thee lily pad

The Bills make me want to cry (sometimes)

2009-09-15T16:34:00.002-04:00

Life isn't easy for a Bills fan.

We all know that and I believe something needs to be done about it.

I believe legislation should be introduced to congress, so western New Yorkers have extra mental health care coverage during football season.

The .8 seconds between the climax and the depression of a Bills game is far more than any person can handle.

As Bills fans, we picture celebrations, kegs, cheering and super bowl rings. But before we know it, we are holding out heads in our hands, thinking of all the times the Bills have let us down.

The only resilience in Buffalo, is the dedication of the fans.

Last night the Bills snatched defeat out of the jaws of victory.

But, I don't doubt for a moment that next week, at the Bills home opener, 80,000 fans will be screaming their heads off. Around Buffalo, western New York and all across the country, Bills fans will be cheering they were in the Super Bowl.

I'm a good little camper

2009-09-07T12:43:00.006-04:00

The last time I went camping, which was actually the first time I went camping, I needed to inquire about the proper way of getting into my sleeping bag. Camping, just wasn't my thing.

This time, I would say I have improved. Not only did I decide to ditch the sleeping bag (I know how to use a blanket perfectly well, thank you,) but I also remembered to bring socks and had a well-planned amount of beer with me.

Of course there were signs to warn campers of how black bears "particularly loved" our campground. Before seeing this sign, I had already asked the man who signed us in if he sees bears. He said they had been getting into peoples coolers all week. My boyfriend, Aaron, looked at him like he wanted to kill him for telling me that. I was petrified. (Of the bears, not of Aaron.)

Luckily, we didn't encounter any animals besides a fox, some raccoons, and a friend who kept peeing himself in his sleep.

But back to my camping skills. I was proud of myself for packing a snack as snazzy as pizza quesadillas. How cute of me, well.. Aaron gets some of the credit too.

Speaking of snazzy, I can't fail to mention how snazzy our tent was. Ok, it wasn't snazzy... in fact someone called out to us that the 1960's called because they were missing their tent. But, that's where my camping skills kick into play. I was proud of our un-snazzy tent! Our tent had character, we had that all-camped-out look. We didn't care about our tent, we cared about the practice of camping.

To wrap this up, I would like to formally state that I enjoyed camping. If someone can let me know of a campground completely unfamiliar with bears all around, I will certainly camp again.

cell phone store workers

2009-01-05T17:36:00.005-05:00

to get a job at cell phone store, do you need to be a total jerk?

i don't get it. you are giving them hundreds of dollars to lock you into this ridiculously binding agreement, and they can't even do it politely! god forbid someone in a verizon store smiles, you'd think it would cause the roof to cave in.

the second i know i even have to go to the verizon store, i get in a bad mood. it isn't my fault, i subconsciously know it's going to happen anyways. it always does.

what i want to do is open a cell phone store, that *gasp* makes sense. you can buy any phone you want, whenever you feel like it, to use on whatever plan you want.

(today, i the forever long verizon customer, was going to have to pay $500 for the phone that was on sale for $99, because I already bought a phone this year. why in the world wouldn't they want me to buy another one? it makes noooo sense.they make things so complicated that they screw themselves over.)

i think i'd name my cell phone store "cell phones." why you ask? because it would make sense. everything at my store would make sense. maybe i'd name it "emily's cell phones," just because i'd like being in it.

at my cell phone store my employees would be happy. they would be nice to customers and they would give plans that involve common sense. if someone's phone broke, they wouldnt have to make 60 calls to answering services and wait 3 days to get a new one. oh, what a big and better world it would be, it "emily's cell phones," was not a dream but a reality.

emily lenihan... olympian.

2008-08-21T09:03:00.005-04:00

like most people in the world, i have spent the last two weeks delightfully watching the olympic games. in fact, i cringe at the thought of them ending & having to wait four more years for more. it's exciting, it's interesting, it's good entertainment that for once in a great while has generated some americans to be patriotic again. i know i for one haven't been the proudest the past few years.

so, as i watch gymnasts, swimmers, bicyclists and runners.... i have to wonder. is there some type of sport i could have started that i would have been good enough for the olympics in? come on, who at the age of seven is like "hmm maybe i should try poll jumping mommy." just think about it.

i was watching some feel good story about fencing, looked over at my dad and said, "maybe i should have taken up fencing!" he just stared at me for a second, squinted his eyes a little bit, and looked back at the tv. obviously, he doesn't think i am of fencing in the olympics caliber. whatevsss.

he doubts me now, but i have no doubt that if i was in the olympics... he would totally be the dad crying in the stands. i feel so awful for letting him down, i knew i should have put more effort into beach volleyball. maybe next time.

so maybe i wasn't meant to be an olympian, but i guess we will never know for sure ;)

the bills make me want to shout

2008-08-12T17:38:00.006-04:00

My alarm buzzes at 5:50am, then again at 5:55. I get up at 6.

I am showered and decked out in bills gear by 6:25.

I peek out my window to see if my friends are in my driveway yet.

I get the beer & food into the cooler, I stack up any extra things coming along with us.

In the fall weather I usually anxiously await with all our things in the drive way, in the winter i chug coffee and sit by the window.

By 6:45-6:50, I am hopping into the car.

iiiiiiiiiiits BILLS SEASON! (tailgating season if i may)

While tailgating at a Bills game, you can really grasp the essence of Buffalo. Obviously that can be taken one way or another. On one hand, you are quick to find loud, drunk, men & women of all ages stuffing their face with food and way too many beverages. Buffalo behavior? Yeah, for sure.
But on the other, you realize whoever is at the car next to you quickly becomes your friend(s.) After all, it is the city of good neighbors. In addition, you will see fans undying devotion for a team, who has given them reasons to give up. You will hear the shout song, playing on repeat for hours on end-- you will see people singing along and dancing to it, for hours on end.
The camaraderie between Bills fans on gameday is unlike any other. While cheering on high school, college and other professional sports teams, it never compared. I have friends from out of town who have gone to games with us, saying it blows their football team's home games out of the water.

Some of my fondest tailgating moments include-
~watching all my guy friends from high school pile into the back of a truck and ride the last mile to the ralph blaring the shout song and hanging bills flags
~witnessing the burning down of a McGahee scarecrow
~having a "group prayer" with about 40 drunk boys before going into the game
~finding friends along the way-- walking through the lots

This year Jena'e, Healy and I have seasons. Never before have we even kept track of each other during a game-- so I am pretty positive I will be able to write a book of this season's adventures. I'm sure they will be including-- finding Jena'e in random parts of the stadium with a group of boys, healy falling... over and over again, us sneaking into the suite section- not for the warmth or the view but to get huge beers, losing cousins from out of town, taking pictures with random bills fans & so much more.

Kaitlin Jean Armstrong

2008-08-06T17:01:00.004-04:00

What the hell is on that girls hands??? Oh no, those are just her fingers.

You know who I am talking about already don't you? Yep, Kaitlin the Jean Machine Armstrong. You probably remember her from one of my very first blogs, I mention her "unfortunate fingers," and she really took it like a champ. She always does, shes getting used to it. Infact, she must have forgot about that posting because she was complaining to me that she is never on my blog. So today, I will take this opportunity to pay special attention to her.

See, thats how you know you have a healthy relationship. Honesty isn't an option with your best friends, its just the way it goes. I guess we sort of all have our token things, when sober and while drinking. For instance, sober Kaitlin has weird fingers and drunk kaitlin can't open her eyes. Sober Jena'e tries to write songs, drunk Jena'e still writes songs but believes they are good. Me, well sober I am scared of everything and drunk I can fall asleep absolutely anywhere.

But anyways, its much more fun picking on Kaitlin. Shes got this cute little freckly face, when she returns home to the Queen City from Raleigh the first thing I like to do is squeeze her cheeks. Don't think I am weird, Jena'e does it too. It's fun.

Kaitlin is a teacher, teaching 2nd grade this fall. She is probably my most nutty and wild friend and she teaches children. It is scary, but I do believe shes probably pretty wonderful. She is patient, hardworking and really loves her kids.

In 6th grade when I met her she was the smart girl in Science and Math. By high school, she was the only person I knew who could be convinced during a blackout during school that we were drawing on her face "with our fingers." The lights went back on & she was NOT pleased about the highlighter all over her face. Then we went off to college together, just us & Olean. Our first friday night of college was spent in the emergency room. Did Kaitlin get alcohol poisoning? Noooo.... she got a weird bug bite that blew up her foot. We sat, on our first friday of college, with a weird man whose finger fell off.

Sometimes, Kaitlin does things that only people who really know her understand. There is nothing I love more than her doing something weird or creepy and looking over at Jena'e who is laughing just as hard as me. There is something about the feeling of someone else who understands her that is completely exhilarating.

I mean, teasing my little katie pooh bear (her name from her daddy,) is one of my favorite activities. But only because I absolutely love her =) I don't think most girls understand what it is like to have true best friends. I think we expect more, and get more, from each other than most girls do. I don't have best friends, I have THE best friends.

Just My Luck

2008-08-04T13:27:00.007-04:00

If you know me, you know I am easily scared. I get nervous, I can't help it. Although it isn't a great quality, I often face my fears and it becomes a positive characteristic... bold, courageous and all that jazz.

But regardless, my initial reaction to some things happens to involve lots of fright. But I think my friend's little sister really summed it up this weekend. "No wonder you're always scared," 14-year-old Jaqueline said after a rope snapped and hit me in the face while on their boat.

