A long time ago my buddy Linds (What up Lyman!?!? Miss your face!) started telling me about this great philosophy that she had about gift registry. She basically said that you should be able to register for gifts like at Target or Macy's any time - birthdays, house warming, because you had a bad day, whatever. Everyone should have a standing registry at all major department stores just IN CASE someone feels like buying you a gift. Frankly, I agree with her.
Sidenote: more people should participate in random gift buying. It's fun to give someone something for no reason. They are surprised and you are excited and oh, I'm getting excited talking about it! it's so fun!
So really, why should only the engaged and preggers people get to have all the fun? Sometimes I want a registry just so I can play with the scanner gun but mostly, I'd like the convenience of never having to take back a gift. That's the point of the registry, right? Get the person things that they need or would like without doubling up with the other people that might be on the same hunt. Well I submit for your pondering: Why does that only apply when you are having a baby or getting hitched?
I, for instance, like to read which in turn leads to an unhealthy spending habit on books. I love buying all sorts of books and a week doesn't generally go buy when I don't discuss, to some extent, a book that I'm reading or a book that I've heard of that I'd like to buy. People know this about me and I generally get a book at most holidays and special occasions. (Good thing I don't have an unhealthy liking for diamonds or anything! Books are cheap!) Anyway, there have been several occasions when I've had multiple copies of these fine pieces of literature because "frequent discussion of books" + "unhealthy spending habit" + "need for gift" = buying the same thing for me when I already own it because I can't control myself and wait for someone to get it for me. You get the point. If I had a registry, I could mark things off as I received them and add things as new items came out that I liked and hazzah! Gift-return free forever.
Enter my new passion: Amazon Wish List. I am going out on a limb and telling you that I think everyone should have one and manage it accordingly. I don't normally endorse things like this so take note!
If Amazon were a normal site like say, OldNavy.com or something, you can see why it would get boring to make a wish list because all that would be on it is clothes. Not Amazon, no, no. Because of the very eclectic nature of the site, you can put anything (literally) on your wish list! Watches, books, dvds, clothing, anything. It's basically a gift from above. And it's SO easy to use. . . just find an item that you like and click once and it's been added. Then, when someone wants to know what gifts you may be in the market for, they can just jump on Amazon and take a look! A-mazing!
Amazon also offers this great feature where you can put in important dates to remember and will send you reminders to do your shopping. I haven't used it yet but I think it's brilliant. I generally remember birthdays but only on the day of. . . er. . . or the day after! What can I say, I'm not perfect.
Now I know what you are thinking: "I don't want to have to pay shipping on something." No, no! You don't have to. Just because you can see the list on Amazon and see what they like doesn't mean you have to buy it there! You can just get an idea of what I want and find it elsewhere if you are so inclined or if time doesn't allot for shipping.
So I know this blog sounds like I'm just telling you where to find the list of gifts that I like (which to this point, it kind of is) but that isn't my whole point. . . hahahaha. I would REALLY love it if everyone had a list! I waste a lot of time looking and pondering and searching for what I think people don't have when if they just had a up-to-date gift registry, all of our lives would be a lot easier when it came to gift-purchasing. Plus, who doesn't love getting what they want? That's what I thought. No hands.
Linds was right, as usual.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Story Time. . .
Ok, so I've had this funny story in my pocket for over a week now. I promised several people that I would blog about it (sorry I'm tardy, Rach) and better late than never, I guess? Plus, it has a visual so that makes it all better, right? Right. On we go. . .
I heart The Fray. They recently came to Utah for the third time and for my third time seeing them in concert (I'm not obsessed. . .), we made our way out to USANA Amphitheater for the show on a splendidly hot Saturday night. This amphitheater is one of my favorite places to see concerts - outdoors, views of the valley, close to the copper mine with one road in and out for thousands of people. . . ok wait, the good things. It's a beautiful venue with great sound and you get to feel all "arts in the park"ish when you are there because you are probably sitting on a blanket on the grass.
So me, my three buddies and every high school senior in the state made our way out to the amphitheater and found our grassy patch of choice. Just as a voice of warning, there can be several oddities when choosing to sit in the grass next to other people in blankets. They are, in no particular order, as follows:
1. The close sitter - people have surprisingly small personal bubbles when it comes to what I have termed as "blanket territory". They think "Well, if we were in chairs we would be right next to each other so it's ok with blankets to lap over our neighbors." I beg to differ. The reason I chose the grass rather than a seat is so that you aren't sharing an armrest with me. Cool? Move over.
2. No inhibitions - did you know that if you bring a blanket OFF your bed to sit on at a concert, it doesn't mean you are IN your bed while watching said concert? Some people don't know that. Or maybe their blanket magically transports them (mentally only, obviously) to it's original resting place like a bedroom or a living room? If so, I could use one of those magic blankets at my desk at work. Reality check - they don't exist. You're in public, not at home, in private. . . you get where I'm going with this?
3. The sqeezers - these people are the 'close sitters' on crack. They come late because they are too indy-pop for the opening bands. To their chagrin, no grass left. "What? Where did all of these people come from?" they are left asking themselves. "Nevermind them! I see a 3x3 patch of grass right over. . ." Um, no. Not only are you choosing to sit too close to me but to the four other groups surrounding your patch of grass! No squeezing in. Because odds are, you will also be 'no inhibitions' girl as well and I'll dry heave.
Ok, enough of that little tangent. back to the story.
So, we make our home on the grass and are having a splendid time just enjoying the sun and the people watching that can only happen in West Valley, UT. As I'm taking a look at the goodies that will, without a doubt, be my entertainment for the night, my eye caught a couple just sitting down about 15 feet to my right. Nice looking couple - very typical Utah. For the sake of the story, let's call them Dave and Emily. Can you see them in your head? Dave with his brown hair, part to the right, 5'9, t-shirt and levi cargo shorts. Emily with her cute shirt and khaki shorts to her knees, hair cut to her shoulders. Both barefoot after having removed their flip flops. You got it?
Well, within the first five minutes, I make an assessment about their situation (as I tend to do when I'm people watching). Dave is clearly a Jr at BYU and Emily just finished her freshman year. . . and she just loved her roommates, a LOT! They had limited interaction last semester and Dave decided to ask her to The Fray for their first date - a concert is cool and shows that he's into music. The Fray is enough off the beaten-path that he isn't the typical "BYU Guy" (hey, it could have been a Colors concert) and they are known for their piano-based rhythms so there is a chance for cuddling by the end of the night.
Good story, huh? I was all set for this scene to unwind throughout the night. I only wish I had some popcorn.
Just as my couple, Dave and Emily, get settled on their levi-patchwork quilt, a large group of people excitedly walk up to greet them. Friends? I don't know. They look a little young to be buddies with my friends (hahaha) but they know each other well. . . well enough that there was squealing upon greeting. Roommates? Man, I just can't figure it out. We'll assess the situation as we move forward and see if we can't figure out a place for them.
Wait, what is this? Two more girls walk up and Dave half hugs, have noogies them. Sister?!? What? You are going to let your little sister sit within earshot of you on your first date with Emily? Are you mad, man?
Sidenote: Are you seeing how into this I am getting? I know, it's ridiculous! But I couldn't help myself! The show hadn't started and I needed something to focus on. Needless to say at this point, i watched VERY little of the show once it did start. . .
So there we are, Dave and Emily, kid sister and friend sitting just below them and mystery group of too-young-to-be-buddies friends off to the right. All nice and settled in for the concert of a lifetime.
As the show started, my BYU theory was confirmed as Dave stood up to dance. He did his very best impression of an airplane all over their blanket. Emily didn't seem to mind it as it added some movement to her rhythmless world. He was flailing all over the place and my mind immediately put him in the middle of a YSA dance.
Sidenote: Let it be known that some of the coolest people I know went to BYU and loved it. But they aren't typical BYU. And if you live in Utah, you know the look that I'm talking about. I'm not saying bad things, I'm just saying there IS a look.
So, we got through the opening bands with Dave and Emily making polite conversation with each other. Dave would laugh at what she said and she would giggle back. You could tell they were talking about the deep things in life like how great the band was and how Dave liked them before they were popular and how Emily was really looking forward to starting her elementary school teaching curriculum in two years, if she wasn't married by then, wink, wink. man, i was LOVING my life! This is way better than anything on daytime TV!!
As The Fray started their set, I saw Emily reach for her camera. . . BRILLIANT! Finally, the touch barrier was to be broken. It was time for the ever awkward 'I'll take a picture of us' move that requires your heads to be close enough that you are both in frame which means. . . you guessed it, butterflies!! Well, in true girly fashion, Emily didn't like the first several pictures they took, requiring Dave's face to get closer to hers each time she adjusted her hairstyle. Finally, it was decided that in order to get the proper shot, Dave would institute the help of Kid Sister ("wherever I go, she's going to go. . ." song has double meaning so I get double points for using it!) to snap the appropriate first-date-but-may-be-on-our-wedding-video picture. So, Dave and Emily made their way lower on the grassy null to pose in front of the stage.
What's this? Dave's arms around Emily for the pic? No, not a typo. I said armS. He was in a full embrace and she certainly didn't seem to mind. My head started racing with all the possibilities of twins and car seats and family outings at Zions. This was going WELL!
In the pitch black of night, I took a picture of the happy couple from behind. That's "Dave and Emily" on their first date.
I heart The Fray. They recently came to Utah for the third time and for my third time seeing them in concert (I'm not obsessed. . .), we made our way out to USANA Amphitheater for the show on a splendidly hot Saturday night. This amphitheater is one of my favorite places to see concerts - outdoors, views of the valley, close to the copper mine with one road in and out for thousands of people. . . ok wait, the good things. It's a beautiful venue with great sound and you get to feel all "arts in the park"ish when you are there because you are probably sitting on a blanket on the grass.
So me, my three buddies and every high school senior in the state made our way out to the amphitheater and found our grassy patch of choice. Just as a voice of warning, there can be several oddities when choosing to sit in the grass next to other people in blankets. They are, in no particular order, as follows:
1. The close sitter - people have surprisingly small personal bubbles when it comes to what I have termed as "blanket territory". They think "Well, if we were in chairs we would be right next to each other so it's ok with blankets to lap over our neighbors." I beg to differ. The reason I chose the grass rather than a seat is so that you aren't sharing an armrest with me. Cool? Move over.
2. No inhibitions - did you know that if you bring a blanket OFF your bed to sit on at a concert, it doesn't mean you are IN your bed while watching said concert? Some people don't know that. Or maybe their blanket magically transports them (mentally only, obviously) to it's original resting place like a bedroom or a living room? If so, I could use one of those magic blankets at my desk at work. Reality check - they don't exist. You're in public, not at home, in private. . . you get where I'm going with this?
3. The sqeezers - these people are the 'close sitters' on crack. They come late because they are too indy-pop for the opening bands. To their chagrin, no grass left. "What? Where did all of these people come from?" they are left asking themselves. "Nevermind them! I see a 3x3 patch of grass right over. . ." Um, no. Not only are you choosing to sit too close to me but to the four other groups surrounding your patch of grass! No squeezing in. Because odds are, you will also be 'no inhibitions' girl as well and I'll dry heave.
Ok, enough of that little tangent. back to the story.
So, we make our home on the grass and are having a splendid time just enjoying the sun and the people watching that can only happen in West Valley, UT. As I'm taking a look at the goodies that will, without a doubt, be my entertainment for the night, my eye caught a couple just sitting down about 15 feet to my right. Nice looking couple - very typical Utah. For the sake of the story, let's call them Dave and Emily. Can you see them in your head? Dave with his brown hair, part to the right, 5'9, t-shirt and levi cargo shorts. Emily with her cute shirt and khaki shorts to her knees, hair cut to her shoulders. Both barefoot after having removed their flip flops. You got it?
