Sadly, 2009 is coming to an end, and that means it is time for me to reflect on this year and all the cool things that have happened. It seems that '09 started off with a bang and then kinda whimpered out, like a really bad fireworks show without an explosive finale. Maybe it was the Obama "change" America was high on, and when there wasn't much of a change everyone felt jaded. Twenty-ten is going to be a good year, I can feel it!
Working backwards here is what happened this year:
My niece Chloe was born
Saw "The Blind Side" 2x
Job searched in California and found 2--Banana Republic & Boys and Girls Club
Was on the news because of my job search
Made the move from Utah to California (all good things must come to an end)
Kelly Clarkson!
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince finally came out
More job searching and interviews in Utah
. . . and that's pretty much it. Lots of time with my family and friends, watching my nieces and nephews grow (one of them is 16 already!), and all the little things in between.
Wow 2009 was a jam packed year!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
The best movie of the year
I recently learned who the second highest paid player in football is: the Left Tackle, or the guy on the blind side. Two Fridays in a row I paid full price to watch The Blind Side, and I will probably do it again. It's a good movie. (Sandra Bullock's best role this year, although I think Mary Horowitz was pretty cool in All About Steve--maybe only because I can relate to her nerdy side.)
The movie is so uplifting, and so good. I really like Michael Oher ("Oar like the paddle"), he's a beast, with 98% protective instincts.
The movie has inspired me to read the book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, and be a Baltimore Ravens fan. I need to buy a Ravens hoodie to make it official.
Next Monday the Ravens are playing the Green Bay Packers.
The movie is so uplifting, and so good. I really like Michael Oher ("Oar like the paddle"), he's a beast, with 98% protective instincts.
The movie has inspired me to read the book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, and be a Baltimore Ravens fan. I need to buy a Ravens hoodie to make it official.
Next Monday the Ravens are playing the Green Bay Packers.
Friday, November 20, 2009
How Far WIll You Go for an Obsession?
I'm running on only 3.5 hours of sleep. Why do I do this to myself? Oh wait, because I'm a self-proclaimed nerd, and I love my nieces and nephews and apparently their friends. Last night I froze my bottom off waiting outside from 8-10 pm, and then in the theater from 10 pm-12:01 am to see The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
It was about 20 minutes before we were to go into the theater that I started handing out the tickets when I realized I was one short. Luckily, I had the receipt, so I got the manager to sign the receipt, and I was able to get in. Later I learned that I handed one of the kids an extra ticket (they were stuck together).
Once we got inside and claimed our seats, a group us took our camping chairs out to the car, and some people watched Twilight on the computer before the movie started, of course, so they could have the story fresh in their mind, while other people napped for about an hour or so before the movie--hey whatever helps you stay awake during a 2+ hour movie.
So, that is why I am only operating on 3.5 hours of sleep. Eventually I will take a nap, or just go all day like I did last year.
The things we do for our obsessions!
It was about 20 minutes before we were to go into the theater that I started handing out the tickets when I realized I was one short. Luckily, I had the receipt, so I got the manager to sign the receipt, and I was able to get in. Later I learned that I handed one of the kids an extra ticket (they were stuck together).
Once we got inside and claimed our seats, a group us took our camping chairs out to the car, and some people watched Twilight on the computer before the movie started, of course, so they could have the story fresh in their mind, while other people napped for about an hour or so before the movie--hey whatever helps you stay awake during a 2+ hour movie.
So, that is why I am only operating on 3.5 hours of sleep. Eventually I will take a nap, or just go all day like I did last year.
The things we do for our obsessions!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Into the future
My Monday ritual has been going to my 13 year old niece's volleyball game, afterwards going over to their house for dinner, watching CW shows together (we don't get CW on our satellite), and then come home around 10 pm.
(My nieces really like this show,
while I love this show,
and we like this show)
Well, Volleyball is over so I was going to come home early and mix up my Monday night primetime shows, but my other niece begged me to stay and watch One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl, since it has become a tradition I couldn't say no, so I said "Alright" and stayed.
While we waited for her friend to come over (she doesn't get CW either), she didn't arrive until 9, so we skipped OTH and went straight to GG (Yay!). While I was waiting I went ahead and set the recorder for Thursday at 8 pm on the CW network. It is true I love Vampire Diaries. That is my new favorite show, and we haven't gotten into the show together (I tend to watch it by myself on my laptop), so I am hoping we can add it to our "tv bonding" time.
