Some things that really get my blood boiling (gross):
1. Loud trucks, buses, etc. They drown out every noise except their own grrrrrrrrrinding.
2. PEOPLE WHO WRITE IN ALL CAPS. Seriously people, it's been 10+ years since computers became standard and we still do not notice that we are writing in ALL CAPS? I especially hate (and do not understand) the people that use ALL CAPS when filling out the online form for my job. Why do you need CAPS LOCK when filling out your name and creating a password and describing your video???
3. Being stuck behind a large vehicle on the freeway. There is nothing more annoying than not being able to see when you are in stop & go traffic. Except maybe that truck next to you, trying to get in gear.
4. The people at the grocery store who laugh and say, "Trying to save the environment?" when I produce my own bag. Yes, I am. And so is your store... see that rack of reuseable bags right there?
More to come later, if I think of anymore.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
August 2-8
Highlight of the Week:
Ordering my Blackberry Storm at 12:30 am on Saturday... 30 minutes into the first day I could upgrade to a new phone. I got the online price of $100, minus $50 in upgrade credits, but I still had to pay $50 in taxes, so the total cost was just over $98. But I'm very excited to be able to use the Internet and just have a different phone in general. I did say good-bye to my old phone last night though, setting its alarm clock for the last time... sniff sniff.
Lowlight of the Week:
Things starting to break around the apartment. The knob on one of the windows appears to have snapped, but at least we can still twist it to open and close the window slats. The worst thing that happened was the drawer holding the kitchen utensils fell apart. But on the plus side, I fixed it (at least for now) by deconstructing it and making new holes for the nails. I was quite proud after I finished.
Ordering my Blackberry Storm at 12:30 am on Saturday... 30 minutes into the first day I could upgrade to a new phone. I got the online price of $100, minus $50 in upgrade credits, but I still had to pay $50 in taxes, so the total cost was just over $98. But I'm very excited to be able to use the Internet and just have a different phone in general. I did say good-bye to my old phone last night though, setting its alarm clock for the last time... sniff sniff.
Lowlight of the Week:
Things starting to break around the apartment. The knob on one of the windows appears to have snapped, but at least we can still twist it to open and close the window slats. The worst thing that happened was the drawer holding the kitchen utensils fell apart. But on the plus side, I fixed it (at least for now) by deconstructing it and making new holes for the nails. I was quite proud after I finished.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Reading
I love to read. Lately though (like, since I began college, 6 years ago), my "pleasure" reading has dropped drastically. Oh, I read a lot of magazines on the toi-let, but where my nightly routine pre-college used to be reading a book for 30-60 minutes before bed, it is now occupied by TV, movies, the Internet, and Sudoku.
I probably only read 3-4 books a year now, which is quite sad. Part of the slowness may be due to me reading more than one book at once. I NEVER used to do this. I actually have four books opened now, with two that I am currently reading. I had been reading The Appeal, by John Grisham, but stopped reading it when I started Pride and Prejudice and Zombies in late June. I have been continually reading Victor Klemperer's 1933-1941 diary for about the past year and half now. I just started 1937. The other book I have open is Sprezzatura, 50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World. I am about halfway through, but have not read it for quite some time now.
One positive in my reading habits the last few years is that I am reading more non-fiction works. I have more WWII and history books on my shelf waiting to be read. In the past, I was not all that interested in learning anything outside of school, but since leaving a learning environment, I can't see any harm in continuing to educate myself.
I also have gotten into downloading books from the LA Library (http://audiobooks.lapl.org) and listening to them on my commute. I have listened to quite a few books this way, which probably amps up my total list of books "read" per year to closer to 10.
Looking at the evidence, it seems my independence and technology are to blame for my failing reading habits. I used to sit down with a book in my spare time in front of the TV, outside on a summer day, or at night in bed. Now that I have the world at my fingertips, I have neglected my reading some. I should hope by the end of the year, I will have all four of these books finished... and have since journeyed on to another world of words.
I probably only read 3-4 books a year now, which is quite sad. Part of the slowness may be due to me reading more than one book at once. I NEVER used to do this. I actually have four books opened now, with two that I am currently reading. I had been reading The Appeal, by John Grisham, but stopped reading it when I started Pride and Prejudice and Zombies in late June. I have been continually reading Victor Klemperer's 1933-1941 diary for about the past year and half now. I just started 1937. The other book I have open is Sprezzatura, 50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World. I am about halfway through, but have not read it for quite some time now.
One positive in my reading habits the last few years is that I am reading more non-fiction works. I have more WWII and history books on my shelf waiting to be read. In the past, I was not all that interested in learning anything outside of school, but since leaving a learning environment, I can't see any harm in continuing to educate myself.
I also have gotten into downloading books from the LA Library (http://audiobooks.lapl.org) and listening to them on my commute. I have listened to quite a few books this way, which probably amps up my total list of books "read" per year to closer to 10.
Looking at the evidence, it seems my independence and technology are to blame for my failing reading habits. I used to sit down with a book in my spare time in front of the TV, outside on a summer day, or at night in bed. Now that I have the world at my fingertips, I have neglected my reading some. I should hope by the end of the year, I will have all four of these books finished... and have since journeyed on to another world of words.
Monday, July 27, 2009
July 20-26
Highlight of the Week: Nothing I can think of at this time. Nothing really momentous happen this week, or even stands out. Average week!
Low-light of the Week: The inexplicable horror that is Chase Bank. They basically reversed a fraud credit I had to my account 5 months after it happened and do not believe that I did not make the charges. I don't want to talk about it anymore, so that's all I have to say on that matter.
Low-light of the Week: The inexplicable horror that is Chase Bank. They basically reversed a fraud credit I had to my account 5 months after it happened and do not believe that I did not make the charges. I don't want to talk about it anymore, so that's all I have to say on that matter.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
A strange "message"
Yesterday I bought two black plums at the store because they were on sale for $0.49/lb. I ended up paying 39 cents for both of them. I ate the first plum, but decided I didn't like it. Most of the friendlies at work had already left for the day, so I threw the other plum into the trash can beneath my desk (still in the plastic wrap from the grocery section).
