Last week I had what I thought was a brilliant idea.
I need to preface this a bit. For years now I've wanted to have business cards made. I have no reason for them, I just think it would be cool to be like "would you like my card?" The problem with this is that I don't have a business, nor a job where I would benefit from networking. So I decided that I would have them made just for funsies, but I had no idea what I would put on them other than like my phone number and something like "have an awesome day!"
Then last week I had what I could consider an epiphany of awesome. I can have business cards made so I can put them in those free lunch things at restaurants and up my chances of winning a free lunch! It's gonna be awesome.
I have mentioned before that I like to watch YouTube videos. Part of that is watching vlogs, which are people who record their daily life for everyone. I like the Vlogbrothers, Shaycarl, Charles Trippy etc. These guys all have nicknames for their fan base, and I decided I would put those names on the cards. That way when people are like, "what's a Nerd Fighter" or, "what's CTFxC mean?" I can not only pretend that I am part of some "exclusive club" but I can also expose them to the greatness that can be the internet.
The Vlogbrothers have done amazing things in the world since they started 5 years ago, including Project for Awesome, VidCon, and The Foundation to Decrease WorldSuck.
Shaycarl is just plain awesome, he's a good dad, a devoted husband and according to his Twitter he, is "slowly but surely building a small army of people who
believe that happy families are the answer to 73% of our worlds
problems."
My buddy Christian mentioned that I should get a QR code created as well but I was unsure about what it would take people to. He said I should link it to this blog or maybe my Facebook page. But I think what I want to do is link it to a site that can help people. I mean, I don't expect a lot of people to actually look at my card or to use a QR code if it's on there, but for the 14 people that actually do look at it, it could motivate them to do something. I am not sure what site or sites I should link it to, but I'm open to suggestions. I'm thinking things like Kiva.org or Charity:Water or Forgo, something where if people actually go to the site, they will feel compelled to help change the world. Even if it's just 50 cents at a time.
As I am writing this down I am realizing just how ridiculous this probably seems to lots of people. But it's something that I think is rad. It's also a way for me to just continue having fun and keep my life full of what Bob Goff would call whimsy.
Also, while talking to my friend April today about some of the things that I could be ashamed about, like my love for Nathan Fillion, she said "just embrace it." I like that. I don't need to change who I am for people. I need to embrace it and keep having fun. And that's what this idea is all about: Fun.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I Might Die at 27!
Here's a list of 27 things you do or don't know about me.
1. I am the slowest walker in the world. I guarantee you that toddlers walk faster than I do. People have gotten mad at me for this since the day I learned to walk, but I accept it. I was told once that I meander through life, and I feel like that is a great description to my view on life.
2. I have been fired from more jobs than I have quit.
3. When I first moved to Boise I bought a trailer for $500. I didn't have hot water, my fridge was hooked up through an extension cord and plugged into my neighbors trailer for power (in exchange for me letting him park his Harley's in my carport), I didn't have a working oven or stove the entire time I lived there, the power would go out if I had any appliances on while trying to vacuum, and I was missing 2/3rds of the roof and it was covered by a tarp. I found all of these things out after I purchased said trailer from the old man I bought it from. I lived there for over a year though and made it work. I would shower at my dad's trailer which was 2 down from mine, and I had a toaster oven and hot plate that cooked my food.
4. The best job I've ever had was when I worked for Americorps. I worked at an elementary school tutoring K-6 graders in basic math and English.
5. I don't understand Reddit. I feel like I should seeing as how it basically runs the internet, and I like the internet, but it just confuses me. There's too much happening for me to follow a thread. I like Imgur more cause I can click on a picture and that's all I have to do.
6. The most important person in my life was my grandma. She died when I was 16 and I went into a major downward spiral of depression and mass amounts of anxiety. I finally got my shit figured out when I was 19 and have vowed to never be that person again.
7. I have struggled with anxiety since I was a kid. I started taking medication for it about 8 years ago and it has helped me level out and be more normal. I don't generally like talking about it, but I just put it on the internet so I guess I actually am ok with it.
8. I love social media. I wish I didn't, but I really do. A lot of people say that people are different when they are on Facebook or Twitter or YouTube, but the way that I see it is that people are their real selves. It's hard to explain, but I think that the way people act and the way they are at heart are different. I think that it's easier for people to be happy and show their true selves when they aren't face to face with peer pressure etc.
9. I LOVE rap. There is a new wave of rap coming around these days that is much more upbeat and a lot more real than rap of the past, and I have been eating it up! It's not all FBGM and "I got shot 8 times" and the n-word it's more about enjoying life and living in the moment. Some of my favorite current artists are Atmosphere, Classified, Macklemore, Grieves, and Lupe.
10. I count a lot. I count my steps when I'm walking. I count how many steps I walk up if I'm going up stairs. I count how much I pedal when riding my bike. Whenever I'm driving down Apple St. between Boise and Gekeler how many manhole covers there are, because there is an excessive amount (I've counted between 26 and 30. We're gonna say there's 30) I count to calm my mind before I go to sleep. If I am just counting cause I'm in my head I ALWAYS count to 100 and then start over.
11. I am secretly glad that the Sonics moved to OKC because I have never been able to wear the color green and I would like to support the home team but I've never been able to.*
*Yes, I am aware that the Seahawks have horrible neon green in their color scheme as well, but at least I can get away with the blue.
12. I have always wanted to be a personal assistant to someone. I think it would be fun just doing stuff for other people all day. If not that then I would like to be a PA on a movie or tv set. It's weird to some people, but I would enjoy doing the gopher work.
13. I've never done drugs in my life. I had no desire to. Never smoked weed, never had a cigarette. I've had one complete alcoholic beverage in my life, and that is cause my roommate got hammered one night and all but forced me to drink a Washington Apple. For the record, it was gross.
14. I love to watch the commentary on movies and t.v. shows. If I own a movie, I've watched it with commentary. Speaking of, the weirdest movie commentary I've ever watched was for Old School; That shit cray! (That's for you Marissa, if you read this.)
15. I cuss. I am not necessarily proud of it, but I do. Sometimes I feel like it's necessary for emphasis, other times it's cause I'm around people that cuss. Personally I'm ok with it, but I don't think that an educated 27 year old woman should cuss as much as I do.
16. I used to think of myself as a music snob, but now I don't. I appreciate music for the art and talent behind it. I used to make fun of people for liking music that I thought was terrible, but now I've got a "to each their own" attitude. Don't make fun of me for liking Bieber, I won't make fun of you for liking something as terrible as Metallica. (BTW, I like almost all music, but I'm NOT a metal fan.)
17. I remember the most ridiculous things. I remember a conversation I had with a gas station attendant 6 years ago, but I legitimately cannot remember what I did on Monday night. I remember almost every interaction I have with someone, but can't remember to take a grocery list with me when I go to the store. It kinda sucks. I also have what I would consider a photographic memory where if I go into a room I can remember what it looked like and who was standing/sitting where.
18. In the last 2 weeks I have had 2 dreams involving Nathan Fillion and my birthday. They were both rad, but it's a little disconcerting that I have had 2 dreams in 2 weeks when to my memory I can't remember ever having a dream with him in them. Both of them had him showing up to my birthday celebration, so I guess I really want to invite him to my birthday.
19. It's not something that I would consider a fear, but for the last 2 years I have wondered if I might die at 27. I am aware that I am not a musician and I'm not famous, but I have thought about the irony of joining the 27 Club (click here) I am 99.999999 percent sure that it's not gonna happen, but WHAT IF IT DOES?!
20. I am not really a hypochondriac, but I really enjoy using hyperbole when it comes to my sicknesses. One time I was deathly ill with the stomach flu and I told everyone I had Ebola-AIDS. I most definitely didn't believe that one bit, but I found it hilarious. I must have read it somewhere, cause I don't think I could make up something that awesome on my own.
21. I make damn good grilled cheese sandwiches. Use Orowheat bread, cream cheese, Kraft singles, then grill. SO GOOD.
22. I am really good at spelling. I know the proper uses of there/their/they're. I know that a lot is 2 words. It is a huge pet peeve of mine when people don't use those things properly. It's funny though cause while I am good at English, I am the worst at math. If someone was to be like "you annoy me cause you can't multiply 12x8" I would not take that well.
