Tremendous Blondette

When Taylor Swift won album of the year tonight on the Grammy’s my Twitter stream blew up not with a series of congratulations and “yays” but with comments of “blah” “boring” and “why?”

I like Taylor Swift. I crank her songs and sing loudly. Her song “Shoulda Said No” was my ringtone for most of the year (until I got a new phone.)

So, why did our Miss Swift get so popular? Popular enough to beat out powerhouses like The Dave Matthews Band and Beyonce (and Lady Gaga a recent powerhouse) for the prize of the night at the Grammy’s- well, she’s infectious, real, all-American. She appeals to young and old – little girls want to be her, old pervs want to do her, soccer moms reminisce about the old days when they were her.

Taylor Swift embodies American ideals of beauty, family, and happiness. Her mom is her best friend? Her dad and brother are at home watching? She’s humble and thankful – genuine. Oh, and she can write songs, play a guitar, and sing.

Was she the best singer in the category? Nope. But the category was Album of the Year. Her album certainly sold to a crapton of people, her songs got a ton of air time, and home girl had momentum. I don’t recall hearing Beyonce as much on the radio on as many different types of stations.

I say congratulations to Taylor. And I hope Lady Gaga ditches the crazy act and gets down with her bad self ala Pink and Christina Aguilera.

Real talent speaks for itself. That’s why Britney Spears is a has-been. (sorry BritBrit!)

QBQ! The Question Behind the Question: Practicing Personal Accountability in Work and in Life by John G. Miller

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My company used to have a book club in which the entire staff participated. Prior to my becoming a full time employee with the company and being included in this activity, they read “QBQ!” The book continues to be referenced by executive management and our Account Service Department is reading the book together. Well, I couldn’t be left out, so I had to buy it and read it for myself. I learned a few of the principles in this book though my own failings earlier in life (okay, within the last 12 years) and truly believe in the power of personal accountability. I take away an even greater depth to some of the basics I’ve already embraced and something I can share as I coach my team at work. No, I can’t change them, but I can share this book. Favorites for me: you always have a choice (I’ve been saying this for years.) Stress is a choice. Think in “I” terms not them. Do not adopt victim mentality. It’s energizing to read a book and flip your thinking.

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As I sit at my dining room/kitchen table (pub height), freshly fed a large salad wearing my jammies, slippers, and big fluffy robe entombed, I wonder, is this it? I’ve got a fully charged battery in my laptop and The West Wing on DVD. (Season 3)

Sometimes when you say you work in marketing and advertising people envision bling, flash, booze, lavish dinners, parties- glamour…real hot stuff. In reality, you’re lucky if I style my hair, put on makeup and don’t stuff my face while talking to you because I have to eat during meetings so I don’t starve. (by-the-way, I’m far from starving and I’d never forget to eat. I’d just miss it.) oh and most nights are spent as described above – the only hot stuff is my laptop when it’s been on for a few hours.

But, this is what I’ve chosen. I love my work. But…shouldn’t I love something else too?

Boy oh boy is this going to be fun. Third time was a charm on the upload of this video. Vimeo took forever to upload and then my audio was WAY our of sync with my video and actually cut of my video. Viddler missed the audio completely! Alas, I tried the big daddy of them all, YouTube.

I captured the video on my iPhone and copied it to my computer. I tried recording via my computer webcam, but didn’t like it, so I figured I’d give the phone video a change.

In the Year 2000…men around the world will suddenly stop what they’re doing, break into a knowing smile, nod slowly, and hug themselves with an appreciative rush that they were created as men. The severe appreciation will propel them to new research to alleviate the suffering of women everywhere and on January 15th, 2010 a breakthrough will be achieved. They’ll disrupt the space time continuum, launching back to that day in the Year 2000, taking the knowledge with them, and reducing suffering of women worldwide and thus, women everywhere will suddenly stop what they’re doing, break into a knowing smile, nod slowly, and hug themselves with an appreciate rush that men now bear all children.