So this morning, I round the corner of my cubicle and see the plum sitting on my desk, with a huge bite taken out of it. Needless to say, I was grossed out and a little creeped out!
I think whoever it was (probably the janitor), was trying to teach me a lesson not to waste food. However, I don't think it is a big deal for me to throw away a 20 cent plum, and I don't appreciate the janitor (or anyone) trying to teach me a lesson in a disgusting and weird manner.
So this morning, I round the corner of my cubicle and see the plum sitting on my desk, with a huge bite taken out of it. Needless to say, I was grossed out and a little creeped out!
I think whoever it was (probably the janitor), was trying to teach me a lesson not to waste food. However, I don't think it is a big deal for me to throw away a 20 cent plum, and I don't appreciate the janitor (or anyone) trying to teach me a lesson in a disgusting and weird manner.
Monday, July 20, 2009
July 13-19
Highlight of the Week: Dodger game with Ashley, which was my birthday present. The first Dodger game I've been to in almost 2 years and the first as a true fan (sort of). The Dodgers were playing the Astros, who now have Ivan Rodriguez, but he didn't end up playing until the 9th, when he struck out and lost the game for the Astros. :( Poor Pudge. But yay, Dodgers win!
Ashley and I also determined that the Astros are where all the players who are on their way out of the league go: Pudge (making about $11 million less than he was last year), Darin Erstad (Former Angels great in the early 2000s), and LaTroy Hawkins (74 years old).
So the Lowlight of the Week will be James Loney and Andre Ethier not playing until the 8th and 9th innings (Loney is my favorite player and Ethier is probably #3 or 4... I was also wearing his shirt). Juan Pierre did get to play, but unfortunately he took Ethier's position and not Manny's. boo. Also, Mannywood is lame. It is basically a rumpled banner tacted to wall in left field. It's also lame for the Mannywood-ers to boo Carlos Lee and chant "Lee Sucks" while he is fielding.
Ashley and I also determined that the Astros are where all the players who are on their way out of the league go: Pudge (making about $11 million less than he was last year), Darin Erstad (Former Angels great in the early 2000s), and LaTroy Hawkins (74 years old).
So the Lowlight of the Week will be James Loney and Andre Ethier not playing until the 8th and 9th innings (Loney is my favorite player and Ethier is probably #3 or 4... I was also wearing his shirt). Juan Pierre did get to play, but unfortunately he took Ethier's position and not Manny's. boo. Also, Mannywood is lame. It is basically a rumpled banner tacted to wall in left field. It's also lame for the Mannywood-ers to boo Carlos Lee and chant "Lee Sucks" while he is fielding.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
July 6-12
I forgot again, so here it is, a little late:
Highlight of the week: Mini-birthday party on Friday, which consisted of lunch in Santa Monica and painting some pottery at Color Me Mine. I am excited to see how my mug turned out! Thanks Julie, Melissa, and Trevor for a fun time!
Lowlight of the week: Return of the hot weather. I just can't stand it. However, I'm thankful it held off for this long, as last year, it was 90+ in late May and this year, we had those beautiful 60-70 degree days all throughout June.
At this time, I would like to take some time for a mini-rant about the Michael Jackson memorial service. Seeing as how the state of California is $26 billion dollars in debt, laying people off left and right, and handing out IOUs, I am outraged that L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wants the city to pick up the tab for MJ's $1.4 million memorial service.
"This is a world-class city, and we provide fire and police protection. Period. The idea that we would charge the family for a funeral is nonsensical," Villaraigosa said. So my family can expect a check in the mail signed by Villaraigosa when I kick it? I am just astounded that he is willing to stick his neck out for someone who is just an entertainer and had plenty of money to pay for his own city-wide memorial service.
Especially after Villaraigosa raised such a fuss over the Lakers championship parade. As much as I dislike the Lakers and did not approve of such a high budget for their parade (also when the city has another NBA team), I understand that the Lakers support Los Angeles as a city and that is just what you do after a championship. This is not what should happen when an entertainer who has not released new material in years and is most recently known for a child molestation trial dies.
Highlight of the week: Mini-birthday party on Friday, which consisted of lunch in Santa Monica and painting some pottery at Color Me Mine. I am excited to see how my mug turned out! Thanks Julie, Melissa, and Trevor for a fun time!
Lowlight of the week: Return of the hot weather. I just can't stand it. However, I'm thankful it held off for this long, as last year, it was 90+ in late May and this year, we had those beautiful 60-70 degree days all throughout June.
At this time, I would like to take some time for a mini-rant about the Michael Jackson memorial service. Seeing as how the state of California is $26 billion dollars in debt, laying people off left and right, and handing out IOUs, I am outraged that L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wants the city to pick up the tab for MJ's $1.4 million memorial service.
"This is a world-class city, and we provide fire and police protection. Period. The idea that we would charge the family for a funeral is nonsensical," Villaraigosa said. So my family can expect a check in the mail signed by Villaraigosa when I kick it? I am just astounded that he is willing to stick his neck out for someone who is just an entertainer and had plenty of money to pay for his own city-wide memorial service.
Especially after Villaraigosa raised such a fuss over the Lakers championship parade. As much as I dislike the Lakers and did not approve of such a high budget for their parade (also when the city has another NBA team), I understand that the Lakers support Los Angeles as a city and that is just what you do after a championship. This is not what should happen when an entertainer who has not released new material in years and is most recently known for a child molestation trial dies.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Steroids in Baseball
Just heard on the radio that Manny Ramirez is about to pass Mickey Mantle in career homeruns. The announcer said Manny is "quite a hitter."
Often, I hear people in the media blasting steriod users when the news first comes out and then talking about how this generation of baseball watchers don't really care about steroids, and only those in the media really care (that comes directly from a recent PTI). In the same breath, they will then say things like "regardless of [fill in the blank]'s steroid use, he is still an amazing athlete and few could achieve what he did."
