121 awesome minutes later...

What does a bean mean?!

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:36:00 GMT

I still really don't know how I feel about last night's episode. On the one hand, Michael and Jim drank gin out of World's Best Boss mugs. On the other hand, where the hell did that second office come from and I was actually kind of bored while watching? and the end just really, really made me wish that Ryan would do some sort of objecting at the wedding next week. Idk idk IDK.

On the other other hand, Brennan said the word "Boothy" so we know all's right with that world.

day 01 | a song
day 02 | a picture
day 03 | a book
day 04 | a site
day 05 | a youtube clip
day 06 | a quote
day 07 | whatever tickles your fancy

I'll tell you what tickles my fancy (ew). That I conveniently skip the days that I really don't feel like AND that we've come to the end of the road for this dumb thing! I'm sure you guys are glad to not see me on your flist everyday. And I will miss you all for I am never posting again!

Here's a random picture! This is every single journal I've kept since about 8th grade up until now. If you were to ask me, "Do you even go to this school?" I'd have to reply, "No, I just have a lot of feelings." No joke, the other day when I was at Target I was in a desperate search for the perfect box to fit them all because I'd want to be able to easily grab them if my building ever caught on fire. Priorities, man. I didn't find the box but as you may recall I DID buy a big ass bag of candy corn. And let's just not talk about how much of that I've consumed since then. Anyway.

The end!

How's that homelessness working out for you?

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:29:17 GMT

Uh oh, you guys. I accidentally on purpose (shut up, Jenna Elfman) bought candy corn when I went to Target today. NO GOOD CAN COME OF THIS.

So I totally slacked yesterday, but whatevs, there's no way I could possibly find a site that you all don't already know about. Have you heard of this thing, I think the kids are calling it The Twitter?

day 01 | a song
day 02 | a picture
day 03 | a book
day 04 | a site
day 05 | a youtube clip
day 06 | a quote
day 07 | whatever tickles your fancy

Haha, god I love Sesame Street. Sometimes when I'm watching this show, it is kind of like all the characters are walking around going "We're mad men! Now we're sad men!" Did they make parodies like this back when we were younger? The only thing I can think of is when they did "Miami Mice" and I remember it flying completely over my head.

The Washington Post series where ordinary people do dramatic readings of celebrity tweets. Now I need a series where celebrities do dramatic readings of their own tweets. First up, David Henrie. Or possibly this whole exchange:

Delightful!

I was also maybe going to post one of those Office promos that keeps popping up about Jim and Pam's wedding, but they pretty much just make me feel like Sue Sylvester, "I don't care so much about that." When did that happen, you guys?

Time for some new punctuation marks, bitches!!

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:44:52 GMT

Haha I haven't done an episode reaction in a brazillian years so it's like I don't even remember how to do it, so I'll just say what up Valerie from Sabrina the Teenage Witch! Man, remember that show? Also, good god I love douchebag Ted. I can't wait until we meet the mother and she makes fun of him all the time along with everyone else.

Lesbian Robin and Moustache Marshall! Ahaha, oh show, marry me.

Day 3?! I'm dialated 3!

day 01 | a song
day 02 | a picture
day 03 | a book
day 04 | a site
day 05 | a youtube clip
day 06 | a quote
day 07 | whatever tickles your fancy

Wait, so is this supposed to be books that we recommend? Because trust me I'm not actually recommending this book unless you're looking for something to read between beers on the beach. I thought that buying a book written by Kathy Reichs (a real-life forensic anthropologist) which serves as the basis for the show would be somewhat similar? Oh ho. Really the only similarity was that the main character is named Temperance Brennan and she is dryyyyy. I guess that translates a little better when acted on-screen? I guess?

So I am basically telling you this long winded story about a book you shouldn't read just as an opening to relay this true-life conversation that took place between my younger sister and I at the beach this summer in regard to these books:

Me: I’m bought this book because it’s like reading a fanfiction novel!
Sis: ....
Me: ....
Sis: ....what’s fanfiction?
Me: I. OH GOD NEVER MIND FORGET I SAID ANYTHING.

Haha? Oh boy.

Right now I'm reading A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin which is part of A Song of Ice and Fire series. I don't typically read fantasy but my friend's brother wouldn't stop talking about it so I figured if you can't trust a 23 year old guy, who can you trust?

Probably get more chicks if we took our shirts off

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:10:32 GMT

I'm doing it, you guys, I'm actually doing it!

day 01 | a song
day 02 | a picture
day 03 | a book
day 04 | a site
day 05 | a youtube clip
day 06 | a quote
day 07 | whatever tickles your fancy

You guys. I WANT THEM TO MAKE OUT. DO YOU THINK THEY HAVE EVER MADE OUT? I MEAN JUST LOOK AT THE WAY THEY ARE LOOKING AT EACH OTHER.

That is all. Happy Sunday!

don't often get to say ergo

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:13:50 GMT

I had to wake up early this morning to go to a follow-up eye doctor appointment. Have I mentioned how much I hate the eye doctor? Cause I do. It was supposed to be for a "simple dilation test" but for all I knew the doctor was taking out my eyeballs, scrambling them up a bit and putting them back in my head. Gross. And now I look like Mr. Burns in that episode of the Simpsons where Mulder and Scully show up. Speaking of gross, how disgusting was The Bones this week? God, show. I mean, not this part obviously:

that part was pretty great (cap stolen from dudski). But everything else, yuck. Also, WENDELLLLL!

And because I am a blatant follower, back of the lemming pack, etc etc, I will jump on the meme bandwagon. Maybe there's enough of a lag in my starting this that we'll get a few exta days of posting fun? And/or stress depending on how you look at it.

day 01 | a song
day 02 | a picture
day 03 | a book
day 04 | a site
day 05 | a youtube clip
day 06 | a quote
day 07 | whatever tickles your fancy

Bob Mould:City Lights (Days Go By)

This is another one of those songs where the video would be "you can tell I'm thinking about something because I'm staring out the window while the world whizzes by and it also might be raining too" but please, enjoy won't you?

Oh god, you guys, I can already tell this is going to stress me out.

Rainy day in Gokeyland

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:58:44 GMT

Drinking, watching 17 Again, putting together IKEA furniture, and doing this meme. What are YOU up to this evening?

Taken from moireach and dollsome

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
Mah hair

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
Navy blue

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Oh god it's been so long I don't even remember...I mean, sure!

4. Do you plan outfits?
Haha, it's probably what I think about every other minute in the day.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
Like I possibly botched my friend's wedding registry. As in, I bought her something from Target without marking it off her registry. WHAT DO I DO??

6. What's the closest thing to you that's red?
My ottomans/coffee table

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
I had a dream that I had a baby and had to live in a wood cabin outside of my parent's house with my big boyfriend because they didn't approve of me being an unwed mother. None of these things are actually true in real life.

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
I don't think so!

9. What are you craving right now?
Another beer. Why is my fridge so far away?

10. Do you floss?
Every day! Basically when the dentist tells me to do something, I do it.

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Patch

12. Are you emotional?
Not really. Most of my emotions come out as sarcastic remarks masking how I really feel

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
Over the course of my lifetime? Probably.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
Bite with my lips?

15. Do you like your hair?
I do- it's sort of boring, just brown and straight, but I can do a lot with it. So, I got that going for me

16. Do you like yourself?
It's true, the older I've gotten, the more I like myself.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
Yeah, I probably would.

18. What are you listening to right now?
Opening to 17 Again!

19. Are your parents strict?
Not at all, and even still, at 26, I'm still afraid they will like, not allow me to do something.

20. Would you go sky diving?
I don't even like going up in planes that I DON'T have to jump out of.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
No, it's always weirded me out.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
BJ NOVAK!!! I mean, pretend I said that in a normal voice.

23. Do you rent movies often?
I basically forced myself to sign up for Netflix just so I could see more movies.

25. How many countries have you visited?
HAHA one.

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
God, no. I was always the worst at slumber parties.

27. Ever been on a train?
Does the metro count? Because then, yes. A choo choo train? No. And did I just say choo choo train?

28. Brown or white eggs?
White. Why are brown eggs brown btw?

29. Do you have a cell-phone?
Sure do- I'm way overdue for an upgrade but I just love this dumb little pink Razr.

30. Do you use chapstick?
All the time

31. Do you own a gun?
Helllllllz no. No.

32. Can you use chopsticks?
Haha not really, I try to be ambitious and use them but I usually just revert to the fork after a few minutes.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
Zac Efron?

34. Are you too forgiving?
Ugh, probably.

35. Ever been in love?
Not yet

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?
Working? Going out for drinks? Try to figure out how to wrap a big ass shower present like I'll be doing?

37. Ever have cream puffs?
Yes. When I was on swim team in high school every Thursday before meets we would have pasta parties to carb up (uh, even if I ever only swam three events in a given meet whatevs) but someone's mom would ALWAYS make cream puffs and we would ALWAYS eat too many. Hence, I haven't eaten them since.