They have had that boat for ages, has a tubing rope ever snapped before? Let alone in someones face? Nope... it hasn't. It is just. my. luck.

During a soft ball game (during Bonaventure's beloved Spring Weekend,) I was hanging out with my friends waiting to bat. Guess what happened? A rugby ball comes flying towards us and slams into my thigh. I had a rugby ball shaped bruise for about 2 weeks.

While playing frisbee with a bunch of friends senior year of college, I thought I was getting involved in an innocent game of frisbee. As I was running to catch it, my next door neighbor Paul kicked a soccer ball directly into my chest. I could barely breath and had to hold back my tears to protect myself from becoming even more embarassed.

I have to wonder if this is the result of not answering some junkmail chain letter years ago or something. Or if I came across a fortune cookie at some point which warned me, that I never paid attention too.

Needless to say, "Only you Emily" is a phrase I have heard more than once. I'm accident prone, but only when absolutely ridiculous. The only bones I have ever broke are those of my pinky toes. I'm not complaining, it could be a lot worse... but who breaks each of their pinky toes two summers in a row?

It's just my luck.

drove into our hearts.

2008-07-31T16:17:00.009-04:00

This is Michael. Mike, Michael, whatever you prefer. He may look like the typical limo driver to you, but no. That isn't true. Michael, Mike, M-Dogg... heeee is different.

Let me explain... For my sister Caitlin's bachelorette party I clearly booked the biggest newest limo bus in town. So when it promptly arrived infront of our house for our 8 hour adventure, I expected the typical crabby already strung out limo driver. (I always just ignore limo drivers, they are usually such debby downers.) BUTTTT... not this one!!

Within 20 minutes we had the limo stocked with entirely too much alcohol, he had given my parents his card incase we didnt come home (hahah) and he helped decorate.

Friendly and putting up with tons of crap already, we immediately decided we LOVED mike. In addition to being in half of our pictures, he also pulled the bus over on the way home to clean up my cousins puke all over the floor, without a complaint none the less.

So, since the same company was doing the rehearsal dinner and wedding day limos my parents called and said how great he was and that if he could work either of those nights it would be nice.

You guessed it! Mike was with us both, and completely thrilled about it. The rehearsal dinner was fun, yet the wedding day obviously took the cake. (pun totally intended)

After Mike had a few good cries about how much he loved our family that day, we realized he really meant it. So, on Caitlin's wedding day...we got two new Mikes. Her husband and the limo driver.

Hair Salon Anxiety

2008-07-27T23:07:00.010-04:00

due to an overwhelming amount of requests pouring in for me to continue my blog... i am back in action. hehe :) ...i guess i was on a bit of a hiatus because of bloggers' worst nightmare... writers block. i mean, i have been writing just nothing i'd really post i suppose. i feel funny pouring my heart out to a website and i often cringe when other people do soooo... i'm trying to keep it light and fresh. hahah... anywhooo, welcome back to thee lily pad :)

When it comes to my tri-monthly haircut/highlight I am a pretty laid back customer. I scoot into the Chez Ann downtown and retreat to the same chair with the same hairstylist I have had for about two years.

I read magazines and discuss whatever comes to mind... and I usually don't even express an opinion about what I need done. "You know... maybe blonder? I don't know.. whatever you think..." is about all I really say... followed by my innocent I-really-hope-you-don't-think-my-lack-of-an-opinion-is-annoying giggle and smile.

So why did I title this bad boy "Hair Salon Anxiety," you ask? The only way I can explain it is, the moment I place my golden locks into the hands of someone that I am NOT familiar with, for an updo, I panic.

This fear doesn't fit in well with my regular behavior.. for the same events I will just toss on a little make up and bring flip flops so I can take off my shoes ASAP. Not to mention the love and anticipation of salon appointments. Pedicures, fabulous...manicures, terrific. What girls doesn't love being pampered? But the second I sit in a seat for my hair... I lose all faith.

It probably started with my senior prom hair disaster... I sat in the chair and cried as she put on the finishing touches because it was everything I didn't want it to be and I am incapable of telling someone I am not pleased. With this nightmarish memory in mind I made sure to look up every hair style possible for my sister's wedding, so I was ready to explain just what I wanted.

Well, you guessed it. I completely hated my hair. I wanted loose and elegant looking... as he practically cemented down my hair I was practically hyperventilating. As I was sipping on the corona provided to me by the hairdresser (did he know I needed it?) I looked at my best friend & talented hair fixer Amy. From the look on my face she knew she was retreating to the Lenihan residence to redo my hair and she did... thank goodness!!

I don't know if hairdressers have animal-like instincts to sense my nerves while in their little revolving seat, but I sure hope that isn't what is screwing things up. However bizarre it is, I fear the next updo-worthy event I need to attend... because I can't go through this again!!

P.S. this message is dedicated in thanks to Amy for fixing my hair & putting up with me in general... here we are at the wedding....

shop or i'll drop.