Please, pick a side! Because of the steroid use, we really don't know if Manny could have hit all those homers. Maybe, maybe not. But he was using a performance enhancing drug, which means his performance was enhanced. That includes HRs. So please, enough with the "I care about steroid use..." I honestly don't think many people do (those that we hear from, those in the media), so just come out and say it!
Often, I hear people in the media blasting steriod users when the news first comes out and then talking about how this generation of baseball watchers don't really care about steroids, and only those in the media really care (that comes directly from a recent PTI). In the same breath, they will then say things like "regardless of [fill in the blank]'s steroid use, he is still an amazing athlete and few could achieve what he did."
Please, pick a side! Because of the steroid use, we really don't know if Manny could have hit all those homers. Maybe, maybe not. But he was using a performance enhancing drug, which means his performance was enhanced. That includes HRs. So please, enough with the "I care about steroid use..." I honestly don't think many people do (those that we hear from, those in the media), so just come out and say it!
Monday, July 6, 2009
June 30 - July 5
A little late, since I forgot I was doing this.
Highlight of the week: Finding a snail in the neighborhood behind my apartment. I've never seen a wild snail before!
Lowlight of the week: Returning to work.
After being away from L.A. and being on vacation for a week, I realized how much I dislike the repetitive/boring nature of my job. I now have renewed energy to find a new, more creative job. I worked on my resume a little and again searched for editing classes to take weeknights or weekends. I still have some fears, but hopefully this push of restlessness will get me past that.
Highlight of the week: Finding a snail in the neighborhood behind my apartment. I've never seen a wild snail before!
Lowlight of the week: Returning to work.
After being away from L.A. and being on vacation for a week, I realized how much I dislike the repetitive/boring nature of my job. I now have renewed energy to find a new, more creative job. I worked on my resume a little and again searched for editing classes to take weeknights or weekends. I still have some fears, but hopefully this push of restlessness will get me past that.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy 4th, America!
The 4th of July combines everything typical Americans love into one day: BBQ, beer, and blowing s*** up!
Just a thought as I drove home from Michaels today.
Happy Independence Day!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Something...
So I will try something new, in effort to get me to blog more. Well, to blog at all.
I'll do a Highlight of the Week and a Lowlight of the Week. Sort of a best and worst happenings of the week (to me). We'll see if I can think of anything else to add to this.
Next post will be Sunday... the end of the week.
I'll do a Highlight of the Week and a Lowlight of the Week. Sort of a best and worst happenings of the week (to me). We'll see if I can think of anything else to add to this.
Next post will be Sunday... the end of the week.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
All too easy...
Yesterday I watched the final episode of "Life on Mars," ABC's version of the BBC show (haven't seen that one yet). The American "Life on Mars" wasn't perfect, but I highly enjoyed every week, especially the chemistry between Jason O'Mara and Gretchen Mol. The "mystery" wasn't really keeping me tuned in, but I really liked this show and felt it was a good companion to "Lost..." and seriously, what IS a good companion to "Lost" ??????
Probably the thing that pisses me off the most about "Life on Mars" cancellation is.... actually two things:
1. I looked up the ratings. The premiere episode had a little more than 11 million viewers. The show went on a two month hiatus with an episode that had almost 8 million viewers. When it came back in late January , it premiered after "Lost" to an audience of 8.89 million people expecting the second half of the cliffhanger episode we had seen in November. But no, ABC decided to stick a random episode in there and air the cliffhanger the next episode. hmmm... anyway, but the point is, "Life on Mars" averaged 8.97 million viewers the first half of the season (7 episodes) and 5.84 million viewers the next 10. The last five episodes of the season aired with everyone knowing the show had been cancelled (kind of taints the numbers to me - who is going to watch a show that they know will be over in 5 episodes?)
2. ABC is replacing "Life on Mars," a quirky cop show with a twist set in New York City with "The Unusuals..." a quirky cop show with a twist set in New York City. WTF! Seriously.
So now I've compiled a list of some of my favorite shows to be CANCELLED by their poopy networks. Yes, I am still upset by many of these cancellations.
"Eyes" - ABC (5 episodes, 2005) I was super upset when this show got cancelled. Witty, funny, Tim Daly-filled... what more could you want? But no, not good enough for a post-"Lost" time slot. It's amazing I like "Lost" so much, considering how bitter I am about the shows that come after it.
Probably the thing that pisses me off the most about "Life on Mars" cancellation is.... actually two things:
1. I looked up the ratings. The premiere episode had a little more than 11 million viewers. The show went on a two month hiatus with an episode that had almost 8 million viewers. When it came back in late January , it premiered after "Lost" to an audience of 8.89 million people expecting the second half of the cliffhanger episode we had seen in November. But no, ABC decided to stick a random episode in there and air the cliffhanger the next episode. hmmm... anyway, but the point is, "Life on Mars" averaged 8.97 million viewers the first half of the season (7 episodes) and 5.84 million viewers the next 10. The last five episodes of the season aired with everyone knowing the show had been cancelled (kind of taints the numbers to me - who is going to watch a show that they know will be over in 5 episodes?)
2. ABC is replacing "Life on Mars," a quirky cop show with a twist set in New York City with "The Unusuals..." a quirky cop show with a twist set in New York City. WTF! Seriously.
So now I've compiled a list of some of my favorite shows to be CANCELLED by their poopy networks. Yes, I am still upset by many of these cancellations.
"Eyes" - ABC (5 episodes, 2005) I was super upset when this show got cancelled. Witty, funny, Tim Daly-filled... what more could you want? But no, not good enough for a post-"Lost" time slot. It's amazing I like "Lost" so much, considering how bitter I am about the shows that come after it.
"The Nine" - ABC (7 episodes, 2006) Another Tim Daly show. Unique concept, some great actors. More post-"Lost" disappointment. Too bad I don't get DirecTV and can see the unaired episodes this summer.
