Pimpin' the Blog

Due to our current economic situation, I need to turn to alternative means of making money. And the traditional industries for 'alternative means of making money' are also suffering in this current economic crisis, so get your mind out of the gutter. Long story short - this blog needs to be more profitable. If anyone has any suggestions on how to make this happen (specific ones), yours truly would greatly appreciate it. Also, as always, I love it when people click the ads. ;-) Much appreciated. Thanks.

Celebrity Crushes....

So I've been known to have, at times, unconventional taste in the men department (believe me, ask ANY of my female friends on this one). Who are my celebrity crushes, you might ask? See above. Top down - Jon Bon Jovi (well, 20 years ago), Paul Rudd, and, as of lately, Reid Scott (Brando on My Boys). HOT. I don't hear many other girls talking about Reid Scott - maybe I can have him. He used to have a thing for PJ, a single Sun-Times employee living in Chicago, so I really think I'm his type.

Two Thoughts on a Day Like Today....

1) I feel the newspaper industry deserves a bailout. Say what you will, it is no more inflexible, less modern, or hopeless than the big three, and the govt's already thrown money at them once. (Although I do realize the plethora of problems this would cause for the 'free press'. Anywho.)

2) Where is the future of journalism? Sure, there are a plethora of blogs and places for people to get their 'news', but where is the future of researched stories/investigative reporting. (Sidenote: I do understand and agree that there's plenty of an argument that newspapers aren't always non-biased or completely credible sources, etc., which I do agree with at times. However, my question is moreso who is the watchdog these days?)

I'm hoping for some answers. Perhaps anon has one or two.

What is Google Trying to Tell Me?

Your Dream Is No Accident
See why your dreams are really you
www.Life-Answers.com

The above is the google ad on my blog today. I know it is in relation to what I blogged about earlier (recurring dreams), but still, I am interpreting this, too, as a sign/symbol. They keep coming and they keep getting weirder and weirder....

Zen?

So today, I took it upon myself to go for some scheduled downtime/relaxation. I went to a local spa for an hour and a half to just use their 'relaxation' facility, which consisted of the sauna, whirlpool, eucalyptus steam room, and general 'relaxation room'. It was lovely and zen-ful. I am not sure what I was supposed to get out of it, so I am not sure if I achieved it, but it was pleasant nonetheless. I have always kind of mocked various forms of new-age treatments as being for those souls who are lost and searching, however, it felt good to take a brief escape from reality. Anywho, it makes me almost inspired to try yoga/meditation/hypnosis/what-have-you. We will see.

Pride?

So, recently, my fellow high school alumni have been really doing their fellow Hersey Huskies proud....

First, there's this story all over the news....

In short, this girl (one year younger than yours truly), is/was a high school teacher who was recently caught doing something uber-cliche (banging a student). Lovely. Anyhow. Moving right along....

Another distinguished alumni, Amy Jacobson....



No comment about her. Moving right along....

There's a facebook group dedicated to my high school graduating class, appropriately entitled 'John Hersey High School - Class of 2001'. Within said group, there are comments on the wall from multiple individuals along the lines of 'I can't believe it's been TEN YEARS since we graduated! Whoa!'

Yep. It's a proud day to be a Huskie!!



Sidenote: Is THIS why I'm having dreams (nightmares) that I'm back in high school?

He Did It!

Evan won! Woohoo!!

Screw the Myers-Briggs!

So I happened to stumble across a study along the lines of what a woman's lipstick shape (after regular use) says about her personality. My lipstick most closely resembles the fourth from the left (a deep curve).

Here is what I got:

You are attractive
You devote yourself to your family
You are a woman of your word (Uh, there have been a couple of blog posts I promised to write....I'll get around to them soon...)
You are a leader
You are stay-at-home
You are prone to exaggerate
You are opinionated
You are sociable
You fall in love easily (nope, not AT ALL)
You need a schedule but dislike having one

Hmm.

I couldn't help but notice the description of his partner to the right (which looks nothing like my lipstick).

You can be a good detective
You are quick
You are brave and enterprising
You are a researcher by nature
You have a complicated character

Your thoughts?

GRR Google

I gotta say, man, this 'blogspot' is NOT the most user-friendly website out there. You are all welcome to laugh at my struggles with this, however, I can find at least ten people I work with who will vouch that I am a computer GENIUS, so it CAN'T be me. AH. Anyhow. I think I finally straightened it out after 45 minutes of puttering around. When I started this post, I was highly frustrated, but right now, I just don't wanna think about it any more. Goodnight y'all.

It's Almost Here....

A MAJOR SPORTING EVENT. No, not the NCAA tournament. I'm talking about the figure skating WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS! WOOHOO! Can you sense my excitement?

I am cheering for Evan and Alissa. You can't really tell from this picture, but Evan is HOT. And from Buffalo Grove, which is not far from where I grew up.

A Cause for Concern?

So, it has been almost two weeks since anonymous has blogmented. I thought, perhaps, that anonymous had blogmented recently on the 'Old Navy' post, but it turns out that was just a regular commenter. At this point, the last comment he (or she) made was on the Fleetwood Mac post.

Anon. Did I embarrass you with the birthday shoutout? Are you shier than I initially thought? Do you feel your guise is blown since I called you out on being younger than 96?

Or, is it something entirely different? Have you been out of the country? Somewhere for two weeks without internet access? Have you just been busy - perhaps you're in the middle of moving or starting a new job? Or, should I be concerned about your well-being? Being almost 96, perhaps there's a medical concern....

Please let me know, anon. For as much as I curse your name at times, I think you really add an air of mystery to this blog.

Google Knows I Have a Thing for Caterpillars....

Loving it!

Worst Commercial on TV

Is anyone else truly creeped out by the Old Navy talking mannequins?! Yeesh! For me, it's not that the mannequins talk, it's what they say! The fingers breaking off? The spare set of legs in a trash bin? The woman getting stripped of her dress??! WHY, WHY, WHY? This doesn't put me in a happy shopping mood. It leaves me with a weirded-out, what-the-hell feeling inside.

However, I do 1) remember this commercial and b) remember it's for Old Navy specifically, so maybe there's something right with it. I suppose it's better to be hated than forgotten in the advertising world (see also: Hey Whipple, Squeeze This).

Wait a second - editor's sidenote: I have the tv on in the background. The 'Viva Viagra' commercial just came on. Scratch this. The Old Navy mannequins are the SECOND worst commercial on tv, but not by much.

Important News Story About Our President

"Obama fills out brackets; who's in his final four?"

This nicely accompanies "Obama's Haircut", "The Obama Dog", "What Michelle Obama Wore", "The Obama Daughters' Chores", "The Obama Daughters' New Swingset", and my personal favorite "What's on Obama's Ipod?".

I'm not criticizing Obama on this one, he just went about his life like a normal person - it's more those really cared to write and read said pieces. It's not to say there aren't pieces like this on every sitting president (although usually not to this extent). Also, not to say there's not other unimportant writing out there that people are paying attention to, such as all celeb gossip, or, ahem, blogs.

However, there's just SOMETHING about this that bugs me. I can't pinpoint exactly why. Hmm.

Google

What is the takeaway symbolism and/or message here, Google? I get it that it's for St. Patrick's day. But I've never seen a Shamrock tree. Why use this tree format? What does it mean?

Dream....

So I'm SURE my blogging audience LOVES hearing my dream analyses (probably as much as you all enjoy the Dianetics posts). I feel like I go through spurts of having dreams constantly, then not having them for a while. I know the 'sleep experts' would say I always have dreams but just don't always remember them. Well then, I suppose I go through spurts of remembering dreams.

(Sidenote: How does one get into the field of 'sleep expert'?)

