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.

The Finer Things

I moved to San Francisco (okay Berkeley) in January of 2006. Those of you familiar with the bay area know that winter is not like the Utah winters I was used to. I was looking forward to the snowless, mild winter. Unfortunately, I didn't get the memo on the rain. It rained the day I drove into the state thus causing the drive from Reno to Berkeley insanely long (6+ hours). And then I don't remember it the rain stopping until mid-April. What a glorious day it was when I first looked out over the bay from my office window. The sky was blue and the bay was covered in little white triangles. At that moment I knew that I had to meet myself a wealthy young gentleman that sailed.

Enter Dallas:


I guess I should say Captain Dallas. He got his Skipper license and we got to go sailing on the beautiful bay on a warm, sunny, breezeless day. It was fantastic--even without the breeze that propels the boat along.



Thus started the Alameda chapter of the Finer Things Club. Members are: Dallas (obviously-even though he technically isn't an Alamedan). Me:



Courtney:



and the Bakers: (If the batteries in my camera hadn't died I would have mine own pictures of the lovely couple. Instead you will have to settle for ones that I'm pretty sure I took--click on the link)

I'm flattered but....

So, as I've mentioned before, I get a lot of junk mail. A lot. And about once a month a new catalog is added. The Discovery Channel, Oriental Trading Company, Red Envelope, REI, Entertainment Weekly, Nike store.com, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn kids, Major League Baseball, Outdoor Adventures, Cold Water Creek (I must ellaborate on that one because it almost made me cry, it came to me at work. The catalog gods clearly hate me), the list goes on--it seriously does and I have no idea how I got on all of these subscription lists because I honestly don't buy this much stuff--it's a bit ridiculous. Anyway, I think it may have gone too far this time.



This is the catalog for Barney's New York. I know what you are all thinking and yes, I do have a fancy job and live in San Francisco. But let's be real: I live in San Francisco. Who can actually buy stuff from the Barney's catalog? So, while I may be flattered, I think I'm going to have to continue to make my wish lists from one of the many JCrew catalogs I get every single week.

A Thumbs Up Weekend

That's right. Last weekend was a two thumbs up weekend. I stayed up way too late and had way too much fun. Courtney turned thirty and wanted a big, San Francisco celebration.

You'll have to check out Courtney's blog to get any details and pictures from the night.

I got home late, went to bed around 3 and slept in late until 9 on Saturday morning. I got up, got ready and went to San Francisco to play with Jerilyn. I love it when my friends come visit me. Okay, I love it when they have to come to San Francisco for work related purposes and spend time with me.




And then it was Halloween time. On the bus ride home on Friday, I decided that for Halloween this year I wanted to wear fake eyelashes, lots of sparkly makeup and wings. So, I decided to be a butterfly. While out with Jerilyn and her boyfriend Spencer I bought a pair of Tinker Bell wings at the Disney store. Then I got some purple leggings, some pink pom poms, some black pipe cleaner and a headband--and tada...the caterpillar emerged from her cocoon and became a pretty, pretty butterfly. A huge thank you to my make up artist Kara...I love having you around. Don't you think that the getting ready for Halloween, is always the most fun?




Some samplings of how much fun we had.
Me and Amy (a deviled egg):



Mackenzie (Adriane, from Rocky):



Cameron (Winnie the Pooh):



Marcus and Vicky (Blue man group Tobias and Rita from Arrested Development):



Ashley (props to Amy on the make up):



The Eggertson's (Scott and Melissa as Jim and Pam. Liz as a go-go girl):



Another night that I stayed up way too late and slept thru ward council in the morning. Once again though, it was a jammed packed weekend full of good times and great friends.

Comedy Night Done Right

Thursday night is the only good night of television. It is just a sad, hard fact. This has been the case for much of my life...with the exception of the TGIF of my youth--I so loved Full House. Anyway, I heart Thursday night television on NBC. I'm not affiliated with the stations, so this is a completely unbiased opinion about their Thursday night programming. It starts at 8 with My Name is Earl. Honestly, people say it is funny, but I've never gotten into it and therefore don't watch it. It's basically like a free 30 minutes to get ready for the next hour and a half. At 8:30 the fun begins. 30 Rock is so super fun. I heart Liz Lemmon. Seriously, if you don't watch this show, you should check it out online. I promise you will not be disappointed. Next, The Office. Yes, everyone loves the office and rightfully so. It is hilarious. So fun that Pam and Jim are dating. And finally, (after waiting an extra month for the season to start) Scrubs begins at 9:30. This is the last season of Scrubs. So, basically this means that after this year there will be no more perfect comedic Thursday evening. We must all therefore enjoy what we have now with all of our hearts.

Last Thursday night was perfect. The Bakers came over and we went to Romero & Sons. Best Taqueria in Alameda, so good!!! And enjoyed one and a half hours of comic bliss. Just look how happy we all are.

Whitney is always adorable:



Gnu is too cool to just pick it up and eat it like a man:



Courtney seems to be confessing her undying love for her burrito:



And me, using the burrito to mask the massive lip zit...such horror...such pain....several more pictures from the weekend coming up where I was unsuccessful at hiding the horror:

Sunday Night Done Right

So, I finally did it. I got a new camera after drowning my old one. I still haven't figured out all that it does. Mostly I'm hoping that I'll be able to take awesome jumping pictures. Now I just have to hope my life gets super exciting so I'll have stuff to share.

This weekend was exhausting. So exhausting and busy that this was needed:



The Andersons came up for dinner on Sunday and Courtney made delicious butternut squash lasagna, and I made dessert. I probably should have taken a picture of the other side that doesn't have that hole in the frosting. Oh well, it tasted delicious. Chocolate cake with a mint whipped cream frosting.

Addie is getting so chubby. She's adorable...so is Courtney: