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?

Some Funnies For Your Fourth

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!

Summer Lovin'

The best part of summer.

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Birthday To Me (And 22 Things)

I love birthdays.  I love having an excuse to eat cake and corral all of my friends into going out on a Tuesday night.  I definitely milk my birthday for all it's worth.  My brother actually jokes that the entire month of June is "The Feast of Liz", because my birthday is celebrated so many different times.  I usually respond with some smart retort and a smack.

I have some fun birthday festivities planned for later today.  My friends and I are going out to dinner and then having cake back at my apartment.  I've had several people tell me that it is blasphemous for me to bake my own birthday cake, but I love doing it.  When else do I get to make a ridiculous cake and force people to eat it?

I've decided to do a little 22 things for the birthday.  I've ALWAYS wanted to do one of these, but sort of pushed it to the back burner as I peddled more cookie recipes with eight sticks of butter in them.  Without further adieu, I bring you my 22 things:

1.  The answer is always coffee.
2.  Call your grandparents, even when you'd rather sit and watch another episode of How I Met Your Mother.
3.  Don't dread jury duty so much.  It will open your eyes to so many things.
4.  Stop buying vegan cheese.  It will never taste like the real stuff.
5.  Be the girl who dances like crazy at the bar.  It's always better than the girl who cries.
6.  Don't mix your alcohol unless you like feeling like an anvil hit your head the next morning.
7.  When in doubt, go to the coffee shop.  You never know who you'll run into.
8.  Stop worrying so much.  It gives you nothing but wrinkles.
9.  There is nothing in life that a little Gilmore Girls and Buffy can't cure.
10.  Stop drinking coffee at least an hour before any plane ride unless you like sitting with your legs tightly crossed.
11.  When in doubt, wear a dress.
12.  Sometimes, a little red lipstick is necessary.
13.  Listen to your parents' stories.  They know more than you.
14.  It is perfectly acceptable to sing along with showtunes at 11:00 p.m.  Particularly if you are doing it alone in your apartment.
15.  Keep in touch with friends.  While sometimes a lost friendship can't be helped, sometimes all you need is a quick text or phone call.
16.  Sometimes the things you dread are the things that end up being the most remarkable.
17.  Read more books.
18.  That doesn't include 50 Shades of Grey.
19.  Take more walks.
20.  Eat more chocolate.
21.  And don't care.
22.  Celebrate your birthday for an entire month.  Why not?

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?

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo

This weekend I fully embraced my nerd by going to my first comic book convention.  On Saturday I went to the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), and I have to say that I had the most amazing time.  Everything that you've heard about comic conventions are pretty much true.  People dress up.  You take pictures with them.  You fangirl about every eight seconds.

C2E2 was held at McCormick Place and it was absolutely packed.  In the main convention area, it was so crowded that you could barely move.  That worked quite well for ogling all of the merchandise, though!  They had a number of panels going on throughout the day with famous people from the sci-fi world.  If you're a Doctor Who fan, John Barrowman (Captain Jack Harkness) was there.  I went to his panel and was just about dancing in my seat.

I love this man.

I also went to Nicholas Brendon's panel, who played Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  I got the last question of the panel and although I completely embarrassed myself (in front of him and about 100 people, no less) it was completely worth it.  And now I can say that I technically had a conversation with Xander Harris.  Freaking out a bit right now just thinking about it!!

Random tidbit: He kept drinking water straight from the pitcher while proclaiming that he was, "cutting out the middle man."  If I were about fifteen years older, we would be married.

My favorite part of the day was probably all of the people in costume.  At these conventions, it is totally normal to freak out over someone's costume and ask for a picture.  It's actually a pretty nice compliment if someone comes up to you and whips out there camera.  Therefore, I gave out a whole lot of compliments.

Talking with a stormtrooper is sort of terrifying, even when you are marginally sure they won't shoot you.  

I literally dropped all of my belonging when I saw him, and then made him stand awkwardly while I took eighteen hours to find my camera.  So worth it, though.

Darth Vader, you've got nothing on me.

I had the most amazing time on Saturday.  It was so much fun to be surrounded with people as nerdy and completely obsessed as I am.  I had more intense conversations with people over their favorite Doctor or Buffy episode than I can count.  It was my first convention, and I can 100% say that it will not be my last.

Have you been to any conventions/expos like this?  Did you like it?

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?

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! 

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?

Let Them Eat Cake

I don't make cakes very often. Living alone is part of the problem. You don't want to make a cake and then end up with half of it in your refrigerator. I've done this, and let me tell you, a big fat slice sounds pretty good when you're watching Netflix at eleven o'clock at night. And if you're rolling in around two in the morning? Yeah, that half of a cake will be gone before you even realize sugar and the aftertaste of stale beer don't mix.

So, Liz does not make cakes very often.

I had some friends over this weekend, though, which gave me the perfect excuse to break out my cake pans and get baking. The gathering was Valentines Day themed (complete with unapologetic viewings of schmoopy romantic comedies) so I made a love-filled-red velvet cake!

My attempt to be artsy in picture composition. Feel free to mock.

I was a little worried about this one because my oven decided to be a bit wonky, but it turned out really well. Also, apparently I have a signature when it comes to frosting cakes. My friend-who I've made a cake for before-walked into my apartment and went, "Liz, I can tell you frosted this cake. It looks just like the other one."

I don't completely know what this means, but I'm going to take it as a compliment.

Speaking of frosting, it is to die for. The frosting-a brown sugar cream cheese buttercream-was pretty fan-freaking-tastic. I almost ate it straight from the bowl. Actually, since we're all friends here, I did eat it straight from the bowl.

And the subsequent stomach ache was just lovely.

I also made some dark chocolate truffles to serve alongside the cake. Recipe to come!

The recipe for the cake is already posted HERE. It was my birthday cake over the summer :D

What did you guys do this weekend?

Downtown Abbey Love

Hello.

My name is Liz and I am addicted to Downtown Abbey.

Do you watch this show yet? If you answered no, then you have some explaining to do. Downtown Abbey is the soapiest dish without any guilty residue. It's funny. Heartbreaking. Clever. And so British.

If you're an anglophile like myself-and let's face it, you probably are-then it is time to jump on the Downtown Abbey bandwagon. Don't be afraid. We have tea and crumpets here. Still not convinced? Let me present my top five reasons to move Downtown.

1. Mystery and Intrigue- The base of any good show. Downtown has it in spades.

2. Attractive Englishmen - Does this need an explanation?

3. Attractive Englishmen with English accents - Just in case the point above did not hit home.

4. Dame Maggie Smith - This woman is a bamf. Don't believe me? Watch just one episode.

5. A Whole New World - Downtown Abbey is a gateway show. It will open up an entire new world of Masterpiece and BBC wonder. And that is reason enough to watch!

Already watch Downtown Abbey? I found this fantastic article on HelloGiggles with lots of fun recommendations for shows to watch! Most of them are on Netflix instant, too!

So, no more excuses people! Get your English Breakfast tea, your comfiest seat and start watching!