I recently had to get rid of my tv as it wasn't at all practical to be lugging around a piece of furniture that was over five feet tall and couldn't play anything in HD. I decided to get an HDTV because, like most fads, I'm always a couple years behind. I decided to try a little Wii games, as my brain seems like it can't handle complicated tasks lately, and I could definitely tell the difference even though Wii is not in high definition. I then relaxed with a movie, a movie that had been thoroughly NOT recommended to me by a friend, titled "Struck By Lightening."
She told me to watch it if I was feeling sorry for myself and needed a good comparison for how my life could be worse. Lately I've been throwing mini pity parties, pretty pathetic, so I decided to watch it anyways. I will say that I genuinely liked the first half hour. After that it just got so self righteous and absorbed that I almost turned it off. If you haven't seen it, and desire to, don't read the next paragraph.
The movie starts out much like Sunset Blvd, the main character narrating from beyond the grave as it shows his death. We then go back in time to see how things got to where they are. I think the point at which I was pretty much checked out was when the main character blackmails a couple fellow students just because they are gay. He then proceeds to have everyone submit to his magazine, and the only reason they do is to not get outted for the people that they really are. He rejects any creative idea they come up with, but then wants everyone to love his ideas. Even when they write poetry for him he is seen throwing several of their ideas away or rolling his eyes at how stupid he thinks they are. This seems a little unfair. I just could not find myself liking the main character, no matter how hard I tried. He was such a pessimist and seemed to hate everyone around him, some people for no apparent reason.
I have been disappointed by movies before, but never this early. Sometimes it's at the very end, or ten minutes from the end, but this one it was about halfway through. There is some wonderful acting from Rebel Wilson and Allison Janney (from Juno), but other than that the characters aren't really believable. I guess it was a movie that was described as so bad that I just had to see it to believe it. I have never seen a more bitter narration. Even with Sunset Blvd or American Beauty, at least the main character learns something. With this movie there seemed to be no real ending. I'm usually a fan of dark comedies, but this one wasn't funny at all.
I'm still experiencing a little bit of college, I remember working at the tv station and having to play movies for the duration of my shift. Most of them I would mute, but some of them I would watch just to pass the time. There was always one new release too, so I would usually try to catch that one. During my time there I ran into some really bad ones, such as Walk Hard. I know a lot of people really liked that movie, but I made it ten minutes before I switched the mute button and pulled out my PSCH 101 notes.
Any NOT recommendations that you've lived through?
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Day 11: 1 Month and Counting
I came to a realization earlier today: I have been in my 30's for exactly one month. Nothing has really changed though, at least not that I've noticed yet. The only difference is that I've been more motivated lately to get into shape. People are always saying that 30's are make it or break it time. If you don't get in shape in your 30's, it's nearly impossible to start in your 40's. As soon as I finish unpacking it's back to the gym, or at least back to the outdoors more.
I was faced with yet another ethical dilemma recently, as I have been many times throughout my life. I will not go into details, but rather pose a question: is it better to be a whistle blower and set things right, or keep your mouth shut and just know that you are doing the right thing, even if others aren't? I think too often in society we view "whistle blowing" as a terrible thing, that everybody makes mistakes, so who are you to judge others? I've been faced with many of these types of decisions, and it's too bad that there really isn't anyone that people can talk to about this kind of stuff. If you talk to the people involved they get scared and call you a tattletale. If you talk to people that can bring the law down on them, it doesn't matter because you've already ratted them out. And if you keep it to yourself you are an accomplice.
I know I'm being extremely vague, and that's entirely on purpose. Like I said, anything I say or don't say that's specific could get anyone in trouble. I will say that it pertains to nothing illegal. It's more of an ethical dilemma more than anything. I know it's hard to judge without knowing specifics, and examples are hard to come by, so let's say that you live in a place that doesn't allow dogs (my building does, but it's the best example I can come up with), and you know for a fact your next door neighbor has a dog. Do you call the manager up and rat them out, get them kicked out of their home? Do you go talk to them and possibly risk some of the worst noise complaints and torture over the term of your lease? Or do you keep quiet and just know that you are doing the right thing by not having a dog, not making any waves?