In order for me to record a show on Thursday evening I had to skip ahead on the cable's "Guide" to set the recorder. Growing up, watching tv wasn't always this easy, nor was it as time-saving. When I was little you couldn't turn to a guide on your tv, we had to purchase a TV Guide magazine (or read it in the entertainment section of the newspaper), then record our shows on VHS, and we could only record one show at a time; then in 1997 when Tivo was invented-- a box you could hook up to your tv to record, pause, and fastforward through shows independent of satellite or cable boxes--our lives were simplified. With Tivo we could record multiple shows at the same time, save them as long as we want, and program it to record one episode or the series whenever it came on without being home; we no longer have to worry about missing our shows, and we can catch up on a season during our free time. Now, our satellite or cable boxes come with DVRs (for a little extra money). Tivo and DVRs are a huge time saver, we can watch two shows in 8 pm - 10 pm time slot in about 1.5 hours, that's 30 minutes shaved off!
Setting the recorder for Thursday was like going into the future. I felt like Marty McFly for a brief second. I'm a time traveler now. It's every sci-fi lover's dream come true!
(My nieces really like this show,
while I love this show,
and we like this show)
Well, Volleyball is over so I was going to come home early and mix up my Monday night primetime shows, but my other niece begged me to stay and watch One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl, since it has become a tradition I couldn't say no, so I said "Alright" and stayed.
While we waited for her friend to come over (she doesn't get CW either), she didn't arrive until 9, so we skipped OTH and went straight to GG (Yay!). While I was waiting I went ahead and set the recorder for Thursday at 8 pm on the CW network. It is true I love Vampire Diaries. That is my new favorite show, and we haven't gotten into the show together (I tend to watch it by myself on my laptop), so I am hoping we can add it to our "tv bonding" time.
In order for me to record a show on Thursday evening I had to skip ahead on the cable's "Guide" to set the recorder. Growing up, watching tv wasn't always this easy, nor was it as time-saving. When I was little you couldn't turn to a guide on your tv, we had to purchase a TV Guide magazine (or read it in the entertainment section of the newspaper), then record our shows on VHS, and we could only record one show at a time; then in 1997 when Tivo was invented-- a box you could hook up to your tv to record, pause, and fastforward through shows independent of satellite or cable boxes--our lives were simplified. With Tivo we could record multiple shows at the same time, save them as long as we want, and program it to record one episode or the series whenever it came on without being home; we no longer have to worry about missing our shows, and we can catch up on a season during our free time. Now, our satellite or cable boxes come with DVRs (for a little extra money). Tivo and DVRs are a huge time saver, we can watch two shows in 8 pm - 10 pm time slot in about 1.5 hours, that's 30 minutes shaved off!
Setting the recorder for Thursday was like going into the future. I felt like Marty McFly for a brief second. I'm a time traveler now. It's every sci-fi lover's dream come true!
Maybe being on the news will help me get a job
After moving back to California the job search has been slow, but I know that something will happen. It has to. I have worked a little here and a little there, but nothing permanent yet.
Last Thursday my dad told me about a job fair around 10 am. I quickly got ready, updated my resume and printed 20 copies, and drove to the Kern County Fair Grounds (I turned down the wrong street and had to back track) by the time I got checked in it was 10 minutes to noon (it was over at 1 pm). This job fair was different from the job fairs I've attended at UVU--employers didn't bring pens--but I made some contacts with potential employers.
Today I am finishing up some resumes, and I am going to fill out some applications. So yes, the job fair was useful, but what was the most useful was being interviewed by Sabrina Rodriguez on 29 Eyewitness News. An old friend Facebooked me to wish me luck, while other friends called to tell me they saw me on the news. Hopefully my 15 minutes of fame will help secure a job!
Last Thursday my dad told me about a job fair around 10 am. I quickly got ready, updated my resume and printed 20 copies, and drove to the Kern County Fair Grounds (I turned down the wrong street and had to back track) by the time I got checked in it was 10 minutes to noon (it was over at 1 pm). This job fair was different from the job fairs I've attended at UVU--employers didn't bring pens--but I made some contacts with potential employers.
Today I am finishing up some resumes, and I am going to fill out some applications. So yes, the job fair was useful, but what was the most useful was being interviewed by Sabrina Rodriguez on 29 Eyewitness News. An old friend Facebooked me to wish me luck, while other friends called to tell me they saw me on the news. Hopefully my 15 minutes of fame will help secure a job!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Subbing Is Not as Easy as It Looks
Last Thursday was the first time I subbed (and I just barely recooperated) and it was interesting to say the least. I subbed in the fourth grade for half-a-day, I started after lunch and went until the end of the day. I was able to meet the teacher and watch how she does things, so that was nice to see how to run an elementary classroom, seeing how I don't know. My experience has been with teenagers, and while I am sure kids no matter what age group will act up for subs, I can handle teens-- they just kinda check out.
