My Heart Aches

Wrote my grandfather's obituary tonight. Hardest part was "he was preceded in death by his daughter, Palmer Wilson Craig Stamell." 

I miss my mom. Apologies for the depressing tone of the last post and this one, but can you blame me? It's where my head's at right now. This has not been an easy week.

I said it before and I will say it again: life is so precious.

Dear People I Care About, Please Stop Dying

In the past month three people I care a great deal for have passed away: my stepmother's father, my mother's father, and one of my best friends' father.

It's been strange and surreal. Both grandfathers were old and lived fufulling lives and of course the end was inevitable, but still sad. The death of my good friend's dad, however, is much more shocking and sudden and upsetting. He was like a second dad to me in LA, because my friend Ali is from Santa Monica and when I first moved out here I lived with her parents. Over the past few years I would visit with them sporadically; when my dad and stepmom were in town (they were friends after Ali and I studied in Paris and all the parents came out with us and hung out together), when I would house sit for them, when I would visit Ali's mom's art studio...

I missed the service for Ali's dad this week because I'm in Florida with my family -- my grandfather only passed away last Friday, and my brother and I flew out as soon as we could. It's strange being here without him. It's strange being here without my mom either. This is a place that reminds me so much of her, and of course, of him. I used to come out here at least twice a year before I moved to Los Angeles. Before I was working and I had time to spare and Florida was a mere three hour flight from the Northeast, it was the easiest and most pleasant vacation to take in the world. It's been four years since I was last here but nothing has changed. It's as though my grandfather is just out on a walk or something. My same shampoo sits in the cabinet below the sink next to a bottle of my mom's favorite nail polish. The gardenia lotion she used every day before she passed away nearly eight years ago is still here too. I put it on and my senses are flooded with memories - of her, of being in Florida together, of taking walks on the beach, of my grandfather, of all the people I've loved and lost.

Life is so precious.

Teacher! Teacher! Teacher!

I was just doing some free association writing over on my tumblr (also yes, hi, it's me again, I'm still here even though I did take something of a winter hiatus, but I'm back to overshare here on Jaw Wired Shut for you and I hope everyone has been having a lovely 2012, mine has pretty much been awesome so far I'll tell you more about it later) and somehow a comment about doing some work spiraled into the observation that teachers don't make a lot of money.

I wrote:

I had to write about four paragraphs of copy for an upcoming episode. I do this kind of stuff a lot (I mean how else are fake Facebook pages for characters created?) for the show, but this one was REALLY interesting. I wrote about Schizophrenia and Winslow Homer and Maine and Art and for like five minutes, as I was thinking to myself, “this is fun and I am really good at this” I was also thinking to myself “fuck TV writing I should go back to school” and then I checked my bank account and realized there’s a reason more people don’t return to or stay in academia - it pays shit.

I think I need to add to this. 

That's fucked up. Teachers, professors -- they should make more money. They should make more money than TV writers.  I mean I don't make any money right now, because I'm what is known as a baby writer (seriously, this is sometimes a term for young writers), but like the good TV writer money.  Actually, what I make right now is probably akin to what teachers make (okay really it's a little less probably) and let me tell you, that sucks. If this is what teachers make then teachers are not getting paid enough to lead comfortable lives. At least not in cities or other places as expensive as LA.

Actually what do I know? I don't actually know how much teachers make but I guess what I am trying to say here is that I know it's not enough. It should be more. I know it will never be that way and it's weird for me to suddenly just think of this now, really, but it popped in my head and I thought, "teachers!"

My mom taught art for many years, then special ed, and for the year prior to her death, art again.

Teachers give their lives to other people. They give themselves. They give SO much. They should get more back.

I named this post "Teacher! Teacher! Teacher!" because when I was in high school I took an ornithology class and to study for exams we used little shortcuts (like mnemonic devices, I guess?) to help us remember the birds because yes we learned how to identify over 100 birds by their plumage and/or call and when the Ovenbird sang its call sounded just like "Teacher! Teacher! Teacher!" 

Being a TV writer is really hard, and I suppose on some scale, in the scheme of it all, it is an important and significant profession. But on a much larger scale, on like the whole big scale of everything, teachers are the real heroes.

