Friday, June 05, 2009
TGI Friday, Y'all!
Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard
I don't want to get ahead of the glorious weekend ahead, but my nerd readers out there know that Monday is going to be big for those of us who like slick, shiny Apple products.
Will Apple reveal an even more gleaming iPhone?! Will the iMac monitor get even more giant?! Will the new Snow Leopard operating system be an actual snow leopard you will have to feed and walk?
Questions people!!!
The only thing we know for sure is the new Mac Wheel will be awesome... "Nothing's more simple than a single giant button!"
TGIF!!!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
I Will Not Fail You, Lisa Lisa
Wednesday morning I received this in my Gmail account (if you don't feel like reading all of it I have highlights below):
Hey Gina Daugherty,
Based on the hot topics and discussions featured on Gina Blogs All About it, LISA LISA’s fans are sure to be surfing through and have interest on the amazing opportunities that we currently have available! Additionally, we wanted to inform you that Lisa Lisa (Formerly of The Cult Jam) has a new album coming July 14th and a single, “Que Locura” that is currently available on iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon and many other sites!
Aside from the attached banner promoting the single, we are running an 80's hair contest, 80's fashion contest, and "All Cried Out" singing contest where winners will receive concert tickets to see Lisa Lisa at different venues around the country.
We are trying to increase our Twitter followers and outlets for sharing information on upcoming Lisa Lisa releases and we were hoping you would be interested in supporting the cause! Posting a LISA LISA album banner, contest banner, or video on Gina Blogs All About it’s, main/music page would be a sweet highlight for LISA LISA. As an incentive Mass Appeal Entertainment will feature your logo or link on all of our related websites (i.e. Myspace, iMeem, iLike, etc.).
If you are interested in getting an exclusive video drop and other exclusive content, please reply to this email with, “Sign Me Up” and we’ll send you the banner, video, and codes to post on Gina Blogs All About it! Then send us your logo or banner and let the excitement begin!!
Thank you for your support!
Best,
Mass Appeal Entertainment
Rochelle Goldsmith (General Manager)
Awesome, right?!
When I first read it I thought, "Of course I love Lisa Lisa, but how on earth would they know that?! Is Lisa-Lisa not only the wonderful songstress behind All Cried Out but also somehow all-knowing?
Turns out, no.
After Googling my blog along with All Cried Out I found this old post, which is obviously what Lisa Lisa's handlers also found.
What I like most about this email is its uber-complimentary style - flattery will get you everywhere with Gina's Blog, my friends - including these implicit gems:
•Lisa Lisa fans will see Gina Blogs All About It and totally hope to find Lisa Lisa's new single and video, because Gina Blogs is the source for news and entertainment
• Gina, you would be amazing in our All Cried Out singing contest
• Moreover Gina, Lisa Lisa wants you to choreograph a sick routine for Head To Toe, which you will dance to all summer while you tour with Lisa Lisa "at different venues around the country" as her backup dancer and soon-to-be BFF
But obviously this is my favorite part - Posting a LISA LISA album banner, contest banner, or video on Gina Blogs All About It’s main/music page would be a sweet highlight for LISA LISA.
A "sweet highlight for Lisa Lisa?!" Hellz yeah!
I'm not going to let Lisa Lisa down, you guys, so I did what the email told me to do: I replied with 'Sign me up!'
I'm excited for lots of Lisa Lisa banner/video/song spam.
Hey Gina Daugherty,
Based on the hot topics and discussions featured on Gina Blogs All About it, LISA LISA’s fans are sure to be surfing through and have interest on the amazing opportunities that we currently have available! Additionally, we wanted to inform you that Lisa Lisa (Formerly of The Cult Jam) has a new album coming July 14th and a single, “Que Locura” that is currently available on iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon and many other sites!
Aside from the attached banner promoting the single, we are running an 80's hair contest, 80's fashion contest, and "All Cried Out" singing contest where winners will receive concert tickets to see Lisa Lisa at different venues around the country.
We are trying to increase our Twitter followers and outlets for sharing information on upcoming Lisa Lisa releases and we were hoping you would be interested in supporting the cause! Posting a LISA LISA album banner, contest banner, or video on Gina Blogs All About it’s, main/music page would be a sweet highlight for LISA LISA. As an incentive Mass Appeal Entertainment will feature your logo or link on all of our related websites (i.e. Myspace, iMeem, iLike, etc.).
If you are interested in getting an exclusive video drop and other exclusive content, please reply to this email with, “Sign Me Up” and we’ll send you the banner, video, and codes to post on Gina Blogs All About it! Then send us your logo or banner and let the excitement begin!!
Thank you for your support!
Best,
Mass Appeal Entertainment
Rochelle Goldsmith (General Manager)
Awesome, right?!
When I first read it I thought, "Of course I love Lisa Lisa, but how on earth would they know that?! Is Lisa-Lisa not only the wonderful songstress behind All Cried Out but also somehow all-knowing?
Turns out, no.
After Googling my blog along with All Cried Out I found this old post, which is obviously what Lisa Lisa's handlers also found.
What I like most about this email is its uber-complimentary style - flattery will get you everywhere with Gina's Blog, my friends - including these implicit gems:
•Lisa Lisa fans will see Gina Blogs All About It and totally hope to find Lisa Lisa's new single and video, because Gina Blogs is the source for news and entertainment
• Gina, you would be amazing in our All Cried Out singing contest
• Moreover Gina, Lisa Lisa wants you to choreograph a sick routine for Head To Toe, which you will dance to all summer while you tour with Lisa Lisa "at different venues around the country" as her backup dancer and soon-to-be BFF
But obviously this is my favorite part - Posting a LISA LISA album banner, contest banner, or video on Gina Blogs All About It’s main/music page would be a sweet highlight for LISA LISA.
A "sweet highlight for Lisa Lisa?!" Hellz yeah!
I'm not going to let Lisa Lisa down, you guys, so I did what the email told me to do: I replied with 'Sign me up!'
I'm excited for lots of Lisa Lisa banner/video/song spam.
Friday, May 29, 2009
TGIF and Sunny Skies!
Cannonball! from GinaBlogs on Vimeo.
Happy end of the four-day week, y'all.
If you're wondering, What did Gina do during her three-day holiday weekend - and come on, who isn't - have I got a video for you!
Missy + Adam + pool + me filming = CANNONBALL-OFF!
See all you pale people at the pool this weekend. TGIF!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
New Neighbors
These little guys and their momma moved in.
I thought my 17-pounds of fun (also known as Cassady) might be curious to see them.
Then my 15-pounds of fun (also known as Cassius) decided he wanted to see them too.
Cassady briefly considered jumping up onto the windowsill. But he decided to go back to sleep instead.
Momma pigeon was none to happy with all this excitement.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Omg, Omg, Omg, You Guys
Thursday night was Big. HUGE. Like the best night ever.
EV.ER.
My girl Kari was home visiting from NYC, which already makes it fabulous, but on top of that the Taking the Stage crew was at the Southgate House where Mia was playing a show. It was awesome on top of awesome.
When Adam and I walked up to the Southgate House we saw the giant MTV cameras everywhere and were immediately directed to sign a release form, you know, in case we ended up in any scenes. (Please god, please let at least my arm be in an episode.) But what this also means is that there is going to be a TTS season two. YES.
We walk toward the door after signing our lives away and Adam is all, "Tyler and JJ are on the porch right now." And I'm all, "OMG WHERE?!" And he's all, "Right there!" and I'm all, "Omg! Tyler and JJ are right there!" and Adam is all, "I just said that."
Of course we grab a table on the porch so I can spy on them.
I'm pretty sure I was the only superfan. Somehow I imagined people like myself coming up to them and being like, "Oh yay! It's you!" But it wasn't like that at all. Instead we were surrounded by hipsters who were there to see the The Darlins and the Whosy-Whatsees or whatever, who were playing upstairs from Mia.
As we spied Tyler and JJ walked down to the street, like they were leaving, and I was all, "Nooooooo!"
Adam kept telling me to go down there and get a photo with them, but I didn't want to be weird and there was no one else doing that and plus they were talking to a producer. So I kept saying, "No I can't, it's weird" and Adam kept saying, "What's the big deal, you're a big fan. You're going to regret this."
Finally we walked down to where they were and... I turned into a total spaz.
"Tyler I love you..." is what I said. Yeah. I know. NOT COOL. Then in my head I was like, "Whoa girl, he's like, 18, take it down a notch." So I added, "But not in a weird way. You know what I mean." Awkward!
Then we posed for this stunning photo.
Look how happy we look. It's destiny.
Then I had his BFF JJ take a photo with me, and JJ is just as kinetic and crazy as he is on the show. He was like, "You're a fan?! That's awesome!" And he started kinda dancing around, which made me kinda weirdly dance around too. This scene is best captured by this weird, unflattering photo. But still, ow ow!
By then we realized we had actually missed Mia's performance and The Seedy Seeds were setting up. I love them, so it was all good, but imagine how fun it would have been to see Mia play with all the MTV cameras around and Tyler and JJ and the rest of the Taking the Stage cast lingering about. Ugh. Next time.
During the Seedy Seeds my friend Katherine (a TTS fan in her own right) spotted Mia and we decided to follow her outside. (What, is that weird?) But you guys won't even believe who she was out there with - Brian! The boy who unceremoniously dumped her in the first episode! Katherine and I were all, Wtf Mia? (To each other, not to Mia.)
And then we took this photo with her.
Afterwards I chatted with her and her man, Brian (sneak peak season two, y'all, they're back together!), and asked him if everyone thinks he's a big jerk because of the first episode. He told me he did look like an "asshole" but that most kids at his school (Lakota East, he hates it) don't really say anything.
Then Mia said, "Yeah, that was wack," to which I replied, "wiggity wack, or just regular type?" and she said, "regular type." Then we looked at each other and both said " HomeStar Runner! " at the same time and laughed and slapped hive-fives. Brian goes, "I can't believe you know that, that's awesome."
Total awesome, because I am preternaturally cool. Usually. When I'm not weirdly tween-girlish about bumping into an 18-year-old dancer on the sidewalk outside the Southgate House.
