Sometimes New York is Cool

Today after taking a horrible accounting midterm and then going to a wildly amusing statistics review session, I walked by this guy on the street.



There I was walking home from school, thinking of how much I don't want to study statistics only to look up and see Mr. James Franco. Before you all ask, no, I didn't pretend to trip and fall or do anything else to get his attention. I didn't even make eye contact. I looked up, watched him walk past me and then looked away. In hindsight, I wish I would have quoted Freaks and Geeks to him or said, "Hi, I know Vicky. You went to high school with her." As quick and clever as I am, none of this came to me when I saw him today. However, next time I am prepared. And yes, there will be a next time.

According to the Fresh Air interview, he goes to NYU Tisch to study directing--which is right next to my school--and Columbia to study writing and some other community school here in NY to study something else. Three schools! Can you believe it? Plus, he just got nominated for a Golden Globe and has been promoting his new film Milk. How on earth does he do it all? I thought I was busy. That's not all either. As a public service, he teaches acting classes online. Check it out, I know I sure will.

And for the record, I am not obsessed with James Franco. Reason #1: He was just a much cooler star sighting than my neighbor, Katie Holmes. Reason #2: I really didn't want to study statistics today and found myself doing some web-based research. Reason #3: And finally, I'm white, I have to listen to NPR.

To Whom It Might Also Concern

Dears Bars, Pubs and Food Establishments of the Northeastern Seaboard:

When a patron asks for a Coca Cola Classic, that patron actually wants a Coca Cola Classic. If you only have Pepsi, do not assume that the patron is indifferent. The patron is tired of accidentally having a sip of that nasty stuff when really wanting a Coca Cola Classic. Simply inform that patron that you have Pepsi products, and then the patron can order a water with lemon.

There is a difference, and yes, I can tell!

Kind Regards,
alisa

To Whom It May Concern

Dear Ladies of New York,

I just thought I should let you know that leggings are not pants. Please stop assuming that they are interchangeable. I no longer want to see your butt jiggle as I walk behind you down the street.

Thank you and with all due respect,
alisa

I heart blog tag

I'm not positive I actually was blog tagged, but I just don't care. It's always fun talking about myself. So, in response to the ever darling Mackenzie, I give you:

Alisa's Blog Tag--I kind of wish she had come up with a better name.

10 Years Ago I:
Was a sophomore at Utah State University in the beautiful metropolis of Logan, UT. Man, I love that place. I was a Resident Assistant in Snow Hall. This means I probably had a crush on a few of the freshman boys on my floor. I was also discovering how awesome not going to class was while preparing for the bitter winter ahead. I've reflected upon my college days a lot lately, especially now that I'm a student again. Some things I've outgrown: wearing pajamas to school (this is how you spot the freshman), never studying and doing homework (core classes in undergrad much easier than grad school), staying up for days at a time (how can anyone stay awake after 11?), ramen and cereal (okay, i still survive on cereal), the list goes on...

5 Things on Today's To Do List:
1. Strategy Homework
2. Accounting Homework
3. Finance Homework
4. Statistics Homework
5. Economics Homework

5 Snacks I Enjoy:
1. Apples
2. String Cheese
3. Cookies
4. Pudding Snack Packs
5. Raw Cashews

5 Things I Would Do if I were a Millionaire:
1. Pay for school
2. Buy fancy shoes
3. Buy an apartment in the West Village
4. Buy a house north of Grand/west of Central on Alameda
5. Take pastry chef classes

5 Places I Have Lived:
1. Sandy, UT
2. Greeley, PA
3. New York, NY
4. Alameda, CA
5. Seoul, South Korea

5 Jobs I Have Had:
1. Holiday Gift Wrapper
2. Waitress
3. Bar Tender
4. Temp
5. Babysitter

I Tag:
Gnu and Whitney--I want a post from each of you
Ms. Peachey
Melanie
and Ashley--I swear she said she was going to start a blog--now's her chance!

Rules:
Each of you need to answer these same questions. Mackenzie said that she would leave a comment on my blog letting me know I'd been tagged, but she didn't (thus I may have not been tagged but hate to be left out therefore pretended like I had been)...I don't think I will do that either, I don't want you to hate me or anything. Anyway, then you are supposed to post the blog and let me know. I religiously check all of your blogs so you don't have to let me know if you don't want. It's basically like the blog version of awesome chain mails. Have fun!

Treat Tour Stop #3

The Little Pie Company





Today on the tour I headed up to the area between Chelsea and Times Square. It was an adorable street. I enlisted the help of a fellow Berkeley-ian. Meet Laura:



Brother Marostica was quite excited when he learned I was moving out to New York...I do love all of the Marosticas. Laura and I enjoyed our delicious pie.



The conversation focused on how much Berkeley kicks New York's butt. To be fair, New York totally kicks Berkeley's butt in many other aspects that we also discussed. However, it was nice to get someone to sympathize with me on the lack of space everywhere--people are always in your face and touching you. We also greatly miss the Berkeley ward.