23. When I go to the bathroom at work whatever stall I first go in I go into that same one throughout the rest of the day.
24. I love Little League baseball. When I was in 7th grade my brother and I were visiting my dad and we didn't have a lot to do so we watched like 3 weeks worth of the Little League World Series, and I've been hooked ever since. There's just something about the hope and the competitiveness and the innocence of it. I've been watching every August since then.
25. My old roommate won The Price is Right several years ago, and one day when my friend Dewey and I were both having terrible days she let us watch the video of her on it, with live in-living-room commentary. Sometimes now when I have a bad day I think of that day and laugh.
26. I am a fairly picky eater, but if you fry it I'll most likely eat it. (This is a large contributor to my fatness, I'm fully aware.)
27. I have 3 main goals in life.
1. I am the slowest walker in the world. I guarantee you that toddlers walk faster than I do. People have gotten mad at me for this since the day I learned to walk, but I accept it. I was told once that I meander through life, and I feel like that is a great description to my view on life.
2. I have been fired from more jobs than I have quit.
3. When I first moved to Boise I bought a trailer for $500. I didn't have hot water, my fridge was hooked up through an extension cord and plugged into my neighbors trailer for power (in exchange for me letting him park his Harley's in my carport), I didn't have a working oven or stove the entire time I lived there, the power would go out if I had any appliances on while trying to vacuum, and I was missing 2/3rds of the roof and it was covered by a tarp. I found all of these things out after I purchased said trailer from the old man I bought it from. I lived there for over a year though and made it work. I would shower at my dad's trailer which was 2 down from mine, and I had a toaster oven and hot plate that cooked my food.
4. The best job I've ever had was when I worked for Americorps. I worked at an elementary school tutoring K-6 graders in basic math and English.
5. I don't understand Reddit. I feel like I should seeing as how it basically runs the internet, and I like the internet, but it just confuses me. There's too much happening for me to follow a thread. I like Imgur more cause I can click on a picture and that's all I have to do.
6. The most important person in my life was my grandma. She died when I was 16 and I went into a major downward spiral of depression and mass amounts of anxiety. I finally got my shit figured out when I was 19 and have vowed to never be that person again.
7. I have struggled with anxiety since I was a kid. I started taking medication for it about 8 years ago and it has helped me level out and be more normal. I don't generally like talking about it, but I just put it on the internet so I guess I actually am ok with it.
8. I love social media. I wish I didn't, but I really do. A lot of people say that people are different when they are on Facebook or Twitter or YouTube, but the way that I see it is that people are their real selves. It's hard to explain, but I think that the way people act and the way they are at heart are different. I think that it's easier for people to be happy and show their true selves when they aren't face to face with peer pressure etc.
9. I LOVE rap. There is a new wave of rap coming around these days that is much more upbeat and a lot more real than rap of the past, and I have been eating it up! It's not all FBGM and "I got shot 8 times" and the n-word it's more about enjoying life and living in the moment. Some of my favorite current artists are Atmosphere, Classified, Macklemore, Grieves, and Lupe.
10. I count a lot. I count my steps when I'm walking. I count how many steps I walk up if I'm going up stairs. I count how much I pedal when riding my bike. Whenever I'm driving down Apple St. between Boise and Gekeler how many manhole covers there are, because there is an excessive amount (I've counted between 26 and 30. We're gonna say there's 30) I count to calm my mind before I go to sleep. If I am just counting cause I'm in my head I ALWAYS count to 100 and then start over.
11. I am secretly glad that the Sonics moved to OKC because I have never been able to wear the color green and I would like to support the home team but I've never been able to.*
*Yes, I am aware that the Seahawks have horrible neon green in their color scheme as well, but at least I can get away with the blue.
12. I have always wanted to be a personal assistant to someone. I think it would be fun just doing stuff for other people all day. If not that then I would like to be a PA on a movie or tv set. It's weird to some people, but I would enjoy doing the gopher work.
13. I've never done drugs in my life. I had no desire to. Never smoked weed, never had a cigarette. I've had one complete alcoholic beverage in my life, and that is cause my roommate got hammered one night and all but forced me to drink a Washington Apple. For the record, it was gross.
14. I love to watch the commentary on movies and t.v. shows. If I own a movie, I've watched it with commentary. Speaking of, the weirdest movie commentary I've ever watched was for Old School; That shit cray! (That's for you Marissa, if you read this.)
15. I cuss. I am not necessarily proud of it, but I do. Sometimes I feel like it's necessary for emphasis, other times it's cause I'm around people that cuss. Personally I'm ok with it, but I don't think that an educated 27 year old woman should cuss as much as I do.
16. I used to think of myself as a music snob, but now I don't. I appreciate music for the art and talent behind it. I used to make fun of people for liking music that I thought was terrible, but now I've got a "to each their own" attitude. Don't make fun of me for liking Bieber, I won't make fun of you for liking something as terrible as Metallica. (BTW, I like almost all music, but I'm NOT a metal fan.)
17. I remember the most ridiculous things. I remember a conversation I had with a gas station attendant 6 years ago, but I legitimately cannot remember what I did on Monday night. I remember almost every interaction I have with someone, but can't remember to take a grocery list with me when I go to the store. It kinda sucks. I also have what I would consider a photographic memory where if I go into a room I can remember what it looked like and who was standing/sitting where.
18. In the last 2 weeks I have had 2 dreams involving Nathan Fillion and my birthday. They were both rad, but it's a little disconcerting that I have had 2 dreams in 2 weeks when to my memory I can't remember ever having a dream with him in them. Both of them had him showing up to my birthday celebration, so I guess I really want to invite him to my birthday.
19. It's not something that I would consider a fear, but for the last 2 years I have wondered if I might die at 27. I am aware that I am not a musician and I'm not famous, but I have thought about the irony of joining the 27 Club (click here) I am 99.999999 percent sure that it's not gonna happen, but WHAT IF IT DOES?!
20. I am not really a hypochondriac, but I really enjoy using hyperbole when it comes to my sicknesses. One time I was deathly ill with the stomach flu and I told everyone I had Ebola-AIDS. I most definitely didn't believe that one bit, but I found it hilarious. I must have read it somewhere, cause I don't think I could make up something that awesome on my own.
21. I make damn good grilled cheese sandwiches. Use Orowheat bread, cream cheese, Kraft singles, then grill. SO GOOD.
22. I am really good at spelling. I know the proper uses of there/their/they're. I know that a lot is 2 words. It is a huge pet peeve of mine when people don't use those things properly. It's funny though cause while I am good at English, I am the worst at math. If someone was to be like "you annoy me cause you can't multiply 12x8" I would not take that well.
23. When I go to the bathroom at work whatever stall I first go in I go into that same one throughout the rest of the day.
24. I love Little League baseball. When I was in 7th grade my brother and I were visiting my dad and we didn't have a lot to do so we watched like 3 weeks worth of the Little League World Series, and I've been hooked ever since. There's just something about the hope and the competitiveness and the innocence of it. I've been watching every August since then.
25. My old roommate won The Price is Right several years ago, and one day when my friend Dewey and I were both having terrible days she let us watch the video of her on it, with live in-living-room commentary. Sometimes now when I have a bad day I think of that day and laugh.
26. I am a fairly picky eater, but if you fry it I'll most likely eat it. (This is a large contributor to my fatness, I'm fully aware.)
27. I have 3 main goals in life.
- Go to South Africa
- Go to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA
- Travel to all 50 states
Thursday, July 5, 2012
You're Gonna Hate Me a Little For This
I think things; I think a lot in fact. While I like to be around people and I love to be social, and I overshare details of my life to make people have a laugh, I really enjoy being by myself. If I had a choice I would come home and hang out with myself every day after work and only venture out into the world occasionally. I'm really good at entertaining myself. Or I should say that books, tv, internet and music are good at entertaining me. I don't know that I have a point to this particular post other than I just feel like writing. Bear with me, these thoughts will be sporadic and will probably not flow at all.
