I know I'm not the only person in the world who has ever fallen in love with a fictional character. In fact, I admit to being in love with many, many, many fictional characters. Recently I've fallen for Jackson Brodie. Even though he's old enough to be my father.
I also know I'm not the only person in the world who sings along to "...Baby One More Time." In fact, I admit to singing along to "Bye Bye Bye," "You Got It (the Right Stuff)," "Gangsta's Paradise," "Nookie," and "I Wanna Know What Love Is."
I can't possibly be the only person who tears up during the songs while watching The Sound of Music. For that matter, I defy anyone to watch Fiddler on the Roof and not feel that teary feeling, even if the tears don't actually fall. Man, I watch almost any movie and find something to feel teary about, from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade to Lars and the Real Girl to Labyrinth and everything in between.
And I know I'm not the only one who watches the four or five hours of NCIS reruns on USA Wednesday nights. Or catches up on Lost on Hulu. Or never misses an episode of Heroes on NBC. Or keeps Law and Order playing as background noise almost any day of the week.
Mostly, I want to know if I'm the only one who feels lonely enough to keep some kind of media playing at all times while at home, unless reading. Otherwise the apartment is full of silence which only serves to remind me that I'm all by myself.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Life's Little Pleasures
There's this guy who walks the halls on campus smiling, and playing his ukulele. He's most definitely on his way to and from classes, since he's carrying his backpack. He looks around him as he walks and plays. Last Thursday I heard him approaching and had to smile to myself. A fellow student also heard the approach and turned to face the Ukulele Man. He said something about the Ukulele Man and his banjo. The Ukulele Man stopped and turned.
'A banjo is like a drum with a neck and strings that you pluck, but don't really strum. It's bigger and sounds different.'
'Well, what's that, then?'
'This, my friend, is a ukulele.'
He turned back the way he was walking before and continued on his way, smiling.
I just saw the Ukulele Man again, Tuesday early evening. He was smiling again, and playing a gentle rhythm, the notes smoothly flowing into one another, "do do do, do do do d-do..." I can still hear it. And I'm still smiling.
'A banjo is like a drum with a neck and strings that you pluck, but don't really strum. It's bigger and sounds different.'
'Well, what's that, then?'
'This, my friend, is a ukulele.'
He turned back the way he was walking before and continued on his way, smiling.
I just saw the Ukulele Man again, Tuesday early evening. He was smiling again, and playing a gentle rhythm, the notes smoothly flowing into one another, "do do do, do do do d-do..." I can still hear it. And I'm still smiling.
Monday, August 17, 2009
So, there are exactly nine days until school starts up again. How excited am I? Not very, to be honest. Though I'm also not as down-hearted about it this semester. I think the fact that this is my second to last semester has something to do with my not-so-sad-about-the-end-of-summer feelings.
But first, a recap of the past few weeks!
The Chinn family reunion was quite fun. It's always amazing to me that our entire family can get together without too much drama. Of course, there are little spats and some sore feelings, but all-in-all we get along pretty stinkin' well. Each family was assigned a holiday to use in decorating their meal table. The Heywood's got Halloween. As part of our decore we hung up a stuffed man with quite a hideous face--a mask, of course. Well, on the last day we were all there, Uncle Matt put on the stuffed man's clothes and his ugly mask and proceeded to scare the living daylights out of quite a few family members. 
Me excluded, of course. I'm just too smart to fall for something like that. Besides, I had heard the screams from the tent about fifty yards away. Still, pretty darn funny. We had a ducky derby, which was kinda fun. We floated rubber duckies down the little stream just outside our campsite. And the Aunts put on a little show--lip-syncing and dancing to "Take a Chance" by Abba. Pictured is our t-shirt. 55 points to whoever can pick out all 55 names on the CHINN family tree--good luck!
The Heywood family reunion was fun as well. Marie, Jana, and I missed the camping and beach stuff, but we got there in time for the swim party at Aunt Becky's, and we were there for church in the Wasco Ward (which is still weird to say, since it was the Wasco Branch my whole life until just earlier this year). We had a lunch and talent show after church (Tyler and Jana performed "Falling Slowly" from the movie Once), and just enjoyed each other. 
This picture is of those of us who were able to be there. There are 32 people in this picture, and 25 are missing. Yes, that means this is just over half the family. We're quite a group, right?
While in California, Jana and I, along with Kelly (aka Kel-Kel--What do you get when you put Jana and Kelly together? A Kana Jelly. haha, get it?) were able to go play at Knott's Berry Farm. Note: go in the afternoon. I know that sounds nuts, but seriously, the crowds thinned out and the sun was going down and it was much more enjoyable later in the day!
