Guess Who is Going to the 2009 Final Four?

I AM!!!!!!

I am so excited. I was notified today that my application was selected at random in the ticket lottery and I now have two tickets to the Final Four in Detroit. WOOHOO!!

It is really quite unbelievable that I will actually be going to the Final Four. It's like the Holy Grail of College Basketball. Totally excited, over the moon!

And who will be joining me on this trip to the Mecca of college hoops? (Get ready with the awwww's...) My Dad! Yeah, the man that introduced me to my love of sports is gonna be my compatriot. We will definitely have a blast!

I AM SO EXCITED!!!

I’m Just Like a Sweet Innocent (Stupid) Bird...

So, I like to shop and right now there is a sales tax holiday going on in the District. Yeah, like a moth to a flame...Michelle went shopping. I like a store called Zara; I've been to a huge one in the Village up in NYC. Had been wanting to hit the one in DC for a while and finally decided to do it yesterday. Michelle...shopping, shopping, shopping. Found one cute dress, but wasn't ready to commit. I decide to then go to H&M, but to do that, I must leave the store. I walk towards the entrance, see the security guard and contemplated saying Hi! (cause I am just that nice), but he never makes eye contact, so I look forward. My brain decides to play a little trick on me...BAMMMMM! Yeah, like those pretty little birds that see exciting things inside your house and think they are free in clear to come in (oh, yeah, a window, right?). I walked straight forward, head first into the glass door!

One of my better moments, for sure...hence why I share it with you today! Enjoy a chuckle at my expense, it's okay...I give you permission.

(and for anyone that is interested...2 bikinis, 2 tanks and a sweater for $45 at H&M...yeah, I love shopping!)

Weekend Wrap-up

Ok, so this past weekend was one of the worst ever...just believe me, it was. Cause you really don't want to hear the story. Well, sort of the worst... I went through hell and back because someone decided to set off all kinds of alarms yet didn't feel like sharing pertinent information about said alarms was important (like, someone calling 911 asking for help, but deciding to hang up and not tell 911 what was wrong). I would never wish my weekend on anyone else. But thankfully yesterday, the ship's course was righted and the world is once again a glorious place to be. I of course, would not want to deail with this shit again, but you know what, I am a lot more grateful for what I have on the other side of this weekend. Today, I am not worrying about stupid stuff or wondering what the future might hold. I am just happy to wake up and just start my day with a smile.

And the bright shining moment from the weekend...my friends. God, I love them dearly. Whatever I threw at them, whenever I decided to freak out...right there, waiting to help me. So, a huge shout out to the friends that specifically helped me cause they took the brunt of it all. And also, those that just gave me the diversion I needed, a chat, a movie, etc.

Now it is time to rock out the birthday. Gettin old...nah! Nobody seems to want to believe I am turning 33, so why should I? I'm gonna party like its 1999 (I would have turned 24 that year...)...totally lame early 90's reference...you can chide me about that when you wish me a Happy 24th Birthday!

Crime in Northern Virginia

I have been a victim of a crime...and for some reason, I really don't care. Maybe that's because it's so very minor...

But it's still crime in Northern Virginia...how often does that happen? Haha...

Someone stole my Sirius satellite radio and my Maglite flash light out of my car. And there was no sign of forced entry, so I probably forgot to click that little button on my key. So, yes, blame is squarely on my shoulders. If you lock it, then tend not to come.

I cancelled my Sirius subscription and I will buy a new Maglite next trip to Target. My life really isn't changed.

But crime in Northern Virginia...who would have thunk it? It's not exactly the District...

Opening Day Roller Coaster

This is the first year I actually know when Opening Day for baseball is. Yes, it’s today. Well, kind of, sort of...sure. They played a few games in Japan (those don’t count, really). They opened up Nationals Park last night (that’s technically..."opening night"). Today...today is Opening Day. Yes, a friend of mine actually tried to defend that last night was Opening NIGHT and today is Opening DAY. The logic is lost on me...it’s okay, I’ll live.

So, I decided to watch the Cubs/Brewers game today. Figured, if we are going to keep giving baseball the good college try, let’s be excited about Opening Day. The Cubs dedicated a brand-spanking new statue outside of Wrigley Field of Ernie Banks. He threw out the ceremonial first pitch. It was gonna be a good day, right?

Let’s start with a 40 minute rain delay. Hey, at least it wasn’t postponed by rain like the Yankees game...I’ll deal with the delay. Zambrano pitches well...the only blemish an infield hit that so really wasn’t a "hit." Fukudome, our Japanese import, hit a double on his first Major League Baseball pitch. Nice...this is a good sign... Maybe this Cubs team can give us fans something to cheer about...dare I say, actually live up to some of the analysts’ call for a World Series victory.

