Peaceful, Easy Feelin.....

Which I do not have. I have a bad feeling about a lie I was told today, and it cannot end well. I'm pretty perceptive and can tell when I am being lied to, and I know I got it in spades today from the least likely source. I even opened the conversation with the easy access of an open confession, but alas, I got a lie. And that makes me oh so unhappy b/c if you can't trust your friends to tell you the truth, who can you trust? So it looks like it's time to re-evaluate life....again....is this a midlife crisis? I mean, if so, it's cool, I just need to readjust my life expectancy to 56 instead of like 127, but no worries. So disappointed.....I thought this friendship was worth way more than lying about something so dumb. On the upside, my sister cracked me up tonight. Neelley, you get a shoutout, and I can't wait to hear what you think about the new blog. Isn't it funny how when your friends disappoint you, your family comes through when you least expect it? My family has been pretty much amazing the last few days....I must admit, I shed more than a few tears over their unconditional generosity, and I am so enjoying their company. Can't wait to spend the weekend with my sisters...I see a Wits and Wagers battle coming!

So many subjects, so few blogs.....where to start? Ok, first off, I am obsessed with Adam Lambert who came in second to Kris Allen on American Idol, and while I appreciate Kris' talent, hello...wtf...Adam should have won. This guy is like none other. He has a male vocal range equivalent to Mariah Carey, and he nails every note. It's quite exquisite. He is the only singer I will download on itunes w/o prelistening to. I pre-purchased his CD, which I haven't done since Roman Reese, who personally played on our back deck in college. This guy is the best musician I think I will see in my lifetime, as far as originality and performance. I'll be on pins and needles until his album release Nov 23rd I think it is.

Meanwhile, my sisters have been cracking me up. "Um, yes, hello" is our new fave phrase, and if you don't get it, sucks for you b/c it's hilarious. Neelley could be on SNL with this character we have created. Isn't it funny how 2 bottles of wine can produce such creativity? I have not laughed that hard nor had that much fun with my sisters that I can remember. We laughed our asses off this weekend....well at least I did.

Work is good. I still have roommate issues. Though I find him hilarious, I still cannot grasp the trash concept. Is it that hard? Let me put it into a function series.....If x(trash can)=(full), then you (person observing fullness) remove trash bag from can and take to big trash can. I mean, hell, if Excel can recognize it, so can a human...right? Maybe not.

But at least I had a blast with my sisters this last weekend. And maybe I'll have a trash update next week, though if I were y'all, holding my breath would be the equivalent to suicide.

Waiting on the World to Change

Tonight I went outside to smoke a few cigarettes...for some reason, the premiere of House put me in a very thoughtful and introspective mood. So instead of watching TV through the sliding glass door as I usually do while I smoke, I grabbed a book of old poetry. I started writing poetry in high school mainly as an outlet to deal with confusing emotions about death, life, and love. Very cliche I know, but hey, I was in high school, and it seemed like a better way to deal than drugs, which I couldn't have afforded if I wanted to. And though a lot of my poetry seems pretty melodramatic and immature, I still feel the emotions I felt at the time, and it was pretty cool to revisit all that stuff...not always pleasant, but rewarding nonetheless. Anyway, I am going to start reworking some of it as all of my writing is a constant work in progress, and it will all change as I get older I am sure, but it inspired my creative side, and that's a great thing! I'll post one below for all 2 of you faithful readers out there. Just remember, I was about 15 when I wrote it, but it's still one of my favorites. Comments and criticism are always welcome, so feel free to tell me what you think. Enjoy and good night!

Thunder and Lightning

When your hand touched mine,
The stars shined twice as bright,
While the lights of reality quickly dimmed.

Everything becomes surreal.

A storm suddenly approaches
And increases the mystery and anticipation
Of our rendezvous.

We explore each others' eyes
Looking for reason
Searching for truth
But find nothing.

I turn to the storm for comfort and answers.
I feel your eyes upon my neck,
Like a flame against my skin.

Slowly, I dare to turn and look
Into your soul.

Instantly the stars collide
And two lights become one.

In love's first kiss
All is revealed.

Cautiously, the world returns
And the spotlight of reality
Is upon me.

Emmy Awards

So, I have to admit that the only reason I wanted to watch the Emmy's this year was b/c NPH was hosting, and he's just so cute and funny!! However, I found myself drawn into them as the show went on...below are my reactions. Keep in mind, I am blogging while I watch. I'll add more as the evening goes on.

Kristen Chenowitz won Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, and she was so adorable! She was crying when she gave her speech as well as giving props to shows she liked and soliciting work. So hilarious.

Alec Baldwin as Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series....I really wish Jim Parsons had won for Sheldon on Big Bang Theory b/c that is the funniest show on TV right now, but if he didn't, then I guess Alec Baldwin is ok.

Best Lead Actress for Comedy was Toni Collette. I didn't really watch any of the shows that were nominated, so I really didn't care at all about this category.

