So it was a typical day at work. Enter orders here, reply to emails there, and then at about 10:30, BAM! I got hit with this wave of aches and pains which usually means one thing: the flu. For the most part, I feel like I'm keeping it at bay. Tea, food, tylenol and a heating pad have minimized the achiness and it's not accompanied with the normal wanting-to-curl-up-and-die feeling, so I take that as a good sign. But I'm staying in bed the rest of the day in the hope that I can nip this in the bud. Now is so NOT the time to get sick.

Anywho, it's time for the Christmas clip of the day! Wooooo! Today's selection comes from one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time: "A Muppet Christmas Carol". I always thought Michael Caine made a good Scrooge, and played remarkably well off of an amphibious Bob Cratchit. Now the visual quality isn't that great, but the audio is pretty clear.



Back to bed for me. Must get well in time for David's birthday weekend!

OHAI! I'm so mad that I missed posting on the first day of December, and it will seem very copycat of me to do the whole "Post something Christmas-y each day of the month", but dangit I'm doing it anyway.

Today I bring you a video of a group that my stepmom introduced me to just yesterday. They're an acapella group called Straight No Chaser, and they are amaaaaaaaazing /Kelly. Maybe it's just because I'm a choir nerd, but their harmonies blow me away and the guys are quite hilarious. This is a video of them performing a very unique rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas. Enjoy won't you?


And this has nothing to do with Christmas, but it's 11 seconds of pure joy that I feel it is my duty to share with the world (ignore the bizarre music)


Not much news to report. Other than the fact that David becomes an old man turns 24 on Friday! He's got part 1 of his CFA test the next day so we're celebrating Saturday night with good friends, pizza and drinks. Can't wait!

I think that's all for me today. Happy December everyone!

P.S. I have no idea where all my Christmas icons went :(

I'M BACK BABY!!!!!

Technically, I've been back since Saturday, but you'd be amazed at how much work/energy it takes readjusting to life after vacation, which accounts from my absence and lack of update. But I'm here now, almost done with my first week back at work and reacquainted with the real world.

I know I promised a full recap of my trip, and one will come at some point, but for now I just wanted to post to say that I'm back, I missed you all, and that I need to be caught up on all of your lives STAT. So leave me a comment answering the following:

-How you doin'?
-What's the most exciting thing that happened to you in the last two weeks?
-Anything yucky happen?
-What really good TV did I miss?
-When exactly did it become the holiday season? (AND WHY AM I TOTALLY UNPREPARED?!)
-Anything else you want to add.

I will share one detail of the trip, one that came as a complete surprise to me and will go down as one of the most memorable moments of my life.

What has two thumbs and flew all the way out to Hawaii to see me?



It's so good to be home :) Tell me what's up with you guys!

I've done a complete 180 since my "wah wah I don't feel like posting" post.  I feel like I have so much to say, I'm absolutely going to explode if I don't, so here goes:

-FALL IS HERE (SORT OF)!!!!   Don't let the 85 degree temperatures today fool you.  I've been bundled up since Sunday in peacoats, scarves and hats because FALL IS HERE!!!!  Stormy skies, legitimate color-changing leaves, the need for a space heater in the office.  It's been wonderful, but of course, the California heat is a harsh mistress and won't go down without a fight.  This accounts for the warm temperatures, but I stand firm that this is the last round of warm weather before Fall moves in for good.

-Stealing an idea from Mindy Kaling for a section I'm going to call Things I Bought That I Love*:

1) Leggings
I won't lie, Tim Gunn kind of broke my heart last week on PR when he rolled his bespectacled eyes and said "Don't get me started on leggings."   I will follow this man to the ends of the earth, but when it comes to the "I'd really rather not wear pants" area, I have to differ with him.  I. Love. My. Leggings.  In fact, I'm wearing them right now, with a kicky mod-style blue dress and black pumps and quite frankly, I feel fabulous.  Oversized sweaters, skirts, tunics, these babies can be paired with most anything and preserve my modesty without making me look Amish Chic.  Not to mention they are beyond comfortable (it is very likely I will sleep in them tonight).  I should note that I stick to black when it comes the color.  Brown is okay, but if one goes beyond the basic neutrals, one can start to look like an Oompa Loompa/Smurf/Muppet/unusually hued character of your choice.

2) A knit beret
I have a big head.  It's an undisputable fact of my physical appearance, like my green eyes or my curvacious rear area.  I also get cold when the temperature dares to dip below 75 degrees.  Given that I am constantly cold, I have a big head, and the common knowledge that heat escapes from your head, what choice did I have but to buy an adorable black-knit beret from Target when all I went in for was shampoo and conditioner to inaugurate the Fall season?  This is not your stereotypical French beret that sits squarely on the top of your head, a look to which I'm sure the French wish they weren't associated.  This particular style of beret is positioned on the back of the head, giving you a homemade-halo look.  When excuted correctly, you should resemble a fashionable street urchin in a Dickens novel.   I wore mine for the first time yesterday with some large hoop earrings and received many kind kudos.  Even my boyfriend, whose interest in Project Runway stops at Heidi Klum, said multiple times "You look so cute!" (I'll admit he might be biased.  I can neither confirm nor deny that he knows what a beret is).

3) Sally Hansen INSTA-DRI nail polish in "Expresso"
Lifelong career dream: Nail polish color namer.  I'm no expert, but I like to think that even I could have done a better job than "Expresso".  But I suppose "Fall, Warmth, and Hot Cocoa Together in Seasonal Ecstasy" doesn't quite fit on a sticker the size of a pen cap.  It doesn't negate the fact, however, that this is exactly what the color encompasses.  It's almost-brown, almost-purple, almost-makes me want to wear flip flops at the risk of chilled and chapped toes.  It's not your average neutral tone, but if you do opt for an open-toed shoe, there's a 99% chance it won't glaringly clash with your outfit's color palette.

*I'm really sorry for the lack of visual, but you'd be amazed at just how badly a Google image search can fail you.

-Countdown to Hawaii: 8 days.  Out of the 15 days we'll be on vacation, 10 of them will be at sea, meaning I have lots of reading time. So help a sister out an leave me some book suggestions.  Mahalo :)

It's that time again....

Seriously, how cool is bearseatbeets23 ? She made this absolutely amazing banner for these shindigs and I could not be more grateful. Thank you friend :)

For today's topic, I drew inspiration from an article I read about two Florida school officials who were sued by the ACLU for saying a blessing at a school luncheon.  Ever since Thomas Jefferson used the term "separation of church and state" in a letter to the Danbury Baptists, Americans have grappled with its meaning and its applicability.  The case in Florida is the most recent example of that grappling and its sent the country once more into heated debate.

I'd like us to be a part of that debate using the rules I've outlined here.  I'd also like to say that this should not turn into an argument over God's existence, or lack thereof (that's a much bigger, separate issue). No matter what your beliefs, this discussion should stay rooted in the following:

What does "separation of church and state" mean to us as American citizens?  Can church and state ever coexist?  If so, when is it appropriate?  When is it not?  


You're not limited to these questions, obviously, but you are limited to the neighborhood, no matter how much you might want to wander over to Does-God-Exist Lane :)

Be good, play nice, and have fun!

Howdy!  Sorry for the lack of updates, I've been busy being 22 and awesome.  This one goes down as one of the best birthdays ever due to a great family, a great boyfriend, and a donut cake.  Yes that's right, a donut cake.

One of my birthday presents was the Sims 2.  Now, I played old school Sims back in high school and saying that it's a time waster is one of the biggest understatements of the century.  I haven't played it since but since receiving it on Saturday, I've played it an embarrassing amount of hours.  Seriously, it'd be pathetic if it weren't so awesome.  David's in the midst of studying for his CFA (Certified Financial Analyst charter, a certification equal to an MBA in terms of credibility) and so most of his nights are spent hitting the books.  Now that I have a huge time killer, we take our study materials/games to the nearest Starbucks so he can read, I can play games and still feel like we're spending time together.  Who says computer games isolate people? (Let's disregard the fact that I've started dreaming in Sims interface).

