Monthly Archives: July 2008

High School Hair

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Bad news:  I can’t seem to find my camera battery.  I know it’s around somewhere, but between the shopping bags and boxes that fill my living room – I can’t find it.

If I could, you would now be enjoying a photo of me from junior year of high school Homecoming.  While packing I found this fabulous (I’m using this term quite loosely) picture.  Hands down, no question, this photo is wonderful because of my hair.  It is crazy big.  Like country singer on hair steroids big.

It’s a bit like this (because I was also sporting the soccer mom bob at the time), but not “hairstylist edgy.”

There is such a thing as good big hair.  I still strive for that elusive temptress.  There’s a fine line between this

and this

Truth be told, I would be happy if my hair turned out as lovely as Dolly’s.  Angelina is a silly pipe dream and young, ignorant girl still holds tight to.

Until I can find my camera, you’ll just have to use your imagination.  I don’t think Walt Disney even has enough imagination to picture this do.  It’s just that good.

Packing

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I’m moving on Friday.  Since roommate/big bro is getting hitched, I’m getting kicked out of the house.  I’m only moving 1 block away, so it’s really not super taxing.

Anyway… so packing.  Since I can take my sweet time moving, packing has been a delight.  I just pop on Gilmore Girls (starting with season 1 disc 1) and put stuff in shopping bags.  It’s a very scientific method trust me.

By putting things in bags, you run across some interesting things.  Like this gem:  In my high scrap book (which my mom made by simply sliding pamphlets in a plastic sleeve), there is a cut out from the local newspaper discussing my amazing tennis prowess.  It goes a little something like this.

“Wilkison [the coach] said Douglas’ [my double partner] height and aggressive net play and Browning’s [that’s me] laid back style meld well as a doubles pairing.”  Another article says, “Don’t be fooled by the non-stop chatter and laughter between Douglas and her Browning on the court.”

I’m pretty sure “laid back style” is code word for missing the ball a lot.  “Non stop chatter” is another reference to my animal like playing style.

Yep, I was cool in high school.  Also found another journal.  This one has some really deep and insightful entries.  Please enjoy the evidence of my tomfoolery.

Tues Dec 12,00

Today was soooooooo bad [underlined a million times].  I was supposed to get my licence.  But guess what, I FAILED!!!!!!!!! I’m so upset.  Do you understand how bad that is?  Now I have to take the DRIVING TEST!!!  I’m so going to fail that one, too.  I miss 3Q about signs.  [insert the picture i drew of a sign] How was I supposed to that means slippery when wet, or [another pic of a sign] lane ends.  That’s stupid.  I’m really upset.  Carried started making fun of me.  I cried again.  I don’t know if I could take Adam knowing!  Well, after that mom and I went shopping.  I got most of my presents done. I only have the men left.  Listen what else is going terribly wrong. I finally called X (you think that would be a good thing wouldn’t you!) He  can’t go to the movies!  Great, my plans are now done! I wonder what else will go horribly wrong?  I’m just waiting.  The only good thing that happened was that I got my math grade up a little.  I have so many tests.  I’m going to fail them all too I’m sure!  We decided to ad so and so and so and so to Squib (yearbook).  Blah Blah might quit though ;( I hope she doesn’t.  Well, I’m going to bed now, so the HORIBLE (I can’t even spell horible [yes i really wrote that and spelled it that way]) Day will be over.

end scene

I took a Polaroid a myself looking sad and taped it on the journal along with a pic of my driving a go-cart with an X through it.  I was just a bit dramatic.

Eye Contact

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I remember when Fleetwood Mac came back for that reunion. It was a big ole deal. I think we even taped it at my house. At the time I don’t think I fully understood what it meant. I mean I had listened to the Rumors album. I used to rock out to Rumors Revisited, but I don’t think I got the entire depth of the Fleetwood Mac story. I probably hadn’t watched the Behind the Music [btw what happened to those… I was OBSESSED. I think the first one I watch was the Mammas and Pappas. I was hooked for life] yet to get how much intra-band affairs there were.

