The Haircut

Lots of exciting things happened this weekend.  My dad officially moved into his new office.  I got bangs.  And I drove expressways for the first time and didn't kill a single person!

I know that expressway driving is pretty much like regular driving, only at higher speeds, but it still terrifies me.  It's the merging that gets me.  Cars going 65-70 mph are going REALLY fast.  And when you're the type of person who won't do a left hand turn unless practically no cars are visible, merging poses a bit of a problem.  I did it, though, and it should make driving to law school (hello expressways!)  a little more comfortable.

Anyway, let's get to the important part of this post.  I mentioned earlier that I broke down and got bangs.  I was convinced that I would regret them, but I don't!  I brought in a picture of Zooey Deschanel this time so my hairdresser knew exactly what I wanted, and I absolutely love my new haircut.  Fingers crossed that I like it as much when I style it myself!

So, did you guys do anything exciting this weekend?

The Bang Debate

Guys, I'm having a serious problem over here.  When I was a freshman in college, I got bangs.  After two years of wearing those bangs in just about every way possible (full bang, side bang, bang bang) I grew them out, and swore that I would never get bangs again.

Well, guys, I'm getting the itch again.  You know how some people get an itch for tattoos or really expensive and unpractical shoes?  I'm getting the bang itch.

I blame The Amazing Spiderman.

Do you see that?  Emma Stone's bangs just look so darn adorable, and then I watched The Devil Wears Prada, which pretty much ALWAYS puts me in a bang-mood.  I think I might have to do it this time.  Despite saying on numerous occasions that I would never get bangs again, I just might.

What are your thoughts?  Do you like bangs, or is it a trend you wish would disappear and never come back?  I'm personally leaning toward a Zooey Deschanel bang.

I like the length and it looks super cute on her.  Anyway, gah, I don't know what to do.  Decisions, decisions!

I'll Have What She's Having

I can't remember a time when I didn't love to write.  When I was seven, I wrote a series of baby stories on the now defunct word program Creative Writer that I printed out and handed to all of my family members at my brother's birthday party.  A few years later I wrote my first fanfiction with my neighbor, in which we met actors Jake Lloyd and Jonathan Jackson and proceeded to go on rollicking adventures  involving the cast of General Hospital.  From there I embarked on countless stories.  Some of them were completed while others remain in that half-baked world of fragmented characters and unfinished story lines.

Growing up, I looked up to writers because I recognized myself in them.  We shared a geeky sort of undercurrent that I just couldn't find in the hottest It girl or It guy.  A few weeks back I wrote a post about writers that I admired.  Yesterday, we lost one of those writers.

The first Nora Ephron film that I saw was When Harry Met Sally... staring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan.  I was a freshman in college and went to one of those movie parties where a bunch of half-friends meet up to watch a movie instead of actually embarking on the task of getting to know each other.  Luckily, this meant no one spoke over the dialogue.  I loved Sally Albright's neuroses and Harry Burns' bleakness.  They were characters that were truly flesh and blood.  They weren't cardboard stereotypes spouting out equally cardboard and stereotypical lines.  They acted how people really act; talked how people really talk.

After that movie, I went and delved into the other Nora Ephron penned films.  I then went on to read Heartburn and all of Ephron's books of essays.  I even read her play Imaginary Friends, a piece about the turbulent relationship between writers Lillian Hellman and Mary McCarthy that largely went over my head, but I enjoyed regardless.  She had a way of stringing together words that were genuinely amusing, even if you didn't always get the joke.

This year I took a fiction writing class, and when asked who my favorite writer was, I responded without hesitation that it was Nora Ephron.  Her passing affects me more than I think the passing of a complete stranger should.  I've never met her.  Never spoken to her.  I admittedly haven't even read all of her works, but I found myself particularly moved yesterday when I first heard the news of her death.

