Operation: Don't Notice I Don't Have A Job Yet

Today is the day I am officially freaking out that I haven't heard yea or nay from the job people. I really want this job. They've checked my references, they've given me four different interviews, I'm sure they've run a background check and now know that I didn't use to go around killing people. They've probably run a credit check and know that I need a job so I can adjust my student loan repayments to match my salary.


So why nothing? It sucks people, it really truly sucks. But I refuse to wallow more than that last paragraph. So today, I'm being proactive about occupying my damn time. It works when dating a man who's not working on your schedule, and I'm betting it will work for a job offer I've yet to receive but would love to get.


So what's on the agenda for today? I'm so glad you asked. First, I'm washing clothes. I want to do that more often, but it's not always up to me when I can wash clothes because there are four people who live in this house and honestly, necessity is the only thing that grants me uninterrupted use of the machines. I hate washing clothes and not seeing process through to the end, so there will be folding and hanging in my future. How is that a good distraction? I'm kinda domestic, deal with it.


Concurrently with the washing clothes, I will be learning a new song on the piano. Just a portion of it actually. A friend of mine wants this song in a recording she's doing and she asked me to learn it so I am. I like it, it's not to difficult to play, so I'm thinking it will happen. That's also a bonus for Easy because he's been asking me to play for him and up to this point I've refused. But if I play for her, I'll definitely play for him. The thing is that I've known this girl since she was 12 and we were in our high school choir together. I accompanied the choir the entire time I was a member and even a year before, so I definitely can play for her without feeling weird about it.


After that's done, my mother and I are going to see the new Tyler Perry movie that's out. After seeing The Family That Preys, I didn't think I could see another of his movies that I knew was just going to be straight foolishness. Knowing that the man could put together a real film (that movie, Precious, For Colored Girls), it was hard to accept going to see the same Madea fluff. But I saw the previews and couldn't stop laughing. I do love the spring/summer time with it's ability to make more people go see movies so I don't have to see them alone.


And of course tonight is American Idol and America's Next Top Model. I know I've been slipping on my recaps/opinions. But seeing as how my computer actually turned on 2 days in a row, I think I'll do those tonight. And if I have some downtime, I'll actually update my other blogs too! I have a lot to get done today people, so I guess I better get to it.

America's Next Top Model, Top 6

I didn't get to watch ANTM on Wednesday because the network in Chicago was showing a Cubs game. But luckily, they re-show episodes on Sunday, so I got to watch.

This week, the girls learned about putting together a portfolio and learned they were heading to Morocco. I'm glad they went prior to the protests and stuff. It's pretty exciting. Who does an eco-friendly suit at a landfill? Landfills are not eco friendly. Maybe they would be if they sorted the material. Sigh.


Kasia: her portfolio shots were good, but she only had 4 photos. I can't remember which one is missing. I just never have much to say about her. I like what she said about being happy with her body.

Molly: everyone else was saying how they're glad the issues with Alexandria got sorted, and Molly is still being negative. I was saying I liked that she's a trooper, but I don't like that she's a complainer. Her potty mouth is starting to wear me down. And she was so mean to her driver. And she should have kept her thoughts to herself about Alexandria cause it showed on her face and it distracted her from her own performance. Everyone else was making it happen for the photo shoot, but she won't shut the fuck up and stop being negative. Everyone is starting to notice. And I'm so sick of her constantly threatening to have a bitch fit. There's a time for it. Building your career is not that time. Hopefully she'll take in what they said at panel and do better next week.

Brittani: of course they launched in with her talking about the elimination. I wish Tyra had sent her home. I have to say I was taken aback when she apologized to Alexandria. I guess we'll see if it sticks. She was also terrible with the directions. She took a lot of risks at her photo shoot. Girl was down in the garbage. I hope she gets a great photo after that display. Her photo was great and I'm starting to be convinced she's actually learned her lesson.

Hannah: I hope she goes to Morocco, she seems so excited about it. I'm surprised I don't have more to say about her. She used to be one of my favorites, but now I'm like meh.

Jaclyn: she feels she's grown as a woman, I agree. I like a self-aware person. And poor jaclyn, so terrible with direction. I have to say I'm not sad she's leaving. I thought I would be. Whatever.

