It's Friday, I'm In Love

[brought to you by Summer]

Forgive me, I'm a little late in posting this. So let's just get right to it!

Today, I am in love with:
* Oceans -- if you haven't seen it already, I highly recommend it! (Especially for you, Sierra. This movie was made for you.)
* (low fat) muffin tops from Gelson's (preferably with a cup of coffee)
* Sandra Bullock, x10
* surprise birthday dinners for good friends at amazing restaurants like this one

* Liza coming home from Israel in 3 days
* my Europe brochure that came in the mail (too exciting for words)
* Sonja's delicious recipe that I'm determined to make
* this gorgeous weather (I'm a repeat offender of this one, can't help it)

What are you in love with today?

Going on a date with a girlfriend of mine to see Date Night tonight...looking forward to the hilariousness that is Tina Fey and Steve Carell.

Happy weekend!

Europe Envy

We're (read: I'm) starting a little weekly series around these parts. It's called EE for short, and it stands for Europe Envy...not a bra size.

Each week, I'm going to go through my book (previously mentioned in this post), randomly flip to a country and tell you a little bit about it. Granted, these blurbs are merely a slice of the European pie, but they excite me to no end, and I hope they do the same for you.

PS: If you've been to any of these countries, please...do tell! I would love to hear what you have to say, good or bad.

So, without further adieu, let's start this first ever EE with...

HUNGARY
(Magyarorszag)

[Budapest]

A country as unique as its language, Hungary has much more to offer than a profusion of wine, goulash, and thermal spas. Hip Budapest remains Hungary's ascendant social, economic, and political capital. Beyond the big-city rush are towns lined with cobblestone streets and wine valleys nestled in the northern hills, while beach resorts abound in the east. Though Hungary can be more expensive than some of its neighbors, it has a value all its own.

The Cold, Hard Facts
Official name: Hungary
Capital: Budapest
Major cities: Debrecen, Miskolc, Szeged
Population: 9,931,000
Language: Hungarian

So...who's Hungary?

Yuck yuck.

[all info taken from Let's Go Europe 2010: The Student Travel Guide]

The Grilled Cheese Invitational

This weekend was...cheesy.

However, in my opinion, anything that involves cheese is good (I felt this way last year too). And this weekend involved cheese, so all was right with the world for just a little while. However?

Despite the huge crowds......cute Little Miss Sunshine-esque vehicle......THE truck......artery-clogging deliciousness......and buttons...

...The Grilled Cheese Invitational was kind of a ripoff.

Let's take inventory:

• $10 admission (fine)
• $8 parking (on top of the above admission...uh...)
• $5 grilled cheese (mac and cheese + more cheese + sourdough = no words) from the oh so famous Grilled Cheese Truck (not bad, but where are the free samples?)
• $5 ticket for a "free" beer (not okay)

After tallying all our purchases up, my friends and I came to the realization that we were charged admission to be charged for a whole bunch of stuff that, in my opinion, we shouldn't have been charged for in the first place. We had heard there would be free samples and a bunch of fun things that were included with price of admission. Not so.

Verdict? Eh. Grilled cheese may be delicious and perfect in every way, but it's definitely not worth spending the nearly $30 to enjoy it.

Regardless, we had a great time. And so did my shoulders, as they are now a nice shade of sienna, thanks to the sun.

Have any of you been to this overrated event? Feel free to agree with me, disagree...let me know. Or just tell me how your weekend was. Either or. :)

It's Friday, I'm In Love

I nearly forgot about doing one of these today (I actually did forget last week, for shame!). And how stupid of me, considering I could really use one lately!

[brought to you by Sum Summa]

So let's get to it, shall we?

This week, I am in love with:

• fun bloggy rendezvous (okay...I may be a journalism major, but what's the plural of that, anyway?) with some equally fun and fabulous ladies
• carrot cake with cream cheese frosting
• Vampire Diaries and a glass of wine (Barefoot, to be exact)
• beautiful weather and the joy Molly gets just walking in it
• Molly in the driver's seat, along that same line
• this tomorrow

What are you in love with this week?

