I am the Favorite. So Deal

Today Penny made cookie bars. She told her children it was because they were driving her batty and bars are quicker. But she lied.

It's because of all her children. . . I am her favorite.

MMM Night Class

I thought this night class might be one long boring bust, but it's shaping up to maybe be some fun. Craig, a fellow Social Studies major, Monticello native, and Matthew McConaughey look alike. And he plunked his butt down right next to me. So now all I have to do is poison his girlie-friend and cast a spell and I'll be set for life.

Oh,well. If I don't get around to doing that, at least we have to work on a group project in content area groups, and we happen to be the only Social Studies majors in the room.

Money, Money, Money

I have money. Well, some. I sold three of my four books at the Book Exchange, and I haven't cashed two of work checks from over vacation yet. However, today Fin Aid goes through, so I'll have to settle my bill, AND taxes are coming up. I'm just waiting on my w2's and I have to give the Acct. dept a call still too. Wow. The more I talk the more depressing this gets. I'm quitting. Promise.

Thank God for Clock Radios

If it wasn't for Wy blasting out yesterday morning, or Miranda this morning, I'm not quite sure I ever would have gotten up. Shame. Shame.

The World After Gilmore

Trust me the witty dialogue isn't catching:

Shiner Ainjil: whatever you say
Super Toshia: of course
Super Toshia: cuz im queen duh
Shiner Ainjil: yes.
Shiner Ainjil: and I'm alligator bate

No dialogue writting for a hit TV show is NOT in my future.

I Think I Have a Problem.

I think I have a thing for older men. Aside from Keith, Viggo, Hugh, and Johnny.

There's Luke (aka Scott Patterson).

Does anyone else see this trend?

(And Heath is 26. That makes him older too. Just not quite as older as the rest.)

And The Fest Continues

Tonight, me and Toshia Gilmored it up after some meat and a viewing of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Which wasn't as good as the book, but it had it's moments).

With cereal in hand, we watched Rory and Logan come together (BAD PUN!) and Luke and Lor get back together, while Richard and Emily schemed together. I gather there was a lot of togetherness going on. Which is tentatively scheduled to continue on Thursday.

Balls, Courts, and Other Gilmore Related Things

Toshia has balls in her court. In fact, she has two sets of balls in her court. She just doesn't want them.

I however, would love balls. Please feel free to discuss this with all single males that meet most of my prior criteria and send me some balls people!

Safari at 10pm

If life were a giant Savannah, Toshia would be the gazelle with a gigantic backpack (or packpack) that got left at the watering hole when the massive flesh-eating predators approached.

And I'd be the one doing stand-up for the attacking alligators.

Ba-dum-bum.

Quote From Class

Our Social Psych Professor said, "1970. Gentler times."

And I turned to Toshia and said, "yeah, because they were doped up on weed."

Me like stoner music. It really was a great era...

Types of Stares in Social Psychology

Teacher stare
Epileptic stare
Creepy guy stare
Drunk guy stare
Pissed off stare
Hot Guy at the Bar stare
Superman's x-ray (or x-rated) stare
Give me a Damn answer stare
Get to the point stare

(and my personal favorite, but not voiced out loud in class)

CareBear Stare!

Fun Word to Say:

illicit

...and depending on what the activity is, it's sometimes something fun to do!

Question

This is most likely directed toward Shauna, but all other's who are knowledgeable please provide input.

Are political opinion polls considered to be part of the media? I mean I know they're taken by "private" companies, but since the results are made public and the media is what publishes them right?...

Damn It! I Have No Money.

Robenella and the CC Stringband have a new disc out. I'm so freakin' excited that it's on CMT's listening party because these pockets are empty until after fin aid goes through.

Feelin' Like A Change

I'm feeling restless this morning. (I think it's because of the sugar) But there isn't much except cleaning to do and I'm not THAT hard up, so I changed my desktop picture. It's still Keith, but it's a picture from Farm Aid and he's all colorful and manly and jamming on his guitar.

I think I'm going to head to the public library and then over to the booksale for awhile. Ciao.

My Sister the Tall Liar

My sister claims she doesn't like things such as country music, cowboys, and other such nummalicious things. But I now have more proof that she is not only a dork, but also into hillbilly rockstars. Just check out that ensemble.

Gilmore Gala

Equipped with the sugary swag I carted home from my trip to visit my poor college student friendly relatives at the Acorn Bakery, the refreshments and yarn procured from a quick Walmart trip, and the multi-media entertainment I borrowed from the library on Friday, Me and Toshia spent ten hours sprawled in my living room crocheting, gossiping, watching Gilmore Girls season 5 (the whole reason for celebration) and consuming crap food.

And what a trip down the Stars Hollow memory lane it was! From first meeting nummy Logan, to the sexy accented Finn, the elder Gilmore's separation, the first Luke and Lor kiss to the great blow up at Emily & Richard's vow renewal. The festivities will renew themselves on Tuesday (the traditional GG night), so until then, "Bring on the imperialistic condiments!"

Krystle's BACK!!!

She just walked through the door and I was blogging...so I had to report it. Hee Hee Hee.

Shiny Dual Congrats Plus One for Keith!

Totally snitched from the .net site:

January 19, 2006 (NASHVILLE, TN) - 2006 begins with some very good news for performer Keith Urban: the artist's third album, Be Here, is now triple Platinum, marking sales of over three million albums, according to the RIAA.

