Thursday, July 21, 2005
the smell of laundry turns me on.
Smell is my strongest sense. Seriously. It's as if I didn't have one of my five senses and so my sense of smell was heightened. I can recognize perfumes with people walking by, often when others wouldn't even notice the perfume or cologne. Earlier this week as I was asking my boss about my time off to go to visit my mom, I noticed she was wearing a new scent, and asked if it was "Chance" by Chanel. She didn't know because it was a sample, and so went looking. It was one of those moments, where I was like, um, I was asking and now it's weird because you're digging through your gym bag. Turns out I was right. She was duly impressed. I was duly embarassed for inadvertently making it this huge thing.
My heightened olfactory sensitivity is most likely the reason why I am so obsessed with perfumes, and yes, I know. I sometimes will spray too much in the beginning, but it's fine by the time I get to work or wherever I am. I mean it's the reason I get compliments on how I smell, right? Just as I do when I'm not wearing a watch, I feel naked without perfume on. One time in college we were all going out to dinner and someone forgot something, as I realized I forgot to spray perfume, or we were looping around or something, but I remember that I made my friend pull over so I could run back in the dorm and spritz on perfume. My friend was nice enough to indulge me, but I know she thought I was crazy and slightly annoyed. I didn't care, I just felt better when I put it on.
When I find a scent of something that I really, really like I can't get enough of it. I'll practically shove my face in it and take massive sniffs. I went on a trip for my rehearsal dinner outfit with annoying girl and she made me stop by Neiman's to see about getting her Reef's for the summer. I realized that I hadn't sprayed perfume and so I was trying to find a scent to quickly spritz on. The sales people were overzealous. Neiman's. And so I grabbed the nearest bottle, did a quick check to make sure it wasn't obnoxious and sprayed it on. I found out like 30 minutes later as we were in the car how much I loved the scent. I kept on putting my wrist up to my nose and taking a deep whiff. I went home and looked online at Neiman's for like 2 hours, because I at least remembered the shape of the bottle. I thought I may have found it, but was all, I should definitely go to Neiman's and make sure. I made it back a few weeks later with CBF and the we were unable to find the correct bottle or scent. I was crushed.
The scent of Aqua di Gio for men drives me wild. I would crush a teddy bear if it was wearing the scent. I've found guys more attractive just for wearing it. I mean, people I wouldn't necessarily find attractive at all. Just because they're wearing it. Sometimes I will smell the trail of it in my hallway or of the person in front of me. I know, my olfactory skillz are freakishly strong.
So as I was on my way to Giant on Sunday to pick up my bus pass, I could smell the laundry along the route. Sunday being the natural laundry day, and apartments cluttering my walk to Giant. The wind being expelled by the dryers was fucking awesome. I mean it's clearly mostly softener that makes that smell, but I love it. I kept on taking big whiffs, and being all, man that fucking smells good. Cologne is a big turn on, but if they smelled like fresh laundry that would also for me be a big turn on. As a side note though, I think actually doing laundry is a total pain in the ass and hate doing it. I believe I would feel differently if I had laundry in my apartment rather than traipsing up and down two flights of stairs and down a long hallway. I always love briefly shoving my face in the pile of clothes that come out my laundry bag, that are still warm, and taking a big whiff.
I know. It's fucking bizarre.
Just on Monday, the day after I was walking along the street and having the realization that this fresh laundry smell kind of turns me on, in a reaction way of, "God this smells good," and let's take another whiff, two of my internship co-workers randomly brought up laundry. We all agreed that we didn't like to do it, but the other two were all, "It's my most hated chore!" One going on to say that she will do all the chores such as dishes and whatnot so that her partner would do the laundry. I was like, "Fuck no! Are you crazy?! Dishes and everything else is so much worse!" Well, I actually just said, "Really?" But that's because I want to keep my internship.
Fast-forward to today and I'm in CVS going to choose out new shoe inserts for my sneakers. Cheap-ass Diesel sneakers where the inserts came out promptly upon purchasing them. Okay, like 2 weeks. But. Still. And I've had the same inserts since then, which was like ages ago. It's the first time I've worn them this season, and felt it was time to get new ones. So yes. I'm gellin'. Thanks, Dr. Scholl. Anyway, so I'm swinging around and down another aisle when I stop in my tracks because I smell that awesome smell of fresh laundry slash dryer sheets. I pause briefly by the boxes and take another brief smell and am about to walk on, when I'm all, should I buy this brand considering I really enjoy it? More seemingly than others? Plus, it's CVS brand and it's a buy one get one free. I start to walk away, because really. I have both liquid softener and dryer sheets at home. But then, I start to backpedal. Maybe I can leave them in my office, leaving it smelling good? And really, can you beat a buy one, get one free? Come on Karen. Just get it.
I'm now sitting here with two boxes of CVS fabric softener, and they smell pretty good.
I know. I'm fucking strange.
not quite the same, but it'll do.
So of course the first thing I did was bust open one of the bags to get a whiff. And that sniff smelled fabulous! I wanted to make a cup right then and there, but restrained myself so that I could actually, you know, sleep.
I decided that I should prepare the coffeemaker though, so that all I would have to do was turn it on in the morning, because I am such an awful morning person and am always waking up later than I should.