I am by no means an optimist, I want that to be clear. In fact, I am a cynical, judgmental, critical and difficult person. But in the last year I have realized how much I value life. I don't know how to explain it really. I mean God has given me infinite abundance of greatness in my life. I have more than a person needs, and I don't know what to do with it all. It's an amazing blessing what I have been given, and I just want to share that with everyone.
The problem that I've run into is that not everyone is as grateful as I am. I'm not saying they should be happy about everything all the time, God knows I'm not, but I wish they would at least put their lives into perspective. I don't know if it's cause I'm getting older or what, but I have found myself getting more and more frustrated with the general population. All I hear from people these days is complaints. Complaining cause they don't have this, complaining because they don't have that, trying to justify their actions and then complaining about the outcomes. It's frustrating.
I have had an extremely big problem in the last 8 or so months where I will tell people the exact opposite of what they say to me. If someone was like "I got hit by a car today and my car is fine and I am fine but now I have to deal with the insurance company to get my car fixed" I would say something like "ok, well let's be grateful that you're ok and that you are part of the 7% of the world that actually HAS a car."I am honestly not doing it to be difficult. I have thought about it a lot lately and I can't figure out why I feel the need to do it. I think it may be because whenever I get down about something I try my hardest to think of the opposite of how I'm feeling. I think that deep down my true intention is so that everyone else can be happy like I am, but honestly it just comes off as rude and unnecessary. Like I said, I'm working on it.
I want to just shake them and tell them to reassess their life choices if they don't like how things are going right now. The majority of the time people are in the situations they are because of choices that they have made. If you want something different for your life, DO something about it. Don't have money? Stop spending stupidly. Don't like your job? Look for a different one. Getting burnt out on school? Take a break. People want things to just happen, they don't want to put effort into it (please note I am one of those people. I wish I could just lose weight without working out or having to eat healthier) and it's driving me crazy.
I am not saying I don't do these exact same things. I am a hypocrite. I am a pot calling the kettle black. I am a messed up person just like you. I don't think less of you for doing these things, how can I judge someone for sinning in a way that is different than how I sin? All I'm saying is that I wish people would put their lives into perspective before going and playing the victim. My grandma used to tell me that no matter how bad things are, there is someone that has it worse off than you. And since I live in the United States of America, I know for a fact that is true. I may be struggling with something, but I guarantee I have it better than at least SOMEONE in the world.
I really just wanted to get this out into word form, it's something I've been chewing on a lot lately and something that I felt like needed to be addressed. I'm sure it's going to offend someone and someone will read more into this than they should, as this is the great interwebz and that always happens. If I have learned anything in my internet escapades, I've learned that everyone has an opinion on everything and no one will agree with you ever. Take care my friends, from one hypocrite to the next, I love you.
I am by no means an optimist, I want that to be clear. In fact, I am a cynical, judgmental, critical and difficult person. But in the last year I have realized how much I value life. I don't know how to explain it really. I mean God has given me infinite abundance of greatness in my life. I have more than a person needs, and I don't know what to do with it all. It's an amazing blessing what I have been given, and I just want to share that with everyone.
The problem that I've run into is that not everyone is as grateful as I am. I'm not saying they should be happy about everything all the time, God knows I'm not, but I wish they would at least put their lives into perspective. I don't know if it's cause I'm getting older or what, but I have found myself getting more and more frustrated with the general population. All I hear from people these days is complaints. Complaining cause they don't have this, complaining because they don't have that, trying to justify their actions and then complaining about the outcomes. It's frustrating.
I have had an extremely big problem in the last 8 or so months where I will tell people the exact opposite of what they say to me. If someone was like "I got hit by a car today and my car is fine and I am fine but now I have to deal with the insurance company to get my car fixed" I would say something like "ok, well let's be grateful that you're ok and that you are part of the 7% of the world that actually HAS a car."I am honestly not doing it to be difficult. I have thought about it a lot lately and I can't figure out why I feel the need to do it. I think it may be because whenever I get down about something I try my hardest to think of the opposite of how I'm feeling. I think that deep down my true intention is so that everyone else can be happy like I am, but honestly it just comes off as rude and unnecessary. Like I said, I'm working on it.
I want to just shake them and tell them to reassess their life choices if they don't like how things are going right now. The majority of the time people are in the situations they are because of choices that they have made. If you want something different for your life, DO something about it. Don't have money? Stop spending stupidly. Don't like your job? Look for a different one. Getting burnt out on school? Take a break. People want things to just happen, they don't want to put effort into it (please note I am one of those people. I wish I could just lose weight without working out or having to eat healthier) and it's driving me crazy.
I am not saying I don't do these exact same things. I am a hypocrite. I am a pot calling the kettle black. I am a messed up person just like you. I don't think less of you for doing these things, how can I judge someone for sinning in a way that is different than how I sin? All I'm saying is that I wish people would put their lives into perspective before going and playing the victim. My grandma used to tell me that no matter how bad things are, there is someone that has it worse off than you. And since I live in the United States of America, I know for a fact that is true. I may be struggling with something, but I guarantee I have it better than at least SOMEONE in the world.
I really just wanted to get this out into word form, it's something I've been chewing on a lot lately and something that I felt like needed to be addressed. I'm sure it's going to offend someone and someone will read more into this than they should, as this is the great interwebz and that always happens. If I have learned anything in my internet escapades, I've learned that everyone has an opinion on everything and no one will agree with you ever. Take care my friends, from one hypocrite to the next, I love you.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
For Grandma, Grandpa and Bob...
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Commercials Cure Anxiety!
A little glimpse into my mind:
When I was a kid I used to have really bad anxiety and I didn't hang out with a lot of people during the summer, either because I was gone or they were gone or I lived far away, or I was really awkward or whatever. I would just hope and hope for school to start so I didn't have to think about anything anymore and I didn't have to worry about stupid things.
Obviously as it got closer to the school year starting there were tons of commercials for school supplies. I dunno about you, but I LOVED getting school supplies every year. I couldn't care less about the clothes and the shoes, it was all about the supplies.
There was one commercial in particular that for some reason always made me feel better; It was a Five Star First Gear commercial. I have NO IDEA why it put me at ease like it did for all 30 seconds that it was on, but it did and it has stuck in my mind ever since then.
There is a part at the end of the commercial where the 2 people are walking and it looks like fall outside and it always just made me feel better inside and calmed me down. I ALWAYS think of this commercial when Fall is coming. Literally every year since I first saw it. We're talking like 1994. I've remembered this damn commercial since 1994!
Anyways, since it is almost Fall I started thinking about this commercial again. I just have the memory of it cause I never had it recorded or anything (cause let's face it, that's just weird) but then I had a BRILLIANT idea! I was like "Dude, Kels. YouTube. YouTube has errythang!" So I went to look it up just now cause I do NOT want to be doing my homework, and guess what!? I FOUND IT. For really reals. I found the commercial that made me feel calm like my Grandma was holding me while I cried. Today is AWESOME!
Here it is folks, the commercial that cures anxiety
When I was a kid I used to have really bad anxiety and I didn't hang out with a lot of people during the summer, either because I was gone or they were gone or I lived far away, or I was really awkward or whatever. I would just hope and hope for school to start so I didn't have to think about anything anymore and I didn't have to worry about stupid things.
Obviously as it got closer to the school year starting there were tons of commercials for school supplies. I dunno about you, but I LOVED getting school supplies every year. I couldn't care less about the clothes and the shoes, it was all about the supplies.
There was one commercial in particular that for some reason always made me feel better; It was a Five Star First Gear commercial. I have NO IDEA why it put me at ease like it did for all 30 seconds that it was on, but it did and it has stuck in my mind ever since then.
There is a part at the end of the commercial where the 2 people are walking and it looks like fall outside and it always just made me feel better inside and calmed me down. I ALWAYS think of this commercial when Fall is coming. Literally every year since I first saw it. We're talking like 1994. I've remembered this damn commercial since 1994!
Anyways, since it is almost Fall I started thinking about this commercial again. I just have the memory of it cause I never had it recorded or anything (cause let's face it, that's just weird) but then I had a BRILLIANT idea! I was like "Dude, Kels. YouTube. YouTube has errythang!" So I went to look it up just now cause I do NOT want to be doing my homework, and guess what!? I FOUND IT. For really reals. I found the commercial that made me feel calm like my Grandma was holding me while I cried. Today is AWESOME!