The kids were sweet and liked me (I think) but they were all over the place. They tattle, touch each other, can't sit still, tell me how to do things, do the pee pee dance (when they don't have to pee), ask to go to the bathroom or get a drink (right after lunch or recess), get bloody noses, get their feelings hurt, waste time, tell me unnecessary stories, and need a lot of personal attention. It's a mess, and I don't have the patience for it, and maybe they picked up on it because there were a few times that I got frustrated and barked at them. Before P.E. I asked them to sit silently for a minute so I could gain some sanity, and I wanted to see if they could be quiet, but after 20 seconds I got bored.
I have a new respect for elementary teachers, it is a tough job. They have to be nice to other people's children. They have to be like moms and dads and doctors and nurses. They have to deal with a lot of issues that they aren't necessarily trained to deal with--like bloody noses, how does that happen randomly?--and look good at the same time. They have to be nurturing and deal with hurt feelings--telling them to suck it up doesn't fly for these keds. Teachers just don't teach and that's never been in their job description. It's not like doctors or lawyers or engineers, where they just focus on one job or one skill, teachers have to multi-task and be everything at once. It's a tough gig, but someone has to teach the lawyers and doctors and engineers and businessmen to do what they do.
I'm glad it wasn't a full day, I don't think I could have handled it very well, but the kids survived. . . and I'm still here!
The kids were sweet and liked me (I think) but they were all over the place. They tattle, touch each other, can't sit still, tell me how to do things, do the pee pee dance (when they don't have to pee), ask to go to the bathroom or get a drink (right after lunch or recess), get bloody noses, get their feelings hurt, waste time, tell me unnecessary stories, and need a lot of personal attention. It's a mess, and I don't have the patience for it, and maybe they picked up on it because there were a few times that I got frustrated and barked at them. Before P.E. I asked them to sit silently for a minute so I could gain some sanity, and I wanted to see if they could be quiet, but after 20 seconds I got bored.
I have a new respect for elementary teachers, it is a tough job. They have to be nice to other people's children. They have to be like moms and dads and doctors and nurses. They have to deal with a lot of issues that they aren't necessarily trained to deal with--like bloody noses, how does that happen randomly?--and look good at the same time. They have to be nurturing and deal with hurt feelings--telling them to suck it up doesn't fly for these keds. Teachers just don't teach and that's never been in their job description. It's not like doctors or lawyers or engineers, where they just focus on one job or one skill, teachers have to multi-task and be everything at once. It's a tough gig, but someone has to teach the lawyers and doctors and engineers and businessmen to do what they do.
I'm glad it wasn't a full day, I don't think I could have handled it very well, but the kids survived. . . and I'm still here!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
More Tests
I really hate taking tests. I especially hate it when my future is determined by the outcome of those tests. We all had to take those poorly written standardized tests to move on to the next grade (a lot of times those tests have nothing to do with any content that you learned), or the SAT/ACT for college, and then once you got accepted into preferred college you had to take a placement exam for math or English. Then there are those exams that are required for aspiring teachers (even teachers have to take tests).
I'm talking about my TB test and my physical. I passed! So now I only have 2 or 3 more hoops to go before I can substitute. I, luckily, have a year to take the CBEST and will wait a few months. I think I'll take it after I start substitute teaching; that way I will have a little money in my pocket, and I will have an idea of what to expect on the test. The only way to get over my hatred of taking tests (well mostly "test anxiety") is to be prepared.
Monday, September 7, 2009
I Have to Do That?!
Since I have moved back to California I've been working on getting my substitute teaching application together. If you've ever tried to substitute teach in California it's quite the process. I first went to some of the district offices and then my sister told me I should go through the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS). So I did. I got a pile of papers to fill out, and a checklist of stuff to do; unlike Utah, California requires there substitute teachers to have at least a B.A. or in pursuit of one, and take the CBEST (a general knowledge test), whereas Utah only requires there subs to breathe.
Even though I have my Utah teaching license that limits a few hoops, but it also means that I have to spend $5 to have my transcripts sent. (That's right it costs $5 to send transcripts now when just a few years ago it only cost $2.) It's going to cost my somewhere between $150 and $200 just for the opportunity to put in a movie for kids that dislike new authority figures for about $100/day, with no medical benefits. (Sometimes being a substitute teacher is hazardous to your health.) Here's a rundown of what it takes for me to start substituting:
*A friend informed me that it takes about 72 hours for TB results to appear, and since Monday was a holiday and the "County" clinic would be closed it would affect the results.
