Do You Have to Like Coffee to Be An Adult?

vanilla iced coffee

2010-01-17T21:47:00.002-05:00

I think it's time to retire this blog.

I realize, first of all, that I haven't written in quite some time, so I'm sure most of you have stopped reading it by now anyway.

But for anyone still checking in, I figure I owe you a proper farewell.

When I started this blog, I was facing my first encounters with the real world -- getting my own place and living alone, supporting myself with one, two, three...however many jobs I sometimes worked at a time, dealing with the aches of letting some relationships go, while finding comfort in the ones that held true and withstood the transition from college years to "20-something" years. And even finding new friendships! I paid off my car. I got a dog. I cleared a lot of "adulthood" hurdles, while struggling with that nagging feeling that I was still just a kid.

And somewhere along the way, I think I found the answer to the question that started this blog.

I don't think I'll ever like coffee. Black, that is.

But I have found a lot of other coffe-ish drinks that I like. Of course, I had to start with the gas-station variety, full-of-sugar cappuccinos, but I eventually branched out to mochas and finally vanilla iced coffee. (Does this sound like something from Best in Show or what?)

The reason I'm sharing my caffeine progression is to illustrate the point that I think over the last few years I've gradually found my own way to be a grown-up. And it's not the same as my parents or my sisters or even a lot of my friends.

I think up until my twenties, I imagined adulthood as black coffee, morning newspapers, and marriage and kids. That's my parents' version of adulthood. And I think that I was worried I wouldn't like being a grown-up just like I didn't think I'd ever like coffee.

But my version of adulthood is vanilla iced coffee. It's producing a morning newscast and sleeping all day, and being single for an indefinite amount of time (by choice, I might add) and doing civic theatre shows in my spare time.

Now that I think of it, I might have been asking the wrong question all along. It's not so much whether or not you like coffee...it's really about how you take it. You can make it however you'd like to; add whatever ingredients, flavors, and sweeteners you want.

For me, a shot of vanilla, a scoop of ice, and a straw, please. And maybe a little whipped cream on top.

Thanks for reading.

The End.

A Date for the Christmas Dance

2009-12-04T20:05:00.005-05:00

Preface: For this post I ask you to welcome a guest writer -- me. At age 15. A few weeks ago I went home to help my mom clean out old stuff in my room. I brought back with me a stack of journals. I've journaled through most of my life (it's why I blog now), and these notebooks have held priceless value for me through the years. I grew up being really private about my feelings for some reason, and these journals are where I let all those feelings out. I was terrified someone else would read them and think I was stupid. Now, ten years later, I'm actually proud of a lot of what I wrote. So I'm publishing parts of them here...finally giving the girl who wouldn't tell anyone anything the opportunity to share her innermost thoughts with the rest of the world.

These are some entries from the journal I started just before my freshman year of high school... The following is about the upcoming Christmas dance; my first semi-formal dance ever. I will add that I had a list of guy friends in here that I was planning to ask. Rather than wait to be asked, I guess? I was a badass. I'll also add that I didn't even have crushes on any of these guys; I had already bought a dress so it was really just all about finding a date. These poor boys' names have been changed to Muppets to protect the innocent/engaged/married.)

About the Christmas Dance...here's the plan [later I wrote in notes about each]:

1. Burt (not going as of yet. Fun guy!)
2. Telly (he's not going. Already asked 2 girls but no.)
3. Gonzo (he likes me?)
4. Ernie (he'd be so much fun!) [later I changed the order, "switching" Ernie and Gonzo.]
5. Kermit (does he have a date???)

~~~

Some confusion, but the order has switched. I'll ask Burt Monday. If he says no, I'll ask Telly Tuesday/Wednesday. If Telly says no, I'll ask Ernie on Friday. If Ernie says no, I'll ask Gonzo on the next Wednesday. If Gonzo says no, I'll find out if Kermit has a date...if he doesn't, I'll ask him. If he says no...woah, that's 5 guys. I'll stop there and if those five guys fall through, I'll think of some more! (Do I sound desparate for a date? [Yes, 15-year-old Lisa, I think you do.] Well I'm not -- I just want to go with a good guy friend and have fun at the dance!!!)

~~~

I wonder if Ernie was thinking about asking me. We talk a lot and stuff -- he was saying how he was going to get hooked up with this girl from Kokomo, but today he was like, "Well I heard that she's really weird.." and he sounded doubtful. Then this afternoon at the end of school he stopped at my locker. He was staying after for wrestling -- and he was just kinda small talking and stuff...then he's like, "Well...I guess I better go." He followed some of the guys on their way to the lockers.