Here it is folks, the commercial that cures anxiety
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Kelsey's Favorite Things (Part 2)
As I sit here 1 week after my 26th birthday my mind starts to wander over how great this last week was. Paintball, Kinect, Table Rock, Bardenay, Tim McGraw, game night, bonfires and The Sandlot. This was an awesome week of fun, and I won't forget it.
My friends are rad. Boise is rad. The world is rad. Things are just awesome. That's pretty much what I have to say about it. Another year has passed, and I hopefully will make this one as great as the last 25.
So, as promised, here is the second half of "Kelsey's Favorite Things."
14. Quoting Movies and T.V. Shows
I know some people that aren't impressed when people can quote movies or t.v. shows. I however am not one of those people. I love it. I can quote Anchorman and The Big Lebowski for days. Literally. (That right there is a quote from Parks and Recreation.) I dunno why, it's just something that I do. It sucks sometimes cause then I have to explain my jokes, but still, it's something that I enjoy lots!
15. Americorps
The best year of my life was spent in Americorps. I did it for 2 years, but the year that I worked at Whittier Elementary here in Boise was the best year ever. That job was hands down the best job I've ever had. I have liked all the jobs I've had, but this job taught me so much more about life than I was ever expecting to get from it.
For those that don't know, Americorps is basically the U.S. version of the Peace Corps. It's a government funded program that sends ordinary people into different parts of the country to assist in several different things. Some may be environmental, some may be educational, some may be medical related. You get paid peanuts for what you do, but the experience is MORE THAN WORTH IT. If I could be in Americorps for the rest of my life I would do it in a heartbeat.
I got to work with K-6 graders teaching them basic math and English. I think I would have enjoyed any school I worked in since I was able to do what I love, which is teach, but Whittier made the experience so much more special. The kids that attend Whittier are the poorer kids in Boise, and over 60% of them are Hispanic. When I was there 98% of the kids received free lunch. Not just reduced, but straight up free. I have never worked with kids that were more eager to learn or happier to be at school than the majority of those kids. Also, the teachers and the principal were so welcoming to us, (I had worked at another site before, not at a school but at a Boys and Girls Club and while I got along well with my supervisor, the rest of the staff didn't seem to enjoy my presence and it was just a very stressful and critical situation) and it was so refreshing to be appreciated for the job that I was doing. I learned so much more from the kids and teachers there than they ever learned from me, and I am soooo thankful for them.
And I'm not only thankful for my experience in Americorps, but I am thankful for the program itself. It has changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and is helping people grow in positive ways still. I will continue to support this program until my dying day, it has done so much for me and those associated with it. So thanks Judy, Nina, Jana, Char, Nate, Brittney, Amanda, Stacey and Richard for everything!
16. Bardenay
Oh Bardenay. You are my favorite restaurant in Boise. Possibly ever. The food is delicious, the portions are huge, and the price is cheap.
The setting in the Basque block is perfect for Spring and Summer evenings and the Eagle location has an awesome river front patio. I've never eaten anything there that wasn't good, and I have the menu memorized I've been there so many times.
They also have a huge drink menu, which for most people that is awesome, but since I don't drink I have no idea how great they are. I bet they are awesome though, cause nothing there is bad. Oh, and they distill their very own vodka rum and gin. I honestly don't know if that's something cool or not, but it sounds rad to me!
17. Hyperbole and a Half
Holy shit balloons (thanks for the term April) this is the funniest most amazingest thing I've ever read. Chanel introduced me to it, and I love it! It's creative, it's hilarious, it's full of fail and it is just all around entertaining. It's a blog written by Allie Brosh where she retells stories of her past and present and animates it with pictures and massively exaggerated hilarity. There really isn't a lot to say about it, just know that it's amazing.
Hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com. Check it out.
P.S. Some favorite blog posts include, but are not limited to the following:
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-is-why-ill-never-be-adult.html
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/07/dog.html
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/06/texas.html
and finally, http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2009/09/allie-gets-drunk.html
18. Quiet Time With God
I love Jesus, and I love spending time in the word of God. It helps me feel closer to my creator, and helps me with everything in my every day life. To just sit outside in the sun and read my bible or to turn on some music and read or to just sit quietly and think and pray. I love everything about it. It is something that I have to admit I can do more, but I absolutely love doing it. Reading the word helps direct me in my life and helps me grow as a person. It also helps me to understand those around me and how I can reach out to them. Really what it does is solidify the beliefs that I have in my heart and I helps me remember how lucky I am and how amazing my life is.
19. Photography
It's pretty simple, I like to take pictures. I always have a camera with me, no matter where I go. I have a point and shoot I carry in my purse for the unexpected moments and I have a DSLR that I bought a few years ago. One day I will be a good photographer I hope and will be able to make a some small pocket change off of the pics that I take. Time will tell.
20. Jimmy Johns
I love sandwiches. SO MUCH. I have tried to make delicious roast beef or turkey sammies at home, and it never turns out as great as the restaurant sammies. Jimmy John's IS SO FREAKIN GOOD. It also helps that they are right downtown, they are open late, and they deliver. I think it's the bread that gets me, it's so chewy and delicious. If you have a JJ's in your town, you best get to eatin there!
21. Youtube and Break Videos
I used to never care about Youtube. I knew what it was, but it didn't seem like a fun way to pass the time. I'd rather do anything but watch people on my computer. And then I started working with Christian. This kid spent his days sending me links to random videos that were awesome. Anything from breakdancing videos to trailers for new video games to daily vlogs of people I'd never heard of. I started to really get into the whole Youtube idea and now I love to look up random stuff on there.
Along the Youtbe lines is Break.com. Break videos are more focused on pranks or being funny or shocking. I love it. Break is where I saw the Bed Intruder song for the first time, and where I can watch hours and hours of Parkour fails. Basically, the internet is awesome, and it helps pass the time while sitting at a desk for 10 hours a day. (Just don't tell my bosses that haha.)
22. Laughing
When I was in high school I remember my friends constantly getting annoyed with me for laughing. They would always say "you laugh at EVERYTHING." I don't think they meant it in a bad way, but I always felt bad about doing it. But now, I don't feel bad anymore. I love to laugh. I don't see anything wrong with laughing. Yes, there are times where it's inappropriate, but it's still fun. And who the hell likes propriety anyways? I really do laugh at everything, that is something that I have come to find out about myself over the years. And like I said, I am totally ok with that. I laugh at other people, I laugh at myself, I laugh when I get hurt, I laugh when I or anyone else farts, (especially that one. I can't fart and NOT giggle.) I laugh when I get frustrated. The list goes on, but you get the point.
I have been told by 3 different people, if not more, that they don't laugh nearly as much as when they are around me. That used to make me feel uncomfortable, but now I accept it as a compliment. I like to help people be happy, because you only have one life and you should spend it being happy and loving what you have.
23. Tiberius the Scooter
When I was 13 I drove by a Yamaha shop and saw a scooter for the first time. No, not a Razor scooter, but a gas powered 250cc "beast" of the cycle world. I knew right then and there that I needed one. I spent the next 10 years of my life pining away for a scooter. I don't know what it was about them, I just really really wanted one. I have honestly never wanted anything ever as bad as I wanted a damn scooter. When I was in high school I actually found a specific one that I wanted and printed off a picture of it and carried it around with me until I graduated. It was my dream scooter- a Derbi Predator LC. Google that ish, it was the tight hotness when I was a teenager, and I needed it!
So, for 10 years I worked different jobs and continued to pine away for the day that I could get a scooter. I moved to Boise when I was 20 and decided that it would be a great place to finally get a scooter, cause there are several months here that are scooter worthy compared to Oly. The problem with that is that I worked for Americorps making $700 a month, so there wasn't a lot of wiggle room for saving. Then when I was 23 a chance meeting with a person at church (who turned out to be BSC, but that's beside the point) referred me to a job at Supervalu. I got the job and started making bank. I decided right then and there that it was finally time to make my number 1 life goal complete. So I went down and tried to buy a scooter, but was rejected because I didn't have sufficient credit. (I still to this day don't have sufficient credit, I've never taken out a loan for anything but my car-because I had to have a car- and I paid that off in 2 months) I went home that day crushed to see my dream dashed, but knowing that it would still happen one day. Then a few days later I was at my dad's house and his in laws were there. We started talking about how much I wanted that scooter and they said that they would give me a loan for the amount of the scooter. I was ECSTATIC!! I took them up on it and I went down 3 days later and bought myself a scooter. I rode it home that day beaming and grinning from ear to ear. I had made a goal that I set when I was a kid come true.
