Ingrid Michaelson

Check out her latest CD, Girls and Boys. Me likey. It's a little on the pop-E/mainstream side, as most of you will be familiar with the single The Way I Am, but still a fun listen, especailly for the ladies... or just Malinda (most likey the only lady that may read this)

That's the way the ball bounces...

With the recent onset of sunny weather, I have been able to play a bit of tennis. I realized that A: I am out of shape. B: My dog is very well behaved, and loves a good roll in the grass. C: I am actually not as bad as I thought I was. D: I am very competitive and could probably keep playing until I pass out or puke (either of which may not take very long considering A). See ya on the court!

Classics... finally I agree.

Eric and I recently watched the movie Swing Time, as a part of Eric's quest to conquer the AFI's top 100 movies. I really enjoyed this movie. Finally I watched a film that lived up to all the hype. Sorry, but some of these so called classics, and best movies ever made, to me, just don't seem to make the grade. I'm really happy to find a film that I can add to my favorite classic movies list. It is not very often that I see a movie that to me, really is a classic, one that I would want to watch over and over again. Ginger Rogers is about one of the most fabulous leading ladies I've watched in a long time. Not only is she extremely cute, she has a fierce personality and dance moves that will knock your socks off. I wasn't so sure about Fred Astaire being a leading man in the beginning of this movie, as he does not possess that usual "look" that leading men seem to have, but by the end of the movie I would've married the guy. His dance solo toward the end of the movie is crazy good. This is a fun romantic musical that I would recommend to anyone. Also some recommends off my fav. classics list, (in case anyone was wondering) would be: Auntie Mame (also fav. movie of all time), Pillow Talk, Breakfast at Tiffany's, North by Northwest, An Affair to Remember, and Charade.

Rosco and Jasmine's acting debut... check it out!

Amber... this is your life

Do you ever feel like you living someone else's life? I've said a couple of times recently that I feel as if I am an actor in my own life, just playing a part... and I'm not a very good actor. I play different roles, depending on what I'm doing, where I am, sometimes playing the part depending on who someone else needs me to be, and only recognizing a small version of myself. It's like I'm watching myself and going really? that's who you decided to be today? It's like my writing, sometimes I feel I am not able to convey what I am trying to say, who I really am, and who I want to be. The only time I truly feel myself is around my husband, dog, cat, and some family and some friends... sometimes. Maybe I'm just having a version of an early mid-life crisis. I do have my 10yr reunion this year, and it's a mile-marker, a reminder of where you thought you would be at this time in life, and where you currently sit. This is not to say I'm not happy with my life, I am lucky in life where others never will be. But, it's all about evaluating, and setting new goals for myself, and then I can get closer to being the true me and not a B version actor of me.

Scams... and Steve-O?

I was logging into myspace.com when I saw an ad, an obvious scam (see I am getting better at detecting them). It was a contest to "party" with Steve-O, of the show Jackass. Not to bust their bubble of luring people into their "sweepstakes", but Steve-O is currently in rehab (I know, real shocker). Seems recently Johnny Knoxville, and other concerned friends of the wildboy forcibly removed him from his home and took him to a hospital where he was placed under a 5150 hold (also what Brittney Spears went under). Basically he was held in a mental ward, or "loony bin" as Steve-O refers to on his website, steveo.com, and the hold means they thought he could be a danger to himself. He is currently on the long and hard road of rehab, and blogs about his experience on his website. Unfortunately no one has let the nice people of partywithastar.com know this. Hopefully, myspace will at least wise up on this fact and pull the ad. And, as jaded as I get, and surprised I am not, I still hope this guy gets better. It seems like he was in pretty deep and will have a very, very difficult time becoming well, but my best wishes to him.

