Post Potter Phobia

Hello, world. I am both sad and excited--and nerdy and proud!--as I write this.  Because I am getting ready to go see the midnight showing of the final  Harry Potter movie.  This is something all we Potter fans have been anticipating and dreading with equal fervor, because it is so much more than a movie or a book franchise.  To those who have followed Harry's journey from the beginning, it is the end of an era.

I realized, as I thought about how old I was when I first heard of Harry Potter, that the wizarding world of Hogwarts has been a part of my life for just around half of my life.  Which is crazy.  Something that captivated me (and so many others) at the age of 11, is still something that I appreciate today.  I remember my teacher reading the first book out loud to our 6th grade class--the only time that all 30-odd students sat silent, completely absorbed in (shudder at the thought) literature.  I remember buying the first book on cassette tape for my mother to listen to, because she didn't understand what all the hype was about; my parents have been avid Potter fans since.  And I remember the first midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: sitting in a long line outside the movie theater with my friends (now in high school), the anticipation almost tangible.

Say what you will about the books and the movies, but the ability of J.K. Rowling to not only create a story--but a CULTURE-- is an incredible achievement in its own right.

Anyway, I am really letting my inner nerd out here, I know.  But even though this is the end of the Harry Potter series (precluding any eventual movie remakes, as I am sure will eventually occur), the world of Harry Potter is one that I will continue to revisit.  And it's something I plan to share with my children, if I ever have any.

Well, I guess that's enough spewing for today! I will follow up with a movie review soon, of course.

<3 SVL

Splotchy Tomatoes and Miniature Fireworks

Yes, that's right. I look like a splotchy tomato.  Leave it to me to somehow be only half-committed to saving my skin with sunscreen--thus producing large red splotches in random places that even normal work clothes don't entirely conceal.  Without divulging too much information, it's also been a very painful experience for me to sit down.

I'm blaming the spray-on sunscreen!  These marketers nowadays are getting too smart for their own damn good (or maybe just too smart for me?  Depressing thought.)  I mean, if you can't see where you put the sunscreen on because all it consists of is a vague mist that quickly evaporates on your skin, leaving only a faint stickiness as the only evidence it was ever there, how are you supposed to know you're covered?  Ha!  You don't!  And thus...splotchy tomato.

On a more positive note in relation to the 4th of July festivities, I had a very enjoyable Firework Viewing Experience.  We decided to climb up to a walking/biking trail overlooking the park in my boyfriend's neighborhood, and at any given point we were able to see between 3 and 6 different fireworks shows going on at once.  It was breathtaking.  The only unfortunate factor was the distance, which caused some obscurity due to mountains and cloud cover.  But for the most part it was definitely worth it, if for no other reason than avoiding the throngs of people that were doubtless present at the actual events.

My favorite show was actually the one furthest away from us on the coast, because the visibility was amazing.  Each firework looked so small and perfect, it was like I was watching a miniature replica of what fireworks are supposed to look like;  almost like a tiny drop of vibrant ink, that would suddenly explode and begin to bleed tiny beads of color against the blackness.

Farewell until next time, world...this chair is getting a bit too uncomfortable already.

<3 SVL

Happy 4th of July!

Getting ready to hopefully go scope out a good firework-viewing spot! There are a few spots in the county where you can watch 3 or 4 different fireworks shows happening at once! There's something about fireworks that I have always loved...I know a lot of people find them cliche. And to you I say, don't be such a Grinch! Ok, maybe the wrong holiday. But I love the innocence and the excitement of it. It takes me back to so many summers and memories ago, just like the smell of hot dogs grilling and the sun setting over the valley. So here's to you, America. And to the brave men and women who have given and continue to give so much every day so that we can celebrate another year of freedom. May you and your loved ones be safe and happy today.

Happy Birthday USA!

<3 SVL

Disasters and Disneyland

Hello again, world!  I don't know what has happened with time lately, it's like I blinked and two weeks just flew by!