A few steps down was AaronChin Beard, so we took a photo with him too.
Afterwards I was all, "Aaron, what's up with you and Mia? And are you in school now?" He said he has a new girlfriend and is a "drop-out." I was all, "Aaron, what are you going to do with your life, you need to go back to school!" He said he's going to get GED but I was all, "Ok yes of course, you have too, but what's your big picture plan here?" To which he said, "music."
Hmm, I feel like Aaron needs some guidance and a backup plan. Maybe TTS could hire me as Aaaron's career counselor.
I also felt kinda bad about calling him Chin Beard all this time on my blog - sorry Aaron! - because he really was a sweet, genuinely nice kid. And Mia was fabulous too.
But all of this left me wondering, "Who's Tyler dating then?!"
Guess we'll see next season!
Mia also told me that the filming at the Southgate House on Thursday is intended to be the first episode of season two. Please god, please don't let me get hit by a bus before I get to see the episode that might possibly show the back of my head.
Coming soon I swear, the Taking The Stage season finale. But after Thursday, we're already so far ahead of the game here. You're welcome, you guys!
EV.ER.
My girl Kari was home visiting from NYC, which already makes it fabulous, but on top of that the Taking the Stage crew was at the Southgate House where Mia was playing a show. It was awesome on top of awesome.
When Adam and I walked up to the Southgate House we saw the giant MTV cameras everywhere and were immediately directed to sign a release form, you know, in case we ended up in any scenes. (Please god, please let at least my arm be in an episode.) But what this also means is that there is going to be a TTS season two. YES.
We walk toward the door after signing our lives away and Adam is all, "Tyler and JJ are on the porch right now." And I'm all, "OMG WHERE?!" And he's all, "Right there!" and I'm all, "Omg! Tyler and JJ are right there!" and Adam is all, "I just said that."
Of course we grab a table on the porch so I can spy on them.
I'm pretty sure I was the only superfan. Somehow I imagined people like myself coming up to them and being like, "Oh yay! It's you!" But it wasn't like that at all. Instead we were surrounded by hipsters who were there to see the The Darlins and the Whosy-Whatsees or whatever, who were playing upstairs from Mia.
As we spied Tyler and JJ walked down to the street, like they were leaving, and I was all, "Nooooooo!"
Adam kept telling me to go down there and get a photo with them, but I didn't want to be weird and there was no one else doing that and plus they were talking to a producer. So I kept saying, "No I can't, it's weird" and Adam kept saying, "What's the big deal, you're a big fan. You're going to regret this."
Finally we walked down to where they were and... I turned into a total spaz.
"Tyler I love you..." is what I said. Yeah. I know. NOT COOL. Then in my head I was like, "Whoa girl, he's like, 18, take it down a notch." So I added, "But not in a weird way. You know what I mean." Awkward!
Then we posed for this stunning photo.
Look how happy we look. It's destiny.
Then I had his BFF JJ take a photo with me, and JJ is just as kinetic and crazy as he is on the show. He was like, "You're a fan?! That's awesome!" And he started kinda dancing around, which made me kinda weirdly dance around too. This scene is best captured by this weird, unflattering photo. But still, ow ow!
By then we realized we had actually missed Mia's performance and The Seedy Seeds were setting up. I love them, so it was all good, but imagine how fun it would have been to see Mia play with all the MTV cameras around and Tyler and JJ and the rest of the Taking the Stage cast lingering about. Ugh. Next time.
During the Seedy Seeds my friend Katherine (a TTS fan in her own right) spotted Mia and we decided to follow her outside. (What, is that weird?) But you guys won't even believe who she was out there with - Brian! The boy who unceremoniously dumped her in the first episode! Katherine and I were all, Wtf Mia? (To each other, not to Mia.)
And then we took this photo with her.
Afterwards I chatted with her and her man, Brian (sneak peak season two, y'all, they're back together!), and asked him if everyone thinks he's a big jerk because of the first episode. He told me he did look like an "asshole" but that most kids at his school (Lakota East, he hates it) don't really say anything.
Then Mia said, "Yeah, that was wack," to which I replied, "wiggity wack, or just regular type?" and she said, "regular type." Then we looked at each other and both said " HomeStar Runner! " at the same time and laughed and slapped hive-fives. Brian goes, "I can't believe you know that, that's awesome."
Total awesome, because I am preternaturally cool. Usually. When I'm not weirdly tween-girlish about bumping into an 18-year-old dancer on the sidewalk outside the Southgate House.
A few steps down was Aaron
Afterwards I was all, "Aaron, what's up with you and Mia? And are you in school now?" He said he has a new girlfriend and is a "drop-out." I was all, "Aaron, what are you going to do with your life, you need to go back to school!" He said he's going to get GED but I was all, "Ok yes of course, you have too, but what's your big picture plan here?" To which he said, "music."
Hmm, I feel like Aaron needs some guidance and a backup plan. Maybe TTS could hire me as Aaaron's career counselor.
I also felt kinda bad about calling him Chin Beard all this time on my blog - sorry Aaron! - because he really was a sweet, genuinely nice kid. And Mia was fabulous too.
But all of this left me wondering, "Who's Tyler dating then?!"
Guess we'll see next season!
Mia also told me that the filming at the Southgate House on Thursday is intended to be the first episode of season two. Please god, please don't let me get hit by a bus before I get to see the episode that might possibly show the back of my head.
Coming soon I swear, the Taking The Stage season finale. But after Thursday, we're already so far ahead of the game here. You're welcome, you guys!
Friday, May 22, 2009
What's Up Cavs Fans?!
Nothing says TGIF 3-day weekend like a little LeBron! Even as a puppet No. 23 is super awesome/hott/talented/funny. MVP baby!
Don't forget, The Beast and his crew play the second game of the Eastern conference finals tonight at 8:30. Guess who's already got her DVR set... This girl!
For my all-time favorite commercial, which happens to feature LeBron, watch here.
(LeBron, for real, call me... You can't fight destiny.)
TGIF 3-day weekend everyone!
For Me?!
A gift card and bagel on my last day. So nice! I'm going to eat the whole thing and spend my entire $15 on one hit wonders. Woo hoo!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Magnets, Milk And Microwaves
This morning I was wandering around my new desk location, which is near a microwave.
I was pointing out to my new boss man that I have been radiated in a lame attempt to avoid said microwave location when one of the researchers came out of his office and said something to this effect:
"Magnet exposure... lactation... decrease in milk production... dairy cows located under powerlines."
Then he pulled a journal article off a cube wall. (Talk about clutch.)
This steered the conversation to lactation potential - which doesn't affect me in the least - but is a funny place to take a conversation about sitting near a microwave.
"This seating arrangement is really going to hurt my lactation potential," I joked. But joke's on me cause guess who then got taken into the lactation room after that?! Aww yeah!
But, you'll never guess where my new office is, y'all... The lactation room!
Just kidding. I'm still beside the microwave. So if someone burns a Hot Pocket I'll be the first to know. Hot POCKET!
I was pointing out to my new boss man that I have been radiated in a lame attempt to avoid said microwave location when one of the researchers came out of his office and said something to this effect:
"Magnet exposure... lactation... decrease in milk production... dairy cows located under powerlines."
Then he pulled a journal article off a cube wall. (Talk about clutch.)
This steered the conversation to lactation potential - which doesn't affect me in the least - but is a funny place to take a conversation about sitting near a microwave.
"This seating arrangement is really going to hurt my lactation potential," I joked. But joke's on me cause guess who then got taken into the lactation room after that?! Aww yeah!
But, you'll never guess where my new office is, y'all... The lactation room!
Just kidding. I'm still beside the microwave. So if someone burns a Hot Pocket I'll be the first to know. Hot POCKET!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Taking the Stage: The Penultimate
My apologies. I've totally fallen off the Taking the State review wagon. That's what happens sometimes with shows I really like - when the end is near I'll not watch it to kind of "save" it.
But tonight I finally watched the second to last episode, and omg you guys, EPIC. Here we go!
• Malik and Matthew fight. Malik says, "He's disrespectful and I'm not getting disrespected." (Word, Malik.)
• Tyler and Jasmine fight.
•Aaron Chin-Beard skips school.
• Mia proclaims that she and Tyler would be a "power couple" if only he'd "be real" and break up with Jasmine.
• Mia confronts Tyler about him not "being real," yells at him to break up with Jasmine. He yells back that he can't because "everyone will hate him" and he has to go to school with Malik, Shaakira and Jasmine. Mia points out that everyone hates her and she's not all tore up over it. (Yeah Tyler, man up!)
• Matthew tells Malik they need "a break." Hearts break on the staircase at SCPA, mostly Malik's.
• Chin-Beard gets kicked out of school. Mia cries. A lot. She tells her friend her feelings toward Chin-Beard are "confusing." (Mia is often confused about her feelings.)
• Malik's mom asks where Matthew's been. Malik confesses they broke up earlier that day at school. He tells his mom he's "trying not to miss him but he can't help it," and starts to cry. (It's only been an hour or two Malik, buck up!) Malik's mom is adorably sweet and supportive. *hugs for Malik's mom!
• Tyler barges in on Jasmine rehearsing, asks if she's "happy." (It's the kiss of death Jasmine, RUN!) He tells her they're too young for love (something Mia told him during their argument, that bastard!) and says he doesn't want a relationship anymore. Tyler starts to cry, hard. (And he's even cuter crying, if that were even possible.) Jasmine cries on the staircase.
• The staircase starts crying at how many break-ups its facilitated in this episode. (Just kidding.)
• Malik's solo at the school's Top the Charts program brings the house down. He's not invisible anymore, you guys!
• Mia's rendition of Heartless is obviously directed toward Tyler and Jasmine. But Chin-Beard is there! Mia rebuffs Tyler's attempts to congratulate her; she and Chin-Beard leave with their arms around each other.
Whew!
Come back tomorrow when I review the finale (*sobs) and find out what I'll be doing Thursday night. You guys are going to be so stoked when you hear.
Gina, OUT.
But tonight I finally watched the second to last episode, and omg you guys, EPIC. Here we go!