Well, within the first five minutes, I make an assessment about their situation (as I tend to do when I'm people watching). Dave is clearly a Jr at BYU and Emily just finished her freshman year. . . and she just loved her roommates, a LOT! They had limited interaction last semester and Dave decided to ask her to The Fray for their first date - a concert is cool and shows that he's into music. The Fray is enough off the beaten-path that he isn't the typical "BYU Guy" (hey, it could have been a Colors concert) and they are known for their piano-based rhythms so there is a chance for cuddling by the end of the night.
Good story, huh? I was all set for this scene to unwind throughout the night. I only wish I had some popcorn.
Just as my couple, Dave and Emily, get settled on their levi-patchwork quilt, a large group of people excitedly walk up to greet them. Friends? I don't know. They look a little young to be buddies with my friends (hahaha) but they know each other well. . . well enough that there was squealing upon greeting. Roommates? Man, I just can't figure it out. We'll assess the situation as we move forward and see if we can't figure out a place for them.
Wait, what is this? Two more girls walk up and Dave half hugs, have noogies them. Sister?!? What? You are going to let your little sister sit within earshot of you on your first date with Emily? Are you mad, man?
Sidenote: Are you seeing how into this I am getting? I know, it's ridiculous! But I couldn't help myself! The show hadn't started and I needed something to focus on. Needless to say at this point, i watched VERY little of the show once it did start. . .
So there we are, Dave and Emily, kid sister and friend sitting just below them and mystery group of too-young-to-be-buddies friends off to the right. All nice and settled in for the concert of a lifetime.
As the show started, my BYU theory was confirmed as Dave stood up to dance. He did his very best impression of an airplane all over their blanket. Emily didn't seem to mind it as it added some movement to her rhythmless world. He was flailing all over the place and my mind immediately put him in the middle of a YSA dance.
Sidenote: Let it be known that some of the coolest people I know went to BYU and loved it. But they aren't typical BYU. And if you live in Utah, you know the look that I'm talking about. I'm not saying bad things, I'm just saying there IS a look.
So, we got through the opening bands with Dave and Emily making polite conversation with each other. Dave would laugh at what she said and she would giggle back. You could tell they were talking about the deep things in life like how great the band was and how Dave liked them before they were popular and how Emily was really looking forward to starting her elementary school teaching curriculum in two years, if she wasn't married by then, wink, wink. man, i was LOVING my life! This is way better than anything on daytime TV!!
As The Fray started their set, I saw Emily reach for her camera. . . BRILLIANT! Finally, the touch barrier was to be broken. It was time for the ever awkward 'I'll take a picture of us' move that requires your heads to be close enough that you are both in frame which means. . . you guessed it, butterflies!! Well, in true girly fashion, Emily didn't like the first several pictures they took, requiring Dave's face to get closer to hers each time she adjusted her hairstyle. Finally, it was decided that in order to get the proper shot, Dave would institute the help of Kid Sister ("wherever I go, she's going to go. . ." song has double meaning so I get double points for using it!) to snap the appropriate first-date-but-may-be-on-our-wedding-video picture. So, Dave and Emily made their way lower on the grassy null to pose in front of the stage.
What's this? Dave's arms around Emily for the pic? No, not a typo. I said armS. He was in a full embrace and she certainly didn't seem to mind. My head started racing with all the possibilities of twins and car seats and family outings at Zions. This was going WELL!
Well, Dave clearly took the lack of a slap in the face to me all systems are a go and it was free-range touching from that point on. NO you dirty minds, nothing inappropriate. I'm talking hand on her back when she leaned into say something, hand on her back when she's standing close enough, hand on her SHOULDER. You know, the really exciting stuff. I was so proud of Brave Dave.
Soon enough, the happy couple was sitting back on their blanket and relaxing to the incredible acoustics of the concert when he went for it. Dave crossed his legs and was sitting Indian-style and put his hand RIGHT on his kneecap. Not like naturally rested it there. It was more like a "Hey, I'm putting my hand here so if we happen to bump hands, I can easily grab yours. . ." kind of a placement. It was bold.
In all two of my dating experiences, I've learned that one thing is for sure: if the hand is accessible, it's fair game. Everyone knows that if a girl doesn't want to touch you, she has no issue with sitting with her arms away from you all night!
So, there sits Emily, legs also crossed. Just as I'm ready for her hand to move to her knee. . . nothing. She puts her hands in her lap! What are you DOING, Emily?!?! He can't go fishing around down there, trying to grab your hand! The poor guy is going out on a limb and you are making this really hard! Wait, hands are coming up. . . I'm getting excited. . . WHAT! Crossed arms!?! You are seriously going to cross your arms?! I almost yelled at her. Poor Dave looked completely rejected and she acted like she had no idea. (In all fairness, she's maybe 20 so maybe she didn't have an idea.) You are a tease, Emily! That's what you are. All of this BYU flirty and swaying and pseudo-dancing and you fold you arms? You have got to be kidding me.
Well, this agonizing scene went on for a solid 20 minutes. Dave acting like it wasn't a big deal but secretly being hurt. Emily, folding her arms like we were in the Arctic Tundra when it was 90 degrees outside. I was thoroughly disappointed.
I need to slip in a quick reminder that all of this is going on in my head. I never once talked to these people or found out their actual situation. While the events are real, the attitudes and feeling are strictly coming from Carlee Land and the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the actual parties involved.
So, the concert is nearing a close and everyone stands up for the encore. I'm feeling about as dejected as Dave is. I had big plans for this little family and their kids with names like Cooper but spelled with a K and Mendenhall, for obvious reasons.
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw it. Dave was making a final move for it. They were standing next to each other, nearly swaying and he was going to go for the full hug, part two. Here he goes. . . IT'S A SUCCESS! She doesn't punch him or shy away awkwardly but totally embraces it and starts to sway with Dave! That's right, swaying.
It's at this gleeful moment that I can't help myself. I realize that this has been a funny enough experience (again, in my head) tat I'll need to blog about it. And what goes more perfectly with a blog than a picture? Nothing. My blog must contain visuals.
So. . . click.
In the pitch black of night, I took a picture of the happy couple from behind. That's "Dave and Emily" on their first date.Um, if the story ended here, all would be well, right? Of course it didn't end here. Remember when I said it was the black of night? And there was clearly a flash? Well, just as I took the picture and was reveling in my accomplishment, there was a tap on my shoulder.
Blonde Girl: "Excuse me, did you just take a picture of those two people?"
Me: "Uh, yeah. . ."
Blonde Girl: "I know both of them. . ."
Me: "Uuuhhh. . . (this is the part where I start wondering how feisty this girl is and if she is going to try and play camera police and try and come after me or something. BUT, I had done a lot of work in making up this story and it was too good not to get a picture. So me, deciding that I didn't feel bad for taking the photo said. . .) Awesome. They are both going to be on my blog."
Cricket, cricket. . . nothingness abounds as blonde girl and her date stare at me. What now?!?!
Blonde girl's date breaks the silence:
Date: "Any chance you could send that picture to me because I've been watching them all night and they are ridiculous! He's a total wuss!"
Hazzah! No bar fight! (Ok, there was no bar but you get what I'm saying). They thought it was as funny as we did. In fact, blonde girl snuck up behind them and got a picture pointing at them and laughing. It was so great!!
So, was I right? You better believe I asked about those two and what their story was. It was their first date. Check. They didn't meet at BYU. How is that possible?!?!? They didn't meet at school because they were EFY counselors together!!! hahaha. So pegged. Sister and friend, check. Remember the random group of "friends" that came and sat with them? Those were their kids at EFY LOVING the fact that their counselors were dating. Hence her hesitancy! Hence the awkwardness! She wasn't a tease, she just didn't want to be watched by her EFY kids! Little did she know the biggest spy of all was just to the other side and back a couple of blankets. . .
Could I be a professional writer?
You BET I could! Look at what i found on the front page of my heart. . . I mean Yahoo! news this afternoon:
http://omg.yahoo.com/news/access-top-10-reality-romances-gone-wrong/25652
Does this sound familiar? Does it? Yeah? That's because I wrote about this last month and frankly, my list was pretty dead on. I got all of the "real" relationships on there - you know the ones that started BEFORE the show started - with the exception of Britt and K-Fed (which didn't stand a chance so why bother) and Hugh (who makes a living of infidelity and blondes so I hardly call that a 'relationship', especially in the singular form!).
Man, Hollywood Insider, here I come! Better yet, Yahoo!, can I have a gig on your OMG site?
http://omg.yahoo.com/news/access-top-10-reality-romances-gone-wrong/25652
Does this sound familiar? Does it? Yeah? That's because I wrote about this last month and frankly, my list was pretty dead on. I got all of the "real" relationships on there - you know the ones that started BEFORE the show started - with the exception of Britt and K-Fed (which didn't stand a chance so why bother) and Hugh (who makes a living of infidelity and blondes so I hardly call that a 'relationship', especially in the singular form!).
Man, Hollywood Insider, here I come! Better yet, Yahoo!, can I have a gig on your OMG site?
Thursday, July 02, 2009
I'm an addict. . .
I think that I maybe should have called my blog 'Confessions of an adult addict' because I've made a LOT of disclosures on this blog - probably a lot that you, my 5 person readership (I've added one - glad you found me Stephanie and don't be afraid of what you read, just trust it! haha) don't necessarily "get" but I do try to make them sound as ridiculous as they actually are so at least you get some entertainment out of my habits. Today, friends, is no different. I have a confession. . .
I am addicted to the news. I heart television news, that's no lie. In fact, I have what can be considered an unhealthy relationship with the Today Show (hey Crew buddies, I know you hear me on this) since I watch it every morning while I get ready and have done since my sophomore year in college. So that would mean Matt Lauer and I have pow-wowed every morning for. . . carry the one. . . ok, a LONGER time than his mom probably did his laundry. Anyway, I'm only home for about the first hour of it which would be considered the 'hardcore' part of the Today Show (before the barbecues and wedding planning starts), which means I'm generally listening to reports on the state of the economy, our ongoing dispute with, well, everyone, and women being attacked by pet chimpanzees. You know, really tough news.
But that's not the main problem. In fact, I think it's kind of a good habit to have. That way if the president ever stops by my office, I can give him props for talking about Utah health care and the like.
No, the problem isn't the credible, what-is-happening-in-Iran-type news. I am talking about lending accuracy to any kind of news, even the outrageous stuff. Primarily the kind that is provided by the really, truly credible sites like, say, the front page of Yahoo!
I work in an office and my primary job consists of email and Internet. No, not the snooping kind of Internet or the dirty kind either (I do, in fact, do credible work). BUT, because my work demands that I log-on maybe 50 times a day, you can imagine the importance of my homepage selection and all that it offers me in a quick, 10 sec view. Enter Yahoo!
You know that box that shows up on the top of the page with the teasers about all the latest news stories? Did you know that it refreshes like every hour, sometimes multiple times an hour? You probably didn't because you aren't as crazy about it as I am!
I am addicted to the news. I heart television news, that's no lie. In fact, I have what can be considered an unhealthy relationship with the Today Show (hey Crew buddies, I know you hear me on this) since I watch it every morning while I get ready and have done since my sophomore year in college. So that would mean Matt Lauer and I have pow-wowed every morning for. . . carry the one. . . ok, a LONGER time than his mom probably did his laundry. Anyway, I'm only home for about the first hour of it which would be considered the 'hardcore' part of the Today Show (before the barbecues and wedding planning starts), which means I'm generally listening to reports on the state of the economy, our ongoing dispute with, well, everyone, and women being attacked by pet chimpanzees. You know, really tough news.
But that's not the main problem. In fact, I think it's kind of a good habit to have. That way if the president ever stops by my office, I can give him props for talking about Utah health care and the like.
No, the problem isn't the credible, what-is-happening-in-Iran-type news. I am talking about lending accuracy to any kind of news, even the outrageous stuff. Primarily the kind that is provided by the really, truly credible sites like, say, the front page of Yahoo!