I've had that scooter now for 3 years, and I love him so much. Tiberius is an example to me that if I put my mind to something it will happen, I just have to be patient.
24. Rap
My love for rap music runs deep. Whenever I tell people that I love rap they are surprised. Which to me is funny. I don't know why, but it makes me laugh that they are so surprised.
I love the beats and the bass and the fast rhythms. It's just so good. However,I am picky about the rap that I listen to. I like to get down to some gangsta rap from time to time, but in general I like rappers along the lines of Lecrae or Atmosphere or Grieves; rappers that I can relate to I guess. I love any one of the Rhymsayers crew, Aesop Rock, Lecrae, The Cunninglynguists and tons more.
My favorite rapper of all time has got to be Lecrae. He's a Christian rapper, which I still think is a hilarious term. I didn't even know that something like that existed until I was like 19 and I thought it was the worst thing I'd ever heard of. And then a kid at church told me I should check out a dude named Lecrae. I was older at this point, 24 in fact, and decided to give it a try. I was BLOWN AWAY by this guys talent. At first it took a while for me to get used to someone rapping about Jesus, but then I became comfortable with it and now I love everything about it. He is bringing people to Jesus through his works and it is so refreshing. His sound is so good; It's got hard beats and deep lyrics.
I love how it gets me pumpe up. I just love rap.
Some favorite tracks:
Lecrae; Prayin for You- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZNEaTWxG_o
Lecrae; Truth- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIQR9OuJ388&feature=related
Atmosphere; Not Another Day- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jEfsVHttsc
Atmosphere; Sunshine- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5So-_z-jkHE
Grieves; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aFS8EJTxIE
Grieves; Lightspeed- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5So-_z-jkHE
25. Stephen Colbert's "Friday"
Dude. I remember when I first watched this video. It was on Break a few days after it aired. And I was SO disappointed in my friends for not sharing it with me sooner. This is one of the top 10 greatest things I've seen ever. I don't even have words for it, it's just that amazing. Take a looksie here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqstF4V4Nl4
26. Birthdays
In case having an entire week of celebration for my own birthday didn't give you a clue as to how much I love birthdays, I will give you 3 more facts of how much I love them.
1. They are awesome
2. They are the 1 day a year that I think a person should be able to do whatever they want, no matter what
3. It's a celebration of YOU! Who doesn't like that?
Basically, I think birthdays are amazing. I will always make a big deal about my birthday, because it's the 1 day a year that I think I am allowed to be selfish and think only of me. And I like to make a big deal out of friends birthdays too, cause you need to be celebrated too!
So, there ya have it. 26 of my favorite things. I prolly won't decide to do this again, it took way more time that I had ever imagined. If you read this whole thing I would appreciate it if you wrote "fishsticks" in the comments section :)
P.S. I'm REALLY not as self centered as I seem. I read through this again and I'm like "man, I really like myself. I'm a db." Seriously, that's what I thought. But I really am not as conceited as I may seem. Love you! (Really, I do!)
My friends are rad. Boise is rad. The world is rad. Things are just awesome. That's pretty much what I have to say about it. Another year has passed, and I hopefully will make this one as great as the last 25.
So, as promised, here is the second half of "Kelsey's Favorite Things."
14. Quoting Movies and T.V. Shows
I know some people that aren't impressed when people can quote movies or t.v. shows. I however am not one of those people. I love it. I can quote Anchorman and The Big Lebowski for days. Literally. (That right there is a quote from Parks and Recreation.) I dunno why, it's just something that I do. It sucks sometimes cause then I have to explain my jokes, but still, it's something that I enjoy lots!
15. Americorps
The best year of my life was spent in Americorps. I did it for 2 years, but the year that I worked at Whittier Elementary here in Boise was the best year ever. That job was hands down the best job I've ever had. I have liked all the jobs I've had, but this job taught me so much more about life than I was ever expecting to get from it.
For those that don't know, Americorps is basically the U.S. version of the Peace Corps. It's a government funded program that sends ordinary people into different parts of the country to assist in several different things. Some may be environmental, some may be educational, some may be medical related. You get paid peanuts for what you do, but the experience is MORE THAN WORTH IT. If I could be in Americorps for the rest of my life I would do it in a heartbeat.
I got to work with K-6 graders teaching them basic math and English. I think I would have enjoyed any school I worked in since I was able to do what I love, which is teach, but Whittier made the experience so much more special. The kids that attend Whittier are the poorer kids in Boise, and over 60% of them are Hispanic. When I was there 98% of the kids received free lunch. Not just reduced, but straight up free. I have never worked with kids that were more eager to learn or happier to be at school than the majority of those kids. Also, the teachers and the principal were so welcoming to us, (I had worked at another site before, not at a school but at a Boys and Girls Club and while I got along well with my supervisor, the rest of the staff didn't seem to enjoy my presence and it was just a very stressful and critical situation) and it was so refreshing to be appreciated for the job that I was doing. I learned so much more from the kids and teachers there than they ever learned from me, and I am soooo thankful for them.
And I'm not only thankful for my experience in Americorps, but I am thankful for the program itself. It has changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and is helping people grow in positive ways still. I will continue to support this program until my dying day, it has done so much for me and those associated with it. So thanks Judy, Nina, Jana, Char, Nate, Brittney, Amanda, Stacey and Richard for everything!
16. Bardenay
Oh Bardenay. You are my favorite restaurant in Boise. Possibly ever. The food is delicious, the portions are huge, and the price is cheap.
The setting in the Basque block is perfect for Spring and Summer evenings and the Eagle location has an awesome river front patio. I've never eaten anything there that wasn't good, and I have the menu memorized I've been there so many times.
They also have a huge drink menu, which for most people that is awesome, but since I don't drink I have no idea how great they are. I bet they are awesome though, cause nothing there is bad. Oh, and they distill their very own vodka rum and gin. I honestly don't know if that's something cool or not, but it sounds rad to me!
17. Hyperbole and a Half
Holy shit balloons (thanks for the term April) this is the funniest most amazingest thing I've ever read. Chanel introduced me to it, and I love it! It's creative, it's hilarious, it's full of fail and it is just all around entertaining. It's a blog written by Allie Brosh where she retells stories of her past and present and animates it with pictures and massively exaggerated hilarity. There really isn't a lot to say about it, just know that it's amazing.
Hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com. Check it out.
P.S. Some favorite blog posts include, but are not limited to the following:
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-is-why-ill-never-be-adult.html
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/07/dog.html
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/06/texas.html
and finally, http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2009/09/allie-gets-drunk.html
18. Quiet Time With God
I love Jesus, and I love spending time in the word of God. It helps me feel closer to my creator, and helps me with everything in my every day life. To just sit outside in the sun and read my bible or to turn on some music and read or to just sit quietly and think and pray. I love everything about it. It is something that I have to admit I can do more, but I absolutely love doing it. Reading the word helps direct me in my life and helps me grow as a person. It also helps me to understand those around me and how I can reach out to them. Really what it does is solidify the beliefs that I have in my heart and I helps me remember how lucky I am and how amazing my life is.
19. Photography
It's pretty simple, I like to take pictures. I always have a camera with me, no matter where I go. I have a point and shoot I carry in my purse for the unexpected moments and I have a DSLR that I bought a few years ago. One day I will be a good photographer I hope and will be able to make a some small pocket change off of the pics that I take. Time will tell.
20. Jimmy Johns
I love sandwiches. SO MUCH. I have tried to make delicious roast beef or turkey sammies at home, and it never turns out as great as the restaurant sammies. Jimmy John's IS SO FREAKIN GOOD. It also helps that they are right downtown, they are open late, and they deliver. I think it's the bread that gets me, it's so chewy and delicious. If you have a JJ's in your town, you best get to eatin there!
