90's Boys Awesomeness

My dear sister sent this to me. I LOVED it! Hope you do too!

Check it:

GLEE

So I love GLEE! That show is amazing, revolutionary, and thoroughly entertaining. I never miss it and hate to not watch it live. The musical numbers are my favorite part. So with that said there are a few things that I want to see happen this season.
1. Mercedes have a legit plot line - maybe even a love interest
2. Answer the question if Kurt is still on the Cheerios
3. Shue and Emma get together, or at least have another really hot kiss
4. A sing/dance off between Uncle Jessie and Shue
5. Puck shirtless
6. Rachel and Finn gettin' a little hot and heavy
7. maybe the return of Jessie St.James so Finn can totally rub in his face that he has Rachel and that they just won regionals/nationals
8. less Santana and Brittney. I'm really tired of them.
9. an episode about mike cheng, where he takes his shirt off a couple times
10. more killer musical numbers
11. more mash-ups!


Songs/artists music I want to see on Glee
1. McFLY - of course, totally want a McFLY episode but would settle for a song at this point - I'm thinkin' Sorry's Not Good Enough
2. Jason Mraz, again could do a themed episode
3. Whitney Houston - wouldn't it be killer for Mercedes to sing some Whitney
4. Ke$ha - of course
5. Sara Barelis
6. Maroon 5
7. Let Me Be Your Wings from Thumbelina - Rachel and Finn please!
8. *nsync
9. back street boys
10. spice girls
(8-10) should be put together in an old school episode
11. Music from A Star Is Born (Streisand version of course)
12. Some t-swizzle
13. Lady A, Need You Now, maybe? or Love Don't Live Here - just a little country love

Okay, that's all I have for now!

New Love of my LIFE!

There is a new love in my life.

He's handsome (striking), a beefy, blond, from California, and is a Green Bay Packer! He's seems like a mix of Sunshine from Remeber the Titans and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast.

So I don't really know anything about him. I know that he plays with heart, drive, and enthusiasm.
Here's his picture!





Oh, and his name is Clay Matthews. I wouldn't have to change my last initial! I'm also going to pretend that he doesn't have nasty long hair. He just needs to cut a few inches. :)

My Number 5 Top Female Fictional Book Character

My 5th Favorite Fictional Female Book Character is....

....Ella of Frell from Ella Enchanted

I love Ella. Ella is the first character that well, enchanted me. Ella is so relate-able. She is a normal teenage girl, who thinks like a normal girl, who not only has to deal with challenging circumstances she overcomes them. I love the inner strength that Ella has. Basically she's been dealt a shit hand in life but she doesn't let it get her down. She remains positive, hopeful, and fun.

Ella Enchanted was the first young adult (ish) book I read. I loved that Ella was not the 'popular' girl. I loved that Ella chose to have one good friend who wasn't popular to being popular. I felt like a lot of the qualities Ella possessed I possessed too. Brown hair, clumsy (one of my favorite characteristics), smart, and a creative dreamer.

Ella is a princess, and I firmly believe that in some way shape or form every girl wants to be a princess. I love the fairy tale aspect of the story. But Ella is not your typical princess, she kicks butt, fights her own battles (with support), and has a whole hell of a lot more personality than most princesses. Ella has (even though she's not real) has always inspired me. If Ella can deal with her issues than I can deal with mine. If she can deal with obedience AND mean girls then I can deal with my own mean girls.

I love Ella. She has been one of my best literary friends and definitely deserved a space on my top 5 list.

Texas Part 2

Okay this perfectly describes my Texas Man obsession.

"You can't stand between a Texas Man and his power tools. We like them. Big ones that drain the national grid. We also like truck-stop breakfasts, large moving objects, Monday night football, and the missionary position. We don't drink light beer, drive Smart Cars, or admit to knowing more than about five or six colors. And we don't wax our chests. Ever." Said by Texas Man Jack Travis in Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas.

I just thought that was really hot and perfectly described what is so appealing about these guys.

My Top 5 Fictional Couples

First of all let me say that I'm having issues focusing today. I have a lot I should do, instead I'm doing everything (except watching Skins) that I shouldn't do.

So, I read my friend Lindsie's blog http://lindsiecmarie.blogspot.com/2010/09/ya-characters-continued.html and I've been thinking about this post and my top 5 fav. characters. I decided to do all fiction because I read a lot of different stuff and there would be little challenge for me in the YA section. (I think.) Anyway, I'm struggling to decide and order my Top 5 characters of each gender.

So I thought why not do couples. That's easy! So here goes my Top 5 Favorite Fictional (Book) Couples.

5. A Tie - Lady Julia Grey/Nicholas Brisbane and Stephanie Plum/Joe Morelli or Ranger.
Silent in the Sanctuary & One for the Money
So, I had 6 couples and my mood determines which one is my favorite. I love the verbal interaction between each of theses sets. As well as the sexual tension, drama, and adventure. It's kind of perfect that I paired these sets together since both (3?) couples solve crimes. It should be noted that the Joe/Ranger thing is because Steph goes back and forth (kind of) between the two men. It's complicated. You'll just have to read the books.

4. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet
P&P
What is there really to say? He's one of the most perfect men. They have awesome argument/discussions/verbal fencing full of wit and sexual tension. And he thinks she's perfect just the way she is. Okay wrong Mr. Darcy but kind of right. Lots of good stuff there.

3. Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen
The Hunger Games
I love them together. Katniss and Peeta Forever! Team Peeta! Yay! hehe, okay but seriously talk about opposites attract, ying yang, etc etc. Peeta and Katniss complete each other. They work so well together in private and in public. She brings out the tough side in him and he brings out the soft side in her. Love them!

2. Penny and Jeremy
A Rather Lovely Inheritance
These two are just so darn cute together. The American Girl and British Boy. They're so charming and sophisticated and talk like they're from the 20's or something. (Wow, random thought. Soon will that expression be out. Will we HAVE to specify 1920s? Weird.) Anyway, J totally gets P even though she can be a bit persnickety and unusual. Just love their banter and such.

And my all time FAVORITE Couple is.....
....drum roll please.....