In other news, it is still hotter than hell over here in CA.  Things were cooling down a couple weeks ago and I was so sure fall was nipping at our heels. Until mother nature swooped in and said "PSYCH!" It's been in the triple digits all week, and today it was accompanied by high speed winds.  Lovely.

BIG HUGE REMINDER
Tomorrow marks the second Livejournal Townhall Meeting! I hope you guys are excited as I am for round two.  The topic will be posted tomorrow morning and hopefully followed by your insightful and respectful comments (Abu over there is ready to shank anyone who doesn't follow the rules [Not really, though a sword-wielding monkey would make an awesome mascot])

I'm also looking for lots of feedback on how we can make these townhalls better and more efficient.  So please send any and all suggestions my way, either with a comment here or a private message.

I think that about covers it.  See you all here tomorrow!

Okay, I'm going to quickly post my Office thoughts before too much negativity gets thrown out there.

( PARKOUR )

Season six, let's do this!!!!

Some reflections on what's happened since last September 15th:

( this is your birthday song, it isn't very long )

23 hours later, I'm posting my thoughts on Glee.
( I made chicken pot pie from scratch )

Welcome to the inaugural LIVEJOURNAL TOWNHALL MEETING!

I'm so very excited to have everybody here.  I really believe great ideas can be exchanged through these meetings, and I look forward to hearing all of yours.  A reminder of the rules:

1. THIS IS AN ENVIRONMENT OF WELCOMING.   This initiative means nothing if the most we get out of these discussions are a bunch of "NUH UH"s and "YUH HUH"s or my personal favorite "YOU'RE STUPID NO YOUR MOM'S STUPID YOUR FACE IS STUPID".  Leave that on the playground.  I like to think we're mature enough to moderate ourselves, but since this is happening at my LJ casa, I reserve the right as host to step in when necessary and, if it's bad enough, shut things down/throw people out. 

2. STAY ON TOPIC. If we're discussing health care, the topic should remain health care.  It's the opposite of progress if we lose focus and suddenly wind up talking about a gay animal's right to choose.  Obviously some issues are a result of other similar ones, and it is absoultey okay to use those as reference.   But any further than that and we risk getting way off course.

3. NO OPINION IS A PERSONAL ATTACK.  I used to see this all the time in my sorority days. Person A would have an unfavorable opinion about a girl Person B loved and Person B took it to mean that Person A thought she was a horrible person who kicked puppies.  This was never the case.  We will not have this kind of attitude in LJ Townhall Meetings.  If you think chocolate is the best flavor of ice cream and someone else makes the case for vanilla, they are not attacking you.  They are simply taking issue with chocolate.  This is an important distinction.  If you get your feelings hurt every time someone disagrees with you, you are in for a long, and painful life.

4. THAT BEING SAID...If you like vanilla, do not go out of your way to attack those who like chocolate.  There's raising a point, and then there's saying "Only stupid people with body odor and bad taste in shoes like chocolate and that's why vanilla is better."  This is, again, the opposite of progress. 

5. FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD AND PURE, THINK BEFORE YOU HIT "POST COMMENT"
We will save ourselves so many tears and hurt feelings if we all pinkie swear to read over our comments before we post them.  When you do this, keep in mind the one word I've mentioned dozens of times throughout this entry: Progress.  If your comment has nothing to contribute to the discussion or move it forward in some efficient way, don't post it.  Delete and start over.  Do not pass Go, do not collect $200.  I know myself. I know my flist, and I love them dearly.  I also know that many (all) of us use sarcasm as the backbone of our wit.  And there is nothing wrong with that in your daily life.  On the internet? In a forum where there's hopefully intelligent conversation going on? Not so much.  Not because it's isn't funny, but because there is no SARCASM RED FLAG BUTTON in the LJ interface.  I'm not discouraging you from bringing some humor into your comments, because the last thing I want is for this to be a boring civics lecture.  I like to think that even the founding father's took some breaks during the framing of the Constitution to tell some bawdy limericks .  All I'm saying is that your intent means nothing, especially as an afterthought after someone's blown up over your vague "I was just joking" comment.

