Top 10 things that make me grumpy at back-to-school time:
1. The town and university have an uncanny knack for starting construction approximately 3 weeks before the town quadruples in size.
2. The impending doom of listening to lame excuses. Do students think I'm that naive? Do they believe themselves? Tip: Before you give me an excuse, try it out on your roommates/siblings/dog. If any of them burst out laughing, don't try it with me.
3. Most of the drivers on the road have had their license for 5 years or less, turning the town into, more or less, a student-driving closed course.
4. To quote a colleague, "Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part."
5. Weighing the cost/benefit of going to a bar that is fun and plays good music, yet is crowded by sweaty, wasted college students who scream your name from across the bar. Yes, I can hear you and yes, I am ignoring you.
6. Gross public bathrooms. On campus, in restaurants, and especially in bars. Seriously - who potty trained you? And how long ago?
7. I am your advisor, not your mother. I will not do your work, look things up or make phone calls on your behalf...and neither should you mother, by the way.
8. Pedestrian traffic jams.
9. This. question. "So, do you work in the summer?"
10. Bouncers that give you a hard time even though you're (technically) old enough to be their mother. Yes, that is my real ID. You should not question it for the mere reason that no one under 21 would really have the cajones to use a fake ID that says that they're 37.
So. Not. Ready. For. This.
Top 10 things that make me happy at back to school time! :)
1. Liveliness!! Nothing beats the energy of students coming back from summer break. This is the only time they're excited about doing work.
2. On campus eateries are actually open, which pretty much triples the number of places to eat in the 'burg.
3. More people to talk to. Followed up closely by...
4. More people that listen to, and with any luck, care about what I say.
5. A new TA to harass! Teaching assistant, personal assistant...same difference, right?
6. The return of college sports and rivalries...and tailgating. :)
7. Seeing what kind of fun new outfits and hair styles the students are trying to pull off this year.
8. Being thankful that I don't have to study or do homework on Sundays anymore.
For as much as I love/am semi-obsessed with pop culture, I surprisingly have a difficult time getting into movies. There are many classics that I've never seen, though I could probably tell you the plot line and/or the stars of the movie.
I attribute a lot of this to the fact that anything too violent or scary was either banned by my parents or gave me too many nightmares to even think about. As a side note, I had a LOT of nightmares as a kid so the thought of watching any kind of suspense or horror flick was almost laughably ridiculous. I had nightmares about Freddy Krueger...which was even more terrifying because I was convinced I was therefore going to die in my sleep.
So as a result, I developed a love for comedies and love stories. Yes, your typical chick flicks and 80's comedies. Needless to say, John Hughes films were in heavy rotation for me and of course I wanted to dress like Molly Ringwald and date a Brat Pack-er (when I wasn't pining after Duran Duran, Ralph Macchio, or River Phoenix).
The "Brat Pack" in their St. Elmo's Fire heyday
In the 25-ish years since my discovery of the sweet yet hilarious genius of Hughes films, I've acquired a list of films - most that came out in the 90's or early 2000's - that I don't think got the recognition they deserved, even if they are movies that everyone knows. So here are some of my superlative movies that I feel, for one reason or another, did not and have not gotten the recognition that they deserve as "classics" in their own way.
It can be argued that this, as every Disney movie, is a classic. But I had to include it on this list because in my mind this is the best. Disney. movie. EVER.
There is no other Disney movie that I sing along to more than The Little Mermaid. Maybe it's because it came out when I was in high school and really into show tunes. Maybe it's because the chaperone/crab sounded like the guy from the 7-Up commercials (look it up, kids). I can't pinpoint the reason I loved it so.
All I know is that when I got my wisdom teeth out in college, the only thing I wanted to do was snuggle with my stuffed "Flounder" toy and watch The Little Mermaid over and over and over again.
Best flashback at a tragic comic genius - 90's version:
Farley. Spade. And the world-wide introduction of "fat guy in a little coat."
Before digital video recorders, my roommate LAF and I would pop this into the VCR at least once a week and watch it. It got to the point that I could not only quote the entire movie, but I perfected the fast forward/stop timing to hit the (numerous) scenes that would bring me to tears with laughter. There are too many hilarious moments in this movie for me to quote right now....but here are some of my favorites (besides the aforementioned "fat guy" comment):
"Did I hear a 'niner' in there? Are you on a walkie talkie?"
"Your head is a thick candy shell."
"Bees! They're everywhere! Save yourself!"
"Brothers don't shake hands. BROTHERS GOTTA HUG!"
"Shut up, Richard."
I do believe that this movie was the beginning of my obsession with Ashton Kutcher. While I enjoyed him in That 70's Show, I frankly preferred the nerdy, awkward character of Eric (Topher Grace) to the dim, vain Kelso.
Hotties
So I never thought much of him until I saw him as the romantic lead in this movie. He and Amanda Peete had really good chemistry, and you were never quite sure where the story was going to take you. Both characters were funny, believable, and if you're a sap like me, made your heart ache a little throughout the movie. Rent it and see for yourself.