Even though I have my Utah teaching license that limits a few hoops, but it also means that I have to spend $5 to have my transcripts sent. (That's right it costs $5 to send transcripts now when just a few years ago it only cost $2.) It's going to cost my somewhere between $150 and $200 just for the opportunity to put in a movie for kids that dislike new authority figures for about $100/day, with no medical benefits. (Sometimes being a substitute teacher is hazardous to your health.) Here's a rundown of what it takes for me to start substituting:
- Fingerprinting and background check ($63)
- TB Exam ($12.50)
- Physical ($30+ varies on physician)
- CBEST ($41, but I have a year to take it)
- Request Transcripts ($5) and proof of UT license
- Fill out the CA sub application (free) and other paperwork
- Evaluation of transcripts ($55)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Change Is Good-- Right?!
So my adventures in Utah are coming to an end. Looking back I was able to do some cool stuff like:
(New Kids on The Block, Stephenie Meyer, and Kelly Clarkson)
and some bad stuff happened to me like:
three car accidents (only one was my fault), and mosquito bites that grew to the size of a watermelon. (Yeah huge!) But, most importantly graduating. That is what I came here for. I'm definitely gonna miss all the friends that I made
and Maggie and Miley
(and their parents and my brother of course).
Although it's a sad time, it's also an exciting time. Change is good . . . . right ?!
(New Kids on The Block, Stephenie Meyer, and Kelly Clarkson)and some bad stuff happened to me like:
three car accidents (only one was my fault), and mosquito bites that grew to the size of a watermelon. (Yeah huge!) But, most importantly graduating. That is what I came here for. I'm definitely gonna miss all the friends that I made
and Maggie and Miley
(and their parents and my brother of course).
Although it's a sad time, it's also an exciting time. Change is good . . . . right ?!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The True American Idol
Kelly Clarkson is AWESOME!! She is definitely my idol. She sang all her good songs, and the ones I don't know. . . . yet. In attendance: Justine (my Aussie); Stephanie and Jenny Mitchell (twinners); Sydney, Brea, and Bailey; Kyla, Talina, Katie, Sheri, and Callie; and Me. She is definitely worth the $15 bucks- shoot I probably would have paid for the VIP passes, but then again I wouldn't have had as much fun without my homies.
Rain or shine Kelly rocked the field!
Monday, June 1, 2009
That's Not Very Nice
So I've watched the New Moon trailer a couple times, and I am excited. It looks like it should be good. It's a lot brighter than Twilight. The colors are warmer, like orangey, whereas Twilight had blue hues which gave it a darker feel. Obviously it's the director's style and artistic vision, and the reason for it remains to be seen.
I do find
the poster to be a bit deceiving. Jacob with his back to Edward seems normal since they are mortal enemies, but it's Jacob who is guarding Bella (which happens for most of the story), but Edward is just as protective of Bella, and that's basically why he does everything he does. But, it's the placement of Bella and how she is holding onto Jacob that is frustrating. Bella inadvertently leads Jacob to believe he has some chance (which isn't very nice), while Edward is being pushed out of the picture.
Just google "New Moon trailer" and you can find about a 1,000,000 different hits on it. It's pretty intense.
Picture retrieved from: http://twilightguide.com/tg/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/new-moon-movie-poster.jpg
I do find
the poster to be a bit deceiving. Jacob with his back to Edward seems normal since they are mortal enemies, but it's Jacob who is guarding Bella (which happens for most of the story), but Edward is just as protective of Bella, and that's basically why he does everything he does. But, it's the placement of Bella and how she is holding onto Jacob that is frustrating. Bella inadvertently leads Jacob to believe he has some chance (which isn't very nice), while Edward is being pushed out of the picture.Just google "New Moon trailer" and you can find about a 1,000,000 different hits on it. It's pretty intense.
Picture retrieved from: http://twilightguide.com/tg/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/new-moon-movie-poster.jpg
Friday, April 24, 2009
A New Epidemic
Last night I stayed the night at my sister's house so I could watch my niece this morning while she took her other daughter to a doctor's appointment. She got home around 11 am, and I hung around for a little bit, and then someone came knocking on the front door. I thought it was my niece banging on one of the doors in the house because she got locked inside one of them, or something. I heard my sister talking to someone outside, and so obviously I became interested. It was a Kirby vacuum salesman. She invited him in for a "brief" demonstration (he ended up staying from almost 2.5 hours, and he ate a hot dog).