1. Jamie and Claire Fraser!!!!!
Outlander
I LOVE Jamie and Claire. I've lost track of the number of times I've read Outlander it is my favorite book of all time. Ever. Ever. :) (Will prob blog about Outlander at some point so eyes out for that.) What I love the most about these two is not only did they get married under strained circumstances but they have stayed married. (Let's not talk about the dark days, i try to pretend they didn't happen.) Jamie and Claire are very real in their relationship. They fight, they don't always want to talk to each other. They don't always see eye to eye. They have faced insurmountable odd: war, death, prison, betrayal, misunderstandings, the loss of a child, jealousy, illness, rape, you name it they've dealt with it. But through it all they have their love and each other. The series follows J and C from their 20s to their 50s or 60s. (Not sure what age they are now. I get confused cuz they don't age that much for me.)

Well, that's my list. (for now)

Peace!

Texas!

So...I'm really into Texas right now. Random and a little weird right? I know. I blame it on the books I've been reading and Friday Night Lights, specifically Tim Riggins, well and Coach Taylor too. I just watched season 1 again and was particularly struck by coach and mrs. t. Gary, as I call coach t because he was in Early Edition back in the day, is so darn adorable!

Anyway, the last several books I've read have taken place in Texas and star Texas men. You know big, muscular, rugged, tough "I'm gonna take care of you little lady" kind of guys. Of course there's always the tortured/soft side to them and they're not always acting like neanderthals. So, the macho act would get old but I think it would start some interesting "tension" and could lead to good compromise. If you know what I mean ;)You know what they say, everything's bigger in Texas! (Okay, sorry, I'll try to cut back the innuendos.)

Another reason I would like Texas - I could wear my cowboy boots (and get at least one other pair) all the time! I love my cowboy boots but don't get the chance to wear them enough. Will be working on changing that.

So, the Texas weather would suck. The heat, dry air, and did I mention heat year round? Yeah, well I'm not so sure I would do well with that weather but, it would be nice to not have to ever wear a winter coat again. I'm not sure how my hair will react to the Texas weather. (I've never been there.) It will either do well with the dry air or dry out. Hopefully it wouldn't frizz up too much. And probably the BIGGEST issue would be snakes. Yep, I'm terrified of snakes. Biggest fear right there. I do however like some of the landscape. "You know, tumbleweeds, prairie dogs, yeah" (Santa Fe, RENT, in case you didn't know)But seriously I could get into occasional trips into the country where you see the tumbleweeds, longhorns, oil rigs, etc. I'm definitely a city girl so living in the country would not happen in Texas.

I'm going to take this opportunity to mention the new FOX show Lonestar, Tyra from FNL is in it. Since I'm on a Texas kick I will be checking that out.

Okay, last reason I'm into Texas. Football. Yep, its that time of year, it's one of the top things on my mind. I LOVE football. And Texas Men seem to love their football. Now, we'd probably have an issue because I'm not a big Cowboys or Texans fan but, maybe they'd find me rooting for my team endearing...or I could learn to root for another team.

With ALL of that said. I think that if I were to get with a Texas Man, he'd need to be rich. Like filthy, stinkin' rich. Because I'd need to travel A LOT to seem my fam, and BFFs, and such. He'd probably need to own his own plane. Then I could travel whenever. "Oh, Colin has a game tonight? Well, I'll call the pilot and head up after work. We should get there in time for kickoff." Yep, that'd be the life.

So, if you know a beefy but fit, Texas Man who's rich, has an adorable accent, likes football and wants to take care of me while allowing me to maintain independence send him my way. :)

Okay, back to reality now....


Peace!


"Here's to God, and football, and 10 years from now Street, good friends living large in Texas. Texas forever."

-Tim Riggins,

Hehe, I'm done. I swear.




*NOTE - there was a lot of stereotyping in this post. Nothing personal, yes I know people are not all the same. Yes I know that all Texas men and weather is not like I said. Just a personal blog here peeps. :)

I think I'd Like to be an Author

I think I'd like to be an author. They seem to have a lovely lifestyle. They get to spend the day on their computer writing and researching and looking of ridiculous things. Plus they really don't have to spend all day writing. Their schedule is their own. If they want the day off, they take it. Most get to travel, have fabulous offices (or at least I envision mine being that way), and are intelligent and witty. Not to mention they have influence and usually a significant number of people read their blogs :P (Seriously I love my readers. Hey besties!)They also get to be crazy and creative and no one judges because they are legit artists. (I would be so over the top, more so than I am now if I was an author.)

Now I'm not nieve, I know it's a lot of work to be an author, there are deadlines, pressure to write the next best thing, plus until your published the incredible insecurity of lack of validation and just writing. Some of us are better at that than others. Plus criticism and reviews. But I think I could do it. With my education background I think I would be pretty gracious about publicity and book tours. And I'd have people pre-screen reviews.

I really think I could be an author. Now to come up with a story idea....

Peace! :)

My Top 10 YA Novels

I was inspired by this post I found on my new favorite website. (Thanks Linz) And decided to do my own list.

In no order:

1. Ella Enchanted
2. The Hunger Games (Really the whole trilogy)
3. Twilight (the whole saga)
4. Jessica Darling Series (I read them all in a row so there's no division of books for me just one continuous story.)
5. Over Sea Under Stone
6. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
7. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
8. Avalon High - Meg Cabot
9. Anna and the Duke
10. Shiver

Probably not inclusive and will change.

Three People I Would Invite to a Dinner Party

Who are the three people (dead or alive) I would invite to a Dinner Party?

Well I think that would be:

1. Brett Favre
2. Kate Winslet or Katherine Hepburn if Kate is busy
3. And one of the following (its not cheating because this is my blog and I can do what I want) Chris Pine, Diana Gabaldon, Jane Austen, or Young Howard Keel.

I want to have a separate dinner party with the cast of Bones, one with McFLY, and one with Paramore. (Maybe McFLY and Paramore could come together. They're each like one person right?)

Please note that my BFFs and Family will either be at the dinner too or just come for desert. :)

I think I would also like to do a dinner with
1. My Papa
2. My Grandpa Bates (who I never met)
And someone else, maybe Abe Lincoln.