2008-03-26T16:33:00.003-04:00

there is nothing i find more therapeutic than a mall, store or outlet with absolutely no company. i sound so bitter or lonely don't i? it isn't that at all. in fact, second favorite to solo shopping is probably shopping, just with other people. but... if i'm upset, overwhelmed, confused, stressed or just not feeling like myself, there is something magical about floating through a clothing department.

i wouldn't recommend jeans or bathing suit shopping while already channeling negative energy, but trying and buying a couple cute shirts or a fun dress can cure me quicker than a bottle of wine.

shopping alone provides no type of luck for finding anything, in fact i probably find less. it isn't the love for designer labels or the need for new clothes, it's just the meditative state i quickly slip into while walking through aisles of potential presents for myself.

the only shopping partner i can count on to provide me with extra good luck is my mom- i swear she always gets the golden parking spots and finds the clothes that i like the most. she sometimes has unusual taste but i get a good laugh out of it and then we move along. it's also a good opportunity to get some mothering... no one else will put all the jeans back on hangers for me :) besides, i think she loves it too.

anyways, next time you need to just zone out or clear your head i highly recommend the shopping alone strategy. it never fails, and you may even end up with some fun new stuff.

Puppy Love

2008-03-19T17:34:00.005-04:00

I'm just not good with dogs. It doesn't mean I don't like them, or that I can't snuggle up with one- but it does mean, I should never be in charge of one.

I have been staying with my cousin (Allie, shes fabulous) and in the mornings and some afternoons I play with the dog, take him outside and eventually put him back in his crate.

So, in the morning I see his adorable face pouting from inside the crate and can't wait to let him out. Now, at first he's so calm. But out of no where, he somehow decides it's time to bite my feet. I don't hold it against the dog, he's really cute and I will probably love him even if he breaks skin, but why won't dogs listen to me? I go with the typical "No.. No.." but it quickly turns into me running around the kitchen terrified of a 3 month old puppy going "ahhhhh!"

Ok, he can tell im nervous and probably thinks I am playing. But recognizing that doesn't make me any better at it. So next, I will take him outside to do his business. Before I get his collar on he usually pees on the floor. "It's alright," I think to myself. I take him out anyways and move on with my day.

I usually consider myself successful, even if he pees on the floor too, except one day. I get him outside without peeing inside, he plays around for awhile... and then we go in. I play with him in the kitchen and three- five minutes later, he poops on the floor. OMG! What has anyone ever done to deserve that smell? I grabbed paper towels and as I went to pick it up he starts trying to grab the paper towel out of my hand. I needed about fifteen hands at this point: to hold my nose, to keep the dog away, to get the paper out of his mouth and to throw away that stinky mess.

I like to think I am getting better. I like to think that when I get my puppy one day it won't run my life, but lets be serious, this dog definitely realizes he is in charge of me. At least he is still cute & cuddly!

freebies.

2008-03-04T00:32:00.004-05:00

There is something fascinating about peoples' love for free stuff. It's almost like an opportunity to play a game you know you will win- guaranteed prizes. "Sign up for this... you get a free mug!" Heck yeah I'd probably end up signing up for whatever it is... and I don't even need a mug!

During college one of the sports teams were signing people up for credit card offers and somehow earned money from it. So, I was asked if I wanted to sign up for these Capital One bank offers. I said no, knowing the last thing I needed was a credit card. But then, BOOM! If you sign up... you get a free "College," a la Caddy Shack, t-shirt. You guessed it, Capital One sends me things at least once every 3 weeks.

One of the most intriguing "free stuff" situations is: the infomercial. I can watch an infomercial, completely uninterested in buying whatever product it is... but when they throw in the "$99 worth of free whatever," with a purchase, I instantly want to place my order. Completely thrilled I think, "three free extra discs???" or "they're throwing in all the accessories for free?" I sit there ecstatic- until I remember- that I would hate all three of those cd's or, what do I need the accessories for... I would never use the product. But on impulse, i. want. free. things.

Then there is always the bragging about owning the free things. girl one: "Cool T-shirt--" girl 2: "I GOT IT FOR FREE!" If so thrilled with the free product (and this also applies to really good sales) then why do people obsess on buying extremely expensive labels at the same time? Is it the love for extremes? No one gets complimented on a shirt and says, "yeah! it was a moderately priced item!"

I honestly got mad at my bank one day while at another bank with my friend. There was a sign hanging over the tellers windows, "free canon camera with all new bank accounts." WHAT? SHOULD I SWITCH BANKS? I felt so used... I got a blue camping chair when I opened my worthless bank account, I felt silly and embarrassed that I was ever excited to receive it. But you guessed it- if anyone ever comments on it, I still happily reply "Yeah! It was free"

there is no place like BUFFALO... at least for hockey players.