Here's one of my favorite moments. Bon Jovi? Ashton Kutcher? What's not to like?
I remember hearing about this movie when it came out because it had Mandy Moore in it and I think this may have been one of her first "lead actress" roles, plus it was based on a very popular book (which I of course had not read). Then I remember hearing how over-the-top cheesy it was and, as with any movie based on a book, how the book was "soooo much better."
So I didn't bother to try to watch it. Until one day when I was out of town for work, in my hotel room alone after a long day. I had just finished working and, knowing full well that I had to wake up at 4 AM the next day, I flipped to TBS or TNT and the movie had just started...at 11 PM. I was of course riveted immediately, HAD to stay up to watch the end and sobbed my way to sleep shortly after 1 AM.
I don't know if it it was the lack of sleep and exhaustion, the storyline (which I didn't know much about before I watched it) or Mandy Moore. But I was not just tearing up...I was HEAVING SOBS and went through probably about half a box of tissues. Tearjerker, indeed.
Long before Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph were the Bridesmaid and bride, we had Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate and Selma Blair as a seriously hysterical trio of friends. They were rude and crude but hilarious and believable. Maybe the situations they got themselves into weren't so plausible, but can't you say the same about The Hangover [what's less believable...taking a road trip to crash a wedding and meet up with some guy you randomly met at a club or stealing Mike Tyson's tiger?]? The appeal was that I saw and heard so many of my own conversations with my crazy friends in it.
They were who we were, who we wanted to be, and who we were glad that we weren't.
I love everything about this movie. It is hilarious. It makes me cry. The actresses have amazing chemistry and make the story so riveting. After Mystic Pizza but before Pretty Woman, this movie helped the world "discover" Julia Roberts. She was gorgeous and a fantastic actress, more than holding her own against the likes of Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis.
And best of all, it's almost as quotable for me as Tommy Boy! Granted, in a much different way, but quotable nonetheless.
"My colors are blush and bashful...Pink is my signature color."
"You know what they say, if you don't have anything nice to say, come sit by me!"
"The only thing that separates us from animals is our ability to accessorize"
"Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion"
What would YOU add to this list? Tell me in the comments section!
It was another fun time in DC last weekend! Having the time to spend just enjoying the city prompted me to bring a new style of post to my blog - my favorite things! What better place to start it with than one of my favorite cities? So let me start with...
Where to stay?
Despite the fact that I have a lot of friends that live in and around the district, I like to stay in hotels. Usually, the dogs are an excuse to get a room, but I love the feeling of a true "vacation" that I get with staying in a hotel! Especially the dog-friendly Kimpton Hotels. By being an "In Touch" member you get free internet and a credit at the mini bar. Bonus that they are cool and boutique-y. There are a bunch of them in DC, but our two favorites are:
Hotel Palomar, when we can get a good deal (because it's usually a little more pricey) - Great location in Dupont Circle area, modern feel, awesome restaurant/lounge (Urbana), huge rooms and a pool to boot!
Hotel Helix - Usually the cheapest, but still in an awesome location now that the 14th Street/Logan Circle area has boomed. Cool pop-art theme (the minibar has Pop Rocks and Pez!) and very cool outdoor patio for their restaurant/lounge.
An oldie but goodie...Eli and Marlon enjoying their time at the Palomar
Where to eat?
Oh there are SOOO many delicious places to eat in DC (one of the reasons that it was really really hard to lose weight when I lived there!)! But my favorites include:
Open City (Woodley Park) - ProMo and I used to go to breakfast there at 6 AM every Friday and every time it was fantastic, delicious, fresh and unique. Love it.
Napoleon (Adams Morgan) - Another neighborhood favorite, this restaurant is better known as a champagne bar late night. But I've only enjoyed the brunch there. The crepes are delicious, the salads are fresh, but what keeps this place in my rotation even after we moved away is the french onion soup. To. die. for. I actually said, "Come to mama" when I saw the waiter bringing the soup to our table. No lie. I can't really explain why I love it so much because it defies explanation. Just trust me. And get some!
Logan Tavern (Logan Circle) - Warm homey feel, nicest waiters ever, and delicious comfort food that is surprisingly affordable. I would give a specific recommendation but everything I've gotten here is delicious.
Obviously there are a lot of other yummy places that I enjoy, but these are the places that I miss when I'm not there.
Where to dance?
[This category and the next would both say "Adams Mill" if that amazing place was still open, but alas I have to go with other choices...]
Well, there are a lot of fun places to dance and PLENTY of places I've never been to (especially some of the newer places that have a lot of buzz), but when I don't mind paying a little extra for drinks and I want to go somewhere that I (usually) don't have to worry about being hit with the "ball and socket," I go to Tattoo on K Street. It's tiny but they have screens that play videos and the DJs are usually pretty amazing. It's my little piece of Vegas in DC.
Where to feel like a local...
Well again, this would've been my category reserved for the Best Bar in DC, but I'll say that anywhere that you find yourself saying, "Let's just go to _______ " is likely your neighborhood joint.