So maybe I should just have a BIG dinner party, buffet style so I can visit with everyone. :)

Peace

Actress(es) Who Could Play Me

So I was thinking...
...the other day about what actress I would like to play me in a (hypothetical) story of my life. Now, I'm not saying that I have a life that is worthy of a movie but maybe someday. And I definitely don't want it to be a Lifetime Original Movie. I'm not a big fan of those. Of course whoever played me would have to look a little bit like me and I have to like her. So here is my list of actresses I would approve of playing me.

Ginnifer Goodwin
Sophia Bush
Kate Winslet
Rachel Weisz
Brittany Snow
Rachel McAdams
Lea Michelle
Julia Roberts
Emma Roberts
Emmy Rossum
Kate Beckinsale
Mandy Moore
and... Betty White for old me.

Okay so some are more of a stretch than others but what can I say, I'm selective.

The Story of Rob Pattinson and My Cousin

The following is a story written by on of my bff's about her cousin's encounter with Rob Pattinson. The story is priceless and my bff did a stellar job writing it! Names may or may not have been changed :).

Okay, here we go...Bee was in New Jersey on vacation at the Jersey Shore with Snooki (not really, but whatever). While she was there, her friends were calling/texting her saying that Rob was in town shooting "Water for Elephants". He went to the bars every night to just hang out, so downtown Chatt was crazy with girls lining up at whatever bar he would be at that night. Bee's friend, Ryan, was at a bar just chilling with some friends, and in walks Rob with an entourage - bodyguards and crew from the movie. He called Bee to tell her, but she was still in NJ. I guess Ryan tried to go to the bathroom, and the bodyguards wouldn't let him because Rob was in there :) Bee thought by the time she got back from NJ, Rob would be long gone...she was wrong!

Bee's friend, Kate, is a bartender at this swanky place in downtown Chatt. A group of guys came in Monday night, and Kate was there bartender. They started talking, and she finds out that the guys are camera crew from the movie. The one guy falls in love with Kate and asks for her number so that they can hang out again. Keep in mind, that this guys is in his 30's and not attractive. Also keep in mind, that Kate has NEVER seen Twilight, and doesn't even care about R Pattz, but she was taking one for the team knowing that Bee and her friend Laura would freak out!

Kate and cameraman, Lewis, text eachother all day Tuesday. Kate convinces Bee to come out with her Tuesday night with hopes that in the absolute slightest chance possible, they would get to meet Rob. While at the bar, Kate asks Lewis to meet them. He can't because they are throwing a wrap party for Rob because it was his last night in town. So, of course, Kate asks if she can stop by! Lewis is like sure, but who's all with you? Kate says two of my girlfriends (Bee and Laura) and my friend Travis. Lewis tells her no guys allowed. Kate tells him Travis is gay (he's not), and Lewis says cool! The 4 of them head to the party - it is of course at the fanciest, most expensive restaurant in town. The get to the door, and there is a huge line all the way down the street. They go to the doorman and say that they are here for the party, and they drop Lewis's name. Sure enough, Lewis comes down to get them and brings them up to the private room...where there are only 20 PEOPLE!!! All males (except one female crew member) and all members of the movie crew! The girls definitely stood out as they were 1.) female and 2.) clearly did not work on the movie! A bodyguard approaches them and explains that they are not to "swarm" Rob, basically just leave him alone as this is his only time to just relax and not be chased by crazy girls. They hung out for about 30 minutes or so, and Bee starts getting antsy because they haven't seen Rob yet. She wants to leave. Her friend, Laura, goes to sit on one of the couches, and then gives Bee a "get over here NOW" look. Bee follows and sits down. She looks to her right, and sure enough ROB IS SITTING AT THE BAR BY HIMSELF! He had been there the whole time!!! Converse, jeans, black t-shirt, and black baseball cap - drinking a Bud and chain smoking Camel Lights (gross, but I can get over it)! The girls realize that he's been staring at them the whole night because he has no idea who they are!!!

Bee is desperately trying to keep her cool (listening to her tell this story is PRICELESS)! Rob starts circulating the room and talking to each crewmember, laughs, hugs, thank-you's all around. Bee said she was very impressed by how appreciative and sincer he seemed. Bee joins her group at the bar, and Rob follows - so they end up standing back-to-back with eachother. Bee was trying to act cool, but she was definitely listening in on his conversation and she "wanted to know what he smelled like, so I started sniffing the air like an idiot!" This is why I love my cousin because I would have done the same thing! :) Lewis keeps telling the girls to approach Rob and say hi, but the girls are scared after the lecture they got from his bodyguard. Lewis then asks Rob for a "dart" which is apparently what they call cigarettes in England. Rob says sure, hands Lewis a dart, and then started laughing. Like really laughing with his cute little smile because he thought it was so funny that this big, American camerman actually used an English term. So cute! He then turns to Bee (who is laughing with him but has no idea why because she didn't know what "dart" meant yet), and says "Hi, how are you?". And then Bee dies...just kidding! Bee just kinda said hi back, and Rob kinda walked away. Bee is kicking herself for not talking more. I genuinely think Rob wanted to talk to them, but you know how embarassed and awkward he gets - I think he wanted Bee and the girls to kind of make the first move, you know what I mean? Not like make-out with you first move, but just a "Hey can we like have a real conversation" first move.

Rob left shortly after, and the girls followed him out (Lewis is probably not very happy with them, as they promised they were coming back and then never did). They figured Rob had already left, and Bee and Laura were waiting for Kate outside the bathroom when who walks out of the men's room and runs right into my beautiful cousin - ROB! He kind of grabs her shoulders to straighten himself and her and smiles while apologizing. Bee doesn't remember saying anything back to him, haha!

My favorite part of the night, Bee's friend Laura kept Lewis' cigarette butt because it came from Rob. She plans on framing it in a Twilight frame, hahahah! I LOVE it!!!