39. What was the last question you asked?
Can you call me back?

40. Favorite time of the year?
Fall! Football season baby! Drinking beer on Sunday has become 90% more acceptable!

41. Do you have any tattoos?
Nope, there was never anything that significant that I wanted on my body forever. (That's what she said?)

42. Are you sarcastic?
Hey, great question! (I mean, yes?)

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
Did Ashton Kutcher write this meme? I think I've only seen a few minutes of it.

44. Ever walked into a wall?
This morning, actually

45. Favorite color?
Green

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
My friend in college as a joke. Except...she didn't think it was very funny.

47. Is your hair curly?
Only when I want it to be!

48. What was the last CD you bought?
Kings of Leon

49. Do looks matter?
Yeah, probably

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
I don't think so

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
Oh god you guys, I don't pay my own cell phone bill. What is wrong with me?

52. Do you like your life right now?
I do- there's probably a few things I'd like to change, but for the most part yeah

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
Sometimes, I like having background noise, if for nothing else it drowns out the people on the other side of the wall.

54. Can you handle the truth?
Sometimes?

55. Do you have good vision?
I have HORRIBLE vision. Oh god, I need to go to the eye doctor soon and I'm afraid to see how much my prescription has changed.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
Oh I'm sure I do.

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
Every day

58. The last person you held hands with?
My sister, jokingly

59. What are you wearing right now?
Yoga pants and a turquoise Fort Myers Beach t-shirt

60. What is your favorite animal?
Dogs definitely. I really want to get a puppy but I don't want to have all the responsibility that comes with it. Much like David Henrie.

61. Where was your default picture taken at?
Nepal? I can't remember where that part of the movie took place

62. Can you hula hoop?
I haven't tried in a really long time so probably not

63. Do you have a job?
I sure do and boy is it exciting!

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
My friend's present (oh god oh god) and some other shiz I probably don't need at Target

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Only the club house that we used to have in our backyard.

The Bones is back on Sept 17th! Just putting that out there!

In which Sarahlane posts an entry and Ted is dubious

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:58:53 GMT

So riddle me this, LJ. How is that I can go to Target and purchase both Tropic Thunder and Twister for less than $18 and yet they still want me to pay $45.friggin99 for Season 3 of The Bones? That season only had like, eight episodes! Don't they know how much I need to watch the Halloween and the Christmas ones at any given moment? Apparently not if they're trying to rob me of $45.99 for episodes I already have DLed on my computer. I mean, nothing. But seriously, you guys should go to Target. I think every season of Friends is on sale for like 17 bucks or something ridiculous.

So I started off with some silliness but the truth is things have been a little shit-tay in my neck of the woods lately. My uncle passed away a week and a half ago and it was about as horrible as you can imagine. But, over 600 people at his funeral is a real testament to what an amazing guy he was. And while it wasn't under the best circumstances, it was great to be able to spend so much time with my family.

But on a lighter note, here's some other stuff that's been going on:

+ Princess Protection Program! Oh man, more girl BFFs on my tv please and thank you!!

+ Probably against my better judgment I've been doing a ten week workout class twice a week at my office. And oh my goodness tiny JKras it is kicking my butt. I thought it would just be kind of fun to do something different and active instead of my usual coming home and watching Rachael Ray and pretending she is my close friend who chats with me as she cooks me dinner but who knew personal trainers were so bossy? Also, does anyone else get ravenously hungry immediately after a workout? I wish I was one of those people who didn't but I seriously ate like half a box of Crispix just to get the energy to write this entry.

+ Much Better- delightful song or delightfulest song?

+ Things You Probably Forgot And Then Rediscovered After Way Too Much MTV This Weekend: Remember when Dan Akroyd was in the We Are the World video? ME NEITHER! Also, raise your hand if you never want to hear Beat It until, well...next week just to be safe.

+ Aaaaaaaaaah! It's all happening!

+ I guess there's no memes currently going around so I'll just ask, what's everyone up to for the 4th of July? I'm going to a baseball game on the 3rd (America! Fuck yeah! Oh wait, the Nats are the worst team in baseball...) buttttt basically anytime you can eat your weight in hotdogs, popsicles and beer is good enough for me?

Everyone's at it

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 04:03:50 GMT

January was a total bust so I'm doing the two memes floating around to make up for it! And I'm sorry, but it has no Disney content within...or DOES IT*?

1. Make a list of 5 things you can see without getting up
1. A glass of wine
2. My tv (on this episode of Degrassi some new kid whose name I don’t know is taking steroids. Topical!)
3. A stack of Entertainment Weeklys that I really need to throw away
4. The universal remote I just bought. Where is Liz Lemon when you need her to teach you how to set it up?
5. A box of Russell Stover’s that my dad got me for Valentine’s Day

2. How do you style your hair?
Depends on the day. If I have enough time I’ll blow dry it then use a straightener- using a little bit of frizz serum. Lazier days I scrunch it when it’s wet.

3. What are you wearing now?
Ooh, saucy. Um, a blue and white striped hoodie, blue jeans (...denims?), and socks with ducks on them.

4. What’s your occupation?
Financial analyst. General smart ass.

5. Do you nap a lot?
Never. I think I maxed out in college since if I even attempt a nap now it’ll make me sick for like, two days afterwards as I attempt to recover. Being old is the worst.

6. Who was the last person you hugged?
My friends Katie and Quinn after they came over for dinner last night.

7. What’s your current fandom/obsession/addiction?
Because I always like to be many years behind the curve, I just got really into SVU. And sometimes I will actually watch all the JoBros interviews linked in everyone’s deliciouseseses because I don’t want to be *too* left out.

8. What was the last thing you ate today?
One of the aforementioned Russell Stover’s chocolates

9. What books are on your to-read list?
Once I finally get through A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius I’ve got The Stand and Julie & Julia sitting on my nightstand.

10. What websites do you always visit when you go online?
Gmail, LJ, Twitter, Facebook- at home only of course :(

11. What was the last thing you bought?
A beer. HAHA what a shocker.

12. What are you listening to?
A lot of cussing and laughing, aka Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger on HBO.

13. What do you think about before you go to sleep?
Boys, probably.

14. What was the last CD you bought?
Actually purchased was Ray LaMontagne (J, it’s Gossip in the Grain), but I just downloaded Lily Allen’s new one.

15. What is your favorite weather and why?
I’m going to jump on the bandwagon and go with the beginning of Fall where you’re still wearing flip flops but buying apples at the grocery store, the air smells like change and you wish you could be in New York City.

16. If you could play any musical instrument, which one would you play?
The keytar. Two birds, one stone, etc.

17. How are you?
I’ve had wine.

18. What’s something you’d like to say to someone right now?
Haha, I’ve had wine, let’s not do this.

19. What’s one of your favorite movies?
The Sandlot. This pop isn’t working Benny, I’m bakin’ like a toasted cheeser, it’s so hot!

And here are five things that mozarts_friend says reminds her of me!

Gossip Girl
Heee, this one is amusing since I have been totally slacking on watching this season. Also I had Miz send me the links for Season 1 only to discover I had watched liked 15 episodes and just forgot? Haha. Whoops. I just love how over the top it can be sometimes, how much of a weenie Speirs acts, and Jenny's haircut getting grosser over time which just makes me irrational angry. You are 15, young lady, quit it with the eyeliner and mullet hair.

Saved by the Bell: Zack and Lisa
You guys, I am truly beginning to believe that I made this whole scenario up in my head. Because if I told you how long I spent trying to find just ONE image of these two together in that episode where they kissed it would embarrass us all. Seriously, if Zack and Kelly are the Jim and Pam of Saved by the Bell then Zack and Lisa are the Jim and Karen if Jim and Karen were only together for 30 seconds in an episode and Karen had once held a fashion show at the Max using all of her friends as models. Also, apparently Mark-Paul Goselaaaaaar and Lark Voorhies were together in real life when they filmed that episode which makes SBTB more like One Tree Hill then we previously thought.

Damian Lewis
Yep, this is a man I enjoy watching on television.

Washington DC Metro area
The "metro area" part is important considering I don't actually live in DC, but being "from DC" means you are in a 20 mile radius of the city itself. I like how "Northern Virginia" is considered an actual place, the way the city looks at night, and the interesting conversations you can have at Ben's Chili Bowl at 2 in the morning. I've lived here my whole life and I have a hard time picturing myself somewhere else.

The Bones
Just look at this shit. Two leads on a cop show actually kissing before the final episode! Why aren't you watching this show? And okay, the plots are absolutely ridiculous (we're talking like, STANDOFF level here) and David Boreanaz is pretty much playing himself, but beyond that the show is just fun. It's nerds and science and Brennan being a social retard and Sam Weir playing a psychologist and a lot of sexual tension and it's basically the best show on television, ever.

*Haha, suckers, it totally didn't.

We invented Trivial Pursuit! You're welcome, Earth.

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 03:35:33 GMT

Happy 2nd anniversary of Jason's haircut, you guys!