I take comfort in the fact, though, that although she may be gone her works are still here and far from being forgotten.  Who can hear the name Katz Delicatessen without thinking, "I'll have what she's having" or see the Empire State building without thinking of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks finally seeing each other for the first time after dozens of just-missed-you moments?  I know I can't hear or see either of those without thinking immediately of Ephron's films.

So, lovely readers, any of you have a favorite Nora Ephron film or writing.  As cliched as it is, mine will always be When Harry Met Sally.  That's one of those movies that I never tire of!

Newest Obsession: Fringe

I go through television shows like people go through shoes.  About every month I end up with a new show that I am absolutely obsessed with.  Last month it was Dawson's Creek.  I watched all 6 season (with some expert fast-forwarding skills) in about two weeks, and then went back and re-watched my favorite episodes.  My favorites were of course the best Pacey Witter episodes, because he is the only character worth re-watching.  I mean look at that face.

Oh yeah.  That boy grew into this man...

Say hello to Peter Bishop, one of the leads of Fringe.  He retains all of the witty dialogue of my beloved Pacey Witter, but without all those horrible collared shirts.  I started watching Fringe for the man candy, but kept watching for the endearing characters and science fiction story lines that are just out there enough to be interesting without going overboard.  It's easy for science fiction shows to get too far-fetched, but this one toes the line remarkably well.  It's also created by J.J. Abrams, the mastermind behind Alias and Lost, which helps.

What shows are you all obsessed with now?  Any recommendations for my next one?!

The Shows of Summer

One thing that I absolutely love about summer is the extra free time.  While I'm doing some work with a lawyer in the city, I find myself with a lot more hours than when I was in school.  This means several things.  For starters, I actually clean my apartment.  I dusted, scrubbed and windexed the heck out of my apartment and it looks pretty spankin' clean.  All future house guests are grateful, because that bathroom was not pretty before.  Believe me.

I also get to cook more.  Bake more.  Sit on my couch and huff tapioca pudding cups more.  And most importantly, I get to catch up on television.  Some of these are first times while others are repeat offenders.  I love 'em all the same.  Without further adieu, I bring you the shows of summer.

1) Gilmore Girls

This one will always and forever be on any tv show list that I make.  I watch this entire series about three times a year.  It's what I put on when I'm sad.  It's what I put on when I'm doing work and want something in the background.  It is my perfect catch-all-show.

2)  Dawson's Creek

First off, I should start by saying that I am a Joey/Pacey fan.  That's pretty much the first thing anyone will ask you when they hear you watch the show.  I actually can't stand Dawson as a character, but there are so many other wonderful things happening that I can overlook the milquetoast Dawson Leery.  Plus, there are all the awesome 90's overtones.

3) Grey's Anatomy

McDreamy.  McSteamy.  McMan.  This show has a hot doctor for everyone.  Plus, it can make me cry like a two year old who just had their toy stolen.

4) Firefly

It's written by Joss Whedon and has Nathan Fillion in REALLY tight pants.  You really can't go wrong with either of those things.

What are your shows of the summer?

Growing Pains and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending my good friend Autumn's wedding.  Autumn is my first friend to get married, and it was both a wonderful and slightly strange experience.  Friends getting married means that you are officially adults, right?  How did that happen?  I feel like it was just yesterday that I was a freshman at Loyola, anxious about making friends and navigating a new life with such horrors as shared bathrooms and laundry.

I actually met Autumn during that freshman year at Loyola.  She lived on my floor, as did the two friends who took the train with me to the wedding.  

An old picture from freshman year.  Yes, that is a Twilight t-shirt on me.  Feel free to mock.

I feel so blessed to have these friends in my life, and hope that they will continue to be a part of my life as I move on to law school.

Okay, enough schmaltz.  This weekend had me getting a bit nostalgic (and weepy) but I will spare you any additional saccharine memories.  Instead, I bring you a cookie recipe.  