The result was that my apartment smelled vaguely of a blueberry and coffee mixture, which was delightful, and especially delightful to wake-up to. So I amazed myself in turning on the coffee and then hitting the snooze. Pat on the back for that fortitude.
So I made an iced version of the coffee this morning, and it was rather tasty. Still strong despite the ice, it's like I naturally make sludge or something. The only thing that would have made it fabulous though would be a tidge of milk. Then it would have been just like Breuggers. Well. Except for without the straw. Or the really tall glass. Or the plentiful ice that doesn't automatically melt away when you pour the coffee in.
Otherwise though? Totally the same experience.
Awesome! This is so going to come in handy when the semester begins again.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
finally getting my hair done.
I mean, scratch that. I can't find a place where I have enjoyed the hair cut or highlights, even if in different locations. The other main problem is the price of either, or both.
The first time I finally ponied up and said I needed to go to the hair salon because my hair was looking like shit and needed a cut, I went to the place downstairs from where I work. From recommendations from those I worked with.
It did not turn out well.
Granted at the time I was dying my hair a reddish-brown color, and I had waited too long and the roots and the hair...It was B.A.D. I mean my roots looked orangish. And were a different color than the rest of my hair.
And? It cost like 80 bucks. It could have been more. I can't remember that far back anymore.
Afterwards, I decided that it would be best to have reddish highlights instead of subjecting my entire crown and hair to the damage of multiple dyings. Because that first time? They tried to dye it like twice to make it a solid color, and it killed my hair.
So I decide not to go to the "euro" place which was cheaper, though no Europeans worked there, and went to a salon chain next door to this one. Which was also recommended. It was fine. The cut was fine. The highlights were a bit 'meh.' I couldn't really tell that they even put highlights in. The most unfortunate part was that with tipping, of 3! people, I paid something like $130.
I don't fucking think so.
Since I wasn't blown away, I refuse to pay that much money now.
The only service I was totally happy with was this eyebrow guy at the salon across the street from where I work. Yeah, I don't know why we're completely flooded with salons. This guy was amazing, and really took care and time. I was jonesing to go again awhile back and it seems that he left. I was devastated, especially since I don't know where he is now in this big bad city.
The only person who I have been consistently happy with at all times, and I do mean throughout my life including high school is this woman who cuts my mother's hair. She's fucking awesome. Whenever she cuts my hair, and either highlights and lowlights...I mean the woman introduced me to lowlights, or whatever I may ask her to do, people will compliment me on it. I don't know why she has the magic touch with my hair, but I have never been satisfied as I have been with her. She's got the touch. Even better? For a cut and highlights? $70. Awesome!
I do have to admit, I have been happy with Mrs. home-town hair-cutter. She trimmed my hair over Easter and it was a good cut. But she's also a drunk. Which we, meaning Mrs. and her entire family who have her do their hair all the time too, know. I mean the woman has bought us shots of Kamikaze before at the local bar when we've been out. Mrs.' mom says that she's been drunk and cut her hair before. She's missed appointments before because of hang-overs. I mean the stories about her are hilarious. But. They still continue to see her because she's an awesome hair-dresser. Though one time, and I swear she must have been drunks, she put the wrong hair-dye color in the bowl and Mrs. hair turned out his purple color.
Purple.
Mrs. was less than enthused if you can imagine. So they then had to strip her hair, which totally kills your hair of course and re-do the entire thing. Mrs. still wasn't totally happy with the color but at least it wasn't purple.
My hair wouldn't be able to stand a stripping, so I'm never going to let her try to color my hair.
Earlier this summer I started to think about how busy it was going to be with internship and work, and really how I needed to get my hair done again. Plus? Really need to see the chiropractor and I wanted a massage. This of course meant, hmm...I should see about going to visit my mother. I know. It's kind of awful, but I do want to see her as well.
I made my ticket on Monday.
My mom called this morning to tell me that she made my hair appointment finally. On the 18th at 1pm.
As soon as I made the ticket I was heckling her to make the appointment for me. I know. Awful.
Essentially?
I'm travelling 3,000 miles to get a hair-cut and highlights.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
blueberry update.
I was talking with Mrs. B. on the phone the other day; expounding on the virtues and tastes of blueberry coffee. Much as I first heard of blueberry coffee from Stretch, she was skeptical. I assured her that it was indeed really tasty and she should totally try it, especially since she has tons of DD's in Atlanta.
Fast-forward a few days and she M.B. calls me at work, while she's driving her car in for a check-up. It seems that she tried the blueberry coffee at DD's and it was pretty gross. I believed the words she used were, 'sickeningly sweet' and that it was just bad coffee. I do have to say that I was momentarily shocked that she even tried it because she usually doesn't listen to what I have to say if she has a firm opinion on something, and she pretty much thought the idea was gross. I asked if it was a flavour shot, which she confirmed, and I said was most likely the root of her problem. I told her that she should head towards the closest Bruegger's Bagel and try it there because it was brewed rather than with flavour.
Rule: In any case, actual brewed flavoured coffee is better than a shot of flavour. Even at DD's, which kind of pains me to say.
