Bon Appetit

For her birthday, my roommate Kelly received a cooking class at CulinAerie, a cooking school in downtown DC. After attending the class, Kelly wanted to return to the school, but this time as a volunteer. Kelly asked if I would be interested in joining her and I jumped at the opportunity.

The class that we volunteered for was called "Channeling your inner Julia Childs" and was centered around French cuisine. Our instructor, Susan Holt, was engaging and made cooking the traditional French cuisine easy!

As volunteers, Kelly and I arrived about an hour early to help prep the ingredients and cooking stations for the students. Once the class started we got to watch Susan's demonstration and then lend a hand to the students cooking; making sure they were following the steps to complete the meals and generously filling their wine glasses when empty (after all, cooking is more fun when you have a glass of wine handy).

The environment of the class was amazing. Everyone was having a fantastic time, including us volunteers. The class was about 3 hours long and included instruction and food and beverage. Once the class was over, it was our turn to enjoy the meal. Susan whipped up all three courses for us and then sat down to share dinner with us. I am looking forward to going back for both as a student and volunteer and would recommend that everyone else do the same!

http://www.culinaerie.com/

BREAKING NEWS

Olivia said "Sue" last night while I was talking to Victoria on the phone. She is definitely a babbling fool these days, but nothing sounded sweeter than when I heard her say this.

Pretty sure that concludes it, I am officially the favorite aunt....

I can't sit still...

Okay, that's a lie because I have been sitting still on this couch for the past 5 hours practically. If you're judging, you should be ashamed. It's Sunday, there's football on and I ate too much Wendy's earlier to be any ounce of productive.

However, on any other day besides (most) Sundays, you won't typically find me sitting still unless it's forced upon me. Jogging in place or doing a self choreographed dance routine in my cubicle isn't "work appropriate" I guess, or is it? The past couple of weekends have been no exception to this.

Last weekend, Steve and I ventured to Old Rag Mountain to do one of my favorite hikes. Anytime a hike includes a rock scramble in the description, you can sign me up. The hike is located just a little north of Luray, VA and is about 8 miles long. You may question your choice of choosing the hike while you are winding up the mountain, but once you get to the top, the views are worth it.

Pictures of our success below and a nice snapshot of "Angry Steve".

I Couuuuuld Eat

My day today has been consumed by food! And not just any food, some of my FAVORITE foods! I blame it on the gray skies and endless rain. Let me just give you the rundown (obviously in list form)...

1. The day started with toast with butter and apple butter...that's right, double butter please. To make this start a little sweeter, might I add that this toast was made with the one and only Wonder white bread.

2. Lunch was a cup of gumbo (which could have been better but it was from the work cafeteria and all the andouille sausage was picked out...lame) with a side of cornbread (yessssss)

3. Snack! Are you ready for it? Chicken Cordon Bleu Balls. Here's what I want you to do, say that out loud (chicken cordon bleu balls) and not giggle. We had a party at work where these little gems were served up. I found a recipe online for something similar, check it out and try them - http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/chicken-cordon-bleu-bites/Detail.aspx.

4. Dinner. My roommate Kelly has never had a french dip sandwich. WEIRD, I know. So I whipped up some when I got home from work and served them with a side of sweet potato fries. Check out the recipe and the end result on her blog. www.becausesissaidso.blogspot.com.

6. Now for tomorrow...I have a new flavor of Ben and Jerry's that Meg picked up at the store (Milk and Cookies)in the freezer that is dying for a taste, jelly bellies are on the counter, and last but most certainly not least...KOZY SHACK CINNAMON AND RAISIN RICE PUDDING!!! What can I say? I have the taste buds of a 80 year old and love it and when I walked past this pudding aisle it called out to me like an old friend.

Are you drooling yet? Happy snacking. Hopefully it's on comfort foods.

Bargains for the Bride

It's no secret around my house that I love helping everyone get ready before a night out on the town. There's nothing better than having four extra closets to pick from and mixing and matching everyone's wardrobe to come up with fun new outfits to wear. But, before comes the getting dressed part, comes the shopping and there's nothing better (if you ask me) than finding a great bargain.

A couple of months ago my roommate Kelly asked me if I would be interested in helping her friend Kim shop for an outfit for her engagement photos. She wanted to look beautiful (not a hard task for her) and did not want to walk out of the mall feeling like she had spent a fortune. Of course I jumped at this opportunity. A bargain shopping challenge? Yes please.

Kelly, Kim, and myself met at the mall one evening after work to find her the perfect top and accessories for her photos. She definitely wanted to be well under $100 for everything. She was pretty open to trying whatever we handed her way, but ended up with a Forever 21 one shoulder white top for around $20 and bangles and earrings from Express for around $40 total. She looked gorgeous in her photos along with a very handsome fiance, David.

I had such a great time getting to know Kim and wish her and David all the happiness!



**Photos by Brian Lusby (http://brianlusbyphotography.com/)**

And then there was one....

Okay lets be honest, the spring and summer really got the best of us gals and our boy. What can I say? We are overly stimulated by warm weather and sunshine and can simply not be bothered by anything that isn't related to it unless it is the reason we get a paycheck each month.

