DC is everything I remembered and more.
I'm back in a job where I work more than I should and I'm challenged in new ways. I'm learning a new mission. I come home exhausted and unable to explain what I did in a day because to describe it wouldn't do it justice.
My job demands that I travel, but only around the DC-metro area, so I spend more time in my car than in my office. As a result lunch is either a semi-healthy lunch inhaled around 3 PM, or a granola bar (or um...Combos...maybe) that I grab at a 7-11 between meetings and consume, obviously, in the car.
Showing posts with label Typical random thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Typical random thoughts. Show all posts
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
The heart of it all
I had a blog post all set to go about New Year's Resolutions (and my inability to keep the one that I really tried to keep this year - blogging more often). It was, in my opinion, somewhat funny, something people could find commonality in, but overall, something that I hoped would entertain. The problem is that it was taking me WAY too long to finish. I started it the week after New Year's Day and I kept abandoning it and coming back. I couldn't really get it just right, and it was really bothering me.
Then it hit me. I realized that I was having such a hard time with it because I have been getting away from the reason that I started this blog.
Then it hit me. I realized that I was having such a hard time with it because I have been getting away from the reason that I started this blog.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Going Jersey
I consider myself a pretty nice, relatively even-tempered person. In fact, while I am quite opinionated, I am more concerned about putting people off so I try not to be too loud about said opinions unless I'm really pushed.
I think a lot of that has to do with my dual background: asian and southern. Between the two cultures, I was not really encouraged to speak my mind too much. I was pretty comfortable with that, which was a huge reason why I was hesitant to move to the New York City area. But...
I distinctly remember when that all changed. I had lived in Hoboken and worked in Manhattan for only a couple of months. I was still getting used to parallel parking, maneuvering a mass-transit system and not making eye contact, but the trigger was something fairly innocuous.
I was at a CVS store and as the cashier handed me my change, I said, "Thank you." So far so good, right? Well, she looked at me like I had 3 heads, glared at me and mumbled something back that didn't even resemble "You're Welcome."
I was shocked, semi-insulted, and...about 5 minutes later...really irritated.
And thus began my slow yet steady transition, for the better, I think, of standing up for myself more. That 5 minute reaction time decreased until, very slowly, I became used to giving an immediate reaction that was a little more expressive than a look of shock and hurt. In fact, it can get a little angry. And occasionally, I will go beyond that.
I will Go Jersey.
Long before Jersey Shore became well-known for the almost weekly brawls, I credited living in the NYC metro area with bringing out a certain...pugnacious side of me. It's not that I would intentionally pick fights, but when pushed to the limit, my sweet demeanor could turn. Quickly.
My friends and I started calling this, "going Jersey." It would come out at predictable moments: when people cut me off on the Turnpike, when oglers would get too aggressive on the streets of the city and of course, when people yelled at me.
A classic story of going Jersey happened while I was in, of all places, Baltimore. ProMo and I were passing through on our way south to visit our parents, and after a fun night out with some friends, we decided to get a slice of pizza to eat in the car before we hit the road. Now, at this point my car...excuse me...my Pontiac Sunfire sedan...was pretty banged up from, well, living in Jersey and staying generally parked on the streets.
They call them "bumpers" for a reason.
So there we are, ProMo and I, listening to some rap music, windows down, singing along, eating our pizza and savoring each delicious, greasy bite as if our lives depended on it. Just then a car pulls up ahead and attempts to parallel park in the spot in front of us. Now I know that I was and am biased, but even to the novice parallel parker, this spot was a no-brainer. The driver (a female) seems hesitant. She tries, fails, and re-tries. ProMo and I, in a fantastic mood, are happily cheering her on. She almost has it. I, in the driver's seat and still singing, jamming, and eating pizza, gesture for her to keep backing up. The windows are down in the car and ProMo and I are both saying things like, "keep going! You've got it!"
Actually, she's still having trouble. Our cheerleading is not helping. At this point, her boyfriend gets out of the car to help. Our eyes start rolling. Now all three of us are coaching her.
She is close to my front bumper but this is her best attempt yet at actually getting into the spot. Boyfriend looks nervous. ProMo and I are STILL gesturing for her to keep backing up. Between greasy bites and singing, I'm saying things like, "That's what bumpers are for!" and "My car is crap anyway!" and my personal favorite, "Keep going until you hit resistance! Trust me!"
And again, this was a HUGE spot.
Boyfriend's worried look is slowly turning into a look of annoyance. In my head I'm thinking, "Surely this annoyed and suddenly sour face isn't directed towards me. I'm coaching her, for goodness sake." He then opens his mouth and yells...YELLS!... "MOVE!...BACK!"
