As an event planner, every single program that I put on or every show that I produce has to be up to my standards. I don't like doing things halfway or sub-par This goes from events I plan for work all the way down to dinner parties I plan for friends. If it has my name on it, it better be good. I'm sure you're the same way with your line of work.
Soon I have yet another big work event to put on and I have been buried in the planning process since January. This may be my career-defining event and I've been eating and sleeping all-things-planning for months. I'm talking 12 hour work days, weekends, holidays...you name it. Everything else has been neglected, unfortunately, and that includes this space.
It's so hard to stay connected online when you're running out of air in real life.
However, my event is coming up quickly (oh...so quickly) and I will hopefully be less crazed in just a little while. I know I've been saying that over and over - but life has been non-stop since I moved to Dallas and I think there's a "slow down" button on the other side of my event. Fingers crossed!
I did hear the sad news about Google Reader, so I will need to figure out something different for how I read all of my favorite blogs. Any suggestions?
If you're still hanging on as a reader here - do not give up hope! As you can see, I've given the place a new look (or if you've been reading a while, this is more a retro look) and I definitely appreciate you and will be back to filling your Google Reader replacement with more random posts soon!
This post is brief, as I just needed to come to this space, write a little update for you and take a second to breathe before I go back under.
Thank you one million times and more for reading!
Be back soon.
3.20.2013
3.06.2013
End of Season :: New TV Shows Review
Springtime brings about the birth of so many wonderful things; but also the death of another season of television shows. In a few weeks, plenty of shows are about to go on hiatus until fall and I thought I'd offer my two cents of a review on some of the new shows I've tuned into in the 2012-2013 season.
1) Scandal. This isn't a new show; but gets added on the list because I know there are millions of new viewers this season. I adore Kerry Washington and admire Shonda Rhimes, so I've been watching since the beginning, but do think it got a better momentum the second season. It was weird how they handled Steven's (Henry Ian Cusack) departure at the beginning of season two; but I don't think too many people noticed. Anyway, the show is constantly throwing jaw-dropping scandals in your face. If you haven't watched the show...just watch it! It's got just the right amount of soapy, romance-y drama, violence and political angst to please just about anybody. Some of the writing is a little stale and some of the relationships are forced; however, you can't deny the chemistry between Olivia and Fitz (it basically steams up your television anytime the two of them are in a shot together) and you will want to know who/what will need fixing next!
As this season comes to an end, I hope that we see a happy Olivia Pope before the inevitable season finale cliffhanger and I hope season three reveals much more about Harrison's background because he's still the mystery character at this point.
2) The Following. This is a new mid-season show starring Kevin Bacon as former FBI agent, Ryan Hardy. I honestly was excited about it because...well...Kevin Bacon - and I liked the synopsis. A serial killer named Joe Carroll (played by James Purefoy) manages to form a following in prison and uses the followers as pawns in his schemes to reconnect with his ex-wife and child, as well as his plans to wreak havoc on anyone that ever did him wrong. Something about that premise seemed interesting to me and the first episode was eerily good. I remember being both creeped out and impressed after the pilot episode. Unfortunately, the show has gone down hill since the pilot.
For Kevin Bacon's sake, I kept watching; but the writing is painfully unbelievable. Carroll's wife is ridiculous to the cops doing everything trying to help her out. Especially considering her husband is a serial killer and is relentlessly after her and her son. And how many times have we seen a hardened cop with an addiction that can function better than all other cops while under the influence. It's been done before and it's tired. While I'm sad to say it, this show is disappointing. Hopefully, the writers pull through toward the end of this season and make this a much more intriguing show!
3) Deception. Another new show. This one I actually didn't want to watch at all. Yet another show about a ridiculously rich family with a dark history and a million secrets. Cliche. But after getting back from one of my recent events, I took a bit of time off and a lazy, rainy day makes you do all sorts of things you didn't plan on doing. I ended up watching this show and getting a little sucked in. I don't know why! It's probably just as unbelievable as The Following and Laz Alonso's character drives me nuts...but for some reason, I can handle this show a few more episodes. I'm not that invested in Meagan Good's character or really anyone's, but I do want to know who killed Vivian Bowers and I think the writers have thought of a few creative ways to keep viewers interested in that main hook. It's not the best show you'll watch...but it will get you through a rainy day.
4) The Mindy Project. I never got into The Office, but decided to give this show a try. Mindy Kaling is very funny and most of the time I watch just to see what will come out of her mouth. She's always on and I laugh out loud at least once per episode. Also, thanks to Wikipedia I found out that this show is the first television series with a South Asian American in the lead role. Great job setting records, Mindy! The cast is great and just random enough. It's also a treat seeing so many talented comedians and actors guest starring from episode to episode. You never know who is going to show up and in what capacity! It's a great comedic relief during the week.