"Reunion" - FOX (9 episodes, 2005) This show was a bit soap opera-ish, but it had an interesting concept that was playing out well (someone is killed at their 10 year high school reunion and we find out why and who did it by exploring a single year in each episode).
"Miss Match" - NBC (11 episodes, 2003)
Alicia Silverstone starred in this short series about a divorce lawyer who was a matchmaker on the side. I thought it was funny and romantic, but it was stuck on Friday nights, so of course nobody watched it.
Alicia Silverstone starred in this short series about a divorce lawyer who was a matchmaker on the side. I thought it was funny and romantic, but it was stuck on Friday nights, so of course nobody watched it.
"Keen Eddie" - FOX (13 episodes, 2003-2004)
This show was perfect for Mark Valley. He's been in multiple shows since ("Boston Legal," "Fringe," "The 4400," and "Swingtown," among others), but was at his best in "Eddie." He's kind of a sleazeball in everything else. Sort of like what happened to Bradley Cooper after "Alias." This is another show that got "second wind" when Bravo was able to air the remaining episodes several months after its cancellation. Oh, did I mention Eddie had a really really cute doggie too?
This show was perfect for Mark Valley. He's been in multiple shows since ("Boston Legal," "Fringe," "The 4400," and "Swingtown," among others), but was at his best in "Eddie." He's kind of a sleazeball in everything else. Sort of like what happened to Bradley Cooper after "Alias." This is another show that got "second wind" when Bravo was able to air the remaining episodes several months after its cancellation. Oh, did I mention Eddie had a really really cute doggie too?
"Wonderfalls" - FOX (13 episodes, 2004) A girl who works at a Niagara Falls gift shop suddenly discovers that inanimate objects can speak to her - and want her to do things. Creative, funny, and different. Might as well stamp CANCELLED on there too.
"Pushing Daisies" - ABC (19 episodes, 2007-2008) Ah, "Pushing Daisies." This show brought us the wonder that is Lee Pace. Sigh. Anyway, I also fell in love with the bright and beautiful colors, pint-sized Olive (Kristin Chenoweth), snappy Emerson Cod (Chi McBride), wide-eyed Chuck (Anna Friel), and of course, Digby, Ned's loyal dog (who Ned couldn't even pet!)
"Andy Richter Controls the Universe" - FOX (19 episodes, 2002-2003) Basically what I remember about this show is the craziness and subsequently funny-ness that is Andy Richter. I also enjoyed his show "Andy Barker, P.I." (2007, cancelled after six episodes), but not as much as his first comedic gem.
"The Mole" - the Anderson Cooper version, ABC (22 episodes, 2001-2002) An expertly crafted reality show that introduced me to the wonderful Anderson Cooper.
"Jericho" - CBS (29 episodes, 2006-2008)
I actually watched most of the entire first season in one weekend on CBS's online player. I LOVED this show. The first season was probably better than the second, and I guess we were just lucky to get a second season at all (thanks peanut lovers).
I actually watched most of the entire first season in one weekend on CBS's online player. I LOVED this show. The first season was probably better than the second, and I guess we were just lucky to get a second season at all (thanks peanut lovers).
"Arrested Development" - FOX (53 episodes, 2003-2006)
Although "AD" ran for much longer than the rest of the shows on my list, I had to add it because of the constant threat of cancellation (oh I remember the horror of thinking I would never get an episode after the season 2 finale) and the show was axed with much more comedy to be unleashed. We never got to see Mother Boy XXXI for goodness sake!
Although "AD" ran for much longer than the rest of the shows on my list, I had to add it because of the constant threat of cancellation (oh I remember the horror of thinking I would never get an episode after the season 2 finale) and the show was axed with much more comedy to be unleashed. We never got to see Mother Boy XXXI for goodness sake!
So what have we learned? ...besides that ABC and FOX hate me? The TV and movie business is basically all about money. It's not as obvious in film, where if we hear about a project, we'll almost always get to see it, in one form or another. But TV is a medium that requires a continuing narrative... which obviously means there has to be multiple episodes/seasons to tell it's full story. So it really disappoints me when networks (and their advertisers) decide a show is over. Frankly it seems ridiculous that they would want to get rid of a show that draws five million people to watch their station/commericals. But why settle for five when you can have 20 million with shows like "CSI" and "American Idol?"
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Stats
I love statistics. Not the numbers kind... although Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry was the one math class I did well in and kind of understood (besides Excursions in Mathematics).
Point is, I have an unhealthy fascination with keeping track of trends (statistics). I just finished making a list of which states have the most basketball teams in this year's NCAA basketball tournament (Ohio with a surprising 5). This led to a list of which campuses I have been to (11 - USC, Michigan State, BYU, Washington, Missouri, Cornell, Cal, CSUN, UCLA, ASU, and Michigan), which then led to a list of all the campuses I have been to (22). Interestingly enough, only one of those universities was visited for the first time while making my decision of where to attend college (Bowling Green State University).
Other lists I keep regularly or have done in the past:
--Oscar nominees that I have seen (111 out of 464 - earliest year seen: 1939 - Gone With the Wind, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Stagecoach, The Wizard of Oz)
--imdb Top 250 movies seen (86)
--Top grossing all-time domestic movies seen: (89 out of 100)
--I have kept a yearly list of every movie I have seen in the theater starting in 2003
--Movies/TV shows I own (around 250)
--Last/first names, cities, and street names that I find funny/odd
--Countries I have been to (14)
--States I have been to (36)
--Olympic cities I have been to (13)
--Olympic villages I have been to (4 - Atlanta, Innsbruck, Barcelona, and Turin - attended event)
--Which states have multiple pro sports franchises (California has the most)
--Which states have no pro sports franchises (a lot)
--Which clubs have the most players in the World Baseball Classic (Red Sox)
--Baseball stadiums I have been to (8)
The list goes on and on. Once I get something in my head, I want to know more about it. I like writing down all the information and then sorting it into categories. I am big into observing, and perhaps this is a way for me to control a little of what I am observing. Or it's just a bunch of fun.
