Vote, and get a cup of coffee

I saw this Starbucks ad on TV tonight, and really liked it. Simple and straightforward, not about coffee. I will probably pick up my free coffee on my way to work tomorrow, feel proud that I voted, and tell at least 5 people that Starbucks is giving coffee away for voting. It's not about selling more units of sugar and calories, it's about positioning the company as a partner in the community and an advocate for positive patriotism.

Simplistic Elegance

Today's Vocabulary Lesson

(in order of appearance)

galoshes
Eskimos
blubber
beluga whale
muck lucks
bulbous bouffant
macadamia
gazebo
plethora
bamboozle
igloo
ploy
spatula
shindig
hullabaloo
gabardine
tuberculosis
foible

A Good Kind of Busy

Quick update: Just moved into a new office space at work -- well, by "new" I mean we moved across the suite into a new section they built out. It's really pretty nice, as it's a smaller space with more windows and therefore more light. I really enjoy it, as it gives me a chance for a fresh start, an excuse to clean all the piles off my desk (was this *really* important at one point in time?), and hit the ground running.

I think my boss enjoys it because it's "his" space. We were sort of thrown into the midst of the cattle in our old space, battling with the copy room talk, office chit-chat, and the meanderings of the rest of the office. Having our own corner/section means we can get down to business and stay focused. And it's *quiet* which is good when some of us have to focus on financials who aren't good at financials...error-free is always better!

So my next 48 hours should be exciting: I'm trying to do some pro bono work designing the annual report for my old grade school, only there was a large software snafu (initiated by myself, but compounded with poor UPS shipping practices), a printer that didn't think to send a proof back to someone internally at the school before printing the entire run incorrectly, so now I get to juggle sending/receiving files at work and on my lunch hour.

Tonight, ND basketball is playing on ESPN -- don't screw up national tv, fellas! And I have small group at church. Thank goodness for DVR.

Then tomorrow night I'm having one of my buddies over to see if he wants to rent a roomm...that is, unless I tell him not to come because the heater is broken and won't be fixed until Thursday. Good times.

My nighttime routine usually consists of climbing in bed to watch one of the three DVDs I have in my possession. To switch things up a bit and to give it a bit of an international flair, I'm now watching Ocean's Twelve with French audio. Faaaan-tastic!

Not Ocean's Twelve. But it is French. And that makes it funny.

Marketing Through Commercials

So The Philosophress had what I would consider the best day of her MBA thus far: watching humorous commercials as a part of classtime.

I had not seen this first one, and I hope you find it as amusing as I did.

This next one's for Craigger.

My heart still holds a special place for this one, as this came out during freshman year and spawned all sorts of spoofs and spinoffs. Perfect encapsulation of male interaction.

For Your Viewing Pleasure

There's just something about blues music that makes one want to dance, to sing, and to play it simultaneously. Here's a star-studded cast, all orchestrated by one Paul Shaffer (of David Letterman fame) -- you'll see him running around shouting instructions. Actually, he directed and produced all the music for the Blues Brothers movies, so while his act on Letterman is a bit kitschy, I have the utmost respect for him as a musical talent.

Jerry , Ray & Fats
Uploaded by strayvick

Week in Review

This has been a pretty crazy week, but in a good way. Got to spend some quality (and quantity!) time with one of my cousins and my baby sister -- sort of letting them know the Important Things and that I'm an available resource for them if necessary before I heed on out.

I'm also trying to keep a level head about the upcoming interview. It requires a ten-minute presentation on the topic of my choice , and I think I've found something that is appropriate parts professional, informative, and humorous. It's challenging to keep in mind that this may not be the "right fit" or that even if I think it's a great job, they may not be equally enamored. Hopefully I don't have to actually go down the "sit in California for another 3 months and continue job-hunting" road, but it's a possibility I still need to consider.

I'm using this week as my last pensive week to ensure I'm taking the balanced approach, then next week it's all preparation, all the time. I'm viewing this as much performance as it is a presentation, and starting this weekend, it's Game Face time.



Well, I'll probably go with something other than the "jacket, tie, and shorts" look.

Playing the Game

So I'll be back in the Golden State soon, but not before making some random notes. First of all, the Texas wedding was fantastical (time off is always good, and awesome conversation with friends is super as well). I already know how Thursday's conversation at work is going to transpire:

"How was the wedding?"

"It was great!"

"Was it humid?"

"Oh gracious, yes! I mean it was terrible and sticky! Walking outside was like walking into a sauna!"

"I know! I can't imagine how anyone would want to live in that weather!"