50 minute rain delay....

Finally, back to baseball...my interest waning...boredom setting in during the next 5 innings of 3 hit baseball. I mean, Zambrano showed great stuff and is showing that he might be worth his big price tag. He even picked off a runner at 2nd beautifully. Marmol pitched a great set up 8th inning, picking up where Zambrano left off. But the only Cubs offense came from Fukudome, a walk and a single (on top of his 1st double). No other base runners for the Cubbies.

So, we waltz, slowly, into the 9th... Our new closer, Kerry Wood, strides up to the mound. A lot of expectations for Mr. Wood. (He’s got some heat...he was clocked during the final spring ball game over 100 mph). And he let us all down...first pitch, hit the batter. Walks Fielder (not sure if the best decision since Fielder had gone 0-2 today). Allows a single that sends in a run. So, let’s allow a right field double...yeah, that sounds good. The Cubs are down 0-3. I sat through 2 rain delays and 8 snooze-able innings to lose it in the 9th. Ugh... Wood finally gets us through the rest of the inning.

With very little hope...we stumble into the 9th. A single...really...it can happen. A walk... 2 base runners, no outs. Could it happen? Fukudome up to bat...he’s our only offensive player today...3-0 count...and this is why we like the Japanese (cars and people)...3 run home run...yes, that is why I watched 8 innings of paint drying. And by the way, this was all against Gagne (formerly of the Red Sox and the Rangers...who sucked ass in both places...yeah, the Brewers are on crack if they think he will close effectively in Milwaukee).

Now, we are in the 10th and its not looking pretty right now. The Brewers have scored one more run and are threatening again with 2 outs. The season may start 0-1. We will see (the top of the lineup is up at the bottom of the 10th)... But it felt great to see Fukudome drill it out to the center field bleachers. Baseball season has begun...

Did you miss me?

Blogging...oh where, oh where did you go????

I was reminded today that I have not blogged in quite some time. I have been remiss...

But what to blog? I have no idea at all, so I guess I will just type and see what comes out.

Hmmmmm....

I went back to the mountains of Colorado over the first weekend in February and I had an absolute blast. I skied for 3 days straight. Surprisingly, my legs survived three straight days...and I am very glad to report my skiing improved by leaps and bounds (I haven't skiied since which probably means I just regressed back to my green hills-self!). I got to ski with a great friend who gave me a bit of a lesson (learned a lot!). Hit the mountain with Dave and Karen...and the embarrassment, it was complete! I would like to say, go get them to tell the story, cause it is wholly mortifying, but only a few of you know them. So, I guess the story will go to my grave with me!!!! Let's just say, on my ass twice in a lift line...ugh!

But I really loved being back up in the Vail Valley...seeing my friends and just having a blast. And props go out to Dave and his roomies for putting me up for my visit...4-star accommodations!!! (ok, not quite, but putting up with me for 4 days and chauffeuring me around...that deserves a nod!).

Hmmmm....what else...

Dinner party this weekend at my house...it has dominated the head space for the past couple of weeks. I finally got my new couch...woohoo!...and its red...craziness... So, I can finally have more than one person over...so I am entertaining. As most of you know, I have gone crazy and planned so much cooking. But, I love learning new recipes, trying different themes, making my friends' tummies very very happy. It's what I do! And everyone absolutely loves it, so why would I ever contemplate not doing it? All those myspacers that will attend can pass along their indictment next week. We will see who goes home happy...and not just because of the high amounts of alcohol being consumed!

The movies I have seen...I love being back in the city. I get to see so much and I love it! The biggest excitement was going to the National Archives this past weekend and seeing the Oscar nominated live action and animated shorts. The short film is really quite a unique genre in American cinema...well, actually very few are actually American, so I guess it is an anomaly in film that most Americans don't take part in. Anyway, I digress...this is not a lecture on film...this is a blog!! It was great to go down and get to partake. No mind-blowing shorts that I have to share, but nonetheless a recent highlight. And as a sidenote to that...it was great being back in the District, walking among the monuments, etc. It is a beautiful place...

A final note to my loyal readers...nothing earth shattering like I am having quintuplets or anything...just that I really love my co-workers!!! I have 7 coworkers working in the same actual office space with me, all within spitting distance (and definitely within earshot) and I am having a blast with them!!! And everyone that I work with...makes my days happy ones even when I am in meetings 7 hours in one day!!! I came to this job pretty blind (phone interview only...no face to face time at all!) and I have reaped some pretty damn great fringe benefits (out of the gutter ladies and gentlemen!)...I totally recommend working somewhere that has awesome people slogging with you!!!

Movie Madness

I have gone bonkers for movies the last few weeks...its amazing what time and access will do for you. I feel like I have been in a holding pattern for the past year when it comes to movies. Yeah, my Blockbuster Online membership kept me breathin, barely, but I really wasn't living my movie life. Now, I am back to being able to see film at the drop of a hat, anything I want. Ahh...life is grand. So, I have gone a bit crazy on the movie front since right before Christmas (even seeing 4 movies in the theatre in one day!)...below is the long list of movies I have seen for the first time (not even referencing those that I have revisited). A few I will give a quick review of (for my very rabid audience of movie fanatics). Listed in alpha order just to make it fair and impartial.

Atonement--I saw this because it is in the Oscar hunt and I really do like seeing as many of the nominees as I can so I can do an honest assessment of the slate. It is clearly an "Academy" film, but not my cup of tea. Very British, slowly building to an ending that I feel doesn't really fit the film. If you are a fan of epic British flavored film...see it...you will love it. Otherwise, you may just appreciate the moments, leaving the theatre with a melancholy feeling that you wish you had left in the theatre.
Bourne Ultimatum
Charlie Wilson's War--I was not overly impressed with the "film" aspect of this movie. Do I think that everyone should know this bit of history so they can better understand the clusterfuck that we are presently in (Afghanistan, et al)? Yes. Do I think that is was really anything to talk about from a filmmaking, acting, directing, etc. standpoint? No. Go get a history lesson, but don't expect more from it.
Enchanted--The movie that just seems so not fitting in my list...but I will disagree. Disney did well here. Is it any more than it portrays itself? No. It is a little Disney fantasy film...but it is actually well done. I left the theatre lighter than air and I really did laugh. Not expecting anyone to go see it because of my comments here, but I enjoyed my 90 minutes of escape.
Field of Dreams--Being that I have never been a huge baseball fan, I really didn't think I needed to see this film. Yes, it is a classic in American film. Yes, it is about America's favorite pastime. Yeah, didn't move me to watch it. But since I have recently been brought into the baseball fold and since I also have been trying to watch more "classic" movies, I popped it in this morning. I have missed out. I truly loved this film. That's it, that's all. Loved it..now on my favorites list.
Into the Wild
Knocked Up
Juno--My favorite of 2007 (most will put it in 2008, but I saw it in 2007). It is my quirky humor...it really is great film. The writing really hits it stride maybe 15 minutes in...the first 15 might be a little hard to connect to, but it just takes time to catch on. Ellen Page shines. Michael Cera (from Superbad fame) portrays an awkwardness that is so understated but spot on. I waited with anticipation for Allison Janey (West Wing) and J.K. Simmons to come on screen as Juno's parents...they just really rounded out the cast with their supporting roles. I just could go on and on...but I won't bore you or overhype (too late!) so that you can actually go and love the movie too. It is my treat to you!
Lars and The Real Girl--This movie is probably not for everyone...it is truly an indie style film. But one of the best of 2007. Really...a movie about a man that truly believes that his Real Girl doll (not blow up...molded plastic and anatomically correct!) is actually his real-life girlfriend...it is crafted well. The sensitivity given to the delusional state of the main character and the humor infused to keep the movie "real"...excellent. Ryan Gosling shows his chops too...definite Academy nod...well at least worthy.
Paris, Je T'aime--This is a collection of shorts all set in Paris. They are mostly good...a few miss the mark. But a few of them are great short film. Again, this genre isn't for all and must be open to the many interpretations of film by different directors. But definitely worth my time. Surprisingly, the vampire short (which I thought I would completely hate) was probably my favorite. The mime short is quirky enough to work in a short--who can really do mime nowadays feature length?
Summer of Sam
The Great Debaters
The Holiday

(reviews for the other films can be had upon request...just don't want to overwhelm my readers!)

Coming Attractions:
Theatre: The Savages, Sweeney Todd, I'm Not Here, I Am Legend, No Country for Old Men, P.S. I Love You, The Orphanage
DVD: Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, Vertigo, Reality Bites, Stardust, Waitress

Chargers Fan for a Day!

Since I never really followed the NFL until a few years ago, I never really aggressively tried to go to a game. And then once I finally kinda care, I find out that tickets are usually not easy to come by. Oh well...I just never went.

Well, my dad does like the NFL and I figured he would really like to go see his Chargers (also, since he has lived right next to Qualcomm Stadium for like 9 years and had never been inside). Luck would have it that there was a game while I was in town for Christmas. Yeah, it was on Christmas Eve night...Monday Night Football. I took the chance, asked the family if they wanted to go and surprisingly...we all went. Dad, me, Mom and Nicole...very proud of the sis and mom. Gold stars, ladies! (Even if my sister continued to call LaDanian Tomlinson LD instead of LT...but we look past this!) :-)

And since I have no real strong affiliation (Steelers fan since I have the shirt and the terrible towel and the Bus spent his career in Pitt)...I decided, sure, why not, I'll cheer for the Chargers. Hence, my status of a Chargers Fan for the Night. I thought I would be not all that excited to cheer for them...you know, an occasional, yeah, rah, yeah! But nothing real exuberant. Surprise, surprise...I was swinging that free towel like a banshee. It was amazing...ha! I had a lot of fun...truly did. It will never come close to college football, but definitely had fun. But the real fun...