And that's the end of the story. I wish it would have happened to me :)

My Top 5

So, my BFFs and I have had many discussions about our top 5 guys. (The 5 guys you would hypothetically leave your hypothetical husband for. Although we use it as more of a favorite guy ranking.) My Top 5 is constantly changing even though a lot of the guys stay the same. So my current Top 5 is as follows:

1. Chris Pine - I just love him. Hot, goofy, adorable, tough, rugged and chiseled and great. :) I've loved Chris since Princes Diaries 2. Chris on the blooper reel was adorable.
By the way these are in no particular order
2. Josh Duhamel - between When In Rome and Ramona and Beezus he has played some ridiculously adorable characters. He always pulls off hunky/sexy with these cute quirks. Just love it. Plus he's like totally in love with Fergie, which in my opinion takes a strong man. So not that I want anything awful to happen to Fergie like death or disfiguration, but if for some reason they split, like she dumped josh for will.i.am, i would be more than ready to comfort JD. (his new nickname from me)
3. Danny Jones (from McFly) - can't seem to shake him even though he's lookin' a little skinny right now
4. Brett Favre - I know he's a little older than the rest of the group and has a grandchild (yikes, don't think that was planned) but I love him no like no one else. haha, didn't realize i had him placed at #4, that was cool!
5. Taylor Kitsch (Tim Riggins!) - I just don't know what to say. I've loved him in everything he's been in. He's smokin' hot, is Tim Riggins, and has a great vulnerability about the characters he plays. And how many guys can pull off that hair?

Like I said this is constantly changing. Honarable mention: Hugh Jackman, Prince Harry, Channing Tatum, Howard Keel (dead), Cary Grant (dead), David Boreanez, Tom from Gloriana, and Chace Crawford.

Now my friends and I took the Top 5 list further (maybe too far) and made a dibs list (it's huge!). We started dibsing all of these guys young, old, alive, dead, real, and fictional. (yes Mr. Darcy was one of the first to go). Anyway, its a fun little game to play with girls and guys alike. Very interesting to discover what your friends find attractive.

Top 5 Songs I LOVE But Really Shouldn't

We all have songs that we just LOVE but really shouldn't. Every time they come up in our iTunes shuffle or on the radio we get excited and rock out. But if you stop to think about those songs and maybe the lyrics or the artist you just cringe and think "Holy cow! I can not BELIEVE I know every word of that song!" (And just sang it at the top of my lungs while dancing in ___(insert location here: my car, the bar, the shower, the office, in front of my impressionable little sister)___. ugh. Well here's my list of songs I absolutely love but really shouldn't.

1. Crazy Bitch - Buckcherry
2. Take Me on the Floor - The Veronicas
3. Butterfly - Jason Mraz
4. Kiwi - Maroon 5
5. Anything by Ke$ha or Miley Cyrus (Honestly I just can't help it! Their songs are so damn catchy and fun!!!)

So I've shared mine, you should come up with you're own. It's pretty fun :)


Peace

This Week's Soundtrack

Every once in a while, ok so about once a month, I make a soundtrack for the day. And the day's soundtrack ends up being the week's soundtrack. During such a week, if I am traveling or particularly enjoying my soundtrack I burn it and bring it with me. I love coming back to these playlists and remembering the emotions of the week. Usually what I was doing and any challenges of the time come back. (The same can be applied to any playlist.)

Okay so the whole point of the blog. The playlist for 7/21/10 :

Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps - Cake
Mad About The Boy - Ava Leigh
Chop and Change - The Black Keys
The Call - Regina Spektor
Musicbox - Regina Spektor
Kiss Me - The Cranberries
Breathless - The Corrs
Dreams - The Cranberries
She's So High Above Me - Everclear
Love You 'Till the End - The Pogues
We Used To Be Friends - The Dandy Warhols
Just My Imagination - The Cranberries
In The Morning - The Coral
Flighhtless Bird, American Mouth - Iron & Wine
Heavy In Your Arms - Florence + The Machine
Dirty Old Town - The Pogues
She's So Lovely - Scouting For Girls
Better - Regina Spektor
Jonathan Low - Vampire Weekend
Opera Singer - Cake
Sally Maclennane - The Pogues
Raindrops - Regina Spektor
There she goes - The Cranberries
The Show - Lenka
Fidelity - Regina Spektor
Turkish Song Of The Damned - The Pogues

Note, usually the playlists aren't so themed.

While I'm on the subject of music, I'm thoroughly impressed with the creative genius that musicians contain. To create what they do and still have left over creativity for other projects is simply amazing and definitely makes me feel like my meager bit of creativity is severely lacking. Although, the same could be said for authors, painters, and other artists.

Hugh Jackman's Top 5 Performances

Hugh Jackman is one of my favorite actors. He's SOOO attractive, has a great voice (singing and peaking), and is very talented. He seems to be the perfect man. Big, strong, can sing to you, protect you, and is really nice and deep. :) So, I have listed his top 5 performances (in my opinion).

5. Australia - Hugh did a good job but the movie left a lot to be desired. Plus his dedication to Nicole and the kid were questionable at times. My favorite scene of the movie is when he's taking a shower and the soap and water is running down his abs. It was very nice. :)

4. Van Helsing - What's better than a hot vamp? A hot vampire killer. I don't know what girl didn't want to be Kate Beckinsale in that movie.

3. Kate and Leopold - Hugh Jackman as a dashing Duke full of principles and defending women's honor. LOVE IT! I don't know that I've ever seen a guy look so good in a coat and tails.

2. Wolverine/X-Men - The depth and development of the character Wolverine put it above Kate and Leopold to me (plus Meg Ryan kinda bugs me in that film and it's hard to get over her). I love how much Wolverine loves the girl in Wolverine and cares for Rogue and pulls off the whole caring tough guy. Not to mention the pop out of the water naked scene and the fact the Wolverine is a total bad ass.

and the number 1 Hugh Jackman role is.....(drum roll please)....

1. Eddie in Someone Like You - This is my all time favorite Hugh Jackman role. He is a womanizing bad ass who turns out to be a caring, adorable guy. Plus it's his best hair style. He's of course buff and looks dashing in a suit and so on. Plus it's one of his few modern films where he's not a supernatural being. He seems like a realistic guy that you could really meet and fall in love with. He's the classic bad boy that you want to change and make your own. Or, just find the heart deep inside. (Also, side note, how awesome is Ashley Judd's lipstick in this movie? I totally want some lipstick that looks that awesome on me!)

Well I enjoyed this. Hope you enjoyed my COMPLETELY subjective list. I think I'll do more of them in the future.