ProMo and I are dumbfounded. Silent. Music is still blasting but I am acutely aware of at least 2 seconds of silence as I blink and stare with pizza grease dripping from the side of my mouth.
At that point, I'm not exactly sure what happened. I remember lots of yelling and gesturing (if you know me, you know I talk A LOT with my hands), pointing and cursing from both me AND ProMo. Pretty sure pizza bits were flying out of my mouth too. At some point, ProMo either stopped for a breath or realized what we were doing and stopped which made my final words all that much clearer: "...AND BY THE WAY I COULD PARK TWO F-ING CARS IN THAT SPOT!!"
Now it's boyfriend's turn to stare and blink. He quickly and quietly gets into girlfriend's car and they speed off, abadoning the spot and presumably their dreams of pizza for the night.
It's quiet (except for the rap music), I'm still fuming and ProMo says quietly..."I think maybe it's time for us to move away from Jersey..."
And that, my friends, is what it means to Go Jersey.
I think a lot of that has to do with my dual background: asian and southern. Between the two cultures, I was not really encouraged to speak my mind too much. I was pretty comfortable with that, which was a huge reason why I was hesitant to move to the New York City area. But...
I distinctly remember when that all changed. I had lived in Hoboken and worked in Manhattan for only a couple of months. I was still getting used to parallel parking, maneuvering a mass-transit system and not making eye contact, but the trigger was something fairly innocuous.
I was at a CVS store and as the cashier handed me my change, I said, "Thank you." So far so good, right? Well, she looked at me like I had 3 heads, glared at me and mumbled something back that didn't even resemble "You're Welcome."
I was shocked, semi-insulted, and...about 5 minutes later...really irritated.
And thus began my slow yet steady transition, for the better, I think, of standing up for myself more. That 5 minute reaction time decreased until, very slowly, I became used to giving an immediate reaction that was a little more expressive than a look of shock and hurt. In fact, it can get a little angry. And occasionally, I will go beyond that.
I will Go Jersey.
Long before Jersey Shore became well-known for the almost weekly brawls, I credited living in the NYC metro area with bringing out a certain...pugnacious side of me. It's not that I would intentionally pick fights, but when pushed to the limit, my sweet demeanor could turn. Quickly.
My friends and I started calling this, "going Jersey." It would come out at predictable moments: when people cut me off on the Turnpike, when oglers would get too aggressive on the streets of the city and of course, when people yelled at me.
A classic story of going Jersey happened while I was in, of all places, Baltimore. ProMo and I were passing through on our way south to visit our parents, and after a fun night out with some friends, we decided to get a slice of pizza to eat in the car before we hit the road. Now, at this point my car...excuse me...my Pontiac Sunfire sedan...was pretty banged up from, well, living in Jersey and staying generally parked on the streets.
They call them "bumpers" for a reason.
So there we are, ProMo and I, listening to some rap music, windows down, singing along, eating our pizza and savoring each delicious, greasy bite as if our lives depended on it. Just then a car pulls up ahead and attempts to parallel park in the spot in front of us. Now I know that I was and am biased, but even to the novice parallel parker, this spot was a no-brainer. The driver (a female) seems hesitant. She tries, fails, and re-tries. ProMo and I, in a fantastic mood, are happily cheering her on. She almost has it. I, in the driver's seat and still singing, jamming, and eating pizza, gesture for her to keep backing up. The windows are down in the car and ProMo and I are both saying things like, "keep going! You've got it!"
Actually, she's still having trouble. Our cheerleading is not helping. At this point, her boyfriend gets out of the car to help. Our eyes start rolling. Now all three of us are coaching her.
She is close to my front bumper but this is her best attempt yet at actually getting into the spot. Boyfriend looks nervous. ProMo and I are STILL gesturing for her to keep backing up. Between greasy bites and singing, I'm saying things like, "That's what bumpers are for!" and "My car is crap anyway!" and my personal favorite, "Keep going until you hit resistance! Trust me!"
And again, this was a HUGE spot.
Boyfriend's worried look is slowly turning into a look of annoyance. In my head I'm thinking, "Surely this annoyed and suddenly sour face isn't directed towards me. I'm coaching her, for goodness sake." He then opens his mouth and yells...YELLS!... "MOVE!...BACK!"
ProMo and I are dumbfounded. Silent. Music is still blasting but I am acutely aware of at least 2 seconds of silence as I blink and stare with pizza grease dripping from the side of my mouth.
At that point, I'm not exactly sure what happened. I remember lots of yelling and gesturing (if you know me, you know I talk A LOT with my hands), pointing and cursing from both me AND ProMo. Pretty sure pizza bits were flying out of my mouth too. At some point, ProMo either stopped for a breath or realized what we were doing and stopped which made my final words all that much clearer: "...AND BY THE WAY I COULD PARK TWO F-ING CARS IN THAT SPOT!!"
Now it's boyfriend's turn to stare and blink. He quickly and quietly gets into girlfriend's car and they speed off, abadoning the spot and presumably their dreams of pizza for the night.
It's quiet (except for the rap music), I'm still fuming and ProMo says quietly..."I think maybe it's time for us to move away from Jersey..."
And that, my friends, is what it means to Go Jersey.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Home Alone
ProMo is off on another international conference adventure which means over a week of "bachelorette" time for me! Since we've moved to the 'burg, this has happened pretty often, which is great for him and his career. For me, well...
Initially, I whine. I say that I'll be lonely. He and I hang out all the time and many days he's the only person that I talk to, so when he's gone I can go the entire day without talking to anyone. But after a day or so, I start getting used to it.
Then, the inner OCD geek comes out.
I kind of like...OK...I really like being in control of my schedule, meals, and of course the television. I should not admit this, but I even plan out all my meals (normal) and at least one household chore (not as normal) every day. I print off a schedule - which is actually supposed to be a meal planner - and I change the column of "snacks" to "chores." I really enjoy doing it and I follow it every time.
While I do get excited about it like the nerd that I am, I am also fully aware that my days are playing out like a scene (below) from the movie 40 Year Old Virgin.
Seriously. If I had little figurines to paint like Andy (Steve Carell) did in the movie, I probably would. Instead, I do one or all of the following: play Wii, sing karaoke or do sudoku puzzles.
It makes me wonder what I would be like if I were still single. While I would love to think I'd be sipping a glass of wine in a bubble bath every night, I'm pretty sure I'd just be curled up with some puzzles and a dog and maybe some Glee. And frankly, that wouldn't be so bad.
Initially, I whine. I say that I'll be lonely. He and I hang out all the time and many days he's the only person that I talk to, so when he's gone I can go the entire day without talking to anyone. But after a day or so, I start getting used to it.
Then, the inner OCD geek comes out.
I kind of like...OK...I really like being in control of my schedule, meals, and of course the television. I should not admit this, but I even plan out all my meals (normal) and at least one household chore (not as normal) every day. I print off a schedule - which is actually supposed to be a meal planner - and I change the column of "snacks" to "chores." I really enjoy doing it and I follow it every time.
 |
| I know. I'm not right. |
While I do get excited about it like the nerd that I am, I am also fully aware that my days are playing out like a scene (below) from the movie 40 Year Old Virgin.
Seriously. If I had little figurines to paint like Andy (Steve Carell) did in the movie, I probably would. Instead, I do one or all of the following: play Wii, sing karaoke or do sudoku puzzles.
It makes me wonder what I would be like if I were still single. While I would love to think I'd be sipping a glass of wine in a bubble bath every night, I'm pretty sure I'd just be curled up with some puzzles and a dog and maybe some Glee. And frankly, that wouldn't be so bad.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Cinematic
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).
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.
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.
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.
Here's one choice scene. Oh, gravity...
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!
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.
Best sign of Disney's resurgence, pre-Pixar:
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."
Best rom-com you've never heard of: A Lot Like Love
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?
Cheesiest Tearjerker not called "The Notebook":
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.
The original "female-version-of-The Hangover":
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.
Here's one choice scene. Oh, gravity...
Movie that will always make me smile: Steel Magnolias
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!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
So Moeny style and song
I have a post that I started last week and have worked on for a few days. BUT unfortunately, it isn't at the point where I feel like it's "just right." So in the meantime, I thought I'd share a couple of links to tide over any of you who may be looking for a little light summer entertainment. :)
Stylin' and profilin'
The first is my 15 minutes of not-exactly-fame! Back in the spring at the end of the semester, I was walking from my office to my car when I got stopped by a man with a camera who asked if he could take my picture. Now, when I get stopped on campus, it's usually because someone wants to ask for directions or a group of students are asking me to make a donation to some cause, so this was a little jarring for me. He then explained that he wrote a style blog for the local paper, the Roanoke Times. Never missing a chance for a photo op, I said sure! Here's the result:
http://blogs.roanoke.com/stylestreet/
A second listen
OK so...I am a bit of a Howard Stern fan. Have been since I lived in Hoboken. There, I said it.
We stopped listening to Howard out of necessity when he moved off of "terrestrial radio" and onto Sirius satellite radio. Living in Baltimore at the time, we didn't feel the need to splurge for satellite just to hear Howard. But once we moved here and realized that a good portion of our road trips were through radio "dead zones," we decide that satellite was a good option for us now. We love it for many reasons, but an added bonus we can listen to Howard again!