So, a few months ago Diablo Cody had written an article in Entertainment Weekly about her favorite Youtube videos. I love her so of course I looked all of the up and watched them all. One of her choices was a video of Silver Springs from the Fleetwood Mac reunion.

Wow

I first want you to watch the clip. Watch it in full. Then we’ll discuss.

Did you watch it?

Watch it first.

Ok, now we can discuss. First a brief history lesson for all the Fleetwood novices.

From Wikipedia

Fleetwood Mac‘s second album with their new lineup, Rumours, began recording in early 1976 and continued until late in the year. Sessions were dogged by faulty drum tracks, disintegrating tapes, and the tension between the band members, which influenced the songwriting. Nicks’ contributions were the jaunty, tight harmony “I Don’t Want to Know” (intended for a second Buckingham Nicks album in 1974); the dark, mystical “Gold Dust Woman,” a diatribe about the dangers of cocaine and the rock and roll lifestyle; the dramatic “Silver Springs,” a b-side about her relationship with Buckingham; and the atmospheric “Dreams,” which became the band’s only Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit single. Other songs written for the album, but released later, included “Think About It” (recorded for Bella Donna) and “Planets of the Universe” (recorded for Trouble in Shangri-La). Both these tracks were reissued on the expanded and remastered edition of Rumours in 2004.

I couldn’t find a good write up about their torrid love affair and love loss, but basically. Everybody was doing everybody.

So, if you notice on the video circ 4:20 tension starts to build. Stevie and Lindsey start making eye contact and don’t stop till the end of the song. It send shivers down my body. There’s so much anger and passion in that look. I challenge anyone to find a scene in a movie that has more heat to it than those 20 secs. Seriously, anyone got anything?

I didn’t think so. This is why I want to be a 1960’s rock star.

Judge Away

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First off, I should appologize for yesterday’s post. It did not do the show justice and it did not do the weekend justice. It did need to be written before I write this post. All the street cred I earned by being a hipster at Pitchfork is about to be ruined. I wanted to at least let the world know that I do have good taste in music and self respect.

So here it goes…

Tuesday night I went to the American Idol concert. My aunt, sister, and brother-in-law, and I all went to the show. I was invested in this season of AI.

Our office conducts a pool to predict the winner. I lost miserably. I had Michael Johns going all the way to the top. By week 3 my dreams were crushed. Like the celebrity fantasy league (where I’m in 4th), this is the kinda sport I can get behind.

ANYWAY….

We’re at the concert. It was actually pretty enjoyable. Each of the top 10 contestants sang three songs. I conveniently took my bathroom break during Ramielle’s songs. I should also note she was wearing some very strange tight shirt/pants with bedazzled rhinestones. I also wrote some emails during Kristy Lee Cook’s patriotic, “I’m Proud to be an American” song. I can do without forced patriotism.

I have to say, Michael Johns was fantastic. Jason Castro (or Jar Jar Binks as the work ladies call him) was absolutely enjoyable. I’ve always liked Brooke White, it was solid. Carli was very good as well. She looked fantastic too. Seyisha totally got her boobs done. I’m not kidding. She is a DIVA now.

Look at that. Those were not there during the show.

I hate to say it, but I didn’t hate David Archuletta. On the show, I DID NOT ENJOY HIM. I think I just didn’t like when he talked and everything was so “inspirational.” Then the idol himself David Cook performed. It was blissful.

Here’s Michael John’s rousing “We are the Champions”

This is Jason Castro’s really good cover of “Crazy.”

David Cook is about to blow your mind here.

So yes the show was good. I would have loved it if the show was only, Michael Johns, Jason Castro, Carli, Brooke, and David Cook. Who knows, I might be willing to watch Archuletta.

Here are some photos from the show

So here’s where the fun begins.