I will be honest, I thought this blog was on the outs again (replay of Winter 2006), but I have heard you seven dedicated fans and I promise to get motivated and stay there for your entertainment as long as you promise to stay loyal three girls and a boy readers (even if it just becomes "The Girl Formerly Known as Three and a Dude" blog).

Just to fill you guys in on what's been happening since March, in true Three Girls and a Boy fashion, here is a short list of my spring and summer (in no particular order...just a quick recap...okay?):

1. Olivia is even cuter than she was in March (and is walking)
2. We went to OBX where we drank and ate enough to kill TWO armies and had a WONDERFUL time
3. Everyone has new jobs except for myself and Mom (still working on the reality show which we know will be Mom's ultimate key to success)
4. I made my first trip to Chicago this summer and am positive that I have to go back to embrace more of its awesomeness
5. I moved into a new house where I am loving my new roommates (especially those that cook...and the others I guess...) and am missing my old roommates all at the same time
6. Weddings, weddings, and more weddings
7. Moving into fall here...but have only slightly given up on the Hokies at this point

Stay tuned for more to come...sooner than later! It feels good to be back! Until then, here's a few of my favorite pictures from the last few months...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I am currently on posting hiatus, or just any other day as Marie sees it, but here is a little St. Patrick's Day nugget to hold you over.

Is this what they serve in heaven?

To start Marie’s 31^st year off on the right foot, myself, Marie, and Brian made our way to the Blue Duck Tavern at the Park Hyatt in DC for brunch. Brunch being one of my favorite meals offered at restaurants on the weekend (you can choose breakfast, lunch, or combined dishes…what more could you ask for?), I was excited before we ever even arrived.

When we first sat down and got a glimpse of the menu, I was even more excited about what was in store for us. The menu consists of items from a baked cinnamon bun French toast to rock shrimp and scrambled eggs. However, the deliciousness doesn’t stop at the food. The drink menu had it’s own twist on your typical brunch hangover cures with items like the bloody maria, a bloody mary with a tequila base instead of vodka, and a pomegranate champagne cocktail.

After a much needed debate I ended up ordering an apple-ginger mojito and the seasonal quiche which was filled with mushrooms and Italian cheeses. We started the meal off with crabcakes which had little to no filler and mostly all delicious lumps of crab. Marie ordered the sourdough baked pancake with dry cherries while Brian opted for the short rib hash. There was nothing on the table that I would not take a trip back for, everything was amazing!

In honor Victoria, I have decided to make a list of the next five things that I want to try at Blue Duck Tavern:

1. Baked Cinnamon Bun French Toast
2. Scrambled Eggs with Rock Shrimp
3. Homemade croissants and jams
4. Croque Madame
5. Hand Cut BDT Triple Fries

Much thanks to Marie and Brian for including me in this brunch!

HAPPY 31ST!!!

Happy Birthday to the oldest of the three girls and boy, to the one and only Marie, Pea, Sweet Pea, Reeses Piece. I don't know where we would be if you weren't the one leading the way. I have had a blast tagging along on your journey from 30 to 31 and can't wait to get started on 31 to 32. Cheers to you!!

What You Need to Know! Week of 3/1/2010

First week of March.... Woop Woop! Spring is almost here. I would also like to wish Marie a Happy 31st Birthday which is Saturday. That clock is ticking Marie.... Char Char Char!

I'm sad to report that Olivia, the baby, did not win Regis and Kelly's Cutest Baby Contest. I know this ranks up there with the other mysteries of the world like Where Do We Go After We Die? and Why Can't Jennifer Aniston Find True Love? I mean, she actually IS the cutest baby in the world.

Here is the kid that won...if anyone cares.
http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/regisandkelly/contests/beautifulbaby10/index.html

The Oscars are this weekend and I will spare everyone my long list of predictions since The Golden Globes were a complete catastrophe. However, I will talk about how excited I am that Steve Martin and the glorious Alec Baldwin are co-hosting the show. We are in for a real treat. Alec Baldwin is definitely one of my favorite people these days. He can do no wrong. 30 Rock... love it. SNL... love it. Panel judge on the Marriage Ref (new favorite show)... love it. I havent seen It's Complicated yet so I can't say for sure but I'm pretty sure I would... love it. I know that Alec has had his tabloid moments due to some unfortunate incidents in his personal life but I stand by him. I think Kim Basinger is jealous of his success and is trying to bring him down.

And for my ode to Alec, here are
5 Hilarious Jack Donaghy Exchanges:
Jack Donaghy: ...let me ask you a question, Kenneth. If Mr. Bright here told you to vote Republican, would you do it?
Kenneth Parcell: Oh, uh, no, sir. I don't vote Republican or Democrat. Choosing is a sin, so I always just write in the Lord's name!
Jack Donaghy: That's Republican. We count those.



Tracy Jordan: I'm gonna make you a mix tape. You like Phil Collins?
Jack: I have two ears and a heart, don't I?


Liz Lemon: Hey, you don't know the Post Master General, do you?
Jack: I do, but we had a falling out over the Jerry Garcia stamp. I mean, if I want to lick a hippie, I'll just return Joan Baez's phone calls.

Liz Lemon: Why are you wearing a tux?
Jack: It's after 6! What am I, a farmer?