Peace

A Post Grad Freak Out

Sometimes it seems very surreal that I've graduated from college. Okay maybe most of the time it seems surreal. I'm going along fine, trying to be productive and apply for jobs and all of a sudden it hits me: I'm a college graduate. Clarification: I'm an unemployed college graduate. Who am I? I feel like a faceless, nameless soul in a sea of the unemployed. I cling to my Ball State graduate status like a lifesaver after a shipwreck. I have no identity right now. I am simply another college graduate, living with her parents, searching for a job. Really most of the time I'm fine. Sometimes it just hits me. No worries friends, I'm ok.

post grad spoiler to follow

The good news is that Rory Gilmore (ok, ok Alexis Bledel) went through a similar situation and she turned out just fine. She got a good job and lived happily ever after with Matt Saracen in NY. If she can do it, I can too. Except I want to end up with Tim Riggins instead of Matt. :)

Pressure: pushing down on me, pushing down on you

Why is there the pressure to have everything figured out right away? Why does everyone expect you to know exactly what you're doing as soon as you graduate from college? It doesn't make sense to me that just because you have been in college for four years you suddenly know what you're doing with the rest of your life. Why do adults put that kind of pressure on students? Why do parents pressure their children in that way? I am so grateful my parents aren't kicking me out and off the payroll so to speak. I understand you want your children to be adults and support themselves but come on! Not everyone is going to get a job right away and not everyone knows what they're going to do! I also don't know how students are expected to complete full course loads and find jobs at the same time while they remain involved in activities (gotta keep those resumes fluffed) and maintain their sanity. Oh and don't forget about working! It just doesn't seem possible to me. And while I'm on it, why does everyone ask seniors if they have a job?!? So sick of the question. I know it's because they care but it gets old. I'm guilty of asking what's next but I really try to not ask about jobs. I am comforted to know that I am not the only graduate who doesn't know what's next.

Okay, rant over.

Peace

Oops, I need one more :/

I thought I was done blogging in my pop culture class and come to find out I'm not. So this is really my last blog:

So here I am thinking I'm doing so well. I have my blogs done by Tuesday. I had a clever title for it, I felt it was a good wrap up, and then silly me, I didn't read the syllabus close enough to see that all blogs must be at least 250 words long. Oops. Now I need another one. Crap, I'm scrambling trying to come up with another topic an my mind is blank. Then I pull my notebook out of my bag and out pops the Baghdad Burning blogs and eureka I have it.

When we read the Baghdad Burning blogs in class I was so struck by the words and the stories they told. I enjoyed our in class discussion. I think a variety of valid points were made. We talked primarily about the validity of the blogs as a news source. And even though I understand other people's points of view I think what is still the most important part of the blogs to me is their message and that it is getting out there. The novelty of a woman (or a woman's point of view) being told in the middle of a major conflict in an area of the world where supposedly women are oppressed was so awesome to me.

Then I went to my favorite website, Amazon (yikes, I know right?), to see if the book forms of the blogs were on there and one of my favorite Amazon features 'Other customers also bought' popped up a bunch of books about womens' perspectives of major conflicts. Now some of them were fiction but many were not. And this got me to thinking about how we aren't really made aware of these books. We know about the latest Nora Roberts and Dan Brown books but not about these stories of real life struggles by women. And I wonder why? I know that most people (myself included) who read for pleasure want to escape to a less complicated world but it seems to me that the real life struggles should be more emphasize in curriculums and by the media. Basically this all boils down to concerns about the superficiality of our society. (No judgment here, I can be as superficial as the next, just wonderings.)

Okay, I really think this is my last one.
Peace

Last Blog, Last Song, Last Thoughts

My last blog for my Pop Culture class:

With the knowledge that my last blog post was approaching I have spent the last week in contemplation of what I want to talk about. Of course there is the desire to be profound but honestly I’m not.

So, I think what I want to talk about is my concern for uncritical consumers and myself. The last couple weeks of class the books The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and The Giver, as well as the movies V for Vendetta and Gamer have been in my head. All of these works of fiction are about the future. In these stories society has lost the ability to choose to act on their own. They are spoon-fed the way they are supposed to act, the news, and all things. There is hardly any free will. So this makes me think about our own society. It makes me wonder about our future. I worry that someday we may end up like one of these depictions. I worry that not enough people question what is going on in the world. I worry that not enough people wonder why we are in a war. I worry that not enough people questions society’s values as depicted in some reality TV shows. I worry that not enough people realize that news sources have a responsibility to report the news but that they are also businesses. (Note I am guilty of all of the above at some point or another.)

I worry about myself as well. I like to think I am a critical consumer through my education, specifically classes like our pop-culture class but I worry. This weekend I too my baby sister (she’s 13) to see The Last Song with Miley Cyrus (mostly because I wanted to see it) and I really liked it. I can’t stop thinking about it. But as I think about how much I liked it (even though I cried like a baby) I wonder if I really liked it or if I’ve just been bred to like it the last couple months. I wonder if I like it because of the coverage it’s received because of Miley Cyrus. I’ve heard Nicholas Sparks created the story specifically for Miley Cyrus and then I wonder if the characters were specifically constructed to appeal to a certain type of audience member or if it was truly how Nicholas Sparks saw the story being. Needless to say I’ve been thinking in circles all weekend.

I think I’ve concluded that I liked The Last Song due to the emotions it evoked and the tale of redemption and love it told. (As well as super hot Liam Helmsworth, Cyrus’ co-star and boyfriend, lucky girl.) I also think that as long as those who have had the opportunity to become critical consumers remain critical consumers and spread critical consumerism we’ll be okay. (Maybe we’ll have to participate in some culture jamming as well though.) I also think that sometimes you have to just throw the towel in and forget consuming critically and just enjoy the pop-culture around us.

Sorry I’m so wordy.

Peace!

Rant - Wasted Tiime

I get mad when I do a lot of work for something and the work is just blown off. For example I spent the a couple hours this afternoon coming up with decoration ideas for an event. I had a really cool idea and it was blown off. I'm really not upset about the idea being nixed but frustrated I spent so much of my day working on it and it was so quickly dismissed. Not the first time this has happened to me. Anyway, not bitter, just felt the need for a little rant as I waste more time. Really smart. :/

Off to be productive with my Robin Hood music.

Peace!

