Shorter days, expanding asses...thanks DVR

In a previous post, I told you many of the reasons I adore this changing season. But I blasphemously neglected to mention one of my most favorite fall treats: GOOD TV! When I say "good" TV, I'm not talking about reality shows. Americas Biggest So You Think You Have Talent with the Stars is just not my cup o' tea. I'm talking about actors playing characters to make you laugh, cry, and watch develop over seasons, and absolutely no panel of judges.

Now, my TV watching until 2006 was slim to none. Other than Seinfeld re-runs I literally could not have told you anything that came on the tube. Things certainly changed when I got a full-time job. Between teaching or at least being at school between 8-12 hours/day, working out 4-5 times/week and working 2 different part-time jobs 1-2 times/week, I am SPENT when I get home. I take care of Housekeeping-type things the minute I get home because once I shower and sit down, it's over for me. I'm not moving unless there is a glass of wine or unnecessary salty snack I need to reach across the coffee table. DVR has transformed my view of TV and I'm not quite sure I could survive without at least 20 minutes of "wind-down" time each night.

The Top 5 Shows I am excited about returning this year are:

1) How I met your Mother- Mondays at 8 on CBS

Love the nightly bar conversations filled with flashbacks and flashforwards. Of course I'm a "Lilly" since she's a teacher and the married one of the group. Matt is nothing like Marshall, but I like to think our marriage is as happy as adorable as theirs. Oh, and did I mention THE Neil Patrick Harris as eternally single Barney; although I'm 99% sure he'll end up with Robin for good. And then there are videos thrown into a regular episode like this one:

2) Modern Family- Wednesdays at 9 on ABC

Everything a show needs to be successful. A beautiful, relatable family who is far from perfect yet so strong. Since this show has risen to fame, I have had many people tell me that Matt reminds them of dad Phil Dunphy. This made me very nervous, but he is flattered.

3) Cougar Town- Wednesdays at 9:30 on ABC

I was never a huge Friends fan, mainly because I was a few too many years shy of living on my own to really understand young adulthood. Coutney Cox in this show however grabs my attention with her ridiculous circle of friends (including her ex husband) and their mutual love of full glasses of wine...no matter what time of the day it is.

4) The Office- Thursdays at 9 on NBC

So, I'm a bit nervous that this show has been steadily on the decline any may hit rock bottom this year, but I still love it. Jim, Pam, Michael, Dwight...The characters are just the greatest! Andy has to be the best add-on character; proof of moments like this:

5) Saturday Night Live- Saturdays at 11:30 on NBC

Sure it has it's up and down seasons, but after 36 years it is still on the air. That's saying something...

What shows are you anxious to see this year?

Top shows I will miss this fall are:

1) LOST-For many of you, all you had to do was read the title and you understood. For the rest of you, maybe you haven't committed to one of the greatest tv series of all time. This is the opposite of reality tv because it makes you think and question everything. Not just about the characters, but about our own lives and purpose on this Earth. Yea, it's that deep, and it was that good.

2) Dexter-not because it's over, but because we no longer have Showtime. Greatest serial killer of the series removed, dead wife, 3 inherited children, and Julia Stiles on the set is going to make for an amazing season. We'll reconvene when the season dvd is released Dex :(

3) The Wire- Honestly, I am only in the midst of season 1 of the 6 and I'm already sold. Matt and I watch it on DirecTV's the 101 Network, reason #457 TWC can't hold a candle to DirecTV. I was hesitant to get into this show for years because I thought I couldn't handle it. It deals with real issues of innercity Baltimore and the police department who patrols it. It shows how drugs, violence, culture, and poverty take a toll on it's adults and ruin children's futures before they have a chance to make one. It's heart wrenching and sometimes hard to watch. I can't believe how the writers make me root for some of these criminals. It's friggin good.

Okay, out of all the tv shows come and gone, what would you give anything to see come back?

Anyone need a laugh? Just ask Peyton Manning...

Peyton Manning is no joke. He is a living legend on the football field and unlike the 2010 Brett Favre, has come out swinging already this season. Although his game is no laughing matter, him on Saturday Night Live is.

Now I know this clip was from a couple years ago but I'm easily amused right now. I could easily fall asleep, but I'm doing any and everything to avoid a nap or else I'll be up all night. Enjoy!

Back to Reality...

As my track out return approaches, I am taking a moment to weigh the positives and negatives of summer coming to an end. Let's start with the cons so we can end on a positive note, que?


Cons:
1) No more 2 hour breakfasts while bs'ing on the computer and catching up on Real Housewives episodes
2) White shoes, shorts, dresses, etc are in storage until April (if you don't follow this rule we have a problem)
3) The pool will be closing and my skin will return to a shade that proves I am of Irish/Welsh descent
4) Strawberries, blueberries, bananas and watermelon prices will skyrocket
5) Bye bye nightly cookouts
6) Can no longer play Will Smith's Summertime




Pros:
1) I get to see my kids, all 22 of em!
2) Jeans and slacks = less shaving!
3) The pool will be closing and I will therefore postpone getting skin cancer a few more years.
4) Pumpkin. Nuff said.
5) Tailgating and FOOTBALL!
6) Too soon for Christmas music?

