2.28.2012

Made You Laugh

Pictures and stuff that I've found or taken to make you smile...

Churro likes to hog the space heater in our apartment. Look at the guy, he's in heaven!

Hmmm...classy license plate you got there.

Pug Abuse.

I shall wag in agreement!

Birthday boy with inflatable purple monkey. Naturally.

Care for a pussy punch or a bling ding?

That I am.

Sort of like Where's Waldo?

Rawr!


I'm going to use this as an insult more often. You are...le freak!

2.26.2012

LOST, A Review



I've been on this newfound kick in where I watch old wildly popular shows on Netflix that I had never seen before.

I knew what my first choice had to be: LOST.

Instantly, from the first episode, I was sucked in. I'm a girl who loves me some mystery. I love figuring out plots, looking for clues and patting myself on the back when I guess the right outcome (hmmm...this is a prideful hobby of mine). And LOST just has this great primal, gritty, Lord of the Flies kind of feel to it.

And then come the questions: What is up with the polar bears? Who are the others? What do the numbers mean? <---all questions that are terribly fun to figure out. It's all in the chase!

Oh, and it's also ALL ABOUT these two guys:

***

I mean look at them! Hot men, all dirty and sweaty in the jungle...

*ahem*

Now I agree with all the assessments of LOST getting a little, um, much in the 4th season on. Seemingly swirling, out-of-control plot twists leave your head spinning. Time travel? Alternate dimensions? Whaaaat?

But in the end, I think it really comes together. Every detail, every number, every hatch is accounted for. I have a lot of regard for the writing in this show, with it's clever foreshadowing and impressive coordination. And don't forget those two dreamboats, Sawyer and Jack (I know you didn't forget).

And you shan't forget. This is one of the things LOST did best: there is a strong connection between character and audience. You feel deeply for Sayid's troubled past. You root for Kate to escape the law. You rejoice when Sun and Jin fall in love again. You believe in Locke. The line between fiction and reality is blurred--this is when a show truly succeeds.

LOST is one of the best shows I've seen, and now that it's over, I feel as though I'm missing it.

Did you watch LOST? Were you a fan of the ending? What was your favorite season(s)?

***

Next hit series I'm watching? Ally McBeal. Stay tuned.


2.22.2012

Perfectly Acceptable Ashley

It's perfectly acceptable:

  • to feel like I need to educate a group of people who think Bruno Mars is a great artist. Look, I'm a music snob and I know a good amount about music history and what makes an artist a legend deserving of praise. Bruno Mars, to me, is but a mere back-up singer. What's sad is, the music that gets all the attention now-a-days is pure crap, laced with computers that perfect voices (that give every song that annoying robot sound), and so in comparison, I'm sure people think Bruno Mars is decent. Oh, poor kids...they have so much to learn; and thus, it is my duty to teach! (I may or may not gotten into an argument about this while watching the Grammys).

  • to bow down to Adele and believe that she deserves it all...

  • to use "sneaky journalism tricks." At least, that's what my dad calls it when I debate an issue and use big words.



2.20.2012

Gee Ashley, You're a Smooth Talker

(a.k.a., I know how to make fun of myself)

It was Saturday night, and my roommate Lainey and I hailed a cab to go to Carnavale in Little Italy (a Venetian festival). There were some rain clouds looming overhead, and Lainey worriedly said, "Oh man, I hope it doesn't rain...I spent all this time on my hair!"

So of course I took that opportunity to blast Lainey (in jest), and be a pain in the ass, and replied," Lainey, there are CHILDREN IN ETHIOPIA worrying about what they are going to have for supper, and you're worrying about your hair!"

She giggled and said, "You're right, you're right..."

So we continued our conversation, also including the cab driver, when I finally asked him, "Oh...and where are you from?"

"I'm from Ethiopia," he said with a knowing smile, "and I heard you talking about my country."

I turned bright red, mumbled something about being a "stupid American" and busted up laughing with Lainey, to which Lainey pointed out that that's what I get for making fun of her.

What are the chances?!

Lesson learned.

2.15.2012

Blogiversary: That Time I Met Lance Bass

Seven years ago today I started my blog. SEVEN. Seeing as I'm not getting rid of my blog anytime soon, and I'm tired of doing the usual blogiversary post, I've decided to start a tradition: With each year's blogiversary post, I will reminisce on one event from my past since the creation of my blog.

This year, I've decided to rehatch something I'm both proud and even a little geeky over:



That Time I Met Lance Bass

It was fall 2007, my last year at San Diego State University, and I had a tough decision to make: either go to my Broadcast Journalism class and be guaranteed an A (the professor was big on attendance), or skip class to go to a Lance Bass book signing. Looking back, I chose the enlightened path.

