Ugly Betty

So, last night I watched the premiere of Ugly Betty. What a great show! I think America Ferrara is a fabulous actress. I've loved her since I saw Real Women Have Curves. The show is just the right mix of sweetness, sadness, and camp. The rest of the cast is pretty good too. Her boss, and the evil folks at work are a nice balance to her home life. Her nephew is about adorable and a half. He does need to give our dear Betty some fashion advice though. This show is getting the tivo season pass.

In other news, I finished season four of Angel last night. That was really a horrible season. Such a let down after the great season three. Anyway, I am glad to see the Connor won't be around next season. Fred's "Who's Connor?" line was great. I wonder how these folks will handle being the big bosses of Wolfram and Hart? I can't wait to find out, plus SPIKE. I need some Spike.

I like cute, funny boys who play guitars. So, sue me.

Have any of you been reading John Mayer's blog? He doesn't post everyday but when he does it makes me chuckle. Recently, Rolling Stone had an article about Mayer, which I read since I am a subscriber. In it they go on and on about how John Mayer wants to do comedy. I for one can see that.

A few years back VH1 had this show with john Mayer called "John Mayer Has A TV Show." It was pretty funny. He did all these silly sketches with people and it made me laugh. It made me like his music even more than I already do.

Anyway, go check out his blog. I do. I think I might go buy his new disc too.

I am a folllower on occasion

" The good fuck" You are 63 fuckable!

You're about as fuckable as most people, which is not bad. Actually, it's quite healthy! You know how to act and what's appropriate. You know when it's the time and place for what. And people can use that to see you erotically. It's no surprise that you can attract a good number of people. You're what they want! A realistic babe who knows when to get a bit wild! Yeah, I'd fuck you!

My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 20% on humpers

Link: The how fuckable are you? Test written by ShizzleBitch on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

They're baaaaaack

Well, the all at once dreaded and anticipated Gilmore Girls season premiere has come and gone. Beth has a decent assessment of last night's episode on her blog. I am willing to agree with her on most points. Honestly, I know a lot of people in Stars Hollow world were concerned about life without the Palladinos but I think it's safe to say I wasn't one of them. So far David Rosenthal has got me. Like Beth, it seemed like a toned down version of GG. Which, when compared with the stupidity that was last season, is fine by me.

I loved that the girls played some racquetball. Although, they proved my rule of always wear goggles. I loved that Logan is clearly over the moon yet playing it safe with Rory. It gave me a chuckle to see Rory not holding all the cards in the relationship. I loved that Lorelai blew Christopher off, although previews tell me that won't last for long. I loved the parallels between the Luke/Lorelai fight and the ruination of the diner.

I think we are in for a different season, probably the last season. But in this case, I don't think change is bad. I am going to keep my fingers crossed that Luke and Lorelai go their separate ways and then find their way back to each. Until then, I am along for the ride.

My addiction: television

As Beth discussed on her blog, there are several new shows that have caught my interest this television season. I don't know how I am going to keep all these new shows in addition to the stuff I already watch.

Last night, I watched Brothers and Sisters. Beth liked it and so did I. However many critics seem to hate this show. I found it pretty believable in the way siblings relate. Plus, Ron Rifkin was creepy even when he wasn't Sloan. I've said it before and I will say it again, Greg Fucking Berlanti. I actually squealed when I saw his name on the screen. I will follow this man anywhere. So, this one is a keeper.

I also watched Six Degrees this week. Like Beth, I am slightly on the fence about this show but I do like Campbell Scott. And, I think my J.J. Abrams love is well known on this blog.

I feel like I am completely copying Beth here but I am really looking forward to Heroes tonight, the premier of Gilmore Girls tomorrow, and Ugly Betty later this week. I have noticed that I am watching more ABC than just about anything these days. Let's do a tally:

ABC: Grey's Anatomy, Brothers and Sisters, Six Degrees, Ugly Betty
CW: Gilmore Girls
NBC: Heroes, Studio 60

Also, I am curious to see what is going to happen with What about Brian and I am not sure how I can watch The O.C. at the same time as Ugly Betty as I only have one t.v. and I haven't figured out how to watch a show and tivo another. Sigh.