Maine Problems

Apparently before I woke up some alarm went off on our septic tank. So while I woke up to a delicious breakfast from my dad featuring his INFAMOUS popover pancakes (think POPOVERS, but also think PANCAKES, and then think about those things together with lots of butter and powdered sugar and Maine blueberries) I also woke up to the news that there will be no pooping, showering or dishwashing until the plumber and contractor make it out here. So that means I live in my bed now, I guess.


Our stepmom had to take a last minute flight back to the city today because her dad is very ill and he had to go back into the hospital this morning. Total bummer. We're going back later this week, but until then it's just me, my brother and my dad, or as I like to call it: 1 Woman and 2 Babies. The upside to this is between the two of them I am getting a LOT of inspiration for a new pilot.


I regret drinking coffee this morning. You know what I mean here.

Hi. My Name is Annie, and I'm totally, completely, overextended.

I'm one of those people that likes to do everything. I have trouble saying no. I also have a tendency to just do as much as I possibly can until I'm on the brink of a nervous meltdown/existential crisis/both. Last night my dad called and I couldn't talk because I was pulling into a meeting at 7:30pm. I haven't talked to my dad on the phone - beyond a two minute "I'll call you back" since Labor Day weekend. THAT IS A MONTH AGO.

Earlier today I sent my dad and step-mom an email asking their opinion on whether or not I should pick up another class. My dad's worldly advice was:

I'd take five more classes and while you're at it, how about writing a couple more blogs.  Hey, you can write mine!  Also, you could probably squeeze in being a production assistant at another company and I'd like to hire you to do some research for us...and...

Perhaps you're just a bit over committed?

love,

Dad

Point taken - and that's some good fatherly advice.

Moral of the story: sometimes saying NO is the right thing to do...

the big time

OMG! MY BROTHER IS IN THIS VERIZON AD!

That's him walking on the walls.



Apparently you can catch this commercial before Toy Story 3. Has anyone seen it?

"Why are you a Celtics fan?" "Well, I'm from Maine..."

OMG NO WAY! Another post about the Celtics! Look, it's like election day, when all I can think about is my team (at least I am not live-blogging my every thought and whim, right?) so indulge me for a moment, as I am going to explain my love for the Celtics...

My dad loved basketball. When he was a kid growing up in Michigan, that was the sport he loved to watch, play, whatever. So, only natural that when my brother and I were kids my dad wanted us to find the same enjoyment and fun out of watching basketball as he did. Thing is, we grew up in Maine. There are no professional basketball teams in Maine (well until about a year ago when the Red Claws, the Celtics' development team, came to Portland), for that matter, there aren't any major league professional sports teams in Maine - so my dad had no choice but to take us to see games in the nearest city with some high-caliber sports events - thus, hello Boston, hello Celtics. My father was, and still is, a diehard Pistons fan, and besides that, he likes to be contrary just to be contrary, so he holds strong to hating the Celtics.

How ironic that in the process of getting his two young kids to fall in love with basketball, we both fell in love with the Celtics in the process?



This picture makes me laugh because I am SUCH a little sister...

Sibling Love

I love my brother. I do. He's awesome. He's five years older than me and he's maybe the smartest person I know. It's annoying, but it's also awesome.

You should get to know my brother. He's going to be a very successful actor one of these days. Seriously. Until then, you can attempt to wade through his smart brain over at his blog, The Porpentine Spaceship (yep, the weirdness, the nerdom, and the sci-fi love runs strong in my family). Truth be told, I have no idea what he's writing about half the time, but I love him and I think it's pretty awesome all the same. And he's a really great poet. Check it out!

And on that note - not too long ago my dad was taking a look at both our blogs, and said to himself "Wow, my kids could not be more different." Except for the fact that we're both blogging, but whatever...

It's a little bizarre to see your living room on the front page of the New York Times' "Home & Garden" section

My step-mom and dad's home in New York City is featured in today's New York Times. At the moment, a picture of the living room is on the front page of the "Home & Garden" section of the website, which is a bit odd to see!



Check out the full article here.

My favorite part is obviously a quote from my dad, who is really quite predictable and Stamell-esque when he talks about Carla (my step-mom) arguing with her own father about making changes to the house.