I Am

I am about to turn 24, and slightly not okay with it (but only slightly). I am the type of girl that wishes she owned one of those huge, adorable makeup cases with hundreds of Sephora products spilling out of it. I am blonde (but I'm not "blonde," you know). I am really bad at pretending to care about things I don't genuinely give a crap about which, at the end of the day, is a good thing (I think). I am a girl who loves girlie drinks (especially martinis from Lola's). I am a dog person through and through, to hell with cats (but kittens are okay). I am sure to judge nail polish colors by their names. I am a major fan of that crazy sore feeling you get the day or two after a really good workout. I am filled to the brim with wanderlust, and plan to make that dream a reality as soon as I can. I am pretty sure I was a Stars Hollow resident in another life. I am a liberal, and believe in a love that knows no boundaries (suck it, Sarah Palin). I am an emotional and sensitive person. I am a worrywart. I am a musical theatre gal, forever and always. I am pro-cheesecake and pro-Indian food. I am terrified of losing the ones that I love. I am also equally terrified of tornadoes. I am currently not satisfied with my life, but know that it will all be just fine soon enough. I am best friends with my sister. I am 90% certain Joseph Gordon-Levitt is the man for me (and deep down, I think he knows this too). I am all about my family and friends. I am a former anteater. I am really enjoying my new weekly tradition of Vampire Diaries and a glass of wine. I am anxiously awaiting the return of True Blood. I am in love with Israel and the Hebrew language. I am bound to dip food into any kind of sauce that's nearby. I am a hopeless romantic. I am loyal to a fault. I am a collector of Glamour's 100% guilt-free pages. I am a picture taker. I am a blogger. I am constantly cold (I blame poor circulation but in reality, have no idea why). I am a coffee drinker, but not a coffee addict. I am, however, a BlackBerry addict. I am that girl that will walk into a restaurant for breakfast in her pajamas, slippers and all. I am in love with Carrie Bradshaw (screw cliches). I am in hate with my thighs. I am a tweeter. I am a New Yorker. I am a late sleeper (but generally wake up feeling guilty after doing so). I am obsessed with turquoise. I am not a fan of flying. I am prone to thinking I am not enough (I am also aware of how negative that sounds).

I am loud.
I am quiet.
I am confused.
I am frustrated.
I am figuring it all out.

I am running out of I am-isms and I am going to drink tea now and go to bed.

Stand By Me

Well, like I said yesterday, I'm starting to plan my trip as soon as my Bible book arrives. Talk about timing...

Potential note for the future: This here "life in one place" (read: humdrum) blog could very well turn into a "look at me go to all these different places" (read: a travel) blog. I hope you'll continue stick with me should that happen. No, no...more like when that happens. Because it will. After opening that book and merely skimming the surface this morning over coffee and a muffin top (they are the best parts), it has to. End of story.

But more like the beginning.

[photo]

On My Mind

A few things that are weighing on my mind -- some heavily, some not so much -- at this exact moment in time:

• I'm going to Bloggers in Sin City! Nothing like hopping on the Vegas bandwagon at the last possible minute. Kerri, you're my savior and I can't wait to sleep with you. I mean...

• Speaking of bloggers, I met a fabulous one the other night for tapas in Santa Monica. Amber, you're lovely and so is your accent and now I have a (legit) reason to visit Louisiana and I miss you already.(L to R: me, Amber, Jennifer and Sierra)

• I need to stop sleeping until the early afternoon. It's unhealthy, makes me feel lazy and stops now.

• Venti sugar free vanilla Americanos with 2 inches of steamed soy from Starbucks are the nectar of the Gods. However, if you're going to take a cue from me and try one (which I seriously suggest you do), dump out a little and add some half and half. Thank me later.

• Last night's Glee gave me one giant singasm, and I'll leave it at that.

• The second the book below is dropped at my doorstep (any day now!), Operation Ali's Going to Europe This Coming Fall, Dammit is in effect. A deadline of sorts to stop just talking the talk, if you will.