Just because... the campuses I have been to:
Michigan State University, East Lansing MI
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo MI
Michigan Tech University, Houghton MI
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI
South Dakota State University, Brookings SD
Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant MI
Penn State University, State College PA
University of Washington, Seattle WA
Cornell University, Ithaca NY
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN
Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green OH
University of Hawaii, Honolulu HI
University of Westminster, London England
University of Bologna, Bologna Italy
University of Missouri, Columbia MO
University of Iowa, Iowa City IA
Brigham Young University, Provo UT
California State University Northridge, Northridge CA
UCLA, Los Angeles CA
USC, Los Angeles CA
Arizona State University, Tucson AZ
San Francisco State University, San Francisco CA
Point is, I have an unhealthy fascination with keeping track of trends (statistics). I just finished making a list of which states have the most basketball teams in this year's NCAA basketball tournament (Ohio with a surprising 5). This led to a list of which campuses I have been to (11 - USC, Michigan State, BYU, Washington, Missouri, Cornell, Cal, CSUN, UCLA, ASU, and Michigan), which then led to a list of all the campuses I have been to (22). Interestingly enough, only one of those universities was visited for the first time while making my decision of where to attend college (Bowling Green State University).
Other lists I keep regularly or have done in the past:
--Oscar nominees that I have seen (111 out of 464 - earliest year seen: 1939 - Gone With the Wind, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Stagecoach, The Wizard of Oz)
--imdb Top 250 movies seen (86)
--Top grossing all-time domestic movies seen: (89 out of 100)
--I have kept a yearly list of every movie I have seen in the theater starting in 2003
--Movies/TV shows I own (around 250)
--Last/first names, cities, and street names that I find funny/odd
--Countries I have been to (14)
--States I have been to (36)
--Olympic cities I have been to (13)
--Olympic villages I have been to (4 - Atlanta, Innsbruck, Barcelona, and Turin - attended event)
--Which states have multiple pro sports franchises (California has the most)
--Which states have no pro sports franchises (a lot)
--Which clubs have the most players in the World Baseball Classic (Red Sox)
--Baseball stadiums I have been to (8)
The list goes on and on. Once I get something in my head, I want to know more about it. I like writing down all the information and then sorting it into categories. I am big into observing, and perhaps this is a way for me to control a little of what I am observing. Or it's just a bunch of fun.
Just because... the campuses I have been to:
Michigan State University, East Lansing MI
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo MI
Michigan Tech University, Houghton MI
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI
South Dakota State University, Brookings SD
Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant MI
Penn State University, State College PA
University of Washington, Seattle WA
Cornell University, Ithaca NY
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN
Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green OH
University of Hawaii, Honolulu HI
University of Westminster, London England
University of Bologna, Bologna Italy
University of Missouri, Columbia MO
University of Iowa, Iowa City IA
Brigham Young University, Provo UT
California State University Northridge, Northridge CA
UCLA, Los Angeles CA
USC, Los Angeles CA
Arizona State University, Tucson AZ
San Francisco State University, San Francisco CA
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Best of 2008
With the Oscars are just a few hours away, I would like to choose my own nominees and winners for the best of film in 2008. Bold indicates the winner.
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Christina Barcelona
Rebecca Hall, Vicky Christina Barcelona
Olga Kurylenko, Quantum of Solace
Rebecca Hall, Vicky Christina Barcelona
Olga Kurylenko, Quantum of Solace
Best Supporting Actor:
Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
Colin Farrell, In Bruges
Ralph Fiennes, The Reader
David Kross, The Reader
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Best Actress:
Angelina Jolie, Changeling
Nicole Kidman, Australia
Keira Knightley, The Duchess
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Best Actor:
Don Cheadle, Traitor
Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire
Sean Penn, Milk
Paul Rudd, Role Models
Michael Sheen, Frost/Nixon
Best Animated Feature:
Kung Fu Panda
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
WALL-E
Best Picture:
Changeling
The Duchess
Frost/Nixon
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
Vicky Christina Barcelona
There you have it! Just my opinion... let me know yours!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Tightening the old wallet
Whenever I have money "trouble" it always comes at the worst time. I just got paid, which is usually a great time of the month, but on top of the fact that rent is due and I need an oil change soon, someone else has used my debit card and now I have to stop using that account. This is the account I use for pretty much every purchase in my life. It's linked to my all my bills and automatic payments. Now I have to switch those account to my credit card for a bit, which inevitably means I will end up spending more money than I mean to. Thus, I have decided to try and curb my spending habits. Here are some things to do for free while I wait this out:
--Go for a walk around the neighborhood. Good for both the body & soul.
--Go for a walk around the neighborhood. Good for both the body & soul.
--Go to the zoo. Why yes, this costs money, but I have a membership to the LA Zoo, so in essence, it is free for me.
--Watch the many movies that I have in my own DVD collection.
--Watch movies/TV on my Netflix Instant.
--Work on my puzzle.
--Go for a drive... whether it be along the beach or up in the mountains. This will cost me gas money, but that is hard to avoid.
--Clean the house. Not very fun, but necessary.
--File my taxes. Again, really not fun, but I will get a rebate in the end.
--Catch up on reading. I'm about 4 months behind in Newsweeks and have a lot of books I want to get through.
--Craft! ...but I have to be sure to restrain myself from buying anything new.
--Use my gift card to Whole Foods.
--Use my gift card to Starbucks.
--Watch the Clippers and Kings on TV.
If anyone else has any ideas, please let me know!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I Love LA!
Let's get optimistic! Here are some things I love about LA.
First, as much as I hate to admit it, I feel like I'm living at the epicenter of things. Los Angeles is the 2nd largest (population-wise) city in the United States. I've never lived in a big city before. Scatch that, I lived in Florence for four months... but European life is vastly different from American living. The Big City is very different from suburban America. In the year and a half that I have lived here, I've been to 3 baseball games, 3 hockey games, 4 basketball games, and 1 college football game. In my entire 22 years living in Michigan, I've been to many college football and hockey games, but only a few professional games. It's a little easier to make it to Staples Center or Dodger Stadium when it's only 10 miles away, rather than 70. Although it could end up taking just as long to get from West LA to downtown as it would to get from Haslett to Detroit (thanks for ruining my positive moment, Traffic).
Point is, I've never been to a home Red Wings or Pistons game, but I've seen the Pistons 3 times in LA and the Wings twice. As a sports fan, this thrills me to death. Because LA attracts people like me, there are many "outsiders," people who haven't grown up in the area. It is definately a lot more fun being the away team when you already have a mini fan base living in that city.
A good and bad part of living in LA is the element of danger. Without danger, life would be boring. Not that I welcome someone coming at me with a knife... but I think we can all use a little excitement once in awhile. This is one reason I love rainstorms/snowstorms/etc. It's fun to break a record. It's fun to be stuck somewhere and have things to complain about to your friends. Instead of weather issues, LA has earthquakes, fires, and car chases.
Last year, I decided to take a slightly longer, yet less stressful, way home from work. I ended up at the end of a high speed chase. Kind of cool to get home and pick out my car on the helicopter cam online. Just today, I was able to watch a 2 hour pursuit of a woman who stole a U-Haul truck and proceeded to drive all over LA County. Watching her get tackled by the cops will probably be the highlight of my week.
El Pollo Loco is chicken from heaven. I have to be careful though, because I can be sucked into a week-long El Pollo Loco binge. Danger, Will Robinson! Step away from the BRC!
I love the beach. I never thought I was a beach person until I moved to Los Angeles. Although I was lucky enough to grow up in a state with five beautiful, giant lakes, I was really only able to visit them about once or twice a year. In LA, the beaches are open year round. Now, I have never been swimming in the Pacific. It's too cold in the winter and usually the sea air is enough to cool me down in the summer, but I am completely content to just stroll up and down the sand... or maybe fly a kite or build a sand castle.
Los Angeles isn't my favorite town in the world and God knows I'm not Little Miss Sunshine, but I do encourage everyone to try to fall in love with just a few things in the place you live. If you find that you absolutely cannot (or will not), move! It's really not that hard... and it will make you a lot happier in the long run. I'm not staying here forever. But I've found a couple things that make life a lot sweeter.
First, as much as I hate to admit it, I feel like I'm living at the epicenter of things. Los Angeles is the 2nd largest (population-wise) city in the United States. I've never lived in a big city before. Scatch that, I lived in Florence for four months... but European life is vastly different from American living. The Big City is very different from suburban America. In the year and a half that I have lived here, I've been to 3 baseball games, 3 hockey games, 4 basketball games, and 1 college football game. In my entire 22 years living in Michigan, I've been to many college football and hockey games, but only a few professional games. It's a little easier to make it to Staples Center or Dodger Stadium when it's only 10 miles away, rather than 70. Although it could end up taking just as long to get from West LA to downtown as it would to get from Haslett to Detroit (thanks for ruining my positive moment, Traffic).
Point is, I've never been to a home Red Wings or Pistons game, but I've seen the Pistons 3 times in LA and the Wings twice. As a sports fan, this thrills me to death. Because LA attracts people like me, there are many "outsiders," people who haven't grown up in the area. It is definately a lot more fun being the away team when you already have a mini fan base living in that city.
A good and bad part of living in LA is the element of danger. Without danger, life would be boring. Not that I welcome someone coming at me with a knife... but I think we can all use a little excitement once in awhile. This is one reason I love rainstorms/snowstorms/etc. It's fun to break a record. It's fun to be stuck somewhere and have things to complain about to your friends. Instead of weather issues, LA has earthquakes, fires, and car chases.
Last year, I decided to take a slightly longer, yet less stressful, way home from work. I ended up at the end of a high speed chase. Kind of cool to get home and pick out my car on the helicopter cam online. Just today, I was able to watch a 2 hour pursuit of a woman who stole a U-Haul truck and proceeded to drive all over LA County. Watching her get tackled by the cops will probably be the highlight of my week.
El Pollo Loco is chicken from heaven. I have to be careful though, because I can be sucked into a week-long El Pollo Loco binge. Danger, Will Robinson! Step away from the BRC!
I love the beach. I never thought I was a beach person until I moved to Los Angeles. Although I was lucky enough to grow up in a state with five beautiful, giant lakes, I was really only able to visit them about once or twice a year. In LA, the beaches are open year round. Now, I have never been swimming in the Pacific. It's too cold in the winter and usually the sea air is enough to cool me down in the summer, but I am completely content to just stroll up and down the sand... or maybe fly a kite or build a sand castle.
Los Angeles isn't my favorite town in the world and God knows I'm not Little Miss Sunshine, but I do encourage everyone to try to fall in love with just a few things in the place you live. If you find that you absolutely cannot (or will not), move! It's really not that hard... and it will make you a lot happier in the long run. I'm not staying here forever. But I've found a couple things that make life a lot sweeter.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
So....
I was just watching Defiance, the new WWII movie with Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, and Jamie Bell. No spoilers, but at one point in the movie, a lookout spotted the German police and I thought, "Too bad he doesn't have a cell phone so he can warn the others."
Now I'm sitting at home, wondering if I should upgrade to a 2-at-a-time Netflix package... like I don't already have enough electronic things to entertain me: two TVs, a DVR, my own DVDs, X-Box 360, PlayStation 2, computer, iPod, Tetris on my cell phone... Not to mention instant viewing from Netflix on my Roku.
I was eating Campbell's chicken noodle soup earlier today and wondered what someone who had been working in the fields all day back in the 1800s would think of my lunch. They would probably fall over from lack of nutrients.
I'm not one to be resistent to technology or dwell on the past too much. I think there is always going to be something wrong, no matter what time we live in. I just know that as I sit here... writing on my laptop, checking the Wings score, and watching the Clippers on TV... there are a lot of things I'm not appreciative of and a lot of things that I probably appreciate too much.
Now I'm sitting at home, wondering if I should upgrade to a 2-at-a-time Netflix package... like I don't already have enough electronic things to entertain me: two TVs, a DVR, my own DVDs, X-Box 360, PlayStation 2, computer, iPod, Tetris on my cell phone... Not to mention instant viewing from Netflix on my Roku.
I was eating Campbell's chicken noodle soup earlier today and wondered what someone who had been working in the fields all day back in the 1800s would think of my lunch. They would probably fall over from lack of nutrients.
I'm not one to be resistent to technology or dwell on the past too much. I think there is always going to be something wrong, no matter what time we live in. I just know that as I sit here... writing on my laptop, checking the Wings score, and watching the Clippers on TV... there are a lot of things I'm not appreciative of and a lot of things that I probably appreciate too much.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
3-5 Minute Meals with Meg
Somehow today's conversation at lunch became about my eating habits. Kind of ironic considering I was eating a chicken sandwich and apple, while my two friends were having re-heated pasta and salad and a Lean Pocket.
Anyhoo.
During this lunch, I apparently baffled my co-workers with my eating habits (what I cook and do not cook). I will try to explain some of this here.
First off, I hardly ever "cook." I only started making my own meals about a year and a half ago because I lived in the dorm all throughout college. I always helped my mom make dinner up until I was 18, but she usually did most of the stuff that required getting some stove-action. The most common meals that I eat now are: soup (heated in the microwave) and cheese, sometimes with a vegetable or fruit. Lean Cuisine (my favorite is sesame chicken). Hormel Beef Roast heated in the microwave, usually with corn from the frozen aisle or in a can. Smart Ones Three Cheese Ziti. Drink of choice: skim milk. Always perfect. I just tried a Cafe Steamer from Healthy Choice, which was chicken breast, broccoli, and linguine with roasted red pepper sauce (I sound like the commercial). It was very tasty. And quick. Quick is the key. You can't have a meal with Meg if it is not quick.
And by quick, I mean under 5 minutes. Really. None of this "10 minute to prep, 10 minutes to make" crap. That is too long for me to wait. I get off work at 7:00pm on weeknights, which means I am usually home between 7:45-8:30 (depending on traffic and stops I make along the way home). By the time I get home, I have not eaten a meal in 5-6 hours. I am hungry now. I am tired now. I have new TV to watch now. I have a craft project I want to work on now. I want to watch the Pistons-the-one-time-they-are-on-TV-in-LA now. You get the picture. The easiest and tastiest thing for me to do at this point is pop something in the microwave. It gets the job done and then I am onto something else for the evening.
I am not against cooking (although I understand it seems that way from what I wrote above). I just do not like to spend the time or effort to make something every night of the week. Or even 3 or 4 nights. Besides it being so late by the time I get home, I usually don't make food for anyone other than me. I don't particularly like leftovers, so it seems like a waste to make a meal for just me. Another criticism of my eating habits is that I won't know how to make food for my future children. First, I do not have kids right now. Second, I do not see myself having kids in the near future, so I have plenty of time to learn. And lastly, there will be others to help me make food when the time finally does come.
I am also a pretty picky eater. I am willing to try most any food once, but if I don't like, I don't like it. And I don't want to eat it again. I hate tomatoes and mushrooms. I like to shave the outer green off a cucumber and then cut away the middle to eat only the edges (hate the seeds). I don't like stems in my lettuce. I just want a flat piece of lettuce. Emeril agrees with me, so back off on this one. I don't like vegetables much in general... carrots, broccoli, potatoes, red/green/orange peppers, and corn are probably the best. I hate the fat on meat or the little veins inside (bleh). I don't like cooking with wine because I can taste the alcohol in my food.
And now for a list of things I have made in the past (and will again the future). By "make" I mean that I have to put stuff together and usually have to cook at least a portion of it on the stove.
--Salmon with light mayo and onion salt on top. This is amazing. Please try it, even though it sounds gross.
--Spaghetti and sauce.
--Ramen noodles with chunk cheese.
--Chili, chips, and cheese (add lettuce).
--Chicken breast and corn.
--Pumpkin pie from a recipe.
--I like to bake cakes, cookies, and brownies from boxes.
--I have no made my mom's lasagna yet, but I plan to do this sometime in the near future.
Conclusion: I do not like making meals because it is not something I am particularly fond of and it is not how I want to spend my evening after a long day at work. I think things would be different if I got off work earlier or if I had someone to cook/eat with. I am still a youngin' though and have many more years to experiment with making food.
Anyhoo.
During this lunch, I apparently baffled my co-workers with my eating habits (what I cook and do not cook). I will try to explain some of this here.
First off, I hardly ever "cook." I only started making my own meals about a year and a half ago because I lived in the dorm all throughout college. I always helped my mom make dinner up until I was 18, but she usually did most of the stuff that required getting some stove-action. The most common meals that I eat now are: soup (heated in the microwave) and cheese, sometimes with a vegetable or fruit. Lean Cuisine (my favorite is sesame chicken). Hormel Beef Roast heated in the microwave, usually with corn from the frozen aisle or in a can. Smart Ones Three Cheese Ziti. Drink of choice: skim milk. Always perfect. I just tried a Cafe Steamer from Healthy Choice, which was chicken breast, broccoli, and linguine with roasted red pepper sauce (I sound like the commercial). It was very tasty. And quick. Quick is the key. You can't have a meal with Meg if it is not quick.
And by quick, I mean under 5 minutes. Really. None of this "10 minute to prep, 10 minutes to make" crap. That is too long for me to wait. I get off work at 7:00pm on weeknights, which means I am usually home between 7:45-8:30 (depending on traffic and stops I make along the way home). By the time I get home, I have not eaten a meal in 5-6 hours. I am hungry now. I am tired now. I have new TV to watch now. I have a craft project I want to work on now. I want to watch the Pistons-the-one-time-they-are-on-TV-in-LA now. You get the picture. The easiest and tastiest thing for me to do at this point is pop something in the microwave. It gets the job done and then I am onto something else for the evening.