This weekend was one that started off terrible.  Friday was one of those days that whatever could go wrong, did. If the car we were driving in suddenly caught fire of its own accord I would not have been surprised at all.  In fact, I was almost expecting it by the end of the night.  Some useful lessons I gathered from the experience, that I will now pass on to you:

1.) Don't ever leave for Los Angeles from San Diego at 4pm on a Friday afternoon and expect to be there before 8:30.
2.) Hollywood is disgusting, dirty, vile, ugly, unkempt, expensive, and overcrowded.  If a city is able to be described by sentient attributes, then I would say it is unfeeling, rude, and two-faced.  I have no idea why people move there to try to "make it big."  At the risk of sounding like a giant, sheltered snob (which I guess I am, in some respects), I kissed the ground in San Diego the second we got back.
3.) Don't ever go anywhere without cash.  Apparently, in this world where we can now push a button on our smart phones and pay for our Starbucks, we still need to pay CASH ONLY for show tickets and parking lots.  What good is technology if it fails you when you need it most?
4.) If a show opens up with a loudmouthed woman scaring half of the audience away with her ill-timed and ill-delivered fat, ugly, lesbian, and gay jokes, then you know the show is off to a bad start.  It's off to an even worse start when you realize it is "her" show, and she will be coming onstage between each act to deliver more low-brow insults that were supposed to pass for jokes.  It is around this time when you have sat through two hours of mostly not-at-all funny comedians, that your friend is up next onstage (who you know to be funny, or you wouldn't have driven all the way to LA to see him!) and gets cut off 4 minutes into his act.
5.) If you decide to drive through Beverly Hills on your way back to normal civilization, and you see a sign for road construction blocking the southbound freeway entrance up ahead, TURN AROUND.  It isn't worth it.  "Well can't I just get on the northbound freeway, and take the next exit that has an entrance to the southbound?"  You think to yourself.  Oh ho ho noooo!  They have effectively blocked off the next ten miles of exits and onramps, and you will begin to smell a conspiracy!  At least, I did by the time we had driven another 15 miles north without finding somewhere to turn around.
6.) Even though by this point in time you have effectively wasted about $140 on gas, parking, overpriced drinks and tickets, it is a good idea to do whatever possible to make the rest of the weekend better.  Solution?  Disneyland!

I love spontaneous trips, especially to the happiest place on earth!  So that's what we decided to do with our Saturday.  Even though I had some misgivings about how crowded it was likely to be, my boyfriend became the master of FastPass Planning, and we were able to go on almost every ride we wanted to, several more than once.  Splash Mountain was the exception to this because the wait times are always outrageous when its 80 degrees outside.  We ended up buying season passes, so I am excited to go back again soon (excluding weekends and holidays, because I am too cheap to pay a thousand dollars just so I can go on those days.)

So to sum it up, what started out as the worst weekend ever, actually turned itself around.  Sometimes it pays to just say "screw it," cancel plans and spend some extra cash, and just enjoy yourself.

Until next time!

<3 SVL

Of the Matrix and an Ol' Dirty Bastard

Hello World,


You ever have one of those days, weeks, (or like me, months) where everything seems to have changed, and you're not quite sure where it began?  It's like you woke up in the Matrix, only you don't remember swallowing that little blue pill.  Or was it red? 


Anyway, it just seems like one of those times for me.  I realize I am talking in vague generalizations, and I wish I could be more specific, but that's the best I can do for now.  In the meantime, you are the poor, unsuspecting audience hearing my rants, however sporadic they might come.


On a slightly more specific note (you're welcome), I've had "Ghetto Supastar" stuck in my head for the past two days straight. Hopefully if you are between the ages of 20 and 40, you can appreciate what I'm talking about. That song holds a lot of nostalgia for me, because it reminds me of summertime and dance parties with my cousins. But the fact that it will not, for any length of time, leave my brain, makes me start to resent it! Why oh WHY do our brains insist on latching onto music and placing a single song, or chorus, or heaven forbid vague-tune-to-hum-because-you-don't-know-any-of-the-lyrics on "repeat" for an indefinite amount of time?


What's the longest amount of time you've had a song stuck in your head? What's the most annoying song you've ever had stuck in your head? Did I just get a song stuck in your head? *evil laugh*

<3 SVL

Dinner Options for the Motivationally Impaired

Hello again world!

Ever have one of those nights where you're too lazy to boil the water for Top Ramen? Yeah, that just happened. It's just been one of those weeks (and yes, I realize it's only Tuesday.) So here's a brief list inspired by my laziness!

Dinner Options for a Lazy Chick Who Doesn't Want to Cook and Hasn't Grocery Shopped in Weeks:

1.) Too lazy to boil water? Top Ramen is just as delicious straight from the bag! Hell if it's good enough for third graders, it's good enough for you!