As we’re exciting Conseco Fieldhouse we pass a bunch of people standing along a gate outside. The security guard says that they’re waiting for the Idol to come out and sign autographs. What the hell, we’ll stay for a bit. Brother-in-law and Sis secure a good place near the gate obscuring the view from all the little children behind us.

After waiting an embarrassingly long time, the Idol emerged from wherever they were. First was Kristy Lee Cook. She just ran right past us on the side.

See

Jessie (the bro-in-law) was PISSED. “You suck Kristy!” Luckily, she made her way back down the line signing everyone’s stuff. Not only did she sign Jesse’s paper, but they high fived. Carrie, the sister, bet that he wouldn’t do it, but he succeeded. This continued with all the idol! Yes, that’s right all of them. Jessie managed to get all of their autographs for little unborn baby Brody. This was his first concert after all.

Here’s sexy Mcsexy Michael Johns. When he came back around for the autograph he and I actually talked. It went a little something like this.

Me: You were the best. Seriously (true statement)

MJ: Nah, there were many others better than me. “Mamma, ooooooooh.” [that’s him singing]

Me: Oh don’t stop!

MJ: Ha I don’t think want me to go on.

But I did. Ok, I sound like a loser preteen here. that’s ok, I accept it. He really was my favorite! He’s Australian. Who can blame me.

Ladies… Am I right?

True confession, when the crowd said, “Here comes Micheal Johns,” My aunt, Carrie and I all go. “ahhhh Micheal Johns.” Then we looked at each other and laughed because we were acting just a bit ridic. but whateves!

The best part of the night was hearing all of Jessie’s quotes. He was very into it. He was saying things like, “Hold your ground, those little kids are trying to get around you.”

Jason Catro

Jesse: Seriously, my wife loves you man.

David Archuletta

Jesse: Dude, I want to be you. See how all these girls are. You’re so lucky.

My favorite part of the entire night. David Archuletta’s dad, Stage Dad, was signing autographs.

I LOVED IT! I WAS OBSESSED WITH STAGE DAD.

Brooke White

Jesse: Brooke, you’re just a real sweeting you know that.

ps – i’m not sure if my video will work, but she did a cover of Feist’s, 1-2-3-4. I gotta give her props for that!

Then, the american idol, David Cook came out. I had plans to invite him over for a game of Scrabble and all night secrets. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to pass along my plan to him. But I did get this amazing picture.

He’s pretty cute huh.

I have honestly never laughed as much as I did that night. Jesse was cracking me up. He was loving on all of them. I just kept stepping back and realizing how ridiculous it all was, but frankly that’s what made it so fun!

Moral of this story.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Occasions

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This weekend was quite the Occasion. I traveled up to Chicago to visit with friends, celebrate the birth of Courtney, and go to Pitchfork music fest. I’d say the weekend earned two enthusiastic thumbs up! Fine holiday fun.

Friday, immediately after work, I headed to the big city or at least that was the plan. However, my life doesn’t work like that. I had to run home and pick up a few things I forgot to pack. Of course, I left my ipod at work. I REFUSE TO TRAVEL 3+ HOURS WITHOUT IT! But finally circa 6 I got on the road. It was a pretty easy trip, stop a gas station for some gatorade, hit up taco bell, listen to Harry Potter audio book. (sidenote: I always feel very cool listening to Harry Potter when I cruise up to a drive through or a toll booth).

Saturday started the weekend’o’fun. After a delish brunch at some Hari Krishna restaurant Molly and I headed to Pitchfork.

(please note the guy behind us. I have a feeling it’s not a ciggie he’s smoking!)

The first act we caught was Fleet Foxes. Foxes indeed.

They were actually one of my favorite acts. I’ve been listening to them non stop (no really I’ve had my headphones in listening to them as I run errands, when I’m cleaning at home. I’m obsessed) since I’ve returned. These guys can harmonize.

check out one of their performances here.