Okay, I don't know how it's possible for this little show to bring me so much joy, but suffice it to say I was watching the last 10 minutes with a huge smile on my face. Just- Robin and Marshall! Hanging out for the entire episode because he felt bad for her. It's like all my fic dreams brought to life, and I'm basically just glad the show found a reason to put these two together since on the surface they seem to have the least in common. But his little speech about everyone driving up to Canada to bring her back to New York? Gah. Also, I was feeling a lot of Ted/Lily feelings- again, I just love it when the show mixes up the group a little. And I love Ted playing the protective big brother and still being all Ted about it. "You should get a deadbolt...if you want...to live." Hee. Oh, Ted.

Other things: Marshall drinking a giant Slurpee and singing "Let's Go to the Mall" made me disproportionately happy.

Also, I felt like I had some profound thoughts on last week's Office episode, but it really just makes me sad to think about. Not that either of the last Christmas episodes were the pinnacle of happiness, but jeezy creezy. Couldn't they have at least ended on a happy note? Where was the snowball fight? Or Little Drummer Boy? Just having Andy walk out of the office to his doom was...bleak. And I had a really hard time finding any humor in Michael chasing Meredith around the parking lot of a rehab center. Idk. Usually I really enjoy the awkward, uncomfortable moments on this show, but maybe I just wasn't prepared for it? I think I got scrumped by The Office. Hee. At least 30 Rock afterwards made up for it. "If I want to lick a hippie I'll just return Joan Baez's phone calls."

In other news, I got to hold a puppy and go to a tacky sweater party this past weekend, AND had my sister cut me some bangs, so things are pretty good in my neck of the woods. Also, the fact that it was 60 degrees in DC today helped a lot. Uh, except I think there's a winter storm warning tomorrow? Thanks a lot, global warming!

It's like an owl without a graduation hat....heartbreaking

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:29:10 GMT

So I also decided to steal this meme and actually make my posting quota for the month. Please read and enjoy, won't you?

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:15ish. I have been way oversleeping lately, and I don't feel that bad about it!

2. Diamonds or pearls? Why choose when you can have both dahling? Mwahaha. I mean, I still wear plastic Forever 21 jewelery?

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Tropic Thunder? Good lord, I never go to the movies. Or the cinema, as it were.

4. What is your favorite TV show? The Office although 30 Rock is really creeping up there, guys.

5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Yogurt or fruit during the week, bagels or eggs if I'm feeling ambitious on the weekends. Although lately it's been like, coffee and air since I haven't been grocery shopping.

6. What is your middle name? Nicole

7. What food do you dislike? Cooked vegetables. Haha I am the worst. I just don't like the texture!

8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? What's a CD?

9. What kind of car do you drive? A 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, recently repaired from her run-in with a parking garage pole. She made a full recovery. Also, the guys at the body shop took out some scratches that were there before the pole incident. Haha, suckers.

10. Favorite sandwich? Are hotdogs considered sandwiches?

11. What characteristic do you despise? Douchebaggery

12. Favourite item of clothing? My "California" sweatshirt that's about a brazillion years old or the $4 jean skirt I got at JC Penney my sophomore year. I'm practically making money off that thing now.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Italyyyy

14. Favourite brand of clothing? Hmm, I don't even know. I own a lot of Ralph Lauren? I like to wear it with my diamond and pearls! God.

15. Where would you retire to? Somewhere near the ocean, I hope.

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? My birthdays are never that exciting- this past year I went to a jazz club and then out with friends.

17. Favourite sport to watch? Football

18. Furthest place you are “tagging” this? I don't understand the question, and I won't respond to it. Even though by saying that I am responding it.

19. Person you expect to send it back first? Someone on the internet?

20. When is your birthday? May

21. Are you a morning person or a night person? Once I get actually get out of bed, I'm a morning person.

22. What is your shoe size? 8 to 8.5, depending on the brand. Or water I am retaining? Who knows.

23. Pets? None right now. I really think my parents might get a puppy soon and that will be good enough for me.

24. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share with us? I only ate two plates of food on Thanksgiving. It was a really big step for me.

25. What did you want to be when you were little? I really wanted to be a writer, or a teacher, and then at one point an engineer (not the train kind). I didn't even know what that was, my mom just said I should be one.

26. How are you today? Hungry

27. What is your favourite candy? Hershey's Special Dark. I don't care if you think it's gross, that just means more for me!

28. What is your favourite flower? Tulips

29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? Any day that I get off work in the next month or two!

30. What’s your full name? Who wants to know?

31. What are you listening to right now? Rock of Love: Charm School. It is excrutiating.

32. What was the last thing you ate? Chips and salsa

33. Do you wish on stars? No, I also don't believe in fairies either.

34. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be? Macaroni and Cheese Yellow

35. How is the weather right now? It's cold and dark outside :( That's all I really care about

36. Who is the first person you spoke to on the phone today? One of my project managers

37. Favourite soft drink? Diet Coke

38. Favourite restaurant? Ben's Chili Bowl at 3 in the morning is pretty great

39. Real hair colour? Dark brown. And it's finally back to that state after an unfortunate Sun-In obsession back in college. Yipes.

40. What was your favourite toy as a child? Probably Barbies

41. Hugs or kisses? I like them both, except in chocolate form. Hugs are gross.

42. Chocolate or Vanilla? Is this even a serious question?

43. Coffee or tea? Coffee. Did you know that I only started drinking coffee as a way to kill time in the morning at work? And look at me now!

44. Do you want your friends to email you back? Yes, particularly the ones I emailed about New Years to. I need someone to make a decision, guys!

45. When was the last time you cried? Hmmm, maybe a few weeks ago? I think I was majorly PMSing and it was already dark when I left work. Haha, god, S.A.D.

46. What is under your bed? Literally nothing except for the spare board that I couldn't figure out how it connected to my Ikea bookshelf. If it collapses, I'll know why.

47. What did you do last night? Let's see: some pushups, read, watched some TV, drank beer, and ate a peanut butter sandwich at like 10:30. MY LIFE IS SO THRILLING!

48. What are you afraid of? People dying. The economy. Donatella Versace's face. The usual.

49. Salty or sweet? Chocolate covered pretzels are the shiz, ya'll

50. How many keys on your key ring? Four, but there's a ton of other shit on there I probably don't need like...my gym card?

51. Favorite day of the week? Seriously with the questions?

52. If you can choose your talent, what would it be? I really wish I could play the guitar. Then maybe Nick Jonas would respect me.

53. Do you make friends easily? Acquaintances for sure, but friends are little harder to come by.

54. How many people will you tag this to? Like friggin 50.

55. How many will respond? I did it! You should too!

Maybe I will get a wild hare and post more on TV shows I enjoy and you may too later on, but let's not get too crazy here. Also, guess who has done zero Christmas shopping? I can't help that everything I see in the stores appeals to me, for myself, more than I think other people would like it. T-tis the season?

How many times have I told you? I'm the safety officer, not you

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:40:09 GMT

Oh man you guys. So today at work we had a fire drill and I totally got suckered in to being a safety patrol. Meaning I had to wear a bright yellow vest and make sure part of my floor was clear before I got to leave the building and then run into a group of hot guys out in the parking lot and suddenly be reminded of high school me. When in actuality, if it were a real fire I'd pull a George Costanza and shove old ladies and children out of the way. Because what are kids doing in my office anyway?

Can I still talk about Monday TV? I really loved this episode, so much that it's Wednesday and I'm still processing it. Sad? Or awesome. I was getting a little nervous for the show when we had two episodes in a row where the plot was...a little weak. I just- Barney held his arm in the air for a whole episode! Haha? I don't know. But I am just so glad they FINALLY gave Robin a decent plot-line and I love that she was the one to tell Ted not to marry Stella, because it NEEDED to be her. And I'm really not just saying that because I've been watching Robin in these episodes like Barney- "my god, you're BEAUTIFUL." But Cobie just really is, right?? Er, anyway. As much as I also enjoyed Stella/Sarah Chalke, I guess it was inevitable that she couldn't stick around forever. PS: Jason still needs a haircut.

Let's do some top fives, shall we?

Top Five Fall Food and/or Drink Items
5. Candy corn (seriously, guys, please take my bowl of candy corn away from me. It's bad news)
4. Hot apple cider
3. Stuffing
2. Apple pie
1. Smashed potatoes- leftover mashed potatoes, flattened into a pancake, cook on the stove in a little butter, DIE OF GOODNESS

Top Five Saved by the Bell Moments
Ahaha, this was impossible. All of the moments are the best moments!

5. There's No Hope with Dope PSA Whole reason by I never got into drugs, right here. Thanks Saved by the Bell!

4.

What an awesome slumber party! Also, remember when Tori Spelling was on that show?

3. Zack Attack! Okay, youtube sort of sucks with the number of clips that are on there so I couldn't find any of this episode but it's basically Behind the Music with the gang's band making it big, crashing and burning, and reuniting all in the span of like, 12 minutes. Casey Kasem narrates the whole thing and Lisa becomes an American Gladiator and I don't even know, I just know it's GLORIOUS.

