You're on Notice

In this addition of "You're on Notice", we are going to be taking on some varied and interesting topics, so sit back and enjoy!

"Accidents"
I am really sick and tired of people describe how the got pregnant as an accident because I don't get it (this could potentially be a cross post of things I don't get). How can something like that be an accident - especially if you aren't using any form of birth control?! For someone in my situation this is obviously much more annoying than to the average bear. I hear it though and my blood boils. "We weren't even trying!" "It was such a surprise!" "It was just an accident!". In my honest and most humble opinion, if you weren't using any sort of protections then you really shouldn't be all that surprised and it wasn't really an accident. And if you are still surprised, then maybe someone should have the birds and bees talk with you. My favorite getting pregnant story is this - someone I know stopped taking BC, started taking pre-natal vitamins and when she ended up pregnant she said, "We weren't really even trying!". Really? The lack of BC and prenatal vitamins seem to suggest otherwise. The only time I can except any of these statements is when you have been diligently using BC and you still end up pregnant. Otherwise? It's not an accident. For once, I would love to hear someone say, "We have been trying and it finally happened!"

BP
So I know that everyone and their brother is upset with BP over the oil spill, but some of us have vacations planned to the Florida Panhandle in the very near future. Vacations that have been planned for over a year and can't just be changed at the drop of a hat. No sir. So kindly get off your butts and get to steppin'! Mama wants to go on vacation and enjoy it! Not see black beaches and oily water! At least the house we are staying at is beautiful and has a private pool:


Wal-Mart
Again, I am sure not many people are going to disagree with me here because there is plenty that is wrong with Wal-Mart, but I can just say this? I am cheap and pretty much buy most of my makeup and beauty products from drug stores (gasp!) because I just can't justify spending that much money on things like that. So I found it very irksome that for the past, I don't know, six or seven months that I have run to Wal-Mart looking for my brand of eyeliner they have been sold out each.and.every.time! I don't get it! It's not like they have discontinued it because they have other colors. I refuse to believe that I just keep hitting the store at odd times. I feel as they they have run our nearly seven months ago and they are too lazy to re-stock! Or they don't know. Either I find it very annoying because I refuse to go to Walgreens as they are a good dollar more expensive (did you miss the part where I told you I was cheap??). So kindly stock your shelves Wal-Mart for the cheapies like me.

And surprisingly enough, that is all that is bothering me today!

*Images via garrettrealty.com

And She Reads Too!

So I was thinking that maybe, just maybe, you might be thinking that I am some silly couch potato that only watches TV and comes up for air to get on the internet. But - you would be wrong. Oh so wrong. I read too! Among other things, but I do read. In fact I love to read. I don't know what it is. I think it's the escape into another world. It's being able to leave this world full of harsh reality and escaping into a world of fiction. A world filled with problems that are bigger than yours and that usually come to a happy conclusion. Sometimes it's a world filled will silliness and nonsense, but nonetheless entertaining.

The most recent book that I have read is:

The Hour I First Believed - Wally Lamb

Wally Lamb is an interesting author. He uses a lot of psychological references and his books are based around characters who struggle with mental health issues. I enjoy him as an author and it's interesting to see how a mentally unstable mind can work. His other books, She's Come Undone and I Know this Much is True are also pretty good.

Coming up I plan on reading:

Body Surfing - Anita Shreve

I am just starting to read this book, so I don't really have an opinion yet. I will say that I have read Anita Shreve before and I have liked some of her work. I really enjoyed The Pilot's Wife and Light on Snow, but there have been several of her books that I have tried and just couldn't get into. I haven't really found an author before where this has been the case. I usually really like the body of work or I don't. I am hoping that I like this.

And after that I plan on starting either one of these:

Mommywood and Stori Telling - Tori Spelling

Ugh, for shame, I know. I don't know what it is, but I always feel silly admitting that I like Tori Spelling. Ok, I admit it. I like her and I like her silly reality show and so I will probably like her books too. Ok? There I said it. I think I like her because I spent so many years thinking that she was some stuck up, snotty, rich daddy's girl, wanna-be actress only-famous-because-of-her-daddy, then I watched Tori and Dean and I realized she is down to earth and nothing like I thought she was. There's an important lesson here, don't judge a book by it's cover. Get it? I'm writing about books and judging by it's cover. Yes? No?

Anyway, I'm always looking for new reads so any suggestions would be great!

Pop Culture FANatic

If you haven't noticed, (look around the blog) I am a bit of a pop culture freak. I don't know what it is, but I can hear/read the most random bits of pop culture and it sticks with me like a flu bug. Really, it is trivia in general. You don't want to play me in a trivia game. You really don't. The only other person that I have found that comes to close to my trivia knowledge is my husband (he may even beat me, but only in some areas). I promise I don't have a big head and I'm not bragging, but I'm just telling you what my skills are. Some people are crafty or musically talented, but me? I know my trivia.

That is why, among the many things I am addicted to, I have been addicted to Sporcle. There are several trivia games for several different categories such as TV, movies, history, sports, literature - you get the picture. I promise you have any sort of affinity to trivia or sense of competitivenes you will be hooked on this site.

I was interested when my husband was telling me about this quiz in which you name the 50 states within five minutes. You even have a map to look at! Easy-peazy lemon squeezy, right?


WRONG!! It was just like that episode of Friends in which Ross introduces a game just like this to the friends and he says that you always forget at least two. Chandler insists he can do it and when he doesn't he spends the rest of the episode trying to figure out what he's missed.

So I challenge you. Go and try it. See if you can get them all the first go around. Prove me, Ross and Chandler wrong!

Things I Don't Get

There are very few pop culture phenomena that I don't get. I mean very few. I am usually right on board with most of the popular TV shows, movies, fads, etc. But there are two things that I just don't get. Try as I might, I just don't get them (and I hate not getting something).

The first?

Grey's Anatomy.*

I have never watched this show on any sort of regular basis, but I have seen an episode here and there and maybe because I didn't have the vested interest of already knowing the characters or story lines, but I wasn't impressed. Not even a little bit. And the episodes that I did see? They didn't leave me wanting to see more. To me that is the mark of a good show. You see catch a random episode and suddenly you are hooked. You've never seen it before, but suddenly you want to see the next episode and every episode before it. That's how I found Gilmore Girls and Sex and the City - two of my all time favorite shows. Grey's though? Not so much. I don't know, I guess maybe I am of the been there done that mindset seeing as how hospital dramas have been done - ER and Chicago Hope ring any bells? I just don't get it.

The second?
I'm probably going to shock and dismay people (all two of you that may read this) but here it goes....

The Twilight Saga

Ok, everyone. Let out your big collective gasps and sighs now. Better? Yeah I said it. I don't get Twilight and I have read the books and seen the first movie. But the second and the third? No desire. None. Not even a little. My impression of the whole thing? Silly. When I read the books I found myself interested. I wanted to finish to find out what happened, but overall I found all the characters to be annoying and whiny. The only character I was remotely interested in was Jacob and apparently that makes me a looney tune because how could you NOT LOVE EDWARD?!?! Well I think Edward is an overprotective, possessive, self important lunatic. I don't know why anyone would think he is so dreamy. And all that romantic garbage he spews. Gag. And before you go telling me that I'm not a romantic sap, I want to state that I am not for cheesy romance like writing me a song. Please. If my husband wrote me a song and played it for me on the piano I would die twice from embarrassment. Once for myself and once for him. I'm more of the he-bought-me-flowers-for-Valentine's-Day-and-it-was-surprise-because-we-don't-usually-celebrate-in-that-way type of girl.