Came in the 4th quarter. The game was basically decided by the middle of the 3rd quarter, but the real losers were not determined until the 4th quarter when the fights in the stands broke out. It was amazing how many there were and how stupid the drunks can be. Resisting arrest, taking swings not only at the rent-a-cops, but also the police who did have guns. One idiotic father did all of this in front of his 5 year old son, on Christmas Eve no less. Sorry, son, I won't be there for Christmas morning cause I was a complete dumbass and thought the cop really would understand that if I took a swing at him it meant I had nothing to do with the original fight...really! There was the chick that just could not keep her big ass mouth shut and resisted arrest to the point of getting about 5 thug guards to settle her down. Then there was the big drunk guy that threw one of the security guards down 5 rows of seats and then decided to take a run for it down the stairs right into 2 cops and end up bloodied and in handcuffs. All in all, a very entertaining way to end the game. Much more interesting whoever was playing 2nd or 3rd string on the field.

I won't be masquerading as a Chargers fan again, I am sure, but it was a rollicking good time on Christmas Eve 2007. And to be honest, the best point of the night...3 hours of sports time with my dad. Yup, that's me...Daddy's Little Sports Fanatic!

What's in a laugh??

Today a co-worker was walking down the hall, passing a conference room where I was in an all-day meeting. She knew I was in the room, not from a calendar or from overhearing about it in the office. She knew because she heard the sound all of you have heard before (from long distances even!)...she heard me laughing. Yes, the very identifiable sound of joy and humor from my body. She walked in...with a huge grin...telling me how she knew that laugh (even just after a month of knowing me!) and knew I had to be around. Then she said something I don't think I ever realized before about myself. She said, "you are always laughing." We are always our own worst critics and I usually see myself as a "glass half empty" kind o' gal...but for some unknown reason, I AM always laughing. Its one of my favorite things to do...I want it to be a part of everything I do...maybe I don't know myself quite well enough. Just maybe, I am a more positive person than I give myself credit for.

Some people have had to "get used" to my laugh...some miss it when it isn't around too often...some people identify me by the sound of it...but all I know is that I love life when it's a constant compainion of mine.

Took My Sweet Time

Other than a traffic report this past week (on myspace blog), I have been remiss on my blogging for quite some time. I really shouldn't be so cruel to my readers. I know more people read this than I actually know (not myspacers), so I definitely should be more responsible. But I gotta admit, moving makes me a dull girl. I haven't been doing too much exciting since I have been here cause I am shopping for furniture way too much and I have been unpacking boxes and trying to organize the new place. I have gratefully been able to spend some q-time with a lot of my friends (which I am ecstatic about!) and am falling right back into life here in the DC metro area.

I need to write my annual Christmas letter which should give everyone the 411 on my life, so I don't want to write it all twice. So, this blog is short...but I do have some parting words (well, a short story and some parting words!), a bit sappy and philosophical...

At Thanksgiving (at my uncles' house in Penn), I was asked what I was thankful for this year. The list could be very long, but I decided on one that is truly specific to this year. Change. I am so very grateful for the ability in our lives for change. Change of outlook, change of location, change of attitude, change of body, change of spirit...whatever you can think of. But that as human beings we are able to affect change in ourselves and our lives. This year has seen great change in my life in so many ways. I am awed by what has transpired. I didn't get married or have a child or anything like that. But so much has truly been altered in some way or another. We can all do it...its not easy and in many cases it can be painful. But I have seen that through pain, great things can grow.

Oh, My Moving Ways

(I know for some of you, this is just a repeat of an email...but I wanted to make sure all of my readers heard the good news!)

About a year ago, I made the decision to move to the Vail Valley of Colorado to become a General Manager of a performing arts center. I was very excited about the opportunity and very excited to be out west. As some of you know, it has been a tough year professionally for me. I have struggled on so many levels, I cannot even come close to listing them all. But I had forged ahead, maying the best of the situation.

