A New Way of Life....

So, as most of my readers know, I recently moved. Very recently. As in this past weekend.

Anyhow. That is partially my excuse for not blogging. I had to pack up, move all the stuff to the new apt, clean out the old apartment, unpacking the stuff in the new apartment (well, this hasn't been done yet).

Today was a milestone. Today I got internet, cable, and, for the first time in my life, DVR. I've been told my life will be forever revolutionized.

On the "To Buy" list - plates, bowls, utensils, food, a couch, a rug, a table, a bathmat, a shower curtain...hey, this is my first time living alone.

Anyhow. So far, so good. Pretty soon, I'll be back to my normal blogging habits. Stay tuned.

P.S. A certain unnamed building management company better give me and my roommate at least 90% of our security deposit back...or ELSE.

You Can Stand Under My Umbrella....

So it's raining today in Chicago. This is far from unusual.

Now, I have an umbrella. Usually, it is, ironically, sitting in my apartment or car during the burst of a rainstrom. However, there are times I have it with me at just the right time. However...sometimes, it almost doesn't even seem worth it to get it out of my bag. Does anyone else feel this way? It's not as though an umbrella completely protects a person from water - so unless it's a complete and total downpour, or I have plans to stand outside for a long period of time, the umbrella almost doesn't seem worth it. There's times I've walked to the el with my umbrella in my bag and just didn't take it out. Strangers offered to hold their umbrella over me and I felt like a thug because I had mine, I just wasn't into making the effort of pulling it out of my bag and pressing the little button - exhausting, I know. Maybe I have a faulty umbrella with holes in it or something. Hmm.

Anyone else feel the way I do?

Ahh, Toilet Seat Covers!

Ok - so now, let me ask - what's the deal with the paper toilet seat covers? Do people actually use them?

Well, I ask this because I notice in the public bathrooms at my work, people are using them. I hear the paper rustling.

Now, I'm all about being sanitary, especially in a public bathroom. However - do these really make this 'situation' more sanitary? I feel like one accumulates extra germs by touching and placing the toilet seat covers. Anyhow. Some people clearly make use of these EVERY single trip.

Your thoughts? Is this post too gross? Are you considering unsubscribing from this blog after this post?

A Fine Line?

So there's an old expression that goes 'there's a fine line between love and hate'. I googled it and found some discussion boards, which had some varied responses on the matter. Some people felt there was a fine line between love and like, or dislike and hate, but a large distance between love and hate.

Now, I do believe there's times when we can hate someone without the love component. For example, if, hypothetically speaking, someone were to hit my car and drive away without leaving a note, I would hate that person, but there would be no love to it. That, and I do believe we can hate someone like a coworker or a friend's boyfriend without the fine line. Although, this might be more of a strong dislike than a hate, depending on the situation.

The bottom line, though, is that a person has to CARE to hate someone. However, when it comes to people we at one point cared about - say, a family member, a friend, or a former lover - I do believe this statement rings true loud and clear. Indifference is the opposite of love (and hate, I suppose). I think it's the case for pretty much everyone we hate that we at one point in our lives didn't. I can definitely think of some examples in my own life.

Now, granted, I think that, with most of these people, my hate/dislike for them is legitimate - they betrayed/disappointment me in some way, and that's the basis for it - not just bitterness, as some would infer. However, I think the fact that I cared for them at one point is really what it's about. I think this is where my passionate hatreds lie (not that I have many). If someone you don't expect much from in the first place screws you, there's no shock factor to it, therefore there's no time wasted wondering 'Is there something I did to deserve this? Is there something I could have done differently? How was I so foolish? If only I would have....'

Anyhow. Your thoughts? Is there a fine line between love and hate? Agree or disagree?

For the Sixteenth Time, no, I do not Think You're Obsessive!

As I was surfing the web for reviews and critiques of various ad campaigns to see if my views are in line with the general public, I came across a site that refers to my least favorite campaign as 'the Old Navy dummies'.

He. He. He.

Jerry Seinfeld Raises an Interesting Point

"When you're in your thirties, it's very hard to make a new friend. Whatever the
group is that you've got now, that's who you're going with. You're not
interviewing, you're not looking at any new people, you're not interested in
seeing any applications. They don't know the places. They don't know the food.
They don't know the activities. If I meet a guy in a club on the gym or
some place - I'm sure you're a very nice person, you seem to have a lot of
potential, but we're just not hiring right now.