He showed us all the cool gadgets, directing most of his attention to my sister. During his first hour he showed us all the neat tricks, and it's "transformer" capabilities--from upright to hand held to canister. He told us about CBD, and then proceeded to show us what it is. He went over to the couch and started to vacuum it. I thought he couldn't pick up a whole lot because it's a microfiber couch and it would be easy to see the dirt. When he was finished he showed us the results. It was disgusting. (I obviously had been laying there about an hour before). The dust, dirt, lint, dead skin, etc. was thicker than the dirt that came out of the carpet. Concentrated Butt Dust, CBD. I wanted to buy a Kirby for myself.
The second hour wasn't as impressive--just putting the vacuum away.
He showed us all the cool gadgets, directing most of his attention to my sister. During his first hour he showed us all the neat tricks, and it's "transformer" capabilities--from upright to hand held to canister. He told us about CBD, and then proceeded to show us what it is. He went over to the couch and started to vacuum it. I thought he couldn't pick up a whole lot because it's a microfiber couch and it would be easy to see the dirt. When he was finished he showed us the results. It was disgusting. (I obviously had been laying there about an hour before). The dust, dirt, lint, dead skin, etc. was thicker than the dirt that came out of the carpet. Concentrated Butt Dust, CBD. I wanted to buy a Kirby for myself.
The second hour wasn't as impressive--just putting the vacuum away.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Lots of Stuff Goin' On
This week has been an exciting week. First off my sister Kendra and her kids from California came up to visit; then I certified at work and now I can get paid just a little bit more than before; I saw three movies Monsters vs. Aliens, Hannah Montana and Taken; went to my niece Miley's first birthdya; and ate out a lot. I've been so busy that I have not had time to take my daily naps, and have been living off of Mountain Dew just to survive. I love Mountain Dew and rarely drink it because of all the caffeine, sugar, and caffeine that I can only handle a little bit ever 6-12 months or so. I observed that when I drink Mountain Dew I usually toss and turn for most of the night (which is expected), but mostly because I have nightmares and have to go to the bathroom a lot. (The last part is really annoying, but there's more to that story that will have to be told at another time.) So, anyways life is great, and I'm just hangin' out wastin' time! Happy Easter and have a good life!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Happy Birthday to Me
So Wednesday is my birthday (and my niece's pictured here), and I am excited. I also don't know what to do. It's not a milestone birthday, so it's not like I can have a huge party and get gag gifts or something. It's kind of an insignificant age. I know for sure I am going to go out to dinner with my brother, and my sister and her family (yeah Kyla we're going to dinner in case you were wondering) probably to Caraba's because I've been craving Italian food lately, and last year we went Thai. So, if you have any suggestions on what I should do please leave a comment, or a birthday wish, and shower me with presents (cuz that's my favorite part!).
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The Curious World of the Internet
Today I just realized that I am becoming something that I never wanted to become . . . . addicted to on-line games. I know, sad huh?! I was having a conversation with a friend on Facebook, and we were talking about how nice Facebook is to keep in touch with friends, and I mentioned how recently I've made friends with people from all over the world because of [gulp] games. Yes I am ashamed. I have joined the on-line game community, and I don't know where it will end. So far I haven't given any money to this world, and I don't intend to, the only thing they are going to get from me is my time . . . which eventually leads to money. OH NO! What have I gotten myself into?! It's a vicious cycle. It's a vortex of evil continually spir
aling down to the burning pits below- the earth's core of course, which is as hot as the sun's surface (according to Wikipedia, the source of all truth and knowledge). See! Look! The sun is in the earth's core.*
This fact causes me to wonder, how far into the earth's crust have we dug? Have we dug far enough to end up in China, or Antarctica? Antarctica would be cool! I wouldn't mind meeting the penguins, it's the leopard seals I'm afraid of . . . they're vicious.
The world is full of curiosities--penguins, the sun at the center of the earth**-- all of which can be explored from the safety of our homes, on the internet. Thank goodness we have the world at the reach of our fingertips (and wire connection to the wall). My brain hurts, I think I will escape in the depths of the world wide web, and play a game.
* Photo courtesy of: http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/assets/images/2003/May-09-2003/Earth_cutaway.jpg
** I know that the sun is not inside the earth. That was just for dramatic effect--hope I didn't pop your imaginary balloon.
aling down to the burning pits below- the earth's core of course, which is as hot as the sun's surface (according to Wikipedia, the source of all truth and knowledge). See! Look! The sun is in the earth's core.*This fact causes me to wonder, how far into the earth's crust have we dug? Have we dug far enough to end up in China, or Antarctica? Antarctica would be cool! I wouldn't mind meeting the penguins, it's the leopard seals I'm afraid of . . . they're vicious.