I work in an office and my primary job consists of email and Internet. No, not the snooping kind of Internet or the dirty kind either (I do, in fact, do credible work). BUT, because my work demands that I log-on maybe 50 times a day, you can imagine the importance of my homepage selection and all that it offers me in a quick, 10 sec view. Enter Yahoo!
You know that box that shows up on the top of the page with the teasers about all the latest news stories? Did you know that it refreshes like every hour, sometimes multiple times an hour? You probably didn't because you aren't as crazy about it as I am!
Oh, sweet tabbed window. You not only allow me to view the top stories and pictures at a glance, but you categorize it so nicely. You give me features, entertainment, sports and even LIFE! (Sometimes I click on that last one, secretly hoping that there is a checklist about how to do life better.) What more could a girl ask for? Five headlines on each tab. That is surely enough to keep a girl abreast of the latest happenings without having to read each major news outlet because let's be real - if it's THAT important, it'll be on Yahoo! I love you tabbed window. You complete me. DO YOU SEE MY PROBLEM?
Since when is Yahoo! been in your top five list of credible news sources? Yeah, that's what I thought. CNN, NBC, CBS, LA Times and Yahoo! Of course. I will throw myself a bone and say that often times, the Yahoo! news alerts come from these more credible sources and are just compiled into the love of my life. . . er, I mean the news window, but still. They have writers that are busting out stories all the time as well. Mostly, they appear in the 'Entertainment' portion of the site because some would say that it's the least important to be accurate there but I would beg to differ.
If the news window isn't enough, there is another group of links to national, world and local news below it. Sidenote: Isn't it funny that we put entertainment and life at the top and world news BELOW that? Oh, I didn't think so either - it's not a joking matter. Entertainment news is of utmost importance. The world is as it should be! Haha. Anyway, I can see what's being reported in all news outlets, even down to our our Standard Examiner right there! It's completely convenient and completely overwhelming and I completely love it.
Top stories, bottom stories, video stories, week in pictures. Love advice, car advice, life advice, food advice. Who signed what, who dated what, who attempted what, who said what. It's ALL there, waiting for my perusal.
Is there anyway to make a job out of this because if I'm not careful about my self-control, I may no longer have one. Oh, I wonder if there is an article about self-control on Yahoo!?
Thursday, June 25, 2009
It’s the Cele-breakup. . .
Alas, dear friends, I’m sure that you’ve all heard the news that the reality television world ended this week with the demise of Jon and Kate. That’s right, the world’s bravest parents could no longer hack it and they are getting divorced. It’s a sad world we live in when even $75,000 an episode can’t help you get over yourself long enough to make your marriage work.
Jon and Kate now enter the books as the most recent Cele-breakup (I think I maybe invented that word and I may be proud of it. . . but if you think I heard it somewhere and it’s not a Carlee Original, let me know and I’ll give credit where it’s due, cool?) in Hollywood. . . er. . . Pennsylvania. It’s a good thing they chose to stay living out of LA so that they could have some semblance of a “normal life” with Mady, Cara, Leah, Hannah, Alexis, Joel, Collin and Aaden. Wait, what part of 8 kids seems like a normal life? None part? I didn’t think so either. Sidenote – I maybe got all of those names by memory. . . without a struggle. I AM a watcher of this show and have become rather attached to the Gosselin family, like so many of you who maybe won’t admit it. But I’m airing my dirty laundry – I watch it when it’s on and maybe Tivo it sometimes. . .
As much as I would LOVE to write an entire blog about the Gosselin, I think it would lose its luster after paragraph four. After all, they have been the center of the universe for the last 6 months because he’s supposedly cheating and so is she and the kids are overworked and yadda, yadda. Good tabloid stuff.
So, rather than focus solely on this most recent tragedy, I would like to walk you through some of my favorite Cele-breakups over the past years. My definition of “favorite” is termed as loosely as those couples that I, at the very minimum, became at least mildly invested in – entertainment-wise or emotionally, doesn’t matter. . . I was, to some degree, sad to see them go. So, in no particular order than that of my memory. . .
Kate and Jon (I listed her first because that’s how she’d want it. I’m surprised it hasn’t changed yet actually. . .)
Cause of Break-up: Reported Infidelity, Greed, Selfishness
It’s the freshest. Sorry. But I’ll be brief. Plus, I feel the worst for them because they were once a legitimate family.
In a break-up where both parents claim that it always has been and still will be “all about the kids,” I ask, “Is it really?” At first I loved this story because they lived in a sweet house in Pennsylvania and were SO grateful for the opportunities that they were given because they never thought they would be able to experience them without the aid of the Hiltons or whoever else threw out a freebee. Now that Kate is expecting. . . not another child but a hand-out. . . it’s lost its humility and it’s “real-ness”.
Wouldn’t the smart thing be to try life again off camera rather than go for the big D in court? As pointed out by my genius sister-in-law, isn’t she still making money speaking and from royalties on her books? Call me crazy but I think that getting the cameras off the property may be the best thing for the kids and the marriage. It’s “all about the kids”. Yup. All about the great stuff that you get because of the kids. Again, $75,000 per episode people. You are FINE to walk away and no, the show doesn’t have to go on.
PS, nice earrings on the show this week, Jon. Good luck apartment hunting.
Nick and Jessica
Cause of Break-up: Infidelity, Career Competition, Age (metal or physical, I can’t tell)
Remember them? Remember the Chicken-of-the-Sea incident? Remember how this show was a complete train wreck – it was gruesome enough that you really wanted to look away but you couldn’t help but stare. I loved it SO much.
This is the classic case of the “Battle of the Careers” syndrome – lower-tiered boy-bander versus the teenie bopper goddess (you know, the one that was overlooked) and daddy’s girl (in every awkward sense of the word) turned bad movie actress. This couple was a great case of puppy love and I loved that they both loved being with a spouse that was as hot as they were. Did that make sense? It did in my head.
I had every hope that these two would make it because she was innocent and he was cool and it felt like my senior year in high school (not me personally, but all the people that I envied) with friends and concerts and music videos and perfume lines. . . oh, good times! But of course, it took a bad turn.
There were talks of her cheating and I think maybe some of him doing the same – I know he went out with Kim Kardashian before she was who she is but I may be getting my stories confused. Either way, there was strife and a break-up and another MTV show down the toilet.
Shauna Moakler and Travis Barker
Cause of Break-up: Who the heck knows. . . and which time?
Thanks again MTV. A beauty queen marries a punk band drummer and they live happily-ever. . . um, not so much. They were ok for a little while – until the cameras got them too! Is anyone seeing a trend?
Are you wondering why I liked these people so much? Entertainment purposes, of course. They were actually pretty normal with each other and their kids on television, but that continual stoned look on Barker’s face throughout their short stint on cable made me smell nothing but trouble. And boy was I correct!
They broke up, and then got back together, and then broke up again, I think? Can anyone confirm that?
The Hogans
Cause of Break-up: What WASN’T weird/wrong with this family?
I am actually kind of surprised that this didn’t make more of a splash than it did. Not the break-up but the fact that this could be America’s craziest family. I’m not even kidding. Here is what we’re working with:
Former pro-wrestler marries ridiculous blond and has two kids – a daughter who tries to be a singer in the Brittney sense of the word and a Son who doesn’t realize he’s Caucasian and kills a guy drag racing (which I’m pretty positive isn’t his only legal offense). This family survives over 20 YEARS! That’s right. What could they possibly do to add to the already existing drama? Get a television show, of course. Now the world can fully critique their craziness, adding to the stress of their lives and causing their eventual demise. Now Hulk’s dating a woman who looks like his daughter (gross) and Linda (Mrs. Hulk) is dating a guy that’s younger than his daughter (double gross). Welcome to tv land.
Ok, that is my short list in a LONG blog. But, is anyone else seeing a pattern here? Sign up to do a television show with your family, there is a good chance that if you don’t keep your head on straight, you’re going to end up with the big “D” as well. The list goes on - Dave Nivaro and Carmen Electra, Brittney and K-Fed (although I’d really like to think that was doomed from the get-go, no cable assistance required) and so on and so on. And yet they still continue to do it. . . I’m perplexed.
I’d love to think Tori and Dean are going to make it (I better not end up tearing up over the latest gossip in 5 months because I like them too) because she has been RIDICULOUSLY famous her entire life. But Dean may have a challenge in his newly acquired fame. They are a cute family though. I worry (not as in worry everyday worry, just thoughts really) that the built-in drama that comes with being a Spelling could lead to their demise. They seem oddly grounded though, so I hope it continues because it's a win for Oygen!
Let’s be real though – the only family that is going to come out of this black hole of marriage is the Duggars. In fact, they are the only ones to actually ADD a marriage to their repertoire so maybe that makes up for one of the losses? Maybe they could actually give the families of reality tv a win if they get the rest of their kids married off. They could load balance the entire thing!! Looks like you have to have a serious religious dedication and 18 kids to avoid media scrutiny and a wandering eye.
Jon and Kate now enter the books as the most recent Cele-breakup (I think I maybe invented that word and I may be proud of it. . . but if you think I heard it somewhere and it’s not a Carlee Original, let me know and I’ll give credit where it’s due, cool?) in Hollywood. . . er. . . Pennsylvania. It’s a good thing they chose to stay living out of LA so that they could have some semblance of a “normal life” with Mady, Cara, Leah, Hannah, Alexis, Joel, Collin and Aaden. Wait, what part of 8 kids seems like a normal life? None part? I didn’t think so either. Sidenote – I maybe got all of those names by memory. . . without a struggle. I AM a watcher of this show and have become rather attached to the Gosselin family, like so many of you who maybe won’t admit it. But I’m airing my dirty laundry – I watch it when it’s on and maybe Tivo it sometimes. . .
As much as I would LOVE to write an entire blog about the Gosselin, I think it would lose its luster after paragraph four. After all, they have been the center of the universe for the last 6 months because he’s supposedly cheating and so is she and the kids are overworked and yadda, yadda. Good tabloid stuff.
So, rather than focus solely on this most recent tragedy, I would like to walk you through some of my favorite Cele-breakups over the past years. My definition of “favorite” is termed as loosely as those couples that I, at the very minimum, became at least mildly invested in – entertainment-wise or emotionally, doesn’t matter. . . I was, to some degree, sad to see them go. So, in no particular order than that of my memory. . .
Kate and Jon (I listed her first because that’s how she’d want it. I’m surprised it hasn’t changed yet actually. . .)Cause of Break-up: Reported Infidelity, Greed, Selfishness
It’s the freshest. Sorry. But I’ll be brief. Plus, I feel the worst for them because they were once a legitimate family.
In a break-up where both parents claim that it always has been and still will be “all about the kids,” I ask, “Is it really?” At first I loved this story because they lived in a sweet house in Pennsylvania and were SO grateful for the opportunities that they were given because they never thought they would be able to experience them without the aid of the Hiltons or whoever else threw out a freebee. Now that Kate is expecting. . . not another child but a hand-out. . . it’s lost its humility and it’s “real-ness”.
Wouldn’t the smart thing be to try life again off camera rather than go for the big D in court? As pointed out by my genius sister-in-law, isn’t she still making money speaking and from royalties on her books? Call me crazy but I think that getting the cameras off the property may be the best thing for the kids and the marriage. It’s “all about the kids”. Yup. All about the great stuff that you get because of the kids. Again, $75,000 per episode people. You are FINE to walk away and no, the show doesn’t have to go on.
PS, nice earrings on the show this week, Jon. Good luck apartment hunting.
Nick and JessicaCause of Break-up: Infidelity, Career Competition, Age (metal or physical, I can’t tell)
Remember them? Remember the Chicken-of-the-Sea incident? Remember how this show was a complete train wreck – it was gruesome enough that you really wanted to look away but you couldn’t help but stare. I loved it SO much.
