Pretty.kinda.cool.

But I am le tired

2011-04-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

This has been third attempt to write a new blog post in like 2 weeks. It has been far too long since I have updated, but lately I have been busy with class and life and work and life that trying to find a way to capture it all in a post seems kind of daunting. And then there are days like today when its the perfect opportunity to do so, but all I want to do is nap. This week's lack of sleep has definitely taken its toll on me.

If I had the energy or the time each of these would be their own entry. About the crazy weekend I had about 2 weeks ago for two different people's birthdays. And how lots of drinking and list making and karaoke was involved.

Or about being lucky enough to attend the famed Monochrome party that was hosted by some friends, in their lovely, grown-up apartment. And that after some creative clothing options, the man-pleats on my shorts were well hidden. There isn't even any photo documentation of them - we were that good.

And about how I went to not 1 but 2 concerts this week. The first was to see Foals, which I had never heard of before, but there was an extra ticket and I love going to shows. They were good, it was a fun show. It has definitely been a long time since I was at a show where the singer crowded surfed and flung water out of his water bottle. And that The Submarines show on Tuesday was lots and lots of fun. They did a completely different set than the other times I have seen them and was great integration of their new album (which is super super good).

And if I wasn't feeling as tired as I was not only would there be more detail about these things but also I would have put up pictures of my friend's cool marathon themed birthday a few weeks back. She even ordered running bibs for everyone to wear.

I also will be going for a much needed 3-day weekend to the 'burg to see my favorite girls, have some DQ and see friends. And in the farther off future I will be headed back home - yet again - for the broski graduation celebration.

And maybe then I will post some pictures

When I was in Mexico...

2011-03-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

Its been a week since I got back from the lovely and warm Puerto Vallarta. It was really nice and relaxing and just what I needed. Plus, it was really nice to hang out with my parents - something that I don't think has happened since 2008 and even that time was a rarity. Another bonus to Mexico, is that everyone thought I was much younger than I was, which at 26 isn't that great, but something to keep in mind when I get really old.

This is literally what my mom and I did the entire 5 days and it was a-mazing

This is what the pool area of the resort look like. And there were beds outside that you could lay on as well. The best invention ever

Our last night there at the fancy dinner.

Today is Friday

2011-03-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

Couple of things before I partake in "Fill in the Blank" Friday:

Did you hear, I am going on vacation? A little work inside joke about the fact that yes, indeed I am going on vacation. In like 72+ hours I will be in Mexico with my parents for a whole week. I am so freakin' excited for warm weather. Its about as exciting as finding out the high today with be 47! Who have I become that I get excited for a high of 47?
I want to marry Josh Groban. For reals, ya'll. This is man, is attractive, witty, smart and reference's one of my favorite Lifetime movies ("Mother, May I Sleep with Danger?"). Now all I need to do is convince him to come live in Seattle for the next few years while I finish/start my Masters and then I'll live where ever he wants. Let's make this work, okay? Thanks

Alright, now on with the show:

Thanks Lauren

1. The phrase or punctuation I overuse most is: There are a lot of them, some version of "oh my god" ... omg, ohmygod, oh god, oh my, etc etc. "BTW" I also like to swear, a lot "shit" "motherfucker" are my too most common ones. I know, I know - if my Papa could hear me now. He was the only person who could ever make me feel guilty about my gutter mouth

2. Today I am thankful for: the sheer fact that it is Friday. You have no idea how glad I am that it is the end of the week. People be crazy around these parts lately

3. My best friend is : not just one person, but many lovely ladies who unfortunately don't live near me.

4. A quirky thing about me is: I have to shower everyday ... no matter what. And I know that I don't smell, because those lovely ladies who are my best friends would have told me by now. But its weird thing that I have to do. And I have shower in a particular order, otherwise all chaos breaks loose - true story.

5. This weekend I am going to SoCal, getting a base tan for Mexico and eating In n Out at least twice

6. Something that worries me is: not having enough money, failing at grad school, my Mexico trip getting ruined, my brother being stuck forever at home after he graduates and I am sure I can think of many more things I worry about.

7. On my night stand you would find: My radio/alarm clock, 3 books ("The Hour I First Believed, "Devil in the White City" and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo") personal items and a water glass

Markers that it will be a good year

2011-02-28T18:41:00.000-08:00

Well I survived February. Its no secret that I hate this month, there is just something about it that I have always dreaded. There have been some Februarys where I spent more time in bed/at home than being a productive human being. Though those days were easier when I was in school. And when I have been in the work force, it is a sure sign that I hate February when I am consistently 5 mins late for work.

But, not this year. This year my February has rocked. Sure, work has been crazy busy and well just crazy, these last week or so. But there was also so much needed slow time. And I didn't dread having to get out of bed (well no more than is normal for the winter time, I mean who really wants to get out of a warm bed in the middle of winter?).

In fact I dare say that I have very much enjoyed February. I have helped friends move, been to Super Bowl, birthday and hosted an Oscar party. There have been many, many happy hours with friends and co-workers.

Big life decisions were made and executed. Important conversations where and even many more non-important conversations were had.

I got to see these awesome and amazing boys for a whole week.

I don't think this month could have gotten much better, even if I tried. And getting to go to Mexico in the beginning of March with the parents is going to be a great way to keep the momentum of the year going.

Its that time of year

2011-02-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

Why yes, I am talking about Valentine's Day. And while I don't think I will embark on the epic task of writing something for the whole week until Valentine's Day - I did want to at least share a new playlist of my favorite love songs.

As I say every year now for the reason I send Valentines to all of my friends/family -it is a day about love, who says I can't show that it to all the people in my life. My ideal Valentine would be to send a version of this playlist to everyone, since nothing says "I heart you" like a mixed cd. But alas, my money situation doesn't allow for such extravagances at the moment.

But that is what the internet is for and now everyone can enjoy the music that makes my heart skip a beat.

So without further ado - here is This Modern Love Mix 2 - add these songs to the first mix and you get the perfect blend of songs about Love.

Home - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Suerte - Jason Mraz and Ximena Sariñana*

You and Me - Penny and the Quarters**

Give into Me - Leighton Meester and Garret Hedlund***

Marry Me - Train

The First Five Times - Stars

Even Now - Dashboard Confessional

Something About Your Love - Mason Jennings (though James Mercer is guesting on this version)

Dream a Little Dream of Me - Nicole Atkins

Is This Love - Corinne Bailey Rae

Love Lost - The Temper Trap (love this video)

*Thanks to the youngest Tafoya for telling me about this version of the song, I like it much better than the English version

**Thanks to Ryan Gosling who picked this song for "Blue Valentine"

***I still have not seen the movie, in fact this video is the most of the movie I have seen, but I love this song

The State of the Megan

2011-01-31T20:30:00.000-08:00

I was going through old posts and it seems that every year after my birthday I do some reflecting on my life, where I am at and where I think I should be going. I think it helps a lot that I have a birthday at the beginning of the year when I feel I am already in the mood for changes and fresh starts.

First off, I am 26, which feels old and young at the same time. Its no secret that I am the youngest of my friends that I hang out with on the daily basis (for the most part). So its hard not to feel like I am still young, but it feels old when I think of how far away I am from when I graduated high school or college. It feels old when I think that my brother is turning 24 this year, and I can't imagine that my brother is that old.

It also feels like this is the year that I need to get my shit together. Sure, I have a job, an apartment, pay my bills on time, have a good social life - but its all very much in the now. I am terrible at planning for the future - I am fearful of commitment. I am fearful of taking chances without a huge safety net below. And its not so much the failure - its the constant reminder that I failed, from myself, from others. So part of getting my shit together is making a plan for the future and heading towards a career path.

This means that I have to go to grad school. I take that back, its not just that I have to go to grad school, I want to go and I have an opportunity that most people don't, so I need to stop squandering it. I have an idea of what program I want to go into - but I need to look into it some more. But again, even just typing this makes me feel nervous and tentative. Partly because it seems so daunting and partly because of what if it turns out it isn't what I want either?

Now don't get me wrong - just because I am freaking out about what to do with my life, does not mean I am not happy. I have had close friends make comments that insinuated that I wasn't happy. Guys, I am happy. Trust me. Does that mean I don't want to make some changes? No - but it doesn't mean I don't like my life right now. I do. I am going to try and make a more concerted effort to show that I am happy and if anyone is thinking anything else I am going to chalk it up to them just not actually listening to me.

I do suppose the best part of turning 26 is that it is an even number and from past experiences the even numbered years have been the best ones for me.

So here is to even numbers, making real future plans and being happy.

Its been a while

2011-01-28T10:18:00.000-08:00

Its Friday and that means a Fill in the Blank from Lauren over at the little things we do...

1. If my house was on fire and I could only grab 3 things I would grab: my laptop, important documents folder and my purse. As sentimental as I am, being practical will be way more handy after the fire is over and I have to start my life all over.

2. A smell I really like is: when you are outside, its raining and someone is doing laundry. Best smell ever.

3. Something you might not know about me is:

4. Some of my favorite websites to putter about on are: The Frisky, Seattlest and The New York Times get most of my web traffic besides my FB and Twitter (which often leads to other sites I putt around on)

5. This weekend I will: have an amazing house party for my birthday. I will also get to see friends I haven't seen in a while, which will obviously be an awesome time. I will then proceed to be hungover on Sunday, eventually pick up my apartment and hopefully have some good hangover cure food

6. Nothing makes me happier than: long talks with friends.

7. A bad habit I have is: picking at my nail polish

Top Ten Things I am grateful for

2011-01-25T21:15:00.000-08:00

This last week or so has been stressful at work. And with other personal stresses and my impending birthday, I been in a funk. So in hopes to help get me out of it and get psyched for my birthday tomorrow and celebration today, I going create a "grateful list" - something I haven't done in a while, but helps me keep things in perspective

My new luggage set came in the mail from my parents for my birthday. No longer will I have to hold my suitcases together with duct tape
Not only did all the cables come, but I successfully figured out how to connect my laptop to my tv all on my own. And I then watched the latest episode of "Greek" which was really good.
I had a great work out after work not only because it was ass-kicking but I have gotten a co-worker to come take the class with me as well
I ate dessert first - the one good thing that never changes about being an adult
There is currently a rerun of "The Big Bang Theory" on right now and it always makes me laugh, a lot
Oscar nominations were this morning - more on that later - its always so exciting to see who got nominated and who didn't
I FINALLY got to eat Fritos. I had been craving them for SO long and then it was kismet that I chose to eat at the sandwich place at C-Street today and one of my chip choices was Fritos.
I just have really great friends who are there for me when I need to vent, stress out to, be my plus one at a movie and humor me, etc
Hot Chocolate made in the fancy Keurig coffee maker, spiked with Bailey's
Realizing that my next month or so is going to be jam packed with Birthdays, the Super Bowl, girls nights, the 3rd* Annual MeganEvanBenBrettaplooza, Mexico, Girl Talk, and all the other happy hours and girls' nights that have yet to happen.

*well technically its the 2nd year for that name, but 3rd year of MeganEvanBenaplooza

If they end up just replacing her, I will be pissed

2011-01-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

I have gone on before about my love/obsession about "General Hospital" on this blog. I am sure if you search back there is the story of how I first fell in love with the show and why for whatever reasons I keep watching.

One of the reasons is that longevity of the actors who play the characters. There have been some characters that have been played by the same character from beginning to present day (or end). It is this longevity that keeps me hooked, draws me, makes me fall in love or hate with the character. So when you find a character that is a favorite, one that has been on the show since I have been watching (going on 14 years), you get invested.

It is why that I am so truly upset that Rebecca Herbst has been fired from "General Hospital." Her character Liz, is what got me hooked as a teenager. Her story line about being raped and then finding love and comfort with Lucky. Going from being a hellion of a kid to responsible to married to a mom. And sure, having 3 different kids with 3 different dads and recently loosing all the money in a bad investment wasn't the best choice. But that is not how I remember her. I still remember watching her and Lucky dancing Valentine's Day. I remember her marriage(s) to Lucky. All the times she performed at the Nurse's Ball.