• Malik and Matthew fight. Malik says, "He's disrespectful and I'm not getting disrespected." (Word, Malik.)
• Tyler and Jasmine fight.
•
• Mia proclaims that she and Tyler would be a "power couple" if only he'd "be real" and break up with Jasmine.
• Mia confronts Tyler about him not "being real," yells at him to break up with Jasmine. He yells back that he can't because "everyone will hate him" and he has to go to school with Malik, Shaakira and Jasmine. Mia points out that everyone hates her and she's not all tore up over it. (Yeah Tyler, man up!)
• Matthew tells Malik they need "a break." Hearts break on the staircase at SCPA, mostly Malik's.
• Chin-Beard gets kicked out of school. Mia cries. A lot. She tells her friend her feelings toward Chin-Beard are "confusing." (Mia is often confused about her feelings.)
• Malik's mom asks where Matthew's been. Malik confesses they broke up earlier that day at school. He tells his mom he's "trying not to miss him but he can't help it," and starts to cry. (It's only been an hour or two Malik, buck up!) Malik's mom is adorably sweet and supportive. *hugs for Malik's mom!
• Tyler barges in on Jasmine rehearsing, asks if she's "happy." (It's the kiss of death Jasmine, RUN!) He tells her they're too young for love (something Mia told him during their argument, that bastard!) and says he doesn't want a relationship anymore. Tyler starts to cry, hard. (And he's even cuter crying, if that were even possible.) Jasmine cries on the staircase.
• The staircase starts crying at how many break-ups its facilitated in this episode. (Just kidding.)
• Malik's solo at the school's Top the Charts program brings the house down. He's not invisible anymore, you guys!
• Mia's rendition of Heartless is obviously directed toward Tyler and Jasmine. But Chin-Beard is there! Mia rebuffs Tyler's attempts to congratulate her; she and Chin-Beard leave with their arms around each other.
Whew!
Come back tomorrow when I review the finale (*sobs) and find out what I'll be doing Thursday night. You guys are going to be so stoked when you hear.
Gina, OUT.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Hubawha?!
Daybreak is closed.
Kari and Julie are going to be so sad when they come home. We shared a lot over breakfast burritos and avocado sandwiches.
But we still have Greenup Cafe, ladies!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
omgSprinkles!
omgHelmetSundae is back, and it's covered in sprinkles!
You'll find snacks galore, Brandon Phillips (from a distance) and omgReds uber blogger Dan. Check it out!
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Friday, May 08, 2009
Running Sherpa
Ignore my windblown pompadour for a minute and concentrate on Adam in this photo from the Heart Mini.
It cracks me up how much stuff he has on. He looks like a running sherpa. This is my fault. He's carrying my backpack, has my sweatshirt tied around his waist and I'm 90 percent certain he's holding my gloves in his right hand. He's an entire support system in Asics.
Ha! Sorry dude.
I was originally looking at Flying Pig photos from last weekend when I came across this gem from March. Anyway, back to Pig photos!
Fridays Are Heart Healthy. TGIF!!!
Today on TGIF video we are celebrating the hardest working muscle in the body, our heart!
While you sit reading this your heart is working tirelessly, pumping oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body. It will thanklessly and without complaint beat 100,000 times today to help keep you alive, and what have you done for it lately?!
See, the reason for this heart lesson today folks is that I got a new job. YAY!!!
Not that I didn't like my old job, but now I've got a new one that's shinier, cooler and heart shaped.
I'm still at Children's of course, but now I'm the Senior Communications Guru in Charge of Everything Awesome With the Heart Institute. Well... it's not my official title, but it's something like that.
It was a natural fit for me really. I mean, the heart is my favorite muscle.
So let's celebrate! Who wants to buy me a glass of heart healthy red wine where I'll casually mention "ventricular tachycardia" and note, "FYI, those fries aren't such a good idea for your cardiomyocyte function."
In the meantime, please enjoy this informative video (who knew our cells drink pop, with a straw!) and celebrate that awesome little organ that never asks for a promotion, more money or even a transfer to another body.
TGIF!
Monday, May 04, 2009
Pigs Fo' Sho
This year for the Pig relay I had a secret, delicious, gelatinous weapon: Gummy Bears.
Saturday night I packed a baggy with 10 or 12 of them. I decided that after each mile, a gummy bear would get it.
What?! Don't judge me. They had it coming for being so adorable and delicious.
As I ticked off each mile I'd pick one off - see ya red gummy bear. You're next white gummy bear. Who will make it to the end? You? You think it's you little bear? We'll see...
Me nor the gummy bears were quite prepared for the Gilbert hill or the hill into Eden Park, because halfway up I started shoving them into my mouth with wild abandon. Let me tell ya, that hill ain't no joke. I needed the calories. Who wouldn't prefer to be eaten rather than run up that hill.
I had only a few left when I got to Ryan, who was waiting for me wearing the sportiest sweatband I've ever seen, which he wore right across his forehead, old school-like.
I arrived with my arms up all, "Yeah! Your turn. Fun times ahead relay-mate!" Then finished off the gummies after a double high-five.
Overall, the Pig was fun as always. Too fun really. It's easy to go insane while out there.
When I woke up at 5:15 and was eating a banana and drinking coffee I told Adam that I was "over" the Pig and that I wasn't going to do it again next year because I was sick of getting up so early.
It's been what, 11 years? I'll just watch by the apartment at like, 9 a.m., I told him.
Then at about mile 3 the sun was out, I was about to cross the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge back into Cincinnati and there was a nice crowd of people lining the streets of Covington cheering and telling me how awesome I was doing and I thought, "I should do the half next year! FUN!"
Temporary insanity for sure.
In other weekend news, I got to see my buddy Byron again, took what I believe is the best photo I've ever taken, and laughed as Adam's daughter got mauled by the Charmin bear, and right before the Piglet fun run!
My only disappointment (and Missy's as well) was not getting a finishers chest bump from A.J. Lafley. I mean, P&G was everywhere, come on Lafley, can't some girls get a chest bump?!
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Speaking of Swine
Hold the flippin' phone, you guys. The Flying Pig is tomorrow! EEK.
Not cool of it to sneak up on me like that.
Sure, I've known since January I was doing relay again, but still. Time flies when you're not training. Er, I mean... running hella-fast like, all the time.
I'm running the first leg this year, also known as 6.84 miles of early morning gloriousness. It's about the same distance I ran last year for the fourth leg after the course was rerouted for the fire. Of course last year I went for more training runs.
The photo is of me and Byron, who I ran with most Saturday mornings last year. He encouraged me up countless hills, and I tried not to drag him down too much. Then he moved to Louisiana. So selfish! It's probably why I skipped so many runs this year, I was sans Byron.
I'm excited for Sunday though. The Pig is one of my favorite Cincinnati things, whether I'm watching or running the relay. It will be fun!
My fellow relay-mates - Adam, Missy and Ryan - and a few other folks are coming over tonight to carb load.
It's going to be a rockin' Saturday night, y'all. I know I for one will be in bed at like 10:30. CRAZY!
The Seedy Seeds
Checked out The Seedy Seeds (above) last night at the Southgate House. Total awesome. They were as great as everyone says. It was rollicking and fun and who cares if I needed to get to bed early for the Pig. (Because you know it's not the night before that's important, it's the night before the night before.)
Margaret, the singer/guitarist/accordian/tamborine player is also a terrific graphic artist. I wanted so badly one of the buttons she designed featuring a kitten and a heart with a greater than/or equal to symbol between them.
Adorable kitten ≥ ♥
(Why isn't there a kitten symbol? Annoying.) But you get the idea, and I liked where her mind was. Sadly I had NO cash. Next time kitten button!
Speaking of terrific designers, I was really there to see my friend Rob's band, The Mighty play.
Omg loved them. I don't want to overstate it by saying they totally rocked my world, but then again, they totally rocked my world.
Fans were clamoring for Rob to do a bass solo, but sadly he didn't hear said fan scream this at the stage. (Note to self: Louder next time.)
Good times!
Friday, May 01, 2009
Friday... Isn't It Glorious?!
Playing For Change | Song Around The World "Stand By Me" from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.
Truly, if this video doesn't give you chills and make you happy, you're dead inside.
Happy weekend to everyone! TGIF!
Truly, if this video doesn't give you chills and make you happy, you're dead inside.
Happy weekend to everyone! TGIF!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Super Sporty
I know what you're thinking, Where on earth did Gina get that fantastic arm sleeve.
Well people, there's another one just like it. I'm just not wearing it.
I've biked more this spring than I've biked in the last 10 years. Adam and I have been hitting Lunken most nice evenings/weekends for a 5 mile roll. And as fortune would have it, I found this arm sleeve in his bike kit during a recent outing.
It's stunning isn't it? I mean, let's say I want to go biking but it's a little chilly, yet I know I'll heat up after a bit. Helloooo arm sleeve.
I'm thinking about wearing it even when it's not cool outside. I'm probably something like 57 percent faster just looking at it.
Somehow Adam wasn't very enthusiastic about posing for photos with me in the arm sleeve. Some people are just really sensitive about their arm sleeves.
Taking The Stage: Moms Are Awesome Edition
I've decided if I didn't already have an awesome mom I would want Jamine's mom.
Last week on Taking the Stage Jasmine finds out she gets to audition at Julliard. Wow. Such a privilege.
Jasmine's mom, Elodie, is just so proud of her you can feel it. What expense and time it must have taken for this family to get her where she is.
The night before her audition in their Chicago hotel room Jasmine's mom tells her, "You have a lot of people praying for you. And we are so proud of you." About then she starts to choke up and cry, then continues, "But I always knew you could do it and hard works pays off. I just know you're going to do well and do great where ever you go."
Heart-wrenching! I may have been a little misty as I watched. (Is it dusty in here?!)
When her mom drops her off at Julliard she tells her, "Ok Jazzie, this is it. You just stay focused and keep praying, hear?"
Then her mom goes across the street and sits for God knows how long in a little diner waiting for her daughter as she hopes for her big break. Can you imagine the torture? Just having to sit there and wait. Ugh.
