follow the yellow brick road

How do you use #FB?

2011-06-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

How people use platforms in different ways interests me. I see it as each person's perspectives and creativity taking the lead. Granted, there are the copycats.

What I've noticed lately is that my use of Facebook has changed dramatically over the years. What I once checked daily to post about my day or my trips now serves as a message sending tactic for those whose email addresses I don't have readily available or to sign up for contests. I've contemplated making an account just for signing up for those since I feel like they should be treated like junk mail.

I'm a girl, and yes, sadly a statistic. Looking at other's Facebook posts has caused unpleasant feelings. Honestly, it's ruined a couple of friendships.

Studies are showing that Facebook is losing users. We're dropping like flies. Will these "traditional" social networking sites find a new IT or will they phase out? TBD.

a sexy review

2010-05-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

I did my best to avoid reading reviews of SATC 2 because I hate spoilers. So don't worry, you won't see any of that here. I do have one thing to say, though. I LOVED it. If you are like me and loved the series but hated the last movie, I think you'll have a similar reaction to the 2nd round.

When I saw the first movie I was more than underwhelmed. There was too much. Too many stories going on at once and too much theatrics. Too many girl power shots with the ladies walking 4 abreast. It didn't feel like the series. All of that seemed to vanish from this sequel. Instead of focusing so much on being married, this new movie also brings out each characters unique personality. Back to the basics with a little bit of glitz, just how I like it.

Flying My Gleek Flag

2010-04-21T23:05:00.000-07:00

I've always been mesmerized by pop culture. As a result, I admit, I have a lot of guilty pleasure TV programs and I hide certain songs from view on my ipod. There is something to be said for bubble gum television. Campy can make you laugh. Bottom line - it makes you feel good.

Starting to show my age - I appears I missed the Justin Bieber train. For the longest time I had no idea who he was. I decided last week to investigate just what it was about him that had tweets proclaiming his name for weeks on end. It turns out, it's not so much about Justin, as it is his fans are obsessed with trying to get his attention. Go back a few years and think of the screaming girls standing outside TRL with handmade signs. That was our only chance to get our favorite pop star's eyes to take our words in. Now, with celebs tweeting, talking to them is possibly only an @ away.

Based on Twitter trending, Bieber's riegn is finally meeting it's match in Glee, the only show on television that could possibly match his bubble gum, baby baby image. In a time when so many people are down, it's easy to understand it's appeal.

What I personally love about the show is it's ability to weave a song into a story like it always belonged there. It never feels forced or gives off the vibe that it is awkward for the stars to stop speaking and pic up a mic. The writers have really taken a song and made it the soundtrack to these characters lives.

I'll be interested to see what non-pop culture event finally takes the honor of top trend away from these two.

follower, doer, or just interested?

2010-04-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

I've read a lot of opinions floating around out there about the "right way" to use Twitter. My biggest disagreement with the golden rules: From what I've seen, it is typically considered a bad sign if you follow more people than you have followers. You are putting off the vibe that you are spammy or are just after a huge fan base. Not in my eyes. Maybe I look at Twitter as a different type of tool than these "advisors" but I've always seen the site's biggest takeaway being it's ability to educate. If I come across someone who I think posts interesting thoughts or links, I won't hesitate to follow them. They don't always follow back. It goes without saying, I am one of those who have many more follows than followers. I also tend to surprise friends with new sites or ideas, and they always ask how I'm in the know. I've always loved learning and I'm not going to let misconceptions/judgements such as these stop me from doing just that.

Chatroulette-Capades

2010-03-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

I was quickly pulled into the Chatroulette craze a couple of weeks ago and decided to investigate. What I found was preeeeetty hilarious. Below is a post I wrote covering my discoveries.

Reach out and flash someone. That seems to be the gist surrounding the newest online social medium, Chatroulette. By now, many of you have heard of this site. Or have you? According to post data on the phenomenon, in February 87% of the online conversation regarding the site was on Twitter. News sites have picked up on the story, but their coverage only made up 1% of the total. Does this mean that the only people with interest in this site are the ones who were already using tech to make personal connections? Will it ever go mainstream or will it die an early death due to the sometimes overwhelming voyeurism that currently makes its home on the site?

Speaking of which, the largest theme emerging in conversations around the site focuses on what I'll call the “Perverts, Cats and Celeb Chasers.” For some, the perverts are the be all end all, for others, it is what brings them to the site. It adds to the excitement and jokiness that pulls them in. This links to another theme we saw emerge, which was that some users make plans to spend time on the site, and make a night of it with friends. Posts often mentioned that the site is only really enjoyable with others. Alone, it is often discussed as being awkward. Regardless of how you enjoy the site, users beware: people make a game out of getting good screen shots and now sites have emerged where people can post their humorous (?) experiences. The world doesn’t need more Girls Gone Wild-esq lawsuit battle if you catch my drift.

Reading through posts, it’s easy to see that users of the site aren’t typically logging into Chatroulette with the intention of using it as a social site to make connections, however this has happened on occasion. There is now a craigslist inspired “missed connections” site for people who met on Chatroulette and for whatever reason didn’t close the deal.

Chatroluette’s strongest pull appears to be it’s entertainment value. This is further demonstrated in a skit by Jon Stewart of The Daily Show. Based on this, it is doubtful that there is much room to glean insights from the consumer usage of this site from market research perspective. It could be a fun way to promote a movie or a record release if the studios can get the talent to agree to make an appearance. I know I defiantly wouldn’t next Leo D.

projects

2010-02-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

For one of my 2010 resolutions I decided to take on a project. For 365 days I've made a commitment to photograph my life. I thought it might be a daunting task, but I love what it's become. I look around myself and take notice of the little things that are so easily passable. Follow along if you'd like!

vickying's shuttercal

football in america

2010-02-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

I woke up the morning after the Super Bowl to a radio dj talking about how she didn't really like any of the ads that ran during this year's game. Nothing stood out, nothing wowed her. It got me thinking - why do we make such a big deal out of the commercials? Isn't the point of the game to watch the best two teams of the season duke it out? For weeks leading up to the game (before the teams are even on the marquee) what we hear about are what ads will be running. So much hype is built around them. Then the game is played, the commercial break is taken, the 30 seconds run and many times you are left thinking, "Was that it?" I am a real believer in the idea that you shouldn't get too caught up in the idea of something. I have a wild imagination, I create things in my head. Then when reality hits, I am often left a teeny bit disappointed. It's like they say about romantic comedies and romance novels - real life can't live up to the hype. So my thought is this - why don't we take a step back and approach this next Super Bowl ad race with a little more mystery. A little less upfront, few (if any) teasers and let us find out what's going to happen when it does. It would be like waiting to find out the sex of the baby when he/she is delivered. The media has a habit of beating news stories into the ground. Talking to much. They need to learn when to shut it. I think they should let this one alone and put some of the fun back into the game.

the future of movies

2010-01-26T21:28:00.001-08:00

What I thought was a mistake turned out to be a blessing (?) in disguise. A couple of weeks ago I decided that I had to see Avatar. I am the kind of person that once I decide I need to do something, I do it, and I don't wait.

