Angry Fighting Bananas

Totally random, but that's kind of what this blog is...

First off, if the Big Brother house evicts Casey I may stop watching. Seriously. Every season that show irritates me because the players are stupid and don't do what I want them to do, yet I continue to watch. This season, I truly can't help it. It's like looking at a bad car accident. It's awful, but you are curious.

Okay. Now that's off my chest.

I was thinking on the way to work today about what I'd do if I didn't have to worry about money. I know that Troy and I would both be doing very different things career/job-wise from what we are doing now. Don't get me wrong - I am fortunate to have the job that I do. If we hit the lottery (and I'm not being greedy - a couple hundred thousand would be fine!), I know for a fact that I would want to stay at home. Not permanently, but until Lauren goes to school. I'd then want to get my teaching certificate/degree, that way when Lauren went to school, I could teach and be on her same schedule. When Lauren is older, I'd love to pursue an actual career - I've always wanted to do research and would love to work for some type of foreign policy think-tank (i.e. Brookings Institute). If possible, I'd also really enjoy getting my PhD in either history or political science/international relations. I'm a total nerd, I know. On a side note, I'm very excited about adding the Foreign Affairs blog to my blog roll so that I get daily updates. Did you know that in Shanghai, they are going to relax the "one-child" rule? I did not know this because I watch Blue's Clues, so it was great.

I think that sometimes I probably come off as "unmotivated" but that's not the case. I just have a different set of priorities. My number one priority is being a mom. I want to be able to participate in activities with Lauren, I want to be able to be home with her in the summers or when she gets home from school. I want to go to every event she's ever a part of. Some careers don't allow that flexibility.

I'm still attempting to pursue my dream of writing a novel. It's hard for me to carve out the time to do so, but if I get off work at 2 I try to go home and write for an hour before I get Lauren, as that seems to be the only time I can focus on it. Given that, I haven't gotten very far. And the past week I have worked until 3:30 or 4, so I just get Lauren right away instead of writing. I'm hoping to reach that goal.

The rewards of being a mother are more than I could ever have imagined. When Lauren holds out her arms and says "hug", I melt. She tells me she loves me and gives me kisses, wants me to play with her but also has grown to be independent and able to entertain herself. The past few nights I've been lying on her floor to tell stories. She starts out in bed, then comes and wants to lie down just like me - so we are there on the floor, both of us on our bellies and supporting ourselves on our elbows, and we talk. THAT is my motivation in life.

BB - Oops

Well, my DVR didn't record BB last night because it's set up to record Bones and Samantha Who, and apparently they were all on at the same time. Troy informed me that Laura was evicted (shocker - please read the sarcasm) and that there was only one vote for lil' miss Jordan. Jessie won HOH which really sucks because he's annoying. But, I didn't see any drama unfold so I don't have much to say.

Correction - Troy informed me I misquote lil' miss Jordan. I'm not sure exactly what she said about how many quarters are in an hour, but it wasn't correct and still funny. Sorry, Jordan.

I'm with the times now, joined Twitter yesterday and have tweeted already. I feel old just having signed up, but it's kind of interesting...we'll see...don't have any kind of data plan on my crappy phone (new one next month, whoo hoo!) so I won't update it much. But, I'm "cool" now. HA.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! I'm off to Indiana!

BB - Drama Tonight!

First, let me say I'm so happy that Ronnie's Reign of Power ends tonight. He is an idiot. Yes, he's playing the game 100%...TOO OBVIOUSLY. Come on. In past seasons, those who have fared the best in the outcome played the game, but did it under the radar or used their own persuasion techniques. I'm not impressed with the current National Persuasion Speaker Champion or whatever his title is. In fact, he's letting the power go to his head and, to America, just looks like an idiot. His poor wife and child...

Ronnie once again succumbed to the pressure of the bullies - more than likely repeating his high school days, thus the season's theme - and put up Jordan. What? Okay. What? Really? If you vote Russell out, guess what? He can't kick your ass. Anyway, there is a strong "no fighting" rule in the house where if a houseguest assaults you, they will be kicked out as we have seen in previous seasons. Anyway, he's just a dork and I don't like him.

Stalker Laura is actually growing on me. I still don't *like* her, but she's definitely a smart player and in all honesty, the house would be smart to get rid of her. If they don't, she will definitely make some pivotal moves. I don't think she's the only one who's onto Ronnie, though. I wanted her voted out initially, and now that it's going to happen, I'm not sure it's the best move.

Jordan, on the other hand, I'd rather see stay than Stalker Laura. She's just hilarious. I mean, really...there are 45 quarters in an hour? I cracked up over that conversation with Jeff. Kudos to Jeff, by the way, for his great strategy that won him POV. Sorry Russell. You can't win all the competitions.

Russell, by the way, is going through some drug withdrawal or something. What's up with his random outbursts at innocent bystanders? I know, we only see a small portion of what goes on in the house because I have too much of a life to purchase and watch them 24/7, but still. That's a little crazy and it's not going to work in your favor. Eventually, they will turn on you because you seem to pose a physical threat in the house. You are weird.