We all know that GH has been going to the way of the mob and focusing less on the hospital. And that they have been phasing out a lot of the vet actors. Has anyone even seen Bobbi around in about a year? And true they killed off most of the Quartermaines (another point of contention) and there is a lack of Cassadines besides just Nicholas and I suppose technically Alexis (though I think they keep her around only because she has to be a parent until they rapid age Molly). So it is no real surprise that something like this would happen. But that doesn't make it any less sucky.

One would think that they would drop this ridiculous Lisa story line and spend more time on Liz. Or stop making it so damn difficult for Michael and Abby to be together. Yeah, we get it, she is a stripper, he is an ex-con, blah blah blah. Didn't we already deal with this when Sonny owned a strip club?

I suppose the most frustrating thing is that there is other fat that could be cut from the show and they chose to cut Rebecca.

With that I leave you with this, the best 10 minutes of the story of Liz and Lucky, clips from the Nurses' Ball and all.

Watching this adorableness makes my ovaries hurt

2011-01-19T12:42:00.000-08:00

This little girl and her dad just get me every time. I have seen the originally YouTube video a bunch of times and its just so cute. Makes me want to marry a musically inclined husband and then we would produce an adorable* child.

And after watching them on Ellen makes me love them even more.

*regardless I will obvs produce an adorable kid

Running as fast as I can

2011-01-17T21:48:00.000-08:00

Back in November I was feeling sluggish and the beginnings of the winter blues. I needed a change of pace - and I apparently took that literally. I decided that I was going to take up running and sign up for a 5K. While to some it might not seem like a big deal, for me this was huge. I have never been a runner.ever. For whatever reason I had bad knees. If I ran too much my left knee (most of the time) would swell up, make it impossible to walk and I would be in a lot of pain. And to top it off, the doctors could never find a cause for the pain. So then I became one of those people who did non-running sports, mostly in the dance, jazzercise, elliptical realm.

Fast forward to this past fall when we had to run for 3 minutes for boot camp and I could do it - with no problem. I never could go more than maybe 2 minutes without having to stop and here I was able to keep up with the faster runners of the class. This all just led to the decision that I wanted to try and run a 5K. It seemed like a reasonable running goal.

To be honest, I had no confidence that I would even be able to do. I don't feel like I am a "runner" or that I could ever be one. But I was going to give a shot - since the very worst that would happen would be that my knee would hurt and I would have to stop.

But that didn't happen.

In fact the first time I tried running the full 5k on the treadmill - I did without stopping. It was amazing. It was more this awesome feeling that I was capable of doing it. My body was a capable body - able to handle the running.

And true, I didn't run as much as I would have liked, since I spent a lot of November and December sick (or busy) with the holiday time. But I did manage to start to carve time out in my life for it. I was slowly improving my time and getting better and being in the running zone and not letting my mind wander and become bored.

Then came this past Saturday, time for the 5k. I was lucky that my good friend 2Meg and her dog Banjo ran it with me. But the best part of it was the running with all these other people. I am not a competitive person (for the most part), but to have others to compare myself to, try and keep pace with or even pass along the way was really fun. Overall, I had a good time and I was even able to run sans ipod and not think of more than just "you can do it. you can run this."

But the best part was my time. I had been hovering around the 38 minute mark for most of the other times I was running. So needless to say I was just a tad shocked to see the time clock at the 32 minute mark when I crossed the finish line. I honestly, didn't believe it. I seriously thought that I had read the numbers wrong. But nope - the official times were posted today and I ran it in 32 minutes and 28 seconds. Go me!

Next up, June 18th and the Seattle Mud Run with the lovely Joanna. And perhaps some others thrown in the mix before then.

Better late than never

2011-01-04T10:06:00.000-08:00

My New Year's Resolution: to finish reading all the books I have started over the last few years.

The first, of course, being:

via

Perhaps 2011 will be the year I finally finish the book that I bough back in August 2007 (gasp - I know). Also on the list is:


via

Technically I have only had this one for less than a year now - but since there is a movie going to be made with Leonardo DiCaprio, I want to finish it before that comes out.

And I would be remiss if I did not say that I will also finish "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." Though I just started this one back in August, so really I would be doing pretty good if I finished it within a year. Plus then I can return it to its rightful owner.

via

Also on the list is "The Hour I First Believed", "On Beauty" and "Helter Skelter" (which might take much longer since that book scares the shit out of me). Then the 4 or 5 other books that I own that I haven't even started and I have owned for quite some time. A literary 2011 it will be.

Disclaimer: This is not to say that I have not been reading any books at all, its just that I find I read well in public places and not alone in my quiet apartment, thus minimizing the amount of books I read.

"I'm the Mentaliz"

2010-12-10T12:58:00.000-08:00

Ok, the quote has nothing to do with the Fill in the Blank or even holidays (well, besides that it is the Christmas episode of "30 Rock").

Without further ado - here is this this week's edition of Fill in the Blank brought to you from Lauren.

{Erin Nicole Photography via weheartit}

1. I wish: to be able to go to sleep before 1am. Seriously, I have no clue what is with me - this is the happiest time of year and I am stress free at the moment. So it should equally plenty of sleep

2. Yesterday I : went through the gauntlet of emotions when I watched "Bones" then "The Office" and Barbara Walter's interview with Oprah. Oye.

3. Today I will: I will go to the library, go on a run and then help break in Jason's new TV.

4. Tomorrow I will: go on a run 2Meg and then we are baking cookies and making gingerbread families

5. Maybe: I will find time to clean my room and really clean the apartment ...

6. Someday: I will not cringe at the thought of having to talk about my career path

7. I love: planning out what Christmas baked goods I am going to make every year. I love finding new and different things to make each year

Best of 2010

2010-12-09T10:32:00.001-08:00

Last year I must have felt very unmotivated to do my Best of list because I apparently didn't. Not sure why exactly, probably had something to do with being sick around this time of year and the impending excitement of all the visitors i would be having at Christmas. Regardless, my Top Ten Best Albums of the year post is back.

Few guidelines for those of you who have never seen my list before. I only pick albums that were released in 2010. I am not the Grammys where it will keep nominating albums/songs years after they were released. I really should make a subsequent list of Top Ten Albums I Discovered in 2010 since Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros album came out in 2009, but I didn't hear it until this year or Florence and the Machine, which I apparently dissed when first hearing in 2009, I absolutely love now. But that would be cheating my mind and as mom always said "Cheaters never prosper"*

Also, I have not heard a lot the albums that are already being listed as the best. I am stilling having personal issues with Kayne West - despite how everyone is saying that his most recent album is so amazing. I also haven't heard all of the new Arcade Fire but I am sure it would have made my list this year since what I have heard is awesome.

Credit

1) Girl Talk - All Day

There are few things in life that are better than a Girl Talk album. Seriously, this man is a genius at mixing music. To not only have a vast knowledge of all sorts of songs - but to then be able to know which ones will flow together, is nothing short of genius in my book. I can't pick a favorite track, because like it says when you go to download the album - it is meant to be listened to in one continuous stream.

Credit

2)Mumford and Sons - Sigh No More

I first heard them on one of the All Song Considered podcast and fell in love. The way they harmonize their voices and instruments is just beautiful. Sure, after listening to the album on repeat for a few days, you kind of feel depressed and get into a funk - but still great music. Nothing makes great music like heartache after all. Favorite Track: Winter Winds.

Credit

3) Stars - The Five Ghosts

Nothing will top "Set Yourself on Fire" ever. However, this was a solid album. I really love the song "Fixed." It did not take as long to get into the way "In the Bedroom After the War" did, that is for sure. It actually reminds me a lot of their earlier work - which could explain why they played a lot off of "Heart" when I saw them last month. Favorite Track (besides "Fixed"): How Much More

Credit

4) Taylor Swift - Speak Now
I am not going to get into the debate of whether she is country or not. I will say that she can write a really good song. Beyond the fact that I like her voice and her music in general, I also like that her songs are really personal and transparent. We all know "Dear John" is about John Mayer - but who cares. Its still a beautifully written song that makes you feel for the narrator - which all songs should do in some way.Favorite Track: Better than Revenge - because its true there is nothing Taylor does better than revenge

Credit

5) Lady Antebellum - Need You Now

While I didn't start listening to them until this past March after Isa was singing "Need You Now" - I fell instantly in love with the group. Its some more pop-country, but I don't care. The lyrics are heartfelt, music is fun and they are just talented all around. And the funny thing is I actually seen the music video for "Looking for a Good Time" once while being forced to watch the CMT Top 20 videos about 2 years ago and I really liked them. I should have just followed up with that inkling and then I would have been so ahead of the curve, instead of hopping on the band wagon. Favorite Track: Need You Now - cliche as it is, still all too relate-able

Credit

6) Maroon 5 - Hands All Over

My biggest fear was that this album was going to suck. Let's face it, "Songs About Jane" was a hard one to top and "Its Not Soon Before Long" was not that great. So I was a little hesitant when the album came out - but I was pleasantly surprised. They somehow found a good blend of SAJ and INSBL, taking all the good parts of both and putting them into one album. Favorite Track: Just a Feeling

Credit

7) Vampire Weekend - Contra

This band will forever remind me of driving in Ash's car the summer before she left for the China. I was super excited when they came out with a new album. They are still able to keep their same sound without sounding repetitive of the first album or bore the listener. Plus, they had Jake Gyllenhal in a video; totally awesome. Favorite Track: I Think UR a Contra

Credit

8) Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

My awesome bro introduced me to this band earlier in the year and to be honest I hadn't listened to them right away. But at some point I must have been listening to them a lot since when I gave them a re-listen to recently I realized that I knew a lot of the songs. True, they are kind of on the more mellow side, but still a good listen. Favorite Track: Airplanes


Credit

9) Corrine Bailey Rae- The Sea

The album is has heart wrenching and emotional as you expect from someone who lost her husband to a drug overdose. But her voice is just so absolutely beautiful, it doesn't really matter what she sings. Even though this song isn't on either of her albums, her cover of "Is This Love" is so beautiful, its almost unrecognizable as the Bob Marley song that we all know. Favorite Track: Paris Nights/ New York Mornings

Credit

10) Kay Perry - Teenage Dream

Ok, I by no means think that she is a particularly good singer, anyone who saw her on SNL can attest to that. I do however think she knows how to put together a good album that is upbeat, catchy and makes you want to dance. And I personally believe that you need to have an album that just does that. Call a guilty pleasure if you must to justify its presence on your ipod - but you know you have one (and maybe its even Katy's album). Favorite Track: Firework

Well there you have it - feel free to comment, judge, add your own.

*which we all know is obviously not true - since people cheat in various ways all the time, it should be "cheaters who get caught never prosper"

Its the Holiday edition

2010-12-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I did one of these - but how could I pass up anything that is holiday related? Thanks again to the lovely Lauren at Little Things We Do ....

{photo from weheartit via this tumblr}

1. Holiday spirit: is something that everyone should have. You don't have to spend money or buy lots of gifts to have holiday spirit.

2. The holidays are incomplete without a tree, watching A Christmas Story on Christmas Eve and loved ones (friends and family)

3. My favorite things to do around the holidays is: bake up a storm and spread holiday cheer

4. A holiday tradition my family and I have is: Doing something that is our family only on Christmas Eve. It used to be that we would do things with my Mimi and Papa, but after Mimi passed away, and Papa moved in with my Aunt Diane, my family started our own tradition of getting dressed up and going out to dinner. Then we could open one present and it was always the one from my Aunt Diane.

5. Holiday music is: only appropriate after Thanksgiving. It is my favorite thing to organize my Holiday Music playlist.

6. This year, I'll be spending the holidays: at my parents house. After spending two Christmases elsewhere its time to go home.

7. Holiday wish list: being able to make it home on time and no snow messing up my flight and to be able to make it back to Seattle in time to celebrate with NYE with my friends

Its the most wonderful time of the year

2010-12-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

I know its been a while since I updated. Long story short between being sick (apparently its a sinus infection) and being out of town, keeping up with blog has definitely been back burnered.

But now that it is my favorite time of year, its only appropriate that I update now. I was able to bribe Jason with dinner, dessert and booze to come over and help/keep me company as I decorated the tree. As much as I am getting used to basically living by myself, there are still some things that I don't want to do alone. Decorating for Christmas is one of them.

My lovely, pre-light, fake tree. I caved and purchased one and not going to lie, it is nice to bend the branches at my will

Just a small sample of the lights that have taken over the apartment and lovely garland as well

Yep, that is my fireplace. I love being able to adorn a fireplace again with stockings, really feels like Christmas that way

And nothing like a nice snow fall and days off to also put me in Christmas spirit. This doesn't even begin to show the dumping that happened last Monday. Though of course by Wednesday most of the roads were clear and by the time we got back into town on Sunday all of it was completely melted.

The Church of Love and Happiness

2010-11-07T22:52:00.000-08:00

Whoa - this week has been pretty whirlwind for me and its still going strong today. Movies, concerts and hanging out with friends were all a part of it.

First the movies:

Monday I went to a free screening of "Due Date" - which was not as funny as I would have liked it to be. It was good enough for a free screening (or Netflix) but not something that I would want to pay for despite the fact that I love Robert Downey Jr.

Then on Thursday we went to a screening of "127 Hours" which was really good. I was worried that James Franco was not going to do a good job* but I was proved wrong. It is was a very emotional movie and even though we all knew the ending going into it, it didn't make it any worse. Also, the arm-cutting off scene was graphic, but in reality its exactly how you would think one would do it if he/she had to cut off her/his arm.

I also finally watched "Winter's Bone" which was not as depressing as some made it out to be. But it was also amazing, I thought it was a phenomenal film. The acting was great and if it doesn't get recognized at any of the major award ceremonies this year I will be thoroughly disappointed.

And now on to the concerts:

Friday night one of the besties had come up from Portland for the Aloe Blacc show. I had only heard his music once before (when she was telling me she wanted to go to the show and had no one to go with), but it was amazing. He was a great showman, kept the audience engaged and was all around entertaining. And of course, he was apparently standing next to me for the longest time when one of the opening acts was performing, but I didn't notice. Oh well.

This is one song I realized I had heard before was this one:

Then, Saturday night, Jason and I finally got to see Stars together and boy was it an amazing show. Up and coming Seattle band, Fences was the last minute opener for them and they were great. True, they were pretty mellow and were making me sleepy** but it wasn't bad music.

Then Stars was great per usual. They did a great balance of new and old songs. They played a lot of songs off of "Heart", which I was pleasantly surprised about. Also, Amy Millan (lead singer) was pregnant, so that was exciting to see. And I think she was more energetic in this show than I have seen her before. It was just a great show. Stars is one of those bands that sound great on their albums but somehow manage to sound 10x better (every time) live.

The best part was the acoustic version of "Ageless Beauty" - so good. This obviously isn't from when I saw them - but still.

*Have you seen an interview lately or when he was on GH?
**I had been going off of 4 hours of sleep that day ... actually for most of the days this past week

Halloween Review

2010-11-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

Alright, I will admit it - I actually had fun this Halloween. Shocker, I know. I am pretty sure this has been the first Halloween in the last 5 years that I had a lot of fun. It is probably because I had an awesome costume that people actually got. Apparently despite Seattle being the grunge capital of the world, no one got the one year that I was Angela Chase.

I also think the best thing about my costume was that it maybe cost me a total of $5 as well. If I was going to participate in this holiday it was going to be at minimal effort and cost on my part. Though it paid off and I was the greatest international criminal the world has ever known ......

Carmen San Diego.

(that is Becca in her awesome Mavrick costume - photo courtesy of Jason)

It was a lot of fun being recognized on the street and at bars. I am apparently going to be in a lot of stranger's pictures because that is how awesome I was. It was also fun in general hanging out with my friends and not only being at a house party but also a couple of bars.

And, I still got to continue the Halloween tradition of watching a scary movie since the ladies and I went and saw "Paranormal Activity 2". I really liked it - thought it fit in well with the first one and definitely more suspenseful than the first one. We also got to eat yummy food at the Old Spaghetti Factory. Also trips to Michael's and Party City got me super excited for not only Christmas, but also my birthday. It is going to be awesome and gold-rific. Just you wait.

It is a right afterall

2010-10-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

Here's the deal - I am all for free speech* even if I disagree with the person they still have their right to speak their mind, just as I have the right to speak mine. However, it really bothers me to know end when people abuse this right to spread hatred, bigotry and down right ignorance. For those who are already social media friends with me else where, you have seen the Marie Claire link that I posted from Maura Kelly (if you haven't read it already, do so now).

By now, many many people have chimed in and Marie Claire is now having people write counter opinions to the piece in sad attempt to save face. While I am sure that what I have to say about it is nothing that hasn't already been said - but I still feel like I can't just sit quiet. I mean, Maura Kelly gets to have her opinion - I better express mine.

Some may argue that the apology that she wrote later makes it better or that Marie Claire offering these counter pieces. But it doesn't. The fact that Maura or Marie Claire didn't have the sense in the first place to think of how off base and offensive this might be is the problem. The apology just adds to the fact of how little they thought through of what they said. Trust me, coming from a girl who has had to apologize a lot for what she has said over the years - it just emphasizes how wrong you were in the first place.

Also Maura Kelly struggled (and I would dare to say, still struggles) with anorexia and yet she couldn't see how wanting to loose weight could be a mental and physical struggle for people? How naive do you have to be to see that on either end of the eating spectrum both extremes are struggles? Its like Stacy Ballis pointed out in her blog, eating is not like a drinking or drug addiction - you can live without drugs and alcohol. You can't live without food.

If it really was so easy to loose weight and have a healthy lifestyle as Maura describes, why didn't she follow her own advice? Just because she was anorexic does not mean that she did not have the same emotionally charged relationship to food that "fatties"** do. But what because she starved herself, thus being skinny and fitting more into the norm what is deemed acceptable she is more right than someone who overeats or emotionally eats.

As someone who has constantly been struggling with her weight for the last 10 years, neither side is easy to deal with. And when I read something that is so flippant and callous about weight loss/management I get upset. Oh really, I didn't know that if I just stood when I was at my computer or exercised for a consistent amount daily*** I would have no weight issues. Gee, why didn't anyone tell me that when I was 15 years old and overweight. If I had known it was that easy, sure would have saved my family a lot of money on Weight Watchers. Definitely would have saved on some counseling bills, comments from family members and all around hard time that I have had most of my life.Who knew things were that simple? I could have been saving myself so much grief and heart ache and self-loathing ... I can do it (there really does need to be a sarcasm font).

She should know better than to assume it is purely about food. It rarely is. It is about so much more whether you are eating it or not eating. To assume that people who are overweight can simple stop their bad habits is the same to assume that she could just start eating when she wasn't.I suppose that is what gets me more than all the other ignorant and idiotic things that she said was that she could not make the connection that her battling anorexia had anything to do with her view of overweight people. At least have some sense of self-awareness that this could be clouding the way you view the world.

If I was ever wondering before why I still read Marie Claire magazine**** I am really reconsidering my subscription now.

*unless it of course incites riot, pain, harm to others etc, etc

** seriously, I can't even believe she used that word

*** which I do btw
**** its hard to pass up a 2 year subscription for $18, when at the time it was a magazine I could still tolerate

How to plan a 30th birthday

2010-10-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

Don't worry - I am not turning 30, I'm not that old.* But a good friend of mine is turning the big 3-0 in January and I told him I would help plan the party. Part of the reason I took on the task was that I need something to do with my time. Seriously, people - I am finding that I am getting too lazy once I get home from work and I feel like if I embark on something that doesn't revolve around me** that I will get back into the swing of being motivated.

I also want to help with the party because as we are all aware that birthdays are a BIG DEAL to me and milestone ones should be an even bigger deal. Not to say that I am sure that my friend can't do this on his own, but maybe its because I hate planning my own birthday that I think that others should help out with birthdays.

Nevertheless, my new mission is to plan a party that is worthy of a 30th birthday. But then of course I had the realization that I have never organized something this big before. The closest was a holiday party that never was*** for an old job and even then it was only for like 20 people. But even then, that didn't seem like that big of deal, perhaps because work parties just seem easier to organize and there isn't that big of a stigma on them. Work parties don't have to be the greatest things in the world, but birthdays, birthdays have to be pretty freakin' awesome.

So that is where I am and all suggestions are welcome. There are a few guidelines, it must be parent/under 21 friendly for at least a good portion of the night, must be more enticing than just a birthday itself to get people to drive over mountain passes. Relatively inexpensive.

*that was put in just for you Moni

** and obviously volunteering or taking classes or something else is just too productive to do with my time

*** damn snowstorm

Short Fill in the Blank for a Long Friday

2010-10-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

{photo by Photos Day! via We Heart It}

1. I am: a friend, a sister, a daughter, a cousin, hip, a niece, witty, sarcastic, defensive and a smart girl that Rivers sees everywhere

2. I wish: I was not in debt (even if it is mostly "good debt"), that I could travel more, that people would articulate themselves better, that I didn't get sick like 4x a year no matter what I do

3. I like: books and books and books and free screenings for movies, baking, long talks with friends, good food, booze, hugs, kisses, being around happy people, music and more music

4. I can: "I can take my clothes off, I cannot fall in love.... I can start a book, I can make some mac and cheese, I can sleep 12 hours, " ... ok so maybe not the most upbeat song lyric to choose to define what I can do, but it was what I was last listening to

5. I hope: that I don't get snowed in when I leave for home on Christmas Eve (La Nina be damned ... oh, and yes I am aware that is still2 months off)

6. I think: far too much about myself and over analyze everything

7. I was: once more fearless than I am today

My life the last 2 weekends

2010-10-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

I had tried 2 other times to post this entry - and the darn interweb was not having any of it. But I have prevailed and here is a glimpse into what my world was like when both of the besties were in town these past few weekends

Why yes, those are skittle shots in our hands. And they are as delicious as they sound

Don't be fooled, Baby Dragon loves the jacket that Tia Ashley got her

We discovered that we are more obnoxious as adults in stores than little kids. Perhaps there is the knowledge that there is little that can happen to you if you do annoy a store manager

HAPPY 26th BIRTHDAT BEX!

It is a Cupcake* kind of Friday edition

2010-10-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks, yet again, to the great Lauren for whom which I would have nothing to blog about. This week's excuse: work was SUPER SUPER busy and I was way drained by the end of the day. But I will update soon with the Halseth's visit and then the Bex's birthday.

1. The first thing I do in the morning to start my day is: pee, take my meds, fix my contacts. If its M-Th, I brush my teeth and then put on my gym clothes. If its F-Sun, I take a shower (in which I also brush my teeth)

2. Today I wish I was: no where in particular. Obviously if I didn't have to be at work that would be great, but today is really quite calm so I am not minding having to be here. The weather outside is the perfect day for going to the movies though.

3. If I had an extra $100 in my bank account today I'd : leave it there. Maybe it would end up paying for the hotel for the wedding next weekend. Or go towards those drinks at HH. Either way I would not be doing anything special with it. I suppose I could use some of it and get my rainboots

4. Tomorrow: I will be proctoring the SATs and then napping and then partying it up for the birth of the bestie!

5. Two things that don't go together are; being sick in the summer. Seriously, have you ever been ill when it is hot and the summer? It is the worst.

6. Something I can never pass up at the grocery store is: if there is a sale on frozen pizza, especially Tony's. It reminds me of college and what I used to eat for most of my senior year of college. Then they raised the price - not in proportion to the quality so I stopped buying. But then the other day it was on sale for under $2 - so I could not pass that up.

7. The last time I tried something new was: it will be tomorrow when I try to make and then eat the birthday dessert Bex wants.

*Cupcake Royale to specific - triple threat since they were all out of the Blue Mountain Huckleberry

"Jordan Catalano does not do dances. Its like policy"

2010-09-25T21:08:00.000-07:00

As I made blatantly aware in the last two posts I am slightly on the ill side. And while I feel like come Monday I will be ok, it is really difficult to confine myself to my bed / taking it easy the rest of the time. I was at least able to go outside for a little bit to walk and from to Grocery Outlet (though that then resulted in my having to take a 2 hour nap).

