I'll admit it.
I watch the Bachelor.
I'm not one of those people that has watched the show from Season 1 and can recite the names of each bachelor and their picks at the end of each season, or one of those people that watches just to see if the bachelor will pick the girl I think he should. I have my own reasons...
Well, most generally, I watch to laugh hysterically at these people. What do these girls expect? They put 25 women, or however many they start with, in one house, all fighting for one man. Amazing entertainment value? Of course. How these women think this will be a fun few months, I will never understand. I don't think I could live with that many girls in a single house on a normal day, so how these women deal when they are all competing for what the bachelor totes as his sincere love is beyond my normal understanding. And what is this man thinking? I couldn't name 3 straight men in the world that would volunteer to spend months with a house full of overly-emotional, conniving, vengeful women. These producers must be paying each bachelor a hefty sum.
The drama of it all is so entertaining. I mean, c'mon, is there a need for each of them to bawl hysterically in the limo ride away from the mansion? You got eliminated on the first night. You didn't make a fake connection with a guy on a reality TV show. There really is nothing to cry about. You probably weren't even there long enough to lose your job like the other girls that did make it past the first rose ceremony.
They have so many issues in the dimension of the show, it makes me feel better about myself. They spend months criticizing every move of each of the other girls in the mansion. That one doesn't straighten her hair enough, so he couldn't possibly care about her. That one wears tops that are too flashy, so he couldn't want to marry her. That one has a huge nose, so there is no way he would pick her. It reminds me how lucky I am to not have to deal with that all day long and makes me realize that their lives are just riddled with issues and problems throughout their stay on the show. If I had to deal with that, I'd be happy to jump in that limo and drive away.
Dealing with those girls for that long would be tough, but if you'd seen any seasons previously, at least you'd know what you were getting into. They put the same type of girl on each season. There is always the sweet, girl-next-door type who seems to glide through every elimination ceremony. She's almost guaranteed to make it to one of the last few weeks. Then there is the bad girl that the bachelor seems to keep for a good long while, either because he is fulfilling every man's fantasy of the edgy girlfriend or because the producers make him keep her for ratings boosts. They always include the weirdo or freak. She lasts for a little while, mostly because she's just too weird/interesting for him to let her go that quickly. Then, there is the mean girl. This is the girl that seems to despise every other girl in the house, not just for the competition-sake, but seems to have just a solid, deep hatred. Really, it's not like these girls are going in blindly every season. I mean, honestly, who hasn't heard of the bachelor enough to know these patterns exist? Have they been living under a rock?
So, there you have it - my justification for watching this trashy reality TV that brings in millions of viewers every week. I wouldn't cry like those girls in the limo if I missed it, but hey, it is my Monday night guilty pleasure.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Movies, Movies, and More Movies!
There are few things more relaxing than a movie-marathon weekend with good company :) Good movies make it even better, which was what my marathon was filled with this time around. Variety is the key - a few classics, comedy, drama, classic comedies...you get the point. Here's how it went:
1) Men In Black - I hadn't seen this movie in so long that I had forgotten how awesome it is. If you haven't seen this, you need to close this browser window, go to the nearest Red Box or Blockbuster and rent it ASAP. If you have seen it, and you don't like it, you should be evaluated ASAP.
Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones fighting aliens. Does it get any more entertaining? Well, since you asked....
2) Men In Black II - It does get more entertaining! Entertainment Part Dos!
How do they follow up a masterpiece such as the first MIB? You'll have to watch the whole movie (which you should absolutely do, if you haven't already) for the whole story, but here's a bit of a teaser for you. The world is going to be destroyed by an evil alien, and the only person that can save it is Tommy Lee Jones. But wait...dun dun dun...his memory was erased in the first movie! What ever will happen to the Earth now? Don't worry - they are the MIB. Of course they will find an answer.
3) Turner & Hooch - I had only ever seen bits and pieces of this movie, but to finally see them all together and in order was great.