When Jasmine cames into the restaurant when she's finished her mom is so excited she gets up and eagerly asks, "Jazzie, how did you make out?"
Sadly, Jasmine got cut.
I don't know much about ballet (as we all know) but technically Jasmine seems flawless. She just doesn't have that... passion. That soul, you know. Of course she's like 17. There is still plenty of time for her.
It was heartbreaking to watch though. And her mom, obviously disappointed, continued to tell her how proud she is of her and that it's ok, she did her best.
Elodie, you have my nomination for best mom ever.
Meanwhile, Tyler and Malik face-off in a national dance competition. Tyler joins an already established crew of about 100, while Malik starts his own crew a quarter of the size. Malik does all his own choreography and coaching, while Tyler's team has a slew of experienced coaches and choreographers.
Tyler's team has matching outfits and pyrotechnics. Malik's doesn't.
Tyler's team wins of course. But Malik's crew comes in second.
But I'd have given it to Malik. The dancing was just as strong and more authentic, and they didn't need purple outfits and pyrotechnics.
What's this, Gina? Is Tyler's star fading?! I believe it's true, people.
Also, Tyler keeps showing up wherever Mia is. Annoying.
P.S. Jasmine, Tyler doesn't deserve you. Xoxox, Gina
Last week on Taking the Stage Jasmine finds out she gets to audition at Julliard. Wow. Such a privilege.
Jasmine's mom, Elodie, is just so proud of her you can feel it. What expense and time it must have taken for this family to get her where she is.
The night before her audition in their Chicago hotel room Jasmine's mom tells her, "You have a lot of people praying for you. And we are so proud of you." About then she starts to choke up and cry, then continues, "But I always knew you could do it and hard works pays off. I just know you're going to do well and do great where ever you go."
Heart-wrenching! I may have been a little misty as I watched. (Is it dusty in here?!)
When her mom drops her off at Julliard she tells her, "Ok Jazzie, this is it. You just stay focused and keep praying, hear?"
Then her mom goes across the street and sits for God knows how long in a little diner waiting for her daughter as she hopes for her big break. Can you imagine the torture? Just having to sit there and wait. Ugh.
When Jasmine cames into the restaurant when she's finished her mom is so excited she gets up and eagerly asks, "Jazzie, how did you make out?"
Sadly, Jasmine got cut.
I don't know much about ballet (as we all know) but technically Jasmine seems flawless. She just doesn't have that... passion. That soul, you know. Of course she's like 17. There is still plenty of time for her.
It was heartbreaking to watch though. And her mom, obviously disappointed, continued to tell her how proud she is of her and that it's ok, she did her best.
Elodie, you have my nomination for best mom ever.
Meanwhile, Tyler and Malik face-off in a national dance competition. Tyler joins an already established crew of about 100, while Malik starts his own crew a quarter of the size. Malik does all his own choreography and coaching, while Tyler's team has a slew of experienced coaches and choreographers.
Tyler's team has matching outfits and pyrotechnics. Malik's doesn't.
Tyler's team wins of course. But Malik's crew comes in second.
But I'd have given it to Malik. The dancing was just as strong and more authentic, and they didn't need purple outfits and pyrotechnics.
What's this, Gina? Is Tyler's star fading?! I believe it's true, people.
Also, Tyler keeps showing up wherever Mia is. Annoying.
P.S. Jasmine, Tyler doesn't deserve you. Xoxox, Gina
Friday, April 24, 2009
It's 72º and Sunny. TGIF!
The Flying Pig Marathon is just over a week away, my little gazelles!
Oh shizz!
What we need is a montage! Why train for four months when you can be ready in a week or so with an inspirational, music-driven video collage?!
So please study this hilariously awesome montage featuring Rocky and Apollo. By the end you should be able to:
1.) Out beach run Apollo (splashing ensues!!!!), and
2.) Have a great outfit planned for the Pig. Helloooo short-shorts and knee socks!
"Getting strong nowwwww!"
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Mission Pirouette: Accomplished
Tonight there were six of us.
I was still the only one in Nike shorts and footless tights.
Tonight we did a lot of barre work again, only this time with turns, jumps and - drum roll! - pirouettes.
We had just finished a series of jumping turns at the barre - a warm up I guess - when the instructor had us stop, set and then pirouette.
Oohhh yeah, I thought. It's my time to shine. So what if I need correction on everything else.
So I jumped, turned, swayed and then set up for the most fantastic pirouette Ballet Theatre Midwest has ever seen. Aaaand voila!
Ok, so maybe it wasn't the best. But it was still pretty damn good. But right after the pirouette we were told to extend our right leg and lunge... into the splits.
The WHAT?!
Oh yes, dancers. The splits. The other girls immediately went to the floor - whoosh! - right into the splits. Mine was more of an ERRRRRTTT, like a car skidding to a halt. Because that's what my legs did about halfway down.
YEE.OUCH.
The whole thing totally ruined my pirouette high.
It was about that time I realized why I quit ballet all those years ago: I hate it.
Turns out that me at age 13 isn't all that different from me now. Ballet is controlled, disciplined, restrictive. Aka, no fun. I want to get loose on the dance floor, you know what I'm sayin'? And you can't very well break it down in ballet.
So another hobby bites the dust. Sorry ballet, it's over.
I was still the only one in Nike shorts and footless tights.
Tonight we did a lot of barre work again, only this time with turns, jumps and - drum roll! - pirouettes.
We had just finished a series of jumping turns at the barre - a warm up I guess - when the instructor had us stop, set and then pirouette.
Oohhh yeah, I thought. It's my time to shine. So what if I need correction on everything else.
So I jumped, turned, swayed and then set up for the most fantastic pirouette Ballet Theatre Midwest has ever seen. Aaaand voila!
Ok, so maybe it wasn't the best. But it was still pretty damn good. But right after the pirouette we were told to extend our right leg and lunge... into the splits.
The WHAT?!
Oh yes, dancers. The splits. The other girls immediately went to the floor - whoosh! - right into the splits. Mine was more of an ERRRRRTTT, like a car skidding to a halt. Because that's what my legs did about halfway down.
YEE.OUCH.
The whole thing totally ruined my pirouette high.
It was about that time I realized why I quit ballet all those years ago: I hate it.
Turns out that me at age 13 isn't all that different from me now. Ballet is controlled, disciplined, restrictive. Aka, no fun. I want to get loose on the dance floor, you know what I'm sayin'? And you can't very well break it down in ballet.
So another hobby bites the dust. Sorry ballet, it's over.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Prima Ballerina
There were four of us.
I was the only one in footless tights and Nike shorts. The other girls wore sheer, wrap-around skirts over their full-length tights.
They had all been there before. And judging by their clothes and the way they easily slid up to the barre, they had plenty of experience.
No problem, I thought as I signed in. They must not know about me. I pirouette in my sleep.
The instructor asked me how much dance experience I have. Lots, I said.
I considered telling her about that night at The Chug in Muncie in 1997 when I was breakin' it down on that table. That might have been more alcohol-fueled instead of raw talent though. Still. I was on fire.
Anyway, I told her I had many years of dance experience, but I trailed off when I added it was only in tap and jazz and not ballet.
I did have one year of ballet. Or I was supposed to anyway, but I quit after a few weeks and went back to jazz because ballet was too controlled and disciplined.
The 13-year-old me needed more freedom in dance. But I'm older now, and looking for new dance experiences. And besides, have you seen the dancers on Taking The Stage? So lithe and sinewy. That could be me.
As we stood at the barre I followed the girl beside me, who clearly had done this for many years. The instructor - tall, thin, long graying hair pulled back into a bun - called out positions.
First. Cou-de-pied. Retiré. Second. Fondu. Sissonne. Plié.
I knew what Plié meant. And thanks to a book I had as a kid called Prima Ballerina with illustrated pictures of the five positions, I knew those. The other things she said I've never heard uttered in my life.
The instructor came over to each of us and straightened our alignment, moved our arms and forced our feet into the proper positions. But she definitely spent more time with me. When do we get to pirouette, I wondered.
Toward the end of class the instructor kind of laughed to herself and said, "We're just going to see what happens." And then she took us away from the barre and led us through a series of more aggressive movements, including a succession of split-leap jumps across the floor.
I followed the girl in front of me who seemed to have the most experience, but after we finished leaping the instructor told us our arms were all wrong.
I knew it, I thought. It felt unnatural. I should have done my own thing.
The next series of jumps we all tried to do the opposite of what we had just done with our arms. Failure again. Now our legs were off.
I set off across the floor determine to master them one final time.
Then it happened. "Gina, you've got it!" she said.
YES. So what did I do with this compliment? I proceeded to exaggerate each arm movement while exclaiming, "LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME!" as I jumped across the floor.
The girl who's pretty good wasn't very amused, but the rest of the class was cracking up. Even the instructor giggled a bit.
When we went back to our line the girl next to me was still laughing, which made me laugh harder. Before long tears were streaming down my face and we were both bent over trying to hold it in while the instructor went through our next steps.
That's me. Class clown.
Before we left the instructor told us that next week was spring break, so no class. Awesome. I show up for one class and then get spring break. Ow!
I know the instructor thinks she'll never see me again. I didn't know what was going on most of the time, I don't speak ballet, and I needed a lot of correction.
But she's got another thing coming if she thinks she's rid of me. I haven't gotten to pirouette yet.
See you tomorrow night lady!
I was the only one in footless tights and Nike shorts. The other girls wore sheer, wrap-around skirts over their full-length tights.
They had all been there before. And judging by their clothes and the way they easily slid up to the barre, they had plenty of experience.
No problem, I thought as I signed in. They must not know about me. I pirouette in my sleep.
The instructor asked me how much dance experience I have. Lots, I said.
I considered telling her about that night at The Chug in Muncie in 1997 when I was breakin' it down on that table. That might have been more alcohol-fueled instead of raw talent though. Still. I was on fire.
Anyway, I told her I had many years of dance experience, but I trailed off when I added it was only in tap and jazz and not ballet.
I did have one year of ballet. Or I was supposed to anyway, but I quit after a few weeks and went back to jazz because ballet was too controlled and disciplined.
