I Do It For The LULZ

There isn't much to say today other than I have a major case of Suckzor going on in my life. At least I got homework for one class, done in another class, all the while making the prof in the first class love me. Don't ask me how I do it, because I couldn't even begin to tell you.

As for hump day, we might as well make this humorous, seeing as how I am extremely grouchy over the fact that my Utah and Colorado friends will be getting snow this week, during the same time that I bask in the puke-initiating dwelling known as my apartment. (It's not the smell, it's the heat. Waking up with your sheets and clothes stuck to you, along with major cotton mouth on account of +75 degree temps in your bedroom is NOT amusing.)

SO ANYWAY-- The point. Let's get to it,

This is not my car. This is not my park-job. But it amused the hell out of me, even though I was frustrated that I had to park further away from classes Tuesday. Shit happens. And then you die.

Besides....

I DID IT FOR THE LULZ.

Until then, I'm still

textually frustrated

American Pie

Let's get one thing straight: I suck at all things American. Contrary to my friend Mike Rogge who dominates every skill associated with "Amurrrcca" (i.e. beer drinking, babseball, and he probably is a forced to be reckoned with at the grill,), I love all things Canadian; my friends, hockey, and french fry creations. But I will tell you one thing, I make a mean apple pie.

The apple fest in our apartment started after various conversations between the roomies about being more Vermonty this year. Three years in the Green Mountain State and we can't reall say much as far as our outdoor adventures go. So times are changing readers. This past Saturday we went to Chapin's Apple Orchard for a nostalgic hour or two, in hopes of bringing home some ruby reds.

As you are aware if you actually read this blog on a regular basis, (Adria and roomies, that's you) we do family dinners every Sunday. Fitting perfectly well into our assignment on the schedule of making dessert, the apple excursion led to the second half of the most epic family dinner ever. And so it begins.

For those of you who aren't aware, apple pie and apple crisp are not easy tasks. Apples too mushy resemble sauce and apples too crisp don't soak up all of the cinnamon love juice. It is not for the faint of heart.

Kayla Norris, being the doll that she is, peeled at least a half peck of apples while Heather, Meaghan and I scooted to the library for some Sunday homework junk. Within the half hour or so of us being gone, Kayla had all of these babies peeled and sliced, ready for layering in my pie and Meg's crisp.

Victims of Kayla's apple massacre.

These two desserts come in number of varieties, and it seems like it's like people's taste in beer-- sure they'll all fill you up and get you drunk, but it's all a matter of what suites you.  With two different family recipes in hand, Meg and I opted to make the two different dishes, thus coaxing our other fear of running out.

Meg prepping the crisp and Kay helping me out by coating the apples for the pie.

With rumors that the guys could be popping over for dinner at any moment (they seem to be mastering their degrees in being vague rather than their actual majors), we threw the goodies in the oven and hoped for the best. I wanted to eat the crumble tops off of both dishes, but knew they'd be especially epic when crunchy and cooked.

Cinnamon, brown sugar, and lots of delicious noise.

The waiting game begins! 50 minutes to ecstatsy!

I know I have ripped on the guys in previous posts on what they have literally brought to the table for our last few meals, but their main courses have really blown me away. Tom Keefe is a man who knows his meat. Take that as you will, but Tom made amazing steak tips about two weeks ago, and didn't let us down this week. Cruising in our door a little after 8pm were two bacon and jalepeno topped meatloaves, (not the scary elementary school cafeteria kind) along with a bowl of peas and perfectly seasoned hand-mashed potatoes.

Wish you were here!

Within fifteen or so minutes, twelve of us polished off all of the dishes pictured above. I was nervous that no one was going to have room for our pies, but miraculously, we all made room.  And thank god, because dessert was beyond delicious.

The McGinty Family Crisp.

The Keans' Family Pie.

Coming up on 24-hours later, I think it's safe to say we've finally digested. With a few servings of crisp and slice of pie in the fridge, it's safe to say it was a successful night in the land of family dinners. I have to admit that I didn't know if they would stay strong, but I'm sure glad they did because if the food didn't draw you over, the conversation still would've.

Latina Princess.

UNTiL THEN,

textually frustrated.

IF3rd

Snot sliding down my throat, I sit on the living room couch, also known as my little brother's former love pad, and watch.... oh shit what am I watching? Word, It's on BET right now and thaaaaaaaat isn't gonna happen  (because I'm not Alexsis' dad...) so hold up a sec and let me find something legit for background noise. Ha ha ha Eight Crazy Nights on Comedy Central and it's just barely 11am. Love it.

This past week has been full of tissues, DayQuil, and non-alcoholic liquids, courtesy of the 2009 installment of the International Freeskiing Film Festival, or as it is commonly called, IF3. A week ago at 5pm, Colleen and I bolted up I89, hopped the border, and entered the city of Montreal, which I tragically haven't visited since the same weekend in '08.

For those of you who are nodding along like you know what I'm talking about, LISTEN UP. You're missing out! Since September 2007, IF3 has been rocking Montreal annually, bringing the best stars in the ski world from today, yesterday, and tomorrow to the city for the kick-off event of the season. While most events take years to become successful, this is NOT the case with IF3. Hitting the ground running the first year, they've remained strong, bringing an unforgettable weekend to pros, filmers, industry folk, and your every day riders like myself. In 3 fast-paced days, those in attendance get to see the 08/09 movies, plus learn what it's like to be sorry for partying.

Although everybody who's anybody made it to the event, I'll give you a run down of my favorite movies and moments for those of you who embarrassingly have to admit that you weren't there.

MOVIES:

Refresh -- Level 1 Productions


Level 1 - Refresh Teaser from Level 1 on Vimeo.


While L1P didn't win movie of the year, I will undoubtedly argue that this is the movie to see. Preorder it. Skip class. Tell your girlfriend your Great Uncle Alfred kicked it. Do what you have to do to see this film. With knockout performances from the best riders around, Berman rasies the bar even further into the stratosphere.

Amidst current dispute over the use of Warren Miller's suprise voice-over, resulting in legal action from the Warren Miller Entertainment (WME) group, which is not directly associated with Warren anymore, L1P is still holding strong, premiering an amazing film in countless cities. Many are wondering what to do about the situation, but the BEST thing you can do is support L1P by seeing their movie and telling all of your friends! I haven't been so stoked on a movie in such a long time, and PROMISE you won't be disappointed either.

So Far, So Hood -- 4bi9 Media


So Far So Hood Trailer from 4BI9 Media on Vimeo.


As if it wasn't already known, 4bi9 is as legit as they come. After previously winning Am Film of the Year at IF3, the 4biCrew won the honor of showing within the Pro category at the 2009 event-- and rightfully so. AJ didn't cut any corners in this years film, which was evident in the opening shots. I'm really stoked on this movie after swinging by their house during the trip I took to Utah a month ago.  These guys are some of the nicest around, offering up some fresh'n'free iced coffee at their place.

I love this movie because it's got the tight-knit feel of an Am movie, but it's got every other factor that keeps it running with the big dogs. The urban that is presented by the guys is unbelievable, and I'm positive that the bonus features in this film won't let you down. Everyone knows that these guys put out some ridiculous edits, and the stoke factor carries right on over to a feature length film. Cop this while you can. Or else. Blatta Blatt.

------------

Other notable performances include that of LJ Strenio in Rage Films' Pretty Good,  along with Charley Ager in Poor Boyz Productions' Everyday is a Saturday. So many films this year had amazing segments, that I'm sure you can find something you enjoy in any number of films from the 08/09 crop

MOMENTS:

It goes without saying (but let's say it anyway) that there's a number of great people at moments that happen during IF3.  Some of my favorite are:

-Matt Harvey formally renaming me 'Blondie'. "Cos it's cool."
-Multiple high-fives with Zilla, who didn't even remember meeting me a month ago at first. But regardless, he hooked me up with a shirt so I hooked him up with a beer.

-Being hit on by cab drivers. Happens.
-Wondering where Christian was, it was a 24-hour a day job.

-Late night pizza before hitting the clubs/movies with Bri-con and Mirdur:

             

--Seeing the moment that Dan Brown (Kapitol Photography) and Dan Brown (gangster) met was a moment in history thanks to Matt Stauble

--Mike Rogge using the word epic in every way possible in reference to the Meathead's next film.

--The Drama Llama was an epic addition, until someone ruined Doug Bishop's night by stealing it.

--Shea Flynn decided to get in on the photo-op last minute...

Today the school shuttle driver got a laugh after seeing how I am still not functioning at 100%. I'm never sorry for partying, but I'm not stoked that I have 8:05 and 8:30am classes everyday. Hopefully during class tomorrow, MattyB will nudge me if I fall asleep.

UNTIL THEN....

textually frustrated.

MTV Cribs: Burlington Style

This is the true story, of four girls, who chose to live together for junior year.

This is their story.

These are their tales...

I just realized that I combined the Real World into Cribs. Oh well, it happens.

This is going to be a mostly picture/video based, as I haven't done much of that, but no worries.

Rolling up to my new house for the year, I was excited to see what I was in for. Upon first looking at the house, I notice broken windows in the stairwell. If this wasn't a big enough hint, I already knew from personal experience: People who live here, Party here.

Facing our front door, you meet our construction paper name tag that clearly doesn't do us or our personalities. Bent and falling off on one corner, it hangs limpless. I took the liberty of adding a door cling that I've picked up in my travels. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?

After being met with these friendly faces, you enter our lavish kitchen, fully equipped with linoleum flooring and faux wood counter tops! There are many cupboards around the kitchen but noting my 5'2'' stature, it makes it pretty hard for these to be functional.

It's nice to have a full sized fridge this year to accomodate our full-sized lifestyle.  Oh lookie who we found here!

As you throw a peace sign to the kitchen, you meet the family room. I got to say, I absolutely love this aspect of the apartment. It's awesome to have a veg spot. We have 2 uncomfy chairs and a couch thanks to our learning establishment, but we also have a futon thanks to Dees and a couch thanks to Steve & Jim.  I don't have pictures to show you these lavish items, but enjoy our entertainment system, kindly assembled by Jim himself.

In another effort to be more homey around here, I bought some corkboards to hang quotes, pictures, or other roomie-affiliated things. It's a little bare right now, but I'm sure we will accumulate things as time goes on.

My boughts of domestic diva-dom don't end there. Heading into the bathroom, you might want to put your snorkle on. As a group, we decided on a shower curtain, and from there I went a little buck wild. Sorry for decorating.

OH. And I brought this super dope sign from home. Seemed fitting. Can't wait til a confused freshman gets drunk and thinks we have a men's room somewhere else in the house...

Insert "Under the Sea" lyrics here....

Plus what would a bathroom tour be without a myspace shot?

The definition of attractive.

After that, we hit up my room to check out what's going on. Of course I brought my tie-dye back, because what is a college living space without tie-dye? Let's not kid ourselves.

It has since fallen down. OH WELL.

Looking up into the ozone layer, we find my bed. You'd think it'd be cold like the top of Everest, but no no noooo this is not the case. In fact, there is a rainforest effect of sorts, which makes the air hot and sticky, even if the window's open.

I'm super stoked on my pillows and pillowtop, though it shifts weird at the height. I also am glad to have the sunflowers and candles in their own places, it helps in making it feel more homey. I'm a big fan of pictures so I hung a bunch up because this dead space was just going to go to waste anyway.

Trying to overtake the Utah brown with some green! I hope I don't kill this thing-- I'm really amped to have it. Though I'm in the mountains of the east, but I love this pic from out west so I threw it on the desk.

ANDDD NOWWWW What you've all been waiting for: ROOMIE SNIPPETS!

MCGiNTY, MEAGHAN

Age: 20

Occupation: In-House Mom and Everyday Source of Amusement

Hobbies: Being harrassed by me, having bought of loudness, and epic moments of ghettofabulousness

Ever Kissed a Frog?: Does Justin Count?

If You Were a Crayon You Would Be: Preppy in Pink

Childhood Play-Name: "I feel like I always wanted to be called Lacey cause on of my friends had a cool older cousin named lacey but now I consider that a hooker name..."

Coolest Thing You Did This Week: Bought 75 Glowsticks.

Use One Word to Describe Jen: Jypsy

REGAN, ALEXSiS

Age: 21

Occupation: In-House Beer Expert, Sports Consultant, and AIDs Activist

Hobbies: Keeping me inline, being awake for late night tv/talk seshes, and general insight.

Ever Kissed a Frog?: Naw ...not my style

If You Were a Crayon You Would Be: Gingeritis

Childhood Play-Name: "I didn't have one? Should I?"
Coolest Thing You Did This Week: The weekend starts soon and the Pats play on Monday
Use One Word to Describe Jen: Inappropriate












MOORE, COLLEEN

Age: 20
Occupation: Household Pet, Collector of Candy, Master of Selective Hearing
Hobbies: Distinguished 'ruit partner, tester of baking techniques for frozen pizzas, and La Bamda fanatic.
Ever Kissed a Frog?: Literally no, figuratively yes.
If You Were a Crayon You Would Be: Awesome
Childhood Play-Name: "Colleen Cauliflower...there used to be stuffed vegtables in the grocery store and my brothers took a liking to that one."
Coolest Thing You Did This Week: Got my old job back even after blatantly not working a single day second semester last year to ski. I was broke but I think I made the right decision. Didn't think they were going to give it back.
Use One Word to Describe Jen: Ridiculous.









PSEUDO-ROOMiE
NORRiS, KAYLA

Age: 20
Occupation: Being adorable, Mutual Friend in the Assoc. of Well-Endowedness. , and Vermont Local.
Hobbies: Being adorable, going along with our epic plans, and being overly apologetic for no reason.
Ever Kissed a Frog?: "Can't say that I have."
If You Were a Crayon You Would Be: Tickle Me Pink
Childhood Play-Name: "I didn't have one either Alexsis, at least that I can remember."
Coolest Thing You Did This Week: I got a new job at the Burlington Free Press!
Use One Word to Describe Jen: Amazing









Coming up... One on One roomie interviews!
UNTIL NEXT TIME......
textually frustrated.

Family Matters

My Sundays are usually panic-filled on account of my procrastinatory ways. Of course this is a self-fueled problem, but I can solve it some other time. This particular Sunday was following my first full weekend up at school, which turned out to be the biggest letdown since the Segway. After laying in bed til 11:30 because of my lack of motivation to climb down from Mt. Everest, aka my lofted bed, we filled up my car and headed to the elusive land of Wal-Mart.

I always have mixed feelings when I go to that store, because I know it is based on corporate greed and underpaid wages, yet at the same time it's hard for a college student to pass up prices that are at least $2-3 less than other places. Regardless of money, Wal-Mart is always interesting to people watch at because of it's variety of patrons.

After Wal-Mart, we scooted over to the local Hannafords to grocery shop for the week, but it also was to prepare for a new occurrence: Family Dinners.

Coined by our good friend Tom, Family Dinners would be happening every Sunday, bouncing between the girls' and guys' apartments every other week. It seemed harmless enough as we began to pull things together, but as time went on, I knew that it would probably be more fitting to address these gatherings as Dysfunctional Family Dinners.

My house (consisting of Meaghan, Alexsis, Colleen and pseudo-roomie Kayla) had spent most of the day on preparations for that night. We went for the classics by making spaghetti and meatballs, green beans, along with garlic bread. Since the only pre-made thing we bought was the meatballs, the afternoon was overrun with kitchen drama, including a few dancing and singing jam sessions, all the while cutting green beans.

The rule made by Tom, was that the host house cooked dinner and the guest house brought dessert. I was really hoping that the boys house (which last night's guest list included Tom, his friend from Boston, Steve, Mark, Chris, James, and Heather) would be bringing brownies or ice cream after hearing that they were in charge of one item, but as they all walked through the door empty handed, I realized that I might just want to put a few extra beans on my plate.

In all fairness, Chris did bring over some cookies, which would've worked out well if there was actually enough for everyone. Seeing everything we did, they know that we do dinner with intense gamefaces, so next week they better be prepared. (Author's note-- I've since learned that Tom & Mark feel horrendously bad about their contribution, but no worries, I have faith in their promise for a delicious meal in the coming week!)

Regardless of the food situation, it was something new to be cooking and eating together with friends this week. Since coming to school, I have prepared all of my own meals (which has been beneficial to my healthy eating kick,) but it lacks the lustre that a gathering has. Is my independence lacking that homey feeling that we all sometimes need?

The answer is yes. Although I get some sort of mature high from shopping and cooking for all of my meals, the atmosphere in the room last night was something I haven't had in awhile. Even at home, my meals round out to 2-3 people MAX per meal. Seeing every spot on our 2 chairs, 2 couches, and futon being filled, I would say it was an epic success for the first night.

It's at the point where we're slowly admitting we aren't kids anymore. Drinks can be consumed over dinner without the words "CHUG!" slurring through the air. As much as we are college students, we are upper classmen, who don't get bug-eyed at the opportunity to have a drink. Watching the dynamic of last night, it was fun to sit around with friends, shoot the shit, and just enjoy having people to eat with. That's the killer for most kids at college; the subtle times you are alone that never occurred during your 18 years at home. Between cafeterias and at home, there was always a chance that someone would be around, but at college that all changes. I've had countless meals in the dining hall alone.

This isn't to say that I can't function without others, but the conversational presence of another during a meal is a moment that is all too overlooked. The solemn moment of consumption by yourself seems drawn out and pathetic, forced to contemplate your own thoughts or turn to a television. Especially at this day in age, I am bound to be more entertained by the company of my friends, than the programs following the 6 o'clock news.

Regardless of the meal, people, or place, I'm glad that buddy boy Tom voiced the idea to the 2 apartments. While our schedules remain busy, it will be nice to have one common thing a week to concentrate on and look forward to.

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. ~Jane Howard

Going Solo: The Anti-Red Cup Brigade

Waking up today, I knew things weren't going to be easy. Fittingly called Hump Day, my Wednesday is exactly that; the cumulative high point of my week, consisting of 2 back to back morning classes starting at 8:30am, and a 3 hour afternoon class. After finding out that the school's shuttle bus was out of service this morning,  I was ready for the weekend.

Regardless of your age, you are probably aware that college is the ideal scene to kick back and relax, most effectively with some sort of beverage.  With these beverages comes the necessity of housewares to hold = liquids in, most specifically Solo cup brand-esque containers that are typically red in nature and hold around 16 fl oz.  Purchased in packages of 100, and usually fairly cheap, they are a great way to avoid stolen or broken glassware in your college dorm or apartment. I also find them to be extremely helpful on rushed mornings, by throwing orange juice or cereal and a spoon into them on my way to class. A staple on campuses everywhere, they are helpful as much as they are "classy" (by co-ed definitions.) When you think college, you think John Belushi, partying, escaping the cops, and of course, of these convienent canisters.

Oh, and I guess trying to make it to your 8:30 Monday morning class too.

It has recently come to my attention that my educational institution is no longer supporting the use of Solo cups, especially on Thrusdays through early Sunday mornings. The school has voiced concerns that these little red guys are TOO closely associated with partying, binge drinking, and drinking games. While I understand the college wanting to keep ragers at bay, I don't believe that the no-tolerance attitude toward a cup to be the answer.

From what I have been told (official updates to come later), Solo cups, and similar looking products, will be reason enough for campus security and res.life to question you, enter your living space, or discard of your beverage. All of these tread on the grounds of fines or stains to your personal record with the school, which is never something people want to deal with.
It's one thing for people to be walking around with their 6-tiered wizard staff's of keystone or pbr cans, but it's another thing to assume that such a generic product means underage drinking. I don't feel like it's my job to supply friends who are coming over, for a variety of reasons, with glassware. I'll be surprised to see how this goes this semester, but if you plan on coming to Vermont, BYOC(up).

UNTIL NEXT TIMEEEEEE

textually frustrated