It reminds me of what a great actor Tom Hanks is, and made me realize that he hasn't made anything new in a long time. Also, this dog was awesome!
4) Billy Madison - Yet another classic. This one doesn't even need explanation, but it goes in my books as one of Adam Sandler's finest pieces of work to date.
How could anyone not love a movie about a degenerate son of a hotel mogul going back to school to prove to his father that he isn't an immature failure in order to take over the family business?
5) 50 First Dates - The first Adam Sandler movie of the marathon was such a hit, we had to follow up with another A.S. favorite.
This movie makes me want to move to, well, at least visit, Hawaii. Seriously. I had to price trips while we were watching it. Let the saving commence! Anyway, back to the movie. The classic Adam Sandler crew are in full force in this one - Rob Schneider, Allen Covert, Blake Clark, Peter Dane. I did have to look up those names, since I only knew them by their roles in other A.S. movies. However you identify them, if you add them all up, they make a great movie.
6) Four Brothers - Another movie I had never seen from start to finish, but now that I have, I LOVE IT!
You gotta love a shoot 'em up movie fueled by sons seeking revenge for their adoptive mother's murder, starring Mark Wahlberg. They turn on each other, turn on everyone around them, just to find the truth and avenge their mother's murder.
7) Good Luck Chuck - Dane Cook makes movies, so it has to be funny.
Side note - how cool would it be to take care of penguins all day long?? I'm not sure how many more funny movies Dane Cook will have left in his repertoire, but his humor definitely made it into this one.
Finally, one last thing that we saw in between movies was the Troy Aikman "southern hospitality" Super Bowl commercial. All of you DFW-ers know what I'm talking about, but for those of you who aren't in this area, this is a commercial specially designed the Super Bowl. It features Troy Aikman telling all of us living here to be nice and respectful to the visitors and guests in town for the Super Bowl. Of course, that will happen, Troy.
1) Men In Black - I hadn't seen this movie in so long that I had forgotten how awesome it is. If you haven't seen this, you need to close this browser window, go to the nearest Red Box or Blockbuster and rent it ASAP. If you have seen it, and you don't like it, you should be evaluated ASAP.
2) Men In Black II - It does get more entertaining! Entertainment Part Dos!
3) Turner & Hooch - I had only ever seen bits and pieces of this movie, but to finally see them all together and in order was great.
4) Billy Madison - Yet another classic. This one doesn't even need explanation, but it goes in my books as one of Adam Sandler's finest pieces of work to date.
5) 50 First Dates - The first Adam Sandler movie of the marathon was such a hit, we had to follow up with another A.S. favorite.
6) Four Brothers - Another movie I had never seen from start to finish, but now that I have, I LOVE IT!
You gotta love a shoot 'em up movie fueled by sons seeking revenge for their adoptive mother's murder, starring Mark Wahlberg. They turn on each other, turn on everyone around them, just to find the truth and avenge their mother's murder.
7) Good Luck Chuck - Dane Cook makes movies, so it has to be funny.
Finally, one last thing that we saw in between movies was the Troy Aikman "southern hospitality" Super Bowl commercial. All of you DFW-ers know what I'm talking about, but for those of you who aren't in this area, this is a commercial specially designed the Super Bowl. It features Troy Aikman telling all of us living here to be nice and respectful to the visitors and guests in town for the Super Bowl. Of course, that will happen, Troy.
Friday, January 28, 2011
TGIF!
TGIF. For real.
This week, Tuesday felt like Friday, then Thursday felt like Tuesday, so today when I woke up and it felt like Friday, I was doing well. Confusing, I know. This is my life.
To celebrate the week, here are a few things I was reminded that I love through the week:
1) Cooking. I have come to love cooking. I like throwing things together and seeing how my thoughts play out in a pan. I haven't had too many horrible failures, but a few things were a bit questionable. Poor Jon is the guinea pig most of the time, but he is a trooper. This week's adventure was a beef stew made with top sirloin, fingerling potatoes, carrots, onions, tomato paste, red wine (yes, I cooked with wine. FANCY!), and stock. It was YUMMY, if i do say so myself. And I do.