On to more important things. The pie was delicious. Mark's list included recommendations at all locations. So, according to the list, I tried the Sour Cream Apple Walnut. Very tasty. Laura and the Mudslide pie which was super rich. I want to go back again and try the key lime and Southern pecan. I guess I'll have to wait for visitors!

My First Visitor

It's official. I've had a visitor. Natalie, from such fame as being my life coach, came to New York for business. I remember when I used to have a job. Business travel was great when you weren't somewhere cool (New York) and got to visit friends (me) for free! Unfortunately, Natalie is so super busy that I got to spend a total of 1 hour with her.



Here she is standing in my apartment, which she said was surprisingly larger than her hotel room. I doubt it. She did laugh at all of my space. We then took a walk around union square, down to campus and Washington Square Park and then back up to 14th Street through the Village. Of course we stopped at Mrs. Fields on the way back. (We met working at Mrs. Fields way before the bankruptcy thing).

We strolled, talked about boys and had a lovely hour together. Then she caught a cab and went back to her hotel to work. I went back to my apartment to do more homework. Hope you enjoyed your stay Natalie!

I Still Love It!!

A Case of Mistaken Identity

As you all know, I often get mistaken for someone younger than I am. I've noticed that as I get older, the bottom age gets a bit older as well. For instance, it's been about 2 years since I was asked if I was old enough to sit in an exit row. And it's been about 4 years since I was mistaken for an unaccompanied minor. (Not all cases of mistaken identity have occurred while traveling--these are just the two examples I thought of quickly).

I can never really expect this phenomenon to end. I'm sure I'll always be mistaken for much younger than I am. First of all, I've got those Lloyd genes that keep me looking young. Second, the chubby cheeks. Third, the youthful personality (read: immaturity). The list goes on.

However, I may have secretly hoped that starting business school would eliminate these instances. Business students are professional and respected, etc, etc. Unfortunately, not everyone got the memo.

I was unaware that you have to be 18 to by Nyquil. I bought some at Walgreens yesterday. The cashier rang me up and looked at my kind of funny. The she said, "You're 18, right?" I replied, "Yes." She kept looking at me funny so I then said, "Do you need to see my ID?" I took it out of my wallet and handed it to her. She looked at it and a look of shock and embarrassment crossed her face. I'm probably the oldest person she's ever carded.

And no, this isn't the first time I've been mistaken for someone much younger in the last three weeks since my move to New York. And yes, I know I will be grateful when I'm old....everyone tells me this. I have my suspicions though. Honestly, I'm not complaining, just sharing the funniness that is my life.

In Other Food Scouting News...

New York is definitely lacking in the delicious Mexican food; however, it tries to overcompensate for it in the fine, delicious cupcake (and bakery goods) segment. I heart cupcakes and am living in the mecca land for cupcakes. To aid in my cupcake tour of New York, my dear friend Mark gave me a list of places to check out. I've decided to visit each location on the list. Every Saturday I will go to a new place. (every Saturday may be defined loosely as Saturdays that I actually get around to waking up and leaving my apartment). Look out for future posts with other tales of cupcakes and treats.

Treat Tour Stop #1: Two Little Red Hens





It was a sunny Saturday afternoon (note this was last Saturday since this week's Saturday was rainy as you will read later on), we ventured up to the Upper East Side and quickly found the shop.

Per the recommendation, here I am with my friend Young enjoying a Lemon something--Lemon Cloud was recommended but the only lemon cupcake was named something else. A delicious lemon cupcake with lemon curd filling. The second recommendation: Brooklyn Blackout. A chocolate cupcake filled with chocolate pudding. Very delicious and very rich. I'm pretty sure both Young and I were unable to finish both halfs of cupcakes before getting sick.

Treat Tour Stop #2: Levain Bakery

I realized that I forgot my camera when I was already in the subway. So, rather than spending $2 to leave and re-enter, I decided to take mental pictures and bring cookies home to take pictures of later.

I ventured up to the Upper West Side this time. Rain was in the forecast which meant that the weather was balmy hot and humid. It was gross. Growing up in the dry west, I really can't do humid well. I've spent a fair amount of time over on the Upper East Side, but not the West. It's adorable. At least the few blocks I saw along 74th. Again, I quickly found the bakery.

Already a small line was forming, good sign. I got in line and wished that they had air conditioning inside their little bakery. It was hot. I tried to look over shoulders and between people to make sure I knew what I wanted by the time I got to the counter. I hate being that guy who holds up the line festering on the decision at hand, especially when there is a line. I hate the people at Ici (in Berkeley) who wait in line for an hour just to get to the front and have to taste every single flavor of ice cream before taking another 10 minutes deciding. Take a chance, man! Anyway, after looking at the options, I knew I'd have to get multiple cookies. They have four flavors: chocolate chip walnut, double chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and chocolate peanut butter. Since I'm against all shriveled grapes, I chose one each of the other three and was on my way.