I am not against cooking (although I understand it seems that way from what I wrote above). I just do not like to spend the time or effort to make something every night of the week. Or even 3 or 4 nights. Besides it being so late by the time I get home, I usually don't make food for anyone other than me. I don't particularly like leftovers, so it seems like a waste to make a meal for just me. Another criticism of my eating habits is that I won't know how to make food for my future children. First, I do not have kids right now. Second, I do not see myself having kids in the near future, so I have plenty of time to learn. And lastly, there will be others to help me make food when the time finally does come.
I am also a pretty picky eater. I am willing to try most any food once, but if I don't like, I don't like it. And I don't want to eat it again. I hate tomatoes and mushrooms. I like to shave the outer green off a cucumber and then cut away the middle to eat only the edges (hate the seeds). I don't like stems in my lettuce. I just want a flat piece of lettuce. Emeril agrees with me, so back off on this one. I don't like vegetables much in general... carrots, broccoli, potatoes, red/green/orange peppers, and corn are probably the best. I hate the fat on meat or the little veins inside (bleh). I don't like cooking with wine because I can taste the alcohol in my food.
And now for a list of things I have made in the past (and will again the future). By "make" I mean that I have to put stuff together and usually have to cook at least a portion of it on the stove.
--Salmon with light mayo and onion salt on top. This is amazing. Please try it, even though it sounds gross.
--Spaghetti and sauce.
--Ramen noodles with chunk cheese.
--Chili, chips, and cheese (add lettuce).
--Chicken breast and corn.
--Pumpkin pie from a recipe.
--I like to bake cakes, cookies, and brownies from boxes.
--I have no made my mom's lasagna yet, but I plan to do this sometime in the near future.
Conclusion: I do not like making meals because it is not something I am particularly fond of and it is not how I want to spend my evening after a long day at work. I think things would be different if I got off work earlier or if I had someone to cook/eat with. I am still a youngin' though and have many more years to experiment with making food.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
MI CA
While I have lived in approximately 9 different homes throughout my life so far, I have only lived in 3 drastically different places (Michigan, Italy, and now California). While visiting Michigan over the holidays, I was constantly reminded of major differences (and similarities) between my hometown of Haslett, Michigan and my current residence, Los Angeles, California.
The one thing I really hated about Michigan (and cold climates in general) are my poor feet freezing on a car ride. After about 10-15 minutes, my toes begin to freeze and go numb. I can't feel them anymore, even while constantly moving them! Although I still get cold feet and hands in LA (thanks to my circulation problem), it is not nearly as bad as it was in the mitten.
Other bad side effects of cold weather: chapped lips and wet pant legs. I do not miss the salt drying on my jeans and then turning them gray and stiff below the ankles.
A good thing about cold weather: I think it creates a stronger "stock" of people. I have heard many times, whether it be someone telling me I am one of these people or through a story from a friend, that people from the Midwest are highly sought out in California. We are seen as hard workers. I always thought that was stupid until I went home this Christmas. It is so damn hard getting on all that cold weather clothing... and then immediately taking it off when you get inside for fear your will boil to death. It takes a strong willed person to want to do that several times per day, 5-7 months of the year.
A similarity between the two states: the quality of local television is about the same in both Michigan and California. The anchors still bumble for their lines and the commercials.... well, let's just say they breed crazy wherever you live. (Michigan: see Terry Hanks. California: see Leeds Mattress Store)
I always miss NCG Cinemas. I get hooked on a movie theater for some reason or other and once I get hooked, I just can't stay away. In Haslett, it is NCG. I'm reminded of all the movies I saw there in high school and during breaks in college. I just love it there, it feels like home. It doesn't hurt that tickets are only $5 during the week too.
Some things I missed about CA while I was in Haslett (and all over Michigan): the Clippers (please don't kill me), football being on at 5pm (it's hard to wait until 8!), and friends. Usually I get overwhelmed with being busy or just do not feel comfortable at home anymore (it's an independence thing). I think this is the first time I have been home (since going off to college) that I felt like I was where I needed to be. It was time to go back to LA when it was time, but I was fine being home for a time. Maybe things are just working out the way they are supposed to.
The one thing I really hated about Michigan (and cold climates in general) are my poor feet freezing on a car ride. After about 10-15 minutes, my toes begin to freeze and go numb. I can't feel them anymore, even while constantly moving them! Although I still get cold feet and hands in LA (thanks to my circulation problem), it is not nearly as bad as it was in the mitten.
Other bad side effects of cold weather: chapped lips and wet pant legs. I do not miss the salt drying on my jeans and then turning them gray and stiff below the ankles.
A good thing about cold weather: I think it creates a stronger "stock" of people. I have heard many times, whether it be someone telling me I am one of these people or through a story from a friend, that people from the Midwest are highly sought out in California. We are seen as hard workers. I always thought that was stupid until I went home this Christmas. It is so damn hard getting on all that cold weather clothing... and then immediately taking it off when you get inside for fear your will boil to death. It takes a strong willed person to want to do that several times per day, 5-7 months of the year.
A similarity between the two states: the quality of local television is about the same in both Michigan and California. The anchors still bumble for their lines and the commercials.... well, let's just say they breed crazy wherever you live. (Michigan: see Terry Hanks. California: see Leeds Mattress Store)
I always miss NCG Cinemas. I get hooked on a movie theater for some reason or other and once I get hooked, I just can't stay away. In Haslett, it is NCG. I'm reminded of all the movies I saw there in high school and during breaks in college. I just love it there, it feels like home. It doesn't hurt that tickets are only $5 during the week too.
Some things I missed about CA while I was in Haslett (and all over Michigan): the Clippers (please don't kill me), football being on at 5pm (it's hard to wait until 8!), and friends. Usually I get overwhelmed with being busy or just do not feel comfortable at home anymore (it's an independence thing). I think this is the first time I have been home (since going off to college) that I felt like I was where I needed to be. It was time to go back to LA when it was time, but I was fine being home for a time. Maybe things are just working out the way they are supposed to.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)