This is the classic case of the “Battle of the Careers” syndrome – lower-tiered boy-bander versus the teenie bopper goddess (you know, the one that was overlooked) and daddy’s girl (in every awkward sense of the word) turned bad movie actress. This couple was a great case of puppy love and I loved that they both loved being with a spouse that was as hot as they were. Did that make sense? It did in my head.
I had every hope that these two would make it because she was innocent and he was cool and it felt like my senior year in high school (not me personally, but all the people that I envied) with friends and concerts and music videos and perfume lines. . . oh, good times! But of course, it took a bad turn.
There were talks of her cheating and I think maybe some of him doing the same – I know he went out with Kim Kardashian before she was who she is but I may be getting my stories confused. Either way, there was strife and a break-up and another MTV show down the toilet.
Shauna Moakler and Travis BarkerCause of Break-up: Who the heck knows. . . and which time?
Thanks again MTV. A beauty queen marries a punk band drummer and they live happily-ever. . . um, not so much. They were ok for a little while – until the cameras got them too! Is anyone seeing a trend?
Are you wondering why I liked these people so much? Entertainment purposes, of course. They were actually pretty normal with each other and their kids on television, but that continual stoned look on Barker’s face throughout their short stint on cable made me smell nothing but trouble. And boy was I correct!
They broke up, and then got back together, and then broke up again, I think? Can anyone confirm that?
The HogansCause of Break-up: What WASN’T weird/wrong with this family?
I am actually kind of surprised that this didn’t make more of a splash than it did. Not the break-up but the fact that this could be America’s craziest family. I’m not even kidding. Here is what we’re working with:
Former pro-wrestler marries ridiculous blond and has two kids – a daughter who tries to be a singer in the Brittney sense of the word and a Son who doesn’t realize he’s Caucasian and kills a guy drag racing (which I’m pretty positive isn’t his only legal offense). This family survives over 20 YEARS! That’s right. What could they possibly do to add to the already existing drama? Get a television show, of course. Now the world can fully critique their craziness, adding to the stress of their lives and causing their eventual demise. Now Hulk’s dating a woman who looks like his daughter (gross) and Linda (Mrs. Hulk) is dating a guy that’s younger than his daughter (double gross). Welcome to tv land.
Ok, that is my short list in a LONG blog. But, is anyone else seeing a pattern here? Sign up to do a television show with your family, there is a good chance that if you don’t keep your head on straight, you’re going to end up with the big “D” as well. The list goes on - Dave Nivaro and Carmen Electra, Brittney and K-Fed (although I’d really like to think that was doomed from the get-go, no cable assistance required) and so on and so on. And yet they still continue to do it. . . I’m perplexed.
I’d love to think Tori and Dean are going to make it (I better not end up tearing up over the latest gossip in 5 months because I like them too) because she has been RIDICULOUSLY famous her entire life. But Dean may have a challenge in his newly acquired fame. They are a cute family though. I worry (not as in worry everyday worry, just thoughts really) that the built-in drama that comes with being a Spelling could lead to their demise. They seem oddly grounded though, so I hope it continues because it's a win for Oygen!
Let’s be real though – the only family that is going to come out of this black hole of marriage is the Duggars. In fact, they are the only ones to actually ADD a marriage to their repertoire so maybe that makes up for one of the losses? Maybe they could actually give the families of reality tv a win if they get the rest of their kids married off. They could load balance the entire thing!! Looks like you have to have a serious religious dedication and 18 kids to avoid media scrutiny and a wandering eye.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Is it me or has etiquette changed?
Dear Toilet Texter (Again),
I am writing this letter to apologize. In what I thought was the most grievous offense of my time (texting in the potty), I was hasty in letting you know how disgusted I was in your actions. I apologize for my brash accusations that you had the poorest taste in all the land. Don’t get me wrong, I still think you have very poor taste, just not the poorest.
All Sincerity,
Carlee
--------------------------------
Dear Toilet Talker,
Congratulations, it is official. You have officially overtaken the Toilet Texter as the owner of the most grievous offense to date. I begin by explaining myself.
I’ve never understood phones in bathrooms. Not ever. It amazes me when I go to a hotel and as a manifestation of their class, they put a phone near the toilet. What is classy about that? Is it a sign of business prowess – knowing that on occasion a businessman might have a potty emergency in the middle of a conference call and this divine phone placement will save him the embarrassment of excusing himself in the middle of said call and he can stay on the line while he handles his other “business”? Think about it before you answer. . . is it MORE embarrassing to excuse yourself or to have a potential client hear you tinkle? Think hard little grasshopper.
Is the phone in there in case, while reading the daily comics, you get the urge to order room service? Isn’t that an odd time to be thinking about food INTAKE? Ok, I’m dry heaving. Enough said.
So, that said, what makes you think that I would agree with cell phones in the bathroom? I’ve caught several of your kind, Toilet Talker, mid conversation with the statement from my end of the phone “Are you in the bathroom?” Those Toilet Talkers stutter and stammer to explain themselves while I quickly retort, “Gross. Call me back.” At least they realize the error of their ways and are mildly embarrassed by this pre-historic display of manners.
You, my friend, have taken this to a whole new level. Home bathroom conversations, while still gross, are at least private (I hope) between the two parties involved. You, Public Restroom Toilet Talker, are exposing your conversation for all to hear – all that are retreating to the restroom for a few quiet moments of their own that is.
What did I just hear? You dialed the phone while shutting the stall door? We are in for something very problematic. Are you saying “hello” to me or to your phone buddy? I NEED to know. “Why?” you ask? Because when I answer you and tell you that “I’m fine,” (when I secretly want to say ‘Why are you talking to your stall neighbor? That’s weird. I know we’re girls but that’s still weird.’), I become the weird one that is talking to YOU over the stall. Is that fair? No! You started this mess and now I look like the weirdo to all the bathroom attendees at this very moment for violating bathroom quiet time protocol! In addition, I’ve apparently “annoyed” you for answering a question that was CLEARLY not directed at me. Do you see the irony because it’s bleeding from every pore?
What did you just say? Did you just tell your phone buddy that people must think you are weird for talking on the phone in the bathroom? Ok, now we have a larger issue. You KNOW that this is weird! I was about to give you some leeway and just chalk this mishap up to bad parenting or something but you acknowledge that it’s weird?!?! Now I don’t have sympathy because this is pure rebellion for the laws of nature and all bathroom etiquette guidelines.
I feel like maybe the bathroom isn’t the place to conduct your phone business. Especially when all I hear is cordiality and nonsensical banter coming from your side, I can’t imagine that the person on the other end is having a philosophically-rooted conversation and all you have to say is “Totally.”
I appreciate your attention to the matter.
The Newest Friend of the Toilet Texter,
Carlee
PS: While we’re on the topic. . . If you can only do one of the following without somehow interfering or overlapping with your ability to participate in the other (I leave it to your best judgment to define “interfering”), I beg you to make the choice before you start and only do one thing at a time:
Texting vs Driving
Talking vs Driving
Make-up vs Driving
Eating vs Driving
Really Anything vs Driving
Talking vs Phone Talking (you know you LOVE those background conversations while I’m telling you a story on the phone)
Texting vs Meetings (church or otherwise but especially church)
Talking vs Eating (or just chewing for that matter)
Skiing vs Doing Your Taxes (name that movie)
I am writing this letter to apologize. In what I thought was the most grievous offense of my time (texting in the potty), I was hasty in letting you know how disgusted I was in your actions. I apologize for my brash accusations that you had the poorest taste in all the land. Don’t get me wrong, I still think you have very poor taste, just not the poorest.
All Sincerity,
Carlee
--------------------------------
Dear Toilet Talker,
Congratulations, it is official. You have officially overtaken the Toilet Texter as the owner of the most grievous offense to date. I begin by explaining myself.
I’ve never understood phones in bathrooms. Not ever. It amazes me when I go to a hotel and as a manifestation of their class, they put a phone near the toilet. What is classy about that? Is it a sign of business prowess – knowing that on occasion a businessman might have a potty emergency in the middle of a conference call and this divine phone placement will save him the embarrassment of excusing himself in the middle of said call and he can stay on the line while he handles his other “business”? Think about it before you answer. . . is it MORE embarrassing to excuse yourself or to have a potential client hear you tinkle? Think hard little grasshopper.
Is the phone in there in case, while reading the daily comics, you get the urge to order room service? Isn’t that an odd time to be thinking about food INTAKE? Ok, I’m dry heaving. Enough said.
So, that said, what makes you think that I would agree with cell phones in the bathroom? I’ve caught several of your kind, Toilet Talker, mid conversation with the statement from my end of the phone “Are you in the bathroom?” Those Toilet Talkers stutter and stammer to explain themselves while I quickly retort, “Gross. Call me back.” At least they realize the error of their ways and are mildly embarrassed by this pre-historic display of manners.
You, my friend, have taken this to a whole new level. Home bathroom conversations, while still gross, are at least private (I hope) between the two parties involved. You, Public Restroom Toilet Talker, are exposing your conversation for all to hear – all that are retreating to the restroom for a few quiet moments of their own that is.
What did I just hear? You dialed the phone while shutting the stall door? We are in for something very problematic. Are you saying “hello” to me or to your phone buddy? I NEED to know. “Why?” you ask? Because when I answer you and tell you that “I’m fine,” (when I secretly want to say ‘Why are you talking to your stall neighbor? That’s weird. I know we’re girls but that’s still weird.’), I become the weird one that is talking to YOU over the stall. Is that fair? No! You started this mess and now I look like the weirdo to all the bathroom attendees at this very moment for violating bathroom quiet time protocol! In addition, I’ve apparently “annoyed” you for answering a question that was CLEARLY not directed at me. Do you see the irony because it’s bleeding from every pore?
What did you just say? Did you just tell your phone buddy that people must think you are weird for talking on the phone in the bathroom? Ok, now we have a larger issue. You KNOW that this is weird! I was about to give you some leeway and just chalk this mishap up to bad parenting or something but you acknowledge that it’s weird?!?! Now I don’t have sympathy because this is pure rebellion for the laws of nature and all bathroom etiquette guidelines.
I feel like maybe the bathroom isn’t the place to conduct your phone business. Especially when all I hear is cordiality and nonsensical banter coming from your side, I can’t imagine that the person on the other end is having a philosophically-rooted conversation and all you have to say is “Totally.”
I appreciate your attention to the matter.
The Newest Friend of the Toilet Texter,
Carlee
PS: While we’re on the topic. . . If you can only do one of the following without somehow interfering or overlapping with your ability to participate in the other (I leave it to your best judgment to define “interfering”), I beg you to make the choice before you start and only do one thing at a time:
Texting vs Driving
Talking vs Driving
Make-up vs Driving
Eating vs Driving
Really Anything vs Driving
Talking vs Phone Talking (you know you LOVE those background conversations while I’m telling you a story on the phone)
Texting vs Meetings (church or otherwise but especially church)
Talking vs Eating (or just chewing for that matter)
Skiing vs Doing Your Taxes (name that movie)
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Hello, my friends, hello. . .
So remember how I am really good about blogging about things that don't matter - like run-ins at the bank or weird hugging moments or hair in my trailmix but I am a FAILURE at blogging about all of the important stuff? You want proof? I've got your proof. Here are the things that have happened since my last blog:
Changed jobs. That's right, after almost 5 long years I finally left the DMark and moved jobs to a cool ad agency in Farmington - ThomasARTS. I'm having a blast there and learning a lot so that's always a positive thing, yes? I do miss some of my fam back at the DMark as well as the major comfort zone that I was in but the challenge has been amazing.
Went to Europe. That's right. Biggest trip of my life and I didn't blog about it. Not for a second. I was a good girl and wrote about the trip in my actual journal (yes, I dusted it off just for the occasion) but that doesn't help the two of you that read my blog! The good news is that I did post pics on FaceBook so I hope that redeemed me a little. I'll throw couple onto the end of this blog for proof but anyway, my apologies.