The heat was pretty intense on Saturday and it was so sticky. But the world is kind and Molly discovered the popcicles. I’m not kidding when I say these Popsicles changed my outlook on life. Fruity delishiousness was exactly what I needed right then

Seriously, don’t they look good?

After the pops we watched Vampire Weekend. They were great. I’ve just been loving their cd all spring/summer. I can’t get the video I took to imbed, but trust me, you’re not missing much. I’m a terrible videographer.

The rest of the day was spent listening to acts from the comfort of a poncho seat.

Here’s a list of the other acts I saw day 1:

Caribou (or the end of it)

Fleet Foxes

Dizzee Rascal

Vampire Weekend

!!! (I was loving their lead singer’s hot dance moves!)

We sadly had to leave before we could see Animal Collective. But Molly and I kept our head up because we were going to the wonderful birthday celebration for Courtney.

We decked out in our Sunday best and headed to a wonderful Italian dinner. Afterwards we headed to some bar in the Lincoln Park area. This bar was full cute guys, or so it appears at first glance. Here’s an example of what type of guy was at the bar. Emily and I are just chatting about life and we notice this guy behind Annie that keeps staring and pointing at her. He then calls over a friend and starts doing to same thing. This goes on for legit 15 mins or more. Finally the guy comes up to Annie and pulls out this beauty, “We’ve voted you best dressed here. We appreciate that you took the time to put yourself together tonight, so I want to buy the best dressed a drink.” Annie thinks it was ruffied.

Things like this go on all night, but we had a magnificent time. After last call we’re on our way out when a monsoon hits. I mean it is pouring down rain.

It looks a little like this.

For some reason, Annie, Molly, and Courtney decide to go get us a cab. Emily, Kathryn, and I enjoy the nice dryness of the inside. My friends are troopers. They came out of this looking a little like wet dog (but very cute wet dog).

Happily, the rain ended just in time for us to enjoy day 2 of Pitchfork.

Annie, Kathryn, Courtney and I went on day two.

Here’s who we saw:

Les Savy Fav

Ghostface Killah and Raekwon (at least Annie and Court saw them)

The Dodos

M. Ward

Spiritualized

Bon Iver

Dinosaur Jr

Spoon

They were all great. I didn’t know much of anything about The Dodos before I went, but they were fantastic as well. All the acts lived up to my high expectations.

There’s Bon Iver. Good work!

The BEST part the concert was the people watching. GOLD SOLID GOLD. The festival was one big Ray Ban commercial I swear. The place was filled with too cool hipsters – guys in skinny jeans, girls in headbands worn rambo style. The best game to play while people watching was, “Who doesn’t belong.” I loved the ladies with their Louis Vitton bags standing next to people with fanny packs. I was content doing nothing but watching people walk by. I really wish I was cool enough to be a hipster… someday maybe… someday.

There’s much more to say on this subject, but I’m tired so that’s all you get for now!

Book Club

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I love to read. I love books – always have. I’m so lucky to work with people who feel the same way. Since we (Brooke, Jenn, Katie, Jana, and I) have this in common, we decided to start a book club. Our book club has thus far had two events. We struggled picking a name – you want something witty and clever and relating to reading. Finally we settled on calling ourselves… wait for it…. wait for it…THE LADY LITERATES. Yeah, so wasn’t worth the hype.

Month 1 – Bess’s choice. I’ve always enjoyed David Sedaris. I have some of his books on my ipod and find they are wonderful for road trips and the treadmill (the one time I tried it). Big Hat Books, an independently owned bookstore I go to in Broad Ripple was actually going to have Sedaris come for a reading and a signing for his new book, When You Are Engulfed in Flame. I invited all the girls to join me and Katie had the great idea to make that our first book.