"Be Here is the fastest selling record of Keith's career," said Bill Kennedy, VP Sales at Capitol Records Nashville. "The fact that this artist has scored back-to-back three million sellers - his last album, Golden Road, and now Be Here - proves Keith continues to connect with music fans throughout the country."

Since the album's debut in September 2004, Be Here has spawned a number of top hits, including three number one singles: "Days Go By," "Making Memories of Us" and "Better Life." Additionally, the videos for "Days Go By" and "Making Memories of US" achieved #1 status at music channel CMT.

Irony Defined

It's the first day of spring semester and it's snowing like mad out.

Totally Urbanized

Toshia gave me my mail yesterday, and I ripped into my new Keith Calendar. Part of the packaging is a sticker replica of Keith's guitar monkey guitar picks, which now graces my cell phone. I looked over at Tosh and said, "Now my phone is completely Urbanized."

She of course laughed at me, but we'll see who's laughing later when Keith comes to the North Dakota State Fair. Any one wanna go?

Keith For A Year

Before I left NoDak, my mom asked me if I had an 06 calendar. The conversation went something like this:

"Do you have a 2006 calendar?"

"Yes."

"What's it of?"

"Keith Urban."

"Okay. I guess you don't need these kitties and puppies then."

Lisa The Urbanite Recruiter

Over break I got this absolutely wonderful email from Shauna:

I, Shauna, have purchased an actual 'Country' genred CD. Pick your chin up off the floor - there's more...

What's more than that? & I know you'll approve - it's "Golden Road".

Driving back to work "Somebody Like You" was played twice at top volume with my wonderful accompaniment. (Boy Keith & I sound really good together!) Are you smiling yet? You better be... you've RUINED me for life.

***Don't I know it. And I've got plenty of people I plan on corrupting too.

Idiot In A Tank Top

So, I am such a moron that I left everyone's x-mas presents in Nodak in my closet. Well, Anna's and Toshia's any how. How brilliant is that?

New Phones and Hot Boys

I got my new cell yesterday, and the sales guy at the mall, Adam, looks at me and says,"God, You look familiar." After establishing that I'm not in a sorority, he went about activating my phone and me and Toshia took turns mouthing, "He's Hot!" to each other.

Morning Gorgeous!

Yesterday morning, Toshia gave me a call to get my butt going so we could break the bank at the grocery store. She instructed me to, "Go make yourself beautiful."

To which I reply,"I wake up beautiful. I just have to uglify myself so ya'll don't feel bad."

Woebegone

Bankruptcy

The End Of The World

Salads

Alien Abductions

Men In Black

Yup. Salads took that one.

Anecdote From The Shop Before I Go

So we've got the holiday tournements this week and we're crazy busy. When we finally get a little break, Mel comes into the back and asks if anyone knows who won.

I roll my eyes at her and say, "Of course not. I've been here all day. What do you think I am? Telepathetic?"

At this point, Me, Heather, and Mel all realize I meant telepathic, not telepathetic.

*shakes head*

I blame it on the dishes. Too much dish washing is bad for you're mental capabilities. I'm proof.

Doing The Grades Thing

I'm really not trying to gloat. Ask Toshia who has spent many a Tuesday cooking me lunch so I'd actually eat a whole meal inbetween finishing papers and doing homework.

But I was bored at work one day and read that I can graduate with honors if I can keep my GPA hefted up there, so here's this semster's efforts to that goal:

Health-A (God that was a lot of work for only 2 credits)
HURL 497-A (I worked my ASS off in that class and met lots of wonderful people)
HURL 498-A (Much easier class)
AI Hist-A (Yeah! Good grades for my minor)
IM-A (I Couldn't stand my professor)
Astro-A- (This class involved Physics!)
Phy Ed-B (Eh. It's gym.)

This gives me a cumulative bump to 3.7

I'm ALIVE!!!!

I know it's been forever since I've been online, but I've been working, reading, moving, and Christmasing.

Christmas was swell. We were too lazy to actually put up our Christmas tree, so I dumped some ornaments on Sampson and we had a Christmas Palm instead. I guess we were vibe-ing Kenny Chesney's All I Want For Christmas is a Real Good Tan album more than I thought. If I remember that far, I'll try and bring the pics to the pizza shop and scan them right away....if I remember.

I got some really great swag. A bright yellow toolbox, Johnny Depp poster, Grumpy Bear ornament and pen, a sweet hoodie that says Fisher University, a teddy bear wearing a Capricorn goat suit, some soap and shampoo, a game called Fact or Crap (LOTS of fun), and some other stuff that I can't remember right now.

My sisters and I are switching rooms, so half of my belongings are in the living room, half are in my old room, and I still haven't bought the paint to get rid of those weird cloud things on my ceiling yet.

I finished the 6th Harry Potter book. Finally. And I was right about who died.

And then there's work. Right now I'm doing nights, which is cool because we close at 8, but the holiday basketball tourney is this week so we're open late. Really not all that fun. But sorta. I mean, It's the pizza shop.

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee

It all started with Mike asking me if I'd drink a cup if he went and bought some. No prob.

Then he bought one of those giant can's that need to be opened with a can opener. Problem. No can opener behind the desk.

So I came to the rescue by bashing a hole in the lid with a hammer and a paint scraper deal.

Now everything should be just peachy right? Or at least woken up with Folgers in my cup?

