Author Archives: whatbesslikes

CHRISTMAS!!!!!

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I love Christmas so much. I’m worse than a little kid. I think that Christmas is truly magical. It just warms the heart. I have already Netflix’d about every Christmas movie there is (Miracle on 34th St, Love Actually, The Holiday, Charlie Brown Christmas, Elf, Fred Claus [terrible movie], It’s a Wonderful Life, and Planes Trains and Automobiles [technically it’s a Thanksgiving movie but it still fits the season]. I have more coming including Holiday Inn, White Christmas, Meet me in St. Louis, etc.

The roommate and I have decorated our tree with beautiful ornaments, hung candy cane rope lights and stockings. Our house looks like a winter wonderland cottage. I love love love it.

I think my favorite part of Christmas is Christmas Eve. But before I get into that I should note that my family also likes to celebrate Christmas Adam (the day before Christmas Eve – get it Adam and Eve). And by celebrate, I mean we say to each other, “Happy Christmas Adam!” and a few times we all had dinner together – which isn’t that rare.

Anyway… Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Eve my entire extended family (which is actually pretty small) goes to Grandma Susie’s and Grandpa Lola’s House. First we take about 548151352375321680243 pictures. We take them by immediate family, by cousins, by sisters, by every type of grouping possible. However we’ve gotten faster as the years have gone on the boys’ pacience has waned.

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After pictures, it’s time for dinner. We have ham, and casseroles and wassel and all that good stuff that warms the tummy. In a new tradition our family (being the game lovers that we are) have created our own Trivial Pursuit! Yep that’s right, our OWN!!! We have categories that include “The Grandparents” “The Sisters” “The Boys – as in Dad and Uncle Greg” “The Little Boys – Adam and Mike” “the Girls”. We now have new family members so we’ll have to revise our questions.

My questions include: What sorority was Bess in? A: Pi Beta Phi. What was Bess’s Major and Minor? A: Communications and Political Science What’s Bess’s Favorite Book? A: Some acceptable answers include – Little Women, Gone With the Wind, Blind Assasin, What I Loved, Harry Potter

etc
etc

Then… after the game the grandkids open our stockings. Poor Grandma and Grandpa. They keep trying to end this tradition but WE WILL NOT LET IT DIE! Every year our stockings consist of an orange, a toothbrush, and some socks. I love it.

After stockings comes my favorite 5 mins of the entire year.

Grandpa reads the Christmas Story out of Luke
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Look at that pic. Is it not a perfect Christmas image (except for the sock clouding the image). Every year the oldest male, Grandpa, reads the Christmas story before we give out gifts to put us in the right focus. I can’t image not having that tradition. It’s the most perfect moment of the year. Although, one year Grandpa had a version that said, “Mary was pregnant” instead of “with child.” For some reason this gave Grandma the giggles and she could not stop laughing the entire time. The next year she started giggling thinking about last year when she laughed. Of course, Dad won’t let her live it down. But it’s honestly my favorite moment of the year. The entire world is at peace in happy in those few moments.

ahhhh

After that it’s time for presents. The youngest (that’s me – and probably will still be since Brody will be too little to give out his own gifts) distribute their gifts to everyone. Then you open then in order of youngest to oldest.

After everyone is done with their gifts, you play with your presents! I remember when we were little very distinctly, Anne and I going to Grandma’s front window and staring out the window. We were convinced we heard Santa’s sleigh and saw it. That’s just how magical Christmas is.

While Atlanta Burns!

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I’m never quite sure how we get on these topics but somehow Jenn and I got to discussing the wonder of Gone With the Wind.  I’ m a huge fan.  The clothes, the chivalry, the opulence – all fabulous.  I used to watch my VHS two tape copy when I would be home sick.  Even in 2nd grade we were supposed to dress as our favorite book character and I came as Scarlett and my neighbor, Kelly, went as Miss Melanie.  Probably by picking Scarlett I was revealing my flair for the dramatic at an early age, but I got to wear a beautiful white dress with green flowers and a hat so whatever.

But anyway… Jenn and I were looking on youtube for clips and found this one with screen tests for Scarlett.  It’s painfully obvious that Vivianne Leigh is the only acceptable option.  Everyone else doesn’t quite capture that certain something about Scarlett.  So, good choice casting agent.

Can we talk about how terrible Ashley Wilks is?  I have never understood what Scarlett saw in him.  He was whinny and indecisive and spineless.  I mean seriously – you have Rhett Butler or Ashley Wilks.  This isn’t a hard decision.  I mean Clark Gable… they don’t make em like that anymore

Insert interesting fact:  Did you know that Clark Gable is somewhat credited with starting the trend of product placement.  In the movie It Happened One Night, he doesn’t wear an under shirt.  After that movie came out the sales of undershirts plummeted and never recovered.  Marketers realized that movies had influence on what the audience would buy (or in this case not buy).  I have 30+ pages of information on product placement, so if you want to know more, you just let me know.