I'm not sure why, but since all 3D showings were sold out for the day by 2 in the afternoon, I decided to go to the regular showing. I was less than blown away. The story was entertaining, but every time GI Joe came on screen I cringed and wanted to throw a shoe at the screen. The plot was slow-ish and a handful of the characters - annoying. My roommate asked me how I liked it afterwards, and all I could say was, "It made me angry." Which i thought was a bizarre reaction given that so many people had been singing it's praises.

I did what I knew I would - I went back 2 days later to see it in 3D. The experience was a double-take. None of the old annoyances came back. Instead, I was totally pulled in and all I can think of to explain my change of heart, is that the special effects distracted me from the real story that I was subjected to the first time around without all the shiny tricks popping out at me.

This immediately made me think of the movie "Idiocracy" where the smarter citizens of the world put off procreation too long and miss out, while the less enlightened peers have kid after kid after kid, only to create a world populated with people who can't think for themselves. Is this going to start a trend of movies that have less substance? Will we not notice? The preview before the movie, something about piranas attacking vacationing beach lovers, makes me think we are in trouble.

so much activity space!

2009-12-21T20:04:00.000-08:00

Today's reflection was supposed to be on a project but I had a hard time thinking of any that I was super excited about. I spent a lot of this 2009 focused on work. Instead, what came to my mind was an activity that I had wanted to take part in for years but never had the chance to do. This year, for the first time in my life, I was able to be one of those two-wheeled eco-wonders on Bike to Work day. Next year, I just need to remember not to wear a skirt that day.

2009 Best Ofs

2009-12-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

Boulder social media celebrity, Gwen Bell, challenged the world to reflect on their favorite moments of 2009 during the month of December. One post focusing on a different subject for every day of the month. I'm going to do my best to keep up! Luckily for me (since I am starting a day late), my first two memories roll into the same journey.

My best trip of 2009 was to visit family at McClain Lake located just west of Trego, Wisconsin. It's a pretty backwoods part of the country. My Mom's family purchased land on the lake and built their own cabin. I have so many fun childhood memories up there but I hadn't been able to make it up in years (I hate the excuse of being too busy so I'm not going to use it here). Once I landed, made the 2 hour drive from Minneapolis, had a good nights sleep and refused to turn on a computer I had time to sit back, talk with family and really laugh and enjoy their company. I slept better there than I had in months. I can't even describe how relaxed I was but it was enough to keep my vacation haze going well into a week after I returned home.

My best restaurant experience happened while I was on this trip. I live in Boulder, land of Whole Foods and healthy bodies. For my aunt's birthday we took the opportunity to head out for dinner. We roll up to the restaurant only to find out that my cousin has forgotten her shoes at the cabin and has to shuffle in on makeshift shoes. As we opened the door a cloud of smoke hit us. I took a look around and felt like I had stepped into a movie. We were eating with real Wisconsin natives. We grabbed chairs and ordered some pitchers. I took a look at the menu and saw that they had California burgers. I was sold. Now, typically you see the world California next to a menu item and assume it would mean that you'll be getting something fancy-healthy-avocado. When our food arrived I had your basic burger with lettuce and tomato. My grandma topped that with her Wisconsin veggie platter aka plate full of deep fried vegetables. I can't say after tasting it that I'm a huge fan of fried broccoli, but the fried cheese curds were heaven.

where is there the king of pop?

2009-11-18T19:33:00.000-08:00

I never thought twice about whether or not MJ was really dead. The news covered it, there was a funeral. I listen to his tunes and keep moving. It wasn't until last weekend I thought to doubt it. Sitting with my fave hair dresser, I was enlightened to the world of thought that MJ is really still alive. There are people out there who firmly believe that he has faked his death in a big way to get his family out of debt and take care of his kids.

The story I was told paints the picture that the concert was a set up to be able to collect on insurance. According to the tale, even the MJ who announced he would be doing his final "This is it" tour was a stand in. MJ was (is?) supposedly 5'9" but the man at the press conference appeared to be 6'. Maybe this man was chosen because he had a disease that would kill him? Another theory..

I did some poking around and found that there are many theorys out there. There are even a web sites dedicated to it: Michael Jackson Hoax Death .

So many ways to go with this - I don't think I can wrap my head around all of the different ideas out there, so I will keep believing he's passed. It's what he wants anyway, right?

family friends

2009-11-08T20:46:00.000-08:00

I was in college when facebook began - back when it was closed to only college students with a .edu email address. You knew who would be viewing your profile, and it would be your peers. All kids with new found freedoms and few restrictions.

People posted their drunken photos and wrote pg-13/r rated notes on your wall. As the site grew, the audience changed. Possible employers could now see a glimpse of your personal life and family members started to friend you. It was a tricky decision for some to accept that request. What would Aunt Sue think about those photo's from last weeks rager? You have options, you can make available what you want, but the thought still crossed many minds.

Waking up to the radio the other morning, I heard a whole different side to this dilemma. Parents are unsure when they should allow their children to take part in facebook. One of the dj's had a 9 year old who wanted to have her own profile. His stipulation - she could only be friends with family members.

There are so many uses for social networks, and it's interesting to see how others view them.

realizations

2009-03-31T20:23:00.000-07:00

Ever since I started this blog I have been searching for a focus. What should I talk about? What can I zero in on? People will come here to read because they know I'll be talking about "what?". The problem with this is that I don't live my life looking in only one direction. I'm always doing more than one thing at a time and I get tired of the same old same old. Put something shiny and new in front of me and I'll most likely jump for it.

This whole decision process made me feel confused and also factored into the reasons I stopped writing. I've recently realized that I should use this blog in whatever way makes sense to express myself. In this light, posts might jump around, but hopefully my thoughts and points will help shed some light on who I am as a person and what makes me, me.

VOTE!

2008-10-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

I finally managed to fill in the oval on my presidential ballot today. It was tough for me. I think I'm always waiting for that great candidate, but let's face it, this is politics and great isn't really something that comes with the territory. Now I just get to hear all of the commercials and wish they would go away. Only 6 more days...

summer lovin'

2008-08-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

It's so odd how you notice, seemingly overnight, that the days are getting shorter and shorter...One thing that kept me laughing all summer was this video:

It pretty much reeked of boy band flava. It took me back to middle school and reminds me the most of LFO's little diddy:

Believe it or not, I have actually seen LFO in concert (I swear, the dark haired one totally made eye contact with me). I admit to this embarrassing truth, because, let's be honest, it has to factor into my current life about as much as those pogs do that I used to play with at recess (I hope).