I just wonder if he was going to ask me??? This does not go anywhere, I'm not telling anyone [made a note later: "told Rachel"], I just think. If Ernie does want to ask me, I hope he does it really soon! Because what if I ask Burt and then he doesn't get to ask...aaagh. Maybe I should just ask Ernie first. He'd be so fun, he can dance...Every time the phone rings, I hope it's Ernie or Burt or Telly calling to ask me to go, God, let me go to the dance! Pleeeease!

~~~

Eeeeeeeeeeee!! :) Wishes do come true! Ernie asked me to go to the dance. The first thing I thought was, "Am I dreaming?" So anyway, life is sweet! It was great how (the way) he asked me -- just the way I'd have asked him -- like almost the same words! Ha! I'm getting so excited for the Christmas dance!!!

Let's not take a trip to Negative Town...

2009-12-04T18:49:00.002-05:00

So, first of all I want to apologize for being a little...scarce recently.

Second, I want to apologize because I feel like my last few posts have been a little negative. And I, as a rule, am not a Negative Nancy, so I feel bad for being like, "Here, everyone, I had a bad day and I want you to read about it. You're welcome."

Although sometimes that is what blogs are for, right? Right?

Anyway, I've been behind on life, in general, lately. Let me 'splain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up.

I just spend the last couple hours catching up and leaving love on some blogs I follow. Still not done... have a few more stops to make, but at least it's a start. This week, whether it's been work, job searching, or just tackling the neverending pile of dishes in my sink, I have just felt like I cannot get ahead, you know?

My dog Lola does this thing where she crawls under my couch and hides out under there. Sometimes I wish I were small and wiggly like her so I could just join her under there.

Luckily she is more than willing to compromise and join me ATOP the couch, and today we shared an amazing snugglefest/nap that lasted about 5 hours. Nice!

And also today, I found out that my girl Sara is a SITS superstar! Probably all of you read her blog already anyway, but if you haven't yet, check out her blog right now!

OK, finally a glimpse of what's coming up... I went home a few weekends ago and salvaged my much-prized and ever-important Journals from my room. They range from anywhere around elementary age through my freshman year of college. I haven't read them all yet. But I just finished the one from my freshman year of high school and OH MY GOSH. I am going to very soon write a post with pieces of this journal. It is priceless.

Now I realize if I were Taylor Swift, I'd just write an album based on these journal entries, but I wasn't blessed with the Swift skill set. So this upcoming post will probably be a little wordy. But I promise you, it will be entertaining.

So that's what's coming! Stay tuned! I'll be back soon!
Lis :)

Your Job Hates You

2009-11-10T08:55:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I think my job is trying to make me hate it just so I'll move on to a new one.

I think I keep making this sound worse than it is. It's just that lately all the crappy things about my job have been getting to me more than usual. And I hate that, because I'm usually the kind of person who can let all of that stuff roll off my back. I mean, I can put up with a LOT of crap. A lot of it.

It's days like this when I'm so glad to have a silly-looking dog that at this moment is doing somersaults in the kitchen. God bless that little fuzz butt.

Anyway, my mom sent me an email last night and there's this job posting at our sister station in Indy. The job sounds awesome; it's for a host of a local daily lifestyle program and it calls for someone who knows thier way around blogs, social media, etc. It sounds just about perfect...except that it's in Indiana.

And I'd really like to get out if I can.

So...can someone else have a job like that in a different state where I'd like to live? Please?

K, thanks!

I will say that besides my dog, this put me in a better mood today. In honor of Sesame Street's 40th birthday:

C-ya later!
Lis :)

Jobs, Relationships, and You

2009-11-05T08:48:00.004-05:00

Since I'm looking for a Cool New Job, I recently added "DailyCareerTips" to my Twitter feed. Yesterday one of the daily tips was:

"Job searching is like dating. You may know in the first five minutes or it may take a few dates to decide if it’s worth pursuing."

Good point there. After all, I can't help but feel like I'm sort of pimping myself out to these employers. Well, that got me thinking...if job searching is like dating, is having a job like a relationship?

I think so. And if me job were a boyfriend, here's how I think I would describe it:

I've had this job for two years. Actually, my two-year anniversary was just a few weeks ago, but I completely forgot.

When I started out with this job, it was all I could talk about. I felt super-cool, and even important. When people asked me about my job, my eyes lit up and I couldn't wait to start explaining what exactly my job was all about.

Over the first year, things were a little stressful at times because I was still figuring out how everything worked. But that was ok because each day was a new adventure, and even the bad days made for good stories later.

Then, right around my first-year anniversary, something weird happened. I started to worry about just how permanent this job was. But my job made me happy, and I knew I could see at least another year with this job, so I decided not to freak out and just to take things one day at a time.

Now, two years later, I would describe my job as "comfortable." I've found a few new things to do and to get excited about, but the truth is that I just don't see myself sticking with this job forever. It's just not the kind of job that makes me think about buying a house and settling down. In fact, I'd always pictured myself ending up with a nicer job, a cooler job, and (to be perfectly honest) a job that made a bigger paycheck.

Plus, sometimes my job isn't that nice. It keeps me up all night. Sometimes it limits my creativity and doesn't let me accomplish some of the things I'd like to do with my life. My job can be very discouraging and it can make me really mad. At times it turns me into a drama queen, sending me into fits of rage and making me say overdramatic things like, "YOU'RE SUCKING THE LIFE OUT OF ME!!!!" or, "YOU'RE DEFLATING MY SOUL!!!!" I don't like acting that way, and it only comes out when I get frustrated about my job.

The problem is that I actually still have a lot of fun with my job. Sometimes I have little moments that just prove to me why I was meant for this job. There are things about my job that no one else really gets except for me, and I kind of like that. And I like all the people I've met through this job. I actually really hate to think about what it would mean to leave my job and not get to hang out with all of these great people anymore. And hey, it's pretty sweet when my job gets me free food or scores me tickets to a cool downtown event. And truthfully, sometimes I'm scared to leave this job just because I'm afraid there won't be another one out there for me.

Every job is hard work at some point, right? Is the novelty just wearing off, or is it really time to look for something new?

In my case, I know that there's an expiration date on this job and that there's nothing wrong with that. The scary part is leaving behind the things that I know, the things that are comfortable and familiar. The scary part is putting myself out there, worrying about making a good impression, and being willing to face rejection in pursuit of the Dream Job.

So I guess I better buy a new outfit, put on some make-up, and get ready to leave my phone number with a lot of strangers, because I'm back on the market and that's just the way things work!

weird dreams

2009-10-22T18:33:00.003-04:00

I just had to share this with someone...

Lucky you!

I had two incredibly crazy dreams today. One was that I was at this dinner event and the President was there and some lady (I think she was supposed to be a Senator) was yelling at him. And then he got up to give a welcoming speech for the dinner and he was trying not to cry. Then we all held hands and prayed like we do around my family's dinner table.

Whaaaat.

The other dream was that I had (apparently) adopted a baby. Yup. Like, an infant human. I was sitting at my computer trying to get it to drink out of a bottle and I was like, "Why did I do this? This thing is gonna turn into a kid and then an adult and I'm going to be stuck with it the rest of my life! Plus, how am I ever going to be able to get a date?!" Then when I woke up, I had to say out loud, "I do not have a baby," so I would know it was just a dream.

So, remind me not to have kids for a good long time based on my reaction to that dream. Yikes.

my greatest weakness

2009-10-19T20:13:00.003-04:00

Not that I've been offered any interviews yet, but I've been thinking about them as I've been searching for a new job. And you know how there are always those questions they ask that you hate? Like...

"Tell me about yourself."

This, to me, is like the most intimidating question. What do they want to know? How much do they want to know? What are the important things about me? What if I think the important things about me are not the things THEY think are important to know? How much of this is supposed to be personal information, and how much is supposed to be professional experience and aspirations?

"Where do you see yourself in five years?"

Now, if you have a five-year plan, you probably love this question. But I don't even have a five-month plan. Who knows what I'll be doing, where I'll be, or who I'll be with in five years? And what does that say about me? I like to think it says I'm willing to go anywhere and be put to use in the best possible way, without any restrictions. But someone else could see that as saying that I'm not committed to anything or that I don't have any ambition because I don't have any long-term goals set. I don't WANT to have a five-year plan. But if I don't, is that a dealbreaker for employers?

"What's your greatest weakness?"

Why do they even ask this one? It always puts you in this position where you try to think of something that sounds self-depreciating even though it's actually something good, like "I'm too nice" or "I get too invested in my work." Or in the words of Jenna from 30 Rock, a "back-door brag." And you know the interviewer has heard these answers about a zillion times and can see right through what you're doing. But isn't that what they're trying to get you to do? Because if you answered with something like, "Well, I am really sensitive to criticism. You're going to see me cry at least once if you hire me," or "I don't deal with distractions very well; you're going to have to lock my door and unplug my phone if you want me to get anything done," or "I don't do well with last-minute changes; I need an outlined plan at least a day in advance or I won't be able to function," would they hire us? What are they really looking for when they ask us this question -- our honest answer, or just the way we answer?

I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts/experiences/advice/funny stories about job interviews. Lord knows we've all been through them, so anything you have to share would be great! :)

Autumn in La La Land

2009-10-06T21:16:00.004-04:00

As long as I've lived in the Lafayette area, the arrival of fall -- and more specifically, October -- has excited me.

First of all, it's football season -- REAL football season, when the other Big Ten teams come to town. And even if we're losing (as we are this year), there's nothing like spending a Saturday at Ross Ade cheering on the Boilers. If you win, you want to hug everyone around you. And if you lose, well...there's plenty of beer back at the tailgate.

Secondly, this is the point of the year in Indiana when the weather actually starts to change. No more of this dilly-dallying between summer and autumn. No more wondering whether to wear shorts or jeans. Get out the scarves and hats and sweaters! The leaves are changing, falling, and crunching. The windows are open during the day. It's perfect sleeping weather. It's freaking fall.

And thirdly (and probably most importantly), it's Christmas show season.

Now, I've been out of college for like...over two years. So this doesn't even apply directly to my life anymore. But for four years, October meant the beginning of rehearsals for the spectacular Purdue Christmas Show. First was the unveiling meeting where we got to see for the first time what the set would look like and what songs were in the show. Right after that, rehearsals would start. And even though it meant no more free time between regular PMO rehearsals and classes and homework, it was the thing I loved best, and I soaked it up. I walked to class with the rehearsal music in my mp3 player, memorizing the arrangements to "O Holy Night" and "Sleigh Ride" as I passed the spookily decorated Greek houses and Halloween event sheet signs.

And even now, when October rolls around, I get that same urge to crunch across the leaf-strewn sidewalks, smelling Starbucks pumpkin lattes, and letting my headphones pump the sounds of Christmas into my brain.

Is that crazy? Yes. Is it cheesy? Yes. But also magical. And while I'm not the kind of person who starts putting up the tree before Thanksgiving or anything like that, I do enjoy my slightly brainwashed reaction to the change of seasons and the subsequent need for me to listen to a yuletide tune or two.

WANTED: Fake Boyfriend

2009-10-02T17:57:00.003-04:00

While I for the most part enjoy not having to deal with relationships, the biggest drawback of my currently single lifestyle is that it's very difficult to get out of my apartment and do things without feeling like a total loner. I mean, don't get me wrong...I'll go do something by myself. But it's usually more fun to have someone to go with. The problem with being a 20-something is that it seems to be harder at this point in life to be spontaneous and just say, "Hey, want to go to a movie tonight?" or "Hey, want to go downtown for this art and spaghetti festival?" or, "Hey, want to try that new Irish-Mexican place where Applebees used to be?"

It's like, people either already have plans, or they have to go to bed early, or they live in a different state, or they're married. And nothing against married people or folks with early bedtimes...it's just that I don't often plan social engagements far in advance and I just wish I had a guaranteed go-to guy for these and similar situations.

Well anyway, I've been looking for my next job recently, so I decided to put my wish for a fake boyfriend in the language I've been reading most lately:

WANTED: Fake Boyfriend
JOB TYPE: Temporary (6 to 9 months), Part-time/Internship

JOB DESCRIPTION: Going to movies and trying new restaurants with me; accompanying me to weddings, parties, and live performance events; coming with me to any sort of get-together that includes other couples so I don’t have to be the third/fifth/or other such odd-numbered wheel; occasionally staying in to watch DVDs with me; occasionally joining me and my dog for walks.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
*Bachelor’s degree or similar life experience.
*Must be employed, so when people ask me what you do I don’t have to tell them you’re “exploring your options.”
*Must be willing to work flexible hours, especially weekends.
*Must be willing to attend local theatre, music, and art events as well as dine at local restaurants.
*Ideal candidate has a working knowledge of such TV shows as 30 Rock and The Office.
*Ideal candidate also has a working knowledge of Arrested Development and Dorm Life, as well as films such as Best in Show and Waiting for Guffman.
*Proficiency in giving shoulder massages a plus.
*Good listening skills and good hair a must.
*Ideal candidate possesses the ability to make me laugh.

Looking for a candidate who is positive, self-sufficient, and is not looking for an actual romantic connection or any kind of long-term arrangement. Lengthy and/or frequent phone conversation is discouraged, as is gift-giving, jealousy, and picking fights. This is an unpaid internship, but counts toward your credit as good boyfriend material in future relationships and will provide you with several opportunities to gain experience as a gentleman. To apply, please send resume, cover letter, head-shot, and one letter of recommendation to lisa.stanforth@gmail.com.

Whiners and d-bags need not apply!
Lis :)

and...off you go!

2009-09-30T09:31:00.003-04:00

So I met -- scratch that, BEAT! -- a deadline I set for myself. My goal was to have an updated resume ready by October 1 to send out into the world in search of a Cool New Job. Well, yesterday I finished my revamped lil resume and uploaded it to a few different company sites in hopes of getting hired.

It just makes me feel so nervous.

It's weird that I can write blogs, talk to webcams, and tweet my most random thoughts for anyone to see, but when it comes to sending out a resume I feel very self-conscious and exposed.

I'm worried about things like, am I coming off as too braggy? Or am I not selling myself enough? Is someone going to look at my resume and laugh at me and then delete it? Or even worse, grumble, "stop wasting my time, idiot" as they move on to the next one? Here's the thing: I will never hear any of that negative feedback, but I still feel very self-conscious about the possibility of it happening! Is that crazy?

And the other thing is, I always sort of feel like sending out a resume is like tossing a message in a bottle out into the open sea. Is anyone even going to see it?! Or will it just float around until a killer whale mistakes it for a baby seal and eats it?

I don't really know where the killer whale fits into this analogy. I'm just sayin'.

Anyway, if you know anyone who's interested in hiring a well-spoken, well-organized, positive-thinking (except when it comes to resumes) multitasker with a penchant for problem-solving, let me know.

And if they laugh at my resume, don't tell me.

Smooth move, Ex Lax!

2009-09-21T10:28:00.004-04:00

That's what my mom's friend Ron would say.
~Kenneth the Page, 30 Rock

Well, after six months I finally did it.

I took Lola outside...and forgot to bring my keys. Hence, locked out. Of the building.

Nice.

What was even nicer is that since we've been having really nice, warm weather, I've been lazy about putting shoes on before taking Lola outside. So I was barefoot. And in my PJs.

Yup.

So of course I realized just as the door was latching shut that I had locked myself out, and then I also realized it was like 1:00 in the afternoon, meaning pretty much everyone else in my building was at work. So no one was really coming in and out of the building at this time.

We had gone out the back door, so we walked (barefoot, mind you) around the building, through the grass toward the front door. And I just have to say, walking through the grass barefoot is kind of like walking through a minefield, only instead of mines there are little -- and big -- piles of poo that you have to constantly scan the ground for so you don't step on one.

This story would probably be better if I told you I DID step on a doggy-poo landmine, but that would be a lie. If you'd like to pretend I did for the sake of entertainment, that's fine with me.

So we got to the front door, and I just stood there...like a goober.

What next? Uhhhh...

We have a dial system that allows residents to ring people in through the front door, and for a moment I thought about just pushing random numbers until someone let me in. But considering I don't really know anyone in my building, I thought that might end up being super awkward.

Then I thought, well maybe I should push the button for the main office, and then I got those memories about living in dorms and how the RAs would tell you at the beginning of the year to always carry your keys with you because if you got locked out you were gonna get charged for it. So I hesitated because I didn't want to get...like...fined for getting locked out. Do they even do that at my building?

Luckily I didn't have to risk it because just then a guy came and unlocked the door on his way inside, letting Lola and me back into the building.

And then I stepped in dog poo.

KIDDING! Nothing gross happened.

The end.

thumper

2009-09-11T11:02:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite lines from the Disney classic Bambi is a mantra Thumper recites in a way so adorable I'll never forget it:

"If ya can't say somethin' nice...don't say nothin' at all."

Well, Thumper, I have a new one:

"If you can't say something nice, don't make something up."

Right? I feel like sometimes nice people get into a nasty habit of coming up with something nice to say even (and especially) when they don't mean it. I don't mean saying "good job" to someone who just sang the national anthem about a step and a half off-key. I mean saying to that person, "Wow, you were really great! You have such a wonderful voice!"

Because it's one thing to be polite, but it's something else completely to just be needlessly dishonest.

Remember in Mean Girls when Rachel McAdams told that one girl that she loved her skirt, but then turned around and told Lindsay Lohan that was "the ugliest effing skirt I've ever seen?" So why did she make a point to compliment the skirt in the first place?

I realize not everyone is trying to be a Regina George, but what ARE we trying to accomplish when we say stuff like that? I've always wondered if it was some sort of knee-jerk reaction to thinking something mean or negative. Do people think an unkind thought, and then immediately spit out a compliment to morally redeem themselves? Or do they open their mouth, realize they're about to say something rude, and instead make a last-minute turn in the opposite direction?

Maybe no one else gets why I'm so riled up about this...It just bugs me that sometimes people seem to go out of their way to say something nice when they really don't mean it. And then it makes me wonder if anything nice they've ever said to me is even true. I would rather they not try to make me feel good than falsely flatter me.

Of course, if you just have to spit out whatever uncharitable thought you were thinking and you have a faithful friend who won't tell anybody about it, there's always Clairee's variation of the "if you can't say something nice' mantra:

"If you can't say something nice about anybody, come sit by me!"

That one works too. ;)

if i could write songs...

2009-09-01T19:42:00.003-04:00

...I'd write one about today.

But unfortunately, I don't possess that gift. So I'm just going to describe it to you.

Lola and I went for a walk downtown. It was perfect: sunny, comfortably cool, warm but not enough to break a sweat. Jeans and t-shirt (and scarf!) and sunglasses weather.

We took a lap around the courthouse square and passed the Java Roaster where there are ALWAYS people sitting around outside, which is one of the reasons I love the place so much. Today it was a friendly older man who gave Lola a good ear-scratch, a very school-of-ag looking student studying a text book, and a couple of biker dudes.

Lola and I turned the corner and headed toward the pedestrian bridge, passing Red Seven where people were enjoying the most scrumptious cuisine I have ever smelled. We decided to work up an appetite and started across the bridge.

As we climbed the depot stairs, a train passed underneath us, which is always fun for some reason. Lola looked so cute climbing up and down the stairways that got us to the pedestrian bridge. Something about those wrinkly little legs hopping steps and those perky little ears flopping and that pink tongue sticking out sideways just gets me!

We said hello to another older gentleman who was resting next to his walking cane on a bench in the middle of the bridge, and we met a dad with a beautiful baby girl in a stroller.

Then we walked past what looked like a yoga class in session on the west side of the bridge. It was the most ragtag group I'd ever seen, but they seemed to be enjoying learning their poses. Next to them sat two scruffy guys who were drinking who knows what out of a paper bagged bottle. One of them asked me if I was single and I laughed as we walked away (quickly).

It was shady and cool at the other end of the bridge, so I gave Lola some water and sat on a bench to read a few chapters of a Jane Austen book. Then it was time to go back.

We ran into three teenage kids who liked Lola. One of them asked me if I wanted to hear a song and I said yes. He pulled out a guitar and sang and played "No Rain" by Blind Melon and it was pretty good! He attracted a little crowd there on the bridge as he played.

After the song, we moved on, pausing to say hi to a family with two adorable little kids. They had cameras with them; obviously a perfect day and setting for some pictures.

We crossed the bridge and passed Red Seven again on the way back to the car. People looked so classy sitting on the patio under the square umbrellas, all dressed up for a special night out. The servers sailed around the tables removing and replacing big, square, steaming dishes that smelled irresistible.

We walked past the Lafayette Theater where a skinny guy in the ticket booth was eating a plate of noodles. I smiled at him and he smiled back. Then we went across the street and found the car. Lola climbed into my lap, which I usually don't allow when I'm driving. But this time I rolled my window down and let her hang her tongue out the window as we climbed 4th Street to the apartment buildings.

Now Lola is asleep, snoring her adorable pug snore on her little blue bed. I've got the living room window open. I can hear voices and dinner plates clinking through other open windows in the building. The crickets and every other insect in nature with a sound to make are creating little symphonies out in the woods. I love that sound.

Now it's dinner time and I know that as soon as I cross over the baby gate into the kitchen, Lola will wake up and start jumping around in anticipation of food. Then the sound of the skillet and the kitchen faucet will drown out the summer sounds coming through the window. Before I know it, it will be time for work.

So I'm going to hang on to this peaceful moment just a little bit longer.

there's a clog in my blog!

2009-08-24T21:28:00.005-04:00

Now, I will admit that though I do attempt to dress in a snappy manner, I am by no means an expert-level fashionista. I'm still trying to figure out how to do that whole thing where you have an outfit that's one color and a pair of shoes that are a TOTALLY different color but it looks awesome? Know what I mean?

Well anyway...

I love shoes, for the most part. But one form of footwear for which I have a personal hatred is clogs. They are big, clunky, and totally impractical as they do not want to stay on your feet when you walk. Not to mention they don't look feminine AT ALL and they force the back of your pants to get awkwardly caught between your heel and the inside of your shoe, which is annoying. I have seen them slowly creeping back onto the shelves at shoe stores, trying to reinvent themselves as cute and versatile. But I won't be fooled. Clogs have no place in my closet.

So when I saw an advertisement for these on the sidebar of my facebook page, I was caught somewhere between amused and horrified:

And guess how much people pay to own these? $139! That's right, 139 American dollars for CLOGS!

You know what else you can buy for $139? These:

Why not invest that money a little more wisely and swap your cat clogs for some kitten heels? Please, people?!

Meow.

I'm back, nerds!!!

2009-08-19T08:47:00.004-04:00

OK, so I'm back from vacation (which was fabulous, by the way) and ready to do some blogging! And I've decided to set a new goal for my blogging habits. I think I went a little overkill this summer between starting a second blog, trying to keep up with three different shows, and editing video recaps. Then I got what I'm going to call an internet hangover, and didn't even end up writing a single finale recap for any of those shows. And I pretty much neglected this blog until I had to word vomit all over it before leaving for vacation.

So, new goal: I'm going to blog once a week on each blog. That's not too tough, right? Plus, people probably don't want to read a new post from me every day of their lives anyway, so this will make me easier for you lot to keep up with. AND best of all, it will give me more time to catch up with YOU!

OK, now that that's out of the way...

VACATION HIGHLIGHTS!

1. Flat tire!
Yes, my very first flat tire that really counts. (My old Neon got a flat in high school, but I was literally right in front of my house when it happened, so I got it up the driveway and into the garage where my dad changed it using power tools. Which is sooooo not the same thing as an actual, real-life flat tire!)

It happened about 40 miles before Rockford, Illinois and about 15 minutes before midnight. I had slept all day and was really hitting my groove behind the wheel, ready for a steady drive through the night. Marla and I had talked our way through Indiana and now she was asleep in the passenger seat and it was just me, Heidi (my GPS), and a mix of Jason Mraz, Lady Danville, and Sara B in the CD player. I was feeling good.

And then the tire went out.

I weakly hoped for a second that the flatulent sounds being made between my tires and the road were being caused by an unfinished repaving job, but I knew this wasn't the case, so I pulled over and woke up Marla, who got out to check the damage.

"Yep, you got a flat," she said.

OK, I thought, no problem! I had a can of tire inflator in the trunk -- easy fix! So we tried to fill the tire up with the inflation stuff, but it didn't work...which meant we'd actually have to change the tire. In the middle of the night. In the middle of I-39.

We called Dad, and between his instructions and some very vague illustrations in my car's owner manual, we got the tire changed by the light of cell phones and a full moon. There was no crying or yelling, which is impressive for our family, and I am proud to say I even called off the roadside assistance folks who were dispatched by my insurance company. Marla and I did it ourselves!

I'm also not embarrassed to say that at some point in the night, both of us peed on the side of the interstate. Ah-thank-you.

We made it to Rockford on the little donut tire and stayed in a hotel overnight so we could get new tires in the morning, making us late for our cousin's wedding in Minneapolis that afternoon. But we still made it to the reception!

Of course, by the time we got there, everyone had heard about the flat tire incident and was either pitying us or giving us a hard time about it. But you know what? I'm actually glad it happened, because now I know I can change a flat and live to tell the story! Ok, highlight number 2...

2. Reunited (and it feels so goo-ood!)
For the first time in years, both of my sisters and I were at the lake at the same time, which was very special! We are a very closeknit set of siblings, so when we get together it gets a little insane. My dad is always equal parts busting at the seams with happiness and driven up the wall with annoyance, because we as a group are a little obnoxious. When we get together, we almost speak in our own language largely made up of inside jokes, weird voices, and fits of laughter. This time around our language also included several Dorm Life references, including endless choruses of "Tabitha Darling" and many other Joshua Morgan quotes. One morning I was even awakened by the Morning Song a la Steph Schwartzman, courtesy of Marla. Like I said, very special.

3. My birthday!
My actual birthday was spent driving home from the lake, which kind of stunk, but it was also a lot of fun because Marla and I passed the time using the word "essspensive" as much as possible (example: "Oooh, that motorcycle looks essspensive!" or, "Gas is essspensive!") and talking/singing in high-pitched voices to get Lola to make faces at us from the back seat.

But my birthday celebration was Friday and it was fabulous. Michelle made some kind of cake made of Kahlua, coffee, and coconut (delicious), and we took it and a bucket of frozen margarita mix on the pontoon boat and cruised the lake as the sun went down. It was the second annual Cake and Cocktail Cruise (a tradition I founded last year)! I think next year I'm gonna make t-shirts.

And now I'm back, trying to get adjusted to my nocturnal schedule again and getting back into the swing of work. And this time of year I always get the urge to buy school supplies, even though I don't need to anymore! September is just around the corner, and with it the start of FOOTBALL SEASON! I can't wait.

See you next week, I promise!
<3 Lis

i hate you/i heart you.

2009-08-06T02:11:00.002-04:00

Hello, blog. It's been awhile.

You know how sometimes your blog is a place to document experiences you will never forget, or memorable moments you'll look back on later with much love?

Yeah, this isn't one of those posts.

This is one of those posts you write because you HAVE to have someplace to spew all the crazy in your mind in order to save yourself from going over the edge.

The edge of what? I don't know...the edge of your chair, maybe. Or the edge of the Cliffs of Insanity perhaps.

Anyway, Random Thoughts for 500, Alex:

- I old-fish-hilly have less than a year left here, in this town, at this job. And then I'm moving to California. Or just somewhere with a beach. And yes, there ARE jobs out there; I checked.

- Countdown to awesome things:
Haircut...10 hours
SYTYCD Finale with Awesome People...less than 24 hours
Road Trip to Minnesota for Vacation...less than 48 hours
These events are getting me to the end of the most stressful, exhausting week of work I have ever experienced.

- Speaking of which...we got a new morning anchor and meteorologist. I love them both. What I don't love is the "perfect storm" of extra work/changes/etc I have been busy with leading up to a week of vacation. I can't even begin to go into detail on this...just accept without explanation from me that it's been pretty hairy for me at the station lately.

- I went to McDonald's for an iced mocha the other morning, and there was a guy in front of me who was ordering breakfast. He was very, VERY morbidly obese. And this probably sounds mean, but I don't mean it to be...shouldn't places like McDonald's reserve the right to refuse service to people who don't need any more high fat/high sodium foods the same way a bartender or server in a restaurant can refuse service to someone who doesn't need to have any more alcohol?

- I ordered a new swim suit, and it came in the mail today. That was exciting. What wasn't exciting was that it didn't end up being what it said it would be on the WEBSITE FROM WHICH I HAD ORDERED IT. If your product description says "ties in the back" then it better damn well TIE IN THE BACK, not HOOK IN THE BACK!!! OK?!!! LESSON LEARNED!!!

- I can't stop quoting Dorm Life on a daily basis. I would say I'm sorry, but I'm really just not.

- All week I've wanted to quote Tracy Jordan in 30 Rock: "Live every week like it's Shark Week." It is kind of amazing how excited people get about this annual Discovery Channel event. It's kind of like swimming during the Olympics...no one gives a crap about it until it becomes a nationally televised event during a set-aside portion of the summer, and then suddenly everyone's interested. Not that that's a bad thing.

- I wish I had more occasion to use (and please excuse the expression) "apeshit" in a sentence. I don't know why I like this word so much; it's so low-brow...but for some reason I just really enjoy it!

- If you don't know who Lady Danville is...get with it. Their music has been pretty much keeping me from punching myself in the face for the past two weeks.

Aren't they too adorable for real life?!

- I wish I could convince people I had an evil twin; I could get away with saying what I'm thinking even if it's rude or mean and then just be like, "That wasn't me! It was my evil twin!"

OK, sorry for going completely apeshit on you guys.

Lis

official...old fish hill...Danielle Fishel!

2009-07-16T05:46:00.004-04:00

(OK, if you're not an avid viewer of Dorm Life, you are probably thinking, "What the heck is that title about?!" So if you're confused, I'm sorry. The theme here is "official.")

It's old fish hill: My days in Lafayette are numbered.

I just got a copy of my signed and approved contract extension, which says I'll be working here for about another year (till the end of July 2010). So...HIRE ME, PEOPLE!

Here's what I'm looking for in my next chapter of life:

-a home near or within reasonable driving distance of a beach
-a job that allows me to sleep during the night time and pays more than what I'm making now
-the opportunity to do something I enjoy, preferably in the media/entertainment field
-the chance to experience a different flavor of American lifestyle

I will go east, west, and/or south of Indiana but NOT directly north (so Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, North and South Dakota...and basically any place that reminds you of Fargo or Drop Dead Gorgeous is out of the question).

Dream spots (in no particular order):
-Georgia (Savannah or Atlanta)
-South Carolina (especially Charleston)
-Boston, Mass. or some other neat-o place on the East Coast
-California (at this time I'm leaving pretty much the entire state open to consideration)

But I wouldn't rule out several other places on the U.S. map, so if you know of anyone that wants to hire a hard-working, initiative-taking, relatively well-dressed and spunky gal in about a year...let me know!

In other news...

I said it before and I'll say it again: this is the summer of accomplishments. This week I hung on my wall three shelves that I've had in my car trunk for like, two years. Finally! I hung one in the little "hallway" between my living room area, bedroom, and bathroom and I personally love walking past it because it's hung rather low and therefore makes me feel tall! The other two are in my bedroom; one is short and holds picture frames and perfume on the shelf and winter hats and scarves on the pegs. The other is long and holds my favorite heels on the shelf and my purses and summer hats on the pegs (this shelf is my personal fave because it's almost like having a display case for my shoes!).

I love having all the white space on my bedroom walls filled, as well as being able to get my bags and several pairs of shoes off of the floor (and out of the reach of Lola's unbelievably sharp teeth!).

Oh, I also rearranged my bedroom furniture and got a little area rug and new decoration pillows for my bed...

You know what, I'm just gonna take pictures and show you sometime.

Anyway, my last bit of news is that today is ONE MONTH away from my 25th birthday! Now, if you know me well, you might also know that I LOVE birthdays. Especially mine. But this one feels a little bittersweet; as Marilyn Monroe says about turning 25, "That's a quarter of a century; makes a girl think." And while I'm very proud of who I've become over the past 25 years, I also am starting to feel like youth is sort of slipping through my fingers (if you're older than me, you're probably laughing at me right now, which is fine). Not that 25 is "old" by any real means, but I'm mostly just sad because in another month I will no longer be able to categorize myself under the "18-24" demographic!!! (Can you tell I work in media?) It's just a little sad to no longer fit into one of the most highly-targeted age groups. I'll no longer be the demographic of funky sunglasses, Bud Light with Lime, and American Apparel leggings...instead I'll be targeted for the complete collection of Sex and the City on DVD, subscriptions to bridal magazines, and memberships to Match.com. Ulch.

Oh well. No matter how many birthdays I have, the fact that I'm getting older and undeniably more "grown-up" will NOT take away from the fact that I LOVE BIRTHDAYS and I am going to enjoy mine! And just so you know, my birthday is not just a one-day affair; I feel that one's birthday should be celebrated for as much as a two week timespan surrounding one's actual date of birth. So the week leading up to my birthday will be celebrated while I'm on vacation with my family at the lake, and the celebration will continue into the week I get back into town.

Like I said, I love birthdays.

OK, that's the news from where I sit. Pictures coming, as well as hopefully more summertime accomplishments!

previously on "lost"...

2009-07-07T05:21:00.003-04:00

So...I've been a bad blogger.

And I could use the (poor) excuse that my OTHER blog has been keeping me busy, but the truth is that I haven't been doing too well with that one either recently.

Apparently I've just been busy!

And that sounds weird to say, because whenever people ask me how things are going, or what's new, I literally have nothing to report. Now, that doesn't mean there aren't big things on the horizon, both near and far. It's just that I can't talk about those things yet.

Oooh...now are you curious?

But since I last blogged, there ARE a few things I can talk about that are new in my life. So here they are...

First of all, my older sister is getting married! So surreal. I don't know why; she's been talking about getting married for a long time, but now that there's a ring on her finger and pictures of white dresses showing up in text messages on my phone, it just seems so weird! Not in a bad way, just in the way that it doesn't quite seem real even though all the tangible evidence is starting to appear.

And as happy and excited as I am for my sister, let me just quickly take a trip to Single-Town and say, what is the DEAL with all the engagements and weddings lately? Of course every year there's a flock of girls I know from high school or college or even work getting married, but this year it seems like more than usual. Maybe it's because it's people closer to me...roommates and family members...or maybe it's because many of these weddings are for friends who are younger than me, but not younger in the sense that I'm saying, "Oh no, they're WAY too young to get married." They're at a totally acceptable age to get married. It's just that they're younger than me and that somehow feels weird.

And I don't mean this to sound bitter about the fact that I am leagues away from getting married. I really don't mind a bit. It's just that I feel like EVERYONE is getting married this year! I don't know...

Anyway, in other news, Lola is doing great. Actually, my blog was featured yesterday in our local paper, and they printed my last post, which was about getting Lola and that made me proud. She's come a long way and gotten bigger, but not too big :) We're still working on obedience training, but she's getting better about not chewing or nipping at fingers. She's socializing with other dogs really well, and she's just an all-around sweetheart and cute as a button. A wrinkly, squishy little button.

And recently I've been on a little hiatus from doing any theatre. Mostly because of Lola, but also because this has been the summer of accomplishments and it's been a lot easier to focus on and achieve several goals with more free time on my hands. I've paid off my car, thus freeing up some money from month to month (yay!). I've started eating healthier, which is a bit more expensive but totally worthwhile as I've also lost some weight and just feel generally better about my lifestyle. It's also resulted in my attempting more cooking than usual, with success, I might add! Just last night I broiled salmon for the first time and it was delicious! I also started singing with the praise band at church and that's been fun too and has opened some doors for being able to contribute more around there.

And that's my life recently! More news to come; I promise I won't hold out on you forever.

Until then!

the pug life

2009-06-03T01:59:00.003-04:00

So...apparently what happened was, I spent two years whining on my blog about how much I wanted a puppy, and then once I got one it monopolized my time to the point that I couldn't write in my blog about actually HAVING a puppy!

Sorry about that.

But here we go...

Meet Lola!

Lola is about 10 or 11 weeks old at this point. I got her just over a week ago. She is a sweetheart. The first week we spent together was exhausting; not only was I recovering from my latest run with Civic Theatre (which went well, by the way), but I was also finding out that having a puppy means not getting a whole lot of sleep the first few days.

Right off the bat she was great with her house-training, but she did not like being alone AT ALL and would cry all day in her kennel while I tried to sleep. It was really heartbreaking but it was also really disruptive to my REM cycles.

After the first couple of days, however, we started to hit a rhythm and she got more comfortable with being in her kennel. My next task was getting her to eat. She was always more concerned with where I was and what I was doing than with eating her food, so for a couple of days I had to sit on the floor next to her bowl so she could sit in my lap between bites.

By the end of last week, though, Lola was eating a lot better and staying content in her kennel for longer amounts of time, which meant I got to catch up on some sleep, my other blog, and other random stuff.

This week is off to a good start. Lola is still coming in to work with me at night, but she sleeps through most of it, and everyone at work loves to play with her, which is great! She'll even follow me around at work without a leash (which makes me feel like a proud mama)!

She's teething now, which is really annoying because she wants to chew on my clothes, jewelry, buttons, shoes, and even my fingers! I'm trying to get her to understand that chewing on people is not ok, but she gets so excited that she doesn't seem to pay attention to my scolding. Any helpful tips on this would be greatly appreciated. She also wants to eat EVERYTHING she finds outside...leaves, grass, sticks...you name it, it's in her mouth.

And this week we're working on some simple obedience commands. So far Lola has seemed to have mastered "stay" and "come" (although sometimes I think she's just coming to me because she always wants to be picked up and held). She's doing pretty well on a leash and we've even taken a couple of walks around my apartment complex. Every once in a while she'll stop and tug at her leash, though, so it's kind of slow going there.

Training a puppy is definitely a lesson in patience. But she's just so stinkin' cute that I can't help but love her!

In other news, I'm definitely going to be around here for about another year (until July 2010). So this fall I'm gonna update my resume and start putting out some feelers for new opportunities...hopefully in a place that doesn't have a tornado season.

Finally, this weekend I'm in my first wedding as a bridesmaid! I'll be standing up for Sarah, who was a fellow Purduette as well as a roommate in college. She actually made our dresses, and they turned out really cute! I'll try to take lots of pictures!

OK, that's all for now. Happy Hump Day!

it's happening!!!

2009-05-22T08:57:00.003-04:00

Guess what. Ok, I'll tell you.

I'M GETTING A PUPPY!!!!!

It's a girl. She's a fawn pug. And she's coming home Monday night! I have not yet decided on a name for her, though I've been given TONS of good ideas. I think I have it narrowed down to a couple of choices.

Anyway...she's adorable. She has a beautiful blonde coat and a squishy little black face, and a curly tail that wags. Just thinking about it makes me all fuzzy inside! If you know anything about me, you know I've been waiting for some time to get a dog and now that it's finally happening I can barely believe it!

More to come, including pictures and probably even some home videos! I will definitely keep you posted. I'm so excited!!!

Happy Friday! :D

can you...feel a...brand new day?

2009-05-12T10:03:00.003-04:00

Now THAT will be stuck in your head all morning! You're welcome.

So, last night I just felt like my world was coming to a crashing halt. And yes, I am being over-dramatic because that's how I felt last night -- over-dramatic. I was so frustrated because I was trying to figure out a technology-related problem and I just wasn't getting anywhere. So I felt like I'd wasted my entire evening working on this project. Then I went to work and didn't feel like doing anything productive. Then I started thinking about all of these things I needed to do by the end of the week, and I got so stressed out that I started to cry. Well, that was unnecessary, so I turned on some lady danville tunes and watched a couple funny videos and started to feel better about life.

And then it became breaking news city in that newsroom.

A car crashed out on one of the state roads, very unfortunately killing the driver, who was only 21. And it was like, my whole pity party was put into perspective and I just thought, "Sheez, Lisa, get a grip. What are you feeling sorry for yourself for?" And then I sort of got a jump-start to my work and started cranking out a script, making calls to update information, and cutting video. Then police released info about a shooting incident that happened last night (no one was seriously hurt, thankfully) and it was off to the races.

We had a fantastic show this morning, and I don't mean that to sound insensitive to the fact that someone died this morning. I hate when stuff like that happens. But when it does, it becomes my job to find out as much about it as I can as fast as I can, and this morning I think I did that. So I felt good about doing my job well.

And then the engineer pointed out the review in the paper of the play I'm currently in. If you remember from previous posts, these reviews make me really nervous, especially for this show, since there wasn't a large cast or leading actresses to take the focus of the article. I was the leading actress in this case. And according to the review, I did fine! Phew! So that made me feel great!

And then I came home and solved my little technology problem, and I think I can just go to bed as content as can be today!

Here's hoping I feel this good when I wake up tonight ;)

confession time

2009-05-10T01:42:00.002-04:00

OK, so here's something I've figured out about myself:

I suck at life when I'm doing tech week for a show.

I don't do dishes, I eat like a teenager, I don't pick up clothes or clean ANYTHING, I don't update my blog, I don't have time to work out, and I have to resist a very strong urge to wear the same thing every day. And sleep in it. The only thing that keeps me from abandoning all personal hygiene is the fact that I have to put on make-up and do my hair for each night of rehearsals and shows, which means washing my face and hair in order to do that.

But here's the good news: after tomorrow (or I guess today) I will be in show mode, which means no rehearsals till Thursday, and then shows on the weekends. I'll have time to sleep, eat, clean, and work out; which will in turn restore my will to put together outfits and take showers. I'll also get back to answering people's emails and updating my blogs. This is the fun part of doing a play!

And speaking of which, opening weekend has gone well so far. So many of my favorite people showed up each night, and I now have enough flowers in my apartment that I could put my vase of fake tulips in the closet! It's always nice to not have to put ALL your fake flowers out :) And doing a comedy is really fun! It's so cool to see how different each audience is; every night different lines get the laughs. It's also fun to try doing lines a little differently each night to get different responses from the audience. I have to admit, laughter and applause are two addicting things! But I think after this show I will need a break from the play-acting.

Other news: I called someone about pug puppies Friday. I haven't heard anything yet, but hopefully things will work out and I'll be able to get a puppy soon! Also, my favorite season, summer, is well on its way! Friends are finishing school and coming home for the summer, and soon my schedule will be clear for days at the pool, cookouts at night, and weekends at lake houses, downtown festivals, and county fairs. And this month I'll make my last car payment, meaning a little freed-up dough for summer clothes shopping (yay!) and, of course, puppy stuff!!! Mix it all up with a solid tan, a couple of weddings, and a week up north at the lake in August, and you've got a pretty excellent summer! It's so close I can almost smell the Coppertone!

OK, shutting down for the night/early AM. Sweet dreams of summertime!

change of scenery?

2009-04-29T09:28:00.004-04:00

Lately I feel like if my life were a color, it would be grey. I'm just kinda bored. But whose fault is that?

All this contract/future talk has me thinking about where I'll be going and what I'll be doing a year from now (and both of those are a big "I don't know"), and I think that thinking about all the potential for new places and things and people has me a little bored with my life right now. I think I'm also a little depressed because Tommy and Mike will both be gone soon, and Sara will be gone too in a few months, and that bums me out.