They have a new ride called the Pony Express. Oh, man, that was the best. It's like a kiddy ride at the zoo; it just goes around this little circle with not much of a climb or drop and no loops, but here's the kicker: you ride a horse! Like a carousel horse. That alone made me giggle like a school-girl. Well, OK, let's be honest. It made me giggle like I always do. But then the back (the black thing behind me in the picture) comes up and presses you into the "riding" position and doesn't let you sit back up until the "ride comes to a complete stop." That made me laugh flat-out.
There were other highlights, but I think I'm boring my reader... Well, I would be if there is anyone even reading this. So, I'll just wind up with this: a trial in modeling with Jacob. Hunter got this soul-patch stick-on from a vending machine in the dollar-movie theater. It got itchy (and Hunter got bored) so he put it on Jacob. I told him to make a face. This is what I got: Angry Face, Worried Face, Pensive Face, Sad Face, and Happy Face. Go ahead and try to tell me that this isn't the cutest kid in the world. His only competitors are his older brother and sister. Equally cute and sweet. I love these three kids to death. I love being an aunt.
Some movies for your consideration: (500) Days of Summer (if you were one of the little girls who thought little Joseph Gordon-Levitt was cute back then--in the days of Angels in the Outfield--you're gonna be one of the big girls who thinks he's hot now), I'm Reed Fish (from 2006--I missed it when it came out, but was recently exposed and really liked it), and Julie and Julia (want a clean, girly movie--you know, a cute story about a girl minus sex and stupid men?--then go see this one).
And I'm done. For now...
But first, a recap of the past few weeks!
The Chinn family reunion was quite fun. It's always amazing to me that our entire family can get together without too much drama. Of course, there are little spats and some sore feelings, but all-in-all we get along pretty stinkin' well. Each family was assigned a holiday to use in decorating their meal table. The Heywood's got Halloween. As part of our decore we hung up a stuffed man with quite a hideous face--a mask, of course. Well, on the last day we were all there, Uncle Matt put on the stuffed man's clothes and his ugly mask and proceeded to scare the living daylights out of quite a few family members. 
Me excluded, of course. I'm just too smart to fall for something like that. Besides, I had heard the screams from the tent about fifty yards away. Still, pretty darn funny. We had a ducky derby, which was kinda fun. We floated rubber duckies down the little stream just outside our campsite. And the Aunts put on a little show--lip-syncing and dancing to "Take a Chance" by Abba. Pictured is our t-shirt. 55 points to whoever can pick out all 55 names on the CHINN family tree--good luck!
The Heywood family reunion was fun as well. Marie, Jana, and I missed the camping and beach stuff, but we got there in time for the swim party at Aunt Becky's, and we were there for church in the Wasco Ward (which is still weird to say, since it was the Wasco Branch my whole life until just earlier this year). We had a lunch and talent show after church (Tyler and Jana performed "Falling Slowly" from the movie Once), and just enjoyed each other. 
This picture is of those of us who were able to be there. There are 32 people in this picture, and 25 are missing. Yes, that means this is just over half the family. We're quite a group, right?While in California, Jana and I, along with Kelly (aka Kel-Kel--What do you get when you put Jana and Kelly together? A Kana Jelly. haha, get it?) were able to go play at Knott's Berry Farm. Note: go in the afternoon. I know that sounds nuts, but seriously, the crowds thinned out and the sun was going down and it was much more enjoyable later in the day!
They have a new ride called the Pony Express. Oh, man, that was the best. It's like a kiddy ride at the zoo; it just goes around this little circle with not much of a climb or drop and no loops, but here's the kicker: you ride a horse! Like a carousel horse. That alone made me giggle like a school-girl. Well, OK, let's be honest. It made me giggle like I always do. But then the back (the black thing behind me in the picture) comes up and presses you into the "riding" position and doesn't let you sit back up until the "ride comes to a complete stop." That made me laugh flat-out.
There were other highlights, but I think I'm boring my reader... Well, I would be if there is anyone even reading this. So, I'll just wind up with this: a trial in modeling with Jacob. Hunter got this soul-patch stick-on from a vending machine in the dollar-movie theater. It got itchy (and Hunter got bored) so he put it on Jacob. I told him to make a face. This is what I got: Angry Face, Worried Face, Pensive Face, Sad Face, and Happy Face. Go ahead and try to tell me that this isn't the cutest kid in the world. His only competitors are his older brother and sister. Equally cute and sweet. I love these three kids to death. I love being an aunt.Some movies for your consideration: (500) Days of Summer (if you were one of the little girls who thought little Joseph Gordon-Levitt was cute back then--in the days of Angels in the Outfield--you're gonna be one of the big girls who thinks he's hot now), I'm Reed Fish (from 2006--I missed it when it came out, but was recently exposed and really liked it), and Julie and Julia (want a clean, girly movie--you know, a cute story about a girl minus sex and stupid men?--then go see this one).