However, Mike apparently doesn't know how to make coffee. So I doctored what had to be one of the worst cups ever with a few teaspoons of hot chocolate mix.

It was better, but had a horrid after taste.

Like I'd imagine licking an ashtray would taste.

Blech.

Going Into The Final Stretch

Tomorrow I have my Astronomy and Info Media finals. Tuesday it's my American Indian History and HURL finals, and then on Wednesday I finish up with Health. I've just put the finishing touches on my IM handouts for the presentation, and I've checked my answer keys on my old Astro tests. Let's hope thats enough prep for tomarrow, because I'm tired and I'm leaving the library to hit the hay at home with my pretty, soft, new, fuzzy, purple blanket I got from Penny, Ainjil, and the gang for christmas.

Toshia Was Talking To Drunk Boys!!!

Nothing of import happened to me, except I kept accidentally hitting Anna in the face while we were dancing on a crowed dance floor.

Anna on the other hand. . .

-fell flat on her posterior on the dance floor.

-was recruited to dance by a guy that was so scrubby he must be Kevin Federline's relative.

-got an ice cube tossed in her lap curtisey of me that was almost sent down Toshia's pants, however the fact that Tosh is at the bottom of her wardrobe saved her.

-was forced to dance with Toshia's drunk boys' friend, who was a little too boa constrictor for anybody's taste.

-And finally, couldn't hear enough to understand that drunk boys wanted her to howl.


Shame. Shame.

While I'm Still Here

Run over to CMT.com and check out Jack Ingram's new Live album. I absolutely adore Barbie Doll. There's a bunch of others, but I should really go back to my HURL paper and let Jack woo you guys by himself.

Desperately In Need of a Drink

Gah!

It's already been one of those days. Well, I suppose saying that at 1 doesn't nearly have the impact as it did at 7:45 when I first thunk it. One group meeting, shift at work (a seemingly very long one), and starting my Final project for Hurl, later and all I want to do is curl up with a beer and a remote.

It's a good thing me and the girls are going out tonight.

Rock Me Amadeus

After totally spazzing out about my Media Analysis Report, I got it back and totally nailed it. Full points.

More Fun With Words

Viscous sounds like a dirty word.

And it's fun to say.

Working For The Weekend

So the fam came out this weekend for Christmas. It wasn't a big to-do. Mostly because I spent Friday night out with the girls and we ran into some BL guys. One of which offered to buy a round and then called me a mooch because I accepted. No wonder I didn't hang out with him during high school he's such a prick.

Anna and Tosh both of course got schnockered. And I got my buzz going just before we left. Well, about 45 mins. Before we left. LOL. I am going to decree that we really need to figure out a better drop off system now that they've changed my drive way. My house hasn't moved, but instead of 10 min, it now takes 15 to get to Toshia's so I rolled in at 3.

The 'Rents showed up about 6, and later (MUCH LATER) we made a run to Cabella's where I bough this nummy fudge dipped apple.

For Christmas I got a bunch of bakeware and a pillow. When Tosh saw it, she stared at it and said, "I've seen that before." Well, duh. It's the same Horse Tapestry Pillow Erin Has.

After The Vikes kicked ass, I started on my homework, and Me and the girls bough Christmas presents for the 'rents, we all headed over to I-hop for dinner where they forgot my pancakes.

Then Me and Tosh saw the Dukes at Atwood little theater. She wasn't impressed. I then went home and finished all five of my lesson plans.

Finals

Astro is a semi comprehensive test

Health is a presentation on my drug prevention program. However, it's due today and not done and hence will be handed in on monday. FIVE Lesson plans.

IM is a presentation of our lesson, which isn't too bad because I've already got the rubric done and have some ideas for the handout I still need to design. The webquest is another thing. Hopefully I can get most of that finished today in class.

Hist isn't too bad since I just have to write a paper. And a relatively easy one at that.

HURL is the biggie. I need to write a five day unit that I'm freaked about. Heather told me to do it on something I really love, which means I have no idea what topic in history I really love anymore. Does this make sense to you? I didn't think so. Right now I'm thinking about looking into Ellis Island. How does that sound? Immigration is lots of fun and will totally fit into an ASC/SJE deal.

Weekend in Review (Three Days Late)

Since I didn't work on my health last night, and I highly doubt I'll get much accomplished in the fourty minutes between classes.

So first, as Toshia reported, Izzy sank into a bit of a coma. Well, acutally it was more like she broke her leg. I snaped my CV shaft completely in half I guess. So now Curtis is cooling his heels in A-lot and I might possibly get Iz back this weekend when the fam comes out for Ahrens' christmas at Henry's.

Family pictures were a blast. We almost killed the poor photographer, though. As soon as I get those pics I promise to post them. Expecially since I look like a chipmonk in one of them. Damn it. If Eliza would keep her hands where they belong, Ness would look where she's supposed to, Mel would keep her mouth shut, and the photographer wouldn't wipe the camera with Winnie the Pooh's butt I'm sure it wouldn't have been such an ordeal.

After that, there was just shopping, homework, and food. Good food. Oh, and my dog has figgured out how to get out of the kennel so I chained his ass up to the basket ball hoop and carted the dog house over there. All is good.

Some Christmas Music For Ya.

I want the one in the middle under my tree.

I Lied.

I'm tired. My head hurts. I'm curling up in bed with a book, the remote, and an apple.