I think too many people just don't want to make waves, it causes too much commotion, and therefore people aren't held accountable for their actions. Most of us know right from wrong, we all went to Kindergarten and learned that you can't take what isn't yours, you have to share, and you have to take turns. So why, in the real world, is no one held accountable for these actions, unless they get caught? On the other hand there are a lot of people that are "sue-happy" and want to be righted for every wrong. If they slip on the icy pavement outside a store, rather than accepting the apology of the manager, they sue the place for thousands.
Life is confusing sometimes, but I think that if we can find a middle ground, the gray area if you will, things will be a little clearer. We should all hold ourselves accountable for our own actions and not rely on "getting caught" to cause us to slow down on the highway or be on time for work. We should also take responsibility for our actions. If someone points out a mistake take it in stride, don't try to justify it, especially if you know you are doing something wrong or unethical.
In closing I will say this: these are all examples given in the above blog post, none of the examples given are things that are true. I do go through ethical dilemmas that put me into a position mentioned above, but to protect all parties involved, I can't say any more. Also, if you've ever been in this kind of position, you will be nodding your head throughout this post, because ethical dilemmas can be the worst kind.
I was faced with yet another ethical dilemma recently, as I have been many times throughout my life. I will not go into details, but rather pose a question: is it better to be a whistle blower and set things right, or keep your mouth shut and just know that you are doing the right thing, even if others aren't? I think too often in society we view "whistle blowing" as a terrible thing, that everybody makes mistakes, so who are you to judge others? I've been faced with many of these types of decisions, and it's too bad that there really isn't anyone that people can talk to about this kind of stuff. If you talk to the people involved they get scared and call you a tattletale. If you talk to people that can bring the law down on them, it doesn't matter because you've already ratted them out. And if you keep it to yourself you are an accomplice.
I know I'm being extremely vague, and that's entirely on purpose. Like I said, anything I say or don't say that's specific could get anyone in trouble. I will say that it pertains to nothing illegal. It's more of an ethical dilemma more than anything. I know it's hard to judge without knowing specifics, and examples are hard to come by, so let's say that you live in a place that doesn't allow dogs (my building does, but it's the best example I can come up with), and you know for a fact your next door neighbor has a dog. Do you call the manager up and rat them out, get them kicked out of their home? Do you go talk to them and possibly risk some of the worst noise complaints and torture over the term of your lease? Or do you keep quiet and just know that you are doing the right thing by not having a dog, not making any waves?
I think too many people just don't want to make waves, it causes too much commotion, and therefore people aren't held accountable for their actions. Most of us know right from wrong, we all went to Kindergarten and learned that you can't take what isn't yours, you have to share, and you have to take turns. So why, in the real world, is no one held accountable for these actions, unless they get caught? On the other hand there are a lot of people that are "sue-happy" and want to be righted for every wrong. If they slip on the icy pavement outside a store, rather than accepting the apology of the manager, they sue the place for thousands.
Life is confusing sometimes, but I think that if we can find a middle ground, the gray area if you will, things will be a little clearer. We should all hold ourselves accountable for our own actions and not rely on "getting caught" to cause us to slow down on the highway or be on time for work. We should also take responsibility for our actions. If someone points out a mistake take it in stride, don't try to justify it, especially if you know you are doing something wrong or unethical.
In closing I will say this: these are all examples given in the above blog post, none of the examples given are things that are true. I do go through ethical dilemmas that put me into a position mentioned above, but to protect all parties involved, I can't say any more. Also, if you've ever been in this kind of position, you will be nodding your head throughout this post, because ethical dilemmas can be the worst kind.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Day 10: Long Summer...and Loving It!
As I write this I'm going on ten days of living in my new home and it's been ten days since I requested my A/C unit be repaired. In true Minnesota fashion we are having a nice September heatwave before the final chill of fall swoops in. I've had my hoodies handy for the last couple weeks, because you never know when the chill will strike, or if it will stick around, but I think I'm good for a couple days.
My new place is at least smart enough to keep the pool open through September. I was talking to someone earlier today and they said they leave it open into October, and sometimes November if the weather holds out! I went and tried out the pool today for the first time and it lives up to its name of "largest outdoor pool in Minnesota." I don't know if it's completely true, but when I stood in the center of the pool each end looked to be too far for me to swim. By the way, I can't do more than a doggie paddle, but the icy water felt wonderful today!