Since it wasn't raining yet, I decided a stroll through the park would be very New Yorkey of me. It was. In fact, some out-of-towners who spoke Spanish asked me if I was American and if I lived here. I replied with a nod. Then they said I should be really proud to live somewhere so beautiful. I am proud to live here. However, I don't really think that I can take credit for the beauty. Oh well, guess they think I can. So, I'm just letting you all know, I'm the reason New York is so great!

The rain started slowly so I headed to the subway. Humidity picked up and I wanted to pass out while waiting for the super late subway. I got to my stop and did a mad dash to my building. It's like 50 feet away and I was drenched. Yay torrential rain!

I got home, took pictures and have been snacking on the chocolate chip cookie. It's pretty amazing.

I miss you Romero and Sons

Oh, how I miss you Romero and Sons. I miss you so much. So, so much. For those of you non-Alamedians, let me explain. Romero and Sons is the local taqueria on the island. I have no idea what else is on the menu besides the chile verde super burrito (a large feat for anyone to master) and the child's chile verde burrito (the perfect size to avoid the 'i hate myself' stuffed feeling). This is not all folks. Amigo (the guy who works there and has a crush on Mackenzie) not only knows us, but he knows what we order. It's wonderful not having to repeat back the same order every week. Yes, every week. And finally, it is so h-ing delicious is going to make me cry right now just thinking about it. Yummmmm. So delicious.

Enter New York City. The city that never sleeps. The center of the universe. One (myself) who think that finding equally amazing burritos for the same affordable price would be no big deal. I was wrong. I've yet to scour the entire city, but to date my research has come up short. First of all, finding a dive taqueria is not easy. Luckily, I received two menus under my door from "local" tex-mex joints. Tonight I decided to check one out. I google mapped them both and chose the closer of the two. I live on 14th Street. The restaurant was on 24th Street. This should have tipped me off. 10 blocks is not worth it--unless it was Romero and Sons. Second, I walked in and it smelled like Chinese food. Again, I should have just turned around. Third, everyone there was Asian. Now, I have nothing against Asians--I love them, truly I do. But my concern lies in the fact that they may not be the best resource to make my Mexican burrito. With all of these red flags starring me in the face, I walked up to the counter and ordered a chicken burrito with no guacamole or tomatoes--yes, that is correct I hate both of these things yet love Mexican food. I gave the lady $5.85 and waited. She put food in a bag and set it on the counter in front of me. I asked, is this mine? She replied with a grunt. Assuming this was yes, I picked it up. Then they all yelled at me for taking somebody else's food. This would never have happened at Romero and Sons. Only Mackenzie gets embarrassed there when Amigo flirts with her. (Sorry Mackenize, I love you!!) Honestly, I was relieved because what was put in the bag was tiny. Two bites would have completed that meal. I'm not a big eater, but I can do more than two bites. I wait another minute and a large burrito is wrapped in foil and given to me.

I get home and ride the elevator up with a fellow Californian who is on a similar quest to find good Mexican. He too has been unsuccessful to date. I get to my apartment, poor myself a glass of water and open the burrito. It's wrapped like a taco. That's right, stuff is spilling out the sides. I have to eat over the sink to avoid sleeping with my food later (it's a tiny apartment where the bed functions as all furniture--see the pictures from the previous post). Needless to say, I will not be trekking the 10 blocks north again to enjoy that burrito again. I wonder if I'll even finish the second half now residing in my fridge.

Well, congratulations on surviving the long post with no pictures. For your efforts, I give you this:


Look at me and that 'go get 'em' attitude. I'm off to my first day of school. Yesterday was my first day of school. Luckily I only had two classes. Today I was not so lucky as I had three classes. Monday will be even worse with three classes and one of them being like 3 hours long....yuck!

For some reason, I hate myself. In registering for classes, I consciously decided to get all of the "hard" classes out of the way first semester to be able to therefore enjoy the rest of time at school. How did I ever think this was a good idea? Usually, I'm one for ignoring the "hard" situations in hopes that they go away. Could it be that I'm growing? Doubtful.

Well, because of this moment of insanity here is my schedule: Finance, Accounting, Statistics, Economics, Strategy. Now some would say, that's not bad, you're a wimp. These are the other 50 or so people that have my exact same schedule (yes, we see a lot of each other). To them, I stick out my tongue and say I do marketing. That's usually enough for them to get a knowing look on their faces as they nod in understanding. It's going to be a fun semester!!

The Before Shots

So, yes, I'm here in New York City. I live in a closet that was super nasty dirty when I moved in. And it comes complete with its own funky smell (I'm working on that one as well). Anyway, here are the before shots. Stay tuned for me to get some time to put the new IKEA stuff together and to get settled for the after shots. Imagine me here right now as I type this out. I'm lying on the bed.

That floor sure looks comfy--it'll soon be all ready for guests. Okay, make that guest.