Jane Austen - A Pop Culture Trend

There's a trend in pop-culture that has come to my attention, Jane Austen. Jane Austen's novels are available everywhere (with multiple covers). In addition one can find movies (or multiple movies) for each book, ie Emma, Pride & Prejudice, etc. Then there are the movies based on the central plots of the books a la Clueless and Bridget Jones' Diary. Now we can't forget the spin off books, Chronicles of the Darcy Family, Mrs. Darcy's Dilemma and so on and so on. Then there are novels that claim to be based on Jane Austen's novels. Stories that basically take the plot of an Austen novel and modernize it and add some kind of twist. I love Pride & Prejudice and like some of the others. I am amazed at the liberties people take with her 6 relatively short novels, the "sequels" they write. I think what is particularly amazing is how popular and what a craze one woman's relatively limited work has prompted. Sure there the central themes of the novels can be related to in any time period and Mr. Darcy is very gallant and dashing but, why such an obsession? I think what really gets me is the supernatural Jane Austen books: Pride & Prejudice & Zombies and one I saw recently where Jane Austen is a vampire. I think that let's us know that the "craze" has reached a whole new level. Now, I have read Pride & Prejudice & Zombies and the zombies added action to the novel that really enhanced it in my opinion. The core of the story remained the same but the plot sped along more quickly that without them.

Okay, whole point of this post was to verbalize a trend I've noticed in pop-culture. I hope this is no one's big project, sorry if it is. But if it isn't I think it totally could be...next year. :)

Toilet Paper - the bane of my existence!

Toilet Paper is the bane of my existence! It seems like every time I go to the restroom in a residence I have to change the toilet paper roll! I mean seriously it's ridiculous! It wouldn't be so bad but my family, specifically my siblings, are really bad about leaving 1-3 teeny, tiny, sheets of tp on the roll! So after you've sat down and done your business you reach for the tp and realize, o snap, I'm screwed!!! AGAIN!!! I just don't understand why it's so hard to take the roll off when there's only a few pieces left! I'm mean do some people get a sick pleasure out of forcing other people to change the roll? Do they think it's funny for GIRLS to be stuck on the toilet? I'm mean seriously, what is the deal??? In my perfect world the toilet paper roll would either a. never run out or b. people would never leave rolls with only a few pieces on them. I think I should start a national campaign encouraging people to "CHANGE THE ROLL, OR PAY THE TOLL" of course I don't know what the toll is, but that's besides the point.

Okay, rant over. I hope you all will think twice before you leave an empty or almost empty tp roll.

oh, and p.s. sorry for the multiple posts in one day, when I have a couple of blog ideas and the time to type them I like to take advantage of it.

New Thoughts on New Moon

It's Easter, and I'm watching New Moon with my family. (We finished Twilight about an hour ago.) Anyway, we're watching the movie and a couple things have occurred to me.

1. New Moon is WAY better than Twilight. Yes I appreciate it for what it is, for the memories I associate with it, and for the building block that it is.

2. I've really not experienced that much in my life. I've never been in love. I've never had my heart broken. I've never really "made out" before. I've been kissed and I guess that's something but...anyway, the point is in New Moon Bella has her heart broken and she's so distraut she has nightmares for months and I really have nothing to compare it to or relate with. (However, Stephanie Meyer is a good enough writer that I totally empathize with Bella.) So, New Moon has me wishing I've experienced more relationship wise but, on the other hand I like how choosy I am.

3. I have awesome brothers and dad who are willing to sit and watch Twilight and New Moon. (Granted we said they only had to watch it once and we'd not bother them again, but still event then some brothers wouldn't agree.)

4. I want to ride a motorcycle, cliff dive, and go to Italy.

5. I'm ready for a new book my Stephanie Meyer (and not this new one about Bree). I also want to read a new book that consumes me with its story line, I love my Robin Hood but the middle is dragging a little bit.

6. Taylor Lautner is SO good looking. I LOVE when that, now legal, boy takes his shirt off!!! But "Who needs a 6 pack when you've got a whole keg!" - courtesy my bro Ian

Okay, that's all my thoughts on New Moon right now.

Mellow Musings

I'm feeling mellow tonight. I've got the I wish I was more artistic itch. I'm thinking being European would be fabulous. I'm kind of disjointed right now. I feel like I'm in limbo or that I have one foot here in Funcie at school and one foot is hovering on the next phase of my life. I'm more than ready to start that next phase. I'm just not sure what that next phase is. I'm wishing I was Penny Nickols from the "Rather" series by C.A. Belmond. She has fabulous adventures, is wealthy, and is fairly normal. I think it would be lovely to go on little European adventures solving mysteries, doing research, and eating fabulous food. But that reality is not quickly approaching, maybe someday.

I think my buddy Linz said something recently about college being an in between period and we're not very well prepared for that next step. I feel like the next month (yikes month!) is going to be pointless, essential, and extremely stressful all at the same time. I'm ready for the adventure that is the next phase of my life. The songs that are speaking to me in this mood is Many the Miles by Sara Bareilles and The Call by Regina Spektor.

Okay, I'll try to be more positive next time.

Peace!

Thoughts on Robin Hood

I have a Robin Hood obsession.

I LOVE the story of Robin Hood, and Maid Marian. One of my earliest memories is watching Robin Hood Prince of Thieves with my parents. (Even though Uncle Johnny can't stand the movie or Kevin Costner, and teases me every time it comes up I love that movie and Kevin Costner in it!) I know I didn't see all of the movie, a little much for a four year old, but I saw enough to love it and fall in love with Robin Hood. One of my earliest childhood games was playing Maid Marian.

Which leads me to my topic of today. I just finished Lady of the Forest by Jennifer Roberson, an excellent book, which has started my on a Robin Hood spiral. Even as I write this blog I am watching Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. So, I've been thinking why do I, and surely there are others out there like me, love the story of Robin Hood and Maid Marian.

Well obviously part of the appeal of Robin Hood is his care for others. His desire to share wealth with those less fortunate. Robin Hood is also usually depicted as attractive, tough, talented, and charming. He's also usually a little arrogant, but come on who doesn't like a little (emphasis a little) cockiness in their men? And in addition his ability to defend you/what is his.

Onto Marian, is a popular heroine because of her beauty, independence, fiestiness, and intelligence. She is someone many women aspire to be like, myself included. I think part of my affinity for Lady Marian is due to her being depicted as a brunette, commonly with curly hair, like myself. I also like that she is depicted as aiding Robin Hood, and being independent while remaining a lady.