21. Youtube and Break Videos
I used to never care about Youtube. I knew what it was, but it didn't seem like a fun way to pass the time. I'd rather do anything but watch people on my computer. And then I started working with Christian. This kid spent his days sending me links to random videos that were awesome. Anything from breakdancing videos to trailers for new video games to daily vlogs of people I'd never heard of. I started to really get into the whole Youtube idea and now I love to look up random stuff on there.
Along the Youtbe lines is Break.com. Break videos are more focused on pranks or being funny or shocking. I love it. Break is where I saw the Bed Intruder song for the first time, and where I can watch hours and hours of Parkour fails. Basically, the internet is awesome, and it helps pass the time while sitting at a desk for 10 hours a day. (Just don't tell my bosses that haha.)
22. Laughing
When I was in high school I remember my friends constantly getting annoyed with me for laughing. They would always say "you laugh at EVERYTHING." I don't think they meant it in a bad way, but I always felt bad about doing it. But now, I don't feel bad anymore. I love to laugh. I don't see anything wrong with laughing. Yes, there are times where it's inappropriate, but it's still fun. And who the hell likes propriety anyways? I really do laugh at everything, that is something that I have come to find out about myself over the years. And like I said, I am totally ok with that. I laugh at other people, I laugh at myself, I laugh when I get hurt, I laugh when I or anyone else farts, (especially that one. I can't fart and NOT giggle.) I laugh when I get frustrated. The list goes on, but you get the point.
I have been told by 3 different people, if not more, that they don't laugh nearly as much as when they are around me. That used to make me feel uncomfortable, but now I accept it as a compliment. I like to help people be happy, because you only have one life and you should spend it being happy and loving what you have.
23. Tiberius the Scooter
When I was 13 I drove by a Yamaha shop and saw a scooter for the first time. No, not a Razor scooter, but a gas powered 250cc "beast" of the cycle world. I knew right then and there that I needed one. I spent the next 10 years of my life pining away for a scooter. I don't know what it was about them, I just really really wanted one. I have honestly never wanted anything ever as bad as I wanted a damn scooter. When I was in high school I actually found a specific one that I wanted and printed off a picture of it and carried it around with me until I graduated. It was my dream scooter- a Derbi Predator LC. Google that ish, it was the tight hotness when I was a teenager, and I needed it!
So, for 10 years I worked different jobs and continued to pine away for the day that I could get a scooter. I moved to Boise when I was 20 and decided that it would be a great place to finally get a scooter, cause there are several months here that are scooter worthy compared to Oly. The problem with that is that I worked for Americorps making $700 a month, so there wasn't a lot of wiggle room for saving. Then when I was 23 a chance meeting with a person at church (who turned out to be BSC, but that's beside the point) referred me to a job at Supervalu. I got the job and started making bank. I decided right then and there that it was finally time to make my number 1 life goal complete. So I went down and tried to buy a scooter, but was rejected because I didn't have sufficient credit. (I still to this day don't have sufficient credit, I've never taken out a loan for anything but my car-because I had to have a car- and I paid that off in 2 months) I went home that day crushed to see my dream dashed, but knowing that it would still happen one day. Then a few days later I was at my dad's house and his in laws were there. We started talking about how much I wanted that scooter and they said that they would give me a loan for the amount of the scooter. I was ECSTATIC!! I took them up on it and I went down 3 days later and bought myself a scooter. I rode it home that day beaming and grinning from ear to ear. I had made a goal that I set when I was a kid come true.
I've had that scooter now for 3 years, and I love him so much. Tiberius is an example to me that if I put my mind to something it will happen, I just have to be patient.
24. Rap
My love for rap music runs deep. Whenever I tell people that I love rap they are surprised. Which to me is funny. I don't know why, but it makes me laugh that they are so surprised.
I love the beats and the bass and the fast rhythms. It's just so good. However,I am picky about the rap that I listen to. I like to get down to some gangsta rap from time to time, but in general I like rappers along the lines of Lecrae or Atmosphere or Grieves; rappers that I can relate to I guess. I love any one of the Rhymsayers crew, Aesop Rock, Lecrae, The Cunninglynguists and tons more.
My favorite rapper of all time has got to be Lecrae. He's a Christian rapper, which I still think is a hilarious term. I didn't even know that something like that existed until I was like 19 and I thought it was the worst thing I'd ever heard of. And then a kid at church told me I should check out a dude named Lecrae. I was older at this point, 24 in fact, and decided to give it a try. I was BLOWN AWAY by this guys talent. At first it took a while for me to get used to someone rapping about Jesus, but then I became comfortable with it and now I love everything about it. He is bringing people to Jesus through his works and it is so refreshing. His sound is so good; It's got hard beats and deep lyrics.
I love how it gets me pumpe up. I just love rap.
Some favorite tracks:
Lecrae; Prayin for You- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZNEaTWxG_o
Lecrae; Truth- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIQR9OuJ388&feature=related
Atmosphere; Not Another Day- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jEfsVHttsc
Atmosphere; Sunshine- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5So-_z-jkHE
Grieves; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aFS8EJTxIE
Grieves; Lightspeed- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5So-_z-jkHE
25. Stephen Colbert's "Friday"
Dude. I remember when I first watched this video. It was on Break a few days after it aired. And I was SO disappointed in my friends for not sharing it with me sooner. This is one of the top 10 greatest things I've seen ever. I don't even have words for it, it's just that amazing. Take a looksie here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqstF4V4Nl4
26. Birthdays
In case having an entire week of celebration for my own birthday didn't give you a clue as to how much I love birthdays, I will give you 3 more facts of how much I love them.
1. They are awesome
2. They are the 1 day a year that I think a person should be able to do whatever they want, no matter what
3. It's a celebration of YOU! Who doesn't like that?
Basically, I think birthdays are amazing. I will always make a big deal about my birthday, because it's the 1 day a year that I think I am allowed to be selfish and think only of me. And I like to make a big deal out of friends birthdays too, cause you need to be celebrated too!
So, there ya have it. 26 of my favorite things. I prolly won't decide to do this again, it took way more time that I had ever imagined. If you read this whole thing I would appreciate it if you wrote "fishsticks" in the comments section :)
P.S. I'm REALLY not as self centered as I seem. I read through this again and I'm like "man, I really like myself. I'm a db." Seriously, that's what I thought. But I really am not as conceited as I may seem. Love you! (Really, I do!)
Kelsey's Favorite Things (Part 1)
So, in honor of my 26th year of life, I figured I'd share some of my all time favorite things with you. There is a wide variety of stuff that I've enjoyed over the years, and this will have some current likes and some past likes. Either way, you should all be able to relate to something, and learn a little more about me and my awesomeness. :)
1. Puma Socks
Yes, this might seem weird, but whatevs. I am a person that enjoys wearing socks. I don't mind being barefoot, and when the time is right I do, but in general, I like to have my feet covered. And the BEST socks to keep my tootsies warm are Puma socks. They have the right amount of stretch and the right amount of thickness that they are just so cushy and perfect. And they are cheap too. (I buy socks ONLY at Ross. Fo reals.)
2. Dr Pepper
Honestly, how can you NOT like this beverage. It's like taking every awesome thing you've ever tasted, putting it in a can and making it fizzy. Even if you don't like pop (or soda, whatever) you should still love this drink. It's the best!
3. Anchorman
This is the second greatest movie I've ever seen. The humor in it is so simple. It's just a great movie to sit down and watch without having to think but still be entertained. The writing in this movie is hysterical, I mean seriously, how can you NOT laugh at "you are a smelly pirate hooker!" or "the human torch was denied a bank loan." Fo real peeps, I believe it's Will Ferrell's finest work.
4. Any Type of Nintendo Game System
I like video games. I think they are a fun past time. However I am very picky about the games that I like. I don't like RPG's, not too big on aliens or First Person Shooters either, but there are a few that sneak through. Even with all that I don't like, I have always liked all Nintendo systems. Honestly, you can't go wrong with Mario Kart. Ever. Like eva eva eva.