Here’s an excerpt from the email I sent my aunt about the reading:

It’s been such a long time since I’ve talked with you. I realized that I never gave you my David Sedaris update. He’s as fabulous in person as you would imagine. We got there at 6. We were told that our names would be on seats, so it didn’t matter when you got there. There was a huge line, but finally they went ahead and had people who had already picked up their books go on to the tent (that was us). There was then ANOTHER line to meet David. We were told not to bother because the reading would start soon. Well, let’s just say that didn’t happen. We easily were some of the only people sitting in the tent forever. It did give me time to run next door and pick up a smoothie for it was a hot summer day and we were standing on blacktop. Finally (at least 1hr to 1.5 hrs later) the reading began. He’s so funny and adorable. The line to have him sign books was sooo long after the reading. We thought we’d be smart by going, getting food and coming back. So we went across the street to their burger joint and got burgers (black bean for me) and fries. We sat down back under the tent and ate while others wasted away in line. Once we finished the line wasn’t all that much shorter. I feel like people were just sitting down and telling him their life stories. Hours and hours and hours later we made it inside the book store. Originally, David was sitting outside signing, but it got too dark for him – which is saying something considering with daylight savings it’s light until 10 pm. Our group of 5 had shrunk down to 3 hard core David fans – Jenn, Katie and myself.

By the time we made it inside the store we were getting a little bit of cabin fever and it was hotter than blazes. Like legit I was dripping in sweat. I kept using the books in the young adult section as fans. We started playing, “Who’d you rather” in the biographies section. This amounts to picking two biographies – for example: I would grab 1 of Einstien and 1 of Eisenhower. hold them up to the crowd (aka the Jenn and Katie) and say, “Who’d you rather do, Einstein or Eisenhower?” This game went on for a while. I’m sure we were very entertaining to the 10 people behind us. Keep in mind the book store was so HOT!!!!!!

Then at 11:30 we finally made it to David. Oh Happy Day! First my friend Jenn gave him her book.

Jenn: “Hi, I’m a big fan.”
David: “I love your nails.” ”
Jenn: “Thanks I just had them done for a wedding”
Book inscription: Jenn, I love your talons – David Sedaris.

Next it was my turn.

Me: “I’m a big fan. Your books on my ipod are one of the only things that keep me going on the treadmill. obviously (patting my belly) I’m ready for a new one.”

David: “There’s some guy that always gives me these great presents and last week he gave me a new ipod loaded with all these movies.”
Me: “Oh that’s awesome.”
David: “So, Bess, what do you do for a living.”
Me: “Media Planning”
David: “What’s that”
Me: “Good question”
Jenn: “You see [specific fast food chain] ads? We make that happen”
Inscription: Bess, when I see fries I think of you – David Sedaris

I also had him sign a book for our friend, Brooke, who didn’t want to stand in line.
Me: This is for Brooke, and she’s lame because she didn’t stay”
Inscription: Brooke, you are lame (and then he drew a picture of a Tiny Tim crutch

Next we have a book for our other friend, Jana, who left – the name card said “Hooker”
David: “Hooker? You have a friend named Hooker?”
Katie: “Yes, she didnt’ want to stay in line either”
Inscription: Hooker, you could have met me in person, but instead you are sucking cocks for money – David sedaris
Yeah, I know… this is why he’s the love of my life. I couldn’t believe that by 11:30, after doing this all day he would still be so witty and hilarious.


END EMAIL

The Lady Literates discussed the book at Bugg’s Temple. We had deep insights into the theme of death and such.

Next month is Brooke’s month. She picked the book, Beach House, by Jane Green. I finished it and it was a great summer read. One of those books that’s interesting but easy to get through and don’t make your brain hurt from thinking too much about it.

Mixed Tape

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I’m loving the website Cassette From My Ex.  Entertainment Weekly had a little blurb in last weeks issue.  I LOVE IT.  On the website people detail the stories of their exes and the mix tapes they created for them.  Some are romantic, most are common – beautifully common.  There is always a picture of the tape.  You can see the small details that made this tape their tape.  The best part, you can listen to the entire mix tape on the site.  Some of the tapes are FABULOUS!