Anyway, this past week, there was a lot of buzz surrounding Howard's interview with Lady Gaga. I've listened to replays a couple of times throughout the weekend and I have to say that many of my opinions of her as a person and artist changed after this interview. And regardless of what your opinion of her may be, I urge you to view the video below.
This is the version of her song "Edge of Glory" that she performed in Howard's studio. It was simply her voice and a piano (which she played) but it completely changed my opinion of this song. I feel like the radio version of this song is extremely pop, nothing really unique or spectacular, and even its 80's influences (i.e. cheesy sax solo) couldn't really sway me.
Then I heard this version and the story behind it, and it was like a totally new song for me. I'm still not a 100% fan of the radio version, but now I can at least envision this and have a new appreciation for it.
Please please please...no matter what you think of Lady Gaga, I ask you to take about 5 minutes to watch this video!
As a background: she wrote this song as/after she was with her grandfather as he was dying. It was inspired by her (and her father's) feelings on watching her grandfather's last breaths and coming to terms with that moment. [You'll notice that she says, "That's about the tequila" after she sings the line "Another shot before we kiss the other side." This is in reference to the fact that she and her dad did a tequila shot when they took a moment to themselves and left the hospice just before (or after...I forget) her grandfather passed away.]
Stylin' and profilin'
The first is my 15 minutes of not-exactly-fame! Back in the spring at the end of the semester, I was walking from my office to my car when I got stopped by a man with a camera who asked if he could take my picture. Now, when I get stopped on campus, it's usually because someone wants to ask for directions or a group of students are asking me to make a donation to some cause, so this was a little jarring for me. He then explained that he wrote a style blog for the local paper, the Roanoke Times. Never missing a chance for a photo op, I said sure! Here's the result:
http://blogs.roanoke.com/stylestreet/
A second listen
OK so...I am a bit of a Howard Stern fan. Have been since I lived in Hoboken. There, I said it.
We stopped listening to Howard out of necessity when he moved off of "terrestrial radio" and onto Sirius satellite radio. Living in Baltimore at the time, we didn't feel the need to splurge for satellite just to hear Howard. But once we moved here and realized that a good portion of our road trips were through radio "dead zones," we decide that satellite was a good option for us now. We love it for many reasons, but an added bonus we can listen to Howard again!
Anyway, this past week, there was a lot of buzz surrounding Howard's interview with Lady Gaga. I've listened to replays a couple of times throughout the weekend and I have to say that many of my opinions of her as a person and artist changed after this interview. And regardless of what your opinion of her may be, I urge you to view the video below.
This is the version of her song "Edge of Glory" that she performed in Howard's studio. It was simply her voice and a piano (which she played) but it completely changed my opinion of this song. I feel like the radio version of this song is extremely pop, nothing really unique or spectacular, and even its 80's influences (i.e. cheesy sax solo) couldn't really sway me.
Then I heard this version and the story behind it, and it was like a totally new song for me. I'm still not a 100% fan of the radio version, but now I can at least envision this and have a new appreciation for it.
Please please please...no matter what you think of Lady Gaga, I ask you to take about 5 minutes to watch this video!
As a background: she wrote this song as/after she was with her grandfather as he was dying. It was inspired by her (and her father's) feelings on watching her grandfather's last breaths and coming to terms with that moment. [You'll notice that she says, "That's about the tequila" after she sings the line "Another shot before we kiss the other side." This is in reference to the fact that she and her dad did a tequila shot when they took a moment to themselves and left the hospice just before (or after...I forget) her grandfather passed away.]
Simply beautiful!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Swiss Miss
2 blogs at once! Craziness!
I'll be making my first trips to Switzerland and Italy and I am excited, but as it is a "work trip" and not a vacation, I am on someone else's schedule. If you know me, you know how difficult it is for me to give up the reins so this is a major accomplishment for me. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to playing tourist and checking out some historical structures and just seeing some new countries.
I hope to get a chance to blog while I'm abroad but if not, don't miss me too much! :) In the meantime, here is my wish list for things to happen in the U.S. while I'm not here:
Well, that's all I've got for tonight. Ciao!
I'll be making my first trips to Switzerland and Italy and I am excited, but as it is a "work trip" and not a vacation, I am on someone else's schedule. If you know me, you know how difficult it is for me to give up the reins so this is a major accomplishment for me. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to playing tourist and checking out some historical structures and just seeing some new countries.
I hope to get a chance to blog while I'm abroad but if not, don't miss me too much! :) In the meantime, here is my wish list for things to happen in the U.S. while I'm not here:
- For no natural disasters or major domestic crises. (Gotta start with the serious one.)
- For Marlon and Eli to not (a) injure themselves or (b) cause too much trouble at Flying Fur! - the dog spa
For "King James" to lose in the NBA Finals.(Oops! Already got that one.)- For UVA to win the College World Series!!
