Why Tina Fey is my Favorite:

First. Read this: HERE

Second: Here's my list.

1. She started from the bottom and worked her way up. She didn't have famous parents or siblings. She just is awesome.

2. She's unconventionally beautiful. See cover of Entertainment Weekly circa around April, if you doubt me.

3. Before Sarah Palin was invented slash conjured out of thin air, she was already cool.

4. She reads the paper. See Liz Lemon when naming five reasons she's better than Josh, her actor pet.

5. Her daughter's name is Alice named after her grandmother. That's lovely.

6. Actually humorous, yet smart, females are rare. That breed, or "type" (per se), should be coveted by all of us.

7. Everything she says is quotable. Seriously. Wikiquote-30 Rock is probably the best thing ever.

8. Even her movies that were supposedly a flop are still funny. See Baby Mama.

9. Combine her with anyone and they're instantaneously hilarious. See Sarah Palin. Only people don't laugh with her. See SNL when she came on for a bit raising the roof with Amy Poehler.

10. Amy Poehler loves her. Therefore, I do too.

San Francisco: Roommates in Costume

I suppose I haven't much talked about my living arrangements here in San Francisco. It's sort of hilarious. To give you a glimpse of my day to day, and a little bit of Halloween's special occasion glimmer:

Last week I got a call while working from Nancy, my 40 something housemate. She's a high school teacher, has a 6-year-old daughter, and is a pleasure to be around. Often she will call me while I am working. It's no big deal, I just turn off my ringer and forward her to voicemail with the intent of checking her detailed messages later. They're actually not detailed at all. She's the sort of person that leaves messages that sound like: "Hey, I've got something I need to ask you...Call me back, bye!"*

*Note: These messages are 100 percent unhelpful, and you should stop leaving them. That's "you" plural. I hate that the English language has that you/you business.

Anyway, this particular day Nancy called me twice in a row. Naturally I assumed there was a problem, like she was ill or Drina got caught shop lifting while drunk. What have you. However, that was not the case. Nancy wanted to tell me she had bought me an Ugly Betty costume to wear on Halloween, complete with glasses, fake teeth with braces and an ugly wig. This was clearly very important, and while on the phone sitting at my desk in the office, I did in fact repeat all parts of the costume aloud so my coworkers could hear. I feel like living with Nancy and Drina is like a television show sometimes. They're so comical. I'm the random girl that lives with them, becomes like the family, only to move out and on to other things. Like Cody from Step-by-Step.

But back to Nancy and Halloween. Nancy got herself a child-sized "fairy" costume for $10 from what she calls the "party store," because apparently it has no real name. She is my size, i.e. 5 feet-ish and petite. Tonight she was trying on her outfit, trying to make it school appropriate. She put on another skirt underneath the sheer fairy one, and tried on no less than six shirts to go beneath the belly-styled fairy top. The costume comes with these wings that look like camouflage fairy wings. No, seriously. They're the exact fabric and pattern found on Army gear everywhere—and probably the reason the costume was only a tenner. Anyway, they flop too much. That's the problem with wings. I should know, I was a butterfly, ladybug and a fairy throughout college and had intentions of being Tinkerbelle last year, but ended up alone in London in a hostel (another story for another time). So, I pinned her wings together in two spots. Nancy was practically ready to wear the thing to bed, but I told her she couldn't. Sometimes I feel like I might function as her mother as she mothers Drina.

Anyway, usually our days end with me helping Nancy pick out what to where to school the next day, in order to of course, impress her high school classes. Sometimes she's fine by herself, but often I'm glad she asked. She's like my mom in that way. But Halloween will be a nice time to check out how the San Franciscans do it. If forced, I had some options for Halloween costumes myself. 1. Madeleine 2. Pippy Longstocking 3. Strawberry Shortcake and obviously, the old classic 4. Roman/Greek woman. Simple and Cheap: white sheet and lots of eyeliner. Maybe a wreath of some sort of leaf. We'll see.

Surfaces and Attitude

It's interesting to think about "types" of people. You know, there's all these stereotypes floating around, and I always liked stereotypes, because more often than not, they're true. See, I'm not a racist or a man-izer, or a womanizer for that matter, but there's something about a certain group of people that you know what they might say and how they might say it—not perhaps get all the sticky details exactly, 100 percent correct, but nonetheless, pretty damn close.