About two months ago, I made a decision. I couldn't continue my life, struggling along. I needed to find a way out of the situation. Because I have moved so many times in my adult life, I also decided that I couldn't blaze a new trail again. My 32 year old body and spirit couldn't start over again. Not now. So, after a lot of soul searching, I decided that I wanted to dedicate myself to creating a home in the Washington, D.C. area (aka...I am hoping to not being writing a "moving" email to all of you again for a long time to come...well, at least not a moving out of the DC area email, but hopefully a "i've finally grown up and own something" email!). I know, I left the DC area last year for a lot of reasons. Sometimes you need to leave something to realize what you had.

Today I accepted the position of Project Manager (Product Development) at a well established online curriculum development company. I will be managing projects pertaining to building online contents for grades K-12. The kicker of this whole email is that I will start this position on NOVEMBER 12th! Yes, in just two short weeks, I will move my life and myself to DC again! They offered a sizeable bonus for me to start in that short time, so I decided it was worth the extra money to shorten my stay here in the Vail Valley.

I will miss some good friends, the skiing, and one of the most beautiful places on Earth. But I will regain a life that I have yearned for over the past few months and a job that I feel ready to tackle. My Dad is famous (at least in the family) for saying, "learn something new everyday." I am very excited to say I am going to get that opportunity once again in my new job.

I will be moving into some corporate housing for a couple of weeks when I first move to DC, so I will not have a new address right away. Once I have found some housing, I will definitely give everyone my new address. My phone will ever stay the same.

I am very excited to start this new chapter of my life. Thank you all for your support and love throughout the past year. Oh, and all that live in the DC area...expect a Welcome Home dinner party come January (I know that's really why you love me!).

Preview: What Winter Looks Like

I took some pics as I was driving, on my way to work. They aren't the best shots, but I wanted to give everyone a preview of what winter looks like just in case anyone forgot. It will melt this week since we are going back into the 60's, but snow is now a fact of life for us mountain people, until at least June! Enjoy the View! (I am becoming Barbara Walters...help me now!)

Snuggled in Bed

I am laying here in bed, waiting to go to work. Nothing really to do, nothing really to say. I am just a bit bored, but in a good way. The temperatures have dropped dramatically in the last week. We are now in the high 30's during the day and low 20's at night. We are getting snow in the mornings before the temperature rises just high enough to turn it to rain in the late morning. So, this morning is my first morning of cold temperatures and flurries in the air and I love being just cozied up in my bed covers up to my chin, just being snuggly while the weather is cold and a bit dreary outside. You know what I am talking about, right? All I am missing is a cup of hot cocoa and really that is just because I am too lazy to go stand in front of the stove and heat some up.

We haven't had a good snow yet, but I think it might be coming in the next week or so. Getting used to these very odd seasons is a bit of an adjustment for me. This past weekend I busted out the winter wardrobe...washed the sweaters and the snow pants and all. And it is only mid-October! As the rest of the country has been dealing with a heat wave, we are getting hunkered down for the snow coming!

I am getting excited though...ski season is only about a month away!!! Yeah, I am getting excited. Last year I only got on the mountain about 9 or 10 times. This year I am changing that! I am gonna try to ski at least once a week if not 2 or 3 times a week. It's gonna be a challenge, but I really want to take advantage of my benefits here...I haven't done that enough and I have really regretted it. Especially now that I have friends that I can go do stuff with...watch out!

And I definitely need to start snowshoeing. Yeah, I can hear some of my readers snickering right now...snowshoeing??? Yeah, its hiking in the winter...that's it, that's all. They actually have 5k's for snowshoeing out here and that isn't a leisurely hike. That is literally running in snowshoes! Now that is crazy insane (I don't like to run generally, why would I do it in 10 degree weather with big "mitts" on my feet!). But to go out and do a good hearty snowshoe, that sounds just great. You know the feeling of going out in the middle of winter, in the woods, just the complete silence of sound and movement...oh, that is such an amazing feeling.

I really do love winter...it is my favorite season. And up here it is gorgeous. Having snow until June...that just doesn't seem natural, but what can you do when you live in the mountains? Not much. I really do hope that I take better advantage this year, getting out into nature instead of spending too much time working or at home. It's my resolution for this season...I really hope I attain it.

And my standing offer...come visit...come see what is amazing about the mountains. If you ski...you know why you would want to come...some of the best snow in the US! If you don't, come snowshoeing or snowman making or snowball fighting or sleigh riding or just seeing more stars than you will ever see in your life again. My place is always open for visitors and I cherish my time with those that I love. As we all know, until April, I am pretty much hibernating up here cause of work. So come visit little ol' me in my winter wonderland!!!

Yogi Decides to Visit!

Two facts that I am aware of:
1. I live in the mountains of Colorado.
2. Bears live in the mountains.

BUT HOLY SHIT!

We were closing up the theatre around 11:00 pm tonight and I looked out our glass doors and there was Yogi, walking down the middle of the street in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Minding his own business...not even concerned that I came running out of the building to go get my co-worker to see the bear. He just kept strolling down the street...