The 13-year-old me needed more freedom in dance. But I'm older now, and looking for new dance experiences. And besides, have you seen the dancers on Taking The Stage? So lithe and sinewy. That could be me.
As we stood at the barre I followed the girl beside me, who clearly had done this for many years. The instructor - tall, thin, long graying hair pulled back into a bun - called out positions.
First. Cou-de-pied. Retiré. Second. Fondu. Sissonne. Plié.
I knew what Plié meant. And thanks to a book I had as a kid called Prima Ballerina with illustrated pictures of the five positions, I knew those. The other things she said I've never heard uttered in my life.
The instructor came over to each of us and straightened our alignment, moved our arms and forced our feet into the proper positions. But she definitely spent more time with me. When do we get to pirouette, I wondered.
Toward the end of class the instructor kind of laughed to herself and said, "We're just going to see what happens." And then she took us away from the barre and led us through a series of more aggressive movements, including a succession of split-leap jumps across the floor.
I followed the girl in front of me who seemed to have the most experience, but after we finished leaping the instructor told us our arms were all wrong.
I knew it, I thought. It felt unnatural. I should have done my own thing.
The next series of jumps we all tried to do the opposite of what we had just done with our arms. Failure again. Now our legs were off.
I set off across the floor determine to master them one final time.
Then it happened. "Gina, you've got it!" she said.
YES. So what did I do with this compliment? I proceeded to exaggerate each arm movement while exclaiming, "LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME!" as I jumped across the floor.
The girl who's pretty good wasn't very amused, but the rest of the class was cracking up. Even the instructor giggled a bit.
When we went back to our line the girl next to me was still laughing, which made me laugh harder. Before long tears were streaming down my face and we were both bent over trying to hold it in while the instructor went through our next steps.
That's me. Class clown.
Before we left the instructor told us that next week was spring break, so no class. Awesome. I show up for one class and then get spring break. Ow!
I know the instructor thinks she'll never see me again. I didn't know what was going on most of the time, I don't speak ballet, and I needed a lot of correction.
But she's got another thing coming if she thinks she's rid of me. I haven't gotten to pirouette yet.
See you tomorrow night lady!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Love's Big But
It might be spring in Cincinnati, but it's Christmas time on the Taking the Stage, folks.
And that means it's Nutcracker audition season - Tyler wants to be the Russian, Jasmine a Sugar Plum Fairy and Shaakira desperately, desperately wants to be the Snow Queen. "Please God, Snow Queen," she says.
Aaaand everyone gets the part they want.
The pressure becomes unbearable for Shaakira, though, who has a crisis of confidence. She's scared she's not as good as her peers and also has to endure hearing Jasmine get heaps of praise during every dance class. Poor sweet girl!
You can do it Shaakira!
Meanwhile, Mia's Uber Pale friend (with the unfortunate chin beard) writes Mia a love song and performs it for her, finally putting it out there that he doesn't want to be on the backburner anymore.
It's a pretty good song. About as subtle as a John Mayer lyric, but still, he owns it and it's great.
In return Mia proclaims to "love him more than anything, but..." As Pee Wee says, Everyone always has big but. Uber Pale stays in the friend zone. Sad.
As Tyler practices for his role as the Russian Mia gives him the swell advice to add a little hip-hop to the piece, when really Tyler should be practicing his basic ballet skills.
Oh well. It's show time!
Jasmine walks into the men's dressing room to ask Tyler for a quarter (weird) and guess who's back there wishing him luck?! Mia! Omg they are sooo BUSTED!
Tyler and Jasmine fight in the hallway.
But out on stage, Shaakira sparkles!
The fears and self-doubts have given way to a gorgeous performance. Mia, who is now in the front row watching, goes on and on about how fab Shaakira is. But when Jasmine takes the stage she says Jasmine "looks fake" and "does nothing for me."
Not cool Mia.
Then it's Tyler's turn as the Russian. Buuuuut it doesn't go well. The usually impeccable Tyler nearly takes out a Christmas tree during his turns - the audience gasps! - and he falls over at the end on his landing. Yikes. (I blame Mia's "good luck" wish.)
Jasmine tries to console Tyler but he's too distraught over his performance to care about what she says.
The next day at school they have a big fight (in the snow) over what a jerk Tyler was to her and also about Mia.
When Jasmine says Mia was "a kid in a candy store" while Tyler was on stage, an ever so slight smile briefly flashes across his face.
It's the death knell for Tyler and Jasmine I'm afraid.
Tune in Thursday for latest dance showdown between Malik and Tyler; Jasmine's audition for Juilliard and Tyler and Mia "confusing" each other.
And that means it's Nutcracker audition season - Tyler wants to be the Russian, Jasmine a Sugar Plum Fairy and Shaakira desperately, desperately wants to be the Snow Queen. "Please God, Snow Queen," she says.
Aaaand everyone gets the part they want.
The pressure becomes unbearable for Shaakira, though, who has a crisis of confidence. She's scared she's not as good as her peers and also has to endure hearing Jasmine get heaps of praise during every dance class. Poor sweet girl!
You can do it Shaakira!
Meanwhile, Mia's Uber Pale friend (with the unfortunate chin beard) writes Mia a love song and performs it for her, finally putting it out there that he doesn't want to be on the backburner anymore.
It's a pretty good song. About as subtle as a John Mayer lyric, but still, he owns it and it's great.
In return Mia proclaims to "love him more than anything, but..." As Pee Wee says, Everyone always has big but. Uber Pale stays in the friend zone. Sad.
As Tyler practices for his role as the Russian Mia gives him the swell advice to add a little hip-hop to the piece, when really Tyler should be practicing his basic ballet skills.
Oh well. It's show time!
Jasmine walks into the men's dressing room to ask Tyler for a quarter (weird) and guess who's back there wishing him luck?! Mia! Omg they are sooo BUSTED!
Tyler and Jasmine fight in the hallway.
But out on stage, Shaakira sparkles!
The fears and self-doubts have given way to a gorgeous performance. Mia, who is now in the front row watching, goes on and on about how fab Shaakira is. But when Jasmine takes the stage she says Jasmine "looks fake" and "does nothing for me."
Not cool Mia.
Then it's Tyler's turn as the Russian. Buuuuut it doesn't go well. The usually impeccable Tyler nearly takes out a Christmas tree during his turns - the audience gasps! - and he falls over at the end on his landing. Yikes. (I blame Mia's "good luck" wish.)
Jasmine tries to console Tyler but he's too distraught over his performance to care about what she says.
The next day at school they have a big fight (in the snow) over what a jerk Tyler was to her and also about Mia.
When Jasmine says Mia was "a kid in a candy store" while Tyler was on stage, an ever so slight smile briefly flashes across his face.
It's the death knell for Tyler and Jasmine I'm afraid.
Tune in Thursday for latest dance showdown between Malik and Tyler; Jasmine's audition for Juilliard and Tyler and Mia "confusing" each other.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
FACT
According to my 7-year-old source, the different between a twister and a tornado is a twister has a cow in it. As per the movie Twister.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Guerilla Adventure
Last week I saw one of the best movies I've seen a long time. Joyful, fun and all-together exhilarating, it might just be one of my favorite movies of all time.
Man On Wire is a documentary about the beguiling eccentric Philippe Petit, who decides as a young boy it is his dream to high-wire walk between the Twin Towers.
He sees a magazine article at the dentist's office about the construction of the two tallest buildings in the world, and - wonder of wonders! - they will be built side-by-side. A dream is born.
The zealous Frenchman grows up to become a world-class tight rope walker. And best of all, a convincing one.
We see Petit and his crew of accomplices successfully conquer the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris and the Harbor Bridge in Sydney. But the World Trade Center? Just the idea of wire walking it is ridiculous (can't be done, they'll get caught), stupidly illegal (they'll hang him if he doesn't die first), death-defying (nice knowing ya Philippe) and downright insane.
But wow, how magnificent. What a treat it would be to know someone so spirited and adventurous.
As the adage goes, What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail.
"It's impossible, that's sure, so let's start working," he says.
The adventure is thrilling, amusing, and poetic.
Merci Philippe.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Good Luck Little Guy
I was walking through the main corridor of the hospital today and sitting on one of the couches lining the hallway was a little boy and his mom.
He was maybe 6 or 7 and had a blanket wrapped around his shoulders. The poor little guy was a ghastly shade of yellow. Nearly green. Obviously a very sick little boy. Cancer? Liver failure? God knows.
What was unusual about it is that I rarely see people sitting on those couches. And never do I see such sick patients there.
As I walked past the little boy laid his head against his mom's shoulder, and his mom, in turn, rested her head against his. They both looked... weary.
I didn't want to stare but it was such an affecting moment it was hard to turn away.
As I passed I watched a doctor coming toward us see them. He smiled at the mom and reverently tipped his head to her. I felt like we were thinking the same thing - a million blessings and a million thanks they have each other.
A few minutes later I walked past the couch again and they were still sitting there, still resting their heads on each other.
Man I hope that kid makes it.
He was maybe 6 or 7 and had a blanket wrapped around his shoulders. The poor little guy was a ghastly shade of yellow. Nearly green. Obviously a very sick little boy. Cancer? Liver failure? God knows.
What was unusual about it is that I rarely see people sitting on those couches. And never do I see such sick patients there.
As I walked past the little boy laid his head against his mom's shoulder, and his mom, in turn, rested her head against his. They both looked... weary.
I didn't want to stare but it was such an affecting moment it was hard to turn away.
As I passed I watched a doctor coming toward us see them. He smiled at the mom and reverently tipped his head to her. I felt like we were thinking the same thing - a million blessings and a million thanks they have each other.
A few minutes later I walked past the couch again and they were still sitting there, still resting their heads on each other.
Man I hope that kid makes it.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Hip Hop A Lot
Sooo much dramz on Taking the Stage last week.
It's the school's singer-songwriter showcase, i.e. another way for Mia to win something. Mia is still crushing on Tyler from their make-out session. Tyler seems to still be crushing on Mia, but claims to want Jasmine back. Jasmine is still mad about the whole thing.
*Insert panoramic of Cincinnati skyline.