2008-02-28T13:44:00.005-05:00

Whether the Campbell/Bernier trade was good, bad or whatever... there are a few things that are consistent. It is sad Campbell had to leave a city he loves, where he was a God basically... to go to a place where hockey isn't even a big deal.

But what is much more interesting is what in the WORLD Bernier must be thinking! My guess is he had NO IDEA what it means to be a Sabre, opposed to a player on other teams. Something that comes with being a Sabre is the celeb status, undying fan devotion and extreme amounts of attention.

Bernier arriving at the airport was obviously all over the television news and he looked SO surprised by the attention that I was almost embarrassed lol. You have to be happy for him, especially after his fabulous first game which made me so giddy I was giggling at his goals and assists...but that may be because hes so cute and should probably be my boyfriend!

“It was awesome,” Bernier said of the crowd. “You hear, ‘One, two, three . . . ’ the number of goals. It’s awesome. They follow the game here. They know what hockey means, and that’s what I like about it.”

Thats right us here in the B-Lo knows what hockey means, to the team- to each other- to the city. But what I don't really understand is why it isn't as important in other cities.

It isn't fair to say there aren't other cities who love their hockey teams- of course there are. But I think Buffalo really has something unique. Friends from Boston, Chicago and elsewhere think Buffalo is so crazy. "A lot of people actually follow hockey there?" is a question I have heard a few times. After trying to defend the sport held so highly in the Queen City, I was struck with all that home team spirit and it just made me love it even more. A friend of mine who moved to Buffalo, had been here less 6 months and went home to New Jersey liking hockey and most importantly loving the SABRES!

Regardless, of who cares and where, I LOVE the SABRES PRIDE and I am happy so far with Berniers arrival.

- I can't finish this in good conscience without mentioning the best moment of Bernier's first (and crazy) game last night. PETERS! I was at a bar in shock, cheering and actually cracking up laughing with my friends and dozens of strangers about Peters fourth NHL goal. It was amazing and made my night for sure.

a little bit about lily ;)

2008-02-21T14:29:00.009-05:00

three names you go by:
1. emy
2. lemily
3. lenny

three physical things you like about yourself:
1. my hair
2. my height
3. i usually tan instead of burn

three physical things you don't like about yourself:
1. my ears
2. my feet
3. my eyebrows

three things that scare you:
1. unleashed dogs
2. knives
3. everything else

three of your favorite musical artists:
1. counting crows
2. justin timberlake
3. ben folds

three of your favorite songs:
1. imagine -beatles
2. material girl- madonna
3. diamonds on the inside- ben harper

three things you want in a relationship:
1. trust
2. laughing
3. butterflies

three physical things about the opposite sex that appeals to you:
1. eyes
2. smile
3. tall

three of your favorite hobbies:
1. scrapbooking
2. music
3. writing

three things you want to do really badly now:
1. get a job
2. backpack through europe
3. shop, i always want to shop really badly.

three careers you've considered:
1. broadcast reporting
2. teaching
3. public relations

three places you want to go on vacation:
1. greece
2. austria
3. china

three kids names you like:
1. jack
2. becca
3. aiden

three things you want to do before you die:
1. tons of traveling
2. have my own (happy) family
3. write a timeless best seller novel

three ways that you are stereotypically a boy:
1. i usually laugh at inappropriate jokes, but then i usually act like i didn't.
2. i enjoy football and hockey, but i don't act like i understand every detail haha
3. i usually get ready really quickly

three ways that you are stereotypically a girl
1. if i have an excuse to wear a dress, i'll use it.
2. i looove love stories
3. i sometimes take forever to get ready

I found this survey in one of my old professor's blogs... I am sort of suffering writers block at the moment so thought i'd throw this up here in the mean time. come back soon =)

a home, a home, a home away from home!

2008-02-19T22:43:00.006-05:00

alumni weekend at st. bonaventure university
is exactly what i hoped it would be
within seconds alcohol was on hand
so nice to see kids with keystones, the bonaventure brand
unimart, applebees and the finest shopping at old navy
somehow is exactly what i needed to save me
drinking games and jugs of wine
one second with my roomies and i was fine
the dance floor of the op, the train tracks on which i fell
bringing back the feelings i once knew so well
everyones lives have changed but once we reached that bona bubble
all we cared about was starting some trouble
the former crushes, the token lushes the funny kid from class
hugging each of them and not letting the moment pass
the basketball team, rc wraps and good ol' plassmann hall
friendly friars and the drunk bus are things any bonnie can recall
once a bonnie, always a bonnie a phrase we have heard since freshman year
misunderstood until sitting with old friends, funny stories and a nice cold beer.

True Life: I am in a Dance Off (names have been changed to protect the identity of the dancers)

2008-02-12T19:15:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, on what started to be an ordinary day, the lives of four friends changed forever. As the girls, Jayme, Jamie, Molly and Latesha drove to a camping trip a few hours away they talked, laughed and jammed out to the crazy beats on the radio.