* Facebook wouldn’t let me post this as my status update because it was too long

1. on an airplane
2. in a waiting room
3. in line anywhere
4. during a boring meeting
5. in the shower
6. while pooping – extra points if you are experiencing irregularity that keeps you on the can longer
7. during your commute to and from work
8. and finally, on your living room floor covered with a throw blanket, with your back inches away from the fireplace

Are there shows in your life that you watch only because they’re on? You enjoy them when they’re on, but you’d never seek them out.

Here’s my list of The Shows That Got Away:

1. Seinfeld
2. The Office
3. Two and a Half Men
4. CSI

Shows I <3:

1. Project Runway
2. The Big Bang Theory
3. How I Met Your Mother
4. Grey’s Anatomy
5. CBS Sunday Morning

Shows I like and try to watch:

1. Castle
2. The Mentalist
3. Rare Visions and Roadside Revelations
4. Kansas City Week in Review
5. Medium
6. Bones

I’m forgetting shows, but there you have it. What shows make your lists?

I spent many hours watching “This Emotional Life” on KCPT2 (local PBS) today. It was well constructed and interesting, but then again, I’m into psychology and educational television. (When I don’t have cable, I tend to watch lots of public television.)

Back on track, the show is actually a series in 3 parts (and I saw all 3.) It dives into human social interaction and emotions, balancing theory with case studies and research.

The good news? You can watch it online. I encourage you to check it out.

http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/

I have a nemisis. It is the giant snow plowed mound of snow to the left (or right) of my driveway. In fact, I hate the plow mounds everywhere. Somehow, I ended up with the largest plow mound on the block.

Tonight’s idea was so exciting that I can’t sleep until I share it with you. (really, I got out of my toasty bed and am now sitting on the floor in my guest room by the window where I can feel the cold seeping though)

Yes, I have a plan to repurpose my mound and yours! All mounds be gone! We are going to get bull dozers (or whatever those big scoopy trucks are) and dump trucks and haul the snow away to a field. In that field we shall create the largest snowman ever. Or an igloo. Or an ice cream shoppe.Or an entire city.

I think it’s a practical approach to Kansas City’s snow removal problem. “We built this city…we built this city on snow snow snow!!!”

My qualifications are pretty simple so you’d think I’d be attached, but apparently they’re not as simple as I think.

So here are the things that will win my heart and undying love:

1. You can fill in my trivia knowledge gaps. (sports, movies, and some music)
2. You have mad winter weather driving skills and can chauffeur my ass around town when it snows or other such winter storms invade.

Hmm, that’s about it right now.

Screw being funny. Screw having a job. Screw being fiscally responsible. Screw being interesting. Screw being attractive. (beauty is in the eye of the beholder)

Apply within.

Bonus points if you are willing to do the following household chores:

1. Put laundry away. I’ll sort it and wash it. You just have to hang it up or put it in the dresser.
2. Clean the litter box. Come on. No one likes cleaning a box full of shit and piss.
3. Vacuum. The sound still bugs me.
4. Handle routine car maintenance.

In exchange, you get all of the following:

1. I’ll cook.
2. I’ll grocery shop.
3. I’ll do the dishes. (I HATE hand washing dishes, but if that’s what it takes, I’ll do it. Because I love you.)
4. I’ll take out the trash.
5. I’ll do the laundry. (remember, you just have to put it away.)
6. I’ll sweep and mop.
7. I’LL CLEAN THE BATHROOMS.
8. I’ll clean the kitchen.
9. I’ll look pretty.
10. I’ll…wait, my family reads this. Use your imagination for #10.

Remember, I’m hilarious, sweet, and pretty smart. And I make my own money.

CAUTION! If you do NOT want me to fall in love with you, please do none of the above. Do not demonstrate superior trivia or winter weather driving skills. Do not demonstrate an ability to keep house. Do not in any way prove to be useful, lovable, or interesting.

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