Alexandria: I was glad to see her being the bigger person when Brittani apologized. She's smart though not to assume it's all roses from here on out. I'm so glad she did well on her go-sees and won that last challenge.
That bag and dress were so gorgeous.

Next week, they show an episode with behind the scenes footage. I may or may not blog about that.

America's Next Top Model, Top 7

This week, they jump right in with the challenege. The girls get these red bags and these symbols when they get to the house. The bags contain clothing that is for Warrior in Pink for breast cancer research and support. I own so many things with pink ribbons on it (bags, pens, water bottles, etc.) that I was loving this as soon as I saw what it wat.


Is anyone else irritated that they keep showing commentary that isn't from the same time as the show's episode? Seriously, Brittani's comment about Alexandria, she still had that horrible weave. WTF? And also, can they leave the emotional talking to someone other than Nigel? I love him, but that talking with his hands and that over-the-top earnestness on his face, sheesh. I'd prefer someone just being real and talking about it. Lots of people have been affected by breast cancer, but that was like when Samantha on SATC was practicing her speech for the banquet and Smith was like, "uh, maybe not." She got real (on TV, ha ha), and I"d like Nigel to do that as well.


Mikaela: She was moved to tears just thinking about her family's struggle with breast cancer. I'm glad her photo shoot started well and for once, I really loved her hair and makeup. She looked strong, but you could really see the emotion behind it. But you got to see why she was in the bottom two last week: no creativity.

She was "crazy for sales" and I honestly didn't expect much because she went in with such a negative attitude bashing Alexandria right before she went on. She should have been focusing on her idea and maybe she wouldn't have been overwhelmed when she got to set. Her photo was just okay. It was one her last shots and even then, if was just okay.

At this point, I'm rooting for her to go home. When she was in the bottom two, I was happy. That meant she was leaving since they were gonna give Brittani another chance.


Kasia: I don't know why but she's starting to annoy me. She's the same as always, I'm just this weird combo of nonplussed plus irritated. I think it was when she said she wanted to win the challenge so she could be a role model. All I thought was, "this is so not about you!" I didn't really get how her photo said "Heart", but whatever, Nigel seemed to like it.

They kind of glossed over her photo shoot. She was "crazy for hair". Mr. J liked that she thought out of the box, but I guess we'll see what all that frowning turns up in judging. They feel her risks paid off, so good for her. Whatev.


Molly: When she was talking about how much she hated Alexandria and they went to that clip about her worst moments over the last five weeks, I was like, "Ouch!" In my compassion for her, I kind of forgot why Molly had every right to hate this girl. But about her challenge photo, I really loved the ethereal look she put together. I guess it isn't hard to get "Angel Wings" right. But of course, she was thinking more about winning a challenge rather than the task at hand. Sigh.

She should have kept her mouth shut and let Brittani walk out on that plank all by herself cause Nigel was standing right there. She was "crazy for accessories" in her photo shoot. I liked the concept for her immediately. I was worried though once they got her accessorized and she was so clearly uncomfortable. But her photo was Ah-mazing! She didn't look at all awkward.

That ring biting she did at the end of the shoot turned out to be the money shot. I think her photo will be the best of the week. She ended up with runner up photo, and I'm happy with that. She pulled off a great photo and that's really what matters.


Brittani:  She's itching for the moment that Alexandria's "true colors" show up and they send her home. It's really too bad that she doesn't understand Alexandria, the previews told me this wasn't going to end well. On to her challenge photo, "I don't think I just do." I was with Nigel like, "whaaaaa?" She looked great, but I didn't really get warrior-against-breast-cancer. Oh Lord, tears. Whatever.

When she doesn't like someone, it brings out the worst in her. Damn, girl, get it together. You can't let your hatred for someone else bring you down. In that yelling match with Alexandria, Brittani came out looking like such a bitch. She made herself seem like all the things she's accusing Alexandria of. She was "crazy for shoes" in her photo shoot. I wasn't a fan of the way she went to show that at first. But the photographer loved it, so she'll probably get a good shot.