My brother had a Nintendo when we were little, but I don't remember it too well. I do remember however getting a Gameboy when I was 11 that I saved and saved and saved for and that thing lasted me through high school (at least when my mom wasn't playing it.) I also remember trading in our Sega for a Nintendo 64 in 7th grade. That was what sealed the deal for my love of Nintendo. The games are so simple. And they continue to be simple games that don't get me all stressed out and competitive. Oh, and they just continue to get better. Seriously, the Nintendo was rad, then the SNES was awesome (and still is!) then the N64, which was insane, then the Game Cube (ok, ok, not that awesome) and then the Wii, and now the frickin Wii U? Man, they are epic. Always one step ahead of the game, and always doin it right. Annnd Nintendo rant over.
5. Safeway
Dude. Safeway is the best. Growing up in Oly, there were 2 stores. Top Foods or Safeway. No one cared about Albertson's or QFC or Mega Foods or anything else. It was one or the other. Safeway had the best candy sales, the best deli, the best errythang. And when I say Safeway I specifically mean the Westside Safeway. There's so many memories. (Bri, you know what I'm talking about!) Ah, Safeway, how I miss thee.
6. Nike Free Everday Shoes
I like shoes, but I'm not fanatical about what shoes I wear. If they are comfy I'll wear them. When I was in Austin a few years ago for ACL we got poured on for an entire day and I was muddy up to my elbows. I didn't know it was gonna rain the whole weekend, so I one pair of shoes. We went to get me some new shoes and I found some shweet Nike's that looked cool. I'm not usually a fan of Nike's, since i have normal sized feet and their shoes are for frickin bionic people with no toes or something and they don't fit. But I figured I'd give it a shot, and they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn EVER. I will never buy another pair of tennis shoes that are not these shoes again. Seriously. I can't say anything bad about them, they are so amazing.
7. Indie Music
Oh boy, where do I start on this subject. I have gone through so many music phases in my life. When I was younger I liked anything that was played on the radio; so it was awful 90's music like Next and Hole and PJ Harvey. Then I expanded into country music, and that lasted until high school. Oh and all the awful rap my brother made me listen to (Busta Rhymes, DMX, Method Man). Now don't get me wrong, I love rap, but the rappers he liked back in the day were awful.
But I digress. The point of this is that I love Indie music. I don't love it because it's "hipster" or "cool" or "obscure" or whatever, I like it because these guys want to play music, and they do it with heart. I want to name so many bands, but I will stick to a few, because let's face it there is prolly only one of you reading this, and to list out every single one of them is a waste of my time. 5 bands/artists that I never get sick of listening to are:
1. Sufjan Stevens
2. Dawes
3. Band of Horses
4. Olin and the Moon
5. The Head and the Heart
I could listen to music by just these guys for the rest of my life and be perfectly content. It just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside ya know?
8. Select Television Shows
I don't watch a ton of tv, but I do watch some shows. I don't have cable and I just Netflix anything that I feel like should be watched. I said Select T.V. shows because there's so much on that just isn't really worth watching. However, there are 4 shows that I would buy on DVD and watch over and over again because they are just that good.
First, Scrubs. This show is hysterical. People knock it a lot because it got all "serious" in the later seasons, but I thought it was amazing. One of the best tv show's I've ever watched. It's hilarious, it's well written, it's dynamic and it's unique. There are few things that make me laugh EVERY time that I hear/see them, but JD saying "eeeaaaagggllleee" or Turk saying "you mean why's there silverware in the pancake drawer whu huh" gets me EVERY DAMN TIME (Just like the cornballer.) Fo real.
Next would be the first 3 seasons of The Office. Michael Scott is so damn awkward and Jim and Pam are so adorable and Meredith is so inappropriate and Creed is just so crazy that you can't not enjoy the first few seasons. I don't know anyone that has watched Jim and Pam in the second season and not fallen in love with the adorableness of them. Lately the show is very meh, but in its prime, it was a fantastic and there was nothing like it around.
Then Arrested Development I don't know anyone that has watched this that hasn't enjoyed it. I love it for all the reasons you love things that are awesome. GOB, Buster, Lucile, Lucille 2, George Michael, EVERYTHING. The whole show is so clever. I have seen every episode at least 3 times and it just doesn't get old. It's hard to put into words what makes it so awesome, you really should just watch it and fall in love like everyone else that is smart :)
Lastly is Parks and Recreation. Seriously, what happened here? At first it was just a show that was on and I never watched it. Then I started watching it and it was hilarious. And then all of a sudden this season it turned into the greatest thing I've EVER seen. EVER. I love everything about this show. Ron Swanson is my brother's favorite tv character of all time, and he's close to the top for me. I don't think I've ever seen a tv show that has made me laugh harder than the Ron and Tammy episode. The whole time I was thinking "WTF Is going on?!" but I couldn't stop laughing. The cornrows, the missing mustache, all of it. And Andy is one of the funniest things to come to tv in years. He's so oblivious and kind hearted and fun, it's just so refreshing to watch something as ridiculous as this.
9. Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm
I have always considered myself a connoisseur of chapstick (yes, I know this is a brand name, but that's what I call it). I spent many a year trying to find the perfect kind. I've found some that are really good, and others that are ok. But this chapstick is the best I've ever used. It smells good, it takes away the chap, and it lasts forever. Oh, and it doesn't fit in my pocket comfortably so it can't go in the washing machine!
10. Shaycarl/Shaytards
If you haven't heard of Shaycarl or the Shaytards, you're missing out on happy. I had heard of him before, but I had no idea how fun he was until Christian sent me a video one day. Since none of you know, Shaycarl is a vlogger that videotapes parts of his everyday life and puts it on Youtube. Sounds boring I know, but once you lay eyes on this big bearded dude you will not be able to look away. He's got the cutest kids, the hottest wife, and the best personality of anyone. He's just so loveable that you can't not watch. It brings a little bit of awesome to each day watching them.
11. Chocolate Milk
Chocolate milk is my happy place. There is just something about it that is so comforting. If I want something sweet but don't want the sugar, it's the perfect treat. If I want to eat but can't because it's too late, I drink some chocolate milk. It helps me sleep when I'm tired and relaxes me at the end of the day. I don't know what it is, but chocolate milk is one of the greatest inventions in the history of man.
12. Olympia, Washington
Oh Olympia. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to grow up in such a beautiful place. I didn't like it much growing up because there was "nothing to do" but whenever I go back to visit I fall in love with it all over again. Moving away has definitely given me a new perspective. There is so much there to experience, and it has the small town feel that I love, while still being rather large and within quick driving distance to both Seattle and Portland. I love the port, the bay, the West Side, Eagan's, Meconi's, downtown and yes, even the Greeners and hippies. It's just a great place to be, and it always brings back great memories when I go visit.
13. Slam Poetry
I discovered Slam Poetry when I was like 14 I think. I am sure it was Def Poetry Jam that introduced me, but I'm not sure exactly. I like poetry to begin with, but when you have people tearing words apart with the emotion that slam poets do, it puts the likes of Emily Dickinson or Walt Whitman to shame. There are 2 poems that cut through me every time that I watch or listen to them. One is by Shihan called Flashy Words. The next is by Taylor Mali, called What Teachers Make. Links below.
Flashy Words
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9A_k6Sj-Pg
What Teachers Make
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxsOVK4syxU
So if any of you are still reading this, thanks! It's pretty cool that you would stick through all of this. I didn't realize there would be so much, so this is just the first half. The second half will come later on. Again, thanks for actually reading this, love you!
1. Puma Socks
Yes, this might seem weird, but whatevs. I am a person that enjoys wearing socks. I don't mind being barefoot, and when the time is right I do, but in general, I like to have my feet covered. And the BEST socks to keep my tootsies warm are Puma socks. They have the right amount of stretch and the right amount of thickness that they are just so cushy and perfect. And they are cheap too. (I buy socks ONLY at Ross. Fo reals.)
2. Dr Pepper
Honestly, how can you NOT like this beverage. It's like taking every awesome thing you've ever tasted, putting it in a can and making it fizzy. Even if you don't like pop (or soda, whatever) you should still love this drink. It's the best!