These are great cookies to eat when you're feeling all weepy and nostalgic over a friend's wedding and how you are no longer eight and can't order from the kid's menu at restaurants.  They're also just really good cookies.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

(Adapted from Annie's Eats recipe)

1 cup butter (very cold and cubed)

1 1/4 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup cocoa powder

2 1/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp coarse salt

1 tsp baking powder

2 1/2 cup peanut butter chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add in the eggs one at a time and mix until combined.  Mix in the cocoa powder until incorporated.  Slowly add the flour, salt and baking powder and mix together.  Fold in the peanut butter chips.

Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until the dough comes together.  This won't take too long.  Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and bake 4-6 cookies at a time for 16-20 minutes.  Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before removing to a cooling rack.

Any of you going through some growing pains?

People I Admire

A lot of people idolize actors.  They look up to those people in front of the camera, spouting off honeyed words that make women fangirl across the globe.  Who hasn't fallen in love with Ryan Gosling after seeing The Notebook?  Or Colin Firth thanks to Bridget Jones' Diary or Love Actually?  These men say the most delightful things, sending us girls into a delirious dither, and we are hopelessly smitten.  I'm this way with writers. Because, at the end of the day, Ryan Gosling and Colin Firth didn't write those delicious lines coming out of their equally delicious mouths.  It's time we give the writers some love.

1.  Joss Whedon

My love for this man knows no bounds.  I've already featured him once on the blog.  This will most likely not be the last time, either.  The creative genius behind Buffy, Angel, Firefly and Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog, Whedon is right up there with Barbra Streisand and Jonathan Groff as someone I would ugly cry if I met.  You know the ugly cry.

Yeah, that would be my face.

2.  Nora Ephron

I have read every single piece of writing out there that has Ephron's name on it.  I've even read the When Harry Met Sally... screenplay, despite having seen the movie enough times to recite lines by memory.  I love writers that can capture the human condition, and Ephron just gets it.  Her movies are the perfect balance between laughing out loud and crying into a hanky.  And her essays are just pure hilarity.

3.  Emily Giffin

This guy in my fiction writing class told me that my writing reminded him of Emily Giffin.  If I didn't have a general revulsion for him (just trust me -- we all did) I would have kissed him.  I happen to think that the ordinary in life can be extraordinary, and Giffin depicts this beautifully in her books.  I also might semi-stalk her on Facebook and think she has the most delightful fashion sense.

4.  Shonda Rhimes

First off, girl is a hell of a sassy tweeter.  I follow her on Twitter and her responses to crazy rabid fans are the best.  Plus, she is responsible for creating my favorite doctors at Seattle Grace.  Derek Sheperd? Mark Sloan?  Owen-freaking-Hunt?!  Shonda, there are not enough words to express my gratitude.

Who are some people (writers or not) that you admire?

Crazy Kids

I just read the most disturbing article on HelloGiggles about the newest ways teenagers are getting drunk.  Forget raiding your parent's liquor cabinets.  Now teenagers are getting scarily innovative with ways to ruin their mind and body.  Here's a taste of what's in the article:

• Drinking hand sanitizer
• Soaking tampons in vodka 
• Smoking nutmeg
• Snorting bath salts

Um, can I get a collective "ew"?  Believe or not, I'd heard of the tampon one before.  It was brought up in my health reporting class, and had me crossing my legs real fast.  I mean, honestly, if you're sticking vodka soaked tampons up there because you are that gun-ho to get drunk, you might have a more serious problem than underage drinking.

Judgmental Blair Waldorf Face.

I really don't understand teenagers going to such extremes for a good time.  Maybe I was just a prude in high school, but none of my friends were snorting bath salts or smoking nutmeg.  Who even knew you could smoke nutmeg?  Was someone just like, "Hey, let's try smoking my mom's nutmeg.  It's pretty rad with pumpkin pie."