Also, I'm going through one of those funks at work where I'm like, "Uggggh I just don't feel like doing this!" All we had this morning was swine flu stories. That's it. And I was like, "There are other things going on in the world, right? Surely we can find something else to talk about." Nope. All swine flu. And especially since it hit Indiana yesterday, it's a big deal right now. But come on, a whole show about swine flu?! Yuck.

I've got lots of things to be excited about -- "So You Think You Can Dance" starts up soon, which will be a new experience for me, and Jillian will star in "The Bachelorette" soon as well! I have one more car payment to make and I'll be officially done, which means puppy time, and I'm currently putting out feelers for pug breeders (so if you know anyone, let me know!). And I just got time off approved for my SECOND vacation of the year (holler!), which will include my cousin's wedding and a week at Mom and Dad's newly-built cabin up at the lake! That's not till August, but still.

And all my adorable little High School Musical friends will be home for the summer soon, which (I hope) will mean more trips to Culvers for ice cream, afternoons by the pool, and weekends in Monticello! Summer!

So what's not to be excited about, right? I just need to get myself pumped up for all the fun stuff coming my way and stop feeling like my life is so boring.

Oh, final note -- and girls, back me up if you get this too -- the last two days I've had these lovely dreams involving beautiful beaches or lakes and dreamy dudes, which NEVER happens. I always have the weirdo dreams, not the sweet ones. But of course, I'm having these super-sweet dreams and then I wake up before I want to. Then I can't go back to sleep and back to my dream! But when I have a sucky dream, I either can't wake up, or I do shake myself out of it, and then fall back asleep only to enter Crazy Town all over again. So not fair!

Oh well. I'm gonna go to bed now and attempt a sweet dream that doesn't involve me waking up before I absolutely have to.

Happy daydreams! :)

it's a blog!!!

2009-04-24T01:05:00.003-04:00

Here is is, folks!

I've launched my brand-new blog, "The Blonde Blogette" and as promised, YOU are the first to know about it! Don't you feel special?

Here is the new blog's home: the-blonde-blogette.blogspot.com. See? That's easy to remember, right?

There's also a little YouTube channel that goes along with, and you can find the link at the new blog site.

Do me a solid and go check it out, and if it's not your thing, you won't hurt my feelings. Like I said, I will still be here at this blog as well, not liking coffee and trying to grow up! :)

Happy Friday!

new project...

2009-04-22T23:27:00.002-04:00

Thanks guys, for your input! Sounds like I should keep my little blog the way it is, and I will. Thanks to everyone who indulges me by reading and following it.

I am starting a new project. This is something I've been interested in doing for awhile, but have been taking some time thinking about how to do it. And now YOU are the first to know about it!

As you have probably realized, I'm a bit of a pop culture junkie, and I love music, movies, TV shows, webisodes, etc. So I'm starting a new blog that focuses on just that. I'm really excited that I've got it in the works, and I'm not sure yet when I'm going to launch it, but I hope that when I do, you'll stop by and take a look.

I'm still going to keep doing this blog; it's just that this one is kind of my personal story and I'd like to try the new blog as a more "professional" (???) project than a personal one. I just want to see if I can do this successfully and try something new.

So stay tuned! You will be the first to know when the new blog is up and ready to go!

Until later,
Lis

spring cleaning my blog

2009-04-22T08:24:00.003-04:00

HELP!

OK, I have been writing this blog for over 2 years, and I'm very proud of it. At the same time, I'm not sure what to do with it because it serves like a million different purposes, which to me feels about the same as serving no purpose.

The main point of starting this blog was to document my journey as a twenty-something starting out after college on my own, and hopefully connect to others having the same or similar experiences. But on the way, it's also taken a lot of little side paths, like recaps of the Bachelorette or reviews of movies, music, and TV shows. Is there some way to split all those posts off into different sections? Or should I make different blogs for different topics? This way people who just wanted to read the Bachelorette stuff, for example, wouldn't have to wade through pages of my ramblings about life. So...does anyone know how I can do that; organize my blog posts into separate categories somehow?

Thanks for your time and (hopefully) help!
~Lis

oh give me a home where the palm trees are grown...

2009-04-17T12:57:00.004-04:00

You're welcome, Sara.

I'm sorry I haven't blogged in awhile. Here is a post about the first of several things that have been keeping me busy:

vacation!!!

I went to visit my older sis in Tampa. It was awesome! I had tons of fun on the plane ride there (of course). Then, when I got to Michelle's house, I almost died.

No, really.

I hadn't slept in like 24 hours, so I was pretty tired. Michelle made dinner and I took a nap, and then she woke me up to eat. Well, I was still pretty out of it, and I took a HUGE bite of steak that had a large piece of gristle (is that how you spell that?). I half-swallowed the piece of gristle when it got stuck; I couldn't swallow it and I couldn't spit it out. I tried to cough, but I couldn't.

Michelle noticed something was up and said, "Are you ok?" and started smacking me HARD on the back. Now, I don't know when the last time was that she updated her lifeguard/CPR license, but the last time I took that course, I was told smacking the person's back does NOT help...and they're right. I turned to her to try to tell her that, and that's when I realized I couldn't talk and I couldn't breathe. All that lifeguard training came back to me, and here is the thought that went through my head at this point: "Can't talk, can't breathe = choking! Omigod, I'm choking for realsies! Universal choking sign!" I then made the universal choking sign and Michelle's training came back to her too, and she did a few textbook Heimlich maneuvers, during which I kept thinking, "Oh my gosh, what if I throw up? I don't want to throw up all over her new furniture and her new carpet! It doesn't matter, that piece of meat has to come out!"

And then it did. Not like in the movies, where it goes flying across the room and breaks a window, or lands in your great-aunt's bowl of oatmeal. It just...came out. Like I'd just spit it out of my mouth. Am I grossing you out? Sorry. But I was just relieved it landed on the plate and that it was still in its original form of solid meat.

I stared at the chunk of steak and then noticed Michelle was still Heimliching. "Stop doing that," I said. "It's out."

"Oh, sorry," she said. Then we both started doing that releived laugh-cry-laugh reaction and I thanked her for saving my life. It was crazy! The best part was that nobody panicked and the whole thing just seemed really funny to me the whole time! But I know I was actually pretty lucky.

OK, the rest of vacation was pretty normal. We hit the beach on Friday and I got a satisfactory tan, and then on Saturday we got up early and drove to Orlando to visit Universal Studios. Now, this is the first time I've been to ANY of the parks down there, and I was as giddy as a 9-year-old. I took tons of pictures. You can see more of them here.

One of the most eventful parts of the day was when we got stuck in the middle of a ride. It was the E.T. Adventure, which is a dark ride where you sit on bicycles through the woods and then fly over the town and into space. It started out really cool; the forest looked totally real, the theme music was playing, and there were flashlights following us and police cars popping out of the trees, just like in the movie! Then this robotronic mannequin cop pops out of the bushes and yelled at us to "halt!" and we did. For like a long time. Finally, we were all like, "Uh...is this supposed to happen?" Then the music shut off and a voice told us there were technical difficulties and that the ride would start again very soon. Meanwhile, the manne-cop was staring at us and frankly, kinda freaking me out. Everyone on our little group of bikes sort of sat awkwardly in the silence for a minute.

"Maybe we should just pedal harder," I said finally. Everyone laughed, and that broke the ice. Someone started tweeting from her phone that she was stuck on the ride, and we all took turns joking about the situation. Then as the lights slowly started coming up, we looked around. It was very disillusioning; the trees didn't have tops and we could see the ceiling. Then a maintenance dude came up to our car and started fussing with wires. It turns out WE were the problem!

Well, they finally got the ride going again...sort of. We kept jolting to stops throughout the forest, and the maintenance guy behind us had to keep doing something to get us going.

"Is he gonna have to push us?" I asked Michelle. Then finally, we were launched out of the forest and over the town, which was tiny-tiny and all lit up below us. It was actually pretty cool...only we could totally see the maintenance guy walking on a catwalk right next to us. Sigh. When we finished the ride, a girl gave us free express passes, which Michelle and I used to skip the line for the Simpson's ride, which ended up being totally worth getting stuck on E.T. for!

OK, more things about life in later posts. But I think this will do for now!

Until later!

eeeeeeagle!!!

2009-04-02T01:49:00.003-04:00

I am officially a week away from vacation!!! I can't even believe it. This time next week I'll be in sunny Florida at my older sis's new house! My new swimsuit came in the mail, I've got my packing list made, I have a hair appointment this Friday, I got an awesome new carry-on bag that I have been reallllllly good about not using until the trip, and I've barely had time to read the Vanity Fair I picked up like...what, a month ago?...so I won't even need to buy any new magazines! Who am I kidding; yes I will. I always buy new magazines for any trip that includes a plane ride and a beach. It's just kind of one of those things I have to do to celebrate the occassion.

And, by the way, I love flying. Everything about it! I know many people (my dad included) do not get the same kick out of flying that I do. So let me describe it to you from my perspective.

First, there's the thrill of racing through the airport to make your flight. Or, if you DO have lots of time, you get to take in all the fun things that an airport has, like moving sidewalks, stores that sell pillows, and crazy folks.

Then you get to sit and wait (cue magazine) for your flight to board. Now, even if your flight decides to run late, this is still fun because it gives you a chance to scope out (over your magazine) all the people you will be sharing a plane with, and try to figure out who they are and why they're going wherever they're going.

Next and at long last comes the excitement of boarding the plane, then watching (and yes, I do watch as a form of entertainment) the flight attendants do their little show about emergency procedures. And I always make up stories about the flight attendants and what they're thinking (wouldn't that be a great reality show? Oh, the drama!). Sometimes I narrate for them in my head. Like, I imagine Chelsea the perky red-head is secretly in love with Luke, the blond guy, but he's dating Renee the long fingernails girl who is clearly so over this job and hates everyone on the plane except for her blond BF...no wait, she actually hates him too because she's planned to elope with the co-pilot as soon as we land. Then there's Grumpy Drink Cart Lady (that's her name) who gets special satisfaction of catching Mile High Club inductees in the act, and finally the tall, flamboyant Roger, who knows he rocks the emergency procedure demonstration like nobody's business and is def. gonna get that promotion next week.

Then there's -- dun dah dah dun -- TAKING OFF! Always a major highlight; I don't get scared, I don't go to sleep, I don't read. I just look out the window and enjoy the miracle of flight. I also love flying on a sunny day because then I get to wear sunglasses, which makes me feel supercool.

Now, my ears do pop terribly on airplanes. Sometimes I feel like my head is going to explode from the pressure. And that part is not fun. I always wonder for a few minutes if the whole head exploding thing is physically possible. Then I do the thing where I plug my nose and blow, then I stuff six pieces of Orbit in my mouth and chew like an angry goat, and if that doesn't work, I just get the magazine back out and try to focus very hard on the comeback of the cork wedge slingback. Or if it gets too bad, I may ask Grumpy Drink Cart Lady to bring me an aspirin for my headache, or flag down Roger to ask him what he thinks about the "Who Wore It Better" page of my magazine. At any rate, the ear-popping problems will NOT ruin the flight.

Now, I love sitting by the window, because I love looking at what's below us, especially when it's nothing but clouds and you can see the plane's shadow. I just think that's unreal. And then the big finish...the landing! To me, this is just as exciting and suspenseful as watching an Olympic gymnast finish her balance beam routine. Will she stick the landing? I always sort of judge the landing and give it a score.

Upon landing, here is what you do, you savvy jetsetter, you: put your magazine away, put on your shades (in case you weren't already wearing them), whip out your cell, and call whoever is coming to pick you up. Then, be cool. Everyone is in a hurry to get off the plane, but guess what. We're ALL getting off the plane. Let the poor moms and dads herd their little munchkins down the aisle, help the lady who keeps dropping stuff out of her four different carry-on bags (how did she get that many on the plane in the firt place?), and let the self-important business dudes go ahead of you, because it's fun to watch them try to get out in front of everyone and then shake their heads and sigh impatiently when they can't. When the path is clear enough to get through without stopping every two steps, you go. Wave g'bye to Roger, thank the pilot, and cross your fingers hoping that Chelsea and Luke really do end up together.

And of course, the best part of flying is getting to a NEW airport in a NEW place just hours after leaving someplace that was colder, darker, and less exciting than your warm, sunny destination! By now you've probably made friends with someone on the plane, so you exchange excited "well, here we are!" looks, part ways, and go find the awesome person you've come to visit so they can help you find your luggage at the baggage claim.

See, half the fun IS getting there! And I'll be there in just one week! Yay!

what do i do with my hands?

2009-04-02T01:05:00.002-04:00

You know that episode of 30 Rock where Liz talks Jack into playing a character on TGS and then finds out he's a terrible actor? You do? Great! Remember the part where he doesn't know what to do with his hands so he decides to hold a coffee mug in each one?

Well, that's how I feel about Private Lives right now.

I told you before that I was nervous about doing this because I've never considered myself a "real" actor. Because this is the first role I've done for a whole show without breaking into song and dance. And it's a big role; there are lots of lines, and it's only me and one other person onstage for the majority of the show. So it's a bit intimidating, and there are all these beat changes, and all these little blocking moves, and it takes a lot of concentration for me to do this and try to do it well, without cheesing it up.

And then there's the British accent.

It's not that I can't do it. It's that I feel really silly doing it. I'm trying really hard to make the lines sound real and natural because I want to be a good actor, but then when I try to use the accent, it just sounds (to me) like a silly affectation, and I feel like...how can I be sincere about what I'm saying while sounding like I'm talking funny? If I were playing some sort of character role, that would be a completely different thing. But although the part of Amanda is very comedic, she also has some very real, passionate moments. And I guess I just have a hard time taking myself seriously when I'm speaking in an accent, so I worry that other people are going to have a hard time taking me seriously too.

Now add to those two hurdles the fact that everyone in this play is in love with each other, so a lot of the blocking is touching, kissing, hugging, and I don't know these people. So yeah, it's awkward. I hate that part. I know by the end of the show we'll all be touching and kissing and hugging each other like it's no big deal, but it's the first week and it's awkward. I can't help it.

Blerg.

Anyway, I get tonight off, which is good because it seriously takes a LOT of concentration to do that stuff for three hours straight. And I can't concentrate on any one thing for more than like...40 minutes. Oh! Also, Act I has to be memorized by Sunday night. So...there's that.

In other news, I'm excited because just before work tonight I found my spare set of car keys, which includes a spare clicker for my door locks. My other clicker's battery died, so I've been doing things the old-fashioned way, and I knew I had another clicker somewhere but it took me forever to find it. But now that I have it, I'm back to feeling super-cool for being able to unlock and lock my car remotely. I know...it doesn't take much.

OK, more in a post to follow very, very soon. It's about vacation. I was going to write about it here, but things got too long, so we're ditching and starting a new post, K? K.

Until then!

someday upon a dream is a wish I could be part of your whole new world

2009-03-29T02:27:00.002-04:00

OK, so this song really struck a chord with me today. And I'm sure most of it had to do with my listening to it during the 3.5 hours I collectively spent in the car driving in the rain.

But after listening to it a few times, I decided it was going to be my princess song. You know what I mean -- Snow White had "Someday My Prince Will Come," Sleeping Beauty had "Once Upon a Dream," Arial had "Part of Your World"...you get where I'm going with this, right?

And unlike most Disney princesses, who are actively seeking a prince, I am just sort of content to be alone now. But it's nice to think that somewhere out in the world is this guy who someday is going to be my...you know. My guy.

(And if I were a Disney character, you know I'd be an owl, because I like to roll my eyes at twitterpation. Sometimes it's just too hard to even talk about it.)

But, ok, so I hear this song today and after listening to the words a few times, I was like...yeah. I like this. I like this idea that there's someone out there for me, somewhere, someday...(oh wait, that's another song), and if I'm just patient and wait for the right thing to come along at the right time, it'll happen.

Anyway, here it is. It's called "Raindrops" by Regina Spektor:

You don't know but that's okay
You might find me anyway
Don't you know that i
Belong arm in arm with you, baby
In a town that's cold and gray
We will have a sunny day
Don't you know that i
Belong arm in arm with you, baby.

I do not know
Where does it go
When it goes
Suddenly though
Everything's slow
And i miss you so

Round each corner there's a chance
People searching glance to glance
Moving bout real fast
Like insects and fish when they're scared
And they sing the same old song
Though it's been so very long
They sing, raindrops falling on my head
But that doesn't mean that i am dead

And i do not know
Where does it go
When it goes
Suddenly though
Everything's slow
And i miss you so

You don't know but that's okay
You might find me anyway
Don't you know that i
Belong arm in arm with you, baby
In a town that's cold and gray
We will have a sunny day
Don't you know that i
Belong arm in arm with you, baby.

out of the frying pan...

2009-03-26T21:32:00.002-04:00

...and into the fire!

And I mean that in a good way.

So, at the closing of Children of Eden, the man directing Civic's next (and last) production of the season asked me to come in and read for one of the parts. Tonight I went in and did the reading with a couple of other people called in for some of the other parts. And the director liked what he saw and heard, so I'm on to the next show, which is very thrilling!

The play is Private Lives, and it's very funny. I will play the role of Amanda, a recently remarried woman who runs into her ex-husband while on honeymoon and decides to run off with him.

Oh, and everyone in the play is British, so I will be learning how to speak with an English accent.

That's just one reason I'm kind of scared out of my mind to do this show.

The other reason (and the main one) is that I've never done a straight play like this. The only non-musical production I was in was a play version of "The Nutcracker" at my high school when I was 13, and that had a large cast and a lot of dancing in it.

This cast is made up of five people. Almost every scene involves interacting with only one other character at a time. No singing or dancing to hide behind. And no escape from the critical eye of Mr. Dick Jaeger, whenever he happens to come watch the show and write up his review.

Gulp.

I think I'm going to learn a lot; I'm excited and intimidated, but I think it's going to be a great challenge for me. I've never really thought of myself as a good "actor," just a good "performer." So I guess we'll find out once and for all this time around, huh? And this is also the first truly "adult" role I've ever had. I think this is going to be a growing experience.

Anyway, that's it for now! There's a pizza in the oven with my name on it! Until later!

i want that.

2009-03-25T01:52:00.004-04:00

Ladies and gentlemen, I am officially two car payments (and thus two months) away from getting one of these:

I want one so bad!!! And I've tried to be very patient and responsible about waiting until the time was right. And now that time is almost here and I'm so excited!

And oh yes, if I didn't already tell you, I've officially decided to get a pug. The more I research them, the more they seem like a good fit for me. Plus, look at that face! How can you resist? Oh, and they also come in black:

As you can see, both variations are very adorable. Plus, black and fawn both go with everything. (Not that I would think of my dog as an accessory...but I want us to look good together! Just sayin.)

So starting in May, the puppy hunt will begin in earnest. And I'll be sure to keep you updated all along the way!

Until later! :)

twitterpated

2009-03-24T09:15:00.002-04:00

Not me, personally. Just the world in general. It's springtime...time for new beginnings, blossoming ideas, budding romances (again, not for me), and baby animals!

And a new look for the blog.

I'm still trying to get used to how...bright...this one is. But I'm trying to go for something a little more springtimey.

I promise to have a REAL blog post soon! Hope everyone's week is off to a good start!

Until later!

seeking: jim halpert

2009-03-19T01:23:00.007-04:00

One thing I love about being a single gal with no agenda for marriage is setting my dating standards very high on a few specific things (maybe solely for the sake of avoiding dating altogether...haha). Anyway, I thought it might be fun to make a list of these traits, however unrealistic they may seem:

1. You must have good hair. I know you can't control the way your hair grows out of your head, but I can't control the fact that I'm picky about hair. So if you've got weird cowlicks, bald patches, or you like to shave patterns into your scalp, you're not the guy for me.

2. Wanna go fishing? Good! Look, I grew up going to fishing workshops and learning how to put a worm on a hook. I spend every summer sitting for hours in a boat waiting for a scaly, dumb animal with short-term memory loss to bite so I can reel him in, slice him open, and eat him for supper. If you can't handle that, we're done here.

3. You must know more about cars than I do. I know some guys who can't check their own oil, much less change it. That's not to say I change my own oil, but I'm not paying some dude at Jiffy Lube to do something we should be able to do at home in the garage. Side note: I'd love to restore a vintage car someday, even though I have no knowledge of how to do this. So I'm depending on you to be able to teach me or at least learn together.

4. You MUST NOT make me watch scary movies, or movies with excessive violence. If you care about me AT ALL, you will know that to do such a thing would be mental and emotional torture for someone like me. I don't care if it's a "classic." I don't need to see it.

5. You will be expected to take me to the ballet on occasion. Not all the time, just maybe once a year to see The Nutcracker. Do you hate this as much as I hate scary movies? Maybe. Will watching a ballet make you afraid to go to sleep because of the terrible dreams you know you're going to have that night? I highly doubt it. Dudes in tights are not that scary.

6. You will also be expected to go see plays and musicals with me. Hopefully, you will actually enjoy the theatre, so this won't be a problem. But even if it's not really your thing, guess what. It's MY thing. And we're going. In return, I promise to become the biggest, most dedicated fan, spectator, and cute apparel-wearer of whatever professional sports team you worship most. I have no serious loyalties to any pro basketball, football, or especially baseball teams, so I will willingly adopt your preferences in those areas.

7. You must not ever tell me you wish I had different color hair, skin, eyes, longer legs, smaller boobs, sharper sense of smell, better comedic timing, or otherwise wish to alter any trait about me that I cannot control. As you will notice in article one, if there is something physical you will not tolerate about a person, you should just cut 'em loose from the get-go. Don't get into this and then decide you want to make changes that can't (or won't) be made.

8. You must enjoy philosophical debates about stupid stuff. I don't like to argue about politics, religion, or ethics. But I will pick a fight about whether or not Princess Bride is a chick flick. And if that happens, you have to indulge me without getting too serious about it and actually getting mad.

9. You need to be honest about your singing abilities. If you're an amazing singer, please admit it gracefully. Don't make me reassure you every second of the day that you can sing. If you're decent, don't talk about your voice like you're the next Frank Sinatra or something, because you're not and you'll embarrass me. If you can't sing, don't be scared; just fess up and I won't make you do karaoke with me. I will like you more if you're a bad singer and admit it than if you think you're a really good singer and you're not.

10. You must be able to dress, but you should not look cuter than me. This is kind of like the singing thing; if you need help picking stuff out, just tell me and I'll help you. If you're good at putting it together and you want to help me out, fine! But don't get competitive about it and try to look more awesome than me. That's not what this is about. Besides, you should want to show me off, not show yourself off.

11. You must be creative about gift-giving. I'm not about bouqets of roses, piles of jewelry, fancy restaurants, or other stereotypically "romantic" gestures. Remember, you're talking to a girl who wants you to sit with her in an aluminum boat and shove dirty worms onto metal hooks for endless hours. You're also talking to a girl who likes ballets, musicals, and other forms of live entertainment. I'm not asking for extravagance, I'm asking for originality and, most of all, sincerity. Just put some thought, humor, and personality into it and I'll be happy.

12. Just be willing to do anything and everything to make me happy. Even if that means letting me win, swallowing your pride, and picking your battles from time to time. I promise I'll do the same for you.

OK, that's my list. What do you think...am I asking too much? :)

I chose this over doing dishes

2009-03-18T19:42:00.000-04:00

I'm having trouble getting motivated to do anything much today…so I decided to try filling out this list that I got from La Di Dah's blog. If you actually read the whole thing, you probably have a lot of patience...or a lot of time to kill. Or maybe you're at work procrastinating, in which case...you're welcome.

10 WHAT'S:

1 What was the first thing you thought about when you woke up?
Did I miss something?!!! (I normally tend to wake up in a panic. I don't know why that is.)

2 What did you do last night?
I had my first dining experience at Noodles & Co. (yummmm) with David and Sara, followed by some amazing gelato and a walk around a conveniently empty campus (it's spring break week). Then I had a decent night at work.

3 What is the most important part of your life?
My faith and my family. I think it's taken a lot of growing up for me to realize just how important those things are.

4 What would you rather be doing right now?
With the warmer weather we've had lately, I'm starting to pine for the lake in August!

5 What did you last cry over?
I last cried at the end of "Children of Eden"…I can't help it. It happens every time! It starts when we sing, "And if someday we hear a voice/if He should speak again, our silent Father/all He will tell us in the choice is in our hands…" Then when Jeff (who plays Father) sings, "There is no journey gone so far/so far we cannot stop and change direction…" it gets harder to hold back the tears. Then when I see an old lady sobbing in the front row by the end of the song, I just can't handle it. The tears start falling, and next thing you know, I've got tear stains all over my costume.

6 What always makes you feel better when you're upset?
Talking to my mom and/or a good, big, comfortable hug.

7 What's the most important thing you look for in a significant other?
Well, right now I would say someone who shares common interests and a similar sense of humor and is super-low-maintenance, but that's just because I don't currently want a "real" relationship. When I'm looking for the Real Thing, I'd say someone who really loves me for exactly who I am, respects where I come from, and doesn't want to change me.

8 What are you worried about?
Ohhhh...life in general. Mostly worried about when will be the right time to go get a job elsewhere.

9 What are you looking forward to most in this week?
I'm looking forward to another (hopefully) sold out weekend of shows, especially since this is the last weekend! It's been a great experience.

10 What are you thinking about right now?
I'm trying to motivate myself to do dishes, put away laundry, and work out.

NINE HAVE YOU’S:

1 Have you ever won anything?
Haha...I don't think so. I don't tend to be a "winner" in the sense that I...well...win stuff! But I did win the Spirit Award in the Miss Purdue pageant my senior year of college, which was pretty cool. Only I actually tied with another girl, and she got the plaque. Go figure. Oh! And when I went to Girls State I got chosen to go to Girls Nation, but I couldn't go so the first runner-up got to go...but I still got to keep THAT plaque. Haha.

2 Have you ever had a broken heart?
Yes, but it was a learning experience and made me a stronger person.

3 Have you ever been out of the country?
I've been to Mexico and Canada. Lame, I know, that I haven't ever been across the pond, but I'll get there.

4 Have you ever done something outrageously dumb?
Oh, you betcha. Here's an example.

5 Have you ever been back stabbed by a friend?
Sure. But who hasn't?

6 Have you ever had the cops called on you?
Nope.

7 Have you ever dated someone younger than you?
Yes, once, but it didn't work out and I will probably stick to guys my age or older from now on. Until I get to the point when I can be legally considered a cougar...

9 Have you ever sung to someone personally?
Oh yes, several times. In Purduettes we had these songs called "run-outs" where we all charged off the stage and ran into the aisles to find an old guy to sing to, then at the end we had to kiss them on the cheek and leave a big ol' red lipstick print. Some of those guys played dirty and did the "turn at the last second and plant one on the lips" move...sneaky, sneaky. But when Dad was in the audience, I'd try to get out and sing to him, which was always really special.

SEVEN WHEN’S:

1 When was your last shower?
Last night, before dinner.

2 When did you last see your mom?
Friday. I met up with Mom and Dad after getting done with the show to see a friend play with his band downtown.

3 When was your last time you saw your dad?
Same as my mom! He bought me food and beers!

4 When did you last dress up?
I guess yesterday. It was so nice and warm and sunny, I just had to pull out a springtime-y dress!

5 When was the last time you cried?
We already discussed that!

6 When did you last go to the movies and with who?
I think the last movie I went to was Confessions of a Shopaholic with my little sister.

7 When did you last listen to music?
Um…right now?

SIX WHERE’S:

1 Where does your best friend live?
My best friend from home lives in Indianapolis where she's in med school. My best friends from college are both teaching English in Indiana high schools, one of them right here in town! And my two sisters live in Florida (teaching and getting a grad degree) and here in town (finishing up her bachelor's and then starting vet tech in the summer.)

2 Where did you last go?
I last went…to work.

3 Where did you last hang out?
Around campus, I guess!

4 Where do you go to school?
NOWHERE!!! I'm so happy to be done with school, possibly forever! But I got my BA at Purdue.

5 Where is your favorite place to be?
Of all places in the world, my favorite place to be is the lake.

6 Where did you sleep last night?
I didn't sleep last night; I was working. A-thank you.

FIVE DO'S/DOES:

1 Do you like someone right now?
You mean like a crush? No. Unless you count the following list of movie/TV stars: James Marsden, John Krasinski, Jason Bateman, James Franco, and Bill Hader.

2 Do they like you too?
I don't think they know I'm a person, so no.

3 Do you ever wish you were someone else?
Yes. Sometimes I wish I were Tina Fey. And other times I wish I were Amy Poehler. But the rest of the time, I'm just so happy to be me!

4 Do you know the muffin man?
Yes! He comes in for occasional appearances on our morning show.

5 Does the future scare you?
Yes, but in the same way a roller coaster scares me. I actually love not having everything (or much of anything) planned out in my life!

**FOUR WHY’S:

1 Why are you best friends with your best friends?
Lauren (from home): I don't know…we just clicked in 3rd grade, and we've had the kind of friendship that lasts over any distance. We never have to play catch-up; we can always just pick up where we left off.

Katy and Beth (from college): These girls were my first and fastest friends at Purdue. We have been through so many growing experiences, and our friendships have been tested so much that I know these are the girls who are always going to be there for me.

Michelle and Marla (sisters): What can I say? Michelle has known me my whole life, and I've known Marla since I was two. We lived together for years and years, shared and fought over toys, clothes, friends, and cars…and we love each other unconditionally through it all!

2 Why did you start your blog?
I started it when I was getting ready to graduate college because I felt very small and alone in the world and hoped that there were other people out there who felt the same way I did about this weird, exciting twenty-something time of life. And I mostly hoped that if those people were out there, it would help them to know someone else (me) was experiencing the same stuff.

3 Why did your parents give you the name you have?
They say they just liked it. The weird thing is, I'm the only person in my family without an "M" name. And that's just the beginning of my "black sheep" status in this family lol...

4 Why are you doing this survey?
See the paragraph at the beginning of this post.

**THREE IF’S:

1 If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
I always wanted to be like Matilda and have the power to move things with my mind. Ohhh, Roald Dahl!

2 If you could go back in time and change one thing, would you?
I would change the way I wore my hair in junior high.

3 If you were stranded on a deserted island and could bring one thing what would it be?
Physician's Desk Reference. Hollowed Out. (Dwight Schrute, anyone? Anyone?) No, actually I think it would be a hatchet. Because that's what I learned from junior high literature.

**TWO WOULD-YOU-EVER’S:

1 Would you ever get back together with any of your ex’s if they asked you?
No.

2 Would you ever shave your head to save someone you love?
To save their life? Sure! It's just hair; it grows back.

**ONE WISH:

1 What would it be?
True love. Like the Princess Bride.

material girl

2009-03-17T08:42:00.006-04:00

I know, I know, probably not the best topic for a post during Lent, but...what can I say?

Yesterday was definitely a "me" day. And I loved it! I had a hair appointment at nine, so with an hour to kill between getting off work and going to the salon, I got an English Toffee cappucino from the nearest Circle K and then scooted into Walmart to see if there was a new issue of Lucky for me to pick up and read while getting my hair done. There was a new issue, and I was halfway to the register when a couple other magazine covers caught my eye.

This was the first one:

You'll notice that among some of Judd Apatow's favorite funny men stands the lovely Paul Rudd...reason enough for buying this issue. But on the inside was a photo spread of several up-and-coming comedians reinacting famous movie icons. An updated "Honeymooners" photo with Bill Hader and Jason Bateman made me mad (once again) these two guys are married...and...famous. Flip a couple pages and you have the cutest couple in comedy: Amy Poehler and Will Arnett. And there's a lot of other great stuff in there too; I'm just mentioning my favorite people.

Then I saw something that nearly made me squeal in the middle of the store:

My girl Ashley Tisdale on the cover of Cosmo.

Now, if you've read some of my other posts, you'll recall that the whole reason I read Lucky is to avoid the stuff typically found in magazines like Cosmo...the 150 sex positions you can do in the ocean, the 20 most embarrassing moments in the history of love-making (I swear they make that stuff up), and the 10 most manipulative mind games you can play on your boyfriend. I just want to look at fashion spreads and get good ideas for shopping...and maybe read some fun facts about an actress I sort of recognize. But just because Ashley Tisdale was on the cover, I decided to trade in my Lucky for a copy of Cosmo, a magazine I honestly doubted I'd ever see this squeaky-clean girl on the cover of.

And of course, right next to her face is the word "SEX" and under Ashley's name is the magazine's claim that she's "blowing off her good-girl image." Well, when you read her interview, you can tell the gals at Cosmo had to really try to spice this one up. When you take out the fancy magazine lingo, what you really find out is that Ashley is a very centered 23-year-old person who's addicted to Coffee Bean and lives four doors down from her mom and dad, and keeps her relationship with her boyfriend on the DL because she doesn't want her life sprayed all over the tabloids. She stays out of trouble by multi-tasking in TV, film, music, and executive producing, and the craziest thing she's ever done with a guy is tell him she liked him without knowing whether he liked her.

Kinda boring, right? Do you see why I like this girl?

Alright, moving on. So I also splurged over the weekend on something I've been eyeing for awhile:

Something about the entire Soap & Glory product line is just so appealing...I love the retro look of the packaging, as well as the exclamatory promises printed on the containers! I love the nod back to that era when advertisers depended on consumers to believe everything put into print. But of course the best part is that all of the products have such clever and hilarious names. And I don't know if this lip pucker really works the way it says on the box, but it does make your lips tingle for about an hour, which makes me think something is working! I've also noticed it lasts a long time and my lips don't chap after I've been wearing it. So if you don't have any already, go on out and get yourself some sexy motherpucker! :)

OK, that's it for me. Time for bed; if all goes well, I might get to spend time this evening with two of the coolest people I've met since graduating college!

Have a fabulous day!

Cheered Up

2009-03-16T02:01:00.004-04:00

There was this one time during my sophomore year at college when I got really bummed out about something...I think it was because someone was being mean or had said something about me that wasn't nice, or something like that.

And I was sitting there all bummed out when I got a call from some my best pals...Katy, Iz, and Greg...and they whisked me away to the guys' apartment for a game of Cranium. We had an awesome night and laughed so hard, and I just kept thinking how lucky I was to have such great friends.

And what's so awesome about that memory is, I don't even remember what happened that created the need for my being cheered up in the first place. I just remember the fun night that followed and the wonderful memory of having buddies that would be so great and go to the effort to cheer me up!

I think as you get older, you appreciate your friendships so much more, because they become a little more rare and special once you're out of school. I'm so thankful for all of the friends I have, new and old, near and far away! Just thinking about them cheers me up! :)

Happy Monday!

Team Melissa lives to cheer another day!

2009-03-11T19:05:00.004-04:00

All of us on Team Melissa have a new place to cheer!

Due to a last-minute injury to one of the celebrity contestants on Dancing with the Stars, ABC has filled the gap with...who else...our favorite spurned bachelorette Melissa!

I'm sure this was a HUGE peace offering from ABC (not to mention the fact that they got to show that embarrassing dump reel a few more times) and although I can see how there may be some exploitation involved, I'm just glad we get to see more of Melissa!

She got two days to train and rehearse for the first competition, and she pulled off a gorgeous waltz to "Moon River" that made the most of her ballet training and cheerleader agility, with plenty of perfectly executed developpes, port de bras, and attitude pirouettes. I even cried a little at the end of the dance when she broke into a huge smile and her partner, Tony Dovolani, kissed her on the forehead! Why have I not been watching this show??!!!

I'm sure it'll be nice for her to get some objective critique and fan support from week to week instead of wondering if she's going to get a rose/engagement ring. I hope she makes it past the first round of votes! Go Team Melissa!!!

somewhere in a parallel universe...

2009-03-11T02:15:00.002-04:00

...I'm sure I'm hispanic. That's why in this universe I sometimes get undeniable cravings for salsa music and spicy food and wish I had a beautiful dark complexion.

I think I would've fit right in during the 1930s and 40s. The early to mid-60s might have been a good time for me, too.

I need to go to Chicago more often. Like, on a regular basis. It's three hours away, and yet the last time I went was my sophomore year of college to see Wicked. Now I have a wonderful reason to visit...I have a friend out there doing improv and, oh yeah, did I mention it's THREE HOURS AWAY?! I need to get on that.

I would really like to go to Disney World and Disneyland. Anyone want to go? Cuz I'm pretty sure I can score a couple of free passes. Please have a game plan ready, because I have never been there and I am depending on you to show me all the best stuff. Keep in mind that I have the same interests as a 12-year-old when it comes to entertainment.

I've realized recently that I have terrifying, bad, troubling, or weird dreams more often than I have good ones. Is that because my life is so good that my dreams feel a need to balance things out, or do I just have a sick subconscious?

I wonder if I'll ever actually get married. I feel like it's one of those things we all assume will happen to us. But there's never any guarantee.

I wonder how old I'm going to have to be to actually feel like an adult. I kind of hope I never find out.

I think it would be really funny if someday I have kids that look like carbon copies of me, because I don't look like anyone else in my family.

Do you remember looking in the mirror when you were little and wondering what you'd look like when you grew up? Sometimes I catch myself doing that now, and then I think, "Oh! I guess this is it!"

I love the sound of rain. It makes me happy.

I wonder what my life will amount to by the time I've finished it.

What if we had local paparazzi? Who would be on the cover of the magazines every week, and would I ever end up on one of those "Who Wore It Best" pages?

If I ever have a disgusting amount of money, I will spend part of it on having someone on call to give me massages.

I wish I had a soundtrack to my life that everyone else around me could hear.

I need to figure out what I did with all my Brad Paisley CDs.

I need to get back to work.

fire up the grill, get out the mustard, and put on your boots!

2009-03-07T12:16:00.004-05:00

I'm ba-aaack!

OK, so this is the first REAL blog post I've had time to post in a while. And I know all the drama has been discussed all week, but I'm gonna go ahead and give you my personal reflections on the Bachelor's final two episodes.

*Melissa gets her "meet Ty" date with Jason and the little munchkin. Mel and Ty are VERY cute together. Thanks to her impressive stockpile of silly jokes, Ty takes to Melissa like a fish to water.

*Melissa seems to get what being a step-mom will be about: it's not about babysitting.

*Mel meets the parents, brothers, and sister, who all give her a really hard time about the fact that her parents wouldn't meet Jason on the show. And Jason doesn't do anything to try to make this easier for her; instead he says his favorite phrase: "It really sucked that I didn't get to meet Melissa's parents." Honestly, though, I get it. There's no way I could get engaged without my parents first meeting my intended. But there's also no way I could get engaged on a reality show.

*Did anyone notice how at dinner, Jason's family and Melissa all were seated on one side of the table...just like in a play! Or the "Last Supper!" I'm sure it was for the cameras, but it looked super-awkward.

*Ty loves Melissa.

*Dad loves Melissa.

*Now it's Molly's turn. She shows up with her usual raccoon make-up on. I don't dislike her, it's just that I'm on Team Melissa, and I think Molly needs to get a new look between the eyeshadow and ponytails.

*Ty hates Molly.

*Molly goes to meet the family; we can tell she's gonna hit it out of the park, especially with all this parent talk...her parents love Jason, Jason loved her parents. Jason's family is just drooling hearing about all this parental interaction.

*Does anyone else think Jason's sister looks like Claire Danes as Beth in Little Women? Why don't I have that movie on DVD?

*Jason has a heart-to-heart with Mom. He sounds infatuated with Molly. "Momma, what should I dooooo?" Mom tells Jason that marriage is "not always a bed of roses." Then she throws a wink to the on-scene producer as if to say, "You're welcome, ABC. That one's on the house."

*I feel like Jason's siblings are trying to talk him into picking Molly. Jason, stop talking to them and leave!

*Meanwhile, back at the ranch...or...New Zealand resort...Melissa calls her folks and asks if they'd be willing to talk to Jason on the phone and they agree.

*Mel's last date with Jason. She hops out of the car and slams the door with a cute little expression on her face that says, "Dammit I'm cute!" I love it.

*Melissa and Jason enjoy a wet n' wild cruise on a boat named "Cool Change" which I think is a shout-out to Little River Band.

*Now it's Molly's turn, and she's taking charge! Only her umbrella keeps turning inside out and ruining her plan to paint a picture for Jason of how good she would look in rainy Seattle.

*Umbrella hates Molly.

*Molly reveals to Jason her plan to take over the date. "Because I'm a winner," she says, just like Anna Sophia Robb's Violet in Charlie in the Chocolate Factory.

*Molly gets in her bikini and gives Jason a "sensual massage" (please read this out loud in your best Austin Powers voice, because that's how I'm saying it). I had to cover my eyes AND the screen here. I could not watch it.

*But wait, there's more! Molly makes stir-fry and then sits down with Jason to show him something she made for him...A SCRAPBOOK!!! This girl did her homework and knows that Jason loves crafting, especially for last dates before the final rose ceremony. She points out a very special scrap of paper: "This is the actual piece of paper I wrote my song on." Then in her head she finishes this sentence: "So we can sell that on E-Bay and set up a trust fund for Ty."

*Jason is now all alone in his deliberation suite. And uh-oh, there's a knock on the door. It's DEANNA!!! Poor, poor Jason. He is so confused and clearly uncomfortable when she demands a hug out of him. Deanna mentions that she feels more comfortable around Jason than she does around any other man she knows. Really? Because I'm pretty sure you two haven't been talking.

*Deanna first attempts to ask for another chance with Jason without appearing to be begging. And Jason has to swallow very hard to keep from laughing in her face.

*OK, so no more chances at stealing the show and a little more publicity. No matter. Deanna switches games and instead plays the role of the Ghost of Girlfriends Past, telling Jason to choose the safe person, not the wild card. Because she chose the wild card, and pissed off her parents, and then got bored, realized she hated snow and snowboarding, as well as Jesse's Quiksilver wardrobe.

*After Deanna leaves, the jeweler shows up to show Jason some sparkly rings. I always love this part of the show because it's kind of our final reminder of how ridiculous the concept of this show is: "Here is your very beautiful but limited selection of choices. You can't go outside and go looking on your own; you can only choose from what we've picked out and brought here for you. And whatever you end up choosing, you're expected to stick with for the rest of your life." Right? Every time we get to this part of the show, I'm like, "well that's not fair! He should get to go ring shopping on his own and pick something he really likes instead of having to pick from the handful of rings ABC picked out for him. Ohhhhh wait..."

*Molly arrives first to be proposed to. I always wonder if the limo drivers are rooting for a certain girl. Do you think they pick favorites? Place bets? Is Molly aware of any other way to wear her hair other than in a ponytail?!!!

*Molly keeps whispering to everyone. Is that what she does when she's nervous?

*Jason keeps saying "amazing." I think we know what that means...she's getting dumped.

*Jason delivers what I am convinced is a required ABC-mandated line: "I'm in love with someone else." Why do they always say that?! Everyone knows who "someone else" is!!!

*Molly tries to remember what Dad said ("no crying") and chokes 'em back while telling Jason she thinks he's making a mistake. The words that will go down in infamy in his mind.

*This goodbye is way too long. Keep this up, Jason, and you're gonna make her think you've changed your mind, or that you're punking her.

*After putting Molly in the car, Jason has an emotional breakdown. Ohp! Here's that famous balcony scene!

*Melissa shows up, and I think she looks like she's expecting to get dumped. She's already got a stiff upper lip. Poor girl.

*When she sees Jason, Mel does her signature jump n' hug, and almost does her signature move of wrapping her legs around him, but then remembers she's in a formal dress.

*When Jason proposes, I LOVE it that she turns around and screams! This girl has managed to stay very genuine in front of all the cameras. Then she gets down on her knees to join Jason and says, "You wanna marry me?!" Aww...what a beautiful happy ending! Now let's stay tuned to see how ABC ruins it.

*Final footage is of Melissa and Jason playing with Ty and jumping in to the pool with all their nice clothes on. A beautiful little family. But I realize there's another whole hour of "after the rose" drama coming up. I feel like I'm about to have my soul crushed.