Just Squeezing In

I'd love to give you guys a fully involved play by play of all the funny and embarrassing and even some that involve Nodak animals, but I'm in the middle of the week before finals week madness. The only reason I have time to pen you, my adoring public, this little love scrap is because my HURL speaker (heh heh heh. That sounds FABULOUS) has called in sick (Big GRIN) and so class got cancelled. I unfortunately have forgotten some of my readings, so I've got a bit of time to burn before Kayla gets through the Market line down in the food court.

I promise that as of late, late, late tonight I will have caught you all up on the goings on in my world. And I promise to leave out how I've been subsisting on frapachinos and cheetos. God. That almost sounds like the Brittany Spears diet. I think it's in for some major change because I'm aiming ALOT higher than KFed.

Pure Irony

I got my PPST scores back. Of the three sections, I did the best in the Math. Riddle me this one.

Heading Home...Again

Once I get everything packed up, I'm going to pick up Tosh and then we're going out to my parents house for the weekend so I'll prolly be incommunicado for awhile longer.

For those of you wondering about certain rumors swirling around about a certain singer of mine, AmberJ hasn't announced anything, and until that happens, I really don't know what's up.

Today Is A Gold Star Day.

I got to flip the calendar to a new picture.

What A Little Snow Can Do.

I have been having windshield wiper issues. Aside from the fact that it's been held on by a rubber binder and a pony tail since Sunday.

Tonight I actually went to Target and bought a new one.

I then spend twenty minutes trying to get it on, but only accomplished in breaking the other one off and figuring out HOW it goes on, but not actually GETTING it on.

Then I saw the nummy Matthew Macfadyen and the beautiful Keira Knightly in Pride and Prejudice.

When I came out of the theater, I once again attempted to install the damned thing. That's when this really cute boy (who had accompanied two girls to the movies) came over and offered to help. After much laughing and a bit of flirting, his manliness saved the day and I got a wink, smile, and a god bless out of the deal. It's too bad my Astronomy has to horn in on this euphoria.

Broody Men and Misty Mornings. . .Be Still My Heart

I am so head over heels in love with the new Pride and Prejudice flick. It stars the beautiful Keira Knightly and the nummalicious Matthew Macfadyen.

By now, everyone knows how I feel about Colin Firth. And he almost wrecked this one for me because he was in one of the movie trailer previews before the movie started. However, once the movie started, I was hooked. Especially on Matthew. Ahhh.

Oh. The other blonde guy was cute too. Wickham. He kinda reminded me of Orlando Bloom though. Not my type of leading man. But he was very dashing. And he's supposed to be in The Libertine with a leading man who is my type, the one and only Johnny Depp.

I just don't know how to convey how in love I am with this movie. Maybe the best way is to comment that Toshia almost cried because the movie was so damned good. And we're fighting over who is going to buy it first when it comes out on DVD.

We're already making plans to see it every night that it's playing at the cheapseats. So, any takers are welcome.

Movies! Movies! Movies!

I'm going to try and talk Toshia into seeing the new Pride & Prejudice with me on Wednesday.

Once that's done, the fun starts. I can't wait to see the new Narnia movie. And then there's The Libertine with Johnny Depp, Walk the Line (which I still haven't seen), and TWO Heath movies in the pipes.

Just think about all the pretty boys.

Gah

Tomorrow I have two papers due. Only, since one is a Media Analysis project, it's really like 7 two page papers. Right now, I have one paper due, and a start on the Media project. Not to mention that I have all my History and Hurl readings to get done.

Just Got Back From Hell

...And let me tell you, it's covered in ice.

My nice five hour ride home turned into a seven and a half hour journey over frozen tundra. Or more accurately over ice covered roadways. In some places it was over three inches thick and I couldn't go more than 30 mph.

Then came the rain. That nice icy freezing rain.

Oh, and my windshield wiper flew off, so I had to jerry-rig one with a ponytail holder, a rubber band, and the squeegee from an old ice scraper.

Then came the fog. The I-can-only-see-two-feet-in-front-of-my-car sort.

Needless to say, I just came home and went to bed.

Elvis Is In The Building

I made my sisters all pose with Santa and Mrs. Clause, so we have a cute picture of the four of us all together. The little girls however took off soon after, so me and Mel decided to mosey on back to the pizza shop. On the way, they announced horse drawn wagon rides, so me and Mel detoured to do that.

Once we got under way this little kid (who I have no idea who the heck he is) points at me and demands,"Who are you?!"

Mel puts her arm around me and says, "This is my eldest sister."

The kid's eyes got really big and he shrieks, "You're her Elvis sister!?!"

I just laughed.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

Small Town Friday Night

Every year on the Friday following Thanksgiving, my parents' town hosts "Light Up The Night" where all the businesses turn on their Christmas lights at once and there's a parade along with other festivities.

Once again my mom volunteered to do the Chamber float. Once again, I drove Santa and Mrs. Clause.

This year was slightly different though. It starts with the fact that Dad had the Jeep Willy in the parade as Hot Spot's float and he wired his stereo speakers up to the radio. Then he put in this mixed Christmas CD I had burned last Christmas.

So we're waiting in line for the parade to start and some awesome Christmas tunes are playing and it's freezing as all hell. Oh, and I had these really cute huge flashing light up rings on because we were tossing them for the parade. Lined up in front of us is Last year's basket ball team, of which I really don't know anybody.