Within moments Molly and Latesha were whipping out crazy moves in the backseat, that were undeniably well done. Jayme and Jamie were sitting up front and got really jealous, they had never been good dancers and resented their friends because of their God given talents.

Before anyone could control the madness, Jayme and Jamie were upfront fluctuating their bodies and moving themselves side to side as if they were in excruciating pain. Molly and Latesha were TERRIFIED, they first thought to call 911- they thought their friends were dying. Just before Latesha was going to begin CPR, they realized their friends were trying to dance.

"Whoa," said Molly, looking at Latesha in fear. "I think this may be a dance off," responded Latesha. The moves, the grooves, the instant unity in Molly and Latesha's creative direction was magical. It was barely a competition, the back seat blew the front seat out of the water.

But this began a series of dance offs. Once in a while, Jayme and Jamie would try to put up a fight but, being the under dogs, they never won. Because of their constant failures and faltering attitudes Jamie and Jayme's relationship really took a turn for the worst. No one wanted to see them split up, they shared something that at least they thought was beautiful.

In fact, the saddest part was when Jayme went publicly on her own with a new partner. At a little local joint, Simple Jim's, Jayme began a dance off between herself and her new dance affair Don, and Latesha and a good friend of hers Enrique. Latesha obviously stomped Jayme into the ground once again, and went right back to her original partner Molly.

Latesha had a good time with Enrique, but put it out of her mind- she knew the best dance partner for her was Molly. But Jayme had a different experience, she decided to embrace the situation. When Jamie is out of town Jayme continues to bond and even dance a little with Don. It is sick really, everyone knows that the emotions involved are what hurts not the physical dancing of the situation.

The saga continues and the teams have even more battles scheduled for the future. The undying compassion and SLAMMIN skills of Latesha and Molly have them made them very confident. Molly forgave Latesha for dancing with Enrique and their relationship has only gotten better. Unfortunately the same can't be said for Jamie and Jayme. Jayme denies the emotional ties and still existing conversation between herself and Don about their wild night of dancing.

As "Apple Bottom Jeans... Boots with the Fur..." blares in the background the girls on the dance floor fade into the night, remarkably to be happy ever after.

(future dance off results will be posted as they come in.)

Wherever You Go and Whatever You Do.. May the Luck of the IRISH be there with you...

2008-02-06T23:56:00.001-05:00

Three years ago today I left for what will always be my favorite four months of my whole life. IRELAND, just me & the world... but it quickly involved some of the greatest people I'll ever know. I mean the first day alone symbolizes all the madness that was to come.

I think I cried the entire way to Ireland, literally called my friends sobbing from a stall in the JFK airport. Four years before I was afraid to sleepover at my friends' houses, why did I think I could go to ireland alone??

Latching onto the mean rugby girls from Bonaventure, who were merely strangers, was my first wonderful decision! They are now two of my favorite people in the universe for whom I am eternally thankful, speaking of favorite people right off the flight I met their roommate Nora! Our first adventure in crazy ol' limerick was to some shopping center. We realized HOW american we were when we almost walked directly into the glass doors-- expecting them to automatically open for us.

So we obviously went grocery shopping and bought food and tons of alcohol.

We got back to their apartment to make dinner and offered some to their random goofy boy roommates and these girls they had over. They are now too some of my dearest friends :)

Well, we obviously became friends by offering them wine when they were about to go home to bed... within an hour we were all drunk walking to a pub on campus with this hot Irish guy named Connor.

We each enjoyed our first (second, third and fourth...) Guinness and made plans to go into town all together the next afternoon. Due to lack of any communication devices I was afraid I wouldn't end up meeting up with any of them... so, when I was getting out of the shower the next morning and heard a knock at our front door I obviously ran down the hallway in my towel to greet them.

Within four steps I realized one of my fatal flaws, forgetting my keys. My door locked automatically and when I opened the door to these two random girls (IN MY TOWEL) I had to inform them they had to go get me a key in the housekeeping office. Thank god none of my roommates came home right then... thats no way for the crazy american to greet their new housemates!

What a start. ....I miss you!

*if you are lucky, i will soon be able to include details of being trapped on an island overnight with someone from americas most wanted, jumping into fountains, swimming across the shannon river, us befriending an actual leprochan, evacuating an entire building in the middle of the night, england spain & france, tin whistle classes for college credit, my roommate shane's hickeys and much much more*

Texting, Can't live with it, can't live without it!

2008-02-03T21:37:00.000-05:00

The whole practice of text messaging is both a blessing and a curse. Access to texting can keep you entertained when completely bored, however, it provides the chance to completely and utterly embarrass yourself. Texting gives, but it takes.