*Ok, this "After the Rose" happened six weeks after the proposal, to put things in perspective. So they've been "together" for a month and a half...which is almost as long as they've known each other. And most of that time, they don't get to see each other, because they have to keep the relationship a secret. So...you know, just to put things in terms of reality here.

*Jason looks BAD. He tells Chris Harrison that he's still in love with Molly. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

*Chris tries his hardest to convince us to stay on Jason's side with this. But it's not happening for Team Melissa. We're all thinking right now that Jason is a chump.

*Melissa comes out and I think it looks like she knows this isn't going to be good. She's been dumped a few times before, if you remember. When he tells her he feels like things are different with them and that he's still in love with Molly, she said what we're all thinking: "You're such a bastard."

*What did they GIVE Jason before he came out here? He's so uncharacteristically calm and void of emotion. Sedagive, anyone?!!

*Mel gives back the ring and storms off of the set. The cameras stay on Jason, who we can tell is trying very hard to squeeze out some tears, but he can't. The guy who cries through most of his entire season can't muster up a damn tear for this. He obviously doesn't care. And that makes me glad he dumped her now instead of later.

*And now, here comes No-Tears Molly! She looks like she's adjusted pretty well to life after the Bachelor. Apparently she's also been introduced to headbands. No ponytail today!

*Chris is really trying to set this up, asking Molly if she wishes Jason would change his mind and take her back. She has to know something is going on. Do they give these folks a reason why there's no audience? That has to at least tip them off that this isn't a typical "After the Rose" taping.

*Jason declares his love for Molly, seemingly minutes after dumping his former fiancee, Melissa. And after a couple obligatory phrases like "we still need to talk some things out," Molly starts sucking face with Jason, happy that she's the winner. And most of us are pissed. But here's the thing -- if this were a movie, and the guy broke up with his fiancee whom he didn't love and immediately went to find the true girl of his dreams and they kissed right then and there, we'd all be cheering. But when you try to put that in the context of real life, it just looks trashy. Also, I'm sure that in the movie, we would all kind of hate the fiancee, which would justify in our minds the "true love's kiss" at the end of the show. But you can't hate Melissa. It's just not possible.

*I don't feel like there's much to talk about in the Tuesday night special episode. Melissa is doing fine on her own, Molly and Jason are happy together, Stephanie agrees with what Jason did, Naomi is mad at Jason for hurting her girl Mel, and Kari is apparently one of our favorite bachelorettes of this season? The REAL news is that Chris Harrison announces who the next season's Bachelorette is, and we all cheer and applaud when we find out it's Jillian!!! She comes out on stage and talks about it a little bit, and looks very classy, and we all smile in anticipation of watching her sort out the mustards from the ketchups and sauerkrauts starting in May! We also all vow to wear boots with everything in support of our new favorite Bachelorette...wait, we didn't all decide on that? OK, nevermind.

OK, that's it! In other news, Children of Eden is off to a great start, and tonight my parents are coming and so it the local play critic who will write our review in the local paper. That makes me a little nervous, although the nice thing this time is that I don't have a main role so I don't think I have to worry about being personally picked on in the review...mostly I just want the show, our director, and the very sweet and talented leading ladies and gentlemen to get a good review tonight.

I'll let you know how it turns out! Until then!

ready for an audience

2009-03-05T09:27:00.002-05:00

I realize my posts have been unusually brief or just plain non-existant. The reason for this is a show I'm in called "Children of Eden," which opens to the paying public tomorrow night! Tonight is our preview show, which means we'll have a "pay as you can" audience, and some family and friends we gave free tickets to.

I have to say this show took a lot of hard work to pull together, but now that it's ready, I'm very excited to have an audience! And the other day I found a song that just made me laugh thinking about opening the show, so I thought I'd put it on here for your listening pleasure. It's from a Sondheim show called "The Frogs" and it's the introduction to the show, during which the two main characters remind their audience of proper theatre-viewing etiquette.

So here ya go:

I promise to do a REAL post soon; next week we won't have rehearsals every night so I'll have more time to putter around and catch up on this stuff.

Until then!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! (The Bachelor Final Rose)

2009-03-03T10:23:00.002-05:00

Uh...what the WHAT?!!

I was going to go through and give my thoughts on everything...but now I just feel like, what's the point?

Maybe I'll do it later. Holy moley. Right now I am just...in shock. Even though I think we all knew it was coming.

Please make sure to check out my favorite recaps to see what they have to say. Especially Chris Harrion's blog. I think we're all gonna want to hear what he has to say.

OK, until later!

smart girls have more fun!

2009-02-26T04:46:00.007-05:00

A few things:

First - I have been busy with Children of Eden rehearsals and work, so I've been slacking a bit on my blog-reading this week. But I just got all caught up on everyone this morning and tried to leave lots of love in the form of comments so y'all didn't think I'd forgotten about you. I'm still alive! :)

Second - OK, so if you read this post, you'll know that I'm already a big fan of Amy Poehler.

But while I was procrastinating at work last night, I stumbled across something that made me love her even more. And I'm so sad I didn't know about this back in 2008 when it was an actual up-and-coming thing. Amy, along with Meredith Walker and Amy Miles, made this web show called "Smart Girls at the Party" where they interview pre-teen girls about their talents or whatever they're passionate about, and then the girl guests teach the grown-up girls a little about that topic.

In an online interview, Amy P. said the goal of the show is to encourage girls to be passionate about something, because sometimes it seems like it's cooler to be cynical and not care about anything but that's just not true. She said she realizes the pre-teen years are tough ones to get through and she wants to highlight girls that are smart and talented and are "changing the world by being themselves."

Different episodes include "The Writer," "The Dancer," "Sisters," and "Rock Band" among others. And at the end of each episode, they all have a dance party! A dance party that includes Kristen Wiig and Will Arnett! Can life get better? I submit that it canNOT!

I love Amy P. for being funny, and also for being a loudmouth and a spazz, which I can really relate to sometimes. But it's so cool to also see her being an awesome role model and doing something like this to cheer on the next generation of ladies! And the cool thing is, she recognizes that these girls are intelligent go-getters and she doesn't talk down to them and say, "aw, isn't that cute that you are such a good little dancer!" She takes the guests seriously, but she does "serious" the way we all did serious when we were 11 years old. So she's on the level, but not dumbed down or hyped up. And I like that.

Amy is my hero. And so is her "Smart Girls" producer, Meredith. Just so you know, that is pretty much exactly what my job is. Only not as cool because I don't produce for Amy Poehler. But go ahead and add that to my list of dream jobs...producing for AP. And also, my headset is not nearly as cool as Meredith's.

My favorite part of this episode:
AMY: What do you do when you have writer's block?
MEREDITH: I just write through writer's block.
AMY: Wow. What do you do when you have producer's block?
MEREDITH: I write through that.

So true, Mer. So. True.

Last thing about this - a lot of gals out there are upset that this cool little show is sponsored by Barbie because of the doll's "impossible body image being the exact opposite of the show's message." Or something like that. But here's my thing - Barbie started out as what? A fashion doll. OK? Not a role model for little kids. Throughout the 50 years she's been around, she's been an astronaut, veterinarian, armed forces, Olympic medalist...pretty much anything. But guess what? That probably had just as much to do with "what new outfit can we make for Barbie?" as it had to do with "what can we use Barbie to encourage girls to be when they grow up?" When it comes down to it, she's still a fashion doll. And just like fashion models, she's not made like most of us ladies are. And I'm ok with that. The point of these donut spots around the "Smart Girls" episodes is about playing with Barbie, not looking like her. It's just about having fun, even if fun with Barbie means making Astronaut Barbie the scary giant Martian lady in your Lincoln Log world of tiny LEGO people like my sisters and I did! It's about moms connecting with their daughters, which I'm guessing the advertisers are hoping they'll do when watching this show together. So cool down, ladies. We're just having fun!

OK, sorry. I'll get off my soap box now.

Anyway, that does it for me. There are all these cool lists that people are doing on their blogs and I'd like to try a couple of those, so I'll work on that. Until then...happy Friday! :D

The Bachelor..."I thought I had the cat in the beg!"

2009-02-24T10:02:00.004-05:00

My thoughts on this week's special "women tell all" episode of The Bachelor...

1. I forgot about half of these girls existed until they showed up on this episode. Wow!

2. "Where are they now" segment: I love how Chris Harrison reminds us that Trista and Ryan aren't the ONLY successful couple, but the producers obviously had to go waaaay back in the Rolodex to find another couple that was still together. 4 years back, to be precise. And they haven't even been together this whole time; they dated, broke up for a year, and then got back together. And why do you think it worked this time? Probably because they had more to base their relationship on than 7 weeks of on-camera dates while competing for each other's attention. But I did really like what Ryan said about his and Trista's relationship and why it works: they don't put any pressure on it to be a fairy tale; they just treat it like a relationship. Notice, that also has nothing to do with the Disney-subsidiary magic of meeting on an ABC reality show. Oh, also I am glad Trista is on Team Melissa too! Yay!

3. I have to admit I'm a little sad that Fred is taken. I was kind of hoping he was still floating around Chicago single somewhere...but his girl Noelle is adorable and they are obviously very perfect for each other. We got to see a whole lotta adorable Windy City b-roll of the two of them in cute hats and scarves and mittens and big puffy coats...so glad to see good ol' Fred is happy!

4. Well, Jesse has MOVED ON! Deanna who?!

5. I loved the huge welcome cheers Stephanie and Jillian got! Yeah girls!

6. Are the girls all sitting in martini glasses?!

7. I forgot about how much of a brat Natalie was! Way to go Chris for calling her OUT.

8. Poor Jillian. She thought she had the cat in the "beg" (aww, cute Canadian accent) and so did we. She totally made up for her ugly pink dress and boots with this green dress; very cute! And her final hot dog diagnosis on Jason: 70% mustard, 30% ketchup. Yup. And WOAH...is Jillian going to be the next Bachelorette?!! Does this play into the whole "dramatic final episode" thing?!! Is this just a question to throw us girls off the scent of how this is all gonna shake down??? Am I using waaay to much punctuation?!?!:;"...?

Yeah, probably.

Jillian was very cool with Jason, which I respect, but she also called him out on what the rest of us were thinking: if you're just not in love, you're just not in love. Don't make other excuses for it.

9. This episode definitely did NOT need to be 2 hours.

10. Kinda sad we didn't get to check in with Lisa, who left the show because her grandma was sick. But I'm probably the only one who remembers her anyway.

Next week is all the REAL action! Until then, you know where to find all my favorite recaps.

I'm going to bed.

I want to go to there.

2009-02-22T22:39:00.005-05:00

"I just wish I could start a relationship about 12 years in where you don’t really have to try anymore and you can just sit around together and goof on TV shows and go to bed without anybody trying any funny business."
~Liz Lemon, 30 Rock

So this weekend I went out to lunch with a couple of friends from the Children of Eden, which was really fun. Firstly, it was nice because it's a rare occurance that I get to spend time like that with people my actual age. And secondly, because we all get along so well and share a sense of humor. (Back me up on this, Sara.) But one of the coolest things about the day was this...the guy in our group is married and is obviously very happy about it. And it's not one of those sickening newly-wed things that some people my age have; it's a three-year-old marriage that, while still new when compared to marriages like our parents', has been broken in a little bit. And it's clear that he has found that person who really makes him happy. And just listening to him talk about his marriage and talk to his wife on the phone, I was like...jealous. Of a married person! For being married! That almost never happens to me.

He told us about how they're really at the point where they just enjoy going home to hang out with each other, and sit around drinking beer and watching TV together. And that just sounded...really good to me!

Or as my hero Liz Lemon would say, "I want to go to there."

Here's the thing -- I am still not ready to do the whole dating thing...the asking/being asked out, the first few slightly uncomfortable dates, forking over more and more of my time to someone else, the obligation of talking on the phone (ughhhh) every day, and having to "check in" all the time (blech). Now, I realize that if a relationship was really worth it to me, I probably wouldn't feel obligated to go through that process, but rather be excited about it. And that's how I know I need to stay on the bench for now. And I also realize that I have to go through all the dating, time-sacrificing, phone calls, and so on, in order to get the sweatpants and the beer on the couch with the TV. But sometimes I just wish I could skip all the weird stuff and just get to the good stuff!!!

It's not possible, I know. But I'm just saying. It would be nice.

And speaking of instant relationships...who's excited for tomorrow's episode of The Bachelor? The women are gonna tell all and personally I just can't wait to see poor ol' Shannon! Plus I think we're gonna see some of our favorite ghosts of bachelors past! Should be fun.

Until then!

i need an intern! and other thoughts inspired by stress

2009-02-19T09:11:00.006-05:00

I may have been a little mean to some people this morning as a result of being stressed out.

But then I figured out what would make all the stress go away.
The idea hit me this morning like a sparkly golden lightning bolt from heaven.

I need an intern.

This morning I was a little...mean...to my anchors. And I wasn't doing it on purpose, which is sometimes worse than just deliberately being mean because it means that I wasn't in control of my temper. And believe me, controlling my temper has been a life-long quest for me. That was the fruit of the spirit that I always had the most trouble with: self control.

It was a hectic morning. It started out with the printer doing its usual trick of pretending to have a paper jam when I tried to print the five copies of our 41-page morning show script that I needed. This happens literally every day -- either the printer jams, or it pretends to. Then a crazy called to tell me why we should cover a story about her ex-husband's brother being wrongfully sentenced to life in prison for dealing drugs. Then she called AGAIN to ask if someone was working on the story.

It's 4:00 in the morning, lady. What do you think we DO here at four in the morning?!!

Then came what felt to me like a long line of people with questions that I didn't have the answers to. And that's frusterating because I would have liked to have had the answers for them, but having to say "I don't know" isn't fun because I knew that answer wasn't helping anyone, and at the same time I was too busy to have time to find answers for them. So it just ends up feeling like a lot of time wasted on getting nothing done.

Then our interview guest was confused about the time and showed up late, so I had to figure out how to move things around in order to get them on the show in a later segment. Not usually a huge deal, but the phones were all ringing and schools started calling in delays and everyone kept asking me questions, and what I really needed was just TWO SECONDS to think. But in TV, you don't always get two seconds. And I ended up snapping at my anchors, which I shouldn't have done.

We were talking it out after the show, and that's when the idea came up. I don't remember who said it out loud, but we all agreed it was a great idea: an intern for me!

To be honest, I've often thought - no, fantasized - about having an intern and how great it would be to have someone to help me out in the mornings. But saying it out loud, it didn't sound like such a far-fetched idea. Everyone else has interns; our morning production crew constantly has interns coming in at 4:30 AM to do the morning show. Reporters and anchors have interns, weather has interns, and even the sales department has interns sometimes! So why couldn't I have one?

And the more I think about it, the more amazing it sounds. And hey, this would be one great internship experience...I mean, we don't pay interns here, but they get class credit. And my intern would get plenty of hands-on experience. The intern would show up at 4:00 AM, just as I was starting to print scripts. Then Intern would babysit the printer and put all of the scripts together, digging out the paper jams and refilling the paper trays, while I would be able to finish cutting videos and dealing with all of the answerless questions that I seem to encounter in the mornings.

Then Intern would distribute the scripts and prep the aircheck tapes in the control room record decks. Once the show started, Intern could sit back in the control room with me and watch, and when I needed to add pages, Intern could go get the copies and take them to the anchors in the studio. I'd even let Intern give weather time cues while I went to the door to let interview guests in to the studio, OR if I needed to stay in the control room, I'd let Intern go get the guests! Intern could answer the phones for me if I had my hands tied with something else. And when the show ended at 7:00, Intern could just go home and go back to bed! See, plenty of hands-on, task-oriented, constructive time mixed with plenty of observational opportunities!

So, note to self: ask for intern. Maybe I'll actually get one! I'll let you know.

Finally, I called my mom and dad, who were on their way to Columbus this morning for a veterinary conference. And I felt like a goober because Mom asked me how the show went this morning and I started dumping all the stressful details on her, and then she had to cut me off because they were getting into the downtown area and she needed to help my dad figure out where to go. So I felt bad because I'm sure when she asked, she wasn't expecting to get Chapters 44-47 in my book of Poor Me. And my mom is an amazing listener. Both of my parents are, and they've had a lot of practice with me because a lot of times when I start talking, I can't stop. They are very patient. But I just felt bad because I hadn't even meant to go into all of that stuff and I knew that she probably didn't have time to hear it, but I'd gotten into it anyway. And then, for no good reason, after we hung up I just started crying because I just felt like I'd been selfish about dumping my stress all over everyone else all morning and that made me feel like a terrible person! BLAGGH!

So...I guess thank goodness for blogs, right? The one place you can go to dump all this stuff and whether anyone else reads it or not, you know you got it out of your system and, in a way, cried on someone's shoulder so that you can move on with your day feeling a little better.

So I feel better now. And my light at the end of the tunnel is the long weekend I'm going to spend over Easter visiting my older sis in Florida! I would pack right now if I could!

(30 minutes later)

Mom called back and wanted to hear the whole story after all...so now I feel a LOT better! I love my mom! :)

The Bachelor Week 7: Time to Choose a Team!

2009-02-17T10:02:00.003-05:00

I'm officially stating my choice.

I'm on Team Melissa! I feel like she is a bit of an underdog after the whole hometown date fiasco. And we all know what a champ Molly is...after all, her mom and and dad have taught her throughout her whole life that she's a winner. But Melissa has never disappointed me through this whole game and I think I'd rather see her getting engaged to Jason in the end.

Who do you want to see get the final rose? And who's excited for the "Women Tell All" episode next week?! Remember how much fun this show used to be with all these catty, crazy, coo-coo ladies running around the mansion?! I know I miss those days. I just can't wait to get Sha-Nay-Nay back! I've really missed her. Plus, apparently ABC got tired of dragging the 2.5 successful Bachelor couples into the final few episodes, and decided to spice up the "Where Are They Now" segment by showing us where they ALL were last night! All I know is, poor science teacher from Deanna's season looks like he's in over his head.

And I'm still not convinced that Deanna is coming back to ask for a second chance with Jason. I think she's coming to tell him not to propose because she made a mistake in trying to find a husband on national TV. Would ABC let her do that? Yes, if it gets them the sweeps ratings they know they're going to get.

And what's with all the "most dramatic ever" labels on every single thing this season? Last night was supposed to be the "most dramatic rose ceremony ever." Why? Because he's a nice guy and actually cares about all of these girls, and they're actually all nice people too and aren't backstabbing each other to the camera? I feel like everything this season has been called the "most dramatic ever" without much warrant. So when they tell me that the "after the rose" episode was so dramatic and emotionally difficult that they taped it in the most intimate setting possible, I have my doubts. But I'm still extremely curious.

OK, that's all for me! Time for bed. Recaps by the best in the biz:
Lincee
Chris
Beyond Reality

a mixed bag (ahhh ha ha...you'll get it at the end)

2009-02-13T14:48:00.009-05:00

a person can develop a cold

Well! I am feeling much better today! I have been fighting off a cold since Sunday morning, and I don't get sick often, but when I do come down with something, it hits me like a ton of bricks. Unfortunately, this was a crucial week for both work and musical rehearsals, so it was not the time to wimp out and take a sick day...besides, I still tend to operate under that athlete mentality that you're not allowed to stay home sick until you puke (and sometimes not even then). Trust me, I can remember two major swim meets that I swam with 103 degree fevers. So staying home for a cold just never feels right to me.

Anyway, I was determined to recover as quickly as possible, so I went to town at the drugstore Sunday night and spent the rest of the week on NyQuil (during the day), DayQuil (at night...I just love my upside-down life!), cough syrup, vapor rub, sinus-headache medicine, and milkshakes, which may not have healing powers but feel pretty good for a raw throat. I took more medicine this week alone than I normally would in an entire calendar year. But today, while still a little congested, I am feeling much better and looking much less like I need to be taken out back and put out of my misery. :)

he's just not that into you

I saw it Saturday and LOVED it. But I'd love to know what everyone else out there thinks, because another friend of mine saw it and HATED it. She said it was because she's getting ready to get married and now she feels like she's supposed to think all guys are jerks...or something like that. I'm not sure. We were alternately trying to convince and dissuade another one of our friends about whether she should go see it. And when I said I loved it, the neutral friend said, "So do you think all guys are jerks now?" And I said, "Well, I already knew that guys are jerks, so I wasn't really surprised." But I was just kidding! I just thought it was great because it showed the good AND bad about guys AND girls and I don't think it made all guys out to be jerks; it just admitted that sometimes guys are, and that's not OUR fault, and hey, we can even avoid those guys now that we know what they're thinking. And I loved all of the endings for all of the characters, whether they were happy or not. And I don't feel like the movie tried to justify any bad or compromising relationships, which to me was a really, really good way to follow through with the theme of the movie. But please, please tell me what you think because I'm sure it's a different movie for each of us, since each of us have different experiences with the opposite sex.

the bag tag game

See...now do you get my corny joke in the title? I know, I'm pretty lame. OK, Bethany tagged me, so here are the rules:

1) Post a picture of whatever bag you are carrying as of late. No, you cannot go up to your closet and pull out that cute little purse you used back before you had kids (ahh ha, this doesn't apply to me! But I'm not known for carrying little purses anyway). I want to know what you carried today or the last time you left the house. No cheating!

2) I want to know how much it cost:) And this is not to judge. This is for entertainment purposes only. So spill it. And if there is a story to go along with how you obtained it, I’d love to hear it.

3) Tag some chicks. And link back to this post so people know why the heck you’re showing everyone your bag.

The Bag:

The Story:
Honestly, I haven't the faintest idea how much it cost. It was a gift this Christmas from my aunt and great-aunt, who bought it in New York City. As you can see, the clasp says Dolce & Gabbana, which makes me feel pretty cool even though I'm pretty sure it's a knock-off.

Everyone thinks the huge zippers are hilarious, and I love that detail. It also has tons of pockets and places to put things like cell phones, wallets, and keys so I don't have to dig through the volumonous abyss of the rest of the bag. I love it! :)

So here are some girlies I will tag to play the game. Have fun! And seriously, let me know what you thought about he's just not that into you and if you haven't seen it, go see it this weekend and then we'll talk!

La Di Dah
Sara Spelled Without an H
The Fabulous Life of a Southern Belle

The Bachelor Week 6: Home Sweet Hometown!

2009-02-10T09:37:00.002-05:00

I'm keeping this short because I'm sick and I need to get to sleep, so I shouldn't stay up very late past my bedtime!

Hometown Date Week! I think they always make these dates look like bigger disasters in the promos than what they actually are in the episode. But some things were just as bad as advertised this season.

Jillian - Oh, Canada!
First, I love Canada. And I love how proud Canadians are of their country. So I was extremely glad to see Jillian's family greet Jason like an Olympic champion and wrap him in a big Canadian flag! I also got a kick out of their accents, especially when they said the word "again." It seemed like Jason got along really well with everyone, and Jillian was able to be herself, which is very cool.

Molly - Michigan WASPs
Jason meets Molly at the Country Club for a round of golf, bringing back memories of their first meeting. Molly is really pushing the WASP look, in an argyle sweater and hot pink polo with popped collar. Wowie. Then you meet the rest of her family, all of them in sweaters as well, and we find out that Molly's mom either is or wants to be a child psychologist because she does several tests to evaluate Jason including wearing different hats, drawing a picture, and a Rorshach test. Just kidding about the last one, but I was half-expecting her to try that next.

Naomi - Cali Crazy
Naomi meets Jason dressed as a cowgirl, which he mentions several times. They meet up with Naomi's mom, who has taken a page out of Michael Scott's book of crazy and wants to hold a funeral for a bird. Jason is assigned the "honor" of giving a eulogy. The ONLY other place this would happen would be on The Office. We see what may have been a big reason for Naomi's folks splitting up; Dad is a Judeo-Christian and Mom is an adult Indigo. You can tell from Dad's conversation with Jason that he's worried about his daughter being equally yoked. And I think it's very interesting that Naomi later says she wishes she would've talked to Jason about her religious beliefs before this point. Ya think?!!! Get with the program, sister! You think you're "in love" with someone and you haven't even talked about this?! Well, Mom is equally as passionate about her beliefs, and I had to look up what it means to be an "Indigo" because I didn't really get her explanation. According to New Age beliefs, Indigo children are kids who have an indigo-colored aura and are of a higher level of human evolution; they may have paranormal abilities like ESP. Huh. Mom believes Naomi is an indigo child.

I just wonder how I would've turned out if I had been raised in this kind of spiritual environment?

Melissa - Texas...Friends in Low Places
Mel drops the bomb on Jason that her parents don't want to be on TV, so he'll be hanging out with all of Melissa's married friends instead. Mom and Dad just aren't comfortable with all the "publicness"...which, by the way, is not a word, and if they were gonna show that clip ten times, they could've at least let her have a do-over using "publicity" instead of the word she made up.

I'm sorry, but don't you think ABC could've arranged for the parents to meet Jason off-camera and then just film the friends stuff for the episode? What's really going on here?

I do have to say that Mel's friends seemed like really good people to have around; they are obviously very supportive of her and I would imagine they are just as hard on her boyfriends as any parent would be! But they also said they'd never met Melissa's family, which I again thought was fishy.

I think Jason knows something is up too.

Rose Ceremony
Woah, is that a big room or what?!!

The roses go to Molly, Jillian, and Melissa. Naomi goes home, telling the limo cameras that she's done with having a romantic life after this heartbreaking experience.

Next week Jason takes the girls to New Zealand! And oh, yes, the big D herself is coming back to spend a little time with Jason. They show a clip of him saying, "Well, what brings you to New Zealand?" Don't you just hope she says she was in the neighborhood? That's what all stalker-ex girlfriends do, right? We know Shannon would! I miss her.

OK, time for bed. Until later!

thankful friday

2009-02-06T19:10:00.003-05:00

I am thankful...

1. for Fridays, which always include new episodes of "The Office" and "30 Rock," and the thought that I don't have to go anywhere or do anything tomorrow, and that I can sleep whenever I want to in the next 48 hours.

2. for paychecks, especially when they include overtime pay that will fund retail therapy to relieve the stress of earning said overtime pay.

3. for things going well at work, which was sweet payoff for the past couple of weeks of things NOT going well at work.

4. for finding out that a coworker you were stressing out about it just stressed out for a lot of the same reasons, and for working together to accomplish a similar goal.

5. for Kelsey, who constantly teaches me lessons in faith, love, and friendship.

6. for Sara, who is hands-down just one of the coolest people I'll ever meet.

7. for Tommy, who geeks out over Dorm Life with me and is always great to talk to.

8. for Curtis who, I am convinced, makes the world a better place every day just by being in it but not of it.

9. for Troy and Caitlin for being a beautiful example of love and friendship to everyone they know.

10. for Joey, for helping me recognize and enjoy the great things that go with growing up!

11. for all of my other blog buddies, who I have never met but who impact my everyday life with their comments, posts, humor, and amazing stories!

12. for pizza and beer, which I'm going to enjoy tonight in the comfort of my little apartment.

13. for my sisters, who brighten my day whether I talk to them for 45 seconds or 45 minutes, and for how close we have been all our lives.

14. for my mom, who is the most supportive, loving, giving person I will probably ever meet. And she's also a great listener, even when I talk and talk and talk...

15. for my dad who, I am finding, understands me better than I ever thought was possible, and who I find myself becoming more like every day.

16. for having a job that I love, even when things are not going well, and especially in a recession.

17. for the fact that I got to see a friend today that used to work with me in the mornings, but now he works during the day and we hardly ever see each other, and for being told that he misses me too!

18. for being healthy.

19. for vacation time that I'll get to spend in Florida with my sister in her new house!

20. for feeling blessed in every way.

this is for kelsey

2009-02-06T01:15:00.002-05:00

First of all, if you're not reading Kelsey's blog, stop what you're doing right now (which is reading my blog) and go read hers! Then come back and finish reading mine.

Seriously. Do it.

Go. Right now. I added the link just to make it easier for you.

You done?

OK, great! Now you probably know Kelsey and that she just recently had to have her wisdom teeth out, which we all know is a painful experience. But in my personal oral surgery experience, even scarier than the anticipation of pain was the thought that I would have to be given anesthetic, because I didn't want to start saying crazy things and then be embarrassed later when people told me what I'd said.

So, in the spirit of best wishes for speedy recovery from wisdom tooth removal and the school of thought that laughter is the best medicine...this is for Kelsey:

Happy Friday, everyone! :)

I will smack you.

2009-02-05T02:56:00.003-05:00

"...And the pressure has turned me into something that I never wanted to be! A bitch!"
~Joan Cusack, School of Rock

Anger.

I am not a person who thrives on or enjoys being angry. I'm one of those people who wishes that everyone always got along and liked each other, and that confrontations didn't exist because there was no need for them. I forgive pretty easily...maybe a little too easily, in some cases. I hate holding grudges. I want to be friends with everyone. And I usually can't stay mad at someone for very long, even if they did something that was really wrong or unfair. I just don't like to be mad.

But lately, I feel like I have been.

And here's the thing; when I get mad, my natural impulse is to want to make violent and ridiculous threats and/or resort to physical battery. Now, I don't act on these impulses. Instead I usually just try to keep my mouth shut after making my argument, or I go vent to someone I can trust, and usually I just shake all over like one of those tiny dogs that lack the body heat to be warm ever.

But all of these stupid threats keep rolling around in my head lately, and I am really afraid that I am going to actually shout one out one of these days. For example, the other day I got frusterated with someone at work for being lazy, and I wanted to tell them that I was going to plant my pointy-toed shoe so far up his ask* that he wouldn't find it for a week. That's not good. Also, I felt like telling someone else at work that I wanted to punch them in the teeth. But most frequently, my silent, inner-monologue threat impulse just keeps saying to everyone, "I will smack you."

I do not want to actually smack anyone. I'm just afraid I'm going to say it and then get in trouble or fired for making threats to co-workers. But not being a normally angry person, I am having trouble figuring out what to do with the anger since I can't outwardly threaten people. I need an anger outlet, you know?

When I was little, I used to throw temper tantrums, and my mom taught me to punch my pillow. I don't really feel like doing that anymore though. I feel like I need a punching back or something, though.

Am I scaring you yet? I hope I'm not; I can't make it clear enough that I am not an outwardly violent person AT ALL. But I feel like inward violence is really dangerous and I need to figure out a way to get it out of my system before I end up doing or saying something hurtful to someone else.

I think I'm just stressed out...I've been putting in a lot of extra hours at work, and running into some conflict and opposition from co-workers, and I haven't been sleeping very much because of those things, and I'm probably stressed out a little over the possibility of looking for another job, and I haven't had a lot of time to clean up my apartment this week, so it's turning into a mess, which is also stressing me out because I can't relax because there's stuff everywhere...and I'm wearing all black today. What is that?!

Sorry for those of you who actually read this stuff because I am letting out a lot of crazy right now. I think this is part of the reason I have a blog, though. I don't want to be this angry little person inside but I feel like most of the time lately (especially at or after work) that's what I am. So...if you want to say a prayer for that, I would appreciate it.

OK, time to get back to work. Thanks for reading/listening and sorry if I scared you. :/

*ask is a reference to that YouTube video where that little girl says if there's a monster in her bedroom she's gonna kick his "ask." It's pretty cute.

The Bachelor week 5...tears, beers, and fears!

2009-02-03T11:45:00.004-05:00

Well, this turned out to be a more interesting week than I expected. With all the drama queens out of the house, Jason took the five remaining girls to stay in Seattle, his hometown. And no one's going to be worried about date roses as the only roses given out will be at the end-of-the-week ceremony. So, not a lot of plot this week, but much more character development.

Melissa gets the first one-on-one date, which is supposed to be a night on the town. Mel puts on a slinky black dress that doesn't seem to offer much upper support and waits on Jason, who we see is home trying to get Ty to help him dress for the date and go to bed. Well, Ty is not having it. So Melissa's night on the town turns into a night on the couch in "stretchy pants."

I think this was good for Melissa because we're all wondering if she's ready for the home-life, mom thing. She is so stinkin cute and fun, but is she ready for all the reality? It looks like she can handle it. Hey, when you're rockin' a pair of "stretchy pants," you can handle anything.

Molly, Steph, and Jillian go for a harbor cruise and get to see Tom Hanks' house from Sleepless in Seattle! Let me tell you, I have watched that movie so many times and I just kept imagining all the house scenes from that movie...wow! Steph's choice of clothing for this date is questionable. A furry, hooded puffer vest...really? Poor Stephanie, she is such a beautiful lady. But she likes the dress-up clothes.

Naomi is thrilled to have the last one-on-one date: a sea-plane and rock-climbing adventure. To me, Naomi is like the girl that's a friend that wants to be more than a friend, and Jason is like the guy who enjoys the attention and likes the girl, but really isn't that into her. But that's just me.

Naomi opens up to Jason about her shaky past with her mom, and tells Jason that she sees a lot of herself in her mom. The red flags go up in Jason's head and he tells us he's a little scared.

Meanwhile, Molly and Stephanie are sitting in the bathroom while Melissa sits in the bubble bath in a bikini with a bottle of beer, and Jillian sits in the bath in what appear to be her PJs. All of them are talking about their insecurities about Jason. Molly is worried that she's too young. Steph is worried that she's too old. Melissa is worried that she's going to prune up in the bath just in time for Jason to do one of his "surprise" visits after dropping off Naomi. Jillian is worried that Jason doesn't think she's serious about him...which she says as she carefully constructs a bubble bath beard on her face.

Have you noticed how chummy all these girls are with each other? They are unusually supportive of each other and I think that's cool. But I also understand why it's so hard for everyone. They really seem like they try to be nice to each other.

The girls are all hanging out when Jason stops by to talk to Jillian. (Did anyone else notice that Molly was wearing an Indiana t-shirt? Probably just me? Ok.)

Jillian and Jason go out for some coffee and Jason tries to figure out if Jillian is serious. She says she has been focused on supporting all the other girls and hasn't really been focusing on just her. Aw! Jill is such a buddy.

Well, obviously Jason has a tough decision to make. He is very scared he'll send the wrong person home. Chris Harrison stops over and helps him think it all out. Jason says he didn't sleep at all last night...ahhh, "sleepless in Seattle!" At the rose ceremony, Jason pulls Naomi aside to have another "are you serious about this" talk. Then he hands out the roses to:

Jillian
Melissa (I call these two girls as final two)
Molly
Naomi

That means it's time to say goodbye to Steph, which has everyone in the room in tears. I think it was kinda sweet how sad everyone was to see her go. And of course she handled it with perfect grace. This woman is a SAINT!

So next week is the hometown dates...and of course ABC is showing us how "terribly wrong" they are all going to go! Yikes!

As a final note, I just want to say that I kept having these moments where I wanted to see Shannon pop up out of the background...When Molly and Jason kiss on the boat, we pan down to the water - and Shannon emerges in full scuba gear. Naomi and Jason kiss by the fireplace, and we pan down to the flames - where Shannon's face appears like in that Harry Potter movie. And then when Jillian and Jason kiss in the window of the coffee shop - we zoom out and see that Shannon is sitting in a window across the street with full spy regalia...binocs, audio equipment, and of course her faithful dog whom she can French kiss if she gets over-excited. I just thought that could be funny.

OK, that's my insight for the week. Still no sign of DeAnna...maybe she'll come back when we get down to the final two?

Favorite Bachelor recaps...
Lincee
Chris
Beyond Reality

one step at a time...

2009-02-03T03:25:00.002-05:00

(cue Jordin Sparks...)

OK, so I've been poking around some websites and what I'm finding is that yes, Virginia, there ARE jobs out there. But I can't start applying for them until I update my resume. And maybe make a resume tape. Yikes to that second part.

So, I think what I'm gonna do now is work on my resume and then start applying for these jobs. And I'm gonna go ahead and say right now that some of them are going to be a long-shot. But you can't do any harm by trying, right? So, I'm not expecting the calls to come flooding in, BUT...I know what I need to do next, and then if and when any offers for interviews arise, I'll just cross that bridge when I get there.

Here's something I am worried about -- timing. My contract here isn't up until October, but my lease is up in May. So this is why I feel a sense of urgency about this whole stay-or-go thing. Options:

1) See if I can work out something with the apartment office, like a six-month lease or something?
2) Find a new job before May and hope that they'll let me out of my contract early (wait, I'm not going to be ready to move in May! I don't like this option. I don't think they'd let me out of my contract that early anyway. Forget it, this is not a realistic option).
3) Find a new job and finish out my contract here, and move out of my apartment and live...with my parents? And drive an hour to work every night and an hour back every morning? Ick. I think my sister will be in town all summer/fall...maybe I could work out something with her instead. Ugh, I don't want to be a squatter.
4) Re-sign the lease, but NOT re-sign my contract (lots of people don't re-sign), and work here until NEXT May, by which time hopefully I'll have another job lined up.

Blech. I wish this was just like working out your class schedule at college. I wish you could put everything into a computer and make it spit out an answer, then print it out on a little sheet that you can hang on your fridge and send home to your parents so they know where you'll be in the next year or so of your life.

OK, back to taking things one step at a time: all I need to do right now is update my resume and look into making a tape. And then start applying. And that's it.

Deep breaths.

Looking forward to watching The Bachelor later this morning. Can't wait to swap recaps! :)

Until then...

have a dilemma? ask jimmy!

2009-02-02T02:37:00.003-05:00

I'm happy to say that the doggie dilemma has been decided by none other than Jimmy Fallon.

Ok...well maybe he was just saying that. I think in reality it's just gonna come down to gut instinct. Which should be criterion enough to choose a dog, since that's how a surprising amount of Americans choose a President.

Today was a bag of mixed nuts. I woke up this morning to a call from my friend Chris who informed me that he slipped and broke his ankle on the ice Friday night "like a geriatric" and now he's out of Children of Eden. Buh-MER. Not only am I super-sad not to get to hang out with him at rehearsals, but Chris is very talented and left a very big role for someone else to fill a MONTH before this show opens.

Yikes.

I didn't celebrate the Super Bowl this year, but most people did, so we moved up rehearsal to 4:00 instead of 7:00. This kind of cut into the middle of what would normally be sleepy-time on a Sunday, so I got like an hour of sleep before rehearsal. Then when I got home I heated up a frozen pizza and watched Miss Congeniality, which was relaxing. Then I tried to get some sleep, but that didn't go well. Then I OVERslept and got to work late, which isn't really a big deal on the weekends.

But I do have that kinda gross feeling you get when you haven't slept enough. And I didn't wash my hair because I was running late, so it looks a little flat. And I have my meeting with Big Boss today. So...yeah.

And now I'm really starting to feel the pressure of figuring out what my next move is. I've been sort of looking forward to this point for the past year and a half, but now that it's here, I am a little reluctant to deal with it. I keep thinking, "It would be so much easier to just stay here for another year."

And ironically, that's how I know it need to start looking elsewhere.

Whenever I get to the point where I'm not being challenged, I get this way. Looking forward at what would be the next step up, I always get really tempted to stop where I am because it's comfortable, easy, familiar. And when I start to feel that way, I know that means it's time to be a big girl and move on.

That's not to say that staying here for awhile isn't an option anymore. I just need to make sure I seriously look at and apply for some other jobs, instead of chickening out. And here's my plan: I'm only going to move on if the job is

a) something I think I'll enjoy equally as much as or more than my current job
b) something I'll be getting paid as much as or more than I am getting paid here

Otherwise, it's honestly not going to be worth it. There's no reason I should move on to something I won't like as much (even if they pay me more money), because I really like it here. But basically I'm gonna go big, or go home. Or, stay home, I guess...lol.

OK, speaking of work, I better get back to it! Hope everyone has a happy Monday! Do you think DeAnna is coming back this week on the Bachelor?!! My prediction was that she'd show up the week after Megan left to keep the drama going. Check in tomorrow to see if I was right!

Until later! :)

my boss's boss

2009-01-31T12:06:00.003-05:00

So for the first time since I started working at the station (a year and eight or nine months if you count my part-time stint, a year and three or four months if you just count producing), I met with and talked to the Big Boss. My boss's boss. The station manager.

I know right? How had I not talked to him yet?

Well, here's the thing. I pretty much fly under the radar since I leave at about 8:00 or 8:30 in the morning, when the first few "daytime" people are on their way in. So I think what happens is that people sort of forget that I work there. Which isn't always a bad thing, but it does prevent me from having any actual interaction with a lot of people, other than via email.

Well, Big Boss emailed me at some point during the week and said he wanted to meet with me sometime soon. Of course that made me want to mess myself a little bit, because it's like getting called to the principal's office; you have a feeling that either you're in deep doo-doo, or something really good is about to happen. So you spend the next however many hours until that meeting racking your brain for something you could have possibly done that would get you in trouble.

But in this case, it turned out he just wanted some one-on-one time because we've never talked before.

So I stopped by his office to ask when would be a good time, and we settled on Monday morning. We talked for about five minutes and he basically told me he just wants to get an idea of what I'd like to do when my contract is up in October.
Then he gave me a gift card for Kroger's, which he said is something he likes to do for new people (but of course since I've never talked to the guy, I'm getting this now since my two-year contract is expiring in a matter of months.)

Anyway, that was super-nice of him. And I went grocery shopping. And that led to this:

A full refrigerator!

This is the first time I can ever remember filling up my fridge. And I really tried to get healthy foods (not counting the beer. Ignore the beer). And that doesn't count the boxes of cereal and dried fruit and canned soup in my pantry! (And the also not-so-healthy ice cream and frozen dinners in my freezer). I even bought celery! And I tried to get a lot of foods with fiber. That's a good thing, right?

Anyway, I know one of my New Year's resolutions was to eat healthier and to have a more balanced diet, so I have to thank my Big Boss for helping me do that.

And speaking of resolutions, I need to go to the gym now! The elliptical machine is waiting there for me to rock out on it with my mp3 player!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend! :)

Happy Friday from John Mayer and Elmo ;)

2009-01-30T09:31:00.003-05:00

If this doesn't brighten your day, you might be a heartless grinch.

Happy Friday! :)
~Lis

definition of a booty call

2009-01-28T20:45:00.005-05:00

This is a story about something that happened a week or two ago, but I thought it might be fun to put on the blog...

Some people I know from doing civic shows are quite a bit younger than me, so I always try to watch what I say and do around them. But I often underestimate just how much kids know at a younger age these days ("these days?!" Who am I, my grandmother?). So one day when one of these younger folks asked me if I had any booty calls, I was a little shocked.

But one of the other younger ones was sitting there as well and said, "What's a booty call?"

Considering someone her age had brought it up, I was half-ready to leave it to her peer to explain that one. But we all remember how that went in junior high and how "well-informed" we all were after going to our friends for enlightenment on more mature subjects...so I did my best.

Me: Well...it's like when you're just hanging around by yourself and you're lonely or bored, so you call up someone you know to get...some...

Kid: Coffee?

Me: Yes! Coffee. So you call this person up and say, "Hey, you wanna have some coffee together?" But it's not someone you'd have...coffee...with on a regular basis, like all the time.

Kid: Ohhh ok, I think I get it.

I think this kid was old enough to know what I meant by coffee, but now I'm just worried that a few years down the road when she's at college, she's going to think everyone in her dorm is addicted to coffee because they're going on booty calls. But let's face it, no one really calls it a "booty call" anymore anyway, do they?

I think I'm safe.