Of course when you're a kid, you can be friends with anybody. Remember when you were a little kid what were the qualifications? If someone's in front of my house NOW, that's my friend! They're my friend. That's it. Are you a grown up? No. Great! Come on in. Jump up and down on my bed. And if you have anything in common at all, You like Cherry Soda? I like Cherry Soda! We'll be best friends!"

Generally speaking - am I the only one who agrees that making actual, serious friends in adulthood is pretty difficult? Feel free to mock me on this one, but I think I'm not alone. I'm not talking friends as in coworkers, aquaintances, etc., but serious friendships - people you voluntarily see regularly. People a person could call at 4 am. People who would drive you to the airport. People who would help a person move (....).

Anyhow. Is it just me? I feel like it's easy to drift apart/lose touch/have falling outs with people - but is it easy to acquire new people into the group. Also, people live in other parts of the country or are in different stages of their lives, so it's harder to stay close. I feel like I know a lot of people who have claimed they feel like they don't have many friends any more and that their significant other is one of the only people they spend time with. Is it difficult to keep/make friends during adulthood? Are everyone's groups of friends pretty much set? Your thoughts.

Things That Happen on TV but not in Real Life

So anon raised an interesting point. On Clarissa Explains It All, Clarissa's best friend Sam used to frequently enter through her second story bedroom window via a ladder.

This wasn't unique to CEIA. This happened frequently on Saved By The Bell (Zack visiting Jessie, etc.) and Dougie Houser. I know this happened regularly on other shows too - I'm having a bit of trouble thinking of them at the moment. (Please feel free to help me out here.)

I am highly, highly confident this falls into the wonderful category of 'only on tv' (like leaving a man at the altar, running in to stop the wedding, stopping someone from getting on a plane - again, I'm leaving some out, help me out on this one). Please feel free to correct me if you do, indeed, know someone personally who regularly uses a second story window as an entrance in lieu of the front door.

Do these people live in a world where this isn't a safety concern? Hmm, an open window that an adult can easily maneuver in and out of with a ladder propped up in the near vicinity? Yeah, it seems fine to leave it like that unattended at all hours of the day, no worries here. Also, what about window screens? These people clearly lived in communities not only void of burglars but also void of all bugs. Seriously, I'd have liked to have seen the episode of Clarissa Explains it All that took place during cicada season.

That, and did these people not experience winter? I know a lot of TV shows are set in California, but still, there had to be some chilly days, I might imagine. Or at least days of rain. It seemed as though bad weather never struck at an inopportune time. Again, I'm not sure where the show was set, but it clearly wasn't in the Chicagoland area. That window was ALWAYS open. There was never a moment when the ladder flew up and cracked the glass. THAT would have been some 'must see tv'. That, and while we're talking, roughly, children and teens entering through second story windows - were all the parents ok with this? The parents of the children who climbed through the window and the parents who owned the home that contained said window - no one saw a concern of potential damage to the house/a possible broken arm (and maybe a lawsuit to boot)? Again - NOW we're talking must see tv.

Anyhow. Does anyone out there know anyone who actually had a friend who climbed through the window regularly?

Quote From an Email Forward

This quote applies to me a little TOO well....

Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

This is why I went private on Facebook.

Moving!!!!

So, as most of my loyal readers know, I am moving. Out on my own. For the first time. Eek! I can't wait!

I know for sure I am painting at least one wall purple. I am not sure what my other color is going to be - I am thinking about maroon, maybe because, for the first time in like 7 years, I won't be living with a Sigma Kappa so I might start going through withdrawals.

Anyhow.

It took me a long time to find the right apartment. I must have looked at practically 10 different units. In the end, I ended up going with the first apartment I looked at - go figure. In the process of finding my new digs, I found that finding the right apartment can be like finding the right man.

--Some that aren't taken aren't taken for a reason
--One must realize that no one would ever be perfect and meet all of her needs
--The questions 'should I take something tolerable or hold out for what I really want' and 'what if I don't find anything better' arose multiple times
--Sometimes, the right one was there the whole time, after all

Anyhow - I'm super excited about this new place. A week and a half from now, I'll probably be complaining about it for one reason or another - again - kind of like with a man. I digress. Pictures of the new apt to come soon.

One of the Google Ads that Came Up....

Geek 2 Geek Dating
A Geek You Can Love is Nearby Meet & date other geeks
www.Gk2gk.com


Should I be offended? Are any of my readers interested in this site?

Agree or Disagree?

