Today's Score: Me - 2, stupidity -1

Today started with some minor frustrations at school. The rugs in the library were supposed to be cleaned starting at 8, so I was going to be unable to work in there. However, when I left at 10 the carpet man wasn't there, and I was no closer to being ready to start the school year. Whoops. Oh well... I had more important matters to deal with. Maricel and I had conflicting vacation schedules all summer, and we were finally able to have just a good old hang out day. What, was I really going to let my job get in the way of my social life? Please. The following are the people that landed on today's shit list (in no particular order).

1. The lady at the home store in Folsom. My friend Darien had sent me the cutest flip flops for my birthday. They have Velcro straps so you can change the colors. Anyway, the size she sent was wrong (apparently she underestimated my big ol feet) and I looked on-line to see if there were any stores in the area that carried them so I didn't have to send them back. I found one up in Folsom and went in there to change them. The lady basically said since they weren't purchased there she didn't want to trade them because she had too many size 9s (the size I had) and not enough 10s (the size I wanted). So I went to look at the display and found that she had 3 size 10s and 1 size 9. I explained this to her and she was apparently very confused. Anyway, after a few explanations to point out that I was (obviously) right, she finally agreed to let me take the ones I wanted. Score 1 for me!

2. I had some time to kill after I took Maricel home and before I had to meet mom and dad for dinner, so I headed to Borders. I was on the phone talking to Lisa just wandering around and picking up random books. I ended up with 6 of them. I went to the counter and had 3 piles. I explained I had a birthday coupon for one, two were on buy one get one half off, and the others were with my educator discount. She said that she would have to do 3 transactions. That was fine. Then she said that I would have to get in line each time. That was NOT fine. I mean, was she serious? So of course I said to her, "are you prepared to lose a $60 sale because I am certainly not standing in line again?" She said that was the policy. Needless to say, I left the books and headed to customer service. The manager came over and I told her what happened and that she had just lost a sale. She looked so mad. Apparently that is not so much the policy. She asked me who had said it and then offered to ring me up. I told her not to worry about it, that I was just going to head to Barnes & Noble. This was my "Pretty Woman" moment - you know, when Julia Roberts goes back into the boutique and says, "You work on commission, right? Well I came in here yesterday and you wouldn't help me. Big mistake. Huge." And yes, I did come home and order all my books, plus one more, on BN.com. Score one more for me!

3. I am so incredibly irritated at ESPN/KCRA. I have been SO careful about radio and computer use since the Olympics started. When I was coming home from work over the weekend I would put my IPod in, knowing that the Michael Phelps races would have already taken place on tv on the east coast, and that the sportscasters would probably blow it for me. When I've turned my computer on and the Comcast site loaded, I would try to put my hand up in front of the screen to make sure I didn't see anything. Well, I made it all the way til today without hearing anything I didn't want to. This afternoon I was listening to ESPN Radio like usual and the guy was just like listing baseball games or something. In the middle of the baseball talk they went and announced the winner of tonight's beam competition. It was so irritating. They could have said, spoiler alert, turn down your radio, or something! I don't understand why they do that! Then Kelly had the same experience when she went to KCRA's website. I think that's even worse! Why would the announce something that they are showing on their channel later tonight? Don't they know that will make them lose viewers? I've been up til all hours every night watching the gymnastics and I really want to tonight too. But, as I sit here on the night before back to school, what's the motivation? I may just go find the competition on-line because it's pretty much ruined for me. I have no problem with results and info being available on-line or on the radio, just give spoiler alerts and have the info on a separate website that I can visit if I want, but won't pop up on me and ruin anything. Score 1 for stupidity...