The most well known text is the "drunk text." Yes- ridiculous and almost always embarassing. Almost worth canceling your texting plan for. However, sometimes they symbolize a great night and even work as a live journal of the night well spent.

The "drunk text" is often followed by the "damage control text," the next day. Whether you are explaining what you meant to say or trying to pretend like it didn't happen it is sometimes necessary.

One of my favorites is the "I'm just bored text." I take this opportunity to send random weird song lyrics, updates on my day or inquiries about other peoples days. This sounds like it may be the most boring of the texts so far but it's also probably how text messaging addiction is possible.

A crazy one can be the "emergency text!" Lost? Forgot something? Need a phone number? Can't remember what time? Need to share gossip immediately? YOU NOW USE THE EMERGENCY TEXT!! Now, I understand as well as the next girl that this is a beautiful thing. But depending on it to change plans without confirmation can get risky so be careful!

The "mass text," is a widely used mass communication technique. I woke up Christmas morning with 17 "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" texts. Of course I appreciated the holiday love, but chances are those messages were not sent to just me. They work, they are a nice quick thinking of you note, but try to communicate with the textees sometime in the near future if you haven't recently because they also work as a reminder someone still exists.

There is always the "accidental text." Talking about someone while texting someone else? Make sure who you send that message to! Clicking through your phonebook a little to quickly? Make sure you select the correct person!! That can get risky... or maybe even akward.

As if this isn't enough to take in, there is also texting etiquette. If someone sends you a super-long text, be considerate and write more than 2 words when you reply! If you know it's a mass text you may not feel obligated to write back, I say better safe then sorry... take the 2 seconds to respond.
Texting interpretation has put quite the spin on dating and I think it is lame to play little games within text messages. "Why is it taking so long for him to write back?" "Am I expected to text her next time?" "He said he'll talk to me soon...does that mean he's texting me again or is he actually going to call??"
To make matters worse people are even more sensitive about not hearing from someone because the act of texting is so quick- everyone should have time to send one here or there. And also- what if.. god forbid... someone doesnt HAVE text messaging. That could leave the reply or lack there of really creating a stir.

Good luck...

Six in One, Half Dozen in the Other...

2008-02-01T15:29:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite games, ever, is Would You Rather...? It is best played
with lots of alcohol and your best friends. However, with the right questions
it can be turned into a mind churning family game. But not this time... I
found these online, they are sort of sick & bizarre but I can't make up my
own questions! Let me know what you'd do ;)

Would you rather...
Hold a hot iron to your stomach until you got a permanent burn OR hold
a pigeon in your mouth until it suffocated to death?
Yiiiikes! I'm a vegetarian... I won't eat animals people kill for me, so I certainly won't be choosing the latter.

Would you rather...
Have needles for arm hair OR have fire shoot out of your nose every time
you say or see the word "the?"
Absolutely have fire shoot out of my nose. First of all- that could get fun. Every time I really didn't want to be around someone I could just be like "the...the... the... the.."

Would you rather...
Have hair that doesn't stop growing and can't be cut OR have a unibrow
that is unpluckable?
You can't have too much of a good thing! I'll grow my hair!

Would you rather...
Have millions of nipples OR one giant nipple the size of dinner plate?
Thats so gross... but I'm twelve and just laughed for like five minutes...

Would you rather...
Be able to fly OR be able to read other peoples thoughts?
I would choose to fly! Because I know people would be thinking, "COOL!" Plus, I'd be able to fly!

The Ups and Downs of Elevator Riding

2008-01-23T15:37:00.001-05:00

Its amazing how many emotions a person feels within a 2 minute elevator ride. It all begins before you even get on and things get really crazy once you step inside.

You approach the elevator and see people standing inside with the doors closing. You anxiously rush towards it and mid-quick step one of two things may happen.

You either see the kindest person in the elevator reach over and press the "door open" button or you watch as in slow motion the doors slip shut. So now... you are either feeling relieved, thankful and a little out of breath ORRR you feel frustrated, annoyed and a little offended.

At whatever point you do get on the elevator you now get the awkwardness. You have approximately three steps to decide the most appropriate spot to spend the duration of your ride. Are people analyzing why you picked where you did? Are they wishing you waited because its already too full?

So now you have checked whether or not the button for your floor is already pushed. If it has been you sigh with relief and look around for a second- wondering who is joining you on your chosen floor. If it hasn't been pressed yet you can either step over and reach to hit it yourself or ask someone to hit it for you. You don't want to be rude and cross over in front of someone but at the same time you wish someone would have considered you need them to do it for you. So whether its a little guts to move over and hit it yourself or appreciating the pleasant man or woman who did it for you... you're already on about your 10,000th emotion.

While you stand there waiting, after you glance at everyones shoes for a second, your eyes trace the lit up floors listed on the top of the doors. If the present floors aren't listed you are left either staring directly ahead or at the people/person who feel it is necessary to throw out a few words that you are then unsure if you are supposed to make into a conversation.