One of the Life Lessons we've learned is that humidity is a small tradeoff to actually having great conversation, good community, and an environment that does not expect perfection. I'll accept the responsibility of doing laundry more frequently if it means we're surrounded by people who don't demand a facade.

Plus, all that humidity gives my skin a healthy glow.


And here's what happens when friends get together and show YouTube clips...

Big Wheels Keep On Turning

Finally, finally.

The Philosophress is winding her way East, and the past week has been an exhausting whirlwind for both of us. Ironically, we had a fantastic time with friends last night -- packing up stuff in moving cubes -- the first time we've been able to host a group at our place.

The sight and sound of an empty house brought back some very uncomfortable memories; namely the crappy job, feeling overwhelmed, inadequate, and isolation setting in. I had to remind myself that my emotions were revolting from the realization that California was not as advertised and there was no foreseeable way out.

California: Still room for millions of immigrants; also home of crazy bosses.

It's just so relieving to have The Philosophress physically moving towards what we've been hoping and planning for about a year now. Of course, she has the cats, but hopefully they'll play nicely with their traveling companion, Mr. Valium. I figured I can choose to look at this time of life like my family (change is sad/difficult/to be avoided) or more like my Europe trip (I already know I'm getting in over my head, so I might as well have a blast!) I'm tired of taking life so seriously that I resort to inaction, and goodness knows the geographical surroundings have dictated self-preservation mode. I'm just trying to shift my attitude to fit the more relaxed and adventurous environment that lies ahead.

In other news, The Philosophress is making camp in Needles, CA tonight, on the banks of the Colorado River. Tomorrow she hopes to teach the cats how to escape from quicksand, Bear Grylls-style.

Should this be labeled "Poignant" or "Ironic"?

Heard this song today while spending time with the fam. Fast forward to the 2:00 mark for the real good stuff.

Safe to say, I'll be learning how to play this on the piano tomorrow.

It's OK to Laugh...

Ok, this first one has sound. Now, picture people doing the same thing, only with empty trays in the dining hall...

The only sound on this one is you snickering. The part at the end where the squirrel is on the ground, but still dizzy? Kills me every time.

I Swear I Am Not Making This Up

The scene opens as the main character is busy working at his work station this afternoon. Girl From Work approaches to ask a question.


Girl From Work: Gina and I are trying to settle an argument, and maybe you can help us.

Me: (timidly) Um, ok...

GFW: Well, Gina thinks that squirrels are just "cute" but I think they're "adorable". What do you think?

Me: (incredulous) Are you serious?

GFW: Yeah, do you think squirrels are more "cute" or "adorable"?

Me: (looking around to locate the hidden cameras) I'd actually use the term "trusting" if I had to choose a word.

GFW: I know! There was one time when a squirrel came very close and ate some chips that I threw to it.

Me: Did you catch it?

GFW: (puzzled) What do you mean?

Me: Nothing. Never mind. It's just that...well, where I come from, the squirrels are rather friendly.

GFW: See Gina! Those squirrels are so adorable. I think they'd make great pets.

Me: Um, you probably don't want to try that.

GFW: (confused) Why not?

Me: Because they bark. (pause) And they don't understand the concept of glass windows.

GFW: I've never heard a squirrel bark before. Gina, have you?

Me: (biting lip to maintain composure) They only do that when they're upset and in enclosed spaces.

GFW: The ones I meet are always very friendly. Did you know they'll eat chips, bread crumbs, and even pet food?

Me: ...and muffins and bagels and doughnuts?

GFW: I've never seen a squirrel eat a whole muffin before! How does it carry it away?

Me: It doesn't, really. It plops itself down and just eats and growls at any other squirrels who come to investigate.

GFW: I've never seen a squirrel do that. I usually see squirrels just scamper away to eat.

Me: Well, the ones I'm talking about tend to waddle more than scamper.

GFW: That doesn't sound very cute or adorable.


The scene ends as I debate forwarding the Squirrel-apult video to Gina and GFW, but decide that if my responses thus far haven't aroused the suspicions of PETA, that I should not tempt the Fates further.

I Don't Know Who These Sick People Are

But words cannot describe how cool this is:

Drink Up, Me Hearties, Yo-Ho!

So the littlest sister may or may not have a crush on Johnny Depp (or at least his character in Pirates of the Caribbean). The other night I put my English skills to good use deconstructing a few scenes of the first Pirates movie, which I will share with you here.

First of all, Depp likens pirates to 18th century rockstars, patterning his performance after Keith Richards. I'd add that pirates were like knights of the seas, what with "codes" and "guidelines" and all that. So I guess it's not too surprising that a pirate character would be enchanting...women have been swooning for knights, pirates, and rockstars for ages, and getting all googly-eyed over Captain Jack is certainly better than falling for Justin Timberlake or whomever else sets the twelveteen-year-old hearts a-flutter.

