I admit, I started out as a Mac user in college - the Photoshop software (like, 2.7 or something like that) and scanner were only hooked up to a Mac. But later, PC’s were just easier to use, and I’ve been using them ever since. Nothing against Macs. I’m just resistant to change.
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The Mac commercials that have been on the air in the last year or so bother me. I know that Justin Long is being presented as a cool guy who kind of feels sorry for the bumbling PC guy, and the commercials aren’t supposed to come across as mean spirited, but to me, they kind of do. Which makes me, a PC user, want to kick Justin Long in the face, even if I DID like his character in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story. Apple was talking down to “us”.
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So when I heard that Microsoft was going to run some ads to improve their image, I was excited. “Yeah, let’s make PC’s cool again!” I thought. But then they brought in Jerry Seinfeld…who I loved - in 1998. The commercials came off as a little weird and uncomfortable. Is this what Gates is doing with his billions and his time?
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Today, though, I saw one of the ads that they’re using for “Phase 2″ of their re-imaging, and I think it’s definitely the right direction:
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Ahh yes! Anyone can be a PC user! We’re normal people - teachers, writers, scuba divers, French basketball players, astronauts. We’re all over the place!
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I like it.
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I’m a PC.
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…and if you’re wondering why there’s periods separating my paragraphs, for some reason my photo album plugin that I use for my Alaska pictures are messing up the formatting, so the period is a workaround.
I’m planning on writing an Olympic review eventually (is it just me, or do the Olympics feel extra exciting this time around?) but in the meantime, there’s something that has had me scratching my head. US Cellular has been running an ad during the Olympics that I just don’t understand. For those of you who haven’t seen it (since I was talking to my sister in Detroit on the phone when it came on and she was seeing something else) I’ve linked to it below:
So what’s up with it? Are people smiling at the phone dude because he’s laughing and smiling as he’s talking on the phone? Because for me, when I talk on the phone people just look at me like I’m crazy - then again, I’m often grunting or making cackling sounds into the phone. And what’s up with the Snuggle fabric softener bear coming to life and walking with the little girl. Is it just me, or was that totally out of place? Are we in an alternate universe where a walking teddybear wouldn’t get a second glance on the street? Also, fireworks in the middle of the street? Really crappy fireworks?
I don’t get it.
But ironically, Ben does. He loves the commercial. As soon as he sees that guy, talking on his cell phone, he yells “Balloons! Balloons then fireworks!” Then he watches intently until his favorite parts come.
Too bad he’s too young to buy his own phone…I’m sure it would have been US Cellular if he could!
As most of you know, I work from home. Most of the time it’s great, but there are some downsides. One thing is that sometimes customers don’t know I work from home or what timezone I’m in, so they call really early or late.
Early this morning, I heard my work phone go off in the other room, my “office”. I decided to let it go to the answering machine, since I was still in bed. I heard the answering machine go off, and instead of hearing my voicemail greeting, I heard Ben’s little voice blabbering. It turns out, he figured out how to change the greeting on my machine, which isn’t an easy feat since you have to click on the settings button and then click on the record button right after.
I’ve been so proud of him for learning how to use a computer mouse to play his games and how to click the Wii button to shoot ducks, but I think I need to start teaching him that not all electronics are for little boys to play with!
———————— So You Think You Can Dance
Tonight is the finale of So You Think You Can Dance, which I have been absolutely loving this season. My favorite is Katee, who has always been entertaining. There have been so many awesome performers this season, it’s been hard to choose just one, but Katee seems to have it all and deserves to win. I also have a soft spot for Joshua, because he’s like a loveable big-butted teddybear. Whenever I think of him doing the Disco, it makes me giggle inside.
Anyway, here’s Joshua and Katee’s awesome Wade Robson routine from last night (how I’ve missed you, Wade!).
Also, here’s the final four group dance. When I see it, I think of little kids, out of school, dancing, playing and just enjoying life. A little quirky, but that’s Mia MIchaels for you! (no need to watch all 8 minutes…)
I need to say something - last week when my friend Jen was over we were talking about Cat Deeley, the host of So You Think You Can Dance. I think she doesn’t get the credit she should…sure, she doesn’t come up with quick one-liners, and sometimes wears things that makes me want to cringe, she is absolutely adorable. She’s cute as a button, and it’s obvious that she cares about the contestants. She’s like a little den mother to them, chatting up with them, giving them hugs, and even sticking up for her little pups when the judges are being too harsh. They’ve got an Emmy for reality show hosts now - too bad she’s not nominated!