It's All About Me

It is a well known fact that I love my birthday. All those who know me also know that I continually try to turn the event into multi-day extravaganzas to celebrate my greatness. And finally, I also love cake.

This year was no exception. I had been anxiously awaiting my birthday since November when I purchased one special occasion cake at the annual Berkeley University ward's sub-4-santa auction. The lovely Sister Pat Hogan (proud mother of a daughter who recently celebrated her 60th year) makes wedding cakes and donated one. Awesome!!! That's right, I bought my own birthday cake. It was for the children. As the year progressed, my birthday party soon became my going away/birthday party. All the more reason to celebrate.

In the two and a half years that we lived together, Courtney and I have thrown several wonderful parties. It was the people that made the parties so spectacular so don't start thinking I'm bragging here. However, one of our finest achievements was the Mackenzie/Alisa birthday party of 2007. It was scary themed so the menu consisted of: questionable cheeses, overly ripe fruit, half-priced sushi, mystery meat, brightly colored mystery drinks, etc. We went so far as to only have used napkins available. It was awesome! I'm pretty sure that no one appreciated our cleverness quite as much as we did. However, we knew it was going to be difficult to beat the ingenuity of the previous year.

So, as with any great party, we waited until the Sunday before the date to start making invitations during Sunday School and Relief Society and then distribute them after church. Earlier in the week we decided to do a black and white cocktail party. This would make it easy to decorate the cake as well as be fancy since I'm a fancy gal. I'm not going to lie, there was some concern about people dressing up in cocktail attire. We're mormons. We don't go to cocktail parties. We don't get dressed up. The invitation said cocktail dress strongly encouraged, so we just had to hope for the best. Everyone dressed up!!! (well, except Dustin) I was so happy that everyone dressed up. Truth be told, not everyone wore cocktail attire, but everyone put thought into his/her ensemble to make sure it went with the black and white theme (again, Dustin excluded--please notice he is in purple and blue, like a bruise).


I had a lovely time at my birthday party. I'm now officially 29, which is great and weird. Just yesterday I was mistaken for a freshman in college--18 year old--so that is pretty exciting. I didn't have my camera with me for most of the evening because someone else was "taking pictures" for me. I think my battery died or something because I don't have a lot of pictures. If any of you took pictures at my party, please send them to me. Please. Here is what I have:

The Bakers! Oh, I do miss living so close to family.



Me celebrating my amazing lung capacity. 29 candles. 1 breath.
(again, please note that someone else took these pictures. I just discovered them on my camera)


Courtney at the bar.


The spread.

A Stolen Idea

This came from Renee's blog back in June--the lack of structure has gotten me behind in a lot of things. Everyone knows I'm a joiner, so here is my mosaic of me based off of other's pictures.



If you would like to create your own, here are the rules:
1. Type your answer to each of the following questions in Flickr Search
2. Pick an image from the first page.
3. Copy and past each image's URL into fd's mosaic maker.

The Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name. (Kid version: favorite animal)

Now, when you copy the pictures in to the mosaic maker it will create the credits portion so you don't need to add that extra step into the copy/pasting mantra--learned that lesson the hard way.


Photo Credits:
1. Alisa the sniper 2. improvised bread pudding 3. Week 4: Tuscaloosa County vs. Hillcrest 4. purple sea snails 5. Celebrity sighting #2- Aaron Eckhart 6. Coca Cola Classic 7. Evening Rain at the Duomo 8. bread pudding 9. She's Happy 10. My friends......ROCK 11. Hilarious 12. Caro y la llamo

Wikihow, I'm a Fan

I'm also a fan of iGoogle and the fact that it gives me new Wikihows everyday. So, yesterday, I was minding my own business reading my Google horoscope (also located on the iGoogle page right next to the countdown until school starts) when I noticed that the Wikihow for the day was doing a running front flip. Awesome.

I read the article and then proceeded to watch the instructional video. While doing this I had two thoughts come to me.

#1: I'm pretty sure that I would pop my air mattress that is currently my bed if I were to try this. Must find a gym to pratice.

#2: I could make an instructional Wikihow video.

Mid-instructional video my mind began to wander. What skills could I teach via video via youtube? I was therefore no longer paying attention to the instructional video and will therefore not need a gym to practice in since I only know the first two steps which I can do in my own living room sans mats. I've been pondering what instructional wikihow I should create. These are my ideas:

#1: Pretending you aren't singing at the top of your lungs in the car when in fact you are singing at the top of your lungs in the car.

#2: Kicking an attacker in the shins.

#3: Launching candy necklace candies at the unsuspecting.

What do my two readers think? Who is willing to help? I need a video camera because my camera only does short film and I'd like this to be top quality. I'll also need some actors and stunt doubles. Let me know who wants to help. Or share you own wikihow instructional video ideas here.

I do not apologize

That's right! I'm not sorry that I've abandoned this little blog or my two readers. I have no excuses. I've just not blogged. That's it. Stuff has happened that I could easily share. More importantly, stuff is going to happen that I will have to share. Big stuff.