If you can manage to make it all the way to the end of the New Kids video - the funniest, boy band signature moves start around the 2:30 mark.

dnc

2008-08-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

It's about that time...

but beware: you can't believe everything you see online.

some things never change

2008-08-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

I recently made a drunken mistake which landed me with a black eye (you should see the other guy...). All seriousness, I fell getting out of the backseat of a car. Here I am, thinking this is a random event, when I soon found out from my mother that this type of thing is in my fate. Per my source, I learned that as a small child, I never got the hang of putting my hands out to catch myself when I would fall. For most of my young life I walked around with a permanent bruise on my forehead because of this. According to my mom, she was weary of taking me out in public because she was afraid that people would think she was abusing me. This little piece of information puts a lot of my adult life in perspective. I guess now I have an excuse for returning to work every Monday with a new bruise.

i'm this many

2008-07-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

Age ain't nothin but a number, but it sure can make you feel old.

whadyaknowjoe

2008-06-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

A little over a month ago my grandpa passed away. After weeding through the security line at the airport, I ended up at the check point. On previous trips I had always been able to sneak larger-than-3-oz. sized fluids/liquids. Go figure that on this trip, when I was already incredibly bummed out and silent I would get caught smuggling. My defense? The bottle, which was marked at 4 oz. was practically empty, and therefore well below the 3 oz. limit. The guard wasn't going to let it fly. He gives me a smile, and then asks if I was headed home from school (turns out that to many strangers I look like I'm a teenager, even though I'm going on 25). I thought about lieing so I could get through the line without having to talk about anything too personal, but in the end the idea took too much energy to carry out. I tell him where I'm headed and he tells me to stay put. He walks back with this:

Turns out that he used to give out hugs but was told that that wasn't "professional." It just goes to show you that the unexpected really does catch you by surprise. Standing in the middle of that crowded airport, I felt a little less alone and a lot more optimistic. His gesture helped me to focus on how wonderful a person my grandpa was. Now I'm just trying to live by example.

my apologies

2008-04-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I have been very very bad at posting in 2008. Three posts in four months? Unacceptable. I promise though, that I've been busy! If I'm not working, I've been boarding. Most likely running into things and hurting myself in the process. I keep going regardless of the sprained ankle, near arm breakage, and knee-on collision with a boulder. It came out of no where, I swear. As today is the first of April my time left on the mountain is short and will soon enough be over. What will I do with my "spare" time??

you don't know me!

2008-04-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

I stumbled onto this website last night and I have to admit, I fall into a lot of these...Give me my North Face and my ipod and I am a happy girl.

Stuff White People Like

present for you

2008-03-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

I recently moved in with a friend. She had cleaned out a lot of her stuff and things that she didn't want anymore, she gave to me. These kinds of spring cleanings can feel like you are going to a garage sale in your own house. All kinds of new and fun goodies at your disposal. My behavior, though, made me laugh. She gave me a couple of bottles of hair stuff from the bathroom. I thankfully and graciously accepted them...and then went on to put them in my room. Why? They belong in the bathroom - where they came from. I thought about this and thought it was really funny. It was almost like they went in my room to signify that I accepted them and they now belonged to me. Is this human nature of accepting a gift, or am I just really bizarre???

itunes blunders

2008-02-04T22:42:00.000-08:00

I may be sleep deprived but I am awake enough to know I've been had. I was so excited to log onto itunes tonight to find that the new Jack Johnson cd that is coming out tomorrow was already available to download...so I jumped on it. I got out my gift card (a lovely Christmas gift) and got ready. First, itunes seemed to be having error issues. I got through it. Then I had to update my account info. It wasn't until after my card got charged that I saw you had to go to a completely different section to begin with to enter your gift card info. Why can't itunes be more like amazon and just do it all at the end of your purchase? I'm a huge fan of apple products. But I thought their big thing was simplicity and ease of use? If they won't put the gift card entry at the end of a purchase, atleast make the link at the begining REALLY big. :(

the sound of music

2007-12-15T09:56:00.000-08:00

I was surprised to find out that Harry Potter has a little ghetto fab in him.

snowball

2007-12-13T20:27:00.000-08:00

The '07-'08 snowboarding season has been anything other then ordinary. My first day up a couple of weeks ago I managed to be the proud owner of a runaway board that decided to launch down a small hill and head directly toward a group of people waiting in line to get on the lift. Not wanting to look like I didn't care if it hit anyone, I actually tried to run after it. In my snowboarding boots. It didn't work well. I did not catch up to it.

Later that same day, I managed to sprain my ankle.

My next time up I was staying overnight at a hotel during a weekend event which included 36 hours of events and skiing/boarding time. My floor had a lot of big groups of high school/college kids. One room managed to set the fire alarm off for the entire hotel by the massive amounts of pot they decided to smoke. Walking out my door, the smell hit you in the face. It was obvious what the culprit was. This occurred around 8 am. I was THIS close to getting in the shower. Sometimes I am glad that I'm lazy in the morning.

My most recent attempt was cut short due to my inability to wake up to my alarm. I overslept and by the time we got on the mountain it was already 12:30 in the afternoon. We did a few runs and then I was lost. After my 30 minute wait I had a 1 hour lunch with my friends. We did a run and couldn't stand how cold it was. I did a total of three runs that day. Maybe not worth the drive and gas, but the view was nice.

they're baaaack

2007-12-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

Back in the late 80's early 90's I was a huge fan of American Gladiators. I don't really know why. I guess I am easy to entertain. You can only imagine how excited I was to find out that NBC is bringing the show back in January of '08. A lot of the old events seems to be making a comeback, but from the commercials, the show seems to have more of a sexy edge. If you go to the Gladiator Zone website you can read up on the new Gladiators. The guys seem to have a little bit of a crazy look to them. I don't think I would do well if I crossed them on the street. All of this change made me nostalgic. You really can't beat the spandex that was my childhood.

mr. predictable

2007-10-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

No such thing in sports! It was a sad weekend for the Rockies, but this win looks like something straight out of the movie "Little Giants."

ello govna'

2007-10-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

There isn't much to this commercial, but it is pretty much the one thing on tv that makes me laugh every time I see it.

I'm a big fan of the new one, too...

Love it. Can't wait to see what they come up with next...

cuz it's one...two...

2007-10-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

My best friend called me the other night and when I told her I was watching the Rockies game her response was "Why?" (keep in mind my friend lives in California, so may not be aware of how well the Rockies have been playing). Turns out, our talk made me realize why I actually like watching sports. It's because of this:

I love the energy of sports. I love being surrounded by people and the anxious moments that come along with being a fan. When you step back, you realize just how absorbed you are in the moment.

Happy Rocktober!

how to find mr. or mrs. right

2007-10-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

Several years ago in a faraway land, I took a memorable psychology class from a professor whose interest in the field seemed to be motivated, at least in part, by a desire to unearth new tricks for beguiling the opposite sex. Ethical implications aside, his lectures were generously garnished with anecdotes that held his wide-eyed freshmen audience in rapt attention.

Among the tips he shared was a psychologically based method for casually gauging just who might be checking you out in a crowded place: yaawning. The theory goes that if you yawn, anyone who’s surreptitiously watching you won’t be able to resist yawning too, giving themselves away (and marking them as a susceptible target for wooing).

The trick is based on a real phenomenon called “contagious yawning,” in which seeing, hearing, or even thinking about someone else yawning causes you to follow suit. The biological function of yawning is debatable and there are several kinds of yawns that may signal everything from fatigue to aggression. But contagiously opening your yapper in a yawn seems to be distinct from doing so spontaneously, based on the fact that the former does not occur in all animals. In other words, plenty of animals yawn, but not all animals mimic one another’s yawns.

Whether or not seeing someone else’s jaws gaping wide gives you the uncontrollable urge to join in may say more about your personality than you realize. Roughly half of people yawn when watching videos of others yawning. Some researchers hypothesize that contagious yawning is more common in people with greater empathy — the ability to recognize and share other people’s emotions — an idea that has gotten quite a bit of press lately.