 

In this vein, I decided to take a look at some of my old mix cds.  Yes, I did own cassette tapes, but I probably don’t have them any more.  Most of them probably had Raffi on them. 

Here are two mix cds I had in an old case that I would share with you.

These aren’t as romantic or as cool as the ones on the website, but they are a further insight into my eclectic taste.

CD #1 Titled “Stuff/Alexis is here Vol 3”  Yep, good title.  I’m guessing this title coincided with Alexis visiting us in Indiana before her move.  i think this would put it at Spring of 2002.  Hence the reason for all the Wyclef and J Lo.

1.  I’m Real Remix – JLO and Ja Rule

2.  Canned Heat – Jamiroquai

3.  What About Us – Brandy

4.  Ain’t That Funny – more from JLO and Ja Rule

5.  Stuck in the Middle with You – Stealers Wheel

6.  Staying Alive – Wyclef Jean

7. Milk and cereal – G. Love

8. Seeing Red – Unwritten Law

9.  Beer Run – Garth Brooks

10.  Fields of Gold – Eva Cassidy

11.  Gone Till November – Wyclef Jean

12. Take a Message – Remy Shand

13.  Fire or Ice – Ben Harper

14.  Ain’t It Funny (the Non remix) – JLO

15. Down on my knees – Some unknown bluesy artists

16. Ezy Rider – Jimi Hendrix

17.  Scarlet Magnolias – Keller Williams

Mix #2 is entitled “The World’s Greatest CD by Bess Browning 9-24-04.”  Again pretty nondescript title

1.  I Want to be Ready – Ben Harper

2.  Cold Beverages – G. Love

3.  All the Right Reasons – The Jayhawks

4.  Follow Through – Gavin DeGraw

5.  Fake Plastic Tree – Jamie Cullum

6.  You’re the Only One – Maria Mena

7.  Dressed in Burgundy – Michael Kelsey

8.  Volcanoes – Damien Rice

9.  Mamma’s Trippin’ – Ben Harper

10.  I’m Walking Away  – Craig David

11.  When I Come Back Down – Nickel Creek

12.  Blackbird – Sarah McLaughlin

13.  Girl on LSD – Tom Petty

14.  Walk to Slide – G Love

15.  Delicate – Damien Rice

16.  Black Cadillacs – Modest Mouse

17.  Crush – Gavin DeGraw

18.  Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benatar

19. Ice Cream – Sarah McLaughlin

20.  Moondance – Van Morrison

 

This cd instantly takes me back to the basement of the CCM writing papers for my Civil Rights and Civil Liberties class.  However, it’s good to see my taste has improved over the years.   I hope that I continue to evolve.  Although J Lo to Craig David is a somewhat lateral move. But, some things never change.  Apparently I will always love G. Love (Holla!)  I love finding these.  It reminds me how much I loved some of these songs.  Ohhh I loved “When I Come Back Down.”  I think I always will.  If you haven’t heard it, DOWNLOAD IT NOW!!!

 

Good times

Pre Blog Blog

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I was recently looking for a notebook to use when I had to lead a discussion for my house church. I found my old journal that I have used for just about everything since 2001. This notebook began its life as my journal. In college I used it to keep notes during my Pi Phi exec meetings and for scheduling classes.

Every year our family would go on vacation for my dad’s work. Through these trips I met one of my best friends, Alexis. Alexis always kept a journal. She was from the west cost and was much cooler than I was, so obviously I wanted a to keep a journal too. I picked this journal up at a Barnes and Noble on my way home from such a trip and began writing on the plane home. Take a look at the cover. I think the multi-colored poka dots scream Bess-in-high-school-style. Happily, my style hasn’t changed that much, and I’m not embarrassed to still use it!

Not only did I write what was going on in my life, I also put pictures and other paraphaneilia in it. I have always been a more visual person.

It’s hilarious to see what I chose to write about in the Summer between sophomore and junior year. I’m going to pick some entries to share with you. I will however change some names and locations so I don’t completely embarass myself.

“Location: Reno/Tahoe Nevada airport

Last few moments of vacation. Ahhh sad! It’s been a fun week. I went to Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California. I have an entire new vacab!

best ever

quite possibly

Trendy

Super

Popular

Ah Sad

Dominate

Great words, huh. X and I got really close this week. I wish we lived closer. I would totally hang out with him all the time. The plane is taking off. Fun! I’m on my way to Vegas. Viva Las Vegas Viva Las Vegas (and here I drew musical notes around the words). Any way, back to vaca. This year was actually kinda wierd. Not in a bad way thought. I miss Anne being there too ;( It felt short. I dunno. i went to “the beach” 2. One time everyone went and the other time everyone else was jet-skiing, but since I’m so luckily allergic to cold I didn’t go :(. I got a little red though. i turned so it’s cool. I flew on a trapeez. That was interesting. I only did it once. I played a lot of eucher. X and I are the best partners ever! We won against Y and Z 5-2. We had this wird telepathic thing. We also cheated! (only a couple of times). It was great. Y would get so mad @ us. X and I would sing our song do dut dodo do do dut do do do do. It was terribly trendy! I heart it. Ahh I miss it. I shopped one day too. I got a toe ring, pillows w/ poppori in them 4 friends, Craig David cd (Yes!) Travis cd, a Tahoe Tessie t-shirt. Oh it’s great!

Ahh listen to this. When we were eating before shopping I fell out of my chair! i was tipping and I fell backwords, broke the leg and cut my toe! Yes I’m cool! The meal was great though. We saw Jarasic Park III. Bad movie! Wow, @ first it was ok but then it just ended! It was like they ran out of stuff so they just said THE END! i had a lot of relly good meals. A lot of times us kids would just hang out. That’s about it for now but I’m sure I’ll think of something eles soon!

-Please note I have not alterred the spelling or grammer at all –

This one is a personal fav

Carrie [my oder sister] if you are reading this, I hate you! I can’t believe you read it. You suck! let’s see on Sunday I went to see Legally Blonde w/ Sirena, Kelly, Amanda, and Courtney. We took the escalade. We felt pretty pimp. The movie was cute. I liked it. That night I went to Erik’s for a campout. It was fun. we drove around and talked for a while then came back to Eriks. We spent the rest of the time finishing my pictures up. I think they should all be pretty cute.______ stayed the night. We talked to ____ online for a while. I was mean to him! I was like why haven’t you called _____. If you really like her you would try to make it work and stuff like that. it was fun. Then ______ came over w/ Mike [cousin] and Carrie [sister]. He sat next to me on the couch. It was great. He’s so hot. Carrie, _____ and I played trivial pursuit for a while but it got boring so_____ and I went to bed. I got my pics back from vacation. They’re really cute. The only other I’ve done today is sleep so you know. I’m going to try to go back to bed now.

It’s good to know some things never change. I will always fall and embarrass myself, sing ditties, and get mad at my sister for doing big sister stuff.

Maybe if you’re lucky I’ll share more entries later.

Old News

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This is old news but still good stuff.

When I moved to downtown last year, I had all sorts of images of what my life would be. I pictured myself riding my bike to stores. Becoming a regular at the wine and cheese shoppe (in my pretend world – shop is always spelled shoppe because that seems more fanciful). My aunt gave me a bike basket for graduation – it only helped create this idea. I would get my groceries and put them in my bike basket and ride down the cobblestone road leading to my house.

I thought I would look all retro and fun. In these fantasies I pictured myself having the above bicycle, but I pictured myself being like the main character, Patricia, from the French movie Breathless.

Wouldn’t I look great peddling around the city in my chic pixie haircut and French stripped shirts?