Apparently, I am a type. I'm the sass-type. It's typical amongst shorter girls, perhaps with a bit of pazazzy-red hair, maybe a streak of a 'tude promoted by a large family. Sure, I'm the bossy type. I like things done right, and I usually think I know how to do it. Unfortunately, I do not take criticism well, though this has helped me in the past. I'm a Don't-Take-No-For-An-Answer Type girl. My apparent method of flirting usually involves something like needing help to reach things that are too high for me to get myself, but willingness to attempt a go at getting it myself, and then subsequent laugh from fellow who gets it down with ease. I don't receive help well, but this is changing. And while this motivated "firecracker" style I've got going seems to be just the ticket for me right now, perhaps I won't be this way forever. In fact, I do tire myself out—and sorry for going on so long about me—but let's get real here. We all know our types.

There's always the funny guy, who's jokes are clever because he's unwittingly intelligent, but can appreciate the crassness involved in others' jollies. There's the classy girl who needs everything to be just so, in order for life to pan out appropriately. There's the athletic guy who has forfeited much of his personality to his good body. And there's always another type of funny guy, who doesn't know exactly how funny he is, because he doesn't grasp how intelligent he is. Of course, there's unfortunately others who are dull and others who are work-aholics, others adventurous and others still. But it's the blend of various groups of all these that make people interesting.

To say you belong to a certain type sort of disregards the other micropersonalities involved in all of us. Sure, I may be a sassy little chica, but that doesn't necessitate bitchiness or decrease my ability to be caring and generous with both time and money. I suppose it's what resonates most with people that make you who you are. Though being a certain way in certain situations with certain people does not mean that's the only thing there. It's just the surface level.

Leaving Las Vegas Among Other Places

The beautiful Red Rock Canyon

Sheryl Crow's Leaving Las Vegas makes me happy. I recently traveled to Vegas to visit some friends and see Brian, who flew in from Chicago, as well. It was a spectacular weekend full of adventures—but it seemed slow at the same time. Between losing a twenty at one of the local casinos, seeing the Beatles Love show, free climbing at Red Rock Canyon, visiting with everyone, and skydiving, I'd say the weekend was a success. It's been nice to be part of what happens around this side of the country—deserts, gambling, and mountains.



Downtown Vegas' city lights

I like it, but I can't imagine looking out my window each day and not seeing a flat, beautiful patch of grass, or just being able to look out and look at forever. There's something so glorious about looking at the sun setting over fields of beautiful corn. And the mountains here are glorious, too. Yes, I like looking out and feeling as if I'm tucked into a bed of high hills overlooking me as I go about my life here—but it's definitely not that feeling of infinity that prairie grass delivers.

I have just under three more weeks on the Ode job, and then it's off to other things with other people in other places. I'm due for an adventure. It's funny, I love the experience of deciding to go somewhere and making it happen, feeling comfortable, and then almost a moment later tossing my cares to the wind again—I go and do something different. What do you call that? It's more than antsy-ness. I was once referred to as a free bird, or perhaps that was just me thinking to myself, but regardless, I am. Well, I'm no more unique than the rest of you, really. It seems I've done a good job of encircling myself with people with that exact mindset—one of here today, gone tomorrow. It's nice because while we're all scattered about the globe, we're also free to visit one another and thereby expand our worldliness. Anyway, it's a double-edge sword because the relationships we have with one another end up becoming strained, and people get hurt and time passes, but there's never the right time to make mention. Until one day, somehow thoughts are expressed and life moves on. I suppose that's the one down turn. You find all these great people, but it's impossible to get them under one roof—especially since they may not know one another because you've been continent hopping alone.

lacking caffeine and that life zeal business

Hi. I've been a bit lackadaisical about updating this bad-boy right here. Sorry. I can't believe it's been about two weeks since. Much has happened. Here's the bulleted list.

a. Kerstin, my friend since 3rd grade, visited San Francisco over this past weekend. [went to Alcatraz, shopped, dined, bar-hopped, and had a party for my housemate, Nancy.]

b. The weekend prior I was in Chicago visiting my family and friends and going to my cousin Maureen's wedding. It was beautiful. I also managed to pick some apples, grab dinner with my girls and boy and bonded in Rebecca's living room.

c. I've got about a month left of my internship here at Ode. It feels good to know how this place ticks, adding in my own two cents in the possibilities section. Really, I'll miss it when I'm gone.

d. I'm going to Vegas this weekend. Brian is meeting me at the Las Vegas airport, and Meagan and Dan Walsh (our married friends, weird) are going to pick us up for a fun weekend. Planning on a little skydiving, some Black Jack, sassy dresses and a show!

e. Already I am being harassed by my mother about not having a full-time job lined up post internship. It's stressful enough as it is. Damn all my smart friends who went back to graduate school.

f. I think that's it. Whew. Oh, and I'm planning a trip to LA post Ode in November before heading back home. Should be a fun time.