Developmental clues support the empathy theory for contagious yawns. Children younger than about 4 years old, it seems, yawn spontaneously but don’t catch contagious yawns from adults or from one another. Neither do many older children with autism spectrum disorder, who have an impaired ability to communicate, socialize, and empathize, according to a paper published this summer in Biology Letters. The authors found that children with autism yawned spontaneously about as often as children without autism. But when watching videos of yawning adults, children with autism yawned fewer times than other children. They believe this supports the claim that contagious yawning is based on the capacity for empathy.

Indeed, studies of what’s actually happening in the brain when we see others yawn also seem to support the empathy explanation. For example, in 2005, researchers used an imaging technique called fMRI to see what happens in the brain when people see others yawn. The images showed that in the person seeing the yawn, there was increased activity in the part of the brain involved in self-processing, a region believed to be related to empathy.

Contagious yawning is not a strictly human habit, though. Research shows that a couple animals related to our species, like chimps, do it too. In one study, British and Japanese researchers showed six female chimps videos of other female chimps that were either yawning or just opening their mouths. A third of the chimps yawned significantly more when watching other chimps yawn, while none of them yawned when watching the non-yawns.

So, yes, it seems that my professor was on to something with his yawning scheme. Not only does research show that yawning is contagious, it suggests yawning weeds out the starers who are a bit less empathetic (too bad the yawning trick won’t weed out the chimps, too).

This was written by Andrea Anderson. I think it might be worth a try...

frenchies

2007-09-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

When I was in France I asked my friend why all of the stores were playing American music. She told me it was because French music consisted of bad techno. I guess this is what she had in mind, but I have to say, I kinda dig it!

it's all so obvious

2007-09-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

I am a big nerd and have a thing for desk calendars. This year's has quotes from "wild women." A couple of months ago I got this one, "Meeting guys in bars is like going grocery shopping when you're hungry. You come home with things you don't need." Not that I tend to go home with the guys I meet in bars, but last weekend was a pretty good example of why this quote is true...

A friend and I decided to go out even though we had just exausted ourselves doing a 50 mile bike ride earlier in the day. It was definatly not an all out night, but we kind of felt like people watching, and there is nothing more entertaining then watching drunk people when you are sober (although, we have realized that when you are sober and actually enjoying kicking back, drunk people think that you look unhappy and will make sure to tell you this multiple times).

While this first encounter has nothing to do with guys in bars, it was the begining to what would be a bizarre night. Standing on the corner about the cross the street, out of nowhere there is a loud scream in my friends ear. We turn around to find an older man with no teeth grinning. He then turns around and walks away.

At our first bar I headed off to get drinks and my friend stayed back to avoid the crowd at the bar and to save our seats. Not even 30 seconds after I left her, Mr. Parts His Hair (seriously, it was tamed in such a way that you could tell a healthy amount of gel was used in preparing for this look) was on the prowl. He had been standing near us earlier in the night and at his first opportunity decides to start talking up my friend. I come back to find her awkwardly giving him her number. I think I must look scary because as soon as I got back he bolted. Maybe he doesn't have a lot of game when someone else is watching? Not really sure. But my friend later told me that a lot of the conversation had to do with her looking at the floor or around because she was having a hard time looking directly at him due to his choice of hairstyle. This comment makes us sound mean, but I promise, we really are nice girls.

Shortly after this encounter came the boys who ended up running us out of the bar. Showing his new roommate what Denver has to offer, drunkie proceeds to ask me the same question about 5 times (which I calmly answer hoping that he will eventually move on, but no). As the conversation dies down and we don't instigate anything else we think they will take the hint but don't so we decide to head out and go somewhere else. I guess we aren't the kind of people who can flat out tell someone to move on down the line. Maybe we just really wanted a change of scenary.

On the way to the next bar we are stopped by a guy standing on the street. He has wild curly hair, an odd look on his face, is holding his phone, and looks a little lost so we think he is just going to ask for directions. He then launches into a little speech, "Have you ever felt like you have to say hi to someone because they could change your life forever? That you just have to say hi to them?" It went on like this for awhile and my friend just can't handle it so she walks away laughing. I am stuck there trying to be polite as I back away when he asks me the kicker question, "So, would you...make me coffee, or buy me coffee..." Can't say that I have heard this one before but decided this was my exit so I said goodbye and ran to catch up with my friend who buy this time was halfway down the block.

By the time we got to the last bar it was a little late and not too crowded. Honest to God we were really actually having a good time talking and watching people but according to the general drunk public, since we were not falling over ourselves or making out with a random guy in a corner, we looked like we were miserable. In order to cure our saddness, Mr. iphone says he will buy us a drink. My friend tells him she is driving and declines but he decides to ignore this statement and orders her one anyway. The drinks come and she tells me that I have to drink hers for her and fast because she wants to go and get away from this kid. I look at the two long islands and get a little nervous because all I can imagine is how this may cause me to feel later in the night. I suck it up and down two long islands (which, thank God this bar does not put much alchohol in their drinks or I would have been in a lot of trouble) and we head out the door. This does not come fast enough to avoid the "Can I have your number" moment, which in this instance also came with, "What do you think of my roommate over there?" Yeah, the guy who has been sitting with a girl who we can only imagine is his finacee due to the insane rock on her finger, that guy.

We think there must have been a full moon.

this is why i'm hot

2007-09-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

You too can sport some awkwardly large glasses. Just roll like the cool kids and see Harry Potter in 3D Imax...yes, I actually did this, and it was pretty rad...

it's not a beauty pagent, it's a scholorship program

2007-08-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

"L" is for the way you look at me

2007-08-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

So it seems that I have crossed into the phase of life where more and more of my peers are starting to tie the knot. A friend told me that up until she reached the magical age of 25, life was good. Then, all of the sudden, marriage popped in her head. Babies. She still isn't sure that all of it is what she wants right now, but a good chunk of her now mid-20's friends are taking that route.

Growing up I always just assumed I would get married. It was just the thing to do. I love the idea of finding someone who clicks with you. Who gets you, and ultimatly helps you to be your happiest, best you. I know it can never be a 24/7 thing, but a majority of the time would be nice! But then I wonder, why do we need someone to help us be happy? Why can't we make ourselves happy? There is so much talk of soul mates, our other halves. Everyone wants to be "completed" by someone else. I think some of it comes from our fear of loneliness. Is this need for companionship a human need, or a desire driven by social stigma? Who doesn't fear becoming the old cat lady??

I just finished reading a book called Eat, Pray, Love. This woman went through a nasty divorce and left the country to find out what was going on in her life and to try make sense of it. While she was in India she met a man from Texas. During one of their conversations about her lost love, he had a really good insight:

People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that’s holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you’ll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah, to painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then they leave. And thank God for it. Your problem is, you just can’t let this one go. It’s over, Groceries. David’s purpose was to shake you up, drive you out of that marriage that you needed to leave, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light could get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you had to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master and beat it. That was his job, and he did great, but now it’s over.