- For that cute girl with the short pixie haircut and round face and that dude named Wadi to NOT be eliminated on So You Think You Can Dance. I want to see them when I get back!
- For Christina Aguilera to pull herself together, for goodness sake (hair brush, properly fitting clothing, easy on the spray tan. It's not hard.) and...
- For Britney Spears to not get injured or go crazy so I can see her, as scheduled, in July!
Well, that's all I've got for tonight. Ciao!
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| The villa in Riva San Vitale where we'll be! |
Monday, June 13, 2011
Green green grass
I'm getting ready for a trip abroad but I couldn't leave the country without a long-overdue blog post!
Over the past couple of weeks, I've started and stopped quite a few blogs.
Ironically, one was about writer's block. :)
But one of the things that I've settled on after a good 2+ weeks of pure observation of the world around me could be summed up by a few cliches.
You can't always get what you want.
The grass is always greener on the other side.
Never judge a man unless you have walked a mile in his shoes.
I've traveled a bit over the past couple of weeks, and in that time I've had the chance to catch up with a bunch of my good friends. Inevitably, it ends up as a mutual admiration club. I wish that I lived in one of the more exciting cities that they live in, but they long for the light traffic and low cost of living in the 'burg. I miss the multiple opportunities to meet new people, they wish that they could be home at a reasonable hour, park in a driveway (or garage) and watch the sunset on a back porch with nothing but the sound of the birds chirping and the wind through the trees.
At the same time, my crop of friends and recent graduates that are entering the working world are quickly wondering why they were sooo ready to graduate. It seems like everyone is wanting what they can't have.
I feel like it's not too much of a generalization to say that most people aren't completely satisfied with at least one aspect of their life. But I think this is totally normal.
Most people will vent occasionally but every now and then you meet those people that like to keep up a good "face" and keep it all inside. I like to say that these people are being very American Beauty. By this I mean, on the outside, they look like they have a perfect life but inside, it's a crazy Kevin Spacey mess. And that's not good for anyone.
Those who scream the loudest have the most to hide.
Sometimes the saddest people have the biggest smile.
With all that said, it can be nice to see my life through someone else's eyes. I could be feeling kind of blah, but then I'll hang out with someone who will tell me that they envy:
The point is, sure...there are a lot of things that I would change about my life if I could, and there are a lot of things that I would keep the same. So for now, I will be content with my perfectly imperfect life. And I hope you will too. Because no matter how it may seem, the grass isn't always greener...
Over the past couple of weeks, I've started and stopped quite a few blogs.
Ironically, one was about writer's block. :)
But one of the things that I've settled on after a good 2+ weeks of pure observation of the world around me could be summed up by a few cliches.
You can't always get what you want.
The grass is always greener on the other side.
Never judge a man unless you have walked a mile in his shoes.
I've traveled a bit over the past couple of weeks, and in that time I've had the chance to catch up with a bunch of my good friends. Inevitably, it ends up as a mutual admiration club. I wish that I lived in one of the more exciting cities that they live in, but they long for the light traffic and low cost of living in the 'burg. I miss the multiple opportunities to meet new people, they wish that they could be home at a reasonable hour, park in a driveway (or garage) and watch the sunset on a back porch with nothing but the sound of the birds chirping and the wind through the trees.
At the same time, my crop of friends and recent graduates that are entering the working world are quickly wondering why they were sooo ready to graduate. It seems like everyone is wanting what they can't have.
I feel like it's not too much of a generalization to say that most people aren't completely satisfied with at least one aspect of their life. But I think this is totally normal.
Most people will vent occasionally but every now and then you meet those people that like to keep up a good "face" and keep it all inside. I like to say that these people are being very American Beauty. By this I mean, on the outside, they look like they have a perfect life but inside, it's a crazy Kevin Spacey mess. And that's not good for anyone.
Those who scream the loudest have the most to hide.
Sometimes the saddest people have the biggest smile.
With all that said, it can be nice to see my life through someone else's eyes. I could be feeling kind of blah, but then I'll hang out with someone who will tell me that they envy:
- the amount of free time that I have
- the fact that ProMo and I are DINKs who can "travel on a whim"
- the fact that we live in a cheap college town
- our lack of "responsibility" (a thinly veiled reference to kids)
- my 8-5 job
- my proximity to nature
- that I have such a cool husband...
The point is, sure...there are a lot of things that I would change about my life if I could, and there are a lot of things that I would keep the same. So for now, I will be content with my perfectly imperfect life. And I hope you will too. Because no matter how it may seem, the grass isn't always greener...
Monday, April 11, 2011
Give me an Update
Oh Facebook.
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).
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
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).
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.
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?
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...
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.