However this time I have been feeling super nostalgic as I have been watching "My So-Called Life"basically all day long. It reminds of when I would watch the show when I was home sick on MTV. While I am pretty sure I might have snuck an episode here or there when it was originally airing, I don't think that it was on the top list of things my parents allowed me to watch in 4th grade. Either way, it was something I looked forward to when I had to be home sick. If I was going to be ill at least I got to watch some good TV.

Over the years I have re-watched the show and I have to say it still stands up as a great show. Even though I have grown out of my angsty teenager phase, I still relate to Angela Chase. I too, often wish there was a button I could push to make myself stop rambling when talking to a guy I like. Usually when I am around the angsty youth of America (fictional or real) I usually want to tell them "be nice to your parents" "stop whining" "you are not as prolific as you think" but when I watch the show, I don't feel as superior. I just feel like I did when I watched the show originally and still have that connection to the character.

The "I'm not getting sick" version

2010-09-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks again to Lauren who keeps my Friday mornings filled with these

1. In the story of my life the actor who would play me would be: While I would love it if Kristen Bell would play me, we all know she is too cool (and does not look anything like me) and funny to play me. Perhaps Mandy Moore ... she has the right amount of wit/charm and looks closer to me than KB

2. If I could change one thing about the world it would be: the fact that I cannot get Coca-Lite in the US or Gummy Smurfs outside of France

3. Yesterday: I realized that I think I caught whatever it is that is going around the office and promptly started over medicating and upping my liquid intake (though its really hard to drink more than a gallon of water a day, let me tell you).

4. My favorite comfort food is: pizza or homemade chocolate chip cookies

5. My new favorite blog find is "Living with my parents is cool"

6. If I could meet any blog friend (who I haven't met yet) in real life, I'd choose to meet : Chelsea at Triumphs and Blunders ... because 1) she and I would bake up a storm 2) she was one of my first non-in real life blog followers 3) um, hello have you read her blog she is totally fun and awesome.

7. My favorite breakfast food is : that is like choosing your favorite child*

*don't worry Mom, I know it is me

El Fin

2010-09-24T10:43:00.000-07:00

Day 30 (ish)

A photo of myself today and 3 good things that happened this month.

Ok, I had every intention of doing this yesterday and even taking a real time picture of me and I started to feel ill. I went from working in a place that I was not around a lot of people, to back into a smaller office environment where eventually everyone gets ill. Plus, being on campus and working with students who live on campus, its like one giant germfest over here. Needless to say, this is not one of the good things that happened this month. But to make up for it, I will post the picture of me and my friends as bananas..

3 Good Things that Happened

1) I sang in front of a live audience with a real band. It was so much fun. Now I know why people want to be rockstars. Thanks to my good pal, Jason was suggesting that we do Rock-a-roke (karaoke with a live band) I sang "Buddy Holly" by Weezer. Plus you can't hear anything besides the band when you are singing so you really have no idea how bad you may sound. Photo courtesy of Moni

2) I am the proud owner of my first pair of designer jeans. I was at Value Village looking for costume stuff when I decided to just peruse the jeans section since I needed a new pair. Someone was getting rid of their Se7ven, True Religion, Perry Ellis and Citizens for All Humanity jeans! So after trying on every pair, I found one that fit me just perfectly and for $25! (which if you know me, you know that I never pay more than that for jeans to begin with). I also found the exact size Sigg water bottle I have been looking for and it was only $2.

3) I have gotten to see movies that I wanted to see in general for free. I highly recommend both "Easy A" and "The Town"

Collections

2010-09-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

Day 29:

Things I collect and what I want to collect

Ok, we all know that I have thoroughly slacked at doing this everyday - but I am trying to at least keep up with it and not flake out.

I don't really collect things anymore (I would love to collect more money... oh, wait that is called saving ... hmm, doesn't sound as nice as collecting).

In my youth I used to collect lots of things. I collect the "Got Milk" ads from magazines. I had a 3-ring binder that had all the ones I collected. I believe I was up to about 50 or so, however many had been made by the time I stopped collecting. I also had 3-ring binders of magazine clippings for bands (ok, just NSYNC) and tv shows (Dawson's Creek got their own binder) and actors/actress that I like (be still my heart you lovely boys from Boston - Ben and Matt).

I used to collect lots of 'I Love Lucy" things as well, and while my knowledge of the show and Lucille Ball has not disappeared the paraphernalia has. When I was real little, I had a nice amount of New Kids on the Block stuff.

I have a nice DVD/VHS collection, but that has slowed. I used to have a massive book collection, but again that has halted significantly. Between moving across the country twice (the 2nd time on a shoestring budget) and not having a lot of money, buying movies and books have been put on the back burner. Why pay for it when I can get them from the library for free? Plus, its not like I still don't own half a dozen books that are still on my "to read" pile.

So really I am not collecting anything besides the random trivia that I seem to pick up along the way.

Best Part of My Day

2010-09-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

Day 28:
The best part of my day

Its that split second between being awake and being asleep. You know that moment that you don't have to think of if you are really falling asleep or not. It doesn't matter how long it took to fall asleep or even if you have a restless sleep - in that moment it just perfect.

Speak Loudly

2010-09-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

Day 26:
Something I never get tired of doing:

Defending books that people want banned.

I suppose its no coincidence that the man in Missouri is trying to ban "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson right before Banned Book Week starts. But nonetheless it did gets my blood boiling.

Obviously this isn't the first time I have defended the books people want banned and I have even talked about how I read "Speak" after my journalism teacher in high school recommended it to me because was teaching it to her 9th grade class. I was even overwhelmed with emotion when I met Halse Anderson last year and she signed my copy of the book.

But I don't think I have ever felt so enraged about a book being banned (well so far) than I am right now about Wesley Scroggins trying to get "Speak" banned in a Missouri school district. It is also not the only book he is trying to get banned, but its the reasoning behind it that really bothers me. Last time I checked a teenage girl getting raped is not considered pornography and I (and also Halse Anderson) find it disturbing that he thinks this. The thing that also gets me is that he interprets the book as something that just does not happen to the community he lives in. The students there don't have parties, they don't have sex, they don't get raped and they don't few the adults with just a tad bit of distain. I didn't know that Pleasantville was in Missouri.

For anyone who even went to high school knows that no matter where you live, no matter what you believe or what you were taught, these things happened at your school and you know it. The reason Halse Anderson is such a revered author is because she is good at what she does. When you read "Speak" and the rape scene, you feel uncomfortable (as you should when reading such things) because of the way it is written. It by no means is glorifying any sort of obscene behavior. It does not advocate anything more than standing up for yourself and not being silent.

And defending all literary works is something I will never get tired of

Things that annoy me

2010-09-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

Day 26

Pet Peeves

I decided that if I was going to write the Pet Peeve entry I would wait until I was not in "Day of Complaining" like I was yesterday. Though spending the day alone and not doing much has re-energized me a bit and I am not so on edge. So with that my Top 5 Pet Peeves.

1) People who chew with their mouth open. Along with that goes people who talk with food in their mouths. Especially when they are on the phone and they are the person who called you! Take the time to finish chewing and then speak.

2) People who have LARGE umbrellas and take up the entire sidewalk. There is no reason ever to have an umbrella that large that takes up an entire sidewalk

3) Mouth breathers

4) People who throw trash in the sink, like a napkin or a tea bag or a sticker from the fruit. THE TRASH CAN IS RIGHT THERE USE IT!

5) People who ask questions during movies/television shows. I don't know what is happening or why someone acted that way, I am watching the same thing you are. So please stop talking.

Its a full Friday for me

2010-09-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of the totally awesome Lauren at Little Things We Do ...

1. When I get a day to myself I like to marathon TV shows, maybe do some baking. Lounge about in lazy day clothes, pamper myself.

2. High school was.... a means to an end.

3. A little dream I have is own a bookshelf

4. A big dream I have is to find a job that turns into a career that I love

5. If I could drive any car my pick would be 1965 Mustang Convertible in Yellow (i would also magically be able to drive stick)

6. A time that I felt really and truly beautiful was homecoming my senior year of high school. It was this great dress that I had bought back in August, a friend's cousin did my makeup and my first only date to a dance was my crush (this is not to say that this was the only time I have ever felt truly beautiful, it is just the first memory that came to mind)

7. Tomorrow I will.... be watching Season 6 of Entourage, cleaning my room and sleeping

Crushcrushcrush

2010-09-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

Day 25: My celebrity crushes

Celebrity crushes are nothing new to me. When I was 5-years-old, I was in love with Joey Mac from New Kids on the Block. As I got older my love grew for Jonathan Taylor Thomas. I had a closet door filled with just his picture.

All of my allowance money went to Bop and Tiger Beat magazines. My walls were adorned with all the celebrities that I loved the most. I really didn't grow out of that phase until halfway through my Freshman year of college. But just because I have not outwardly shown my love here are some of the celebrities that I swoon after:

These two boys from Friday Night Lights:

And this lovely man, ever since his days as Angel:

If he wasn't in a great relationship and about to be a dad, I would totally wish that he was straight:

I don't even have to say anything, you all know how I feel about this lady:

I want her to do another movie or another album - and to want to be her bff as well

Everyday Things

2010-09-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

Day 24: My life necessities:

I would just link to my entry about what is in my purse since those are the things I have with me everyday. However, if I am not feeling like lugging my purse around the basics that I must have with me are:

keys
cell phone
chap stick
ID
form of money (cash/card)
health insurance card

My drug is you

2010-09-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

Day 23: TV Show I am Addicted to?

For those who know me (or even partial readers of this blog) know that I love television shows and if there is a show that I love, I become somewhat obsessed with it (re: Veronica Mars, Dawson's Creek, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, HIMYM, I Love Lucy, Degrassi, Friday Night Lights ....). So narrowing it down to just one show is hard, but I must say despite how many "Veronica Mars" converters I have made, the people that I have gotten turned onto "Bones" is probably greater.

The show that I am obsessed with is "Bones."

I started watching the show about two years ago when I was feeling nostalgic for what David Boreanaz was up to those days. I had vaguely heard about the show but nothing had ever stuck. But the moment I started watching season one I was sucked in. In about a month I had watch all of seasons one, two and most of three. I caught up in real time with seasons 4 and was engulfed with the characters and the relationships. I had gotten my roommates hooked to it as well. Both of them have their own notorious stories of how many episodes they had watched in one day (it rivals on 6 or 7).

What I love about the show the most is that it is that you can see it constantly growing as the seasons go on. These are not stagnant people, the evolve, learn and yet the you are always able to see the core of each of the characters. I have laughed and cried at these episodes. There is an episode in season 5 that I was literally yelling my frustrations at the television. I only get that way when it comes to sporting events.

I would share you my favorite (and probably the most heart-breaking) scenes from the show, but since I know that my good friend Moni, is not quite caught up I am not going to ruin it for her. All I will say is it is at the end of the 100th episode.

I highly recommend that you watch this show if you don't already.

The Place I Call Home

2010-09-13T22:48:00.000-07:00

Day Twenty-Two:
A Picture of my town

Many moons ago, I was invited to the advanced screening of "A Lot Like Love" and for those of you who haven't seen it, Amanda Peet's character at one point is this photographer who's focus is on taking pictures where the background is blurry/ in motion but the people in the foreground are in focus. Something about timing and standing still. Anyway, at the screening was the actual photographer who's work was used in the film. She is a local and the picture below (which is also seen in the movie) is taken in front I-5 in Seattle. I used to have a postcard of this print and I think I might somewhere, but whenever I see it or think of it, it reminds me of the "town" I love.

However, due to copyright, blah blah, hard to find the image on the internet, I can only lead you to the photographer's site http://www.kristenimig.com/ and under her "lifestyle" section it is the 10th photo in. Nothing about it says Seattle and yet to me it just screams it.

Eat out

2010-09-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

Day Twenty-one: Picture of my favorite place to eat

It is really hard to chose my favorite place to eat, since I love food and going to restaurants. There are many, many places that if I could eat at without consequence I would, so to narrow it down to just one is real difficult. So I guess it really would have to be In n' Out.