And, of course, a story: Monday I waited for Marco for 45 minutes only to find out that he was at the chiropractor. I called my other possible ride about 6 times before getting a hold of her. All I had to do was walk/bus to this way far corner. I think I lost a pound before 9 am Monday. I probably sped walked 3 miles in a 1/2 hour. I might as well have been running. I did manage to hop a bus and didn't even have to pay because I got off before I could make it to the front of the bus to drop my change. There's nothing quite like beating the system. That buck-fifty was mine!

quite possibly the saddest song i have ever heard

Kate Rusby's "A Ballad" from The Girl Who Couldn't Fly

Take the robe from off thy form,
And cease thine hair to braid,
Thy love to thee will come no more,
He woos another maid,
And broken are the many vows,
That he hath pledged to thee,
He woos another maid, and this,
My bridal morn should be.

False to me oh say not so,
For if thy tale be true,
And the one that I love be lost to me,
I shall not live to rue,
And if he do take another mate,
Before the holy shrine,
Another ne'er shall have my heart,
Death will be a friend of mine.

She takes the robes from off her form,
And dons a snow white gown,
She loosened from her locks the braid,
And let her hair hang down,
She flung around her lovely head,
The thin shround of her veil,
To hide the fast ascending tears,
And cheek of moon ray pale.

With hurried yet, with careful steps,
Into the church she hides,
And there she saw the false of heart,
Receive another bride,
The bridal pageant swept along,
'Til all the train had fled,
Why stands the lone deserted one,
She slumbers with the dead

My Life in Bullet Points

- I woke up this morning a few minutes before the magazine's conference call with our Rotterdam office and executive editor. That went fine, just informative for me at this point.

-Ate Special K red berries while listening, then had a bagel and cream cheese. Productive.

-Super tired from watching Freaks and Geeks. I don't know what it is, but once I'm on a roll watching some new show, I can't stop. Alias, Sex and the City, Lost, Undeclared, 30 Rock, Growing Pains, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty and now Freaks and Geeks. I'm a little insane when it comes to box set television. I can't exercise restraint in any way. It's unfortunate.

-After eating cereal I decided to heat up some water for tea. Totally waited to drink it so it wouldn't burn my tongue. However, because of this fact I spilled in the center of my jeans right at the crotch. I was already in Marco's car so we couldn't turn around for me to change. I never want to be a burden, so I just sat in it. I felt like a baby in a wet, dirty diaper. I used my Eddie Bauer scarf to soak up most of the mess, but still. I'm soggy. So much for to-go mugs and their fail-safe caps.

-Oh, and the White Sox lost yesterday. Sad. I mean, granted, they weren't the best team this year, but they're still my team. On to Blackhawks season. Woo!

-I'm going to Chicago Thursday for my cousin Maureen's wedding! Hooray. Thursday night's the rehearsal dinner, and Saturday is the wedding. So, if I'm not at wedding festivities I'll be picking apples at the Apple Holler orchard in Wisconsin or chilling with friends and family.

-I can't believe how soggy I am. I'm like a waffle that's been soaking in syrup, no longer does it taste good and the quicker it actually gets moldy and gross. I think I'm going to bring my hot beverages in spaghetti cans again. At least it stayed closed.

Reality Bites. Not So Much.

Lelaina: Quick, Vicky, whats your social security?
Vicky: Uhm... 851-25-9357.
Troy: Very impressive.
Vicky: Thats the only thing I really learned in college... Sometimes I get that not so fresh feeling.

By now everyone should know how much I love the movie Reality Bites. It's hilarious and should be required movie-watching for the under-30s.

Not so light reading.

Each week I leave work a little early to head downtown San Francisco in order to get my allergy shots. It's also the time that I catch up on celebrity gossip and the like while in the waiting room. This Tuesday I went to Dr. Davidson's for the usual: cat/dog, dust, trees/grass. While waiting I picked up a copy of The New Yorker to catch up on the Going's On About Town, but instead read this article.

RIGHT HERE!

I think it's really well-written and important information. It's quite long, but I recommend reading the whole thing if you have time. Really, I do.