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...
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:
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.]
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
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.]
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Friend Me
I am siicckk people! Home with the pooches with 3 different kinds of -itises. Pretty much everything from the throat up is busted. Ugh! I know I started feeling sick last week but I have no doubt that my weekend festivities did not help the situation.
It was a very fun but very tiring weekend. I got a chance to see my girl Holden who I had not seen in about a year! She moved from DC to Nashville about a year before I moved away and we actually only worked together for a few months but sometimes, you just really have a bond with people and Holden is one of those people.
In fact, most of the good friends I made in DC could be described that way. As I've mentioned before, I only lived there for about a year and a half, but made some of my closest friendships there. I think it just adds to what I love about that city!
Anyway, as I was doing the long drive back to the 'burg, I was thinking about how I have been lucky enough to live a lot of different places and meet so many fun and interesting people. I still tell stories about:
What I appreciate about all my good friends is that I can truly be myself around them. They make me happy and no matter how much time has passed, I know I will spend my time with them laughing and talking for hours. But as time goes on, the communication naturally becomes more sparse. Facebook has been an interesting tool. Overall, I think it's been a positive one for me. It has really helped me re-connect with so many of them: from my friends that I've known since I was 5, to family around the world and everything in between. It's nice to know what is going on in their lives and the convenience can't be beat.
At the same time, what does it mean if we're re-connected but we still don't really communicate directly? We just "stalk" each other's profiles just to get a glimpse into what is going on in each other's lives? It's such an odd phenomenon but it's totally accepted. But really, it's the new standard of communication...facebook, twitter, RSS feeds...BLOGS!!
So where am I going with this?
I guess it should be obvious that I really value personal relationships and friendships. And as we are quickly approaching another graduation, I am interested to see how this generation of college grads will deal with their "friendships." Most of my students have 1000 or more "friends" on Facebook and I wonder if the technology-centered-ness of this generation will help or hinder their ability to sustain their past friendships or even build new ones. I certainly hope so. Because I would really feel like I missed out if I didn't become as close as I did with my friends in the age before social networking.
It was a very fun but very tiring weekend. I got a chance to see my girl Holden who I had not seen in about a year! She moved from DC to Nashville about a year before I moved away and we actually only worked together for a few months but sometimes, you just really have a bond with people and Holden is one of those people.
 |
| My girl Holden and ProMo busting a move in Vegas |
In fact, most of the good friends I made in DC could be described that way. As I've mentioned before, I only lived there for about a year and a half, but made some of my closest friendships there. I think it just adds to what I love about that city!
Anyway, as I was doing the long drive back to the 'burg, I was thinking about how I have been lucky enough to live a lot of different places and meet so many fun and interesting people. I still tell stories about:
- my childhood and college friends
- my first "gang" of friends from graduate school (who knew engineering grad students were so fun?)
- my boys (and volleyball/football teammates) from my first job in Baltimore
- the nerdy-cool-fun work friends from NYC
- my book club and LLS girls in Baltimore
- and of course the LLS crew in DC
What I appreciate about all my good friends is that I can truly be myself around them. They make me happy and no matter how much time has passed, I know I will spend my time with them laughing and talking for hours. But as time goes on, the communication naturally becomes more sparse. Facebook has been an interesting tool. Overall, I think it's been a positive one for me. It has really helped me re-connect with so many of them: from my friends that I've known since I was 5, to family around the world and everything in between. It's nice to know what is going on in their lives and the convenience can't be beat.
At the same time, what does it mean if we're re-connected but we still don't really communicate directly? We just "stalk" each other's profiles just to get a glimpse into what is going on in each other's lives? It's such an odd phenomenon but it's totally accepted. But really, it's the new standard of communication...facebook, twitter, RSS feeds...BLOGS!!
So where am I going with this?
I guess it should be obvious that I really value personal relationships and friendships. And as we are quickly approaching another graduation, I am interested to see how this generation of college grads will deal with their "friendships." Most of my students have 1000 or more "friends" on Facebook and I wonder if the technology-centered-ness of this generation will help or hinder their ability to sustain their past friendships or even build new ones. I certainly hope so. Because I would really feel like I missed out if I didn't become as close as I did with my friends in the age before social networking.
 |
| Buddies...some of these friendships go back over 20 years, some just a few months! |
Monday, February 28, 2011
Why So Serious?
Apparently, in my effort to not talk about dancing, dive bars, or students, I cranked out a pretty depressing blog post. Boo, me! Sorry about that, people. That was never my intention! I guess I was just caught up in a moment. Or maybe, more than anything else, it was just an excuse to put up fun old pictures and raise a virtual glass to my amazing friends. :)
SO, despite the rainy Monday and the bittersweet basketball game on Saturday night (I don't wanna talk about it), my mood has improved throughout the day. This is probably mostly because Spring Break is around the corner...as in, Friday!! And yes, faculty do have to work over Spring Break, but I am choosing to take a couple of vacation days as long weekends to squeeze in some trips. I'm sure I'll have some great stories to share in future posts.