After the shoot, the girls were at the house the night before judging. Brittani gave a great (sarcasm) PSA about how much she hates Alexandria while wearing the Warriors in Pink bandana. Great job (wry). When Nigel brought up the argument during Alexandria's photo, I really hated her reaction. "That's fine." She doesn't understand that this is a business, not a personality contest. Unless of course you really suck, and again, she's making herself look bad. And when the tears came, I felt better because that meant she finally understood she had gone too far.

There's a time and a place to be a bitch. That wasn't it. I was glad when she left because she's showing how unprofessinal she can be. Tyra wasn't even phased because she has seen it all. I just love how Tyra was like, "you're having a panic attack? Uh huh. Well, let's look at your photo." Panic attacks are real, but she needs to get over herself. And they weren't into her photo. I wonder how much of that is because they weren't into her at that point. Tyra wanted her to go and they all wanted to give her a second chance.

I can only hope she'll fuck up again next week. I don't care about her bone structure. I want her to go back to being nice. But I doubt she can do that. I'm glad she was at least in the bottom two so she knows they really didn't like that.


Hannah: She managed to make that vague-ass symbol of "Spiral" come to life. She seemed nervous at the challenge photo shoot, but she looked great. I really liked her hair and makeup choices. Nigel called her un-memorable. I can get that, just look at how little I've had to say about her and I love her.

She was "crazy for handbags" for her shoot. I just couldn't imagine her garnerning enough gusto to give off crazy, and I was right. Too theatrical, definitely not Italian Vogue. The judges loved her photo though Tyra did point out that her film wasn't great. Which made me breathe a sigh of relief because I love her and want her to stick around.


Jaclyn: They could just have her narrate the entire episode. I usually hate squeaky voices, but I love hers. I could listen to this girl describe a box of baking soda. And she's so super cute. I love her hair and her mouth. I wanted her to win the challenge because of her story about her aunt. She knows this isn't about her and she wants to convey something meaningful to all the people who would see the campaign. I loved her photos and the reason behind her makeup. I think it was genius.

I love that she was so excited to be working with Eric Damon from Gossip Girl. He is an amazing stylist. She was "crazy for makeup" and I just know it was gonna be fabulous. The only downside was her mouth wasn't done perfectly in hot pink or bright red. It was perfectly smeared. I bet her photo is really inspired.

Her photo was great. Everyone loved it, it really was perfect for her, I don't mind that her lips weren't perfect. Did I mention I love her lips? If Molly doesn't get the best pic of the week, I think it will go to Jaclyn. And it did! I was happy for her. She's done a good job at just being her happy self and I'm proud of her.


Alexandria: That video montage of her worst moments were harsh. So harsh. But I guess in my compassion for her and her background, I'm able to just explain it away as her feeling like she needs to be tough to take a pre-emptive stand for herself in the house. What can I say? I like her strength. If people misinterpret that, it only makes her stronger. There's a part of me that makes me love her for that. I loved her symbol for the challenge, "Tree of Love", and she really designed it well with hair and makeup I think. That weird bottom lip is also starting to grow on me. And she embodied this strong, beautiful tree.

I just wish the girls understood her. When it comes to her, they are so freaking negative! Nigel called her performance "obvious" and he was right. But when you do on-the-nose, it has to be the best on-the-nose anyone has seen. And I think she did that. I was soooo happy when she won the challenge, and a freaking car! I know it's going to cause so much trouble in the house, but I don't care. This is about breast cancer, not how catty those chicks can be. I really think she handled herself well when Brittani attacked her. I wonder if she knew Nigel was standing nearby.

When she said she didn't get what she'd done to make the girls hate her so, I was like, um, "lack of self-awareness much?" She should know she's been arguing and fussing since she got there. But I guess if that's the environment she's used to, she didn't know that it could make people hate you. She was "crazy for faux fur". I think she can be animalistic, so I expected great things from this photo. And I think she pulled it off. Mr. J seemed happy.

They loved her photo, but didn't see the crazy in it. They weren't criticizing her as hard as they were Mikaela though. Then Nigel brought up the challenge photo shoot. I was so sad when Alexandria started crying. I know it was out of sheer embarassment. Poor girl. I was so happy when Anre Leon Talley told her he felt bad for her and she should put a smile on her face. That's the exact opposite of what Brittani wanted to happen I'm sure. Alexandria really came out looking good to the judges.