Tyler has his little brother deliver roses to Jasmine in ballet class, then offers Jasmine a half-hearted apology. (I didn't see any tears, Tyler.) Jasmine's not convinced he's sorry. Yeah whatever, Tyler! You can't just woo us back with your smooth moves and adorable smile, ok? This is a trust thing!
Jasmine does a solo dance to Beyonce's If I Were A Boy. Omg, girl. Dance it out.
Mia tells Uber Pale Aaron (with the unfortunate chin beard) that she doesn't even care what people are saying about her and Tyler. Tyler, Tyler, Tyler. Mia claims to be "too pale to blush" when Uber Pale calls her out for continuing to gush about him. She just wants to work on her song, ok guys?
Jasmine is bummed that she and Tyler are on the outs. Her bday party is at Skatetown USA and it won't be the same without him. Or will it?
At Skatetown... The lights dim and JJ starts singing a super awkward song to Jasmine from Tyler. (He's sorrrrry girrrrrl.) And then, Tyler busts through a random side door (sans skates) and proceeds to hip-hop his way back into Jasmine's heart to Chris Brown's With You.
Oh/I'm into you, and girl no/One else will do.
Jasmine and the rest of the girls weep with wonder at Tyler's romantic, dancing gesture. But come on! Haven't we seen these moves before?! You might be able to win Jasmine back with your pop-and-lock, Tyler, but you're gonna need some fresh steps to get me back. Playa.
Mia learns of this win-her-back performance for Jasmine and is visibly crushed. But it's cool because she won that singer-songwriter thing.
Coming Thursday - Jasmine busts Mia and Tyler hugging, while Tyler is dressed as a toy soldier. Ow ow!
It's the school's singer-songwriter showcase, i.e. another way for Mia to win something. Mia is still crushing on Tyler from their make-out session. Tyler seems to still be crushing on Mia, but claims to want Jasmine back. Jasmine is still mad about the whole thing.
*Insert panoramic of Cincinnati skyline.
Tyler has his little brother deliver roses to Jasmine in ballet class, then offers Jasmine a half-hearted apology. (I didn't see any tears, Tyler.) Jasmine's not convinced he's sorry. Yeah whatever, Tyler! You can't just woo us back with your smooth moves and adorable smile, ok? This is a trust thing!
Jasmine does a solo dance to Beyonce's If I Were A Boy. Omg, girl. Dance it out.
Mia tells Uber Pale Aaron (with the unfortunate chin beard) that she doesn't even care what people are saying about her and Tyler. Tyler, Tyler, Tyler. Mia claims to be "too pale to blush" when Uber Pale calls her out for continuing to gush about him. She just wants to work on her song, ok guys?
Jasmine is bummed that she and Tyler are on the outs. Her bday party is at Skatetown USA and it won't be the same without him. Or will it?
At Skatetown... The lights dim and JJ starts singing a super awkward song to Jasmine from Tyler. (He's sorrrrry girrrrrl.) And then, Tyler busts through a random side door (sans skates) and proceeds to hip-hop his way back into Jasmine's heart to Chris Brown's With You.
Oh/I'm into you, and girl no/One else will do.
Jasmine and the rest of the girls weep with wonder at Tyler's romantic, dancing gesture. But come on! Haven't we seen these moves before?! You might be able to win Jasmine back with your pop-and-lock, Tyler, but you're gonna need some fresh steps to get me back. Playa.
Mia learns of this win-her-back performance for Jasmine and is visibly crushed. But it's cool because she won that singer-songwriter thing.
Coming Thursday - Jasmine busts Mia and Tyler hugging, while Tyler is dressed as a toy soldier. Ow ow!
Friday, April 10, 2009
TGIF. Adam's B-Day Edition!
We made it y'all. It's Friday once again and we at Gina's Blog couldn't be happier. Not only it is Friday (ow!) but tomorrow is Adam's birthday, so extra-double Happy Birthday ow ow!
This is cause for a very special TGIF video of course, one that captures the essence of Fridays, birthdays, weekends and driving in the spingtime with the windows down and the radio cranked... while eating frosting.
There can be only one song that fits all of this criteria, so let 'er rip Pat Benatar, with a your supersonic voice and violent green gloves.
Sing it with me, people! Weeee belong, we belong, we belong together!!!!
You can't argue with that, folks.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Taking the Stage Episode III
(Also, known as the "Tyler screws the pooch" episode.)
Last week the cliffhanger asked the question, "Is Tyler a playa?" Well fair readers, I hate to be the bearer of bad news - cause we were all really rooting for Tyler and Jasmine, right? (Ok maybe just me) - but it turns out that yes, yes he is a player. Tyler how could you?!
The formula is clear now: Each week features a new reason why the kids have to go on stage and be awesome, and this week's reason is the school's annual fundraiser, complete with "Cincinnati dignitaries" in the audience, as Mr. Artistic Director tells the kids.
The schtick is a mash-up up of genres, so Tyler the dancer gets teamed up with Mia the singer-songwriter for the show.
They spend the entire episode locked in long, flirty looks at each other. Annoying! I'm on Team Jasmine and this was most upsetting. (I'm gonna need some Funyons to help me through this emotional time.)
Jasmine, meanwhile, is kind of MIA in the episode, only occasionally dancing into a scene.
After Tyler, Mia and the rest of their mash-up group finishes their awesome performance - in front of Nick Lachey and his girlfriend (I guess they're the dignitaries?) - Tyler and Mia, in their post-performance exhilaration, run off together and nearly kiss in the hallway. WHAT?!
We find out via Shaakira that Tyler and Mia actually made-out at a post-performance party. (Speaking of mashing, y'all.)
Later at school Mia tells her uber-pale rocker friend What's-His-Face (with the unfortunate chin beard) that she doesn't care what everyone is saying because she like, likes Tyler, and he digs her too. Meanwhile Tyler confesses his deed to Jasmine and asks for forgiveness while Rihanna's Take A Bow plays in the background.
Yeah, don't tell me you're sorry when you're not, Tyler. You're only sorry you got caught! Grab your (dance) clothes and get-gone, punk.
Adam rushed to Jasmin's aide immediately after the closing credits pointing out, "This is Jasmine's first boyfriend. She has no clue! And she's suddenly dating this dude who clearly knows he's good looking, and clearly knows girls like him - cause girls like dancers." (Indeed, we all remember Adam Makes Tacos... and Puts a Ring On It. We all liked that.) "She needs to dump him!"
In sum: Don't do it Jasmine! He IS a player!
Stay tuned for next week's episode when we find out if roses can win back Jasmine's trust.
Here's the performance that started this wack shizz. (Hmm... Maybe Jasmine could date the dude who raps in it.)
Last week the cliffhanger asked the question, "Is Tyler a playa?" Well fair readers, I hate to be the bearer of bad news - cause we were all really rooting for Tyler and Jasmine, right? (Ok maybe just me) - but it turns out that yes, yes he is a player. Tyler how could you?!
The formula is clear now: Each week features a new reason why the kids have to go on stage and be awesome, and this week's reason is the school's annual fundraiser, complete with "Cincinnati dignitaries" in the audience, as Mr. Artistic Director tells the kids.
The schtick is a mash-up up of genres, so Tyler the dancer gets teamed up with Mia the singer-songwriter for the show.
They spend the entire episode locked in long, flirty looks at each other. Annoying! I'm on Team Jasmine and this was most upsetting. (I'm gonna need some Funyons to help me through this emotional time.)
Jasmine, meanwhile, is kind of MIA in the episode, only occasionally dancing into a scene.
After Tyler, Mia and the rest of their mash-up group finishes their awesome performance - in front of Nick Lachey and his girlfriend (I guess they're the dignitaries?) - Tyler and Mia, in their post-performance exhilaration, run off together and nearly kiss in the hallway. WHAT?!
We find out via Shaakira that Tyler and Mia actually made-out at a post-performance party. (Speaking of mashing, y'all.)
Later at school Mia tells her uber-pale rocker friend What's-His-Face (with the unfortunate chin beard) that she doesn't care what everyone is saying because she like, likes Tyler, and he digs her too. Meanwhile Tyler confesses his deed to Jasmine and asks for forgiveness while Rihanna's Take A Bow plays in the background.
Yeah, don't tell me you're sorry when you're not, Tyler. You're only sorry you got caught! Grab your (dance) clothes and get-gone, punk.
Adam rushed to Jasmin's aide immediately after the closing credits pointing out, "This is Jasmine's first boyfriend. She has no clue! And she's suddenly dating this dude who clearly knows he's good looking, and clearly knows girls like him - cause girls like dancers." (Indeed, we all remember Adam Makes Tacos... and Puts a Ring On It. We all liked that.) "She needs to dump him!"
In sum: Don't do it Jasmine! He IS a player!
Stay tuned for next week's episode when we find out if roses can win back Jasmine's trust.
Here's the performance that started this wack shizz. (Hmm... Maybe Jasmine could date the dude who raps in it.)
All About Me Weekend
This week on or about ohhhh, Monday, I decided this weekend I wasn't going to do anything I didn't want to do.
You know what I'm sayin.' Sometimes you need to take a day or two for numero uno. So that's what I did.
Friday night I went out the girls. Really they're all Missy's girls, but they've kindly adopted me into the crew. Whenever I hang out with them all I do is laugh.
For example, I got to hear first-hand the story of when Missy's sister did a cannonball into the pool at Jeff Ruby's Waterfront, complete with the announcement of "CANNONBALL!" just before she gawooshed under water. Ha! It cracks me up just thinking about it.
Usually on Saturdays I meet my impromptu "running group" at the Peace Bell. We're a very serious group. I barely even run, one of them is a smoker, several others are social smokers and we rarely all run the same route, but we're all on relay teams, so this is serious stuff, people. We got to train!
Except that it was all about me weekend and when I asked myself if that meant running I had to answer honestly. And that answer was a big fat NO. So no four miles for me. Too bad. :)
I did bike 5 miles though, which was way more fun.
I celebrated this decision at the Montgomery Inn on Saturday night, assuring myself as I scarfed down barbecue that had I actually gone for a run I would be have fantastic. Cheers to my fastest mile ever! (In my head.)