After a short road trip to Los Angeles we came upon The Grove, to the Barnes and Noble where Lance would show up. To even get into the event, I was forced to buy Lance's book, the oh-so-cleverly titled Out of Sync, a memoir about his journey coming out of the closet. Not the most mind-blowing writing, but I digress...

The crowd was an amusing blend of old *NSYNC fans and gay supporters; thus, the estrogen was high in this place. And then, Lance emerged, accompanied by shrieks and my dear friend Ali hyperventalating in the background (Lance was always her absolute favorite, give the girl a break).







Ali had practiced a whole speech, in where she would calmly and aloofly express her deep admiration for her favorite *NSYNCER, but all that came out of her mouth was, "I love you, canihavahug?"

Heh. I still joke with Ali about that day.

Was meeting Lance bass worth the B in my journalism class? YES!

Here's to another year of embarrassing, blog-worthy moments...

2.12.2012

Whitney, You Were A Gem

I always feel a little entitled when all of a sudden everyone cares about a dead celebrity that I always cared about. This is because I still blast Whitney while cruising the highway. I felt this way when Michael Jackson died, and suddenly every DJ deemed it necessary to play MJ songs, when before they would refuse (apparently death is the time to pay honor).

But Whitney has always been a part of my life. Undoubtedly one of the best voices in the world, this woman was a major part of my childhood. That nostalgia elevates her to idol status for me. We all have personal problems and vices, but I'll choose to remember Whitney for the way she commanded the stage by simply relying on her vocal chords.

And so, I give you a slice of my childhood: Every time I went to the Navy base to watch a movie, they would religiously play the National Anthem. They never switched it to any other rendition, because nobody could beat this performance:



Whitney, you were a true gem amidst the fakes and copies, and you will be missed.

2.09.2012

Favorite Thing Thursday


Yet another edition of my favorite things series:

1. Reading On the Beach


I realize how incredibly lucky I am to live so close to an awesome ocean, which provides the perfect chorus to a lazy reading day.


2. Awesome Stuff Made Outta Sand

At first glance, I thought this was a sand castle. As I inched closer I was pleasantly surprised to see a "beach bonfire."


3. Fruity Beers

Look, I tend to be a beer purist. But every now and again, my inner girl comes out and gets all giddy over fruity drinks. The drink above actually tastes like Banana Nut Bread--sure, it's a novelty, but it's also surprisingly good!

4. Accidentally Matching Your Friend

Once upon a time, when I was in a sorority, I used to match girls on purpose. Now, it's pure coincidence. How weird that we both showed up wearing pale pink and black. Ha.


5. Turkish Style Tea

Served in awesome glasses, Turkish tea is one of my faves. I think it truly rivals English tea!

2.07.2012

In the In Between

I'm applying to jobs here and there, and when I say here and there, I mean San Diego and (insert city name here). It's an interesting place to be.


An in between.


Like that space between the minutes before rush hour, and when rush hour actually hits, when everyone is anticipating the traffic to change, but it hasn’t changed quite yet. You can feel the molecules in the air shifting, because the knowledge of what is to come is looming ahead. Everything is just different.


That's where I am. Somewhere in between. But I like it. It means something is on the horizon.


I'm anticipating the change.

2.06.2012

Defeating the Wedding Monster

I have two friends getting married this year. I am in both weddings. Let me preface this post by saying I am extremely happy for them both; furthermore, I know both couples really well, so they are going to be very fun weddings. But I have to get a few things off my chest...

When did weddings become such a monster? By monster, I mean an all-consuming, bank-depleting, brain-washing, fire-breathing animal that torches everything in sight?

That may have been a bit dramatic...But here's my beef with weddings:

1. They are f***ing overpriced. Venues, flowers, wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses, presents, showers, pre-parties before the main event, more dresses, more presents = SUFFOCATION. Couples get so wrapped up in the fantasy of the big day, they forget about the reality of their bank account.

2. They are forceful in their traditions. Not wearing something blue on the big day? Sacrilegious! Thinking of skipping the wedding shower? You can't, that's a major event! Don't want to buy a big cake? No, sorry, you HAVE to...because, we said so.

WHEN did it get like this? WHERE did all these "traditions" come from? And why does everyone insist on following such a Nazi list to a tee? You know, the list:
  • Engagement Party
  • Engagement Photos
  • Save-the-Dates
  • Wedding Shower
  • The Perfect Invitation
  • Bachelorette Party
  • Registry
  • Venue
  • The Perfect Dress
  • The Perfect Bridesmaids Dresses
  • The Perfect Flowers
  • The "Best Day of Your Life"
Which brings me to my next point...