• I'm not quite sure how to explain this feeling I've been having for who knows how long. It's by no means depression, but it definitely possesses similar qualities. Coming up on the ripe old age of 24 (sarcasm people, sarcasm), I find myself feeling even more pressure (if that's even possible) to figure out my life. My life. Could it get any broader? Apartment, job, relationship, yadda freakin' yadda. All 3 of those couldn't be more up in the air if I wanted them to. Well, actually, the job situation becomes even more intangible when I'm in between jobs, which makes total and complete sense. And it is such a stressor for me, as I'm sure it is for so many people, especially right now, in such an unstable job market. But I can only speak for myself. My point is, I am such a cliche 23-year-old at the moment. And I'm not sure I like that. All the more reason for me to get cracking on the Europe thang.

And on that optimistic note, thank you for stepping inside my head for a few minutes.

Happy Hump Day!

The Thing About Bloggers

So yesterday I emphasized the importance of writing, today I'm emphasizing the importance of blogging. Well, bloggers, to be exact.

I guess I'm just a walking contradiction. My bad.

This weekend was very, very relaxed and equally appreciated because it was my first free one since filming started last month. Doing nothing never felt so good. But last night, I did do something. And it was most definitely the highlight of my weekend.

Who: Katelin, Tara, Michelle, Allison, Andrea, Kerri, Matt (le fiancee de Katelin) and myself

What: Girls' Night (plus Matt) consisting of wine, cheese (and a kick ass cheese slicer), brownies, crack in a baked good oatmeal cookies and Sniglets

Where: Katelin and Matt's adorable little place

When: Last night

Why: Because we can

There were 3 girls I'd never met before that I met last night. The funny thing about meeting bloggers for the first time in person is that, well, you kind of feel like you already know them and in a way? You already do. I knew that Tara was a social butterfly who attended really amazing events and interviewed just as amazing celebrities at said events. I knew that Kerry was an incredibly crafty (and I mean the good kind of crafty) girl who didn't have to put on a stitch of makeup to look good. As for Allison? Well, she's my name twin and we knew nothing about each other until we shook hands. Hi Allison, you crack me up.

My point is, I find meeting bloggers to be a very special experience, one that non-bloggers find hard to understand. "Oh, you and your blogging," some of my friends will say to me when I mention it to them (and I do...I do a lot).

Yes, that's right. Me and my blogging. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Back to Basics

I went through every single one of my blog posts, starting from day one. I'm not exactly sure why; guess I got all nostalgic upon realizing that I had written a whopping 300 posts. Except that that all went to crap when I found a few unfinished drafts that consisted of not much more than the word "the," thus deleting them. That knocked me down to around 296.

Needless to say, it was a very anticlimactic experience, going through those posts.

But there was something I noticed as I was perusing my witty (and not so witty) banter. I wrote when I first started blogging. And by that, I mean that I wrote wrote. Long, meaningful (at least to me) posts that, when I thought back to writing them, took little to no effort. The thoughts and feelings just flowed and spilled from my hands to the keys and finally, onto the computer screen. I took that for granted while it was happening, but not these days.

Because these days? My blog is a scattered mess of lists, bullet points and shout outs. And while I in no way think that's a bad thing (hello, I love you Secret Society of List Addicts), it's not what the original purpose of this blog was.

Why am I mentioning any of this? Well, I'm not exactly sure. I guess because I long for the days when I considered myself a legitimate writer. I want to revert back to that because at the end of the day, I'm a writer first and a blogger second. Right now, it's the opposite. And sure, I'd like to be a blogger before, say, a con artist or a stripper (though Diablo Cody does make that gig sound just the tiniest bit glamorous), but when it comes to writing, well...that's number one for me.

So here's to blogging in the name of writing, not writing in the name of blogging. Uh, forever and ever...amen.

Legal and Lovin' It

I just realized that I didn't share Liza's 21st celebration with you guys! Shame on me. Here's what we did, straight to the point.

We dressed up.

We had a really, really quick dinner.

And then we partied. Well, Liza and many others did. Me? I had a 7 am call for the last day of filming the next morning, so I was sober as a blue jay. Yep, a blue jay. But I digress.

Success.

About That List...

Guess what? This post marks #300. Not very exciting, yet kind of exciting at the same time. No? Yes. Sort of.

I've been a bit here and there as far as blogging goes, and that's in direct correlation to the fact that I am not sitting in front of a computer all day. Life outside of technology will do that to you, I guess.