Dream, Dream Dream

2010-09-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

Day 20: Dream Wedding*

My Dream Wedding:

Getting married to someone I want to spend the rest of my life with
In a dress that makes me feel beautiful
With my best friends standing beside me in dresses they chose to wear in whatever color I decided to have for my wedding
And being walked down the aisle by my dad
Having the ceremony performed by a justice of the peace or someone else who is ordained to perform the ceremony
Reading the vows that we wrote to each other
Witnessed by our closest friends and family
Having the ceremony in the same place as my reception
Have appetizers out while some of the after the ceremony obligatory photos are taken
Eat really good food
Have a DJ that listens to the requests of the guests, does not play typical wedding music and never once clears the dance floor by blatantly saying "this next song is for all you lovers out there"
Dancing my first dance as married couple to either a song we both agree on or a mash-up of the two songs we couldn't agree on. Marriage is about compromise after all
Having my Father/Daughter dance to "Forever Young"
Paying $10 for a banquet liquor license, buying a couple of kegs with good beer, cases of wine and paying some one's friend/family member to vaguely manage the booze all night. Perhaps have gotten some Costco sized amount of alcohol as well for the Bridal Party
I am going to have a small wedding cake surrounded by cupcakes, so that I still have something to slice into and smash into my now husband's face
I am going to get to eat the food I paid for, drink the booze I paid for and perhaps get a tad tipsy
I am going to make sure that the Best Man, Maid-of-Honor, parents and any other speech givers know that they are going to make a speech and threaten with bodily harm if they tell any inappropriate stories
Have the venue for the entire night, so that everyone can dance the night away

*I am skipping day 19 since we all know my dream pet is no pet at all.

My last summer Friday edition

2010-09-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

Alas, it is true folks, the Fridays of leaving at 3pm are over for another year for me. It really sucks because when I got hired on Summer Fridays had been in full effect so I am not used to having to work a full Friday yet*

But without further ado, here is this week's Fill in the Blank Friday from Lauren at Little Things We Do. Enjoy!

1. The strangest thing I've ever eaten is: Chicken Talons ... and let me tell you they are not tasty at all.

2. I wouldn't be caught dead: In this Jimmy Buffet Calla Lily Shirt

3. When I am 75 I will.... be alive and awesome per usual

4. If I had to be named after a place I would want to be named: Bora Bora because I am so nice they named me twice ... bahahah

5. My name is "Megan" after a name my parents picked because it was not the name of any ex-girlfriend, rowdy student or mean person that my parents had come across yet. Little did they know that millions of parents all over the US were naming their daughters the exact same thing in 1985. And "Elyse" because ... well it sounded good with Megan**

6. My all time favorite photo is : I have 2. One is of when I was about 2 years old and I am standing in the wading pool in my grandparents' yard looking adorable and then in the background is my mom and mimi's legs. It doesn't sound awesome written out, but I don't have it with me to scan and show.

The second is of when it was my first time in the 'Burg and I was napping on the couch and Rubi came and attacked me - and you can just see us both laughing. Its pretty much sums up our friendship

7. If I could afford it I would: travel all the time. And I would take everyone I wanted with me.

*why, yes this the world's tiniest violin I am playing, I am glad you asked

** I obviously have no idea why my parents chose my middle name as Elyse

What a difference a year makes

2010-09-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

Day Eighteen
A Photo of me now and one from last year and how I have changed

This is me then

And this is me today:

Quite a lot has changed, as you can see I am now Oprah circa 1988 and have an enormous forehead. Its amazing what that year in New York did to me. People said it changed me, I just never believed them.

Day Seventeen: How I spend my hard earned money

2010-09-08T21:44:00.000-07:00

A picture of the last thing I bought:

I bought it yesterday afternoon when I needed a pick-me-up for working the "late night" shift. Pretty exciting isn't it? Too bad it wasn't Sunday because I got some pretty cool things at Target, like hair spray and deodorant.

So many days, I almost lost count

2010-09-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

Alright - here it goes, all days of the blogging challenge in one LONG entry, because that just seems better than creating, about 4 different ones.

Day 13:

Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day + why.

Who would not want to be Veronica Mars? She is a badass, snarky, smart, pretty, witty, a good person. She is a P.I., solves all sorts of crimes and gets to kiss cute boys. Sounds like the life to me.

Day 14
plans/dreams/goals you have.

Plans(something I love making)
-Ash visiting in 3 weeks (squeal)
-Hosting Rubi's birthday party in Oct
-Host Thanksgiving at my apt*
-Go home for Christmas**
-Stars concert in November

Dreams:
-own a home with a yard
-find someone who wants to marry me and raise a family with me
-be able to afford to travel more
-No longer paying off my student loans

Goals:
-Pay off my credit card by end of November
-Consistently work out 4x a week
-Happiness
-Write thank you notes more

Day 15
what makes you different from everyone else.
Its simple, all you have to do is look into my eyes....
No seriously, my right eye is half brown/half blue and my left eye is completely blue. Pretty different.

Day 16
Things you crave a lot

I crave lots of things, just depending on my mood, where I am and what I am doing. Like when ever I have overdone my dairy intake and detox myself for the week that is the moment that I want milk or cheese or ice cream. But the moment I am digestively good to go - don't crave it as much.

This is seriously some of the best ice cream. Plus, they make homemade waffle cones and it always smells so delicious when you walk into the place.

Since you can't get this in the US, I do "settle" for Diet Coke, but man there are many times when I just wish I had Coca-Light.

I am seriously going to be eating this everyday I am at home - no joke. I haven't had in 2 years and I just salivate looking at it. As I am super elitist I do not want the chain to grow much bigger, I would not be opposed to them opening one in Seattle.

*If you are going to be in the Seattle area, you should come by, its always a good time and always lots of food

**If you want come home with me, meet my crazy family, eat lots of In n Out - you totally should as well.

Just chillaxin'

2010-09-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

Now that I am back into work/regular life mode, I feel like I can function normally (ie write a real blog post). The three day weekend really wiped a lot of my energy on Monday. I seriously am still amazed that I made it to the grocery store yesterday. Even if it was just for like 4 things (most of which I probably did not need).

But for as tired and lazy that I was on Monday, it was all totally worth it was the fun vacation that I had.I didn't go very far, just up north a little bit to partake in a friend's annual Labor Day extravaganza. Despite the scratches and bruises that I ended up with, it was a solid weekend.

I learned two new games Cornhole (hehehe) and Frisbee Stick Beer* both of which I am terrible at. Though my teammate and I made it to the 2nd round of the Loser Bracket, which was more than anyone thought, especially since the name we were given was One Shot Loss (or something equally "demeaning"). And it wasn't until the third game in general that we played that I was carried by my teammate**

The best part of the weekend for me was the fact that I did not feel guilty about anything the entire time. I did not feel bad about all the lovely seafood (salmon, shrimp, crab, oysters), chips, breakfast food I ate. Or the fact that beer was basically my only form of hydration. Or that on Sunday I napped, watched chick flicks and lazed about. There was one day that I didn't even shower*** and I could have cared less. Plus its hard to smell worse than a group of 7 boys.

So it is a new goal of mine, to feel as relaxed and carefree that I did on this mini-vacay on all the rest of the vacations I might take. And to make sure that I don't have residual guilt once I get back into the real world.

*there is some debate of the order of the name, but this makes the most sense in how the game is actually played

**the 8 hours of drinking before hand might have had something to do with my hand/eye coordination

***seriously people this is b.f.d. for me since I have to shower everyday. I have spent all day laying in bed watching movies, showered, put on sweats and got right back into bed.

How appropriate because I am going away this weekend Fill in the Blank

2010-09-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

Before I get to it - I wanted to say that

1) I didn't forget about my blogging challenge, but since Day Twelve is take a picture of your lunch and I was more worried about picking up all the scattered pieces of my salad that fell on the ground than taking a picture of it - I am passing on it

2) I am owning up to know that I will be behind on the Days 13-15 since I am out of town this weekend.

1. If I didn't have to work anymore I would: travel to all the places I have wanted to go. I would spend weeks at a time with the people that I love that I don't get to see on a regular basis. I would volunteer.

2. My favorite thing about a vacation is: not worry about the real world. There are not problems or stresses in Vacationland.

3. When packing for a trip I: try to not over pack. I am getting much better at it, my duffel bag for the weekend would be a perfect example, I am quite proud

4. If I could go on a road trip with anyone (dead OR alive) I would choose Mandy Moore or Kristen Bell, because, they both seem like fun, happy, witty, cool people that would appreciate a road trip like I do

5. My top 3 absolute travel essentials are: 1) something to read 2) sunglasses 3) gum

6. Vacations are: a necessity of life

7. On vacation you must always: relax! It defeats the purpose of a vacation if you are stressin' the entire time

If I were going to Bumbershoot..

2010-09-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

While I am sad that I am missing seeing some of my favorite bands this weekend, I am kind of glad that I don't have the option of stressing about which day I want to go to Bumbershoot (since tickets are SO expensive, I can't afford more than one day).

But if I were going (and had the luxury of all 3 days) this is who I would really want to see:

Day Eleven: Shuffleshuffle

2010-09-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

Put your ipod on shuffle and list the first 10 songs

This is when I am always weary of my ipod. It is not so much of what will show up, but more of the state of confusion I am in when a song comes on and I have no idea who it is. I mean, I have over 8,500 songs on here, I can't know everything, right?

"Main Title" - Cast of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (from the "Once More with Feeling" episode)
L.O.V.E. - Al Green
"Homecoming / The Death of St. Jimmy/ East 12th St./ Nobody Likes You/ Rock and Roll Girlfriend/ We're Coming Home Again" - Green Day
"If you were mine" - Billie Holiday
"Baro Foro" - Gorgol Bordello
"Leave me to love" - Imogen Heap
"Take a bow" - Madonna
"The word of your body (reprise) - Spring Awakening
"Beggar's Prayer" - Emiliana Torrini
"The dress looks nice on you" - Sufjan Stevens

Well, that sure is a random mix of songs and its not even the tip of the iceberg of the variety of music I carry around with me every day.

Day 10: Who says you can't pick your family

2010-09-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

Picture of your Family:

I have to favorite pictures of my family, both actually from the same day.

This is my actual family at my college graduation.

Who says you can't pick your family? I sure did. This was at our graduation party and this is my family

Day Nine: Sing me a song

2010-08-31T14:25:00.000-07:00

A song for every mood:

Well considering that there are so many moods and even some times when I am feeling the same thing I don't always want to hear the same song each time. However, the other day I had found an old journal that had a mix I created for when someone died.* But I figure, grieving, sadness, etc, etc are all moods that need music as well.
When You Are Dead Mix**

At the Wake - The Format
Helena - My Chemical Romance
I Will Remember You - Sarah McLaughlin
Candle in the Wind - Elton John
Don't Fear the Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult
Four Winds - Bright Eyes
I'm Scared - Duffy
Kingdom Come - Jay Z
Knockin' on Heaven's Door - Bob Dylan
I'll Follow You into the Dark - Death Cab for Cutie
One Sweet Day - Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
Teen Angel - Mark Dinning
Leader of the Pack - The Shanri-Las
Keep Me in Your Heart for a While - Warren Zevon

*seriously, I was apparently feeling super morbid
**really, that is what I called this mix.

Day Seven and Eight

2010-08-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

I slacked on yesterday's post. I blame the fact that since my back was acting up again and I was only comfortable on the couch, where the internet is spotty at best. It also could be my lack of idea for Day Seven.

A picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on your life

So not "When Harry Met Sally" per say, but movies and especially this sort of romantic comedy have shaped who I am in a major way. Growing up watching movies in general has helped shape the way I see the world and how I think things are supposed to happen. And while now I know that things do not happen the way they do in the movies - still there are somethings that still resonate in my life that I got from the movies. WHMS is a movie that taught us many things (besides that women can be really good at faking it "I'll have what she's having"):

The first being the overall theme of the movie that men and women cannot just be friends:*

Harry Burns: You realize of course that we could never be friends.
Sally Albright: Why not?
Harry Burns: What I'm saying is - and this is not a come-on in any way, shape or form - is that men and women can't be friends because the sex part always gets in the way.
Sally Albright: That's not true. I have a number of men friends and there is no sex involved.
Harry Burns: No you don't.
Sally Albright: Yes I do.
Harry Burns: No you don't.
Sally Albright: Yes I do.
Harry Burns: You only think you do.
Sally Albright: You say I'm having sex with these men without my knowledge?
Harry Burns: No, what I'm saying is they all WANT to have sex with you.
Sally Albright: They do not.
Harry Burns: Do too.
Sally Albright: They do not.
Harry Burns: Do too.
Sally Albright: How do you know?
Harry Burns: Because no man can be friends with a woman that he finds attractive. He always wants to have sex with her.
Sally Albright: So, you're saying that a man can be friends with a woman he finds unattractive?
Harry Burns: No. You pretty much want to nail 'em too.
Sally Albright: What if THEY don't want to have sex with YOU?
Harry Burns: Doesn't matter because the sex thing is already out there so the friendship is ultimately doomed and that is the end of the story.
Sally Albright: Well, I guess we're not going to be friends then.
Harry Burns: I guess not.
Sally Albright: That's too bad. You were the only person I knew in New York.