What are your fave/least fave things about saying adios to Summatime?

"You gotta come see the baaaaaby"

You Seinfeld fans know exactly what I'm referring to. We have all had close friends or family members who have had kids and once they do, the clock is ticking to "come see the baby".

My uncle Andy and his wife Kim had Elizabeth or "Ellie" last year. She was born 6 weeks premature and spent a great deal of time in the NICU. I spent some time with her there, and again after she came home, but travel time and balancing work schedules and sicknesses prevented me from seeing her as often as I'd like. Saturday was her 1st birthday party and I have to admit I had a pretty good time. My family traveled to make it, and Ellie is an amazing little girl. She is a ham for the camera, loves to engage her audience, and is already smart as a whip. It's amazing how "normal" she is for a one year old, considering the hardships she had to overcome very early in her life. The top 3 pictures below are evidence of some of that ridiculous cuteness.
The highlight of the party was watching Ellie eat her own birthday cake. The pictures above (although poor quality cause I snagged them from kodak online) capture her thinking process, which I think was rather advanced. I mean, she did start with a fork but "it was her party and she could do what she wants to" so face-in-cake she went.


This occasion made me realize once again that I am not quite ready to raise a roost of my own, but it also shed some insight on just how wonderful and rewarding that time of my life will be. Becoming a dad has transformed my uncle, and seeing my grandparents finally get to play the role of "grandparent" is truly heartwarming. They came, they spoiled, and then they left; a luxury they never had with me!

You could feel the love in the room, all because a 12 month old smiled or laughed. It's the little things...

Pick your poison...I'll pick mine from NC

You know what I like? Beer. Good beer. And I like it often.

Now that that's out there...

I don't remember my first beer, although I assume it was in college at a frat house. It was most likely Southpaw, Keystone Light, or maybe Bud Light if the party throwers were really trying to show off.

What I have learned through my ongoing research over the past few years is that these beverages are hardly beer. They are grossly mass produced, additive-ridden, beer flavored wannabes who are the laughing stock of the bar. So basically, unless I'm on the beach all day or it's free...you won't see me drinking it.

So what DO I like to drink from my high horse? I'm glad you asked! I have visited many local breweries here in North Carolina and have found that the tastiest and most unique styles of beer were created just a few miles down the road. Below are some of my top choices. Enjoy!

1) Shotgun Betty of the Lonerider Brewing Company: I'm usually not a Hefeweizen gal, but this beer changes the rules. It's a wheat beer with a banana clove finish (yes, i said BANANA) and it's soooo delicious. We visited the brewery in person earlier this year, but you can also purchase Betty from Harris Teeter in the Raleigh area. Do yourself a favor a try this today!

2) Spring Bock and Octoberfest of the Carolina Brewing Company: Not to be confused with many other breweries that use "Carolina" in it's name, CBC is actually located less than 5 minutes from my house here in Holly Springs. Their Carolina Pale Ale is sold rampantly all over the triangle(and it happens to be Matt's overall favorite beer), but it's their seasonal beers that I find the most delicious. The Spring and Fall brews are my favorite and you can attend FREE tastings of all their beers every Saturday afternoon.

3) Gaelic Ale of the Highland Brewing Company: This deep amber beer

is quite bitter for my usual taste, but something about it keeps me coming back. I've never been to this brewery, but definitely plan on making the 3ish hour drive to Asheville some day as I hear it's an amazing place to visit, listen to music, and enjoy a brew or two. This is also widely sold In North Carolina groceries and bars.

Hangover, no not the one with Mike Tyson

I didn't love the Hangover like seemingly everyone else in my generation did, but I can't pass up a reason to show Ed Helms performing his Grammy nominated crooning from the flick

Although Matt and I are determined not to become an old, boring married couple, the reality is that we rarely make it "out" as in going downtown and doing the whole shebang. There are many reasons for the rarity of our appearances. How about the cost, the 25 minute drive back to our house, the fact that neither of us are looking to score with anyone there, and quite frankly the bathrooms at any point after 11 at night. The supreme reason? The next day hangover.

I am convinced it is worse when you have been drinking outside your home. Even an $8 drink is made with the lowest of the bottom shelf liquors (Aristocrat anyone?) the peer pressure and (god forbid) dancing just increases the rate at which drinks are consumed. When I drink at home I usually get the munchies and eat something before bed which typically helps my next day state. When I go out, I don't even think about food until about 6 am when I wake up to pee and realize I haven't eaten in 12 hours.

No matter what poor choices were made the night before, there is a surefire cure that has worked for aiding hangover woes for 5 years now. It's name? The Bojangles chicken box. There have been times where it's taken me all day to actually eat the whole thing, but each greasy bite is one step closer to feeling like a functional human again. Gatorade is a good buddy as well, which is why it is always fully stocked in our fridge.

What is your hangover cure? Your sharing could benefit the millions of poor Americans who suffer from this ailment each weekend.