I don't get it.  A really good time for my friends and I were Friday movie nights with cookie cakes from Dominick's.  I never drank with them on the sly or snuck in some pot.  I don't even think I knew what pot looked like in high school.  The craziest thing we did was contemplate sneaking into a movie.  And we didn't even do it.  We thought about it.

With all the dangers associated with these radical ways to reach a high, I have to put out a general advisory and say it is NOT WORTH IT.  A few hours of fun is not worth risking your health.  So, don't do it.  I'm not going to get all D.A.R.E. on you guys, but just think twice before you stick a vodka soaked tampon up there.  The end.

Turn of Phrase

I'm all for the kitschy phrases.  I think they can add a lot of color to your language without using any four letter words that would make your grandma blush.  Unless we're referring to my grandma.  She's a world class cusser.

Anyway, I like my phrases.  They're fun and occasionally cute.  It occurred to me, though, that half the times I have no idea what I'm actually saying.  I understand what they mean in context, but out of context I'm about as clueless as Snooki in a library.

I've rounded up the usual suspects.

1)  Up My Alley

This is something that I say a lot.  I'll see a recipe and go, "Oh, this is right up my alley."  Or a movie that I think I'd like is "up my alley".  What does this even mean?!   Is it a good thing to be up my alley?  Is my alley really that great of a place to be up?  Am I the only one with a strong urge to say 'That's what she said' about now?

2)  The Bee's Knees

Another thing I say often.  Another thing that makes absolutely no sense.  What does it really mean to say that something is the bee's knees?  Is it good?  Is it bad?  Do bees even have knees?  My Google image search was inconclusive, although I did find some pretty disturbing tattoos.

3)  Oy, enough with the poodles already!

This is straight from Gilmore Girls and admittedly has no real meaning.  I will never stop saying this at random points in conversations.  NEVER.

4)  Easy Peasy

Okay, this I don't say and I strongly detest anyone who does.  I still remember the first time that I heard it.  I was a junior in high school taking PreCalc.  If the subject matter wasn't giving me enough of a headache (which it was) I had to hear "easy peasy" every other minute from the kids around me.  It's a wonder I actually passed that class.

What are the little phrases you guys use?

Oscars: Best Dressed

Did you all watch the Oscars last night?  I did!  The Oscars are one of my favorite times of the year.  It's seriously up there with national holidays for me.  I love the pomp and circumstance and how excited all of the actors are to be there.  It's like celebrity prom that we get to be all awesome and voyeuristic about.  What is there not to love?

One of my favorite parts of the show are all of the dresses.  I even love the ugly ones, if only for the mocking.  I want to share with you some of my favorite dresses from the night.  I thought over all the dresses were pretty fantastic, but I picked my top five to share!

Michelle Williams

Natalie Portman

Jessica Chastain

Emma Stone

Penelope Cruz (My Favorite of the Night!)

Did you guys watch the Oscars?  Who are your picks for best dressed??

Top 5 Fictional Boyfriends

Anyone who reads this blog regularly (or even stops by occasionally) knows that I watch a lot of television.  I once had a running total of eight shows that I was religiously watching.  It's a wonder I managed any actual social interaction.

Growing up, I used to always dream of dating the guys from my favorite shows.  I pretended I was going on badass missions with Vaughn from Alias or roughing it on a stranded island with Jack from Lost.  As I've gotten older, I haven't stopped falling for my fictional men.

Without further adieu, I bring you my top five fictional boyfriends.

Logan Huntzberger from Gilmore Girls

Oh, Logan Huntzberger.  He is he perfect combination of charm and wit with just a smidge of douchebag thrown in for good measure.  Pretty much the perfect man. 

The Doctor from Doctor Who

First off, check out that hair -- it is tousled perfection.  I absolutely love the Doctor in all of his regenerations, but Ten will always have a special place in my heart.  He wears snazzy pinstripe suits with Chucks, and it just WORKS.  Plus he has that nifty blue box that can travel anywhere in time and space.  

Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Before I started this show, I was a complete Angel girl.  I mean, David Boreanz is sexy (hello, Seeley Booth!) and this guy has peroxide hair.  What even?!  But then I actually watched the show and quickly switched to team Spike.  I mean, look at that face.  And those cheekbones.  Seriously.  What even?!

Fitzwilliam Darcy from BBC's Pride & Prejudice 

Yes, that is a wet Colin Firth.  You're welcome.  I firmly believe that no fictional boyfriend list is complete without Mr. Darcy.  So, here you go.

Seth Cohen from The O.C.

The male equivalent of adorkable, Seth Cohen is everything I would realistically want in a man.  He may not have a traveling telephone box like the Doctor or Logan Huntzberger's trust fund, but I bet you anything he could hold his own in a geek-off.  Plus, he has a sexy jew fro.

Who are your top fictional boyfriends?  

Pet Peeve Wednesday

1.  People who wear sandals with socks --  If your feet are cold, just wear regular shoes.  There, problem solved and my eyes no longer have to be assaulted by the monstrosity on your feet.

2.  Creepy El guys -- Your leering at me from across the train car is really not working for you.  Neither is your trucker hat and molester moustache.  

3.  Showering -- Maybe this is just me, but does anyone else wish there was just some button you could press and you'd be all fresh and clean for the day?  You know, a magical button that washed and dried your hair, brushed your teeth and did everything else?  Yes?  No?  Do you think I'm insane yet?  Okay...moving on then.

4.  Judgmental Classmates -- You're probably reading this with an "Aren't you calling the kettle black?" expression.  Truth is, though, that I'm actually not this judgmental in real life.  I lack the cajones.  This one kid in my fiction writing class, though, does not.  He has a permanent pass to judgmental central; and let me tell you, sometimes I really want to kick him.  And by sometimes, I mean always.

5.  Non-Dessert People -- You don't like dessert?  I'm sorry.  I can't understand you.

What are some of your random pet peeves?  Let 'em loose in the comment section! 

Alias: Five Reasons You Should Watch

Here is another post where I wax and wane about one of my favorite television shows in an attempt to convince you to watch them.  Last time, it was Downton Abbey.  I promise not to misspell the name of the show this time.  Luckily, it's only five letters.

I had an impromptu trip home this weekend and returned with all five seasons of Alias.  That show was my absolute jam when I was growing up.  I started during Season 2 and stuck with it through the inane plot twists, actress pregnancies, and Jennifer Garner's awful bangs.  I loved it, though.  Even as half of the show went over my fifteen year old head, I couldn't wait for the next episode.

I started my epic re-watch with a bit of trepidation.  Would this show, that could be characterized as my first big TV obsession, live up to my rose-tinted-memories?  Would Michael Vartan still be as attractive?  Would Jennifer Garner's bangs still be as awful?  Why yes, both would.  And everything else would be just as wonderful as I remembered.

So, why should you watch?

Michael Vartan

I'll start with the obvious.  Look at that face.  Look at that suit.  Seriously guys, this should be a no-brainer.  This man probably singlehandedly created my obsession with men in suits.

All The Disguises

Jennifer Garner changes her hair color more often than Katy Perry.  And she looks amazing with every disguise.  How can one person look so amazing with eighteen different hair colors?  I have trouble enough looking halfway decent with my own hair color.

The Quentin Tarantino Episodes

Quentin Tarantino, genius creator of the Kill Bill franchise, guest stars (and wrote) two episodes in Season 2.  The show is literally worth watching for these episodes alone.  They are amazing and feature cray-cray Tarantino.  What's not to love?

The Gadgets

This show nearly made me a tech nerd.  Their tech-ey guy Marshall just makes so many cool gadgets and gizmos.  And while I'm pretty sure I didn't understand half of them, they just sounded impressive.  There's a coin that shatters glass.  A lipstick that scrambles security codes.  A ring that has a sedative built into the stone.  AND THAT'S JUST ONE EPISODE.