2) Progressive insurance. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I LOVE my insurance company. Love and insurance are two words that are rarely in the same sentence, but this is the exception. My rates have dropped every year since I've been with them. Every time I call for a question or issue, I get to speak with someone in the US who speaks very clear, understandable English. They are extremely helpful every time I call. They never try to trick me or overcharge me for something, not even when I had a claim. Repairing hail damage was leaps and bounds easier than I expected. I could make my own commercial for them. Oh! Idea :)
3) 70 degree weather in January. Another rarity. Unless you're in North Texas - gorgeous weather today. You know what that means, folks - sunroof open, windows down, and music up. The only downfall, it'll be 20 degrees in a few days. For now, I'm enjoying the break from the cold. Bring on the spring-time weather!
4) Last, but certainly not least, writing. Little blog, meet the world. World, meet my little blog. This week, I introduced this blog to the world. Up until now, this has been entertainment only for me. It's been my way to begin writing again. I've always loved writing, but had no reason to do it since college. This week, I was ecstatic that people would even read this if not forced, let alone that they would enjoy it. So, thank you, to all of you for reading and letting me know that this whole project has been worthwhile :) You've all made my week!
Happy Friday, all! Enjoy the weekend!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Crunching Numbers
Newflash! The Super Bowl is gonna be in Arlington, TX this year.
Of course, the local news here is inundated with news about the big game. It's a constant barrage of numbers, and it is mind-boggling to see how much money is being spent. I'd take even 2% of what they have spent on this crazy game.
Just to give you an idea, here are some of the figures they have thrown out there. A seat at the game, if there were any left for the average Joe Blow to purchase, would run you a minimum of THOUSANDS of dollars. One room at a Motel 8, 1/4 mile down the road from the Cowboys Stadium, for the night of the Super Bowl is going for the completely reasonable <sarcasm> price of $699.00. Oh, and this concert that the artist formerly known as Price (fah-reak) is putting on prior to the game, if you want a table of 6, it'll run you about $25,000. I understand this is the Super Bowl, but c'mon people. That is CRAZY.
The city of Arlington is constructing multiple new buildings and parking lots (yes, pouring concrete) for the big event and to host different companies and ESPN groups. The restaurants around the area are creating enclosed plastic, climate-controlled tents for their diners, which will include celebrities and athletes. Why, you ask? Oh, just so they can control the temperature for their used-to-be outdoor areas since the North Texas area could be 70 degrees and sunny or 25 degrees and snowing at that particular time of the year. These people must have all been boy scouts because they are prepared for anything.
There was one little money-making venture that I missed out on, basically because I am too chicken to try it. Many people are renting out their apartments and homes to people coming into town for the game. Rich I would be, unless said renters destroyed my place and I had to spend all the money I made off of them to repair the damages. So, I'll err on the side of caution this time and pass on the business venture.
Needless to say, as much fun as I think it would be to see all of the goings-on in downtown Fort Worth that weekend, I'll be avoiding that area like the plague since the traffic will be even more horrific than it is on a normal weekend.
Good thing I live 30 minutes away from the stadium! While all the crazies dump their spending money into the DFW economy, I'll be sitting in my quiet home watching all the commercials!
Of course, the local news here is inundated with news about the big game. It's a constant barrage of numbers, and it is mind-boggling to see how much money is being spent. I'd take even 2% of what they have spent on this crazy game.
Just to give you an idea, here are some of the figures they have thrown out there. A seat at the game, if there were any left for the average Joe Blow to purchase, would run you a minimum of THOUSANDS of dollars. One room at a Motel 8, 1/4 mile down the road from the Cowboys Stadium, for the night of the Super Bowl is going for the completely reasonable <sarcasm> price of $699.00. Oh, and this concert that the artist formerly known as Price (fah-reak) is putting on prior to the game, if you want a table of 6, it'll run you about $25,000. I understand this is the Super Bowl, but c'mon people. That is CRAZY.