Emily raised an interesting point:

(in regards to Clarissa Darling/Melissa Joan Hart)

....she was so much more cuter as a kid than she is now. Same thing happened to stephanie tanner. I had high hopes for those two.

Stephanie, before:



Stephanie, after:



Clarissa, before:



Clarissa, after:



Your thoughts?

Old Navy Mannequins, Part 467

Ok. The Old Navy mannequin commercials are GETTING WORSE. It's like a train wreck, only I have no problem looking away. Pregnant mannequins? Naked mannequins? Mannequins losing body parts? Yuck, yuck and triple yuck.

A lot of people are afraid of clowns. I lump these into the same category. They are nightmare inducing for small children and people like me.

Again, perhaps there is something successful about these commercials because they are noticable, memorable and identifiable for their specific brand. Sometimes bad commercials are great for business. I am curious to see Old Navy's sales reports after this campaign. Does anyone know if Old Navy's sales are up the past couple months? Does anyone ACTUALLY LIKE these commercials? Anyone not hate them? Thoughts? Please discuss....

Clarissa Explains It All....

So it was announced today that Melissa Joan Hart will be a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. When I was growing up, I love love LOVED her on Clarissa Explains it All. I kind of wanted to be Clarissa. I kind of thought I was. In fact, that's kind of what this blog is: Jaime Explains It All.

Although I consider this a guilty pleasure, almost every girl I know in my age bracket who grew up with cable at the very least kind of liked this show. Who is with me on this? Who remembers Clarissa? Who watched Clarissa? Who will be cheering for Melissa because of this?

Making People Self-Conscious

So I spoke to a good friend and loyal blog reader today - she commented to me (in person, not on the blog) that there were a couple of posts (about relationships) in which she thought I was referring to her.

I wasn't.

Generally speaking, when I refer to a friend, I will tag said individual in the bottom section. Or, I will, at the very least, specifically say 'a friend of mine raised a point/is in a certain situation....'

However, I do realize a lot of topics I discuss on this blog (guys and girls being friends, people living together, dating in general, people having babies, etc.) could mirror the lives of my friends. This is purely coincidental. Actually, I discuss general topics that usually pertain to people in my age group (such a friendships and relationships), so it's not uncommon for there to be overlap in my social circle.

Anyhow. There you go!

Just Wondering....

Does anyone (well, over the age of 12) use pencils any more? I saw a couple of boxes of them at work and I couldn't help but wonder....

Dork is the New Black?

So my friend Jenn raised an interesting point on my post about people claiming they were dorks growing up:

"I tend to make this claim every now and then. I was a dork in H.S. But the fact that I was a dork then, doesn't mean I have transformed into something else now. I'm content (and maybe sometimes proud) that I was, am, and forever will be a dork. I guess the shock factor in my case is that I was even MORE of a dork in H.S. It's hard to believe. Could I beeee any more dorkier?! (I dropped that 'Friends' reference for you. ;) ) "

Thank you for the comment, Friends reference and new blog topic all at once, Jenn.

Now, in my previous post, I was moreso referring to people who say things such as "OMG, I was the biggest dork in high school. Can you EVER believe it?!" in the sense of 'I'm so good-looking, likeable and have so many friends, how could any group of people have ever misjudged me in such a way?!?!'

However, the more I think about it, there are a LOT of people who claim dorkhood (if you will), but not in a "BUT LOOK AT ME NOW!" kind of sense. In fact, I can think of a lot of good friends who make such claims in a completely matter-of-fact sense. The more I think about it, the 'I am/was a dork' claim is really rather pervasive all of a sudden.

Why is that? Are there more dorks out there than we anticipated? What percentage of the population is/was once a dork? It would seem as though it's like 75% of the population. Is 'dork' developing a positive connotation? I personally kind of think people started publicly proclaiming their 'dorkhood' because a) it was different and b) relays some level of being comfortable with oneself ('I might not go with the flow and people might judge me for it, but that's OK'), but I think now it's reached a point of being the trendy thing to do. Is being a dork the new hot thing right now?

That, and what does it really mean to be a dork? Is it having an interest in academics? Is it having an interest in some odd niche subjects? Is it abstaining from bad behavior? Is it being shy/quiet? Is it not being popular?

Please people. Elaborate on this.

Weird Dream, Part 893

Ok, so I had a dream last night that I was shopping for art (perhaps for my new apartment). This isn't odd in the least of ways because I was just thinking about the fact that I really have no artwork whatsoever and I'm going to need to put SOMETHING on my wall. So I have been thinking about buying a piece or two. Anyhow.