Blast from the Past

Once upon a time there were two little girls obsessed with gymnastics. The year was 1992 and their hero was a little teenager from Oklahoma named Shannon Miller. The two girls watched and re-watched all the Olympic coverage from Barcelona in 1992. They memorized everything Bob Costas said in relation to their girl. They did everything they could to see her, to learn about her, basically, to be her. They even joined a gymnastics class even though they were freshmen in HS and practically past the prime of any gymnast. It didn't last too long when they realized there was no hope for them (especially for the taller one). Over the years, the gymnastics love came and went every 4 years, but the obsessive Shannon stalking ended shortly after the Atlanta games in '96. One took her obsessive nature to college (sidebar- the beloved Shannon Miller actually attended Law School at that same college a few years later), where she would move on to stalk such athletes as Tom Brady, Dustin Pedroia, Matt Ryan, and Jason Taylor. The other would lead a more down to earth life, getting married and having 3 beautiful children, and keeping the stalking to class parents of her eldest child.

Last night, those same two girls, high school so far beyond, cheered for Shawn and Nastia to take home medals. Just as it was 16 years ago, the two sat critiquing every move, score, fashion statement, conspiracy theory (like how the judges probably feared that if they didn't score the Chinese high, they may be taken into gov. control and never be able to leave the country), etc. It occured to the one girl how no matter how much things change, some things never will. The cordless phone may have changed to text messages, but the ability to bond and to enjoy the pure beauty of the sport, and to add just the right amount of snark and cynicism to the affair, never will. Well, actually, that has probably grown a little over the years and by one a little more than the other!

Despite the fact that the international panel of judges was apparently trying to throw the competition in favor of anyone BUT the US, the US prevailed and earned a very much deserved gold/silver combo. Kelly was cheering for Nastia to take home the gold. I was a little more uncertain. I enjoy watching Nastia because she is the graceful one. The lines she hits on her routines are absolutely amazing. Everything is so fluid and just amazing. Plus, she was wearing pink. Shawn is the always smiling powerful one. I liked her because she seemed to be having fun and I want to see them enjoying herself. I think it's good she got the silver because I think, despite being the younger of the two, she was able to handle the disappointment better. She was so gracious in defeat (if you can call it that), and I feel like Nastia would have cracked. My only wish would be that they tied. Regardless, they were both amazing. Even though the judges shortchanged them, they kept their heads up, and in doing so, made us all proud. Way to go girls!!

I Think This Means I'm "It"

My friend Holly tagged me to complete this, so here we go...

1. My uncle once: married my favorite relative- my Aunt Sue. I got to be flower girl.
2. Never in my life: did I think I'd ever get to go see the Pats play in the Super Bowl.
3. When I was five: I don't remember being five. I had white hair with big huge green bows in my hair.
4. High school was: when I peaked. I loved HS.
5. I will never forget: my grandparents, especially my Grandma Boone. She was the Best!
6. Once I met: Tedy Bruschi (#54 on the Patriots)
7. There’s this girl I know: Hmm... I know a lot of girls. They are all special in their own ways and I love them very much.
8. Once, at a bar: I sat by myself watching football. Oh wait, that was more than once.
9. By noon, I’m usually: in summer, rolling out of bed. In not summer, about to have lunch.
10. Last night: I went to CPK and saw "Evita" at Music Circus.
11. If only I had: endless time off and lots of money so I could hop on a plane back to Greece, bring my friends, find the BC boy, and hang out on Santorini for at least a month.
12. Next time I go to church: it will be tomorrow morning for our icky staff retreat.
13. What worries me most: is never falling in love and getting married and living my life as an old spinster. Then I'd have to get cats, and I hate cats.
14. When I turn my head left I see: my bulletin board.
15. When I turn my head right I see: my tv or my Red Sox wall, depending on the angle.
16. You know I’m lying when: there is no sarcasm.
17. What I miss most about the Eighties is: life was easy and I was fairly oblivious.
18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I’d be: well, I'll go with Kat (or whatever her name is) in "Taming of the Shrew" because that character in "10 Things I Hate About You" speaks to me and it was based on "Taming...".
19. By this time next year: I wish I knew
20. A better name for me would be: I think my name is good. Lisa tells me I have a sex change every time I talk football, so Casey is a boy and girl name.
21. I have a hard time understanding: why it's so hard to meet a nice boy.
22. If I ever go back to school, I’ll: God... probably want to kill myself.
23. You know I like you if: I've met you and you're not stupid. I love most people, but I can't stand stupid people.
24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be: Tom Brady. HA- just kidding. Um - my peeps.
25. Take my advice, never: step in a puddle on a marble walkway.
26. My ideal breakfast is: The egg and cheese bagel sandwiches at the deli under Tamara's old apartment in Newton.
27. A song I love but do not have is: "All dressed up in love." I think that's the name. The one from the "Sex and the City" soundtrack by Jennifer Hudson.
28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest you: don't stay long. There's not much to do.
29. Why won’t people: be fair?
30. If you spend a night at my house: I’d probably talk your ear off.
31. I’d stop my wedding for: the realization that there is no groom.
32. The world could do without: stupidity, terror, mean people.
33. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: seriously? EW.
34. My favorite blonde(s) is/are: Kelly and her 3 beautiful kids.
35. Paper clips are more useful than: I don't know. Staples?
36. If I do anything well it’s: organize and plan (had to steal those from Holly) and tell people how things should be.
37. And by the way: I tag Kelly, Betsey, and Brian (even though he won't do it - ha- I challenge you).