Then, "Hula Hoop" came on. I of course start dancing and spinning around in the middle of the street singing at the top of my lungs. Fortunately Mel joined me. Vanessa just shook her head and said, "I wonder what SHE was deprived of as a child."

Oh, and this year, instead of the Cars, I rocked out to The Beach Boys and Garth Brooks.

Possible Birthday Bash

Tosh was just chatting with me that her and Anna were talkin' bout visiting me in NoDak over winter break.

I laughed and said they should come out for my birthday weekend, and then we could celebrate in the big bad town of Linton.

To which she rejoined with, "And we could call Sean for a cab."

"Yeah, one with giant flashing lights!"

Snaps

I got snaps tonight from Arit because I'm always smiling.

I also got Martin's cell number, but that's strictly for key-in use. 'Sides as much as he has that sexy Latin lover thing going on, he's got a girl, and he's not really my type. I mean the man ALWAYS has gel in his hair.

Sad Day

Today is Marcus's last day at work. *pouts*

Who is Marcus you ask?

Good question. Marcus has a Mum and a Dad and is from Sydney, Australia and talks in that sexy Aussie accent. He just got a job as an RA for next semester.

Arit, Katie, and I were talking about how tonight was his last night and Katie made the remark that some of the Mitchell girls were going ape-shit over his accent. She said that wasn't what she was looking for in a guy. Arit said that she wanted someone who was kind and caring.

I, of course, had to chime in that I wanted all of that too, but that the sexy accent was frosting.

To which Katie replied, "I like frosting."

Trust me. I do too.

Border Battle

The Vikings once again proved who is the better state.
That's right.
We are.
By 3 whole points.

I Promise, No More Hawking for My Guys After This Today

Here's a wicked article from TIME about Heath, who with all his movies coming out this year I'm sure ya'll are as sick of him as ya are of Keith.

Still Rockin'

Keith's single Better Life tops Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart for the 6th week. Way to go Keith (and Richard Marx since they wrote the song together).

Killer Test

All Done.

Now I have to do mundane things like clean my room, do laundry, and shop for groceries. Sounds like fun.

KC's New Disc

Of all the new music I could be listening to, right now I'm hooked on The Road and The Radio. (give it a listen at CMT.com's Listening Party page)

It's got a different sound for a typical Kenny Chesney album. The guitars are louder and they're right out front, very much like a Keith album, but it meshes so well with KC's typical themes, his lyrics, and the overall message of this album. There are so many great songs to groove to (like Living in Fast Forward) but my two favorites are Summertime (which is my Favorite time of the year) and Tequila Loves Me (which I haven't actually drank outside of a fruity drink so I'm not sure if it does).

This is a great road trip album, or even one for party background music, homework music like I'm using it right now, or music to warm up a winter day. I think I just associate Kenny with No shoes, no shirt, so that's where my warm up comes. It's either that or thinking about those abs and pecs.

Next Semester

Psychology of Death and Dying
Advanced Study of American Indian Literature
Teaching English Learners K-12
Theories of Personality
Intro to American Indian Issues
Social Psychology

That's the list. 18 credits, full load. Doesn't it sound Fun?

Brain Sergeon I'm Not.

I found the thermostat finally, after bugging my lab partner (who lives up stairs and is nice and toasty warm). There's this huge knob over by the cable hook up. Which is why none of us had found it because it's behind both the TV and Hiley's refrigerator.

Set For '06

I just ordered my Keith Urban fan club calendar. I know. Not everyone is stoked about it, but each year the fan club produces a calendar that is made completely by pictures that members send in and all the proceeds to straight to St. Jude's. So I get to support a great cause and a great guy all year long. Many that's corny sounding.

Oh Where Are The Polar Bears?

Someone please mention to ResLife that it's really okay for them to turn the heat on in our building. I'm wearing more clothes that Toshia and I'm freezing!

Country Music History

Keith Urban is the first country artist to win the CMA Trifecta: Horizon award (2001), Male Vocalist (2004, 2005), and Entertainer (2005). This year he also won the CMA International Artist Achievement Award because of all his touring in Australia, Canada, and Europe.

The CMA's

Wow. It was a big night for so many people. I was so excited to hear about Lee Ann's sweeps of the album award. I'm glad some of the more traditional sounding music got some awards if just to try and halt the badmouthing that goes on over at the award boards. I do think Sugarland should have picked up something this year, because there's was phenomenal, however Dierks does deserve a Horizon award, and Gretch really deserved it last year.

I think this is going to end up being my rant about the country music industry and fans in general, instead of my congrats spiel. There are so many on the boards unhappy because so and so didn't get an award they "deserved." Or the artists that won aren't "country artists." Although if you ask Shauna I'm sure she'll give you a VERY different story. I think the problem with many fans right now is that there's a changing of the guard. The top selling acts are no longer the class of '89, but those that got their break in the business in the mid to later '90s.

I'll even bring it back to Keith who's being brutally attacked by rabid Toby, Kenny, and Alan fans for his EOTY: There isn't any good music or bad music, but music you like, and music you don't.

There's plenty of music in this world, so listen to what you like and STOP COMPLAINING!

The Big One

I may have missed the entire CMA award show, but I was home in time to see Keith win Entertainer and scream loud enough to freak Krystle out. Now I'm going to see how everyone cleaned up. Congrats Keith!

It Was Slushing

and now it's raining. I believe the scientific term is "Blah." Just ask Anthony.