~~~

OK, also, I just wanna say that I caught up on Lincee's Bachelor blog (link to the right) and the Madrosed recap on YouTube, and I feel like people are missing something here:

Kirsten Storms was referred to in all these Bachelor recaps as some "random girl" from General Hospital. Does NO ONE remember who she is?! Am I the only person who was watching the Disney Channel in the early 2000s?!!

It's Zenon, you guys!!! Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century! Am I the only person who cried out, "It's Zenon!" while watching the Bachelor this week?!!

OK, sorry, just had to get that out there. And yeah, I watched the Disney Channel in high school. I'd still be watching it now, if I had cable in my apartment. Deal with it.

OK, time for a nap because it's gonna be another fun and exciting day at the station! Yaaaaaay snow! (I really do like the snow; not being sarcastic.)

Until later!

The Bachelor Week 4 (Drama, Drama, Drama!)

2009-01-27T12:27:00.002-05:00

OK, this is gonna be as short as possible because it's been a long day and I need to get to sleep.

Singing Contest:
Winner - Molly
Style - Fast Food Funny

Other standout performances -
Sha-Nay-Nay's rap (in the style of Jason from last season, of course!)
Stephanie's old lady lounge act (I had to look away and turn down the volume) :/
Jillian's Coyote Ugly routine (is it just me or is she awesome no matter what?)
Lauren's "professional" Jewel-inspired ballad (and did you love when the soundtrack guys treated it with a little guitar strumming underneath in the final edit?!) She is mad that Jason didn't pick her because "the contest was supposed to be for the best song." Yeah, Jason, come on! It has nothing to do with whether it makes you feel special! You're such a freaking Paula!!! Don't you know this show is about REAL talent...er...wait...

Molly wins the one-on-one date, which is a fast food picnic and a backyard campout, after which Molly gets to do the Walk o' Shame back into the hen house. She was "nervous" about it, but let's be honest--if she really didn't want to make the impression that she spent the night with Jason, wouldn't she have changed back into her own clothes? Of course, I'm sure the producers didn't really give her the option anyway.

And have we noticed all the scarf and tank top ensembles in this show? Am I going to be expected to do that this summer?

Group Date: Playing Doctor
Jason takes the girls to the set of General Hospital where they get acting lessons from our favorite girl of the 21st century, Zenon!!! You guys remember that, right? Well, Zenon is also a soap actress and she gives the girls a few acting tips, and then the girls get to work on the set. Melissa makes gag faces every time she sees Jason screen-kiss another girl, Shannon thanks her lucky stalker stars that she's finally in an environment where Jason has to mandatory kiss, and Megan decides to ignore the "cut" call and suck all of Jason's teeth out of his mouth in one take. Naomi has fun offering to wipe the leaves on Jason's ficus tree (Mr. Deeds, anyone? Anyone?) and Lauren gets frusterated that her future husband is making out with all these other random chicks.

Hey, Lauren? Take another look at your GH script and get a grip on reality. He's just playing your husband in this scene, so let's not get carried away.

The wrap party afterwards is ever so Hollywood -- it's full of beautiful people, funky furniture, and tons. Of. Drama. The girls all take turns crying all over poor Jason. Expect for Lauren, who is a bit, shall we say, Lady MacBeth? She takes it upon herself to make up Jason's mind and chooses herself as winner of the date rose. When Naomi wins it instead, Lauren decides to pick this bone with Jason later.

Two-on-One Date: Dancing Queens
It's Pageant Patty and Disney Princess in the most awkward third-wheel date I've ever cringed through. These two ultra-polite, sweet, harmless ladies take rotations cutting in on each other's waltzes with Jason until he dizzily directs them to the dinner table. After chatting with Nikki about her ex-bf of 11 years and talking to Stephanie about how much she wants to kiss him, he sadly cuts Nikki from the finalists, which she handles with all the grace of a seasoned pageant contestant who just lost her local. Natalie could learn a few things from her! Stephanie and Jason twirl the rest of the night away.

Rose Ceremony
After awkward force-kissing with Shannon and getting scolded by Lauren, it's time for Jason to send two more girls home. With Molly, Naomi, and Stephanie already safe from date roses, there are only three remaining. The first goes to Melissa (yessss!) and the second goes to Jillian (yessss!!!). Then Jason pulls a DeAnna and breaks the rules of the game, refusing to give out the final rose because it's not fair for him to lead on any of the remaining girls.

Lauren is pissed because, once more, Jason did NOT follow the rules of the game. Whatever. She secretly breathes a sigh of relief because the producer has a friend who knows a guy whose roommate is the late-night janitor at a recording studio, so she's ready to start breaking into the biz with her sweet new connections. Sha-Nay-Nay announces she's gonna go home and make out with her dog, and Megan cries and creates a tear-stain spot on the front of her satin dress.

Next week, more twists in store as the girls travel to Seattle with Jason and, it looks like, Ty. My theory was that DeAnna would come back when Megan left, so we'll see.

OK, bedtime! Make sure to check out Lincee (linked on the right) and go to EW.com for Bachelor Host Chris Harrison's week-by-week behind the scenes blog! And don't forget to visit Madrosed on YouTube for their Beyond Reality recap!

(Links to all later. Too tired right now. Night night!)

noooooo...

2009-01-27T02:24:00.003-05:00

Hello, America. It's me, Lisa.

And I'm a little pissed.

Our new President (and so far the U.S. Senate) is pushing forward with a plan to delay the nationwide switch from analog to digital TV broadcasting from its previously agreed-upon date of February 17 to a new cut-off of June 12.

Booooo!!!

As a member of the TV industry, I can tell you this is NOT good news for us. Right now it's costing us thousands of dollars extra to broadcast because we're currently emitting analog AND digital signals. We have to keep that analog signal running until the cut-off date. For bigger stations, this is not as much of a problem, but for a small station like the one where I work, it's very bad news. This D-TV switch was mandated by the government over three years ago, giving stations time to budget for the switch. Among other things, that budget includes converting all of our equipment (field cameras, studio cameras, lenses, sets, switchboards, etc.) as well as spending extra moolah on broadcasting those dual signals. Now with the economy on the decline and just less than a month to go, we might have to continue to broadcast both signals for four MORE months, which is NOT in the budget.

Now, from a consumer standpoint, why do you care if the DTV switch happens on time or not? Well, you might not. Maybe you're already set up; you got your converter box or you're already hooked up with Comcast, and you're all ready to go. Maybe you never watch TV anyway and you don't give a crap. That's fine.

But let's say you like TV. Here are a couple of the benefits that you as a TV viewer will enjoy: more channels, better picture and clearer sound.

Let's say you don't care about TV, but you DO care about energy conservation. Did you know that it takes about a fifth of the power to broadcast digitally as it does to broadcast in analog? So why is a President who says it's fundamental for America to cut down on its energy uses advocating a plan that will be costing America millions of dollars to consume five times the amount of energy that it could by making the switch now?

Here's why: the Obama administration is concerned because an estimated 6 million households still aren't ready for the switch.

Are you KIDDING ME?! Where have you people been??!!! We've been running nonstop promos, stories, and commercials on national and local levels for at least over a year (ever since I started working here) telling people what they need to do to get ready, and we've made it very clear when that deadline would be.

Now the government has run out of money to aid people with discounts on their converter boxes, and I honestly don't know whose fault that was. Maybe the government researchers didn't get an accurate number of how many folks out there are still using rabbit ears to watch the tube. I don't know. And if that's holding people up from getting DTV-ready, I'm sorry. But still, you've had over a YEAR to get this done! It's not like this snuck up on you and we all-of-a-sudden said, "Hey, by the way, you're gonna need to either get a new TV or a converter, or sign up for cable or you won't be able to watch TV anymore." We said that long enough ago that if people really wanted to watch TV, they would have time to get prepared, whether that meant getting help from Uncle Sam or saving up to buy a converter at the full price (somewhere in the ballpark of $50).

Grrrrrr this is frusterating. Sorry, I'm just ranting. I've gotta get back to work now.

At least a new Bachelor episode will be waiting for me online when I get done with work! :)

Until later!

options

2009-01-26T03:35:00.004-05:00

Doggie dilemma!!!

OK, as you may know, I am a little puppy crazy right now. And the plan is to start looking at breeders in June and get a puppy this summer. And up to now I had made up my mind on what to get:

A miniature schnauzer. I did my research, consulted my dad (who is a veterinarian), and finally came up with this choice. And I mean, I was set on it.

Until this weekend.

I went home to my mom and dad's for the weekend (which was awesome. It started with me calling Dad for help with a burnt-out headlight Saturday and ended with me packing up for an overnight stay that included working on the car with Dad in the garage all afternoon, doing my laundry FO' FREE ("Unforgivable," anyone?) and going out for dinner and drinks with the people my parents ride Harleys with and watching Indiana's Katie Stam WIN Miss America! Wooo! But anyway, back to the dogs...)

OK, so my dad says, "We had a puppy come in to the clinic and it made me think, 'You know what would be a great dog for Lisa? A pug.'"

Me: "OK, what?! That's what I had originally wanted to get but you said it had too many health problems!"

Dad: "What? I don't remember that."

Me: "Uh...I do. That's why I started looking for other ideas. That's how I came up with miniature schnauzer!"

Dad: "I don't remember you saying you wanted a pug. They're fine; they don't have too many problems, and they don't shed. And miniature schnauzers bark a lot."

Me: "Nice flip-flopping, Dad! Who are you, Mitt Romney?"

So now I'm trying to decide between the two. And I know what you're probably thinking...(a) why do I care, (b) why are you freaking out, it's only January, or (c) you've stopped reading by now so you're probably thinking about what's for lunch.

But I'm just trying to consider my options. So here is the famous Liz Lemon list of pros and cons:

Miniature Schauzer Pros:
Very intelligent and easy to train
Loyal, protective
Doesn't shed
Good swimmers (this dog has to go to the lake, so that's important)
Good with other pets and children
Good watch dog
Cute beard and bushy eyebrows

Pug Pros:
Fairly intelligent and trains well
Loyal, likes to cuddle
Doesn't shed
Loves people
"Comedian" of the dog world
Super-cute curly tail and buggy eyes

Miniature Schnauzer Cons:
Hair has to be groomed often
Barks at strangers
Will tear things up if he gets bored

Pug Cons:
Susceptible to some eye injuries/infections and breathing issues
Not sure how he'll do in the water (but they do make doggie life jackets!):

(is it bad that this video makes me laugh so hard?!)

And I'm sure a big part of the decision will come down to what's available when I start looking. But if you want to weigh in on this or if you've ever owned any of these breeds, let me know what you think!

Until later!

Ten Things Part Two!

2009-01-23T09:54:00.002-05:00

Oops...

So I forgot the rest of the game from the previous post: if YOU want to play, just leave a comment saying so and I will give you a letter! (I think it's just arbitrary letter assignment...back me up, Kels?)

Because what fun is a game if other people can't play? Unless you're playing solitaire. And sometimes even then.

So yeah, if you want in, let me know and I'll give you a letter!

Ten Things

2009-01-22T21:21:00.003-05:00

(Yay, even the title starts with T!)

OK, so Kelsey let me in on this game where you are assigned a letter and then you name ten things you like that start with that letter. So heeeeere we go!

1. Tap dancing - I was just talking to someone about this last night at musical rehearsal, actually. We were both agreeing that tap dancing is so fun because it's so hard and yet once you learn it, you could do it in your sleep. Also, it sounds really cool.

2. Time off - I don't get a lot of time off, so on weekends and rare vacations, I really live it up...which usually means sleeping a lot! Haha!

