Earlier I went to see Iron Man. I’m not gonna lie, I’m kind of a sucker for Robert Downey JR. When I walked out of the theater after seeing Zodiac last year, I thought this could have used more Robert Downey JR. Anyhow, a preview for The Incredible Hulk came on before the movie, and I’m sure you’ve heard that they’re trying this again, but now that this has come to fruition, it’s still ridiculous and funny. Some people must really love losing money.

Even earlier I was patroning a Starbucks in Pittsburgh.  I saw that they were brewing my favorite coffee– Cafe Estima.  I promptly ordered one in a medium size, but was met with “sorry, we only have Pike Place brewed right now.”  This happens quite often and always reminds me of my father, who has quite a lot to say about baristas who stand around being Chatty Cathy’s when they could be brewing coffee.  Dad has developed a stock response to this–he just walks out.  Occasionally he will even throw in a “I’m sorry, I thought you sold coffee here” on the way out. Some people must really love sucking at their jobs.

While watching the Penguins vs. Flyers game tonight with some friends, I was offered a choice in social lubricants– Bud Lite or Miller High Life.  I won’t say I choose immediately, because I did have a small debate in my head before delivering my answer, as I tend to do about, oh… 200% of the time.  But once I did decide, I choose the High Life–proudly.  And let’s have full disclosure right here and now.  I have a Miller High Life t-shirt and trucker hat.  One of which is courtesy of my parents.  I must really love crappy beer.

• finished school
• laid out for 3.5 hours resulting in an incredibly awkward and painful sunburn
• moved out of my apartment/dorm/whatever
• bowled a 183
• watched a ridiculous amount of television on my parent’s sweet cable setup

And tonight I’m just sitting here watching The Babysitter’s Club movie on On Demand.  I just love that Ann M. Martin!  I think it’s a great idea to make life as an 8th grade student seem deep and complex.  These couldn’t be just normal girls, Martin had to go and give them issues.

Like how Stacey has diabetes.  Kristy comes from a broken home (wow… controversial!).  Claudia can’t pass 8th grade science.   Mary Ann suffers from crippling shyness and an overprotective father.  Dawn is very granola and cares about the earth.  And don’t get me started on Jess and Mallory.  I mean, they’re only junior members of the club, so their issues of diversity and being a nerd aren’t near as important.  I mean… they’ve been 11 years old since 1988, I’m sure they’ve conquered those by now.

Sigh.  To be in 8th grade again.  If I went to Stoneybrook Middle I’d be all over that Logan Bruno.  But ultimately concerned if I had to stay in the 8th grade for 12 years.

What was your favorite BSC novel?  This is a shallow choice, but I’m going with Kristy + Bart = ?

Songs that Make me Wish I Had a Boyfriend

1. Kings of Leon - On Call
   - I remember a couple of weeks ago I walked into Mellow Mushroom and one of the cooks in the kitchen was singing this out loud. It made me smile.
2. Gomez - Catch Me Up
3. Josh Turner - Would You Go With Me
   - I told my friends last summer this would be my wedding song and I had dibs! I don’t quite feel the same, but it’s still pretty.
4. Nada Surf - I Like What You Say
   - Yeah, I know they used this song in John Tucker Must Die, but just give it a chance!
5. Harry Connick, JR - For Once In My Life
6. Ryan Adams - My Winding Wheel
   - I will have a hard time being with someone who doesn’t appreciate Ryan Adams. It wouldn’t be impossible, just difficult.
7. Howie Day - Secret
8. Dave Barnes - Everybody But You
9. Dierks Bentley - Good Things Happen

Songs that Make me Want to Join a Convent

1. Foreigner - Cold As Ice
2. Damien Rice - Rootless Tree
   - I got a speeding ticket while listening to this song. This wouldn’t have happened if I was in a convent.
3. Cobra Starship - Keep It Simple
   - Gabe Saporta, I heart you. But this is by far your most man-whorey song!
4. Jimmy Eat World - Carry You
   - Don’t aaaaaaaaaaaaaask.
5. Dierks Bentley - Lot of Leavin’ Left To Do
6. Keith Urban - I Told You So
   - If you think this song is all cute and sweet, LISTEN AGAIN! So spiteful, Keith.
7. Color Me Badd - I Want to Sex You Up
   - Pretty much any desire I ever have for sex is squashed the minute this song comes on. I’m guessing my father would be happy if I had this on repeat for the rest of my life… or at least until my 30th birthday.
8. Miranda Lambert - Kerosene
9. Nickel Creek - Helena
   - If a guy told me that guys like him never sleep alone at night, I’d kick him.

