Sunday, November 29, 2009

look how they shine for you..

  1. I've gotten spoiled by having a "real" bed. I'm so looking forward to sleeping tonight after listening to NPR.
  2. I must be productive this week. 2 papers, a presentation, and a book report to do. Let's go, brain!
  3. Jimmy Stewart is happiness.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Things that don't work.

  1. Using milk as your "sticky substance" instead of egg when making eggplant parm.
  2. Eating said eggplant parm burning hot - now the roof of my mouth has melted.
  3. Making hummus out of a cheap chopper and GV chickpeas.
  4. Weekend newscasts.
  5. My right elbow.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Apparently,

Harvard International Journal of Press/Politics will be my lover-boy for the next year.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

just sayin'

  • I miss watching TMZ, Daily Show, Colbert and Craig Ferguson late at night.
  • I think I'm going to do a polly sci/government concentration.
  • I need to change the time zone on my computer, because I look at it and it scares me.
  • Local news stinks here. Like big hair, fake arm movements stink. Blech.
  • I ain't skeerd.

Monday, July 6, 2009

A little past Little Rock

Listy list.

  • I think I figured out the grad-school situation.
  • I really like driving.
  • DQ is good.
  • This is the right decision. Yep.
  • Still missing DC.
  • Needing to read more.
  • Humidity is not my friend... at all.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

I won't back down

"Gonna stand my ground, won't be turned around/ And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down/ Gonna stand my ground and I won't back down."


So here I am, with my laptop sitting on a box of books, moving again. Well, moving back "home."
I learned a lot these last nine months - I gained back the weight I lost (practically) starving myself in D.C.; I learned that you really can make it on your own - though it's not fun when water comes out of the ceiling.

I came here to escape from D.C.
I felt uninspired, restless and hungry for something more.
Did I find "it"?
I can't say I did. I'm still wondering which path to take, I'm still itching to find a new sky to stay under and I still think there is something more out there.

I know that I've learned how not to be - I've proven to myself that quiet can sometimes win when the industry standard is loud.

And it is alright that I'm not the bravest in the bunch, because when the brave dispatch to their next location, there has to be someone there with a steady hand. Someone reliable and consistent. And I'll be there long after the superstars have left and when no one else can find the time.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

my old friend

I'm thinking about hosting an experiment.

I might give up teevee for the summer.

OK, get up off the floor and find your dropped jaw.

I've been wanting to read more (thanks to awesome book sales) and my excuse to not read is usually in the form of mindless tv.

I need to figure out the rules of this experiment (like I have to be able to watch Jon & Kate plus 8 any time it's on - and C-SPAN) but I just might do it.

I mean, hell's bells - if Dubya can read a book a week, why can't I?


Currently Reading: War Reporting for Cowards by Chris Ayres (via big book sale at old Circuit City)

Friday, May 29, 2009

nubbin

Why am I looking at teevee stations' job boards?!?!?

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

the sound of silence

Here's four. Lots of weird things going on in the ole noggin.

  1. I don't want to be a news producer anymore. I don't want to have to deal with anchors and reporters. I don't want to be fighting over seconds. I watch these producers everyday, and I don't see the challenge anymore.
  2. Therefore, I have no clue what I want to pursue anymore. I like politics (the schedule is much more conducive to having a life) but my political views are so freaking moderate that I'm not sure either party will take me.
  3. I'm mad "My Boys" will probably be completely over with tonight's season finale. Which means, I will have absolutely no television to follow religiously. Which might be a good thing. Get some reading done over the summer.
  4. That said, DUDE, so looking forward to Housewives of DC - though the parents don't have Bravo... which means I might have to beg someone to record it for me.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

hypochondriac.

Thanks to reading an obnoxious amount of news copy daily, from the WaPo (FAVE) to the AP wire, I have become a nut.

Somewhere in my Internets travels yesterday I found a story about this:


Osteochondromatosis

I have not done all the hypochondriac research, but dude, I think I might have it.

Monday, May 18, 2009

restlessness.

Restlessness is discontent and discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure. – Thomas A. Edison

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Warning: Not for children.