2.)Speaking of third grade delicacies, PB&J sounds delicious. Look in the pantry: peanut butter? Check. Look in the fridge: squeezable jelly that gives you the perfect spread every time, without a knife? Check! Look on the counter...EFF! No bread. Not to worry, friends. Ritz crackers are your best friend in your carb-starved, peanut buttery time of need!

3.) Cereal! That's semi-healthy, right? It says right on the box that Fruit Loops are a good source of fiber now. But alas, no milk. Straight from the bag it is! The plus side to this, is that you don't even have to waste a bowl. 

4.) Salad has wilted and is no longer a viable source of greens. No problem! You still have the Costco-sized satchel (not bag. satchel.) of croutons! That's the best part of the salad anyway, might as well cut to the chase. Dip in ranch dressing, to taste.

Want something more conventional, but without the hassle of cooking, you say?

5.) Grab that pop-top can of Progresso soup and microwave that sh*t! (You're too lazy to use the stove, remember?) Don't forget to put a paper towel over the bowl so you don't have to clean the microwave!  If  desired, add a few of those croutons to garnish...instantly classy!

There you have it, folks. A list of some of my favorite go-to options! You may choose to modify recipes to taste, or even create a few of your own! Or you might get distracted by the bag of Oreo's you forgot were in your cupboard. Half a bag later, you won't even need dinner! Not that that's ever happened to me. 

<3 SVL

General Observations from an Undercaffeinated Gym Rat

What happens when I'm low on energy (a.k.a. coffee, Mother Nature's Nectar)? You end up getting random lists about topics that tend to be on my mind. Tonight it's the gym, because I'm feeling guilty about the fact that I was too tired to go. So, without further ado:

A Profile of Typical Gym Habitants (to be extended or amended at any point in the future):

The Faker: This is never a good title to have, in any context that comes to mind. But you know them well. They come to the gym, walk around with their towel that never gets dirty and sip on their nalgene bottles...but never seem to DO anything. Oh, they might occasionally lift a weight or two. But most of their time is spent on the phone or chatting up the greeter at the front desk. For men, they can be recognized by their muscle tanks or Under Armor. Women prefer tight spandex and a sports bra only. The Faker's mindset is, "I get credit just for being here and looking good. Nobody will notice how much I'm repping."

Cardio Guy/Gal: As the name implies, this gym-goer is all about the cardio. The treadmill and elliptical are their weapons of choice, and they won't stop 'til they get enough! Cardio Guy or Gal seems oblivious to the sidelong, jealous glances they invoke after jogging 6 miles in 30 minutes. Their strength comes (seemingly) from within, and from the Techno Mix they have blasting through their iPod. See also: The Excessive Sweater.

The Overly-Loud-While-Lifting-Weights-To-Seem-Impressive Guy: Yup, there's always one. And the poor guy doesn't realize he is the source of both annoyance and amusement for the rest of the weight room. He grunts and whines while lifting weight that really isn't all that impressive. Guys smirk, and women shun him. Maybe one day he'll realize that grunting is not directly proportional to strength?

The Situationally Unaware Senior Citizen: He comes in donning short-shorts and knee-high socks. Sweat bands are common but not necessary. He invades your workout area and personal space, either without realizing or without caring. He stares down younger women with a slightly creepy air. And most of all, he doesn't realize that burping in the middle of the gym is not the sign of machismo that brings the ladies running or the men nodding with respect. Be careful to avoid direct eye contact when in the same vicinity, as it will most likely lead to "I wish I was your age again! I was repping twice that!"

The Behemoth: Man or woman, every gym needs a body builder of intense proportions. They overshadow all competition, literally. Their protein shake and weight belt are never far from their side, and they seem to feed off the obvious envy and awe they provoke. More than likely, the gym is comping their membership just for the good PR it's providing them. You've either said it or thought it in their presence: "Dayumm!"

Old Naked Guy/Lady in the Locker Room: You can't run, and you can't hide. They're right there, when you are least expecting it, in some unflattering angle in the mirror. You shudder. But there they are for all the world, shamelessly donning their birthday suit and rubbing on lotion post-sauna soak.