Our trip couldn't have been more amazing. We flew into Venice, took a train to Rome, flew back to Venice and then left on a cruise that took us to Dubrovnik Croatia, Ephesus Turkey, and Corfu and Santorini Greece. It was a most magical time (how silly was that but it REALLY was!). We spent the trip sightseeing and taking pics and dancing the night away on the boat. I was so exhausted when we got home that it literally took me an entire week to recover. It was so amazing. I have to get back there.
Got a roommate. She moved in this weekend. She's totally cute and it's fun to have someone living with me. . . at least I assume that it will be fun because I've seen her like twice since she moved her stuff in on Friday! It will be good for me to figure out how to live with someone again. . . man, it has been a LONG time!
So I'm sure a lot of other really petty things have happened that I should have blogged about but didn't. I need to be better at this - again. I keep saying that but just forget to keep up! Maybe I should set a reminder on my phone? Mid-year resolution?
Europe Pics - a few for proof!
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Pitfalls of Returning. . .
So I got back from vacation almost a week ago and man, what an adjustment. I didn't really realize until I'd been working several days that I literally spent my vacation in a vegetative state. . . literally. I read, I slept, I wrote a really long and arduously read blog late one night (sorry about that) and I played with my niece. That sums up the entire week.
I'm not bitter. . . just sad that it's over. So if anyone is heading out any time soon, let me know. I'd love an invitation. . . and a pina colada.
Now that I've been a week back in my real life, I've thought of all of the pitfalls of coming home from a vacation like the one I took last week. They are as follows:
- Work. I know, you are shocked that this is first on my list. But work in Mexico consisted of walking up two flights of stairs on my way back from the pool or figuring out that daunting Sudoku puzzle that just didn't seem to come out right. That was all the work that I did for an entire week. Now, there is typing and emails and spreadsheets and oh, I'm exhausted even talking about it. I think I need to lay down.
- Speaking of. . . naps. I basically slept everywhere on vacation: in the chair by the pool, in my bed, on the boat, at the dinner table. . . really, wherever I was tired. Now, I can't seem to fall asleep anywhere - even in my own 'I can't get enough of how soft this is' bed in my own 'it is so nice to have carpet on the floor' house. I tried sneaking into the mother's lounge at work to nap for a minute during lunch. You need a key. I want to sleep bad enough that I'm thinking about a minor criminal offense (stealing said key) just to sleep. Sad? Yeah, I thought so too!
- Did you know that it's easier to work out on the elliptical if it is overlooking a golf course and a lake through a large picture window? Well, it is. Now when I run I just look at the female body builder right in front of me that has a really awkward posture when she runs. It's not the same. There is a lake. . . of sweat.
- I keep waiting for a bar maid to pass my cubicle and ask me what I'll have to drink. It hasn't happened. And when I asked the secretary to get me a pina colada, she said some things that were NOT very nice. Come on people. Where is the service? I was at the pool for an hour and was asked at least three times what I wanted. I've been at work for 5 days and no such thing has happened. What a crock.
- It's not acceptable to go anywhere in your swimming suit. In Mexico, that was completely appropriate attire for any occasion. Apparently it's not part of the "dress code" in the office. Whatever that means.
- Every day in Mexico, I had some form of hot breakfast - french toast, eggs, muffins, bacon, you name it. There were all sorts of good ways to start off your day. Every morning since I've been home I've gone to my kitchen and nada. No person saying "What can I make you?" followed quickly by "It's a pleasure." I'm making my own dang breakfast again. Ladies and Gents, I'd like to introduce you to my Quaker friend. He makes oatmeal. Oh wait, I mean I make oatmeal.
I'm not bitter. . . just sad that it's over. So if anyone is heading out any time soon, let me know. I'd love an invitation. . . and a pina colada.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Overcoming Weird Personal Boundaries
So generally, I would consider myself a "go-getter". . . for the most part. . . ish. Ok, in some things. Man, is this getting vague or what? My point is that on a general basis, I feel like I don't have a lot of boundaries that I haven't conquered (or at least attacked with some decent force) in my life. I feel pretty comfortable with the things that I've done.
What am I getting at? Sidenote: not once have I ever gotten to a point this fast in my writing so why in the WORLD are you expecting me to now? Let me tell you about some of the personal battles that I feel like I've conquered in my life (no laughing now, this is some serious business and in some courts of law considered highly personal :) ):
Carlee vs the Swing set: my brother used to try and get me to lay down under the swing with my arms by my sides and see how close he could get to my face while swinging without actually kicking me. The trick was that if I covered my eyes (as was a natural reaction), I would, inevitably, be kicked. It took a LOT of trust but I finally did it. He passed right over me (the first time) and I was proud.
Carlee vs the Trailer Park Bully: I punched a kid. Knocked him on his rear. But it was for a good cause. He was picking on a smaller, weaker kid. And when he pushed me, I punched him and he cried. . . a lot. I felt bad. But it was the first time in my life when I had to make a choice about what I valued - walk away and let it be (nothing happens to me) or stand up for what I thought was right and risk getting in trouble. I was proud, still am. Maybe I should have called this 'Carlee vs the Moral Dilemma'?
Carlee vs Death: ok, clearly this wasn't a direct fight. No, you didn't miss something. I knew what death meant and how it emotionally effected me at an early age. I had three grandparents die over the course of one year when I was about 10. I've lost close friends in accidents, grandparents after long battles and several pets. I'm no stranger to it and I feel like after all of the practice with it, I understand it and can finally say that I have peace with the process and all that it means.
I could continue (you all know THAT for sure!) but I won't. My point is that in 26 years, I figured that I had run into a lot of the boundaries in my life - physical, spiritual, emotional and mental - that I really had to overcome. I was wrong.
Today I uncovered a pretty strong boundary that I don't even know I was aware of until it was right in my face. It all started at the spa. . .
I've gotten my fare share of pedis and manis and even had a facial last time I was in Mexico so I'm no stranger to the robe and the weird scents and the sheets and such at the spa. It's rather soothing. Today was my first go-round with hydrotherapy (you go from hot to cold to hot to cold, all in some form of water) and I loved it. Today was also my first go round with a full back massage. Enter the issue.
Did you know that in a spa, when they massage your back, they consider your "back" as the area that runs from the bottom of your skull to the bottom of your tailbone and everything in between? (I bet you didn't see this coming, did ya? you thought this was going to be a serious blog!) Well, I didn't know that. So you can imagine my surprise when little Teresa from Mexico pulled the sheet down WAY lower than I thought should would to go to town on my back. Sidenote: I am openly admitting that a 5'2", 110 pound woman completely kicked my trash today. Completely. I feel like I got in a fistfight and lost. Trailer park bully, you have your revenge!!
Anyway, when this happened, I had to keep from audibly saying "Um, do I know you? WHAT are you doing!?" Right then and there, all of my self-image issues rose right into my throat and I realized how uncomfortable I am not being clothed. The severity of this may have some religious ties. . . or it may stem from all of the books I've been reading about Afghanistan and women in burquas. . . but either way, it was a serious, in-your-face phobia! One that in my 26 years I am yet to encounter??? RANDOM!
So, as I laid there and Teresa started rubbing me down ( I know, awkward visual. . . and I'm sorry but that's how I felt, that phrase explains exactly how I felt!), I was completely uncomfortable and tense which completely defeats the purpose of the massage, right? I decided to have a little talk with myself about overcoming my phobia in record time and how being uncomfortable would get me nothing but a painful back rub and wasted spa time provided by my loving parents. What's a girl to do? I'm here, I'm on the bed, I'm not clothed, this lady could CLEARLY beat me up, where do we go from here?
I decided to take control of the situation and do it fast so I wasn't wasting any one's time. I adopted my new favorite saying which is "Carlee, it's only awkward if you let it be." (You can use it too but it won't be as effective if you use my name so you may want to insert your own there.) Guess what? It worked! Granted, it took a few minutes to really settle down but it happened and I made it through! Was it the best thing I've ever done? No. But now I know that next time it could be and that's where the win comes in.
So this overly exerted blog is to issue a challenge: do something that makes you uncomfortable and stretches you just a little bit. You may surprise yourself. I know there are plenty of "Tony Robbins" types out there telling you to do the same and maybe I'm harnessing my inner Tony but I'm telling you that a shock to the system is exactly what I needed to get back on the right path. Even if you "fail" (aka, the outcome isn't exactly what you thought or wanted) or it takes longer than anticipated (like me and my 5 minute freakout today), it's a good thing. Thanks Martha. Oh, and then report back. I want to know what you did (and I need ideas and challenges) and I'll keep you posted on my "brave" moments moving forward.
What am I getting at? Sidenote: not once have I ever gotten to a point this fast in my writing so why in the WORLD are you expecting me to now? Let me tell you about some of the personal battles that I feel like I've conquered in my life (no laughing now, this is some serious business and in some courts of law considered highly personal :) ):
Carlee vs the Swing set: my brother used to try and get me to lay down under the swing with my arms by my sides and see how close he could get to my face while swinging without actually kicking me. The trick was that if I covered my eyes (as was a natural reaction), I would, inevitably, be kicked. It took a LOT of trust but I finally did it. He passed right over me (the first time) and I was proud.
Carlee vs the Trailer Park Bully: I punched a kid. Knocked him on his rear. But it was for a good cause. He was picking on a smaller, weaker kid. And when he pushed me, I punched him and he cried. . . a lot. I felt bad. But it was the first time in my life when I had to make a choice about what I valued - walk away and let it be (nothing happens to me) or stand up for what I thought was right and risk getting in trouble. I was proud, still am. Maybe I should have called this 'Carlee vs the Moral Dilemma'?
Carlee vs Death: ok, clearly this wasn't a direct fight. No, you didn't miss something. I knew what death meant and how it emotionally effected me at an early age. I had three grandparents die over the course of one year when I was about 10. I've lost close friends in accidents, grandparents after long battles and several pets. I'm no stranger to it and I feel like after all of the practice with it, I understand it and can finally say that I have peace with the process and all that it means.
I could continue (you all know THAT for sure!) but I won't. My point is that in 26 years, I figured that I had run into a lot of the boundaries in my life - physical, spiritual, emotional and mental - that I really had to overcome. I was wrong.
Today I uncovered a pretty strong boundary that I don't even know I was aware of until it was right in my face. It all started at the spa. . .
I've gotten my fare share of pedis and manis and even had a facial last time I was in Mexico so I'm no stranger to the robe and the weird scents and the sheets and such at the spa. It's rather soothing. Today was my first go-round with hydrotherapy (you go from hot to cold to hot to cold, all in some form of water) and I loved it. Today was also my first go round with a full back massage. Enter the issue.
Did you know that in a spa, when they massage your back, they consider your "back" as the area that runs from the bottom of your skull to the bottom of your tailbone and everything in between? (I bet you didn't see this coming, did ya? you thought this was going to be a serious blog!) Well, I didn't know that. So you can imagine my surprise when little Teresa from Mexico pulled the sheet down WAY lower than I thought should would to go to town on my back. Sidenote: I am openly admitting that a 5'2", 110 pound woman completely kicked my trash today. Completely. I feel like I got in a fistfight and lost. Trailer park bully, you have your revenge!!
Anyway, when this happened, I had to keep from audibly saying "Um, do I know you? WHAT are you doing!?" Right then and there, all of my self-image issues rose right into my throat and I realized how uncomfortable I am not being clothed. The severity of this may have some religious ties. . . or it may stem from all of the books I've been reading about Afghanistan and women in burquas. . . but either way, it was a serious, in-your-face phobia! One that in my 26 years I am yet to encounter??? RANDOM!