So in a way, our soul mates do complete us. They help us to find out who we are and what we are made of, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they will be with us in a physical form forever. This whole take on things makes me wonder, then, what is so big about getting married? Can you really make it work with one person (who may or may not be your soul mate, because, let's face it, a lot of people do settle) for a very large chunk of your life? (Think about it, you get married at 25, live til your 80...is being single so terrible?) Don't get me wrong, I am not a hater of marriage, I'm just trying to make sense of it all. Like most American females, I do still hope to find "the one." But with this new take on things, I think that it's important to really look around and take everything in. No one person can ever make you truly happy. You alone are the person who controls your emotions. Live and learn and make yourself whole. Then, maybe, when you get to that spot, allow someone to share in your already marvelous life.

my baby's got sauce

2007-08-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

You know you're in for a good show when you see the artist post this on his blog:

Tonight is actually early Friday morning, August something, 2007 at 2:41 am. I'm lying in my bunk on the back of the bus. The bus is rolling through the deserts of New Mexico on the way to Morrison, Colorado. I can't sleep.

I've just been practicing up all day getting ready for the show at Red Rocks which is now about 18 hours away. I've already written and rewritten the set list about 20 times. I've ran some old tunes, worked on finger exercises and scales, noodled endlessly and worked on a song Jeff and I are writing. It’s fair to say I've done my work. This is a good thing as I'm hoping tomorrow I can just get up and flow straight through to the show.

We've got some cool musical surprises planned for what I'm considering to be the biggest show of my career. Jimmy Jazz is telling me to stop thinking and freaking out about it and I think he's right I should. And I'm going to stop thinking and rethinking about it as soon as I stop typing and this old bus rocks me to sleep.

Trying to write this set list has been the hardest thing. I wish I could just play every song I got then it would be easier. It’s tough cause maybe I will get to play around 15-20 songs. The thing is I've got hundreds. What should I play??? Anyway, I've picked out 20 of the best plus we've got a special guest. Hmmmmm...Can't tell you who yet it’s a surprise. See you when the sun is rising high. That’s my word bet, get ready to rock Red Rocks So steady when that sun sinks and the night time rises, sky-high-shooting stars ain't the only thing that shines. Get your shine on tonight

Peace out

G

G. Love at Red Rocks was AMAZING. I've seen him in concert before, but this show was 10 times better. The next day he wrote this:

We just got to Kansas here and my head is still spinning from last night. Red Rocks was siiiiiick. I can't thank Colorado enough for showing up so large. Both Miles (Slightly Stoopid) and I agreed that there is something special about the way people love music in CO. What a great crowd, It was super hype!

Ozo started off the evening with a killer set and the crowd never stopped jamming. Slightly Stoopid had an amazing set and honestly I knew that was going to be a hard act to follow. But we did and I think we had a pretty hot set. The crowd stayed live and my guitar was singing. Jimmy Jazz pulled off a hot solo in "This Ain't Living", Mark and Jeff crushed as well. For the encore we were blessed with Tristan Prettyman coming out from SD to join us for one of our best renditions of "Beautiful" (thanks to KBCO for blowing it up in Boulder). Mellow Mood had just about every musician on the tour on stage. We closed the set out with Sauce and Jersey and sealed the deal.

Thanks for everyone coming. We will be back!

I gotta go to sound check…tonight Kansas City here I come.

Peace

I have to admit, I wasn't the biggest fan of Slightly Stoopid. The set they played was way to long, but everyone else made up for their shortfallings. The night was one for the record books. After the rain ended the sun came out and a rainbow framed the stage. I heart Colorado.

a rose by any other name would smell as sweet

2007-08-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

My roomate just got a book, The Secret Universe of Names by Roy Feinson, that is based on the idea that words evolve into our language and culture because the sounds in these words evoke a particular emotional resonance in humans. When speaking, we have to make certain facial expressions to form sounds. These facial expressions reinforce the emotional response from the listener. Feinson hypothesizes from this that the reactions people have to these sounds in our own names can affect our self-image and the expectations other people have of us. Below is what this book says about me.

VK names: Youthful, Sensitive, Devoted - Manipulative, Conflicted, Hypersensitive

Because the letter V is the icon of virility and vitality and the K (or hard C sound) is the symbol of forceful action we find in king, kill, kick, Kaiser, kidnap and knock, when these two letters are combined in a word the result is the dynamism found in the words Viking, viscount, victory and Valkyries (the battlefield maidens of Norse mythology). Typically, we find a strong contradiction embedded in the personalities of those who bear the VK names-their personalities are alternately alluring and slightly dangerous-depending on the mood of the moment. Those who choose to end their names with the feminizing, high pitched Y, I or IE (Vicky) are signaling themselves to be somewhat more playful versions of the otherwise uncompromising VK names; creating a bit of uncertainty as to the VK's true motives.

It could be said that the VKs have a simplistic view of the universe reminiscent of the fierce idealism of middle adolescence. VKs are the champions of right, the first to point out shortcomings in others but also the first to give support when it's needed. They seem born with the ability to manipulate their environments, a trait which stands them in good stead in their personal lives, but which doesn't win them many allies in the workplace.

Although they're forceful at times, VKs also have a strangely powerful magnetic appeal-their playful sensuality and stunning smiles could disarm the NRA. But VKs aren't about to rely only on their charms for resources. Their recipe for success calls for finding other people's buttons and pushing them until they get what they want. VKs have the advantage here. Their control is subtle and their playful behavior distracts people while they're being outmaneuvered. Still, most of the time when a VK is being charming and friendly, it's not an act. They have big hearts and even bigger hopes for you. In any event, it's not all bad if you find yourself succumbing to a VK's will; they're quite generous in rewarding those who toe their line.

Marriage to a VK will be a treat for anyone who craves unconditional love and doesn't mind adhering to someone else's ideals. But make no mistake; if VKs believe that their partners aren't as committed as they are, they'll be out faster then a Taliban in Texas. But when their mates are dedicated to common ideals, VKs will do everything in their power to create a stable and loving environment in which both can reach their full potential.

Not half bad! Some sounds like me, other stuff, I'm not so sure. My roommate and I were thinking it would be a cool experiment to go through the book and pick out the names that seem like they are the coolest, most well rounded people and name any future kids with these names. Then, later on in life, go back and read the book to see if they turned out the way the book said they would.

come on get happy

2007-08-04T15:18:00.000-07:00

I saw this video on perezhilton.com and LOVED it.

kids, it's about that time again

2007-08-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

if a caveman could do it...

2007-08-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

By now I am sure that everyone has heard about the Geico cavemen getting their own sitcom. Now who's bright idea was this and who green-lighted the thing??? I can't imagine that it would be any good. I've already heard through the massive amounts of industry emails I get daily at work that the pilot has already been re-shot because it was that terrible. While I don't really believe that commercials have the story background to flesh out into much of a series, I have come up with a top ten list of characters from commercials that I would rather see have a TV show. Hey, if a caveman could do it...

1. the people in the Sonic commerials
2. the Apple and the PC guy from the Mac commercials
3. the King from the Burger King commercials
4. the travelocity gnome
5. the new Old Spice guy
6. the Frontier Airlines animals
7. the guy from the Volkswagon commercials
8. the people in the Axe commercials
9. the Budweiser frogs
10. Buddy Lee

celeb-reality

2007-08-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

I wrote this blog a couple of months ago for my company's blog. If you want to read it with all links intact, click here.