And I'm done. For now...
Monday, July 27, 2009
Argh!
This is my new favorite thing to type when I'm feeling particularly yucky. I'm determined to make myself feel better, to force myself into a good mood. I've been very ornery lately. My apologies to those who unknowingly fell into my war path.
I don't care what people are saying, I loved Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Was it off a bit? Yes. Of course. What do you expect? Taking an insanely long book and trying to put it into two and half hours, you're bound to miss out on some stuff. Get over it.
My Forks trip got moved to October. But I'm really OK with that. I mean, what's the best time to see Forks as it's meant to be seen, completely wet and green? The fall, of course. I'm very excited.
I watched an OLD Hanson video yesterday (at Jana's request, believe it or not) and about died laughing. I can't wait to see 'em in concert again. Yay.
This is going to be the longest five days of my life. I cannot wait to go home. I'm so homesick, it isn't even funny. In fact, I'm pretty sure that's why I've been so crabby of late. I just really miss my parents and my brothers, and I can't wait to go home. Sunny, hot, muggy San Joaquin Valley, good ol' Kern County, and the sleepy town of Wasco.
I don't care what people are saying, I loved Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Was it off a bit? Yes. Of course. What do you expect? Taking an insanely long book and trying to put it into two and half hours, you're bound to miss out on some stuff. Get over it.
My Forks trip got moved to October. But I'm really OK with that. I mean, what's the best time to see Forks as it's meant to be seen, completely wet and green? The fall, of course. I'm very excited.
I watched an OLD Hanson video yesterday (at Jana's request, believe it or not) and about died laughing. I can't wait to see 'em in concert again. Yay.
This is going to be the longest five days of my life. I cannot wait to go home. I'm so homesick, it isn't even funny. In fact, I'm pretty sure that's why I've been so crabby of late. I just really miss my parents and my brothers, and I can't wait to go home. Sunny, hot, muggy San Joaquin Valley, good ol' Kern County, and the sleepy town of Wasco.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Oh, the joys of life!
Seriously. I am in love with my life this week. And the rest of the month, really, and on into August. And September. Let me explain.
This Friday, I will be making a t-shirt. Well, not really making a t-shirt. I'll be decorating a t-shirt with an iron-on of something fun, maybe even witty. And I'll be spending that afternoon/evening with some of my favorite people in the world. And that's just the beginning!
Tuesday night (or, technically, Wednesday morning), I will attend a midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, wearing said t-shirt. (I'm leaning toward a "Weasley is Our King" logo.) Oh, boy! And that event will be made even more enjoyable by my friends and family. Heather and Hunter, Jana, Julia, Ashley and Doxey, and a handful of Jana's friends/roommates. I'm very excited.
Then on Thursday evening, Ashley and I are going to see Incubus! This will be my second Incubus concert, and Ashley's first. I'm very happy about this. I really like Incubus, and I'm still secretly in love wiht Brandon Boyd, and so I'm very much looking forward to seeing/hearing them in concert again. And what makes it even cooler is that we got our tickets for about half the regular price, and we got good seats. SEATS! At the USANA! Yay! No grass for us, baby. Nope, we get to sit!
On Friday I get to go down to join the Chinn family at Maple Grove Campground the "THE BEST DARN NEW YEAR’S, VALENTINE’S, EASTER, 4TH-24TH, HALLOWEEN, THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS DAY EVER!!!!" Well, at least that's what we're calling our Family Reunion this year. It's going to be completely overdone and hectic, but absolutely wonderful and fun. Plus, my parents and brothers will be there, and I'm so stinking excited to see them! I miss my momma's hugs and daddy's kisses. Can't wait.
Then it's back to life, working on campus and going home to read the afternoon and evening away. I love that part, too. Work isn't too complicated and I have some pretty great co-workers and supervisors. And to spend the afternoon with a good book is like spending time with friends. I'll do some exercising and eating and cleaning and regular "life" stuff, too. And then I get to say "farewell" to Taylor, the son of the owners of the pizza place my sisters and I spent time working at. He's going on his mission to Argentina, and his farewell is that Sunday. And then some more of the regular life that next week...
Until the afternoon of Friday, July 31st, when Marie, Jana, and I will be heading home. California, here we come! We'll be there for the Heywood Family Reunion (which doesn't have a theme, but will be equally fun). After the reunion, Marie and David will fly to Guatemala for a week, while Jana and I spend time chillin' at home, going to the beach, hitting Six Flags, and all that fun stuff you get to do while vacationing at home: sleep, eat, read, watch movies, and don't feel guilty about it at all.