I likely Lykke Li

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Everyone needs a Matt.  He is my most fabulous, fun, snarky, enjoyable friend.  Sadly, though he’s been in London living far away from me right now.  It makes me sad that he and I cannot continue our adventures to Keystone Arts Cinema, shopping, calling Tori and making her talk in accents, and trips to some questionable bars.

Well the one good thing with Matt being in London is that he gives me the best music that he hears on the trendy London streets.  He is single handedly responsible for bringing Robyn into my life.

And now he’s done it again.    He made me download some Lykke (pronounced like lick-ey – but under protest because it’s kinda a lame name I’m pronouncing it Likey) Li.  Well, Lykke is a delightful gem.  She was the perfect way to musically start my week.  If you haven’t yet DOWNLOAD HER (I specifically like Little Bit the best and Dance, Dance, Dance, and Break it up, and I’m good I’m gone).

To wet your apetite check out this, as Jenn phrased it, spritely performance with Bon Iver (who I’m also very into now)

OH – also you must read Matt’s blog.  He’s a trip in the best way possible.

http://marcjacobshireme.blogspot.com/

Move Over Sliced Bread…

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Something even greater just came around.

Heavenly News

As previously mentioned, I love Don Draper.  Humina Humina.

I haven’t written about it yet, but I LOVE TINA FEY.  She’s so cool/pretty/funny.  I think 30 Rock might be the best show on tv.  Considering I watch everything on tv, that’s saying something.

but if you clicked the link you would have learn that Don Draper is going to be on 30 Rock.  It’s my two favorite fictional characters in one place.

I could not be happier.

November: The month of change

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I apologize to Turner and Aunt B, my loyal readers.

Finally after exactly one month hiatus I have returned.

I thought I would fill you in on my month of November:

1) MY BIRTHDAY! On November 10thm, I turned 24, which is almost a quarter of a century.  I’m getting old.  To celebrate the lovely ladies and I went to Talbot’s Street for a fabulous night of dancing and celebrating.  Unfortunately, there was no glitter pouring from the ceiling this time, but what are you going to do.

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This is during Free Your Mind.  We were THRILLED to sing along to the lovely En Vogue track.  However, it’s not quite the same thing for a bunch of white girls to scream, “Free your mind and the rest will follow.  Be colorblind, don’t be so shallow.”  But hey – we enjoyed ourselves.

EVENT 2) Work Layoffs

The Wed following my Monday birthday we found out that there would be massive lay offs at work.  This came in light of our company losing our major client who shall remain nameless (but i hope they burn… burn I TELL YOU).  That was sufficently one of the worst days of my life.  Have to watch person by person walk down the hall to have their meeting to see if you would be employeed anymore.

Thankfully, I still am employed.

To cure the hurt and pain from lay offs, most of the agency headed to the local bar where I spent an entire paycheck keeping us in Long Islands and Jukebox tunes.  As Katie said, “Lockerbie Pub has our money, tears, and dignity.”  It was a purely cinematic moment but a very cathartic experience.

Event 3)

On to something happier – ADAM AND MARIA’S WEDDING

My big brother got married to the amazing, Maria.  Their wedding was beautiful and tons of fun.  We laughed, danced, mom and dad cried.  All in all it was the PERFECT wedding.  Please enjoy the pics for your viewing pleasure.  Doesn’t Adam look hansom?  And Maria looks so beautiful.

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CAPTIONS (top right to left): Maria and her sisters, Maria the beautiful bride,  Maria and her sisters on the bus on the way to the church,  Adam during the ceremony (you’re probably not supposed to take pictures during the ceremony, but I did anyway), Adam and Maria They Just Got Married!, Mike, my cousin/best man and I, Carrie and Jesse, First dance to I’ll Be Your Lover Too by Van Morrison,  My entire new family!

Aren’t the pics lovely.  Everyone looked so beautiful!

I have to give probs to Mike and the maid/matron of honor, Maria’s sisters.  All the toasts were just lovely.  They all had the tinge of humor but were still very sweet.  I’ve been to very few weddings were all the toasts were great and appropriate – so yeah for them.

Event 4) which techically happened on December 1st, BABY BRODY WAS BORN

I’m an auntie.  Not to toot my horn, but I think I’m going to be a pretty fansastic aunt.  I might not be able to buy his affection (see event #2), but I shower him with kisses, until he gets too old to think that’s cool.

Carrie had Brody at 11:57 on December 1st.  She and Jesse will be fantastic parents.  And look how cute he is!  All along, I kept warning Carrie and Jesse, that he might look wierd, but he doesn’t at all!

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He is a very smart baby.  At just 1 hour old he already smiled and laughed at me.  Aunt B has told me how wonderful being an aunt is – so hopefully I can live up to her and Aunt Kim’s legacy.  I will take him putt-putting and out to eat for pizza.

I’m going to visit him tonight, so I’ll probably have more pictures for you all to coo at.

Democratic Process

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I love fulfilling my civic duty.

What a rush.  My polling location is right across the street from work.  So this morning, I pull on my Sunday best, grab my id, a bill, and registration confirmation.  I wasn’t going to get turned away!

I get there around 8 expecting to have to wait in line, but I just walk right in and vote.

I did my civic duty with pride.