The city of Arlington is constructing multiple new buildings and parking lots (yes, pouring concrete) for the big event and to host different companies and ESPN groups. The restaurants around the area are creating enclosed plastic, climate-controlled tents for their diners, which will include celebrities and athletes. Why, you ask? Oh, just so they can control the temperature for their used-to-be outdoor areas since the North Texas area could be 70 degrees and sunny or 25 degrees and snowing at that particular time of the year. These people must have all been boy scouts because they are prepared for anything.
There was one little money-making venture that I missed out on, basically because I am too chicken to try it. Many people are renting out their apartments and homes to people coming into town for the game. Rich I would be, unless said renters destroyed my place and I had to spend all the money I made off of them to repair the damages. So, I'll err on the side of caution this time and pass on the business venture.
Needless to say, as much fun as I think it would be to see all of the goings-on in downtown Fort Worth that weekend, I'll be avoiding that area like the plague since the traffic will be even more horrific than it is on a normal weekend.
Good thing I live 30 minutes away from the stadium! While all the crazies dump their spending money into the DFW economy, I'll be sitting in my quiet home watching all the commercials!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
My Tribute to an Extraordinary Man...
I was recently reminded that the little things that I am so fond of often-times add up to much larger things.
On January 19, 2011, I lost one of the most important men in my life - my grandfather. I've thought for many days about what I would write in this post. I'm still not quite sure what will end up in this text, but I know whatever it is, it will be fitting. However, it will never do justice to this amazing man's life. Mere words cannot express the influence he has had on me and the person that I hope to become. In fact, I'm sure that I have not even realized the full extent of his impact on me.
I keep trying to pinpoint one profound life lesson that he left with me, but I know there isn't just one. So many little things took on such larger meanings simply because I associated them with him. I am bored to death by golf, but I would play a golf computer game with him for hours. I never had a desire to play an instrument before, but loved playing the keyboard with him. I could never do crossword puzzles by myself, but I sat in Denny's with him for hours completing them. He made all of those mediocre interests extraordinary in my mind.
When we knew he was fatally ill, my mom and I drove across the country to see him one last time. It's funny, really, that you always have these ideas of what you would say to someone that is dying if you had just one more chance to talk to them. But when you actually get that chance, and you are standing in front of them, knowing that you'll never get the chance to see them again, all those thoughts escape you. I could have told him how much he means to me, or how much I would miss him, or how I made all of the decisions I have in my entire life based on if he would be proud of me and the person I was becoming. Instead, we talked about Butler basketball, my cousin's dream car, and vanilla ice cream. I think that was okay though. In those last visits with him, we didn't focus on the finality of why I drove 24 hours one way to sit next to him in a nursing home, feeding him O'Doull's non-alcoholic beer, which he loved by the way. In fact, after the first drink I gave him, he said, "That's the best drink I've ever had....my first O'Doull's fed to me by my granddaughter." Instead, we focused on the little things - the things that I will cherish the most from my time spent with him. I did definitely get one thing right, though - I told him how much I love him.
After seeing my grandpa for the last time, kissing his forehead while he slept peacefully, and telling him one more time how much I love him, I said goodbye to him for the last time. Even though he was sleeping soundly, I think he knew I was there and that we were leaving. I was a bit uneasy about that. Although I was glad that my last look at him was one of peace and serenity, part of me really wanted to talk to him just one more time, just to make sure he was okay. On the long drive home, somewhere in the middle of Texas, I got my sign - I saw my first shooting star, ever, in 24 years of life. While I'm not one to make strange connections with signs, I knew that was meant for me to see, to tell me he was okay. Later that day, just as we returned safely home, we got the call that he had passed away.