I've also been busy with the film, but guess what else? We wrapped on Sunday! We're very, very happy (and relieved). Now the editing begins, and although I'm not going to be playing a major part in that (if at all), it's still super exciting to know that this short is getting made, damn it!

So now that frees up my already pretty free schedule that much more. What I'll be doing with my time (aside from job hunting, of course), I really can't say at the moment. I'm just...being, I guess.

I found this post that I wrote back in August of last year when the show I was working on at the time wrapped. I bolded the ones I actually did, and I don't think I did half bad...though some of them couldn't be more trivial if they tried. Oh well. Older and wiser now, I guess? Ha!

• Watch as many seasons of Gilmore Girls as possible (check!)
• Sleep in (I was born to do this, so check and check!)
  
• Shred it, cardio barre it, walk it (w/my dogs), gym it (love to hate you, Jillian Michaels, love to hate you...)
• Eat more vegetables (check!)
  
• Write (gotta step it up with my Examiner column)
• See more friends (check, check, check and check -- to name a few)
  
• Catch up on Shark Week (hm...why am I so weird sometimes?)
  
• Look for a bike (totally slipped my mind!)
• Read The Time Traveler's Wife (check!)
  
• Bake something (check!)
  
• Blog and read all of your blogs...in my bed...with my coffee (check, check, check!)
  

Not too shabby, eh?

What's on your to do list right now?

PS: Marry me, Mr. Shu.

[Which is my way of asking, who saw Glee tonight?!]

[photos via weheartit and here]

It's Friday, I'm In Love

[Do me a favor and head over here, not only to see who came up with this fun little series, but to also offer any and all words of encouragement to a wonderful woman who is going through a particularly difficult time in her life right now.]

Today, I am in love with:
-beautiful days with not a cloud in the sky
-peanut butter and banana (second best to peanut butter and chocolate)
-FlashForward (Which I heard might be canceled?! Say it ain't so!)
-Glee on Oprah (Glee period.)
-making the most out of my free time
ie: I baked a freaking cake, you guys?!
I don't bake. But yesterday, hell froze over for a few hours and I did. A low fat lemon cake that I found over 'round these parts, to be exact. And get this: it was actually good!

-Liza's 21st birthday partay tomorrow night! (NOT so in love with the 6:30 am call we have for the film on Sunday, but whatcha gonna do? Not sleep, that's what! Woo?)
-potentially great, amazing things on the horizon (I know, I know...vague much, Ali?)

What are you in love with today?

On Being Legal and How About Miley's Boyfriend?

Liza's 21st was great, if I do say so myself. Thank you for the birthday wishes! She read them all and loved every single one.

We started the morning off with really good brunch (best French Toast ever), then went to see The Last Song. The verdict? I need to read the book, because Liza said it was 10 times better than the movie, which is generally the case. Also? Was anyone reminded of Life as a House? In a major way? One of my all time favorites, by the way. But on another note, we still can't get over Miley's new man, Liam Hemsworth.

And we still can't stop wanting to hate the bitch for snagging him. They're kind of disgusting and adorable at the same time. And we can't stand it.

Moving on!

Dinner at Morton's. Menus that (magically?) had Liza's name on them.

To die for mac and cheese. And I do mean to die for.

The traditional family picture.

Cake at home. You know those Baskin Robbins ice cream roll things? Liza calls them jubilee rolls because they bring her so much jubilation. No joke.

Big wishes.

Martini glasses, natch.

And juuust when you think the party's over, it's just begun. Saturday is right around the corner!

[photo of Miley and her freaking gorgeous boyfriend that we don't really think she deserves but then feel bad about saying it so ignore that found here]

It's Good To Be Legal

Sure, I'm a little early on this here post. But you know what? I am excited, folks. Excited because this little lady...

...who is now this beautiful woman...

...is gonna be freaking TWENTY ONE tomorrow!

Oh yes. After many an ID pass back, some "I can't go out with you tonight? This blows!" and a few pity drink sneaks on my part, my little sister is turning 21.