I made an election playlist – enjoy:

sidenote:  My actual playlist has 66 songs.  I’m giving you all the sort version

1.  A Change is Going To Come – Sam Cooke

2.  America – Simon and Garfunkel

3.  Jack and Diane – John Cougar

4.  I Feel the Earth Move – Carole King

5.  Revolution – Grandaddy

6. We’re All In This Together – Ben Lee

7.  We Didn’t Start the Fire – Billy Joel

8.  Power to the People – Black Eyed Peas

9.  Love Generation – Bob Sinclar

10.  Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen

11.  How It Ends – Devotchka

12.  Break on Through – The Doors

13.  People Get Ready – Eva Cassidy

14.  Goin’ On – The Flaming Lips

15.  Don’t Stop – Fleetwood Mac

16.  Holding out for a Hero – Frou Frou

17.  Freedom – George Michael

18.  Working Class Hero – Green Day

19.  Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World – Israel Kamakawiwo’le

20.  What a Difference a Day Makes – Jamie Cullum

21.  A Little Bit More – Jamie Lidell

22.  Oh Happy Day – Lauryn Hill

23.  Got to Give it up – Marvin Gaye

24.  The Times They are a Changin’ – Mason Jennings

25.  Mad World – Michael Andrews

26.  This Year – The Mountain Goats

27.  Highly Suspicious – My Morning Jacket

28.  Rockin’ the Free World – Neil Young

29.  Back of The Bus – Outkast

30.  Yes We Can Can – The Pointer Sisters

31.  I Woke Up Today – Port O’Brien

32.  Another One Bitest the Dust – Queen

33.  It’s the End of the World As We Know It – REM

34.  New York, New York – Ryan Adams

35.  Political Scientist – Ryan Adams

36.  World on Fire – Sarah McLachlan

37.  Homeward Bound – Simon and Garfunkel

38.  You, Me and the Bourgeoisie – The Submarines

39.  Flint (For the unemployed and underpaid) – Sufjan Stevens

40.  I shall be Released – Wilco w/ Fleet Foxes

41.  What’s Ging On – 4 Non Blondes

HAPPY ELECTION DAY

Mad mad mad

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I’m into Mad Men this year.  The show has always had incredible buzz.  I thought that I might like it considering it has great fashion and takes place in the ad world.

All those things are true and reasons why I like the show.  But… my big take away from the show is Don Draper.  He has that quality that you can’t quite put your finger on, but you’d really like to.

I mean look at him.

He’s very Old Hollywood looking to me.  I get that Carey Grant in Philadelphia Story vibe from him.  I think it’s the calm confidence.

Let’s be honest, he’s also really good looking.

Also, he even makes smoking look like the right thing to do.

He carries the show.  He does things (like cheat on his wife) but you can’t help but like him for it.  I love flawed characters.  They’re much more interesting.  He’s also very mysterious which adds to his appeal.

I like to think of the show as it would apply to our agency.  Each person on the show I equate to someone in my office.  Granted, I don’t think there is really a strong correlation besides we work in the same industry, but that’s just a minor detail.

I decide I want to be Joan, the red head.  I like her mainly because she takes charge in the office, but she’s very womanly.  And he clothes are hot.

Anyway… Moral of the story.  Mad Men is a very good show and I can’t wait till Sunday to see what happens.  Does Don Draper stay in LA?  What happens to his family?

Fall is a Lovely Season

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It feels like Fall!

I really like Fall.  It makes me want to buy plaid, pleated skirts and cardigans.  Summer might be my favorite season, but Fall is very very close second.  I like the way it smells.  You know how it smells a little bit like smores and leaves.  Good smell.

I think my love for Fall also comes from my infatuation with apples and apple cider.  I got my first REAL jug of cider this week.  It is pure delight.  I love apple cider.  Last year, I got some from the grocery and I started chugging it from the jug as soon as I got in the car.  Not one of my proudest moments, but I don’t care.  Feel free to judge.

There is an apple orchard about 10 from home (childhood home).  A trip to the orchard has always been the official Fall signal for me.  Every year Mom and I go.  Sometimes, we would make a big outing out of it.  Anne and Aunt Kim would come.  We would get those crazy apple picker tools and our bag and run through the line of trees picking apples

Ok, how cute are Anne [cousin] and I?

And, way to go Connie!  Look at my great outfit!  I was a styln’ kid.  It’s very season appropriate.  I’m jealous I don’t own a cardigan just like that right now.  You can’t see it in this pic, but I’m also wearing some great knee socks.

I’m not sure if it’s a memory contrived out of pictures, but I remember this being a great day.  For as much as I tease Mom, I had a pretty fantastic childhood.  Mom worked hard at making sure I was learning and experiencing things.

Even last year, when I was feeling depressed about no longer being in college, Mom took me to the orchard, got a cider slushy, honey sticks, a bunch of apples, and a pumpkin.  I really did feel much better about life after that.

ANYWAY…..  I like fall and I love apples.  I’ve had one giant apple for breakfast all week and it has been very satisfying.

Go forth, pick some apple, coozy up with a blanket and apple cider and watch the leaves fall