Balls in your Mouth

Oh hush your fuss, after you watch this clip you won't stop being able to stop saying it either.

If you watch Late Night TV you are probably partial to a particular guy. It used to be the choice between Letterman or Leno; and more recently in the news was the drama between Conan And Jay over the ideal time slot on NBC. Personally, I'm a Conan fan. Jay's jokes always seemed too easy for me, and Conan knew how to appeal to my generation. When Conan left, I had a choice to make. After all, Matt and I had a routine of dvr'ing Conan and watching it the next day during dinner and I wasn't going to let a deep rooted tradition (ha) such as that go by the wayside. We could go Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Kimmel, Letterman, cross to the dark side with Jay?

Pretty quickly we decided on Jimmy Fallon, our old buddy from SNL. Honestly, the guests aren't quite on par with what the Great Conando could pull in, but he is just as funny and even more lovable. He brings in an old style of talk show where he has reoccuring games that he plays with his guests and audience. I mean, Beer Pong with Betty White was classic. Or his "Thank You Notes" session where he "thanks" current news topics for being idiots. Pros and Cons are always good, as well as Spit Takes where the Taker tells a joke and the Spitter has to time and release a mouthfull of water directly into their buddy' face. Gross? Yes it is, but it's amazing what you do to win an "Eff Off" t-shirt. Oh, and did I mention the show's band? It's the Roots! Yes, the Roots who have been incredible for years. Their comedic timing and creativity is evident every show, so even if the guests are lame, you get a mini concert.

Here's a sample of just how adorable and funny Mr. Fallon is with his original song, "Balls in your Mouth", inspired by the BP oil spill tar balls that were floating around the gulf.

**Warning** This is highly contagious and may give you earworm

"You no big Paaaaapi"

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Tonight is one of the most fantastic nights in baseball: The Home Run Derby. These are so much fun I can spend the afternoon watching retro derbies from the 60's on ESPN Classic. So many great hitters over past decades have appeared in this event and players claim it's what they most look forward to watching. It's not hard to see why...

Josh Hamilton and multiple others opted out of this years contest, but there is still reason to watch.

The best part of this years event? Watching the guy we named our dog after hit bombs for fun:) David "Big Papi" Ortiz will hit in his 4th Derby this year and although he's far from the favorite, you never know what Ortiz is capable of. He does have 18 homeruns already this year (pulling himself up from a miserable start) and boasts 335 in his career- not too shabby.

Big Papi is definitely the most likeable guy going up to bat this year, as evidenced below in one of his many commercial appearances.



If Ortiz does fall short, just please don't let Nick Swisher win...

Surprisingly positive experiences

Friday, July 9th, 2010

First of all, happy 76th birthday to my Poppop!
Secondly, happy 5th 1st day of school to me! Any teacher you talk to doesn't sleep well the day before a new batch of darlings walk through the door. Personally, I am anxious, nervous and excited due to the uncertainty and unknown of what the next 12 months will be (yes, 12 rather than 9 due to year round).



I am happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised today though! I was only semi-successful with the whole "no smiling for 2 weeks" thing, and made sure to pour on the sarcasm to weed out any weaklings who can't handle it:) I will smile soon, once the whip cracking has taken it's toll and they can actually walk in a quiet straight line. It's funny to me that I have earned the reputation as a "strict" teacher when I see myself as ridiculously non professional and mostly a kid myself. Hey, whatever works...


Thursday, July 8th, 2010

So, I'm not a fan of the dentist chair but because I get free cleanings I am subjected to hearing terrible and expensive news bi-yearly. Our last dentist SUCKED. Didn't explain financial obligations, did filling for both Matt and I incorrectly, and in was rather unfriendly in general. After Matt's recent dental crisis, we began seeing a new dentist and LOVE her.

My first appointment at Renee Wall, DDS went perfectly. They are friendly, helpful, and honest. Also, I know it doesn't mean much, but the office itself is designed like TJMaxx Home Goods rolled through there! They were even nice enough to transport my husband to and from his crown appointment last week since I had to work and they advise against driving on Valium. Need a dentist or thinking of switching? I give Dr Wall and her crew an A+

"Friends Foreeeever"

Monday, June 28th, 2010

I can't even say that line without picturing Kelly, Jessie, Slater, and the rest of Zack Attack (I KNOW you remember this!) but despite the straight cheese that was Saved By the Bell, I am happy to have a couple friends I really feel will be there forever.

Why am I thinking about this now? Because I never get to see my two best friends, EVER and I get to see them BOTH this weekend!! I met Kim and Sarah back in 1998, which is the furthest back any of my friendships go. They don't take shit from anybody, which is one of the hundreds of reasons why I loved them instantly and still do. Kim lives in DC, Sarah's in Winston and life keeps us apart most of the time. Whenever we are together though, it's always a blast; especially now that we can drink:)

<-- Powderpuff football with my "twin" Kim

Literally hanging out with Sarah -->

Below: Sarah (left) and Kim at my 15th birthday party. God we thought we were grown...