The Most Sex Tosh Has Had In A While

Don't ya wish ya knew the story behind this one.

College

One of the things about college that I hate (ironically enough) is that there are so many classes I'd love to take. I just got an email from one of my past professors (albeit one that drove me nuts cuz he's a poster child for ADHD) who is teaching a topical class on "The Making of American Culture."

And before anyone (yes Shauna I'm talking to you) can jump in with auditing his class, I'm already aiming at a very full (18 credits) course load for spring. No way possible that I can work it in. As it is, I had to do some fancy finagling so I wouldn't have to go on a wild goose chase to get my 19 cred override.

The Reason I Love Dairy Queens.

You read that and were thinking Whippy Dip weren't cha. Well that's not what I'm going to talk about. I'm going to talk about the OTHER Dairy Queen. The ones with the fake tiaras, tissue floats (some shaped like a giant potato), and create small town rivalries. Even I was once in the running to be a Dairy Queen. Well, actually in BL it's a potato, but they all stem from the same sort of thing.

This weekend I rented Drop Dead Gorgeous staring Kirstie Alley, Ellen Barkin, Kirsten Dunst, and Denise Richards. Brittany Murphy also stars, along with the original TV Batman, and my homestate Minnesota.

That's right. It was filmed right here in the good old land of 10,000 lakes, so be prepared for plenty of bad wannabe Ubetcha Norwegian accents, lutefisk jokes, tractors, and even a funny bit about the largest ball of twine.

Gladys Leeman is the organizer for Mount Rose's Princess America pageant and is especially excited because her daughter Rebecca will be running, exactly 20 years after Gladys herself won the title. However, she's got some stiff competition from Amber, the trailer park livin' tap dancer, and Tammy, the president of the Lutheran Sisters Gun Club. As the competition gets nearer, the girls start dropping like flies, and the hilarity (most of it kinda cheesy) ensues.

There is nothing more fun than to watch something while mocking yourself. I can truthfully see many similarities between this film and my hometown. Everything is over exaggerated though. From the sleazy judge to the womanizing pageant dad, but most especially Kirstie Alley's overdone accent that grated on my nerves by the end of the movie.

I Did It!

Thanks to Anna, I've scheduled my PPST for Friday. That test is going DOWN baby!

And The Reviews Start...

Harry Potter's latest movie installment comes out at the end of the week in the US and has already premiered in the UK.

Polished Potter Ups Fright Factor

Oh. The excitement.

I loved the third Harry Potter book and the third movie predictably was my favorite. I remember going to the show with Tosh, Tiff, Erin, Anna, and the gang. Sitting out in the parking lot waving at the cops. Running numerous red lights with Anna's dad's guns in the trunk stored in a gym bag. Sitting by this gorgeous, but extremely nice guy and accidentally elbowing him in the face every time I shifted in my seat.

Oh, the good times. So gang, are we gonna do that again?

And The Beat Goes On

Friday, Me and Tosh went and saw March of The Penguins at the cheapseats. Toshia paid for me since she found ten bucks outside my apartment building (well, on the other end of the block).

The movie was cute, even if it was a documentary about the mating cycles of Empire Penguins. And even if some eight year old boy sitting in front of me turned to look at me everytime I moved. And even if by the time the spring thaw came around I had to pee like the dickens because I sprang for popcorn and sprite. But it was good.

Not as good as the after movie pancakes with Butter Pecan syrup I had a IHOP, but good.

Whoo Hoo!

I broke into the 490's on I-squad!

Coersion

How hard do ya'll think it'll be to try and talk Toshia into seeing March Of The Penguins at the cheapseats tonight?

All Hail The King Of Monetary Greatness

For the rest of the semester I get to work two more hours on Thursday nights. While that means I'll miss ER and all my hotties (that'd be Luka and Ray), but I'll have an extra $15 on my paycheck.

Introspection

Last night I accompanied A.Riley and some of the other Chi Alpha peeps to see Elizabethtown staring Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst. Pastor Dave thought it would be more spiritual, and the guys wanted more action, but I thought it hit mostly on the mark.

Drew is a fast rising shoe business genius who just lost his boss "one BILLION dollars if you round it" and is at home trying to orchestrate his suicide when he gets a call that his dad has died and he needs to collect the body from his relatives in Kentucky. On the way there, he meets Claire, a flight attendant who's bubbly personality makes him take a deeper look into his life and family.

The family is small town southern family quirky. There's love and dysfunction and laughs, which every family should have in some form. Some of the most touching scenes occur between Drew's uncle Dale, Drew's cousin Jess, and Jessie's son Samson.

There's humor spread throughout, from the outrageous Chuck and Cindy's wedding festivities to Susan Sarandon's eulogy. But one thing that particularly stands out is the fabulous soundtrack, whether it's Drew's cell phone ringing "Can't Get Next To You" or Jessie's band playing "Freebird" at the memorial service. There's plenty of music, laughs, and Great American roadtrip destinations to keep you tuned in.

I'M FREE!!!

I turned in my Astronomy project today, so I'm all done. No more pictures. No more early mornings. Just reading, notes, labs and a final. Home free.

If only my other classes were this easy.

Nine Lasts

1. Last Alcoholic Beverage: Bud Light at JP's Halloween weekend with Tosh, Erin, and Kit after visiting Molitor's Haunted Acres.

