Olympics

A few weeks ago, as the world was preparing for the opening ceremony of the Olympics, I was curious as to whether I would get as hooked on these winter games as I did the summer games in 2008. I was a little worried because I remember how late I would stay up to watch different events. I, for really the first time in my life, just had to watch.

I watched the opening ceremony, though not the entire thing, and then figured that I'd watch throughout the weekend since I didn't have much going on. As it turns out, I didn't bother to turn on the games until late that Saturday night when I was getting ready to go to bed. Sunday rolled around and my parents surprised me by bringing chili to my place after church. No more than five minutes after getting to my place, my dad said "Um... I need to be watching the olympics." Excuse me!

It just so happened that there was a women's hockey game on (USA and Canada, if that sort of detail is important to you) and after a few minutes of watching, I found myself wondering when we could possibly see some beach volley ball. Now, I'm aware that beach volley ball isn't a winter sport. And I think it was at that moment that I realized that these games weren't going to be as important to me as the summer games were. I think in my heart of hearts, I'm tired of cold weather and being cold and, even though it's probably 40 degrees warmer here than in Vancouver, I don't really want to watch other people be cold.

Don't get me wrong, I haven't completely boycotted the olympics altogether. I've watched a little bit here and there and I keep up with the medal counts and read the big stories online. My dad might call me a communist (since my brother, who has done so in the past, probably wouldn't think about doing it since he's a missionary and all) if I didn't watch sometimes or at least turn it on when he calls me and says "Are you watching it?" as soon as I answer. Obviously he is completely into it. In fact, he keeps asking my mom if she thinks he's too old to compete in the next games in whatever sport happens to be on. Mostly luge, skeleton, speed and figure skating. Last weekend, after watching the men's speed skating, my dad came in from the garage wearing a helmet and sunglasses and swinging his arms like he was skating around the house. I think that was his first official work out.

If anything, what little I've seen has made me want to at least try skiing or snowboarding. Shocking, right? I'll probably break something important, like my face, but at least I could say that I made an effort. That attempt will probably have to be made at the beginning of the winter season, though. Not late February, when I'm dying to be back in shorts and a t-shirt.

Chick Flicks

A couple of years ago, for reasons that I will never know, my brother decided to read The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. What can I say? He may be big and tough on the outside, but he's a real softy on the inside. I remember Coley reading these books and saying outloud things like "Come on, Nick. Fix this! You're killing me here!" He wanted nothing more than for things to resolve themselves, perhaps a little more quickly than the author had in mind. (I think I also have to say that he did NOT shed a tear while reading these books.)

Shortly after he read these books, I made a New Year's Resolution to read more and he suggested that I read them. I had yet to see the movie, The Notebook, so I figured it couldn't hurt to read the book first and then I would watch the movie. I'm pretty sure that the first time I ever cried while reading a book was toward the end of The Notebook. But to say that I only cried would be an understatement. I bawled. And I bawled at the end of The Wedding, too.

I was sorely disappointed when I watched the movie. I was actually more than disappointed; I was pissed. The movie was not the sappy love story that the book was and that I wanted so badly to see played out on my television. It has taken me a long time to come to like the movie, but it isn't a favorite by any stretch. I like it a little more every time I see it, which is probably why I have to at least have it on in the background every time I see it in my on-screen guide. It's as though I'm forcing myself to like it. I feel less feminine when I have to tell someone that I don't looooove that movie and cry my eyes out (like I do during P.S. I Love You) every time I see it. I'm a little afraid someone is going to start revoking my sassy high-heel shoes one pair at a time.

Dear John is now in theaters. I wanted to see the movie, but also wanted to read the book. Before I could read the book, as I would normally do before seeing a movie made from a book, Kevin asked me if I wanted to see the movie. I decided that I'd put the cart before the horse this time, so we saw it last night. After leaving the theater, I thought that maybe this is the way to handle the whole book-to-movie situation where Nicholas is concerned. If this transition is anything like that of The Notebook, the two could be just different enough to make them both equally enjoyable. So we'll see how it goes. Now I just need to get my hands on a copy of the book. Surprisingly enough, Coley doesn't have it.

On a sort of related note, our "date" was actually a double feature. We saw Valentine's Day first. It was really good and will most likely be added to my DVD collection as soon as it is released. As we stood in line before the movie, we discussed the casting and talked about the last movie that we both remember seeing with so many big names in it. The movie that came to mind was He's Just Not That Into You. We agreed that, even with the cast, the movie was less than stellar. I'm pretty well convinced that Valentine's Day was 10 times better simply because Scarlett Johansson wasn't in it. The main reason for that being, of all the story lines going on, none called for a homewrecker.

Roses Are Red, Jake Is A Goof

I started writing about The Bachelor last week, but ended up hating what I wrote and deleted it all. After the last episode, this is where I'm at:

- I'm shocked that Ali left, but thought her big production was a bit stupid. And anti-climactic, considering that the previews all boasted that "for the first time in Bachelor history (a actual first, not just a teaser to suck people in), there would be no rose ceremony." After her big confession about her job, one could easily conclude that she was going home. Or that he was going to pick her on the spot and send the remaining three packing. Pronto. AS IF the producers would've let that happen...

- What is Gia still doing there? I like to hope that she would've gone home had Ali decided to stay. She just gets on my nerves and I think he just likes to make out with her so that later on he can brag to his pilot friends that he made out with a model. A needy one.

- At this point, Tenley is my front-runner. And I think that they'd like you to believe that she's Jake's also, since he asked her dad if he could marry his daughter. She was the only one that he did that for during the hometown dates, that they showed us anyway. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all the rumors and spoilers I've heard are wrong.

- I don't even know what to say about Vienna, other than that she's a hot mess. She's just too much ground to even begin to cover and I still don't understand what he sees in her. I imagine that if Rozlyn hadn't hooked up with a staffer, she'd probably have made it to this point too. And I might have given up on the show altogether.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I am NEVER going on that show. I'd rather be single for the rest of my life than to deal with any of that. I'm probably not interesting enough to even make it on the show, but I certainly wouldn't be able to bring myself to beg for someone's attention and I doubt the love-it-or-leave-it attitude would get me very far. I probably wouldn't even be able to be the bachelorette sifting through 25 guys to find "the one." Thanks, but no thanks.

Unfortunately, I'm hooked for now. Thank goodness there are only three more episodes. How does this happen to me every single season?! Oh, that's right. I have no self-control! ;-)

Didn't Ross Have This Problem?

It had been brought to my attention, on more than one occassion, that items in the refrigerator at work would go missing or get used by someone other than the owner of said items. And I'm not just talking a little creamer here, a little peanut butter there. I'm talking whole Subway sandwiches and slices of pizza in Tupperware containers. I had never been a victim of this happening until today.

Earlier in the week, I put some hummus in the refrigerator with my initials on the container. I intentionally put my name over the flavor so that it wouldn't be any more enticing to a potential thief. This morning, I went to get it and enjoy a little morning snack and noticed that someone had helped themself to my hummus! It was obvious that I wasn't the last person to eat it because I am not a scooper. This person had gone to town and practically dug all the way to the bottom of the container. I was not happy.

The more I thought about it, the more disappointed I became. I'm not as upset about the fact that I paid for it and someone stole from me. I am really most disturbed that I don't know who was eating out of my food and where their hands/mouths/other food products used for dipping have been. What if they're sick and double dipped? What if they don't wash their hands after using the restroom? Ew. Ew ew ew.

Unfortunately, we have a problem with this in our office. I suppose I was on the luckier side that I still had something left in the container. These theives will use people's condiments all up and then leave the empty container in the refrigerator for the owner to find. How rude?! When I first started, an angry e-mail went out from someone who went to get their Cheerios for breakfast only to find the box almost completely empty. They were NOT happy and I thought it was a little bit funny. I think this is slightly humorous, but also inconsiderate.

The sad part is, if the person had just asked me if they could have some, I would have gladly shared with them. I would've even offered them some of my delicious pita chips to go along with it. Who am I to deprive someone of its tasty goodness when they need a snack? I'm fairly certain that I offered to share, while I was eating it, with at least five people during lunch on Wednesday. And, make no mistake, I'm the only JL in the building.

Evidently they needed it worse than I do. I don't hope that they get sick or anything, but I do hope that they feel badly and at least ask the next time. I just can't imagine taking and eating something that someone else brought in, especially if their name was on it. Who does that? There's a difference between the food in your kitchen at home and at work. A big difference.

From now on, I'll be leaving my items in a brown paper bag where no one can see the contents. I thought about putting some random name so that people are confused, but thought that might backfire with the culprit thinking "No one by that name works here. It must be for anyone!" The only other alternative that I've come up with is to bring in my own mini refrigerator to put at my desk. That might be a bit overboard, though...

The Real Thing

I've been trying to drink less soda and more water lately. I am usually pretty good about the water drinking, but since landing in Atlanta, I've been finding it harder and harder to choose water. I think it has something to do with the fact that when I look out the window of my hotel room, I see a sign very similar to this:


I love Coca-Cola Classic. It is delicious. And I much prefer it from the fountain rather than from a can or bottle. The real problem is that when I drink it, I get "cracked out." My heart races, I talk fast, and I act a little crazier than normal. My brother can hear the Coke in my voice. It's kind of funny... until I can't go to sleep at night. I always make fun of my mom because she loves Diet Coke and I once asked her why she passed on getting one at dinner. She said "It keeps me up at night." The way she said it sounded funny at the time, but I know what she means now.

I started out with the good intention of staying away from the caffeine altogether, since they have stocked our office with both regular coke and caffeine-free. That was short-lived, though, because it just doesn't taste the same. I can't put my finger on what exactly the difference is (does caffeine actually alter the flavor of a drink?) but it was significant enough that I couldn't finish the entire can. Perhaps if I have some time and can get someone to assist in an experiment, I'll attempt to do a blind taste test. For scientific purposes, only, of course.

When we arrived at the hotel and were sitting down to have lunch, I told my co-worker that I felt obligated to have some Coke while we're here. She asked if it tastes different, since Atlanta is the home Coca-Cola's headquarters. My reply was simple: "I feel like it does."