I f-ing HATE the DMV and a certain town.
You know those speedtrap little towns along the highway? Apparently this town wants to make money off of every person they talk to.
A person using a name similar to mine, decides to not show up and not pay a speeding ticket.
That bitch.
Somewhere, it gets crossed with my info, nevermind that I hadn't TOUCHED the state in months.
I send them info, they tell me nothing.
Was I supposed to assume that I needed to wipe their butts by following up with them? Isn't the law enforcement supposed to TELL people when they are in trouble??
Aren't they supposed to be a public servant? Helping the public? 
And the courts, aren't they supposed to assume you're innocent until proven otherwise? Aren't they supposed to want to HELP people with their problems?????????

If the last job on earth was the DMV and this city court, I'd gladly live on the streets.

Monday, May 11, 2009

thinking

Does swine flu start with a headache? And make you want to sleep for 12 hours?
Then I'm done for.

I hate the DMVs. I just want to freaking drive to work and Target, people.
I shouldn't have to prove that my first dog's name was Dutchess and I finished fourth grade.

Less than four weeks of work left. Good!

And this site is saving me.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Wake me up when it's over.

This week, every dang year, is horrible. Horrible horrible.

This year??

I will have no driver's license after Friday at 11:59 p.m., I'm about to cut someone at the DMV, my car's air has gone out AGAIN, I have officially no money for school, people younger than me are getting promoted above me and I think I might have eaten moldy bread.

Sigh*

Oh, yeah. I'm old again Friday. 

This week never works out right. Some people have their week turn into a national celebration. I just want it to be May 15th.

Monday, May 4, 2009

when's it my turn?

I wanted just one decision that had no factor of money. One decision where I didn't have to think about the financial consequences of it. 
One.
But here I go. Stepping onto the plank again. 
I should have stayed. Sure, I would have practically starved myself and possibly frozen to death walking back and forth to work to save money, but I would have a job come June.
My hands are tied with the rope of this crappy economy.
I can't believe I'm here again. At this place where both options seem like the right one. But they both could be wrong, since I'm apparently not a very good judge of options.

And I'm apparently having hot flashes. It's 68 in the apt and I feel like I'm gonna die.

My little sister's in the front seat with an ice cream cone
My ma's in the black seat sittin' all alone
As my pa steers her slow out of the lot for a test drive down Michigan Avenue

Now, my ma, she fingers her wedding band
And watches the salesman stare at my old man's hands
He's tellin' us all 'bout the break he'd give us if he could, but he just can't
Well if I could, I swear I know just what I'd do

Now, mister, the day the lottery I win I ain't ever gonna ride in no used car again

Now, the neighbours come from near and far
As we pull up in our brand new used car
I wish he'd just hit the gas and let out a cry and tell 'em all they can kiss our asses goodbye

My dad, he sweats the same job from mornin' to morn
Me, I walk home on the same dirty streets where I was born
Up the block I can hear my little sister in the front seat blowin' that horn
The sounds echoin' all down Michigan Avenue

Now, mister, the day my numbers comes in I ain't ever gonna ride in no used car again

Saturday, April 25, 2009

doing it big like carrie b.

So.
"State of Play" is in theaters... I'm going...by myself.
I've been waiting for this movie for months, no way no one to watch it with is going to stop me.

Ridiculously ready for the next thang. I'm restless.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

going to the courthouse

I have exactly two weeks to find a tax preparer dude, seduce him and marry him.

Then he can do my state taxes from this last year. I might even keep him around for next year.

Dang, I think I'm a decently intelligent person, but the Virginia tax form makes me feel like a moron.

NO WONDER no one in D.C. can pay their taxes correctly! They're part time Virginians just like me!!!!

I'm going to struggle through the next hour TRYING to understand these forms, and then I'm just going to throw some money at Virginia and Louisiana and book it.

That's right.
All the tax departments of Louisiana and Virginia TAKE HEED!!
It is I that you need to track down! You'll find me in an empty cold apartment somewhere, eating Ramen!
Take my wallet and my keys! WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME!!!!!
I'm right above the poverty line, so just take my microwave as a down payment!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

I miss polly sci classes :(

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

for realz this time.


Currently Listening to: You can sleep while I drive


Today I spent half the day at the paper (the two papers I work for kinda are combined in one building now, but not really. weird) and the other half at the station.
For real this time, I honestly, sincerely think I'm done with tv after this gig. I just can't do it any more.
I love love love tv news. I really understand the reasons behind the editorial decisions, the programming choices and all that kind of stuff.
I just can't take anymore of the people.
The tv people I work with are great. They're really good at what they do. They're the "what are those random people doing?" people. They're so damn curious. They are fearless. They walk up to people they don't know, ask random scary people questions and harass public officials until they give in.
I am none of those things.
I set up interviews days in advance, need my tape recorder, suck at taking notes, hate talking on the phone... I'm too shy and too quiet for this.
If I could just skip up to management I would. If I could work the morning shift, I would. I can't deal with being dayside or nightside.