Amazing Race was Best Reality Competition Show...again, don't care.

Jeff Probst did win for Best Reality Host for Survivor, which rocks. He is pretty incredible on that show, and I do love his dimples.

And now, I am behind, and they are currently on Miniseries; I haven't watched any this year, so I have no opinion on the winners.

Haha, the Kanye jokes are pretty funny this year. Even the old ppl are getting in on it.

During commercials, I am looking at the Emmy Awards list on their website. I guess they finally figured out that the American public doesn't care about half of the awards, sadly, so they edit those out.
Yay!! True Blood won for Best Casting for a Drama Series....the only actor I really don't care for is Stephen Moyer as Bill, but he is growing on me I guess. If only whoever plays Jason could win an award, it would make up for Bill's weird portrayal as Sookie's love interest.

Blah, blah, blah, more categories I have no interest in. And predictable jokes from Jennifer Love Hewitt...how are Neil Patrick Harris's jokes funny and no one else's are? Aren't they all written by the same ppl?

WTF is Little Dorrit?! Apparently, the Emmy committee thinks it's worth a gander...maybe I'll check it out. Oh, Jesus, I just googled it during an acceptance speech, and it's a Charles Dickens adaptation...GAG!! Did you know Dickens got paid by the word, and that's why his works are as long as they are?? I hope they had a badass screenplay adaptor...

Oh, wow, some weird spacey NPH staged interruption that is pretty non-entertaining. Yay, some shout out to all the CSI's. Oh god, and now some song sequence...or not. Ok, that was very unfunny.
I have decided that the winners know they are going to win b/c the jokes are scripted to play off the winners or losers. They all must just ACT surprised....damn, they are good at it, someone should give them an award or something...

Hurrah!!! The cast of the Big Bang Theory....and they're in character....and they are screwing up...oh well. At least, it's cute. I would really like to have the blurb guy's job. All he has to do is have like 20 Wikipedia articles about the nominees pulled up and click the correct tab to read some interesting fact about the winner...I could so do that.

Billy Crystal doesn't have that bad of a voice. I am digging how all the variety show writers are being presented...witty in their own ways. Congrats writers of the Daily Show...y'all are funny, and Jon Stewart is hot... and smart.

And Ricky Gervaise is hilarious.
Finally....the House category...the only other reason that I wanted to watch the Emmy's. Hugh Laurie HAS to win....how can he not? His character is a complete ass, and half of America is in love with him? I think House is the only show that I watch regularly that might stand a chance of winning an Emmy. I'm not deluded.
Ok...weird presenters for drama...Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J....whatev. As for Best Actor...don't watch any of them, but Michael Emerson won for Lost, so cool. I might try to get on the Lost train via Netflix next year when I have time. This guy sounds like he might have actually spent the last few years on a remote island. Maybe he should look into that whole actor/character rehabilitation thing.
Supporting Actress for Drama...hmm, the chick from 24, don't watch it, but she is from TN apparently, so I like her already. Glad neither chick from Grey's won, b/c I don't think they really deserve it. I love Chandra Wilson in Grey's, but I honestly think she's more of a theater actress. Sandra Oh, I adore, but I don't feel she had a large enough role on Grey's last season to warrant an Emmy nomination.

I think the key to being a successful musician is to write a song that is appropriate for a graduation or equally important life event. That way, it is always relevant and can be played on multiple occasions and will be. Like that crappy Vitamin C Song....that song was terrible, but relevant, so it was played who knows how many times?

Oh, thank God, David Boreanz and Stephen Moyer...hmm lots of Law and Order: SVU nominees. Michael J Fox won...yay, I have loved him since Back to the Future.

K, Lead Actress in a Drama series...have some stock in this category b/c I love Brothers and Sisters. And...the Closer....Kyra is amazing! Hmm, Glenn Close...whom I like; she's so classy!

Ok, had some real life stuff to discuss with a dear friend, so more tomorrow! :)

She Was just Seventeen...

Tonight's blog is a retrospective look at one of the most fantastic books I have ever read. If you have not read Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games," stop here. Do not read any further; and while you're at it, do not pass go, and do not collect 200 dollars. I purchased the 2nd book in the trilogy that is "The Hunger Games" on Sunday, and I finished it tonight. Seriously, if you haven't read the first book, are you really still reading this blog?? Stop now; ask me for the book, and I will gladly lend it to you.

Anyways, for you Hungerers out there, here is what I think about the 2nd book. IT'S AMAZING!!!!!! Better than the first, if that is possible....by far the best book I have read since Harry Potter. Here are my initial thoughts as I finished the book today after a 3 hour reading session after work.