In the dream, right before I woke up, I was holding a piece that was bright pink and purple and glitterly - highly, highly gaudy. Actually, I personally thought it was pretty, but not appropriate for an adult apartment. It kind of reminded me of something I would like back in high school.

Now, again, the only thing about this dream that really stuck with me was the fact that I remember it very clearly. I decided to do some research on dreams about art. Here's what I found (per google).

Art Gallery

To dream that you are in an art gallery (well, it was a place with multiple pieces of art, so close enough), represents your past experiences. Something in your past is having an impact in your current situation. Alternatively, the dream may be telling you that you need to capture some moment and preserve it.

HMM.

How Facebook Has Changed Things....

Ok, so the other day, a good friend of mine mentioned her upcoming 5 year college reunion, which got me thinking....

(Editor's Sidenote: I do not know if my college has a 'five year reunion', but even if so, I won't be going, unless a group of my college friends plans on attending all together. I cannot imagine my graduating class of, say, 7,000 all running around bumping into each other saying 'oh, hey, how's it been?' or, more likely 'do I know you? have we ever met?' Anyhow.)

I will, in the semi-near future, have a high school reunion coming up. (I do, at this point, fully acknowledge it hasn't been 10 years since I graduated. Just sayin'.)

However, at this point in time - with facebook, I pretty much know what everyone from high school (and basically, the past, in general) is up to because of facebook!! Granted, all the people I was actually close to, I am still in touch with and could see if I wanted to, so I don't need a 'reunion' to get reacquainted with these individuals. My main motivation for going to a reunion would be to find out what all the other people I'd lost touch with are doing these days. However, based on facebook, I know this already! So, I ask this - what, really, is the point of the high school reunion any more?

Yet Another Pet Peeve...

Ok, this has got to be one of my biggest ones....

When people say 'I was the BIGGEST DORK back in high school'. Why do I hate this? Well, apparently, some hollywood bigshot superstar(s) years ago thought this was a clever/kitchy thing to say for some reason, and now pretty much EVERY FAMOUS PERSON has claimed this. The uniqueness/shock factor has worn off - I am actually ready for a famous person to claim she was the prom queen and be shocked at this point.

Anyhow.

I guess what irritates me the most, per se, is that when a person says something to the extent of 'you might be surprised to learn I was a huge dork growing up', the implication is "I think I'm REALLY hot shit now!" I've heard this not only from hollywood bigshots but also from everyday people I see and meet. In fact, for quite a few of them - and I don't mean this in a bad way in the least of ways - but I'm really NOT surprised. In fact, there's a couple people I've heard claim this where, to be honest, I couldn't really picture it any other way - yet they still made the statement blatantly looking for some 'shock value'.

In fact, I think I've officially decided that the next time someone says 'I was a huge dork growing up, doesn't that surprise you?', I think my response is gonna be 'No, I can so totally see it".

For Illinois Tollway Drivers....

...ok, I'm just curious - we all heard the threats on the news/in the newspapers/in email forwards - in the new road construction zones on I-294, I-90, etc., if a person is caught driving OVER 45 MPH, the magic cameras will catch him/her and he/she will be the recipient of a $375 fine the first time, a $1000 fine the second time and possibly jail time the third time!! Supposedly, if one is caught going ONE MILE OVER 45, he or she will receive a ticket - NO EXCEPTIONS!! A big freakin' deal has been made out of this.

Now, let me tell you, I have been on said interstates multiple times since when this law went into effect (July 1, I believe). I have TRIED to slow down to 45. However, I have noticed that when I do, ALL OF THE CARS around me are passing me like I'm sitting still. In fact, I haven't really even been able to get it all the way down to 45. However, I can tell you that every car around me was going MUCH MUCH faster, so I can't imagine my having been singled out for a ticket under these circumstances.

Anyhow. Is this being as strictly enforced as they once threatened? If yes, I imagine the state of Illinois is making a FORTUNE off this. If not, why the empty threat? I mean, I get it, but why was such a big deal made out of this moreso than anything else? Has anyone been on the receiving end of one of these supposed brutal tickets? How long will these 45-zones be going on for? Please do share.

Jaime's Top 5 Dances of SYTYCD, Season 5

Ok. #1 - Kayla and Kupono in the addiction piece. (see below).

#2


#3


#4


#5

Can Guys and Girls be Friends? Part 2

Ok. So I've decided to re-explore this subject, since it seems to be one of my posts that got a good amount of feedback. The feedback got me thinking some more. I think I may have changed my answer (and the question, a bit).