And the end of the movies speech that makes my cold, cold heart believe that eventually you fall in love with the person you are meant to be with:

Harry Burns: I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

Four simple goals for the month and why I picked them. This is going to be for Sept (well, really after Labor Day)

1. Work out 4x a week. I have been getting better at being more consistent again, but with the move and changing things up class wise, has made it difficult to do at times. It will be a bit of a challenge as well since the 2nd half of Sept, I will have to be extra motivated since it will be the 3 week lag time between classes starting again.

2. Eat really, filling meals. This has been something else I need to work on since I am becoming much more lazy about the food I eat and taking time out to actually make things. I know it is the reason I had been feeling ill last week and why I feel sort of sluggish in general.

-This includes planning ahead each week (even for the month) of what meals I am going to have

-Having the self-discipline to stick with this.

3. Finish reading "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" I borrowed it from a friend and it has been back-burnered for books that the library gave. But since those due dates are far enough out, I should be able to finish it

4. Have a really good time when Ashley is in town. Ok, kind of a cheating goal, since it would hard not to, but its nice to have a reminder that since it will be awhile until we are on the same continent, so I just want to make sure we leave it with happy memories :)

*sorry for the long dialogue exchange, but I felt editing it would de-emphasize the point

Day 6: The source of my shoulder aches

2010-08-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

What is my purse

My purse is the awesome silver metallic bag that is big enough to carry all of this stuff, plus a water bottle and my lunch pail. It will be a sad, sad day when the purse dies.

My wallet that I have had since high school. I am pretty lazy when it comes to replacing them. I will probably have this one until it breaks and I will finally have to buy a new one
My new "fancy" phone
My headphones that I had to get after I lost one pair, another got stolen at work and the third pair died(ish)
My toiletries bag
My camera
A book or other reading material is always in my bag. I am currently reading "One Day" which is such a great book so far. I highly recommend it
I try to always have a pair of sunglasses on me (and if not I am usually lucky enough to borrow the spare pair from Moni)
2 chapsticks - one that I really like and use daily and the other is a back up in case something happens to the one I do like
Keys with my KROQ key chain, one of my favorite things
A mirror
Gum (bubble mint is the only way to go people)
Fireball that I took from Von's on a meeting at the Ice Cream Brigade HH
L'occtaine hand cream. The one beauty supply I splurge on. It was a hand saver in the winter time
My cool surfboard USB drive
Victoria's Secret Lip gloss
a pen

Day Five: To the Rescue

2010-08-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Superhero and Why

Ok, so despite the fact that my brother has continually educated me on comic books and superheroes, I don't know if I ever picked a favorite. I just was not into them enough to pick one of them overall.

So on the theme of childhood here are two from my youth who I thought were pretty cool. I think nostalgia is the sole reason that I like these. Sorry for the lame post, I just can't pick a favorite

Artie - the Strongest Man .. In the World!

Its Quail-Man!

Day Four: Youth

2010-08-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

A Picture of me and 7 facts about my childhood

Fact:

In First grade I brought in the whole "Baby-Sitter Little Sister" series (that had been published thus far) for show and tell. No one was impressed that I had read all of the books - I think they were jealous because couldn't read yet (well, as much as I did anyway)

Fact:

I often wore the most ridiculous outfits including: watches on my ankles, layered socks, stretchy shorts in bright colors and matching shirts, my mother may or may not have on occasion asked me if I was planning on walking the streets in that outfit (I was 9 btw).

True to my generation I had the flannel

Fact:

I once wore a red, white and blue sequined top and red spandex bottoms with long white fringe at a family Christmas.

Fact:

I used to suck my thumb <-- bet none of you knew that one, did you?*

Fact:

One time when I was real little, I was really angry with Evan and I said something to the effect that I wished he were dead and it was one of the few times I have ever seen my dad get that mad at me. He told me that no matter how much we are angry with a family member, we never wish death on them.ever. Its still stuck with me all these years

I do love that my brother and I have managed to match outfits on important occasions

Fact:

I never went on crazy, bike adventures because I was too afraid to ride in the street (does that really surprise anyone).

Fact:

I was awesome in the three-legged potato sack race. I was not even hindered by the fact that my partner was my crush. Nothing stood in my way to victory.

*Riz, you don't count

Day Three: Bad Habits

2010-08-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

A Habit I Wish I Didn't Have

Somewhere along the line I managed to change my bad habits into vices. A long, long time ago biting my nails used to be the bad habit I wish I didn't have. I am much better about that. Not to say I don't bite them (so gross, I get it) but, just not as bad as I used to. It was the one thing that I legitimately gave up for Lent one year.* And I was really, really good about it - only broke down once and that was because I had already messed some up in shop class. But other than that it was the longest I had ever gone. I suppose the motivation of getting a manicure out of it from my CCD teacher helped a whole lot as well**

But nowadays what one might consider bad habits (drinking, eating poorly, etc) are more of my vices than habits I guess. And the thing is I don't wish that I didn't have these in my life. I had learned to live in a manner to where I can have these vices and still live a (mostly) healthy lifestyle.

Perhaps the fact that I am always playing with my earrings, especially when I am out with people I don't really know and I am trying to think of something to say. It is a real bad habit since it has caused me to loose a many a earrings under darkened tables. Plus I am sure its not sanitary to be constantly playing with my earrings when I am eating food or not in the cleanest of bars.

*What do you mean giving up hairspray doesn't count? Just because I never used it more than once or twice a year (this of course was after my chola bangs phase).

**As much as I hated CCD and church in general Mrs. Lawson as a teacher was actually one of the best. Once I think she realized that she wasn't going to just shut up and believe, we got along much better.

(S)He's Going the Distance

2010-08-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

Last night I was privileged enough to get passes to see a sneak peek of "Going the Distance." Let me tell you right now, as soon as it comes out go and see it. Seriously, people, it is that good. And it is not as chick-flicky/rom-com as you think it is going to be.*

Along with just being hysterical,** it was also very well put together. Though I am not surprised about that since it was directed by Nanette Burnstein, who besides being Oscar Nominated, she also directed one of my favorite documentaries "American Teen."***

While I am not in a long distance relationship, I do feel that it accurately portrays what it is like to be 3,000 miles away from the person you want to be with. Finding the balance of who visits who; keeping each other up to date with all the big (and little) things that are happening; utilizing all modes of communication (short of carrier pigeons and smoke signals). Even more importantly deciding who is going to be the one who moves across the country.

The resounding message (which I really didn't need to see a movie to already know) but long distance relationships cannot be half-assed. You are either all in or all out and Drew Barrymore and Justin Long do an excellent job at getting that message across.

* there are many (many) jokes about balls, groins, masturbating, sex, lots of use of the "f" word, etc that I feel it appeals to both sexes.

** No one commented on my laughter - a perk of going to the free showing, there is usually at least 2 other people louder than me, that the people I go to the movies with don't get annoyed with me

***Seriously, it is up there with "Crazy Love" which I have seen more than my fair amount. It just so fascinating "If I couldn't have her, no one could"

Day Two: To everything there is a season

2010-08-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Your favorite season + what makes it your favorite:

My favorite season is Spring (minus the allergy part). Seriously it is the perfect time of year to start wearing sundresses without tights and all the extra layers.

(plus while ice cream can be enjoyed all year around, its so much better in the sun)

You can go on picnics and be outside, replenishing your Vitamin D supply that you were lacking in the winter.

It is the start of longer days of daylight, which ultimately leads to feeling like there is so much more you can do inn the day.

Everything starts to look green and lush - just because I don't like flowers, doesn't mean I don't like the effect that they have on making my surroundings picturesque

via

Day One: A recent picture and my blog name explained

2010-08-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

This picture is as recent as it gets folks. It was the first official Moe Bar HH for me. It was nice to see that some things had not changed since I was last in Seattle.

My blog name: pretty.kinda.cool.

A long, long time ago when LiveJournal was the place to share all my angst of starting college and venting and sharing, I needed to come up with a good name for it. One night in the dorms I was talking to a find at the time and I think somehow I got jumbled in my words and instead of saying "pretty cool" or "kinda cool" it came out "pretty kinda cool."

It has just sort of stuck over the years - especially now that my blog is no longer geographically centric and back to being Megan-centric

Another 30 Days

2010-08-23T09:42:00.000-07:00

So I found that last time I did the 30 Day Challenge that Becca over at Life in Technicolor created, I got back into the blogging habit. Since I find that I am doing a poor job at blogging these days, I decided that I would take up her latest 30 Day Challenge.

Here are the daily prompts:

recent picture of you + the meaning behind your blog name
your favorite season + what makes it your favorite.
a habit that you wish you didn’t have.
a picture of you as a kid + 7 facts about your childhood.
favorite superhero + why they are your favorite.
what’s in your bag?
a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.
4 simple short term goals for this month + reasons why you picked them.
a song for every mood.
a picture of you and your family.
put your iPod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play.
a photo of something you ate today.
someone you would want to switch lives with for one day + why.
plans/dreams/goals you have.
what makes you different from everyone else.
things you crave a lot.
a photo of the item you last purchased.
a picture of you from last year + this year + how have you changed since then?
a photo of an animal you’d love to keep as a pet.
your dream wedding.
a photo of your favorite place to eat.
a photograph of the town you live in.
a show you’re currently addicted to.
a list of things you don’t leave the house without.
your celebrity crush list.
5 pet peeves.
something you could never get tired of doing.
the best part of your day.
things you collect + things you would like to start collecting.
a photograph of yourself today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days

Capitol Hill Tour de Food

2010-08-22T18:51:00.000-07:00

This past weekend has been the best balance of hanging out and doing absolutely nothing (well I suppose cleaning does count as something). Including some quality Rubi/Megan time and bocce ball in the park with people I don't see often.

Friday, Jason and I had a mini-bar tour of Capitol Hill, which was awesome. First stop was Pike Fish Fry, for Free French Fries Friday. Seriously, I am going to look forward to the third Friday of every month from now on. Its almost as good as if there was a free pizza place.

We then moved up to Unicorn, which while it does look like a Lisa Frank folder on the inside, the food fare and HH prices were good. It was also perfect time to start up the main pastime of the evening: people watching.

A quick pit stop at the Cha-Cha before going over to the Balagan Theatre to see their interpretation of "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog." Everyone in it was talented and there were some good parts, but it just wasn't my favorite. There are somethings that don't translate well on stage and I think that this was just one of them. Plus, how can anyone else compare to NPH?

The upside: free ice cream with various toppings (including my favorite of chocolate syrup and Kahlua).

Though, the final stop at the night to my new favorite bar, Auto Battery, was the best people watching of the night. There were so many people and train wrecks going on, it was hard to pick just one group of people to blatantly stare at and eavesdrop. It was a really fun way to end the night.

A fitting topic since I just got my converter box in the mail

2010-08-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

I know, I know - real updates. They will happen eventually. I promise. Even though you all could probably answer these for me, with the amount I talk about my love of various TV shows on this blog -I am doing it anyway. Again, thanks to Lauren at Little Things ...

1. My favorite current TV show is: "Bones" though technically "Mad Men" is more current since it is in season as we speak.

2. The TV character I can relate to most is: Miranda from Sex in the City ... I know, I know - its so passe to define yourself as one of the SATC ladies, but its true. Plus I relate more to literary characters than TV ones.