Then there is the fact that these books were written for teenage girls. I just find this to be appalling. What are we teaching these girls? Go for the guy you are obsessive over and you spend all day and night thinking/wanting/loving/obsessing over, so much so that you lose yourself and all that you stand before because you are in love. Please. Then the last book. With the sex? Um, what? I just wouldn't want my daughter reading that. Yes, they are married. But for the love of God they have rough sex and there's all this adult innuendo and then the pregnancy? Lord - I can't even begin...

And the movies? May I just say that loathe Kristen Stewart? She is the worst actress EVER and I mean ever. That is a bold statement, but it is true and I know I am not alone on this. For me she ruined the whole thing with all of her broody bad acting. (Let's not mention that she SUCKS at her job, but she makes more money than I will ever hope to see... ever). Other than her terrible acting, the first movie was slow. I don't know how anyone saw it without reading the book and was suddenly interested in the whole thing because I fought sleep the entire time I watched it.

So in closing, I don't mean to offend anyone who loves either of these things. I am sure there are shows and things I am in to that other people don't "get". No harm, no foul I always say.

*Image via www.abc.com. Show and image copyright ABC.

Memories... Like the Corners of My Mind

Didja miss me? But OF COURSE you did!!

What have I been doing in my absence, you ask? Well I have been doing very big and important things.

Okay... maybe not.

What I HAVE been doing is watching an embarrassing amount of this:




And feeling rather nostalgic. I always feel that way during this time of year. I don't know if it's the changing of the season, kids being out of school or what - but I feel nostalgic for my youth. To be young again and not have to worry about jobs, money, babies or anything like that. To have almost three months off with not a care in the world. I feel nostalgic not only for my grade school years, but my high school years and even my college years. To be young.

In order to feed into my nostalgic kick, I have been watching YouTube videos of things that played on the Disney channel circa '95-'01. What are those clips, you ask? Well, of course I will show you!



I loved Zenon - Girl of the 21st Century. It starred Kirsten Storms who later played the "teenage" Belle on Days of Our Lives. John and Marlena went on their honeymoon and she was a baby, the came back, and she's a teen! Amazing.



Wish Upon a Star - one of Katherine Heigl's first movies! You know, before she got all self-righteous.



Lizzie McGuire - this was before they played the crap Hannah Montana. Now this was entertainment and child stars at their finest.



Even Stevens - Where Shia LaBeouf got his start. I have to say I like him much better as an adult, but still...



Flash Forward - I love, love, loved this show! It got me through those awkward middle school days. Bad memories of middle school, but great memories of this show.

All this talking about the past makes me want to search for more oldie but goodie hidden treasures!

Moving! Or New Blog?

Wow... Did I really not write anything in a month? Yes, yes I did. I'm sorry, I have been busy!! Well kinda. Oh let's just admit it, I have been lazy with the blog writing, but I have decided to get back in it. I think that one of the reasons I didn't write so much here is that, while I like TV (maybe a bit too much) I am not inspired by TV. It doesn't motivate me and it's not a dream of mine, so how can I find the motivation to always write about TV? The answer, I can't.

I do have a dream though and that dream is to be a mom. As you have seen in this blog, that is no easy task and so I have decided to write about it. The good, the bad and the ugly (ok, maybe not all the ugly because ewww, TMI and sometimes it makes me a major biotch).

So, if you would like to read about my journey to new blog is: http://www.journeyandthedestination.blogspot.com/

I am thinking about still keeping up with blog, but seeing as I had a hard time keeping up with it as is, I don't know how well that will go. We shall see!

Hopefully I will see you over at It's About the Journey AND the Destination.

Just.... Frustrated

One of my current favorite shows on TV is The Little Couple on TLC. The show follows Bill and Jen - two newlywed little people. I have written about Jen before as I find her to be an inspiring person in more ways than one, and lately that has really been no different. Recently, they have been dealing with starting a family and the reality that Jen physically probably shouldn't carry a child because of her size. While this is totally different than the issues I face with infertility, I still find myself relating to her and finding encouragement in her struggles to become a mother.

A few weeks back, the episode was about their travels to Florida to celebrate Christmas with their families and of course the subject of starting a family came up. Both Bill and Jen's family asked about it, but there was a scene with Bill's father that really struck me. He was asking them about starting a family and saying how disappointed he was that they weren't really sure of their plans and that they weren't sure if there would be a baby within the year. It was such an odd thing because you would think that he would know the situation they are in the decisions they have to make. Why would you put that pressure on them? I only watched a tidbit of the scene because I made my husband fast forward through it because I was uncomfortable watching it. You could see though on their faces that they weren't really sure how to respond because it can be such a sensitive subject and I felt physically uncomfortable watching the scene.

The reason I felt so uncomfortable is because I have been in situations similar to that more than once. It's always hard when someone asks when we are going to start a family. I know that they don't mean anything by it and they couldn't possibly know, so I don't blame people for asking. I've taken to being blunt about it by simply saying we would like to have a family someday but we are having problems. I don't mean to make them uncomfortable or make them feel bad, but I want them know. Otherwise I find that they keep asking which only makes the situation more awkward. Which is what I don't understand. I can understand asking someone in casual conversation, but sometimes it feels like I'm being badgered about it. I once even had someone tell me that "I wasn't getting any younger". Um, thanks for pointing that out, I guess? I would like to say that I handle these situations with grace and finesse, but I am not sure that I always do. In situations like that, when I don't feel comfortable explaining my problems, I usually smile and shrug my shoulders. What else can you do? What I would like to do is yell "I AM INFERTILE, BUT THANKS FOR YOUR CONCERN ABOUT MY AGING UTERUS!!" But I am a nice person and wouldn't want them to feel the discomfort that I feel.

So what is my point? I'm not really sure other than I just felt like sharing what was on my mind.

Things Your High School Principal Probably Shouldn't Do

A while ago, I was watching an old episode of Saved by the Bell. I'm not really sure why I felt the need to add the "old" as there hasn't been a "new" episode of SBTB in, oh I don't know, 17 years. (THAT CANNOT BE RIGHT!!! Except that is, if you don't count the New Class, which I don't.) Anyway, I was watching this episode, and I thought how incredibly inappropriate it was that Mr. Belding, the principal, was hanging out with students talking about his and their love lives! Now I know it's all fiction, but still I got a little laugh over it because I remember growing up watching the show thinking, "That is what high school is going to be like!". Except I didn't take into account the fact that I would go to an all girls Catholic high school that was run by nuns so most of that stuff would most likely never happen. Oh, and the fact that it would never happen no matter what high school you went to. But that is neither here nor there. Anyway, it got me thinking about all the things Mr. Belding did that no high school principal would ever be caught dead doing. Or if they were caught doing it, would be fired immediately.