Where I've been:

So, since I last blogged I have learned to love the life of the unemployed. Seriously, why did I ever think having a job would be a good idea? The life of leisure is fantastic! FANTASTIC!! I highly recommend it to all if circumstance permits. Plus, the last 3 or 4 months haven't even been enough time to do all that I could have done as an unemployed menace to society. Just keep that in mind as you all plan future bouts of unemployment ahead of you. I forsee no more of this wonderful life in my future; and therefore, I mourn.

No, I haven't spent this non-blogging time mourning. I've spent it sleeping, watching Buffy, visiting family, visiting friends, hanging with the sticky and the noisy generation (neices and nephews), preparing for the move, touristing all around San Francisco and the beautiful bay area. I've lost all routine and structure, and I love it. I sleep as late as I want. I jog along the beach whenever I want. I go to movies in the middle of the day, by myself. I'm not restricted by deadlines and duties. Anyway, no one feels bad for me or my circumstance. They therefore cannot comprehend why I do not blog. No one realizes that this loss of structure is the reason that I have been unable to blog. Time? Yes, I've plenty of it. Routine? Gone. I don't even read the blogs of those I love anymore. Or the blogs that are funny and provide me with hours and hours of wild entertainment. These were where the ideas and the need to blog came from. Without them, there were no blog entries. Do you see, dear reader? I needed the structure in my life. I need you all and your blogs, your wit, your anecdotes to make mine happen. So there it is. I left the world of the weberspace and the blogosphere during my unemployment months because my world did not have blogs.

Where I'm going:

Now, I'm on the cusp of re-entering civility. I shall gain structure and deadlines and routine in my life. And with that, I plan on re-entering the blogging world. I've got adventures to tell you. At least, I hope I will have adventures to tell you.

I'm moving to New York City!! Yes, I'm trading in my relatively high rent and cost of living in the bay area to move to a closet in Union Square that's more rent and a greater cost of living. Everyone who reads this knows this already. Not a shocker, I get it. However, one (read: me) can hope that she has blog stalkers (read: not the creepy kind) out there who hadn't heard yet and may be interested. I fly out on the red eye on the 17th of August. Take my diagnostic tests on the 18th. Pre-term starts the 19th. And I'm officially a first year MBA student at New York University. A little Felicity-esque, I understand. However, I'm not following a track star out there, and I don't plan on falling in love with my RA.

I kind of feel like a grown up. You'd think the full-time job, benefits and a 401K plan would have made me feel like a grown up. But this is more grown up-y. Trust me on that one. New York is a big city. This equates to more grown up-ness. Don't ask me to explain it, it just works that way.

So, here it is. A boring return to the blogging world. No pictures. No jokes. And not a classic anecdote. I've missed you little blog.

Unemployed: Day 2

Adorable!!

Unemployed: Day 1

On my walk to Jay's after the "morning" jog (Read: I woke up at 11 and went for a run.) I passed an elementary school. It was PE time. Standing around a giant brightly colored parachute stood about 25 tiny people and one teacher.



My question to you: Where can I get one of those things? That was hands down my most favorite thing to do in elementary school PE (wait, I really loved the scooter things too and crab soccer--crab soccer rocked). How wonderful would it be to play with that everyday while I'm not working?

I Like Books Too

While catching up on my blog reading this morning, I got a great idea from Melanie's blog.. She had been book tagged. It was interesting enough. Being the ego-centric person that I am, I felt I could easily participate in this activity even though she hadn't book tagged me or expressed interest in my current reading materials. I began to wonder what a book within close proximity to me would reveal. Working for a legal publisher, there are several boring books on the bookshelf a few feet away that are all written in legalise. This is a foreign language I have yet to master, even after two years. Korean was a breeze compared to this mammoth beast. Anyway, I am now left with two choices (unless you count the February 2008 edition of Spirit Magazine).

Choice #1: Angel Customers and Demon Customers. A gift from one of my many CMOs from the last two years. All us marketers received one and I've yet to open it still. Now's a good a chance as any.

Page 123, 5th Sentence: Does each group have significantly homogeneous needs to be susceptible to common offers and marketing? (yes, it's a question not a sentence, but I'm sure it still counts.

Analysis: The context of this sentence is grouping different target markets by need. The example would be computer companies clumping individuals together and businesses together and targeting the two groups separately. Upon reflection, this is a valid point. Are the needs of the group similar enough that one message will reach them all equally, or do I need to be more specific in my messaging thus dividing each group into more groups? The answer is yes. It is common knowledge that I can come across as rather abrasive upon first introduction. However, this abrasiveness is soon recognized as an expression of my adorableness upon further acquaintance. Nonetheless, I realize that it isn't always the best method to reach new acquaintances.

Choice #2: Eat, Pray, Love. Stolen from Amy where it was stolen from Ashley. Great book and I just got to the Bali part this morning and am now contemplating Bali as a great vacation spot during these unemployment months.