So I was regaling Stretch with this story last night and she was all, maybe you could buy the coffee from Bruegger's site because it is Green Moutain Coffee. Now, Stretch knowing this must mean that she frequents it really often. Or she's just a little crazy. Or. You know. A mixture of both.
Bruegger's doesn't sell coffee off their website, but Green Mountain Coffee does. And they have the Wild Blueberry flavoured one.
I now have two bags of Blueberry Coffee en route to my apartment. Okay. They'll be en route Monday, but still. WOOOOT!!!
It might not be as good as the stuff made at Bruegger's, but it must be somewhat akin, because I know how incompetent those people were at the one in PA.
The Blueberry Crisis has seemingly been resolved. And if my coffee doesn't arrive by this weekend, which it fucking should, and if it doesn't I'll be pissed, at least I can hit DD's in the city. CBF promised that we would stop by this time. Gotta try this too sweet coffee.
Friday, July 15, 2005
this one's for stretch.
Not only, a mention, but an actual suggestion for a donation.
Could this be better than Jerry O'Connell playing (and losing early-on) for RIF in Celebrity Poker on Bravo?
I think it just might be.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
kind of a dick.
From all accounts of what she said though, Jesse seemed like an okay guy. I mean the most he had really done at the point was play Balthazar in Leo's "Romeo + Juliet." Which was like, some decent background time, and like three lines. Seemingly from that movie though, the two, Leo and Jesse, became chummy. One time my friend was hanging out at Jesse's and picked up the phone. She asked who it was, and the person was all, "Leo DiCaprio." She was like, "I don't think so." And his response was pretty much, "Yes, yes, I am." So she uttered, "whatever," and hung up on him. Jesse informed her afterwards that it probably was him, and said she was sorry when Leo called back. She was mortified.
Due to this connection, I've always watched Bradford's tracks. Not necessarily watching all of his work, but, you know. Kind of watching what he was doing. He seems to be rather prominent this summer because of his work in two indie movies that I want to see, "Happy Endings" and "Heights." Both have gotten pretty lame reviews, but I've been wanting to see them for awhile, so I'll probably end up seeing both. Okay, so both have queer content to them and may be the reason why I want to see them and still will despite dismal reviews, but, whatever.
I've noticed though that Jesse's been seemingly becoming cockier over time. Plus he had some quote about playing gay that came off as being slightly homophobic, and a little obsessed with proving that he was playing gay. You know. So people would confuse him as being, uh-oh, gay. Whatever, jackass.
Then. He did this snippet interview with "People" and he's featured as one of their men of the summer. Sigh.
I'm assuming he's still not big enough to have a PR person present when answering questions, because I don't know if he would have said the same things he in fact did say.
What's it like owning a hot New York club?
It's good. I'm not really doing any of the day-to-day grunt work. It's more
just an investment opportunity, and a risky one at that. I just thought it would
be fun and interesting, and why the hell not?
Do you and co-owner Chris Noth (a.k.a. Sex and the City's Mr. Big) hang out
much?
We're acquaintances. He's good friends with my good friend (and business
partner) Noel Ashman, who's kind of the mastermind behind this whole thing.
Any memorable clubbing nights?
I got forcibly removed from Nyla (Britney Spears's onetime restaurant) in
New York back when it opened because a bouncer tried to start a fight with my
girlfriend at the time. It was ridiculous. Who picks a fight with a girl? A
pussy, that's who. I stepped in and put my hands on him and said, "What the f–
do you think you're doing?" And before I knew it, I was being escorted out by
three guys with my hand up over my head.
What about at NA?
I've had some fun there. I was there for New Year's this year. That was
great. Flava Flav performed, and then Fat Joe was just there hanging out, and he
decided to get up onstage and do a song too, which was completely
unsolicited. So that was awesome.
How's the celeb scene there?
Eliza Dushku (Bring It On) was there celebrating her birthday. We're
talking for a while, and five minutes into the conversation I'm like, "Do you
know I kind of own this place?" She's like, "What?" I don't remember what
happened after that – I was kind of drunk. I think I sent her a bottle of
champagne. It was a funny thing to be able to be like,
"By the way, do you need anything? Because I can get it."
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
crush.
Actually? I loved all orange soda. I can remember whenever we would go to a fast food restaurant as a kid I would order orange soda. Unless we were going to am pm, but that's a whole different, woe is me the divorced child story.
I'm trying to stick to topics these days, rather than a total flight of ideas.
I accompanied Shortie to another art show in, gasp! Silver Spring, last night, where she had three pictures hanging. It's actually at this Cuban and Puerto Rican fusion restaurant that was part of a walking tour opening last night as well. Most of the people present were the artists and friends, and were eating and drinking. The waitress, well intentioned, and speaking pretty much no English whatsoever, was rather flustered by the crowd. And there weren't even that many people present.
Anyway. The food was taking forever, and at our end there was an artist with his bunch of friends so we decided to look at the other hangings. I mean it was the point of coming, right?
Overall, there were some good pieces. And some paintings I could have gone without. Shortie pointed out three pictures, next to hers, that I had noticed, as being the photographer who sold our friends a picture of a mushroom. On like, their first date. A picture. Of. A. Mushroom. Because it reminded our friend of Maine. He's weird. They're actually now engaged. They've been dating since the end of October. We move on.