3. Talking - ask anyone. I love to talk so much it's insane. You can probably tell by how long my blogs are, because if I were talking to you instead of writing it all down, it would be a lengthy conversation. I love talking about shows, movies, philosophy, religion, and even politics sometimes. I just love to talk!

4. Television - I know it's my job, but I honestly do really like TV. Not just working in it, but watching it. Sitcoms, dramas, reality shows, news, sports, the Disney Channel...I even like watching commercials!

5. Technology - (Cue Kip from Napoleon Dynamite: I love technology, but noooot as much as you, you see...but stilllll I love technology, always and forever...) I am so bad at keeping in touch, so I thank God that I have a cell phone with people's numbers saved inside, and Facebook, and email! And GPS for the car! (Not really for keeping in touch, but for not getting lost lol).

6. Theatre - "The theatre, the theatre...what happened to the theatre?" White Christmas, anyone? Anyone? Yeah, if you have read some of my previous posts or know me at all, you'll know that I love going to see plays and musicals as well as performing in them!

7. Traveling - This is something I really enjoy, but I would like to do more of. I was lucky that I got to travel a lot in college with the Purduettes, but since then it's been tough to go anywhere. But I love flying and I love airports, and I love road trips! I don't even sleep most of the time! And I truly believe that half the fun is getting there. And the other half is getting back. No, I'm totally kidding! :)

8. Tank Tops - (Is this like Scattergories? Do I get more points for that one?) Aren't tank tops great? You can wear them in the summer, layer them under stuff, sleep in them, put them over your swim suit...so versatile! And thanks to places like Old Navy, you can get them in pretty much every color ever.

9. Tube socks - I started wearing these this summer to play softball, and then I started wearing them to HSM rehearsals, and then we all started wearing them all the time! They are fun and comfortable and (like tank tops) come in many colors!

10. Tina Fey - my hero!!! Hire me, Tina!

OK, that's my Then things that start with T! Thanks, Kels, for letting me play! :)

somebody call freak out control...

2009-01-22T09:16:00.004-05:00

As they say out east (I think it's a Jersey thing, anyway), I'm gonna need freak-out control!!!

Everyone's favorite mockumentary web series is ba-aaack! I just saw the Season 2 trailer posted on YouTube and flipped my lid!

Here it is:

In other news, I just found out that I have to work until 11:15 Monday through Wednesday next week. So goodbye to my daily eight hours of sleep, but hel-loooo overtime paycheck!

That's all I got. Speaking of sleep, I need to get some pronto.

Until later!

The Bachelor Week 3...Surprise, Surprise!

2009-01-20T10:29:00.004-05:00

OK, it took me forever to watch this episode, so this is gonna be kind of a random-thought recap.

~ How much do you love Stephanie? What an amazing lady! It was so precious to see her surprised by her little girl and to see Jason in tears! :) I have a thing for guys who can cry like that. I loved the Lego rose, too...wow, what a special date!

Group Date: "Rub the Man Down!" as the sailors say...or wait, that was Erica.

~ I will say it was cool to see something that could potentially be a trashy, "let's all skip to second-base" date actually be treated with a lot of respect and meaning. And especially by Megan, who is so deep (just ask her).

~Megan tells Jason she's been a little down since she got here because she loves helping people and being a non-profit role model, and going 10 days without helping people has been really hard on her...because no one has appreciated her, thanked God for her, or thanked her. Is it just me, or is serving others supposed to be about...well...others?

~Erica's trashin' on Megan again. That is getting old.

~Poor Nikki and her awkward silence! Pageant Patty did not get a high score in the interview portion this round. She seems like a really good person; I just wish she'd loosen up and relax.

~Melissa is just too adorable! She is obviously very comfortable with Jason even when she is feeling insecure. And her faces reacting to what's going on with the other girls crack me up! She has to be genuine because she doesn't mask a single facial expression. I'm pulling for her in the top four, along with Stephanie.

~And Jillian. She seems so stinkin cool. Poor Nikki is choking on her words and Jillian is like, "Let's see who can jump the highest on this Austin Powers-inspired mattress!" Jillian is like the girl I would want to actually be friends with, and if I got a rose and she didn't, I'd be like, "Here, girl, take my rose and write me letters! I'll be rooting you on from home!"

~Poor Sha-Nay-Nay does not have a good group date. I think the more I see of her the more I like her, despite the fact that she comes off as a little desperate. And crazy?

Natalie's One-on-One: Material Girl

~Natalie is running super-late, leaving poor Jason in the lioness den with the other ladies. I love what Melissa says, "You have to wait till later in the relationship to do that." As a girl who is constantly running, shall we say, "fashionably late," I do know that a guy has to really love you to wait around while you change shoes seven times. And so far the only guy who loves me that much is my dad. So good point, Mel.

~Natalie has an annoying habit that I call the "extension pull," where she sort of constantly gathers her hair up and puts it to one side really carefully like she has extensions that are going to come out if she pulls too hard. If you want it all on one side, put it in a side pony, for goodness' sake!

~Jason enjoys having some serious arm candy for a swanky night out in Vegas, but wants to dig deeper into Nat's personality. And here's what he gets: "I heart bears. Wait, what were we talking about? Don't stereotype me just because I'm gorgeous and love to party." Fun, but not enough for Jason to build a marriage on. And when Material Girl doesn't get what she wants (for probably the second or third time in her entire life), she gets sooo mad. My thoughts: "This is gonna be one heck of a Diary of the Departed." She finally says what, unfortunately, I might have stereotyped her to say: "I am hot. And guys would literally kill to be with me. And he's just Jason. What am I supposed to do, swoon? Ew. What is wrong with him?"

~When Natalie doesn't come back, the girls are almost as surprised as Natalie. And they have a party to celebrate.

Rose Ceremony: More Kisses!

~Poor, perfection-crazed Nikki finally gets her kiss, which she all but ruins by trying to talk and laugh in the middle of it. Relax, Max!!!

~I think it's cool to see a Bachelor who has been through the show's process before and can really relate to the girls on that level.

~Molly reminds me of a friend of mine. She is really cute and freckly and tomboyish, so other girls tend to underestimate her. But put her in a strapless dress and heels and she's got it going on, and she will surprise you with how sophisticated and elegant she can be!

~Jason tells Molly about Natalie's last words, so Molly relays to the other girls that Nat may have dropped some names in the anger of the moment. Megan is quick to show, once again, how much more mature she is: "I would've bowed out gracefully."

~Poor Sha-Nay-Nay is so stressed out and upset. Megan criticizes her for this, but I think it was actually good to see the real Shannon other than her Jason Trivia knowlege! She's growing on me.

~Stephanie finally gets her kiss too! And she totally plays it Mr. Darcy style! Nice!

~Lauren rats out Megan and Erica, the "two drama queens of the house." But she does so at Jason's request. Megan eavesdrops, probably thanks to an eagle-eyed PA tipping her off. Poor Jason is really confused by all this lady drama, and Chris Harrison helps him out by forcing some honesty out of the girls. This turns into the Megan and Lauren show, until Shannon throws up. :( Then Jason hands out the roses to...

Molly (yay!)
Lauren (not a surprise, but I'm neutral about her)
Melissa (woo!)
Naomi (meh)
Shannon (aww poor thing. Glad she got a rose.)
Nikki (glad for her, but I hope she'll continue to loosen up)
and...dun dun dun...Megan!!! GASP!!! The music gets so loud at this point that I can't even hear what her reaction is. Erica and Kari go home. It will be interesting to see how Megan does without Erica antagonizing her...but I still feel like she'll be trouble.

And next week...Jason doesn't give away the final rose?! What's that about? And more importantly, when the heck is Deanna gonna show up at Jason's doorstep?!

OK, as always, the folks who do it better than me:
Lincee
Chris
and Beyond Reality:

Until later!

just smile :)

2009-01-19T08:31:00.002-05:00

Mondays are tough. Especially this time of year, it barely seems worth it to abandon the coziness of your bed and put on a brave face for work. That being said, here's something I found on YouTube last night that got my Monday off to a good start, and I hope it does the same for you!

Here's how my version of this little film clip went today:

Hobo Girl (me): (throws herself onto the rock [or work desk] crying) "What's the use of trying? They tore down my computer and all of the video edit settings on this one are wrong, and I can't find any of the websites I need because my favorites aren't saved on this computer!"

Charlie: Buck up! Never say die! If it weren't for Mondays, we wouldn't love the weekend so much, and besides, tonight is a brand new episode of The Bachelor!

Hobo Girl: (with determined fist pump) That's right, Charlie! We're gonna get to see Stephanie reunite with her daughter and hopefully Jason will send Megan and Erica packing!

So imagine whatever your version of this lovely little film would be today, and let Charlie do the cheering! (Isn't he adorable, by the way? I wish I had a Charlie Chaplin to hang out with all the time!)

And remember...just smile! :)

heel!

2009-01-16T13:36:00.002-05:00

I have always loved wearing high heels.

I think it started when I got my first pair of high-heel tap shoes in dance class (probably at age 9 or 10). Sure, they were only about an inch tall, but oh, the glamour!!! And oh, the sounds you could make with high-heel taps!!! The dance instructors used to make us sit on the floor with our feet in the air while they gave us directions just so we would all stop tapping -- it was that much fun!

And then came junior high, when it started to become acceptable to wear heels not only in the dance studio, but in church and at school, too. That was the same point in my life that I stopped growing; at age 13 I hit 5'2" and stopped, instantly becoming one of the shortest girls in my class.

That was also the same point that flare jeans came into popularity. (Remember that?) And all of them were too long for me to wear with tennis shoes, so I had to start wearing heels if I wanted to wear my cool new jeans.

That's how it started. From there, it just kind of snowballed.

This was back in the day before everyone started cranking out those cute little ballet flats; when I was in high school you had limited shoe options; you could wear tennis shoes, boots (which back then were like hiking boots, not Uggs or anything similar), flip-flops...or heels. Tennis shoes were out of the question for me unless I was wearing my windsuit (all of us on the swim team had 'em...they were bright purple, and we always thought we looked like big grapes). I wasn't really into wearing the boots, and flip-flops were only for summer. So heels it was.

When I went to Hoosier Girls State, my mom took me shopping for some "business dress" clothes, since you spend the whole week running for office and doing interviews. I got this super-cute outfit with white pants and a pink jacket, and we went on the hunt for the perfect pink shoes to go with the ensemble. We found these adorable alligator-skin round-toe pumps with big silver buckles on the sides, and I fell in love. I still have those shoes, and they are still one of my favorite pairs of all time. Ever since then, through the rest of high school and college, I just kept collecting more and more pairs of heels.

So I wear heels whenever I can; to work, to church, to go out on the town...and I love it! Even if it makes my feet hurt a little bit more, even if it slows me down just a hair, knowing that I stand a full 5'5" or 5'6" in my adorable shoes just makes me feel good!

But some older lady always tries to spoil it. Does that ever happen to you?

It's always some lady in her late 50s or older, and she's usually a total stranger. And she usually says something to the effect of, "I don't know how you walk around in those heels all day." Or, "You've got some guts, walking around in those heels!" This happens to me a LOT. Last Sunday, I was heading down the church hallway to go work in the nursery, and some lady who I definitely don't know sort of yelled after me, "She's pretty brave to be wearing heels in the nursery!" It was clear she wanted me to hear that, but I just kept walking, because it was like being made fun in a high school hallway, only I was in church and being made fun of by a senior citizen.

I always wish I had some sort of clever zinger for these old biddies sneering at me as I hoof it across their paths in stilettos. But I always sort of feel bad about the thought of sassing older people.

I just don't get why they all have a problem with young ladies wearing high heels!

I mean, some of these ladies were my age in the 40s and 50s. I know they had high-heeled pumps back then! And others of these ladies were living it up in the 60s and 70s, when platforms came into style. So I can't help feeling like these ladies have galloped around town in heels a time or two in their day. Why do they feel like giving me a hard time about it?

I promise that when I get older, even if I have vericose veins and arthritis caused by all my high-heeled younger days, even if I can't stand to wear anything that makes me taller than 5"3 and a half, I will never give a girl in her teens or twenties a hard time about wearing heels. I might even say something lame like, "Work it, girl!" Or maybe just, "I love your shoes!"

The Bachelor Week 2!

2009-01-13T10:09:00.003-05:00

Another 2-hour episode...good lord!

OK, so here's my little crew I'm cheering for after seeing this episode:
Jillian - I really like her. She seems very much herself around Jason and doesn't seem like she's trying too hard.
Lauren - I like her too, but she is a smidge high maintenance. We'll see.
Melissa - Awww! Yeah, she's still adorable.
Stephanie - I. Love. Her. So sweet and genuine.
Nikki - She seems like she's pretty cool, and a lot more mature than many of the other girls.
Molly - I know she's a little bit of a schemer, but I can't help rooting for her.

Surprise Pool Party and Impromptu One-on-One Date

I'm glad Shannon has a new nickname: "Sha-Nay-Nay." The girl is crazy. Throwing ice = lame. And I don't think she has an internal monologue; it's like everything that crosses her mind, then crosses her lips.

I loved that Nikki was coaching poor, sweet Stephanie on how to steal Jason away from Natalie! The poor thing is so gentle, she wouldn't hurt a bug, much less a blonde. I think Jason was probably impressed by her tact in not breaking up his conversation to take him away.

I think Jason is doing a really good job of getting to know the girls on his own terms. I loved that he surprised them at the pool; I think he really wants to get to know them in a more relaxed setting, without them being all dressed up and made up. I thought it was hilarious that the girls were freaking out because they had no make-up and ponytails! He seems very at ease and seems to genuinely want them to have a good time, unlike Deanna, who threw a fit when no one was paying attention to her (remember that from last season?!!).

He picks Jillian for an impromptu one-on-one, which makes Lauren totally jealous. Until she thinks about how frantic she would be... "I mean, she didn't have very much time to get ready. I would be freaking out, and I don't know what I'd do with my hair. I'd have to wear it curly. No, I'd have to put it in a ponytail!!! Ok, I'm glad it wasn't me."

Lauren is pretty high-maintenance and Jason is picking up on this. I think he's looking for someone who can roll with the punches, which is probably a lot of what being a step-parent is about. We all know how high-maintenance Deanna was, and I hope Jason steers clear of that this season.

Jason's date with Jillian is at Disney Hall, which you may remember from the movie Get Smart. Very cool. And inside is Robin Thicke with a full band, singing for just the two of them! (How awkward would that be to be up there performing with a full set for just two people who were dancing/watching/smootching the whole time?)

Melissa gets to go on the other one-on-one date. At first I'm worried that she's going to turn into a brat and not have a good date, but when Jason feeds her the oyster and she obviously hates it, and then admits that she thought it was gross, I was back to cheering for our little cheerleader! She is just too cute. And then the Good Year Magic 8 Ball Blimp came by to answer some questions. And Melissa asked some good ones, including "Will I get a rose?" and "Will I get a kiss?" And as Jason knows from personal practice, when it comes to kissing...ask and you shall receive. Well played, Melissa. Or, as she would say, "Nicely done."

Group Date

Jason takes the girls shopping (aww!) and then it's back to the pool so he can hang out with the ladies in their bikinis and show off his wonderfully sculpted torso again. Molly gets a rose on this date after showing Jason her "secret talent," which is kissing, and also showing her goofy side by coordinating a synchronized swimming dance with Sharon and Kari.

Molly is slick; you have to hand it to her. I know the other girls got mad at her for the "secret talent" thing and for spending time with him when she'd already gotten a rose, but I think she knows that if you play too nice, you go home, and she's showing Jason that she's there for a reason.

Naomi told Jason that she'd be his friend no matter what. I had to ask myself if she was seriously asking to be put in the Friend Zone. Then to get him to kiss her, the line she used was, "Do friends kiss?" Sigh...yes, Naomi, sometimes friends DO kiss. That's called a friend with benefits. And that's not the same thing as a fiancee.

Erica says something to Jason about having certain standards that he needs to meet...or something like that. I didn't really get what she was saying. Then she tells the camera that it's hard for her to see Jason with the other girls, because she was cheated on in her last relationship and that's why it ended. "She was 52," she says.

Wait, did I hear that right? I had to rewind and play it again. "She was 52." Yup! That is what she said. So Erica's last boyfriend was either stolen by a senior citizen woman, or her last boyfriend WAS a senior citizen woman. I'm still not clear on that.

Raquel pulled kind of a creeper move by climbing into Jason's car and waiting after he dropped the other girls off after the group date. (Does anyone remember when one of the guys...Twilley, I think...did this to Deanna? I do, and I think it was equally awkward this time around.)

On to the Rose Ceremony...

Megan...kinda sucks. Nothing is working out for her. First the fake elimination rose, then she doesn't get a date, and then Molly pops by with her rose in the middle of Jason's conversation with her and takes him away (and is it just me, or did Jason look relieved?). That led to a completely pointless fight between her and Erica. And to put a cherry on top of her Bachelor Disaster Sundae, she decides to find out more about the mysterious Stephanie and "what her deal is."

"So, we haven't gotten to know much about you, " she starts out in her nervous, abrasive manner. "What happened with your ex?"

Then Stephanie, the angel of this cast of contenders, tells this beautiful, tragic story about how her husband died in a plane crash. And then she shows her poise and grace by turning the conversation's focus back to Jason instead of keeping everyone's sympathetic attention on her. This woman is too sweet to be on reality TV.

Lisa tells Jason she has to leave the show because her grandma is terminally sick with cancer. Boo. I was really hoping we'd get to see more of her. And wow, the girls don't even try to act like they feel bad for her. "One less girl for me to worry about!" they all said. Geez!

Nikki tells Jason she is worried some of the girls are not there for the right reasons, or aren't prepared to settle down and be a mom. There's always one in the bunch, folks. Someone who is ready to sell out their fellow competitors because they care about the Bachelor so much (or the Bachelorette; it happens with the guys too). I like Nikki, but I think it's always a dangerous move to try to turn the object of your desire against other contestants. I'm just worried someone's gonna put gum in her hair while she's sleeping.

At the end of the night, Jason only has to eliminate two girls because Lisa left voluntarily. The roses go to:
Megan (booo.)
Nikki (duh.)
Lauren (again, duh.)
Naomi (not quite in the Friend Zone yet.)
Stephanie (YESSSSS!!! with arm pump.)
Kari
Natalie
Sha-Nay-Nay
Melissa (one-on-one date)
Jillian (on-on-one date)
Molly (group date rose)
Erica - (booo...and she does this whole trashy thing where she goes, "Stop doing this to me!" because he called her name last, and she makes him put his hand on her chest so he can feel her rapidly pulsating heart.)

Sharon is sent home to find a new job, since she gave up her old one to be on the show. Oops. Raquel salsas into the sunset, snuffing our hopes for an international hometown date. Oh well.

Next Week...
We'll get to see an amazing one-on-one date with Stephanie as she is surprised by a visit from her darling little girl! I think I caught Jason crying during their reunion, but we'll just have to see.

Oh, at the end of the show, they played a clip of Stephanie's numerous bags of luggage and (of course) she let all of the girls try on and borrow anything they wanted to. Is this lady for real?!

I can't wait for Deanna to come back. When do you think that will happen?!!

Supplemental Reading...
Lincee (for the funniest recaps on the planet)
Chris (for those of you who, like me, are fascinated by what happens behind the scenes of a reality show...and this is also a hilarious read!)

And of course the ladies who go Beyond Reality...see what they have to say this week:

not attached, not looking...not in the same boat

2009-01-13T03:44:00.003-05:00

Quick note - because I'm in the middle of working and it's 10 minutes till crunch time!

Yesterday morning my meteorologist asked me if I was dating anyone. I said no. And then she goes, "Well, do you have guy friends that you hang out with--"

"Yeah!"

"--that you want to date? Or that you're interested in?"

"No. Why?"

"Well...I just think you'd be a good girlfriend."

Yeah. I would be a good girlfriend. If I wanted to be one. But I don't want to be one. My mom really understands that, which is great because I know she probably wants grandkids and I'm not helping out with that right now. I know my dad is A-O-K with me not putting myself in any potentially heartbreaking situations, as long as I'm happy with that decision. And they're both cool with me being more focused on my career than on my personal life right now.

But sometimes it's like other people don't get that.

Which is fine. It's not my problem...but sometimes I get annoyed that I have to defend my reasons for not jumping back into the dating pool.

Plus, the meteorologist is getting married, like just about everyone else in the world that I know, so I think that always makes me feel a little more alone in the world. Not alone in the sense that I have no significant other, but in the sense that I don't feel like I have any friends my age who are single and content with that. Even my sisters... Michelle is already planning a wedding in her mind, and she and her boyfriend are already having those "when we're married" conversations. She is a VERY hopeless romantic. And my little sister Marla is in a new relationship, and she has this ability to just sort of move smoothly from one relationship to the next without having to take a year off for "me-time" like her second-oldest sister (that's me, if you didn't catch that).

So I think that's what makes me feel lonely sometimes. It's not the loneliness of not having a special guy in my life...just the loneliness of not feeling like anyone else is in the same boat as me.

And sometimes I get tired of paddling alone. Just sayin'.

Ok, 5 minutes to crunch time! Gotta go! The news won't wait! :)

Until later.

changing clothes...and other stuff

2009-01-12T22:27:00.005-05:00

Tonight at musical rehearsal, a couple of the girls told me they loved my clothes.

"You always look so fashionable," they said. "You could be a model!"

Now, I know that's a load of crap, but it still made me feel good. Here's the funny thing -- I have always admired people who are able to sort of "put it together." But when I was in high school and even college, I never really felt like I knew how to do it, so I usually opted for the jeans-and-t shirt look.

It wasn't until probably my junior or senior year of college that I started trying to put it all together clothes and accessory-wise. For me, a "matching outfit" meant no clashing of black/brown or black/navy. It took awhile for me to just start getting how jewelry and shoes could pull an outfit together or that layering was more interesting than just wearing a t-shirt or sweater by itself. (The whole layering thing is still kind of a puzzle to me.)

And then after college I got to the point where I decided to wear whatever I wanted, because my job description doesn't really include a dress code. That gave me an excuse to take some risks and try some things that I was too chicken to try to pull off in college.

And now apparently some people think I'm fashionable.

So it just goes to show you how new people can be a litmus test for how much you've changed over the years. And I don't just mean on the outside, but also how you've changed you're opinions or your level of acceptance or your ability to branch out and try new things. I feel like every time I meet new people, I kind of find out more about the person I've become and how my experiences have taught me and influenced me to change. It's pretty cool.

On a separate note, another comment tonight made me and a couple other people laugh. My friend Chris, another guy in the show named Jeff, and I are all in the 24-25 age range. And at one point in the rehearsal, the kids sitting behind us made some comment about the three of us, referring to us as the "cool college kids." And we all three sort of went, "Pshhh, we're not in college! We're old! We're not that cool!" I think it's really funny how much we all get over ourselves once we graduate. You sort of get smacked in the face with real life, and then it doesn't matter how good your grades were, or how many clubs you were the president of, or how many friends you had, because they are all history and now you are a little fish trying not to get eaten in a very, very large pond called The World. It is very humbling to be a twenty-something.

OK, here's my last bit -- It used to be that when I was in junior high, high school, and even college, people always thought I looked older than what I was. But starting when I graduated, people have always been surprised to find out how old I am. I'm hoping it's because I stopped looking older and not because I display a lack of maturity! And either way, I'm not complaining; I'm getting to the place in life where it's a huge compliment for people to think I'm younger than what I am, and I hope it continues. But it's weird to go to a bar and have to get that suspicious eye from the bouncer after you've been legal for three years! I was always sort of afraid that because I matured early as a kid and teenager that I'd also age quickly as an adult. And it's nice to think I won't have to worry about that just yet.

Do you remember looking in the mirror as a kid and wondering what your adult face would look like? Now I catch myself looking in the mirror sometimes and thinking, "Oh! I guess this is it!" That's so weird. I still feel like I'm waiting to turn into a grown-up. I keep forgetting I am one.

twenty-five

2009-01-09T19:59:00.005-05:00

This came from a Facebook game, and I'm not asking anyone to play it here...although it does make for a kind of fun blog post if you want to try it! I just thought I'd post mine on here for that very reason.

(The Rules: Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, you choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you.)

Here are my 25 REALLY random things:

1. I am a social networking junkie. I have a blog, two YouTube channels, a Twitter feed, and (of course) Facebook! I don't have MySpace, though. Do people still use that?

2. I wouldn't say I hate cooking, but I don't enjoy cooking just for myself. (And I don't mean making burgers in the George Foreman or scrambling up an egg omelette -- in my book it only counts as cooking if you actually measure out ingredients and stuff.)

3. I do enjoy living on my own, even if that does mean cooking (or frying, or microwaving) for one!

4. I love my job. Even on the days when things don't go well. It doesn't matter how much money I make...I just love what I do.

5. I'm left-handed. Did everybody know that?

6. I have so. Many. Shoes. Most of them are heels because...

7. I am 5'2". Just like Reese Witherspoon, Ashley Tisdale, and Amy Poehler!

8. My dream jobs include: Marci Klein's job at SNL, Gellman's job on Regis & Kelly, being a personal assistant to Tina Fey just so I could soak up her awesomeness (did you catch how that's a reference to Mean Girls, written by Tina Fey?!), producing my own TV show, performing on Broadway.

9. I'd really like to write and publish a book someday.

10. I am so proud of my friends; so many people I know from high school, church, college, and after college are incredibly talented and I can't wait to see them make it big so I can cash in on those friendships. Totally kidding. But I truly believe that so many people I know have absolute star quality!

11. I have lived without cable television for 3 and a half years. I still keep up with a lot of TV shows; I just watch them all online or buy them by the season on DVD.

12. I do not, and probably never will, like the taste of coffee. I think it smells good, but tastes gross.

13. I don't remember a moment in my life where I stopped believing in Santa Claus. Most people can tell a story about how they found out, but I have no recollection of that happening...which makes me think I probably still believe in Santa Claus.

14. I also don't remember a point in my life where I started believing in God and in Jesus. Most people have a story to tell about that moment, too. But for me, the belief has just always been there, although that belief has definitely evolved and been challenged and dissected throughout my lifetime.

15. Back to accessories...I also love handbags and hats. I think my love of hats is what gets me through the winter.

16. I think it'd be really cool to live in the South, but I love-love-love the change in seasons that we get here in the Midwest. I would have a hard time giving that up.

17. I want a dog, really really a lot. I think everyone knows that. Hopefully I'll have one by this summer!

18. A lot of people ask me this, so in case you're wondering, here's what my work/sleep schedule is like: I go into work around midnight. I stay until 8 AM (give or take, depending on how much other work I need to do), then I go home and go to bed, usually from 8 or 9 AM until 4 or 5 PM. I don't have black curtains or heavy shades to block out the daylight. I'm just nocturnal, like an owl or a vampire.

19. My all-time, hands-down, no-contest favorite song in the world is "More Than Words" by Extreme for three reasons: (1) it reminds me of being at the lake (I don't know why), (2) the harmonies are beautiful, and (3) I love the lyrics and I think they have an awesome meaning. YouTube it and listen.

20. $20 bills are the worst. It seems like most bank machines and cash-back options always start at $20, which annoys me because usually I just need 5 bucks to put on my laundry card and I don't want to spend money just to break the 20, and I feel like a jerk just walking up to a random cashier and saying, "Hi, I'm not gonna buy anything, but will you just break this for me?" And it's hard for me to actually go to the bank and get cash in the amount that I want because I'm usually asleep during bank hours.

21. There's an episode of "The Office" where everyone was naming the five movies they'd bring with them if they were going to be on a desert island (the game is called "Desert Island" and it's supposed to be books, but I guess everyone was mildly illiterate, so they did movies). So anyway, here are my Desert Island 5: Big Fish, Singin' in the Rain, The Wizard of Oz, Ferris Beuller's Day Off, and Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. I think. I'm never completely sure; I like a lot of movies!

22. My favorite color is pink. I feel like everyone knew that one too. My dad actually ordered me a pink phone without me having to ask. Isn't that awesome?!

23. On your 23rd birthday, you go off your parents' insurance. When I turned 23 I was working two part-time jobs, so I didn't have any insurance. It was that way for a few months until I got hired full-time at the TV station. Luckily, nothing bad happened.

24. I have a lot of fake foliage in my apartment. Fake flower vines around my kitchen, fake lilies in a vase on my counter, fake ferns on my window sill, a sconce with a fake bouqet on my wall, a vase of fake flowers in my bathroom, and a big fake flower sitting on my dresser in my bedroom. Low maintenance beauty, folks. That's what it's all about. Although I do enjoy real flowers too.

25. My favorite magazine is "Lucky." (I just bought one today, so that's what made me think of it.) I like it because you don't have to see any stories like "most embarrassing moments" or "101 sex tips." It's just all about clothes, which is my only reason for reading fashion magazines anyway.

And that's it! You might give it a try...just start at one and write about the first 25 things that sort of just pop into your head!

Have a great weekend :) Until later!

first impressions (bachelor week 1)

2009-01-06T10:17:00.002-05:00

OK, I'll try not to go on too long about this, but WOW, what a great season premiere! I actually had to take notes!

The Girls

Jillian
I like her. She seems cute and genuine, and her dress was gorgeous! She has invented a personality test based on hot dog condiments, which she used on Jason. She found out that he's a "mustard guy," which means he's the kind of guy you want to settle down with. I'll have to test out this theory in the future.
I was glad she got a rose.