Page 123, 5th Sentence: Like all great philosophical ideas, this one is simplest to understand but virtually impossible to imbibe.

Analysis: I love the word imbibe. I should use it more often. I'm a little annoyed that both of my sentences needed context. Couldn't they be like one of the preceding sentences: But we do have the chance. Or one of the following sentences: No problem. However, today, I must dig deep into my philosophical mind and explore what these books are telling me. Just to spite the cosmic powers I will proceed without context on this sentence. How is it possible to understand something while it is impossible to imbibe? You'd think if you understand something that you can easily absorb it, right? No. Think about how many things you get, but can't explain? Is that not the same thing? Don't most faith-based principles elicit this same paradox? I don't know...just thinking about the illustration of imbibing an idea is interesting contrasted with merely understanding it.

So, I guess my self-imposed book tag proved nothing. Although, I did try to use big words to increase the grade-level of the blog. But for the most part I'm the same. I'll continue to be abrasive upon first introduction--it's my thing, I'm good at it. And I will try to use imbibe more in everyday venacular--and not just in reference to when people are actually drinking.

We All Want the Funny Back

Yes, I have been fighting five-year-olds for a very long time. No one realizes this more than myself. I'm sorry team. I'm sorry. It's just been a difficult month...I got layed off and now I have no job. Oh wait! That's great news. I have all the time in the world to do nothing. Hurray. I will one day blog again. Until then check out this funny blog.

Another Interesting Fact--5 year olds beware!

19

Doesn't Everybody Poop?

I think my mom would be happy with this rating system...I'll try and class it up for the rest of you though. At least I know that Grant can read my blog and be among company

This rating was determined based on the presence of the following words:
poop (1x)
pooped (4x)

Some Time to Reflect

Sitting in my umpteenth airport in the last month has given me time to sit back and reflect.

#1--I'm horrible at blogging. There are so many great pictures that tell so many wonderful stories and memories with my friends that I've yet to share with the world for your own enjoyment. I keep telling myself that I'll be better when I have more time. However, we all know that that is just a load of bollocks. I'll never have more time. And if I do have more time, I'll spend it sleeping and watching ABC Family movies.

#2--I'm too predictable. This is true. As much as I hate to admit it, I'm just simple minded and can easily be figured out. For instance, I totally still have a mad crush on Jared Leto. Because I know that underneath this 30 Seconds to Mars creepiness...



...lies the silent and confused Jordan Catelano (I've been watching a lot of My So-Called Life lately).


#3--I don't appreciate my Marketing Academy instructor to tell me that because I'm so smart I have cognitive dissonance. I'm not stupid enough to think that you were actually trying to be anything but a total tool with that comment. I spent a wasted two days in Dayton learning all about the fundamentals of marketing. Good thing I don't have a degree it that already. Anyway, he wasn't impressed with me not being greedy enough when negotiating even though I was quite happy with my million dollar cabin; he therefore labeled me as delusional.

#4--I take rockin' good jumping pictures.



This is the Traveling Lexpo--aka the "bus". It is touring across the country and spent two event filled weeks in my region. This accounts for half of my busy travel month. Anyway, I'm super glad that it has ventured out of my region, and I can spend some quality time in the office again. However, I miss Ryan and Victoria, the driving team. I'm pretty sure I'm the best thing that ever happened to them.

For Posterity's Sake

To keep an accurate record of my life I include these two items. Again, no pictures because I'm still at work (shhhh...don't tell that I'm doing personal blogging during working hours) and don't have my USB port thing.

#1: Jeanette is having a baby girl. That brings the Baker family total to Girls: 12 and Boys: 8. Well done sisters. Her name is Allie Jean Zumwalt. I'm pretty sure that the Allie is short for Alisa. Therefore two of my nieces will be named after me: Allie and Rachel (her middle name is Joy). Actually, I asked Jeanette if Allie was going to be named after me and she said no, I don't believe her. ALIsa and ALLIE--you all see it right? Please also note the names of my nieces: Abbie, Annie, Elizabeth, Addie, Rachel, Allie. I hope the Fizz (that's Elizabeth) and Rachel don't get a complex. My first daughter will be named Aggie--I'm proud of my alma mater. No, that isn't an annoucement that I'm pregnant because I'm not.

#2: While waiting for my lunch, my friend Nancy looked at my shirt and asked what I got on it. I looked down knowing I hadn't spilled anything and there it was. Bird poop. Seriously. I was outside for 1/2 second. I have now been bird pooped on twice. The first was while running across the street. A bird pooped on my hand, and I ran to Whitney's house for soap and water. Now, I got pooped on walking to lunch. I scrubbed it off with a Clorox wipe. So nasty. I hate being pooped on. I'm not happy about it at all.

Bag Tagging

Luckily one of the things in my bag was my camera so I took a picture. Unluckily, my handy little flash drive thingy isn't--I wonder where it is. Therefore, I'm going to have to remember to upload the picture later when I find it.