2. Remember that one time Zack and Lisa kissed before her fashion show and Screech found out and got jealous and and they had a fight in the hallway and Lisa and Zack decided to be together and then the show never mentioned it again? Man! Zack and Lisa! Why'd you have to abandon that storyline SBTB? Is it because you show the episodes out of order so you think we won't remember? Like how Tori appears and Jessie and Kelly are suspiciously gone and ALSO never mentioned? Well, I remember, SBTB. I do.

1.

Was there any question what #1 would be??

He would later go on to write a book ON SHARKS!

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:45:49 GMT

My goodness, I love Fall. I might go apple picking tomorrow, football is on every Sunday (thus giving me purpose), but more importantly: new TV shows out the wazoo! And let me tell you, I have been watching some things. Specifically, accidentally watching Desperate Housewives because Neal McDonough is on it? Don't judge me! What did I think was going to happen after watching Band of Brothers all summer? This probably explains watching STANDOFF as well! (Probably!) Anyway, in the Things I Enjoy and am not completely embarrassed to talk about category:

I like it when Charlie makes out with his ex-wife in the back of cars and says "open the door, open the door" in a sexy voice. Um, the end. Well, really, I just like that you could feel the history that hangs between Charlie and Jennifer, without them even saying anything. So good job with that, Damian and that lady! It's not that I don't like Jennifer, I just like the idea of her more; that they were SO young when he went away to prison and how hard that must have been. I just wish the execution was a little better, specifically that Jennifer would trim her head suit.

I'm also fully behind the Charlie/Dani ship now, which I also totally saw coming. I can't help it! She said something nice to him on their lunch date! He makes fun of her because kids know she's uptight. "Do you want to drive the car?" I mean, COME ON.

Also, I guess there was a plot? Blah blah blah steriodcakes blah. I just want to see more of Charlie and Ted raising Rachel. It really is like My Two Dads! I'm guessing Ted is playing the Paul Reiser part.

And also!

I've been watching the new 30 Rock promo on pretty much a continuous loop and it is definitely making me feel some Jack/Liz feelings. Which is bad because it's only a matter of time before the internet comes up with some horrible portmanteau like Lemonaghy, oh god, if they haven't already. ("It's pronounced LemonaFY you lace-curtain-half-an-Englishman!" Okay, I'll stop.) It's also annoying because you KNOW the show will never carry it out in a schmoopy way, which let's face it, is what we (me) all want. Dammit, Tina. Why is the premiere so far away?

And because I'm trying to post more, here's a meme! Stolen from some awesome people!

Comment to this post with a subject for a top 5 (ships, songs, movies, characters, whatever, etc.) you would like to see me post, and I will reply in a post sometime in the imminent future. Ask as for as many as you'd like.

That's how I sleep at night

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:15:19 GMT

Oh man, self, remember when I said I was going to be so much better at posting this summer? Aha, YA BURNT. Anyway, it's Fall now and guess what that means? New teevee!! Yippee skippee! Kiss a soldier in Times Square!

Holy crap, you guys, remember when there was a season FIVE? I remember when I randomly bought Season 1 at Target the summer of 2005 and thinking, "eh this show's alright, it's sort of awkward though." And here we are three years later. Hmm, something about that math isn't adding up. But whatevs, Pam goes to Pratt now!

I really loved this episode. At first the title cards and the fact that it was taking place during SUMMER was totally throwing me off. Like, what is this fuckery? Don't you know three months were supposed to have passed and Ryan is now sitting at Jim's desk and Pam and Jim are secretly dating? C'mon show, that's how we do things! Turns out, seeing the summer isn't all that bad. We get to see what everyone's hair looks like, for one thing. And god, the whole weight loss plot-line killed me. Especially Kelly's measures to lose weight. Buying a (not) tapeworm from Creed! Mindy Kaling, will you be my BFF??

And the most important revelation: RYAN CAME BACK ASDJKLSAJLA. If we can say nothing else about The Office, we can say that Ryan Howard had the most amazing arc of any character on television, ever. I will take no arguments on this. Really though, not only did BJ look spectacularly hot, he is still the amazing douchebag we know and love! Kelly is perfect! He just wants to get laid! But is also in AA? It's confusing.

If Michael and Holly aren't the new couple to root for, I don't know what's what. God they are so freakin perfect for one another, and their pining for each other slaaaaaayed me. I hope Amy Ryan sticks around, because she also proved she can play with others in the office well. Especially one Oscar Martinez. Talking about dates and how guys never call? Seriously guys, Finer Things Club Pt 2 could happen!

And other things: Phyllis as the new head of the Party Planning Committee! Andy and Angela and Dwight! Secret affaiiiiiiiiiir. Something was wrong with Meredith's face? Holly yelling at Angela for calling Kevin stupid! Stanley actually losing weight!

Oh er, also something happened with Jim and Pam getting engaged at a gas station but I'm not entirely sure I can talk about it. I loved Pam with her new boyfriend and being a cute RA and making new friends but geez louise, I'm just not sure how I feel about everything else. Since it's where I thought the episode was going anyway, I sort of hope they are broken up by the end of the season. I know! My 2006 self would not recognize me now.

Otherwise, way to start the season The Office. I always loved you best.

Goin' courtin', goin' courtin'

Sat, 17 May 2008 14:02:25 GMT

My coherent thoughts on "Goodbye Toby":

afjlkdsjlsd.

Ahem. I don't think I could've asked for a better finale. Even if it was one that broke my heart in infinite ways. Tobbyyyyyyyyy :( I've been listening to 30 second snippets of "Goodbye my Lover" on repeat because that's just how I FEEL. Although I have a good feeling that it's not goodbye forever and if a certain fic comes to light as a result of all this? Well then that's okay.

I know there's a lot of dispute over this episode, but you know how on HIMYM this week when the gay guy told Ted he was "Pulling. Them. Off."? Well, (certain) people, I am your gay guy telling you you're "Missing. The. Point." It's okay that this episode wasn't your absolute favorite- I mean, there was a LOT of stuff happening all at once- but getting mad about Pam and Jim not being engaged? Getting mad that Andy stole Jim's thunder? Not getting that Andy = Jim by carrying around an engagement ring in his pocket? Missing. The. Point. ANYWAY.

Some other thoughts:

1. Michael's FACE when Holly touched his arm? Gave me some serious feelings. If there's not a ton of Michael/Holly fics this summer, I'll think something is wrong with you people.

2. MOSE! Showing up with a raccoon! And ahaha for the creature-Meredith continuity.

3. Phyllis coming alive! Throwing a kickass party! And I love how she was the one to discover the reverse-bizarro- Casino Night thing. God, what an awesome way to end the episode/season.

4. Andy and Angela! Andy's parents! Ahaha I wonder if they have beepers because they're always on standby for a moment like that. And Dwight's face when he said it was his own fault? Dwight! I don't like it when you're sad! A-at least he got over it?

5. The Jim/Pam of it all. I found it really amusing that while chatting during the show, the amount of DREAD that was flowing out over them maybe getting engaged. Can you imagine it being that way 2 years ago? Ha, NO. But it started out so well with his support of her getting into Pratt! I just want to see more stuff like that. And then it all went to hell throughout the episode. I know Ryan hasn't been that great to Jim this season, but whatever, the fact that Jim left Ryan that voicemail while he was in jail? Was just an asshole move. Oh, and Jim's retcon of his entire thing with Pam (although I guess that's realistic, because that IS how he sees the whole thing. Courting? Seriously Jim?)

The thing is, I really like Jim and Pam together- I just don't think they're ready to get married, which is why Pam's reaction confused me a little bit. But maybe it's one of those things that surprised even her. Like, she didn't know she wanted something like getting engaged to Jim until the idea presented itself. I don't know. I just hope they DO spend time apart this summer and I don't know, are either already engaged or broken up by the time S5 starts. Because I'd like to watch the fallout of that happening. Hee. (Also, season FIVE?? When the hell did that happen?)

6. And lastly: Tobyyyyyyy. Haha. I have a feeling it's going to be like Summer '06 again. Casino Night 2: The Reckoning. I absofuckingLOVED the way they dealt with Toby and Pam in this episode. I don't find Toby to be this creepster everyone else sees in him. He's just awkward. He's Toby. And the whole picture thing? It was SO realistic! When you have a work-crush on someone and it's your last day? You just want some little interaction to hold on to. Which is why it broke my heart that Pam wasn't smiling in the pictures. AUGH. I really hope he comes back. (Maybe to say, "you weren't smiling. We need a do-over" And then they make out and run away together. With Ryan in the backseat.)

I'm sure I'm forgetting a bunch of stuff, but The Office? You can have anything in the top row. <3

4 minutes seems like an awfully short amount of time to save the world, Madonna

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:37:27 GMT

Dear LJ, remember when you weren't blocked at my office and what a joyous time that was? Yeah, I can barely remember it either. Why'd you have to go and break my heart? (If this were a song I'd be singing the Kiki Dee part)

Haha, so it's two days later and I'm still in a state of "Well...THAT was interesting." I seriously didn't know what to expect from the fallout of Robin and Barney hooking up- but I loved the way the show handled it. It wasn't really a retread of Friends; on that show it was more about the way that everyone found out, not the implications it meant for the group. But I loved how they handled the morning after- with Robin reluctantly high-fiving Barney, and the way his face gets SUPER nostalgic when she goes to take a shower. GAH. SHOW. Plus, his guilt over the whole thing was hilarious and sad and the scene with Ted in the limo broke my heart into a million pieces. Ha, but I also loved Marshall being comforted by hotdogs (that works for me too!) and "Me, DC"- it took me a good 30 seconds after that joke for me to get it and burst out laughing. Well played, show. I just really hope we get to see more of how Robin feels about the whole thing; sometimes I feel like Robin gets the shaft in terms of storylines, and I wouldn't want it to seem like Robin is just another girl to Barney. We'll see!

I think sometimes the realism of my favorite shows makes me sad. I don't even know. Haha.

Since it's way after the fact for The Office, I'll just say that I'm still thinking about how hot Ryan looks in his beard. Yeah, that about covers it.

In real life news...um, nothing has really been happening? Haha. I'm in some sort of Spring-ennui, which, WHAT? But I feel like I'm in this weird limbo where I'm already ready for it to be summer right now. I've had to do boring work training for four hours every day this week and doesn't help that they're teasing me by putting out all the pool deck chairs at my condo. And I met this guy this past weekend and am still hoping he calls me because blah blah blah lonelycakes. Maybe I just need a hotdog and that'll help. Hee.

Oh, and PS, I need some Skins icons but I'm afraid of being spoiled by looking through the comms (I've watched through Sid's episode of S2). Any suggestions??

Magnum is here

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:52:36 GMT

So right off the bat I think we should discuss the fact that Robin/Barney is now canon?? And everyone...ignored it? HA! I think it was probably because Ted was too busy trying to make it rain again (or organize a 2 minute date, potato poTAHto) and Lily was growing out her nails. Seriously, did you see those things at the end? Lee Press on Nails what what? Er, anyway, Robin/Barney. "So, how was work?" The entire conversation of Robin saying it would ruin the group dynamic?? YOU GUYS! I can't wait for three weeks from now when it turns out they were dating this entire time. I cannot WAIT.

The entire Britney subplot was actually enjoyable. I was semi-spoiled because of those couple of clips that were leaked last week, but not enough to ruin the episode. Britney did a good job, and she looked pretty, so I guess that's all we can expect of her right now. I wish that the episode had been a little bit funnier, just because I feel like more people would probably be tuning in because of the Britney aspect, but still. I think I was just so happy about the ship aspect, I didn't really notice until after it was over. But show! Stop being on the bubble! I want you to be on forever!

Oh, and Jason needs to do something about his hair. I don't know what is going on there, sir, but no. Take a lesson from one James Halpert and get a big haircut.

Robin, where did you get that red shirt/dress thing? CALL ME!

Okay, Season 3 is becoming the season where I actually like Ted. That whole date thing was absolutely adorable. I think it even gave me goosebumps a little? I'm not proud of myself, but there you go. And Stella as the mother? Mentioning having to leave a St. Patrick's Day party...she was there and left her yellow umbrella?? We'll see.

Mmm, soup. I mean noodle soup. I mean soup. Dammit!

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:44:33 GMT

We’re on like the 60th day of LJ still being unblocked at work, which is making me awfully suspicious. I’m currently sitting in my office staring out at a gloomy kind of day wearing a scarf because what the frick, Keith, it’s COLD in here. I wish I had just eaten the soup I brought in for lunch, but instead I went down to the little café downstairs where the chicken cheese steak I ordered has black pepper coming out the wazoo. Not ON. This is one of those days I wish I could just be curled up on the couch watching TV, oh except THERE’S NOTHING ON. I know I’ve whined about this ad naseum, but word up. Remember when we were nervous because February seemed so very far away but haha, don’t worry the strike can’t possibly go on that long, that’ll never happen? Guess what, we were pretty dumb. So far I made it through Seasons 1 and 2 of Angel, and then last night I watched some HIMYM, particularly "Come On" with the cast commentary. Except it's one of those where they're not saying anything substantial, just sort of laughing at stuff, which made me feel like I was really just watching TV with my friends. Which then made me sad for me.

Besides nothing, here are other things I’ve done today, a list:

-Wore a shirt that while in the store I thought was super cute, in actuality makes me look about five months pregnant. (Spoiler alert: I’m not.)
-Bought $15 tickets for something called "Shamrockfest" which as my friends tell me: you take the metro to stand in the parking lot of RFK stadium and drink beer all day. I’m so very glad we’re planning this sort of activity in advance.
-Counted the number of times the Empire Carpets commercial came on. So far we are up to ~~five~~ six starting at 8:30 this morning. You can shoot me now, kthanks.

It’s pretty much a moot point now, but I watched the SAG awards the other night, because oh man, it’s like I miss my friends or something. So sad. Especially because it means getting irrationally excited over seeing BJ and Jenna sitting next to one another (sorry, but John/Jenna is so fourteen hours ago in terms of how much I care, which is not at all). I was also super excited about 30 Rock’s two wins, especially because Tina Fey wins my heart forever for calling herself a hat rack and any excuse to see Alec’s therapy session from "Rosemary’s Baby" is a win for me. Except they cut it off at the best line: "Just 'cause you gave me a nickel to bust up yo chiffarobe"- which quite frankly is a gift of a line that just keeps on giving. And I loved that Jenna was the one who got to speak for The Office- I’m really glad they won Best Ensemble- I think they all seemed genuinely surprised that they won. I loved her dress, and have I mentioned how much I miss the show? I don’t know, why am I talking so much about an awards show? I need to get a life, I think.

In the "Ask the Audience" portion of today’s entry, I’m going to ask the age old question, "Read any good books lately?" I just finished reading "A Thousand Splendid Suns" (loved) and Stephen Colbert’s book, and I was thinking of picking up Diablo Cody’s memoir, but then also thinking "a book about stripping?" Eh, maybe I need some like, Bronte or something to balance it out.

Sorry I am just greedy and don’t have like, fun music to share with you guys or something. If anyone wants to download something from a little band called Hootie and the Blowfish, just let me know. I have a feeling those guys are going to be huge.

So many different kinds of sparrows!

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:42:48 GMT

Alright you guys, I think enough is enough.</roy> Let's call a spade a spade and end this writer's strike already. Because if I'm forced to even consider the idea of watching American Gladiators I'm not going to be very happy. Because now that you've finally taken 30 Rock away from me, I'm kind of at a loss of what to do with myself.

What was this episode actually titled? Comcast called it "Untitled" so because I'm too lazy to look it up, I'm going to call it "The Board." So for the last five minutes of the show my mouth was totally agape in delight. A cracked out version of "Midnight Train to Georgia"?! Jack singing! Liz singing! Holy crap, it was fantastic. And I couldn’t stop laughing at the way Tracy was looking at Jenna- like she was totally stealing his thunder. I don’t even remember anything else that happened in the episode, oh except Liz dealing with the condo board and drinking wine until 7 in the morning. Ahahaha. This show is like holding up a funhouse mirror to my life. (uh, minus the wine drinking ~~until 7AM~~.) But also delightful was Jack wanting to get drunk with Liz (whyyy didn't she take him up on that?) and the brief mention of Floyd? Oh man, we're never going to get a payoff of that are we? I was kind of proud of the fact that I knew that Tina actually does know German so they incorporated that into the show. "Proud" or "sad"- one of the two. Good god, I’m going to miss this show a lot now.

And also! I finally got to see Juno! I knew it was going to be great, but oh man, it was SUCH an awesome movie, you guys. The quirky music and the hamburger phone and giant blue slushies and Ellen Page being such a complete and total delight that I just want to keep her in my pocket where she can quip at me all the livelong day. And the nerdy part of me really appreciated like, how realistic the sets looked. I don't know, they just created places so realistically homey- I think it added a lot to the movie. I mean, they had an Alphie robot in the background at one point! That's commitment right there. Although couldn’t they have thrown me (and a few others, I suspect) a bone and let Jason Bateman and Michael Cera have one scene together? One! That’s all I ask.

Work has generally been sucking the life out of me lately. I totally have post-holiday hangover, in that I have a brazillian things to do and absolutely no motivation to do them. I blame it on the fact that this has been my first full week of work since, oh, the beginning of December, but still. Probably didn't help that it was about 70 degrees outside all week. I'm not ready to have spring fever in January. It's throwing me all off!

Oh, and as a random sidenote, does anyone know where I can download Cat Power’s “Sea of Love” from the Juno soundtrack? I’d buy the whole thing, but my funds are severely limited lately and that song’s been haunting my waking dreams the past few days.

Don't kill the bar, dude.

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 13:45:40 GMT

AUGH. As agate mentioned last night, this writer's strike is picking off our shows one by one. SAD! What's the opposite of the sniper of joy? Oh right, a regular sniper.