Stacia
I liked her too. She is a cute, single mom but I don't think she really got to talk to Jason a whole lot, so we didn't learn much about her.
I was sad she didn't get a rose.

Dominique
Oh my goodness, so adorable! She looks like my friend Caitlin C. (aka real-life Disney Princess) and has the personality of a D.P. as well. And when she talks, it's like a mix of Sarah Palin and Kirsten Dunst's character in Drop Dead Gorgeous.
She didn't get a rose, which is too bad because she would've made for some funny TV.

Nikki
OK, I got it wrong...Stephanie is not the Pageant Patty; NIKKI is! They went to her house and shot b-roll of her cleaning house in her "Miss Illinois" sash and letting her niece wear her crown. In last night's episode, she scored well in evening gown and interview, garnering her the first impression rose.
We'll see.

Jackie
She's kind of the sad girl of the bunch; apparently she's been engaged, broken it off, married, divorced, and now she's a wedding planner.
She didn't get a rose and was actually really mad about it. But what's that they say? "Always the wedding planner, never the bride?" No, that's not it...

Stephanie
Not Pageant Patty but a smidge Stepford-ish. That being said, I love her. She is a really sweet lady and her older age gives her an advantage among the other girls, as she's mature and truly sweet about meeting people, not old and bitter. But we'll get to Megan in a bit.
She got a rose, yayyyy!!!

Naomi
She looks like Eva Mendes' cousin who also gets hired to do Eva's stand-in stuff in movies. A little rough around the edges, but should be entertaining.
She got a rose.

Megan
Oh lord. I'm scared of her. She seems to play the Mom Card a LOT. She does it to get closer to Jason, to bond with the few other single moms in the crowd, and to belittle her cuter, younger, friendlier competition. She got a rose "courtesy of the other women" and we will talk about that soon. She has a potty mouth. Ty is going to learn LOTS of new things from her!

Lisa (a.k.a. Suri)
I like to call her Suri, because I think she looks, sounds, and so far acts like Suri from Whatever Hollywood (she's the one all the way on the right and sometimes she writes me emails! She's the coolest!) So far, Lisa/Suri is cool too, which is good because I don't want someone with my name turning out to be a spazz.
She got a rose. (Yesssss!)

Lauren
It's Lauren's birthday. She makes Jason guess how old she is while almost bouncing out of her dress. Then Jason brings her a birthday cake, but she thinks it's going ot be the first impression rose, so she tells the camera, "I'm obviously getting the rose, duh!" It would've been a pretty embarrassing birthday for Lauren, but at the end of the night...
She did get a rose.

Melissa
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Awww! She is so stinkin cute.
Yay, she got a rose!

Sharon
She quit her job to be on the show. So far, it's paid off.
She got a rose.

Natalie
She looks like she's gonna be one of those girls who looks like she's thinking, "I'm hotter than you so you know I'm going to be better than you at life" but she was so nervous when she met Jason that it was endearing! And like me, she doesn't have TV.
She got a rose. Yay!

Treasure
Not the free spirit I thought she was -- at least I don't think so, because we didn't learn anything about her except that "Treasure" is not her stage name. I think it would've been funny if she'd have followed up with, "Actually, my stage name is Pat." Or you know, something really boring.
Treasure did not get a rose.

Raquel
Cue the Latin music. Literally, every time she walked into the room, spoke, walked out of the room, or was mentioned anywhere around the room, they started playing her theme music.
She got a rose.

Molly
A straight-shooting Midwesterner. I like her so far.
She got a rose.

Erica
Ehhh...let's just say formal occasions are not her strongest suit.
But she did get a rose.

Nicole (also wanting to be called Nikki)
Although not the nut job I was afraid she'd be, she did wear an orange dress (and black shoes...what?!) because orange is Ty's favorite color. But Ty wasn't there and he certainly wasn't handing out roses, so...
She didn't get a rose. Sigh...so long, Janice.

Renee
She looked and sounded about 10 years younger than she was, but she (not Treasure) turned out to be the free spirit, saying her vision board had said she was meant to be with Jason. And the thing about vision boards is, everything you put on it comes true.
Except for the one time when she went on The Bachelor and didn't get a rose.

Emily
She looks as scary on TV as she does in her picture. She is like Scary Barbie (which is what my sisters and I called Space Barbie because she looked scary).
She did not get a rose, so it's back to Seattle...Jason's hometown. Yup.

Julie
Cute, teaches first grade. That's about all we got out of that.
No rose.

Ann
Meehhhh...who?
No rose.

Shannon
ABC has already gotten us to think of her as The Stalker. In the opening sequence, she's running on a treadmill and says, "I'm coming for you, Jason!" Whaaaat.
Then there's the infamous MyStalk conversation. But I think Jason was won over when she got out of the limo with her fake hillbilly teeth in, and it didn't matter that she was a stalker because she was a funny stalker.
And she got a stalker. I mean, a rose.

Shelby
She reminded me of a news anchor; she has the perfect hair and face for it, and she seemed to be conducting interviews with everyone.
She didn't get a rose. But I think the Early Show should hire her to replace Julie Chen.

Kari
Good thing she wrote and read aloud a poem for Jason, because that's all I remembered about her.
She got a rose.

The Twist
They borrowed a wooden box off of the set of Lost and told the girls they had to vote on a girl they thought should leave the house. I wonder if they just thought the girls just weren't being catty enough and some production assistant said, "I know, let's go Survivor on these biotches!" Anyway, the award for Biggest Bitch went to Megan (surprise surprise). But then the girls found out she was actually winning a rose, not a trip back home. That announcement was followed by Megan calling the rest of the girls @#$**&##@s (I don't even know what she called them, they had to bleep and fuzz so much of it out) and then went up for a super-classy rose awarding...
"Megan, will you please accept this rose?"
"Yes, I'd be happy to!" (Stink eye to the rest of the gals.)

That, along with the rest of the bleeps and fuzzies used to cover whatever was coming out of Megan's mouth the rest of the time, was enough to make her a shoo-in for Ty's new mom, no doubt.

OK, that's it for week one. But the sneak peek into the rest of the season was insane, because guess who's coming back...

DEANNA!!!

That's right, just like Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, and Hillary Clinton, SHE IS BACK. You just can't keep a good girl down. Or...something like that. Yes, Deanna comes back, apparently to ask for a second chance, and the girls. Are. Mad!!!

I love reality TV! :)

Remember, check out Lincee (linked on the right), or if you don't like reading recaps, watch these girls (they are hilarious!)

Enjoy! And please tell me your thoughts on the season premiere!

The ABCs of my TV viewing habits

2009-01-05T21:42:00.005-05:00

OK, if you for any reason follow my Twitter, you may know that I'm currently trying to catch up on the last season (or so) of Scrubs. Why? Well, (1) because I kind of stopped watching it a year or so ago, and even then I was about a season behind, and (2) I just got new inspiration for catching up with it because now that NBC has dropped it, its distributor ABC is picking it up to run the 8th (and possibly final) season this year! And I'm going to need something to fill the void since another of my favorite shows on ABC, Pushing Daisies, is getting cancelled. PD is just one of those shows that is too good for TV, unfortunately.

Anyway, so today I got about halfway through Season 6 of Scrubs, and as sad as this sounds, it's kind of like talking to an old friend...there are all of these characters and running jokes and things that I had forgotten about, and it's just so nice to see all of them again! This show literally makes me laugh out loud frequently. And the episode "My Musical" guest-starring the girl from Avenue Q actually made me cry a little bit. Lol.

But anyway, tonight...as I'm typing this...is the season premiere of The Bachelor, which I am so excited to watch in the morning :) And this season is like, the ultimate payoff for me because Brad Womack's season of The Bachelor was the first one I watched faithfully all the way through. Then the runner-up from that show was the next Bachelorette, Deanna, and of course I watched that all the way through as well. And now they are making history by taking Deanna's runner-up, Jason, and putting him in as the next Bachelor! And he's a single dad, which is also a first for the series. So I have the full back-up story on this dude, the girl who dumped him, and the guy who dumped her!

It's going to be a wacky ride.

And for any of you who'd like to ride along, please feel free to leave your comments and check back because I will probably be discussing the show every week. You are also going to want to check out Lincee's postings...her blog is the ultimate study guide for all things Bachelor -- she does hilarious recaps every Tuesday after each episode, as well as keeps us updated on the "where are they now's" of past Bachelors and Bachelorettes. In fact, go check her out now because she's already made her picks for the final four (who needs March Madness when you've got this show, seriously?! Kidding.)

And I'm not going to make my predictions yet, but I have browsed the list of bachelorette candidates, and here are some girls I think we should be looking out for:

Emily - This girl's bio says she's 23, but I have a hard time believing that. Which isn't to say I think she's a liar...just a truth-stretcher. She does live in Seattle, same as Jason. Which makes me wonder...why did she have to go on a national TV show to meet him? You don't think a little MySpace action would've been enough to get that set up?

Erica - Is it just me, or is this one of the only girls on the roster who looks like a real person? That alone has me cheering for her. Watch, she probably got eliminated tonight.

Megan - a.k.a. Deanna 2.0. This is who everyone seems to have picked as the front-runner. I think she looks a smidge scary, like she might have that same "I'm about to go Hollwood" gleam in her eye as her original version. Just sayin'.

Melissa - Awww! Right? I just think she looks like she could be Ty's mom. Or Jason's sister. Which could be creepy. But still...awww!

Nicole - I'm just gonna call it right now and say I think this girl is gonna be one of the crazies. I don't know why...maybe just because she looks like Janice from Friends?

Raquel - I'm cheering for her just because she's from Brazil and that would be a sweet hometown date.

Renee - one of the oldest in the group, she is one of the only bachelorettes capable of "robbing the cradle" where Jason is concerned (he is 32). How will all these 23-24-25-year-olds measure up to her? We'll just have to see...

Shannon - poor girl. I'm guessing she went home tonight (see the Bachelor "sneak peek" promo where she goes all stalker on Jason), but if she doesn't, she will be one to watch! She has done her homework and already knows everything there is to know about our Bachelor, his son, his brother, and apparently everyone else attached to him on MySpace. You gotta admire a good researcher.

Stephanie - Gaack! Did someone say Pageant Patty? Here's why I want to watch her: she's 34 (so, also a cradle-robber), a single mom, and she looks the same age as Emily. And I want to know how all of that is possible.

And finally, everyone's favorite - Treasure! - a single mom from Salt Like City, I peg her as a free spirit because of her lack of make-up, her big earrings, and...her name. So I think she'll be an interesting one to watch as well.

OK, that's it for me. Check back in tomorrow to see if I was right about any of these girls. And make sure to read Lincee's blog! Trust me, she makes it worth watching the whole season.

Gotta go wash dishes as part of my commitment to my New Year's resolutions.

Until later! :)

it's that time of year...

2009-01-04T07:17:00.006-05:00

...when the world falls in love...

OK, I think that time of year is just about over. But really, it's that time of year when we all make a list of things we're going to do (or not do) in hopes of becoming a better person, having a better year, and making it a better world.

New Year's Resolutions.

And I feel like the act of making them is kind of a cliche, and something we as a culture don't really take seriously anymore. But I think there are some things in my life I want to improve, and I might as well make goals now, right? And I think writing them down will sort of make me commit to them and hold myself more accountable. Plus, then I can blog about them, which I'm sure will help too!

(I have to mention that as I'm writing this, I'm listening to the playlist I just attached to my blog and it's really fun to write while these songs are playing. I hope that it's not annoying that music starts playing on my blog, and you don't have to listen to it, but if you don't mind turning it up a bit while you read, think of it as a soundtrack for my blog. These aren't just songs I like; they all have a reason for being on that playlist.)

OK. Here we go.

1. I'm going to get into and stay on a regular workout plan. (The ultimate New Year's resolution cliche, right?!) But over the past few days, I feel like I've eaten enough sweet stuff to give myself diabetes. And I keep reading all these news stories about how much the average person should work out, and I'm realizing that more and more, I can't put myself in that group, which is pretty sad. So, I'm going to start out by saying I will work out three times a week. That's really not that hard. And I'd like to do more than that. But I think I'll start with something I know I can do realistically, and then once I've been doing that for a few months, reset the goal for something higher. But I'll start at three days a week.

2. I'm going to save money. That is kind of hard for me to do; my paycheck does not stretch very far. But I got a small raise recently, I'll be getting paid for coaching color guard, and I just worked a holiday, so that should give me a great springboard for saving. I mean saving significant amounts of money, not saving one month just to use it all up the next. I really want a dog, and I'm waiting until I pay off my car so I can use that money every month to save/use on doggie expenses. But I'd like to have a bigger cushion before then. Speaking of which...

3. I'm going to get a dog. The plan has been in place for months and months, but why not add it to my list? I will finish paying off my car in May, so the plan has been to start looking at breeders in June. That way I have the summertime to house-train and everything, not to mention have the financial means to take care of a dog. And here's an added motivation for Item #1 on this list - the kind of dog I want to get (miniature schnauzer, for anyone who has forgotten) has a tendency to get fat and unhealthy if it doesn't get a lot of exercise and good nutrition. Sound like anyone else you know? So I think if I can get a healthier lifestyle in place by the time I adopt a puppy, I can do a better job of taking care of and raising a dog!

4. Speaking of nutrition, that's something I also want to work on. I kind of phase in and out on this, and I eat WAY less fast food than I did a year ago, but I want to keep improving on this. Sometimes it's hard to eat regular, balanced meals because my schedule is so weird, but I've been at it for a little over a year now, and I think I can figure out how to make it work. I'm going to eat more fruits and vegetables. I'm going to eat more meat. I'm going to eat two balanced meals every day. (That has to include some sort of meat and some sort of produce; not just peanut butter and crackers or a bowl of cereal.) I'm going to start rehearsals for a play soon, and I know that's going to make it harder to eat right, but I've already been through this schedule during the summer, and I know I can do it.

5. I'm going to do some housework every day, instead of waiting until the end of the week to do all my cleaning. Whether it's washing dishes, taking out the trash, surface cleaning, laundry, sweeping, or just picking up around the house, I always feel better when I do a little bit here and there every day than when I let it pile up and then spend my whole weekend doing all of it. Plus, when I get a dog, I'll probably have to do some cleaning every day anyway :-P

6. I'm going to consider my career options. I'm going to look around and see what's out there. I'm going to keep staying here as an option for one more year. I'm not going to limit myself by what I think is realistic; if Good Morning America still has a segment producer opening available when my contract is up, I'm going to apply for it. I'm not going to be too afraid to go for something big. I'm not going to be discouraged if the job market is frozen and the best option is to stay here. I'm not going to feel pressured or obligated to stay if that's not the best thing for me to do. I'm going to trust God to help me make a decision and to take care of me whatever I decide.

7. I'm going to use up all of my vacation time and comp days this year. Five days will absolutely be for a trip to the lake with my family. The five-plus-comp days I would like to use to visit my sister in Florida, take a trip to New York with family or friends, possibly use for job interview trips, and maybe even take another trip to the lake with friends now that we have the new cabin. I'm entitled to those days and I'm going to take them. Just because it's hard for them to cover my job while I'm gone doesn't mean I shouldn't be able to use my vacation time up. I have just as much right as anyone to take time off. I'm not going to feel bad about it anymore. I'm just going to schedule it, and not worry about it. I've got it down to a science now how to prepare the person filling in for me, so it shouldn't be that hard.

I feel weird stopping on seven, but I think those are my big things I want to accomplish this year. I'm actually proud that I accomplished a lot of things in the past year -- I'm living on my own, supporting myself, I got involved with a church that I go to regularly, I made big changes and improvements to my show at work, I got involved in civic theatre, I made new friends, I've done a better job keeping in touch with people, and I feel like I've improved and cultivated my relationships with my parents and my sisters. Of course I want to keep working on all of those things, but I think you need to be able to look back on your year and be proud of what you've accomplished, so that you realize you are capable of achieving the goals you've set for the year ahead. Life is good, and it can be better.

Happy new year!

I'm not making this up...

2008-12-31T02:57:00.003-05:00

An 88-year-old Oregon woman's home was invaded by a 46-year-old naked man yesterday.
The man followed the woman around her house and then shoved her face-first into a chair.

Acting in self-defense, the woman reached back and grabbed his boy parts. That scared him out of the house, where police nearby tracked him down.

And when police identified him, guess what his last name was?

Dick.

I promise that's a true story.

holiday music and the economy

2008-12-30T02:09:00.005-05:00

I love Christmas music. But I hate that radio stations only play it up until Christmas Day, and then that's it. Technically it's still Christmas until Epiphany, right? It's like, we start the season way too early, and then by the time it's Christmas Day, everyone's sick of it, even though the season isn't over. I don't like that.

I think part of the reason for this problem is because we don't really have special music for other holidays, so when it gets close to Christmas, everyone just gets super-excited and overdoses on holiday music in November, but then by the time it's actually Christmas, they're ready to be done.

Here's my solution: we should have holiday music for ALL of our nationally-recognized holidays. That way, we wouldn't overdo Christmas music. For example, what if we had Thanksgiving music? (Not just "Over the River and Through the Woods," because I'm pretty sure that's the only Thanksgiving song that exists right now.) Lots of songwriters could make big bucks writing all kinds of Thanksgiving songs, and then we'd start listening to those right after Halloween. Then by the time Thanksgiving came and we were getting tired of Thanksgiving music, it would be time to get out the Christmas songs (but not until the day AFTER Thanksgiving), and people wouldn't get as tired of it!

Also, there should be more songs for Halloween; not just "Monster Mash" and the soundtrack to "The Nightmare Before Christmas," although that is very good music. That would also get people more excited for Halloween and not rush into the Thanksgiving/Christmas season so quickly. And I think there should be special holiday music for like, Easter and Arbor Day. I think that in addition to allowing us to better appreciate the holidays, not only would this be a big moneymaker for songwriters, recording artists, and the entertainment industry in general; but it would also boost the economy because it would make these holidays a bigger deal, which would make people want to travel, throw parties, and buy gifts several more times a year, putting them in a more "consumer" frame of mind year-round. Then transportation companies, hotels and restaurants, and retailers would make a lot more money, which would result in the creation of more jobs and more frequent rises in the stock market.

So there you go -- holiday songs for all nationally observed holidays would solve the recession. You're welcome, Obama Administration.

my time of day

2008-12-26T02:22:00.004-05:00

It's Christmas night/early in the morning the day after, I'm at work, and things are very quiet around here. So I'm just listening to some showtunes. And a song from "Guys and Dolls" caught my attention -- is this my song or what?

My time of day is the dark time
A couple of deals before dawn
When the street belongs to the cop
And the janitor with the mop
And the grocery clerks are all gone.

When the smell of the rainwashed pavement
Comes up clean, and fresh, and cold
And the streetlamp light
Fills the gutter with gold

That's my time of day
My time of day

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! I'm still new to the texting thing, so I didn't get on the ball with the holiday text message, but I really appreciated the texted Christmas wishes I got from my friends!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Lis

There's only one more sleep till Christmas!

2008-12-24T02:26:00.005-05:00

I just HAD to post this video...I can't believe I didn't see this until now!

There's nothing like the Muppets to put me in the holiday spirit! Well, that and Christmas music, wrapping presents, decorating, snow...and watching White Christmas.

Well I have to get back to work, but I just wanted to say Happy Christmas Eve! I love Christmas Eve about as much as I love Christmas Day because the anticipation of Christmas is so exciting! Just multiply that excitement times about a million and you can imagine how those shepherds felt as they traveled to the stable after being scared out of their pants by a choir of angels...they probably didn't know what on earth to expect, but the thrill of leaving their sheep and wandering out into the night had to have them chattering nervously together while they walked --

"Can you believe all those shining angels? I'm still seeing spots!"
"Who do you think we're going to meet when we get there -- will there be famous people at this thing?"
"Do you think our sheep will be ok?"
"We're gonna get in so much trouble for this!"
"Heheheeee!!!"

And then imagine their surprise to find out that the person causing all the commotion was surrounded by the humble and lowly conditions of farm animals, hay, and horse poop. Someone just like them! It must have been a sight beyond their wildest imaginations, and yet so familiar that they may have felt that it was real...genuine. Something they could believe in.

Merry Christmas Eve! I hope that tonight you feel the joy of giddy anticipation that those shepherds must have felt so many nights ago!

Peace on Earth!
Lis

grey gardens and newsroom nuggets

2008-12-20T00:54:00.009-05:00

Let me first just say that I'm home in K-town for the weekend, I'm snuggled up in bed with my laptop in my pitch-black dark bedroom...and our cat (also black, like the night and this bedroom right now) is as nocturnal as I am and he is on the prowl. I keep hearing him stalking around, but I can't see him. Creepy...

OK, so anyway, I just thought I'd catch up and I apologize in advance because this is gonna be a long blog.

~~~

First, thoughts from the newsroom...
This morning was busy! When winter weather hits the Midwest, it really becomes the meteorologist's show, and today was a perfect example. I knocked out pretty much all of the news stories just for live shots and stories about road conditions, and I gave a TON of time to the meteorologist. Plus, schools were delaying and then cancelling, so that kept things hopping around the station as well. In case you didn't tune in last year, I am the person the superintendants call to say that school is canceled, and I am the one who puts it on the air in the little bar at the bottom of the screen. A friend of mine said yesterday, "Do you realize how much power you have? I mean, you could make a LOT of money off of that." That's assuming high school kids would be willing to pay ridiculous amounts of money to have me "accidentally" cancel school. It would have to be a ridiculous amount of money because I would get fired.

Anyway, this is just a small joy, but I noticed yesterday that two of my stories made it all the way through the day to the 11:00 news. Now let me explain why this is significant to me -- The only time I write anything is if it's new for the morning or if we have breaking news. The other day we had two breaking news stories: a train crash and an armed robbery. Now, usually these stories run again at noon, but by five or six, they don't make the news because there is a lot more new stuff twelve hours after my show. If the story does make the evening news, it's usually rewritten as a VOB or as a package. But when a story that I actually wrote makes it through the whole day, I always feel a small sense of pride. And yesterday it wasn't just one, but TWO!

Oh, lord, the cat is in here...somewhere...I wish I could explain how creepy this is! Haha!

~~~

OK, topic two -- Grey Gardens. Grey Gardens is a documentary made in 1973 about a house of the same name, and the two ladies who lived there -- Edith Bouvier Beale and her adult daughter Edie Beale (or, "Big Edie" and "Little Edie.") Big Edie was Jackie Kennedy's aunt, making Little Edie Jackie's cousin, and like the rest of that well-connected family, they used to be very wealthy socialites. Then for a reason unknown to me (I'm going to have to find a biography), the glamour, wealth, and men in their lives faded away to leave a mother and daughter in a dysfunctional, codependent relationship. The two women became very eccentric and their once-fashionable home in East Hampton became a run-down house full of cats and raccoons. The Beales never left the house and lived in such squalor that apparently their home was finally inspected with a threat of eviction. After they passed the inspection, a pair of brothers came out to the house to film a documentary of the two women in their current lifestyles. The result is Grey Gardens, a charming yet disturbing chronicle of these two women and how they chose to live.

It's equally heartwarming and heartbreaking to watch the mom and daughter's eccentric mannerisms, conversations, and choices of clothing -- Big Edie is exposing herself half the time ("I'm about to get naked, so you better watch out!") while reliving her days as a singer by warbling to old records from the 1930s and talking about how she had a wonderfully fulfilling life..."I had my cake, loved it, masticated it, chewed it and had everything I wanted." Meanwhile, Little Edie fashions clothes out of everything in the house, always covering her hair with a dark scarf, dancing around the room, and talking about how her days at Grey Gardens are numbered and how much happier she'd be in "the city" (meaning New York City, where she once lived before her mother persuaded her to come back and take care of her). The soundbytes from the two ladies are so priceless and perfect that you'd think someone had written the lines ahead of time, and yet they are so delusionally and earnestly spoken that you know no one could ever come up with this dialogue.

Now, a few years ago, someone had the idea to make Grey Gardens into a musical, and it started off-broadway. It then came to Broadway in (I believe) 2007, where it didn't run for long, but definitely made an impact, winning several awards. Now that I've seen the documentary, I'm exploring YouTube for snippets from the show, and it looks like it too would have been fascinating to see. The first act is a sort of historical fiction of what the Beales' life would have been like when Little Edie was a young woman hoping to be married, showing how Big Edie's selfish desire to keep her daughter from leaving drove the two apart; Little Edie leaves with a suitcase at the end of the first act. Act two opens on the delapidated 1970s version of Grey Gardens, and (from what I've seen) weaves the wonderful lines from the film into song and dialogue between the now eccentric mother and daughter. Christine Ebersole played the role of Big Edie in Act One, and Little Edie in Act Two, and she is sensational. In all my research of the show so far, all I see is people pointing to her and saying, "Now that is how you sing a song on Broadway. Now that is talent!"

If by any chance I've sparked your curiosity, look up "Grey Gardens" on YouTube...the entire documentary is there in sections, as are several songs from the Broadway show. Especially check out "Revolutionary Costume for Today" and "Around the World." I would watch the documentary first because it gives you much greater appreciation for the songs, their lyrics, and Ebersole's ability to capture the essence of the women in the documentary.

OK, that is it for me! Sorry, I told ya it was going to be a long one! But hopefully I've given you an interesting read.

And I think the cat just farted. Is that possible? Do cats fart?

Until later!

if you can't stand the heat...

2008-12-17T10:24:00.004-05:00

...get the hell out of the kitchen and FAST!

That's a little lesson I learned last night while trying to "deep fry" some chicken. I meant to go grocery shopping yesterday morning after work, but it was just too cold, and all I wanted was to go home, turn the heater up, and snuggle up in my amazing bed and sleep. So that's what I did. Then I planned to go grocery shopping last night, but my sister called and we ended up talking for almost two hours, which meant I wouldn't have time to hit the grocery before getting ready for work.

That's ok, I thought, I still have lots of frozen stuff in my freezer that I can cook.

Dun dun dun...

So, one of the things in my freezer was a bag of frozen, breaded chicken that you are supposed to deep fry. Now, let me explain what this meant for me. First, I have never deep fried anything myself before. Second, I don't own a deep fryer. These two things usually wouldn't be a problem; whenever I try cooking something new, I head to the trusty ol' internet to Google step-by-step instructions. I am an intense rules-follower in new situations (can you imagine what kind of a mother I'll probably be someday?).

But last night, for some unknown reason, I decided to do something totally uncharacteristic and just wing it. (Chicken wing it! Ahhh haha...lame joke, I know.)

Here's what MY step-by-step instructions would have looked like last night had I written them down:

Step 1 - Cut a hole in a box...

No, just kidding. That's just the first thing that came to my mind as soon as I typed "Step 1."

Step 1 - Get out a small frying pan, put it on the stove, and turn the stove up to about 6.

Step 2 - Get out your bottle of vegetable oil and pour it into the pan. Don't worry about measuring it out in measuring cups or anything; just pour it in till the pan is about half full.

Step 3 - Let the oil heat up, uncovered, while you put the chicken in the microwave to defrost (this will take about 7 minutes).

Step 4 - Once the chicken is thawed out, stick a fork in it and just dump it in the pan of hot oil. Don't be shy; just go ahead and toss it in there.

FWOOOOOSH!!!

Seething hot oil frothed up and spattered all over the kitchen as soon as that chicken hit the pan. I actually jumped about five feet out of the way and then just watched as hot vegetable oil covered the surface of the stove. I edged back over to turn the burner down, and I could feel little airborne drops of oil hitting my arms and face; it felt like tiny pins pricking me all over. Grabbing a sponge, I tried to wipe up the oil from the stove top, but I mean, it's oil, so it didn't really feel like soaking up into the sponge. Instead, it just spread itself all around and dripped onto the floor.

I went to get a towel to wipe everything up, and slid across the floor (oil + tile = slippery situation), so then I had to wipe off my bare feet AND the floor before stepping back onto the tiles.

Holy crap.

By now, the chicken is most definitely fried, and just as greasy as can be. I was trying to figure out what to do next, when an image popped into my head of what my mom and dad did when they were frying fish: put the fried pieces on a paper towel to soak up the extra oil.

But because I haven't been to the grocery, I am out of paper towel.

So the fried, oily chicken just goes onto a plate where it sits in its own oily little puddle of sad little dinner disaster.

I decide to put the chicken on some lettuce and smother it with honey mustard dressing, hoping that the lettuce will soak up the oil and the honey mustard will give it a flavor other than grease.

Nnnope. It was not very tasty.

So I think I'll stick to what I know for now: Hamburger Helper, eggs and French toast, quesadillas, and anything I can fit into a George Foreman grill.

Until I get a deep fryer and learn how to use it.

Home for Christmas (Show)

2008-12-16T22:23:00.026-05:00

Pictures from my weekend during the 75th Anniversary Purdue Christmas Show, as promised!

Backstage during the show...

This is Clarice, who leaves her beautiful home in Hawaii every summer to spend the school year in West Lafayette studying engineering! She is the sound technician for the Purduettes and a total sweetheart!

In the green room with the Kids Choir!

The kids were fascinated with my camera and decided to take some pictures...serious close-up pictures! They were funny.

The view of an empty Elliott Hall from the stage.