His picture of floating tomatoes and a green pepper in water had caught my eye as soon as we came in. Though from afar, I thought the tomatoes were pumpkins or squash. What? What! I didn't have my glasses on. And it's been a bad crop year for tomatoes, and so they weren't all that red.
Anyway. This photographer comes in later, and as soon as I spot him, I'm all, "he's cute!" This, despite the fact that it was sweaty. But, it's summer, and DC. To be expected. He mentions pulling up a chair, and so I surreptiously attempt to scoot over so he'll sit in the chair next to mine.
Unfortunately my plans were thwarted when the kid who was sitting one chair over, removed his chair from the table and decided to sit in that chair. Fucking bastard.
But! When Shortie and I were looking at the art, this guy who had left and returned, and I later found out was fucking weird, sat down in Shortie's chair. I mean the guy came back from his art walk, and we're sitting at the table and he reaches over and takes this person's discarded Corona and ads water from a glass sitting next to it. Fucking, EW!!! I mean, it's not even your friend's beer or water, and you're drinking from them? And you're watering down Corona? Who the fuck are you? Plus his body language and interactions were just bizarre.
His moving to our seat though was a fortuitous chance forcing us to sit somewhere else at the table. I made sure we sat down next to Cute Photographer.
Not only was he cute, but he was really nice and kind of funny. I know I find him cute because he reminds me of Anthony Clark in "Boston Common" era, which I loved for some reason. The theme song fucking rocked too. And I'm not even that sure why I enjoyed the show so much, but I do know that I thought Anthony Clark was adorable. I tried to find the TV Guide cover of him when the show first debuted, but they don't have it archived, and there no rabid fans out there of him or the show, so...yeah.
Anyway, CP is adorable and really nice, and talented, and northern, and some-fucking-how lives with a CC alum now. What type of small fucking world is this people? Other plus? Pretty sure he's not gay.
So, of course, have partially spent the morning trying to semi-stalk him. I sent Shortie an email concerning CP and my feelings.
Her response?
"It's amazing how you can be funny and scary at the same time."
To be fair, this is what I wrote:
From: me [mailto:me@whereiwork.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 11:47 AM
To: shortie@someplace.org
Subject: RE: once every few weeks...
Okay, I do not even know why I think he’s so cute. There’s a picture of him taking a picture, and I was like, aw, how cute.
We’re going to have to stalk him [Shortie]. Stalk, I say, STALK!
I wonder where he frequents? We know about the [popular after work hobby]…
It looks like I have my summer crush! Maybe he'll be as tasty as the soda.
I know. I know.
Dirty!
about the size of a stick of butter.
In fact, they didn't even know if Mei Xing, who is on loan to the zoo, was pregnant or not until she gave birth.
The DC Zoo is now being cautious and not interfering with mother and child, seeing as on the three previous occassions the babies died. Though, supposedly Mei Xing is showing signs of being an exemplary mother. Good for her! Hee.
All this discussion is so funny, but the funniest part was the constant description of what a baby panda looks like. That it is small, and bare, and about the size of a stick of butter. Which, as DCist said, ew.
Due to the hands off-ness, and that camera looking into Mei Xing's area where you can't see jack shit, it's a little difficult to picture. So imagine my joy when I stumbled upon baby pictures of two panda bears.
Fucking adorable, huh? Hard to picture them being big ol' bears. Another interesting fact was that China, because the panda's are on loan, I assume, get to name the baby bear. Hope it's something interesting.
In sad, related news, Mei Mei, 36, and the oldest living panda bear, died in a zoo in China on Tuesday.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
finally figuring out how to toast.
I'm have the atrocious habit of just going out and picking something up for lunch. I mean I have a multitude of reasons, but the biggest would have to be my constant habit of rolling out of bed late and running to work. I refuse to make my lunch the night before; it brings back too many memories of lunches in middle school and high school and the sandwhich gets all soggy and nasty tasting.
I've gone through spurts of bring my lunch, but a spurt is the furthest it's gone. Bringing my lunch in is now a necessity with my internship schedule because I don't have time to pick up anything at all for lunch, and I'm working from 7:30 to at least 6:30 non-stop. This means I need some sort of food.
So, I've been rather diligently bringing my lunch in. And also? Toasting my sandwhich to make it more interesting. I realized my favourite sandwhiches from the shop are always toasted or grilled. Warm equals interesting.
The problem I've suffered from so far is that I haven't been able to quite figure out how to make the perfectly toasted sandwhich. The first few times in the toaster over the top slice was approximately charred to a crisp whilst the lower slice was brown. Then I just started burning them left and right. Not that this would normally be an issue, but this meant that the inside of my mouth was getting ripped up by the bread. Not Good.
Then I started watching it carefully. The problem was that the bread was pretty decent, but the inside wasn't getting warm and the slice of cheese wasn't being melted. So, not really warm, therefore, not interesting.
I discovered yesterday that if I split the sandwhich in half and toast them open-faced it creates a magical, perfect sandwhich. Something I would potentially pay money for. Other than what I've already paid of course.
Maybe I'll actually enjoy bringing my lunch now.