I'm not sure that it has completely sunk in that he is gone, but I am reminded of and by little things. I found myself reaching for the phone today to call him, but realized a few seconds later that he wouldn't be on the other end of the line anymore. He isn't here physically anymore, but he will always be with me. In every golf game. In every note of keyboard music. In every crossword puzzle. In every decision I make. In my heart and mind forever.
I love you, Grandpa. I miss you more every single day. Rest in peace.
On January 19, 2011, I lost one of the most important men in my life - my grandfather. I've thought for many days about what I would write in this post. I'm still not quite sure what will end up in this text, but I know whatever it is, it will be fitting. However, it will never do justice to this amazing man's life. Mere words cannot express the influence he has had on me and the person that I hope to become. In fact, I'm sure that I have not even realized the full extent of his impact on me.
I keep trying to pinpoint one profound life lesson that he left with me, but I know there isn't just one. So many little things took on such larger meanings simply because I associated them with him. I am bored to death by golf, but I would play a golf computer game with him for hours. I never had a desire to play an instrument before, but loved playing the keyboard with him. I could never do crossword puzzles by myself, but I sat in Denny's with him for hours completing them. He made all of those mediocre interests extraordinary in my mind.
When we knew he was fatally ill, my mom and I drove across the country to see him one last time. It's funny, really, that you always have these ideas of what you would say to someone that is dying if you had just one more chance to talk to them. But when you actually get that chance, and you are standing in front of them, knowing that you'll never get the chance to see them again, all those thoughts escape you. I could have told him how much he means to me, or how much I would miss him, or how I made all of the decisions I have in my entire life based on if he would be proud of me and the person I was becoming. Instead, we talked about Butler basketball, my cousin's dream car, and vanilla ice cream. I think that was okay though. In those last visits with him, we didn't focus on the finality of why I drove 24 hours one way to sit next to him in a nursing home, feeding him O'Doull's non-alcoholic beer, which he loved by the way. In fact, after the first drink I gave him, he said, "That's the best drink I've ever had....my first O'Doull's fed to me by my granddaughter." Instead, we focused on the little things - the things that I will cherish the most from my time spent with him. I did definitely get one thing right, though - I told him how much I love him.
After seeing my grandpa for the last time, kissing his forehead while he slept peacefully, and telling him one more time how much I love him, I said goodbye to him for the last time. Even though he was sleeping soundly, I think he knew I was there and that we were leaving. I was a bit uneasy about that. Although I was glad that my last look at him was one of peace and serenity, part of me really wanted to talk to him just one more time, just to make sure he was okay. On the long drive home, somewhere in the middle of Texas, I got my sign - I saw my first shooting star, ever, in 24 years of life. While I'm not one to make strange connections with signs, I knew that was meant for me to see, to tell me he was okay. Later that day, just as we returned safely home, we got the call that he had passed away.
I'm not sure that it has completely sunk in that he is gone, but I am reminded of and by little things. I found myself reaching for the phone today to call him, but realized a few seconds later that he wouldn't be on the other end of the line anymore. He isn't here physically anymore, but he will always be with me. In every golf game. In every note of keyboard music. In every crossword puzzle. In every decision I make. In my heart and mind forever.
I love you, Grandpa. I miss you more every single day. Rest in peace.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Long Couple of Days...
Here is a recap of my weekend:
Drove to CA last minute.
Visited family.
Drove back to TX.
It was a long drive. Both times. And now I am exhausted.
Don't worry, these posts will be improving.
Once I recover from the sleep deprivation, I'll be back with a very special (and probably very long) post that is extra close to my heart.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Why hello, Monday. So, we meet again....
My favorite part of the movie :)
Luckily, I really didn't have a case of the Mondays today. Sure, the normal stuff was annoying, but in a completely Wednesday kind of way.
Happy Monday!
