"Death by Fan" Innocent Bystander

As a follow-up to my "Death by Fan" blog post:

I am in Seattle now. I flew up here Thursday morning for a friend's wedding this weekend. It's been super hot here and with a shortage of fans in the area, my sister and I thought it would be a good idea if I brought a couple of fans up from California with me. Although I won't be giving details of the toil and labor of transporting two fans to Seattle, I will say that it was a miserable experience and unfortunately, it proved to be somewhat of a futile effort.

That night, as I slept with a fan directly on me, I woke up twice during the to find my fan turned off. Each time I would turn it on again, until the third time when I woke up to find my mom discreetly switching the fan off.

Me: Mom! What are you doing?!
Mom: I turn off fan.
Me: Why are you doing that? It's hot! I want it on!
Mom: Okay. Sorry. But danger.
Me: It's not danger!

All that work to bring in fans, and my mom ends up hardly even using them! So annoying.

I mentioned the whole "Death by Fan" urban legend to Denise and the fact that my mom kept turning off my fan during the night and she was like, "No wonder Mia and Kimball's fan was always off when they woke up. They were so hot and sweaty."

Argh! Stupid superstition!

Death by Fan

It is sweltering heat in the Pacific Northwest right now. For some reason, this year it has just been extreme weather for that region. For the past week, temperatures have been in the high 80s and 90s which for Seattle, is usually short-lived and always a welcome change, but for an area not accustomed to such heat, it can also be completely miserable.

Just like in the winter, in the rare years when it snows a lot, the city shuts down. There aren't enough, if any, snowplows to clear even the biggest main roads. Temperatures are usually mild throughout the year. So during the summer, most Seattlites just deal with the few days of heat when it does get really hot. Which means, most homes aren't equipped with air conditioning systems.
But for the past week, temperatures have been outrageous and is only slowly tapering down. In fact, today, Seattle was supposed to reach its highest temperature in its history, above 100 degrees.

For the Oh's, they are practically dying in the heat. When at home, everyone just sweats. Poor little Mia's hair is constantly plastered to her head and there is no escape from the heat anywhere in the house. Since there is no central AC, the only alternative to cooling things down are fans, which would entail, there being fans in the house. Unfortunately, the Oh's don't believe in fans. In fact, the Oh's are fearful of fans.

In Korea, there is a prominent myth believed by pretty much everyone, including my parents.

As defined on Wikipedia: Fan death is a South Korean urban legend which states that an electric fan, if left running overnight in a closed room, can cause the death of those inside (by suffocation, poisoning, or hypothermia). Fans manufactured and sold in Korea are equipped with a timer switch that turns them off after a set number of minutes, which users are frequently urged to set when going to sleep with a fan on.

And my parents are believers! So instead of cooling off with a fan, they suffer in the heat to preserve their own lives and avoid the risk of death by fan. So, how does the fan kill? More from Wikipedia:

1. An electric fan creates a vortex, which sucks the oxygen from the enclosed and sealed room and creates a partial vacuum inside.

2. The fan used directly on your body causes suffocation, because the fast-moving air around your face makes inhalation difficult.

3. Breathing through skin constitutes a significant proportion of breathing, and the fast-moving air caused by the fan makes the skin-breathing difficult, leading to suffocation.

4. An electric fan chops up all the oxygen particles in the air leaving none to breathe.

5. The fan uses up the oxygen in the room and creates fatal levels of carbon dioxide.

6. If the fan is left on all night in a sealed and enclosed room, believers in fan death suppose that it will lower the temperature of the room to the point that it can cause hypothermia.

7. Fans contribute to hyperthermia, commonly known as heatstroke.

Crazy? Yes. But to add to the mania, the Korean government backs the claim! And why not? They were raised to believe it too!

If bodies are exposed to electric fans or air conditioners for too long, it causes [the] bodies to lose water and [causes] hypothermia. If directly in contact with [air current from] a fan, this could lead to death from [an] increase of carbon dioxide saturation concentration [sic] and decrease of oxygen concentration. The risks are higher for the elderly and patients with respiratory problems. From 2003 [to] 2005, a total of 20 cases were reported through the CISS involving asphyxiations caused by leaving electric fans and air conditioners on while sleeping. To prevent asphyxiation, timers should be set, wind direction should be rotated and doors should be left open. -Korean Consumer Protection Board

Ridiculous. Have you ever heard of such absurdness?! Now, thinking back to my mission, I do remember my companion urging me to turn off the fan at night before going to sleep to which I refused. It was high 90s all through the summer in Korea with ridiculous levels of humidity! Poor comp, she probably feared for her life, every night.

If the rumor is true, I think we can put all our money on the vortex explanation. Definitely the vortex.

100 Push-Ups Challenge

I don't know why I feel the need take on this challenge, but for some reason, who wouldn't need to be able to do 100 consecutive push-ups?! You never know when it would come in handy. And heckapoo, who doesn't need chiseled arms, a stronger back and firmer pectorals/boobs?

http://hundredpushups.com/

Take the challenge with me! Leave a comment to say you're in and commit! Read up on what the challenge entails, then on Saturday, take the "Initial Test", rest on Sunday and prepare yourself to start on Monday for 6-weeks to a hotter, stronger, firmer you! And probably sexier too.

I-L

I am in love with my car. I have loved it since the moment I bought it. It has always treated me right. I've driven it to NV, AZ, UT, OR, WA, and all over California and not once have had to do much more than change the oil. It's a beautiful machine.

On Monday, I hit 100,000 miles, always noteworthy. It seems like only yesterday that I bought the car and mileage was just at 58,000. Yeah, it was a lot of miles for a used car, but I didn't care, it was the car's potential that hooked me. It was in beautiful condition and it just spoke to me. Literally. It was like "Miriam. You my girl. Buy me." So I did.


I know, this is kind of a stupid post. I mean, really, I'm worshiping my car. But here's the thing, I am pretty sure that when I go to heaven, I'll be able to take my car with me. Though very much irreverent, this is how I envision it happening: I'll be on my merry way up to heaven and just as I'm about to pass through heaven's security, god is going to look at me lovingly and say, "Miriam, your amazingness has long amazed me. You have exceeded my expectations. For that, I give you the privilege to return and retrieve one material item of your liking to bring with you. Actually, make that two items. Go. Bring."

If that would be the case, I would grab my car and of course, my yellow blanket. Not necessarily in any order, but rather, both equally at the same time.

I'm pretty sure that's how it's going to happen. I love my car. It's my baby.

"Twilight" absurdity

Today's quote of the day:

"They're getting a divorce because she's in love with Edward."

Ridiculous.

The panty blog

Dana blogged about panties today: Dana's Panties blog post

It's not a topic I'd normally blog about, but Dana found justification for it, and coincidentally, so have I!

This weekend, Kyle and I found ourselves wandering around the Fashion Island shopping mall in Newport Beach. And in our roaming, we walked past the Build-A-Bear Workshop. Kyle joked about how he was going to get one for me. To which I said, "Barf." Not that I don't like stuffed animals, but a $40 stuffed bear is outrageous to me. But out of curiosity, we decided to walk in anyway and take a look.

From my observations, the Build-A-Bear bears are almost like the "Barbie" doll of this century. The bears are not your ordinary stuffed animal. They come in all kinds of shapes and have endless wardrobe options. Without going too much into detail, there is a style, an article of clothing, and an accessory for any occasion for a Build-A-Bear bear.

Even panties.


Yup. Teddy bear panties. Any color, cut and style you need for every occasion. Every stuffed bear needs a drawerful of panties is what I say. Or boxers for the males.



Yup, they definitely thought of it all...although, I have yet to find a bra...

Run with me.

Let's go for a run!

Since moving to San Diego for the summer, a certain route has become my regular run. Rachel introduced me to the trails of Torrey Pines State Park which is a just over 3 miles away from where I'm staying in Del Mar. It's an amazing run on beautiful terrain, so much, that I want everyone to come with me!

So come on folks as I take you on a tour of "Miriam's San Diego Run Route"!

The initial view of Torrey Pines State Beach is quite amazing as you turn onto PCH.