Now, onto the first topic, which is simply entitled Why?

The idea for this topic came to me after reading one of cah215 's tweets regarding a political issue.  She said (and I'm paraphrasing): Why does everything have to be so combative?

And I thought "Why indeed?"

This first topic will be something of a meta-discussion of politics.  Let's go beyond the issues and talk about why it is that people who find themselves on the opposite side of the political spectrum seem unable to have a civil debate.  This obviously does not apply to everyone, though it unfortunately does apply to the majority of politicians and chosen leaders in the public eye.  Names are called.  Fingers are pointed.  Things get downright ugly dare anyone disagree with a supposed consensus.  Why were there bumper stickers that read "The only difference between Obama and Osama is a little BS?"  Why did David Letterman feel entitled to make a sexual joke about Sarah Palin's teenage daughter?  Not that either of these are shining examples of civil discourse, but it does show how this ugliness has become mainstream. 

So I ask you all why.  Why do we get so fired up about politics and why does it often resort to the kind of argument you see amongst children, not responsible, mature adults?

I'm hoping that from the thoughts exchanged in this townhall will help people keep their cool when the real hot-button issues come up in the following weeks.

Again, thank you guys so much for participating.  Have fun :)

Hi friends!  Hope you all had a wonderful, labor-less Labor Day.  I spent my day off reading two new books and finishing Mad Men season 1! Not too shabby eh?

Some Mad Men thoughts....

( Where the Truth Lies )

Okay, now for really good stuff...

BIG HUGE REMINDER!

Tomorrow morning marks the very first installation of  LJ TOWNHALL MEETINGS!  I'll post the topic right here tomorrow morning and I would love love love to see some great discussion happen.  I haven't gotten a ton of responses in previous posts, but I'm still insanely excited about this! It's going to be fun guys, I promise.  So stop by for a few tomorrow, yes?

Final thought: I turn 22 in exactly one week :D

Happy September everyone!  Maybe I'm biased since my birthday is this month (on the 15th, in case you were curious :D), but I'm happy to see it here.  We're nowhere near cool weather here in California, but at least it's coming.

Big announcement: The first LJ Townhall meeting will take place NEXT WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH.  I'll announce the topic and open the post for discussion that morning in hopes that we'll be fired up enough to talk for most of the day.  I'm really excited about this, and hope you guys are too!!!

The latest issue of Cinefex should be on newstands soon!  If you see one, pick it up and check out the masthead for yours truly's name. It's the very first issue I worked on and I'm pretty proud of it :)

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so it's bed, Diet Coke, and Friends for me.  Hope the rest of your week is grand!

Snagged from caroline_carter !


( Mr. Millionaire: New from snooty play things! )

Unless you've been living in a cave for the last few decades, you know that America is divided on many hot-button issues.  Same-sex marriage, abortion, the war on terror, and most recently, health care.  And while I give my beloved country credit for acknowledging these issues, it is hard to ignore the inefficient way in which they are discussed.  I'm not just talking about those chatting around the water cooler and getting fired up about a topic.  I'm talking about our elected officials, those in whom we've put our trust to represent the needs of their constituents and fight for the greater good of America.  Even being called to a noble cause, however, has not stopped politicians from using ridiculous, not to mention, untrue rhetoric to attack any opinion that does not agree with their own.  This is true for everyone, regardless of party affiliation.

The townhall meetings currently being held across the country in regards to health care reform are examples of attempted bi-partisan discussion.  But even when organized and led by responsible public officials, the talk has often turned ugly and subsequently destroyed the meeting's purpose.

It truly saddens me to watch this country implode every time a volatile, but important, issue is raised.  When civilized discussion exists, no matter how trivial the issue, progress is made.  Passion is essential when making one's case, but that passion cannot excuse one's poor behavior in the midst of a debate.  I firmly believe it is possible for a group of spirited, passionate, and mature adults to discuss societal issues without resorting to the use of meaningless buzz-words and unfair generalizations.  The very establishment of our country is proof of that. 