Victor Garber

Okay, this might just be a Liz thing, but I freaking adore Victor Garber.  He plays Jennifer Garner's badass dad and he has some of the best lines in the series.

Have I convinced you to give Alias a try?  If not, I will judge you quietly over here while you leave me your favorite TV shows in the comment section!  Any recommendations for my next big show?  I love discovering hidden gems!

Pet Peeve Wednesday: Bar Edition

Hello all!

It's that time of the week again where I deign you all with my weekly dose of complaining. Last week I touched on my dislike of slow walkers. This week, I bring you the bar edition of Pet-Peeve-Wednesday.

Now, I'm not what anyone would call a bar-fly. Most weekends, I am perfectly content to stay in with my Netflix account and go to bed before eleven. There's something to be said for waking up without a hangover and squirrel mouth. My wallet also enjoys not shelling out seven or eight dollars for a beer that I don't even really like, but order regardless because my knowledge of drinks doesn't stretch farther than Smirnoff and Bud Light. Sometimes, though, this newly minted legal drinker likes to hit the town.

And when I do, there is a whole host of new irritating stimuli. For example:

The Swarm of Stilettos

First off, it's the middle of winter. That skin-tight bandeau skirt you've paired your stilettos with sans tights is TOTALLY not weather appropriate. Second, you clearly do not know how to walk in them, making yourself a hazard to anyone within grabbing distance from you when you invariably trip and fall.

Men Who Can't Take A Hint

You ladies all know who I'm talking about. It's that guy who drunkenly wanders over to your table and becomes convinced that you are MFEO (made for each other, duh)-or at the very least, he is convinced he can take you home. You start off polite. Small talk. Nod and smile at the appropriate times. But then he overstays his welcome and you are left wondering how the hell you can get this guy to go away without being rude.

Overpriced Drinks

This one is sort of a no-brainer. You pay six dollars for a vodka cranberry when a handle only costs about four dollars more. Do the math. I have now made it a rule of thumb that I only buy myself one drink. Let the men who can't take a hint pick up the rest.

And last but not least...

Drunk People on Public Transportation

Okay, even I have to admit that this can sometimes be awesome. Some kid belting out Whitney Houston (RIP) in the middle of the El? Complete with rousing choreography that undoubtedly makes sense in his brain but realistically comes off as really-excited-swaying? Yeah, that happened. And it was awesome. But that person who starts ranting? Or talking REALLY LOUD for no reason. Not so awesome.

What are your bar pet peeves?

Pet Peeve Wednesday: Slow Walkers

Last week I talked about my disdain for inter-bathroom-conversations. Today, I bring you another pet peeve that I am sure is shared by many.

Slow walkers.

Now, I don't think I'm a particularly fast walker. I'm by no means a stroller, but my gait is relatively normal. Due to this, nothing irks me more than being stuck behind a slow walker. A window shopper without the window.

Whenever I walk downtown, I always find myself behind some lolly-gaggler whose sole purpose appears to be making me late to whatever engagement I am heading toward. They walk slow, ambling toward whatever non-pressing-destination they have in mind.

Don't they know I have a very important flirting session scheduled with the cute Starbucks barrista? Rude.

Sometimes they'll slow even further beside a skyscraper - one that looks just like every other skyscraper in a metropolitan area - and I'll watch in complete befuddlement as they whip out their camera and snap dozens of photos.

Once, I even saw a guy snapping photos of a brick wall. Like, dude, if you haven't seen a brick wall before, maybe you need to leave the house more often.

I realize some of these are tourists, and therefore their geriatric walk may be somewhat entitled. But, for goodness sake, think of others when you decide to stop in the middle of a busy sidewalk to get another angle of the John Hancock building. Otherwise, we will walk into you. And that sputtered apology that I shot you between the overt glare and passive aggressive passing? Yeah, you're not getting it next time.