Well. That might be a stretch, but it'll make these summer months easier to live by.
Monday, July 11, 2005
this might be why i love london so much.
So, you know. We move on.
I was reading my 'ists' for the day, and was excited to see there is one about Paris! Woot! And it's in French, so I can practice reading that on a daily basis. Philly was added too, as was Shangai. I was actually wondering when a Pennsylvania one was going to be added.
I digress though. Londonist had a post about the reactions to the bombings, that kind of describes why I love London and Brits, and pretty much Europeans in general. They aren't trying to sap the awful tragedy for a 7/7 event, as their '9/11' if you will, and were pretty much like, you know what? The IRA has done a better job in the past, so if you want, just buy me a beer.
I don't paraphrase really well, but it's this resolve and fuck you to being intimidated or to an emotional leeching of the awful tragedy.
I'll buy a round.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
apb on blueberry coffee.
So Stretch called one day. Okay, so she calls every day, but one day I actually talked to her and she mentioned that DD's (Dunkin' Donuts to the unhip and uninformed out there) had new summer flavours that included Blueberry and Coconut.
One thing Stretch and I have always shared is our willingess, almost stupidity, of wanting to throw ourselves out there in the world of trying potentially dodgy foods. Or just eating a mixture of food that is good, but eaten at the same time is questionable. Or just eating questionable amounts of food at a time.
So we pow-wowed and essentially were all, blueberry sounds scary. But. Good scary. Stretch reported back that the first time she tried it, she couldn't really tell, and the second time it was pretty tasty.
When I went to go visit CBF in the city I was like, we totally have to hit DD's (because the DD's here is not even a 'full' one, so who knows if they'll have the flavour and it's too fucking humid to walk 10 blocks out of the way on the way to work) and I want to try the blueberry.
The weekend was a blur and it didn't happen.
My sister and I went to get brunch at Bruegger's, because really? I'm that cheap, well I should say we, because she's po' poor. And with my breakfast bagel you can add coffee for cheap. Due to the heat I asked if I could make it iced, which I could, so: Awesome! The untalented boy who was helping me, asked what flavour and as soon as he said blueberry, I chose it.
It was: Fucking. Awesome!
I tried to go again Sunday, but apparently it's closed in this little steel town on a Sunday. Boo! So then I did an internet search to see if there was a DD's. It had 1. Which? A travesty. Even more of a travesty? I called and asked the guy how late they were open, and he was like, we're closed. If you're closed motherfucker, don't pick up the phone. This pisses me off the most when trying to order pizza after a night of drinking. Fuck you Pizza Hut worker. Let the machine pick up without giving me momentary hope.
Now. There is no Bruegger's in the 'tri-state' area of here if you will. So now?
I'm obsessed with blueberry coffee. I'm on a hunt. I'd be eternally grateful if someone could point out a coffee place in the DC area that sells blueberry flavoured coffee.
Help my coffee obsession!
i scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
It's summer, and so it's okay to eat ice cream again. Or more to the point, it's a topic of conversation and something that you're craving, rather than the other months of the year where it's like one degree centigrade and you're just trying to stay warm waiting for the bus. Ice cream doesn't really call out then. Which is a problem that I wonder how ice cream shops, that aren't chains, are able to stay open and if not thrive, be successful.
Yesterday was the 4th, and was a lot better than I thought it would be. The party was being hosted in Virginia, I know. It's so easy to be a DC snob. I think it's somewhat akin to the people in New York who are all, I don't go to Brooklyn, looking as if someone just shot a loogie into their mouth.
Anyway. Shortie and I made the bold move of going to Virginia to CBF's girlfriend's apartment for some pre-party fun. I made the best guacamole ever, because it's what I do, and so we gorged ourselves on that, plus potato chips and ranch and watermelon.
The best part though, was the Smoke & Fire drinking game, that was invented at CC, and we embellished upon yesterday. Simple rules.
Pack of cards.
Shot glasses.
Pitcher of beer.
Take a pack and you have to say whether you think it will be Smoke (black) or Fire (red). If you're wrong, you have to take a shot of beer. At this point you can double up, and if you guess the second card correctly you are safe. If not? Double shot of beer. If you get a joker, you get to make a person take a half shot of vodka.
For some reason, this game, in all of it's stupid simplicity was a fucking blast.
Toward's firework time, we headed to a co-worker of CBF's girlfriend's apartment. Where we were under the assumption that there was going to be a party. What do your parent's say? Ass out of u and me? Yeah.
This chick's parents, brother and sister-in-law were there. Along with another special co-worker. Actually the entire thing was special. To boot there wasn't really alcohol, and it was just turing out lame-o. But then I listened as Shortie and CBF's GF were debating the best ice cream. CBF GF was mentioning how Cold Stone Creamery wasn't the best, she had just been cheating on Max of late. Where I jumped in, agreeing that Max was the best ice cream place in the world. Because not only is Max's awesomely delicious, you also get Max who is quite the character. Shortie, who will never admit that something is better outside of DC, as in, yeah that's okay, but I'd get [insert critical word here] of it, said there was this other ice cream place that was better. What? Seriously? She even said CBF would agree.
CBF said that Max's was indeed the better ice cream establishment. It really was worth the 10 minute plus conversation, especially considering the occasion.