Jack Donaghy: Good God Lemon, your breath... When did you find time to eat a diaper that you found on the beach?


"Tiger Woods Secretly Caught Golfing"
I just saw this Headline on People.com and thought it was amusing. You know considering he is a professional golfer.

What You Need to Know! Week of 2/22/2010

Right on schedule... I have to say the snow gods are finally looking out for me as this blizzard so kindly decided to miss us and head up North this go around. I've never been so happy to wake up and not see snow. If we can make it through March without anymore snow, I will be a happy lady.

So one of the stories on today's news cycle is the woman who was killed at Sea World after being dragged under water by a killer whale. While this is tragic, I dont understand why people still act surprised when wild animals attack after being put in domestic,controlled environments. Especially when the animal has the word "killer" in its name. The worst part is there have been reports from people that the whale seemed "agitated" in the day/hours before the attack. That should be a sign to back off for a while. Any woman can attest to that. One word for you... Crikey!

This weekend marks the end of 2010 Winter Olympic games in Vancouver so I would like to take this opportunity to talk about how much I love the Olympics. They have so much to offer: the fierce competition, cinderella stories. You get to learn about the culture of the host city/country. There's something for everyone. So for my list of the week here are my 5 favorite winter olympic events:
5. Half Pipe
4. Hockey
3. Ski Jumping
2. Speed Skating
1. Cross Events- Ski Cross, Snowboard Cross

SNOW TESTED WILL POWER - My Physical Challenge Update

As you can see from Marie's post below, the Washington DC area got a little snow over the past couple weeks. A crippling 36 inches to be exact. I choose the word crippling here very carefully because that is exactly what snow does to my day to day routine, cripples it. For this reason I have compiled the short list that you will see below.

FIVE THINGS I HATE ABOUT SNOW

5. I have Raynaud's Phenomenon. I'm cold. Always. No snow necessary.

4. I can't drive in wet weather. It makes me slip and immediately vomit on myself following, literally.

3. The majority of people can't drive in wet weather. They scare me and make me want to vomit on them.

2. I like to watch the snow. This doesn't sound like a problem, however, the best place to watch it from my apartment is from the front windows which are conveniently located next to the kitchen/pantry/fridge. I am fatter than I was two weeks ago.

1. I can't drive (already mentioned), I can't run (that's just stupid), and I park my ass in the kitchen. Add these all up and you get limited race training, a hold on yoga, and increased eating. Again, I am fatter than I was two weeks ago.

Needless to say, the snow can be pretty and fun for the first day, but by day four of working from my apartment and a tiny lap top, it's enough to make anyone go crazy.

In addition to working from home, I also have had to alter my physical challenge. Yoga has been cut back to once a week because it is almost impossible to find parking in the city due to the mountains of snow randomly placed along the side streets and running has been limited to indoors only. I'm not a hamster. I don't like the treadmill so I would be lying if I said my runs were never cut short.

This morning was the first time I had the courage to step on a scale since the first flake of snow fell and it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Nothing has changed. Not really what I was hoping for four weeks into my challenge, but could be worse. Damn you window by the pantry. Damn you.

More to come...

What You Need to Know! Week of 2/15/2010

Sooooo I missed a week. Things have been a little crazy in this girl's life. Now that the snow is melting and work has calmed down, I'm starting to recognize my life again. A long overdue shout out to Erin, the boy's wife, for her 27th birthday which was Feb. 7th. Happy Birthday Erin!

Since I've had my head stuck in the ground for the last 2 weeks I dont really know what's going on in the world so here, as promised, are my favorite and least favorite commercials from the Super Bowl. (with links so you can watch)

Best 5
1. Volkswagen Punching Game
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ3wgX2Oruo
2. E Trade Commercials (like them both)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbLTl7egwlU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYC23yL6KY8
3. Kia w/ the sock monkey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBh3r2mVFR8
4. Snickers w/ Betty White (She's so funny)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rauK4fBjkI
5. Google - this commercial (subject matter aside) was a glimpse into my work day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnsSUqgkDwU

Worst 5
1. Boost Mobile- it wasnt funny, it wasnt original, it was miserable
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLCbh2hAdqE
2. Taco Bell feat. Charles Barkley- How do you make Taco Bell food seem more appealing? You dont ask Charles Barkley, who has recently put on 300 lbs, to sell it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfw4xDQdbWQ
3. All of the Go Daddy commercials- these have always been bad and always will be.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iRODW6Q40s
4. All of the Doritos commercials- this is out of spite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Nxz-qiA8UQ
5. All of the Bud Light commercials- Weak sauce. Expected more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3d12ekAi14

Other commercials worth mentioning,
-Tim Tebow's commercial- I dont know if it was edited after the uproar when the announcement about Tim Tebow doing an anti-abortion ad was made but this commercial was harmless and didnt really stand for anything.
-Letterman/Oprah/Leno commercial- It was funny the first time they did this a couple years ago with just Oprah and Dave, but now it doesnt really mean anything. Kinda fitting for Jay. Someone should have had gotten Conan to do a commercial. People could get into that. I should be in advertising.

I promise to have more exciting news to discuss next week.

Capitol Hill Snow Pics - Saturday

The Ball Sack Adjustment

I work in a very male-dominated, testerone and ego-filled environment. Some days I love it. Some days I want to jump out the window. Unfortunately ladies, most of these men are over the age of 45, slowly balding, with bad suits, and growing pot bellies.  But back to the subject at hand (literally). I have a question for the five people who read this blog.

What is up with men adjusting themselves in the middle of a conversation, meeting, or presentation?

A few of my male colleagues (and boss) do this constantly, and its all I can do to keep from slapping their hands away from their crotches.  It is never discreet, often while sitting (which makes it even more obvious because sometimes a hip or leg lift is also required), and often while I am sitting or standing directly across from said male. Isn't this inappropriate? Isn't this one of those things your mom or dad teach when you're a little boy?  Or something your wife nags about? Is there an appropriate response or mannerly advice regarding the public ball sack adjustment, or will the victims of such flagrant acts forever remain victims, scarred by the careless and barbarian acts of our males colleagues?

What You Need to Know! Week of 2/1/2010

I'll tell you what you need to know.... WINTER F'ING BLOWS!
Its the middle of the week. I havent been able to get into the office for a full day all week and don't think I will due to bad weather, babysitter's kids are sick, etc AND I'm having the busiest week I've had in about a year. So, its almost 9:00 (in the PM) and I'm sitting at my dining room table trying to get work done (but actually blogging and drinking a beer). I spent 2 hours this evening scouring the greater Richmond area for a pair of snow boots.... couldnt find any. Not to mention they are calling for even more bad weather this weekend. So on this Groundhog Day in the year 2010, I say SUCK IT, PHIL! AND SUCK IT HARD!
Tomorrow I will continue my search for winter boots and head to the grocery store to stock up on whatever is left on the shelves. (Just so you know, I'm not one of those people who buys 10 loaves of bread and 12 dozen eggs everytime there's a flurry. I haven't been to the store in 3 weeks and we ate the last piece of protein in the house for dinner tonight... and I'm going to need more beer)
If I didnt have a job, and could eat Chinese food and pizza every day, and didnt have a crazy dog that wants to go out every 5 minutes I wouldnt mind the bad weather so much. Unfortunately for me, that is not the case.
So that is all I know this week... sorry.
Marie, can't NOAA do something about this?

What You Need to Know! Week of 1/25/10

There is so much to talk about this week, I dont even know where to begin!

Let's start with some crazy... Octomom's little Octuplets (sp?) turned 1 year old on Tuesday. The kids are doing well (thank god) but Nadya Sulewhocares is unfortunately still their mother. Let's just make a little birthday wish for those little guys that their life isnt as horrible as we imagine it will be.

Speaking of crazy, John Travolta is traveling to Haiti to donate money, medical supplies and resources. He's taking his wife Kelly Preston along with a group of Scientologist healers. Hasnt Haiti suffered enough? I hate Scientologists, even more than the crazy Christian fundamentalists and could blog solely on that topic but seriously?! Those poor people dont need to be pressured into joining a cult. Give them food, medical attention and get the hell out, John. You psycho!

Speaking of Christian fundamentalists, I heard on the radio this morning that Tim Tebow will be doing an anti-abortion commercial during the Super Bowl. I dont know who is funding this effort and I will clearly have more to say about it after I see it, but really Tim. I don't think I need you telling me what to do with my body. Tim Tebow... anti-abortion... Super Bowl... it blows my mind! (Look for my list of my Top 5 Favorite Super Bowl commercials in a couple weeks)

Now for what we all really want to talk about... The Decline of the Brangelina!
I know that Brad and Angelina's split has yet to be confirmed, but if there is one thing I've learned from reading celebrity gossip for the last 20 years is that there is always at least a little nugget of truth in these stories. By March 1st it will all be out in the open- and I will put money on that. I actually used to like them as a couple but she got weird and he can do better. And if he's smart, he'll go crawling back to Jen begging for forgiveness. I look forward to all the scandalous stories and allegations that should accompany this breakup. Who's going to get the kids, why they split, is he going back with Jen, is she in love with a woman? This could keep me riveted until June.

Now for something fun. This was sent to me yesterday and is one of the coolest things I've seen in a while. Enjoy! (I tried to embed the video but couldnt figure it out... sorry... just click the link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VFrmXB05yU

I'LL TAKE THE PHYSICAL CHALLENGE

This week marks the start of me living my every day life like I am a contestant on Double Dare, except I will never opt to answer the trivia question because I will be embarking each day on a physical challenge.

At the end of last year, after being inspired by roommate Amy and good friend Ashley, I decided I wanted to start training for a marathon. This aspiration came to an end during a nine mile run at 7:30 in the morning when my body was so numb, due to the 19 degree temperature outside, that it collapsed on the side of a major road. Basically I tripped, but was so damn exhausted and cold that rather than trying to regain control I just took the pavement to the face. What can I say? It seemed so much easier than tryin to catch myself. I only hope that my bleeding hips and severe embarrassment scored a few people a solid, "you'll never believe what I saw on my way to work," story.