For his part, Mr. Stamell said, he tried to steer clear of the conflict: “I’d generally stay out and let them fight it out. And they could really fight. I think he was frustrated at times by what she was doing. She was kind of erasing his past.”

As always, he's articulate and focused on keeping his nose out of stuff. Very Stamell.

Making a List, Checking it Twice

In case you missed out, my Pop Culture Christmas list is up at HuffPo.

But I know what you really want. You want my REAL Christmas list, the one I actually send to my family, because even though I am 26 years old I still write a Christmas list, every single year (I wasn't kidding when I said I value the importance of the list and its ability to help your loved ones shop at a greater ease).

So for a refresher, last year's list, and now the new one... (pulled from the family email chain).

I really don't need anything, and it's funny because this might be the first year where I seriously struggled to think of what I want/need:

But as Carla has insisted...

Here ya go (bigger stuff listed near the top):

Coachella tickets
Digital Camera
Barbour "Beaufort" coat in Olive - or whatever they are calling green (maybe Sage?)
a bike
Someone to pay off my credit card debt? (A long shot, I know)
That we go onto the AT&T family plan!!!
New headphones (with a mic) for my iPhone (I legitimately need these bc those ones that came with the phone are shitty and I've already gone through two pairs)
Up! on DVD
Save the Cat (screenwriting book)
Elephant Bucks (TV writing book)
Maybe a gray purse? I am into slouchy messenger bag types that aren't too big... or dark brown, or a bright red/orange bag?
Gift certificates to any of the following are always great: J. Crew, Madewell, Piperlime, Anthropologie, Amazon, Target, Lulu Lemon, Orvis
New Yoga mat and maybe one of those nice yoga blanket/towel things

Some thoughts:
(1) Yes, I asked for a gift card to Orvis. I'm from Maine, remember?
(2) I really, really want an excuse to not pay my cellphone bill so I figure the family plan is the best bet.
(3)The one common thing on both lists? Someone to pay my credit cart debt. How sad.
(4) Compared to last year, I'm a little less obsessed with working out, it would appear.
(5) I don't want to disclose how many digital cameras I've gone through, which is why I know that's one thing on my list I probably won't be getting...
(6) Ha. Hahaha. I "struggled." Haha. Lies.

I'm predictable, no?

My brother just sent me a text message with this picture and note:


The perfect board for you.

He knows me so well! Unfortunately it's around $400 which is WAY over my budget. But it would look SO good next to all my other Lilly clothes/housewares/accessories...

I should probably learn how to surf first.

Turkey vs. David Duchovny vs. David Boreanaz vs. Tim Riggins vs. Seeley Booth

Thanksgiving is awesome. Really. Mostly because of the food. But also, it’s just such a great holiday. Okay, so the food has a LOT to do with that, but also, it’s just fantastic to get some downtime. I didn’t head back east this year, and had my third Turkey Day on the west coast, however this time around I did it right; cooking up a big feast with friends and family. So big in fact, that I was enjoying leftovers up until last night.

Beyond that, having a lot of time to lay low and do nothing was much needed. I spent lots of time playing with our dog, catching up on TV, getting lots of sleep, running down by the beach, running errands, and yes, eating lots of food.

I’d like to focus on one excellent part of our Thanksgiving dinner this year. And I’m not talking about the epic game of "Apples to Apples" that followed the meal. Before dessert, we all took our paper dessert plates (we were far too lazy to deal with dishes at this point) and on the back of them, drew pictures and wrote down what we are thankful for. Sure we’re all in our 20s and 30s, but there’s nothing like expressing what you're thankful for with a little arts and crafts.

So what am I thankful for? Besides my family and friends, my plate also included the following:


J. Crew
David Boreanaz
Xanax
Manu Chao

And I think there were others but I don't remember them. These are the really important ones. Duh.

(My plate also included a poorly drawn turkey in the shape of my hand. I would say that I wish I had taken a photo, but it was a pretty embarrassing hand-turkey).

It’s worth noting that my brother was appalled David Boreanaz got a slot on that list, because not too long ago the only David I would have talked about would've been David Duchovny. Interestingly, this sparked a discussion about the staying power of Duchovny, who’s still killing it on Californication. But my roommate Adubs made the valid point that Boreanaz has swiftly advanced his TV career from Buffy to Angel and now Bones.