Why, might you ask, did I relay this conversation? Because everyone should be having ice cream this summer, and it seems LAist did a review of an ice cream store today, and really, what a timely post.
And now I want some Max's ice cream.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
flight of ideas.
And it never happened to me.
As a psychology major in undergrad, I really did study up on the different mental disorders, especially the extreme ones since I had a strong interest in severe mental disorders. I was taking an Abnormal Psych class at Berkeley one of my summers, because I enjoyed psych that much, and was deep into minutae of the extreme disorders.
When I was studying schizophrenia and it's many forms, one of the clear symptoms is flight of ideas. Where your mind races and thoughts aren't cohesive and just jump about without any linear fashion or form. For some reason I was like, "Wow. I totally have that. Where my mind will just jump all around and not necessarily make sense when jumping to a new thought." I was convinced this was an early sign of schizophrenia and that in a year or two I would have full-blown schizophrenia. So far I've managed to pass through the peak years for 'outbreak' if you will, though I'm not going to rule that out yet.
I didn't realize that I think often people really do have flight of ideas. And that was I was talking about wasn't really flight of ideas. It did make me feel better though when watcing a Wanda Sykes stand-up, who fucking rocks by the way, and she discussed not being able to fall asleep and the flight of ideas that keep you up from falling back asleep. The routine was hilarious, with her thoughts at one point touching upon whether she had her high school yearbook still, and where in the hell would it be? And I finally was like, oh, it's not just me! Awesome. This stupid thing keeps other people up at night too.
Today on Huffington Post Larry David, yes that Larry David, posts about a recent flight of ideas night where he is trying to fall asleep, and how the scary Republicans are keeping him awake. It's pretty funny, including this little snippet during one part to give you a taste:
"You’re giving him what he wants! If he keeps us all up, we’ll be too tired toYou'll have to read the post to find out about who he is talking about.
fight them. That’s their strategy, and you’re playing right into their hands. We
have to start keeping them up. But how? The only things that bothers them enough
to keep them up are fetuses. They love that fetus. The fetus and Jesus. Sounds
like a comedy team. “Ladies and gentlemen, give a warm welcome to Fetus and
Jesus…”
Oh, and a song I've recently discovered that takes a few listen's to appreciate is Elected's "Greetings in Braille." Which is thankfully available for free download at the website. Their other songs are pretty awesome too, but I adore "Greetings in Braille."
Thursday, June 23, 2005
funny funny funny.
Lindsay Lohan has become a walking train wreck. I mean, I still remember last summer, or was it two summers ago, that she was making her comeback with "Freaky Friday" and turned in a rather winsome performance. Golden Girls trivia: the guy who played her grandfather in that movie was in fact Harold Gould, the actor who played Rose's boyfriend Miles for a few years. And in the first season played the character who Rose has sex with for the first time since her husband died. The show runners at GG didn't seem to care about casting actors in multiple guest roles, or about keeping the same actors to play the same guest characters. It can get a little annoying when it comes to the children of the women, but I digress.
Lindsay was cute and adorable in that movie. Then she did "Mean Girls" and it essentially all blew up. I was rooting for her, if not just because I wanted her to outshine Hilary Duff (Duff hatred still present) and the two for that brief period of time were duking it out for the same roles and spots. "Mean Girls" was awesome, and Lindsay proved that unlike Hilary Duff she could act. And pick a good movie. I mean are you paying your parents' mortgages or something Hilary? Did you actually read the script for "The Perfect Man," or essentially let's insert in that space any movie you've been in?
At the same time, and I believe Lindsay fully embraced it, she became sexualized and everyone wanted to know if her boobs were in fact real, and was she dating Wilmer blah, blah, blah. Because let's face it, she had grown into a real hottie.
Then I believe the 'alleged' cocaĆna along with not eating, wait, I'm sorry, scratch that. Her new eating healthy lifestyle and working out, made her lose her hot bod, boobs (finally proves they were real) and a very good imitator of Skeletor. Along with some fucking alleged role where she had to dye her hair blonde, so they bleached it out, killing the luster, and made it look like shit. This was something she once said in an interview that she would never do. Too bad she lied. Lindsay? If there is any way you're listening: eat something and keep it down, and get rid of the blonde. You look awful, and I don't even believe that it's for a role because you haven't been filming anything.
So, despite the fact that she's really only a shadow of who she was, she's not dead to me yet. Can't quite explain why, but that doesn't mean I won't make fun of her, or enjoy people making fun of her. Yesterday Gawker did an awesome job of it too, with pictures and captioning of Linsday visiting the today show.
Laughter in the morning does amazing things for the day. Bless you Gawker!
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
no longer dead to me.
For reasons unfathomable to me now, I was shocked and somewhat saddened when Tom and Nicole first announced their divorce. Clearly, this was because she was breaking free from the mental craziness that is Tom Cruise, though there is always speculation. I mean he always would just say in interviews that, she knew why they were breaking up. And it was somewhat suspect that when she suffered from a miscarriage almost right afterwards that he showed no remorse. Was it not his baby? Could she have had an affair? Was he the one that the affair with Penelope Cruz? And I thought at the time that they had an ick factor. Plus I totally believed that he had had an affair.