• Moving from Indiana to California with some of his students. Ok, so this is not technically what happens and most of you are probably scratching your heads, but before there was SBTB, there was Good Morning Miss Bliss which has Mr. Belding, Zack, Lisa and Screech. When the show moved to NBC, they scrapped the rest of the characters, kept the four and moved them to California. I just think it's odd they all moved together...
• In the above mentioned episode, Mr. Belding gives Zack and Slater love advice and then when they "lose" their mates, they form some sort of guys club which includes having Mr. Belding hang out in Zack's room while the order pizza and talk about girls. Very odd. I do believe that if this really happened, the principal would probably be facing some jail time.
• In the episode, The Surgery, Zack hurts his knee when he runs into Mr. Belding (add it to the list of far fetched). Mr. Belding feels awful for "hurting" Zack so he promised to make it up to him, by taking his math take home test for him. Um, what? I don't know of any teacher let alone principal that would find this to be acceptable behavior. Aren't the adults supposed to be charge here? I guess at Bayside High that was never really the case.
• During, Student Teacher Week, the kiddos get to take the place of the "adults" and take over as teachers. Kelly gets to be a history teacher and Zack gets to be the principal. One would think that they would just get to hang out with the teachers and principal, but this SBTB! Zack has full authority as principal and Mr. Belding lazes around the school like a student. In fact, he pretty much refuses to help Zack in a sticky situation because he wants Zack to learn to be an "adult".
• In a late episode during what I like to call the "Unexplained Tori Years", Mr. Belding's wife is pregnant and allows the gang to throw her a baby shower during class time. Again, what principal is so close with his students that they know his wife and want to throw her a shower, more importantly during school? What about the other kids who still had class weren't they jealous?
• In another episode during the "Unexplained Tori Years", the school is left with a sizable donation from a deceased alumnus. Rather than making the decision of what should be done with the money, Mr. Belding allows the girls and guys to face off against one another to see which gender's sport should get the money. They have all kinds of challenges all in order to see who gets the money. Now, I went to Catholic School. Catholic School runs on sizable donations, and I can tell you that never once, did my principal ask what I wanted to do with the money? I'm just saying...

And I'm sure there are many more instances of the lovable Mr. Belding doing being so principalably (yes, it's a word), but this is a good start. The unbelievable nature of most of the episodes are just another reason to love this goofy show.

Happy is as Happy Does

Do you know how once you step away from something for a while, for whatever reason, you find it hard to come back? I swear, I haven't written an entry in about a week and it was hard to find the motivation to write! It just seemed like such a daunting task, the more I thought about it. I always do that and I don't know why. But either way, I am here and actually writing!

What I noticed is that in my absence Meaghan tagged me to make a list of things that currently make me happy - and honestly? I could really use this as a reminder that that certain things do make me happy if if I have been super grumpy the past few days.

• My husband. It is nice to know that no matter what, I have someone who is rooting for me and is on my side. He is my best friend and I enjoy the time we spend together if it is just me blogging and him playing video games (which is currently who we are spending our time)
• Reading a good book. I just finished, "All We Ever Wanted Was Everything" and I couldn't put it down. There is just something about a book that keeps you captivated.
• Episodes of Gilmore Girls and Sex and the City. Do I really need to explain this one?
• Ann Taylor Loft - which I pretty much just discovered this weekend. Seriously. I mean I knew it existed, but I had never really thought much about it. Then I went in. This was both a good and bad thing. Good because I am in love. Bad because I am in love and want to buy one.of.everything. I don't think my poor little bank account can take it. But seriously, love.
• The Olympics are OVER which means all shows should return their regularly scheduled programming. Amen.
• Encouragement and thoughtful words from people when you least expect it. I've had a rough few days and I got an email from someone saying they were thinking of me. It seriously brought tears to my eyes because, sometimes, I am a sap.
• Vacations!! We just took a weekend trip to Indianapolis and we are planning another trip to Gatlinburg for later in the year.
• My dog Carly. She is just so sweet and lovable. How could she not make me happy?
• The fact that it's supposed in the 50's this weekend. It gives me hope that spring may actually be just around the corner (although I am not holding my breath).

There now. I feel a little better about life. And I am supposed to tag some other people, but I am not sure who has/hasn't done this, so I am tagging anyone who reads this and wants to do it. I will say it's rather cathartic.

Whatever Wednesday

I unfortunately don't have much to write in the way of television, but I feel like writing something, so this could come out sounding very random, but you know, it's Whatever Wednesday.

• First of all, is it already Wednesday? Wait, almost Thursday? I'm not complaining, by any means, but I'm just surprised by how fast this week is going. Lately the weeks have been d.r.a.g.g.i.n.g. by and it's nice to know that the week is almost over. Now just get me through Thursday and Friday and we are into the weekend!
• Speaking of the weekend, the husband and I have an overnight trip planned to Indianapolis to see a Pacer's game. We are both super excited to just get away for a little bit. We love to do little things like this every now and then because are a carefree, childless couple. Why not celebrate it instead of feeling sorry for ourselves?
• I have a random cut in the crook of thumb and hand. I keep randomly hitting and it hurts to the highest heaven. Ok, it's not that bad, but it still hurts and is annoying. I wish it would just heal already.
• At my work we are lucky enough to have FSA's - Flexible Spending Accounts - if we so choose. For the first time, I signed up for one thinking of all the medical expenses I was going to incur with infertility. I haven't actually made a claim until today and I am uber excited thinking about the money that is coming my way.
• Speaking of work... it's been stressful. We have (just now) been struggling with the crappy economy and there are been a lot of (not so fun) changes around the office. I, luckily, have not been part of those changes as of yet. I thank my lucky stars everyday, but it often feels like I am just waiting for the other shoe to drop.
• I may or may not have re-watched every episode of Kell on Earth. Whatever, I don't care.
• I really want to read Kelly Cutrone's book, If You Have to Cry Go Outside. I will read it, learn to bitch at people and boss them around and effectively take over the world. Ok, maybe not, but add it to my list of dreams.
• I have decided that Bravo is my most favorite channel. If the cable company called tomorrow and said that I had to get rid of all channels but one, I would definitely pick Bravo.
• Remember when I wrote about Veronica Mars? Ok, probably not, but I did because it is one of my favorites. Seasons one and two are now playing on the WB. So for the love of all that is holy, go watch it! If you don't take any of my other advice, take this advice and get a little VM in your life.
• I just had a fabulous idea for a blog post, but you are going to have to wait as it is going to take some time to research. Yes, I said research.
• Today a friend of mine told me that my knowledge of pop culture was unparalleled. I don't think I have ever gotten such a high compliment before.
• I am totally joking about that being the highest compliment I have ever received.
• ....Or am I?

I hope you enjoyed Whatever Wednesday. I know I did!

I Have a Dream...

Ok, don't get too excited now. It is nothing as lofty or worthy as Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream or anything relating to my career or family life, but it is a dream nonetheless.

But before I get into my dream (or rather dreams), a little background is necessary.