5) Go On. The latest Matthew Perry project is another new sitcom. I actually really like Matthew Perry and have followed his post-Friends television career attempts. He's a funny guy. Unfortunately, all of the shows he's been involved in have failed, so far...but I think this one has the most promise. I haven't watched all of the episodes, but I'm really pulling for Perry and hope that even though it's not my favorite show - it at least lives to see a second season!
6) The Americans. This new show - starring Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys - follows the lives of Soviet KGB spies sent to America to blend in as a regular citizens. Set in the 1980s, it's a gritty, bleak show and subject matter. The timing and pacing are a little awkward and the KGB spies "missions" are difficult to understand the purpose behind at times, but I think it's an interesting concept. I'd like to see where it goes.
That wraps up all of the new shows I've checked out this season. Have you seen any of these shows? If so, what did you think?
Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
1) Scandal. This isn't a new show; but gets added on the list because I know there are millions of new viewers this season. I adore Kerry Washington and admire Shonda Rhimes, so I've been watching since the beginning, but do think it got a better momentum the second season. It was weird how they handled Steven's (Henry Ian Cusack) departure at the beginning of season two; but I don't think too many people noticed. Anyway, the show is constantly throwing jaw-dropping scandals in your face. If you haven't watched the show...just watch it! It's got just the right amount of soapy, romance-y drama, violence and political angst to please just about anybody. Some of the writing is a little stale and some of the relationships are forced; however, you can't deny the chemistry between Olivia and Fitz (it basically steams up your television anytime the two of them are in a shot together) and you will want to know who/what will need fixing next!
As this season comes to an end, I hope that we see a happy Olivia Pope before the inevitable season finale cliffhanger and I hope season three reveals much more about Harrison's background because he's still the mystery character at this point.
2) The Following. This is a new mid-season show starring Kevin Bacon as former FBI agent, Ryan Hardy. I honestly was excited about it because...well...Kevin Bacon - and I liked the synopsis. A serial killer named Joe Carroll (played by James Purefoy) manages to form a following in prison and uses the followers as pawns in his schemes to reconnect with his ex-wife and child, as well as his plans to wreak havoc on anyone that ever did him wrong. Something about that premise seemed interesting to me and the first episode was eerily good. I remember being both creeped out and impressed after the pilot episode. Unfortunately, the show has gone down hill since the pilot.
For Kevin Bacon's sake, I kept watching; but the writing is painfully unbelievable. Carroll's wife is ridiculous to the cops doing everything trying to help her out. Especially considering her husband is a serial killer and is relentlessly after her and her son. And how many times have we seen a hardened cop with an addiction that can function better than all other cops while under the influence. It's been done before and it's tired. While I'm sad to say it, this show is disappointing. Hopefully, the writers pull through toward the end of this season and make this a much more intriguing show!
3) Deception. Another new show. This one I actually didn't want to watch at all. Yet another show about a ridiculously rich family with a dark history and a million secrets. Cliche. But after getting back from one of my recent events, I took a bit of time off and a lazy, rainy day makes you do all sorts of things you didn't plan on doing. I ended up watching this show and getting a little sucked in. I don't know why! It's probably just as unbelievable as The Following and Laz Alonso's character drives me nuts...but for some reason, I can handle this show a few more episodes. I'm not that invested in Meagan Good's character or really anyone's, but I do want to know who killed Vivian Bowers and I think the writers have thought of a few creative ways to keep viewers interested in that main hook. It's not the best show you'll watch...but it will get you through a rainy day.
4) The Mindy Project. I never got into The Office, but decided to give this show a try. Mindy Kaling is very funny and most of the time I watch just to see what will come out of her mouth. She's always on and I laugh out loud at least once per episode. Also, thanks to Wikipedia I found out that this show is the first television series with a South Asian American in the lead role. Great job setting records, Mindy! The cast is great and just random enough. It's also a treat seeing so many talented comedians and actors guest starring from episode to episode. You never know who is going to show up and in what capacity! It's a great comedic relief during the week.
5) Go On. The latest Matthew Perry project is another new sitcom. I actually really like Matthew Perry and have followed his post-Friends television career attempts. He's a funny guy. Unfortunately, all of the shows he's been involved in have failed, so far...but I think this one has the most promise. I haven't watched all of the episodes, but I'm really pulling for Perry and hope that even though it's not my favorite show - it at least lives to see a second season!
6) The Americans. This new show - starring Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys - follows the lives of Soviet KGB spies sent to America to blend in as a regular citizens. Set in the 1980s, it's a gritty, bleak show and subject matter. The timing and pacing are a little awkward and the KGB spies "missions" are difficult to understand the purpose behind at times, but I think it's an interesting concept. I'd like to see where it goes.