Sisterhood

Today I went to see that great movie about the 4 girls living and growing in friendship. No, not "Sex and the City," "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2." I have read all 4 books and loved all of them. I think they contributed some to my desire to go to Santorini, as that is one of the locations in the book. The first movie was great, and the second I think was even better. This movie took elements from books 2-4 and kind of squished them all together. I have to say that I liked this movie better than "Sex and the City." Even though I'm stuck (age-wise) somewhere in between the 2 groups of girls, I can relate much better to the Sisterhood. Although I love Alexis Bledel, and her character is the one I'd like to relate to the most, I have to say that I'm really mostly a Carmen (the character played by "Ugly Betty's" America Ferrera). There was a great quote she said in the movie that I was trying to remember, but sadly forgot it. I relate to her most because she has a hard time with change. She assumes that the girls will all spend the summer together back in MD after their first year in college. When all the girls tell their plans, she is disappointed, but carves out her own path by earning a spot on stage at a theater camp. She is also rooted in the tradition of the pants and wants to hang on to ceremony and tradition even when the other girls are over it. She becomes frustrated when she feels left out of the loop. But above everything, she is strong and she loves with her whole heart. Ironically (or maybe not), I took a quiz on the site, and guess who it said I was? That's right, Carmen. Apparently I'm a firecracker. (Oh, and apparently Kostos is the Sisterhood man for me. I'm okay with that. Does that mean I get to go back to Greece?)

More Thoughts from Spinsterville...

16. Kelly raises an interesting point in her comment to my last post. I think next time someone tells me I can't order a grilled cheese, I will look them in the eye and tell them I am 12. If nothing else, the look on the server's face will make me laugh. It reminds me of in "Sleepless in Seattle" where the Jessica is booking the flight for Jonah and he says, "who's going to believe I'm 12?" And she says, "If it's in the computer, they'll believe anything. Do you want me to say you're just really small for your age and that they shouldn't say anything because it will make you feel bad?" Not really the same thing at all, just reminds me... And if you are wondering, yes. I have seen that movie a few too many times.

17. Note to the US Gymnastics team. Next time go with some kind of a matte finish on your leotards. The shiny material is just not flattering... even on a gymnast.

18. I feel a little sorry for gymnast Bridget Sloan(e?). The commentators weren't very nice to her I don't think. I know she's not the star of the team, but still. Show the love NBC, show the love.

19. I have to apologize. If any of you took my advice and tuned into "The Mole" this season, I'm sorry. It has sort of sucked. It was WAY better with Anderson Cooper. I still haven't finished watching the episodes I missed while gone, but I didn't want to forget to apologize to anyone who may have followed my advice.

20. Little bit horrified right now. A commercial just came on for a movie called "Beverly Hills Chihuahua." Perhaps the worst movie preview I've ever seen.