Typically on my lunch break at work, I go to the lunch room and watch TV with some of my co-workers. It has become a bit of a tradition if you will. We don't do it every.single.day., but we do it often. Usually between the hours of 1 and 2 you will find downstairs in the lunchroom watching two particular shows. Now, you are probably thinking, "This is where she tells us she wants to be a soap star" or "She's decided to go to community college to get her degree in the fastest growing field, health care!" But I will tell you that you are wrong on both counts. For I don't really aspire to act and let's face it, me? in health care? HA! I'd run miles in the other direction if someone said their stomach hurt.

But back on point to my dream. We watch these shows - (and all the horrible commercials that play during daytime TV) Family Feud and Who Wants to be a Millionaire (with stinky Meredith Vieira not Regis). So, now are you getting a feel for what my dream is? Yes dear readers I want to be a contestant and both of these shows because I think, no I dare say I know, I would be good at them. Now I know you are thinking, "Whoa dream big!", but that is fine. We all have silly dreams that we dare to dream.

And like any dreamer, I already have the whole thing worked out in my mind. For Family Feud, I wouldn't actually take my real family (sorry family). I would actually take people I work with for my team. We practice everyday at lunch and there are a handful of us that are damn good if I do say so myself. I may even hold open auditions at work to fill spots to ensure that I am getting the best possible team together. No silly answers from anyone on my team! That would be embarrassing. We would of course moonlight as a family as that is the whole point of the show. We would be sisters, cousins, aunts... you get the picture. We would definitely win the maximum number of times - 5 and America would love us.

Then there is Millionaire. I don't honestly believe that I could make it all the way to the million dollar question - and if for some reason did, I don't know that I would actually know that answer. I have a healthy dose of confidence when it comes to all things trivia, but I do not have any delusions of grandeur. In fact, my goal would be to make it to $25,000 and anything after that would be gravy. Part of the whole thing is strategy. For example if you are going to use lifelines, you have to know how to use them correctly. You can't be asking the audience a question really anything past $16,000. You have to assume that at that point, the audience is just as stupid as you are when it comes to that. Also, be careful about saying what you think that answer might be, as that will skew what other people think it might be. The other key is having the perfect people to call in phone a friend. My people would be: my husband, my dad and my friend Nick. They all have limitless knowledge in very different areas and I know that between the three, one of them would know the answer. And finally, you have to keep that Meredith Vieira quiet because she talks way.too.much. We are here to win money Mer, not shoot the breeze. It's not personal, it's just business (well maybe it is personal as I can't stand the woman).

So there are my lofty ambitions. And if I ever make it, I will be sure to blog about the experience.

That's a Fact

With every good show on hiatus, I am lacking on TV blogging ideas so I thought I'd write a little more about myself because I am that vain. So without further ado here are 25 random factoids about moi (in no particular order):

• I met my husband when we were in high school. Yes, high school. We went to different but we met through mutual friends. We then went to the same college and married and lived happily ever after.
  


• I hold a special place in my heart for all things pink and green and turtles. Whenever I see anything with this color combination or with a turtle, I stop and attention must be paid.
  

• On the other hand, I am not a fan of the pink and blue combination. You will never see me wearing this colors together.
  


• I love peppermint. I could eat it all day long. Here's a hint: for a special treat, place a peppermint in your coffee. It is sure to brighten your morning!



• I have a sweet golden retriever mix named Carly. She is my child, and for right now, I prefer it that way.



• I am sarcastic (as if you couldn't tell). Sometimes I think I am too sarcastic for my own good.
  


• I love to quote movies and/or TV shows. I could probably have a whole conversation in entirely movie quotes.



• My wedding colors were bright pink and orange with a hint of green. I know it sounds retched, but I think it was quite lovely.





• In keeping with the wedding - I got married on the biggest wedding day ever - 7/7/07. And as if that weren't enough seven's, we had 7 bridesmaids, 7 groomsmen and the wedding started at 7. All of the 7's were purely coincidental. I promise.



• When it comes to cleaning, I would prefer to clean the bathroom than ever do dishes.



• I once shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die.



• Ok, that last one was a lie.



• I love to read. It's an escape from the every day life. For a brief moment in time, I can slip into another world entirely and forget about my problems for a while.



• I love TV (duh), much for the same reasons I love reading. I have so many favorite shows, but my all time favorites are Sex and the City, Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars. Apparently I love shows with strong female characters.
  



• Any show, movie, character, TV personality, etc. that deals with infertility causes me to tear up just a little because I am all too familiar with the experience.



• That being said, I just adore Jen Arnold from TLC's The Little Couple. The woman is not even four feet tall and she is conquering the world. The show in currently chronicling her journey to become a mother (carrying a child is not really an option for her) and I find her courage and optimism inspiring. I wish that I could be more like Jen Arnold. Add her to my list of people I want to be friends with.



• In case you weren't keeping track that list includes Tim Gunn, Kelly Cutrone and now Jen Arnold.



• I have a major fear of vomiting. I mean major. I don't want to do it and I don't want to be around people who are doing it. That's all I'm going to say about that.



• I love purses. LOVE them. I could buy a new purse every week if my husband and bank account let me. I love everything from the very expensive to the cheapest of cheap. I'm not picky.



• I went to Catholic School for 12 years and I thank God and parents every day that I had the privilege. I am proud of my Catholic school education and wouldn't trade it for anything.



• I was in a sorority in college (if you look real closely at this list, you can probably figure out which one) and I loved it to bits and pieces. I still love it and wish everyday that I could go back.
  


• I can't cook to save my life. Ok, I can make things from a box, but that is about it. Thank goodness I married a man who is a good cook.
  


• I enjoy traveling, but don't get to do it nearly enough. Last year, I went to Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Mackinac Island, MI; Norris Lake in TN; Sacramento/San Francisco/Napa Valley, CA. This year so far all I have planned is a night in Indianapolis, IN and a week in Seagrove Beach, FL.




• I truly enjoy my job and the people I work with. I don't think many people can actually say that.



• I'm not much for sports, but if there is one sport I can watch an entire game of and not be extremely bored, it's basketball. More specifially Kentucky Basketball. There is just something about it. If you're not from here, you wouldn't understand.
  



• And an extra since I wasted one with the Reno comment - I am from Kentucky and proud of it! I wear shoes, I am not married to my cousin, I have never dated a cousin, I can read, I have all my teeth, I don't smoke, I don't farm tobacco and No, I have never been to the Kentucky Derby.
  
  

I hope you enjoyed! Any questions, just ask!