The longest race I had run before starting this training was a 10K, yeah...you're right...a marathon was aggressive. This being said, I took a short break from running and discovered bikram yoga in the meantime, and as I have previous stated, I am now addicted to the practice. While the 90 minute work out sessions in the HOT room have made me feel amazing, I still can't move past the commitment I made to myself to run a more intense race this year. It is this very reason that I have decided to run a half marathon instead in April (probably a little more realistic). However, I can't give up on my new found love for Bikram, so this week I started my training for the half marathon with high hopes and big dreams of maintaining a minimum of two or three bikram sessions a week.

Now for some of you reading this, you are probably thinking that this sounds easy to accomplish. While I love the feeling of working out, I will opt for a nap any day and any hour of the week over dragging my ass miles down the road in the cold or sweating uncontrollably in a sauna-like room.

I plan on tracking my progress here on the blog. So get ready for all the complaining, hating my life, and most likely let down when my body doesn't transform into looking like Jennifer Aniston's or Megan Fox's. Oh and one rule for those four of you that actually read this thing, you're not allowed to judge me if and when I miss a run or two or am just too damn dehydrated to step into the HOT room.

Cheers and god speed.

So Much for that DVD Collection

Maybe you could call this post a late attempt to jump on the bandwagon, but I honestly would not feel right not posting my sincere sadness that Conan O'Brien will no longer be hosting the Tonight Show. While I can't say it is a frequent occurrence that I am able to stay awake for a full episode of the show, I can say that when I am able to, I have always laughed a hell of a lot harder and an octave higher with Conan as the host instead of Jay Leno.

Growing up we were lucky enough to own the Johnny Carson collector set of dvds. I used to watch them with the two girls and boy and laugh hysterically at Carson's Carnac the Magnificent bit and classic stand up routines by Steve Martin and others. Hilariousness such as this had not graced the presence of the tonight show since Carson's retirement until Conan O'Brien took over the time slot and introduced his puppet hip dance, fabulous hairstyle, and the bear frantically trying to find his cellphone in his fanny pack (aka masturbating bear) to 11:30pm.

I doubt that they will be creating a collector set of dvds from Conan's 7 month stint on the tonight show, but if they do you better believe it will become part of my collection.

What You Need to Know! Week of 1/18/10

I'm very sad to report that I don't have a future working for ESPN as an NFL analyst or at E! predicting award show winners. The Chargers really screwed me on Sunday losing to the Jets, destroying my Superbowl predictions. And out of the 14 Golden Globe categories for which I made predictions, I picked 4 correctly. Sunday was not my day. There is one thing that I am good at, along with the other 2 girls and boy, and that is judging people. So I have made my lists of the Top 5 Worst and Best Dressed from the Golden Globes.

Top 5 Worst Dressed (What kills me is I adore most of the women on this list... why cant they get it together?)

1- Julianne Moore - the seam down the front of the dress is puzzling
2- Julia Roberts - Not bad, just not occasion appropriate

3- Kristen Bell- those shoes don't work

4- Tina Fey- just bad

5- Zoe Saldana- ruffles gone wrong

Top 5 Best Dressed

1- Jane Krakowski

2- Kate Hudson

3- Olivia Wilde

4- Toni Collette

5- Courtney Cox

George Clooney's Hope for Haiti telethon will be on Friday night. Its on all the networks, CNN, MTV and VH1. I'll be watching and I'm sure I'll make a donation... well, because George asked me to.

So I just saw the pictures of Heidi Montag in People magazine after her round of 10 plastic surgeries. I'm so dumbfounded by her, I really don't even know what to say. I've never watched the Hills or The City or The Valley or whatever geographical location she came from so I don't really know her whole story, but I can't seem to understand why she is able to stay around. She is a miserable excuse for a human being married to an even more miserable excuse of a turd, Spencer Pratt. Here is an awesome quote from an interview:

"I'm living in my skin, and I look in the mirror and it's my career and my life, and you only have one. So, I want to take advantage of everything and be the best me, in and out, every way."

She's smart.

At least we can hope that one of her new gigantic boobs will explode and take her out.

Why? Cause it's fun

We all have one. Mine starts with a cup of coffee, yogurt or cereal bought from the office cafe, and a "Good Morning" to all the cubicles I pass as I make my way to my own. It's your morning routine, and if you're anything like me, when something is missing (specifically the coffee) your day doesn't start off quite right.

Regardless of what you're routine might entail, perhaps a trip to an out-of-the-way office bathroom for a little privacy follows your coffee, I have one thing that is a must for all of you to add. Each day after I say my good mornings, I sit down at my desk, turn on my computer, and start the waking up process. I check my emails for anything urgent and then make an immediate move to the Aol Television website. Working at Aol (I know what you're thinking, and yes, Aol does still exist) I have the pleasure of browsing through websites as a part of my actual job. I was doing just that when I stumbled upon the gem that is "TV's Top 5." On the television site there is a channel that does a run down of the top five TV moments from the day before. Sometimes they consist of sitcoms, but mostly just ridiculous moments that happened on TV. With all the recent Late Night controversy (I'm on team Conan and always will be) a lot of the top five picks have been clips from last night's monologues (which have been a real gas lately if you missed them). The website is below. Visit it, love it, bookmark it, favorite it, add it to your 'not doing work at work' list and be jealous that it is actually part of my work. And, lets be honest here, who doesn't appreciate a solid laugh first thing in the morning?! Oh, and, you're welcome.

CLICK ME. TV's Top 5!!