The world is full of curiosities--penguins, the sun at the center of the earth**-- all of which can be explored from the safety of our homes, on the internet. Thank goodness we have the world at the reach of our fingertips (and wire connection to the wall). My brain hurts, I think I will escape in the depths of the world wide web, and play a game.
* Photo courtesy of: http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/assets/images/2003/May-09-2003/Earth_cutaway.jpg
** I know that the sun is not inside the earth. That was just for dramatic effect--hope I didn't pop your imaginary balloon.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
What Does Ipso Fatso Mean?
I've recently been watching the show Kath & Kim, and it is hilarious! The show comes on between My Name is Earl and The Office on Thursday nights, two of the funniest shows on tv right now. I can't help but laugh at the clueless mother-daughter duo. What makes the show so funny is the malapropisms (wrong use of a word that sounds similar) like ipso fatso and cashmire throws (ipso facto and cashmere) trying to sound sophisticated, but only come off sounding chichi (attempting stylish elegance, but ends up being affectedly trendy. If you pronounce it she-she, then you sound French and really posh). I am truly dumbfounded at what they say, and I am left thinking about what they really meant to say. The funny thing is they believe that they are saying the right word. They are a step above Camdentrash--Joy, Earl, Darnell, and Randy from Earl--but still not classy. Here is a short clip from the episode "Competition" which guest-starred Ron White (he's not in the clip) from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour with Jeff Foxworthy, from that description alone you can see how 93308* it gets.
You can watch the full episode on hulu.com.
*93308 is a reference that only a Bakersfielder would get, we call them 'o8ers' for short. I love people from that zip code.
You can watch the full episode on hulu.com.
*93308 is a reference that only a Bakersfielder would get, we call them 'o8ers' for short. I love people from that zip code.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
New Blog!
I started a new blog. This blog is more topic oriented rather than about randomness, my going-ons, or whatever crosses my mind at the moment. I'm setting it up so anybody who wants to post can; so send your email address to kerri.russell4181@gmail.com if you want to post stuff, and I will send you an invite to write for the blog, of course the comments are open to everyone. The blog is about books. It can be what you're currently reading, what you've already read, or about a book that you're struggling to get through and you just need a little motivation. If you're itching to rant (or rave) about Twilight, or you can't get enough of Jane Austen, or you want to discuss how "Big Brother is watching you" then head over to www.literature4theilliterate.blogspot.com and write a post or leave a comment. The title of the blog is "I'm Quite Illiterate, but I Read A Lot" from The Catcher in the Rye.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
What Happens in Candy Mountain Stays in Candy Mountain
I saw this video like a year ago, and thought it was hilarious. WARNING:The following video is sardonic, twisted, and contains candy and unicorns. It is not for the weak of kidneys. Proceed cautiously if you have a warped and twisted sense of humor.
I love the two unicorns that trick Charlie. Their voices are creepy and demented. "Charrrlieee. Come on Charlie. Let's go to Candy Mountain, Charlie. Charrrlieee." That's convincing enough! Hey I warned you.
I love the two unicorns that trick Charlie. Their voices are creepy and demented. "Charrrlieee. Come on Charlie. Let's go to Candy Mountain, Charlie. Charrrlieee." That's convincing enough! Hey I warned you.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Everything I've learned in Life I Learned From TV
Last February a romantic comedy about a girl who is always a bridesmaid and never a bride came out. I was somewhat interested, since I will watch any chick flick and love it (except for Knotting Hill, I still can't watch that movie and want to stay awake for the ending), but alas, I felt somewhat indifferent about the movie. Then one day, I must have been watching something really fascinating because I didn't fast forward through the commercials, which I can't do anyways because I just have basic cable, and a preview for 27 Dresses came on, and they were playing my, then, favorite song "No One" by Alicia Keyes, and it was at that moment I had a strong desire to see the movie.