So, as I laid there and Teresa started rubbing me down ( I know, awkward visual. . . and I'm sorry but that's how I felt, that phrase explains exactly how I felt!), I was completely uncomfortable and tense which completely defeats the purpose of the massage, right? I decided to have a little talk with myself about overcoming my phobia in record time and how being uncomfortable would get me nothing but a painful back rub and wasted spa time provided by my loving parents. What's a girl to do? I'm here, I'm on the bed, I'm not clothed, this lady could CLEARLY beat me up, where do we go from here?
I decided to take control of the situation and do it fast so I wasn't wasting any one's time. I adopted my new favorite saying which is "Carlee, it's only awkward if you let it be." (You can use it too but it won't be as effective if you use my name so you may want to insert your own there.) Guess what? It worked! Granted, it took a few minutes to really settle down but it happened and I made it through! Was it the best thing I've ever done? No. But now I know that next time it could be and that's where the win comes in.
So this overly exerted blog is to issue a challenge: do something that makes you uncomfortable and stretches you just a little bit. You may surprise yourself. I know there are plenty of "Tony Robbins" types out there telling you to do the same and maybe I'm harnessing my inner Tony but I'm telling you that a shock to the system is exactly what I needed to get back on the right path. Even if you "fail" (aka, the outcome isn't exactly what you thought or wanted) or it takes longer than anticipated (like me and my 5 minute freakout today), it's a good thing. Thanks Martha. Oh, and then report back. I want to know what you did (and I need ideas and challenges) and I'll keep you posted on my "brave" moments moving forward.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
It's all about Mexico. . . or Olivia.
Hola and Buenos Tardes from beautiful Playa del Carmen. Right now, I am sitting on the balcony of our room and listening to the waves crash against the wall down below. Wanna see? Here you go:
I literally took that two minutes ago so you can see what I'm seeing! Don't you feel like you're right in the action? Ok, maybe my photography isn't THAT good but I tried. Can you see the parasailing going on above the second palm tree from the left? You can't tell but the parachute is a giant yellow smiley face. I guess they think the smiley face is less intrusive to the sharks below? Hahaha. . . just kidding. . . sort of.
Well, so far, the trip has been a-to the-mazing. I've done exactly what I wanted to do which is sleep and sun. . . and sleep in the sun. . . and get in the pool. . . and sleep some more. I don't think that I realized how tired I've gotten lately until I got here and have basically slept for three days. Don't worry though, I have had the energy to get dressed and walk down to the pool before I nap so I'm getting a really sweet sunburn while I'm here! Oh, and I'm doing some great reading between naps - A Thousand Splendid Suns. Love it. For those of you that are aware of the New Year's Resolution, this will be book number 5.
The trip has been so relaxing and a perfect time with my family. They are a blast to vaca with. It's Olivia's first time out of the country and the people of Mexico LOVE her. She's a little flirt and I'd expect nothing less. I got the surprise of my life on day one when I opened our hotel door and she came walkin in like she owned the place. . . that's right, my baby girl has joined the ranks of the walkers! I'm so proud.
Needless to say, we've had a blast having her here. Here are some pics of her adventure so far:
She has pretty much spent most of her time on the cold floor. I don't blame her. . . it's hot here!
I got a flower from the front desk on our arrival. . . she made quick work of that.
This is exactly why I love her. . . this face. . . she's the happiest girl EVER!
And yes, she attracts some great audiences. . . great, great audiences. :)
We've been out shopping and really, literally at the pool 90% of our vacation thus far which means all of my expectations have been met. Nothing too crazy (which is odd for me as anyone who knows me can attest that I am the queen of weird things happening) but that's to be expected when you're sleeping all day. I am having some funny dreams though. . . :) Oh, one weird thing did happen:
I literally took that two minutes ago so you can see what I'm seeing! Don't you feel like you're right in the action? Ok, maybe my photography isn't THAT good but I tried. Can you see the parasailing going on above the second palm tree from the left? You can't tell but the parachute is a giant yellow smiley face. I guess they think the smiley face is less intrusive to the sharks below? Hahaha. . . just kidding. . . sort of.
Well, so far, the trip has been a-to the-mazing. I've done exactly what I wanted to do which is sleep and sun. . . and sleep in the sun. . . and get in the pool. . . and sleep some more. I don't think that I realized how tired I've gotten lately until I got here and have basically slept for three days. Don't worry though, I have had the energy to get dressed and walk down to the pool before I nap so I'm getting a really sweet sunburn while I'm here! Oh, and I'm doing some great reading between naps - A Thousand Splendid Suns. Love it. For those of you that are aware of the New Year's Resolution, this will be book number 5.
The trip has been so relaxing and a perfect time with my family. They are a blast to vaca with. It's Olivia's first time out of the country and the people of Mexico LOVE her. She's a little flirt and I'd expect nothing less. I got the surprise of my life on day one when I opened our hotel door and she came walkin in like she owned the place. . . that's right, my baby girl has joined the ranks of the walkers! I'm so proud.
Needless to say, we've had a blast having her here. Here are some pics of her adventure so far:
She has pretty much spent most of her time on the cold floor. I don't blame her. . . it's hot here!
I got a flower from the front desk on our arrival. . . she made quick work of that.
This is exactly why I love her. . . this face. . . she's the happiest girl EVER!
Olivia quickly discovered that she is a pool efficianado! She is basically a Phelps in training.
And yes, she attracts some great audiences. . . great, great audiences. :)
Anyway, I figure there are enough pics of the baby to keep the fam happy for a while. I haven't taken too many pics of anything but the view from our room so I'll drop another one in here of what it looks like at sunset:
We've been out shopping and really, literally at the pool 90% of our vacation thus far which means all of my expectations have been met. Nothing too crazy (which is odd for me as anyone who knows me can attest that I am the queen of weird things happening) but that's to be expected when you're sleeping all day. I am having some funny dreams though. . . :) Oh, one weird thing did happen:I got kissed on the cheek by a drunk, too-old-for-my-mom, Mexican salesman last night so that was an adventure. He was trying to sell my dad some Cuban cigars and trying to sell my mom on the fact that he was going to be the newest member of our family. Note to the audience at large: if you plan on calling my mom "mother-in-law", there are a couple of things you should know: First, you may want to check with me first because there is only one way left into this family and I kind of need to have a say. We're not in the business of arranged marriages (although sometimes I think that might not be a bad idea. Can you see me selling hair braiding and booze in Mexico for a living?) so please include me first. Sidenote: this doesn't mean that I'm picky or really that I'd even refuse the offer under most circumstances, it's just a sign of courtesy for heaven's sake! Let a girl feel like she's important. Second, make sure that you don't have hard tequila/cigar breath when you call my mom "mother-in-law" for the first time. Third, don't hit on me while simulateously trying to sell me a "Foach" purse. That's just a major disadvantage to you because I WILL be distracted by the purse and it will probably win every time. And by "probabaly" win, I mean it WILL win. Final take-home tally? Purse: one. Men: zero. Wah, waaaahhh!
With that, I must bid you adios! More adventures to come. . . I hope. I'll try and do something besides lay by the pool before the next update!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Click, click, click. . .
Dear Toilet Texter, I can hear you. There are only two stalls in this mini bathroom so the only two options of me not hearing you (more toilets that can flush to cover up the clicking sound of your keyboard or far enough distance between the toilets that I can't hear you) are dead. I hear you in the next stall over, typing away like texting in public is a sin and you don't want to be caught doing it in the hallway so you'll just have at it during your lunch bathroom break. It's audible. . . and echoes ever so faintly in this tin can.
Two things I wish:
First, that whatever you were texting was really, really important because not only did I hear you but so did the other three people waiting in line to use your stall. (They looked like they had to go, by the way and you really held them up).
Second, that no matter my own telephone circumstances or eventual cell phone demise, I never inherit your blackberry. Gross.
Oh, and PS, if you are texting people in the bathroom and they are responding, don't put your vibrating phone on top of the tp holder. If you are trying to inconspicuous, you really just blew it.
Thanks,
Carlee
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Um. . . Funny. . . but maybe only to me??
So I went on a trip yesterday to visit one of our clients in sunny So. Cal (sidenote: oh my gosh was it warm! Like 80 degrees and I didn't need a coat and I was in HEAVEN! As opposed to right now, I'm sitting at my desk with my coat on, wishing I had a space heater, and hoping that my fingers don't fall off as I press the keyboard!). It was a good day and we were very productive and yadda, yadda. It was good.
My work trip is not the point of this blog because if it were, you would all stop reading. The point was to tell you that I was in the airport yesterday. . . early. Not too early but right at that point where everyone else was in the airport so it was mass chaos and people were everywhere! Let me outline a couple of things that were happening in the SLC airport on Tuesday this week:
Military transfer day. Yeah, a bunch of Marines (sidenote: God bless each of you) were being sent off to do field training and such. I sat next to one on my flight that was on his was to Camp Pendleton to do training. . . and behind one. . . and diagonal. . . you get my point. There were lots of them. We had maybe 15 on our flight ALONE and the plane held like 50 people so that was a pretty good ratio! Anyway, there were about 200 of these strapping soldiers in the airport yesterday - what a site.
Missionary Drop off Day. For anyone who has been to the Salt Lake airport on a Tuesday, you know that it is the LDS Missionary day where they all triumphantly leave the MTC and venture to their assignments near and far. There are always a ton of them and they look so nervous and sweet and kind of act like they have never been to the airport before BECAUSE they are so nervous and sweet. It kind of inhibits the rest of us from getting through the line quickly. BUT, they are good kids and again, selfless act of service. Good work!
Sundance. So even though the crowds aren't near what they have been in the past (thanks Mr President for the largest inauguration/coronation in the history of the world), there are still a LOT of people that are here for Sundance. Not just A to D list celebs (which are fab, by the way. . . mainly the D list ones. . . go Kathy Griffin!) but also the average Jo's that fall into one of two categories: 1. They are from California and want to be "part of that" and come out here to hob nob and ski with the celebs and locals and prove how cool and how "California" they are (sidenote: most of these people do make more in a year than I will see over the course of my life so I can't really badmouth them when I want to be one! :) ) or 2. Smaller town folks who do love to ski but are really coming hear to catch a glimpse of the aforementioned celebs in their natural habitat, like they are the freaking Crocodile Hunter (sidenote: these are the same people that buy the maps to the star's homes in California, hoping to see them taking out their trash and then they happen to be invited in for a deep conversation about their last movie and then shopping and lunch on Rodeo. "It's very Pretty Woman. . . except that whole hooker thing." I can't really make fun of them either because I AM one.)
Wow - what a rant! Anyway, it is this last group of airport carnivores that I wish to address because it's the subject for my excitement! The Sundancers. So I mentioned that I love D-list celebs, yes? Well I do. They are the ones that you are either sure you've heard the name before but can't put a face on it, have NEVER heard the name before but you know them once you've seen them or finally, my favorite group, those who are known for something really ridiculous.
Examples: Last time I went to Sundance, I held the door for Andrew Keegan at a pizza place on Main Street. Who? That's what everyone says. But follow the link and you'll see that not only is he hot but you recognize him. Name? Nope. No idea. Face? Yup, how could you forget that? That would qualify him as a type 2 D-lister.
So now that I've given you a novel of a background. . . I had my second D-lister run-in at the airport yesterday and it was SO fab. As I walked through the lobby, trying to squirm my way through the missionaries, I looked to my left and saw a familiar face (sidenote: unless at this very moment you agree not to judge me, you can't continue reading because this is putting me in a very awkward place by admitting that I know who this person is because he is famous for a very weird thing that I in no way, shape or form have ever seen first hand but I DO watch TMZ on occasion and I pay attention, ok? Gosh. Don't judge.). Who was it? Ron Jeremy (I am not linking you to his profile because I can only imagine and frankly, I don't want to imagine so if you want to see him, look him up yourself). SO GROSS! He's basically a 70s/80s porn star who is super gross and super unattractive which leads me to wonder how he got into the industry but that's what he's known for which really, qualifies him for a type three D-lister but for a lot of people, he could be any of the other categories as well. He looked JUST like he does when he does interviews on television (see how careful I was when I worded that? :) Seriously, don't judge.) which is old and gross and frankly, a little bit evil. Can you hear me talking really excitedly and fast? I was - hence the run-on sentences! Sorry.