2. Last Car Ride: Coming home from Target where I developed my Astronomy sunrise observation pictures.

3. Last Movie Seen: The Brothers Grimm last nigh at the cheapseats with Tosh and Staring the beautiful and talented Heath Ledger.

4. Last Phone Call Made: To Toshia while I was at Target to tell here that they had those really great 1/4 inch coloring books in the dollar bins.

5. Last CD Played: Gary Allen's Tough All Over. Awesome album.

6. Last Bubble Bath: I'm not sure, but I'm betting it was while I was in North Dakota.

7. Last Time You Cried: A couple weeks ago when Tosh and I were fighting.

8. Last Kiss: Sunday when Dad left to go back to NoDak we exchanged hugs and kisses.

9. Last Item bought: Two boxes of twinkle lights, dishwasher soap, toilet paper, face wash, Kleenex, Christmas cards, and developed pictures.

"It's Starting To Look A Lot Like Christmas"

I still don't understand how the department stores can morph into a Christmas mood after Halloween when there's still Thanksgiving to go.

Anyhow, while I was getting my observation pictures developed (they came out fabulous!) I browsed the Christmas decorations. I found my Christmas cards for this year and I bought some more purple twinkle lights. They were only two bucks, so I bought two boxes. Now I've gotten my purple lights from both Christmas (even if the wires are green) and Halloween. So my room won't look cockeyed anymore. Or at least it shouldn't once I get the newbies up.

Bad Girl

So right now I'm skipping Astronomy, and I'm thinking about skipping the rest of my classes for today. We'll see, but I'm contemplating it. Hard.

I just found out that each of my astronomy pictures are only worth a point. A point. In the fifty point project, so I'm totally not worried about it any longer. I have to be right on the money for the rest of it though because I've already used up my cushion points. Darn.

I'll be missing a marijuana presentation in health that can easily be made up by reading the chapter and doing the objectives.

In IM we're tackling a power point assignment, and while I'm skipping class, I'll actually be working on some overdue assignments for that class, so I think it all sort of evens out. Hehehe.

So. I think I've talked myself into skipping everything today. Ciao.

It's All In The Fairy Tale

SO, I finally saw The Brothers Grimm staring Heath Ledger and Matt Damon last night at the cheapseats with Toshia. I thought it was very cute. I mean not the best movie ever, but entertaining, adventuresome, funny, whimsical - all hallmarks of a Terry Gilliam film.

The plot is that brothers Jake and Will are con artist running around the German countryside curing the peasants of their witches, trolls, and other local legends until they stumble upon a village that has a real wicked witch.

Heath's character is sort of a dreamer who believes in the fairytales and Matt's character is the logical one and the ladies man. Lena Heady, who plays the female lead was spectacular. Although how she managed to stay so clean still puzzles me a bit.

It was a blast counting up all the fairy tales that I recognized, even the ones that aren't overtly involved in the story like the Wicked Queen's gigatic stack of mattresses is clearly a reference to the Princess and the Pea. The special effects were fun, even if some of the backgrounds were obviously computer inserted ala Spiderman. And the crows were especially creepy. They kept making me jump in my theater seat.

There were also a couple moments where the continuity seemed a bit off. I remember reading somewhere that the most expensive special effects had to be cut out of the film because the rest was a let down after the visual extravaganza. Well, I think I figured out just where it got cut from, because I was momentarily lost right there.

The only major thing I didn't care for were the thick French and Italian accents. It was a bit hard sometimes understanding what these characters were saying. And I'm still not certain why that Italian guy was working for the French army...

Definitely rent it and watch it in surround sound.

Move Over Casanova

I thank Tosh for this link. I recommend it to anyone interested in genetics, History, China, East Asia, men, sex, or reproduction.

And no, it's not a public service announcement.

Ten Firsts

1. First Best Friend(s): Jamie - She used to practically live at my house.

2. First Major Purchase: I financed my own bicycle when I was in fifth grade saving up for months to get it. It's a pink and white ten speed. I still own it and ride it, even if it's now beaten to hell.

3. First Pet: Jack-E-Boy. He was a puppy. I was a baby. My parents had their hands full.

4. First Piercing: My ears for my 6th birthday. I'm sure I screamed my head off at the mall. I got these cute gold and garnet studs and then complained forever because I had to leave them in for six weeks or whatever.

5. First Crush: When I was four I was convinced I was going to marry my cousin Bobby. Then I was sure it would be Zack Morris from Saved By The Bell.

6. First CD: Alanis Morisette's Jagged Little Pill. I was such a little feminist in 6th grade. Actually I was a Girl Scout, but it laid some ground work.

7. First Car: My parent's '87 Olds Celebrity Wagon AKA the short bus, which sported a gigantic dent in the passenger side and a door that didn't open.

8. First Love: Reading. Gotcha didn't I? Ya'll were thinking I'd talk about a boy. Nope. I think reading has been one of the very first loves in my life, maybe even ranking before my sisters.

9. First Stuffed Animal: I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure Telly is one of my longest running stuffed animals. He's a dog that's named after Telly Monster from Sesame Street.

10. First Date: Me and Tyler took our confirmation class out for ice cream and since all I got was a strawberry starkiss, I was his "real cheap date." It's either that or Tim walking me home from school everyday in third grade. Just think about how my life would be different if his parents never moved to Texas.

The Stellar Nebulas Are Coming

I think at this moment, I hate astronomy. My project is due tomorrow, I have make-up stuff I have to do tonight, and I have stupid chapters to read. Erin come same me!