That wraps up all of the new shows I've checked out this season. Have you seen any of these shows? If so, what did you think?
Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
1.23.2013
Private vs. Public
Lately, I've been considering going back to school. My only hesitation is the expense. I have a mini anxiety attack thinking about paying for yet another degree. But at the moment, the idea of college is intriguing.
One of my best friends has also been thinking about school...but for her little one. Even though her baby is barely walking, she's already checking out schools in her area (because apparently, it's necessary to start looking at preschools insanely early in order to get them on a waiting list. I have no kids, so what do I know?). I let the whole "waiting list" bit go and instead we began talking about school options for kids. The conversation led me to the question:
What about school was important to you?
I'm the product of both private and public school education and believe there are pros and cons to both. As you know if you read my blog - I'm a military brat, so I moved a lot. I went to DoDDS and to civilian public schools at first. Then another move brought me to private school. My private school wasn't one of those big, fancy ones - as seen on TV - and it was very limited in extra curricular activities; but what it lacked it tried to make up for in education. After leaving private school and enrolling back in public school (are you keeping up??) - I was either put in advanced classes or just skipped over classes all together. I knew my curriculum in private school was a little advanced; but it sunk in (fast) when I came back to America my senior year of high school and my guidance counselor recommended that I be put in trigonometry...even though I'd never even taken geometry. They must have thought I was some sort of genius! I'm not, mind you, but I did pass the class. It was nothing short of a miracle.
After high school, I stayed in the states and went to a public university and experienced college life. But it's really Kindergarten through 12th grade that truly matter, as far as education. It is my belief that you learn the essentials of who you are by the time you're 18. Anything after high school (whether it be college, military or going straight into your trade) only tests who you think you are.
When I was speaking with my friend about likes and dislikes of private and public school, we talked about what would be important for the next generation, based on our own experiences. If I am blessed with the opportunity to bring children into this world, I will look at public and private institutions where I live, as both are viable options. However, there are three things that are important to me, that I think should be instilled in a child through the avenue of school:
One of my best friends has also been thinking about school...but for her little one. Even though her baby is barely walking, she's already checking out schools in her area (because apparently, it's necessary to start looking at preschools insanely early in order to get them on a waiting list. I have no kids, so what do I know?). I let the whole "waiting list" bit go and instead we began talking about school options for kids. The conversation led me to the question:
I'm the product of both private and public school education and believe there are pros and cons to both. As you know if you read my blog - I'm a military brat, so I moved a lot. I went to DoDDS and to civilian public schools at first. Then another move brought me to private school. My private school wasn't one of those big, fancy ones - as seen on TV - and it was very limited in extra curricular activities; but what it lacked it tried to make up for in education. After leaving private school and enrolling back in public school (are you keeping up??) - I was either put in advanced classes or just skipped over classes all together. I knew my curriculum in private school was a little advanced; but it sunk in (fast) when I came back to America my senior year of high school and my guidance counselor recommended that I be put in trigonometry...even though I'd never even taken geometry. They must have thought I was some sort of genius! I'm not, mind you, but I did pass the class. It was nothing short of a miracle.
After high school, I stayed in the states and went to a public university and experienced college life. But it's really Kindergarten through 12th grade that truly matter, as far as education. It is my belief that you learn the essentials of who you are by the time you're 18. Anything after high school (whether it be college, military or going straight into your trade) only tests who you think you are.
When I was speaking with my friend about likes and dislikes of private and public school, we talked about what would be important for the next generation, based on our own experiences. If I am blessed with the opportunity to bring children into this world, I will look at public and private institutions where I live, as both are viable options. However, there are three things that are important to me, that I think should be instilled in a child through the avenue of school:
- Socialization. It is my job to create social settings for people to engage, network and learn. No, I mean, it really is my job. I get paid to do it. So I honestly think, at my core, being comfortable around different groups of people and in different settings is my Number One priority in picking a school for my currently non-existing children. Yes, socialization happens in the home, through religion, through media and so on. But kids spend most of their day at school and I want that environment to be a culturally diverse and socially comfortable one. In private school, I experienced some of the most sheltered, awkward kids I have ever met my entire life. They were also the kids that never hung out with anyone after school. Outside of church and school, they stayed at home. Their circles were so small at a very early age. I'm not saying that this happens to everyone; but I just don't want to take that chance with my own kids.