Casey is still my pick. He is just funny and he's a good player. He's not making himself a target, which is IDEAL in this game. I'm not sure I'd want him for Lauren's 5th grade teacher, however...

Diva Kevin will be in the game for a while unless he does something stupid. Right now, it's the "athletes" - being the Russell, Jessie, Natalie (with some Chima thrown in) clique going after Laura, Jordan, Jeff, and Casey...although I think the others are targets more than Casey. Jeff has seemingly diassociated himself - rightly so - from his 'clique'. Lydia, Diva Kevin, and Michele are kind of just there.

I still HATE the way the game is being played with the cliques. One person wins and 3 people are safe? No. Not fun, BB! Especially since Chima was just a total BI-OTCH at the luxury competition. Boo Casey for giving in, but really, he just wanted to watch the movie. I felt bad for him having to sit with her. I also am wondering if Casey is the player with a 10-month old baby...it very obviously wasn't Ronnie. If it is Ronnie, I'd be pissed that they gave me bubble wands and play-doh instead of pictures of my child. But that's just me.

Tonight could be interesting. Jessie most definitely wants Laura out, and I kind of think she's going. But, more surprising things have happened. Look for Laura to campaign hard while Jordan (who's probably still not sure if she's *really* on the block) goes for the sympathy votes: 'why me? what'd I do?' I think she's a fighter, but she may not be intelligent enough to know that she kind of needs to fight...like now.

Ronnie - you are SCREWED unless Jessie, Russell or Natalie win the HOH, or a member of your team. The others will vote you out because you are just weird and have proven to the house to be playing both sides. Should've done it under the radar, freak-o.

BB July 14

I want to apologize for calling one clique the "Out Casts" they are actually the "Offbeats."

Seriously, these people are just weird.

First, Laura - the people aren't jealous of your looks or your fake boobs. You really aren't even all that pretty. I think people haven't talked to you because you are annoying and kind of stalkerish and weird. It's great that you've "given them the chance to talk to you", but maybe you should approach them and actually talk, rather than just sit and look at people. I wish you'd go home and I hate that the steroid boys felt sorry for you and picked you up for an alliance. Since Jessie thinks you are weird, I hope that doesn't last.

The funniest moment was when Offbeat C had this "WTF" expression on his face while Laura was talking about how pretty and awesome she was and that others in the house were jealous, then his comments in the diary room made me laugh out loud. Truly.

Okay. So I didn't like how anyone played the POV competition. Hilarious that Jessie ended three minutes early and spelled his word wrong. Continuously is too big of a word for Jessie anyway. And really - why go in with this set word in your head? Unfortunately, Russell did have the best strategy and I hate to admit that because I think he's just crazy. Russell and Jessie are trying to be Dr. Will and Boogie. Whatever.

Then Russell goes on this rampage making fun of Jeff (his teammate, hello) for trying to spell "technotronic." There was actually a yelling match over spelling. SPELLING. Seriously? If that's all you have to call Jeff out on, just leave it alone. The point was to "embarass" him, but I kind of was embarassed for Russell because it was so random. And who cares if he likes Lydia and was getting "too close" to Jordan. No reason to embarass him. Especially when you end up using the POV to take Lydia off the block!!!!!

Ronnie - who we learned is the National Champion in Persuasion Speaking (don't you want to be on his team?!) - is trying to create drama. He's actually bringing more attention to himself and his DORK shirt than he would if he'd just sit back, shut up, and let things happen. He's not a target. But he should be. For being odd.

Diva Chima, still can't stand her and hope she goes home. She tried to call others out by spelling "superficiality" - which, by the way, she knows how to spell because she is a freelance writer and has a big vocabulary - when she is probably THE most superficial contestant in the house. GO HOME.

Braden is on the block. I kind of feel bad for the weirdo. I mean, most of the time he's on another planet and he's being attacked. He doesn't even know what's going on. I hope they vote out Chima. I'd rather hear weird ramblings from B than Diva Chima talk about how awesome and beautiful she is. Her and Laura should be sequestered together. They'd rip each others' throats out.

All in all, weird episode. Surprised the POV was used in the FIRST week, but I think Russell and Jessie are on a power trip and that's their way of flaunting it. We'll see what happens tomorrow...

Also, not a fan of Natalie anymore. I still kind of like Lydia, since she stopped crying, but I have to say I have no favorite right now. Hopefully someone grows on me. Makes it more fun to watch when you are rooting for someone and coaching them along. OH, okay. My pick is Offbeat C. He's hilarious.

Big Brother 11

I have watched Big Brother since college. My roommate and I were in love with this one guy from BB4, jokinginly arguing with one another why we were the better match for him.

So this season, I'm going to blog about the show. Why? Because this cast SUCKS, but I'm kind of obsessed with the plot. Can't help it, love the game. Not to the point where I pay to have live feed 24 hours a day (seriously, who does that?!) or even watching BB After Dark. But, I will continue to watch each episode and consequently talk to the television.