Then back to life and the real world for a while. Until Labor Day weekend, when Julia and I are going on a road trip to Washington state. Yep. Forks. (Shut up! I hear you snickering... you're just jealous cuz we'll get to see the forest and the beach and you won't!) I'm looking forward to the road trip. As long as you have good company and good music, any road trip is at least bearable if not enjoyable.
And then the end of September, in which we'll have a new member of our Heywood family. Our little David will marry the little Britney! And they will be David and Britney Heywood. And I'll have a sister-in-law. She's very sweet, very cute, and very much in love with my brother.
And because they're getting married in L.A. and the reception will be in Bakersfield, I get to go home again! And since I'll be home and they're going to be playing at the Kern County Fair that following Monday, I'm going to see Hanson in concert. For the second time. In eleven years. haha And they're probably going to play "MMMBop" and I will be happy.
I'm so excited for the next two months of my life. Seriously. And I'm sure I'll be posting updates on the blog... which no one reads... But since this is more for me than anyone else, I don't really mind. Yay for on-line journaling. Journaling. Yes, I just made it a verb.
This Friday, I will be making a t-shirt. Well, not really making a t-shirt. I'll be decorating a t-shirt with an iron-on of something fun, maybe even witty. And I'll be spending that afternoon/evening with some of my favorite people in the world. And that's just the beginning!
Tuesday night (or, technically, Wednesday morning), I will attend a midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, wearing said t-shirt. (I'm leaning toward a "Weasley is Our King" logo.) Oh, boy! And that event will be made even more enjoyable by my friends and family. Heather and Hunter, Jana, Julia, Ashley and Doxey, and a handful of Jana's friends/roommates. I'm very excited.Then on Thursday evening, Ashley and I are going to see Incubus! This will be my second Incubus concert, and Ashley's first. I'm very happy about this. I really like Incubus, and I'm still secretly in love wiht Brandon Boyd, and so I'm very much looking forward to seeing/hearing them in concert again. And what makes it even cooler is that we got our tickets for about half the regular price, and we got good seats. SEATS! At the USANA! Yay! No grass for us, baby. Nope, we get to sit!
On Friday I get to go down to join the Chinn family at Maple Grove Campground the "THE BEST DARN NEW YEAR’S, VALENTINE’S, EASTER, 4TH-24TH, HALLOWEEN, THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS DAY EVER!!!!" Well, at least that's what we're calling our Family Reunion this year. It's going to be completely overdone and hectic, but absolutely wonderful and fun. Plus, my parents and brothers will be there, and I'm so stinking excited to see them! I miss my momma's hugs and daddy's kisses. Can't wait.
Then it's back to life, working on campus and going home to read the afternoon and evening away. I love that part, too. Work isn't too complicated and I have some pretty great co-workers and supervisors. And to spend the afternoon with a good book is like spending time with friends. I'll do some exercising and eating and cleaning and regular "life" stuff, too. And then I get to say "farewell" to Taylor, the son of the owners of the pizza place my sisters and I spent time working at. He's going on his mission to Argentina, and his farewell is that Sunday. And then some more of the regular life that next week...
Until the afternoon of Friday, July 31st, when Marie, Jana, and I will be heading home. California, here we come! We'll be there for the Heywood Family Reunion (which doesn't have a theme, but will be equally fun). After the reunion, Marie and David will fly to Guatemala for a week, while Jana and I spend time chillin' at home, going to the beach, hitting Six Flags, and all that fun stuff you get to do while vacationing at home: sleep, eat, read, watch movies, and don't feel guilty about it at all.
Then back to life and the real world for a while. Until Labor Day weekend, when Julia and I are going on a road trip to Washington state. Yep. Forks. (Shut up! I hear you snickering... you're just jealous cuz we'll get to see the forest and the beach and you won't!) I'm looking forward to the road trip. As long as you have good company and good music, any road trip is at least bearable if not enjoyable.And then the end of September, in which we'll have a new member of our Heywood family. Our little David will marry the little Britney! And they will be David and Britney Heywood. And I'll have a sister-in-law. She's very sweet, very cute, and very much in love with my brother.
And because they're getting married in L.A. and the reception will be in Bakersfield, I get to go home again! And since I'll be home and they're going to be playing at the Kern County Fair that following Monday, I'm going to see Hanson in concert. For the second time. In eleven years. haha And they're probably going to play "MMMBop" and I will be happy.I'm so excited for the next two months of my life. Seriously. And I'm sure I'll be posting updates on the blog... which no one reads... But since this is more for me than anyone else, I don't really mind. Yay for on-line journaling. Journaling. Yes, I just made it a verb.