This made me think about the effect music has on us. I would say that I am more of a visual person, that is why I love watching movies and reading books--I create my own visual image from the words, if the author is good--but similar to how our sense of smell and taste are connected together, so are our sense of sight and hearing (that may not be scientifically accurate, but for the sake of argument just go with it). The other day I was "facebooking," and I saw an ad for the movie he's just not that into you, and so I decided to watch it. As I was watching it one of my new favorite songs was playing in the background "Love, Save the Empty" by Erin McCarley. It was at that point that I had a crazy desire to see the movie. Months ago, when I first saw the preview, I thought this could be a movie I would enjoy, and maybe it was because the song was in the preview the whole time and I didn't know it because I just barely discovered the song, and the other day when I was watching the preview the song really stuck out. I don't know, it seems the song really fits the theme of the movie, and the music hits my soul. This time my sense of hearing came in handy, especially for the producers of the movie because if they played another song, or didn't play anything at all, I probably would not go see it.
Now, I am interested in finding out how music effects people, like how music changed my emotions from indifference to desire. I also want to study people's facial expressions and body language to detect their emotions thanks to Lie to Me. See! Television doesn't rot the brain!
This made me think about the effect music has on us. I would say that I am more of a visual person, that is why I love watching movies and reading books--I create my own visual image from the words, if the author is good--but similar to how our sense of smell and taste are connected together, so are our sense of sight and hearing (that may not be scientifically accurate, but for the sake of argument just go with it). The other day I was "facebooking," and I saw an ad for the movie he's just not that into you, and so I decided to watch it. As I was watching it one of my new favorite songs was playing in the background "Love, Save the Empty" by Erin McCarley. It was at that point that I had a crazy desire to see the movie. Months ago, when I first saw the preview, I thought this could be a movie I would enjoy, and maybe it was because the song was in the preview the whole time and I didn't know it because I just barely discovered the song, and the other day when I was watching the preview the song really stuck out. I don't know, it seems the song really fits the theme of the movie, and the music hits my soul. This time my sense of hearing came in handy, especially for the producers of the movie because if they played another song, or didn't play anything at all, I probably would not go see it.
Now, I am interested in finding out how music effects people, like how music changed my emotions from indifference to desire. I also want to study people's facial expressions and body language to detect their emotions thanks to Lie to Me. See! Television doesn't rot the brain!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Trauma on Aisle 4
I love being an aunt. I have the coolest nieces and nephews ever--and I'm not just saying that to get their "favoritest" aunt award! My oldest niece was so fun and cool to hang out with when she was little, now she's too cool for me, but I love family gatherings because I get to see all of the kiddies, and do fun stuff with them.
Today I went to lunch with my sister, two nieces, and Reggie. After lunch we went to Ross. We headed straight for the purse section. My little red headed niece loves purses, and so she obviously had to pick out 2 purses and carried them around the store (they were both snake skin, one was a tote and the other was a satchel). After we left that section we went to the back, and found more purses with Hannah Montana. (please see http://red-headed-family.blogspot.com/ January 21 "Best Purchase Ever!")
When we got to the front to purchase stuff (a matching game, a Hannah Montana nightlight, and one of the Hannah Montana purses) she threw the biggest fit ever, meanwwhile my other niece chilled in the shopping cart. She wanted all four purses. It was traumatic for her.
She certainly loves purses!
Today I went to lunch with my sister, two nieces, and Reggie. After lunch we went to Ross. We headed straight for the purse section. My little red headed niece loves purses, and so she obviously had to pick out 2 purses and carried them around the store (they were both snake skin, one was a tote and the other was a satchel). After we left that section we went to the back, and found more purses with Hannah Montana. (please see http://red-headed-family.blogspot.com/ January 21 "Best Purchase Ever!")
When we got to the front to purchase stuff (a matching game, a Hannah Montana nightlight, and one of the Hannah Montana purses) she threw the biggest fit ever, meanwwhile my other niece chilled in the shopping cart. She wanted all four purses. It was traumatic for her.
She certainly loves purses!
Monday, February 2, 2009
SuperBowl Madness
In the past few years I haven't been watching football as much as I use to growing up, and I think that is because there aren't any teams that I can get behind. When I was a youngin' I was a fan of the 49ers. In elementary school, I remember a boy who was a die hard Rams fan came to school wearing everything Rams on Frideay, and on Monday was donning the winning team's gear (I think it was the49ers). This year the only football game I watched was the Rose Bowl, and the Super Bowl.
I watched it at a friends house who was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and I was rooting for the Arizona Cardinals. I didn't really care about either team (and quite frankly the Steelers have a fistful and one set of rings, so they really didn't need anymore), so in cases like this I usually root for the underdog. It was fun to see my friend sweat in the last two minutes of the game when the Cardinals pulled ahead 23-20. I even teased her about some of the Steelers "unnecessary roughness" calls, and they were bad. Who starts a fight with the opposing team on their sideline, and right in front of the ref? If you're going to taunt the other team you do it secretly--definitely not a brilliant move!