Another potential complication has come to mind. Here's the problem I see - do I believe a guy and girl can get close to each other, emotionally, and enjoy spending time with each other without necessarily wanting to be more than friends? Yes. I mean, if one of them can, then why can't both of them?

However, I think, also, people having fragile egos comes into play. For example - I think both a girl and a guy can be fine with their own not wanting more than a friendship with the other, however, they might both be offended at the notion that the other party doesn't want them.

Now, I don't mean this in a funny way, but when I think of the hypothetical completely platonic guy friend, I am perfectly comfortable with my not wanting more than a friendship with him. And, in theory, it's ideal for him to feel the same way I do - to not want more than a friendship (otherwise, things can and would be awkward).

However. If I were to stop and think of the fact that this person enjoys spending time with me and feels comfortable confiding in me - to stop and think that this person, for some reason, doesn't want me in that regard can be a slight blow to the ego (for some people, at least). Is it that this person simply isn't attracted to me? That's totally fine - I certainly wouldn't expect a guy to be attracted to me just because he's a a guy and I'm a girl. However, even though I might not be attracted to him, even though I probably don't want him to be attracted to me, there's something a little frustrating about having to stop and think that this person, for some reason, knows me well and specifically doesn't want me.

Anyhow. I think at the base of a lot of these male/female friendships is:
a) one person is in a relationship so the complication of 'why aren't we dating' doesn't come into play
b) the two, at one point, dated and it didn't work out for some reason - so neither party can be offended that one deems the other 'undateable'
c) one member of the friendship suspects (or flat-out knows) the other party wants more; therefore the insecurity of not being wanted doesn't come into play
d) one member of the friendship flat-out wants the other party so much that the whole basis of the friendship is trying to transition it into more

Anyhow. Your thoughts? Is it possible to not only not want your opposite sex friend, but also be ok with your opposite sex friend not wanting you?

Editor's sidenote: As I've said before - I have a couple good guy friends (who read this blog, at least I hope). I do believe guys and girls can be friends, and I have enjoyed said friendships so much that I have not let my fragile ego and the point I raise in this blog get in the way. Anyhow.

My Favorite Dance of the SYTYCD Season

I Drank the Kool-Aid

I joined twitter. Please follow me.

Drama!!

So Paula's out and Kara's in.

I don't think this was a wise decision. Whether or not Paula "made this decision herself", it's pretty obvious her hand was forced. And I don't think the 'puppermaster' on this one is thinking.

Both of these woman are equally worthless in the charisma department. Kara is supposedly some music industry seasoned-veteran, but Paula Abdul is better known. And more importantly, Paula has more entertainment value. One can laugh at (not with) her. Right now Kara's just plain blah and boring. If she starts saying 'listen dawg', she might as well be Randy Jackson. She needs to start taking drugs or something to up her humor ante, otherwise she might as well not be there.

So You Think You Can Dance...the Finale!!

My favorite remaining dancers....


Brandon.
I've never REALLY been able to 'connect' with him, I guess you would say, but of these four, he's far and away the best.


Kayla.
Good. Something about her bugs me. Maybe it's partially the judges shoving her down everyone's throats. And her mediocre solos. But really really great in the addiction and affair pieces.


Jeanine.
I just don't like her. I don't know why. I'm sorry. She's nicely versatile but not an outstanding contemporary dancer. She certainly isn't good enough to win, in my opinion. She should NOT finish ahead of where Katee Shean finished last year. Just sayin'.


Evan.
Nice but does not belong in the finale. And I think America realizes that.

New Home?

Ok - so so very very very sorry - I know I am way overdue to update this blog and that I have not done a good job this past weekend. I have been apartment shopping - in my defense. It has taken up a large quantity of my time. In my defense, I have somehow unfortunately missed out on a lot of the things that take up my time - refreshing facebook compulsively, emailing Emily, checking up on celeb gossip, etc. So it wasn't just this blog that got neglected.

However, fingers crossed - it looks like I might have a promising lead. It was, ironically enough, the first apartment I looked at. I guess, after seeing what was out there, I didn't realize how great it was. Anyhow, somehow, it was right there waiting for me. It's like running back to your first boyfriend or something crazy like that. The more I think about it, it was perfect in every way (price, location, size), but I'll probably have some complaints about it in nothing short. Anyhow. The right one was there the whole entire time - funny how it works out that way sometimes. Sigh.