Making the most out of Easter

I am in the midst of a holiday weekend, Easter Weekend to be exact. You know, Jesus, the Bunny, the eggs, whichever way you may celebrate. I choose to celebrate them all. Eric and I actually have most of these days off together, which has not happened in a very long time. Yet, all those friends and family we usually spend time with on the weekends have left us high and dry... or they are just out of town. Anywho, I decided that we were going to make the most out of the holiday. So far, I have made the most amazing cupcakes ever to be seen or tasted by humans. I have also colored two dozen, yup, that's twenty four eggs, with the help of my good friend Karolyn (see I do have other friends) and even Eric decorated a few. Oh, don't worry, I didn't forget about Jesus. Eric and I are going to church tomorrow, for the first time in a very, very long time. We aren't heathens after all.

I'm getting so freakn' old

So, I have some sort of a crook or a kink in my neck/shoulder/back. I can't actually turned my head like a normal person, I am reduced to the swivel. I've been noticing some stiffness lately, that I mostly attribute to my "ladies", and maybe my job. But, I had a full-blown back attack last night. I was trying to catch those ever elusive Zzzz and could not for the life of me find a comfortable position. Not even comfortable really, more like any sort of way I could just be without freaking unbelievable pain. I mean, not to sound like a wimp here, but I couldn't even lay down. I had to walk around the apartment like a zombie waiting for the Advil to take affect. So, so much for being productive, I spent the day trying not to move... it was awesome. I feel like my body is ready to give way at the ripe old age of 27. Ridiculous.

Sick day = productivity

I think I did quite well for myself today.
My day started in the wee morning hours when I was woken up to the sound of Eric getting ready for work (4am-ish). I raised my head to kiss him goodbye, planning on drifting back to a drooly, drowsy sleep, when I felt the distinct sensation of two golf balls engorging the sides of my neck, and my throat having that familiar I just swallowed a razor blade feel. I decided to drag myself to the bathroom to assess the situation. White tongue, swollen neck and face area, and a general look of death. I decided right then and there that I was NOT going to spend my next days off with a cold again, like I had done about two weeks ago. Since I was out of Airborne;) , I instead went for the old standby, the one that always helps, but I hate doing. Yep, the dreaded salt water solution... up the nose, in the throat, gasping for air as I was half asleep and my salt to water ratio was a little off. I was able to go back to sleep, luckily, after that.
I awoke to a better me. Not a completely well me, but my golf balls were down to about walnuts, heck, maybe even hazelnuts, and my tongue had some actual color to it. I wasn't quite sure how I'd do all day though, and as it was a slow day for me at work, I called in a sickie. I was figuring the usual couch bound would be the gist of the days events. But, again, I said NO, I am getting some stuff done. So I guzzled a discount dollar store energy drink (didn't know they have discounts at the dollar store did ya? jealous?), and started writing my list. In the end I was able to: feed animals, conference with tax guy, clean kitchen, watch TV (I mean, who are we kidding here?), go to Blockbuster, go for a small grocery run, and make an old western with Mr. Strahl, starring Jasmine and Rosco, oh, and blog. What did you do today???

Lucky girl...

Not much to say except, I'm a little jealous. Nice guy, cute guy. Go ahead and play it, I'll count it down for you. And tree, too, once...

This is why I stopped watching Survivor...

This year is all about celebrities, all-stars and new twists on long running reality shows. There's Celebrity Apprentice, Celebrity Rehab, American Idol is allowing instruments this year, and the show I came back to after a long hiatus, Survivor: Fans vs Favorites. This is like what, Survivor 16? When I left the show we were only on numero quatro. Let me tell you why Eric and I stopped watching Season 4 after a good run of about five or so episodes.

There was a competitor on that season named Hunter. He was strong, smart, and nice, the kind of guy that would help make a team strong, by winning challenges, and having a bit of integrity, the kind of guy you root for. Now, this guy was eliminated way too early, the tribe saw him as a threat, and instead of keeping him for a little while for the benefit of the team, they cut off his head and sent him away. The remainder of the tribe seemed weak, caddy, and underhanded. It was so stupid and out of the blue, Eric and I were annoyed enough to stop watching the show. Who wanted to root for these pitiful people who were left, that in our minds eye did not deserve to be there. I know Survivor is not just about physical strength, and in fact, many of the competitors who go the farthest are indeed underhanded and not exactly Arnold Schwarzenegger, but exceed when it comes to manipulation. I don't know what it is that is quite so bothering about this, I understand the game is full of surprises and that is part of the fun(?), I guess.