The game was quite impressive, except for Springsteen's crotch shot during the half-time show, the commercials were ok, and The Office post show was hilarious, so all around it was a good night of entertainment.
I watched it at a friends house who was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and I was rooting for the Arizona Cardinals. I didn't really care about either team (and quite frankly the Steelers have a fistful and one set of rings, so they really didn't need anymore), so in cases like this I usually root for the underdog. It was fun to see my friend sweat in the last two minutes of the game when the Cardinals pulled ahead 23-20. I even teased her about some of the Steelers "unnecessary roughness" calls, and they were bad. Who starts a fight with the opposing team on their sideline, and right in front of the ref? If you're going to taunt the other team you do it secretly--definitely not a brilliant move!
The game was quite impressive, except for Springsteen's crotch shot during the half-time show, the commercials were ok, and The Office post show was hilarious, so all around it was a good night of entertainment.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
To Blog-v. Display Going Ons in Your Life for the World to See
It's crazy to think that blogging has become so.... ubiquitous that in random conversation we say "I'm going to blog about this." Even though we just barely communicated the story. Is that what communication has come to? Putting it up on the internet for people in Hong Kong to randomly come across a page of my life. They don't even know me, and yet I am willing to let them in to an intimate part of my life.
Another aspect of wanting to "blog about it," is the fact that sometimes we (or maybe it's just me) hate repeating the story 20 times to friends and family. I have a deja vu moment that I can't shrug off, but I keep telling the story on the phone, at family get togethers, in emails, not so much in text (but I would if I could text efficiently), or over a good meal; it's as if I've never told the story before. Although each telling of the story gets more exciting and hyperbolic because I have to make it interesting for me and my audience.
I guess some people prefer to blog because it is a form of journaling. We have moved away from the old fashioned pen and paper journals to the more high tech virtual world of blogs where people can even comment on our "going ons." It's become easier to type about it on the internet, then sitting in a comfy chair by the fireplace, sipping hot chocolate, and writing about your day, either way you can get carpal tunnel. If you have nothing to "blog" about you can always write about the hideous outfit Renee Zellweger wore to the Golden Globes.
Another aspect of wanting to "blog about it," is the fact that sometimes we (or maybe it's just me) hate repeating the story 20 times to friends and family. I have a deja vu moment that I can't shrug off, but I keep telling the story on the phone, at family get togethers, in emails, not so much in text (but I would if I could text efficiently), or over a good meal; it's as if I've never told the story before. Although each telling of the story gets more exciting and hyperbolic because I have to make it interesting for me and my audience.
I guess some people prefer to blog because it is a form of journaling. We have moved away from the old fashioned pen and paper journals to the more high tech virtual world of blogs where people can even comment on our "going ons." It's become easier to type about it on the internet, then sitting in a comfy chair by the fireplace, sipping hot chocolate, and writing about your day, either way you can get carpal tunnel. If you have nothing to "blog" about you can always write about the hideous outfit Renee Zellweger wore to the Golden Globes.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Now I Have to Look for a Real Job
I know it has been forever since I wrote, but here I am! Friday was my last day ever student teaching. I had a great experience. I got to teach at a high school and a junior high, and I like both. The students seemed really sad, I don't know if it's really because they will miss me, or they'll miss slacking off (probably slacking off). I guess you do get attached to people that come into your life, and then when you (or they) leave it is sad because you don't know if you will ever see them again. Oh well! It's hard to say which one I would like to teach at (because honestly I will take a job wherever), they both have their pros and cons: high school for the content and the maturity level (less telling the kids to be quiet, get on task, and that sometimes guys kiss other guys in nonromantic ways), junior high has less stress (more relaxed environment) and the students are still fun and like you (sort of). I think at any level, the kids will stare at you like a "deer in the headlights" whenever you ask them a question.
The only sad thing about ending student teaching is looking for a job. Once I get hired I will probably not stress out as much! More fun to be around.
Just so you know, Christmas was fun! I got to spend it with my family. Don't worry I will change the background (probably back to pink) as soon as the website that I get my free backgrounds from is up and running again (their site was down for routine maintenance or something like that).
The only sad thing about ending student teaching is looking for a job. Once I get hired I will probably not stress out as much! More fun to be around.
Just so you know, Christmas was fun! I got to spend it with my family. Don't worry I will change the background (probably back to pink) as soon as the website that I get my free backgrounds from is up and running again (their site was down for routine maintenance or something like that).
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