Listen, I think we can all agree that Robin and Barney are totally doing it. When he said "submission" right into her face? When she (lovingly) called him an idiot? THE ENDING WHEN SHE'S SITTING BETWEEN HIS LEGS??? A-and what if the strike doesn't end soon and we'll never have our suspicions confirmed? I will die, that's what.

Also, those side-whooshes were all sorts of crazy last night. Jumping between 2005, 06, and 07? When did this show become Quantum Leap? Basically it just made me miss Lily's red hair; although that wig was clearly made by the same people who created Jim Halpert's end of Season 3 ferret hair. Definitely not a Sheinhardt.

(Oh and when Barney said "Confrontation" I was kind of half hoping he and Marshall would break into the Les Miz song. COME ON SHOW!)

Hey, it's that King we met last night!

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:48:53 GMT

Um, why does my work like to unblock LJ every other Friday? It's like the star system, who can understand its mysteries? (tm annakovsky).

So I thoroughly enjoyed last night's 30 Rock. It's true, I can still appreciate a semi-outdated Bush joke, especially if it means Jack dresses like he's commanding a submarine. (Hahah I think you're thinking of The Hunt for Red October) And Tracy saying "Now I don't want to go on a rant here..........." and finally getting scenes from the writers room- was that the first time that's happened this season? Sad. I kind of want to incorporate Liz's line of "I'm 37, please don't make me go to Brooklyn" into my own life, even though I'm only 24 and I live in Virginia. Hmm. Love will find a way?

Oh my god, you guys, I really miss The Office. W-what if we really only get these 8 episodes for the season? Okay, it's more like 11 with those hour longs, but STILL! It's making me very unsettled. Under the guise of the impending writers strike I started watching Bones since I needed something to pass the time since TO wouldn't be on....and now I kind of wretchedly love it? It's like The X-Files except with less paranoia and more close talking. Ha. Is it 1998 again already? Oh well, I kind of miss being truly excited about a TV show in a ridiculously annoying way. I was overdue. (Plus I missed out on watching Buffy and Angel so it really IS like it's 1998 because I'm like, "Oh, that David Boreanaz kid is CUTE!")

In real life news I am going to three, count em, THREE Holiday parties this weekend. No no no, I am not ready for it to be December. It was just August and I was complaining how there was nothing to do! That was such a simpler time. Plus, I have nothing to wear and have no money. Bah humbug AM I RIGHT?

Speaking of Carmen Sandiego (which no one was, but just go with me on this), my friend wants me to go to a free concert tomorrow and who is performing? Rockapella, aka the guys who sang the Carmen Sandiego theme song! Ahahahah. How do I politely tell her that I'll only go if 1) they're guaranteed to sing that song and 2)they also have to sing "Take a Chance on Me"? God, that show used to stress me out, what with all the yelling and the sirens and The Chief.

ETA: OH! I forgot to mention the most important real life news which is that I finally moved into my new condo! The closing ceremonies were really nice, Pam made doves. But really, it's super cute and I love it and it stresses me out at the same time. Those of you following my Twitter will notice the ongoing saga of my mailbox key. Will I ever get my electric bill and three week old Entertainment Weekly? Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion! I'll post some pics soon once I remember where I packed the batteries for my camera.

xoxo, Michael

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:36:54 GMT

LJ is unblocked! It's Friday! This coffee is halfway decent this morning! Let's do this damn thing:

Oh man, what a super weirdo episode. I love this show so much (and hu-freakin-zah we still have four new episodes left!) Pete calling Liz Elizabeth Lemon and Tracy having a sweet, in-depth conversation with a pigeon and Northrax and PANTS! PANTS! PANTS! and Fred Armisen and Kristen Wiig and the Lifetime movie and and. Oh. I love it so much. Ha, and I don't know why but Jonathan is totally one of my favorite characters. Telling Kenneth "You love him just as much as I do!" and that befuddled look Kenneth gave him? I couldn't stop laughing.

I think I should just get it right out of the way by saying I almost started crying when the opening credits played due to the fact that I thought it would be a really long time before I heard them again. Hahah, I hate myself sometimes. But really, this writers strike has caused me to take a long hard look at my TV viewing habits, and let me tell you, the reflection is ugly.

I think under normal circumstances this would have been a nice, stand-alone episode, but instead I kept watching it like, "oh no! Stanley hasn't had a line! What if we never hear him speak again!" It was a lot like Michael lying on the floor dictating a want-ad to Pam. In need of one show with sass, a big butt and even bigger heart.

But in happier news:
1. Remember when there was a table full of Ryans, and Kelly trash talking (I totally would've been afraid of her in high school) and Dwight calling Jim a dumbass and his long list of ping pong players? So great. I wonder how many takes Rainn needed to get through that TH.

2. Michael Scott absolutely breaking my heart throughout this entire episode. I guess again as an offshoot of this strike, it was really awesome to end on an episode where Michael shows his unending love and loyalty to Dunder Mifflin. Michael/Dunder Mifflin=MFEO. (As another offshoot I'm going to need people to write any of the following: Michael/Ryan, Michael/David Wallace, Michael/Toby, etc etc. Get on it.)

3. Michael has a diary like a 13 year old girl. Write more tomorrow! Augh, and Jan bringing it to the deposition and everyone reading it at lunch?! That was like my high school nightmare brought to life. Hahah "Who is this other woman, Ryan?"

4. Angela and Oscar with their hyper suspicious looks when Pam said Jim needed to see Kevin. Hee! I think I'll miss you most of all, you guys!

5. Poor David Wallace trying to do the right thing and being a nice guy. His FACE when he was listening to his testimony. AUGH. And Toby opening up to Michael and Michael just shoving his tray off the table? Oh, Toby. Okay, I laughed, but it was a laugh of half-horror. I'm not proud of myself.

6. I would also just like to point out the sight gag of Jan's hair when they first get to corporate. Hee! Hair gags- they get me every time! Between that, Jack Donaghy's morning after hair last week, and the mustaches in Branch Wars I think the Sheinhardt Wig Company is making a pretty big name for itself.

I'm sure there was a lot more that happened, but my brain is still processing everything this morning. Showwwwww :(

Longer letter later,
pennylane83

Break me off a piece of that football cream

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:54:42 GMT

Okay, so last night's episode lasted approximately 15 seconds. I loved the hour long episodes! How can too much Office be a bad thing? [/rant]

1. Gah, okay, I didn't laugh as much last night as I had in the first four episodes, but oh my god this SHOW. There is just so much heart behind everything that I can't even discuss it properly. Pam staying until 2:45 working on the logo even though no one would ever see it, and Phyllis crying over not getting Sue Grafton, and Darryl writing that song? Hahaha. The song killed me, you guys. I need an mp3 of that like, yesterday. I bet Kevin's getting psyched that he may have potential backup singers for Scrantonicity II. "The people person's paper people!"

2. This ep had an almost, Dundie-like feel to it. Everyone sort of drags their feet about doing the ad, but then band together in the end. Or maybe because the last scene was set in the bar? Ha, I don't know. I also find it completely brilliant that this show has so many smart, creative people working for it that they're able to make the ad look amateur- if that makes sense. Like, you have to try extra hard to look like you didn't try that hard at all. I don't know, I just liked that you could see the string on the paper when it gets yanked out of Phyllis' hand.

3. Dwight and his Second Life. I like how the avatar is still "assistant to the Regional Manager." You still have a long way to go, little buddy. Uh, even if you can fly.

4. Oh Pamelas. Every episode I love you more and more. The end.

5. Jim is completely boggling my mind this season. I completely fell in love again and forgave him in the last episode, and then this week he's telling Pam to not work so hard on the animation and spending hours creating an emo-avatar, but then he brings her breakfast and is really proud of her at the end. So, it's confusing. Ha. I'll be interested to see if they ever actually address the changes I feel like he's inevitably going to need to make.

6. And everything else: Ryan's receptionist actually thinking Eddie Murphy was on the phone, Darryl not knowing what rap is, Kevin's Kool-Aid man face, Meredith giving Jim a ride home. Her attraction to him is such a delight.

7. It's Kit-kat bar! GAH!

Keep it forever

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:56:57 GMT

Taking advantage of the fact that LJ is unblocked at work

I don't have a whole lot to say about the episode since I was chatting at the same time, but I don't think it can get said enough that Liz Lemon/Tina Fey is my hero. Liz is just so relatable it's a little scary sometimes. Like, I ate two hotdogs yesterday kind of relatable. And I know Jack/Liz is never going to happen (and I'm not even totally sure I want it to), but hot damn if those two aren't fabulous together. I know the comparison probably gets made a lot to Mary Richards/Lou Grant, and I vaguely remember them going on a date and then laughing like crazy when they tried to kiss. It's like that! For our generation! Sigh.

And ahahah, Kenneth giving Seinfeld that creeeeepy look. That's how I look when I watch this show.

This was me last night: RYAN!PAM!RYANANDPAM!

It's canon, bitches! Ha, I love how last night the writers essentially gave us everything that's opposite of fandom. Toby/Pam, Phyllis not being a Jammer, RYAN/PAM. Did I mention how great I thought that was? (Ha, side note: mozarts_friend, I hope you were able to hold it together last night. FIVE BUCKS SAYS YOU COULDN'T :))

Jim and Pam were ridiculously cute- the magic being gone, the look Pam gave him when he said "yeppp" about them dating, and saying "we should have dated a long time ago" (hmm, I wonder if that fight's ever going to manifest itself. I hope so, because I feel like we still need to see all the unresolved issues we know these two have...but I guess for now they can be happy. Hee.) And we got the Dwangela reveal! Ha, I love how Jim totally got 1-upped in that situation.

Speaking of Dwangela. :(((( Who would have ever thought that THAT would be the relationship to get invested in on this show? I'm not sure I want to live in a world where they're not together (or at least one where Dwight cries. That was...weird) But trying to reconcile with the feral barn cat? Oh man. I kind of thought Dwight was going to actually put Garbage into that trash can at the end of the scene. Haha, really glad that didn't happen.

Michael gets a big fat, Oh, Michael for this episode. Because everything from Ryan snapping at him, to trying to prove that his old fashioned way of doing business still works, to crashing his car into the lake. Oh. Michael. I feel like there's a lot I can say about him giving a speech about ageism and then shoving Robert Mifflin out of the room at the same time...but that scene pretty much speaks for itself. Oh show.

Dear Pam, you had me a "mock-ups." Let's go shopping and get our hair done and talk about boys, okay?

Random stuff:
-Continuity! Air high fives! Jim's BBQ! Michael having a rental because of hitting Meredith with his car! The "Big" pictures! Sprinkles is still dead! (Aw :()
-Kevin and Andy: BFFs. "It's what I'd imagine Pierce Brosnan would smell like" Ha, I want to replay that scene over and over.
-Creed coloring his hair with the copier ink?
-Jan touching Ryan's beard fdjlasfjsd (Remember in the commentary where BJ said he had a crush on Melora. God these people do weird things to my insides)

RYAN/PAM!

I didn't see where it started but I saw where it ended.

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:19:50 GMT

Oh what up Ell jay? I haven't posted an entry in about a brazillian years- but I blame that on stupid work blocking it. >:/ But anyway, a lot of stuff has been going on lately. I got back from a long weekend away in San Diego- which was SO much fun. I went with two of my girlfriends, and you know how sometimes traveling with friends can end up being a super pain? Well, I needn't have worried because everything worked out great. Oh, except when I was put in charge of getting the rental car and booked it for October 20th instead of September. Haha? I blame this on the fact that I was distracted by the god-awful Emmys while making the reservation. Man, remember when those sucked this year?

After that little glitch, the trip couldn't have gone any better. We stayed in this great hotel overlooking the Padres stadium, the weather was amazing, and we got to do all the major touristy things that we wanted to do. I pretty much didn't want to come back- especially because that meant getting sick and having a ton o'work to do. Boo on that.

And in other news- I put an offer on a condo! Eeeek! I'm a real live grownup! How did that happen? If all goes well the closing is supposed to happen on Oct 19th. So we'll see. But it's in a gay friendly neighborhood, and there weren't any carpenter ants or dead people, so it should be okay! Hee.

Hey, is it really already Fall? When the hell did that happen? It seems like just last week that we were freaking out about Jim and Pam going out on a date, and now so much has CHANGED. Ryan has a beard! Meredith has rabies! Oscar and Kevin are detectives! I thought the premiere was really, really great even though the subject matter was totally disturbing. I mean, Michael hit Meredith with his car and Dwight killed Angela's cat. Haha? But if any show can make stuff like that funny, this one can. And I just love how quickly the show established Jim and Pam as a couple and now we can kind of forget about it, if that makes sense. I like how it's just: address it and lets move on. So I think if people are going to get worried that Jim and Pam (or PB&J- which, I don't think that's the show embracing horrible portmanteau's BTW, THEY ARE MAKING FUN OF YOU!) are going to become the focus of the show- I really don't think that's going to be the case at all. Which is how it should be, really.

In other discouraging news, I bought this super cute turtleneck/jumper dress outfit yesterday, only to turn on ANTM this afternoon and Tyra is wearing a VERY similar outfit. I usually thinks she looks crazy on this show. Um?

Oh and one more thing. This is why I love the cast of The Office. Kate Flannery's insight on Meredith is why I still love her character. Actually that whole article is great (everyone talking about their individual characters). No spoilers like in the magazine. And those EW covers! Gah, too much pretty. And I guess because I suscribe I got all 4 covers on one magazine. Yay!

fic: this is an inevitable withdrawal

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 02:27:23 GMT

Title: this is an inevitable withdrawal
Pairing: Meredith/Ryan
Rating: PG
Length: 2700 words
Summary: Set Post “The Alliance.” Meredith and Ryan could both use a birthday drink.
AN: Thanks to miss_bennie for the beta! This has been on my harddrive forever- no better time to post than now, right? Title from "Tears Dry on Their Own" by Amy Winehouse.

When her second husband decides to leave her, at first she thinks it’s not going to be the worst thing. He doesn’t leave like a coward in the middle of the night, and there aren’t any drag out fights. At first. At first she feels strangely mature about everything, like at 45 she’s finally a real grownup. She should have known that real life always has a way of intervening. Somewhere along the line the words, “I got a hysterectomy for you,” stop being a legitimate argument in his book. One weekend with a lawyer turns into two weeks and the custody battle turns into an all out war. When all’s said and done, she knows it’s time to do something for herself. Jake is driving her up the wall these days, and Wendy’s off handling things like a perfect angel but decides she’d rather be with her dad, and she just knows. It’s time.

She decides to take a cruise. It would be just what she needs to relax and start fresh. She goes to the travel agent and plans it all out- leaving out of Fort Lauderdale, six days five nights sailing the Caribbean, fruity drinks in hand and not a care in the world. She gets as far as telling Michael she’ll be taking her vacation days a little early this year when she realizes the futility of it all. She wakes up one morning two weeks before her trip with a pain in her chest that she can’t shake. It’s a sick feeling of loneliness, and a solo vacation could only exacerbate the situation. Taking a cruise by herself? How pathetic. It may be relaxing but then the idea of everyone staring at her, wondering why, having to sit at the Lonely Hearts table. No thanks. Maybe she could just work some overtime instead and take Jake on a trip to the Poconos when it gets a little warmer. Or maybe she’d grow a garden, something to cultivate on her own- really get a fresh start. Maybe.

*****

Meredith’s to-do list for that week is fairly straightforward: dry cleaners, find a new babysitter for Jakey, straighten out that delivery order that Michael inexplicably had shipped to a grocery store in Dunmore instead of an elementary school in Carbondale, go to the market and pick up that juice that Wendy liked since she had her for the weekend. It certainly didn’t involve celebrating her birthday a month early and crying in front of all her co-workers. Nope. Not on there.

She thinks she’s taken more than enough when Creed claps her on the back and says, “Marilyn, you’re a hell of a salesman, and a tough old broad with a heart of gold. Don’t let anyone tell you different.” She has to bite her lip so she doesn’t start crying. Or punch him in the face. So she’s more than ready to get out of the office by 5:00 when she senses someone standing by her desk. She turns to face Ryan, the new kid. They haven’t talked much since he started working. Just a couple of exchanges; if he could borrow a pen, if she needed any help making spreadsheets- he was kind of bored.

“Uh, hey.”

“Hi Ryan.”

“Um, this may sound weird, but can I give you a ride home?” She finds herself nodding, not sure if she’s saying yes or agreeing that it is weird.

“Great, okay,” he says.

She shrugs into her coat and follows him out of the office. She tries to not worry about her van out in the parking lot. The amount of embarrassment coursing through her veins is enough to make her not consider how she might be getting to work the next morning.

“Thanks,” she says, a little sheepishly as they pull out of the lot. “You didn’t really need to do this.” She looks down at the floor of the car; it’s pretty messy- fast food wrappers, empty water bottles, and couple of textbooks litter the floor.

“No problem,” he says as he flicks on the radio. “I figured you had kind of a rough day.”

“Are you in school?” she asks, nudging one of the books with her foot, eager to change the subject.

“Oh, not right now. I’m studying for an entrance exam. To business school?” He pulls up to a red light and glances over at her, almost as if for approval. She suddenly feels as old as Michael’s comments in the fucking “bird-day” card would let on.

“Wow, that’s great.” She has to smile at him. What else can she do?

“Yeah. I guess. Shows ambition, and all that…”

“Ambition. Heh. What’s that like?” She doesn’t mean to say it out loud, but he thankfully doesn’t seem to hear her.

“Hey, do you want to uh, stop for a drink or something? It’s still kind of early.” He looks over at her again. “You know, a birthday drink, maybe?”