This also reminds me of a recent chat I had with my roommates (okay when I say chat I mean frivolous discussion one Saturday after watching lots of TV while hungover), but here’s something to think about…

Tim Riggins vs. Seeley Booth

The general consensus was that we’d all want to have sex with Tim Riggins but Seeley Booth is the marrying kind. However, this is an excellent topic for debate. And to all the FNL and Bones fans out there, I implore you to ponder these two fine male specimen and get back to me with your opinion.

Huh, this post started out with Thanksgiving and ended up with me contemplating who I’d rather be with between two fictional TV characters.

I need to get out more.

(Okay so I really just wanted an excuse to search for pictures of man candy. What do you expect? It's the Monday after a holiday!)

Two Croissants is One Croissant Too Many

I'm still in that collegiate mode of thinking when it regards to parental visits: OH MY GOD MY PARENTS ARE IN TOWN I GET FREE FOOD I MUST EAT ALL OF IT AND I MUST EAT AT NICE RESTAURANTS I MIGHT NOT NORMALLY GO TO AND EAT FOOD I WOULDN'T NORMALLY GET, LIKE STEAK, WHICH I ONLY EAT WHEN SOMEONE ELSE IS PAYING.

Which means that I've probably packed on some pounds this weekend while being wined and dined and living a life quite unlike my usual. For my dad's 60th birthday my stepmom surprised him with a family trip to La Jolla, CA, where we stayed at a lovely resort over the weekend and pretty much just went to the spa and walked on the beach, and stared at the golf course, and got private tours of historical buildings, and ate amazing food, and like I said before: COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF A NORMAL WEEKEND (in which I try to spend as little money as possible and come up with creative ways of sneaking booze into bars). Oh, and I even made off with a bathrobe from the hotel spa. HOLLERRRRR.

So my dad and stepmom are still in town, now staying in LA, and I went and met them for breakfast before work this morning. Now whenever they are in LA they like to stay at this really nice little boutique hotel called The Ambrose, which has a phenomenal breakfast spread. Mostly it's fruit and pastries, and I don't even like pastries, but they do croissants better than the French, I swear to God. So for breakfast I had a chocolate croissant (or, as the French do call it: Pain au Chocolat) and some strawberries and some juice and coffee and it was GREAT.

And then I took an almond croissant for the road (no idea what the French call those).

I just now ate it.

That was unnecessary. But like I said, I'm of one of those mindsets: I don't pass up free food. However, two croissants is one croissant too many. I feel ill.

Oh no.

So they turn off the air conditioning in my new office building after 6pm. I can't confirm that, but it is surely what it feels like, and that is not good for my temperature issues, LET ME TELL YOU.

Also not good is that these LA fires are really persistent, man. Like it's just hot and smokey alllllll the time. LA is not supposed to be like this! I was on the phone with my dad earlier who informed me he was at a Seadogs game last night (the Portland Seadog's are Maine's great minor league baseball team... or it might called farm team... I'm no expert) and it was really cold out. I WANT THAT. Those beautiful late summer nights in New England when it couldn't be more perfectly crisp? But nope, here I am in smokey, smoggy LA where it's hot as balls.

Enough complaining. Time to get PSYCHED about LA because guess what? (What!) My brother is moving to LA. TONIGHT. In fact, I am picking him up from the airport in about 20 minutes. Yeah that's right, this city is about to become overridden with STAMOS. Actually I am the ONLY STAMOS, but he's pretty similar to me. Even better, Joshie is moving to an apartment a block away! Even worse? My arch nemesis moves with him. Who, you might be wondering, is my arch nemesis? His cat, Geneva, known by 'Neva to many. Yes, Neva and I go way back to the days when she was a cute average sized kitten. But now she's overweight and has dandruff.

I hope that not only will my brother's move to LA inspire me to learn how to surf (aka he will teach me), but perhaps I will repair my relationship with Neva. Maybe I'll even get to post some cat videos of her. OOOOH see that is how we will become friends! I will exploit her feline ways for YouTube infamy!

Hello! Hello! It's me!