Oh yeah, snow fell in Dallas for the second day in a row today. Just thought everyone should know. And by everyone, I mean the one person that actually reads this blog :)
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Still Got a Little Indiana Left in Me
I LOVE waking up to snow :) I love it a whole lot more when my heater is working, which was not the case this morning.
After that was fixed, and I knew I could leave Beaux by himself without coming home to a pupcicle, I left to grocery shop.
I really do love Texas, but most of these people cannot drive in anything other than 90 degrees and sunny weather. I say "most of these people" because if I didn't, and some of them read this, I'd be corrected about their driving abilities. For the rest of the North Texas population, rain is bad enough. Add 32 degree temps and some of the white fluffy stuff, and we have a disaster on our hands.
There are two types of North Texas winter weather drivers. First, is the overly cautious group who are just a step above those who will not leave the house at all when it's blustery outside. These drivers will crawl along the road, braking for each snowflake. The other type of driver is the dare-devil, who believes his Lexus or Mercedes will glide over the ice patches, reacting to their every touch of the wheel. They fly past the first type of drivers, doing 70 MPH in a 35 MPH zone. They are also the ones who are normally seen down the road a mile or two, sitting in the grass with mud skid tracks drawing the passer-bys' eyes to their exact path of doom.
After surviving the potentially-deadly road excursion with the crazy drivers, I make it to Kroger to gather my groceries along side the shoppers of the apocalypse. These people believe that the snow falling from the sky is their cue to run to the nearest grocery store to stock up on the essentials. They buy enough canned food to last through the next 30 years, should they be snowed in that long. But hey, if an asteroid hits Earth, they're set as long as they have their own bomb shelter.
I fight my way from the chaotic aisle ways to the check out lines. Miraculously, I find one that is empty. I walk up to hear a debate between the cashier and the bagger. The cashier insisted, "This is not snow. It's not sticking." It turns out, the DFW school systems don't focus on precipitation in their science classes. But, hey, who am I to judge? :)
Since I made it through all of that, I think the rest of my day is best spent relaxing in my heated apartment watching the pretty snow fall outside.
After that was fixed, and I knew I could leave Beaux by himself without coming home to a pupcicle, I left to grocery shop.
I really do love Texas, but most of these people cannot drive in anything other than 90 degrees and sunny weather. I say "most of these people" because if I didn't, and some of them read this, I'd be corrected about their driving abilities. For the rest of the North Texas population, rain is bad enough. Add 32 degree temps and some of the white fluffy stuff, and we have a disaster on our hands.
There are two types of North Texas winter weather drivers. First, is the overly cautious group who are just a step above those who will not leave the house at all when it's blustery outside. These drivers will crawl along the road, braking for each snowflake. The other type of driver is the dare-devil, who believes his Lexus or Mercedes will glide over the ice patches, reacting to their every touch of the wheel. They fly past the first type of drivers, doing 70 MPH in a 35 MPH zone. They are also the ones who are normally seen down the road a mile or two, sitting in the grass with mud skid tracks drawing the passer-bys' eyes to their exact path of doom.
After surviving the potentially-deadly road excursion with the crazy drivers, I make it to Kroger to gather my groceries along side the shoppers of the apocalypse. These people believe that the snow falling from the sky is their cue to run to the nearest grocery store to stock up on the essentials. They buy enough canned food to last through the next 30 years, should they be snowed in that long. But hey, if an asteroid hits Earth, they're set as long as they have their own bomb shelter.
I fight my way from the chaotic aisle ways to the check out lines. Miraculously, I find one that is empty. I walk up to hear a debate between the cashier and the bagger. The cashier insisted, "This is not snow. It's not sticking." It turns out, the DFW school systems don't focus on precipitation in their science classes. But, hey, who am I to judge? :)
Since I made it through all of that, I think the rest of my day is best spent relaxing in my heated apartment watching the pretty snow fall outside.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Lessons Learned
What they say really is true - you learn something new every day. For me, today was more of a confirmation of what I already knew. I want a house.