Anyhow. So I've had the recurring dreams about being back in college that came suddenly, frequently and out of the blue. Well, this past night, I think I regressed even further - yep, I was back in high school. Only, I was the same age I am now. My appropriate peers were there as well. It was the first day of school and I was there to resolve some unfinished business, so it seemed, only, to this moment, I'm not sure what (I am TRYING my hardest to remember this dream more clearly, although as time goes by, naturally the memory becomes less vivid). I believe I was trying to hunt down a parking pass, although this may have just been because it was the first day of school. I distinctly remember someone I do not like showing up multiple times, although I'm not sure of why on this, either. That, and every time the snooze alarm rang, I thought it was the bell to change class periods. I overslept because I was so intently in this dream - I feel like I must have had it for a reason and there must be some important takeaway message, although I can't make heads or tails of it.

I just hope next dream I am not in junior high or elementary school. Sigh. I imagine this dream was also the first of a series, on which I guess, time will only tell.

Jumping the Gun!

Tomorrow is my good friend Courtney's bday! You probably recognize her from all the comments. Happy early B-day Courtney! (I may be ahead of time with this post, but please note I've already celebrated this event a couple days earlier.) If you see Courtney today or tomorrow, buy her a shot or a shamrock shake!

I Can't Believe It!

Today is the first anniversary of the relationship of this blog and me! Woohoo! Longest relationship I've ever been in, let me tell you! If anyone were to ask how it's been going - two words: pure bliss! This is no doubt a serious relationship.

The traditional gift for the first anniversary is paper. Should I get my blog something 'paper'? I find this ironic, because aren't blogs/computers/the internet/etc. replacing....

Nevermind. Move along. Nothing to see here.

Drinking Games for Anyone Who Reads Women's Magazines or Shopping Related Articles

Recessionista.

I will be happy when this economic downturn is over, if for no reason other than this term disappearing. It's not that there's anything wrong with it, other than the overkill.

Advanced Book Review....

So, as you all know, I periodically get free advanced copies of books from my work. The latest one I got was Perfect Fifths by Megan McCafferty - the fifth and supposedly final book in the "Jessica Darling" series.

Anyhow - I like teen lit because it seems as though all adult women lit has the exact same story line (an aspiring writer, single, struggling to make ends meet in the big city who somehow puts it all together and finds Mr. Right in 300 pages or less). Even if there isn't that much variation in the teen world, at least the age gap puts a little separation between the parallels of these character's lives (circa page 25) and my own.

Anyhow. So I have now read all five books in this series. I realize no one other than Piper has any interest in reading a book report by yours truly, so I'll try to keep it brief. This wasn't my favorite of the series (I think the first or third would be my favorite). My main criticisms of the book are that it was highly highly predictable, the symbolism is heavy-handed, and the character development becomes redundant. Other than that, I find the main character too easy to relate to (I think I found the word cynical about 27 times throughout the book) and likable enough, so I did enjoy the book and would recommend the series to anyone who enjoys reading fiction.

I know, often times, authors will create a main character who mirrors herself - I wonder how much I would have in common with Megan McCafferty. I must say, she has been published multiple times, so I may be a little jealous of her. Anyhow. The book drops at some point mid-April. I'm guessing Piper will read it (or get a critique from some of her students). Anyone else out there read this series?

Exciting News!

So my good friend, dance carpool buddy, and loyal blog reader Rachel got engaged this past weekend! I am truly totally excited about this couple/nuptials!

But I am a Little....

Anyone out there superstitious? Or just a little stitious? Anyone out there still superstitious about Friday the 13?

American Idol Weekly Update

Ok, so American Idol has come up with some dumb new twist to this season in which the judges can save a contestant once who is voted off throughout the season if they so choose, up until the last five weeks of the show. Well, I find this awkward and, well, stupid.