Oh hello there. Ah yes, I am at long last posting after the long holiday weekend. It's taken me longer than normal to consider getting around to a weekend recap. This is mostly due to the fact that I've spent the entire day in a groggy haze. Motivation levels have been low, as well as actual productivity. However, I like to think of Mondays as my free pass--the day when it's okay to be a little bit of a disaster because come Tuesday I'll have all my shit together.

At least that's what I tell myself.

My Fourth of July weekend was full of freedom, friends, family (well, not mine) and buckets of fun. Truly. It's been especially fun because DiTonto's parents have been staying with us since Thursday, and we've all decided it would be great to have parents living with us always. Funny how in high school that would have been the last thing I would have wanted. But since they've been in town it's been a non stop frenzy of delicious food and hilarity. Mostly because they call DiTonto "Peanut." I love these family names. One of my best friends' from home's family calls her Munchie or Munch which is just the greatest thing ever. Speaking of nicknames, even DiTonto's parents call me Stamos.

A Middlebury friend was in town over the weekend to "crush the scene" for a lot of "epicocity" (his lingo, not mine) and it made me want to just steal away all my friends from college and bring them all to LA and have them all live within 5 miles of me and then everything would be perfect. But I supposes that's what college was, and now we must settle for the occasional visit.

The highlight of the weekend was probably DiTonto's parents picking up their intoxicated daughter and 10 of her friends Saturday night. It really feels good to get spoiled every now and then.

Happy Holidays to Me

Loyal Readers:

At last, the moment you’ve all been waiting for! Yes, folks, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but I am in the holiday spirit, and what better way to celebrate these hard economic times by taking a gander at my ridiculous Christmas list. Yes, it’s disgusting. I will make no attempt to act like I am kind and selfless and good and not at all spoiled. I will say, however, recently I've mentioned maybe an alternative to gift-giving, but my dad and stepmom protest and so I don’t even bother anymore and just send them all my hearts desires per their request.

Below, for your enjoyment, is the email chain. Chain might be an improper term here, because we will likely never see a list from my brother (and if we do it will be the day before Christmas) and my dad will not respond (it all comes back to his wallet anyway).

So below, find the Christmas list exchange between my stepmom and I, and afterwards we’ll examine my selections.

On Thu, Nov 6, 2008 at 9:08 AM, Carla Weisberg wrote:

hi you two-
to help us bring a little more cheer and a lot less disappointment to your upcoming holiday season I am looking for the coveted top ten (give or take) list from each of you.
can't promise everything of course, but last I checked, santa's a pretty nice guy.

annie you get double duty, so give us a slightly bigger list seeing it's your birthday too
and while I would love to give you a gift certificate to whole paycheck, please think festive as well

xc

On Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 6:26 PM, Annie Stamell wrote:

You really don't have to get me anything (not like I will be able to afford buying presents), but I know you want a list anyway...

Ski trip
48 more sessions with trainer at Equinox (FYI as of Wednesday I am starting with new
person)
a few weeks of Pilates sessions with instructor at Equinox
A full session of Tennis lessons at Beverly Hills Tennis Center (www.beverlyhillstennis.com)
This jacket (Men's S, "Natural"): http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/product_focus.jsp?OPTION=PRODUCT_FOCUS_DISPLAY_HANDLER&catcode=MAIN_FA_US.CLOTHING_GEAR.MENS.JACKETS&style_color=23055-723&ws= or this jacket (Women's M, "Blackberry - Lupine" I don't know,
surprise me), http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/product_focus.jsp?OPTION=PRODUCT_FOCUS_DISPLAY_HANDLER&catcode=MAIN_FA_US.CLOTHING_GEAR.WOMENS.JACKETS&style_color=25475-769&ws=)
Gift certificate to LuluLemon (need new pants, like some of these: http://www.lululemon.com/products/womens/bottoms/pants)
Gift certificate to J. Crew, Anthropologie, Bloomingdales, or Madewell (http://www.madewell1937.com)
Gift certificate to Whole Foods
Gift certificate to iTunes
Money for a pair of cowboy boots
A leather bag that is red, orange or yellow
A black or grey clutch
Money for a monthly cleaning lady
Hanky Panky Thongs (they are one size fits all--any and all colors)
Athletic socks
Spinning shoes
Infinite Jest by
David Foster Wallace
Subscription to the New Yorker (FROM XMAS LAST YEAR, this still has not come BTW)
Gas card
Someone to pay off my AmEx and/or Chase Cards
A pay raise
Peas on Earth

JOSH PLEASE NOTE I DON'T WANT 24 this year! Don't watch it anymore... you don't have to get me anything actually... I don't have any money to get anyone anything so please feel free to reciprocate that...