So what are we doing? Well, first we're heading to a really seedy bar at midnight tonight to get her her first legal drink. Then we're crashing. Then we're doing lunch, The Last Song (I'll be sure to give Miley a good air punch to the movie screen for you, bananas) and frozen yogurt tomorrow. Then it's birthday dinner (and cake) time. All for this about-to-be-legal chick.

I'm sure there will be plenty of the above come Saturday, when we really celebrate.

Happy (almost) 21st Birthday, Liza.

I love you to the moon and back.

(Not Such) A Manic Monday

Wow. Work really does did dictate my blogging schedule. My first day of unemployment and I'm all thrown off. 86 new blogs to read at 8:30 pm? So not used to that number at that time of day. But I am proud to say I got through 'em all! I could never abandon you guys. But it does make me think of the day that my routine/life/what-have-you goes in a different direction and I have to rethink the blogosphere. Just the thought of that makes me shudder. Anyone else ever have this thought or am I just weird?

Anyway. First thing's first, I ask you all to please keep Summer's father in your thoughts and prayers. He is going through a rough time and needs all the prayers he can get. Please and thank you.

Shooting went well this weekend! I couldn't believe it. I mean, you know, shooting a film is never supposed to go smoothly. But this was a particularly special weekend because one of my best friends in the entire world, Lori, was here to shoot her scenes and we got to spend the entire weekend plus today together. Pure happiness. She lives in San Francisco, so we rarely get to see each other.

{Reunited and it feels so gooooood}

We picked up lunch on Saturday and met some puppies, like this one.


So today was just lovely. We did our usual morning jaunt for coffee and bagels.


Then we headed to the mall just because. A power cord for my computer (old one broke), some Forever 21 impulse buys and a few delicious Bath and Body Works things (gotta love gift cards) later, we got frozen yogurt and laughed at how weird we looked in high school.

It was one of those perfect days. Just what I needed on my first day of (fun)employment.

Happy (very late) Monday!

It's Friday, I'm In Love

[Check out the beautiful originator here and hop on the love train!]

Today, I am in lurve with:
-matzah, matzah and more matzah (then again, I kind of have to be...)
-peanut butter, because it makes the above taste so much better
-one of my BFFAEs (did you guys ever add the AE?) coming to visit (and take part in shooting this weekend), haven't seen her in ages
-funny (and slightly bizarre) talks with this lady
-'Bam's new health care bill (realizing I can stay on my family's health care for another 2 years was one of the best feelings I've had in a while)
-the husband(he gets my coffee and the paper like this every Sunday)
-the return of Glee (April 13th)!!
-spring (and as of next week, I can start enjoying it!)

Alright, let's hear it.
What are you in love with today?

[photos via my tumblr]

One of These Things Is Not Like the Other

Juuust a reminder...from me to you.

A few things on my mind on this lovely Thursday...

* Okay, whichever 2 people decided to stop following this here blog yesterday and today, do me a favor? Come back. The smaller numbers make me anxious. And it's not that I care about how many followers I have (I wholeheartedly agree with my gal Sierra's post about this topic). I think it's just the fact that it causes me to wonder why. I'm a people please, what can I say?

* Anna Paquin's bisexual, who knew? Certainly not me. Either way, good for her for coming out with it is what I say.

* If there is one quality about myself that I can appreciate, it's forgetting to bring food home from the office kitchen. Case in point? I thought I had practically nothing for lunch (save for matzah and a jar of peanut butter), but bam! Frozen vegetables and grapes, left in there by yours truly from who knows when. WIN.

* I don't think Heidi Montag's so crazy for getting all that work done on her body. Thinking it might be time for me to get some readjustments...

* Speaking of matzah, forced my sister to make brought in chocolate covered matzah for Hebrew class tonight. This is semi-exciting, in my not so humble opinion.

* I signed up for this site that gives you a little cash to take surveys. Figured it couldn't hurt for an almost unemployed gal, right?

* I'm not exactly sure what I'd do without blogging, and this includes all of you. Seriously.

* I'm (thinking about) going back to Israel in June.

Your mission, should you choice to accept it: figure out which one's me trying to fool ya for April Fool's. The winner gets a...virtual cookie made of matzah.

[photo]