Just to give you an idea of where we are running, the red line indicates our route. It starts up a steep hill, disappears into the cliffs then pops us out onto the beach. It's breathtaking.

Parking is a hassle and the art of hovering is imperative here. Those eager enough to brave the crowd just pulls up and waits for someone to leave. It's not usually a long wait and totally worth it for the parking.

From parking, we start along the beach.

After entering the park, it's a quick turn away from the beach.

And we start our ascent into the hills.

It's a pretty steep climb, a little less than a mile is my guess, but it's a good challenge to try to make it to the top without stopping.

This is a look backwards at what's behind us.

But there's more to do!

From bottom to top, there are about 4 or 5 good turns and it's tough climb but great for the legs!

Once we get to the top, it just gets better.

Looking inland to the east, we get this great view of San Diego and the Carmel Valley.

Looking back to the ocean, we take the trail to the left of the sign. Along the trail, when in doubt, stay left and follow the signs to the "Beach Trail" and "Flat Rock".

A short hike in and the views are awesome.

And they just keep coming.

Running along the trail.

A few switchbacks, but going downhill ain't too rough.

This is the Pointe that can be hiked to.

The views only get better.

Continuing on the trail.

Doot doo doo. It actually makes running pleasant!

Getting closer to the beach, the scenery changes a bit.

If you want to head down to the beach, don't go this way. Turn right instead.

Take the little trail between the sandstone.

And get your first peek at the ocean.

Everytime I go down these steps, I always think to myself, "Someone should really get out here with a broom and clear off all of this sand." I don't know why I think it, but I just do.

After you come down these stairs, it's just a whole lot of cliffs and vibrant colors in all directions.

A run back down the beach and we are done. It's about 3-miles, and a site to be seen the entire way.

Thanks for running with me! I hope you get to enjoy it yourself one of these days. If you're looking for a fun place to play or scenic beach to stroll, I recommend this one.

"Please, don't leave a tip."

First of all, I'd just like to say what a pleasure it is to be back in SoCal where I actually have legit food options! Where I get a variety of foods, from every possible country, that's not over-priced, tasteless or could be described as mediocre. Hallelujah good food!


Today I ate lunch at Lucky Seafood in Mira Mesa, CA, just 3.5 miles from my work. It's a Vietnamese grocery store with a restaurant attached. This was my second time at this restaurant and both times, I have been happily pleased!

The Pho is delicious, though a bit on the sweet side and today, I went for lunch for their Bun (pronounced "boon" which is pretty much a vermicelli noodle salad, with or without meat). They were fast and the food was yummy! The best thing about it was that they give you a free can of soda and refuse to take a tip though it's a sit-down restaurant. Now that's what I call a pleasant dining experience!

Go SoCal.

Shame.

"The Bachelorette" only on ABC, bores me this season. I was not a fan of Jillian Harris from the start and I'm still not caring much for her. The show isn't nearly as entertaining as it has been in the past. Boo.

Just disappointed. Truly unhappy. Bummed.

On another Bachelor only on ABC note, sometimes I imagine if I were on the show. And in my thoughts, I make it to the point where the show does hometown visits. Ha! What a hoot! Can you imagine my parents being on the Bachelor?! Ha! I can't stop laughing about it in my head!

I mean, my parents would just be smiling and laughing the whole time not really saying anything. My dad would just be making jokes the whole time, if anything. There would be not one serious moment throughout the segment of the show. I'd be lucky if they understood what was going on. It would be awesome! And then after, my parents would probably be like, "What was that? Why so many camera? Who is your boyfriend? What is "bachelor" mean? Next time Miliam, don't do that."

Super funny. America would get a hoot out of it.

Wrapped Up Like a Douche?

I have had it. I hear the song. I sing the words. I giggle along. But no more.

Just last week, I was in the car with Kyle and I found myself happily singing along to Bruce Springsteen's "Blinded By the Light" when I of course realized what I was saying, or rather, what I thought The Boss was saying. But those days are over. Bruce don't talk that way. Thanks to the conveniences of the internet, I will now dispel the myth of what is thought to be "wrapped up like a douche, another runner in the night" or whatever your similar interpretation is.