So.

I have no clue what I want to do with my life anymore. I could work mornings. I love working mornings. No people to deal with, not too many crazies calling the newsroom. I can do the crazy shifts... but I would have even less of a life.

****

This is still the best thing I've read since last summer.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

the road and the radio

  1. I need to reread Fear and Loathing. I think I might understand it better now.
  2. Sound of Music is the best movie evah.
  3. An investment I must eventually make is one of those gel mats, so when you stand on it your feet don't hurt. Nice birthday present.
  4. I really don't dig meat anymore. I'll eat chicken/beef/fish... I don't want to cook it. Though I'm making ground turkey enchiladas today.
  5. Any time I have a technical problem (i.e. my vacuum is clogged) I ask the internets (i.e. use a broom handle to unclog the hose. It worked).

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

and this is why.

Today, one of the other channels' news anchors was talking about her weight loss (whythehellwouldyousayyoursizeontv?)
She went from a size 12 to size 10.
A dude reporter (he can be kinda a jerk, but who isn't in tv - but he has his funny comedic moments) whose cube is next to mine, remarked that "isn't that still big?"
To which, a female reporter gave him the smackdown...


Blargh. This is why I don't like tv. This is why tv loses great talent, because they don't want to deal with the constant spotlight on appearance.

And that is why I need ice cream tonight.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

weather porn.

Hello lover



Still cold here. Meh.

que sera, que sera

So.

It's looking like I'm going to be unemployed for three months this summer.

Woo?

I mean, I'll pick up at least a part-time job (hopefully)...

So. I might scrapbook a lot (I need to for the DC and VA stuff) and maybe try to freelance..

I don't know if I can find a jour-job right now.. People that have been in the biz for years are being laid off daily.....

Thursday, April 2, 2009

journalists get laid..... off.

This is the second time I've used that title.

More layoffs at one of the bigger media places of the giant media company.

I'm feeling very...Howard Beale at the moment.

I don't think I'm going to sleep well tonight.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

the rain in spain

How I need story ideas. I thought of a decent one, but I think a paper reporter wrote it for tomorrow.
The trip to Florida solidified my NEED to live in Florida. So, internets, I will. I will live in Florida either after I get my master's or phd. Seriously. There's NOTHING like crossing the line from Alabama to Florida. NOTHING. It was raining, chilly. But it was Florida. And I love it.

I'm ridiculously ready for June. I might be talking a step back this summer, but I guess we can't all be j-stars in our twenties. Someone has to be the Cinderella story - struggling until something tiny changes everything.

Well. I have one number to call tomorrow. We'll see if that turns into a story. HAH!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

road warrior




The next few days:

Virginia to Louisiana
Louisiana to Florida
Florida to Louisiana
Louisiana to Virginia



yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssss.


And there might be some muscle relaxers for the first and last legs of that.
Many laughs and the beach in the middle two.

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssss.

I count this as my spring break...dang journalism for not having an academic sked.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Paying taxes in different states sucks.

The end.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Friday, March 13, 2009

Maybe in some other city I'll see the light

So.
I get to furlough.
Four days before the end of the month. Whatitdo. I'll use two of those days for my mini-vaca to LA/FL and the other two..to.. do nothing. Woot.
I guess I'll have to be more careful about the budget, but seriously, what CAN I take out?
I know some people can give up cable tv, but that's just NOT an option. I rather starve then not have cable.
And I only have less than 3 months left...so..yeah.

I have a feeling it's going to be an insomnia night.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

shammy

For once, as a full cup of sweet tea headed towards the carpet, I thought of a commercial first instead of a wordy dirty.

How I coulda used a ShamWOW to clean it up.

But of course, my carpet is stained with who-knows-what from the previous tenant..

so I just threw a towel on it. Let that tea stain!!

But I admit that advertising has turned my brain to mush.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

kill. me. now.

I really want to slam my head into my desk.
I'm thinking about writing a spring cleaning tips article. After (of course) my article on National Nutrition Month.