You're On Notice

In this edition of Your On Notice, I'm taking on two big things:

Facebook

I have just one question, when did Facebook get so lame and serious? Remember back in the day (geez I sound like a ninety year old lady) when Facebook was just for college students. You had to have a college email address in order to sign up, and in fact, your college had to be approved before you were granted entry into the private world of Facebook. It seemed so much more elusive than nappy old MySpace in which any old Joe Schmo could have a profile. But then things changed. Facebook expanded to include the general public. And there were fan pages, and advertisements. Parents started joining, then bosses and co-workers. Then companies started making fan pages and before you knew it, it was a marketing tool for people to network and grow their business. Huh? What happened to I'm just seeing what my friend Susie is up to these days? Then with the addition of the general public, it got serious. If you put up a status that you are sad, suddenly everyone is all over you saying that you are negative and you need to cheer up. Hmm, I didn't realize that I had to be rainbows and sunshine all the time. Then Lord help you if you put up a quote from a movie or a song. Case in point, the other day I posted by disdain for winter by changing some words to a Little Rascal's quote (Little Rascals for goodness sake!) and you would have thought I told the world I kicked puppies. Now granted, I know I can't expect everyone to recognize movie quotes like I can, but really. 95% of the stuff I put as a status update is silly and sarcastic. Hello, have these people met me? So all I'm saying is lighten people, it's just Facebook!

Snow

I mean, really, do I have to say anything other than this? I have had enough of the snow already. Enough is enough. Last time I checked this is Ohio/Kentucky, not Minnesota so kindly stop with the snow already. If I wanted to live in these conditions, I would find a more suitable place, but I don't, so kindly stop.

Moving on to other topics - Items of Interest

Lent

Today is the first day of Lent. Like a good little Catholic girl, I ate fish today and not meat. However, like a bad little Catholic girl, I did not go to Church. One out of two isn't bad, so I am sticking this in the success category. In keeping with Lenten tradition, I need to find something to give up or start doing. Any suggestions? I am thinking something along the lines of being a more positive person (which the beginning of this post totally negates that idea, but I haven't settled on anything, so fair game) and trying to stop speaking so negatively about things. Or, maybe I'll just give up posting statuses on Facebook. HA!

Half-Priced Books

I found this new store that opened by my house called Half-Priced Books that I am in love with (like I need another place to spend my money). I don't think I need to explain what the store is, as the name is fairly self-explanatory. They put two of my favorite things together - Cheap + Books = Cheap Books. Cheap Books = Happy Emily. So really everyone is a winner. At my inaugural visit, I picked up these books:

(images courtesy of Amazon)

So far I started with The Devil in the Junior League, and it's not terrible. It's a little little and fluffy "chick-lit", but I like it. It's entertaining (albeit a little over the top) and it's kept me interested so that's always a plus in my book. Next I'll probably read We Were the Mulvaneys in order to balance out the fluff. Anyone ever read any of these books? Thoughts?

Damn You Bravo, You've Done it Again!

What is it about Bravo? I tell you what, they have a knack for reality TV. They really do because they have yet again sucked me into their reality TV web with another show. Yes, another show because, clearly, I don't already watch enough TV. What is this new show that has me, dare I say, addicted? Kell on Earth, which stars this woman:

Kelly Cutrone is the founder and owner of the company, People's Revolution, which is a branding/marketing firm in the fashion industry. You may recogize her and/or the company if you watched The Hills as Whitney and Lauren worked for her for a period of time.

But before she was on The Hills, Ms. Cutrone made an appearance on MTV's True Life. I don't remember the actual subtitle of the show that she was featured on, but I am pretty sure it had to do with having a bitchy a boss or a horrible job or something to that effect. The episode followed Kelly's personal assistant who lived a rather difficult life. The woman yelled and screamed and practically beat her assistant into submission. I remember watching the episode with my husband and we were both shocked at this woman and at the fact that her poor assistant stayed with the job. She talked about quitting, but apparently it is an uber good company to work for in the fashion industry and she didn't want to let a position like that go.

Then when we saw her make an appearance on The Hills, we laughed. There was that bitchy woman in all of her bitchiness. Again, I can't remember the specifics as this is around the time I started to realize that The Hills was fake and boring and I stopped watching. But, if you have seen the episodes, you know who I am talking about and you know that she wasn't really a nice person.

So then we see a ad for this new show, Kell on Earth and we're all, "We're not watching that. We know all about the likes of her". Until we watched an episode by, um, accident. And that was all she wrote.

First and foremost? This woman is a bitch, but then again, she isn't. Is she tough? Yes. Is she direct? Yes. Is it always her way? Yes. Will she beat you into submission if she has to? Um, maybe. But I realized that overall, she isn't as big of a bitch as she was previously made out to be. I understand the biggest rule of reality TV and that is editing. So on the other shows that focused on other people and how Kelly affected them, then yes, she is going to come across as a huge wanker. Yes, I said wanker. But on this show, it's focused around Kelly and get you get to see more of the fashion side and let me tell you, it appears as though you have to be a bitch in order to make your way in the fashion world Because, honestly? Designers are self centered, egotistical, maniacs. They are slightly off kilter and will get angry and judgy over the simplest things. So if you are working in the fashion industry, you have to grow a thick skin and become tough. So Kelly is tough and she demands only the best of her staff and if you aren't willing to give it? Get the eff out of her way.

So Kelly Cutrone, I have gone from hating to you, to thinking that you are one smart, tough cookie. I only wish that I worked in an industry in which I could be direct people and tell them when they are stupid so that they learn to be smart or get to steppin'. I believe that I might even like to have you as a friend. You, me and Tim Gunn would get along just fine, I do believe.

Oh, and that assistant that considered quitting? Her name is Stephanie Skinner and she is now a Jr. Account Executive for People's Revolution.

Long Time, No See

Last week, my husband once again told me I have been a crappy blogger, and this time, I do agree. When was the last time I even wrote? Oh well, that is neither here nor there. So where have I been instead of writing fabulous blogs that entertain the world? Busy doing all sorts of things and of course watching my favorite shows. But since I don't really have any commentary on my shows this week, I thought I would share with you what I've been up to. You know, get to know a little more about little old me.

First up, we had a wedding, not this past weekend, but the weekend before. It was an interesting wedding and I mean that in a good way! It was traditional, but not all at the same time. Everything had a little bit a twist to it. For example, the music at the wedding, was all secular. The mothers walked down the aisle to "If I Ain't Got You" but Alicia Keys. The wedding party walked down the aisle to "Faithfully" by Journey. I am usually a traditionalist when it comes to weddings, but I really liked this take on a wedding.

After the ceremony, there was of course, a reception, which again was different than other receptions I have been too. The food was served at different stations that were open from 7:30 until 9:00. We got to eat before the bridal party arrived which was nice because we weren't waiting around for hours until we could eat. They also didn't have a traditional cake. They had a small cake that they used to cut and then they had tables that with all kinds of candy and cupcakes on them. Those too were open the whole time, so you could have your dessert first if you wanted!

The rest of the night was of course for fun:

There was dancing. Or, er, jumping rope. What? Don't you double dutch at weddings?

There was singing. Because fraternity brothers always have to serenade the bride.

There were glow sticks. Oh and fist pumping because this is the Jersey Shore World and we're just living in it.

There was an old man throwing out glow sticks. (I'm not real sure.)

And there were sorority sisters, who always know how to have a good time.

Yes, the wedding was good times, only made slightly annoying by snow and a horrid cold that I was suffering from, but I was a trooper and made it through. After that Saturday came Sunday (shocker) which was the Super Bowl. We watched it at a friend's house and we stuffed ourselves silly.

Then it snowed.

And it snowed some more.

Then my husband got said cold, just as I was feeling better.

