How much do I love Tina Fey?

Answer: a lot. Only for Tina would I have sat through Baby Mama, which was funny but disappointing.

Her acceptance speech last night was classic and (as I’ve said before) 30 Rock is the funniest thing on TV. I was stoked that Alec Baldwin won as well. I’ve *hearted* his comedy ever since the Schwety Balls on SNL. He’s also great in State and Main, if you haven’t seen it.

Mountain time kicks ass, no lie. Back in Michigan, I probably wouldn’t have watched the Golden Globes and I definitely wouldn’t have watched ALL of it because they’re on until effing MIDNIGHT. Out here, I got to watch them at work and they wrapped up the same time I did (around 10). It was pretty awesome.

It seems as though barrels of snow are hitting Denver but we’re all clear up here in the mountain hinterlands. The sun is shining and I think I’m going to be a nice hausfrau and make chili so that Spouse can eat when he gets home. I’ll be at work and this will also prevent excessive disasterfication of the kitchen while I’m gone. I’m purposely delaying the Attack of the Spare Bedroom until Wednesday when I don’t have to work. Probably there will also be before and after photos.

Work is going well and I’m meeting lots of nice folks. After the Spare Bedroom, I’ll be looking for other and/or additional work in earnest. I’m a little disappointed that I won’t be around for the Super Bowl, but it will be nice to see my mom again.

Also, if you don’t watch The View there was a pretty spectacular Ann Coulter smackdown this morning. Eminently linkable. Note to Ann: Don’t diss single mothers TO SINGLE MOTHERS. I think maybe Ann Coulter just needs hugs. Or valium. She seems so UNHAPPY all the time.

*shrug*

Off to attempt high-altitude chili.

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Weekend roundup – packing, Real Housewives, Psych, snow, et cetera

The vast majority of our work is done. The office is almost finished, and the kitchen is done. We have no dishes that are not paper or plastic. Fast food, here I come!

It is currently dumping a metric asston of snow on my area. Unlike Colorado, we do not get powder. The snow is wet, heavy, and in the process of freezing. I think everyone’s hoping for a snow day. I wouldn’t complain, but I think it’s unlikely.

I really enjoyed the yoga class I attended tonight. It was just the right amount of work and mindlessness. I worked up a really nice sweat and got really loose. Possibly I’ll work up another yoga post tomorrow.

On to the TV!

Real Housewives of Atlanta Reunion. Oh. My. God. It was CRAZY. The very best part was when Dwight came out and called them all “Très, très, très de classe.” I almost fell off my couch. It was brilliant. From NeNe calling Kim a hooker and a racist, to Kim claiming she had cancer and then saying she didn’t have cancer and then claming she never claimed she had cancer, it was sixteen kinds of reality TV trainwreck (if the train was carrying cars full of gunpowder). It was wild and I’m really hoping they do something with this show for another season.

Psych had another holiday episode! I love this show. It’s the funny version of The Mentalist, although it was around before the mentalist. The chemistry in the cast is fantastic, Dule Hill is a comic genius, and the storyline did not disappoint. The show is consistently funny and sweet. Love it.

Criminal Minds was fantastic this week. I generally think it’s fantastic, but it was a very cool exploration of first impressions, dating, and breaking out of your own awkward shell. That, plus serial killers! It’s another cast with great chemistry and solid crime plotting.

Bones was delightful, as ever. Love the Brennan/Dad interaction (with a side of Booth).

The Mentalist continues to be fantastic. I think the part I like most is Simon Baker. The character he plays has suffered an awful tragedy but they show him as a regular guy. He’s not swallowed up by his tragedy, he still enjoys life and has a sense of humor. His history is his history and influences his actions, but he’s not some morose lump. He gets along, as people do.

Grey’s Anatomy. I’m not sure WTF is going on there, but this whole Denny/Izzy thing is just creepy and icky. It’s too bad, because her storyline with Alex was starting to be interesting and now she’s a whacko and he’s going to get the shaft again. Also, sex with dead dudes = creepy. On top of that, her dead dude is a stalker. Worst kind of dead dude, ever.

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Twilight. Meh.

I did not love the book. I did not like the movie. If you loved the book, you will probably love the movie. I found it to be kind of stilted and too chock full of high school female angst, pregnant pauses, and swelling musical interludes. I liked the second book much better but I don’t think I’ll bother seeing the movie when it comes out. The only thing I DID like about the movie was Bella’s mittens. I clearly need some.

My main issue with Stephanie Meyer’s vampire mythology is the cold skin thing. Who wants to make out with a corpse? Ew. Also, SLEEPING with a corpse. I’m not one of those people who gives off heat in my sleep (see: Spouse) but I sure as heck would absorb the cold and it would wake me up. Also, CORPSE. EW.

More packing for me tonight. On the TV front, still loving The Mentalist. They did a masterful job of bringing in his old family tragedy this week. Loved it. Grey’s has taken a turn for the crazy but I still adore Kevin McKidd. His chemistry with Sandra Oh will keep me tuning in. Loves them. I thought the True Blood finale was going to be this past Sunday but I was wrong. I actually felt terrible for Jason in the episode, which is a testament to how great the actor is. And last but not least, I am LOVING The Real Housewives of Atlanta. I am positively EXCITED for the reunion special, which promises to be a trashy napalm trainwreck. I can’t wait.

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As Saturday rolls around

I’m not shockingly more productive. I have gotten through the majority of the laundry. Spouse’s stuff is 99% sorted and ready for packing. Books are still sorted but not packed. My clothes are almost all clean and ready to be sorted for donation/keep.

On the bright side, Mom got her hair fixed.

Also, I took a nap.

Tabatha’s Salon Takeover is the new best reality show in the history of EVER.

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What day is it?

Oh right – Wednesday. I taught two yoga classes today and attended Spouse’s farewell gathering at work.

Both yoga classes were pretty great. The morning class had 7 students, evening had 14. For tonight’s class we used the hip hop mix (a personal fave). I think my classes are amused because whenever a song comes on, I’m all “I LOVE this song!” It shouldn’t be surprising since, yanno, I MADE the mixes. What happens is that I rotate through my music and I’ve got several different things I use. So by the time I play a mix again, I’ve kind of forgotten what was on it, or what order the songs are in, and it’s a pleasant surprise every time because I love the songs.

A woman attended my class this evening (Power Yoga) for the first time. She was new to yoga and 8.5 MONTHS PREGNANT. What? I was able to structure the class in such a way that she could participate (though I would have probably had a stroke if I’d known how far along she was BEFORE the class started) but I’m still kind of in shock.

Speaking of shock, I MISSED the Wipeout finale last night! Totally disappointed. I did catch The Closer finale which was crazy and kind of bizarrely ended like a regular cliffhanger episode and didn’t really have a finale feel to it. Weird.

I’m going to admit to liking this interior design on Bravo. Tonight was all about designers from Project Runway and it is completely awesome. I love Big Daddy, not the least of which is because people call him Big Daddy.

My life is utterly lacking in excitement right now so I’m going to get some Peanut Butter Captain Crunch.

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I was not taken into custody by Homeland Security

For the contents of my last post. Or at all, for that matter. So there! Maybe Big Brother has figured out not to waste his time on peons like me.

I have been utterly consumed by the whole, holy crap we’re buying another house and packing all our belongings and finding a place for Spouse to rent and still attending my classes and teaching!

Therefore a suitably frivolous post about television:

Generation Kill. I loved this series. I loved pretty much every part of it. I especially loved how, after six episodes of showing how completely ass-backward some of our military procedures are/can be that they spent a big chunk of episode seven explaining WHY. It doesn’t make you love the crazy, but it lets you know that there is SOME sort of logic in the system.

True Blood. I saw the first episode and I kind of loved it. I read some Sookie Stackhouse books a long time ago and enjoyed them. They’re popcorn horror/fantasy and the TV show is capturing that completely. I dig that Anna Paquin plays Sookie just right – well-meaning and not above planting her foot firmly in her mouth. And her friend Tara is hilarious.

Fringe. Watched the premiere. I was not wowed, even though I really like Joshua Jackson. He’ll always be Pacey to me!

Shear Genius. Let me just say that that last challenge was bullshit. And also, I hate the way Dee does hair. Hate it. Charlie should have won.

Wipe Out. Dude – they changed up the courses and it is even MORE hilarious.

The Closer. When I think this show can’t get better, it totally proves me wrong. For example, after a totally amazing (and emotional wringer) episode when one of the squad’s family members is killed (stellar performances from all), they follow up with a hilarious (as ever) appearance by Brenda’s parents. Not only do they completely nail her relationship with Fritz and her relationship with her folks, but they get Fritz and his interactions with her parents AWESOME. And then, this week, she snatches authority out of thin air and goes from being demoted (ish) to bossing everyone around, in perfectly Brenda Leigh style. Love it.

I know I’ve watched other TV but the new Bravo interior design show hasn’t officially grown on me yet and I’m pretty intensely bored by Project Runway this season. The highlight so far has been during the Diane von Furstenberg challenge when Heidi was talking about how much she disliked Kenley’s dress and then all the other judges said they loved it. *smack* Heidi, you’re still JUST A MODEL. Hah.

I will probably have more to post about eventually, when my head is less likely to explode.

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Tomorrow is my birthday

I have no plans beyond teaching my evening yoga class. I will probably continue to lay around and read fiction before the grind that is Microbiology begins next week.

In related news, I read New Amsterdam by Elizabeth Bear and there is nothing I did not like about it. It’s a collection of short stories which involve the same characters. The people are complex and interesting, I love the alternate history and practical magic.

Up next on the list, finishing The Mermaid Chair, A Thousand Splendid Suns (for the Bandwagon), and the Penelopeiad by Margaret Atwood. I’m very excited about the latter because it was a surprise find.

I’m also excited about my birthday. I’ve gotten to the point where it feels like I’ve ‘earned’ each year and I’m pretty happy to be doing so. I’m in good health – better than when I was in my 20s – as is my family. We’ve got some changes and challenges coming up, but I’m looking forward to them.