The Unassuming Gym Rat: He or she is there on schedule every week. They come in and execute their workout routines with precision, endurance and focus. They garner respect not because of their appearance, or the persona they give off, but because they are the real deal. There to exercise, push their limits and look at themselves as their own worst critic. Here's to you, Unassuming Gym Rat! I like to think that I aspire to your greatness :)

<3 SVL

It's Thirsty Thursday, Gimme an Extra Shot in my Macchiato ;)

Hello World!


Sorry it's been a few days since my last post, but things have been busy, busy, busy...the crappy thing about long weekends, is that the rest of the week you are spending trying to play catch-up. I'm not trying to be a pessimist, but we all know it's true.


Anyway, I did manage to get the Weekend of Sequals in, even though it spilled over into the work week a bit. Kung Fu Panda II was cute as predicted, and if nothing else, the graphics and artwork for the movie were awesome. When you have someone like Jack Black voicing the main character, you know it has humor that adults could enjoy as much as the kids. AND (spoiler alert!) they left things open to make a third movie ;)


The Hangover II was better than I expected, because to be honest the hype surrounding the movie made me a bit nervous. How could someone successfully write basically the same movie plot TWO times and have them both be a hit? In this case it worked out, though. If you liked the first movie's brand of crude and predictable humor (not for the weak of stomach), you should like this one, too. And what can I say, the monkey was damn cute. He pretty much made the movie. The fact that he could rock a denim biker jacket and puff noncholantly on a cigarette made him my hero! Not going on my list of favorites but it was definately good for some laughs...Was it an enjoyable movie? Yes. Do I hope they know when to call it quits and refrain from making a third in this case? Yes.


Also a big shout out to Bobby B. for being my first official follower! You're the best!


I will be writing again shortly. In the meantime, food for thought: As I write this on my lunch break, I wonder how strange it would be to return to a time and place without social networking. Do you think you would be more productive in your everyday tasks, or would you just find something else to kill time? Hmmmm....

<3 SVL

Fresh Jolts and Great Java!

Day one of the four-day weekend down! Excited for future prospects and a fresh perspective on my life path. Went to look at the UCR (University of California, Riverside) campus with my boyfriend today, as he is transferring there for the fall semester. I decided that since we were there, and I was already sunburned and ridiculous looking from trekking all over the dang place, I might as well ask about the graduate programs they offered on campus. Turns out they have a prestigious Journalism and Creative Writing program, and are in fact the only UC to offer a BFA in Creative Writing.

I'm excited just thinking about it. Even if it doesn't happen for a couple more years, depending on the financial situation, I feel like I have momentum again. It's amazing how just making a commitment to progress and change can be the catalyst needed for a fresh lease on life. And in the meantime, world, I will keep on writing. And staying caffeinated to get the job done!

My favorite part of the day: The Coffee Bean on campus makes a mean Iced Blended Vanilla!

I should be checking in again shortly -- I'm hoping to check out a movie or two this weekend and will inevitably project my opinions onto you! Not to spoil anything, but... I'm thinking the Weekend of Sequals! AKA The Hangover II and/or Kung Fu Panda 2. And yes, the dichotomy of the target audience for those movies is not lost on me. But I am, at heart, a cinephile and an eclectic one at that! YOU WILL READ IT AND ENJOY! *evil laugh*

<3 SVL

The First Cup

My first blog post! And what a lot of work. Here's a look at the creative magic that took place:


8PM--Realize I have been neglecting my passion for writing on the regular...in short, I need a blog!
8:15PM--I'm too hungry to think. Off to Subway for some much-needed deliciousness.
9PM--Sit down to make a blog! But check Facebook first.
9:15PM--Step one: create a username/blog title. Ughhhh.....the pressure! Grab a rum and coke to relax.
9:40PM--Still no luck. I'm stuck with this name forever, I don't want it to be lame or misrepresentational of my blogging intentions, which as yet remain undisclosed. (Ooooh, the intrigue!)
10PM--Check Facebook.
10:30PM--Stroke of genius! I have the perfect name. 
11PM--Now that I have a blog name, I definitely need a Twitter account that matches! 
11:30PM--Check Facebook.
12AM--Finish making my blog layout spectacular and completely non-amateur in appearance.
12:30 AM--Eff. I need to go to bed. Better write at least one blog post so I feel all this was worth it!


Good night world. I have the feeling I'm going to like this blogging bit, so I hope you will join me in the journey. More to come very soon...

<3 SVL