiatus. Or something.

Blame the now not-happening-hiatus on the heat. And my haywire air conditioner. And sometimes haywire emotions. And my habit of sometimes writing boys off too quickly, before having all the facts. And not writing boys off fast enough, when I do have all the facts. And so many stories of engagements, weddings, and babies that make my head spin. And mostly, a busy day complete with a headache resulting from too many margaritas on my 32nd birthday.

I’m still here. And not going anywhere. Just probably won’t be posting everyday. Then again, I have been known to change my mind, so who knows.
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My friend David is one of a handful of super funny writers blogging for mental_floss. The blog’s only been around for a couple of weeks, so check it out and give all of the writers some love (and comments!).
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Lets get something out of the way: Just because I wrote that I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning with a date, does not mean I slept with him. So please keep your own ideas of what happens on a third date to yourself. Thank you.

Speaking of dates, DG and I spoke on the phone on Tuesday. Not sure if I want/he wants to get together again. And I’m okay with that.

I’ve been playing phone tag with another Jdate guy. Hopefully we’ll chat soon.
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Dare I say Entourage was good. It was, it was!

In other TV news, I was watching The Hills last night, and Lauren and Heidi were eating at the sushi place DG and I ate at last weekend. So funny.
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In random news, yesterday I was at Savon (or CVS, not sure when that happened), and noticed the razor blades are in this big plastic thing that when you open sounds an alarm. Apparently razor blades are a commonly stolen item. Who knew? Also at Savon, a sign on a display of purses and belts (I know, weird) that read Trendy Accessories. Umm, okay.

Over the weekend, I:

• Went grocery shopping.
• Did four loads of laundry.
• Baked chocolate chip cookies.
• Received How to Cook Everything from my sister for my birthday. (Thanks to Deb for recommending it.)
• Cleaned my apartment.
• Paid my car registration. Online. And on time.
• Bought my plane ticket for Seattle.
• Went to a really fun party (with cookies in tow). On my way to the party, Julie told me she watched a movie that Nice Guy was in. Then when I got to the party, I realized I was a block away from Nice Guy’s apartment. Random.
• Went to the Hollywood Farmer’s Market, Bed, Bath and Beyond, and Trader Joe’s and bought lots of fun stuff.
• Got my oil changed at Jiffy Lube where they tried to sell me a service I had done four months ago. Sneaky.

Productive, fun, and relaxing. Now I’m going to put away my new purchases and watch a movie. I love Sundays.

On 1/14/06, I took my car to Jiffy Lube for an oil change and was recommended a slew of other services. Following a phone call to my dad, I decided to forgo most of the services but did get the radiator antifreeze/coolant service for $39.99.

Fast forward 3,000 miles to 7/30/06. I take my car for another oil change and am recommended, among many other things, a new air filter and surprise surprise—the radiator antifreeze/coolant service. When I told the technician I believe I got that last time, he said there was no record of it in the system. I then asked the woman at the register to pull up my old invoice, and there it was. I paid for it. But was the service actually performed? I have no idea. I’m leaning toward no; I think I was taken for $39.99. (Update: Apparently this happens all the time.)

Another interesting note: Yesterday, the technician noted (on the invoice) my air filter as being in “good cond.” If that is the case, why did he try to sell me a new one? (No, I did not buy it.)

Guess who will be receiving a letter from me shortly?