Well, as we learned in the previous posts. I didn’t exactly utilize the bike until recently. I spent most of last year driving my car the three blocks to the grocery. I’ve never been in the wine and cheese shop. (Since I haven’t been there I don’t deserve to spell it shoppe).

My bike doesn’t look like that either.

I can’t find a picture of a purple Giant Attraction bike anywhere on google images, so this pic will have to do

I like that this bike is called “misty.”

I did find my exact bicycle basket though. This basket is pretty cool. You can unsnap the basket from the bike. That way I can take the basket in the store with me and things. It was actually used for holding magazines in the bathroom all year.

Now that we all understand my assumptions and my reality, let me describe my trip to the store last week.

It was a beautiful summer day. After work, the last thing I wanted to do was sit inside. I decided I would grill myself some fish and veggies for dinner. To do this, I needed to go to the grocery.

IDEA!

I’ll finally fulfill my image and ride my bike with basket to the grocery. I also wanted to pick up a onesie for my future neiphew (that means niece or nephew).

I rode down Mass Ave to Silver/Home in the City. I parked my bike outside and everything was going perfectly. I even found the perfect onesie. After that purchase, I road the next block to the grocery store. I unhooked my clever little basket and took it inside with me. I got just the bare essentials for life – peppers, milk, a Mountain Dew, balsamic vinegar, ham salad, and bread. (I know – strange grocery list).

Here’s where trouble ensues.

I hooked my basket back on my bike, but it now had a heavy load. As I was unhooking my bike lock, the top washer pops off the basket sending the entire basket off kilter. I knew I should use more than my fingers to secure the nuts and bolts.

OHHH NOOOOOO

My GLASS balsamic bottle and milk fly across the concrete. My bike has no kick stand so I’m trying to balance my bike, hold up the remaining contents of my basket and pick up the milk and vinegar. Miraculously the glass bottle didn’t break! Woot Woot!

I might want to reiterate. There are many good looking urbanite males who shop at O’Malia’s after work. Many of them passed me with pity as they walk with their canvas bags to their Volkswagen.

I finally managed to get everything back in my basket and commence the ride back to my house. My image was officially crushed. I looked anything but chic as I’m grasping onto the corner of my basket as I drive down the road. On the cobblestone street I nearly lost everything. I’m bumping all over the street. My Mountain Dew is threatening to escape with every rock.

I finally make it safely into my garage. Whew!

I did grill out fish and peppers. Frankly, it was a delicious dinner so I’m not even made about my crushed bicycle dreams.

Ok, so it didn’t really look like that. It was still tasty.

UPDATE:

I found this pic last night.  I think this may have been the start of my bike basket obsession.  Please ignore the way I look.  It was clearly during my awkward years.  I’m still waiting for those to end.

Man, even as a middle schooler who wore reflective sandals, I wanted basket.

Celebrity Fantasy League

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Some people play baseball fantasy leagues to occupy their summers. Fall is full of office football fantasy leagues. But what about us girls? What do we have to occupy our downtime and satiate our competitive edge?

Introducing Fafarazzi.com

Fafa (as we like to call it) is for Celebrity Fantasy Leagues. Instead of drafting the best running back, you draft the biggest celebrity trainwreck (often B. Spears).

The work ladies and I have completed 3 highly competitive leagues. Miss Jenn one the first two

and I WON THE THIRD LEAGUE. I came away with the win only because I had Heath Ledger and Paris Hilton. They are two big time scorers.

There’s a lot of strategy that goes into the league. You don’t just draft the major headlining celebs like Jamie Lynne Spears, you also draft her baby daddy, Casey Aldridge.

That’s how Jenn got away with winning twice. She’s a sly sly woman.

We are starting our fourth league next week. I’m hoping to take away win number two. It’s a big commitment but I think I’m up for it.

Make sure you let me know about late breaking celebrity news!