I know I had a lot to say this week, but it was a crazy week. I love this show!

America's Next Top Model, Top 8

This week, the girls focused on what type of persona they would convey if famous, from archetype of model to interacting with fans. I thought it was a cute and interesting thing to focus on. And I loved the muddy photo shoot with the blonds versus the brunettes. Only possible because they got rid of all the minorities and redheads (a minority themselves in the fashion world). I have to say I'm very satisfied with these particular girls being the Top 8. Now on to my thoughts on each girl.


Mikaela: I have higher hopes for her shoot now that she's gotten to the root of her insecurity. Still hate the eyebrows, but she seems to have come out of her shell. The judges were harsh, but she improved this week. I was pleased with her progress.
Couture with hidden bombshell was her archetype. I don't see the bombshell, I'd prefer they had just stuck with couture. But at least telling her she should be a bombshell helped to give her an identity.


Kasia: a bit uncomfortable in behavior, but fantastically comfortable in her body.
Bombshell + Couture: I get it. Body + attitude.


Monique: her negative side is starting to show, but with, I still like her. If only cause she knows how to handle Alexandria. Um, sour grapes much? I was a huge fan, but the editing makes her an asshole this week. And she needs to stop acting "over it". She's killing me! I was such a fan before this week.
Bombshell: oh yeah. I agree.


Molly: still a trooper for dealing with that hair. Who cares if she's complaining, that shit sucks. I don't mind yet.
I also missed her archetype. Did they even say it?

Brittani: um, she just didn't stand out to me this week. I still love the haircut. But when it came to the photo shoot, she certainly stood out to the photographer! And I admit, she had moments of brilliance. I was hoping they'd show her individual shots in judging, but it's cool.
Couture: that face and hair, of course.


Hannah: I just think she's so sweet. I love her. Don't have much to say, I just hope she keeps doing what she does best.
I missed her category. Anyone catch it? I'd guess girl next door.


Jaclyn: also sweet, super sweet. I hope she's stays sweet. Still love the bright lip and curly hair. She photographs amazingly. I wonder if they'll start to criticize her because the person they see in front of them carries less oomph than what they see in her film.
Girl Next Door: with a face like that, it's her only option, really.


Alexandria: I'm getting more of her story, I just wish the other girls knew. They might understand why she's so tough and is combative. She's been very general til now, not focusing her toughness on any one girl, but Monique has finally gotten on her bad side. This could get interesting. She has a nice side and no one sees it. Poor girl.
Edgy Bombshell: she seems more edgy to me. But I guess with those lips, she has bombshell potential.


This week, they sent Monique home. Yay! She was killing me with the eye rolling. I could barely remember Mikaela before this week, but I'm happy she stayed. I was so glad they kept Alexandria. I was worried. And I hope she gets a chance next week to explain shy she can come off as such a bitch. According to the previews, she has it out with Brittani at panel That should be quite interesting.

I'm Back! And I Finally Have A Real Life To Discuss!

So, I intended on blogging Friday to tell of how the rest of my last week went. But I was just so busy, this is literally the first time I have available to talk about everything. One of my best friends, Bad, told me he knew I must be excited because after so long of feeling like I was at a standstill, everything was moving forward at once. It does seem like quite a bit of the things I wanted to make progress with have all moved forward at once. I'm very excited, I tell you.


Monday and Tuesday
So, let's get to it. I posted my last post on Monday or Tuesday, to say I wasn't going to be posting because I wanted to focuse on my GRE and my upcoming job interview. I did write my posts about Dancing With The Stars, American Idol, and America's Next Top Model. I think I only published one of them, so I will go ahead and publish the other two tonight. But Monday and Tuesday were low-key days. I mostly just sat around the house, doing review questions. I spent some time sending out e-mails to confirm references for my job application. I spent a good amount of time making sure I covered all my bases because I figured I might not want to spend time doing that Wednesday night or Thursday morning.