Unfortunately the inside of my apartment isn't as pleasant, and I've been doing everything to keep cool. I have a freezer with popsicles, ice cold water in my fridge, and keep the fans going most of the time. I know it sounds lazy, but I've been trying to do as little movement as possible. I love the heat, don't get me wrong, just not when I'm trying to sleep or relax after a long day. I'm amazed with all this sweating I haven't lost about twenty pounds.
I'm also not used to being able to take long, hot showers. It is so wonderful! Up until I moved here I had been just showering at my local gym because my last apartment provided about three minutes of hot water, and would then turn lukewarm or completely cold. I was so excited about it the first couple days that I accidentally left the door ajar with the water running and it tripped the smoke alarm off. Ahh yes, another college worthy moment. I think I set the smoke alarm off at least twice in the college dorms, never intentionally, I just seem to have bad luck with smoke alarms.
Well, as I start another week I can only hope I make as much progress this week as I did last week. I can actually walk around my living room and bedroom without tripping over things or stepping on stuff. It can only get better, right?
My new place is at least smart enough to keep the pool open through September. I was talking to someone earlier today and they said they leave it open into October, and sometimes November if the weather holds out! I went and tried out the pool today for the first time and it lives up to its name of "largest outdoor pool in Minnesota." I don't know if it's completely true, but when I stood in the center of the pool each end looked to be too far for me to swim. By the way, I can't do more than a doggie paddle, but the icy water felt wonderful today!
Unfortunately the inside of my apartment isn't as pleasant, and I've been doing everything to keep cool. I have a freezer with popsicles, ice cold water in my fridge, and keep the fans going most of the time. I know it sounds lazy, but I've been trying to do as little movement as possible. I love the heat, don't get me wrong, just not when I'm trying to sleep or relax after a long day. I'm amazed with all this sweating I haven't lost about twenty pounds.
I'm also not used to being able to take long, hot showers. It is so wonderful! Up until I moved here I had been just showering at my local gym because my last apartment provided about three minutes of hot water, and would then turn lukewarm or completely cold. I was so excited about it the first couple days that I accidentally left the door ajar with the water running and it tripped the smoke alarm off. Ahh yes, another college worthy moment. I think I set the smoke alarm off at least twice in the college dorms, never intentionally, I just seem to have bad luck with smoke alarms.
Well, as I start another week I can only hope I make as much progress this week as I did last week. I can actually walk around my living room and bedroom without tripping over things or stepping on stuff. It can only get better, right?
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Day 9: Silence is Golden
I've officially been in my new home for a week and it's really coming together! It's been a lot of hard work getting everything unpacked and put away, but it's starting to feel like a livable place. I finally found all my food and utensils and tomorrow one of my brothers is coming over to help me hook up my stereo. I also got internet back for the first time since last week. If only they had listened to me...
I got a call over a year ago about upgrading to cable service and when I asked them how much extra it would be, they told me I would be paying the same amount. Lies. Pretty soon I was paying ten dollars more a month, then that turned into twenty. As of last month my bill was up almost fifty dollars from what it used to be. I was being charged an HD fee...and I've never even owned an HD TV! I also am one of those rare people that don't watch TV.
The cable was out for about three months in the spring, due to their error, so they gave me STARZ for six months. I had no way to watch it, and now that I've cancelled my cable, and the internet went out, they offered me STARZ again for six months. When I called about my internet going out I asked if my cancelling cable had anything to do with it. They told me that, no, there's no way that could have affected it. When they called about my appointment today to troubleshoot my internet, the guy said it was a common mistake that internet gets cut out when someone cancels cable. If only the person on the phone last week would have taken the time to realize their mistake.
I can honestly say, with a little hesitation, I could live without internet in my home, at least for awhile. I learned all sorts of ways around it, I watched a lot of dvds, listened to a lot of cds, the time really made me appreciate all of the "things" I have. People always say they are bored when the internet is out, I really learned how to handle this boredom. I used a lot of wifi hotspots around town, such as coffee shops, other people's houses, and the wifi room that my apartment provides free of charge. I don't think I could go without electricity, but internet wouldn't be too bad.
Since moving I've been trying to simplify my life, live with less and not live beyond my means. It's harder than it sounds, especially when I'm used to spending whatever I want on food and entertainment. I've learned to live off a diet of ramen noodles and peanut butter sandwiches. DVDs and my piano have provided me with countless hours of entertainment. I know I said it in the last blog, but it really does feel like college dorm life all over again. Nobody has central air so everybody gathers on the front step to hang out every night. I also get to hear all the late nighters coming in at night because my window faces a residential street where a lot of people park.