But for now, I have a pretty good backlog of topics that I can't wait to dig into. Even though they won't all happen tonight, this does tell me that I need to get cracking on updating this more regularly! Some of these topics include:
On a related side note to that last bullet, I have invested in a digital voice recorder. Originally, I wanted to buy it for some interviews that I do for work, but then I realized that it may be a tremendous benefit for my blog.
To test out this theory, I brought my new gadget out in downtown Blacksburg on Friday night. And, my friends...it. was. awesome. If I do say so myself.
While it's a bit long, rambling and inside-jokey to all include now, here's a little sample of my observations:
["Genie in a Bottle" by Christina Aguilera and "Criminal" by Fiona Apple have already played.]
Me, speaking into my new favorite toy: They're playing the Spice Girls now. Spice Girls! PLEASE TRY to convince me this is not a 90's bar. This is, like, the 3rd 90's song we've heard in a row. [Pause. Sense of recognition.]
Oh my gosh...these people were, like, 5 years old when this song was popular. OK, maybe 8. AT BEST 8...They would have to have been born in 1989 to be 8. So that's like, seniors. [BTW, I'm impressed by my quick math skills in this situation, but still mad at my overuse of the word "like."]
[Silence while I scan the crowd.]
AND not all these people are seniors. [Pause. scan.] In fact, I would venture to say that 30% of the people here have a Fake ID.
[Another pause, moment of reflection, a-ha moment, and finally, mock horror]
They are shutting down Adams Mill but they're letting these people drink?!? It's a travesty. A TRAVESTY!
...AANNNDD scene. Welcome to a taste of a "chill" night for us in the 'burg. This was followed by sporadic visits from students, who were all quite polite, if not always the most sober.
But back to the blog!
While there is endless hilarious material on life in this town, I WILL get serious every once in a while. There are some pretty significant anniversaries coming up for me, and since this is the best forum for expression that I have, you'll see it all here!
But don't worry, I never take myself TOO seriously so you shouldn't either. ;)
 |
| ProMo raising a glass...er, coconut... 'cuz he's wrong in all the right ways |
SO, despite the rainy Monday and the bittersweet basketball game on Saturday night (I don't wanna talk about it), my mood has improved throughout the day. This is probably mostly because Spring Break is around the corner...as in, Friday!! And yes, faculty do have to work over Spring Break, but I am choosing to take a couple of vacation days as long weekends to squeeze in some trips. I'm sure I'll have some great stories to share in future posts.
But for now, I have a pretty good backlog of topics that I can't wait to dig into. Even though they won't all happen tonight, this does tell me that I need to get cracking on updating this more regularly! Some of these topics include:
- Topic 1: Reality TV (how have I NOT talked about Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler on Idol or that lovable cowboy lug that is The Bachelor AT ALL?! And...THIS JUST IN - one of my original teen idols, Ralph Macchio, is going to be on Dancing with the Stars!! First New Kid on the Block Joey McIntyre, now the Karate Kid? Be still my heart...)
 |
| Daniel-san!! |
- Topic 2: My insane yet awesome dogs, Marlon Jackson Moen and Tito "Eli" Jackson Moen! Oh, have I not mentioned that my dogs are and will forever be named after the Jackson 5 (and their siblings, when I get to 6 names)?
 | ||
| Marlon and the Pringles perp. |
 |
| The Original Marlon and Tito flanking Michael. |
- Topic 3: Travel adventures (lots of fun trips coming up!)
 |
| High security in the Philippines. Not getting through that sucker. |
- ...and the gift that keeps on giving...students and my crazy life in academia. I hope to bring you more amusing stories of my awkward 30-something city-girl self STILL trying to navigate this town of mostly temporary 18-22 year old residents.
On a related side note to that last bullet, I have invested in a digital voice recorder. Originally, I wanted to buy it for some interviews that I do for work, but then I realized that it may be a tremendous benefit for my blog.
To test out this theory, I brought my new gadget out in downtown Blacksburg on Friday night. And, my friends...it. was. awesome. If I do say so myself.
While it's a bit long, rambling and inside-jokey to all include now, here's a little sample of my observations:
The scene - Friday night, Hokie House.
["Genie in a Bottle" by Christina Aguilera and "Criminal" by Fiona Apple have already played.]
Me, speaking into my new favorite toy: They're playing the Spice Girls now. Spice Girls! PLEASE TRY to convince me this is not a 90's bar. This is, like, the 3rd 90's song we've heard in a row. [Pause. Sense of recognition.]