But we have a huge advantage over our founding father's.  We have internet.  We are lucky enough to live in an age where one can not only express opinion, but do so in a way that reaches millions.  Our ability to discuss and reason with others defies geographical borders and is in most cases instantaneous.  With all this technological advancement, I feel silly using this LiveJournal just to write about the mundane happenings of my day.

So I propose LiveJournal Townhall Meetings, a place where we can gather and discuss the issues that are so vital to our country's future.  We may not be able to have a direct hand in deciding the fates of these issues, but we are certainly doing more good than harm by talking about them with one another. 

My LJ will house these meetings for the time being, and anyone is welcome to attend.  Spread the word to your flists because not only is the more the merrier, it's all the more interesting and productive.  The meetings will be held bi-weekly, with that week's issue being posted in the morning and available for discussion throughout the day (if not longer). 

Some ground rules: 

1. THIS IS AN ENVIRONMENT OF WELCOMING.   This initiative means nothing if the most we get out of these discussions are a bunch of "NUH UH"s and "YUH HUH"s or my personal favorite "YOU'RE STUPID NO YOUR MOM'S STUPID YOUR FACE IS STUPID".  Leave that on the playground.  I like to think we're mature enough to moderate ourselves, but since this is happening at my LJ casa, I reserve the right as host to step in when necessary and, if it's bad enough, shut things down/throw people out. 

2. STAY ON TOPIC. If we're discussing health care, the topic should remain health care.  It's the opposite of progress if we lose focus and suddenly wind up talking about a gay animal's right to choose.  Obviously some issues are a result of other similar ones, and it is absoultey okay to use those as reference.   But any further than that and we risk getting way off course.

3. NO OPINION IS A PERSONAL ATTACK.  I used to see this all the time in my sorority days. Person A would have an unfavorable opinion about a girl Person B loved and Person B took it to mean that Person A thought she was a horrible person who kicked puppies.  This was never the case.  We will not have this kind of attitude in LJ Townhall Meetings.  If you think chocolate is the best flavor of ice cream and someone else makes the case for vanilla, they are not attacking you.  They are simply taking issue with chocolate.  This is an important distinction.  If you get your feelings hurt every time someone disagrees with you, you are in for a long, and painful life.

4. THAT BEING SAID...If you like vanilla, do not go out of your way to attack those who like chocolate.  There's raising a point, and then there's saying "Only stupid people with body odor and bad taste in shoes like chocolate and that's why vanilla is better."  This is, again, the opposite of progress. 

5. FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD AND PURE, THINK BEFORE YOU HIT "POST COMMENT"
We will save ourselves so many tears and hurt feelings if we all pinkie swear to read over our comments before we post them.  When you do this, keep in mind the one word I've mentioned dozens of times throughout this entry: Progress.  If your comment has nothing to contribute to the discussion or move it forward in some efficient way, don't post it.  Delete and start over.  Do not pass Go, do not collect $200.  I know myself. I know my flist, and I love them dearly.  I also know that many (all) of us use sarcasm as the backbone of our wit.  And there is nothing wrong with that in your daily life.  On the internet? In a forum where there's hopefully intelligent conversation going on? Not so much.  Not because it's isn't funny, but because there is no SARCASM RED FLAG BUTTON in the LJ interface.  I'm not discouraging you from bringing some humor into your comments, because the last thing I want is for this to be a boring civics lecture.  I like to think that even the founding father's took some breaks during the framing of the Constitution to tell some bawdy limericks .  All I'm saying is that your intent means nothing, especially as an afterthought after someone's blown up over your vague "I was just joking" comment.

That's all I can think of for now, though I'm sure many more will come up or be added as these meetings progress.  The best rule we can all live by is what our dear patriot Thomas Paine called "common sense."  We're blessed to have it, so let's use it.

More details, including the date and time of our first LJ Townhall Meeting, to follow.

Thank you for your time :)

I'm excited. Are you excited? Very excited? Very very excited? Just excited? That's cool.

I've been a little sluggish today. 

Not like dial-up internet.  All day I've just been a little quiet, moody, introspective. And in all serious silliness, I think I know why.

It's the first day of school.  And I'm not there.