Wednesday
Wednesday was GRE day and I took the 12:30 exam in downtown Chicago. First let me say, even if you read all the tips for the day of, you still may be unprepared. They told me to wear layers because I wouldn't know what to expect for room temperature. Well, they meant some other kind of layer than what I had on. I had to take off my scarf and my jacket. I had already removed my outerwear (coat, hat, gloves), but I also had to remove those parts of my outfit even though they didn't have pockets and were my layers! But enough complaining. The test went really well. Extremely well. I'm happy about my scores and can't wait to see what type of writing score I get when I receive my scores in the mail in three weeks. Wednesday evening, my parents and I went to visit some friends from church who were in the hospital. There were two different people in the hospital, and there happened to be a lot of folks from our church floating around. It was the most fun I've had visiting someone in the hospital, like a party, but with a weird smell and lots of prayer. Wednesday night, I just wound down and enjoyed watching American Idol and America's Next Top Model. I was very glad I had completed my interview packet beforehand so I could just chill that night.


Thursday
I spent the morning just relaxing and spending some time to myself, reflecting on the last year. I wanted to be perfectly calm and amiable and all the things that are perfect personality traits for a job interview. Then Bad called and asked if I wanted to do lunch before I headed to my job interview. I thought it would be a great idea so I wouldn't be hungry. We met at this great Thai restaurant in Hyde Park. Lunch was great and we caught up and he gave me some tips. We also made plans to have a "gainful employment" party once I have secured a job. And he paid for lunch which is one of those great signs of being an adult, not always splitting the bill. I told him I'd buy him lunch after I get my first paycheck. Then I headed to the interview. The people there were all so nice and smiley and well dressed and not-at-all stressed. It looked like exactly my type of environment. The interview went well. I felt like I used "um" too much, but I think I corrected myself. I felt great about it, especially because the two women interviewing were using words like "when" instead of "if." They told me I could expect to hear something back in two weeks and asked if I could start immediately. wish me luck or pray for me (whichever suits you better) that I get this job. Once the job is secured, I will explain a bit more about it. Thursday night, I went over my friend Gloria's house to dye my hair. I wanted to try a dark reddish brown color. She and I hung out with another of our friends. And when Michelle got to town for the weekend, she came over too and we had an impromptu girls' night.


This post will be too long if I cover everything, so I will stop here and post about the weekend next.

America's Next Top Model, Top 9

I talk about American Idol and Dancing With The Stars, and I want to talk about America's Next Top Model too. So I am. They're down to nine contestants. Here's my reactions to each girl.


Kasia: got the top pic last week. She isn't impressive enough to be the second plus size model winner. At least not yet. I'm underwhelmed. And she's um...not an animal person. Poor girl. But her photo looked amazing. Much better than her photo shoot showed.


Dalya: has modelling experience, but I'm not blown away by her yet. She's just...blank. No expression. They should have written a script for her in that commercial. I hated the photo, and I don't know that she would get better. So I'm not sad to see her gone.


Alexandria: Ms. Bossy. Shut up and model! And none of the girls like her. I know editing adds to it, but she's not likable. Hearing about her background makes her more bearable, but she's gotta draw a line between strong and bitchy. I liked her photo, but it wasn't amazing.


Molly: a trooper dealing with that horrible weave! And then she had to work with Alexandria's jerky self. I'm not sure I like her for long-term. Her photo wasn't so good either. I'm glad they're giving her another chance.


Monique: I just love her. She's not too sexy. And I love her personality. And she handles Alexandria the best I think. Her photo is amazing. I would be happy with her winning.

Mikaela: at first, I'm like who? I apparently had blocked her because of the eyebrows. Gotta love the potty mouth. Her photo was drag-queen-ish. Maybe it's just those darn eyebrows!


Brittani: love the haircut, hate her voice. But if she gets her confidence up, she'll be amazing. The best photo I think was hers. Her face, the animal, the clothes.


Jaclyn: soooo cute. She's like a cute little chipmunk with the voice and the eyes. And that girl can pull off a red or hot pink lip like no one else can! Her photo was amazing. I don't know that I want her to win, but I hope she sticks around for a few more weeks.


Hannah: I love her natural funkiness. It's better because she's so sweet. The animal looked like clothes on her. Great photo. I'd be happy if she won.