What You Need to Know! Week of 1/11/2010

We are in the second week of the new year and things seem to be getting back to normal. Don’t know if that’s good or bad. Big news this week is the earthquake in Haiti. I’ve seen pictures of the damage online and on the news and its pretty nasty. Here are some websites for organizations providing relief in Haiti. Please donate what you can.
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
http://www.redcross.org/
http://www.unicefusa.org/

On a much lighter note, I’m looking forward to some better gridiron action this weekend since 3 out of the 4 playoff games last weekend were total suckfests. Here are my predictions (Feel free to add your predictions in the comments):

AFC Championship
Chargers over Colts

NFC Championship
Saints over Vikings

Superbowl
Chargers win it all!

Not only is there playoff football to keep you on the edge of your seat this weekend, but the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards will be held Sunday evening which are just as thrilling to me. As an award show enthusiast, the Golden Globes is my favorite award show because it combines both television and movie awards. I love the red carpet interviews, the fashion, the speeches. Its fantastic! Not to mention the hilarious Ricky Gervais is hosting this year. Its must see tv. And here are my predictions for the Globes:
(I’ll let you know how I did next week)

Best Motion Picture- Drama
Avatar
The Hurt Locker – My Pick (upset!)
Inglorious Basterds
Precious
Up in the Air

Best Actor-Drama
Tobey Maguire- Brothers
Jeff Bridges- Crazy Heart
George Clooney- Up in the Air
Colin Firth- A Single Man
Morgan Freeman- Invictus – My Pick

Best Actress- Drama
Emily Blunt- The Young Victoria
Sandra Bullock – The Blind Side
Helen Mirren- The Last Station
Carey Mulligan- An Educaton – My Pick
Gabourey Sidibe- Precious

Best Supporting Actor
Matt Damon- Invictus
Woody Harrelson- The Messenger
Christopher Plummer- The Last Station
Stanley Tucci- The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz – Inglorious Basterds – My Pick

Best Supporting Actress
Penelope Cruz- Nine
Vera Farmiga – Up in the Air
Anna Kendrick- Up in the Air – My Pick
Monique- Precious
Julianne Moore- A Single Man

Best Motion Picture Comedy
500 Days of Summer
The Hangover
Its Complicated – My Pick
Julie and Julia
Nine

Best Actor- Comedy
Matt Damon- The Informant
Daniel Day-Lewis- Nine – My Pick
Robert Downey Jr – Sherlock Holmes
Joseph Gordon-Levitt- 500 Days of Summer
Michael Stuhlbarg- A Serious Man

Best Actress- Comedy
Sandra Bullock- The Proposal
Marion Cotillard- Nine
Meryl Streep – Its Complicated
Meryl Street – Julie and Julia – My Pick
Julia Roberts – Duplicity

Best Series- Drama
Big Love
Dexter
House
Mad Men – My Pick
True Blood

Best Actor- Drama Series
Simon Baker- The Mentalist
Michael C. Hall – Dexter – My Pick
Jon Hamm – Mad Men
Hugh Laurie- House
Bill Paxton- Big Love

Best Actress- Drama Series
Glenn Close- Damages
January Jones- Mad Men
Julianna Margulies – The Good Wife
Anna Paquin- True Blood – My Pick
Kyra Sedgwick – The Closer

Best Series- Comedy
30 Rock
Entourage
Glee
Modern Family – My Pick
The Office

Best Actor- Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin- 30 Rock
Steve Carell- The Office
David Duchovny – Californication
Thomas Jane- Hung – My Pick
Matthew Morrison- Glee

Best Actress- Comedy Series
Toni Collette – United States of Tara
Courtney Cox- Cougar Town
Edie Falco – Nurse Jackie – My Pick
Tina Fey – 30 Rock
Lea Michele- Glee

All About Bikram Too

I read Suzanne's last post about bikram and rather than comment, decided to write my own blog because bikram yoga is that awesome.  I'd done yoga before, but I guess I never had a great teacher because I couldn't get excited about it.  Enter bikram, where you go through 26 poses (twice) over 90 minutes in 105 degree heat with 40% humidity.  I have never experienced anything so physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. You have to have stamina, strength, balance, and flexibility, but you can't do the physical without deep concentration and meditation.  At times you feel dizzy, nauseous, and weirdly vulnerable, but you can only tell yourself to breathe and keep going. My mind is rarely quiet, but bikram gave me the chance to just be in the moment.

The heat is beneficial because it helps warm the muscles, work deeper, and release toxins through all the sweating. Say what you want about toxins in the body, but I've had a sinus infection for the last 2 weeks. The day after my first bikram class was the first time that I've actually felt better.  I also felt very alert and had a lot of energy. In short, I felt amazing. And in 3 days I've lost 2.5 pounds. I know its just water weight, but it hasn't come back yet, so dammit, I'll take it. 

I am addicted!

Bikram Baby

Every holiday season the three girls and boy (plus spouses these days) draw names for Christmas presents, a budget is set, and the shopping begins. This year a new twist was added to the name drawing when our blessed mother made the rule that all gifts had to be something that bettered our lives in the long run, something for our mind, body, or soul. Marie and I opted for asking for the same gift. We wanted to try our hand at Bikram yoga and requested some free sessions at one of the near by studios.