21. Speaking of Beverly Hills... One of my favorite tv shows ever is BH 90210. So of course I was thrilled when I heard that there was to be a spin-off. Having seen the trailers for it, I'm a little scared. It looks like a sleazed up version of "The OC,""Gossip Girl," and every other trashy teen soap put together. It's all glossy and sparkly and way too sexed up, and I think it looks awful, well, not awful, just not MY BH 90210. BH 90210 was never wholesome or anything, but compared to these new shows it certainly seems it. Now, I'm just not sure if I'm going to be okay with the reincarnation. Maybe I'll add the first 5 seasons of the original to my new Netflix queue.
22. I checked out the new fall line-up today on tvguide.com. I was a little surprised because it seems that there aren't that many shows I'm really into/looking forward to. I suppose that's a good thing since I watch waaaay too much tv. I did notice that the shows I do want to watch don't really overlap too badly, so that's a good thing. Of course, there's really no tv watching in my schedule until the Olympics are over.

23. I'd like to announce that after a (not so) careful survey of chain restaurants throughout the US, I'd like to officially declare CA Pizza Kitchen as having the best looking staffs. First, there was a boy named Dave at the one at the Natick Mall. He may have been named pizza boy, I may have left him a note, and we may have gone out. And the Sacramento restaurant, where I go all the time, has a very good looking group of gentlemen working there, and I have my sights set on one in particular. The manager knows this, so if I'm ever there when he's there and she's there... could be embarrassing. What can I say- he looks like a younger Jason Taylor. Of course, he associated JT with the "Dancing with the Stars," and not with being a football player, so that may be an issue.

24. Electrics. Word, or not so much? Shouldn't it be electronics or electrical? I saw this on a door at Music Circus last night and it caused me to wonder...

25. Speaking of Music Circus, last night we saw "Evita." Normally I like that show. However, the star last night had such an awfully shrill voice it made it uncomfortable to sit through. She had impressive credits, so I was very surprised. It was interesting because it changed my whole view of the show. I went from cheering for Eva to understanding why Che was against her. Too bad...

26. I hate to say this, but is anyone else waiting for the other shoe to drop with the Olympics? I know I'm super cynical, but I just keep waiting to hear that one of the swimmers was tested positive for some drug. I sincerely hope it doesn't happen, but this whole Michael Phelps thing is so exciting, that I just feel like maybe it's too good. And I'm not throwing accusation, I'm just afraid and I hate that I'm afraid.

27. In other Olympic conspiracy news, I'm totally convinced that the Chinese made the mat for the women's floor exercise smaller than regulation and that's why all the US girls keep stepping out.

28. Have you seen the JC Penny commercial that's a complete rip-off on "The Breakfast Club?" I saw it today (well, I'm sure that I've seen it before, but today I actually paid attention) and I'm trying to figure out why they are marketing to teens by ripping off a classic movie that probably most teens have never seen.

29. McDonald's Sweet Tea. In a word: EWWWWWWW. In 4 words: Cavity in a Cup. Sorry Dr. Shaina.

30. In my excitement about football that I mentioned earlier, I forgot to mention that I get to become a Stanford Cardinal fan this year. My dear friend Matt is now working in their Sports Info office and I get to be his wife's (my other dear friend Betsey) date for home football games. Yipee!

Next Stop: Spinsterville

Well, since today is my big 30th Birthday, I feel compelled to check in with the blogosphere. However, I sadly have not much to say on this momentous occasion (and really? When do I ever have nothing to say?). What's to say? I've been dreading this day since about 3 weeks before my 29th birthday. I mean, in all honestly, I know it's just a number and you're only as old as you feel and all that stuff. I guess when I was young (and by young I mean waaaaay back in college. ugh.) I just figured that by the time I got to that big ol scary age of 30, I'd be settled. And yet, here I am, 23 hours into my 30th year and anything but settled. So anyway, in honor of the day, I present 30 (well, hopefully I can get that far) random tidbits... (and the further I get, I'm sure, the more random they will be!)

1. So one of the funniest things that happened on my cruise was one night when we were at dinner. We had open seating, so sat with different people each night. Anyway, this particular night we were seated with (among others) an 18 year old from Alabama named Cal. He was one of the most personable people I have ever met. Anyway, when my mom said we were celebrating my 30th bday, his jaw quite literally dropped. It was so funny. So, at least I don't look like an old hag :-)

2. Speaking of eating as a singleton, it has long been my opinion that food companies who produce perishable items should help people like me out by making more single serving size foods. I mean, unless I were to eat the same thing every single day, I can't finish most perishable items before they expire. I would especially like to see single servings of pasta sauce and sour cream.