The first day for those not yet in college, I should say.  School buses moved back and forth along the streets this morning carrying backpack-and-lunchbox-toting kids.  I was one of the weirdos that didn't dread the first day of school.  From the time I went to bed the previous night, I would wake up every hour with a start, certain that I had overslept, missed roll call, and immediately dashed my dreams of perfect attendance.  I looked forward to buying paper and pencils far more than clothes, though I planned my first day outfit down to the last scrunchie.  I loved choosing my seat (in the front row, of course) and organizing my desk.  It was a routine that somehow felt new every time.

That routine came to an abrupt halt today as I drove to work. My job.  My meal ticket.  My reminder that gone are the days of getting-to-know you games and pudding cups.  Granted, my bi-weekly paycheck is much more ample than lunch money. And I've yet to have a day where I bring work home with me.  But there's an odd familiarity, like comfort food when you're sick, that's lost when you stop looking at years in terms of September to June.

It won't be like this forever.  If anything, this ache reaffirms my commitment to go back and get my credential, so I can have many more first days of school.  Even more exciting? I'll be on the other side.  I'll get to decorate my own classroom, print out nametags, buy paper and pencils in bulk, practice writing my name on the board in that elusive, teacher-perfect cursive.  Another routine made different every year by the influx of new, eager faces, each one recognizable as my younger self.  I'll try not to let them down. Especially on their first day.

And that's really something to look forward to.

Well I already tried posting this and it was giving me a very hard time, so one more time....answers to your Q and A!

( LJ cuts are frustrating )

So here's the sitch:

I'm in Orange County the next couple days for press checks trying to get this issue finalized.  And while the press checks themselves are quite interesting, there is a whole lot of down time waiting for forms to print.  Not to mention that my day started about three hours earlier than it normally does.  The point is I'm groggy, low on coffee, and in desperate need of some entertainment while I wait for the printing to finish in approximately three hours.

WITH THAT IN MIND

Help a sister out. I'm begging you. I need all the distraction I can get.  The "ask me anything" game usually goes over like a lead balloon, but if there was ever a time I really needed it, it's now.  Or give me some Top 5s. Or a one sentence prompt to get me writing. Something. Anything. Do you hear the groveling in my voice?  Desperation is not a good look on me, friends (neither is the "au natural" lack-of-makeup thing I've got going on today, but that's neither here nor there).

While you think up your fabulous, amazing, rip-roaring good time questions, let's catch up.

--I still haven't heard from the theater company.  Looks like it'll be another two weeks before final casting decisions are made. Fingers crossed!

--My 22nd birthday is in less than a month.  I'm far from being a big time grown up, but 22 is a good start (plus it's a palindromic age! /nerd)

--Hawaii in two months!!! And boy will I need the break.  It's one thing to go on vacation while you're in school, and you do pretty much the same things to relax that you did to put off homework.  But it's another to take some time off after physically and mentally demanding 8-5 work every day. I cannot wait!

--David is very very close to getting a full-time position at his job.  Keep good thoughts going for him!

That about does it.  Now, seriously, show me some Jeopardy-style love in the form of a question.

In case your Thursday could use a pick-me-up


:)

What am I doing here at 2:00 am?  Well, Gracie heard something outside, probably a leaf or a car muffler, and proceeded to go into a barking frenzy. I haven't been sleeping well as it is the last few weeks, so to wake up all of a sudden to barking and growling? I'll be up for awhile trying to get my heart rate down. This includes "Friends" and a healthy dose of LJ.

I wish I could say that anything of remote interest has happened since last we updated, but sadly, that is not the case. Work is good, boy is good, and I still haven't heard back from that theater company.  Oh! I did go on an insane shopping spree over the weekend.  But before you judge me for spending my hard earned dollars, I'm proud to say that I found great deals and came out with a lot for my buck.  In addition to lots of cute new clothes from Ann Taylor, Gap and American Eagle, I came away from the trip with this:
( Girl talk below )

Well now that the girl talk is over and my eyes are burning from fatigue, I'm going to try and head back to bed. Happy Wednesday all!