I missed the first episode, sadly. Not that I missed much. Honestly, where did they find these people? And I'm not a fan of the whole "clique" idea - really, it's a show where you play for yourself, not for a team. I do not like the team element to this season. So, here's where I stand. If you don't watch this, I apologize that this won't make sense. The "cliques" are: athletes, brainiacs, populars and out-cast.

Athletes: I like the only female member - but I don't know her name. I'll call her N. She seems smart and is already playing the game. You go, girl! Why in the WORLD did they bring steroid-man Jessie back (and I thought spelling jessie with an "i" made it feminine...)? He's already annoyed me to the point of no return. He does, however, have a huge crush on N. Anyway, in one of the "twists" this season, the athletes won the HOH competition, which brought back Jessie and made him the first official HOH. BLAH shoot me now. He's already spent an episode trying to get other people to tell him what to do. And what REALLY made me mad was that he listened to the other steriod-infused athlete, Russell (I think?) and nominated a brainiac (pawn, which means she will be sent a-packin') and Lydia (see below). I can't stand when people get in there and don't play the game for themselves. YOU ARE WEAK.

Brainiacs: A mostly unmemorable group, with the exception of Chima (I think?) who is a total diva. Divas do not belong on BB. With the exception of Kevin the Diva, a member of the Out Cast clique. Seriously, she threw a fit because she had to sleep on a slab. The "worst room ever" in BB history - I expected like, I don't know, spikes sticking out of the beds so that you could only sleep in one position. It's basically just a plain room with no mattress. It's camping. I don't like camping, but I wouldn't cry and whine over that room. YOU ONLY SLEEP IN IT. So what does Diva Chima do? You got it - she goes to bed early to avoid the other houseguests. Seriously? You just cried and said that you are basically too much of a princess for this show because you have all this material crap at home and shouldn't exist in such a situation, and then you GO TO BED EARLY. Don't like you. At all. Go home. Please. Fortunately, she was the pawn. Which, if you watch BB, know immediately will send you a-packin'. Don't volunteer to be a pawn. I'm also pretty sure that the male brainiac is the contestant who left his wife and 10-month old daughter home to play the game. And then complained to the others about how much he got picked on in high school while wearing...get this...a shirt that says DORK. You think?

Populars: Okay. Braden, worshipper of multiple gods, I have no idea what you said. You talked three separate times, and I'm pretty sure you were high. You should not speak the rest of the game. That is your game-plan. Do not speak. And you kind of look like Brendan Frasier. Then there's the dark-haired, big boobed girl - I don't know her name, so I will call her Stalker, as that is what she is. She pretty much stalked Jessie. And then just sat there staring at him. Can we say C-R-E-E-P-Y? Go home. Just go home. You are too weird for the show. I miss Janelle. She was hilarious and you are just weird, Stalker. My favorite part was when she said in the diary room that he just didn't seem to want to talk to her. Then get the message, move on. The other popular girl, she's a blonde, seems equally as weird as Braden. Look for a hook-up between the two. They are both spacy.

Out-Casts: The old guy (where else would he belong), the tattoo-freak Lydia, and Diva Kevin. I like the old guy - he hasn't annoyed me too much YET, and he actually did an awesome job in the first "food" competition, although I guess now it's Haves/Have Nots competition. Diva Kevin, gotta love the token gay guy on the show. He kinda laid low, complained about Jessie, but didn't really do anything to make me want to yell at him. Gotta say, really liked tattoo Lydia until she started crying after Jessie nominated her. SERIOUSLY?? It's the first week. Don't cry. It's just not worth it. Sure, you gave Jessie a back rub, but if you've watched the show you know it doesn't mean anything. I hate that Jessie wanted to nominate Stalker but since athlete Russell and brainiac Michelle wanted Lydia to go, he put her up. Should've put up Stalker. She's truly obnoxious and I can't stand seeing her on the television. But Lydia, it is just a game and the Veto competition is coming up. If you want to cry, do it when you pack your bags and walk out the door.

The cast is seriously boring and I'd like to see another All-Star game. Or at least go back to a normal format with normal people - these people are just odd. Really odd. Game time tonight, we'll see what happens....for those of you who don't watch the show, tune in Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays for the action! CBS!

Brand New Woman!

Is how I am hoping to feel in a few hours!!

I am getting my haircut, and I am really really hoping that it turns out like I would like. I have really not been happy with my hair for the past four or five months and am ready for something new. Even though my hair is "short", for me it's long. I had it SUPER short back when I was pregnant with Lauren, then attempted to grow it out.

On top of the fact that I truly truly hate my hair right now, I left my hair dryer and straightener at the hotel in SC, sooooo it has been air-drying, which means I have to put gel and scrunch it to attempt to get it to have a pretty curl/wave rather than just looking like crap. But, it does, in fact, still look like crap.

On the suggestion of two people, I'm going to a new place today at 3:00pm. I printed off a picture of Victoria Beckham's haircut and will be very happy if it turns out that way! Keep your fingers crossed for me. Getting a great haircut always makes me feel better and prettier - a bad haircut will put me in a bad mood. :)

I'm remaining positive that I'm going to love my new hair style and will feel pretty again!!!