3. While in Europe I discovered a delicious new drink to enjoy - Proseco. Enjoy some when you can.

4. So, I have professed my love for Chevy's watermelon margaritas to pretty much anyone with ears. Today is the last day of them until next May. 2 guesses where I had my b-day dinner... Anyway, as soon as I sat down, bartender extraordinaire Brett (who was already off, btw) went to the fridge and got me a thermos type thingy of watermelon puree to take home and enjoy. Yum.

5. This morning on Regis and Kelly they were discussing one of my new favorite products (that I discovered weeks ago) - Batter Blaster. It's organic pancake/waffle batter in a whipping cream can. Perfect for the singleton with a disgusting diet! You can just squirt out as much, or as little, as you want.

6. Here is one of my biggest pet peeves about eating out. There are days when a girl just wants a grilled cheese sandwich. Other than Cheesecake Factory I am unaware of any places that actually have a grilled cheese on the menu. Often times I will order it anyway (if it's on the kids' menu). What bothers me is the grief I get from servers about how I'm not 12 so I can't get it, or I can get it, but they have to charge me for something else. I totally miss the point here. It's the same piece of bread, the same piece of cheese... what's the problem? I was trying to convince my mother that this is a civil liberties issue. She told me (as usual) to go to law school, and that that can be my marquee fight.

7. The other side of grilled cheese-gate is chicken-gate. Everywhere I go I pretty much order some kind of salad and ask for no chicken. Of course, they have no problem charging me for the chicken I am not getting. Isn't that some form of theft? That's why I like CPK so much- chicken and shrimp are add-ons, so I don't constantly leave feeling ripped off.

8. I want this to be made official. I have decided to develop a pretend allergy to mushrooms. I know I am a picky eater, and I have finally come to the conclusion that if I can just tell people that I am allergic to mushrooms instead of just saying I don't like them, it's a little more legit. Hey, if my former friend Elissa can be "allergic" to lettuce (aka, water) than surely I can be allergic to a fungus!

(Hmm... apparently I'm obsessed with food tonight...)

9. Is there anyone else out there who can't seem to watch the Olympics without crying? Seriously... I love them.

10. Watching the Olympics sort of makes me wonder why I didn't join the swim team in high school. I mean, I would have been terrible and would have tried to find ways to not have to compete (like I did in every sport I ever played), but my school practiced at the boys' school and, well, the swimmers just all have crazy amazing bodies... What can I say? It could have been fun.

11. I am just so happy this Brett Favre stuff is over and that I was in Europe when it was really bad. WHO CARES? I'm so over it. ESPN- do us a favor and find something more interesting to talk about. You know, like Tom Brady.

12. The football season is nearly upon us and I am SO excited. I don't know how old BC will be, but the Patriots will of course will be great. I'm excited for my somewhat weekly ritual of going to Mandango's and sitting, more than a little overwhelmed, watching my game. Good times.

13. For those of you who haven't heard, I have developed in instantaneous interest in BC basketball. Has something to do with a coach.

14. Because I'm probably the last person in the world without TIVO (even though I'm the person it was invented for), I have been considering joining nextflix so that I can catch up on seasons of shows that I can never seem to find at their regular time. The first on my list will be "The Hills" and "Gossip Girl." (I know what you're thinking... Did she say she was 30? or 13?) If you have any suggestions of tv shows or movies I need to see, leave them in the comments!

15. Michael Phelps is certainly amazing, but really NBC- there are other people competing at the Olympics. I'm sure their families would like to see them too. Besides, he kind of scared me when he celebrated his team's win last night.

Ok, well, I only got to 15 so I'll have to finish tomorrow. My excuse, should you choose to accept it, is that I still have not gotten into a good sleep cycle since my trip. The Olympics aren't really helping the cause either... TTFN