Yes, I live in the Wild, Wild World of Animals!

Actober...stupid baseball

I blame Notre Dame. I do. It's all the domers fault.

If they could actually play even decent football, I would be wrapped snuggly in the blanket of college football. But, no, they have to be 0-5 and probably on their way to 0-8! I am dismally disappointed each weekend, barely able to stomach 3 quarters of viewing. I am having to find another diversion in the fall. What could that be?

Damn baseball.

How depressing...

Ok, so I am upset about my Irish...they have greatly disappointed me, I really don't know even how to react to this season. I am dumbfounded. But would I be following baseball anyway. Yeah. Actually, I know who to blame...Z. It's all his fault...if he wouldn't have challenged me to watch baseball this summer, I wouldn't be asking questions, like why is there a website (www.actober.com) for the playoffs...isn't the month spelled October!? I leave this special type of misery at his doorstep.

My Cubbies are in the playoffs. They stumbled in like a drunken Notre Dame fan after Michigan trounced on the Irish, but they are in. The Brewers fell apart worse at the end of the season and so by default, the Cubs get to play in October. Its been 99 years since the Cubs last won a World Series and they are going to make it at least 100.

Most baseball pundits are calling for the Cubs to make it to the National League Championship Series by beating the D'backs...I was shocked. The Cubs have not played well against Arizona this year, but our bats have been heating up recently. Most assume that even with the D'backs stellar pitching that they won't be able to slow Soriano and company at the plate. Could it be so? The first year I watch baseball, I get the distinct pleasure of watching baseball into late October???

I'm not counting on it. I am excited to see what happens though...I will be in front of the TV tonight, watching the biggest pitching matchup of the series: Webb and Zambrano. It would send a distinct message if the Cubs could crack the bat against Webb, supposedly the best pitcher in the NL.

I make no prediction...I am a baseball playoffs virgin...I leave that kind of action to baseball whores (Z to name one). I am just anxiously awaiting my first real playoff baseball experience in October. Can the Cubs give me the October pleasure I deserve? Or will I be left wanting more come next week and not a Cubbie in sight to fulfill me? We will see...go ACTOBER!!!!

Summer Vacation (s)

Oh, how I love summer vacation! And for me...that is actually vacations!!!! Everyone that has known me for like, 2 seconds knows I travel...a lot! I just cannot seem to stay in one location for too long, otherwise I just end up going even more crazy than normal. I really don't know what the problem is. But my friends and family don't complain 'cause they actually get to spend time with me in person...not just have my marathon IM conversations or phone chats. I mean...holding the phone up for that long or scrolling through my massive messages, it can be tiring, I am sure! So my visits actually make those instances worth it...in person we usually at least eat for a distraction. Ok, ok...enough of my charming sarcasm.

I love visiting everyone...it is what makes my world go 'round. I just don't know how to get along without see those near and dear to me on a regular basis. Seeing new babies...new boyfriends...new wives...new houses...or just hanging out. This summer has been quite the whirlwind of activity and we aren't done yet (and in "we" I mean, the royal we...just me!).

First, I went to Cincinnati...the friends I love, the city I don't. It's okay that Cincy is an abomination of a city 'cause it is redeemed by having some of my closest friends. I was able to eat ribs at the best ribs joint in the Midwest; spend a day out on a beach (a lake, yes, but still a beach with real sand!); go to a Bowling for Soup concert (loved it!); and just hang out with friends. Not as many people live there any more (they left like I did!), but still had to see those that were there. I even drove to BFE Kentucky to see a good friend, his wife and their new house. Now that is dedication...crossing the river is a sure sign of it!

Then, Detroit. Didn't really see much of the city, but spent a lot of quality time with friends from Butler. Melissa (college freshman roommate) was getting hitched and I had to be there. I have known her for over 14 years (damn, we are old!). I'm not at all bitter that she has had 2 cracks at this love thing...not at all. :-) She is happy and it definitely showed that day. My default pic is actually from her wedding photog...quality work! It really was a jog down memory lane in so many ways and I loved it. It is amazing as you get older how time does seem to pass by quickly. It can't be 14 years since I "slapped back Snapples" in a college dorm room while everyone around me was getting roaring drunk. Or when Melissa and I hog-tied one of our friends for a reason that neither of us can seem to remember! Or seeing the monkeys at the Indianapolis Zoo whack off in the corner of the cage on our first freshman orientation trip. Ah, memories...