So there I was, surrounded my new missionaries, recognizing an old man who is known for being gross and a porn star and I didn't know what to do! Do I ask him for his autograph and give it to someone as a really funny but inappropriate joke or do I go tell the missionaries that there is a man by the wall that needs a serious talking to? I stood for for literally 2 minutes debating and then realized how ridiculous this quandary was and went through security. As I sat and waited to board the plane, I laughed to myself about my little debacle and how flustered I got. Man that was funny, but maybe only to me.
My work trip is not the point of this blog because if it were, you would all stop reading. The point was to tell you that I was in the airport yesterday. . . early. Not too early but right at that point where everyone else was in the airport so it was mass chaos and people were everywhere! Let me outline a couple of things that were happening in the SLC airport on Tuesday this week:
Military transfer day. Yeah, a bunch of Marines (sidenote: God bless each of you) were being sent off to do field training and such. I sat next to one on my flight that was on his was to Camp Pendleton to do training. . . and behind one. . . and diagonal. . . you get my point. There were lots of them. We had maybe 15 on our flight ALONE and the plane held like 50 people so that was a pretty good ratio! Anyway, there were about 200 of these strapping soldiers in the airport yesterday - what a site.
Missionary Drop off Day. For anyone who has been to the Salt Lake airport on a Tuesday, you know that it is the LDS Missionary day where they all triumphantly leave the MTC and venture to their assignments near and far. There are always a ton of them and they look so nervous and sweet and kind of act like they have never been to the airport before BECAUSE they are so nervous and sweet. It kind of inhibits the rest of us from getting through the line quickly. BUT, they are good kids and again, selfless act of service. Good work!
Sundance. So even though the crowds aren't near what they have been in the past (thanks Mr President for the largest inauguration/coronation in the history of the world), there are still a LOT of people that are here for Sundance. Not just A to D list celebs (which are fab, by the way. . . mainly the D list ones. . . go Kathy Griffin!) but also the average Jo's that fall into one of two categories: 1. They are from California and want to be "part of that" and come out here to hob nob and ski with the celebs and locals and prove how cool and how "California" they are (sidenote: most of these people do make more in a year than I will see over the course of my life so I can't really badmouth them when I want to be one! :) ) or 2. Smaller town folks who do love to ski but are really coming hear to catch a glimpse of the aforementioned celebs in their natural habitat, like they are the freaking Crocodile Hunter (sidenote: these are the same people that buy the maps to the star's homes in California, hoping to see them taking out their trash and then they happen to be invited in for a deep conversation about their last movie and then shopping and lunch on Rodeo. "It's very Pretty Woman. . . except that whole hooker thing." I can't really make fun of them either because I AM one.)
Wow - what a rant! Anyway, it is this last group of airport carnivores that I wish to address because it's the subject for my excitement! The Sundancers. So I mentioned that I love D-list celebs, yes? Well I do. They are the ones that you are either sure you've heard the name before but can't put a face on it, have NEVER heard the name before but you know them once you've seen them or finally, my favorite group, those who are known for something really ridiculous.
Examples: Last time I went to Sundance, I held the door for Andrew Keegan at a pizza place on Main Street. Who? That's what everyone says. But follow the link and you'll see that not only is he hot but you recognize him. Name? Nope. No idea. Face? Yup, how could you forget that? That would qualify him as a type 2 D-lister.
So now that I've given you a novel of a background. . . I had my second D-lister run-in at the airport yesterday and it was SO fab. As I walked through the lobby, trying to squirm my way through the missionaries, I looked to my left and saw a familiar face (sidenote: unless at this very moment you agree not to judge me, you can't continue reading because this is putting me in a very awkward place by admitting that I know who this person is because he is famous for a very weird thing that I in no way, shape or form have ever seen first hand but I DO watch TMZ on occasion and I pay attention, ok? Gosh. Don't judge.). Who was it? Ron Jeremy (I am not linking you to his profile because I can only imagine and frankly, I don't want to imagine so if you want to see him, look him up yourself). SO GROSS! He's basically a 70s/80s porn star who is super gross and super unattractive which leads me to wonder how he got into the industry but that's what he's known for which really, qualifies him for a type three D-lister but for a lot of people, he could be any of the other categories as well. He looked JUST like he does when he does interviews on television (see how careful I was when I worded that? :) Seriously, don't judge.) which is old and gross and frankly, a little bit evil. Can you hear me talking really excitedly and fast? I was - hence the run-on sentences! Sorry.
So there I was, surrounded my new missionaries, recognizing an old man who is known for being gross and a porn star and I didn't know what to do! Do I ask him for his autograph and give it to someone as a really funny but inappropriate joke or do I go tell the missionaries that there is a man by the wall that needs a serious talking to? I stood for for literally 2 minutes debating and then realized how ridiculous this quandary was and went through security. As I sat and waited to board the plane, I laughed to myself about my little debacle and how flustered I got. Man that was funny, but maybe only to me.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Snack on This. . .
Hello again! yeah, yeah, it's been a while. I know. Apologies to the two people that read my blog. . .hi mom.
So for the last six weeks (that's right six) I have been getting up early to go to the gym. By early I mean before 6:00 which, for ALL intents and purposes, is "early" and even misses "really early" by only about an hour. I'm pretty proud of my stick-to-it-ivness on this go-round of working out. . . especially in the morning. I think it's almost made me sort of a morning person. . . ish.
What I don't love is the results of this whole thing. I've been eating better (with the exception of my treat frenzy in Seattle last weekend! But it was worth every calorie) and working up a massive sweat everyday and guess what? I look the same. Six weeks - you've got to be kidding me!
So, in honor of my six weeks mark of being healthier and not seeing much difference, I've decided to share with the world (or my two readers) the things I notice about this process. I kind of consider myself an expert since I've been on some form of diet my entire life. Commentary is welcome so bring it on!
"Things" about Getting Healthy
1. I can now efficiently go 30+ minutes on the elliptical trainer without feeling like I will die a certain death when I get off. I might look like I'm going to die with my Hamblin red face syndrome (it almost does look purple some mornings) but I feel fine. So, I can breathe better after intense cardio but WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH THE SIZE OF MY PANTS? Nothing. So I don't care. And telling me that it shows that I'm getting healthier doesn't help. I want to shrink.
2. Diet food sucks. . . even when it's regular food. I eat chicken all the time, on or off a diet. But when I'm on a diet, it's extra dry and lacks flavor even if I cooked it the same as normal. My mind plays the dirtiest tricks to get me to cheat! On the flip side, chocolate has never smelled or looked so tasty.
3. I get the hiccups when I eat white rice??? What kind of weirdness? And I've been eating it every day with the previously mentioned dry chicken for lunch so I'm hiccupping for a solid 30 minutes per day for a while now. Does hiccupping burn calories? I hope so because by the time I'm done, I feel more exhausted than when I go 30 minutes on the elliptical.
4. What is with the girl at the gym that wants to look like a man? It's scary and frankly, a little weird and gross. And she has a squirly husband that she probably can bench press. She should never run in front of me at the gym because I giggle at her wide, man I have a stick up my bum, stance and I'm afraid one day she'll hit me and it will all be over.
5. I am hungry all the time. All the time. Like I can't stop being hungry whether I eat carrots or a chunk of meat. Always hungry. The awkward part of that is that people probably always see me eating and then they think "Um, she should go to the gym and not eat so much. . ."!!! See! How do I win? I'm trying people! Gosh.
Ok, I have to go to a meeting now so I have to stop this thought process but there you have it. I'm I completely thinking wrong? Have the Dieting Devil grabbed hold and made me bitter? I think I'm just in a slump. . . that better not last another 6 weeks or I swear. . . :)
So for the last six weeks (that's right six) I have been getting up early to go to the gym. By early I mean before 6:00 which, for ALL intents and purposes, is "early" and even misses "really early" by only about an hour. I'm pretty proud of my stick-to-it-ivness on this go-round of working out. . . especially in the morning. I think it's almost made me sort of a morning person. . . ish.
What I don't love is the results of this whole thing. I've been eating better (with the exception of my treat frenzy in Seattle last weekend! But it was worth every calorie) and working up a massive sweat everyday and guess what? I look the same. Six weeks - you've got to be kidding me!
So, in honor of my six weeks mark of being healthier and not seeing much difference, I've decided to share with the world (or my two readers) the things I notice about this process. I kind of consider myself an expert since I've been on some form of diet my entire life. Commentary is welcome so bring it on!
"Things" about Getting Healthy
1. I can now efficiently go 30+ minutes on the elliptical trainer without feeling like I will die a certain death when I get off. I might look like I'm going to die with my Hamblin red face syndrome (it almost does look purple some mornings) but I feel fine. So, I can breathe better after intense cardio but WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH THE SIZE OF MY PANTS? Nothing. So I don't care. And telling me that it shows that I'm getting healthier doesn't help. I want to shrink.
2. Diet food sucks. . . even when it's regular food. I eat chicken all the time, on or off a diet. But when I'm on a diet, it's extra dry and lacks flavor even if I cooked it the same as normal. My mind plays the dirtiest tricks to get me to cheat! On the flip side, chocolate has never smelled or looked so tasty.
3. I get the hiccups when I eat white rice??? What kind of weirdness? And I've been eating it every day with the previously mentioned dry chicken for lunch so I'm hiccupping for a solid 30 minutes per day for a while now. Does hiccupping burn calories? I hope so because by the time I'm done, I feel more exhausted than when I go 30 minutes on the elliptical.
4. What is with the girl at the gym that wants to look like a man? It's scary and frankly, a little weird and gross. And she has a squirly husband that she probably can bench press. She should never run in front of me at the gym because I giggle at her wide, man I have a stick up my bum, stance and I'm afraid one day she'll hit me and it will all be over.
5. I am hungry all the time. All the time. Like I can't stop being hungry whether I eat carrots or a chunk of meat. Always hungry. The awkward part of that is that people probably always see me eating and then they think "Um, she should go to the gym and not eat so much. . ."!!! See! How do I win? I'm trying people! Gosh.
Ok, I have to go to a meeting now so I have to stop this thought process but there you have it. I'm I completely thinking wrong? Have the Dieting Devil grabbed hold and made me bitter? I think I'm just in a slump. . . that better not last another 6 weeks or I swear. . . :)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Update. . .
In my "Picky, Picky. . ." blog that I wrote just a short time ago, I told you of a nasty hair clump that I located in my trail mix. Sick, yes? Well. . . I've been meaning to update you on the outcome.
So after a couple of weeks of waiting for a response from Kar's Nuts, I finally sent an email saying "Hello! Hair in my trailmix! Where you at, fool?" Ok, so maybe it was more like "Um, I was wondering if maybe you might have some sort of update. . ." as my passive aggressive side reared it's ugly head yet again when confronted with a sticky (or hairy, as the case may be) situation. I got an email back saying "Your refund has been mailed."
I don't know about you but my reaction seemed fitting to the sitaution and that was for me to say "What!?" audibly in my cube and immediately hit "Reply" on said email. Second email: "I appreciate the refund of my 75 cents but the bigger question here is what was in the trailmix? I think I should know because I was about to eat it and did, in fact, sonsume some of what was in the contaninated bag. Tell me that and keep your money." Pretty good, yeah. So I waited. . . and waited. . . and finally got a response. . . in the mail.
It's a letter basincally saying "Woops. .. sorry about the hair. We'll do better next time. And here's some money to shut up about it."