To quote one of my favorite movies: "I think I'm gonna like it here!"
I got a call over a year ago about upgrading to cable service and when I asked them how much extra it would be, they told me I would be paying the same amount. Lies. Pretty soon I was paying ten dollars more a month, then that turned into twenty. As of last month my bill was up almost fifty dollars from what it used to be. I was being charged an HD fee...and I've never even owned an HD TV! I also am one of those rare people that don't watch TV.
The cable was out for about three months in the spring, due to their error, so they gave me STARZ for six months. I had no way to watch it, and now that I've cancelled my cable, and the internet went out, they offered me STARZ again for six months. When I called about my internet going out I asked if my cancelling cable had anything to do with it. They told me that, no, there's no way that could have affected it. When they called about my appointment today to troubleshoot my internet, the guy said it was a common mistake that internet gets cut out when someone cancels cable. If only the person on the phone last week would have taken the time to realize their mistake.
I can honestly say, with a little hesitation, I could live without internet in my home, at least for awhile. I learned all sorts of ways around it, I watched a lot of dvds, listened to a lot of cds, the time really made me appreciate all of the "things" I have. People always say they are bored when the internet is out, I really learned how to handle this boredom. I used a lot of wifi hotspots around town, such as coffee shops, other people's houses, and the wifi room that my apartment provides free of charge. I don't think I could go without electricity, but internet wouldn't be too bad.
Since moving I've been trying to simplify my life, live with less and not live beyond my means. It's harder than it sounds, especially when I'm used to spending whatever I want on food and entertainment. I've learned to live off a diet of ramen noodles and peanut butter sandwiches. DVDs and my piano have provided me with countless hours of entertainment. I know I said it in the last blog, but it really does feel like college dorm life all over again. Nobody has central air so everybody gathers on the front step to hang out every night. I also get to hear all the late nighters coming in at night because my window faces a residential street where a lot of people park.
To quote one of my favorite movies: "I think I'm gonna like it here!"
Friday, September 6, 2013
Day 7: A new home, a new life?
Hello internet!
I've recently decided to start a new blog because, after recently going back to myspace, I realized my previous blog had been completely deleted. This blog site seems a little more grown up too. I started my other blog on here soon after moving out of my parent's house and deciding to learn how to cook. I have accomplished that feat, and not a moment too soon. I turned 30 about a month ago and moved into an apartment by myself less than a week ago. That is where this blog will pick up...
I picked my current apartment about two weeks ago based mainly on the fact that it wasn't too far to move and I would still be close to family. It's the first time since college I haven't had a dishwasher, but luckily I only have one bowl/plate/fork to wash at a time. It actually reminds me a lot of being in college. For the first two nights I slept on the couch because my bed was in pieces in various rooms. I have a frame that requires wheels and, without the wheels, would scratch up the lovely, aged hardwood floor of this apartment. The wall AC doesn't work either, so it really felt like college, opening up the window and sleeping in tank tops and basketball shorts.
The second night was probably the scariest. I was sitting on my couch with my bowl of ramen, watching Little Miss Sunshine (great movie) when I heard a loud noise, kind of like a gun shot, and the apartment went black. I started panicking because I still had not unpacked my flashlights and my phone was almost dead, because I hadn't unpacked my charger yet either. I ran into the hallway where I found a couple of my neighbors running outside. I asked them if this happened a lot, and they said it was the first time. I made a comment about how it sounded like a gun shot and they said, "Yea we have some crazy people living here. You should have talked to someone before moving in..."
I ran back into my apartment and locked the door. I didn't have the number for Xcel (still packed in my boxes) so I called 911. They said I had to call Xcel and proceeded to ask if I had pen and paper handy, even after I had told them twice that my apartment was pitch black and I had just moved. If I can't find the number for Xcel how am I even going to find a pen. I told him I didn't have anything to write with and that I would just remember it. Luckily it's an easy number. :)
I'm not ashamed to admit, I was crying by this point, ready to move back in with my brother, my parents, whatever, I was so scared. The whole move hadn't exactly gone really well either and I felt so alone for the first time in years. I called a friend, not even realizing what time it was and accidentally woke her up. Oops. She did recommend going to buy flashlights and candles, so I left my apartment, to feel safer and to get flashlights, and went on a search for comfort.