Getting our line-up set before the show. It was so fun to meet all of these amazing alumni!

Back with old friends...

Israel, who like me works in TV and is also a Second City comedian in Chicago! So proud!

Greg, who is now married and expecting (well, his wife is expecting. He's not like that creepy dude on the news who got pregnant). He is going to be a great dad!

Kelly stopped by the alumni room to say hi on her way onstage. She was one of my little sisses when I was in Purduettes!

Chris, who now works for the Purdue Alumni Center. He and I will be doing a civic theatre show together this spring!

Jeff, who is engaged and getting married this spring. He is such a sweet guy and loves trying to imitate Will Farrell's Robert Goulet impression. GOULET!

Monica, my roommate for three years. She now works at PMO and is graduating at the end of this week!

Sunday afternoon I got to sit out in the house with my family and watch the show. Then I surprised my mom by being a part of the alumni set! She couldn't believe I kept it a secret from her...hehe!

The Purduettes and PMO Kids Choir onstage. The girls were, in my probably biased opinion, the best part of the show! I was so proud!

The Glee Club onstage.

After the last show, it's tradition to sing a song written for PMO, "There Will Always Be a Song." That definitely made me cry! What a memorable weekend!

Coming soon, more stories from the newsroom...it's been a busy week!

Until later!

vacation day five and the weekend that followed

2008-12-14T02:41:00.002-05:00

I promise this won't be long because a) it's almost 3:00 AM, b) I am about to completely crash, and c) there is no possible way I can put into words how fantastic my Friday and Saturday have been!

I'll just say that this weekend I've been participating in the 75th Purdue Christmas Show as a member of the Alumni Chorus. Not only has it been a joy and a thrill to have the opportunity to be back on the Elliott stage for a Christmas Show, and to be surrounded by the beautiful voices of the Purduettes and Glee Club, but it's also been just overwhelming to get to relive these moments with some very dear friends I don't get to see very often.

Tonight in particular was fabulous...which is probably evident by the fact that I'm still up at this wee hour! But I don't think I can describe it verbally...when I get all my pictures loaded onto my computer, I'll just show you what a great weekend I've been having!

Until then...nighty night!

carpet cleaners (vacation day 4)

2008-12-11T09:17:00.003-05:00

So, the carpet cleaners finally DID show up this morning...after me spending all week with my furniture upside-down, they came at 8:30 this morning.

The knock on the door woke me up. I had, once again, spent the night on my couch. But for some reason I couldn't get to sleep last night -- actually, the reason was that I went to the library and brought home a book that I started last night and haven't been able to put down -- so I decided to just stay up and watch the morning news that I am taking a week off from producing. That was like an out-of-body experience, and I kept calling shots to no one, just shouting them at the TV like our director Kim would be able to hear me across the river. I have a hard time watching our news when I'm at home sometimes because I start doing stuff like that.

Anyway, after the news was over, I read a little more and then eventually fell asleep, and then the knock on the door woke me up.

Crap, I thought, realizing I was a grungy mess. But I also was too sleepy to care if these guys judged me for my greasy hair, nasty breath, scrubby clothes, or very un-made-up face that definitely was showing some blemishes. I let the two guys in and moved the last couple of things out of the way, including my desk chair, which I rolled onto the kitchen floor and sat in with book in hand, thankful I'd have something to keep me occupied while the carpet guys were busy cleaning.

One guy was older, probably in his 40s or 50s, and the other was around my age, probably a little younger than me. They were both really nice, and made small talk with me over the roar of the carpet cleaning machines. The younger one observed that he could usually get an idea of what people were like based on what the inside of their homes looked like, and that he could tell I was "pretty laid back." The older guy asked me about my piano, saying he knew a lady who played organ at church and that when he went over to clean her house, he would always ask her to play for him. I wished with all my might that he would NOT request a tune from me, and thankfully he didn't. Which is good, because I honestly couldn't just sit down and play anything except chopsticks without putting someone through a very painful musical experience. I just don't play like that anymore -- strictly note-plunking for vocal purposes. When people ask me to play, I always feel like Kiera Knightley in Pride and Prejudice. Only worse.

The carpet dudes finish pretty quickly (not like I have just acres and acres of carpet floors, you know) and they wish me a happy holiday and disappear out into the hallway just as quickly as they came. I locate my slippers and gingerly make my way across the carpet back to the couch, my little island of living space while I wait for the floors to dry. No sooner do I crack open my book and find where I left off than I hear another knock on my door.

I get up and answer it. It's the younger of the two carpet guys, asking if they left a bucket in my apartment. I do a quick check around the apartment and then return to the door to tell him I didn't see anything. THEN he tells me the real reason he came back was because he wanted to ask me out on a date.

G-uh...what?!

I explain to him that I'm not really dating right now, which is true, but he takes it as a cop-out answer that he nevertheless accepts, wishes me a nice day, and leaves.

Aww geez. Seriously? I'm so glad I'm not a guy. I cringe at the ribbing he's probably going to get from his work partner when he catches up with him at the next apartment. You have to hand it to him for having guts, though.

So there you have it. I got asked out by the carpet guy. I'm so glad this 4-day-delayed carpet cleaning at least turned out to be the makings of a good story!

I'm going to bed.

just another reason to love NBC...

2008-12-10T21:16:00.003-05:00

I realize that three blogs in one day is seriously overkill for the two of you who read all of my posts, but I'm just so excited about this that I couldn't wait to talk about it. Kind of like in the movies when the guy gets the girl's number and he's supposed to wait more than 24 hours but he can't because he's so excited to ask her out (is that the rule? 24 hours? I wouldn't know since I'm not a guy).

Anyway, if you know anything about me, you know that I love TV so much, I decided to get a job making TV, and you also know that three of my favorite things about TV are on NBC: 30 Rock, The Office, and Saturday Night Live.

Well, now you can add one more thing to that list: Jimmy Fallon.

I don't know how I missed this until now; starting in March, Jimmy will be back on NBC hosting Late Night! And for people like me who are information junkies, he's doing a daily blog on his show's site to keep everyone updated on the show as it comes to fruition (ha HA! How often do you get to use THAT word?!).

And not only can you use the show website to ask Jimmy questions and make comments on his video, you can also link up with him via several social networking engines like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube (good thinking, NBC!). So, Jimmy is here, there, and everywhere letting us know what's coming in March. Could a girl be any happier?

Yes. If I could get a job working on Jimmy's show, that would probably make me insanely happy. I wonder if his producers could use an assistant? Someone to help time the show? Get the guests ready? Make coffee? Lol. But seriously, working on a show like that, especially at NBC in New York would pretty much be the cherry on top of a career ice cream sundae.

But in the meantime, I am really excited we'll be seeing much more of Jimmy!

ooh! one more thing!

2008-12-10T11:32:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to say really quick that the countdown is ON for the next season of The Bachelor, and this time I will actually watch it all the way through (usually I only watch The Bachelorette; I always seem to forget about The Bachelor and then realize it's happening about two episodes from the season finale). But not THIS time, because this season is special for two reasons:

1) The Bachelor is Jason from Deanna Pappas' Bachelorette season, so this is the first time a Bachelor season will spin off from a Bachelorette season.

2) Jason is a dad! He has a little boy, so all these ladies are signing onto the show knowing that they're not only dating a bachelor, they're also dating a kindergartener. And of course, I'm sure there will be a LOT of contrary opinions from child psychology and parenting experts, discussing whether this is harmful for the kid, or whether it's a healthy process for him to get to meet all of these ladies and help his dad pick a new mom...is this season gonna be good or what?! (OK, I love reality TV a little too much lol.)

And in preparation for the January premiere, I have added the best Bachelor Recap Blog ever to my links here on my blog, so if you are following along this season, you will know where to find it. This girl writes the most hilarious recaps after every episode; it just makes the season that much more fun to watch unfold!

OK, that's it, for real!

vacation day 3

2008-12-10T10:27:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was an eventful day. And on top of that, I think I'm finally adjusted to normal people hours, so I couldn't even stay awake late enough to blog about it last night.

So here we go...

9:30 AM - My cell phone alarm goes off. I wake up and think, "It's kinda dark in here," because when I went to sleep I'd left my Christmas tree lights on (remember I was sleeping out on the couch because my bed was covered in stuff I took off the floor for the carpet cleaners). So I go to my bedroom to shut off my actual alarm clock before it starts blaring...and there are no red numbers on the clock face, which tells me that the electricity must be out.

Cooooool.

And I can't figure out WHY the electricity is out because while my laptop does operate on battery power, the wireless internet router in my building does not, so I had no information outlet. So I just curled back up on the couch, thinking terrible thoughts of my friend Tommy and his 57-degree apartment when his heater wasn't working, and wondering how cold it would get in here after a day without power.

10:15 AM - The power comes back on. So much for my dramatics! I get on my station's website and find out that a power line pole just down the street caught on fire, and that's why our electricity went out. And Kelsey told me later that a car crash caused that to happen, which made a lot more sense because I was starting to wonder if there had been a lightning storm overnight or if power line poles just spontaneously combust these days.

10:30 AM - I get a call from Kate, the director for "Children of Eden," the civic show I auditioned for the previous night. Here is where she cast me:

-Act 1: a "storyteller" (basically the chorus) and the Snake (which as far as I can tell is an ensemble thing with a lot of dancing and tight harmonies, which sounds very much like something I would enjoy)
-Act 2: Aysha, who is a daughter-in-law of Noah (like Noah and the Ark)

And I just have to say that is the fastest casting in the history of mankind. I have never heard back within 24 hours of auditioning before! That was awesome.

So I text my friend Chris, who also auditioned, to let me know when he gets his call.

11:45 AM - A trip to the eye doctor to check up on my diagnostic contacts, make adjustments, and then order new boxes. Luckily this trip to his office didn't last two hours like last time.

1:30 PM - I check my email and there's one from Mom and Dad, who are up North moving furniture into their new lake cabin. They have sent pictures and Brrrr it looks cold up there!

1:45 PM - Chris texts me back. He is playing Adam (like Adam and Eve) in Act 1 and Noah's son Shem in Act 2, which means we will be husband and wife. That's awesome since it's always kinda weird to pretend to be married to someone you don't even know, you know?

So all afternoon I'm working on other things around the house, washing dishes, taking out the trash, and waiting for the carpet cleaners to show up. Finally, I call the office to ask what the deal is.

"They couldn't come today because the electricity was out," they tell me, which doesn't really make sense to me, because the electricity was only out for the first 15 minutes that our building's office was open. So I ask them when the cleaners will be coming, and they say tomorrow (meaning today, Wednesday). So I just decided to take down all the furniture so I could have friends over to play cards.

6:45 PM - Bethy calls and we get caught up and have a good conversation about how people should just handle their own business. Or bidness, as Amy Poehler would say (Baby Mama, anyone?).

7:00 PM - Tommy is here with Reese's Christmas Trees, and Caitlin and Troy are not far behind, followed by Kelsey, followed by a hilarious game of Phase 10, which it turns out is NOT an old-people's game like some of my co-workers thought! I would love to recount in detail how this game went, but I will just say it involved Troy needing to charge up his energy-drink slap-bracelet every couple of rounds, Caitlin being sad because she didn't get to play a single card for the first few hands, Kelsey and I revealing or remembering rules at inopportune times for Troy and Tommy, a table discussion about why "My Favorite Things" is considered a Christmas song, which led to a discussion of what "schnitzel with noodles" might consist of, and Tommy "technically" skipping Phases and "technically" winning and needing to check the rule book for loopholes at the end of the game. It was fun. I hope we get to do it again.

11:00 PM - I have a voicemail from Molly, one of my beloved little college freshmen and HSM buddies. She has a paper she wants me to look over for her, so I call her back and she emails me the paper. I do a little proofreading, email it back, and decide it's time to call it a day.

Now, this morning I woke up and put all my furniture and stuff back up and out of the way because the carpet cleaners are supposed to come this morning, although the office didn't know what time they'd be here, which again, seems strange to me. Maybe I'm asking for too much detailed information, but I feel like I'm just asking for normal information that would be really useful. Anyway, I was amazed at how fast I could carpet-clean-ready my apartment this time! I'm getting good at this.

Also, I was excited to find upon logging in to my blog that Kelsey has uncovered the mystery of what schnitzel with noodles is. And after a little reading, I found out that schnitzel is apparently veal and in Germany is considered "a hearty winter meal," which may be a contributing factor in the whole Christmas song issue: "snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes," "bright paper packages tied up with string," "doorbells and sleighbells and schnitzel with noodles!" And then, after some further reading, I discovered that Rogers & Hammerstien messed up big-time because according to this blog, Maria and the von Trapp family, all proud Austrians, would have eaten schnitzel with french fries! Huh!

Well, you really do learn something new every day. Until later!

second day of vacation

2008-12-08T19:22:00.003-05:00

I wonder if this is gonna turn into a song..."On the second day of vacation, my true love gave to me..."

Anyways...guess what. This is gonna be another email of random items.

A) So, last night I stayed up pretty late just because my little inner clock is a little confused right now. But that's ok. I had told the girl filling in for me at work that she could call me if she needed any help Sunday night, since I figured that would be her roughest night. And she definitely took me up on that! She called me FOUR TIMES between 11:40 PM and 1:30 AM. Haha! Nice to be needed, I guess. I'm just hoping that she'll be fine tonight and won't need her lifeline ;)

B) Something from Kelsey's blog that I need to do:

what's in my purse
This is tricky, since I switch purses a lot, but we'll go with my current staple purse...(because this could be a LOT longer and MORE random if I included all of my purses!)

-my little leather wallet with all the important things in it...DL, bank cards, insurance cards, my friend Chris's business card, and a ticket stub from "Four Christmases."
-a pack of Orbit Sweet Mint gum
-my camera in its case (I try to always have my camera with me...you never know!)
-my pocketbook (why do they call this a pocketbook; this would never fit in your pocket!) full of library cards, video rental cards, more insurance cards, and some expired "buyback bucks" from Follett's bookstore
-my pink alligator dayplanner book, with Mortar Board (yes, I still buy those), pink Sharpie, sticky notes, more people's business cards, thank-you notes, show schedules for PMO groups, and an autographed headshot of Mike P. that I was supposed to give to a girl in the marching band (oops)
-the holiday issue of "Helen" magazine (the only magazine for the women of Lafayette-West Lafayette and the surrounding areas! We do a tie-in segment with them on our show every week, hence the shameless plug!)
-my emergency make-up kit (blush, mascara, gloss, concealer, and eye-liner...it comes in handy after working overnight for eight hours when I have to go somewhere afterwards, or just when I need a little touching up. Wow, that makes me sound really high-maintenance.)
-a blank DVD-R (meant to record my live shot hits, but then I found out someone else is making a copy for me)
-a "Welcome!" brochure from the TCPL, since I got a library card there last week
-the program from IU Union Board's production of "Cabaret"
-the program from Harrison High School's production of "Alice in Wonderland"
-an almost-out tube of B&BW Japanese Cherry Blossom body cream (my favorite Bath & Body scent!)
-directions to a friend's house from this summer
-trash paper, which I will throw out now
-a heart-shaped Madagascar 2 pin I got for donating money at the movie theater
-some Burt's Bees Beeswax lipbalm
-check book
-ticket stub for "Alice in Wonderland"
-pen from PEFCU (or "Perrfcu" as I like to call it)

That's it. Next time I will do celebrity crushes, also from Kelsey's blog!

C) When I resigned my lease, the building offered a free carpet cleaning, which I signed up for. And it was supposed to happen either today or tomorrow, so I called the office today to find out when the cleaners were coming, because they had told us to get everything off of the carpet in the areas we wanted to be cleaned. The guy at the office said they'd be here today and possibly tomorrow, depending on how long it would take to get all the apartments cleaned that had been signed up.

"Is there a certain day you'd like yours done?" he asked.
"Today," I said. Then I put everything that could be moved up onto my table or my bed, and moved everything else to the bathroom or kitchen so it would be off of the carpet. I even put away everything that was under my Christmas tree so it wouldn't get in the way.

And unless these carpet people work evenings...they are not coming today.

I don't really want to move everything off of my bed just to move it back in the morning, so I'll just sleep on the couch tonight.

D) I went to auditions tonight for "Children of Eden" with civic theatre. I think it went OK. It's just hard to tell...I feel like my song could've been better, but it wasn't terrible. And they had me read some dialogue from the script, but there's not a lot of dialogue in the show, so I don't know how much they were able to get from hearing me say a few lines. I think it's always hard to get a good read on what the directors think. But whatever. The hard part now is trying not to think about it until they cast the show, which they said would be by the end of the week. A friend of mine auditioned too, and told me to call him when I was done, so I called him tonight and we were both just like, "OK, let's just not think about it or talk about it anymore." Haha. Luckily, I have a bunch of music I need to memorize for the Christmas Show this weekend, so that will keep me busy!

E) I made a list of things I wanted to get done today, and I got every single one crossed off! That makes me feel really good!

OK, that's all for today. Until later!

first day of vacation

2008-12-07T22:14:00.007-05:00

I'm going to say tonight is my first day of vacation, although it's still Sunday, because let's face it - Sunday night is actually my Monday morning.

Actually, as far as I'm concerned, vacation starts the second you walk out the doors of your place of employment, so technically by those standards, I've been on vacation since Friday morning.

Actually, yes, and actually, I'm Annie.

(That's a Parent Trap reference that only Molly or Marla would get. I just say that whenever I start using the word "actually" a lot. Maybe "actually" should be my word obsession, like Curtis' current "glory" obsession. Which, by the way, entirely changed my worship experience this morning at church. Every time I saw the word "glory" it really made me think. Thanks, Curtis.)

OK, I am obviously a little wound up. I think it's because I don't know what to do with myself because I don't have to work (yay!). Moving along...

I think I am more productive when I'm on vacation - when I don't have to be doing anything - than I am the rest of the year combined. I think I have this aversion to obligation. Like, I don't want to do something just because I am supposed to, but as soon as it's optional, extra-credit, or extra-cirricular, I'm all over it. Explain that to me. That might actually be a middle child thing...actually, yeah, I think it is. (Here we go with the actually's again!) By the way, did you know I am obsessively fascinated with birth order? I've probably mentioned that. Geez, I sound like I'm on speed or something. Anyway, the only reason I'd ever go back to school is to become a psychologist and for my thesis or whatever you have to do to get your degree, I'd probably do something on birth order. I need to get my own copy of the Birth Order Book. Again, moving along...

So I haven't even started the actual part of vacation where I don't have to go to work, and listen what I've gotten done so far:

- Cleaned up/picked up my dining room/living room area

- Found a dress to wear for the Christmas Show. I don't know if I've written about this yet, but this year is the 75th anniversary, so they invited the alumni to come back and sing a few songs in the show. I think they even asked some back to do solos and specialty groups and stuff! It should be pretty cool. Anyway, they told us that for the Purduette alumni set, we needed to have either a black skirt or black pants, and something sparkly that would look good in the stage lights on top. Since I'm not Sheila Klinker, I had to go shopping to find something sparkly and stage-appropriate. I figured I'd just get a black dress that has some sparkle, so I'd cover both requirements with one garment. It was really fun; I haven't had any excuses to wear a dressy dress in years, so it was fun to be able to look in that section of the stores with the anticipation of buying something instead of just looking for fun. I found the perfect dress - a black party dress with tulle trim peeking from under the hemline, an asymmetrical layer over the skirt that gathers on one side of the waist, and a little column of rhinestones where the waistline gathers. It ties in the back, so it can be adjusted to fit to my waist, which is something I have a hard time finding. And the bodice and under-layer of the dress has these little clear-reflective specks that sparkle very nicely in the light but don't look obnoxious in a normal setting, so I can actually (is anyone keeping count here?) wear it to parties or weddings or stuff like that. When I saw it on the hanger, I pointed it out to Marla, and she said, "Eh, I don't really like those shorty-short dresses." But then I pointed out that I'm 5-foot-two, so those dresses end up being just above knee-length on me, which is exactly where this one ended up falling. On someone of average-to-tall height, it would be sexy, but on me, it's just short enough to be sassy. I'm so excited! I love dressing up, and I never get a good excuse to these days!

- I also figured out what I'm going to wear to the station Christmas party this Saturday night. I didn't go last year, and I know people dress up, but I'm not sure just HOW dressed up they get, and I was worried my new little party dress would be overdoing it, so I decided to wear this really basic, classy black strapless dress I got at the Gap. I know, I know, I never buy anything from the Gap, but this year I actually (!!! I promise I'm not trying to do that!) found something there that fit me. Anyway, I figure it's dressy but not too over-the-top, and it's pretty conservative as far as strapless dresses go. So I'm glad that's all figured out.

- I got Christmas presents for Mom and Dad, and for Michelle, and I got great ideas for Marla.

- I bought wrapping paper and ribbon and got my mom and dad's gift and Michelle's gift wrapped and under my Christmas tree! I really wish I had more of my shopping done so I could do some more wrapping! I enjoy wrapping presents! So if anyone has some wrapping they need done, just bring it by...I have really cute wrapping paper!

- I picked out a song for my audition tomorrow night, finally. I dislike picking out audition songs about as much as I like wrapping presents. I just feel like it's a lot of pressure to put onto one song, and that if I pick the wrong one, it's going to ruin my audition. I just don't like auditioning in general, although auditioning for civic shows is a LOT nicer than auditioning for my high school shows was. I'm really excited, though, because I got one of my friends I used to sing with at Purdue to audition for the show too. He is incredibly talented, and he went and tried out tonight and said it went well, so hopefully he'll get the part he wants and we can have fun doing the show together! I hope my audition goes well...I just hate waiting to find out whether you got the part or not. Blech! Anyway, I've been trying out all these different songs, and I tend to be a belter, so I sing pretty loud, and I'm a little worried about my neighbors getting upset with me. But whatever. Hopefully they'll be at work tomorrow during the day when I'm practicing!

OK, I think that's everything I've gotten accomplished so far. I'm not going to set an alarm clock tonight in celebration of the fact that I'm on vacation. Ooh - Casting Crowns "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" is playing on my AOL radio right now...this is such a cool version of this song. Very powerful. I think it would absolutely ROCK as a piece in the Christmas Show cantata...a male solo with the chorus in the background. I wish I could plan a Christmas Show. So many awesome songs out there. Alright, I am finally running out of things to say, so I'm gonna leave it here.

Until later!

the good, the bad, and the stupid

2008-12-05T10:12:00.006-05:00

The Good:

No, wait, actually let's get The Bad out of the way first, shall we?

The Bad:
Still no chairs. Unbefreakinglievable.

Ok, here is the story --
As I've mentioned before, we wanted to order new chairs for the studio's interview set, and Mr. Promotions Guy told me THREE times (once in writing, no less) that he would be able to buy them for us as long as the total cost was under $1000 and we bought them before the end of the year; promotions basically had some extra money in their budget that they had to get rid of before the end of the year, so he was willing to spend it on the new chairs we wanted for the studio.

I delivered on my end of the deal, finding a chair model of the appropriate size, color, shape, and PRICE -- quoted at $274 per chair (so $822 total price for three chairs; well under budget, if you didn't notice) -- and gave Mr. Promotions a photocopy of the chair as pictured in the store's catalogue as well as a written quote and contact information from the store. About 24 hours later, I checked in to see if he liked the chairs and if we could get them. He told me he was "this close" to working it out with accounting.

WHAT?! What happened to having the money in the budget?!

OK, fine. So that was like three weeks ago.

TWO weeks ago, still no news. With the Thanksgiving holiday, I decided not to sweat it; the normal 9-to-5 folks in Promotions and Accounting wouldn't be around anyway, so nothing was likely to get accomplished.

ONE week ago, I checked in again via email:
"Hey, how are things going with the chairs?"
"Just trying to do some creative budgeting to make it work."

WHAT?!?! What happened to being "this close?!!"

TODAY, I see Mr. Promotions Guy and wanted to chew him out completely, but instead, I said, "Any progress on the chairs?"
"Weeellll..." Mr. Promotions Guy says, "We just have to get it approved...see, it's all really stupid the way it works, like, it's money from MY budget, but we have to get it from another account, and then THEY have to take that money from OUR budget, and..."

The way you talk, all I hear is blah blah blah.

"OK, keep me posted," I say, hoping that hints his need to get this taken care of.

Seriously, if he wasn't actually in control of the money in the first place, why would he tell me what he told me in the first place? It wouldn't be as big of a deal if he'd have just said, "I can't promise anything, but if you try to keep it under $1000, there's a better chance we'll be able to swing it with accounting."

But instead he remodeled his office and then left something that EVERYONE could use, like the new interview chairs, to the uncertain fate of the accounting department.

What stinks is, I really like this guy and I think he's trying to do a lot of good things for the station. And I really like what he did with his office. But it's like the time I bought a new outfit and then found out one of my paychecks was coming a month later than I thought it would. You don't spend money you don't have, or in this case promise to spend money you don't have.

Frusterating.

The Good News:
1.) It's Friday. Holla! (Yep, that just happened.) And that means all the good Friday things that come with it, including new episodes of 30 Rock and The Office that I watch Friday mornings online (and by the way, this week's Office episode is about the place where I work! Crappy copier, crappy chairs, budget surplus!!! It's too perfect. It absolutely made my day and gave me an easy way to laugh about how ridiculously inefficient things seem to be around there sometimes).

2.) I am officially on vacation! I'm not going anywhere, but I will have lots of time to do Christmas shopping, read, relax, maybe do some video editing, go to the gym, and also do some of that day-time stuff I don't normally have time to do, like eye and hair appointments. Plus I get to sleep at night like a normal person!

3.) I get to go see Justin's play tonight! Justin is pretty much me in a 6-foot-five boy's body. (Scary, huh?) This kid thinks like me, loves movies, musicals, and music, and all of the trivial information about them, as much as I do! I always tell him he's the little brother I never had. He is also a very talented and enthusiastic performer and I am so excited to see him onstage tonight! I've seen so many plays this fall thanks to all my little civic theatre buddies...so much fun!

4.) There is a package in the mail on its way to my door, which is always super-fun! I got a gift card to Victoria's Secret for my birthday, but didn't use it until now, and today I tracked my order and it is on its way out of Missouri. It's so fun to track packages; it's kind of like watching cookies bake in the oven -- if you can see the progress, it's a little easier to wait for the final product!

The Stupid:
1.) Here's the situation: I get home from work this morning. I'm holding my purse and lunch container in one hand and a stack of books and my keys in the other. So my hands are a little full, and it's a smidge chilly outside. The way it works at my apartment is, you can get in the first set of doors without a key, but you have to unlock the second set, and it's an oldish set of doors, so you have to jiggle the key in the lock a little bit, you know what I mean? It's not like a magnetic strip card or anything. And there's kind of this unspoken but universallly understood rule of common courtesy that if you're inside the building and near the front door, and someone who clearly has a key to the building is trying to get in, you go open the door for them so they don't have to mess with the key. Especially if they've got stuff in their arms. Now, if the person is a creep, just standing there waiting for someone to let them in, you should keep the safety of yourself and your fellow building dwellers in mind and let the dude fend for himself. But I'm saying if their key is in hand, indicating that they clearly belong inside the building, you go ahead and let them in.

OK, so back to me at the door this morning, with arms relatively full, fumbling with my key. There is a girl standing right in front of and I mean RIGHT IN FRONT OF the front doors, wearing her fuzzy slippers and bathrobe, flipping through a magazine or newspaper insert or something. I am trying to unlock the door and she is staring right AT me and just stands there, thumbing through whatever glossy piece of publication she's got. It is taking me longer than usual to jiggle the lock and get the doors to open, and she WALKS AWAY.

Seriously?!?!!

2.) There was like a fifteen-minute span this morning during which I could not make calls with my phone. A friend called me while I was still at work this morning, and I silenced the call. On my way out to my car, I tried to call my voicemail to see what he'd said, but my phone kept showing this "call failed" message. So then I tried to make just a regular phone call and the same thing happened. I finally tried calling my phone from my landline when I got home, and my cell phone wouldn't pick up the call. So then I decide to just check the voicemail through my landline phone, and I put in the password to get into my voicemail THREE times, and it wouldn't let me in. And I know I was putting the correct password in, because I watched myself punch the numbers and even said it outloud the last time as I dialed, but still no dice. So then just as a last shot, I try calling my voicemail again from my cell phone, and it works. Then I call my friend back...the phone works fine.

So I dunno what that was all about.

3.) This is stupid, but not in a bad way. Yesterday I had a dream that I met Amy Poehler, which is weird because earlier that day (don't ask me why), I was thinking about what celebrities I would most want to meet, and I came up with Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Kristin Chenoweth. And I don't usually have the kind of dreams where something happens to me that I was thinking about that day; I usually have the kind of dreams where my teeth are falling out, or someone is chasing me but I can only move in slow motion, or I'm trying not to be shot or stabbed. Yes, I do not tend to have pleasant dreams. If they are on the more enjoyable side, they are usually totally random and have nothing to do with what happened the day before. But yesterday in my dream, I met Amy Poehler and we wanted to get our picture taken together but no one would take a picture. Like, people kept getting out their cameras and we kept stopping our conversation to smile at them, but then the people with the cameras would never actually take the picture...they'd just look at us through their viewfinders and then go back to what they were doing.

Analyze THAT!

(See, that was stupid, wasn't it?)

OK, that's all I've got. I'm officially on vacation. Yay!!!

Until later!