Then I got these at work for Valentine's Day!

Sorry the picture is cockeyed. My stupid computer won't rotate it!

Aren't they pretty?

Then before I knew it, it was the weekend again. Friday night was spent with my brother and my family at my brother's fraternity family night. My brother is in the same fraternity (and chapter) as my husband. Here I learned that I am old and it is nothing like it used to be when I was in. This made me miss college. Saturday we lazed around until we went out to dinner and then went and watched the UK game with some friends. Finally Sunday, we went to church, cleaned (very much needed) and I made these:

Which, if you know me, is a huge accomplishment for me as I don't cook. Ever.

And then it snowed.

And it snowed.

And snowed.

And my dog Carly is about the only one who is enjoying the snow at this point as she makes snow angels in the back yard. If you can't tell, I am fed.up.with.snow. I am up to my eyes in snow (ok my shins, but still) and I have had enough. Enough I tell you!

Then the weatherman said on the news tonight that we can expect this to go for another 18 hours. And I cried.

And now you are all caught up.

In Case You Missed It

There have been some goings on among the pop-culture world and regular world so in case you missed it, check it out here!

Grammy's
Ok, I didn't watch so shoot me. Honestly, I don't really get into award shows all that much. It usually starts with two or three good awards, then they do crappy awards and montages and tributes for three hours and then they do the really good stuff at the very end when everyone is too tired to even care anymore. BUT I do hear things and read, and I see that my very favorite, Taylor Swift beat out Beyonce for Album of the Year to which I say HOORAY! I absolutely adore T-Swift and I think that Kanye should now eat his words from the VMA's.

Sandra Bullock
Nominees for the Academy Awards were announced today, and no surprise, Sandra Bullock was nominated for Best Actress for her role in The Blide Side. The Blide Side was also nominated for Best Picture. Seeing as how this is the only movie that I have seen out of the nominees for Best Movie I think it should win. But no, really. The movie was amazing and Sandra Bullock rocked out as Leigh Anne Touhy.
In other news, Sandra Bullock was nominated for a Razzie for Worst Actress for her work in All About Steve. Shocker. Did anyone even see this movie? It is a bit shocking that she go nominated for both Best and Worst Actress. Talk about best/worst week ever. A little ironic, dontcha think?

Punxsutawney Phil
Well that little f&$%^*#, a#%&*^@ rat saw his shadow today. So you know what that means, kids - six more weeks of winter. That rat sees his shadow every year, and let's face it, the sun was not shining in Punxsutawney, PA today. That rat didn't see anything but a bunch of people. What a crock. I woke up this morning and didn't see my shadow and I can tell you that there is still going to be six more weeks of winter, and probably more! About the only thing I like about Groundhog Day is the movie, oh and it's my grandparents wedding anniversary!


So, now you are all caught up... kinda :-)

FAME - I'm Going to Live Forever

I'll be honest - I have never seen the show or the movie Fame, BUT I have seen the real life Fame AND it's in my backyard or front yard depending on how you look at it. With the ending of Jersey Shore (tear) another show has filled the Thursday night line-up on MTV - Taking the Stage which is in it's second season.

At first glance, I probably wouldn't have thought much about this show, but it takes place at the School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) which is part of the Cincinnati Public School System. And being from the area, well I had to check it out, and I was not disappointed.

Before I go on, you might be wondering why a school that is part of the Cincinnati Public School system is the focus of an MTV show because really, what it so special about Cincinnati? The school (as you can probably guess) focuses on creative and performing arts - to the point that students pick a major and follow that course through their years at SCPA. Even though it is technically a public school, not all students can attend. There is a rigorous audition process and students must show extreme talent in their field of study.

What else is special about this school? Maybe it's their list of notable past students:

Carmen Electra

These Guys

And my absolute favorite...

SARAH JESSICA PARKER!!!!

There are so many things that I enjoy about this show. First and foremost, I love that it is about a school is a city that I call home (ok, I'm from Kentucky, but I am about 5 minutes from Cincinnati so shoot me). It's so much fun to watch and say, I've been there! I've seen that! The best part - I went to dinner last spring downtown with my friends and I was so jealous because they saw one of the kids from the show on Fountain Square! Right there. In public. Just like she did on the show. AND I MISSED IT! I just kick myself.

But other than my narcissistic, self-serving purposes, I love the show because these kids have talent, which, let's face it, so many people on reality TV lack. For example, I love Jersey Shore, but these kids are famous for partying, getting drunk, fighting and hooking up. Now don't get me wrong, this is a high school so there is your fair share of drama with dating, the competition among each other, the stress of auditions for various things and the stress to do well. There is jealousy and backstabbing with singing and dancing mixed in. It's like a cross between Laguna Beach and Glee without the extreme cattiness and random outbursts of singing. All performing is within context, I promise.

So check it out, Thursday on MTV because, let's face it, what are you watching now that Jersey Shore is over?

Making it Work

I do apologize for my last blog, as it was a bit... salty. It's been a rough two weeks with work and I've been a bit of a Negative Nancy BUT it's Friday and I have some reassurance with work things so things are on the up and up.

So, this time around let's say we have a more positive entry, shall we?

Last night was Project Runway night (among other shows). I love Project Runway. There really isn't much about it that I don't like. Heidi is fun and entertaining to watch. She says some of the funniest things even though I don't think she realizes that they are funny. She doesn't seem snotty or self-centered (cough, cough Tyra! cough, cough, Padma!) She seems rather genuine and sweet. Plus (for the most part) she has a good fashion sense. I enjoy Michael Kors and his acronyms. For example DTM (dyed to match) and MOB (Mother of the bride). I like the creativity of the designers and seeing how they can really something out of nothing. My most favorite challenges are when they are given odd materials and it seems like they will never be able to make anything wearable out of it - and then they do! It never ceases to amaze me.

But do you know my most favorite part about Runway?

I love him! Words cannot describe. I would love for Tim Gunn to be my very best friend in the entire world. I feel like I could go to him at the end of a very long, very hard day and tell him my woes and he would have some fabulous words that suddenly would make everything ok. Or, I could go to him with a very big problem and he would tell me in his very recognizable voice to , "Make it Work" and I would know exactly what I needed to do in order to solve my problem. Having Tim Gunn as my friend would make my life that much better. Of this I am certain.

If Tim and I were friends, I would most definitely take him shopping with me. I can just see us now walking through fabulous stores while he picked out clothes that were both stylish and timeless. He would tell me in his sing song voice how stunning certain things were and how unflattering other things were. I would never have to wonder again if a certain piece would work or not work, he would be right there to help and guide me. So not only would my life be better for having Tim Gunn in it, but so would my wardrobe (did I mention he would also have to fund entire said wardrobe??).

And not only would we shop together, but he would also give me fabulous swag from Liz Claiborne, because that's what friends do, right? When one friend has the "hook-up" said friend shares with their friends. It's the polite thing to do.

And because Mr. Gunn is so well connected, he would introduce me to all of his fabulous friends including Heidi, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia (but only after we have been on said shopping trip). He would tell me secrets of Project Runway (did Irina's model really use double sided tape??) and I would get front row seats at the Project Runway runway show at fashion week. Ok, who am I kidding, he would score me tickets to the front row of all the fashion shows as fashion week. Now, my social life would be that much better just by having Tim Gunn as my friend.