It was a lot of fun showing how Depp's grand entrance sets the tone for the whole theme of the movie: Order vs. Chaos. Of course, it helps when my captive audience is a Captain Jack Sparrow fan, but I think I did a decent job of pointing out non-verbal cues and good life lessons (more on those in a minute).

The British settlement has all the trimmings of established society: social pecking order, fashion, music, and culture...all while clinging to a small spit of cleared land surrounded by harsh jungle and open ocean. It calls into question who the "bad guy" is, since Jack uses social convention and interaction to his advantage as easily as he harnesses the wind to power his ship. He is openly self-serving, while the proper townsfolk dress up and impose layers to coverover their own selfish interests.

Of course, my mother wasn't too wild about this talk, but there is something charming and Romantic when presented with a character who owns his motives and boasts of consistency -- even when it's not totally "right." With Captain Jack, we find a character who will not be pigeon-holed or persuaded to exist within ordered society. His true calling is on the high seas, where he must live by his wits. It is in times of crisis that he becomes "alive," as he is experienced in navigating unexpected circumstances and situations requiring quick thinking (and sometimes "forgetting" the rules).

While Norrington is much more "noble," it's a pity how small his character is -- with all of his pomp and circumstance he is never free to express his true feelings in public, and he is defined by what he keeps himself from (wine, women, and song) rather than by what he actually *does.*


To sum up, hopefully my sister will begin to understand that sometimes authentic individuals don't always fit nicely into socially-convenient labels or roles. Sometimes they can be edgier, more wild, and ultimately, can experience more.

And when you think about it, that's a pretty enticing persona. Small wonder why Captain Jack always seems to have people surrounding and following him -- he leads by example and encourages others to pursue their own authenticity.

Movie Doubleheader

So The Philosophress and I decide to hit the dollar theatre…and we turn out making a night of it. Two movies @ $1.50/ticket, plus we get one ticket free...well, I’m not good with math and numbers, but it’s pretty cheap.


Pelicula Uno: Failure to Launch

I didn’t even realize this was supposed to be a chick flick until about 2/3 of the way through the movie. Basically, it’s just like How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, only with more testosterone for the dudes. It even includes Matthew McConaughey, who is one fine piece of man. Of course, I can admit to watching chick flicks due to the marital status (and let the record show that I saved myself for marriage...I abstained from snuggling up with the chick flick on those cold and lonely nights during college because I was saving myself. Although I can’t say the same for my freshman roommates…one in particular was a big fan of Titanic, the Backstreet Boys, and Tom Cruise. But that’s another discussion for another time).

Despite the overplayed “I have my selfish reasons for dating you, but then I get upset/shocked/offended when I find out you’ve been lying and have been dating me for all the wrong reasons” plotline, this has several appropriate dude moments. (Of course, since I can’t figure out how to do numbers/bullet points, you readers get to read the “dude moments” juxtaposed with a flower icon. How’s that for high comedy?)

• The main character still lives in his parents house, and hangs with his 2 friends, one who’s a world adventurer, and one nicknamed “Ace,” who reveals, during an intimate moment with a female, garnered the moniker because of an undescended testicle. (Especially humorous since I knew a guy nicknamed “Tri-bal” in high school…due to a somewhat related problem)
• Chick flicks don’t usually involve a paintball scene with guys (and gals) getting hit in the face (conjures up Matt McGowen stories)
• A chick trying to buy various guns (paintball, BB, shotgun) to kill the mockingbird outside her window that won’t shut up
• And then there’s Terry Bradshaw, who plays Matthew McConaughey’s dad in the movie. After McConaughey moves out of his parents’ house, Bradshaw turns the former bedroom into his “Nekkid Room,” and we get see/hear various dialogues on how this is now a “safe refuge” and how much it bothers him to wear clothes.

In all, an enjoyable time. The Philosophress enjoyed it, and it’s a solid mixed-company movie, so long as the chicas won’t be offended with the dudes yukking it up during the dude moments.


Pelicula Dos: Inside Man

One of those movies that keeps you guessing until the end, lots of hints throughout, some flashbacks, some flashforwards, and you never know what the motivations of the characters are. Pretty sweet cast, with Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, and Jodie Foster. I was hoping Christopher Plummer would do some of his Sound of Music songs at the end, but alas, twas not to be. It was a thinking man’s movie, and one (like Ocean’s Eleven) that needs to be watched more than once, but the movie does have a dark tone, and the movie ends somewhat unresolved (The Philosophress thinks they left room for a sequel).