I’m a fan of many things. Chances are you are too.

In fact, I used to be such the fan, that I had my own fansites. And no, you don’t get to see them. It’s embarrassing.

I had a referring URL today from a Buffy the Vampire Slayer fansite. I clicked on the link and had an immediate flashback to middle school and bad, awful, terrible, web design.

Adjustable frames! Scrolling and blinking text! Graphic sunblasts! Guestbooks! Web rings! Banners! Javascript trivia quizzes!

I did it all. And what’s more? I did it with style. I’m guessing about half the people who read this site know me from those days. So see? I was doing something right.

Today while I was packing up from my weekend in Franklin, Tennessee, I impulsively decided to grab my Buffy DVD’s and have a marathon while studying for the two easiest final exams of my life. I’m about to pop in the first disc and it’s like reuniting with an old friend. Is that sad? Probably, but I really don’t care. At least I don’t make websites about it anymore!

We cut it close on time getting our checks and paying, so we decided to call our professor to tell him that we would be 5-10 minutes late.

Once we got to class everyone was fine, besides our professor referring to use as “The Margarita Girls!” But I mean really, what major besides hospitality could you get away with drunk dialing your instructors?

A year ago, I would never have told anyone I had a blog.

A few friends from high school were aware, but outside of those special people, I told no one. And now? I talk about it almost daily with my classmates. While accompanying her on some errands, my friend Natalie asked me “are you gonna blog about this?” Of course, Natalie. Of course!

Two years ago, I would have frozen stiff at the sight of a dog.

I had been terrified of dogs for as long as I can remember. And now? Bello and I are practically friends.

Hey Pittsburgh. How are you doing? Good? Me too.

You have a lot of bridges.

You have THREE RIVERS!

You had me the minute I came through Fort Pitt Tunnel.

I will inhabit your wonderful city on a few conditions:

1. Keep Sidney Crosby single for me until I get there.
2. Bump up the tourism industry just a bit so I can actually build a viable career.

That’s only 2 things, can we work this out?

I went to Dollywood! For free. For class. How did I do it, you ask?

Just go to UT and major in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism… that’s how! If you do that, I can guarantee you will have to opportunity to go to Dollywood for free at least 2 or 3 times throughout the duration of your studies. Last Wednesday was my second time, and I’m guessing I’ll get another opportunity to go before I graduate this December.

After a day full of rollercoasters, water rides, and Reysheid posing just like this for almost every camera on every ride, my classmates and I relaxed with a quiet little dinner at a small, unheard of local joint called Dixie Stampede.

And if you were wondering, the South rose again!

I arrive at her dwelling place around 7:30 pm last night. And as everyone knows when you get off the road from driving for quite a long time the first thing you want to do is use the bathroom. So I immediately requested to use the bathroom and was presented with the following:

I mean really guys, do you have any business inviting people over to your house when it looks like this inside?  I don’t even seen a toilet in here!

Which way to Pittsburgh?

I’m getting some Pal’s on the way.  What, jealous?

But yesterday, at the coercion of these two fine people, I attempted to tan. I had always thought tanning was for girls in sororities, girls who have relaxed morals, and guys who care far too much about their physical appearance.

Turns out I wasn’t wrong! Sometimes my reasons for social aversion are grounded in truth! Points for me.

Here are some conversations I overheard while tanning:

“I’m still recovering from my birthday.”
“No, I’m still recovering from your birthday.”

“OMG, like are you guys going out tonight?”
“Yeah, I’ll call you and we’ll start the going out train.”

WTF? The going out TRAIN?

“I need a rebound STAT!”
“Well, don’t go crazy like I did.”