The first store I went to had nothing, but after hitting up a 24 hour drug store I found a crank flashlight and a touch button light. I went back up to my apartment and put the batteries in the touch light. Then I grabbed my nook and pulled up People magazine. 10 seconds later...the power came back on! Apparently the transformer had blown and it was located right next to my window. No wonder it was so loud!
I have now been there almost a full week, and I have to say I missed sleeping with my window open. I have a lot of traffic going by my window at night, but it's comforting in a way, reminds me of college when that was all you could hear every night. I'm still not completely unpacked, and my internet modem stopped working three days after moving in (I'm writing this via a family member's computer), but little by little I'm making it my home. I would post a picture on here, but it is not pretty.
Hopefully by Halloween I can have a "housewarming" party for all those that helped me move in so they can see the progress. I feel like I didn't say it enough, thank you to everyone that helped with the move, even if it was before, during, or after. Every little bit helped and I appreciated every minute.
I've recently decided to start a new blog because, after recently going back to myspace, I realized my previous blog had been completely deleted. This blog site seems a little more grown up too. I started my other blog on here soon after moving out of my parent's house and deciding to learn how to cook. I have accomplished that feat, and not a moment too soon. I turned 30 about a month ago and moved into an apartment by myself less than a week ago. That is where this blog will pick up...
I picked my current apartment about two weeks ago based mainly on the fact that it wasn't too far to move and I would still be close to family. It's the first time since college I haven't had a dishwasher, but luckily I only have one bowl/plate/fork to wash at a time. It actually reminds me a lot of being in college. For the first two nights I slept on the couch because my bed was in pieces in various rooms. I have a frame that requires wheels and, without the wheels, would scratch up the lovely, aged hardwood floor of this apartment. The wall AC doesn't work either, so it really felt like college, opening up the window and sleeping in tank tops and basketball shorts.
The second night was probably the scariest. I was sitting on my couch with my bowl of ramen, watching Little Miss Sunshine (great movie) when I heard a loud noise, kind of like a gun shot, and the apartment went black. I started panicking because I still had not unpacked my flashlights and my phone was almost dead, because I hadn't unpacked my charger yet either. I ran into the hallway where I found a couple of my neighbors running outside. I asked them if this happened a lot, and they said it was the first time. I made a comment about how it sounded like a gun shot and they said, "Yea we have some crazy people living here. You should have talked to someone before moving in..."
I ran back into my apartment and locked the door. I didn't have the number for Xcel (still packed in my boxes) so I called 911. They said I had to call Xcel and proceeded to ask if I had pen and paper handy, even after I had told them twice that my apartment was pitch black and I had just moved. If I can't find the number for Xcel how am I even going to find a pen. I told him I didn't have anything to write with and that I would just remember it. Luckily it's an easy number. :)
I'm not ashamed to admit, I was crying by this point, ready to move back in with my brother, my parents, whatever, I was so scared. The whole move hadn't exactly gone really well either and I felt so alone for the first time in years. I called a friend, not even realizing what time it was and accidentally woke her up. Oops. She did recommend going to buy flashlights and candles, so I left my apartment, to feel safer and to get flashlights, and went on a search for comfort.
The first store I went to had nothing, but after hitting up a 24 hour drug store I found a crank flashlight and a touch button light. I went back up to my apartment and put the batteries in the touch light. Then I grabbed my nook and pulled up People magazine. 10 seconds later...the power came back on! Apparently the transformer had blown and it was located right next to my window. No wonder it was so loud!
I have now been there almost a full week, and I have to say I missed sleeping with my window open. I have a lot of traffic going by my window at night, but it's comforting in a way, reminds me of college when that was all you could hear every night. I'm still not completely unpacked, and my internet modem stopped working three days after moving in (I'm writing this via a family member's computer), but little by little I'm making it my home. I would post a picture on here, but it is not pretty.
Hopefully by Halloween I can have a "housewarming" party for all those that helped me move in so they can see the progress. I feel like I didn't say it enough, thank you to everyone that helped with the move, even if it was before, during, or after. Every little bit helped and I appreciated every minute.
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