She thinks about her to-do list. She thinks about crying and not getting to eat her own damn birthday cake and all the reports that she didn’t get to finish that day and the cruise she’ll never take, and in spite of it all answers, “Sure, why the hell not?”

*****

Sitting there at Poor Richards with him, it all begins to make sense. This is the shitty route her life is going to take from now on. First the divorce, then the uh, other divorce, and now she’s drinking with the new guy who’s half her age, at least. Fantastic.

“It's like rain on your wedding day. It's a free ride when you've already paid-“

It’s his second song of the night and he isn’t doing a half bad job of it. Although she’s also about six Sam Adams’ in, and everything’s starting to sound a little fuzzy anyway. She’s the only one who claps and whoops when he finishes the song.

He flops onto the bar stool and it spins underneath him.

“Whoa,” he says, catching himself on the bar. Charlie, the bartender, raises his eyebrow at her and she just shrugs and takes a big swig of her beer.

“I suck,” Ryan concludes.

“No, it really wasn’t that bad.”

“No one liked it.”

“Well, you did a little better with ‘My Prerogative.’ Maybe try not to pick such a girly song next time, champ.” She pauses and gives him a sympathetic smile. “But this crowd’s pretty light, anyway.”

Ryan looks around the bar to see that she’s right. There are only a couple of other locals hunched on nearby barstools, all of them looking wholly uninterested in karaoke. Poor Richards is having its bi-monthly contest but Meredith is pretty sure she shouldn’t know things like that. She’d only started going to the bar every once in awhile as an after work thing, but once or twice she found herself there alone, and now...well, it doesn’t really matter.

“What a day, huh?” he says as he spins back to face the bar and begins nursing a Budweiser. She notices that his lip curls slightly as he says it. She knows she probably shouldn’t notice something like that either, so she just shakes her head.

“Yeah. Michael’s...a piece of work.” She begins picking at the Sam Adams label. “A real piece of work.” She cringes at the thought of Michael reminding her of everything wrong in her life. In a birthday card. A month too soon.

“How do you tell your boss that he’s an ass, to his face?”

It’s a rhetorical question but Ryan laughs softly. “No clue. He didn’t seem that bad when I first met him, but there’s definitely something…off about the guy.”

“Definitely.”

“Uh, don’t tell him I said that, though.” Ryan leans forward on the bar slightly and begins sliding his beer from one hand to the other along the bar, leaving a trail of condensation. She watches him for a few moments before he says, “It’s actually my birthday today.” He suddenly has a look on his face like he regrets saying it as soon as the words are out of his mouth.

“Wha-? Then why are you out…with me?” She takes a long sip of beer, slightly afraid of the answer before remembering to feebly say, “Happy birthday.”

His regretful look turns into a soft smile. “Eh. It’s Thursday. All of my friends are busy and we just planned on doing something this weekend. You know how it is.” He looks at her, his big blue eyes starting to look at little droopy. Maybe he was drunker than he let on. “But you know, like I said, I thought you were the one who could use the drink tonight.”

“Huh. Right.” He was right- damn right- but the sentiment made her feel...old. Again. She realizes that he probably hasn’t been in the working world long enough to be making gestures like that. His willingness to be helpful around the office was somehow clouding his judgment, was all.

“Why does everything have to suck?” she asks, almost as an afterthought.

“It’s your birthday. Everything is supposed to suck on your birthday.”

“Yeah. But it’s not even really my birthday today. Fucking Michael.” She finishes her beer in one gulp, only to realize that Ryan’s staring at her. “Oh, yeah. By the way...”

“Oh, uh. I knew. That it wasn’t..."

She doesn’t really know what she’s doing anymore, but she smiles at him. He’s just too young and probably doesn’t know any better.

“Well, happy birthday to us. Let’s get drunk!”

*****

Her laugh is long and loud. Maybe too loud? She can hardly hear the music anymore so she yells at the bartender Chuck (or Charlie or Charles. Whatever) to turn it up. She loves this song!

She turns to Ryan and says, “I was...just...don’t let anyone ever tell you an associate’s degree in accounting is going to get you anywhere in life.” She points a cheese fry at his chest for emphasis. “Because it won’t.”

He nods at this thoughtfully. “Duly noted. Why don’t you sit with the other accountants?” He bites into a cheese fry and signals for Chachi to bring him two more beers.

“Only three desks,” she says. “Also, I’m not an accountant anymore. I work in supplier relations.” The title feels heavy on her tongue and it comes out as “shup lighter relations” instead. “It’s just. I had to change. Angela...she’s such a bitch.”

“She is? I didn’t really notice when I was talking to her...today.” He laughs a little at this for some reason and as Chuckie hands Ryan the beer he knocks one of them over onto the bar. “Whoaaaaa. Party foul!”

She laughs like it’s the funniest thing she’s ever seen. And it is. It’s the best thing that’s happened to her all day, and it didn’t even happen to her. Ryan starts to mop up the beer with some napkins and Meredith puts her hand on his shoulder.

“Oh man. You’ll learn. You’ll learn so fast.” Her hand starts to slip off his shoulder and he catches her fingers. He doesn’t seem to even notice he’s doing it, but suddenly she’s all too aware of her hand in his and what breathing feels like. In. Out. She needs another drink. Fast. Suddenly she feels very sober.

She doesn’t know how it happens but all at once his lips are on hers. Or her lips are on his; she can’t really be sure. Before she can think to pull away, she opens her mouth slightly and he tests her tongue with his. There are way too many things wrong with this scenario, but her mind is having trouble keeping up with her lips. It makes her miss her ex-husband. The first one. The one who was also young and stupid and got out of it all when she was too young and stupid to protest. She thinks about what Monday will be like. Awkward? They probably won’t ever talk again unless Michael assigns him to help her on an order. While she wonders if she should be thinking about this stuff at all when Ryan’s hand is on her thigh- especially when Ryan’s hand is on her thigh, he’s pulling away, opening his eyes and looking at her, as if for the first time all night. His eyes register a mixture of...sadness? Disappointment? Maybe just drunkenness.

She doesn’t want to think about it so before she can, she leans in again, but he’s already there whispering, “Let’s get out of here.”

*****

Things are happening very, very fast. Like the whole night has been happening inside of a Tilt-o-Whirl. Ryan’s fingertips are on her back as she fumbles with the lock. She shivers at his touch even though she has on her big winter jacket. She tries to convince herself that the cab driver hadn’t raised his eyebrows when Ryan toppled out of the cab first, and Meredith handed over a bunch of dollar bills. That had to be in her imagination, right?

*****

He kisses her up against the doorway, long and hard. She can taste the beer on his breath and his hands are running through her hair. She loosens his tie, he fumbles with the buttons on her sweater as her coats falls to the floor. She feels old and young all at once, but alive and dangerous, like a teenager praying her parents won’t wake up. She kisses him eagerly before realizing with a sick sense of dread that while she’s way past her parents catching her, her son might. Meredith pulls away and stumbles into the family room where the babysitter, April, is half asleep on the couch with the TV still on, Jake curled up in a ball at her feet.

Meredith is suddenly in full on Mom mode, apologizing profusely to April as she stuffs the rest of the twenties into her hands while sending her out the door. Jakey, in his zoned out state, doesn’t seem to notice Ryan standing awkwardly in the doorway, suddenly very intent on straightening his tie.

“I’ll be up in a minute, sweetie,” she says as Jake shuffles past Ryan and up the stairs.

After all the flourish, it’s suddenly way too quiet in the room. Meredith wishes the floor would open up and swallow her.

“Well?” he says finally, his tie no longer his main focus.

“Yeah.”

Ryan walks forward slowly, reaching his hand behind her neck. “So…” He leans in.

“Ryan. Wait.”

“Yeah.” He stares at her, resigned almost.

“Here. You can...crash on my couch.” Meredith steps away and begins busying herself with straightening pillows. She hands him a throw blanket and he catches the back of her hand with his thumb, pressing down lightly.

“This isn’t exactly how I thought today was going to go,” he says.

“Yeah, trust me. Me neither.”

*****

The next morning a hazy fog sets in behind her eyeballs when she sits up in a fit of panic, vague scenes from the night before invading her memory. Singing Bobby Brown. Eating cheese fries. Kissing Ryan. Ryan on her couch. What if Jake woke up and found him out there? Talked to him? Said something wildly inappropriate like, “Are you my new dad?” It wouldn’t be the first time something like that happened. Meredith throws on her ratty blue bathrobe, propriety out the window at this point. When she gets to the family room the couch is empty, the throw blanket rumpled at the end of it. She’s strangely relieved. After she wakes Jakey up, she makes him eggs for breakfast, which he eyes suspiciously since he’s used to getting Pop Tarts or cold cereal.

She takes four aspirin and calls a cab to take her to the office, and when Ryan isn’t there it doesn’t hurt as much as she had braced herself for.

*****

In the spring when she gets the urge to start that garden project again, maybe buy new tools and gloves from the hardware store, she just ends up at the bar instead. He’s not there, he never is, which she decides is for the best, absolutely. Sometimes things are better left untended.