Sunday, June 7, 2009

Tony Tony!

I'm watching the Tony Awards now, and loving it! Check back later in the week for a running commentary (and perhaps some clips if I can find them).

But may I add, if Neil Patrick Harris doesn't sing, I will be very sad! :(

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Solid Like Barack

I should really be in bed right now, but I wanted to make sure that I got this done today, because it is a such a historic day.

Today was amazing for me. I am not a very political person, I fully admit it. But something about Barack Obama had me rooting for him from day 1. This is the first time that I actually voted for someone instead of against someone.

Yesterday I watched the concert for the inauguration celebration and spent most of the time in tears (yes, I cry very easily) because I was so moved by the concert and what people had to say.

I love that this election represents so much more than any other recent election. Watching this concert, it occurred to me that Obama really has become a symbol of unity. It's not just the African-American population, but everyone. From all walks of life. Somehow, his presidency has already become a symbol of unity and hope.

For the first time, I see people becoming passionate about the government and politics (myself included). So many people I know just didn't care before, and they do now. Even my students care, as much as they can. They studied him, they recognize him, they voted in our mock-election, and today they watched him make history. Some of them even paid attention!

It's going to be difficult to live up to everyone's expectations, but I somehow feel that he is up to the challenge.

Hail to the chief, indeed.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Resolved

Every year around this time, everyone talks about New Years resolutions. I've never been much for resolutions. While I appreciate the sentiment, it's not really something I've ever been interested in doing. My philosophy is that if you want to change something about your life, change it. Don't wait for a new year. Start now. I admire those who make them and follow through, but it's not something I've ever done.

But today my yoga instructor said some great things (she usually does). She said to make tiny, small changes; not big, grand, lofty goals. Maybe spend one month on one tiny thing. When that's going well, add something else.

So this year? It's all about the tiny changes. For example: this week I am going to keep my kitchen clean for the whole week. That's it. That's my goal. No dishes left in the sink.

Also this week? I'm going to the gym tomorrow. That's my goal - to go to the gym tomorrow.

Next week? Who knows. I'll take it in baby steps.

Have a healthy and happy 2009.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Giving Thanks

I'm generally a very reflective and introspective person. I've always got a lot going on inside my head, most of which I don't tend to share with other people.

(Hence, the anonymous blog.)

So naturally, I am always thinking about my life; what I've got and what I'm missing. Mostly what I've got, though. I try to stay positive.

But I don't always share these musings. So now, I present to you: The Second Annual List of Things to be Thankful for! It's only a little delayed from Thanksgiving.

First up, and most importantly, FAMILY.

Seriously, where would I be without these amazing people?? My two amazing nephews, and my beautiful niece. They are my everything, and I love them more than I can say. And I just have to point out that my niece called me by name this weekend! Two down, one to go!

But it's not just them, it's my siblings too. They are wonderful people who are always there for me. And I'm not just saying that because they actually read this blog (at least, I think they do!) My parents too, have been nothing but supportive and wonderful. I owe a lot to my upbringing by them.

Other things to be thankful for:

* the 2008 election - go Obama!
* my wonderful, amazing, one-of-a-kind class - the best class I've ever had, so I'm going to enjoy it!
* co-workers who keep me laughing day in and out (and students who keep me laughing as well)
* job security - in this market, it's nice to know that I will always have a job - and a good one at that!
* my health
* amazon.com, for being my main mode of holiday shopping this year and keeping me well clear of all malls
* Target, my other shopping haven (sadly, located in a mall, but at least I don't have to step foot in the rest of the mall to go there)
* reusable grocery bags - seriously, I've reduced my plastic usage by about 90% since I started using those, it's amazing!
* my new hot water pot, that allows me a mug of decaf green tea every morning (in my reusable mug, of course!)
* the hipness of being green - I love that people think it's cool to be environmentally friendly!
* books that hook me and enter me into another world
* this blog, which gives me a writing outlet, but also serves as an excellent procrastination tool for when I should be writing research papers *ahem*
* January 20th, when our new president takes office - oh wait, did I say that one already??
* my updated iPod touch, and the plethora of free apps available for my downloading pleasure - next up, iPhone!!
* technology, in general
* music that makes me happy - currently Ben Folds Five, Imogen Heap & Frou Frou, Feist, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Regina Spektor, and the Twilight soundtrack
* Radiohead, which gets its own category - I can't stop listening to it!

And the list goes on and on. And on and on, I'm sure, because I will writing this research paper for the next 10 days. So I will probably write tons more.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Off the Grid

So, I've been a little off the grid for the past week. It's not unusual for me to cut myself off from the outside world for a day or two. I go to work, interact with people there, then go home and hole myself up in my safe little haven of my own condo. Sometimes I get phone calls, sometimes I refuse to answer.

It's just how I am. It's how I deal.

So, like I said, it's not unusual. For a day or two.

But recently I went off the grid for a whole WEEK! From Thursday to Thursday, there was no talking to me. Of course, I made my public appearances at work, and Thanksgiving and all of that, but the whole time I was just waiting until I could make my escape.

The reason?? Stephenie Meyers.

Oh yes, the author of the Twilight saga.

If you've been paying even the slightest bit of attention (or even if you haven't), you've heard of this phenomenon among teenage girls. It's now even a major motion picture! I had heard of the books, a lot of my friends had read them and loved them, so they were on my radar. Then the movie came out, and the books were everywhere! Out of curiosity, I picked up the first one, Twilight, at Target and bought it.

That night at 10:00, I figured I'd read for 30 minutes then go to bed.

30 minutes passed. Then an hour. Then two. Suddenly it was 1:00 in the morning, and I still didn't want to put the book down!!

Needless to say, I am obsessed. I have now read all four books, and have even started to read the whole series all over again. (And it's not just because the main character happens to share my pseudonym. I had it first!)

When I'm not reading, I'm thinking about them. Seriously. Those books get in your head.

So yes, I am embracing my inner 14 year old girl, and I suggest you do the same.

Oh, and if you've read the books already, then I suggest you check out this. You'll be glad you did.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Hope

It's been awhile, but a long time ago I wrote about my student Mark, and his love of The Kitten. Well, The Kitten had a good long run (seriously, about 18 months!), and is currently on the back burner. I have the feeling it will make the occasional comeback, but will never be the main attraction. His new love?

Obama.

Seriously.

We studied the election all October, learned about Obama and McCain, talked about the president, etc. Well, Mark took a liking to Obama immediately. I don't know if it was something he got from home, or something he developed at school, but he walked around the room every day muttering to himself about Obama and the president, and who knows what else.

He had been asking for the picture for a long time, and I told him that if Obama won the election he could have a copy.

Lucky for Mark (and me!), the picture is now his.

But, in all seriousness, I am ecstatic. Besides being from Chicago, there was always something that I really liked about Obama. I'm not one to talk about politics, read about politics, etc,. but I have to say that I followed this whole election from the early stages.

Watching Obama win felt amazing to me; it's really the first time I've ever been really invested in a candidate. I always vote, but rarely feel passionate about a particular person.

The election this year gave me hope. Hope for a brighter future. This campaign was based on hope instead of fear.

I'm glad that Obama will take the Oval Office, and I'm glad that he is there to provide hope for ALL people.

Even for stunted, growly-voiced, autistic teenagers who carry around laminated pictures of kittens.



Monday, October 13, 2008

Dr. Procrastinator: Or How I Learned to Stop Wasting Time and Start Loving the Research Article

Aaannnd it's time for more procrastination.

Let's make a list of all things that I did today instead of doing my research articles. (although, I did get two done. Yes, that's right, I said two. Of the ten.)

1. Played piano
2. Blogged
3. Did the dishes
4. Read Television without Pity
5. Watched two episodes of Deadwood
6. Cross-stitched
7. Played many games of Spider Solitare
8. Fixed all the artists and albums in my iTunes that were inconsistent (Across the Universe vs. Across The Universe. Trust me, it's been driving me nuts for awhile)
9. While fixing my iTunes, discovered that some of my album covers didn't fill the whole screen. My OCD also compelled me to fix this
10. Read some of my book (Eldest, I just bought the third book of the cycle and wanted to read the whole thing before getting to Brisingr)
11. Checked facebook a few times
12. Posted on Teacher Chat
13. Listened to lots of music

Oh gee, look at the time! Chuck is on TV! Let the procrastination continue!

Procrastination

Procrastination makes it happen
Procrastination, working together (dig it)

That's my own take on a Sesame Street ditty from my childhood.

It's also the theme of the week.

I have this big, HUGE research paper looming over my head for grad school. It's going to take my entire semester and will be a big, stressful pain in the butt.

Now, in order to accomplish this, I have to actually do some research. (Yeah, imagine that, research!) More specifically, read and report on ten research articles related to my topic. That's due a week from Wednesday. I've had a three day weekend with no big plans (just a haunted house last night), and next weekend I am visiting my sister and the lovable twins.

So really, I should just suck it up and get most of it done this weekend, right? Right???

Wrong!

Every time I see the screen of the article review template staring at me, I immediately want to do something else, anything else. I swear, I would rather unpack my boxes that have been sitting there for 3 months that I haven't even considered unpacking. I would rather go to the gym. I would rather wash my dishes, do the laundry, sort my stash of beads into colors, just about ANYTHING other than write this paper.

It's my curse. I cannot focus on a task until I am down to the wire. It's like some kind of calendar-controlled ADD. When I am close to a due date, I have no problems focusing. I can sit and bang out a 10 page paper the day before it's due. But if I sit down three days before, it's suddenly time to file my nails.

So basically this blog just serves as another form of procrastination. Thanks guys, for being an enabler.

OK, I'm going to organize the cleaning supplies under my sink.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

TV Junkie

In addition to being a techno junkie, I am also a TV junkie.

Yes, my secret is out.