As people file out at their respected floors you compare how people exit. The friendly man who smiles and nods a little, the middle-aged woman rushing out, the dopey kid who is in a total trance and of course the people who say a little "good bye now," or "have a good day" after not communicating at any other point of the ride.

But wait-- what about the terrible times when you aren't the last one off and you have a few different style exits before you? Do you want to give an uncomparable exit-- sort of just scoot out? Do you keep your eyes locked on the floor and just
jet out the door? Or do you take the high road and give
a big friendly "bye!" and figure it is at least not
offensive?

Elevators are obviously a form of convenience
but I don't think anyone ever considers what an
emotional rollercoaster ride- if you will-that they
really are.

Life's Necessities

2008-01-19T14:46:00.000-05:00

At the bargain table at Barnes & Noble there was this book, "2,001 things you need to do in your life." So- at the great price of $5.99 I bought it to see how far along on the list I would be.

My total count was only 400 things. But whatever, a lot of them were weird... and I would say they left off some pretty great things as well.

One of the things I did like was, "take a river boat trip in Chicago." Which is something I happened to do while visiting two of my favorite people in the whole wide world... Katie & Eileen =)

I am certain I could put together a better list of things you must do in your life... so i'll try and start it here with you. (Most of these things will probably just be things I have done or want to do.)

1. Lay at the edge of a cliff

2. Take pictures from the Eiffel Tower

3. Root for your home team in another city

4. Write a complete list of everything you like

5. Go on an adventure all by yourself

6. Choose to like people, even when it isn't easy

7. Make a bouquet from dandelions

8. Spend vacation time volunteering

9. Make an elderly peson and a baby laugh, at the same time

10. Always hold the door for people walking behind you

11. Send your friends cards (in the real mail) just to say hello

12. Watch a scary movie without closing your eyes or jumping

13. Watch a movie that makes you sob

14. Write... a poem or a story

15. Say your pleases and thank yous.

Anyways thats it for now, I've gotta go pick dandelions...

muah.

dogs are boys, cats are girls.

2008-01-17T22:37:00.000-05:00

Random Person: Oh what is your dog's name? He is so cute--
Dog Owner: SHE is a girl ::all muffled:: this is my girl (insert name here)

Seriously? WHO CARES!

Mainly dog owners, but the occasional cat owner as well, become so stressed over whether or not you're aware of their pet's sex. Is there an insulting factor I am not considering when referring to a dog as a "he?" It isn't a human being, the furry little guy/gal doesn't feel embarrassed.

Lets think about this, if a dog is small people say it's a "girl dog." So... the dog is small... like a cat. So... cats must be girly... so why can't I just live my life content with cats being girls?

Maybe it's because I never had a dog, certainly not a girl dog. But, I refuse to believe it is important enough to correct every friend/ neighbor/ random stranger that misunderstands whether or not our animal is a male or female.

My cat's name is Doolan. A total boy name right? But guess what... the CAT is a GIRL! but never have I worried whether or not anyone knew that. Mainly because it doesn't matter... but- lets be serious- she's a kitty, people just assume shes a girl.

I'm sure your friends are great, but the BEST are already MINE

2008-01-17T00:09:00.000-05:00

One of the most typical conversations... girls are catty. Since we all agree, lets move on and realize how fabulous it must be to be friends with the girls who aren't... at least not catty to each other.

We're 22... we have been weeding out the bad friends for a few years now. Now, it is just us and the world. Which is appropriate since we tend to act like we run it. If you can't cry, trip, dance, burp or sing in front of your friends get new ones, because my friends & I are even far more ridiculous than that.

The glory of being 22. Right at the beginning of what will be your everything. The new job, the potential boyfriends, the diet that "works for you," where you are supposed to live and figuring out "who you really are." Lets thank god for friends that can guide you through it and then help you completely ignore it.

Theres something beautiful about friends that take your cell phone when it can potentially be used as a weapon. Friends that defend you from the crazy girlfriend no one warned you about, friends that know you're too sick to tailgate but make you get to the game by 8am anyways. Best friends don't always stay sober to drive you home, they often split the cab fare from elmwood to amherst and get bagels after picking up their cars in the morning.

If you can't make fun of their unfortunate fingers and they can't do impressions of you when you're scared... what is the point?

"My best friends know everything about me and love me anyways."

Who Says You Can't Go Home?

2008-01-16T23:08:00.001-05:00

a popsicle on the hottest day of the summer.

an A on the paper you worked on all semester.

your friend in the room full of strangers.

the sale at your favorite store.

your most thoughtful friend during your most terrible day.

the silliest text on your most hungover morning.

the last checked item on your longest list.

the brightest flower in the bouquet.

your favorite song on the best mixed cd.

a free round of shots on the latest night out.

scoring to win with three seconds left.

being home when nothing else feels right.