Sunday morning I woke up thinking, "I need a pancake like, now." Fortunately I was able to make that happen at the Echo.
Afterwards I wanted to scooter ride up to Devou Park but sadly for Stella and me Dean was working today. (It was Sunday Sun-Day at the Observatory. )
I waffled on whether or not I wanted to go without him - Dean knows all the good scooter-friendly ways to go places - but Stella was all, "Girl, please, I know how to get there," so we on without him. He's going to be sooo jealous when he finds out.
I'm finishing up this all about me weekend with my favorite show, Taking The Stage. I still have the new one from Thursday on DVR, so dibs on the couch kitties. Move it!
Hope everyone enjoyed the sunshine!
You know what I'm sayin.' Sometimes you need to take a day or two for numero uno. So that's what I did.
Friday night I went out the girls. Really they're all Missy's girls, but they've kindly adopted me into the crew. Whenever I hang out with them all I do is laugh.
For example, I got to hear first-hand the story of when Missy's sister did a cannonball into the pool at Jeff Ruby's Waterfront, complete with the announcement of "CANNONBALL!" just before she gawooshed under water. Ha! It cracks me up just thinking about it.
Usually on Saturdays I meet my impromptu "running group" at the Peace Bell. We're a very serious group. I barely even run, one of them is a smoker, several others are social smokers and we rarely all run the same route, but we're all on relay teams, so this is serious stuff, people. We got to train!
Except that it was all about me weekend and when I asked myself if that meant running I had to answer honestly. And that answer was a big fat NO. So no four miles for me. Too bad. :)
I did bike 5 miles though, which was way more fun.
I celebrated this decision at the Montgomery Inn on Saturday night, assuring myself as I scarfed down barbecue that had I actually gone for a run I would be have fantastic. Cheers to my fastest mile ever! (In my head.)
Sunday morning I woke up thinking, "I need a pancake like, now." Fortunately I was able to make that happen at the Echo.
Afterwards I wanted to scooter ride up to Devou Park but sadly for Stella and me Dean was working today. (It was Sunday Sun-Day at the Observatory. )
I waffled on whether or not I wanted to go without him - Dean knows all the good scooter-friendly ways to go places - but Stella was all, "Girl, please, I know how to get there," so we on without him. He's going to be sooo jealous when he finds out.
I'm finishing up this all about me weekend with my favorite show, Taking The Stage. I still have the new one from Thursday on DVR, so dibs on the couch kitties. Move it!
Hope everyone enjoyed the sunshine!
Friday, April 03, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Dance-Offs Required, Fools
Set your DVR my little hip-hoppers! Gina's Blog has a new fave TV show and it's about to get raw!
Taking The Stage is MTV's new reality show featuring students at Cincinnati's School for Creative and Performing Arts. And it is everything I dreamed my life could be.
It's like Fame, only with actual high-schoolers. It's also Hills-esque in that it's a reality show with a lot of set-ups, but it seems guileless in this incarnation. They're students - albeit driven, talented, hard-working students - but they still have those high school hangups, which is entertaining to watch.
This excellent LA Times review describes the attraction better than I can.
The show's executive producer is Nick Lachey. I always like to see Nick do well ever since that no-talent John-Mayer-dating daddy-obsessed weirdo Jessica Simpson dumped him. (Of course she'd date the creep-a-zoid perve who wrote "Daughters." But I do kinda like her shoes. Whatever.)
Sorry, back to the show!
My adoration thus far has fallen on Tyler, the new kid in school who had the moxie to crash fellow dancer (and total annoying drama queen) Malik's closed dance rehearsal for the talent show. (Except Tyler didn't know it was closed, so what-ever Malik.)
But Tyler gets the last laugh because his dance crew totally out-originals Malik's dance crew. Natch. Then Malik whines like a big, fat diva about his devastating loss. Natch.
This was all in episode one.
Oh yeah! And there's a spontaneous dance-off in the cafeteria during lunch. This is the kind of awesome I want to watch on TV, folks!
In the second episode the rivalry continues at the school dance, which also happens to have a couples dance-off. Yeah, you read that right party people! A couples dance-off - at school!
Tyler and Jasmine (they have a flirty thing going-on) team up to compete against the other couples, including Malik and Shaakira. (Shaakira drops some mature knowledge on Malik and tells him to stop being a sore loser about the talent show.)
But sadly, Tyler and Jasmine come in second at the dance-off, second only to Malik and Shaakira. Outrage!
Folks really. Tyler and Jasmine still should have won (even though Jasmine fell during her flip over Tyler's arm) because Jasmine is a ballerina and was doing hip-hop for the first time. And she still rocked it, with Tyler's teaching of course. :)
Malik is talented yes, but he's no Tyler.
God this show is so good. And it also comes with generic shots of Cincinnati, including the Roebling, Clifton and OTR. Yay!
Tune in Thursday when we find out if Tyler is a playa. I'll try to give a full review. And check out this video to see what you're missing!
("I don't want to talk about this anymore... I just want to dance." Jasmine)
Taking The Stage is MTV's new reality show featuring students at Cincinnati's School for Creative and Performing Arts. And it is everything I dreamed my life could be.
It's like Fame, only with actual high-schoolers. It's also Hills-esque in that it's a reality show with a lot of set-ups, but it seems guileless in this incarnation. They're students - albeit driven, talented, hard-working students - but they still have those high school hangups, which is entertaining to watch.
This excellent LA Times review describes the attraction better than I can.
The show's executive producer is Nick Lachey. I always like to see Nick do well ever since that no-talent John-Mayer-dating daddy-obsessed weirdo Jessica Simpson dumped him. (Of course she'd date the creep-a-zoid perve who wrote "Daughters." But I do kinda like her shoes. Whatever.)
Sorry, back to the show!
My adoration thus far has fallen on Tyler, the new kid in school who had the moxie to crash fellow dancer (and total annoying drama queen) Malik's closed dance rehearsal for the talent show. (Except Tyler didn't know it was closed, so what-ever Malik.)
But Tyler gets the last laugh because his dance crew totally out-originals Malik's dance crew. Natch. Then Malik whines like a big, fat diva about his devastating loss. Natch.
This was all in episode one.
Oh yeah! And there's a spontaneous dance-off in the cafeteria during lunch. This is the kind of awesome I want to watch on TV, folks!
In the second episode the rivalry continues at the school dance, which also happens to have a couples dance-off. Yeah, you read that right party people! A couples dance-off - at school!
Tyler and Jasmine (they have a flirty thing going-on) team up to compete against the other couples, including Malik and Shaakira. (Shaakira drops some mature knowledge on Malik and tells him to stop being a sore loser about the talent show.)
But sadly, Tyler and Jasmine come in second at the dance-off, second only to Malik and Shaakira. Outrage!
Folks really. Tyler and Jasmine still should have won (even though Jasmine fell during her flip over Tyler's arm) because Jasmine is a ballerina and was doing hip-hop for the first time. And she still rocked it, with Tyler's teaching of course. :)
Malik is talented yes, but he's no Tyler.
God this show is so good. And it also comes with generic shots of Cincinnati, including the Roebling, Clifton and OTR. Yay!
Tune in Thursday when we find out if Tyler is a playa. I'll try to give a full review. And check out this video to see what you're missing!
("I don't want to talk about this anymore... I just want to dance." Jasmine)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Eating Breakfast Is The Best Revenge
The real highlight of the day.
My day ended at about 1 today. That's when I put on sweatpants. (Reunited and it feels so gooood.)
But it's cool because I was up at 8 this morning getting ready for the Heart Mini. Translation: Drinking coffee and sleepily making excuses why I should skip the three miles of torture in the wind and rain and go back to bed. I felt like I had a pretty good excuse - I wasn't feeling well. :)
Last night Adam and I went to see the Ballet's Sinatra Suite & More. It was fantastic, and afterwards we went to Nada.
Nada is seriously my favorite restaurant in Cincinnati. I don't think I could ever get tired of eating there. But let me tell ya... Chips, salsa, guacamole, their rich chicken tacos and creamy poblano mac & cheese all washed down with a potent Nadarita was perhaps not the best idea the night before an early run.
I still felt full when I woke up. Grabbing my belly I groaned to Adam, "Ugh. I feel kinda sick. And it's raining. I think I'll just watch you today." Then he was all, "No. You'll be fine."
God. What a jerk.
I did alright though, pretty much the same as I did last year. Only this year it was rainy, windy and I had to stop and tie my shoes - twice! (These stops added exactly 46 seconds to my time, according to Adam's Garmin.) He ran with me and was supposed to be pacing me to awesomeness, but, note to self, he's not a very good pacer for anyone but himself. All things considered though it was a run/walk victory and I'm glad I didn't punk out. *confetti!*
It seemed like running with me (and having to carry all my crap on his back as we went) was a good warm-up for Adam because he totally dominated the 15k.
Last year he ran it in 1:05 but had been talking smack recently about how he wasn't sure if he'd do as well.
I rolled my eyes and said, "If you're not going to beat your time from last year I don't know why you'd even bother showing up." (Cause I'm supportive, y'all.) (Note: This rule does not apply to yours truly, of course.)
Last month our friend Dave had talked all sorts of trash about crushing Adam in this year's Mini. We were at Dave's birthday party when this went down, and clearly Dave had had a few shots to think such silliness, but I'd had a few Miller Lite's myself so I was all, "You better kiss your momma at the bus stop, Kohake,'cause my man is going to take you to school!"
Then we bet $20.
Adam, feigning disgust that I was intending to make twenty bucks off his conditioning was all, "Wait a second! What are you getting me in to?!" Then Dave and I were all, "Stay out of this, Iker!"
Or something like that.
Anyway, my
I'm going to spend the $20 he earned me on a Graeter's gift card so we can get strawberry ice-cream waffle cones. Victory!
But who cares about $20 in ice-cream?!
The real highlight of the day for me was watching PJ Ball finish. (Link is to an article about her '04 Flying Pig win.)
About 30 feet from the finish line today she threw her arms up into the air and went to the side of the road and started spitting and gagging. I could see a big string of saliva/vomit/something coming out of her mouth.