Yes, I can see Tim and I having a wonderful, long lasting friendship, but alas it is only a dream. And a girl can dream, right? So what about you? Do you have any celebrities or TV characters that would like to be friends with?

You're On Notice

I admit it. On occasion I have been known to be a bit... negative. I don't always look at the silver lining or the bright side of life. It is in this aspect that I love to vent. Usually when something really irritates me, I have to vent and so it is in this spirit that I bring you - You're on Notice - meaning "you're on my list".

Teen Pregnancy Shows
This is becoming an epidemic I fear. First you have the Secret Life of the American Teenager. Then you have Sixteen and Pregnant and Teen Mom. Now there is some whacked out Lifetime movie called the Pregnancy Pact. All shows center around pregnant teens. Now I am sorry, but when did teenage pregnancy become "cool"? I must have missed that memo but I'm here to tell you that it's NOT (and it's a good thing this wasn't cool when I was in high school or I would have been a real loser!). What is cool about struggling to make ends meet? What is cool about having a child on your own and changing your whole future? I think that they try to show how hard it is to be a pregnant teen, but really I think there are some kids out there who think that it would be cool. I will go on the record saying that I have never watched any of these shows and really I refuse to (I have personal reasons, obvs). Ok, ok, I will be watching an episode of Sixteen and Pregnant as one girl is from my Alma Mater and they taped at the school. This wouldn't be a big deal except that my Alma Mater is a CATHOLIC SCHOOL. An ALL GIRLS Catholic School mind you, run my NUNS. What these people were thinking, I will never know, but I will checking it out. Stay tuned for that entry.

Progressive Car Insurance
Their commercials drive me up a wall. I can't stand that stupid lady with her ugly hair, red lips and annoying voice. I swear, the commercial alone is enough to make me NOT want to buy their car insurance. Now, that is poor advertising.

Greek
Ok, Greek isn't totally on my list, but I do have a gripe. The college is supposed to be located in fictional Cypress Rhodes, Ohio and I guess the producers took a little creative license with the word "fictional". For if you live in Ohio, you know that if you return to the state after Christmas break, the grass will not be green, the sky will not be blue, the trees will not have leaves, the sun will not be shining and your friends will not be dressed for the spring. It snows in Ohio and it's gray and cold in the winter. Clearly, this is not Ohio. Why didn't they just make it California which is obviously where they film.

People Who Don't Yield
Yeah I know it has nothing to do with TV, but I was thinking about this today. To get on the expressway from my house there are two directions of traffic that get on and one is supposed to yield to the other. These people that are to yield never do and.it.drives.me.crazy. So I speed up and don't let them over as I feel it is my duty to teach them how to yield as they never learned to do so. If no one else is going to do it, I might as well.

UK
Really, UK (as in the University of Kentucky, not United Kingdom) you're losing right now? To South Carolina? Don't you have a number one seed to protect? Pull you're head out of you're you know what and PLAY!

And you know what the worst part of this entry is? I had a really big issue of something that was on "my list" and I can't even remember what it was!

I guess it really wasn't all that important then, was it?

It's All Greek to Me

Tonight, one of my very favorite shows is coming back - ABC Family's Greek! Gosh, I love this show to pieces. I remember the very first episode I watched - it was a new series and the premiere was during the week of my honeymoon. I had wanted to watch the show, but forgot about it until Friday night of our honeymoon. We were relaxing the room because we would be leaving the next day and they were showing a repeat performance on ABC. My husband and I both being Greek in college decided to give it a try and we have been hooked ever since. Isn't that the most romantic honeymoon story you have ever heard?
Anyway, if you haven't caught on by now, the show is about college Greek Life. It follows one sorority - Zeta Beta Zeta and two fraternities - Omega Chi and Kappa Tau. The show plays into several Greek Life stereotypes, but it also does a really good job of showing different aspects of Greek Life - some positive, some negative, and some very true! I can't tell you how many times my husband and I have looked at each other and say, That's so true! At the same time there are plenty of times when I laugh and say that would never happen in a million billion years... at least in my experience.
It's so funny though because it kind of points out some of the silliness of sororities - the singing, the competition with other sororities, the cheesy "family" moments etc but it's not making fun. There were plenty of times in my sorority days that I would roll my eyes at the goofiness, but looking back on it, those were some of the best times of my life (I'm getting a little gushy here, aren't I?). Most, if not all, of my best college memories stem from my sorority and my husband's fraternity and watching this show brings that all back. It makes me long for my college days... until they start talking about recruitment, the stress of competition with sororities - and I don't miss it quite so much. The fact that these things were once the most important things in my life is a little laughable (especially when we are facing potential layoffs at work). But this show brings back my college days and for an hour out of that day, I feel as carefree as I did back then, and that's nice.
The best of the show though it not just the Greek element - it's Rusty. Rusty is not your "typical" fraternity guy. He's smart, dedicated to school, kind of nerdy, etc. Rusty struggles maintain a balance between school and his party-ing fraternity and he does it well. Rusty I think shows that you don't have to be "typical" fraternity guy in order to "fit" in. You can be yourself and you'll find that group of people that is right for you. Along with Rusty comes Dale - who is the true comic relief of the show. You have to check out the show if only for Dale. He.is.hysterical. He's a conservative religious sort of guy who is naive to the ways of the world. Dale is played by Clark Duke who is friends with Michael Cera. So if you love Michael Cera, you're probably going to love Clark Duke and Dale.
Speaking of Greek Life - tomorrow I am meeting my sorority family for dinner. It's something that we try to do at least once a month and I enjoy keeping ties to my sorority family. We keep family ties that most sorority sisters don't even go that far. I will try to explain - there is me "the old one"; then there is Jessica, my little; then there is Shelley, Jessica's little, my grandlittle; then there's is Katelyn, Shelley's little, my great-grandlittle and Kaitlyn, Shelley's other little and my other great-grandlittle. Then both Katelyn/Kaitlyn have littles who are my great-great grandlittles. So you you see, it gets a bit ridiculous (see: silliness and goofiness of sororities) but they are my friends and I love them just the same.

Oh, and I would share with you a picture of my sorority days, but I don't want to embarrass myself here (any more than I already have) just yet!

When Art Imitates Life

This entry is actually going to cover a few things, so please bear with me. I just have a mish mash of things I wanted to write about so instead of writing ten million little entries, why not just jumble it all into one? Sounds good, yes? I thought so.

First up... tonight is the finale of Jersey Shore. *Tear* Like all good things, this too must come to an end. I knew that it was going to happen. I knew that eventually we would have to part ways and say good-bye and yet... it seems too soon. I feel as though there are still too many parties to be had, drinks to drink, fights to fight and girls to well you know. Where will I get my weekly Jersey fix? Where will I learn cool and important phrases like "the grenade" and "the grenade launcher"? In good news though, I heard from a co-worker of mine that Mike, "The Situation" is going to be in my hometown February 2nd. Woo hoo! Too bad he is going to be a skeezy bar that I would never be caught dead in. Not that I would want to be meet The Situation either...

Moving on... with Jersey Shore leaving the line-up it makes more time to watch Project Runway. Ah Tim Gunn, how do I love thee, let me count the ways. Well, actually that's another entry for another day, but I do love the show and I am excited that it's back (not too excited that Ping got to stay though).

Speaking of shows coming back, mark your calendars because Greek comes back on Monday! Again, another one of my favorite shows because I can relate to it (yes, I was a sorority gal) and it stays pretty true to the reality of Greek life.

So on to the bulk of this entry, life imitating art. A few months back, the husband and I were fortunate enough to visit friends of ours that live Sacramento. We had an awesome time out there. We got to go to Napa and do wine tasting, shop at outlet malls, eat at In and Out (pretty good), go to a farmer's market (best kettle corn EVER) and we got to visit San Francisco as well. Visiting SF was truly life imitating art for me in so many ways.

For example:

Lombard Street! This has been featured in several TV shows including Full House. (Really the whole trip to SF was like a walking Full House tour)

Alcatraz, again seen in lots o' movies. Ok, none that I have seen, but I've been told so.

And the part that really imitated art?

We ate here:

So you might be thinking, what in the world is Taqueria La Cumbre? Found in the Mission District of San Francisco, Taqueria La Cumbre is the first restaurant to serve the Mission Style Burrito. Those would be the burritos that you get at Chipotle. So next time you are in line at Chipotle to get a burrito, you can thank this little unassuming place.

So how does this imitate art? There is a show on the Travel Channel called Man vs. Food. The host travels to different cities, tries the food at two different local restaurants and then takes on a food challenge in the city. You know like eat a 20lb hamburger in an hour some ridiculous thing like that. Anyhow, my friends that live in Sacramento had seen an episode from SF and they came to this place! They decided they had to go, but they wanted to share the experience with us! And boy am I glad they did! This place was phenomenal and I would surely go back if ever given the chance again. If you ever find yourself in SF and like Mexican food you should totally check it out. Don't let the place skeeve you out (because I was a little skeeved myself) because the food is amazing. Maxim even named in the most bitchingest burrito, so there's that too.

Don't believe me? Don't you see how happy I am to be eating there?

(Ignore my half closed eyes. I have decided that I don't have very wide eyes or something like that.)

And that is how my life has imitated art.

Can You Keep a Secret?

I have a secret to share. I am embarrassed to say it, but what the hell, right? I like... One Tree Hill. Shameful, I know! It is by far one of my favorite guilty pleasures.

Why am I so ashamed? Because, well, it's lame. Ok, I said it. The show is lame. The lamest, but I love it so. I'm not really sure why I like it as it's lame as previously stated, but I like it! The drama, the silliness of the drama. It's just so easy to get lost in the goofiness. Why is it so lame? Because the things that happen would never, in one hundred million years! Seriously? How many high schoolers do you know get married in high school and not because they aren't pregnant? I'm going to go with slim to none. How many high school students do you know have severely absent parents? By severe, I mean they aren't there. At all. I can think of three occasions on the show where this happened. How many people in your graduating class were extremely accomplished by the age of 22? By extremely accomplished I mean own their own clothing line, own their own record label, write a best-selling novel and almost become an NBA star? Again, I am guessing slim to none.

Unfortunately, the show took an odd turn this past season and let two of it's main characters go - Chad Michael Murray and Hillarie Burton. I mean really? Can you say suicide? Coincidentally, I have no interest in watching this season. I have no interest in watching a show that changes so drastically. Ok, ok, once the season hits The WB I'll be watching with bated breath. What can I say? I'm a sucker. So despite all the silliness and the things that would never happen in one hundred million years, I'm still a closet fan.

The One Where I Get Serious and Personal

Ok, so I am going to be about as serious as I can be, so don't go thinking this is going to be a heavy entry or anything like that. I mean, this is still about TV, so how serious can it get, right? Recently I was thinking about two shows that I love for different reasons and aren't really all that much alike - Friends and Sex and the City. I was thinking about them in conjunction with one another because both touch on a topic that is near and no so dear to my heart, infertility. Yes, I admit it: My name is Emily, and I'm infertile.

Hi, Emily.

There is nothing to be ashamed of.

Anyhow, not too long ago, The WB was showing episodes from the later seasons of Friends, in which Monica and Chandler both find that they are infertile. While there are some tender and serious moments, it is mostly used a punch line. A way to make to make them seem "real" but still comical. I am here to tell you that when you are going through it, at first, there is not much that is funny about the situation. In fact, it downright sucks, but as you learn to deal and cope with it, you begin to find the humor in the situation. For example, my mom always worried that I would come home pregnant in high school. Turns out she really didn't have to worry all that much! Anyhow, I just don't feel the gravity of the situation. Watching it and having been through it myself, I don't find myself drawn to Monica and saying, "I totally know what she feels like". I guess you could say it's not a "real depiction".

On the other hand you have Charlotte York Goldenblatt on Sex and the City. I really have to commend the writers of SATC because I feel like they hit the nail on the infertility head when the wrote that plot line into the script. The night a friend of mine told me she was pregnant, I didn't at the time "know" that I had problems, but I had a feeling. I came home that night and watched the episode in which Miranda tells Charlotte she is pregnant. I.cried.my.eyes.out (and this was before the artificial hormones!). Because everything Charlotte said and did, I identified with. I knew, just like that she did, that something was wrong with me. And that my friends, is a tough pill to swallow.

This past Christmas, I completed my SATC set with parts one and two of season 6. I used to have them on DVD, but then I gave lent them to someone never to be seen again. Since they were new, I watched all episodes again which I hadn't done in a long time. The last time I watched them, I was in college and the "real" world didn't really apply to me. Now I watched it with a fresh eye and a little bit of experience (ok not much). Again, I was amazed at the accuracy of how they portrayed Charlotte's journey to baby. One of my favorite episodes, is when Charlotte gets a new dog and they take her to the dog park where she gets "gang banged" by the other dogs. The dog of course gets pregnant and this fires Charlotte up, because according to her everyone can get pregnant but her, and her dog got pregnant and it was her first time. There is humor in this situation, but also truth. Every time someone tells me they are pregnant, I want to scream because, "they weren't even trying" or "they got pregnant on their first try". It really does seem like everyone is getting pregnant but you. The most poignant episode though was when she got pregnant and had a miscarriage. She says that she can't go to Brady's birthday because it's too hard. I have been there. I have not had the experience of miscarriage (I can only imagine the pain of trying and trying only to be let down in that manner), but I have been there in the sense of not wanting to go to baby showers, or baby birthday parties because it's hard to smile and say I'm happy for you, when really you are sad and upset that it's not you. But like Charlotte, I try to rise above and still make it to those events because life does go on.

I could go on and on about the similarities I see in my journey to baby and that as depicted on SATC, but I'll stop there. Infertility is not a fun subject, but I try to make the best of it, just like Charlotte and Monica. I laugh about it, I cry about it, but I don't let it become who I am. Because I am much more than just infertile.

And that is about as serious as I ever want to get.