I’m not sure when it happened, but Americans have become obsessed with celebrity culture. These days there seem to be more tabloids than legit newspapers in any given market. There are even popular blogs devoted solely to celebrity gossip such as perezhilton.com and thesuperficial.com, which, I admit, I check on a daily basis.

Companies are noticing this love affair that America has with celebrities and they are starting to try to use it to their advantage. In the past, American celebrities would only do commercials in foreign countries because they said that they wanted to keep their professional image in the US. Many celebrities are now capitalizing by endorsing products in the US and companies are hoping that everyday Americans will connect with their product because of their adoration for the celebrity advertising it. In a recent episode of 30 Rock on NBC, they made light of this situation. Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) explained to a recently broke Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) that to make enough money to keep from losing his house all he had to do was find a product to put his name on and it would sell. It didn’t matter what the product was because the product wasn’t what was being sold. What was being sold was Tracy’s name and image. Jack told him that people would buy him, not the product. Tracy came back with The Tracy Jordan Meat Machine. Hey George-isn’t imitation the greatest form of flattery??

I can’t help but wonder why the sudden change of heart? Why do the celebrities do it? Is it for the money? I thought they were all about remaining professional. Did they sell out? Or is it more that they want, in a way, to sell themselves? Celebrities have an image that they project to the world. This image has evolved into their brand. When you really think about it, a celebrity is a brand. You have your Tara Reids and Julia Roberts. Why else would they have so many agents, hairdressers and P.R. Reps? By doing commercials and being broadcast across the country on a daily basis they are trying to further their own brand. Plus, they have to find some way to pay for their million dollar homes.

I recently read an article on AdAge.com about a new commercial that Kevin Federline (yes, you heard me right) is doing for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. that will be aired during Super Bowl XLI. My first reaction to this news was laughter. If celebrities are brands, then to me he is synonymous to a K-Mart shoe. I don’t see how Federline could be a good spokesman for an insurance company. To me, the match seems way off. Then it hit me. It’s all about face time for both parties, Nationwide and Federline.

According to the AdAge.com article, Nationwide is hoping for a repeat of the $7.2 million media frenzy they received after last year’s Fabio Super Bowl commercial. It got 158 million impressions and generated over 500 media stories. I think that Nationwide knows Federline is a household name all across America and by using him in their ad people will pay attention to it. People are drawn to watching Federline just like they are drawn to watching a train wreck. You know you shouldn’t but you do anyway. On the other half of this match up, Federline is out to make a name for himself. What better way to get face time then to be on TV during the Super Bowl?

All the negativity aimed at Federline lately makes me think that maybe we should all throw him a bone. Perhaps he isn’t as clueless as we think. He did manage to land a high profile commercial and this is a good example of how celebrities (or in this case wanna-be celebrities) are using advertising to extend their own branded image and get their name in the press. Even if it’s obvious that Nationwide is using his status to get a laugh out of the American public, he is willing to be the butt of the joke just to be included with the big kids. It’s a hard knock life being Britney Spears’ baby daddy.

wii

2007-07-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

To anyone who says that video games make kids fat and stupid, I only have one thing to say...buy a Wii!! A couple of nights ago I played wii boxing for the first time ever and the next day I was a little sore. It only got worse today. I didn't know why. Did not even dawn on me that the pain I was feeling was from a 15 min game that I played with hand held controllers...I think this beats DDR.

look what i got...

2007-07-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

So, we are all familiar with the obligatory, "My parents went to Hawaii and I all got was this t-shirt" type souvenir gifts. Well, I have to say that my parents have taken it one step farther. Right before they took off for the east coast a couple weeks ago I had been talking to my mom about how I wanted some White Castle. Not really sure why, since I never really ate there much when I actually lived there, but it was one of those cravings I guess. How can you not like those little bitty burgers? They make me feel like a giant. Anyway, so I'm hanging out with my parents today for the first time since they have been back and my mom gets all excited about what she brought back for me. Turns out they decided to go to White Castle one day and thought it would be the best idea to bring me back a bunch of ketchup packets along with the cardboard holder that had once held their delicious meal. My parents really do love me.

kids say the darndest things

2007-07-04T14:14:00.000-07:00

I know in my younger days that I've said a lot of things to embarress my parents. The other day I was in Target. A woman was looking at a dress. I noticed this woman because her little boy, let's say he was 4 or 5, was SO excited about the dress, which struck me as odd that a little boy would be so into a dress. Touching it, oohing and ahhing over it. I laughed to myself. Anyway, this made me think that this child might be the next Marc Jacobs or something. That's until he opened his mouth and proceeded to tell his mother in a very loud voice that you would be able to see her boobs if she wore the dress. At this point they walked away. I started laughing harder.

the good old days

2007-07-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

I can't say that I ever really got into the Transformers as a kid, but my older brother was all about them. I think he even had his Transformer pillowcases until the age of 12. In honor of all things 80's that rocked (including me, seeing as how I was born in '83) here is a little Transformer love.

On another note, I feel bad for kids these days. Their Saturday morning cartoons are nothing like we had. I think people are realizing this. Why else would I have woken up one day and seen Babar and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the tube?

the joys of interoffice email

2007-06-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

I think they might be on to something...

An American Wrongfully Imprisoned In Nicaragua

2007-06-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

splat

2007-05-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

This is actually really gross and I don't know why I took a picture of it (especially because I was driving). But I have hit a lot of bugs with my car in my day and this was the first time that after the act I had BLOOD on my window!! Kinda grossed me out. I'm guessing it was a recently full and content mosquito. FYI - if this is you, you should probably avoid freeways.

gas

2007-05-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Do you think this will help??? I don't know if anything can be done to bring down the price of gas, but I seriously hope we can figure something out becuase otherwise I am going to have to turn into a hermit or just find a way to ride my bike everywhere.

don't forget to hydrate

2007-05-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

I got a workout tape from the library because it said it was by a guy who does workouts for the stars.

I have never been a huge fan of product placement. I'm not sure exactly why, but I think its because it seems to me like ads are invading my entertainment. Like you can't ever get a break from them.

Anyway, today was a first for me, because right in the middle of the workout, Gunnar Peterson says, "Now would be a great time to catch your breath and get some water. We're drinking Propel Fitness Water." He lifts up his plastic bottle, label out to the camera.

I started laughing. Anything to make a buck.

the british are coming!!

2007-05-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

I don't really know why, but it seems like all the new music I listen to lately comes from the brits...My best friend always thought I'd end up marrying a guy I met in a pub...maybe I'm just subconsciously headed in that direction?? Enjoy!

vic's got jokes

2007-05-19T21:29:00.000-07:00

I made up a joke today:

What did the kangaroo say to the cow?

How's it going down udder?

Get it???? Should I stick to my day job?

look where i've been!

2007-05-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

Oh the places you'll go...