We took the plunge this week and entered the 102 degree studio for the first time. Prior to going I met Marie at her apartment. As I sat while she gathered her things, our conversation went a little something like this:

Marie: I hope it goes by quickly

Suzanne: It makes me nervous it's an hour and a half

Marie: Look at my huge mat

Suzanne: At least it's yoga. We will get to lay down some.

Brian: I hope you don't pass out

Needless to say, we weren't the most enthusiastic pair.

Fast forward to two hours later..... Marie and I exit the studio able to ring the sweat out of our clothes and feeling pounds lighter. We traded thoughts on the class and found ourselves making plans to go back the next night. We are getting ready to embark on our third class of the week. I think I am addicted. While the half naked yoga goddesses, hot temperature, and the 1.5 hour time frame are all intimidating factors, I figure I'll do just about anything to look like Jennifer Aniston (a Bikram yoga enthusiast).

Don't let the picture at the top frighten you. People do dress in the minimum to come to class, but I have seen nothing like that before (not what I would refer to as a yoga goddess). I recommend going to a bikram class to everyone. It's a nice break from the treadmill or any other normal work out routine.

Us Weekly Delivers Breaking News

In a moment of boredom at work (shocking, I know!) I decided to start perusing my favorite websites (UsWeekly, People, DListed) to see what’s going on in the world (or the world of celebrities and celebrity wanna-bes) and I run across this headline:

Ouch! Channing Tatum Severely Burns His Penis

At first glance, I got excited because I think Channing Tatum is a total hottie and I’m hoping this headline is accompanied by a picture. After reading the entire headline I find myself befuddled, disgusted and a little curious but still kinda hopeful there may be a picture. I know the curiosity must be killing you so here is the whole story:

"Channing Tatum Is Proud of His Package," declares the February issue of Details.
And he should be.
In the issue, the actor, 29, opens up about surviving a painful accident that caused severe burns to his penis.
He had been shooting the drama The Eagle of the Ninth last October in the freezing cold Scottish Highlands.
"The only way to keep warm was by pouring a mix of boiling water and river water down your suit," Tatum, 29, tells the magazine. "We were finally done shooting for the day, and one of the crew guys asks if I want to warm up before I go. I'm like, Nah, I'm good. And then I thought, Why not?
"Thing is, he'd forgotten to dilute the kettle water," he continues. "So he poured scalding water down my suit. And I was trying to pull the suit away from my body to somehow get away from the boiling water, and the more I pulled the suit away, the lower the water went. It just went straight down and pretty much burned the skin off the head of my dick."
He was rushed to the nearest hospital -- an hour away. On the way, however, the ice pack he was applying to the burn lost its chill.
"I said to the driver, who was ex-special-forces Marines, 'You might have to knock me out, because I don't know if I can take the pain. Just grab something and hit me on the back of my head,'" he recalls.
Morphine eventually did the trick, he says, but it was still embarrassing.
"I had five guys looking at my shriveled, burned penis," he says.
Looking back, he says, "It was the most painful thing I have ever experienced in my life."
Rest assured, "I'm good . . . now," says Tatum, a former stripper. "Now my penis is fantastic! One hundred percent recovered. Put me back in the game, Coach."

I really dont have any commentary on this story, just thought that this should be shared.

3 New Shows You Should Be Watching

If there is one thing I know in this world, it's television. It’s my passion, it’s my hobby, sadly it’s my favorite thing to do. I could write a 20 page paper on how the DVR is the greatest technological triumph of my lifetime. So I thought I would share some of my knowledge to better your tv-watching experiences.

There were a lot of good, new shows in the fall. I’m going to skip talking about Glee and Community and give you the 3 best new shows that you may not be watching but should:

1. Modern Family, ABC Wednesday 9:00pm- This one is definitely starting to catch on because so many people are talking about it. It is probably the funniest show on tv right now, period. It is laugh out loud funny and has great lines that you will find yourself repeating every day.
Summary:
This mockumentary explores the many different types of a modern family through the stories of a gay couple, comprised of Mitchell and Cameron, and their daughter Lily, a straight couple, comprised of Phil and Claire, and their three kids, Haley, Alex, and Luke, and a multi-ethnic couple, which is comprised of Jay and Gloria, and their son Manny. These three types of families are being taped by a Dutch documentary crew who are using them for an upcoming reality-based television series due to air in The Netherlands.
Hilarious Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_CmBsi17_0&feature=related

2. The Good Wife, CBS Tuesday 10:00pm- This show has everything you'd want from a courtroom drama with a scandalous backstory that will keep you hooked. Not to mention the great cast that includes Julianna Margulies, Chris Noth and Christine Baranski.
Summary:
­THE GOOD WIFE is a drama starring Emmy Award winner Julianna Margulies as a wife and mother who boldly assumes full responsibility for her family and re-enters the workforce after her husband's very public sex and political corruption scandal lands him in jail. Pushing aside the betrayal and public humiliation caused by her husband, Peter, Alicia Florrick starts over by pursuing her original career as a defense attorney. As a junior associate at a prestigious Chicago law firm, she joins her longtime friend, former law school classmate and firm partner Will Gardner, who is interested to see how Alicia will perform after 13 years out of the courtroom. Alicia is grateful the firm's top litigator, Diane Lockhart, offers to mentor her but discovers the offer has conditions and realizes she's going to need to succeed on her own merit. Alicia's main competition among the firm's 20-something new recruits is Cary, a recent Harvard grad who is affable on the surface, but is competitive to the core. Fortunately, Alicia finds an ally in Kalinda, the firm's tough in-house investigator. Gaining confidence every day, Alicia transforms herself from embarrassed politician's scorned wife to resilient career woman, especially for the sake of providing a stable home for her children, 14-year-old Zach and 13-year-old Grace. For the first time in years, Alicia trades in her identity as the "good wife" and takes charge of her own destiny.