What is that you see? $2 worth of ratty bills? I'm pretty sure their HR person took it out of his smelly wallet so he could close the issue and make me go away. Here's what I have to say to that:
"Dr. Mr HR at Kar's Nuts: You not telling me what was in the package automatically leads me to think it was nasty enough that you don't want to tell me. . . so you didn't. You weren't even creative enough to say it was fibers from some sort of bushel or something? Come on!
So, I'm going to tell the world of bloggers that it was nasty rat hair in my trailmix. A big clump of it. Thanks for the $2 that you gave me from your swear jar on your desk but I don't accept hush money. In fact, the bills are kind of gross and I don't want to touch them so they will be pinned to my wall in their original envelope as a reminder that I won, you lost. Love, Carlee."
The battle continues. . .
So after a couple of weeks of waiting for a response from Kar's Nuts, I finally sent an email saying "Hello! Hair in my trailmix! Where you at, fool?" Ok, so maybe it was more like "Um, I was wondering if maybe you might have some sort of update. . ." as my passive aggressive side reared it's ugly head yet again when confronted with a sticky (or hairy, as the case may be) situation. I got an email back saying "Your refund has been mailed."
I don't know about you but my reaction seemed fitting to the sitaution and that was for me to say "What!?" audibly in my cube and immediately hit "Reply" on said email. Second email: "I appreciate the refund of my 75 cents but the bigger question here is what was in the trailmix? I think I should know because I was about to eat it and did, in fact, sonsume some of what was in the contaninated bag. Tell me that and keep your money." Pretty good, yeah. So I waited. . . and waited. . . and finally got a response. . . in the mail.
It's a letter basincally saying "Woops. .. sorry about the hair. We'll do better next time. And here's some money to shut up about it."
What is that you see? $2 worth of ratty bills? I'm pretty sure their HR person took it out of his smelly wallet so he could close the issue and make me go away. Here's what I have to say to that:
"Dr. Mr HR at Kar's Nuts: You not telling me what was in the package automatically leads me to think it was nasty enough that you don't want to tell me. . . so you didn't. You weren't even creative enough to say it was fibers from some sort of bushel or something? Come on!
So, I'm going to tell the world of bloggers that it was nasty rat hair in my trailmix. A big clump of it. Thanks for the $2 that you gave me from your swear jar on your desk but I don't accept hush money. In fact, the bills are kind of gross and I don't want to touch them so they will be pinned to my wall in their original envelope as a reminder that I won, you lost. Love, Carlee."
The battle continues. . .
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Tag. . .
Ok, Sar!! I take your tag and I run with it!! My sister-in-law tagged me and basically challenged me to fill this out so here I go. I'll be tagging some others at the end so don't you worry!
These are kind of hard but I think I can hack it. I may be a bit embarassed once this is through? We'll see.
8 Favorite TV Shows
1. The Office
2. Grey's Anatomy (nobody hearts McDreamy like I do. . since he was in Can't Buy Me Love)
3. Best Week Ever
4. The Today Show (except during election season, boo for Matt and Meredith)
5. Real World/Road Rules Challenges
6. The Hills (its like a train-wreck. . . I can't look away even though NOTHING ever happens)
7. The Family Guy
8. Any type of volleyball being broadcast
8 Things I did yesterday
1. Worked a really long day
2. VOTED
3. Visits with the Stake RS presidency
4. Carpooled (this is a nod to me saving the earth, not an excuse for you to call me lame because it's on the list!)
5. Swimming with my mom
6. Caught up on a little tivo action
7. Wrote my last blog
8. Nearly froze when I went to bed so I cursed the snow!
8 Things I look forward to
1. The election being over. (agreed 1,000 times over. . . without the endorsement)
2. A night with nothing to do!
3. Olivia's first Christmas. (also agreed! Sar put this one and I can't wait for that too!)
4. Mexico with the fam early next year
5. Mediterranean cruise in April!! (Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia. . . peeing my pants!)
6. Nights out with the girls
7. BYU and Utah volleyball game (Friday the 14th at 7:00 at the U if you're interested)
8. Finishing my project at work!
8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Red Robin
2. Applebees
3. Paradise Bakery
4. Crown Burger
5. My mom's house
6. Sarah's House
7. PF Chang's
8. Cutler's
8 Things on my wish list
1. A paid-off house!
2. A finished basement.
3. People to share my house with (aka a husband and some kids :))
4. To be happy at my job MOST of the time.
5. To be healthier all-around.
6. A maid.
7. More time.
8. More patience.
Ok, now the fun part. . . I tag Steph and Linds, Alisa, Mandy and Rach. Good Luck!!
These are kind of hard but I think I can hack it. I may be a bit embarassed once this is through? We'll see.
8 Favorite TV Shows
1. The Office
2. Grey's Anatomy (nobody hearts McDreamy like I do. . since he was in Can't Buy Me Love)
3. Best Week Ever
4. The Today Show (except during election season, boo for Matt and Meredith)
5. Real World/Road Rules Challenges
6. The Hills (its like a train-wreck. . . I can't look away even though NOTHING ever happens)
7. The Family Guy
8. Any type of volleyball being broadcast
8 Things I did yesterday
1. Worked a really long day
2. VOTED
3. Visits with the Stake RS presidency
4. Carpooled (this is a nod to me saving the earth, not an excuse for you to call me lame because it's on the list!)
5. Swimming with my mom
6. Caught up on a little tivo action
7. Wrote my last blog
8. Nearly froze when I went to bed so I cursed the snow!
8 Things I look forward to
1. The election being over. (agreed 1,000 times over. . . without the endorsement)
2. A night with nothing to do!
3. Olivia's first Christmas. (also agreed! Sar put this one and I can't wait for that too!)
4. Mexico with the fam early next year
5. Mediterranean cruise in April!! (Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia. . . peeing my pants!)
6. Nights out with the girls
7. BYU and Utah volleyball game (Friday the 14th at 7:00 at the U if you're interested)
8. Finishing my project at work!
8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Red Robin
2. Applebees
3. Paradise Bakery
4. Crown Burger
5. My mom's house
6. Sarah's House
7. PF Chang's
8. Cutler's
8 Things on my wish list
1. A paid-off house!
2. A finished basement.
3. People to share my house with (aka a husband and some kids :))
4. To be happy at my job MOST of the time.
5. To be healthier all-around.
6. A maid.
7. More time.
8. More patience.
Ok, now the fun part. . . I tag Steph and Linds, Alisa, Mandy and Rach. Good Luck!!
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
We're Missing the Point. . .
So in general I try to keep my blog very lighthearted and generally goofy and full of nonsense because honestly, that's where I feel most secure and I think generally as a blog reader, we have the most fun. Right? Good, glad we all agree!
Every now and again I feel brave enough to step out of my goofy comfort zone to make a statement and this may be one of the most uncomfortable blogs I have written in my life because I have no idea what kind of banter and Carlee hating this may erupt. BUT, I will say that if you walk away from this thinking less of me then you are missing the spirit of what I'm writing and I'd ask that you take a breath and read again. Can we all agree to that as well? Good. Please know that no part of this is meant to be mean spirited but is, for sure, meant to bring up a point. That preface complete, here we go. . .
So today is a HUGE day in our country's history. In what can only be considered one of the most important and most heated elections of all time, the country will decide what values are important and elect the man that they think can get the job done. I'm not here to plug either the conservative war vet or the extreme liberal because for a girl that finds herself wavering between the extremes, it's really a selection of the lesser of two evils.
What I would like to talk about is the second most heated debate for the election now and that is Proposition 8. For any of you living under a rock for the last many moons, it's the piece of legislation on the ballot in California that would change California's constitution to not allow gay marriage. Everyone from extreme political activists to those who are yet to have a political opinion have some sort of view on this. In fact, this very morning I sat in my cubicle and listened to a 30 minute conversation about how there are better uses for money than to push Proposition 8 and how people are intolerant and the like. Good for America that this is getting people to pay attention to legislation. Bad for many of us because in reality, I think we are missing the point.
The injustice in all of this is that the crux of this and many legislations like it has nothing to do with human rights. Now before you go all crazy on me, listen for a second. I grant that Proposition 8 in and of itself has everything to do with human rights but this is now how the debate over such oracles began. The bottom line to all of this debate has nothing to do with gay rights or straight rights or blue rights or purple rights; the main debate SHOULD be over who is allowed to make such decisions. The courts have ruled on more than one occasion that homosexuals have the right to be married and are entitled to all rights and privileges that a married couple enjoys. My question is is it the court's decision to make or should the legislature, the voice of the masses, be responsible for such a decision? That's the debate and that SHOULD be the issue.
As an LDS woman my personal views on the topic relate heavily to the conservative but that speaks nothing as to my love and appreciation for people who are living an alternative lifestyle. I may not agree with that lifestyle but I do love them just the same. Some of the brightest and most incredible people I know chose such a lifestyle in fact. But I do adamantly oppose the people that are preaching that anyone who is for Proposition 8 is some sort of bigot or hateful. I certainly have none of those feelings. But I do feel (as does the majority of this country, mind you) that it isn't up to the judicial branch, a court in any form, to make the decisions on the legality of such a union but it should, in fact, be left to the legislature to make these decisions as representatives of the masses.
It is really sad to me that the true issue behind all of this is masked by calling people haters and bigots. That's not the case and frankly, I think we're missing the point.
Every now and again I feel brave enough to step out of my goofy comfort zone to make a statement and this may be one of the most uncomfortable blogs I have written in my life because I have no idea what kind of banter and Carlee hating this may erupt. BUT, I will say that if you walk away from this thinking less of me then you are missing the spirit of what I'm writing and I'd ask that you take a breath and read again. Can we all agree to that as well? Good. Please know that no part of this is meant to be mean spirited but is, for sure, meant to bring up a point. That preface complete, here we go. . .
So today is a HUGE day in our country's history. In what can only be considered one of the most important and most heated elections of all time, the country will decide what values are important and elect the man that they think can get the job done. I'm not here to plug either the conservative war vet or the extreme liberal because for a girl that finds herself wavering between the extremes, it's really a selection of the lesser of two evils.
What I would like to talk about is the second most heated debate for the election now and that is Proposition 8. For any of you living under a rock for the last many moons, it's the piece of legislation on the ballot in California that would change California's constitution to not allow gay marriage. Everyone from extreme political activists to those who are yet to have a political opinion have some sort of view on this. In fact, this very morning I sat in my cubicle and listened to a 30 minute conversation about how there are better uses for money than to push Proposition 8 and how people are intolerant and the like. Good for America that this is getting people to pay attention to legislation. Bad for many of us because in reality, I think we are missing the point.
The injustice in all of this is that the crux of this and many legislations like it has nothing to do with human rights. Now before you go all crazy on me, listen for a second. I grant that Proposition 8 in and of itself has everything to do with human rights but this is now how the debate over such oracles began. The bottom line to all of this debate has nothing to do with gay rights or straight rights or blue rights or purple rights; the main debate SHOULD be over who is allowed to make such decisions. The courts have ruled on more than one occasion that homosexuals have the right to be married and are entitled to all rights and privileges that a married couple enjoys. My question is is it the court's decision to make or should the legislature, the voice of the masses, be responsible for such a decision? That's the debate and that SHOULD be the issue.
As an LDS woman my personal views on the topic relate heavily to the conservative but that speaks nothing as to my love and appreciation for people who are living an alternative lifestyle. I may not agree with that lifestyle but I do love them just the same. Some of the brightest and most incredible people I know chose such a lifestyle in fact. But I do adamantly oppose the people that are preaching that anyone who is for Proposition 8 is some sort of bigot or hateful. I certainly have none of those feelings. But I do feel (as does the majority of this country, mind you) that it isn't up to the judicial branch, a court in any form, to make the decisions on the legality of such a union but it should, in fact, be left to the legislature to make these decisions as representatives of the masses.
It is really sad to me that the true issue behind all of this is masked by calling people haters and bigots. That's not the case and frankly, I think we're missing the point.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)