3. My life is like (fill in with TV show and why): the jersey shore, GTL, fist pumping, situations ... all of it. Its just one booze filled night after the next, with hot tub hijinks and being punched in the face at bars.

4. My all time favorite TV show is "I Love Lucy." Not only was it ground breaking on so many levels, its just down right funny; timeless.

5. A TV show that is ridiculously stupid, but I continue to watch is : While you must suspend all reality in order to watch "General Hospital" some might call it ridiculously stupid. I however think weather machines, cryogenic freezing and unfreezing of people, vampires (technically that was on "Port Charles"), long lost twins, same actor playing completely different roles is very real and not stupid at all.

6. My favorite TV couple is: Lily and Marshall on "How I Met Your Mother." They make being in love and married look cool.

7. One TV episode I could watch over and over again is: Its a toss up between the episode of "Dawson's Creek" in Season 3 when Pacey kisses Joey for the first time on the side of the road. Or the AlternaProm episode of "Veronica Mars." Epic love.

30 Things I Love About Me

2010-08-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

In following suit with the ladies over at The Frisky in celebration of Love Yourself Week, I wanted to write out the 30 Things I Love About Myself. These are in no particular order

I can do an hour of boot camp (or jazzercise or elliptical or strength training)
I can bake chocolate chip cookies from memory
I have four tattoos
I was brave enough to move to Brooklyn and then even braver to move back to Seattle
My freckles
My memory an ability to remember even the craziest of things
My laugh; no matter how loud or obnoxious others might think it is. To me it is one of my defining characteristics
That I try very very hard to make sure those closest around me have good birthdays
I am honest
My strong opinions on everything (and everyone)
I enjoy doing things like going to the movies, shopping, eating, concerts on my own. If it is something I want to do, I will do it
I am smart
My love for all things literary
My legs
The guilt I do not feel for not liking animals.
I am a good kisser
I show my emotions
I don't have a limp handshake
I can make excellent margaritas
I don't open up to everyone I meet
I will try any food at least once
That I am the perfect blend of both of my parents
I am the only female in my direct lineage (besides my mom who married in) that has the last name Peter. It makes me consider not changing it when I get married
I ask for help when I need it - you can't always do everything on your own
I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue
I don't have any guilty pleasures, I have no shame in owning all the N 'SYNC albums or that I watch General Hospital everyday.
I occasionally do things that scare me or put me in awkward situations
My right eye is two different colors
I am slowly becoming more comfortable with who I am inside and out
When I worry if I haven't seen or heard from someone in the normal time pattern that I usually do, I send the "are you dead in a ditch" text.

My favorite thing next to Christmas

2010-08-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

I love that this week Lauren picked birthdays as the Fill in Friday because they are seriously the greatest things in the world. And I don't just mean my own, but I love celebrating other people's birthdays as well. Think about it, its just the greatest way to say "hey you, important person in my life, I am glad you were born"*

So with that ...

1. Birthdays are: a BFD - in the truest sense of the acronym

2. My favorite birthday memory was: Ash's Birthday weekend (you didn't say it had to be my birthday memory). That was just some of the most fun I had for an entire weekend and it totally made up for her not being in the country that year before when she turned 21

3. A birthday tradition I (or my family) has is birthday dessert and birthday dinner or breakfast (why haven't we ever done birthday lunch? probably because it is a far less superior meal). But the best part about birthday dessert is that someone else makes it for you and it can be whatever you want, because it is your birthday. Like that amazing Cheesecake Ash made for me or the great ice cream cake Rubi made for Leslie.

4. If I had to choose one birthday meal to eat for the rest of my birthdays hence forward, I would choose: Homemade fried chicken, mashed potatoes and corn. It was my birthday meal every year until I moved to college. It was even part of my graduation party food.

5. My birthday is on: January 26th - Aquarius, the water bearer, not the jelly fish

6. If I could take a birthday trip I would go: somewhere warm since my birthday is in the winter. But I feel that is the answer I give for every place that I want to have my dream vacation to. But seriously, would you want to spend a birthday trip bundled up in the cold cold weather?

7. The best gift I've ever received for my birthday was: not regifted pajamas that were like 3 sizes to big that was given to me by a certain relative. Why is it that we can remember the things we didn't like much more quickly than the things we did like. The most unexpected gift, which was also amazing was the computer that my parents got me for my 18th birthday. Seriously, I was not expecting it whatsoever. I still remember the feeling of total surprise

*now let's get sloshed

I caved to peer pressure

2010-08-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

So after some "gentle" nudging from the Riz, I am writing a new post. I know that I have been a delinquent about it lately, sorry. The top excuse why not, I have a job that while slow at the moment, I am still very much learning and trying to get the hang of the flow of work. Then by the time I get home, I just want to either sit and read or watch some TV online.

However, I have felt even more compelled to write since I just got back from a free screening of the new show "The Big C" and the season premiere of "Weeds". First off, I would have come to this screening anyway since I love Laura Linney and I am strangely hooked on Weeds, but then I got a free medium soda and medium popcorn. And, can I just say a medium popcorn is HUGE. I didn't even eat all of it - not necessarily due to self-control, but more to clumsiness. Though, really I can never get too much of a diet coke, so the soda size was not an issue for me.

Back to the shows. I am even more sad that I don't have Showtime. Not only will I have to wait until DVD for the new season of "Dexter" (my latest obsession) but I can't watch "The Big C" until then either. And I really liked it. Laura Linney is just fantastic, it is yet another character that she plays well. If you haven't read the article from the NYT Magazine, do it now. It just makes you appreciate her even more.

As for "Weeds" I was a little concerned about what would happen since there was a while, when I was wondering if it had jumped the shark. But it redeemed itself with this season opener. It was sharp, witty and a little heartbreaking. Plus, there is something about Mary Louise Parker who really does to a phenomenal job of playing a mom (and a person) who just constantly messes up, owns the fact that she really does make a terrible mess of her life and just doesn't give a shit.

Not only did the free popcorn and drink make this a great free screening, but there was such a minimal amount of crazy in line. Sure, I some how attracted the overly chatty woman who had no idea why she was in line (why does it always happen to me?). But I soon ditched her and found my seat and though I promptly spilled a lot of my popcorn, the couple behind me offered me some of theirs (I declined, I had already eaten enough of my bag). Eventually that couple started talking to the other people around us about being multi-lingual, traveling, getting lost in Prague, etc etc. And not only did they not interrupt me from my book, they didn't even sound pretentious about their conversation.

It was quite the step up from the Pacific Place screenings.

Week 2 (almost) done

2010-08-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

You know what to do. Thanks to Lauren for always churning these out, gives me something to look forward to doing and reading each Friday.

1. Today for breakfast I ate: coffee .... and technically half a power bar

2. My go to/never fail recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

3. Something I eat that other people think is weird is: I can't really think of anything, I suppose if you are a picky eater than what I eat could be considered weird at times, but not if you are normal

4. My worst cooking disaster ever was: The first time I caught the pan on fire, that was not a good time.

5. If I could only eat one flavor of ice cream the rest of my life it would be: chocolate peanut butter ... .yum yum yum

6. One food I hate and avoid at all costs is: anchovies ? ... maybe. I am trying to think of something that I will always stay away from. American Cheese? :::Shudder::: Sidenote Lauren, it breaks my heart that enchiladas are the one food you avoid. They are SO good

7. What is your favorite meal? Breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Breakfast, but not because of the time of day but because breakfast foods taste good all hours of the day. Besides pizza there isn't really any other good lunch/dinner foods that have the same effect as breakfast foods

I Believe in ...

2010-08-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

My friend Moni posted this on her blog today and it got me thinking about things. And after having a great lunch talk about the Jesuit values/SU (seriously, guys - I really enjoyed it) I am thinking more and more what it is I believe in. So while none of this is perhaps religious or even spiritual, it is what I believe in (as of today).

I Believe in....

Sitting in the sun for hours on end, sometimes reading or napping and sometimes just doing nothing
In great friends that will mail you the lunch pail that you were saving up to buy
Spending 2 extra cents so that you can get the spiral mac and cheese, even when living on a tight budget
Drinking a gallon of water every day
Letting yourself off the hook for most things that you are being too hard on yourself to begin with
The calming power a body of water can have
Ice cream can cure heartbreak (along with booze, pizza and peanut butter m&ms)
Friends who love you even when you leave them for a year, complain about how unhappy you are and then come right back to where you started
Having at least 2 stand-by karaoke songs (I have now upped my repertoire to 3)
Drinking a gallon of water a day
Writing something on your To-Do list that you already completed to just be able to check something off
Using spell check before sending anything to anyone
Using song/book/movie quotes to dictate how you live your life
To always smiling for pictures, even if you end up squinting or you blink or you think your smile is sometimes funky. It will look much better than a frown
The power of positive thinking
Not eating balanced meals
Letting your future self deal with the hard decisions sometimes
Always tipping
Calling my mom when I have nothing to say, but just to hear her talk to me
Keeping touch with the people who matter most whether they are up the block, across the country or on a different continent
Birthdays being a BIG FREAKING DEAL
The magic of a decorated house for Christmas
Baking
Keeping the faith

There is 14.5 hours of daylight here

2010-08-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

I completely forgot how light it stays for so long here in the summer time. I love it. Though it is something that is taking some getting used to. It makes me feel that there is so much time in the day to do so much. I suppose it also helps to be home from work by 4:45pm (seriously, I get home then - isn't that so crazy?). Though it has given me time to do both errands and fun stuff. Like sitting on my balcony enjoying the warm evening, reading book after book.

True I should be finishing decorating my room, but since that is stressing me out, I am just avoiding it right now. I think I would be the only person worried about decorating their bedroom. I am too old to have pictures up from college? Am I keeping things up on my wall out of habit vs. it being something that I want? How am i going to fit a bookshelf in my room, the size that I want? So I decided to take a break from it, see how I like some things that are already up and then go from there (excusesexcusesexcuses)

Along with just getting settled into my apartment, I am also getting settled into my job. Though I easily found things to make my cube more personal. I always find it much easier to find things that I want to surround myself at work with than I do in my room. I was stressing for the most part of last week and yesterday even, that I wasn't capable of doing this job, that I won't know how to do anything, etc etc. Though after today, I got to do more hands on things and I felt super helpful. I am fully aware that one day all the novelty of knowing how to do a transcript request will leave me, but for now it is real confidence booster to know how to help someone else.

But aside from those things, I have mostly just been hanging out with people, trying to fit back into things. Or at least find a new place with people here, since it has been a year and we all have changed.

One week down

2010-07-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I figured this was an appropriate one to do since I was just handed (yeah, handed, that's right people bring me coffee. ... hahaha) my second cup of coffee. I owe a real post about real things beyond my sleeping habits. Hopefully this weekend I will have time to update and such.

But until then, here is Fill in the Blank Friday brought you via Lauren

1. The last thing I do before going to sleep is: make sure I have something to watch to fall asleep to.

2. When I can't sleep I: have learned not to fight it too much and if its so bad where I can't even handle just watching something, I will get up and be productive until I tire myself out

3. The first thing I do when I wake up is: pee, take pills of sorts and start shower

4. When I'm tired I: stop talking coherently, get a headache and stop sort of caring in general

5. My dream bedroom would be: big and have a new mattress that I would never have to give up to anyone else. And a nice size tv with DVD/Cable/VHS capabilities. Other than that the other rooms will have my photos and books, etc that are normally in my room now.

6. If I could wake up anywhere tomorrow morning it would be: I suppose I wouldn't mind being in Mexico or other beach like place.

7. The longest sleep I've ever had was: I have probably done about 18 hours or something when I have been really sick. I know it generally I could easily sleep like 12 or 13 if given the chance.

8. I sleep on my : side, with my back to whatever it is I am watching something on

9. When I sleep, I like to wear: tank and underwear in the summer, and layers of sweats in the winter

10. My bedtime is usually: 10:30pm .. . though that is because despite being tired I am not usually asleep until at least a half hour later.

What I am going to miss

2010-07-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

I am slacking a little - there are still about a handful of things I need to get done. Like mail off more boxes. HOW DO I HAVE SO MUCH CLOTHES? Seriously people, I am not a fashion plate, I only own clothes that I actually wear (scout's honor). And yet.... I have 2.5 boxes of clothes that I did not expect to have.