I spent my Saturday driving to about 6 different apartment complexes through the metroplex. You'd think that as large an area as the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is, it'd be easy to find a decently-priced, one bedroom/one bath, pet-friendly (not requiring me to sign over my first born child) apartment, in a neighborhood in which I would feel safe walking without an AK-47 strapped to my back. Not that I'd actually be comfortable shooting one, although I have before, I just wouldn't want to lug it around all day to feel safe. It's really not that much to ask for, unless, of course, you're asking any property management group in the DFW area.
I saw places with kitchens not large enough to cook in with a microwave only. I saw places in bad areas. I saw places with unwarranted, outrageously-high price tags. I saw places with people showing the apartments who were not even interested in showing the apartments. I found one with potential, but it's not exactly what I'm looking for. It was then, and only then, that I finally let myself realize a few things.
First, nothing I find will be perfect. Why, you ask? Because I am picky. Side note: I HATE paying so much money for an apartment. You don't even own anything by the time you're done paying all that money for it. With my car, I pay every month. At the end of the loan, I own the car. It's an amazing thing.
Which leads me to the second realization - I want a house. I want a yard for Beaux to run and play whenever he wants. I want a house to decorate for holidays. I want to have something that is my own. I cannot wait to have that, someday.
Until then, though, I will continue to search for as near to a perfect apartment as I can find. I'll appreciate the roof I have over my head for the time being, and I'll really appreciate the new one I find when the time is right (which better be before April when my lease is up).
So....the hunt continues.
I spent my Saturday driving to about 6 different apartment complexes through the metroplex. You'd think that as large an area as the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is, it'd be easy to find a decently-priced, one bedroom/one bath, pet-friendly (not requiring me to sign over my first born child) apartment, in a neighborhood in which I would feel safe walking without an AK-47 strapped to my back. Not that I'd actually be comfortable shooting one, although I have before, I just wouldn't want to lug it around all day to feel safe. It's really not that much to ask for, unless, of course, you're asking any property management group in the DFW area.
I saw places with kitchens not large enough to cook in with a microwave only. I saw places in bad areas. I saw places with unwarranted, outrageously-high price tags. I saw places with people showing the apartments who were not even interested in showing the apartments. I found one with potential, but it's not exactly what I'm looking for. It was then, and only then, that I finally let myself realize a few things.
First, nothing I find will be perfect. Why, you ask? Because I am picky. Side note: I HATE paying so much money for an apartment. You don't even own anything by the time you're done paying all that money for it. With my car, I pay every month. At the end of the loan, I own the car. It's an amazing thing.
Which leads me to the second realization - I want a house. I want a yard for Beaux to run and play whenever he wants. I want a house to decorate for holidays. I want to have something that is my own. I cannot wait to have that, someday.
Until then, though, I will continue to search for as near to a perfect apartment as I can find. I'll appreciate the roof I have over my head for the time being, and I'll really appreciate the new one I find when the time is right (which better be before April when my lease is up).
So....the hunt continues.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Surprise! It's Friday!
It really was a surprise to me today to find it's already Friday. This week has flown by!
I'm not sure why, but when you realize it's a Friday, the only thing you want more than for it to be Friday is for it to be 5PM on Friday. You watch the minutes tick by at a molasses-like pace. The day drags on and on. I find myself looking to the little laughs through the day. I probably laugh way too much at work. I just can't help myself. For example, today, this man on the phone said something incorrect and caught his error. His response to his mistake was "Man, maybe if I just got off the pipe...." To the average person, this may not be funny. To me, at 2:31PM on a Friday where seconds feel like hours, it's hilarious. Especially when a comment is made like that from the last person on Earth you'd expect it from.