“What’s Brad doing? Do you think he would bring us beer?”

Oh, and Brad did bring beer! After dozing off I was awakened by the opening of several cans, most of them right by my chair. Thanks, Brad. I was finally enjoying tanning but then you had to wake me up.

“You graduating?”
“Nah, not until December.”
“That’s the way to do it!”
“I know man, extra football season!”

I’m guessing he hadn’t heard the news–UT is going to start charging for football tickets next fall. Bummer.

So why did I even go? That’s a good question. The thing is–I have some skin issues. Nothing life-threatening, but I am considered a “dermatologist’s delight.” My dermatologist has actually recommended that I try to tan on a few occasions, because it drys out your skin, and that’s supposed to be a good thing for me. He told me that… oh, 3 years ago. And I am just now getting around to it.

See, I’m a slacker. At least I know I fit in with my generation somehow!

I should also mention that my father is quite convinced that I’m going to end up getting Rickets, so I was trying to get my vitamin D intake for the day, NO WAIT… the week!

• I use men’s shaving cream. 92 cents! You can’t be that.
• I pack my own lunch from home.  Turkey sandwich + carrots = golden!
• I use a water bottle that I refill multiple times a day.
• I rarely drive my car.

Reasons I may be managing my money quite poorly:

• On Tuesdays I always pick up this 90 minute shift. I make $6/hour, so that means $9 before taxes. Before this shift I always feel the need to stop by Starbucks on the way for a latte for which I pay $4.50. This is probably counterproductive.
• I forgot to submit my time sheets for the current pay period.  This means two more weeks without money.  My “Advanced Lodging” professor, who is in actuality an economist, suggested on Monday that I go ahead and spend the 2008 tax rebate before I get it.  This is not looking like such a terrible idea anymore.
• Sometimes I buy pens like they’re crack.  I mean really, who needs more than one functional pen?  But I can’t help myself.  Pens are so seductive!
• I go out to eat more than necessary.  But really, who doesn’t?

Courtney is the Miley Cyrus to my Ashley Tisdale.  I think that says it all.

Just because I don’t eat beef doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with me. Every time I reveal this “secret” to someone, they immediately ask me if I am a vegetarian. NO, I AM NOT A VEGETARIAN. I just don’t eat beef.

What it ultimately comes down to is that I would just rather have chicken or fish. Beef just doesn’t appeal to me in the same way. And I think not wanting beef gives me an advantage–beef is expensive! But I guess my love of fish cancels that out… but still!

Exceptions:

1. The queso dip at Chili’s that has ground beef in it
2. Occasions when my mom throws beef into something and I don’t gag (these are few and far between)
3. American Chop Suey
4. My dad made beef tenderloin on Easter this year and it was pretty alright

Listen Dierks,

I thought you did a really great job last year just being you. The Long Trip Alone video rocked my socks off. You seem to happily married–although not to me, which I think is a grave oversight on your part. I even found this youtube video of you doing a cover of Foo Fighter’s My Hero with Hayley from Paramore.*

And here you are hanging out with Tim Riggins. You just get better and better. That is, until last Thursday when I watched your new video for “Trying to Stop Your Leaving.”

First, let’s address the issue of your hair. The following pictures are examples of acceptable haircuts for you.

Next, let’s talk about why this video is so bad besides the fact that I want desperately to take a pair of scissors to your head. YOU RUINED THE SONG, DIERKS. This was by far my favorite song off Long Trip Alone. I thought it could be your next “Settle for a Slowdown.” Now there’s an impressive video. The part where the music cuts out, you walk into the party, and just sing to her? KILLS ME. I am dead it’s so good. This new video? I don’t even know what you were trying to do. I wouldn’t have had the big band there, and the token eye candy slut was a bad actress. RECAST!

I think a good next step for you in your music video career would to be to put your wife in some videos. Brad Paisley did it and his career has never been better.

To summarize: get a haircut, convince Cassidy to appear in your videos, and make a better video next time.

Still love ya,
Emma

*I secretly love Paramore. They’re not really my taste, but they all went to Franklin High, which is rad. I just said rad!