But nonetheless I decide to sleep in on my last day of being able to - though it did mean missing out on Regis and Kelly, who were my favorite thing to wake up to. I have then just sat and ate a bagel, drank some coffee and sort of caught up on e-mail.

I am also being very nostalgic of my time that I lived in New York. I am sad to go. Beyond just missing the people that are here, but there are also many things that I do love about New York.

The Subway: Ok, I know MTA is not the greatest by any stretch of the imagination (I might be getting out before they totally screw everyone over) but the subway is really convenient. Trains run 24 hours and cover vast and wide amount of land. And as much as we complain about the cost, seriously you get your money's worth with an unlimited pass.

The Bagel Shop: This place makes the BEST coffee. I don't know what it is and I am pretty sure its just something in bulk, but still so good. Never tastes bitter or too burnt. And they also have a French Toast bagel, which when you get with just butter is so good. I could also go on and on about the bacon on the breakfast sandwiches and how its cooked to a perfect crispiness. This place is also, so unbelievably affordable. If you ever find yourself at the corner of Smith and 9th (in Brooklyn) go there, you won't be disappointed.

Dropping off my laundry: Once upon a time there as a uber controlling Megan, who never let anyone else touch her laundry. Perhaps it was years of her father continually shrinking clothes or destroying a whole load of jeans b/c he didn't notice the crayon in Evan's pocket. Whatever it was, I never let anyone else do my laundry, even when I was too busy and a friend would offer to help - I declined. Then I moved to an apartment that had no on-site laundry and I had to suck it up and give it to someone else (actually doing it myself intimidated me too much). And you know what it wasn't that bad. And the ladies at my laundry place know that when I come in my bag will weigh on average of 30lbs and will act just as surprised as me if it is lighter.

The Cobble Hill Cinema: While it is now $7 for a matinee, that is still so, ridiculously cheap. They have Tuesday/Thursday all-day matinee prices and their first show is never super early in the day. It also is just very, small town, homey feel to the place. And the 1980s graphics that start right before the featured presentation are so fantastic.

Delivery: You can get just about anything delivered to you, at any time of the day. I could get my laundry delivered to me. Pizza, Thai, sushi, Mexican, groceries. Sure there are some places that deliver in Seattle, but its not commonplace. But here, in the Big Apple - there is always a place that will deliver. And in times of extreme weather it is really nice to have someone bring you your food.

Pizza: There are only 2 good pizza places in Seattle, though really Hot Mama's is the better one by far. But in New York I have definitely had many, many pieces of pizza from SO MANY different places and while not every place was great, there were few that were bad. And it is everywhere and again, all the time. Though since I won't have the BFF to carry my pizza five blocks home when it is too hot, it might be a good thing ;)

Listomania

2010-07-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

These last few days have been pretty action packed for me. The best way is to do it list format.

Friday, Ash and I hit up some comedy at EastVille Comedy Club. It was pretty funny, though we got the shitty audience between the indecisive girls next to us and the girl I will call "the repeater" it was not the best. But other than that it was pretty humorous.

Saturday was filled with more waiting for UPS. However it got much, much better that evening when it was my Going Away party. It was a solid group of people and I got to go to my favorite neighborhood bars. It was a long night of lots of drinking (silent movie syndrome definitely kicked in) and good times.

The roomies and me sharing a frozen zombie bowl along with other Meghan who took the picture and treated us to the delicious, flaming beverage.

Sunday was a slow moving day for many reasons, one being that it was freakin' HOT. But I did get to see "Inception." So.good. Really, I thought the story, acting and cinematography was phenomenal.

Monday despite being a ridiculous heat wave of sorts was a productive one by many means. UPS came and were SUPER helpful (much to my surprise). Ash and I were champions of donating our goods to Salvation Army.

For our reward we had wonderful iced treats of sorts at Brooklyn Farmacy. We split an egg cream. Then I had my own mint chocolate chip milkshake and Ash had a ice cream sandwich with hazelnut wafers and coffee ice cream.

It was the perfect way to beat the heat for a bit and then venture home. Where I was greeted by this lovely treat to replace my dying breed:

Its cute and purple. Plus has a cool, tiny little keyboard that my massive thumbs are still getting used to

Today was my last morning Jazzercise class :::tear::: No, seriously, though it was a great class and a good way to start the morning twice a week.

It was also my last trip (knockonwood) to the post office. Now all I have to do is pack suitcases, find homes for my furniture and enjoy the free wifi and a/c in Starbucks right now.

Tied to the couch waiting for UPS

2010-07-16T06:45:00.000-07:00

Its Friday and I would like to be able to go out to Jazzercise this afternoon. I would like to be able to go get some coffee but alas I am stuck here waiting for UPS to show up whenever they decide to since they DIDN'T TELL ME WHEN THEY WOULD RETURN.

Also before I go into the Fill in the Blank, I wanted to just share the best news that I heard this morning via Sarah Dessen. All three seasons of "Veronica Mars" are on Instant Watch. Ok, sure I might own the first two seasons, but still. What it really means is that all of you can watch it (well only if you have a Netflix account, but really for $9 a month is a steal). So if you are need of something new to watch that is witty, emotional and just all around awesome, you now have 3 seasons of it.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program

{random photo [Lauren] took at the fashion show last week.}

1. A very nostalgic place that reminds me of being a kid is: my swimming pool at home in SoCal. Seriously that is where we were every summer, playing games pretending to be mermaids, putting on shows, etc

2. If someone really wants to show me how much they love me: they do something that makes me realize they have paid attention to the small things. Like that when I am hungover fountain diet coke is my cure (or rather its my cure for any ailment) or that I hate being around people who clip their finger nails/toe nails so they always do it in another room

3. Lately I've been wondering a lot about: all the changes that are occurring in my life (and my friends' lives as well)

4. When it comes to saving money I am pretty good at it. I could be better, but I do good at maintaining a certain amount in my savings. I am just always more concerned with my credit card bill or student loan debt that I often don't save as much as I probably could be

5. I'd prefer dresses over jeans any day!

6. I wish I knew how to make dinner every night. I suppose I know how to, but more so how to make motivation to make dinner every night

7. I'm just waiting for the UPS person, which I suppose I should get used to since that is what I am going to have to do next week as well. So is the life of moving across country

How to survive the post office

2010-07-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

I have now been to the post office 5 times in thee days. Seriously with out the might USPS my move across country would be much much more. While most people dread going to the post office. Long lines, surly workers, grumpy people. It sure sounds like a bad combination to me. However, I have found a way to master the post office and make it not so bad.

First off, never, ever go at lunchtime. I know, sometimes you can only go on your lunch break. But if you have the flexibility to make your break around 3pm - that is a good time to go.

Also, do a quick Yelp review of the post office you are going to. It could help prepare you for what you might encounter. For example, if one of the many, many disgruntled people in line had done this they would know that the Red Hook Post Office is a slow one. There is only one window open at a time and there is no APC, so you must wait in line for ALL of your postal needs.

Then prepare yourself for the worst experience ever, gear up, defenses up and go into the post office. However, don't confuse this with feeling entitled or impatient or angry. Sure, no one likes long lines and why yes, those kids running around with their shrieks echoing is quite annoying. But do not complain about it out loud or even with loud sighs. It will just make the experience worse.

Now, by the time you get to window always remember 2 things: Be polite (please, thank you, smile, etc) and You are Wrong. It does not matter that you know that packages don't need a necessarily need a name on the return address if everything else is there. You are wrong and the postal worker is always right. And always say "I'm sorry" if they find something you did wrong and correct it quickly.

The post office is no place of high horses and "the principle of the matter."

I also recommend bringing in ipod with a good podcast or audio book, something to take your mind off the line and drown out the people around you find the need to complain out loud.

Seriously, I have been at the post office in high times and low times and these rules have never steered me wrong. And now I no long dread having to go.

"No, You're a Fame Whore"

2010-07-13T19:33:00.001-07:00

I just spent probably the funniest hour in a long time at Barnes and Noble. I was fortunate enough to be in the audience for the launch of Jennifer Weiner's Cupcakes Across America Tour for her new book "Fly Away Home."

If you are able to see her at any sort of event DO IT! Besides being a great writer, she is just one of the funniest people I have met. Perhaps its because she is about as inappropriate as I am. Who doesn't love someone who is fascinated by why someone's fetish would be one-armed man or that she did a "that's what she said" joke?

She was also super gracious and kind to everyone who wanted things signed and photos (probably to the disappointment of poor Bob at B&N who didn't want any of that to happen). I also got to have cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery for the first time (something I can cross off the "have to do" NYC list).

Now really after I meet Mandy Moore, my list of people to meet will be complete*

*obviously I wouldn't turn down the chance to meet others, but of my "have to meet" she is the last of the list so far

Freedom

2010-07-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is day two of being home during the work day and I love it. I am sure I could be consistently productive with my time, but I get enough accomplished each day so that is really what matters. Plus since I started my day early with jazzercise, it really helped me get a lot done off my check list.

What I really love about being home during the day (besides watching daytime TV shows) is that I get to have good food. Now I probably could have always kept hummus and carrots at my desk at work or could have made the chicken sausage sandwich as well. But I didn't and so it makes me love it that much more when I am home.

Isn't this label too cute? Who doesn't love horseradish?

Its bittersweet like chocolate or a symphony

2010-07-12T06:08:00.000-07:00

The good news of the week happened on Friday, I got a job at Seattle University. Learning that I got the job also meant that I had to give notice at my job very quickly. Just because this job was not something that challenged me professionally did not mean that I wanted to leave all of the awesome co-workers I had there.

It was hard to have to tell people that I was moving back to Seattle because over the 10 months that I had been there I had gotten to know some really great people. These are people that were awesome enough to rally and come out for a good-bye drink even if we didn't really hang out before. These are people that kept the night going, ended up a tiny karaoke bar and sang a song from "Rent."

I feel guilty for being happy that I got a job and a place to live and that things fell into place for me because it does mean that I am leaving things behind here. I have said it before that being in New York was never this terrible, horrible thing that I regret doing. I have met some really awesome people that I will have to say good-bye too. But I suppose what makes them so awesome is that even though it is sad to say good--bye is that under it all is the understanding that moving back is what is good for me.

I know that it is okay to be excited about the move and the changes that it brings. I just suppose its hard because when it affects others in a somewhat negative way. As much as I can be selfish and make choices that are solely in my best interest does not mean I feel good about or wish that there was someway for it to be okay for all parties involved.

Its Friday yo!

2010-07-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

{taken [Lauren] near W. Burnside in Portland}

1. My favorite thing about this week has been : Risotto on Wednesday made by the awesome an talented roommate / Lazy Monday.

2. The weather this week has been: Unbearable. 100+ for multiple days plus humidity. double ugh

3. The last (interesting) item I received in the mail was: My Glamour magazine. I love new magazines though I don't like the fact that they insinuate that well all like kittens ... some people just don't ok?

4. The last movie I saw was: "The Good Guy" which wasn't that bad for about the first 3/4 of the movie and then it all of a sudden speed up and just ended. Though it was an amazing soundtrack, I can't have too much hatred for any movie that uses "Your Ex-Lover is Dead"

5. If I could be doing anything I felt like today I would: sleeping in. I am so tired this morning and it was actually cool in my room - I had even grabbed the comforter at some point during the night

6. As a teenager I was: so angsty. And quite bitchy ... more so than I am now.

7. I wish I could trade lives for the day with: anyone who had life figured out and is doing what they love ... and get to sleep in, in the mornings

Congrats

2010-07-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

In case you were not aware the Emmy Nominations were announced this morning. Instead of dwelling on the people and shows that got snubbed I am just going to revel in the fact that both Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton got nominated!

This is long overdue for both of these amazing actors, especially for this show. I know I have gone on and on and on about how great Friday Night Lights is, but seriously it is an amazing show. I highly recommend it.

And with that I leave you with a promo from last season. I really like the set of promos that they did for Season 3 the best. Not only is it just cool cinematography but I love love love this version of "Devil Town" by Tony Lucca.