Then she squatted down onto her feet, put her hands on the pavement and just let it rip. BLAHHHH! Vomit everywhere. It. Was. Awesome. (It's my dream to some day run so hard that I throw up at the finish.)
Out of nowhere her boyfriend, Swarthy (aka Brian), popped out onto the street and ran over to her yelling, "Are you ok?!" She finished throwing up, started running again and Swarthy patted her on the back like, "All right, go get 'em."
It was the coolest thing I've ever seen at a race.
When I saw them coming out of the chute I practically attacked her. "PJ that was so awesome that you threw up! Wow you're hard core!"
Then I felt kinda bad because she was obviously embarrassed about it. (I can assure you if this ever happens to me I will be beaming with pride.) Apparently it's PJ's thing to throw up at finishes, usually in the chute though, she said. I told her it totally rocked my world and Swarthy noted, "I've never run so hard in my life that I threw up at the end."
We agreed she's freakin' a rock star. Even with throwing up she ran her last mile in 6:48 and finished in the top five among the women. Pa-POW.
After the race Adam and I brunched at Dan and Gretchen's and greedily filled our plates with some of Gretchen's crack-tastic spinach, egg and mushroom casserole. If I could cook I would cook just like Gretchen. Yum.
Once we got home I reenacted PJ's vomit scene for Adam on Stettinius Street, complete with kneeling and sound effects. Adam goes, "I can't believe you didn't get a picture of that. I'm so disappointed in you."
I hung my head in shame. "I'm disappointed in me too."
UPDATE: Adam's take on the Heart-Mini. And in essence, how he kicked its ass.
Friday, March 27, 2009
TGIF! Instant Cruise Edition!
Apparently origami animal towels are a thing on cruise ships. Monkeys, frogs, elephants. Who knew?! (I now know this because several friends just returned from cruises.)
So rush home immediately after work tonight and grab all the towels you can find. Then use this handy video to turn them all into elephants!
When your partner gets home they'll be like, "Whoa, are we on a cruise?!" And you'll be all, "We're on a boat!"
TGIF!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Let Me See That Tootsie Roll
Photo by HanksTruckPictures.com
I keep reading all these stories about how now that the economy is in the toilet people are eating more candy, seeing more movies and buying more lipstick.
We're all so sad about being broke we're comforting ourselves with empty calories, escaping reality at the theater and gussying ourselves up with lip paint.
Sounds good to me!
Except that I'm not sure I actually believe these reports. It seems more likely that the PR machines at Hershey, Paramount and L'Oreal are sending out press releases to reporters who just need a byline to get their editor off their freakin' back. A trend piece on what consumers are buying during the economic crises? JACKPOT! (Whoa, where am I? What just happened? Am I in the newsroom?)
I know reporters and I seriously doubt they're at their desks crunching lipstick, candy and movie trend numbers to verify these reports. Crunching candy bars, fo' sho'. But sales trends? Ha!
Diane Campbell, owner of the Candy Store in San Francisco says her customers “put candy in their actual budget” now.
Haha! Yeah right lady, we know you just said something crazy so you could get quoted.
I mean, really. Really?
First of all, who on earth would eat so much candy that they'd have to budget for it? It must be those AIG dudes since they're the only ones with enough money to afford an actual "candy budget." And second, if people do have a candy budget then the economy is the least of their worries. (Hellooo diabetes!)
All of this makes me want to rebel. The man wants me to buy candy and see movies? Forget it! I can't be subconsciously manipulated into empty calories and box office numbers!
Ahh hell, who I am kidding? I DO want to eat my body weight in Bit-O-Honey! And I DO want new lipgloss!
After I finish gorging on annoying trend pieces, Tootsie Rolls and I Love You, Man, I'm going to start my own consumer blog. I'll call it Weapons of Massive Consumption and I will write really
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Who's Excited?!
I just reserved two tickets to the Cincinnati Ballet's Sinatra Suite & More for this weekend, and guess who gets the luxury of accompanying me to the ballet?
Adam! Adam's the big winner!
Celebrated Broadway choreographer Twyla Tharp's sensual, humorous and tipsy 1984 Sinatra Suite, drawing on the moods and moves of Frank Sinatra's enormously popular songs in their original recorded versions, anchors Cincinnati Ballet's Sinatra Suite + More, four delightful ballets on one program.
He's going to be sooo stoked.
Adam! Adam's the big winner!
Celebrated Broadway choreographer Twyla Tharp's sensual, humorous and tipsy 1984 Sinatra Suite, drawing on the moods and moves of Frank Sinatra's enormously popular songs in their original recorded versions, anchors Cincinnati Ballet's Sinatra Suite + More, four delightful ballets on one program.
He's going to be sooo stoked.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Sandcastles And Sun
Just home from 5 days of sun and sand and I can honestly say... It was awesome. My top five favorite awesome moments:
1. Jet Skiing across the Gulf. Actually we were on a Wave Runner, but whatevs. I've always wanted to rent a Jet Ski and send sea water flying behind me. And with a little nudge from Adam, we were off - wave running across the ocean, bouncing off boat waves and taking turns too fast. It was SO fun. As the salt-water was spraying into my face and the sun was high above us sparkling off the ocean I thought, This is exactly where I'm supposed to be right now. It was one of those exhilarating moments that reminds you how great it is to be alive. Wee!
2. Breakfast on the balcony. We rented a condo-like hotel room, which turned out to be a fantastic idea. Instead of having to find some place for breakfast, lunch and dinner (not to mention pay for all those meals out) we were able to make breakfast and dinner in our fully equiped kitchen and eat on our balcony. Coffee, eggs and bacon taste much better with an ocean view.
3. Flying kites on the beach. What fun! I haven't flown a kite since... ever? But apparently this is something Adam always does at the beach. He got us two kites for $1. (Who knew the dollar store rocked so hard?) At first I was all, "Why do you get the awesome dragon kite and I have the stupid Tinkerbell kite?" But when Tinkerbell immediately took flight and looked so cute soaring over the beach I got so attached I refused to let it go even long after the sunset. Eventually I agreed to hook it to a hobie cat so I could watch it fly from the hotel room.
4. Swimming in the ocean. I didn't think I'd end up getting in, but after sitting in the cabana with no breeze hitting me for about, ohh... 30 minutes, I got so hot I practically ran into the water. (Think Baywatch minus the implants, tan and floatation device.) Later I tried to get Adam to go night swimming with me but that was a no-go. "You've seen JAWS haven't you?!" was his answer.
5. Watching the space shuttle Discovery launch. It was as if time stopped for a few minutes. Everyone stood frozen and staring into the sky, watching it ascend from the horizon. It was lovely too, as the white plume of shuttle gas turned orange in the sunset.
The one disappointment of the trip (other than flying Air Tran, for real, don't do it, ever) was that the Willie Nelson concert we had tickets to was postponed due to illness. We'll try to catch ya later, Willie. Feel better!
It's Friday Y'All!
I'm back from the sunny skies of Florida folks, and just in time for this week's TGIF video. Woo hoo!
While enjoying a cold beverage at the Undertow beach bar I shot some footage of these buff dudes playing volleyball and slapping high- and low-fives to Kenny Loggins. Please enjoy the glistening skin, gratuitous flexing and really, really tight jeans.
Happy weekend!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
I'm Walkin' on Sunshine WHOAA-OHHH!
TGIF!!! (The rubbing-it-in edition.)
As of 5 o'clock today I will be on vacay for a whole week! That means 83º and sunny where I'll be folks. Don't hate. Ease your pain with this deliriously fun Katrina and the Waves song.
OW! (First lyric.)
Monday, March 09, 2009
I Have To Make the President Proud
My dream of a being an Olympian is looking like it might not come true. (Damn.) But my dreams of a gold medal are still alive. (Woo hoo!)
Today I "logged-in" for the President's Challenge, formerly known as the The Presidential Physical Fitness Award. It's not just for elementary school kida anymore, people. It's "grown up," the site says.
My mom will be thrilled. When they'd give me my certificate and patch announcing I had passed the President's Physical Fitness Award my mom bragged on me like I was an Olympian. (Ok, looking back maybe she just wanted me to think I was an Olympian. It totally worked. Thanks mom!)
Instead of Mr. Coleheap vouching for my athletic prowess I enter my activities into the site's nifty activity log. Already I've logged my "activities" for last weekend. To get the bronze award I need 20,000 points. I'm only 18,890 points away!
Looking to check out the awesome medals I'm sure to get in the mail in the next month or so, I clicked on the "earn awards" link and this message popped up:
"Hey! The President's Challenge is about staying active - not sitting in front of a computer. Get out and find something fun to do! We'll still be here when you're done."
Damn. I guess I better get a move on.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
I Bet You Look Good On the Dance Floor
Before: Forced smiles. Neatly combed hair
After: Real smiles. Sweaty hair.
And We're Back. With New Friends!
Dean, Gina and Jason.
Never, ever doubt Stella. In spite of being stowed away for the last 4 months she fired right up Saturday afternoon.
My friend Jason got a new Harley on Friday, and since he can't go over 50 until it's primed he slummed it with Dean and me. Our scooters really bring out the bad-ass in his Chopper I think.
Yeah, we rolled to Graeter's in Newport. What?!
Friday, March 06, 2009
Biking Shorts AND High Heels?! TGIF!!
Since last week's TGIF video was a downer it's only right to go extra awesome this week. Consider it done.
Soul Train Line + Michael Jackson + 80s dancing = SMOOOOTH (Criminal)
Monday, March 02, 2009
Shooting Up
A month or so ago I got a cortisone shot in my spine.
I told the doctor I wanted a photo of the needle, so after the injection (he wouldn't do it before for fear that if I saw the needle beforehand I might flip or something) he staged a little area for the needle's photoshoot.
But as I was taking pictures he kept art directing me, "You need to zoom in. Get closer on the needle. Shoot it this way." Finally I handed him my camera and told him to do it. He was right, his photos were better than mine. So photo credit to this this guy.
The shot was supposed to untrap a nerve in my back. It didn't work though.
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