Also, for all you t.v. lovers out there Everwood begins syndication on October 2. My tivo is already set. In fact, I am thinking about buying a tivo specifically dedicated to Everwood. I'm totally serious, y'all.

The one where I get inspired

Last year most of you followed my progress at the gym and on my diet. I was pretty proud of myself for doing all the work. But somewhere along the way I fell off the horse. I have reasons or excuses; whatever you want to call them. And now I find myself back at square one. Back where I was before I did all that work, before I felt good about myself again. I was sitting in my apartment earlier this week wondering what it would take to get me back on the wagon. I was waiting for someone to light a fire under my as that I myself couldn't light.

It's strange to think about how the internet brings people together who should never really be together. I mean you "meet" people in chat rooms or on blogs or on random web sites and these people affect you. You read about them or you read their stories and it changes you. It makes you think you know them and it makes you think they know you. Even though that is not often the case.

The point of all of this is to say that Pamie has inspired me. On her blog she discusses in detail her first marathon run. As I am reading this entry I am crying at my desk. This woman, who I have never met and probably never will meet, has reduced me to tears and at the same time has give me the final push I need to get up off my ass.

Tomorrow morming I begin my training. I don't plan to run a marathon. But I do plan to run Hanover's Race to the Point in May. I don't want to walk/jog it like last year. I want to run it and maybe even place in my age range (so, look out, Robyn). I have a title to defend after all.

Dear Fall, It's me, Jalehlabad

I love Fall; it's my favorite season. It's perfect jeans, tees, sweater, and converse weather. I love when the leaves change colors and makes everything orange, yellow, and red. I can't wait to see my new neighborhood under Fall's influence. You might think that since I live in a city now that I don't see many trees but you would be wrong. My neighborhood is tree filled and I live by several parks and a botanical garden. So, I am not too far from nature.

Anyway, for the last few mornings things have been a bit chilly. It generally warms up in the afternoon but I am liking the chilly mornings. Of course, that is until I have to start scraping my car windows. But that is winter and I never said I liked winter. I am ready for fall. I am ready to shut off the a.c. and have the windows and the patio door open. In fact, minus the patio door, that is the condition of my apartment right now.

In other news, Project Runway was a repeat last night. Thanks for the head's up, Marissa. So I spent the evening with my second favorite vamp, Angel. He's not Angel anymore though. Now he's big, bad Angelus. I can't help but think things are going to get worse before they get better. Anyway, I like that David Boreanz seems to have fun playing Angelus. Also, Wesley just gets hotter and hotter as the show goes on. I don't really like the triangle of Wes, Gunn, and Fred but whatever. I can live with it if it means less Connor on my screen.

Finally, I am going to buy some OK GO/Death Cab for Cutie concert tickets at lunch. Who's jealous?

Meow mix

So, first of all, thanks for all your well wishes for my nutty cat. It turns out she doesn't have, in fact never had, a urinary tract infection. What she actually has is stress induced inflammation of the bladder. Yeah. Who would have thought that my cat (who is only four) would be so stressed out? Apparently the move wasn't as smooth for Zaria as it's been for me. Anyhoodle, she didn't need surgery but she is on meds for the next three weeks and she has a new, special diet.

On the work front, my office is being renovated today so I am surrounded by drywall and noise. It's a lot of fun. I also had my first reference question and, of course, it had to be a difficult one from a ph.d. candidate. But I am trying to muddle my way through it. Also, I just put in a request to attend a conference in Boston this November. I've never been to Boston; so those of you who have need to give the goods on the nice places to eat.

ETA: Holla to my pal Marissa for getting a book review shout out on pamie.com. I am so jealous.

Otherwise, I am leading the boring life of looking forward to Project Runway tonight. It's truly exciting this life I lead.

I am Aaron Sorkin's bitch

Last night I caught the pilot of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. I am hooked. I knew it was going to happen.

Aaron Sorkin just writes so well. I already care about a few of the characters. Bradly Whitford and Matthew Perry have great chemistry as best friends and as a writing team. I have always liked Sarah Paulson and I think she's good but I could see Emma Caufield in that role really doing a great job. Steven Weber plays a great bad guy.

ETA: Plus, Lauren Graham is going to have a two episode guest appearance this season. As herself! I am so glad she is pals with Matthew Perry.

Anyway, it's a great mixture of poking fun at politics and Hollywood. Two things which I enjoy very much. If you missed the pilot, you can get it from Netflix and then catch the new episode next Monday.

In other news, if you hadn't noticed, I changed the blog layout. I just wanted a change. I am not sure how long I am keeping this one but it's here for now.

I am continuing my foray into Angel season four and have been truly grossed out by the Connor/Cordy hookup. I am kind of glad I have a few days until the next dvd comes. Not sure I can handle more of the ick factor. I have also finished the first half of the Forsyte saga. I am now looking forward to the divorce of Soames and Irene. I know he did a horrible thing that is really unforgivable but I cannot stay mad at Soames. I really feel sorry for him and I pretty much loathe Irene. I am interested to see how this ends.

On the home front, I have a very sick kitty. I know most of you have no love for Zaria and she really has no love for you. But I love her and I am her person so she loves me. Right now my cat is at the vet awaiting x-rays, urine sampling, and possible surgery. All because of a urinary tract infection. It hasn't been fun giving her medicine twice a day for two weeks and it's been even less fun finding bloody urine on the bathroom floor multiple times a day. But really, I just want her better. Because I can't imagine it's been all that fun for Zaria either. If you've ever had a urinary tract infection, I think you can sympathize with my cat. All I am hoping for is no surgery because surgery = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. And to think, just a few days ago I was mocking those who had insurance on their pets.

It's Friday but I am not in love

This morning I woke up fairly scared. I had this horrible dream about some dear friends of mine dying and then they left me their child to raise. Not that I don't love kids but the dream really freaked me out. So, if you get a call from me later on today to make sure you are all right then you know my death dream was about YOU. Also, you might need to have a kid so that sort of excludes about 99% of my readership.

As I was showering this morning, to get my mind off my terrible dream, I started to compile a list of the things I don't miss about living in Indiana. Since I am sure you are just dying to know what that list is I am going to take the liberty of typing them out for you.

1. Slugs in my apartment. Since moving to a second floor pad and not living in such close proximity to a river I had been able to rid my home of slugs.

2. I only have to drive for 5 minutes to get to Target. I could walk it in about 15 minutes. Now, I know Beth (who lives in Indiana) has me beat on this one but I don't care.

3. Cecil Whitaker's Pizza. It's fucking good pizza.

4. My old hairdresser. I found her. Daniele is going to work her magic on my hair on Saturday. Needless to say, I am stoked.

About this time my cat tried to jump into the shower to say hello and my list went away. I am sure I could add more but I really don't feel like it. Now, this is not to say that they aren't things I miss about Indiana because there are some of those as well. For example, I forgot how noisy people are. My river town place was so quiet and private. It is very different from my place here. Also, knowing a barista at the local coffee shop was nice. I miss free iced teas and chatting when I should have been doing other things. Most importantly, I miss WNSC. Wednesday night social club was just awesome. It was a great group of folks who knew how to drink and have a good laugh, even when they contemplated kicking me out for watching Alias. I am missing that here. I mean, drinking alone on a Wednesday night seems kind of pathetic. Not that this has ever stopped me before.

One final note...I have been listening to some Buffy podcasts on itunes. This guy Revello does a decent job talking about Buffyverse. I don't always agree with him but it's nice to get another perspective. One thing that really stuck out to me is that he commented on all these people who liked Willow and Kennedy as a couple. All I have to say is who are these people? And do they have any common sense? Do you, my fair readers, know anyone who likes Kennedy? Because if so, please put them in contact with me so I can ask them how such a thing is possible.

On being a student again

You know, languages are funny. Not everyone can learn them. I am finding this out very quickly as I am currently enrolled in a language course.

I should clarify something here. I am not talking about myself; rather I am talking about some of my classmates. Studies show that people have a hard time learning a second or third language after the age of about 12. Now, I know I am older than 12 but I am also faring a lot better than others in my class; it probably has something to do with knowing the language as a child and having it rolling around in my subconscious. It's week two and I can already tell you the two people who are going to keep this class from going at a fast pace. Not to be an agist, but it's the two women over 50. Don't get me wrong; I admire them for even attempting to learn a language so vastly different from their native tongue. But Christ, they can barely say hello without getting confused. And when writing a three letter word takes almost four minutes, well, it's an issue. Or at least it is for me.

My professor must have the patience of a saint because I don't and I am annoyed. Luckily for me, I got paired with a girl who just returned from a country where this language is the native tongue. She and I are getting along really well, especially since we started the mocking last night. Granted, it was quiet, only we can hear it mocking but it was fun.

Also, I forgot how tedious language homework can be. And how time consuming. I spent the better part of Saturday morning and Monday night doing homework. It's a good thing I have tivo for the upcoming news seasons. I won't be letting homework stop me from watching hours of mindless television.

Speaking of television, I saw the new Gilmore Girls promo last night. It looks promising. Luke seems shocked by the events of last season; though mostly because his head has been up his ass. Sigh. Anyway, here's to hoping it's a good season. Oh, and this Sunday night check out the final night of the WB. They are showing the pilot episodes of Buffy, Angel, Felicity, and Dawson's Creek. Guess how many of those are on my tivo to do list.

I'd rather be dead than red in the head

I finally sat down to watch the newest version of the story of Queen Elizabeth I. Elizabeth I starring Helen Mirren as the aging queen in need of a husband and heir. I thought the film was excellently done. The costuming alone would make it wonderful but the acting was also superb. How could it not be with Ms. Mirren and Jeremy Irons? Also, Hugh Dancy is as cute as he was in Ella Enchanted. Hee.

I have sort of always had a fascination with Elizabeth. She intrigued me as a fellow red head. In college when I was able to really study her I found her to be even more compelling. Here is a woman who grew up without a mother and with a father who basically hated her. Her siblings weren't exactly what one would call close what with Mary trying to kill her and all. But this woman ruled England well. Better than either of her siblings for sure. Although, on Edwards behalf he never really had a chance thanks to being so damn sickly. Anyway, in this version of the story Elizabeth doesn't ever have sex; she is the virgin queen. Not sure I totally buy into that theory but I suppose the times were very different and Elizabeth pregnant with an illegitimate child wouldn't have been so kosher.


Anyway, if you have HBO you should totally check this two part movie out.

Because Mike said so

The Wikipedia meme:

Birthday: February 12

Events: (I had to do four events)

1554: A year after claiming the throne of England for nine days, Lady Jane Grey is beheaded for treason.

1870: Women gain the right to vote in Utah Territory.

1951: Soraya Esfandiary Bakhtiari marries the Shah of Iran Reza Pahlavi at Golestan Palace in Teheran at the age of 17.

2004: Mattel announced the split of Barbie and Ken.

Births (besides Abe Lincoln):

1938: Judy Blume, American Author

1980: Christina Ricci, American Actress

Deaths:

1804 - Immanuel Kant, German philosopher (b. 1724)

I want to know what love is; I want YOU to show me.

This weekend I was lucky enough to have the plesure of going to see the rockin' duo of Foreigner and Styx. There is just about nothing better than a nice psuedo-Fall evening outside with a warming, over-priced Bud Lite in your hand; surrounded by dirt rockers and listening to Classic Rock. Seriously.

Although I went mostly for the mocking that I knew would happen (plus the free ticket), it was a great night. My pal Selena and I made fun of several dirt rockers. We were sickened by the couple on the blanket next to us, and were rocked by Foreigner. Styx left much to be desired as they did not play Mr. Roboto. Bastards. I was kind of shocked at how many Foreigner songs I knew as I couldn't name a single tune they sang before heading to the concert, mostly because the songs of theirs I knew I had attributed to other bands. What can I say? If you weren't Poison or Def Leppard I didn't pay too much attention to you. Unless you were Color Me Badd or Too Live Crew or Garth Brooks. Yes, I had ecclectic tastes even as a child.

One of the coolest parts of the evening was running into a pal I hadn't seen in years. I saw my old Political Science sparring buddy, Joe. That was good times. Who knew that Sytx and Foreigner could bring people together like that?

Gilmore Girls and memes

I think that the impossible has happened. I am Gilmored out. I am tired of those Gilmore Girls or at least the episodes in syndication on ABCFamily. I deleted my tivo season pass for the syndication episodes. I am done. I can't bear to watch the season six episodes that will begin on October 2. I am a little scard to begin season seven (which starts on Spet. 27). Damn you, Amy Sherman Palladino for filling me with such sadness and dread. I am hoping that Rina Minoun (from Everwood) will help breathe some new life into this season. And speaking of Everwood, it begins in syndication on ABCFamily on October 2. PLEASE WATCH this fabulous show. If you aren't hooked after three episodes then you can mock me unmercilessly for loving this show. Let the tears and laughter begin.

And now on to this meme from Ali P, Bill and Mike.

1. Elaborate on your default icon.

I don't understand this at all.

2. What’s your current relationship status?

That's a funny one. Single. I am perpetually single.

3. Ever have a near-death experience?

Two actually. Both of them involve car accidents. Does that shock anyone?

4. Name an obvious quality you have.

Gosh. I don't know. Shyness. Hee.

5. What’s the name of the song that’s stuck in your head right now?

I've Got a Theory ~ Cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer

6. Any celeb you would marry?

I would marry Michael Vartan if only for the sweet French nothings he would whisper in my ears.

7. Has anyone ever said you look like a celebrity?

Yeah once when I as drunk at a bar but I don't remember which celebrity I looked like.

8. Do you wear a watch? What kind?

Nope. I started to develop rashes on my wrist when I wore a watch.

9. Do you have anything pierced?

Several ear piercings and the nose.

10. Do you have any tattoos?

Yep. Three of them.

11. Do you like pain?

Sometimes. Mostly when it's related to the gym.

12. Do you like to shop?

Yes. A lot. Too bad I don't make more money.

13. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?

Haagen Das fat free mango sorbet.

14. What was the last thing you paid for with your credit card?

Gasoline.

15. Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone?

Squater

16. What is on your desktop background?

A cast pictrue from Arrested Development.

17. What is the background on your cell phone?

An artsy pic I took of paint chips.

18. Do you like redheads?

Yes. Otherwise I would be self-loathing and that is no fun at all.

19. Do you know any twins?

Yep. My friends Kellie and Josh have twin daughters. They are cuties.

20. Do you have any weird relatives?

Seriously. Is this a real question? Most of my relatives are strange while I am oddly normal.

21. What was the last movie you watched?

Embarrassingly enough, it was Monster In-law.


22. What was the last book you read?

Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

Welcome Back, Kotter

After a long hiatus I return to you all. So, how's it going?

I have been very busy with painting and unpacking and spending money I don't have on furniture and other items to fill my apartment. I'd post pictures of my new pad if I had thought to take any. Maybe I will do that this week some time.

I am currently at my new, temporary desk at my shiny new job. It's a bit strange as the training here is a little lax compared to the training I had at my old place of business. Right now I am getting ready to go through the supply catalog to order up some goodies.

It's strange since so much has happened at and yet it feels like there isn't all that much to tell you.

I have been watching The Forsyte Saga from Netflix. It's good on a variety of levels. First there is the Captain Winters aka Damian Lewis level. I say that makes it good even if it was bad. But it's not bad. I think you are supposed to hate the Damian Lewis character but I really pity him. Anyway, I am hoping that disc two comes soon. Also, I have officially watched every episode of Arrested Development. And now I am even more sad that the show is not getting a fourth season. This show is not only hilarious in a laugh out loud and pee you pants way but also in a sly making fun of our political structure way. It's excellent. Go rent the dvds today.

Anyway, I am glad to be back. I hope you are happy to have me back.