Yes, let me be the first to say America at times makes the wrong decision (see also November 2000 & November 2004). American Idol cited Chris Daughtry, Tamyra Gray, Michael Johns, and Jennifer Hudson as examples who inspired said rule. Well, Chris Daughtry and Tamyra Gray were voted off in the fourth to last week, so they wouldn't have been eligible for the save. Michael Johns wasn't ALL that big of a surprise elimination and wasn't favorite for a spot in the finals anyway (the reason for the save would be to potentially save THE American Idol, right?), and if I remember correctly (and this is hugely embarrassing to admit I have such as vast amount of American Idol History knowledge), Jennifer Hudson was pretty much told by Simon Cowell the week she was eliminated "it's pretty much your time to go" - so she wasn't a surprise elimination and wouldn't have been saved either, even though she's now an oscar winner and more well-known and arguably more successful than the winner of that season (giveaway prize if you can name the winner).

Sidenote: Simon of course tried to save face on this one saying that even though he expressed this opinion, America voted Jennifer Hudson off, had they disagreed with him, they could have gone against his opinion and voted to bring her back. So in reality, Simon was just the head lemming. Anyhow.

Does anyone think this 'save' idea is a good idea?

Any Suggestions?

So I have had the same hairstyle for roughly the past 15 years. Hey, it works for me. Once in a while I'll throw in some highlights. It's been as short as just below my shoulders and as long as maybe 4-5 inches lower than that. I am thinking it might be time for a chance, but unsure what I would do. Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions, etc.?

Hypothetical Question

Ok, this is not a situation I am currently in, per se, but, I have at times been in this situation, as we probably all have. Hypothetically speaking - let's say you have a good friend who is dating someone you are not crazy about. It's not necessarily a personality difference, but rather, you don't think this person treats you friend the way he/she should. For example, let's say right now you're good friends with Rihanna. Is there any way to tell your friend to get out of the relationship? I think I actually said opinionated things to my friends in the past, however, it only yielded unsuccessful results. Hmm.

Ok - two part question: 1) Is there a good way to say something to a friend without ruining the friendship or at least, making the friend uncomfortable for knowing you don't like his/her significant other? or 2) Is there a way to tell your friend that he/she shouldn't be with this person that will actually convince said friend to leave said person!?!?!

I unfortunately have reached a point of feeling confident that the answers to the above questions are no and no.

D'oh!

Silly me. I got so excited about the Fleetwood Mac concert, I missed anonymous's birthday! HAPPY 96 Anon!! I tried to pick a picture I thought you might like for this post. At your age, this should get the blood flowing.

Now, anon, don't get me wrong. I think I know you better than you might expect. I KNOW you're not 96. I do not know one single solitary 96 year old who knows how to use a computer, let alone comment on a blog. You're a liar, anonymous. That, and you just don't seem like a Pisces....you're more of a Leo or a Scorpio.

The Kindle

What does everyone think about this 'Kindle'?! It doesn't seem to be taking off quite like the digital camera, ipod, dvd player, or Snuggie. Is it supposed to phase out the book? I don't know how I feel about that. I like physical books. I am the kind of person who would spend the extra couple bucks for a hardcover - I like the way a nice collection of books sitting on a bookshelf looks. Would a kindle eliminate the need for a bookshelf in the first place? A bookshelf is quite possibly my favorite piece of furniture!!! However, I want to say that the Kindle has been out for nearly two or three years now and I do not know one single solitary person who owns one (at least not anyone I know personally), and it's pretty much the same price as other technological things (or so it seems). Maybe it's because, unfortunately, people aren't that into reading, or at least not into it enough to buy a kindle. Hmm. Thoughts?

Guilty Pleasure

So I am a closet Fleetwood Mac fan. I don't regularly openly discuss the subject. They are part of what I was referring to in the 'obscurities on my ipod' post. I'd admit to liking them, but my parents would probably make fun of me for that, and really, I don't think I could emotionally handle that. I don't remember exactly how or why I came upon them initially - I think it was at some emotional time in high school when I was searching for some music that understood me better than N'SYNC. Well, anyhow, they were in town this past week in concert.