3. White Collar, USA Tuesday 10:00pm- I would consider this show a dramedy and is very much like Catch Me if You Can. Its fun, there's a little drama and mystery and Kelly Kapowski is in it. (Dont worry, she has a small role)
Summary:
White Collar is about the unlikely partnership of a con artist and an FBI agent who have been playing cat and mouse for years. Neal Caffrey (Bomer), an incredibly charming criminal mastermind, is finally caught by his nemesis, G-Man extraordinaire Peter Stokes (DeKay). When Neal escapes from a maximum-security prison to find his long-lost love, Peter nabs him once again. Rather than returning to jail for his daring getaway, Neal suggests an alternate plan: he'll provide his cunning criminal expertise to assist the Feds in catching other notorious and elusive criminals. Initially wary, Peter quickly finds that Neal provides insight and intuition that cannot be found on the right side of the law.

There are also some new shows coming this spring that look promising.
Parenthood, NBC Premiers March 1st
"Parenthood" is a one-hour drama created by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer inspired by the box-office comedy hit of the same name. This re-imagined and updated production introduces audiences to the very large, very colorful and imperfect Braverman family. The dynamic star-studded cast includes Peter Krause, Lauren Graham, Craig T. Nelson, Dax Shepard, Bonnie Bedelia, Monica Potter and Erika Christensen.

The Deep End, ABC Premiers Jan. 21st
In a city where wealth and power rule, everyone strives to make it to the top. For five eager and attractive law associates, being accepted into one of Los Angeles' most prestigious law firms is the first step on their way up. But as they soon realize, the law offices of Sterling are far more cutthroat than they could have ever imagined and they must fight for themselves and their clients to stay afloat in these shark infested waters.

What You Need To Know! Week of 1/4/10

So the ever so popular What You Need to Know posts will now become a weekly issue. Although I would like to do it daily, it just cannot physically be done. And I cannot promise that the weekly posts will be created on the same day every week. Hey! I’m human and I get moody and this annoyance called my job sometimes gets in my way.

So this is the first week of the new year (how many times have you said 0-ten???) and can we just agree that the first full week back to work after the holidays is probably the worst week of the entire year. I don’t know if it’s the fact that there isn’t a holiday for the next 5 months or just having to do actual work, while at work, for the first time in weeks is what makes it so hard but it sure is a kick in the face.

So I guess the big news of the week is the death of Casey Johnson. If you call a booze-drinking, pill-eating, lesbian for attention idiot biting the dust news. Anywho, I thought it would be fun to take a poll guessing on what the toxicology report is going to say. Here are your choices:
1- (Fill in the blank) mixed with alcohol
2- Prescription cocktail (one of which is a sleeping drug)
3- Something injected with a needle
4- Old school cocaine overdose
Please vote in the comments.

On a lighter, less vicious note Tuesday was Bradley Cooper’s 35th birthday. I am happy to report that over the weekend, Matt and I finally joined the rest of the world and saw The Hangover for the first time. It was spectacular as expected and in honor of the gorgeous Mr. Cooper’s birthday here is a compilation of some of the best lines from the movie: (I love making lists, maybe my posts need some sort of regular countdown…. )

Alan: "Tigers love pepper. They hate cinnamon."

Alan : It's not illegal, it's frowned upon, like masturbating on an airplane.

Sid : Remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you.

Mr. Chow: You gonna fuck on me?

Phil: Would you please put some pants on? I feel weird having to ask you twice.

Alan: Not at the table, Carlos!

Stu: Doug is probably face down in a ditch right now with a meth head butt-f**king his corpse!

Mr. Chow: Its funny because he's fat!


And here is a picture of Olivia doing her best Carlos impression. (Thanks Erin)

THE NEW SNUGGIE

No, I'm sorry, I'm not talking about a hyperversion of the backwards robe that caused just as much ranting and raving in 2009 as the beanie baby did in 1996. BUT, rather, the latest get fit miracle worker, the Shakeweight. This disco stick shaped weight that vibrates and tones was first shown to me by a friend and I only thought it fair to share its hilarity with the masses (or ya know, the fifteen people that read this blog).

It's a shame that the news of this gem didn't spread before the holidays so it could be a must have item at your office gift exchange or the to-die-for gift in everyone's stocking. My recommendation, go ahead and pick one of these bad boys up and be a hit at the next party you go to (Also available for men).

Check out the video below where Ellen showcased the Shakeweight for her audience and viewers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kmrFBnrkqg

"You might as well call it a hand job cross trainer" - John Quirk