Actually, it's not really a secret for anyone who knows me, but I don't think people know the full extent of my couch-potato-tude. At least I hope they don't.

So anyway, here's my take on the new TV to grace our airwaves and the ridiculously long list of things I'm currently watching. Think of it as a List, but for TV instead.

Feel free to skim it, as it's an embarrassingly long list.

Mondays:
Chuck: Best. Show. On. TV. (you expected me to say "Ever." didn't you? Well, sorry, that title belong to Veronica Mars.) But seriously, Chuck is great. A hot nerd who fights bad guys and fixes computers? Sign me up! I missed it desperately after the strike, but Chuck is back and better (and hotter) than ever!
Gossip Girl: A little bit of a guilty pleasure (trust me, I have guiltier ones!), this show is entertaining and mindless and makes me happy to have had the childhood I had.
How I Met Your Mother: I'm not really a sitcom person (except for The Office), but this show is amazing. Sadly, my Mondays are so packed that my DVR can't handle it, so this is one that I watch online.
Heroes: Big shocker, but I love this show! Sure, it's had its down moments, but I expect to to bounce back soon. Plus, it has Kristen Bell, so what else do I need?
The Hills: Umm . . . what? How did that show get there? I don't watch such drivel, I swear!! (scoffs at the notion of watching such staged drama)

Tuesdays:
Fringe: Not sure about this one yet. I love me some J.J. Abrams, but I'm not in love with this one yet. I have serious issues with the lead female, Anna Torv. I'll give it a few more weeks, then we'll see if I drop it or keep it.
90201: I tuned it out of curiosity, but I am done now. Consider it dropped.
Privileged: I fully expected to watch one episode and dump it, but (sadly) I just might be hooked on this. I love the main character, (played by) Joanna Garcia, and think it has some potential.
Eli Stone: This show had an eh beginning, but really hit its stride later on in the season. I can't wait for the premiere on Tuesday and expect great things!

Wednesdays:
America's Next Top Model: Wait, what? Another sub-par show to make my list? Who's sneaking this stuff in here anyway??
Pushing Daisies: To be honest, I don't love this show. I feel like I should. Lee Pace, Kristin Chenowith, silliness, brilliant sets and cinematography, etc. Yet, every week I debate dumping it. And every week I tell myself, "try one more week." It may be close to the time when I give up. I should love it though, right?
Project Runway: This one I feel no shame about. It's a great show, and with very talented people. I'm rooting for Leanne next week!

Thursdays:
Smallville: I don't know why I'm hanging in for this show. It hasn't been good in years. But after watching five season on Netflix (gotta love Netflix!), I couldn't very well give up on seasons 6 and 7. My only consolation is that this is probably the last season. Plus, Tom Welling is hot and Chloe rocks.
Ugly Betty: This is another one I consider dropping, but it's not as likely as me dropping Pushing Daisies. Seriously, Marc and Amanda rule, and I would miss those two.
The Office: Amazing. Seriously, I have nothing else to say.

Fridays:
Crusoe: It hasn't premiered yet, and the lack of promotions and press is troublesome (translation: this show is not long for this world and it hasn't started yet), but I will be tuning in. I have a love of Sean Bean, and will be tuning in (almost) solely for him.
The Ex List: It's only been two episodes, and I'm not sure about this one yet. It may not be long for my DVR.

Sundays:
The Simpsons: One of my all-time favorites shows (I mean, it's been on for almost 20 years!!), this show always has a special place in my heart.
Entourage: This season is shaping out to be much better than last season, which is good. Just give Vince a job, already.

Other Shows:
Lost: It starts in January, but with only two seasons left, I'm dying to see how all the mysteries unfold.
Flight of the Conchords: Even if it just has one more season, it will be worth it. This show is hilarious. Hilarious.
My Boys: Another sitcom I actually watch. It just got a fourth season (yay) and starts in the spring/summer. I suspect that I love it for its blatant love of Chicago, where I grew up.
Dollhouse: Not sure when it starts, but all I need to know is this: Joss Whedon. 'Nuff said.
So You Think You Can Dance: This was a new addition this summer, but I absolutely love it! Plus, it's on when nothing else is on TV, so it makes it perfect. I was rooting for Joshua the whole time, I'm happy he won it!

So yeah, after reading this, it's not hard to imagine why I have absolutely no life. What can I say? I spend my entire day being perky and social and teacher-ish, and when I get home I just want to crash and veg and not think. Movies and TV are my escape.

So enjoy the fall TV. If you're so inclined, let me know what you are currently watching!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Grocery Madness

Today I was shopping at the grocery store, and I got blatantly checked out.

The funny thing is, I didn't have work today (Happy New Year to the Jewish folk out there!), so I was totally lazy and unshowered, and perhaps wearing the same t-shirt that I wore last night at yoga (perhaps, said t-shirt had been on since said yoga . . . I plead the fifth). So my dirty, unshowered, hair piled-up-on-the-top-of-my-head-to-(poorly)-disguise-the-dirtiness-of-my-hair-do self got checked out.

There's no accounting for taste.