2007-05-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

I just got back a couple weeks ago from the most amazing trip ever. I haven't written anything about it because I have never been able to really put in words all of the things that I wanted to and have it make sense. It almost feels like it might be one of those memories that lives on better in your mind then on paper, but I want to get it all out, so I'll keep working on it. Anyway, that isn't why I'm writing this entry. When my friends and I were on our trip we met some kids at our hostel in Rome and one of them has started emailing me. He doesn't speak (or type I guess in this case) the best English (but then I can't do too well in Spanish!) but it is so fun to decipher what he is saying. I loved how so many people in Europe spoke more then one language. To be able to speak with people and understand them even though you come from completley different cultures is something that really amazes me. I love it. It makes the world so much smaller and open for you to explore.

Quilts

2007-05-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

I spent the day with my mom yesterday and we went to a quilt show (she is really big on quilting). There were a couple that seemed to really stand out. I can't imagine how much time and thought went into making all of them. It's pretty amazing. I don't know if I would have the patience! My mom had alwasys tried to get me into sewing when I was little but I would always start things and not finish them. I'm trying to learn how to knit now, and she gave me her old sewing machine, so who knows...the creative bug might hit me soon! The pictures up top are a couple of my favorite quilts from the show. I loved the "doodle on paper" one. Very cool.

tickle your funny bone

2007-05-04T17:02:00.000-07:00

I got an email today with tons of signs...these were my favorite two.

SOS

2007-05-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

Last night I was driving down the street and saw a Hummer police car. What is the point of this? How can a cop chase anyone down in a Hummer? Who pays the bills for the gas in that thing? I know I live in Colorado, but there isn't a ton of off roading around where I live. It just seemed like a very odd fit to me.

Rock the Vote!

2007-05-04T16:56:00.000-07:00

Click on the Horses

2007-04-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

Click on this link first and then follow the directions given above.

http://svt.se/hogafflahage/hogafflaHage_site/Kor/hestekor.swf

Amy Winehouse=Rehab

2007-03-21T21:32:00.000-07:00

My other new fave!

Mika Grace Kelly

2007-03-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!

back for more

2007-03-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've written anything. Things that have been occupying my time: I have to admit, my time online has cut back a lot since daylight savings time kicked in. I just have so much more energy and I LOVE being outside. I've also been busy planning for what will probably be the most amazing trip/adventure of my life to date!! I am hooked on a couple new musicial talents (Mika and Amy Winehouse specifically) so I just like to mellow out listening to them. I managed to find some kick ass bindings for my snowboard (since I broke my old ones) and had to work on getting those put on. Now tomorrow I have to find a place to get my tires re-aligned since the massive pot holes that covered the city of Denver after multiple blizzards have taken a toll and are killing my tires. There always seems to be something going on!!

Happy Spring!!!

valentines flowers from my secret admirer

2007-02-18T16:22:00.000-08:00

valentines flowers from my secret admirer
Originally uploaded by pickyv83.

I meant to post this a couple days ago, but here are the GORGEOUS flowers that I received from my secret admirer (aka my best friend Nancy) on Valentine's Day. She treats me better then anyone, 2 dozen!! Don't hate...although I am hatin hard on FTD because I ordered flowers for her through them and they did not deliver them on time!! Nothing sucks more than expecting flowers on Valentine's Day and them not showing up...trust me, I know. So don't use FTD!!! But please feel free to admire how pretty mine are!

Scanaholic

2007-02-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

I just got my new scanner in the mail and felt like playin around with it. This is a coaster/postcard I got in a bar one time and I kept it because I think it's hilarious AND a good message!

Attack of the Kamakazi Fly

2007-01-30T20:09:00.000-08:00

Orlando
Originally uploaded by pickyv83.

I was sitting at my desk today at work and heard a fly buzzing around. All of the sudden I look up and see this black dot headed at me. It hits my chest right under my collar bone and disappears. I could have sworn it went in my shirt but I couldn't find it so I gave up the search. Then I feel something move near my arm and sure enough when I move a fly falls out from my shirt...I found it dead under my desk later on in the day. My brother had given me the Orlando Bloom figure for Christmas...his action pose didn't seem to to intimidating to the fly, I guess!.

I'm getting old

2007-01-28T20:44:00.000-08:00

I have started feeling old already and I'm only 23! I was at the movies on Friday night and it is insane how young the kids that hang out there look. It doesn't feel like that long ago that I would spend my Friday nights at the movie theater hanging out wtih my friends. I don't remember feeling like I looked that young though...And I've noticed something about young girls nowadays. They seem to have this way that they stand. It takes leaning on one leg to new heights. It's like they have this attitud-y stance where they have to stick one hip way out and lean the other direction on their other leg. I can't really explain it. All I know is that I've seen it more then a couple times. But attitude and being a teenager do go hand in hand.

Oh Boulder...

2007-01-26T22:33:00.000-08:00

Heading into Boulder
Originally uploaded by pickyv83.

So, tonight I went to see the new Jennifer Garner movie "Catch and Release." I have to admit that I am not really a huge Garner fan, but I had heard that the movie was filmed in Boulder a couple summers ago and I wanted to see what they did. I was living in Boulder at the time and had no idea that a film crew had been in town at all. I was working a lot that summer...Anyway, it was wierd to see so many places on a movie screen that I used to walk by on a daily basis. They really sterotyped Boulder, though. They had one scene where they were on Pearl St. and OF COURSE they had guitar playing hippies hangin around. They showed parts of Boulder Creek and The Hill (good ol Sink and Half Fast!), too. They even had one of the characters working at the Celestial Seasonings plant. They drank New Belgium beers and had a Bolder Boulder poster hanging in the background. One thing that kind of annoyed me...they had Garner's character go to a bar that does not exist. Not only that, they had all the people in the bar be cowboy types. If you live in Boulder, you know there are no cowboys and no cowboy bars. Especially bars that play all country music and have cowboy hat wearing men sitting at the bar. Other then that one gripe, I did like the movie and I loved seeing Boulder on the big screen!!!

Miss Thang

2007-01-22T20:13:00.000-08:00

Miss Thang
Originally uploaded by pickyv83.

I found this website that lets you create your own M&M with accesories and all kinds of stuff. I kept mine simple. She's headed out the door after a long day at work straight to happy hour. She likes to have a good time.

Spiders On Drugs

2007-01-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

This thing is so funny!!!

Europe here I come!!!

2007-01-18T22:20:00.000-08:00

Guess who's going to be a world traveler in less than 4 months...ME!! I have been reading up on things I want to see and even joined a email list that sends French language lessons for travelers to their emails every week. Maybe I should come up with something like that for people who want to learn English...not a bad idea! I'm so excited though. I want to read up on stuff so I am not completly lost when I get over there. A blondie in Barcelona...watch out!

Love songs for the lazy (or untalented)

2007-01-18T22:12:00.000-08:00

I was reading through a springwise email the other day and saw the funniest rip off ever. Springwise is all about new buisness ideas. They did a whole article on a new-ish website that creates love songs for you to give to that someone special. www.tailoredmusic.com lets you pick a song, add your own lyrics and then someone at the company records your song and sends it to you. The thing that got me is how much it costs. It easily runs $300 bucks per song. What ever happened to writing a card or silly poem for Valentine's Day...

Cat House

2007-01-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

Cat House
Originally uploaded by pickyv83.