My dear friend Mackenzie bag tagged me. I have to expose the contents of my bag to the world.

Last week Courtney and I were grocery shopping. While at the store she needed to get into my bag for a pen or some other writing instrument and commented on the disgraceful situation that is my bag. I admit that I treat my bag like a portable garbage can. There's always random stuff in there and it takes a long time to get it cleaned out. Courtney's comments prompted one such clean up so there isn't anything too embarrassing in the bag today--which is surprising considering the fact that I traveled this week. Sorry dear readers. You'll have to tag me again in a couple of weeks, and I'm sure it will be full of trash.

Today's Contents:
1 book--I started reading this book a really long time ago on the commute. I don't really like it but haven't taken the time to find something else to read.
1 checkbook
1 pair of sunglasses
1 cell phone
1 binder clip
1 pack of gum with 9 pieces of gum in it--must be a new pack. I admit that I don't go through gum nearly as much as I used to before Whitney moved to Alameda, Gnu loves gum!
1 hair elastic
1 elastic headband thing that never really stays on that well because my hair is silky smooth
1 key--I don't know what it goes to. This may be the key my dad gave me last time I was home since they changed the locks. Must remember to test it out when I'm there.
1 frequent buyer card from Ralph's. I had to buy some stuff in LA and the lady made me take it even though I didn't want it.
1 camera memory card
my keys
1 chapstick
1 lip gloss
1 lip shimmer
1 cap to a lipstick liner--I've been looking for that
$4.54 in change in addition to the huge amount in the change pocket
3 tampons that have been in there for a really long time and should probably be thrown away
2 feathers--left over from the pillow fight
Piece of paper with grad school interview schedule and information
3 strands of stray hair--kind of disgusting but not as bad as Chris' fashions with human hair, still gagging
5 bobby pins
1 wallet
1 camera--obviously not pictured

I view tagging as a slightly elevated form of forward messages and only send on the absolutely most hilarious ones when it comes to forwards. Plus, Mackenzie tagged most of the ladies. Therefore, I tag you only if there is something scandalous in your bag right now...tell me what it is!

This is Our Time to Dance

It must be said that I love Kevin Bacon. And how could a true fan of the 80s not love Footloose? How wonderful is the part where Kevin Bacon is talking to the city council trying to convince them to change the law and allow a senior dance? What did David say? Leaping and dancing....leaping and dancing before the Lord. Anyway, it is a cinematic masterpiece.

Now I did recently watch this movie with Amy, but that is not why I bring it up now. Courtney and I splurged and subscribe to basic cable. This means we get the typical channels (fox, abc, nbc, cbs, cw, pbs, etc), two bonus channels (tnt, tbs), several sport channels (espn, espn, espn--in fact we have two of the same channel--I'm not sure how many of them are all espn, but espn has like a million channels), a handful of Spanish stations, the Chinese station, a few others in the middle that I'm not sure what they are, and the Alameda channel. I often watch the Alameda channel when it is showing the bridges and Alameda point in rotation. No words or music or news or anything worthwhile happens, just the same three shots of Alameda rotating. Well, tonight I discovered that they sometimes have actual programming on the Alameda channel. Tonight was the city council meeting. I stopped on the channel just long enough to hear this: "Closing the swimming pools at Encinal high would literally make us an island with no swimmers." A young high school student was passionately making his argument for funding and support to keep the swimming pools open. I was intrigued and had to watch. It was just like Footloose. Only this time it was swimming instead of dancing. Let the children swim. It was wonderful.

Reason #1558 Why I Love Alameda!

My Half-Birthday

Happy Half-Birthday to me.
Happy Half-Brithday to me.
Happy Half-Brithday Alisa.
Happy Half-Birthday to me.

Hurray! What kind of cupcakes should I make for my half-birthday?

Keeping up with the Jones'

I saw this on Courtney's blog and got worried:

Movie Reviews

Of course, there was nothing to worry about--I'm just as smart as she is. Happy reading.

My 15 Seconds of Fame

Thank you Whitney for discovering me. Here's the story as it was told to me:

Whitney was traveling home to Alameda from Houston on Friday, February 1. While flying back she began to browse Spirit, the Southwest Airlines complimentary in-flight magazine. As she wandered upon page 24, she thought to herself, "That looks like Alisa."



Upon further investigation she read the by line and confirmed that it was in fact Alisa right next to a kid dressed as Elvis and a giant dog. Check me out:



A big thank you goes out to Courtney, the artistic genious behind this shot, and 63, my partner in crime and a great high-fiver. Thank you to my parents and family who have always supported me and encouraged me to dream big. And thank you Whitney for being the sister-in-law I never had.

Ladies That Still Brunch

The Ladies Brunch Group has been quite pathetic lately. We rarely brunch anymore and can never get the full group. Last week we turned it into a lunch and it was such a chore. It lost it's allure. I say that we take back the brunch. C'mon ladies, we have got to get our brunch on.