And since it’s come up in conversation twice in the last several days, I Just Want To Celebrate by Rare Earth is probably my all-time favorite song. There are so MANY favorites that it’s hard to choose but in terms of tone, tempo, lyrics, and overall good-feeling I think it’s The One. It runs through my head every single day and is great every single day. More music here than video, but you get the gist:
Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “I Just Want to Celebrate – Rare Earth“, posted with vodpod

TV this week:

Generation Kill – Amazing. I can’t believe it’s almost over. I continue to laugh and be shocked and horrified simultaneously. Alexander Skaarsgard defines hawtness. I’m going to have to pick up the book the series is based on.

The Closer- Great Episode. Although really, are there ACTUALLY people who get engaged without having discussed whether or not they want children? Really?

Wipeout- Seriously? Rerun? WTF?

I’m going to eat awesomely Spouse-made lasagna for dinner and then have cake! I love cake!

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Best Shear Genius Episode EVAR

When you start with first graders, you know it’s going to be interesting. And to all you moms out there, if your 7-year-old daughter picks the tattooed and facial-pierced hair stylist YOU are in for TROUBLE later. I’m speaking from experience here. Ditto if your kid wants to look like a Charlie’s Angel or Paris Hilton. I’m just saying.

The kid challenge was hilarious because mini-Jacquelyn and mini-Paris LOVED their hair so much it looked like their smiles might explode. And then there was the fashion show/mock rock of previously eliminated contestants! Daniel is still hilarious, Charlie is still an enormous bitch, and I couldn’t believe how much fun they were all having. We were laughing out loud. Nicole’s impression of Meredith was FREAKY accurate and invisible Gail was awful/hysterically funny.

If the first half wasn’t enough, THEN the challenge happened. Daniel reveals his scheming, plotting, devious side! P.S. Having to cut the other contestant’s family members hair was BRILLIANT. I felt bad that Paolo went home but he kept giving everyone the same hair cut. Plus when Charlie’s sister turned around, Carly and I both went “WHOA.” We also felt like Dee’s mom’s haircut was going to grow out like a Chia Pet (which was unfortunate) and their phrasing was bad. Her styling options weren’t limited as much as what the hell she was going to do when growing it out.

Project Runway was good, until I saw SG- at which point it paled in comparison. I think that Kenle and the Mormon kind of ripped off Leatha Stella and the other dude. I mean, their dress was HOT and lost because Brooke Shields didn’t like the belt. It was terrible because their dress looked so put together and like it came right off a chi chi store rack. I liked the Kenle/Mormon dress but if you saw both dressed on a store mannequin, you’d buy the one with the belt.

Maybe I should eventually learn the designers names? I guess that’s a testament to how invested I’m not.

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Lovable a-holes and a note to Ariel Tweto

I’m watching the Flipping Out reunion and I LOVE Jeff Lewis. Love him.

Interviewer: “A lot of people came out of this season thinking you’re kind of a bastard.”

Jeff: *shocked look* then – in all sincerity – “Are you sure you mean THIS season and not last season? Because I’m an a-hole but I think this season I’m more of a lovable a-hole.”

HILARIOUS.

And when he started talking about manscaping. “Are you SURE you want to get into this?” He just cracks me up.

What’s funny to me is that most of the time he’s kind of smirking about what he’s doing. Frex, he’s being an a-hole and he knows it and finds it mildly amusing, and then is MORE amused when other people don’t realize he’s mostly kind of screwing with them. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to work for him but he is wicked funny to watch.

[“Detective Chavez” *snerk* “I’m getting an erection.”]
[Jennie: “What a catch!” Jeff: ” That doesn’t sound convincing at all. That sounded sarcastic actually!”]

And while I’m talking about TV:
Ariel Tweto, if you’re still reading, you need a webpage, girl! The vast majority of my blog hits lately are people doing “ariel tweto” searches. I think you’re super sweet and it would be totally awesome if you could capitalize on all of this. P.S. It was so cool that you commented on my blog!

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I spoke too soon

Yesterday I went outside to show Carly the empty bunny nest and who was looking up at me but three little bunnies. I’m not sure who was more surprised, me or them. One by one they scampered to the back of the garden but I’m pretty sure they came back to the nest to sleep. So Piper is still on Bunny Watch.

I have been gushing about how awesome Ariel Tweto was on Wipeout because she was hilarious and upbeat and had a great sense of humor. And then she commented on my Ariel is Great entry! Crazy intarwebz!

I’m on a break before my anatomy practical and I’m very proud of myself for not wasting all my time on the internet yesterday. Hopefully it will pay off.

My class this morning was good, even though I was a bit discombobulated. I’m also finalizing my schedule with the Township so that my students will have some other options.

I was thinking I’d go out for a mid-finals celebratory beer tonight but I’m tired enough that I may just pass out. I can’t believe it’s only 1:30 in the afternoon!

Spouse is safely in Colorado and said the drive was spectacular. Potentially more details later. It’s so weird sleeping in a bed without him (though Piper tried to keep me company). It’ll be nice when he’s home.

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