The clock finally hits 5PM, I'm out the door, and starting my car. When I get home, after my ridiculously long 3 mile commute home (enter sarcasm via type), I remember why I love walking through my door every day. I hear Beaux's excessively-loud, over-the-top, "someone is ripping my ear off," banchee-like squealing. As annoying as it is at first, I remember shortly after that he's just doing that because he missed me. Or because he's been locked in his crate all day since he can't be trusted to not shred all of my belongings while left alone due to his incredible case of anxiety when home by himself, out of said crate. I'll just go with he misses me. I guess it's important to note here that Beaux is a dog.
This brings me to my current, lazy, Friday-night-in activity - watching my TIVO'd Butler game. There's another little thing that makes my life a tinge better...TIVO. Whoever invented this wonderful little gadget is a genius. And probably living on his/her own luxury island right now. Watching TIVO'd programs from last night so they could watch the sunset live or swim with the migrating whales when their shows originally aired. FOR FREE, you know, because they own the island...and TIVO. I digress....
GO BU!!!
:)
I'm not sure why, but when you realize it's a Friday, the only thing you want more than for it to be Friday is for it to be 5PM on Friday. You watch the minutes tick by at a molasses-like pace. The day drags on and on. I find myself looking to the little laughs through the day. I probably laugh way too much at work. I just can't help myself. For example, today, this man on the phone said something incorrect and caught his error. His response to his mistake was "Man, maybe if I just got off the pipe...." To the average person, this may not be funny. To me, at 2:31PM on a Friday where seconds feel like hours, it's hilarious. Especially when a comment is made like that from the last person on Earth you'd expect it from.
The clock finally hits 5PM, I'm out the door, and starting my car. When I get home, after my ridiculously long 3 mile commute home (enter sarcasm via type), I remember why I love walking through my door every day. I hear Beaux's excessively-loud, over-the-top, "someone is ripping my ear off," banchee-like squealing. As annoying as it is at first, I remember shortly after that he's just doing that because he missed me. Or because he's been locked in his crate all day since he can't be trusted to not shred all of my belongings while left alone due to his incredible case of anxiety when home by himself, out of said crate. I'll just go with he misses me. I guess it's important to note here that Beaux is a dog.
This brings me to my current, lazy, Friday-night-in activity - watching my TIVO'd Butler game. There's another little thing that makes my life a tinge better...TIVO. Whoever invented this wonderful little gadget is a genius. And probably living on his/her own luxury island right now. Watching TIVO'd programs from last night so they could watch the sunset live or swim with the migrating whales when their shows originally aired. FOR FREE, you know, because they own the island...and TIVO. I digress....
GO BU!!!
:)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The First of the Written Little Things...
It really is the little things in life that make it worth living.
I think that's what this will be - a culmination of all the little things that make up my life. It might seem menial or tedious to some, but to me, those little things are everything.
I decided to start this thing...well...I'm not really sure why. It just seemed like a good idea. I feel like I just pass by so much when I get caught up in the day to day routine. Time slips quickly by me. I don't take time to enjoy the small details of the every day. I want to see more, to smell more, to taste more, to enjoy more, to appreciate more, to remember more....to take it all in.
That's what this is all about.
Don't worry, none of my other posts will be this day-dreamy, romantic, or polished. I just wanted to kick it off on a good note and make you think that I may be a bit profound. You'll find that is nowhere near the case :)
With that - here's to the little things.
I think that's what this will be - a culmination of all the little things that make up my life. It might seem menial or tedious to some, but to me, those little things are everything.
I decided to start this thing...well...I'm not really sure why. It just seemed like a good idea. I feel like I just pass by so much when I get caught up in the day to day routine. Time slips quickly by me. I don't take time to enjoy the small details of the every day. I want to see more, to smell more, to taste more, to enjoy more, to appreciate more, to remember more....to take it all in.
That's what this is all about.
Don't worry, none of my other posts will be this day-dreamy, romantic, or polished. I just wanted to kick it off on a good note and make you think that I may be a bit profound. You'll find that is nowhere near the case :)
With that - here's to the little things.
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