Oh my gosh...these people were, like, 5 years old when this song was popular. OK, maybe 8. AT BEST 8...They would have to have been born in 1989 to be 8. So that's like, seniors. [BTW, I'm impressed by my quick math skills in this situation, but still mad at my overuse of the word "like."]
[Silence while I scan the crowd.]
AND not all these people are seniors. [Pause. scan.] In fact, I would venture to say that 30% of the people here have a Fake ID.
[Another pause, moment of reflection, a-ha moment, and finally, mock horror]
They are shutting down Adams Mill but they're letting these people drink?!? It's a travesty. A TRAVESTY!
...AANNNDD scene. Welcome to a taste of a "chill" night for us in the 'burg. This was followed by sporadic visits from students, who were all quite polite, if not always the most sober.
But back to the blog!
While there is endless hilarious material on life in this town, I WILL get serious every once in a while. There are some pretty significant anniversaries coming up for me, and since this is the best forum for expression that I have, you'll see it all here!
But don't worry, I never take myself TOO seriously so you shouldn't either. ;)
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Brawlin'
OK, so I love sports. Specifically football and basketball, but really, I'll have SportCenter as my "white noise" as easily as I'll have E! News or the Sirius "90's on 9" channel.
Anyway, ProMo and I were at our Thursday night happy hour enjoying our beer, wing tidbits and pizza, and watching sports on approximately 10 different televisions. One of the big stories of the day that we kept seeing on the Highlights was the fight between the goalies for the Pittsburgh Penguins and whoever they were playing. [Since I don't follow hockey, I don't know what their names are nor who the opponent was, but that's fairly irrelevant.]
Let me set the scene for you: there's a standard hockey fight going on. It starts with a couple of guys then maybe a couple more get in on it. Refs are hanging out, doing whatever it is that hockey refs do when a fight is started...which is pretty much stand there and watch the fight happen and wait for it to run its course. Then, the Penguins' goalie somewhat casually skates over the the other goalie. Ref tries to stop him, Penguins' goalie pushes ref out of the way, brawl ensues. Apparently, goalie fights are so rare that ESPN felt the need to put together a video montage of the best goalie fights of all time. Fine.
My question is, why is it not only OK but really, EXPECTED, that there will be a fight in hockey but it is so completely unacceptable in every other sport (except those based in fighting like boxing, of course). Football and basketball players who get in fights get fined, suspended, or both. What do they get in hockey? A 10 minute penalty? Seriously?
I'm not saying one is right and one is wrong, but where did that disparity come in and why?
Anyway, ProMo and I were at our Thursday night happy hour enjoying our beer, wing tidbits and pizza, and watching sports on approximately 10 different televisions. One of the big stories of the day that we kept seeing on the Highlights was the fight between the goalies for the Pittsburgh Penguins and whoever they were playing. [Since I don't follow hockey, I don't know what their names are nor who the opponent was, but that's fairly irrelevant.]
Let me set the scene for you: there's a standard hockey fight going on. It starts with a couple of guys then maybe a couple more get in on it. Refs are hanging out, doing whatever it is that hockey refs do when a fight is started...which is pretty much stand there and watch the fight happen and wait for it to run its course. Then, the Penguins' goalie somewhat casually skates over the the other goalie. Ref tries to stop him, Penguins' goalie pushes ref out of the way, brawl ensues. Apparently, goalie fights are so rare that ESPN felt the need to put together a video montage of the best goalie fights of all time. Fine.
My question is, why is it not only OK but really, EXPECTED, that there will be a fight in hockey but it is so completely unacceptable in every other sport (except those based in fighting like boxing, of course). Football and basketball players who get in fights get fined, suspended, or both. What do they get in hockey? A 10 minute penalty? Seriously?
I'm not saying one is right and one is wrong, but where did that disparity come in and why?
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Wait, I have a blog?
As I was playing around and surfing the web, I saw that my friend Kristen had set up a blog and something in the depths of my brain recalled that I had set one up WAAAYYY back. And lo and behold - here it is! So Moeny was set up in July 2008 when I was moving from DC to Blacksburg, VA to track my life at that time. It was meant to be part training log (I was training for the Virginia Beach RNR 1/2 marathon), and part diary of our adventures going from 3 big cities (New York, Baltimore, DC) to one very small town.
So I have dusted off the cobwebs and decided to try this whole blogging thing out. Will anyone read it? We'll see. But if you do, I hope you'll be entertained by my crazy but lovely life! :)
So I have dusted off the cobwebs and decided to try this whole blogging thing out. Will anyone read it? We'll see. But if you do, I hope you'll be entertained by my crazy but lovely life! :)
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