Well, my work gets a lot of tickets to every major event (sporting and concerts). Long story short, a coworker of mine lost a pair of tickets on the behemoth of his desk. I was told by management that if I could find them, they were mine. Well, I woke up at 5 the next morning and, sure enough, I tore this coworker's desk to shreds! He won't be able to find ANYTHING come Monday. But that doesn't matter. What matters is I found the tickets!! (I told my mom I had to go in early to help with a project - said project was 'find the Fleetwood Mac tickets'.)

Anyhow. The show was amazing. The prices of drinks and tchotchkes showed that Fleetwood Mac fans CLEARLY don't care about the state of the economy. Well, I helped the economy last night with the purchase of multiple tchotchkes. I feel good inside - I honestly did my part. That, and I felt a bond with Stevie Nicks through the night - she changed outfits four times in a period of three hours. That, and apparently, she's had the same 'bangs' hairstyle for the past 30 years. I don't know her personally, but at this moment, I felt like I did.

American Idol, Season 8

Kara DioGuardi does nothing for me. Nothing whatsoever. I'd write more, but there's just nothing to say on her. I'm sure she's a fine person and knows something about the music industry, but as a judge on American Idol, she might as well just not be there. I'd say to her what they tell the bad singers on American Idol "well, you're a beautiful girl, but..."

I can't say I dislike her because I don't know that I care enough to have an opinion about her, which, Simon Cowell will tell you, is probably the worst possible option. Conspiracy theorists believe she was brought in to phase out Paula, but at least with Paula, we occasionally get a drug induced stupor which probably keeps the ratings up. Other than that, it's equally worthless commentary from both.

Playing the Lotto with Coworkers

Ok, today kids, I'd like to address the pros and cons of playing the lotto with coworkers (and, I suppose, various other interoffice gambling options - such as football pools, etc.). I bring up this issue because, as you might imagine, I have been roped into said activity.

I guess the only real selling point is one could possibly, but VERY HIGHLY UNLIKELY, win a $#*%load of money. In which case those years and years of putting a couple dollars in here and there have REALLY paid off. But the odds are really really really, ahem, not good.

The first time I participated, it wasn't a big deal to hand over a couple bucks. However, in my workplace, and I imagine in many workplaces, this is a regularly recurring event. I do not want to think of how much these couple bucks here and there have added up to. One could say this is simply recreational, although I don't know how much 'fun' it is to simply hand money to the collector - because, really, that's all there is to this event. I suppose this is cheaper/better odds than playing alone - but I wouldn't up and purchase lotto tickets on my own.

Anyhow, I'm rambling. I have raised said concerns to my coworkers multiple times, but the only response I've gotten is that if I drop out and they lotto, they will have no sympathy for me, I will have missed out on my cut of the money, they will be sitting on a beach, thinking of me still going in to the office on a beautiful day and laughing at my poor self. So I suppose, that, alone, is motivation to stay in the pool.

I am curious - are my readers part of their workplaces' group lottery/football pools/etc? Is it worthwhile? How much does it add up to at the end of the year? Has anyone actually won? Should I continue to 'play'?

St. Louis Weekend

Little did I know I'd run into more than one old friend in the good old STL.

Hilarity

So, from my work, I often get a lot of good tchotchkes from my friends Burt and Erin on the movie desks. I have a 27 Dresses pullover, a Batman tank top, a New in Town t-shirt, etc. Well, earlier in the week I was digging through my desk and discovered quite possibly the BEST one yet, courtesy of my desk's previous occupant.

I am not sure what movie it's from - I think maybe Kinsey or something. Please note the dimensions of the ruler.

Facebook Knows Me Better Than Blogspot....

The ads that come up for me on facebook:

--Single and Love Dancing?



--All the Writing Ladies



--The Daily Dog



Looks like facebook has been taking some cues from the Chicago Dianetics Society. It's pretty safe to say I'm being stalked.