Please note I really just want more sessions with the trainer at Equinox and Pilates and Tennis lessons the most.

Maybe I will think of more things. But that is all I got at the moment.

Some thoughts (I wrote this yesterday so today I’ve got some perspective, OBV):

1.) I sound quite apathetic. No, forlorn. Yes forlorn. Sadly, I have no money to buy anyone presents, so it’s really uncomfortable asking for them.
2.) I am obsessed with working out. This is true. I do love to work out, and the higher rated things on the list all relate to exercise somehow—you could even argue the Patagonia jackets and cowboy boots do.
3.) I don’t trust my family to buy me things I actually want. Hence the request for gift certificates to specific stores.
4.) I have no money for basic amenities—hence my need for groceries, gas, socks, a cleaning lady, and someone to pay off my credit cards
5.) I am a little bitter about not having received my New Yorker subscription from last year
6.) I’m funny. (See “A pay raise” or “Peas on Earth”)
7.) I don’t want my brother to buy me another season of 24 which I have clearly signaled to him in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS SO THAT WHEN HE IS QUICKLY GLANCING AT THIS EMAIL A FEW MONTHS FROM NOW HE MIGHT CATCH THAT PART.
8.) I want a very intense, very long, very deep book by an author who recently and tragically killed himself (see Infinte Jest by David Foster Wallace). I’m obviously feeling quite lighthearted this year.
9.) I really just want to exercise. That's all. Call me simple, but I guess that's what's going to keep me happy these days.

Fascinating stuff, no?

Christmas List

I realize it isn't even October yet and therefore the only holiday currently entertaining people's thoughts (if any) is Halloween (which PS I still have to spell out musically using that goddamn song we learned in 4th grade, "H-A Double L-O, W Double-E-N-spells Halloween) however with my dad's visit this weeken, talk of Christmas came up. Early, yes, I know, but unavoidable when you are a struggling assistant and can only really look forward to big ticket items on major holidays and therefore discuss such wants when a parent is in town. Some items likely to show up on my list this year: a bike, pilates classes, gas money. I'd like to add this:



Seriously. I'd be the coolest kid at school. By school I mean work. Can't you just imagine that sweet R2D2 watch on my arm? All the other kids would be SO jealous.

On another note, family friends in Maine continue to give me a hard time for the period of my life (translation: since birth) when I would create highly itemized and specific Christmas lists for my mother (I only wanted to make her shopping experience easy, okay?). I had categories, sub-categories, preferred stores, brands, sizes, colors--you name it. I even had one page I called "miscellaneous" where each year similar things would show up:

Karaoke machine
Trip to Euro Disney
Black Ford Explorer
Trampoline

(You know the year they closed Euro Disney for banktrupcy issues or something happend to be the year we were going to France and I actually wrote a letter to the head of Euro Disney to please keep it open. For me. I had some seriously grand delusions as a child.)

While my love for the SUV, Disney and the karaoke machine rotated in and out with other large items (other cars, technology, small countries), I asked for a trampoline EVERY SINGLE YEAR. Even though every other family in my town, and just about all of my close friends, had them and I could always use one if so-desired, I wanted nothing more than a trampoline to call my own. I never got one, and I have to say, despite the obvious safety issues and the fact that now a trampoline would make little to no sense, a part of me still wants one.

So let's throw that on the list too.

OMG YOU GUYS

I cannot believe here it is 5:23 pm on Monday and I haven't even said hello. (HELLO).

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?

How about a lil weekend update while I chomp on this delicious and almost perfectly white peach? I know what you are thinking. You are thinking OMG ANNIE STAMOS (made up last name FYI) you are eating a peach? You spend your coveted money on peaches? NO I DON'T. But my dad, Jon Stamos does. And that's right folks... in addition to a weekend of free meals I lucked out with one helluva grocery shopping trip to the local Pavillions, courtesy Dad.