Last week was New York and Bucks County, Pennsylvania. My sis met me out East for a week of relaxation and family time. My sister is truly my best friend and I am glad that we got a chance to travel together again. Our last trip was to San Fran like 10 years ago. We are extremely different and I think we both wanted to do some damage to each other at points during the trip, but at the end of the day, I love being with her. The first thing we did when we got to our uncles' house was show each other all of our new stuff that we brought (guys...I think this is a girl thing and you will probably find it odd, but we do it, accept it as truth and move one). It's just something that we do whenever we see each other. Oh, the trip...we have a great time. Spamalot on Broadway, shopping in Soho and up Fifth Avenue (both of us came home with a little blue bag from Tiffany's), going to my favorite Italian restaurant-Max, seeing tennis at the Open, seeing my DC tennis friends, spending 4 hours just going to and from Stanten Island...I could go on, but I won't. And just spending time in the city. I had forgotten how much I love being in the city, any city at all. I just felt a little at home in all of the hustle and bustle.

Next up on the travel agenda: DC! Yeah, it will be my third trip back since I moved, but that's ok. I love to be with everyone and this time I have a real reason: another wedding! Yeah, how is it that at 32 I am having another wedding spree? One more in October too! I am sure I will be busy the whole time with seeing friends, going shopping and generally having a grand ol' time. I can't wait...I really just want to jump on a plane right now! I am so excited.

Well, that's a wrap up of my summer travels. Maybe next year I will actually go on a trip where no one I know lives...an actually touristy vacation. I don't do them often, but I think I am due one. Where shall I go??? Tropical...Asian...European...Alaska??? Yeah, no idea...I don't plan past the next trip. If anybody has suggestions or wants to join me in a little getaway, let me know.

0-2 and I'm ok about it

My Irish...I wish I was writing today about how Weis and my boys had proven all of the doubters wrong and how they are standing today, 2-0 against two early season tough challenges. "Weis and his wizardry have created another stellar team able to beat the likes of Georgia Tech and Penn State with young inexperienced players." Something like that would be grand. But its not to be...

We are 0-2. And badly, 0-2. Not one single offensive touchdown (even though yesterday should have seen that event except for some surprised receivers not being able to hold onto the ball) in two games. We have rushed this season for -8 yards...this team is so talented it can run negative yards!!! The penalties...oh my...late in the game yesterday they had more penalty yards than actual offense. It's abysmal, it really is. Is this the team that I have loved since my childhood? The famed Golden Dome and Touchdown Jesus?

Yup, it is and I am still proud to wear the gold and blue. As horrible as the above statistics are, I am actually quite upbeat about the future. Yesterday, Charlie ran the offense in a very conservative manner. Why you ask? He started the golden-boy Jimmy Clausen, high school phenom extrodinaire. You don't send in a true freshman quarterback and air it out. Not smart. Slant passes, short drops-quick passes. Keep it simple. Set up your quarterback for a low level of success. Yeah, Clausen lost his first start since pop warner football...that's ok. He will definitely see W's in the future, no doubt in my mind. He will continue to improve...he definitely showed poise beyond his years yesterday. Yeah, he was sacked numerous times...but he scrambled quite well under extreme pressure all night. The O line is just not being able to protect him. His improvement this year will be great...by the end of the season I think we will look back at this game and not be able to recognize him.

It's always hard to see your team flounder and just be down right bad. But at the same time, I'm not a Michigan fan. We will get better with a very young team. More experience = better play and hopefully some W's. Michigan...well, they have a senior quarterback and was touted as one of the best teams in the land pre-season. They are 0-2 with losses to a Div 1-AA team and Oregon. Yesterday's game was horrendous...they lost worse than ND, surprisingly that is possible. They have little hope for real improvement, especially with Henne out with a leg injury. Michigan is ND's biggest rival...I rue the days that I can say Michigan is worse than ND and for two weeks, I have been able to say that even with ND's laughable performances. That makes me pretty damn happy.

So, next week is the game of the season for me...Notre Dame v. Michigan. Biggest rivalry for ND fans and every year it is an amazing battle between two powerhouses. Yeah, not this year. My dad and I were contemplating if the game will even get TV coverage at this point. The two most storied college football teams are going head to head, with someone having to come out with a win. Both teams coming in playing horrible ball. Does anyone really have to ask who I call for this game? Yeah, no...ND. With Henne out and the Irish improving (question that all you want...they played infinitely better yesterday than against G Tech), I think ND can do it. It is a hostile working environment up in Ann Arbor, but Weis will allow Clausen some more choices in the offense. I am looking forward to our first offensive touchdown against a defense that let Oregon have over 600 yards total offense.

Go Irish!

Surpise, Surprise...Superbad!

If there was one movie that I would have put on the list of "Definitely Not Seeing" it would have been Superbad. The coming of age story of "can the classic nerdy, socially inept guys lose their virginity before they graduate?" really just is not up my alley. So, what happened last week? I went and saw Superbad. In my defense, a guy asked me to go and paid for it...it wasn't totally my choice.