Disclaimer: I am about to clearly state the true verbiage of the lyrics of this so oft misinterpreted lyric. For those of you who enjoy the fun of such an absurd use of language, cover your eyes or read no more.

The correct lyric of this infamous song is this: Revved up like a deuce another another runner in the night.

Phew! If you say it loud enough and really enunciate, you can actually hear Bruce singing those very words. No douches here...

What I find really entertaining were all of the different interpretations of the lyric. Thanks to www.urbandictionary.com, it is quite surprising what people tend to hear. (I did my best to keep this list clean by eliminating the semi-inappropriate phrases.)

Wrapped up like a douche, another runner in the night
Wrapped up like a douche, you know the ruler in the night
Wrapped up like a douche, in the middle of the night
Wrapped up like a douche, an utter rotor in the night
wrapped up like a douche, you know the rotor in the night
wrapped up like a douche, another rumor in the night
Wrapped up like a douche, a little odor in the night
Wrapped up like a douche, a bad odor in the night.
Wrapped up like a douche, and a stoner in the night
Wrapped up like a douche, spitting in the night
Wrapped up like a douche, another mother in the night
Wrapped up like a douche, you know a runnin' in the night
Wrapped up like a douchebag, for the Roman in the night
Revved up like a douche, another loaner in the night
Racked up like a douche, ya gonna run around the night
Ripped off like a douche, another owner in the night
cracked up like a douching, and a roamer in the night
Ripped up like a douche, into the rotor of the night
Turning loose like a douche, like the roadrunner tonight
Ripped up like a douche until he rolled her in the night
Rev up like a douche and go a roller in the night
Wrapped up my big douche, killed a runner last night
Woke up like a douche, you know i rolled her in the night
Wake up with a douche in the middle of the night
Woke up like a douche-bag in the middle of the night
Swept up like a douche with motorola in the night
Red duck like a douchebag and discarded in the night
revved up my big Dodge and did a runner with his wife
Caught up at the juice bar in the middle of the night
Revved up like a Roto-Rooter rollin' in the night
With a dildo in my face and cheese wheel in my butt
Rap duck like a Goose and Have a lunar in the night
Look up to the north and see big dipper to the right
Eyes were shot out by a laser in a fight
Wracked up like a duece, another runner in the night
wrapped up like a deuce you know the roamer in the night
Cut loose like a deuce another runner in the night
Dressed up like a dude, another runner in the night
Sucked up by the juice, you know the runner in the night
Dressed up like a duece, a ruler of the night
Revved up like a deuce, another rover in the night
Set it up like a deuce and they rolled it in the night
Wrapped up like an edition of the ruler in the night
Sucked up by the juice, you know the runner in the night
Held up like a loofah by the foreman of the night
Caught up in the noose thats swinging in the night
wrapped up like a do chin in the middle of the night
shot loose like a goose, another runner in the night
Wrapped up like a duke in the ordinary night
Dressed up like a duke, another rumor in the night
hung up like a goose, another runner in the night
Racked up like hooter, in the middle of the night
racked up like a deuce in a momentary flight
rabbit wants some juice, like a donut in the night
messed up like a demon that was roaming in the night
Dressed up like a dude, you know, the roamer in the night
Set up like a loser only come back wearin tights
Racked up like a moose, that's been run over in the night
Wrapped up like a dude, sha na na, reuben in delight
Wrapped up like ol' tuscon on a rubber-ended night
Cut loose like a goose, another roamer in the night
Wrapped up , la la la, she was a loner in the night
Wracked up by the goosin' and the runner in the night
Revved up with the juice, another router in the night
Wrapped up like a deuce ya know the roter in the night
Wrecked up like a goose, in the middle of the night
Took off like the Juice, another runner in the night
Wrapped up like a deuce, another roller in the night
Throw up blah blah blah in the middle of the night
Revved up like a dude, she ain't no rover in the night
Cut loose like a goose from the spirit of the night
Wrapped up like a deuce, a holy roller in the night
Rapping like the duke, you know, the rumor in the night
Wake up like a dachshund in the middle of the night

Should you have your own interpretation, do share.

Sorry to ruin the song for any of you.