Other weekend highlights include the 30 mile bike ride I went on Saturday. Yes, 30 miles. It was completely uninentional (hence the severe and awkward sunburned tan lines on my right shoulder) but the perfect sunny LA day to ride from Santa Monica to Hermosa, have some lunch on the pier, then ride bike. And, I am totally hooked on bike riding. Which is awesome because I am actually a MISERABLE bike rider (this dates back to a scarring experience when I went to summer camp in Mexico and was forced to go on crazy bike rides sans helmet and on these very steep narrow roads with large trucks passing us and I just remember wanting to close my eyes and cry the whole time) but seriously YOU GUYS bike riding was AWESOME and I am a convert.

I also did a long rollerblade trip yesterday (so Cali, ew) but not as intense though because rollerblading 30 miles would be far less enjoyable. I think I still did 8 miles (need to brag, okay?) and really just had to get a glimpse of the Venice Sunday 5 pm drum circle (so weird).

Yeah so this weekend was all about OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES which was awesome and LA is really the perfect place for such fun. Although now I am feeling a bit out of sorts and like maybe there were things I didn't do that maybe I need to do, but let's be honest--that's not true.

What else... Oh the Emmys... yeah well... I watched them. Thought the fashion choices were lackluster, the jokes stale, and overall a snoozefest. However I am SUCH a sucker for those award shows and regrettably I must say I watched the entire thing. ENTIRE THING. Blech. There are 3 hours of my life I will never get back. I sort of think since I've moved out here and have been exposed to the Hollywood scene I am growing increasingly adverse to such self-congratulatory events. (But don't mind me while I self-congratulate any second I get.)

That's all she wrote folks... and for REAL I promise to kick it into a higher gear this week. Ok?

YES Free Meals

My dad's in town this weekend and the consecutive stream of free meals that consist of real food (aka not Lean Cuisine, eggs, or soup) has ALREADY begun with a lovely lunch today. It reminds me of college when it was parents weekend and you ate out for every meal and everywhere you could possibly envision as phenemonally expensive (aka, costs more than the dining hall). Well, I like to think I am a freshman in the college of life (CHEESE ALERT) so I am going to continue to bank on parental meals. I mean, isn't it a parent's inherent DUTY to provide for their child? I like to think so. Even when they are almost 25, in the "real world" and have a job. Speaking of which, will you take me grocery shopping too?

Gimme a Game Cube, Pleaaase

That Mario video set my mind spinning, longing for the days when if I couldn't really muster up interest in anything else to do I would spend hours upon hours playing MarioKart Double Dash or the Sonic Mega Collection on the Nintendo Game Cube. I think I love Sonic more than Mario, but when it comes down to it--I love them both and am suddenly experiencing a severe craving to play both these games.

My brother keeps telling me I need to just get a Wii because all the Game Cube games work on that, but what my dear brother forgets is that I have little to no money (closer to no right now) and a Wii is way down on my list of things I need to buy (near the top: food, beverage, more money, self-dignity, mail order boyfriend, cortozone cream). However, I keep forgetting about EBAY!

I have bought two things on eBay:

(1) A pair of jeans
(2) A giant (seriously giant, like movie theater giant) poster for The 40 Year-Old Virgin that hung on a wall of the living room of my suite my senior year at college

Both great purchases, however I am still somewhat skeptical about buying things on eBay. I always get nervous that once I buy it I won't ever be seeing my money ever again. However I did some digging around and it appears there are lots of Game Cubes available for purchase, prices ranging from around $20 to $100, depending on the condition, the number of games, controllers, etc. Thing is, I really just want those two games, and I really only need maybe 2 controllers (although three would be ideal as I have two roommates) and I really don't want to have to endure the stress and anxiety of eBay. And thus the following text:



Aren't I adorable? (Ignore for a minute the fact that I am 24 and think how precious I am. You wouldn't deny me the Game Cube, now, would you?)

I am waiting in suspense for his response, which will likely never come but I am holding onto some hope. There's a fair chance he'll laugh and think to himself NEVER. Or maybe he'll agree to it but then never get around to sending to me. Oh but what a marvel it would be to have that Game Cube... it might suck away my life force and alienate my friends but oh boy I would be seriously stoked!