So, in an effort to protect this sacred ritual, I gathered those that I could and we brunched in Alameda at Ole's on Saturday. Before I go on and attach pictures, I must say: I love waffles.

Now, when we finally left for brunch I was starving and feeling artistic. Check out this photo:



I have got to figure out how to use my new camera. I guess it really isn't new anymore since I bought it like 3 months ago. I also need to figure out how to use my telephone and all its cool features. And I also need to figure out how to use my new video iPod nano and take it out of the plastic box thingy. Man, technology is lost on me. I've got to get myself a friend (read: super cute boy) to do all this stuff for me.

Adorable "ladies" that brunch early in the morning:



I can't even open my eyes.



Okay, I'm making a New Year's Resolution right now. The ladies brunch in 2008. Must get in the pattern girls.

A Very Long Wait

Shortly before Thanksgiving I learned that I had missed out on the theatrical event of the year. I had not yet seen (or heard of for that matter) Sydney White. Everyone (all of my sisters and CindyMindyPindy) had seen and loved this classic fairy tale set on modern greek row with our heroin Amanda Bynes. Before I go on I must say that I love Amanda Bynes. Loved "What a Girl Wants" and "She's the Man." She was great in "Hairspray." Found myself watching episodes of "What I Like About You" while flipping through the channels. I'm a fan. She's stays out of the Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton gossip scene and seems like a pretty cool person.

I was perplexed as to how on earth I could not have heard of or seen this movie yet. As many of you know, this is my kind of movie. I began searching local theaters to see when and where it was playing. No luck. No theater was playing this movie...I'm guessing none of them had heard of it either. Luckily, I was heading home for Thanksgiving weekend and it was playing at the dollar movies in Salt Lake (Bless the dollar movies--greatest invention of the century). I had a plan to see the movie and nothing was going to stop me...except of course for the fact that the movie theater changed its line up the day I arrived into town and it was no longer playing. I was bummed. I was going to say that I was devastated but that would be a little too melodramatic. I was truly bummed though. I had been looking forward to going to the movie for about a week and didn't want to have to face the fact that my only option now was to wait for it to be released on DVD. Since it was no longer playing in theaters in Salt Lake or anywhere in the bay area, I was forced to put it in my Netflix queue. It sat in the bottom "saved" section alongside "My So-Called Life" (which has now made its way up the queue but lost excitement due to free episodes on abc.com) and "Maid to Order" for about a month and a half until it moved to the bottom of the queue with a "Releases January 22" note. I instantly moved it directly to the top. The day it was released it would be the next movie I got no matter where I was in the Veronica Mars saga (oh the intrigue and angst waiting for the next disc).

After much anticipation the day finally arrived. Yesterday was January 22 and waiting for me at home was Sydney White. I had the evening planned out. I start two loads of laundry, run to the store, cook dinner and enjoy the evening in front of the television. Everything was going according to plan. I knew that I needed to keep my excitement for the movie under control or there was no way that it could live up to my expectations. It just isn't possible with this type of movie. This is probably why I love these types of movies so much. The movie starts and the first thing I wonder: why is Amanda Bynes wearing a wig in this movie? There has to be a make over scene coming up when she's going to get cute hair and normal make-up.





I kept waiting and waiting. The whole time she had this stupid confused look on her face and her hair unnaturally hanging. Occasionally she would have her hair pulled back in a pony tail which made her hair look real from behind. However, I just wanted to push it all behind her ears or back in the pony tail to fix how stupid it was. I'm serious, what is going on here?



The guy she's about to kiss saved the movie for me. How cute is Matt Long and why on earth did I never watch "Jack and Bobby?"

Cute Matt Long and Amanda Bynes in a wig:



Cute Matt Long (but kind of hard to buy as the hottest guy at school):



Cute Matt Long (thinking about asking me out--look how happy the thought makes him):



So, after viewing this much anticipated film, I have to say that I was expecting more. I'm sure I would have loved it if Amanda's horribly fake hair and white eyeshadow had not gotten in the way. Basically, it made me so sad and wish that I had three hours of Veronica Mars.

Also, I missed Northanger Abbey this week. If anyone out there loves me and DVR'd it, please save it for me. Please, Mom.

The Fond Memories

Sometimes I really miss my old job. The free cookies and Coca-Cola Classic were a huge perk. But then there are other days that the fond memories of the people and love we had for each just bring joy to my heart:

I'm Obsessed

Everytime I turn around the joys of Pride and Prejudice are staring me in the face. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm totally loving it!!



Which Jane Austen Character are You? (For Females) Long Quiz!!!
created with QuizFarm.com
You scored as Elizabeth Bennet

As one of Austen's most beloved characters, Elizabeth Bennet represents what most women would like to become: strong, independent, and loyal. Of course, she has her faults including a stubborn will of iron and a clinging to first impressions. Overall, Lizzie is bright and lovable...something to admire and aspire to.