Got this video from April…I admit that I’m a bit of a font whore - there was a time when I could look at a font and name it. I think that anyone who has an appreciation for fonts will like this - if fonts were people, and they had conferences, would would it be like? I enjoyed seeing one of my favorite fonts - Century Gothic, make an appearance. Wing Dings even comes in near the end…
Speaking of fonts - I’ve changed my layout - click on the sidebar to see the default or “peaceful” layout. Slowly, very slowly, I am revamping this site!
Is anyone else watching this season of “So You Think You Can Dance?”? I’m really loving this season. All the dancers have been awesome, and there has been some incredible choreography! It’s hard for me to pick a favorite, but I would say that Katee, Joshua, Twitch and Kherington are my top four.
Last week, they went international and did some Bollywood, which I really enjoyed, especially after all those India Nights in college:
Yesterday, Twitch and Comfort (who I also love, and for some weird reason reminds me of my sister Claudine…could be her height and chipmunk cheeks) did a hip hop routine that had me bopping my head and tapping my feet the whole time. It was just fun, and I always enjoy the hiphop routines.
Both these clips suffer from youtube compression, but you get the message!
Once upon a time, a guy who had quit his job decided to wander around Asia. His buddy was videotaping him in Hanoi and suggested that he do his signature dance, which he started to do in every location he went to. His videos ended up being quite popular, and he got a lot of fan mail asking him to dance in their countries. He even picked up a sponsor who loved what he was doing and wanted to help him out - no strings attached. So he told his fans he was going around the world again, and this time, to join him.
The following video is the result of that 14 month, 42 country journey:
I love this video…it just makes me feel happy! The music fits the mood perfectly, and it’s so wonderful to see all the people dancing. Sure, you can say, “how much money is he spending?” or “how much gas was spent shuffling this guy around the world?” (comments I’ve seen on the video in youtube) but I feel that this video is worth it. He wasn’t taking private planes, or bringing around a 10 person entourage, and he was sponsored by a company. This isn’t a big production - just a guy traveling around the world who wants to dance.
I don’t travel as much, which is a great thing, especially since it looks like more airlines are going to adopt the habit of charging passengers for luggage. When I traveled, it was really stressing, and I hated being away from home, especially since my son was born. My life was going from airport to airport, trying to remember what my hotel room number was.
However, there was one thing about traveling that really warmed my heart. Whenever a group of soldiers would be coming back (or leaving from duty), people in the airport would stand up and clap. The whole airport would be standing and applauding these men and women for risking our lives for the war. The soldiers would smile and wave, sometimes with tears in their eyes. It definitely is a sight to see! I may not agree with this war, but I do support the men and women who are fighting it.
Luckily, Budweiser created a commercial that conveys a little bit of how powerful that recognition can be.
….because I don’t remember, since 2 years ago, a little miracle came into our lives.
My little Benjamin turns 2 today, it’s hard to believe that he’s two whole years old. I know I don’t talk a lot about him on here, though I DO post a lot of pictures of him. He just keeps me so busy I don’t really have time to post things. I had planned on posting all sorts of milestones and cute, little quirky stories of him growing up, but those plans had the same outcome as all my other plans - out the window.
My life is very interesting now - not that it wasn’t interesting when I was single and traveling all over the country - but now it’s interesting in a very different kind of way. My days are completely full - if I’m not working, then I’m taking care of Ben. I rarely go out without Ben, and life has become more centered around my family and my home. I am constantly in wonder of this little person who has taken our lives hostage.
When I was pregnant with Ben, people gave all sorts of advice, to the point where I was like, “Yeah, ok, right”. But the thing is, in the end, they were all right. I would never had known it at the time or really fathomed what they were all talking about, but those common phrases that people said that really ring true for my life right now:
“They Grow Up So Fast!”
Man, Benjamin learns something new every day. It seems like just yesterday that he was crawling around on the floor and just spouting gibberish. Now he’s walking, running, climbing, jumping and he talks. Not full sentences, but enough that we understand what he’s asking for, like his favorite words - “Cookie!” “Ice Cream!” and “Cars!” It’s incredible to watch him grow up. The kid is a sponge, and his ability to figure things out is uncanny. It’s so cool to see his personality emerge - he’s a little mama’s boy, with a bratty temper, a love of music and dancing, who loves giving kisses and gives great baby hugs.