Why was I concerned? Well they were a rather popular couple, and I mean, I loved Top Gun, and was otherwise a general fan of the Tom. Which again? Has me completely flummoxed now. I remember playing dodgeball during recess and discussing his divorce with Mimi back in the day, and all of us were psyched...because of course when you're 8 he's going to be available for you to date him. I even remember my sister's friend Rhonda being especially excited about his divorce. Because yes, at 11, he's going to marry you!
My sister has always expressed wonder at this phenomenon where people become upset when their celebrity crushes, or for some people obsessions, are dating or married to someone, and excited when their relationships eventually hit the skids. "Right. Because if they're single, you're going to get the opportunity to date them. You're weird." I guess I left out the 'karen' at the end of the last sentence, but I mean really. Did Jake really have to start dating Kirsten again? I mean there are no snowstorms going on in my nostrils, and we'd be like, totally great together. Call me!
I digress. Anyway, I ended up siding with Nicole. It could be because I'm the only person in America who didn't really enjoy "Jerry McGuire" all that much, and thought Renee was fucking annoying. Cute and bubbly in "Empire Records," which is a fucking awesome movie, but annoying and whiny in every. Single. Fucking. Movie. Since. Take back the Oscar people. Plus? Nicole was awesome in "The Others," which came out shortly post-ruined marriage, and it was also pre-Botox. Then of course came "Moulin Rouge" which again, great movie. She was charming and wonderful, and I'm sitting there rooting her on and hoping that she continues to be successful and we can all say, "Look what you're missing Tom."
Then came the Botox age. And the super super skinny stage. I mean she didn't really look like a human anymore. You would see pictures and her forehead would be all shiny and would bounce the reflection of the camera flashes back, all "Kap-ow! Just try taking a picture of me you paparazzi bitches!" It was a sad stage. I mean part of acting is showing emotion, and when there's nothing going on above the eyebrows it's a little difficult to emote. And the fact that she looked like a midget could take her down with one hand behind their back because she hadn't seen a carbohydrate in months...
It probably would have been better if this was reserved to the red-carpet, but even she looked like a robot in the previews for the awful idea of a remake in the "Stepford Wives," which I thankfully did not see.
Maybe I was wrong. Maybe she's such a perfectionist method actor that she wanted to become a robot for her role, and she was just having a hard time letting it go. It certianly would be an explanation.
To recap: Dead to me.
An amazing thing happened though. This morning, and it might be because I woke up at 6 for my new summer schedule (do people really wake-up this early? And why would they ever want to? It's not sane. There should be a law.) and I was giddy with fatigue, but when I went to go check for the free song of the week at the iTunes store I saw that Nicole Kidman had a celebrity playlist.
Now I'm not a huge fan of the celebrity playlists. I think sometimes people are choosing songs that they think might make people think they are cool. Yes, Mischa Barton I'm looking at you. Did you raid your castmates CD collections in their trailers and then ask your publicist what would be best? I highly doubt that you listen to the fucking Shins. I just won't believe it. Sometimes the comments for each song are really rather stupid too. It is somewhat interesting to see what some playlists are, but I think for "Entertaiment Weekly" to put it down as a "must" is providing it with too much credit.
So, I was curious and decided to check it out. The songs are a pretty awesome mix; especially when she's not choosing 'trendy' or possibly pretentious picks to make her look cool. The comments make her seem winning and charming again. Plus? She lets her daughter choose the last four songs, and make the comments which is even more adorable.
I think this list combined with my grudging actual enthusiasm about "Bewitched," the promos make the awful premise look cute and fun, which is freaking me out, has Nicole Kidman back on my 'good' list.
Until of course I see her in another period piece, with her forehead shining back at me saying, "That's right. I'm going going to use my shininess to emote, and distract you that I can't actually move. I should get second billing!"
Song of the day? And really, I feel I should be more cautious considering the uproar of the "Fight for Your Right Cover." I still say I enjoy it. But the song that has already repeated a few times today on my iTunes is Jon Brion's "Knock Yourself Out." I initially fell in love with it when I heard it during the trailer for "I Heart Huckabees"and immediately wanted to know what it was. Didn't find out until much later, but I still love it.
Monday, June 20, 2005
is sharing really that bad?
The other week I noticed that I had another iTunes user on my iTunes. I was curious so I looked at the songs and realized that said user went to my college. Which.
Kind of creepy.
That makes 3 alums from college, including me, living in the building at the moment. If she hadn't just graduated and had been living here last year, there would have been 5 of us. Which.
Small world.
After asking my fellow tech guy at work if seeing her pop up on my iTunes meant she was using my wireless, AND slowing it down. He confirmed my suspicions and I figured if everyone else in the building has it password protected, so should I.
I've been unsuccessful as of yet.
Okay. So I haven't actually called Verizon's customer service yet, and I only tried to figure it out for 10 minutes. But really. It should be easier than that.
So the first perusal of fellow alum, showed cheesy music including 98 degrees and of course our college a cappella groups. Upon closer perusal (I guess it counts as procrastination from preparing for the internship tomorrow. I really am a master) I realized that mixed with some atrocious songs (Hanson? Les Mis Soundtrack? Jessica Simpson? Really???) there are some serious jems. Especially some songs that I've been thinking about buying. Sweet!