After unpacking all the boxes from the move we became inspired. First came the door. Then we went all out and decided to build Kacee her own little house. It looks like something one of the three little pigs would build. It didn't last long. Curiosity killed the house and now it sits in the middle of the floor in a collapsed heap. The funniest part is that now that it is broken, she actually likes to sit in it.

Snow Day!

2006-12-20T14:49:00.000-08:00

Hit by a blizzard I am stuck at home with nothing better to do then pack. Well, pack and mess around online and download music. Hard core procrastinator til the day I die. I don't think it has stopped snowing since I woke up this morning. There is even a nice little snowdrift right outside of my window. I needed a day like today to chill. I love having excuses to lock up in my jammers all day.

Go CU!

2006-11-24T22:20:00.000-08:00

This has been a long season for the Buffs. Only two wins this year made it a little disheartening, but today they did put up a great effort. They looked like a different team then they did back in September and I am proud to be a Buff! Now if only Nebraska could have put on a hold on their show-off plays we might have had a chance to keep the score a little closer but what can ya do? Next year boys!!

Happy Holidays!!

2006-11-24T22:14:00.000-08:00

My mom and I decided to go out to a couple stores this morning to hit up some sales. We got to Target at about 8 am and the one thing that I had wanted to buy was already sold out. I was a little bummed, but I was not about to get up all hella early for an ipod dock clock radio. And seriously, in all honesty I did not expect them to all be gone by 8 when the store opened at 6. How nieve was I? I heard one girl say she had gotten up at 4:30 in the morning! I didn't find a lot of gifts for people but I did manage to score the first season of The Office for 9 bucks at Wally World. I know, not really the holiday spirit buying gifts for myself but what can I say...

Do Something New

2006-11-14T21:46:00.000-08:00

I love the website www.springwise.com. It's amazing! It's all about entreprenual ideas and buisnesses that people are coming up with. I had some down time today and browsed for a while. It made me start thinking more creativly. I hope to be able to own my own buisness someday and this site makes me think that it really is possible! Check it out and enjoy!

Free to be me

2006-11-14T21:28:00.000-08:00

I absolutly LOVE Nike Free shoes. I love to go running and I have never put on a pair of shoes that make it easier and more enjoyable to run forever. It amazes me that Nike hasn't spent more time and money to advertise these shoes. I don't think I have ever even seen a real advertisment for them. This made me start thinking. We are bombarded by ads for shoes designed/sponsored by athletic starts (i.e. Jordans - need I say more?). And those shoes do nothing special for your feet. It's all image. But image sells. It just seems wrong to me that a company would put more time, money and effort into shoes that are all about image than performance, espially a company that prides itself as being an athletic footwear and apparel super giant. Stay away from the Jordan's and Carmello's of the world and stay true to what the brand was built on.

Destroyed - What happens when a cat is on a diet

2006-11-14T21:26:00.000-08:00

Destroyed
Originally uploaded by pickyv83.

So, a couple weeks ago I took my cat to the vet. I was told there is a new view as to how cats should eat....only wet food and 2-3 ounces of it a day. Kacee has not taken to this very well. I take that back, she LOVES the wet food but she acts like she is constantly starving. Case in point, I was gone for the day on Sunday and came home to find all her treat bags on the floor. All except one that was missing. The next day I came home from work and found it smack in the middle of the hallway totally torn up with every single treat gone. I'm not sure if this is a sign that she was bored or if I should feed her more...

I should have paid more attention in weather class...

2006-10-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's not so much that I don't understand weather as that I don't understand Colorado weather. It's so crazy. One day its 70 degrees, the next it's snowing. No wonder I got a cold the day before my birhtday. Nothing like having the sniffles when you're trying to head out to the bars to celebrate. And the best part was that I got better the day after. Trying to rain on my parade...

New additions to my fam!

2006-10-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

Fuzzballs
Originally uploaded by pickyv83.

I just wanted to say how excited I am for my brother who just took in two stray, adorable, hyper kittens named Rupert and Starbuck!! I'm sure he will be busy running after those two...As much as I want Kacee to have a playmate during the day when I'm at work, I am fighting the old cat lady doom that may very well be my future!

Why??

2006-10-22T22:24:00.000-07:00

I admit, I do sometimes think that animals dressed up in costumes is cute. Everyone likes a little bling, why not let your pet enjoy it, too? But I think it's maybe going a little too far with iPod costumes. I'm not kidding. There are actual websites out there that make it possible for your iPod to enter the costume contest right along with you! Who came up with this idea?

Jitter Bug

2006-10-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

I can not remember a time when I was completly content with how my life was. I am always looking for something new. Something to do, something to entertain me, something to make me feel challanged. It's like I'm never completly whole. I am constantly searching for the thing that will complete me. Is there such a thing? Is there a point where you stop feeling the need or desire to change yourself? Is life really just this chase and thats what keeps us motivated to wake up every morning? I'm not sure if other people feel this way or not. Maybe I am just a little (or a lot) screwed up. Maybe I am just not happy with myself and until I am I will keep looking and reaching for the next big thing. Or maybe I am just a restless person who needs constant stimulation. Maybe I get bored to easily. How much of this feeling is me, and how much of it is my generation? I've heard that my generation will switch jobs and careers close to 7 times in their life. Our grandparents did the same job most of their adult lives. What has changed to cause this? I don't do well with options. I can't make a decision to save my life. All of my big decisions that I have made so far in life have been made on accident. I think it's because I am afraid to lock myself into something and not be able to go back. But that's all part of life, too. It's crazy to think that all the decisions we make have an impact on our lives. I mean, think about it. Even the decision of what to have for dinner, which seems to simple and pointless could be the one decision that results in you getting food poisoning or an allergic reaction. Life itself is a challange. I think maybe I will just hide in my bed under the covers...KIDDING! Bring it!

Bad News Bears

2006-10-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

So, I definatly have a case of the Mondays. I'm sitting in my office today gettin er done, and find out that my PARKED car has been hit by a runaway truck. Turns out the concrete workers outside have a truck with a faulty clutch or something and the truck rolls down the hill, over the median with all the flowers in it and then smashes into my car. I have really bad luck with cars. This is the second one I have owned and it is the second one to be hit. No more black cars for this chick. 3 strikes and you're out, and I don't want to go for number 3.

Scaredy Cat

2006-09-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

Kacee
Originally uploaded by pickyv83.

Ok, so this might seem really weird, but I am afraid of my cat. She is young and full of energy, which means she does not let me sit her down to trim her claws. She won't have it. She scquirms and hisses and waves her sharp terror claws around in the air, barely missing me face. Last night I tried before bed and I think she might have been playing, but she made a leap at me. Freaked me out. I honestly thought of hiding under the covers incase she decided in the middle of the night it might be fun to attack me. I admit, I have an overactive imagination. Atleast I woke up in one piece. Today, she's back to her old self, and I did manage to get ONE nail trimmed. Wish me luck with the others.

NYC Vibe

2006-09-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

cabs_IMG
Originally uploaded by pickyv83.

I heart New York. Where else in the world will you see so many cabs at once?

I have ARRIVED!

2006-09-21T22:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody! So, this is my first blog EVER. Kind of fun to think you can write about anything you want. Hope someone out there likes to read my ramblings! I'm getting really psyched about snowboarding this winter. It's already snowing in the mountains. WATCH OUT!