This type of thing has happened a couple of times with this current season as well. First to leave the fans was not Chet, the weakest competitor and worst contributor in general. No, it was a power play in which Mikey B. 's girl Mary was taken out for no apparent reason except that of ego. Joel was the one who puppetiered that decision, and that became his big power play to show everyone who was boss, especially Mikey B. Then, you think, now that he feels better about himself, he begins to come to his senses and see how obvious it is that they need to begin to remove the weakest players, ie: Chet. But, nooo, now sneaky Tracy manipulates his ego into thinking he is not doing the king's bidding by letting Mikey B. stay there, (the king being himself) and he goes for it, not any the wiser that he is the one essentially being told what to do. So, Mikey B., another strong player for the fans, is the next to go. Funnily enough, it is really only fitting that Chet stays in, again, and ultimately becomes Joel's demise as well. But, I mean, how disappointing! Now the third strong player to go, I mean, seriously, Chet is still there? Ugh. I guess it makes for good television and all that, BUT I would have much rather watched Joel-no actually, was looking forward to seeing him on there for a while, because HE was good television. Now, I have to look forward to watching snaky, weak, manipulators like Chet, Cirie, and Tracy. I don't think I am going to stop watching this time, I have to admit it's been a really good show so far, BUT, what if they keep voting off strong, smart, good people, and in the end all we are left with is the formentioned players? Sanjaya frustration anyone?

Scams... when will I learn?

So, recently, looking for whoknowswhat on the ole Internet, I stumbled upon yet another get rich quick scheme, and guess what? Yep, I fell for it. Sooo ridiculous too, because I really don't usually give these things a second glance anymore (as in, in the past I have fell for some here or there). But, something happens when one is strapped for cash, you become the exact type of prey "these people" are hoping for. Luckily, I was a bit cautious, in that I was able to "try it out" in the 7 day trial period, and coming to my senses, canceled after three days. Still, I was kind of disappointed at how easily I fell down the rabbit hole, again. So, what now? I can tell you I will continue with my own crazy getrichquick schemes in my head; I can't tell you that will be the last time I fall for these things. But it is a learning experience, and seriously, do ya think I 'm alone here?? 

MYSPACE

I finally did it. I got sucked in. At first I was just going to make Rosco an account, but then as my curiousity was peaked I switched it. I now have a full-on myspace account... What can I say, I'm weak of mind.

Midnight romp...

Finally, we got a little snow worth mentioning. We all bundled up and headed out to the park last night around midnight, to catch the snow before it melted off in the morning. It was really pretty out, and really quiet. Rosco had fun runnin' around in her pink parka. I can't wait for more. I've become addicted to the weather channel. I want a snow storm, darn it!!

Does not compute...

I think I my have lost my writing capabilities. My last blog was supposed to come across as sarcastic yet funny. I pretty sure it came across as bitter and jaded. I guess I'm a little rusty at the blogging or writing or being funny. This all only came to my attention when Eric read my blog and said I sounded bitter or jaded or something. Then Andrea said sounds like New York is wearing on me. Not really, I think I was just trying to give an idea about sometimes subway travel.. and it came out wrong. That's not to say that I don't miss Oregon, especially because my mom is going home soon, yeah! So, here's something enjoyable about New York to brighten your day: I recently did some Washington Heights shopping (you know, my hood) and I got two sweaters, three pairs of shoes, and a hat for thirty-one dollars... and they say shopping in New York is expensive.

The Subway, Harry Potter, and other stories...