The love story between Robin Hood and Maid Marian is so appealing because of the intensity of their love. In most Robin Hood stories Robin and Marian are willing to sacrifice all for the other and their country. It is depicted as primarily a selfless love. From a female perspective who doesn't want a Robin Hood who will save here from the Sheriff (or Sir Guy of Gisbourne depending on the story). Not to mention they usually have playful banter, a history, and excellent sexual tension.

I think at its core the story of Robin Hood, Maid Marian, and his Merry Men is so successful and long reaching because of its simplicity. It plays to themes prevelant in all people. Love, love of woman(or man), love of country, love of fellow human beings. I think all people can relate to oppression in some way. Maybe the Sheriff isn't taxing you but maybe you're being bullied at school or something of the like. I think the legend continues because of the ability to put new twists on the classic story and are able to develop new themes and meanings. (I think that if I ever become a professor I would teach a class on Robin Hood. I would enjoy that.)

My new favorite version of Robin Hood is the BBC Robin Hood series starring Jonas Armstrong. (A very attractive Robin Hood if I may say so. :) ) I'm also a fan of Robin Hood Men in Tights, Robin Hood with Errol Flynn, and the Disney Robin Hood.

One last thing, I am apprehensive about the new Robin Hood movie starring Russel Crowe coming out this year. However, I know I will go see it! :)

"We are Robin Hood!" - Peace!

I have a problem: Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging

Having a hard time focusing on the midterm I'm supposed to be studying for so...that means it's time to blog!


I am currently obsessed with the movie (and soundtrack) Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging. It's awful! Not really. The movie is lovely. It's very Bridget Jones' Diary meets Just My Luck. The movie is directed by Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Bechham, Bride and Prejudice) who I think is my new favorite director. Anyway, it's a cute story about teenagers, young love, growing up, and high school age drama. But it's so adorable.

Anyway, I recently bought the movie previously viewed at Blockbuster. (Because that's right, part of the reason I love it so much is because the movie is British!) I haven't watched my new movie because I'm waiting to watch it with my BFFs on Spring Break. I'm also trying to prove to myself that I do have willpower. (I'm REALLY struggling.) [Clarification, I rented the movie previously so I HAVE seen it, in case you were confused.]

So my obsession with this story has increased with the arrival of the soundtrack. I am just dying to watch the band performance scenes. The hero is so cute. He has the cutest little 'I'm pretending to be a hardcore rock'n'roller in a rock band' face. And no worries about lusting after an underage boy, he's legal, I checked. :) Yup, I'm obsessed hardcore. The good news is that I haven't ordered the books yet! Although, I am wondering if there is a possibility for a movie sequal. I at least want to see the hero, Robbie in more movies.

Alright, I think I have satisfactorily procrastinated and feel better about my burning desire (no I'm not dramatic) to watch Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging again without annoying my friends.

Peace!

Interesting Video Game

This is how I meant to publish the last blog.

I think this is a super cool video game. I think it's one I could get into. It would be really cool as a class activity. It reminds me a little bit of the Hunger Games.

Interesting Video Game

This is a super cool video game, if you ask me. Definitely something I could get behind. Reminds me of the Hunger Games a little bit.

Jason Mraz

I love Jason Mraz. (Although McFly comes first in my heart, another post on that though.) Anyway, I'm listening to Jason this evening as I do homework. He has such a lovely smooth voice. His music is mellow, fun, hopeful, artistic, and just freakin' awesome!

I was in a disgruntled mood all day. (Started with elementary kids, then to stuck in an elevator for a couple minutes, and topped off with group project frustration.) So anyway, I'm feeling grumpy and moody and Jason's song The Sunshine Song comes on my Jason shuffle. And I love the sun and sunshine. It makes me so happy. This song musically embodies the feeling of the sun and lyrically is very powerful. I felt like a bad person after listening to the song. There was no reason for me to be in a bad mood. I really didn't have a bad day. And there are so many people out there who are struggling so much more than me. There are people who have much bigger crosses to bare and I need to stop being such a wimp. Not only is the Sunshine Song powerful but Jason Mraz inspires me. He is so full of peace and love for the world and everyone in it. I would love to emulate him. I want to know how he is so peaceful. (Besides the fact he has a joyologist.) And today Mr. Mraz is at the top of my list of people I want to meet and have a long conversation with. (No worries McFly is still up there too.)

One more thing, Jason won 2 Grammy's this year and neither award was televised and I am PISSED about it! He is such a wonderful person and he wasn't give his time to shine. Last year he lost to stinky John Mayer who is just not a nice person. (Or so it seems.) Anyway, Jason posted a lovely acceptance speech on his myspace blog. You should check it out. He was so gracious about winning and how it all went down. I hope to have him as a brother in law someday. (My sister is IN LOVE with him and I'm totally cool with it. 'Cuz that means he and I can be bff.)
I hope you enjoy the melodious music of Mr. Mraz. If you haven't listened to him you definitely should.

The Sunshine Song
Jason Mraz

Well sometimes the sun shines on
Other people's houses and not mine.
Some days the clouds paint the sky all gray
And it takes away my summertime.
Somehow the sun keeps shining upon you,
While I struggle to get mine.
If there's a light in everybody,
Send out your ray of sunshine.

I want to walk the same roads as everybody else, Through the trees and past the gates.
Getting high on heavenly breezes,
Making new friends along the way.
I won't ask much of nobody,
I'm just here to sing along.
And make my mistakes looks gracious,
And learn some lessons from my wrongs.

Well sometimes the sun shines on
Other people's houses and not mine.
Some days the clouds paint the sky all gray
And it takes away my summertime.
Somehow the sun keeps shining upon you,
While I struggle to get mine.
A little light never hurt nobody,
Send out your ray of sunshine.

Oh, if this little light of mine
Combined with yours today,
How many watts could we luminate?
How many villages could we save?
And my umbrella's tired of the weather,
Wearing me down.
Well, look at me now.

You should look as good as your outlook,
Would you mind if I took some time,
to soak up your light, your beautiful light?
You've got a paradise inside.
I get hungry for love and thirsty for life,
And much too full on the pain,
When I look to the sky to help me
And sometimes it looks like rain.