The most surprising part of this situation is that is really was pretty damn funny. I am shocked and amazed, but I have to freely admit that a good portion of the movie did move me to laugh. Is it cinema at its best? Clearly not...it dropped f--- over 200 times (more than Scarface), it has more hand drawn pictures of penises than any one person really needs to see, and who really needs to watch the blood on the pants scene. But laugh I did. It dips about 45 minutes into it and doesn't pick up again until the last few minutes, but I do not regret spending some time watching it. Superbad wasn't as bad as I thought...imagine that.

Flicks and Pages

I would usually do separate blogs for these two topics, but why? I'll just combine since I clearly didn't take the time this weekend to sit in front of my computer and do it!

Flicks

I have gotten back to my movie watching ways recently. Tivo has plotted against me, making me watch shows I have recorded instead of popping in a DVD and watching it. Ok, that is really all my fault, but I would rather blame a piece of electrical equipment than actually own up to my own inability to get off the couch, open up the case and insert the disc in the player. Lazy with a capital L. Here are my lame, but infinitely exciting reviews of some films I have watched.

Bobby-I finally got around to this flick. Being a history buff, I of course, wanted to watch it. The cast was also intriguing, since it pretty much was jam packed with stars. Can Lindsey Lohan act? Is Ashton a believeable hippy druggie? Demi a raging alcoholic diva? Well, for full disclosure, I must admit, I started watching the movie on Friday night and actually turned it off mid-way through and read my book for about an hour. I think that might be telling. I finished it on Saturday morning. Great to learn the incidentals to a historical event, but not all that intriguing of a movie. Lindsay married a hobbit to save him from Vietnam. Does that really take chops to portray? Not really. It wasn't a horrible film, but it just didn't hold any mystique or have any amazing attributes. It was just a way to pass 2 hours, that's about it.

Capote--This was a good flick. The reason being: Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Not a news flash, I know. I am just getting around to this one and I should have seen it before. His portrayal of Capote is amazing. The nuances, the gestures...really a great portrayal of the historical character. He carries the film and really makes it worth a recommendation. I even want to read In Cold Blood because of it. I would definitely put it on your list...maybe not the absolutely next movie you watch, but something worth getting off the couch for, really.

The Squid and the Whale--Just Say No! I was a member of the movement in the 5th grade, wore the green shirt with pride (my sad, pathetic elementary days...such fond memories!). I stand by the slogan today. This movie is a mess. Its kind of indi...so many may not have heard of it. I almost feel bad bringing the movie to your attention; your ignorance of the flick is probably best. But at least now you won't make the mistake of taking a peek and possibly doing yourself a disservice and renting it. It just is very random and not all that interesting. The one thing I pulled from this movie: us children of the 80's really must have been suffering internally to have grown up with those clothes, the cars, etc. Very frightening!

Pages

A Thousand Splendid Suns--This is the new book by the author of The Kite Runner. I had been told that Kite was depressing and so I decided to skip that read, but then saw this one and the dust jacket synopsis intrigued me. So, I picked it up. Great book. I love learning about a new culture, new time period, etc. He is very good at pulling you into a new world. He paints the picture starkly. But I must say, some of what is in there is just personally horrifying. I try not to be culturally biased. My way of life is not everyone's way of life. But I could not read and not feel a sense of horror of the Taliban years of Afghanistan. We have horrors here in our own culture, though. I know I have been horrified by these stories as well, but the overall sanctioned acceptance of the horrors brought to life in the book astound me. I guess I take it a bit more personally being a woman. I had some difficulty reading it at night before I would go to bed since I really didn't want those thoughts running through my dreams, etc. This is a good read, but definitely difficult at times. I was at Borders yesterday and I picked up Kite to read, but it definitely won't make it in my bag for my vacation next week. It will most likely be worth my personal discomfort, but not when I am sitting next to a pool sipping a cocktail!

Well, these are my reviews. I am sure that not all that informative or exciting, but nonetheless a free service from you trusty friend, Mischa! Really, I do this to get out of having to write about my boring life...

Next time, you can look forward to reviews for The Hustler, A Fistful of Dollars and Y Tu Mama Tambian on the flick side of life. I might try to actually catch a current film...you never know! For Pages, I have two choices for my traveling pleasure: Nickle and Dimed (probably not going to NYC either since it is quite the serious tome about the working poor in the US) and Those Who Save Us. Of course, I may end up finishing Kite before I review again...

No, it can't be true, can it?

I have heard a nasty rumor around the valley...that at high elevations the aspen trees are already starting to turn? How can it be? We got our last snow at the end of June and the signs of fall are rapidly approaching? Did we have a summer? My head is spinning.