So in honor of the Mill, I'll leave this spot blank and say that any place is "your place" if you know them and they know you! Where you can walk in and they will know your name, give you a hug, and start prepping your favorite drink...
And finally, because my favorite thing about DC is my friends, if you want to see some really cool pictures of DC, check out my friend LL's photography blog! Beautiful!
Hey DC peeps...got any faves you'd like to add? Feel free to comment!
I have such a love/hate relationship with you. To follow up on my last post, I want to reiterate that I do believe that Facebook is incredibly revolutionary. For someone who did not even have email when I started college, I can see how much it has opened up new avenues of communication and made it so much easier to keep up with people.
However.
Over the past 4+ years that I've been on FB, I've noticed some trends in status updates. Sometimes disturbing but always common, I think the time has come for me to create a Top 10 list of the most popular status updates in my little world (in no particular order).
The quoter/lyricist
Examples: Some people call it a one night stand, but we can call it paradise You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter, you are the best thing that's ever been mine! A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval. ~Mark Twain
[By the way, that first one is a Duran Duran lyric. Personally, I think it's a great line but probably not one I would choose to use as a status update.]
This Facebooker relies on poets, philosophers, singers and even rappers (guilty!) for the majority of their status updates. The good thing about quotes is that they can convey pretty much any emotion. Feeling silly yet pensive? Quote Dr. Seuss. Feeling emo? Sylvia Plath or any 90's grunger will do the trick. Just be careful that you're not OVER sharing (see Example #1).
The horrified parent
Ex: Can't believe I overheard my daughter singing about being so hot "we'll melt your popsicle!" Thanks a lot, Katy Perry!
Ummm...might I remind you that when we were your daughter's age we were singing about being like a virgin touched for the very first time, pushing it "real good," and singing along to this gem: "my anaconda don't want none unless you got buns, hon."
Relax (don't do it), your daughter will be fine.
The one who works out more than you do
Ex: 10 mile run and 25 mile ride this morning! Now time for some granola and bananas! March 25 at 7:03am via iPhone
I get it. You work out. A lot. More than the rest of us. I was already feeling kind of lazy, now I feel like a slob.
The one who doesn't realize the difference between a status update and writing on someone's wall
Ex: Hey girl! Thanks for the call! Stop by after you pick up Eddie from school...or should I just meet you at the park at 3? Can't wait to see you!
This one always cracks me up. It makes me laugh even more when people call them out by commenting on it in response. I laugh at it so much that I am afraid that I'll do it by accident one of these days. That'll show me.
The hater/political inciter
Examples: F the Dookies!!! Who cares if my bracket is busted now that Duke is GOONNEE baby! Want to know why you're still unemployed? Blame [insert politician name here].
OK maybe I'm taking that first one a little personally, but I never understand people who spend their FB time and energy being such haters. How about a little positivity? How about cheering FOR a team instead of AGAINST one? How about not trying to incite a FB "war of comments"? Can't we all just get along?
The cryptic updater
Ex: Well, I wasn't expecting THAT! Could really use some positive vibes and prayers right now!!
WHAT? What's going on? Are you dying? Is someone in your family dying? Did you fail a test? Are you pregnant? Are you stuck in your car in a ditch with your legs pinned but your thumbs free for updating your Facebook status?! WHAT? WHAT? WHAT?!
...but then of course there's the opposite end of the spectrum...
The TMI updater
Ex: Phew! Finally passed that stone! Now if only little Johnny Jr. wasn't constipated and little Sally didn't have explosive diarrhea we would all be healthy!
No one needs to know any of this. Any. of. this.
The complainer
Examples...all the same person, posted one hour apart: UGH! I am going to kill my boss! Is it 5 yet? If my cube mate doesn't STFU I will stab him in the eye with my mechanical pencil.
People, if your job is really THAT BAD that you feel the need to barrage your friends' newsfeeds with your hourly complaints then it may be the time to look for something new. And do you want to be known as the person who always seems ungrateful and complains on Facebook? Or worse, do you want to be that person that everyone HIDES? Didn't think so. Take it down a notch.
of course, the direct opposite of this is...
The one who's kid/life is WAAAYYY better than yours
Examples: My amazing husband just made me a delicious dinner and is giving me a foot rub while we watch "The Notebook." Sigh. Life is good! Joey just brought home his report card! Straight A's again!
Personally, I think these are pretty cute but sometimes they can go a little far. Just make sure it's not ALL you're writing about. I have friends who get a little skeptical when people do nothing but these because no one's life is THAT perfect. Right?
And finally, this one is truly my favorite simply because they are usually the most hilarious:
The one who won't status update unless they are drunk, on vacation, or both
No examples for this one because you know exactly who they are. In fact, you wish they updated more often because they are usually the most entertaining. They update about once or twice a year but when they do, they write about 5-10 updates all on the same 24-48 hour time span.
So there you have it! Now, who are YOUR favorite updaters??
[Note: **Most** of these examples are made up. Sadly, not all of them are. Therefore, photos aren't posted so as not to attach anyone to these by association.]