Gag me with a spoon!
I am a hard news, blood and guts writer. NOT a baking soda works just as well as Comet writer.

Sometimes I freaking hate this... but only a few more months to go :D

Sunday, March 1, 2009

represent!


So...
Sometimes I miss working in Congress... and then..
someone puts their job on Facebook as "legislative corespondent"

hahahahahahahah!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

pancake day

I don't know if it's because it's still winter here, my thermostat is still at 56 because I'm scared of my electric bill or it's Mardi Gras in New Orleans...
but I've hit another roadblock at work.
I seriously thought about working from my laptop in my apt, so I could Youtube while "working."

I usually give something up for Lent (i.e. coffee, Cokes) but there's really nothing I can think of giving up this year. I only eat meat like once a week, if I give up caffeine I will literally fall asleep at my desk.

Maybe I should give up the Post's discussions?
No, that would be crazy. What else would take up a good 3 hours of my day?

Saturday, February 21, 2009

memo:


Where's that perfect guy?

I just need him for a little bit... just long enough to register, and then make someone buy these dishes and these for me.

Fishs Eddy is now a favorite. And I will stalk these until they go on sale.


Thanx.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

she's going to make it.


Blargh.
I hate when I get this way - honestly going through my stuff, making lists of what would fit in my car if I needed to leave in a moment's notice.
I don't know if this restlessness will ever leave.
I can't concentrate.

Blargh


Ramblin' girl, why don't you settle down?
That ain't your kinda town.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

let's just say it was a bad day at work.

Rihanna = me
Chris Brown = journalism.

Just when I was getting in a groove, finishing a project a day, WHAM!
Chris Brown knocks me a good one.

He says to me, "feeling successful? wanted? productive? TAKE THIS!"
And pushes me against the wall.
He says your friends leave, you'll never get to where you need to be.
And busts my lip.
He puts me in uncomfortable situations, just to see how I will react - pushes my buttons because he thinks it's fun.

And I let him. I say, taunt me with over-confident people with perfect noses and tans. I let him get into my brain. I let him convince me I am not worth it.
But it's not all my fault. He teases me.
He lets me grasp moments of hope, moments of bliss. He lets me have moments of pure freedom.. right before he slaps my face and tells me to get over it.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

there goes...

I really feel ready to go back to grad school. I don't know if it's because the journalism job market sucks right now, I've gotten restless again or because I can't stand being in a winter climate anymore.
I was reading a reporter's memoir, and she said if you don't wake up and immediately try and find out what happened while you were sleeping, you shouldn't be a journalist.
I do wake up, turn on NPR and then flip through the news channels (which never show NEWS in the morning anymore). But I'm so sick of writing fluffy features. I groaned doing it in college.
I've been stuck on one story forever, because I literally don't want to write it. I'll write a graph, and since it IS fluff, I become disgusted at myself. But there's no other way to write it! gah!
Anyway, my main way of keeping myself sane for the last month or so is frequenting used books stores and saving the good government, politics and journalism books from the tomb of the stores.
I miss government. I miss knowing the answers to what people were asking me, I miss having lunch on the clock... I miss it.
I know I had to leave when I did, I HAD to.. but I'm really ready for this gig to be over. I know people are losing their jobs left and right (we get word of them before you do) and I should be thankful I'm getting a paycheck, but I guess I'm just not a daily journalism girl.
Maybe if I hibernate in grad school for a couple of years while working a brain-dead job in gov't I could get over this hump...

Friday, January 23, 2009

I've decided I don't want to spend my life counting inches and cutting seconds.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

obama welcome thingy dingy

So I've been watching on ABC (I guess it's ABC, the bugs on the bottom of the screen are gone), and it so similar to those cheesy PBS concerts they hold for the 4th of July.
I've had to change the channel several times because I was going to gag.
I get that many people react to Obama like he's the second coming. I've seen it in person. Seriously, some folks get all bothered about it.
Just calm down on the cheese factor - the booming voices, the flapping bald eagle.

And, you could not pay me to ride the Metro this week if I was in DC.
First off, it already smells like stale corn chips. Then you have the DC juice - whatever that is depends on the day. Secondly, it was stuffed after Nats games - I don't want to imagine what it will be like Tuesday. Even on regular workday mornings, I would usually find myself in some guy's armpit.

P.S. Barack, Lincoln isn't behind you. His memorial is.
And I feel like I've heard this speech before. Oh well.