3. Everything has to be "perfect." People forget something they know quite well when planning for weddings--life is not perfect. Nothing goes exactly as planned. NOTHING IS PERFECT!!!! But time and time again, I see chicks freaking out that things are not going swimmingly. These women spend so much time and effort focusing on the "big day," they almost have a mental breakdown when one hair is out of place. That's too much pressure and stress for my liking!

***

I know I sound like a cynical, anti-wedding freak right at the moment. But remember, this is more of a vent session. I actually quite like weddings, if done the right way. When planning a wedding, here's what I think:

  1. Do what you want, not what everyone else tells you to do. If you're big on all the traditions...go for it! But if all these pesky traditions are stressing you out, why have them? Who said professional engagement photos are a must? Who said you MUST send out save the dates? DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO.
  2. Try not to put a gazillion expectations on one freakin' day. This takes some discipline and effort on your part, but realize that you're going to have much more fun if you're not expecting perfection.
  3. Be aware of the monster. When things get overwhelming, make sure to question everything. Remember that you are dealing with a money-making industry persuading you to buy more. You are a human who is capable of philosophy and great intellect; you are not a drone. Cut out the things you don't need.
I'm sure you've figured out that I'm not a big wedding kind of girl. I'm a traveling gal! If I ever get married, I'm more apt to peace out for a cool destination wedding with immediate family--no rules, no regulations, and no matchy-matchy brisdemaids dresses. This is my personality, and my wedding would be sure to reflect it. I've had some friends, assuming that they know better, tell me "Well I will make sure you have more at your wedding!" No you won't...because that's not what I want, woman! (I also get really peeved when girls insist on talking about hypothetical weddings with me, when I don't have said groom on the horizon).

Your wedding should reflect your personality, whether it's a huge extravaganza, or no wedding at all. Don't let anyone--friends, the industry, the wedding monster--persuade you differently.

2.02.2012

The Post I Should Always Refer Back To When in Doubt


There's always been two parts to my personality:

There's the adventurer. The one who wants to see and do everything, travel the world, and conquer new lands!

eager for adventure...


Then there's the home-body. The one who gets attached easily, has a hard time saying goodbye and has an easy time feeling anxious.

These two parts of me are forever at war. One wants to sail to another country, the other wastes time with what-ifs and worries. One wants to try new things, the other wants to bask in what's familiar.

What I'm realizing is I need to start feeding the side of me that will strengthen my character, because I think I dedicate too much time to worrying, which prevents me from fulfilling the desires of my heart.

I read posts about one person learning Spanish in Guatemala, or another person following their dreams to the bright lights of New York, or yet another person traipsing around France--all stories of people leaving their worlds behind for a new world and a new way of life. And you know what? It stirs my soul. Something in the very core of me is awakened. It is beyond a hope or dream, but a calling to experience more than just this little corner of the earth.

And if you've been reading this blog long enough, you might say to me, "Didn't you already try this, Ashley? Didn't you try to live in Turkey, then came back?"

Well, yes.

But I went about it the wrong way. When making a big move to any big city, you are one of two people: either, you are the person that can pick up and go, free as a bird with no worries or cares; or, you are the person that has to go in baby steps.

When I went to Turkey, it was far too much all at once: I didn't know the language, I didn't have a job, I didn't have a home, there were surmounting political problems and I started to get lost in all of my anxieties. I failed to pay attention to the very heart of my personality--I will never be a free bird; I will ALWAYS be a little bit of a planner. I needed to have a slice of security, like mastering the language beforehand, or landing a job before moving. I needed at least one anchor to feel at home and push beyond that pesky anxiety.

Of course, this is always easier to figure out in retrospect. But going to Turkey for a month was not a waste, because I gained valuable information about myself because if it.

So, to wrap up this long and drawn out post, I know now what I need to do. My very soul is craving something new, and I must feed it. This does not necessarily mean moving away from San Diego; however, it means I must go after jobs that fit me, not force myself into the mold of a job that just pays the bills. I must have a job that can cater to my personality and dreams.

This might mean moving to a new city. If so, I'm up for it! BLOODY BRING IT ON! Undoubtedly, I will try to talk myself out of this because of fear, an unwanted parasite of a friend that never leaves my side. But this has been years in the making. When in doubt, I must refer back to this post to remember: I was made for more than a mediocre existence. Am I fulfilling the desires of my heart?

Are you?