There is a silver lining to her using my free wireless for the moment. Though she best get ready for when I organize myself and actually put a password in.
word of the day children? frustration.
Or at least I was so very excited.
Clearly the person I was to be working with was difficult to pin down. Or you know. Get a response from. Simple etiquette would be nice. This, I dealt with, because, again, opportunity. I need some solid communications experience on my CV before I hop off into the real world and get the job I want.
Then there was the potential non-recognition from the person who I was supposed to be talking with when I called her after she asked me to. Fine.
Then I was supposed to start last week but called the day beforehand because I hadn't heard from said individual despite the fact that I was assured we would have a chat. Spoke to the second-in-command, if you will, who clearly had no idea who I was, and was all, "I'll get back to you on starting tomorrow."
Getting back to me consisted of them not being prepared. Granted my boss had had a personal family emergency, and so again, I rolled with the punches. Grateful that at least #2 seemed to get back to me. I was grateful. #2 also mentioned that they would call me today.
Five to 5. No call, and answering machines for both.
Around 5:20ish, call back from my message.
It seems that the office is going on a 3-day retreat on Wednesday and so they're a little busy. And, be prepared for this, aren't ready for me to come into the office.
Boss is prepared for me to start working though, and asked if I could work in my office or from home. Boss wants to talk to me tomorrow for a big, long telephone conversation to plot out what I'll be doing for the summer, with #2. "Was 1:30 okay for me?" Why yes indeed! Just peachy!
"Oh, and can you call me at 1:30?"
Sure. Thing.
I couldn't believe it. Me. Call them for this meeting. Can they not waste a dime on me? I mean I'll already be bringing in my own computer, if I ever do start in the office, and pretty much providing free graduate labour.
CHC thinks I should drop it, suggesting that internships aren't that big of a deal (boo!), and that I'm the one providing the free labour, and they're track record is awful. She's not the only one to suggest this.
I think I just need to take some deep breaths. Repeat the words: At least I'll be doing something. And realize this will be a huge deal for my CV, despite what CHC says, and I'm a lucky individual for the opportunity.
Must. Focus. On. Positive.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
another reason to miss living in l.a.
So never actually in the city, but close enough that I could drive there, plus the surrounding cities. I miss Southern Cali, and, well, Northern as well.
I believe these moments are because it's now been over a year since I was last home. I may perhaps need to experience the smog and the non-cities [People walking? People don't walk!] to appreciate the East Coast again. I mean I couldn't get the fuck out of dodge quick enough after graduation, and I went to college on the East Coast because I wanted to have a more Euro feel.
One of the best shows ever! is back. Reno 911!, and that's not a gratuitous exclamation mark if you're unfamiliar with the show. I'm a huge fan of largely ad-libbed albeit situation scripted entertainment. All of the Christopher Guest movies are fucking hilarious, though "Best in Show" will forever remain in my heart. When I had Netflix one summer, I took "Best in Show" from Berkeley where I was spending the summer, to home for a few days, to college.
And then I had it for another two months. Thank god for no late fees. You would think just having to drop if off in a post-office box wouldn't be that difficult.
These are other issues.
Anyway, Reno 911! is one of the best comedies on television hands down. I will laugh out loud without fail during each episode, and sometimes I need to pause the TiVo so I don't miss anything. These people are brilliant, and I especially love to watch them try and not lose their shit when I'm re-watching. I don't know how they keep straight faces because each shot is a new version of a line.
Yes. I'm gushing, and probably a fangirl. But it's quality television during a period of time where funny watching is difficult to find.
I would love to meet the cast and would even buy the DVD to do so. Yesterday there was such an event, where the first 50 people got hats, and the first 150 got free t-shirts. Plus, everyone was able to have their DVDs signed. This means the actual funny people right there in person.
Where was it you might ask?
Virgin Megastore in LA.
Dammit.
Song of the Day? "Wavy Gravy" by the always brilliant Sasha.
Friday, June 03, 2005
true purpose?
I can live with that legacy.
To continue onwards, there is a website that I frequently about weekly or lately, monthly because the updates aren't as frequent, Fametracker. Which is led by the awesome people who started Television Without Pity which I must increase their daily hits exponentially, and This Is Not Over.
It's a funny site, where they do 'fame audits' and just essentially talk abou celebrities. I get a chuckle and make sure I return. They also have a category of setting up a celebrity versus an object. Like Tom Hanks and a Loufa I believe. Loufa won.
Today's? Angelina Jolie vs. Bottled Water. It's a must read to see who wins, and it's pretty fucking hilarious.
Oh, and I totally agree with the author.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
and i never give you anything?
I think that might have already been established by my semi-drunken love posting of Imogen Heap's song.
Now! There is an up and comer, Andrew Paul Woodworth, who is working on his first album and he has a cover of "Fight for Your Right" that is interesting and rather haunting. Here is a link to download it for free for the next 24 hours.
Enjoy!
ETA: From one response, I feel I guess I should forewarn that the song is completely different and essentially a brand-new song, rather than a Beastie Boy's version. It's cool though.