“It’s incredible how much you’ll love them”
I’m married, so I’ve got an idea of what love is. But the love I have for Ben is something completely different. It’s so strong, unconditional and easy. I love to watch him sleeping, to silently sit in awe, watching this being that I gave life to. This little bundle of energy that adores me and wants to spend every minute with me. I may have given him life, but he has made my life so much better.
“It’s the toughest job you’ll love”
It’s not all perfect. He sometimes has tantrums. I discovered that I became that mom whose kid throws himself on the ground when he didn’t get what he wants. Did you see a french fry fly in front of you in the restaurant? Yeah, that could have been my kid. The kid who doesn’t share at gymboree? Mine. The kid clapping and saying “Yay” after someone sings at a funeral? Yep, that one would be long to me. Who’s the kid that’s crawling all over me when I’m trying to get some late night work done? Ben. Even with all these little quirks, I love it. I love it all.
He’s only been here for 2 years, but it’s so hard to imagine my life without him. I can’t lie and say that I don’t sometimes envy the lives of the people I know who don’t have kids - there’s a freedom that you have that you no longer have once you become a parent. I can’t go out and party like I used to love doing. Can’t stay up all night playing video games. All vacations have to be planned, no more spur of the moment trips. But that’s all right. I’m perfectly happy hanging out at home with my family, having Ben jump around on the bed or watching him watch his favorite movies.
So happy birthday, my little boy. You are loved by so many people, and you have brought such a joy to our lives that I can’t even put it into words.
Here’s a look at the last year of Ben’s life - it’s a little sloppy since I’ve been swamped, but it’s the thought that counts:
I know it’s a little late, but it’s been a busy couple of last days. Anyway, here’s my mini game and ad recap from this year’s Superbowl.
All along I’ve been rooting on the Giants. I’ve been cheering on anyone to beat the Patriots. Ever since I was a little girl and the Patriots played the Bears in the Super Bowl, I’ve felt a little animosity towards them. Even more so this year, for several reasons:
1) CHEATERS! I really don’t have to say much else.
2) I don’t like Bill Belichick. Rubs me the wrong way. More on that later
3) I can’t stand Tom Brady’s hair. There’s just something about it. I used to think he was good looking, but after he broke up with Bridget Moynahan (who later announced she was pregnant) and started appearing with Giselle Bundchen soon after (who I do like) he was no longer attractive to me.
So this year, I was all about the New York Giants. To me, they were treated the way the Bears were treated - no respect, their quarterback always under question, playing against a team that “deserved” to win, etc. So I had a soft spot for them.
For such a low scoring game, it was pretty exciting! How I enjoyed watching Brady make incomplete passes, snapping at his teammates, lying flat on his back after getting sacked. Randy Moss was catchless for a good part of the first half. It seemed like things were going great for the Jets, but there was always that looming dread, the knowledge that, as much as I didn’t like them, the Patriots were arguably the best team in the history of the NFL. Then the Patriots scored their touchdown. As the game wore on it was obvious that the Patriots were a little off, and that Eli Manning was playing the game of his life.
By the time the fourth quarter came and almost went, the Patriots were winning. The Giants had the ball with a little more than two minutes left in the game and my stomach was heavy, my mind thinking “Can they do this? Can we break the Patriots?”
Then the magic happened. In a play where it looked like Eli was going to get taken down, where he was smothered by the Pats’ defense, he was able to wriggle away and toss an improbable pass to David Tyree.
The clock was ticking, there was too much time wasted in between plays. “Stop the clock! Stop the clock!” I kept on screaming in my head. The Jets were knocking on the door of killing the Patriot’s season. Then Manning threw a beautiful pass to a very open Plaxico Burris (I always think of fish tanks when I think of his name). Whoo hoo! Brady still had a little less than 30 seconds to take history back, but it just didn’t work out that way.
Then with one second left, Belichick comes across the field, waving off the refs as they tried to tell them that the game wasn’t finished yet, shaking Tom Coughlin’s hand then running off the field, not staying to watch his defense finish out the game on the field. In a way, he stole that one second from New York’s victory, by not giving them the respect to stay for the whole game.
But hey, with that aside, it was an awesome game. The last 2 minutes were amazing! It was fun to see New England fall apart and to not see Eli Manning crack under the pressure. Big brother was in the stands, but the night was his!
Now for the commercials - to me, they were just “so-so” this year. Nothing really wowed me or had me laugh uncontrollably (like the running of the squirrels or boyfriend with knife spills spaghetti sauce on kitty of years before). But here are my faves from the night:
Tide Screaming Stain. I admit, I stare.
E*Trade Baby - there’s another one, but I like the one with the clown better.