Possibilities

One of my roomies just invited me to go to the movies tomorrow night. I'm now trying to get my homework done so I can finagle my schedule enough to go see Elizabethtown.

Shout Out

Here's my shout out to Gordon who masterfully managed to incorporate everyone of his classes into his latest article.

Differences In Society Can Be Good

Austen Actor Rant

Today I was checking out the Entertainment page on MSN and saw "Passion and 'Pride' But can new 'Prejudice' replace Firth version with viewers? "

WHAT?

Yes Keira's new and updated version CAN replace the one with Colin Firth.

I HATE COLIN FIRTH!!!

There I've said it. Give me the old black and white version any day. If there is one thing that can get me going is that on every romance site ever, they praise Colin Firth as a Jane Austin god.

"Oh he's so dreamy."

"He looks so fabulous in those old archaic fashions that were kinda unflattering toward men."

"Oh isn't he so romantic."

Please, you're making me puke. Geh. He isn't attractive and has the acting skills of a cardboard box. I do agree that the actor playing Darcy should be a 'nummy Brit. That's a given. But not that god-awful Colin Firth.

And not Hugh Grant either. Although I do love Hugh, I totally see him in that playboy role. The fun London rake. NOT a Darcy at all.

I have a nose for 'nummy foreign actors (of course this is my personal opinion, but who has better taste than Moi when it comes to leading men I ask ya? That's right. Nobody.). And some like Hugh Dancy, Luke Mably, and Aussie Joel Edgerton come to mind. But as of the new Pride trailers, I think the casting directors have it right. The new Darcy is dark, handsome, alpha, and broody. Who is he? I'm not sure yet, but he can totally hang on my wall. Even better yet, he's not whinny wimpy looking Colin "I look like a wuss with a stick up my ass" Firth.

Need To Lay Off On Something

The past two nights, I've had the strangest dreams. Saturday night, I was in jail. Not a nice jail, but one that was once a barn and inside the cells were straw and cow crap and animals. I was in there with this guy and a kid. The only way out was to pay to get out of jail because the warden guys were crooked so we sold things like the blankets we had. But everyday we got to go out in the courtyard and exercise and that's when you could earn money, by winning at exercise races.

Last nights was just as bizarre. Eric had this helicopter and he was flying to school in it, but the propeller thing fell off, and he crashed. So we were all running around trying to find all the pieces so we could put it back together. And instead of finding helicopter parts everyone kept finding rings and earrings on the ground.

So. I think I need Priggie's dream book.

New Music Crush

Right now I'm totally digging the song Brighter than Sunshine by Aqualung.

I'm telling ya, those foreign boys...

Purple Comments

I just don't know what to say. Except lets continually have THOSE sorts of second quarters and how about doing this while we're on the ROAD boys. I don't understand how they can loose momentum after the half. They should be so psyched up still. Gah. Geez.

Irritation

My lower eyelid has swelled up and bit and it's sorta annoying because the lump rubs my eyeball. But it should go away on it's own without causing damage. So it's just irritating right now.

Some Smooth Bit of Writing

"It's a thin line between an Urban gig and a Bon Jovi concert, no thicker than a banjo string."

More Keith Congrats!

According to the RIAA, Keith Urban’s first full-length concert DVD, Livin’ Right Now, has been certified Platinum. Platinum status for long-form DVDs and videos occurs when sales reach 100,000 units.

Also this week, Keith's latest single, "Better Life," continues its ride at the top of the country music charts, logging its fourth week at the No. 1 slot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart.

Curtesey of GACTV.com

Bright Idea Gilligan

Somebody scheduled a fire drill today. So sick ass Lisa got to hang out in the parking lot while the buzzers were going off inside.

New Level of Pathetic

I begged Krystle to take me to the Public Library to return books and to Target for some meds.

The librarian looked at me in my pajamas, laughed, and said at least I'd have something to read in bed tomorrow.

Target was a different story. I was so out of it that I couldn't figure out what the heck generic Day/NightQuil looked like, so I bought the regular stuff. When I headed back for some OJ, all they had was extra pulp, so I begged one of the attendant guys to check in back for regular no pulp. He brought me back no pulp, with the weight watchers sticker, half the calories, and extra calcium. Bleh. I think it's a good think I can't taste too much. I also picked up some Hot Pockets and pizza rolls so I'm not just eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Day Two on the H.M.S. Sickness

I've had 7 people tell me I look like crap.

I'm loopy and I haven't even had any meds yet.

My head no longer feels attached to my head, but it must be because it's pounding and I can't breathe.

I smell disgusting.

I can't even sleep in because I have an Astro project due in a week and a lab that I really don't want to try and make up tomorrow.

I'm going to love Friday when it comes.

Here Sicky Sicky

I woke up to the most uncomfortable thing this morning: The fact that I am dog sick.

I NEVER get sick. I'm one of those lucky bastards who carry the virus around and give it to everyone, but never actually get sick. I have a horribly sore throat and a sorta rattly cough that hurts like heck, but no other real symptoms. No runny nose, no stuffed sinuses. Not even a headache really. A slight temp and this horrendous want to constantly be asleep seem to be the only other things wrong.

Now I have to find time to make it over to Target (most likely tomorrow) for some orange juice, vitamin C drops, some cough syrup, and if my bank account still looks healthy, Teri Clark's new album. Until then, it's class time and I'm slugging down LOTS of water.