Haymitch is everything I wanted him to be and apparently more. He is much more manipulative than I originally thought, and while I despise his constant refusal to confide in Katniss, I can see the possible consequences in his choice to do so. Katniss is as badass as always...despite her conflicting morals, always trying to do the right thing and putting family first. I don't know who I like more for her....after book 1, I would have said Gale, but after book 2, I think Peeta, though his outcome is now questionable. I love that Fennick survived, though I still don't trust Johanna and think she will be a traitor in the third book. I love the idea of this secret District 13 and the fact that Katniss is on her way, though I question the internal struggle she will face with her family and Gale's fate unforeseen. If Cinna dies, I will be infinitely pissed b/c he had the balls to show his ass to the Capitol via Katniss' dress, which sounds amazing, and I can only hope that the movies do it justice. I have to admit that when I read the whole Peeta revealing the locket to Katniss, I bawled my eyes out, so much so that I couldn't continue reading until I got a tissue. That is so embarrassing but kudos to the author for invoking that much emotion to the reader. I had no idea that I was so attached to Peeta until that point. As usual, Collins gives the reader just enough to feed his/her addiction until the next novel...answering many questions but asking many more. Now I have to wait a year to find out what happens!!! I really thought I had pictured all possible circumstances for this book, but nope, I did not. The fact that Katniss and Peeta go back into the games is both disturbing and exciting. The thrill of the arena and the mystery of Plutarch were quite enough to intrigue me, but the second half of the book is so engulfing that I didn't have time to think about it. I think at this point I am on Team Peeta b/c I don't think she even realizes how much love she carries for him, and that's the best kind. But as the asshole Capitol has him now, who knows what will happen? If Cinna and Peeta perish, I don't think I can take it, but like every good author, I am sure Collins will spare one of them. Though I am not sure which I prefer....Cinna has been a good silent partner for quite a while, and I love him. But Peeta....he cares so selflessly for Katniss, and the whole locket scene was so pivotal for me, b/c it showed what each was willing to sacrifice for the other. I just can't wait to see how it ends....

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This...

Got a new job, yay! Had to sell out a little bit in order to make some money as I am exhausted from working 2 jobs and still being broke! But that happens I guess. Had dinner with 2 friends tonight...was fabulous, but I am exhausted from working all week. So I came home early...1030 and am just winding down to go to bed. It's a far cry from my wild and crazy college days, but it's cool. Little stressed tonight b/c I felt obliged to hang with my 2 besties...dinner was wonderful, but I was ready to come home and crash out at 5...ended up hanging out longer than expected. Roommate just walked in on the (speaker...really??) phone with his gf....started asking me about peppers...legitimate question, but do I want to discuss culinary wonders and prospects at 11:47? No, I do not roommate, and while you are pondering the philosophical being that is the pepper, could you please remove the garbage from the can and place it in the larger can outside the gate when it is full? Hell, if you get a bluetooth, you could even do that, ponder peppers, and talk to your gf all at the same time?! Isn't technology amazing!?

We Can Work it Out

Yesterday, I decided to buy something fun for myself since I've been so damn poor all summer. I had to start writing everything down in my checkbook register again, which is nice and helps me see where all my money is going. So anyway, I had a few extra dollars and an hour to kill at Target before work at JoAnn, and I perused the books and bought a Charlaine Harris non-Sookie Stackhouse novel, which I can't wait to read. Then I went to check out Wii games namely EA Sports Active, the one that Oprah's dude Bob Greene contributed to. It looked pretty cool, and a friend from JoAnn told me it was awesome, so I bought it. Didn't get home til about 11 last night and talked to my friend Kim for a while on the phone. By then, it was too late to really work out, so I saved it for this morning.
Woke up around 8 as usual on the weekends, laid in bed for a minute, then remembered that I HAD A NEW TOY!!!!!!
I put on my workout clothes (the Wii is great b/c you don't have to worry about how you look in your workout gear :)) and went downstairs. With this game comes a resistance band that you have to assemble yourself, but it's really easy and a leg band. I already had 2 nunchucks at least, and for most of the lower body stuff, you put the nunchuck in the leg band...kind of strange, but it seems to work. Since I had the wii Fit as well, I got on that first and did the body test, so I would have an accurate weight to enter into the Active.

Before I launch into the workout, let me just say that this game is Awesome. It has a calendar, the 30 day challenge, and it will ask you questions about your lifestyle such as sleep habits, how much water you drink, etc...which is a sweet little motivational tool.

Today was Day 1 of the 30 day challenge for me, and I hope I can blog about this thing as much as possible to see how effective it really is. Choosing the high intensity workout was tempting, but since it was my first day of this game, I just stuck with medium. I started off walking/running, which is weird b/c it senses your movement based on that nunchuck leg band thing, so sometimes it will tell you that you are running too slow. Tightening the strap helps that problem. Then, I did a series of strenght exercises such as shoulder raises, lunges, squats (YUCK), bicep curls, and rowing squats. After doing about 10 reps of each of these exercises, my trainer let me do inline skating with the balance board, which was pretty cool. Then, you do more reps of previous exercises. I believe I did about 24 minutes of exercise and burned 157 calories, or something close to that. I have a feeling that I will barely be able to walk tomorrow due to the sqats and lunges, but I can't wait to see what day 2 holds!