As the sun shines on other people's houses
And not mine,
And the sky paints those clouds in a way
That it takes away the summertime,
Somehow the sun keeps shining upon you,
while I kindly stand by.
If there's a light in everybody,
Send out your ray of sunshine

You're undeniably warm, you're cerulean,
You're perfect in desire.
Won't you hang around
so the sun, it can shine on me,
And the clouds they can roll away,
And the sky can become a possibility?
If there's a light in everybody,
Send out your ray of sunshine.


I hope you do send out your ray of sunshine

Peace, love, and sunshine!

In Which I'm Procrastinating and (Trying to Be) Inspired

I should be productive right now but find it difficult. I've had some blog ideas in my head so I thought, what the hell, let's blog!

So here's what I've been thinking. There are certain movies in our culture, specifically American culture but other cultures as well that everyone should see. These movies are often referenced in other pop culture articles and in everyday conversation. Now obviously I have some favorite movies that I think everyone should see (ie Bridget Jones' Diary, The Mummy, She's The Man, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers etc) but for my official list I've tried to think of movies that are truly essential to see. So here goes my list.

In no particular order, Movies Everyone Should See:


The Original Star Wars Trilogy (At least the first one, Episode IV A New Hope, although Return of the Jedi is my favorite, Princess Leia buns anyone?)

Indiana Jones (Again at least one of the original trilogy, my personal favorite is the third one The Last Crusade. Sean Connery rocked it!)

Grease (You gotta know about Summer Lovin' and hickies from Knicky)

The Sound of Music (How do you solve a problem like Maria? Well if you watch the movie you find out! But seriously everyone should know that the hills come alive with the sound of music.)

Titanic (Epic. End of story.)

Casablanca (Here's lookin' at you kid. C'mon don't you wanna know who he's lookin' at and why? Not my favorite movie but it's good. One you just have to see once.)


This is where a Disney movie should go but I couldn't decide which one. Everyone should see at least one hand animated Disney movie. My personal favorite is Beauty and the Beast but Aladdin and The Little Mermaid and Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty are all great. So I say the Disney movie of your choice goes here.

Die Hard (I've seen this movie more times than I would like [Dad] but, people need to know where yipee kayay mother f***** comes from. I think it's good for girls to see. It's a typical guy, action movie.)


White Christmas or Holiday Inn (The epitome of Christmas. Although I really like Christmas Vacation too.)

I feel like a horror movie should be on here to represent that category but I'm really not a big horror movie fan. I haven't seen any of the classics unless you count I Know What You Did Last Summer.

I also think a chick flick should be on here but there are so many. I feel like Pretty Woman, Sleepless In Seattle, or An Affair to Remember are the most classic and commonly referenced.

Well, I guess that's my list. Feel free to comment or add your thoughts on what should be on the list of Movies that Everyone Should See.

Peace!

Blog Rules

So, this probably should have been my first post but...that's just not the way I roll. This blog is purely for my enjoyment and I am using it as an outlet for my thoughts and opinions. (Especially with the lack of nearby friends.) Anyway, if you don't like what I say or how I say it don't read this blog. I will delete negative comments. (I'm pretty sure I can do that.) I also want to try to keep this blog "clean". I don't pretend to be important or overly intelligent. Proper grammar, not my thing. Probably most of this is common blog knowledge but I just wanted to be sure.

Peace!

V-Day

Well my 23rd Valentine's Day is coming to a close, and it's just like every other Valentine's Day. I'm single. Now you may be thinking here we go, another bitter woman on Valentine's Day. Sure I don't necessarily want to be single but I definitely don't want to be married, or the like. (Ball and freakin' chain man) But seriously, I look forward to being married someday but that is so not today. [Side note, I am very happy for my engaged or married friends.]
Anyway, the only reason I bring up Valentine's Day is that I'm home alone, finishing up a bottle of pink champagne and thinking that this day is not being used the way St. Valentine intended or the way it should be. As a marketing student I understand the benefit of creating a day to spend money. In fact I may try to come up with such a day sometime in the future. Who knows. I feel like the purpose of this day should be to recognize love. Valentine's Day shouldn't be used to idolize people or make others feel bad it should be used to say to those we love "Hey, you're awesome. I love you!" Valentine's Day should become 'International Love Day' or 'Love Appreciation Day'. I think that it could be really marketable. [Add it to the D-M Media list]
Okay back to the point, Valentine's Day should be a day that reminds the world to say I Love You. Life is short and no one says I love you enough. What the world needs now is love sweet love. Well, I'm going to go back to my pink champagne but not before I leave you with the wisdom of my dear friend Linz.



Hello Friends. Thought I'd share some Valentine's Day love with you :)

You, who are chronically single like me, might be feeling a little bit of blues with the commercial Valentine's day vomit found in stores- as seen on TV (The Walgreen's commercial where they will help you out together the perfect V-Day gift with a personal shopper- REALLY!?). I would like to point out that we are above any of the negative labels and belittling, self-pittying attitude those without "love" usually fall to on Valentine's Day ("International single's awareness day", isolating yourself, complaining with friends, thinking you will never be happy without a romantic relationship, etc.) We are better than that.

However, if you do feel the urge to vomit when you see pink and hearts and romance today, I hope this next bit will help you get through. One of my fave authors, Kristin Cashore, renamed Valentine's Day "Interplanetary Be Who You Are Day" last year in her blog. She shares some of her negativity towards the holiday, but she also includes a really encouraging list of scenarios/people who shouldn't/don't feel lousy on this day because life is not solely about finding your one true love and living happily ever after.

Some of the list is silly, some is sad, some is political, some just make you feel good. I thought I'd share because her lists (there's part one from last year and a part two added this year) affirm my feelings that it is OK not to have that relationship in life yet and that I am pretty bad-ass as it is. SO, here's to our bad-ass-ness.

Happy Interplanetary Be Who You Are Day friends. Lots of love, can't wait to see you :)

1) http://kristincashore.blogspot.com/2009/02/february-14-interplanetary-be-who-you.html
2) http://kristincashore.blogspot.com/2010/02/february-14-second-annual.html

Oh, yeah I was inspired by the above for this post. Hey, I say give credit where credit is do! Here's to hoping you told someone you love them today!