If I had my way, I'd head right over to the World of Coke and spend hours in the room where you can drink Coke products until your heart's content. I doubt I'm going to have time for that, since I am here for work and not pleasure. I guess I'm just going to have to drink as much as I can right here at hotel. Once I get home, it's back to attempting to be healthy and take care of myself. That's just not as fun... or tasty.

The Good News

It's WAY past my bedtime, but my mind is racing. Even after writing in my journal, I can't seem to calm down enough to go to sleep. I don't know if these things would necessarily be considered "news" or not, but they're certainly good. I think so, at least.

• The only real New Year's resolution that I set was to read the Ensign, a magazine that my church puts out, from cover to cover each month. I'm already quite pleased with what it's done for me. This article was exactly what I needed and put things into perspective for me. The morning after reading it, I called my mom and when she asked me how I was doing, I said "Better than I have been in a long time." And I get better than that every day.
• Over the weekend, I was out shopping with a friend and happened upon a purse that I liked, but wasn't sure I was ready to spend the money on. When I couldn't stop thinking about it, I knew I had to have it. I went after work today to pick it up and thank goodness I didn't wait any longer. There were only two left and I managed to get it for 29% of the original price. You have to realize that I'm not the wait-until-it-goes-on-sale kind of shopper. When I want something, I just get it. If it's on sale, it's just a bonus for me. Well, this was a SUPER bonus and I'm so excited about it. Isn't it pretty?!
• For Christmas, I got a laptop and I was finally able to get my wireless working in my apartment. I'm pretty proud of myself that I got all of this connected and actually working with little help. Now if I can just get my music transferred over from my overloaded desktop, I'll be set. Baby steps...
• On Thursday I leave for my first trip of the year. It appears that 2010 will be a decent year for travel for me. My first stop will be in Atlanta for work and other trips that I've got in the works are to Nashville, DC, California, and a cruise. We're not even two weeks into the year and I've already got the majority of my vacation days earmarked. Afterall, there's no sense in letting them go to waste.
• It's supposed to be warming up by the end of the week, but I'm sad that I'll be gone before we are back in the 70's. For the first time since I lived in Tallahassee, I had to use my electric blanket. Thank heaven for the inventor of those things. I might have died of hypothermia without it the past few nights. Have I mentioned that I don't like to be cold? Even now, my fingers feel like they could break off if I hit the keys too hard. I'm already ready for summer again, but this is me "practicing patience." Do you think that if I perfect this skill if it'll stay warm?
• And I'm always proud of my brother. He's been gone almost nine months now. I can't believe how quickly it's gone by. Tomorrow, he'll turn 20 and as much as I wish that we were going to Texas Roadhouse for steak to celebrate, I know that this will be a birthday that he'll always remember, for reasons other than a meal. He's doing great, is as happy as I've ever known him, and has been mistaken for being from Mexico (which he considers a compliment, by the way).

Quite frankly, 2010 is shaping up quite nicely. It's been busy so far and my guess is that it's going to stay that way, which I'm happy about.

I guess my inability to sleep well during a meeting has set in a couple of days early. Gotta love the Big Girl Job...

Aren't I Obligated?

I didn't plan on writing some cliche blog post on New Year's Day, but here I am.

I've been going back and forth in my mind about just how big a deal December 31 and January 1 are or should be. On one hand, it does seem to signify a clean break or the opportunity of a fresh start. On the other hand, though, it really is just another day.

I keep seeing people's status updates regarding how much they're looking forward to 2010 being sooo much better than 2009 was and they're glad to see 2009 go. As much as I'd like to agree with them and turn my back on the past and march into the future with a hopeful heart, I really can't do that.

For me, 2009 was a pretty good year. I'd venture to say that it's got to be one of my favorites so far. I learned a lot about myself, what I'm capable of handling and what I really deserve and want. I came to realize that my brother is the best friend I have, whether he's in the next room or in another country. He'll always be there for me and support me and my decisions, whether he agrees with them or not.

I think I laughed more than I ever have in my life and had the most fun that I've thus far. I absolutely cried more than I ever thought possible, but I'm completely okay with it. I own every single tear and would rather someone think me a crybaby than made of stone. I feel like I've finally gotten to a point in my life where I'm comfortable in my own skin and, while I've said it for a long time, I truly mean it when I say "love it or leave it."

Don't get me wrong, I hate it when people are upset with me and I don't ever mean to ruffle people's feathers, but I'm beyond trying to please everyone at the expense of my own happiness or beliefs. I'm capable of letting things go to avoid conflict, but I'm getting out of the habit of going along with someone or something that I don't believe to be right just for the sake of not rocking the boat.

There are definitely things that I look forward to in the coming year, but nothing momentous. On Monday, I'll be back at work, feeling more like myself than I have as of late. There are work and leisure trips penciled in and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they actually come to fruition. Perhaps I'll be able to add one or two more trips in there that aren't expected at this time. Only time will tell.

The bottom line is that if 2010 is half as good to me as 2009 was, I'll consider myself very lucky. After all, 2009 was full of unexpected surprises. And if you know me, you know how I love surprises...