Schools that have plenty of extracurricular activities will be high on my list. I was always athletic, so sports were very key in my development growing up. Same with art and music. I was even in Odyssey of the Mind (30 points if you know what this is). What I like most about these "outside of the classroom" activities is that they nurture the talent and interest of kids. If I didn't have outlets like art classes, basketball and band, I probably would have been highly discouraged in school. I want to make sure my kids' school encourages their natural abilities the same way extracurricular activities encouraged my own. - Curriculum. While I do want my kids to be socialized, I also want them to be well-educated. College is helpful in honing in on whatever career you might want to go into; but basic reading, writing and arithmetic are most important. Good ole science and history classes, as well as GRAMMAR classes! I want to make sure that my future kids are in a learning environment that is both challenging and rewarding. It's imperative that the school focuses on actually teaching and not on passing a standardized test. That standardized test might get them to the next grade; but true knowledge will help get them through life post-school. So, I will make sure that the education tools span further than just a bubble sheet.
- Faculty & Staff Engagement. My mother was very involved in our schools growing up. She was part of the PTA, she was always helping out wherever she could and she was THE BEST at getting free stuff for our schools. Computers, popcorn machines, money, you name it! She's probably the reason I enjoy fundraising. One of the reasons she was so successful in doing this was because she knew (and liked) most of the principles and teachers. I think having a good relationship with the faculty and staff at my kids' school will be very important.
On the flip-side, as a child I lucked out and had some really great teachers. This is no small feat, especially considering how many schools I went to in just 12 years. I had a few Trunchbull-ish teachers, but they were always outnumbered by the Miss Honey's. My favorite teachers were always my art and English, poetry or creative writing teachers. They all became like mentors to me and were influential in making me who I am today. A dedicated faculty and staff that actually wants to invest in developing the minds of young people and encourage parental participation will be top on my list. I hope my kids get their fair share of Miss Honeys.
- What are the most important aspects of school for you and/or your kids?
- Do you prefer private or public school?
1.15.2013
Updates through Pictures
I'm back! Well, for the time being at least. My site update is taking longer than anticipated, and I miss writing - so I am back here. Having said all of that, I realized that I have no idea what to write at the moment, so instead I'll subject you to some pictures. Who doesn't like those?
Having almost been in Dallas for a year now, I am happy to have had the opportunity to get out and explore so much of what the city has to offer. Right towards the end of the year, I went to see the Chihuly exhibit at the Dallas Arboretum. It was a beautiful day and a great exhibit!
Shortly after, some friends and I tried to go to the Perot Museum that just opened. We didn't realize that they only allow ticket holders inside at specific times and couldn't wait for the next time slot. So instead we ended up at the aquarium, which was a fun alternative.
For the holidays, I went back to Washington, DC to spend Christmas and New Years with my wonderful sisters. It was so relaxing and fun to be back in the place I called home for quite a while. Gotta love being pampered with snowflake pancakes!
While in DC, I had the opportunity to go to my old church, visit friends and stop into some of favorite little places in the area. I even got to try out some new recipes on my sisters, like poached pears (which were incredible)!
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| So...maybe all I did was eat the whole Christmas vacation... |
And now it's 2013 and things are back to being busy, as usual. I've taken to really relishing in the weekends that I don't have to work. This past weekend, I volunteered with Paws In The City to play with some pups try and get dogs adopted. It was a gross, rainy day; but how can you not be in a good mood when you see a face like this? I hope some of these babies get a forever home!
I also stopped by the Warby Parker Class Trip bus. I already own a pair of glasses from WP, so I didn't really need new ones; but it was still fun to experience this mobile showroom first-hand.
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| Please ignore the man ruining my shot... |
I also had the chance to learn more about their "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair" program from one of the associates - which I'm all for. If you're on the hunt for some new specs, I highly recommend Warby Parker. You can try on their frames - at home - for free and prescription glasses only cost $95. You really can't go wrong here. I love their frames and love their service even more.
Somewhat unrelated: I realized after only a few minutes in the bus that there is an incredibly large hipster community here in Dallas. Don't know how I didn't notice this before.
Hope you enjoyed the photo post! I will be back to writing very, very soon!
11.07.2012
Under Construction
Hey Y'all! ^_^
So, if you follow me here...you're probably wondering "what happened to her blog?!"
As it turns out, I am working on a new project for this space that is both exciting and extremely time-consuming...so for now, I am on a bit of a hiatus from writing. Just a hiatus, though - I'm not gone!
And if you're stopping by for the first time - welcome! Feel free to have a look around (view some of my previous posts and so on) and make yourself comfortable! I'll be back soon!
Until then...
So, if you follow me here...you're probably wondering "what happened to her blog?!"
As it turns out, I am working on a new project for this space that is both exciting and extremely time-consuming...so for now, I am on a bit of a hiatus from writing. Just a hiatus, though - I'm not gone!
And if you're stopping by for the first time - welcome! Feel free to have a look around (view some of my previous posts and so on) and make yourself comfortable! I'll be back soon!
Until then...
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