My "commute" to work is usually around thirty-five to forty-five minutes on the subway. We do own an ipod, but I find myself enjoying the quiet time reading(with the exception of the occasional crazy person). I just finished the 4th Harry Potter, which is about the size of a dictionary, so it took me a litttle longer than the novels I usually read. For the couple hundred people or so in the world who haven't read Harry Potter books... don't do it, it's a large commitment, and heavy books to carry around in my purse, ya know? No, really they are a lot of fun, and I recommend them to anyone.
The subway is an interesting place. Not for those (Howie Mandel) who are germ phobes. In the winter everyone is so bundled up that no one fits into the seats correctly, so you end up touching a lot of strangers. In the summer, you'll end up touching stranger as well, just the nature of a full car, some are, well, sweaty. If you plan to visit New York, travel on the weekends on the subway. There are loads of "free" entertainment if you don't have a dictionary sized book to carry around. Anyone from dancers, rappers, singers, bongo players, preachers, kids selling candy (not dealn' crack on the streets), and of course the homeless. Some homeless will try and tug your heartstrings, with sad stories of addiction, and just a string of bad luck. Some will try an appeal toward you humor, regular stand up homedians (yes, I obviously don't have their talent). There are also those few who play it to you straight, they need money for drugs, alcohol, or even bum a cigarette. And finally those who slowly stumble from car to car jingling a cup, that you wish they would have used to pee in rather than pee on themselves. I don't mean to sound harsh or jaded, but maybe New York can have that effect on you.... then again, maybe you have just had too many experiences where your charity when arye.
A couple of days before Christmas, Eric and I went downtown to do some last minute shopping. We were feeling exceptionally giving, so we would stop and give small donations here and there, ie salvation army bell ringers. While I was finishing up in one store, Eric went outside to wait for me. He was approached by a man who asked for any change, that he hadn't ate in a while and could really use anything . Eric, against his better jugdement gave the man a dollar, (McDonald's was right next door). The man came back to Eric a couple of minutes later and said" Man, can you believe this I almost won", he was holding up a scratch-it lottery ticket. "I just need one more eight and I'd have five hundred dollars!" I believe Eric couldn't recover fast enough to reply, before the "starving" man walked away. I realize that is one experience of prob. many, and that doesn't mean you shouldn't give, but here in the city, smarter is better, ya know?

My new hero

I just started watching the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan, and he is quite a genius. Seriously, he is like the Nanny 911 for pet owners. My favorite part is when he tells them there is nothing wrong with the dog, just it's owners. I'm such a nerd that I actually took notes... no really, I took notes. Anyways, just look how much happier Rosco is.

Merry Christmas!

A few pict from Christmas day. We had a quiet day of opening presents and hanging out, and recovering from our Lord of the Rings Marathon the day before. We were also dog sitting so Monty joined the festivities.

We saw The Grinch on Broadway, and it was a lot of fun. Kids in the audience really enjoyed it and it was cute to watch. They did a good job of making it a magical chistmas musical. And as a bonus, on the way out I ran into Page Davis from TLC's Trading Spaces and she complimented my hair, we talked for a moment and she was very nice and really pretty. Her husband played the Grinch in the play, only I didn't have my wits about me to tell her what a good job he did, oh well. But, it was a fun night, and afterward we went to see the tree @ Rockafeller Center. By the way, it was sooo cold, I was freezn my knickers off.

Teach me

So, I am no longer just an assistant, I am an assistant that can also do things, yah! What I mean by that is that I am currently color training at Soon. It's not a lot of money changes or anything, but it just feels nice to do some hair again. I'm hoping training will just fly by as I keep rockn' out the hair, and before long I'll be an assistant no more. Then, comes the money.... then the fame. I do still cut on the side, to keep a hand in and whatnot. Also the idea being that once I snag them, even if it's for little or no money, they won't be satisfied with a regular joe-shmoe and will have no choice but to come to me as a stylist. And don't worry, it works, just heard an old client of mine, let's call him "Jonnie" is now going to Salon Vivid... you keep 'em comin' Sandra.