3. Anchorman
This is the second greatest movie I've ever seen. The humor in it is so simple. It's just a great movie to sit down and watch without having to think but still be entertained. The writing in this movie is hysterical, I mean seriously, how can you NOT laugh at "you are a smelly pirate hooker!" or "the human torch was denied a bank loan." Fo real peeps, I believe it's Will Ferrell's finest work.
4. Any Type of Nintendo Game System
I like video games. I think they are a fun past time. However I am very picky about the games that I like. I don't like RPG's, not too big on aliens or First Person Shooters either, but there are a few that sneak through. Even with all that I don't like, I have always liked all Nintendo systems. Honestly, you can't go wrong with Mario Kart. Ever. Like eva eva eva.
My brother had a Nintendo when we were little, but I don't remember it too well. I do remember however getting a Gameboy when I was 11 that I saved and saved and saved for and that thing lasted me through high school (at least when my mom wasn't playing it.) I also remember trading in our Sega for a Nintendo 64 in 7th grade. That was what sealed the deal for my love of Nintendo. The games are so simple. And they continue to be simple games that don't get me all stressed out and competitive. Oh, and they just continue to get better. Seriously, the Nintendo was rad, then the SNES was awesome (and still is!) then the N64, which was insane, then the Game Cube (ok, ok, not that awesome) and then the Wii, and now the frickin Wii U? Man, they are epic. Always one step ahead of the game, and always doin it right. Annnd Nintendo rant over.
5. Safeway
Dude. Safeway is the best. Growing up in Oly, there were 2 stores. Top Foods or Safeway. No one cared about Albertson's or QFC or Mega Foods or anything else. It was one or the other. Safeway had the best candy sales, the best deli, the best errythang. And when I say Safeway I specifically mean the Westside Safeway. There's so many memories. (Bri, you know what I'm talking about!) Ah, Safeway, how I miss thee.
6. Nike Free Everday Shoes
I like shoes, but I'm not fanatical about what shoes I wear. If they are comfy I'll wear them. When I was in Austin a few years ago for ACL we got poured on for an entire day and I was muddy up to my elbows. I didn't know it was gonna rain the whole weekend, so I one pair of shoes. We went to get me some new shoes and I found some shweet Nike's that looked cool. I'm not usually a fan of Nike's, since i have normal sized feet and their shoes are for frickin bionic people with no toes or something and they don't fit. But I figured I'd give it a shot, and they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn EVER. I will never buy another pair of tennis shoes that are not these shoes again. Seriously. I can't say anything bad about them, they are so amazing.
7. Indie Music
Oh boy, where do I start on this subject. I have gone through so many music phases in my life. When I was younger I liked anything that was played on the radio; so it was awful 90's music like Next and Hole and PJ Harvey. Then I expanded into country music, and that lasted until high school. Oh and all the awful rap my brother made me listen to (Busta Rhymes, DMX, Method Man). Now don't get me wrong, I love rap, but the rappers he liked back in the day were awful.
But I digress. The point of this is that I love Indie music. I don't love it because it's "hipster" or "cool" or "obscure" or whatever, I like it because these guys want to play music, and they do it with heart. I want to name so many bands, but I will stick to a few, because let's face it there is prolly only one of you reading this, and to list out every single one of them is a waste of my time. 5 bands/artists that I never get sick of listening to are:
1. Sufjan Stevens
2. Dawes
3. Band of Horses
4. Olin and the Moon
5. The Head and the Heart
I could listen to music by just these guys for the rest of my life and be perfectly content. It just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside ya know?
8. Select Television Shows
I don't watch a ton of tv, but I do watch some shows. I don't have cable and I just Netflix anything that I feel like should be watched. I said Select T.V. shows because there's so much on that just isn't really worth watching. However, there are 4 shows that I would buy on DVD and watch over and over again because they are just that good.
First, Scrubs. This show is hysterical. People knock it a lot because it got all "serious" in the later seasons, but I thought it was amazing. One of the best tv show's I've ever watched. It's hilarious, it's well written, it's dynamic and it's unique. There are few things that make me laugh EVERY time that I hear/see them, but JD saying "eeeaaaagggllleee" or Turk saying "you mean why's there silverware in the pancake drawer whu huh" gets me EVERY DAMN TIME (Just like the cornballer.) Fo real.
Next would be the first 3 seasons of The Office. Michael Scott is so damn awkward and Jim and Pam are so adorable and Meredith is so inappropriate and Creed is just so crazy that you can't not enjoy the first few seasons. I don't know anyone that has watched Jim and Pam in the second season and not fallen in love with the adorableness of them. Lately the show is very meh, but in its prime, it was a fantastic and there was nothing like it around.
Then Arrested Development I don't know anyone that has watched this that hasn't enjoyed it. I love it for all the reasons you love things that are awesome. GOB, Buster, Lucile, Lucille 2, George Michael, EVERYTHING. The whole show is so clever. I have seen every episode at least 3 times and it just doesn't get old. It's hard to put into words what makes it so awesome, you really should just watch it and fall in love like everyone else that is smart :)
Lastly is Parks and Recreation. Seriously, what happened here? At first it was just a show that was on and I never watched it. Then I started watching it and it was hilarious. And then all of a sudden this season it turned into the greatest thing I've EVER seen. EVER. I love everything about this show. Ron Swanson is my brother's favorite tv character of all time, and he's close to the top for me. I don't think I've ever seen a tv show that has made me laugh harder than the Ron and Tammy episode. The whole time I was thinking "WTF Is going on?!" but I couldn't stop laughing. The cornrows, the missing mustache, all of it. And Andy is one of the funniest things to come to tv in years. He's so oblivious and kind hearted and fun, it's just so refreshing to watch something as ridiculous as this.
9. Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm
I have always considered myself a connoisseur of chapstick (yes, I know this is a brand name, but that's what I call it). I spent many a year trying to find the perfect kind. I've found some that are really good, and others that are ok. But this chapstick is the best I've ever used. It smells good, it takes away the chap, and it lasts forever. Oh, and it doesn't fit in my pocket comfortably so it can't go in the washing machine!
10. Shaycarl/Shaytards
If you haven't heard of Shaycarl or the Shaytards, you're missing out on happy. I had heard of him before, but I had no idea how fun he was until Christian sent me a video one day. Since none of you know, Shaycarl is a vlogger that videotapes parts of his everyday life and puts it on Youtube. Sounds boring I know, but once you lay eyes on this big bearded dude you will not be able to look away. He's got the cutest kids, the hottest wife, and the best personality of anyone. He's just so loveable that you can't not watch. It brings a little bit of awesome to each day watching them.
11. Chocolate Milk
Chocolate milk is my happy place. There is just something about it that is so comforting. If I want something sweet but don't want the sugar, it's the perfect treat. If I want to eat but can't because it's too late, I drink some chocolate milk. It helps me sleep when I'm tired and relaxes me at the end of the day. I don't know what it is, but chocolate milk is one of the greatest inventions in the history of man.
12. Olympia, Washington
Oh Olympia. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to grow up in such a beautiful place. I didn't like it much growing up because there was "nothing to do" but whenever I go back to visit I fall in love with it all over again. Moving away has definitely given me a new perspective. There is so much there to experience, and it has the small town feel that I love, while still being rather large and within quick driving distance to both Seattle and Portland. I love the port, the bay, the West Side, Eagan's, Meconi's, downtown and yes, even the Greeners and hippies. It's just a great place to be, and it always brings back great memories when I go visit.
13. Slam Poetry
I discovered Slam Poetry when I was like 14 I think. I am sure it was Def Poetry Jam that introduced me, but I'm not sure exactly. I like poetry to begin with, but when you have people tearing words apart with the emotion that slam poets do, it puts the likes of Emily Dickinson or Walt Whitman to shame. There are 2 poems that cut through me every time that I watch or listen to them. One is by Shihan called Flashy Words. The next is by Taylor Mali, called What Teachers Make. Links below.
Flashy Words
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9A_k6Sj-Pg
What Teachers Make
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxsOVK4syxU
So if any of you are still reading this, thanks! It's pretty cool that you would stick through all of this. I didn't realize there would be so much, so this is just the first half. The second half will come later on. Again, thanks for actually reading this, love you!
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